Wellness: 8 Ways to Stay Active While Taking Care

Hi Butterflies! I hope everyone’s new year is off to a great start and everyone is getting back to their regular routine. I know some people tend to get off track with their fitness goals when the holidays come around and then there’s others like myself who’ve probably been off track for awhile and find it challenging to get refocused, but we have to do what we have to do right?

Like every other responsible adult on the planet, my days usually consist of a million different things to do and since I can’t make it to the gym as often as I would like, I have no choice but to find alternative ways to stay active. Finding little ways to stay active throughout the day is easy (where there’s a will, there’s a way) and overtime can make a big difference in our individual health journeys. Here are a few creative ways to stay active while taking care:

Wellness: Lemon Water Detox - How to Make It & It's Benefits

Hey Butterflies! So we all know that most of the time living a healthy life is as simple as monitoring what we put in our bodies and staying active, right? When I was younger I didn't give a second thought to trying any of the many "lose weight fast" trends that were out, if it seemed like it would work and I could afford it I usually went for it. Now that I'm more conscious of what I put in my body, I look for natural ways to lose weight. I've been trying out many new natural weight loss methods in the name of getting fit and staying fit so I'm sharing another one of my "try-outs" with you. This one reminds me of the KeVita Probiotic Drinks - Lemon Cayenne Cleanse I tried awhile back, it's pretty easy and defiantly helps curb my appetite. I drink a glass of lemon water most mornings before breakfast and since I've been drinking it my body feels refreshed. 

Reasons You Should Drink Lemon Water:

My Diet is Better Than Yours - SuperFood Swap Diet

Hey Butterflies. I hardly ever watch tv anymore and I especially don't watch reality/contest type shows but I was at a friend's house a few days ago and they were watching a show on ABC; "My Diet is Better Than Yours" hosted by Shaun T, creator of the at home workout program that everyone was doing a few years ago "Insanity". It was the show's season finale episode and I instantly became intrigued with the show. Jasmin would was on the SuperFood Swap Diet created by registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Chicago native Dawn Jackson Blatner won first place because she lost the highest percent of body weight and before they announced it I said to myself she's going to win because the diet just made sense to me.

On the SuperFood Swap Diet you can only eat real food, NO CRAP (basically no processed foods)! You have to keep healthy meal options available to you and you must have a table, plate, and chair every time you eat. Also, you can only have sweets and alcohol when you go out with a group and you only exercise for fun. I definitely plan to implement some of these SuperFood Swap Diet tips into my daily routine. What are some things you do to stay healthy and fit?

Unboxing: Bulu Monthly Health Subscription Box

Hey Butterflies! I got something really neat in the mail a few days ago that I know my fellow health enthusiast and subscription box lovers will enjoy. Bulu Box, a health subscription service offers the newest way to sample and discover new health products including vitamins, supplements, healthy snacks and more.

Subscription is only $10 a month, shipping is free and each box comes with about 4-5 healthy samples. Awesome right? Also, use coupon code SWEATPINK for 50% off a 3, 6, or 12 month subscription to BuluBox.com!

Wellness: 5 Things That Make Me #BOSUStrong

Hi Butterflies! Today I am embarking on a 4 week challenge with BOSU and Sweat Pink to prove to the world that I am #BOSUSTRONG. Being #BOSUSTRONG means I make fitness part of my everyday life, at home, out and about, and with my friends and family.I will squat, mountain climb, plank, push-up, sit-up, lunge, and walk my way to a stronger and healthier body. And I will encourage you guys and the people I know personally to join me on this fun journey because we are one big, happy #FitFamily.

Wellness: So...SLIMQUICK Has a New Product ;-)

This is a sponsored post.

Update: So Butterflies, it's been a little over three months since I told you guys that I was going to try out the new SLIMQUICK Pure Extra Strength Gummies, well I did and I had an ok experience. Chewing the gummies takes some getting use to, making better meal choices and moving your body defiantly helps with getting  results. I only lost about ten pounds this time and I'm sure it's because I wasn't as active as I should have been and I had more cheat days than I should have.

I've tried and really liked the original SLIMQUICK products in the past so much that I had absolutely no hesitation when it came to trying the new SLIMQUICK Pure Extra Strength Gummies. SLIMQUICK is honestly the only over the counter weight lost supplement that I've actually saw results with. I followed their meal suggestions, got more active and took the supplements as directed which worked great for me. I lost over twenty pounds following this routine in the past.

Bargain Shopper: Save Money at GNC with the ibotta App!

It's amazing to see the changes ibotta has made since I join a few years ago. I was able to save a few bucks on my most recent purchase at GNC using the ibotta app. I picked up some gummy vitamins for my little princess and the Super Colon Cleanse I have been wanting to try; combined both supplements would have been about $32 but they came out to about $24 with my "Gold Member Card" (typing that just made me want to see all of the Austin Powers movies again lol) and minus the $6 from ibotta, I really only came out of pocket about $26 which is much better than paying regular price. Cheers to saving $!

Want to join ibotta? Click here to get started saving today and check out my "What is Ibotta?" post for more information about money saving app.

Wellness: Rushmore Superfoods | REvive

Hey Butterflies! I'm super excited I have a new review for you via the Rushmore (Essentials) Superfoods company. REvive is a 100% juice & puree, nutritional supplement made up of 21 Super Fruits and Green Tea extracts with no preservatives and no added sugar. REvive is a natural energy drink that gives you the boast of energy you need to make it through the day using natural antioxidants. In a nutshell I think this stuff not only tastes pretty good (which is a plus) but it's very nutritional. Check out the full line of REvive products at drinkre.com.

no preservatives, no added sugar, and 100% juice & puree - See more at: http://drinkre.com/products/revive/#sthash.eIf0Rpx2.dpuf

no preservatives, no added sugar, and 100% juice & puree - See more at: http://drinkre.com/products/revive/#sthash.eIf0Rpx2.dpuf

no preservatives, no added sugar, and 100% juice & puree - See more at: http://drinkre.com/products/revive/#sthash.eIf0Rpx2.dpuf

no preservatives, no added sugar, and 100% juice & puree - See more at: http://drinkre.com/products/revive/#sthash.eIf0Rpx2.dpuf

no preservatives, no added sugar, and 100% juice & puree - See more at: http://drinkre.com/products/revive/#sthash.eIf0Rpx2.dpuf

no preservatives, no added sugar, and 100% juice & puree - See more at: http://drinkre.com/products/revive/#sthash.eIf0Rpx2.dpuf

Wellness: KeVita Probiotic Drinks - Lemon Cayenne Cleanse

This is a sponsored post.

I recently tired two of the KeVita brand Sparkling Probiotic certified organic vegan beverages; the Strawberry Acai Coconut and the Daily Lemon Cayenne Cleanse. They retail at about $3 or $4 per bottle and are pretty hard to find, but not really. The closest store to me that carries the KeVita brand was a store that I don't really shop at that often and is ten + miles away. I found this product near the produce department.

Anyway, on to the good stuff; the Strawberry Acai Coconut was first up and I have to say it has a surprising taste. If I had to compare it to something I guess I would say it tastes like a lightly flavored club soda (if that makes sense). There are several things I love about these drinks such as the fact that they're handcrafted, gluten free, only five calories, Non-GMO, contains four strains of live probiotics and Blue Ocean Full-Spectrum Minerals. The only thing I didn't like about these drinks at first is the taste (takes some getting use to) and having to drive all over town to get them.

I was really ecstatic about trying the Daily Lemon Cayenne Cleanse. I researched the lemon cayenne master cleanse a few years ago (it was a huge weight loss/management trend then) and I was really interested in trying it but never did. Similar to the Strawberry Acai Coconut drink, the KeVita Daily Lemon Cayenne Cleanse also has the club soda taste with a hint of lemon and a lot of cayenne. The cayenne in the Daily Lemon Cayenne Cleanse actually burnt the back of my throat a little at first gulp.

Check out my KeVita Probiotic Drinks YouTube video below!

Click HERE to locate your nearest KeVita retailer.

Pink Punching Tower - Only $9.99!

Punching Tower (Red or Fuchsia) Only $9.99!

Take your home workout to the next level with this Punching Tower! It's available in Red or Fuchsia and is just $9.99 (reg. $39.99) at Tanga.com!

 

Wellness: Fitness Survey LinkUp w/SheCooksSheCraftsSheRuns

I'm joining a blogger buddy of mines at She Cooks, She Crafts, She Runs for a Fitness Survey linkup! Check out my fitness habits (good & bad) below!

1.  What did you eat for breakfast?
     Oatmeal w/Nuts

 2.  How much water do you drink a day?
     50-70oz
 
3.  What is your current favorite workout?
      Squats and old fashion walking!
 
4.  How many calories do you eat a day?
     I have no idea, I tried a few times (without success) to track my calorie intake but honestly I don't have the time.
 
5.  What are your favorite healthy snacks?
     Fruit...grapes, apples, strawberries, watermelon, cantaloupe, dew melon, pineapples, peaches, plums, and etc. lol
 
6.  What do you usually eat for lunch?
     Whatever's leftover from dinner or a salad.
 
7.  What is your favorite body part to strength train?
     Legs!
 
8.  What is your least favorite body part to strength train?
     My arms and they need it the most.
 
9. What are your “bad” food cravings? 
    Cheese (anything), Dr. Pepper and occasionally chocolate but mostly CHEESE!!!!
 
10. Do you take vitamins or supplements?
      Yes, daily! I'm a vitamin junkie lol

 11. How often do you eat out?
     Maybe 2-3 a month. 

12. Do you eat fast food? 
     Occasionally, maybe once or twice a month which is very good considering I use to eat it  2-3 times a day.

13. Who is your biggest supporter?
      Myself and my hubby when he's not working.

14. Do you have a gym membership?
      Yes!

15. How many hours of sleep do you get a night?
      5-7 on a good night, sometimes it's hard to turn my brain off.

16. Do you have a “cheat” day? 
      No, denying myself something is just going to make me want it even more so I just enjoy it in moderation.

17. Do you drink alcohol?
      YES!!!! Check out a few of my drink recipes here.

18. Do you have a workout buddy?
      My daughter walks with me occasionally but for the most part NO :-(

19. What is the best thing that has changed about your life since committing to a healthy lifestyle?
      I cook more, have more energy, love eating veggies and drinking water.

20. What was the last healthy thing you did?
       I had a glass of water even though I was craving a Dr. Pepper.
       

21. What are your favorite shoes to work out in?

      These lightweight flex sneakers I pick up for $15 bucks two years ago. They're very comfy!

 

22.  Photo of your favorite workout outfit

      I don't really have a favorite workout outfit I normally go with whatever's clean and comfortable (I keep it simple like that) under my sweat suit but for the most part I'm always in black, it's one of my two favorite colors. I bet you can't guess what my other favorite color is? 

Women's Health & Fitness Expo Houston - Sat. June 22nd

Event Details

Check out the Women's Health & Fitness Expo Houston. Enjoy fitness workshops, nutrition seminars, product sampling, demonstrations and entertainment. There will be back to school immunizations for the kids and fun for the whole family! The event is FREE to the public.

Saturday, June 22, 2013

10:00a- 7:00p

Reliant Park Center

One Reliant Park

Houston, TX 77054

Please RSVP at www.womensfitnessexpo.eventbrite.com

Links: Official Website

 

Life Update: Weight Lost Journey - 12 Week Update

Here's my update.....

Although it has not been easy over the last six weeks I have kept up the cooking at home and working out at the gym and at home but according to my scale I haven't loss anything since the 12 lbs, what's up with that? Any advice?


Sorry no pictures, they got deleted by mistake :-(

Life Update: Weight Lost Journey - 6 Week Update

Here's my update.....

So far I'm down 12 lbs, I'm cooking more at home and I'm keeping up with my workouts. I love the feeling I get after a hard workout and the amount of energy working out has given me is amazing. I think I'm in love with working out!

Sorry, pics were lost.

VPX-Redline’s Triple Berry Energy Drink

Let me start by saying I don't drink energy drinks that often because most of them are loaded with caffeine and sugar (two things I'm trying to avoid) but some days I need one to get me through the day since I'm not a big coffee drinker. Anyway, I have been looking for a new energy drink for a while now and I finally decided to try out one of the VPX-Redline drinks. The flavor I tried was the Triple Berry; I like the taste, it’s not too sweet in fact it tasted like flavored water to me. Its suppose to give you energy and aid with weight loss. Does it work? Not really sure if it's aiding my weight loss (because I have a large and very intensive daily routine) but I did notice I have been able to increase my work out time at the gym since I started drinking these.

They come in a package of four 8oz bottles with 2 servings per bottles. Flavors include: Strawberry Lemonade, Watermelon Kiwi, Triple Berry, Grape, and Peach Mango.The cost per bottle is a little on the high side, average cost is about $2.50 per bottle but of course this may vary. I purchased my first bottle at the gym where I workout and it was $3.50. They can be purchased by the case at your local nutrition or health food store or at VPXSPORTS.COM. Not sure how much longer my budget will allow me to continue using this product but for now I give it a 4 out 5! Have you tried any of the Redline drinks? If so please share your experience in the comment section below!

Life Update: My 2011 Weight Lost Journey

                                                                                                                                                       

It's official! On today Tuesday, December 13th, 2011 I decided that I have put getting in shape off for far too long and it was time to do something about it, so I decided to get back in the gym. Here's a few of me earlier 2011 at my heaviest. How did I gain weight? Life happened!
                                                
I became pregnant with my daughter my freshman year of college so on top of my "Freshmen 15" I gained baby fat, then I started working a 9-5 office job (sitting on my behind), needless to say I gained more weight. I got married, I got older, my daughter got older, and life just got extremely busy for me to the point where cooking at home was no longer important to me. I realize now that had I made the choice to exercise regularly and eat healthy back them I could have minimized my weight gain.

                                                                               

Making the choice to eat healthy is a very hard one, most of the time I find that the healthy stuff just doesn’t taste as good as the "bad stuff" but as they say everything that glitters ain't gold. My first healthy food step will be to minimize the amount of fast food I intake and then eliminate it from my diet all together. I plan to cook more at home by trying different recipes, eat more fresh fruits and veggies and drink more water. I plan to workout daily for the first two weeks and then 4 days a week after that for at least 2-3 hours.

                                        

My first goal is to lose 30lbs or more, then I plan to lose 50 more and then 50 more and then finally 20-30 more lbs to finish my weight lost plan. Once I'm at my desired weight I plan to keep it that way by keeping up with my workout regiment and continuing to eat healthy. I want to do everything naturally and I’m extremely confident that I can do it. I’m taking care of me now! I’ll post an update of my progress in a few weeks.

XOXO

Mika Dione B.

Celebrity Post: Weight Loss Edition

Have you seen the gorgeous Raven Symone lately? Hollywood actress and celebrity Raven Symone showed up at this year’s People’s Choice Awards looking notable slimmer. This truly makes me smile! I love to see beautiful young women happy and achieving their goals. Although they may never admit it the majority of today's society looks up to public figures such as celebrities a great deal. The initiative that these individuals are taking to improve their health and physical appearance is inspiring.

This I know is providing positive conversation and motivation to all of us who are taking the initiative to live healthier lives. I must say I was inspired; I’m exercising and eating healthier. Who knew living a healthy life style could be this easy? I’m super happy for you Raven, Jennifer, Queen, Mo'Nique and everyone else who's on the right track! Much more success to you!

   

Raven

Mo'Nique

Jennifer