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Real Solutions for Real Parents by Autumn Rose Reo

Diets Don’t Work For You? Then Think About Your Thyroid

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Sharing Sundays:

When I was pregnant with my son, I was lucky enough to be diagnosed with gestational diabetes (joke, well kinda, actually.) 

For several months I had to learn how to eat a low glycemic diet as well as prick my figure several times a day and take medication to get track my blood sugar to make sure both the baby and I were healthy. While at the time it seemed like the meanest thing that could happen to a pregnant lady with a craving for strawberry cupcakes, it actually did me a world of good. So much so that when I found out was pregnant with my second, I immediately made sure I ate healthily and tracked my blood sugar from day one.
Thankfully by eating a low glycemic diet, I didn’t have gestational diabetes again and I was probably healthier than I had been in a long time (I only gained 12 pounds with that pregnancy.)

While eating a low glycemic diet has long been the solution for those with diabetes, it’s now become the solution to how to break through obesity as well as boosting your metabolism by understating how to balance your thyroid. Unfortunately, it’s not just a quick diet that you can do for a week or two; it is a life change for real long-term health and weight control. Just get ready for 300+ pages…


The Thyroid Solution Diet is written by Ridha Arem, M.D., an endocrinologist, clinical professor of medicine at Baylor College of Medicine and director of the Texas Thyroid Institute in Houston. He served as chief of endocrinology and metabolism at Ben Taub General Hospital in Houston, so he does have all the cred to understand how the body and your thyroid should work together. By combining the best elements of the Mediterranean Diet and low in high-glycemic index foods, he gives you everything you need to know including:
  • Over 50 recipes and meal plans
  • A comprehensive list of favorite foods that make the diet unique
  • Detailed exercise programs with 100 step-by-step photos
  • Personalized advice for a total lifestyle revolution
  • The 15 common causes of metabolic problems that lead to weight gain
  • The hidden factors and toxins in your environment that lead to weigh gain, and how to eliminate them
  • Techniques to control cravings
  • Mind-body relaxation methods for counteracting environmental stresses
  • Compared to some of the other “diets” I’ve done, this one is not easy to follow on a first-round, but much more inclusive on both diet, exercise and how (and why) it all works together.


This book is less a diet and more a way of living. So if you’re one of those who say diets don’t work for you…then don’t diet – just do this. 
The Thyroid Solution Diet
Ridha Arem
Ballantine Books
Buy from Amazon for around $15

DISCLAIMER:
I received one or more of the mentioned products for the sole purpose of this review. No other compensating was given and all opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. (Accordance with FTC’s 16 CFR Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)

To-Do: Iphone Dieting, Gluten-Free Baking and Soup Fairies for the NTFB

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To-Do Thursday: 

This weekend I was hoping to enjoy the weather…however, since today is supposed to be sensational and then starting tonight it all goes to crap again, I’ve decided to enjoy the weather today!

 And…I’ve decided to surprise my kids and take them somewhere they will love. Interested in our journey? Then follow us on Facebook and Twitter to see where we end up!

 However, if you can’t enjoy the weather either or are looking for something else to do in DFW, let me make some suggestions (for this weekend or to get your tickets NOW!) 

 This Weekend:


Does your child have Celiac Disease or do you have a family history of diabetes or looking to lose weight? Baking instructor and best-selling author Peter Reinhart offers a new take on gluten-free baking for four nights at local Central Market locations. 

Schedule for the Future: 
Every little boy and girl (and their mother) dreams about to be a princess or a warrior and now it is possible with Enchanted Fairies studios and the 2014 Enchanted Fairies Calendar and a donation to the North Texas Food Bank.
Buy Your Tickets:
One of my favorite annual charity events in Dallas and Fort Worth is Empty Bowls! The unique event is a fantastic fundraiser for each area’s food banks, North Texas Food Bank in Dallas and Tarrant Area Food Bank in Fort Worth. With admission, patrons are invited enjoy any of the soups, breads and desserts provided by several of your favorite local restaurants and go home with a hand crafted bowl created by an area artisan. 

A part of my “Empty Bowls” collection from over the years! Don’t miss this one!
In Your Downtime: 
Are you on a diet like everyone else is this month? Since I’m all about SHREDDING the weight, I’m craving everything I’m NOT supposed to be eating like pizza, cake balls and Chinese food. So in efforts to satisfy my urges without caving, here’s this fabulous list of fun food apps made for kids, but will keep you (and your waistline) happy.

I See Your Epidermis! Newest Trends in Med Spa Treatments for the Face

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Want-it Wednesdays:

In Dallas where there’s just as many med spas as there are Starbucks and McDonalds (want proof, look here), I’ll take a look at the newest options for making you look like a million bucks (or at least take a few years off your face.)
I had no idea that most of these existed!  After researching all these procedures, I needed a graph to remember what each one was, what it did and to what. 
So to break it down even easier, I’ve got it down to the basics, starting out with the easiest and minor procedures until the more intensive. 

DISCLAIMER: This list is what I was able to research; it’s not by any means a complete list and none of the information here is medically approved as I’ve researched using each of the individaul websites, blind interviews over the phone with local med spas, and general knowledge.
First, before you consider going head first into making a BETTER YOU, remember, you are already beautiful just the way you’re made. However, I’ll admit, I think there are some things that were created to make you shine just a little brighter! Just remember there are some limits. REALLY. LIMITS PEOPLE!

Looking to get rid of some dark pigment on your skin, minor acne scars and just brighten up your complexion?  First, let’s talk about microdermabrasion treatments, dermaplaning and chemical peels.  (No needles here.)
IPL Photofacials:
Did you ever sunbathe on the trampoline or use Crisco oil to suntan like I did? Well that’s where photofacials come in to the picture. For those of us with sun damage, sun spots and rosacea, a program of photofacials give your skin an overhaul by using Intense Pulsed Light in a series of 4-6 sessions.
Results: Depends on each person and how you treat your skin.
Microdermabrasion:
Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive exfoliation treatment that repairs the skin by reducing the appearance of acne scars, cleaning clogged pores, and smoothing skin while helping to fight signs of aging and hyperpigmentation. Normally its recommended to have around five treatments at least a week apart. THINK: A big scrub down on your face.
Results: Can last around 2-3 months
Dermaplaning:
Sometimes Dermaplaning is a gentle, superficial exfoliation process that removes the outer layer of dead skin cells, and as an added bonus, it also removes the fine facial hair often referred to as “peach fuzz”. This is a safe and effective technique that leaves your skin with a smooth fresh look.
Results: Around 3-4 weeks (the hair cycle)
Chemical peels:
While they may tingle a little upon application, peels can produce even more dramatic improvement in skin texture, tone, skin tightness and wrinkles. It improves sun damage and brown spots as well.
Results: From immediate to 5-10 days after application and can last according to how you treat your skin.
Are crow’s feet tracking all over your face? Then let’s look at Injectables. (Yep, I said Injectable.)
Oh, reliable and what I considered to be the gateway medical treatment for many women. Botox is used to temporarily smoothen moderate to severe facial lines and wrinkles. Also, Botox is FDA-approved for the treatment of severe underarm sweating (hyperhidrosis)!
Results: Can last up to five months.
Botox now has a competitor…maybe that’s why “sport” is in the name?” Anyhow, similar to Botox, Prescription Dysport®is an injection used to temporarily improve the look of moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows (glabellar lines) in adults under 65 years old.
Results: Lasts around 90 days.

Xeomin, just like Botox and Dysport, is used for the treatment of wrinkles, lines, and the aging face. Xeomin is a highly purified, naturally occurring protein which has the ability to very precisely relax the muscles to which it is applied. This reduces muscle activity that causes moderate to severe lines to form between the brows.
Results: Lasts around 90 days.
Need some more help to give your face more volume and create smoother skin while getting rid of those wrinkles for now? Then let’s move on to injectable gels.
Juvederm™ injectable gel is the first hyaluronic acid dermal filler that has been FDA approved and is proven to be safe and effective for persons of color. This smooth consistency gel aids in restoring your skin’s volume and smoothens facial wrinkles and folds. It helps get rid of “smile lines” and “parentheses.”
Results: Lasts around 3-4 months.
Using a clear gel formulation of hyaluronic acid, this family of cosmetic dermal fillers (there’s more where this comes from) adds volume and fullness to the skin to correct moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as the lines from your nose to the corners of your mouth (nasolabial folds.)
Results: Lasts around 3-4 months.
This one was so new I actually got info on it today from one of the only places in town that performs the procedure. Belotero is a soft, dermal filler, comprised of hyaluronic acid-based cohesive gel made to assist in the correction of fine lines and wrinkles.
Results: Lasts around 3-4 months.
This “volumizing filler” is an injectable gel that works by immediately restoring facial volume to smooth out the signs of aging found in the smile lines, marionette lines, corners of the mouth, pre-jowl and chin wrinkles.  By acting like scaffolding under the skin, providing structure and stimulating your own natural collagen to grow, Radiesse is a long-term solution to consider.  
Results: Lasts around 12 months.

*While this one seems a little different than the others, it’s still an injectable and I couldn’t find anything that competes with this result time.

Are you scared to have instant results and everyone will know that you had work done? Then definitely look into aptly named Sculptra. However, if you are looking for a longer lasting solution for more intense aging and wrinkling solution, there are many options like ARTEFILL and AquaDerma.

Then there was more! Yep, there’s more and more, but I have to admit, I’m not a doctor so after a while, I just felt like it was SO over my head! Don’t consider any of these as recommendations for what you should have done; consider this a starter – a list of what’s out there and to learn more with someone with a license!


The last thing I must say, which should go without saying is TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR and know all the facts before making any choices about your skin! There are certainly downfalls to anything you do to your body or your skin, so make sure you know before you go under the needle, laser or light! 

Move over Pilates, Pole Dancing Builds a HARD CORE!

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Try-It Tuesdays: 

I’m all about trying to get off the weight, but I’m sure you’ll agree the idea of being on a treadmill day after day makes it hard to get motivated enough to get your hiney moving beyond all the other things you have to do every day. So in my pursuit of creating a BETTER ME in 2013, I decided to jump off the normal exercise routine and look at some unique options for working off the inches while keeping my interest peaked. 

Oh, mama, did I. 

This week’s Try-It Tuesday brought me to pole dancing. *blush*

Yes, I did folks, I walked right on in to that class and rocked that pole…actually, that pole rocked me in ways I didn’t even expect! 


I wasn’t sure actually what to expect, so in hindsight I probably should have done a few shots before going, but in the name of blogging I was committed to finding out how this could make me fit and not just feel fabulous. 

Once again, a Groupon caught my eye and I decided to buy a package for POLEITICIANS. Close to home in Arlington (with other locations in Richardson and Rockwall), I threw on my leggings and tank top and womaned up to whatever I was asked to TRY to do. 

After circling the parking lot for 20 minutes, I found myself in a small room with six poles, a group of ladies (including 3 newbies + myself) and a powerful professional pole teacher, all ready for Level 1. We didn’t waste anytime getting into working our bodies; only five-minutes into the class for the warm-up, I could feel my poor core and thighs just shaking. 

Man, move over pilates, pole dancing is where it is at to work that core!


I was able to continue to the actually routine portion of the class to learn how to do the Martini and a Rockstar…

Oh, my again I thought again after seeing Rashinda demonstrate the moves. There’s NO way I can do that. Between pointing my toes all the time (think ballerina), holding out my arms appropriately and then swinging my legs close to the pole, but not around the pole, I wasn’t even going to be able to complete my first class much less graduate to Level 2 in a few weeks. 

Well I’m glad to report, I did. Maybe not very well and let’s just say, if you paid to come see me at BabyDolls, you’d ask for your money back, but I felt like a Rockstar (which was good since that was supposed to be performing.) 

Now, I’m sure you are looking for that photo of me mid pole, but let’s just say: 

Hell, no. It ain’t happenin’…at least not at this point. 

This photo is one of the instructors showing how to do the pose properly, but I promise if I can actually make it to the last class, I will be happy to take a photo since my body, especially my abs, will look amazing. Now I know why people contunue to do this workout and lose mega pounds like 10-100 lbs. 

Now if that’s not enough reason to take to the pole, then consider it for your next girlfriend get together. And make sure you have socks, shorts and a little pole wax! Not only do you get an out-of-this-world workout, you do feel like a stronger, more confident and sexier you. 

Can’t beat that, right? 

Let’s Shake It Up: Advocare Shake vs. Vi-Shape Shake

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It’s hard to think that by drinking a shake you could better your health, but for decades with products like Slimfast, Advocare and Vi-Shake, you can now drink your meal while lose weight. Additional, some of these companies also allow you to make money while changing your lifestyle. Since this month I’ve really concentrated on losing some much needed weight, I decided to take a look at the two shakes I’ve had a chance to sample, AdvoCare Meal Replacement Shake and ViSalus Vi-Shape Nutritional Shake to see which one was better.



But before going any further, I am adding the disclaimer: I am receiving no financial gain for this post and do not sell either of these products. However, if you choose to purchase either of these brands, I am supplying two friends’ links, so you can easily purchase your meal replacement shake choice!

BUY AdvoCare Meal:  Replacement Shake     BUY ViSalus Vi-Shape Nutritional Shake

 
Taste:
 
Plano-based AdvoCare Meal Replacement Shake is available in three flavors: Chocolate, Vanilla, and Berry. The basic recipe calls for water and then if you like, you can add fruit, ice, etc.
 
Vi-Shape Nutritional Shake Mix is available in Sweet Cream flavor. By adding milk, Almond milk or water, you can add your own ingredients to create a special recipe.  You can also get ViSalus Health Flavor Mix Ins like chocolate, banana and strawberry are also an option for a quick variation or base.
 
I enjoyed both of these shakes’ flavors, especially the Almond Joy Vi-shake recipe I found (along with the more than 100 other recipes.) While I didn’t try it with the Advocare chocolate base, I’m sure it would work similarly to the Vi-Shake recipe. The Advocare shake, as directed, and the Vi-Shake blend I concocted (the basic recipe with Almond Milk and a provided Chocolate Mix in) tasted like a Carnation Instant Breakfast and didn’t seem like I was skipping out or having a “diet” shake.
 
Nutrition:
 
While both shakes taste good, we are talking meal replacement shakes that most people drink in efforts to LOSE or manage weight. So let’s get straight to the point.

Advocare Chocolate Flavor
Vi-Shape Shake
Total Calories: 220
Total Fat: 3 g
Total Cholesterol: 40 mg
Total Sodium: 80 mg
Total Carbohydrates: 24g
Total Dietary Fiber: 6 g
Total Sugars: 12g
Total Protein: 24g
Total Calories: 90
Total Fat: 1 g
Total Cholesterol: 15 mg
Total Sodium: 75 mg
Total Carbohydrates: 7g
Total Dietary Fiber: 5 g
Total Sugars: <1 g
Total Protein: 12 g

 


 
In addition to the list of minerals and vitamins each of the meal replacement shakes contains, Advocare utilizes a combination of whey protein concentrate, calcium caseinate, milk protein isolate and an amino acid blend while Vi-Shape Nutritional Shake comprises a blend of Tri-sorb protein, non-GMO soy protein, fibersol, pro-biotics and aminogen.
 
Now before looking at the list to see the obvious, consider what exactly we are comparing. For instance, ViSalus Vi-Shape Nutritional Shake may seem like it has fewer calories, less fat, cholesterol, sodium, sugars and carbohydrates, the label is only for the basic cream flavor (smells like birthday cake) recipe using water. Unfortunately, I’ve rarely heard of people (including myself), using water, but rather milk as well as mix-ins like fruit, extracts, etc. So actually, you need to add these additional products like milk (which adds additional carbs, sugars and protein) to the mix as well as any other flavors. So make sure you are looking at apples to apples before making your meal replacement option!  
 
Cost:
 
 
AdvoCare Meal Replacement Shakes are $39.95 for 14 individual pouches so each shake is approximately $2.85.
 
Vi-Shape Nutritional Shake is $59 for a 30-serving supply sack or $49 if you choose to get join their auto-ship program, so each Vi-Shape is $1.63. (However, if you are adding other items to the shake, the bottom like cost is more than $1.63.) Additionally, if you refer 3 customers to buy the Vi-shake mix via your link, you get yours free the next month.
 
So what’s the best option? I’ll admit, it’s a hard to look at just taste, nutrition and cost to make the best choice. I know I couldn’t based on these facts. Both made me full, tasted good and provided my daily vitamins and minerals. I loved the fact that with the Advocare I could dump water, ice and the envelope into the blender and I had a delicious breakfast rather than to put together a special recipe with mixins and milk from Vi-Shake. However, late at night when I craved something bad, the Vi-Shakes are what I craved to fight off the bad things I wanted to eat, but shouldn’t.
 
So unfortunately, like many diet and nutrition programs, you have to make the best choice for your and your body. I’ve seen and heard many success stories for both products and I know I’ve tried both programs and certainly will continue with both challenges to see what works best for me.
 
Have you tried Advocare or the Vi-Shake?

The Carb Cycle That ‘s Good For Your Thighs

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Sharing Sundays: 

While I’ve been working on a rather low-carb diet for a week now (except today), I don’t mind telling you that sometimes I wish the Susan Powter high-carb diet of the early 90s actually did work. Wouldn’t it be lovely to have a diet where you could eat spaghetti and baked potatoes and not feel like you were committing espionage or something?
Purchase Franco Carlotto’s Carb Cycle on Amazon.com.
Actually there is a way, according six−time Mr. World FitnessFranco Carlotto called the Carb Cycle.This simple but effective method allows you to eat your favorite meals and carbs regularly by constantly filling and depleting your body’s natural carb storage system with his special revolutionary method.

The short book is powerful, logical, and practical so you can understand what to eat and what not to eat and most importantly, why and when as well as to make notes, etc. Franco explains how to properly consume carbs as a tool for fat burning and not to overeat. Not only does this book make it easy to understand but also teaches what to eat, at what time and on what days. Following the guidelines outlined from Franco, you don’t have to count carbs, but just follow The Carb Cycle.

Thankfully, this diet isn’t complicated or restrictive. And it’s not a plan, but a way to eat without feeling like you’re missing out (which is normally one of my problems with diet plans.) And ultimately, you’ll maximize your fat−burning, speed up your metabolism, and increase your energy levels when you follow the cycle.

The Carb Cycle
Franco Carlotto

DISCLAIMER:
I received one or more of the mentioned products for the sole purpose of this review. No other compensating was given and all opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. (Accordance with FTC’s 16 CFR Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)


Give It a Squeeze: Fresh Juice {Recipes}

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Food Fridays:

 Disclaimer:
I received an Omega juicer for purposes of this review. Links to affiliate links may also be included. However, the opinions are all my own.

 Special Note:
With my current mamachallenge, the Shred diet, one of my daily beverage options is fresh juice. So when I needed to look up some juicing recipes, I went back to a post from April 2012 and my first experience with a juicer. So I’m sharing this post again with some tasty juice recipes along with a special offer of a whole month’s offering of new juice recipes when you LIKE Omega Juicers! 


 With spring time in full swing, I enjoy everything Mother Nature offers like al fresco dining, working in the yard and consuming fresh fruit. Unfortunately, my vegetable intake is not exactly what it should be, although I have very good intentions when I purchase produce for my family. Undoubtedly, I end up throwing some of it away since I can’t always get to cooking something with it before it goes south. It’s a never-ending cycle that many times the cost outweighs my want for fresh vegetables and fruit, and I end up with frozen and canned versions instead (despite the flavor, color and quality.) 


Trying to provide some suggestions to my “taste it vs. trash it” conundrum, someone suggested I juice my produce. Of course, I immediately struck down the idea. All I needed was another huge appliance to take up space that would be hard to clean and from what I had heard in the past, would probably not work well anyways. But when I got my hands on the Omega juicer, the size of the juicer surprised me – it was small although was little heavy (due to the amazing motor I would find out later). Now ready to juice, I purchased several different fruits and vegetables and waited for the “right time” to make it and then clean up the mess.

So when my husband asked for some orange juice, I immediately thought this was a good opportunity to test it out. The kitchen was already a mess from Saturday breakfast preparation, so it wouldn’t be a big deal. And since the kids were all up, I didn’t have to worry the loud sound from the juicer would wake anyone up. Best of all, I had some help if I couldn’t figure out how to put it all together. So I decided to take the plunge.

In only three minutes I was able to put it all together without any instructions, I was pleasantly surprised.

Not bad.

Next I turned it on ready to have the kids look at me in horror of the noise, but there was no real noise. Just a little hum of the motor.

Even better.

Then I let my son put in the fruit and in just a few moments, we had fresh, delicious orange juice that was amazing. So being huge fans of strawberries, we opted to try another. Again, in just a short bit, we were all sharing our version of a Blushing OJ with strawberries, raspberries, apples and oranges.


Fresh and fantastic.

With the small amount of leftover juice, as requested by my three year-old, we put them in ice cubes and made popsicles.

Healthy and delicious treat for later.

But knowing that there wasn’t a secret maid button on the juicer, I knew the clean up was going to take forever. I “womaned” up to the sink and only five minutes later, everything was clean and drying.

Excellent.

I definitely am now one of those people that appreciates what a good, quality juicer can do. For instance my juicer is the Omega Vert VRT330 Juicer– equipped with a 2-horsepower equivalent single-phase induction motor. This masticating juicer thoroughly chews up plant fibers to extract vitamins, enzymes, and minerals from fruits and vegetables, including wheatgrass and leafy greens. The Vert VRT330 Juicer dual-stage juicing system ensures maximum juice and extremely dry pulp, the first crushing stage extracts and the second pressing stage squeezes. Its Low Speed Technology System (LSTS) and low rotation speed of 80 RPMs result in minimal heat build up and oxidation which means higher quality juice, flavor, and nutrients. Best of all, the automatic pulp-ejection function allows for continuous juicing – compost the pulp, or better yet, use it to flavor soups, cakes, and more.

The Vert VRT330 Juicer also features an Automatic Wiping System that utilizes a silicone wiping blade, similar to a car’s windshield wiper, to help keep the juicing screen free of excess pulp. Other highlights include built-in reverse mode to prevent food from getting stuck, heavy-duty construction, and quiet operation due to squeezing slowly rather than grinding at high speed like centrifugal juicers.

I’ve included the recipe we made as well as my next conquest, Sweet Spring Mix, which is a lot like the Dr. Oz’s Green Drink.

Blushing Orange Juice
3 oranges
1 apple
1 handful raspberries

Juice together in the order given; stir the juice to mix the flavors.

Sweet Spring Mix 
1 cucumber
1 carrot
1 green apple
¼ cup parsley
¼ cup mint
1 stalk of celery
½ inch of fresh ginger
½ lemon (peeled)

Sweet Spring Mix 


I also have posted several juice recipes on Pinterest!


Make Your Skin ‘IN’ This Year With These 5 Tips

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Want-It Wednesday: 

Oh, my poor skin. 
We demand the most of it, but for many of us, it’s one of biggest areas we ignore. We’ll spend buckets of money on the best lipstick and foundation, but when it comes to caring correctly for our skin most of us just suck.
Lastyear I had made a resolution to be better to my skin with a real grown-up skin care regimen instead of the splash of Noxema or wipes I might do. While I tried really hard to be after the first 90 days to be adament about my daily and nightly routine, I will admit many days the only thing my skin received was the softness of my pillow when I hit it each night.
However, 2013 is a new year and a new attitude about creating a BETTER ME.Unfortunately, I’m a year older, so a little dab of moisturizer ain’t going to make me look like a 20 year-old all of a sudden. So I went to see board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Tanya Reddick Rodgers of Skin Specialists in Addison to learn what I should be doing to be skin to make it look the best it can be.


Dr. Tanya Reddick Rogers of Skin Specialists of Addison/Allen recently on Fox’s Good Day Dallas. (Photo from Facebook.com)
I learned so many amazing things from this beautiful doctor and mom – especially that basic skin care doesn’t to cost a lot of money if I’ll listen to her advice!
Here are her basics you need for good skin care:
Sunscreen:
No matter if you’re actually going to be outside or not, all of your exposed skin areas should get a coat at least 2 times a day (and more if you are planning to be outside for an extended amount of time.)
Moisturizer:
This and sunscreen should be the most important steps to preventing aging and skin cancer. Use a oil-free and noncomedogenic brand so it won’t clog your pores (and cause blemishes.) 
Cleanser:
Clean your skin with a non-harsh, liquid, fragrance-free cleanser two times a day.
Anti-Aging Creams with Retinoids and Antioxidants:
Daily you should use a cream that contains antioxidants like vitamins C, E or ferulic acid to boost the power of your sunscreen in the prevention of oxygen radicals. Prevent wrinkles with an anti-aging cream containing a retinoid (retinol, retinaldehyde, Retin-A) as its active ingredient nightly to reverse the collagen loss that causes the wrinkles and fine-lines of aging skin.
Chemical Peels:
A medical-grade peel can safely improve the texture and tone of any skin color or type. These can also be customized to target a variety of problem areas like acne, wrinkles, dark spots and rosacea.
The most important thing to remember is that you should visit the dermatologist annually, just like you should get a physical once a year to check for skin cancer and other ways to keep your skin healthy.
BUT what do you do when your face looks less like a grape and more like a raisin?
Next Wednesday I’ll take a look at the magical world of:

  • Microdermabrasion
  • IPL and Laser Treatments Skin Resurfacing Treatments…
  • Skin Tightening
  • Neurotoxin Treatments
  • Injectable Fillers
  • Chemical Peels 

In Dallas where there’s just as many med spas as there are Starbucks and McDonalds (want proof, look here), I’ll take a look at the newest options for making you look like a million bucks (or at least take a few years off your face.) 

It Hurt Me (Good) to the Core {Free Fab Ab Video}

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Try-It Tuesday:

Every mom, except maybe Heidi Klum, has to work to get her abs back after giving birth.

Too bad in my case, I’m still looking to get some in the first place.

Bellybands, girdles and Spanx are very useful in creating optical illusions, but when it comes down to it, nothing beats working out that core section to create those coveted Jennifer Aniston abs.

Unfortunately, while practice does make perfect, it is hard to pony up to a pilates class because when you hear “100,” you think it means it’s a sponsored Nabisco snack time. (That’s another story.)

Thankfully, Jill Miller has created a solution that helps you build-up those abs layer-by-layer to help you overcome core and abdominal weakeness caused by underuse, injury and scar tissue (i.e. babies.) Through  her seven sequences that can be completed at home in no matter what shape you’re in, she works to create a strong, flexible and balanced core with her newest video in her Yoga Tune-Up series, Coregeous (yep, say “goregeous” with a “c.”)



While I won’t be sharing my first experience working through the video, I can definitely admit – my abs have been worked in ways I never thought possible. After being in bed due to illness, I need a lot of help. And if I can get up off the floor tomorrow, I’ll be doing this again and again…(How else am I going to make Ryan Gosling mistakenly call me Eva?)

FREE ALERT: Wondering if this is for you? Jill’s really nice and has some free videos for you to check out online.


Coregeous with Jill Miller
$14-$19 

DISCLAIMER:
I received one or more of the mentioned products for the sole purpose of this review. No other compensating was given and all opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. (Accordance with FTC’s 16 CFR Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)

Ready to Join ShredderNation? 6 Weeks, 4 inches, 2 sizes

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Disclaimer: I received one or more of the mentioned products for the sole purpose of this review.

Each weekend I’m concentrating on a new diet plan in efforts to create a BETTER ME in 2013…While my first diet review of the year, “The Silver Cloud Diet” had some great benefits, I just couldn’t just stick to only meats, nuts and eggs for a week. So this week I’m looking at a plan that promises in 6 weeks you can lose 4 inches and/or 2 sizes if you follow his plan of food and exercise.

Dr. Ian Smith’s SHRED: The Revolutionary Diet has some pretty big follwers already…with a Facebook page with more than 13,000 likes, appearances on Dr. Oz and locally on WFAA’s Good Morning Texas, and the #1 selling diet book in the country, I figured it was time to open this baby up and see what all the fuss is all about.

“ShredderNation” as he refers to his following of those who are participating on the plan or have completed the diet plan (100,000 people and growing), is all about eating…all the time, with a low-glycemic diet plan of four meals and three snacks in order to introduce your body to “diet confusion” (basically eating different kinds of foods to boose your metabolism and increase weight loss.)  Sounds like magic, right?  With a six-part program, the book outlines flexible choices for every meal, snack and exercise throughout the plan. And then once you’ve completed the plan, you shouldn’t need the program since you’ve learned how to eat appropriately. I was impressed, but it’s all in the food for me, so I wanted to share a part of the Day 1, so you can see if this plan is for you:

SHRED© Week 1 Day #1
Note: 1 cup of coffee is allowed each day. Please put minimal amounts sugar and milk in the coffee.
Definitely stay away from those coffee concoctions that are full of calories–caramel macchiato, cinnamon dolce latte, caffé latte, etc.
**If you choose the diet soda as your beverage, you are only allowed to have one 12 oz can per day maximum. The hope is that you will choose beverages that are more nutritious.
**2 slices of 100% whole grain or 100% whole wheat can be consumed at any point throughout the day at any time; however, ONLY 2 slices
Meal 1
1 piece of fruit
Choose only one of the following.
1 small bowl of oatmeal
2 egg whites
1 egg white omelet (made with two egg whites max. with diced veggies)
1 small bowl of sugar-free cereal with fat-free, skim, or 1% fat milk
1 container of low-fat or fat-free yogurt
1 cup of fresh juice not from concentrate(grapefruit, apple, orange juice, tomato, carrot)
Snack 1
100 calories or less
Meal 2
Choose one of the following. Remember, your choice must not exceed 300 calories and must not have any added sugars.
1 fruit smoothie
1 protein shake
1 bowl of soup (no potatoes, no cream sauces, no meat) -good examples: vegetable, lentil, chickpea, split pea, black bean, tomato bisque, etc. Be careful of sodium content!
1 piece of fruit or 1 serving of veggies
Beverage Choices. Choose one of the following.
1 12-oz can of diet soda
1 cup of lemonade (freshly squeezed preferred)
Unlimited plain water (flat or fizzy)
1 cup of flavored watered
1 cup of juice (not from concentrate)
1 cup of unsweetened iced tea or any other type of tea
1 cup of low-fat, reduced fat, fat free, unsweetened soy, or unsweetened almond milk
Snack 2
150 calories or less
Meal 3
1 small salad (no bacon, croutons); 3 tbsp fat free dressing only
Choose one of the following.
1 piece of chicken (4-6 oz, no skin, no frying)
1 piece of turkey (4-6 oz, no skin, no frying)
1 piece of fish (4-6 oz, no skin, no frying)
(you can have 1 slice of cheese if desired)
1 serving of veggies
Beverage Choices. Choose one of the following. Make a choice different than the one you made in meal 2.
1 12-oz can of diet soda
1 cup of lemonade (freshly squeezed preferred)
Unlimited plain water (flat or fizzy)
1 cup of flavored watered
1 cup of juice (not from concentrate)
1 cup of unsweetened iced tea or any other type of tea
1 cup of low-fat, reduced fat, fat free, unsweetened soy, or unsweetened almond milk
Exercise
Amount of Exercise Today: Minimum 30 minutes. If you want to do more, all the better! Work as hard as you can from this list of cardiovascular exercises.
So I’ve decided that with a promise of eating constantly and reasonable exercise I can lose 20 pounds, I’m willing to try it at least for a week. 
Want to join me on this mamachallenge? Then buy your copy and let’s get going together. 
What do we have to lose?  I have baby #2 weight gain and hopefully baby #1, too, so it’s worth it to try. 
Shred: The Revolutionary Diet
Ian K. Smith
St. Martin’s Press

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