Sexy Healthy Happy

THE GOOD GINGER

2010-09-22T21:59:00.004-04:00

Here's an article about recent studies showing that ginger has pain reducing properties.

In the study, participants were given exercises to purposely injure their elbows. They were then given either a placebo, raw ginger soup, or cooked ginger soup for their pain. The participants that ate the raw ginger soup had 25% less pain than the placebo group, the cooked ginger soup group had 23% less pain. Yet another amazing property of ginger!!

In case you forgot, ginger root can also:
*Aid digestion (by speeding motility and reducing inflammation)
*Prevent ulcers
*Treat heartburn
*Possibly reduce cholesterol levels (so far in rats, waiting on human trials)
*Help prevent certain cancers (like ovarian and colon)
*Speed cold and flu recovery
*Provide relief from menstrual cramps
*Reduce systemic inflammation
*Aid systemic circulation
*Increase metabolism and aid in weight loss

and much much more!!!

So go ahead and grate some ginger into your salad dressing or steep some chopped up ginger in you tea. The benefits of ginger, not to mention the flavor, are just too good to pass up!

THE DAIRY REALITY

2010-05-01T20:09:00.007-04:00

HERE is an EXCELLENT article that finally tells the truth about dairy and provides 6 reasons why you should "avoid it at all costs".

SPOILER: milk is not good for you!

Research has shown that dairy not only DOESN'T help to build strong bones, it can actually cause bone LOSS (it has to do with dairy's acidity and the protein in milk). Read the full article, or just the bullet points, to get a better idea regarding the reality of dairy (like how the USDA's food pyramid and recommended servings were created by agricultural industry, meaning the people who stand to profit from you consuming their products are the ones telling you to EAT their products, with the clout of the government behind them).

Additional research not mentioned in this article has also linked dairy to cancer. The precise numbers: 90% of cancers are PREVENTABLE, only 10% are caused by genetics. Of the 90% of cases that are preventable, the number one factor found to have increased overall cancer risk? Increased casein intake, the PRIMARY PROTEIN IN ALL DAIRY.

Dairy production also:
*Pollutes drinking water due to run off from farms
*Contributes to the VEAL INDUSTRY (momma cow has the get pregnant to make milk->if she has a boy he is no use to the dairy industry->baby-boy is sold to be confined, killed, and sold as veal meat)
*Contributes to starvation around the globe (since the resources required to produce dairy and meat are far more than those required to produce veggies and grains, therefore leading to less overall food production)

As a former cheese addict, I will admit that my recent venture into dairy-free living was rocky. At first I felt such a strong urge to snack on some cheese that it felt like torture to go without! Lasagna, pizza, pasta, Mexican foods!!! After learning more about the effects protein in milk have on the brain, I now understand that I was LITERALLY addicted to cheese. That's right: dairy has similar effects to opioids (ie: HEROINE!) on the brain, and boy did I go through withdrawal!

But now that it's become habit and I've been without cheese for an extended time, I don't crave dairy like I used to and to be completely honest, I don't miss it at all. No more cravings and I'm fully satisfied by the food that I eat.

Check out the video below for more info on the realities of dairy:

TREATING DEPRESSION

2010-04-29T16:52:00.004-04:00

HERE is an article reiterating what I already knew after working as a psychiatric nurse: Antidepressants are NOT effective in treating depression.

Antidepressants have been shown in several studies to have equal efficacy to a placebo, meaning that it is more the idea of the antidepressant helping people rather than the pill itself. Perhaps short-term, in a crisis, adding an antidepressant to an overall treatment plan may yield some benefits, but for long-term treatment, I have seen antidepressants cause more harm than good. ECT (electro-convulsive therapy) is still by far a better treatment than medication.

The main flaw in antidepressants is the pill itself: it isn't really effective. Why, you may be asking? Because no matter how much you alter brain chemistry, if you do not alter the way you react to negative emotions and life events you will never free yourself from the grips of depression. Not to mention the side effects many antidepressants have on your sex life...

It is the way we interpret our world that has the biggest effect on mood and as far as altering your responses, therapy with someone OTHER THAN a psychiatrist (ie: a psychologist, a social worker, an MFT, etc.) is the most effective since psychiatrists tend to push medication rather than treating the underlying issues. DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy) and CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) are some of the treatment approaches that I have seen work best, and neither one comes in a pill.

And that is where the second half of the problem arises: we as consumers crave a quick fix. We want to just take a pill and be better. The prospect of instant gratification is intoxicating! Unfortunately, battling depression takes hard work and time, just like effective treatment of high blood pressure takes a commitment to long-term behavioral changes. We are only lying to ourselves and setting ourselves up for more disappointment (and deeper depression) when we pin our hopes on a pill.

The upside of pills as treatment in the field of psychiatry? It's a quick way to treat a patient and get them out the door while covering your ass legally. You have concrete proof that you did something to treat the person without wasting the time treating them (doctors are pressured to see as many patients as possible, since reimbursement to the hospital and payment to the doctor increase with each additional patient cared for). Psychiatrists and NP's are the only mental health professionals who are licensed to prescribe medication, making those who are trained instead solely in actual therapy/psychology much better long-term therapists.

It takes hard work, but if you (sometimes with the aid of a friend or family member) can just drag yourself to see a therapist consistently, there is still hope in the treatment of depression. :)

THE TRUTH ABOUT AGAVE: NOT SO SWEET

2010-04-23T10:24:00.003-04:00

HERE is an article about the reality of purportedly healthy sweetener, Agave.

Basically, agave syrup/nectar is high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) with an extremely effective marketing campaign. Much like HFCS, it comes from a natural source (the agave plant, as HFCS originates from corn), but like HFCS, it is processed into a syrup, where the fructose concentration reaches super unhealthy levels. Even the "raw" agave is awful for you! Don't buy the hype!

As an Agave convert who was using it for all my sweetening needs, I was reluctant to believe that this delicious sugar substitute was not only unhealthy, but horrendously bad for me. "It's low on the glycemic index", I told myself, "and it's from a natural source, so how can it be bad for me?" Well, I finally sat down and did some research and, after learning how fructose is broken down in the body, it became very clear that agave syrup should be avoided at all costs.

As piece of mind for all of you out there trying to make sense of the conflicting Agave messages, here is the basic science behind WHY agave is awful for you:

1) Fructose, a monosaccharide (aka simple sugar, mono meaning "one"), is the most unhealthy sugar you can eat UNLESS it is bound to fiber and nutrients, like in fruit, or bonded with glucose (another simple sugar) in which case the bonded glucose and fructose make sucrose, a disaccharide (aka a more complex sugar, di meaning "two"). You can read more about studies that have shown a correlation between increased fructose in diets and inflammation throughout the body here . (So remember: fructose + glucose = sucrose)

2) PROPORTIONS:
-Table sugar is 50%/50% fructose/glucose, and because of the equal proportions, many of the sugars are bound together, creating sucrose (the disaccharide mentioned above).
-HFCS is 55%/45% fructose/glucose. Not a huge difference in proportion, but the slight increase in fructose destroys the balance of fructose to glucose, so almost NONE of the resulting HFCS has bonded sucrose, therefore your body receives a HUGE surge of fructose all at once, rather than having to take the time to digest and break apart the sucrose into glucose and fructose.
-Agave Syrup is 70-90%/30-10% fructose/glucose!!!! With just a 5% difference, there are HUGE negative effects on the body, so just IMAGINE how awful it is for your body to process almost PURE fructose! Due to the proportions, NONE of the sugar in agave is bonded to create sucrose, so your body doesn't slow down the processing by breaking down sugars, it instead has to process a massive load of sugar all at once.

3) While the breakdown of glucose relies on insulin and can take part in almost every cell in the body, Fructose can ONLY be broken down in the liver. Since fructose isn't primarily broken down by insulin, it does not cause an insulin spike, therefore explaining why it is low on the glycemic index. This may make you think, "oh good! no insulin spike, no fat storage", but this is WRONG! Fat metabolism is reliant upon the LIVER, so overburdening the liver with the processing of fructose impairs fat metabolism, making it more likely that calories from fructose will be stored on the body as fat.

4) The liver has difficulty breaking down fructose. When fructose is digested with fibers/nurtrients in fruit, digestion is slowed, preventing the liver from having to process too much fructose at once, therefore preventing the liver from being overwhelmed so it can continue with all of the other processes it is taking care of simultaneously (like fat metabolism and toxin removal). When the liver is given a surge of fructose to process all at once, like with Agave and HFCS, it stops everything it is doing to focus solely on processing the fructose (think of people rowing a boat when suddenly that boat is flooded with water. The rowers stop rowing so they can bail water from the boat in order to keep it afloat. When they are out from underwater, they start rowing again). This leads to impaired liver functioning, toxin build up, and poor fat metabolism. It also causes damage to the liver (in some cases of people frequently eating HFCS/Agave: early signs of cirrosis)

5) When fructose is broken down, the following nasty byproducts are created:
-Triglycerides (which damage the cardiovascular system and increase risk of heart attack and stroke). The triglycerides and stress on the liver also lead to FATTY LIVER, which can lead to liver failure and death.
-Excess uric acid, which is the cause of gout

Not all sugars are created equal, and free fructose (unbound) is the absolute worst for you. Agave is up to 90% free fructose! Despite the low glycemic index, Agave is still absolutely AWFUL for you! Don't buy the hype, listen to the science.

*****Want more proof of the negative effects of fructose? Watch SUPERSIZE ME (if you've already seen it, go back and watch it again). All of the doctors predicted that the high fat content of his McDonald's-tastic diet would impact his cholesterol levels and harm his cardiovascular system. What they DIDN'T predict was the effect on his LIVER, that (when you look into the science behind the breakdown of fructose and compare it to the fructose content of McDonald's foods) was primarily caused by his intake of HFCS. Look at the increase in his triglyceride levels, URIC ACID levels, Amylase and Lipase levels (liver enzymes). All of these are increased when free fructose, like in agave, intake is increased

Want an Agave substitute? Maple syrup is the best and recent research has shown that it may even have anti-cancer properties! So ditch the cactus and sweeten with trees!

Here's to healthy eating :)

AWESOME ARM ROUTINE

2010-02-18T16:05:00.003-05:00

Check out the video below! Gwyneth Paltrow posted it on her site, and it's a fun and effective arm routine designed for her by Tracy Anderson. Less flab and more fun!! That's my kind of routine :)

RAW VEGAN COCONUT SOUR CREAM

2010-01-25T12:58:00.005-05:00

Easy and super delicious!!! Great on some raw nachos with guacamole, salsa, and nut meat.

You can watch the video HERE.

Coconut is great not only for your waistline, but for your skin and hair as well. This is a great way to replace something harmful (sour cream, which induces inflammation in the body) with something healthful! Enjoy :)

ASPARTAME LINKED TO CANCER

2010-01-06T17:57:00.007-05:00

If you or anyone you know are drinking artificial sweeteners in an attempt to lose weight, you MUST READ THIS ARTICLE!

Lifelong studies in animals have confirmed what a myriad of previous studies concluded: that intake of aspartame has carcinogenic effects. In other words, all of those sugar free sodas you have been downing in order to be "healthier" appear to be doing you more harm than good.

Several cancers, including brain cancer, saw statistically significant increases in animals fed aspartame over their lifetime versus a control group, and the test mice were given significantly LESS aspartame than the current recommended daily allowance for humans! Original toxicology tests from the 1960's also showed liver, thyroid, and brain damage in addition to the increased risk of cancer. In other words: aspartame should NOT be consumed by humans.

Studies dating back to 1975 have confirmed the harmful effects of aspartame, but the FDA has yet to ban it from our foods. Why? Because companies that profit from the use of aspartame, from Equal to Crystal Light, will likely lose millions of dollars if it is eliminated.

The government is supposed to be the buffer between upstanding citizens and the ills of society, but in many fields, particularly when it comes to food and toxin regulation in America, our government falls short.

The best way to protect yourself and your family? Don't eat food created in a lab (aspartame, sucralose, etc.), always read labels, and STAY INFORMED! Always ask questions, and as far as food is concerned: the less processed, the better. If you need a low glycemic sweetener, use agave nectar. If you want calorie free, try stevia (but note: stevia has yet to be fully tested, so your best bet is still agave nectar).

YOGA FOR WEIGHT LOSS

2010-01-04T15:43:00.002-05:00

Here's a quick yoga routine from Tara Stiles, aimed at helping you burn those holiday calories and tone your hips, buns, and abs. Can be done almost anywhere and is easy to follow!

DIET TIPS AND TRICKS

2010-01-04T15:37:00.002-05:00

Here's a video from a segment on The Today Show. It has some great recommendations for healthier swaps and calorie conservation while eating out. I will definitely be implementing the burrito suggestion into my taco takeout!

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

YOUNGER WITH YOGA

2010-01-04T15:23:00.005-05:00

... or with any exercise!

THIS STUDY from Germany was just released showing the anti-aging benefits of life-long exercise.

The study looked at athletes over their lifetimes, examining their cellular function on a genetic level. Ultimately, the DNA in cells of people who exercised regularly during their lifetime functioned as if they were younger, helping to negate normal DNA degradation caused by age.

Exercise: great for your waist, mood, brain, skin, and EVERYTHING ELSE!

Yet another reason to lace up those running shoes or roll out those yoga mats in 2010!

QUOTES OF THE WEEK

2010-01-04T14:56:00.005-05:00

Your inspiration for the first week of 2010:

There are two mistakes one can make along the road to truth... not going all the way and not starting. -Buddha

Be yourself. Everyone else is taken. -Oscar Wilde

Live out of your imagination, not your history. -Stephen Covey

Every moment is an experience. -Jake Roberts

If you want one year of prosperity, grow grain. If you want ten years of prosperity, grow trees. If you want 100 years of prosperity, educate people. -Chinese Proverb

As a single footstep will not make a path on the earth, so a single thought will not make a pathway in the mind. To make a deep physical path, we walk again and again. To make a deep mental path, we must think over and over the kind of thoughts we wish to dominate our lives. -Henry David Thoreau

It takes more courage to reveal insecurities than to hide them, more strength to relate to people than to dominate them, more "manhood" to abide by thought-out principles rather than blind reflex. Toughness is in the soul and spirit, not in muscles and an immature mind. -Alex Karras

SEASONAL FOODS

2009-12-21T14:30:00.003-05:00

Check out our new seasonal foods widget!! It's on the lower right hand side of the blog.

Based on your area, it tells you what fruits and veggies are in season, helping you to shop fresh and local! It changes with each month, so check back to see if what's on your plate is fresh!

Currently in season in December in New York:

1) Apples
2) Broccoli
3) Cabbage
4) Carrot
5) Onion
6) Potato
7) Turnip
8) Winter Squash

QUOTES OF THE WEEK

2009-12-21T01:28:00.007-05:00

Here they are, your little pieces of inspiration for the week:

Don't ask for a light load, but rather ask for a strong back. - Anonymous

Challenges are what make life interesting; overcoming them is what makes life meaningful. - Joshua J. Marine

In order to be walked on, you have to be lying down. - Brian Weir

I am not discouraged, because every wrong attempt discarded is another step forward. - Thomas Edison

Try not to become a man of success but a man of value. - Albert Einstein

Pretty is something that you are born with. But beautiful, that's an equal opportunity adjective. - Anonymous

It is not the critic who counts, nor the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows great enthusiasms, great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat. - Theodore Roosevelt

IMPROVE YOUR MOOD WITH FOOD

2009-12-19T11:21:00.000-05:00

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

PANTIES FOR THE PLANET!

2009-12-15T06:00:00.000-05:00

After searching high and low for the perfect pair of planet-friendly panties, aka organic underwear, I found these!

Louella Bloom Organic Dainties: Organic Thong (you can buy them here)

Elastic free, organic, made in the USA, flattering cut, and adorable! They aren't cheap, but they're affordable at $14/pair. Save the planet, one pair of panties at a time! Check out their Etsy store, link above, for more styles and colors. Thong not your cup of tea? They also have boy shorts, hipsters, scoop bottoms, you name it.

I will continue searching for more affordable organic panties and lingerie. Keep checking back for updates and recent finds!

2010 NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS (AND HOW TO RUN A MARATHON)

2009-12-14T22:08:00.000-05:00

Here at SexyHealthyHappy, 2010 has been dubbed "the year of 'no more excuses'"! So much of life and living is mentality and mindset, so let this year be the year that we all focus on changing ours.

If you have a dream, 2010 is the year to stop reminding yourself of all the reasons why you "can't" and just start doing! Each of us is literally capable of anything, we just need to start believing it. This year it's time to take the plunge!

*So you always wanted to write a book, "but there's no way I'll ever get published". POPPYCOCK! How do you know until you try? If we are so afraid of failure that we never act, our lives will forever be filled with regret and what-if's. Don't think, just put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard); you can worry about the future of your book once you're finished writing it!

*So you always wanted to change careers, "but the instability of leaving my current, miserable job could ruin me financially". HOGWASH! If you stay in a field that doesn't make you happy just for the money, in time you'll ruin yourself emotionally. Nothing meaningful is ever accomplished by "playing it safe"; believe in yourself and start pursuing your dream career! True happiness is living the life you love, so stop settling for the life you can "live with". A huge paycheck will never hold a candle to true happiness :)

*So, like Li, you've always wanted to run a marathon, "but I'll never find the time or drive to train for it". HOOEY! If you can breathe and walk, you can get off the couch and start running! Your body can do more than you ever imagined, just give it a try. Stop viewing those 26.2 miles as insurmountable and start walking/running them, one step at a time. Life is short and fragile, so get your ass up and run toward your dreams!

You get the point! Regardless of your dream, start reaching for it! Perfection isn't the goal, self fulfillment is. Do your absolute best and pull out all the stops; it's knowing that you did everything you could to realize your own happiness that is the ultimate reward. Don't get discouraged and don't lose sight of the prize. It's yours to have if you believe it is.

MARATHON TRAINING
You've thought about it for years, dreamed of the triumphant crossing of the finish line, but how to get from now to 26.2 miles can be confusing and overwhelming. Not any more! Check out this training plan for your "how-to" guide from week to week. The show NOVA on PBS did a special where they took a bunch of couch potatoes and trained them for the Boston Marathon in 9 months!! The specialists created the above training plan for them, and almost all of them finished the marathon! If you are already a runner, just pick up the plan from the week where your long run is one you can already accomplish (ie: I will be starting the week with a Sunday run of 8 miles, meaning my training plan will take a little over 3 months). Good luck! Now get out there and start pounding the pavement!

OUR AMAZON.COM STORE!

2009-12-13T14:56:00.004-05:00

The URL for our Sexy, Healthy, Happy aStore is:
http://astore.amazon.com/SeHeHa-20

Remember: products at our store are only posted if they are endorsed by us. In other words, they have to be effective, eco-minded, free of toxic chemicals/additives, and animal friendly (NO animal testing). Enjoy!

SUPER SNACKS FOR THE WEEK

2009-12-13T14:36:00.002-05:00

Here are 2 more snacks to help you eat right during the upcoming week!

CRAVING CREAMY AND RICH?
* Try 1/2 cup Fage greek yogurt with 1 tbsp natural peanut butter. To make vegan, switch out the greek yogurt for some plain or vanilla soy yogurt. For added sweetness, you can top it with a drizzle of honey or agave nectar. Delicious and deceptively healthy at only 150 calories!!

CRAVING SALTY AND SPICY or SUSHI?
* Try Seapoint Farms Dry Roasted Wasabi Edamame. Vegan, non-GMO, and packed with protein and fiber! This stuff, pictured in this post, is amazingly tasty and is GREAT for when you want to snack mindlessly without packing on the pudge! You can get it at your local supermarket, or you can purchase through our aStore under "Vegetarian/Vegan Living".

QUOTES OF THE WEEK

2009-12-13T13:54:00.003-05:00

A little inspiration for the week ahead :)

QUOTES FOR THE WEEK:

The whole of life, from the moment you are born to the moment you die,
is a process of learning. -Krishnamurti

Remember, there are no mistakes, only lessons. Love yourself, trust your choices, and everything is possible. -Cherie Carter-Scott

Bite off more than you can chew, then chew it. -Ella Williams

Courage is going from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm. -Winston Churchill

A ship is safe in harbor, but that's not what ships are for. -William Shedd

Better to do something imperfectly than to do nothing flawlessly. -Robert Shuller

If your ship doesn't come in, swim out to it. -Jonathan Winters

FUN WAYS TO BURN OFF HOLIDAY CALORIES

2009-12-11T15:13:00.004-05:00

HERE is an article with 4 fun and easy ways to burn off some extra calories around the Holidays!

But beware: studies show that exercise is NOT the key to losing weight, DIET is. Exercise is still an important tool to obtaining overall health and wellness, but no amount of activity will "make up" for the calories that you eat.

In other words: if you eat a whole pie, don't think that a vigorous run is going to "fix" your binge. It's more important to focus on eating in moderation, exchanging the whole pie for a thin slice, and staying active. The exercise-eating combo can boost total weight loss and help you maintain, but diet is still the key to slimming success!

With this in mind, remember not to be too hard on yourself. No one is perfect! We all have days when the pull of a pistachio gelato pint is too great to resist. It's most important to FORGIVE yourself, focus on your accomplishments, and live in the present; treating each moment like an opportunity to start anew or focus your resolve.

On days when I can't, or am too lazy to, workout, I give myself a pat on the back for dancing during commercials while watching my favorite TV shows. If I over-indulge at dinner, I applaud myself for NOT getting mad/depressed and for staying hopeful. The cumulative impact of your overall activity and eating are more important than your few-and-far-between slip ups. This holiday season, remember to step back, breathe, and focus on the big picture.

Here is a summary of the article's small and fun activities that can help you stay active and positive:

1) Hanging Holiday Lights (90 calories per hour)

2) Ice Skating (484 calories per hour)

3) Shopping (249 calories per hour)

4) Sledding (121 calories per 15 MINUTES!)

VEGAN COCONUT MACAROONS

2009-12-09T13:05:00.004-05:00

One of my favorite treats in the whole wide world are coconut macaroons. They're creamy, coconutty, and deliciously moist! I have, however, had trouble finding a healthy version of these tropical morsels; especially one that is vegan.

After some experimenting, I have finally created a decent recipe! Not only is it tasty, it's low-fat, low-calorie, vegan, and super easy to make, AND you can also eat it as a RAW dessert! Just skip the baking step :)

So, without further adieu, here it is:

VEGAN COCONUT MACAROONS

2 cups shredded UNSWEETENED coconut
1 medium sized banana
1/4 cup agave nectar (you can add more or skip this all together based on desired sweetness)
1/4 cup diced almonds or almond flour (optional)
1 tsp vanilla extract

*water, unsweetened applesauce, or additional banana can be added to reach desired consistency. I like mine thick and chewy, so I chose to add banana as needed.

1) If cooking, preheat oven to 350
2) Mash banana, either by hand or in a blender
3) In a large bowl, combine all ingredients, including banana, until well mixed
4) Place 1 tbsp dollops of mixture onto spray-oiled cookie sheet
5) Bake at 350 for 10 minutes, or until tops are lightly browned

Voila!! Simple, healthy, and delicious!

WORLDLY WISDOM

2009-12-08T00:04:00.006-05:00

HERE is a great article titled "10 Truths I Wish I'd Known Sooner".

As we get older, we tend to become more introspective as we examine our behaviors, our lives, our views of the world, people in our lives, and our surroundings. When you dip your foot into the truths of yourself and your life, you tend to do 1 of two things:

1) dive in! learn from past mistakes and change who you are for the better (with some back peddling along the way), accepting opportunity for growth as it arises, or
2) step back, turn around, an dig in your heels; scared or unable to face the truth, you seek to follow your current path blindly (hence people who still get trashed playing beer pong at 36 while the kids are sleeping).

Regardless of age or which path you choose, you can always learn and grow. The article above is written by a woman who has clearly taken the leap into the unknown and, through time and grace, has detailed 10 truths that resonate throughout the ages.

A summary of the 10 lessons (directly listed from the article):

1. Events reveal people’s characters; they don’t determine them.

2. Lying, by omission or commission, is a bad idea.

3. Sex always give [sic] you an answer, although not necessarily the one you want.

4. Most talents are transferable.

5. Fashion fades; style is eternal.

6. You can’t fake love.

7. Mean doesn’t go away.

8. No one’s perfect.

9. Ask for help.

10. Keep your eye on the prize and your hand on the plow.

I plan on sending this article to all the women in my life, including Mom and Grandma :)

COMPOSTING (AND OUR NEW aSTORE!)

2009-11-29T15:38:00.004-05:00

Check out the video below for tips on composting at home!

Also, SexyHealthyHappy now has an aStore (aka products endorsed by us available through Amazon.com). All of the products are picked for their affordability, efficacy, low-to-no environmental impact, and awesomeness! We strive to pick products that are made in the USA (helping to keep good jobs at home) and are free of toxic chemicals.

After watching the composting video, check out the odor-free composter we picked for our aStore! Link to the store is on the right hand side of this website, under "SexyHealthyHappy Amazon.com Store".

DEAR GOD, MY ASS

2009-11-28T16:47:00.004-05:00

Try out the "bikini bootcamp" below. It is AWESOME! Warning: it may lead to a sore (but smaller!) gluteus!

NOTE: to burn more calories and increase the effectiveness of the workout, you can do the following:

1) Instead of marching in place, run in place with high knees. Try the workout all the way through before attempting this!
2) For any side stepping moves, step FURTHER! increasing the spread of the legs and dipping lower is harder on your thighs and butt, increasing the toning and calorie burn
3) For any side stepping moves, HOP to the side instead of just stepping. This adds plyometrics, or explosive exercise, to the routine, VASTLY increasing the calorie burn
4) During the mountain climbers/push-ups and the squat thrusts, JUMP the legs out and back in instead of stepping them out. Again, this adds more plyometrics and it's fricking hard!
5) Eliminate pauses between exercises. Once you know the sequence of exercises, if there are any pauses or marching sections, just go straight into the next exercise. This adds more reps and takes out breaks, making this a more intense cardio workout!

Good luck and enjoy!

HEALTHY HOLIDAYS: PART THREE

2009-11-24T16:43:00.005-05:00

So you've committed yourself to watching portion size and avoiding mindless snacking over the holidays, but how are you going to fit in fitness at the family functions?

Simple! Here are a few tips (and a helpful video workout) to help you sneak in some slimming sessions.

PART THREE: Functional fitness

1) Post-meal motion
If you have a dog or a sibling (or a parent, if they're game), bring them along on a walk around the neighborhood after dinner. Studies have shown that a 10 minute post-meal walk can up calorie burning after a meal by up to 10%! So slap on some sneakers and spend some quality time outside with your fam!

2) Early morning exercises
The best time to squeeze in some activity is before your obligations and family time even start. So set your alarm and get in 30 minutes of body-weight resistance work first thing in the morning. Do push-ups, squats, sun salutations, jumping jacks, and the exercises in the video below... just move your body as much as you can! A great way to make sure you push yourself is to set up goals ahead of time (100 total push-ups, 80 total squats, etc.) and just keep going in sets of 15-20 until you reach your goal. Another benefit to exercising in the morning: you've guaranteed yourself a healthy start to the day! Even if you run out of time later, at least you know you've squeezed in some activity each day.

So stop making excuses! Any activity helps and it all adds up! Check out the video below for an awesome and easy full-body workout.

Happy and Healthy Holidays!!!