10 Easy Ways To Lose Your Gut For Summer!

1. Stock Up On Cinnamon

Researchers found that the spice’s main compound, cinnamaldehyde, improves thermogenesis and can help fight fat. Sprinkling a bit of cinnamon on your oatmeal is a good way to help lose your gut!

2. No More Added Sugars

A study in the British Medical Journal found that increased sugar intake showed a response of an increase in body weight and reducing sugar resulted in lower weight. So try to stay away from added sugars and sweets!

3. Open-Faced Sandwiches

Instead of giving up sandwiches or burgers because of the bread, just toss the top slice! This will help cut about 100 calories from your meal!

4. Drink Lots Of Green Tea

Several studies suggested that the flavonoids and caffeine in green tea can help increase your metabolism, increase fat oxidation, and even improve insulin activity. Drinking about 2.5 cups per day can help you lose that belly fat!

5. Use Smaller Plates!

Using smaller plates can help you cut back on the amount of food that you serve yourself. Another helpful tip is to use red plates which can help you eat less based on a study published in the journal Appetite.

6. Fill Half Your Plate With Veggies

By eating your veggies before anything else, this will help take the edge of your hunger, eat less overall calories, and still have you feeling full and satisfied!

7. Eat Wild Salmon!

Wild caught salmon contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are healthy fats that can help you lose your gut! For added weight loss benefits, add cayenne and garlic to your salmon for an added boost to your metabolism.

8. Slice Up Some Kiwi

Kiwi contains prebiotic fiber, which preps the gut for healthy digestion. This results in more bowel movements and helps to get rid of your stubborn gut!

9. Drink Water Before Meals

Drinking two glasses before you sit down to eat can help you feel full. This helps you cut back on the amount of calories you’ll consume!

10. Make It Spicy!

Capsaicin is a compound that is found in spicy peppers like chilis, jalapeños, and cayenne, has been shown to boost your metabolism and help you drop unwanted weight. Swap ketchup for sriracha, add jalapeños to your stews, marinate meat with chili paste, add hot sauce instead of salt and pepper. Just experiment with the spiciness!

Give these tips a try! You don’t even have to lift a dumbbell or run on the treadmill to lose your gut!

All you have to do is adjust your eating habits a bit and you’ll be on your way to a nice flat tummy to show off this summer! It’s all up to you and how bad you want it! Good luck! 😊

Source: msn.com

Detailed Secrets On How To Lose Weight The Easy Way!

Lately, everyone has been saying, “Britt, it looks like you’ve lost some weight!” And my response is always, “Really? You think so?!” I say that because I have my days where I have my cravings for donuts, ice creams, chips n all haha! But on a regular basis, I normally eat pretty well!

However, I didn’t realize that I’ve been losing weight. I guess because I see the same body in the mirror everyday, I don’t really notice the change! I actually weighed myself and I did lose about 5-7 pounds (and I’m not even trying to lose weight!) So I figured I would share my meal routines with you and other helpful tips!

MORNING MEALS

OATMEAL: For breakfast, I normally eat when I’m at work. I like to eat oatmeal but not just the “Plain Jane” oatmeal, no no no! I like to spice it up a bit! Check out the different combos that I use:

-banana, peanut butter, cinnamon

-apple, peanut butter, cinnamon

-peanut butter, cinnamon

-dark chocolate chips (use in moderation), peanut butter

-strawberries, honey

-other flavor combos to try

Oatmeal Flavor Combos

Oats are rich in carbs, and protein which will help you stay full longer. It also contains soluble fiber which helps with lowering the LDL “bad” cholesterol.

EGG MUFFINS: I’ve also been making egg muffins which contains pretty much everything that’s in an omelet, but in the shape of a muffin. It’s great for those who don’t have time to make breakfast! Here is my recipe below:

Egg Muffins For Breakfast On The Go

If I don’t have time for breakfast then what should I eat?

FRUIT: If you don’t have time for breakfast, grab a piece of fruit or a Greek yogurt!

-apple

-banana

-pear

fruits low in sugar:

-peach

-berries (strawberry, raspberry, blackberries)

-kiwi

-oranges

Fruits With Low Sugar

NUTS: Nuts are also a great option for a quick bite. Nuts are filling and are said to prevent weight gain. Some nuts that would be good to eat are almonds, cashews, peanuts, walnuts, macadamia nuts. Make sure to buy the unsalted nuts to avoid too much salt.

But what if I don’t eat breakfast?

GREEN TEA: If you don’t eat breakfast, I would suggest drinking a cup or two of green tea! Green tea benefits:

-loaded with antioxidants which help fight disease and aging

-increases fat burning and physical performance

-boosts your energy levels

-suppresses your appetite

Health Benefits Of Green Tea!

SNACKS!

It is VERY important to snack throughout the day! If you don’t snack between meals, this can lead to you overeating during your normal meals.

Snacks that I normally eat throughout the day are popcorn, nuts, veggies, rice cakes, piece of fruit like an apple or banana, and a new discovery that is so delicious is dry roasted edamame beans! They taste just like nuts and they’re so addicting!

Healthy Snacking Benefits!

Healthy Snack Options:

-yogurt

-fruits

-popcorn

-nuts

-veggies: carrots, celery, tomatoes,

-avocado

Healthy Office Snacks

Snacks To Eat At Work!

LUNCH AND DINNER MEALS

For lunch, 90% of the time, I eat leftovers from the dinner my husband or I made the previous day. I think a big reason why I’ve been able to maintain my weight is because I eat cooked foods instead of always buying take out. I also try to limit eating pork and red meat as well.

My leftovers normally contain some type of protein such as salmon, shrimp, or chicken. My side will be either pasta, white or brown rice, etc. But I make it mandatory to incorporate vegetables into my meals whenever I can!

I know some people don’t cook or have the time to cook, so here are some healthy options when ordering out!

Smart Options When Ordering Out!

Here are some lunch meal prep ideas you can bring from home!

Meal Prep Ideas!

Here are quick and easy dinner recipe ideas

Weeknight Dinner Recipes

Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes

Here are some examples of the dinners that I’ve made:

-Shrimp Pasta With Garlic Bread and Green Beans

-Coconut Curry Chicken With Garlic Naan

-Shrimp and Calamari Pasta With Breaded Calamari Rings

-Chicken Burrito

-Asian Style Chicken Ramen Soup

-Salmon Steak And Rice With Veggies and Eggs

And this weight that I’ve lost is just from my eating habits alone! I exercise for about 20minutes maybe once a week. But I’m telling you guys, just by eating correctly you can shed those pounds!

I also drink water everyday! I make my lemon water mixture every morning (sometimes I’ll add a capful of apple cider vinegar for added nutrients) and I drink this every single day during the work week!

I hope this was a helpful guide for you! It may be time consuming, but once you get the hang of everything, it will come so easily afterwards!

*Make sure to check with your doctor before trying any new foods!*

Let me know if you try out any of my tips!

Is there anything that you do that helps you with weight loss or eating healthier?! Comment below and you can help all those who read this! 😊

5 Common Winter Health Problems And Their Solutions! Part 1 – *Weight Gain*

1. 30 Minute Workout

To best combat weight gain, make a conscious effort to get at least 30 minutes of exercise—such as an indoor spin class, yoga class, or come up with your own at-home workout (try Pinterest or Youtube) —and try doing this at least 2-3 times per week.

2. Eat Before You Go

Eat healthy before you go to a party. By the time you’ve reached the party, the sensory system (eyes and nose) have been satisfied and won’t get excited as much. It is hard to overeat with an already full stomach.

3. Drink Water

Drink a big glass of water before you eat. If #1 wasn’t for you then try to get the same result with drinking a glass of water which will have the same effect of making you full.

4. Eat Salads And Veggies First

Veggies and salads are normally low in calories (depending on the salad dressing or dip), nutritious and filling. Make a promise with yourself: After you have eaten a plate full of greens you can dig into whatever comes your way!

Source: Tips To Avoid Winter Weight Gain

What’s coming next?! Here’s a hint: If you are in close proximity with many people, this could cause the second common winter health problem!

Stay tuned for Part 2 coming soon! 😊

For Those Who Love Food!

For those of us who just love eating, here is a post I wrote about how to still eat good but in a smart, health way! Check out the link below!

 

 

Food Lovers

FOOD LOVERS!

I am someone who loves to eat and try different cuisines any chance I get! 

The food is so delicious that I can’t control myself and I can over eat sometimes because of the magical yummyness! 

So I’ve learned that by monitoring my portions, I can control my bad habits and also helps me keep off those extra unwanted pounds! 

If you’re someone who loves food like me and find it hard to control your eating, check out my blog that I wrote: 

3 Tips To Eat And Still Lose Weight!
Hopefully this will be helpful for you! 

Daily Prompt – Portion

Homemade “Boost Juice”

I came up with an awesome concoction of something I’d like to call “Boost Juice!”

Ingredients:

*2-3 cups of Water

*Chamomile Tea (1 bag)

*Green Tea (2 bags)

*1 dash of Turmeric 

*3 cap fulls of ACV 

*2-3 tbsp Honey

*1-2 Lemon and/or Orange slices

Directions:

1. Brew green tea and chamomile tea in my Tea Kettle. Then I transfer the liquid to a bigger container.

2. I then add the Tumeric, ACV, Honey, and squeeze 1-2 slices of lemon/orange juice into the mix.

3. I stir the mixture and let the flavors marinate in the fridge and cool down.

4. Then I pour the juice into my bottle that I take to work and squeeze an extra orange slice into it.

5. Drink up!

It has a nice light citrus flavor with a hint of green tea. I really love this self made “boost juice” because it adds a boost of healthy benefits to my body!

All these ingredients have combined benefits including:

anti-inflammatory properties, antioxidant properties, lowers risk of heart disease, energy booster, helps with migraines, aids in digestion, lowers blood sugar levels, improves brain function, helps prevent cancer, antidepressant, burns fat, and helps with weight loss!

So I’m definitely winning with this drink!

Thumbs up for healthy homemade drinks!

We Can Eat Cactus?!

Cactuses are filled with so many spikes that you would think that they are totally inedible right?! WRONG! You definitely can!

Nopales (cactus pads) are a form of vegetable that is made from the prickly pear cacti. 

They can be either green or purple and are about the size of your hand. Their consistency is a cross between green beans and green peppers. They are normally eaten with eggs or steak stir fry.

They are typically grown in Mexico and Central America.

Eating Cactus can help with:

Digestion, weight loss, cancer prevention, metabolic activity, inflammation, builds strong bones, improves sleep, and more!

 Here is a link on how to eat the cactus!

How To Eat Prickly Pear Cactus

Sources: Health Benefits of Cactus (Nopales)

Daily Prompt – Spike

Photo: Pexels.com

Is Your Life in “Mint” Condition?

Ever since I went to this diner for breakfast with my husband in the Bronx (forgot the name) and I decided to order peppermint tea, I’ve been drinking it on the regular ever since!

I’ve been loving the  Tazo Refresh Mint Tea! It has a nice smooth Peppermint taste that is not overpowering and very enjoyable! I usually add a spoonful of honey for a little sweetness!  It taste so good! Yum!

Anyhoo, here are 9 Benefits of Peppermint Tea!

1. Fever Reducer

Since menthol is the main component of Peppermint tea, you may sweat a little externally while being cooled down internally by the menthol. This is said to “break” the fever and reduce inflammation and discomfort.

2. Good for Digestion

PT (Peppermint tea) is considered a carminative, which means that it helps to move gas through the body as it accumulates. PT also stimulates bile flow to promote healthy bowel movements. 

3. and 4.  Nausea and Vomiting

PT is an antispasmodic so it reduces the chances of vomiting and nausea. It also reduces stomachaches and queasiness if you are experiencing motion sickness.

5. Respiratory Issues

Since PT is an antispasmodic, it also helps with that sensation that makes you want to cough. It relaxes the muscles of the throats and chest. 

6. Immune System

PT has antibacterial properties which helps reduce the chances of getting sick. 

7. Bad Breath

The antibacterial elements helps kill germs that lead to bad breath and the menthol will leave your breath smelling real nice! 

8. Weight Loss

The smell of peppermint can help eliminate your appetite and reduce overeating. 

9. Stress Levels

The menthol does a good job at relieving mental stress. The anti inflammatory element can lower blood pressure and body temperature which allows you to relax!

CAUTION: 

Despite the benefits of Peppermint Tea, there may be some side effects. Menthol could possibly cause heartburn or may be an allergen for some people. The reactions, if any, are said to be mild, but double check with your doctor about any allergies you may have before consuming. 

Happy Tea Sipping! =)

Source: Benefits of Peppermint Tea

Photo by: Just Brittany Moments

Struggling w/Diabetes, Weight Loss, Split Ends? This Is For You!

7 BENEFITS OF APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

1. INSULIN FUNCTION AND BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS

Apple Cider Vinegar can be useful for people with diabetes, pre-diabetes, or those who want to keep their blood sugar levels low to normal for other reasons. ACV has been found to improve insulin sensitivity and reduces blood sugar.

How to use: Take 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar (diluted in water) before bedtime to help reduce blood sugar levels

2. WEIGHT LOSS

Several human studies suggest that vinegar can increase satiety, which is supposed to help you consume fewer calories. This is said to aid in reducing weight over time. But you would have to combine your ACV intake with healthier diet changes as well in order to see the results.

How to use: Mix 2 teaspoons of ACV w/ a glass of water (about 16 ounces). Drink the mixture about 1 hour before each meal. Or you could even mix it into a salad.

3. SETTLES UPSET STOMACH

Being that ACV has antibiotic properties, mixing ACV with water can help settle an upset stomach.

How to use: Mix 1 or 2 tablespoons into a glass of water, or clear juice like apple juice.

4. SOOTHES A SORE THROAT

Most germs can’t survive in the acidic environment vinegar creates. So as soon as you feel the irritation from a sore throat, gargle with apple cider vinegar to help fight off the infection.

How to use: Mix 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar with 1/4 cup warm water and gargle every hour or so.

5. CLEARS STUFFY NOSE

ACV contains potassium, which helps thin out mucus and the acetic acid that it contains helps prevent germ growth, which could be the reason for nasal congestion.

How to use: Mix 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water and drink the mixture to help sinus drainage.

6. BOOSTS ENERGY

Exercise and sometimes extreme stress can cause lactic acid to build up in the body, which in turn causes fatigue. The amino acids contained in apple cider vinegar acts as a solution. The potassium and enzymes that ACV contains may relieve that tired feeling.

How to use: Add 1 or 2 tablespoons of ACV to a glass of chilled vegetable drink or to a glass of water to boost your energy.

7. ACV AS A HAIR RINSE

Using ACV as a hair rinse balances hair and sebum pH, cleanses and clarifies your hair, helps get rid of dandruff, adds curl definition, prevents spilt ends, and more! The link has more information for each hair dilemma that ACV can help with! ACV Hair Rinse

How to use: Mix 2-4 tablespoons of ACV w/ 16 ounces of cool water and put mixture into a spray bottle. After you shampoo and rinse out the shampoo, spray mixture on scalp and hair after shampooing and rinsing it out. Leave in for 1-2 minutes and rinse well. Don’t worry; the ACV smell will go away once your hair has been rinsed.

DISCLAIMER:

-There are no side effects noted with normal consumption. But just to be safe, check with your doctor before ingesting ACV.

-ACV has a strong odor and taste, that’s why it needs to be diluted.

-When using ACV, remember that this is an ALL-NATURAL, made from apples, chemical-free product which is:

1. Cheaper than the medications prescribed for this diseases.
2. Won’t give you side effects like your current medications might do.

-I’ve researched that the best ACV brand to use is BRAGG Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar which is the most organic unfiltered, unheated, unpasteurized ACV out there!It’s pretty affordable too!

 

MY THOUGHTS

ACV can help you improve your health a lot more than taking medication designed for a specific problem. I’m someone who hates taking medication and will use medication as a last resort when I absolutely HAVE to. I don’t like the fact that I don’t know what’s in those pills that are prescribed… we just know it’s supposed to temporarily treat an issue which could cause another issue when you take the medication for an extended period of time. If you research, you can find an all-natural remedy for almost any problem.

I hope this helps someone who may be suffering from any of the concerns listed above! If you decided to use ACV, I would be interested to know how things turned out for you!

 

Dictionary:

Satiety: satisfy (a desire or an appetite) to the full.

Insulin: a hormone produced in the pancreas by the islets of Langerhans [groups of pancreatic cells] that regulates the amount of glucose in the blood.

Sebum: an oily secretion of the sebaceous glands.

Antibiotic: inhibits the growth of or destroys microorganisms.

Sources:

Wash Hair w/ACV

ACV Hair Rinse

ACV Benefits

6 Proven Benefits of AC