Quick 15-Minute Sexy Arm Workout!!! (3 quick and simple moves)

1- Standing V-Raise (shoulders)
Grab a 5-8lb dumbbell in each hand and stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, arms at your sides. (A). With arms straight, but not locked, raise weights in v-shape until they are parallel to floor (B). Hold for 1 second and then lower. Do 12-15 reps.

2- Shoulder press shoulders, upper back and biceps)
Grab a dumbbell in each hand and stand with feet shoulder width apart, knees slightly bent. Hold dumbbells just above your shoulders, palms facing each other (A). Press the weights up, straight over head (B). Hold for 1 second and then take 3 seconds to lower them. Do 6-8 reps!!

3- Plank Row (core, shoulders, upper back, biceps and triceps)
Grab the dumbbells and get into a push-up position (plank) with your hands on the weights and your feet slightly wider than hip-width apart (A). Bend right arm and raise DB to chest level, pressing left DB into floor for balance (B). Lower DB to floor and repeat on left side. That’s 1 rep…do 6-8!!! *Keep abs strong!

Repeat these 3 exercises for 3-4 sets and watch the jiggly arms go bye-bye!!! ;)

Yoga…an “up-lifting” experience!! (sorry boys, this is a girlie post!!)

OK, so I started doing my daily yoga practice again, and let’s just say, it’s been very “up-lifting”…haha!! I use to practice yoga daily, but then started doing more “traditional” workouts.  Anyways, I forgot how quickly and effectively things “lift” when you practice yoga!! Things are definitely looking “up” for my bum and my boobs! Why am I sharing this? Because not only is yoga AMAZING for mind and body, but if you are thinking about getting a “surgical lift”, you NEED TO TRY YOGA FIRST!!! If mine get any perkier, I’ll be wearing my earring on them!!! ;-p

Sorry…but sharing is caring…now go hold that “Pancha” pose!!!

Namaste :)

All Natural Protein Bread!!!

Let's face it, a LOT of health foods are really NOT healthy!!! Artificial flavor...artificial color...artificial sugar...let's just say, ARTIFICIAL FOOD!!! Sure they work for weight-loss, but at what cost to your health? Anyway, this isn’t going to be another one of my “rants”, I just wanted to share a new product with you and note the change I see in the “weigh-loss” world!!

It's been hard being a true "health-nut" in the "health" world over the last few years, because a lot of the "health" and "weight-loss" foods were loaded with absolute garbage!! Chemicals and toxins galore!! But lately, I've been discovering more and more "all natural" products...even in body building products (which is where I use to see artificial everything)!! I recently found this all-natural, high protein bread! I'm so excited people are finally coming around!! But I still can't believe so many "sugar-free" products still use aspartame!!!! Anyways...a healthy change is in the air...now if we could just get the cost of these products down!!!

See, no rant today…just praise!! :)

https://www.highproteinbread.com/baked-goods/high-protein-bread-4-pack

Top 10 Favorite Breakfast Foods

I never use to be a breakfast person, but now I can't go without it! And neither should you!!! It really is the most IMPORTANT meal of the day! Here are my top 10 favorites. I eat them in different combinations so that I always have something different, and I always have a carb, protein and a fat! The last 2 items on the list are "once-in-a-while" foods. And I do not advise the bagel if you are trying to cut carbs and drop weight...although, it is the preferable carb, as it is "complex". I hope this list helps you break out of the boredom of breakfast, or even better, actually gets you eating it!!!


1- Chobani Greek Yogurt 1%

2- Kashi Go Lean Crunch or
Nature's Path Pumpkin Flax Granola

3- Good Old Fashion Oatmeal

4- Coconut Milk - Vanilla (either So Delicious or Silk)

5- Blueberries

6- Eggs

7- Life’s Basics Plant Protein Powder (add to oatmeal or smoothie)

8- PB2 (powdered peanut butter…add to oatmeal, mix with coconut milk and use as a spread, or in a smoothie)

9- Sprouted Wheat Bagels

10- Morningstar Sausage Patties (I eat these on occasion, as I’m not a big fan of soy, but they are SO TASTY!!!)

A weight-loss noodle?

Are you missing pasta and noodles on your low-carb diet? Well, long no more! Say hello to shirataki noodles!! They are a low-to-no calorie/carb noodle, made from the roots of the Konjac plant (a yam-like plant). They are also gluten and soy free! These babies are full of a dietary fiber known as glucomannan, which may actually help you lose weight!!!  Start off with a small amount and see how your stomach reacts, as our “Western” bodies are sensitive to that much fiber. Shirataki noodles come in different “shapes” and are basically flavorless (they take on the flavor of whatever you mix them with), so now you can have your spaghetti, stir-fry and chicken noodle soup again! You can find them in most Asian markets, health food stores, online and even in some of the major grocery stores. They come in wet and dry varieties, but I prefer the ones packed in water, in the refrigerated section (usually next to the tofu, etc). *The noodles in the picture contain tofu, but you can find varieties like Miracle Noodles, that are soy free!

These noodles are a great alternative to traditional rice, pasta and noodles, but don’t forget to add some protein and LOTS of veggies!!!

Happy eating!!!

The road to wellness: What is it?

The road to wellness may not always be an easy one, but then again, the “easy road” never leads to anywhere worthwhile anyway. Look at the triumphant few, that have conquered such feats as Mt. Everest!! Ask them how the road to victory was for them, and I bet they’ll tell you it was the hardest, but most rewarding thing they have ever done!!  The road to wellness may not be the hardest thing you’ll ever have to do in your life, but then again, maybe it will be; either way, that road will require true discipline.

There are many things that can get in your way along the road; the biggest obstacle for most, is themselves!! If you find yourself sabotaging your own success, seek support from like-minded people. Find a work-out “buddy” or a trainer who can keep you motivated and on the right track! Find people who live the lifestyle you want to live! Sometimes the road to wellness means cutting ties with people who keep creating detours or road blocks! Cutting such ties-sometimes with friends or family-can be one of the hardest things to do (I know…I’ve had to do it myself), but isn’t your well-being worth it? And it doesn’t have to be forever; sometimes those people see their faults and change…sometimes they see your success and *want* to change…and there will come a time when you are strong enough, that you can be around those people and not be “misguided”.

Know that the road to wellness is not a short one; you don’t get to your destination (e.g. goal weight, etc) and get off or turn back. The road is long and never-ending, and includes  many components. Wellness is not merely your diet; it is the food you eat, the thoughts you think, the company you keep, your environment and so much more.

Find your passion and embrace it…be good to others…be good to yourself…be good to your environment…be well!!!

Health and Happiness!!
-Lori