I did something last night I would tell my friends NEVER to do...

I bought a dress that's too small. I don't need to lose 20 lbs to wear it- but it won't look great until I'm at least 5-10 pounds lighter. It was love at first sight. It's a classic LBD with delicate detailing and cut and gorgeous fabric. And it fits- it's just too tight in the hips/butt area. I'm making it my my official goal dress.  AND...  I'm going to post a picture of myself wearing it on the blog by New Years Eve.  Ok. Now that I've typed it- it's official. 
So... considering this is the holiday season of indulgence in food, drinks and excess... how exactly do I plan to do this?
Get My Buff Arms Back.  Once upon a time I used to flex excitedly and make Chris feel my arms after a workout.  Now, I flex and nothing happens... back to Bar Method for me.  Never EVER have I had anything firm up my arms (and rest of body) as much as that workout.  It's an expensive commitment to make, especially during this gifting season- but I'm considering it my gift to myself this year!
Plan Ahead.  For me- the number one thing that determines if I'm eating right or not is how much planning I've done in advance.  If I don't have healthy snack/meal options on hand it's SO much easier and tempting to just stop for takeout on the way home or grab a pack of peanut m&ms to get through the afternoon.  I am going to do a major TJs run and get all my healthy "necessities" and at least 4 healthy meals for the week.
Don't Give in To Stuff I Don't Love. During the holidays sugar is everywhere! Cookies, candy, fudge, cakes- it's all tempting.  But when it comes to desserts- I know what I like.  For this holiday season, I'm NOT going to eat sugary stuff just because it's there.  I'll allow myself a few of my holiday favorites (Russian tea cake cookies- I have not forgotten you) but I'm not going to eat things like gingersnaps, or pecan pie just because they are in front of me.
That's my plan so far.  No crazy diet- just mindful eating and working out.  It always works- it just takes commitment to stick to it. I think having a reason or goal to help you "be good" during this holiday season is important.  Does anyone else have any good holiday diet tips? Am I crazy for buying the dress?
XO
Chel

Cyber Monday DEALS.com

This is not health related- but some of you who know me well are aware of my slight shopping addiction. Specifically with a focus on SALES/DEALS. 
Here are the best cyber Monday offers I've seen so far- all of them are valid today ONLY- so get shopping!
The Limited: 40% off entire site and free shipping (great work clothes/jewelry/scarves)
Ann Taylor Loft: 40% off entire site and free shipping. Code: ENJOY (same as above- some cute sweaters!)
The Body Shop: 3 for $30 ANY products on their site and free shipping (amazing body butters/scrubs and I also like their sheer lip colors)
DSW: 25% off entire purchase and free ship over $35.  Promo code is: cyber25 (Riding boots anyone??)
Kate Spade: 25% off their sale items and free shipping. Code is CYBER25 (They have a BIG sale selection and some really affordable bags once you factor in the discount)
New York & Co: 50% off entire purchase and free shipping! I don't normally shop this store- but with a sale like that I checked it out this past weekend.  They had some great basics & accessories and CHEAP prices.
Macys: Buy one get one pair free BOOTS.  Love this. Buy a gift and one for yourself :)
Steve Madden: another shoe deal! 35% off and free shipping. Code is SMCYBER35. They have FUN sparkily shoes for the holidays.
Endless.com: $30 off purchase of $100, $60 off $200 or $100 off $300.  They have a great selection of designer handbags, shoes and accessories.
Ok- that's all.  I am actually FINISHED Christmas shopping already.  Which is good- but now I have to resist continuing to shop! I will live vicariously and share my deals with you :) Happy Shopping!
XO
Chel
PS. You burn 75 to 100 calories an hour just SHOPPING! Oh wait... online shopping probably doesn't count...

Summer in November

What to cook when it's 96 degrees in November?? Yesterday I was driving home from a work trip in LA in my cool air conditioned car brainstorming the great dinner I wanted to make when I got home. It involved sausage, pasta and homemade sauce deliciousness! As I ran my plan by Chris he said "you realize it's about a hundred degrees in our house right now?" ... all thoughts of winter comfort food were out the window. 
So- I did the next easiest thing- www.samthecookingguy.com on my blackberry and a trip to Whole Foods.  It's an unbeatable combination.
I went for the Tuna Mango Tacos-and here is the VERY simple and healthy recipe.

• 1 ripe mango, diced small
• 2 tablespoons red onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/4 fresh lime, squeezed
• 3/4 pound yellow fin tuna, uncooked and diced medium (I substituted albacore because they didn't have yellow fin tuna)
• 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (I used a spicy fish blackening seasoning we brought back from Charleston)
• corn tortillas
• 1 tablespoon oil 
• (my addition) half of a diced ripe avocado- added to the mango salsa topping.
• (my addition) 2 tbs of salsa added to the mango. 

Mix first 4 Ingredients and set aside
Heat oil to almost high
In medium pan and add tuna
Saute quickly & when almost done stir in seasoning
Put in a warmed tortilla and add mango salsa
That's all - ok, so it wouldn't kill you to add a little extra squeeze of fresh lime
It was so good! And I paired it with two fun sides from Whole Foods (their deli counter is a trap for me!) I got a cucumber greek salad and a grilled veggie cous cous, both of which we ate cold.  Served with a glass of chilled white wine and an episode of Modern Family...  it was heaven after a long hot day. 
Happy Weekend!
XO
Chel
PS- Sam the Cooking Guy is a GREAT local cook who offers the simplest recipes.  Every one I've tried has been delicious (Kate's Mom's Salmon is a favorite) and never excessive ingredient lists. I highly recommend checking them out.

Who Do You Want To Be?

“Life is not about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.” – Anonymous
Isn't that a great quote? Think about it for a minute. Really- why would your "self" just be out there floating around waiting for you to discover it? Doesn't it make more sense to think that you are creating who you are every single day with each choice and action?


If you look at your life this way- it's amazing how many more possiblites open up. Imagine if instead of stressing and searching for fulfillment from external sources- you woke up each day and took steps toward becoming the person you want to be. Imagine the difference you could make. 
How is this food related? Think about it- our bodies are one of the few things that we have 100% control over. You decide everything you put in your mouth, you determine when and how often you exercise. Most of us have a goal in mind when it comes to a healthy lifestyle, whether it's losing 10 lbs or fitting into your skinny jeans. Figure out what your goal is and then make the choices that will help you get there.

Create your own mission statement.  Who do you want to be? The potential is unlimited.  
XO
Chel

Surviving Candy Land! Halloween Strategy....

Yikes it has been a month since my last blog! It truly has been a crazy busy month of work, fun, healthy eating, non healthy eating, and just general life getting in the way!
But Halloween is practically here- and I wanted to pass on a few quick tips to help get you through the holiday!
Tip #1 Don't Buy Candy.  UNLESS you get a lot of tricker treaters in which case- buy a candy you DONT LIKE, and buy it THE DAY OF Halloween. Make sense? If it's not there- you can't eat it.  I once had a Halloween where I ate an entire bag of Reece's Peanut Butter Cups in the week prior to the actual holiday.  I had to buy more candy.  Embarrassing to admit- but true story.
Tip #2 Let Your Costume Motivate You.  If you fall in my age range- 20 to early 30 somethings- and you don't have children, chances are you are dressing up as "sexy" something.  "Sexy" nurse, bunny, Chilean Miner- you get the gist.  A cute outfit, minus coverage.  So- buy your outfit in advance and hang it in the front of your closet where every morning you are reminded that you want to make it look good!
Tip #3 Treat Yourself- In Moderation.  Easier said then done, but chances are you aren't going to be eating carrots on Halloween night.  Choose a number of pieces to eat and stick with it.  Enjoy them- don't gulp them down.
Tip #4 Read the Label. There is such a thing as "better for you" candy.  It's not stuff to eat 24/7 but check the nutrition labels of candy before making your pics.  Tootsie Rolls, candy corn, 3 Musketeers Bars, Now N Laters, Gummy Candy are all COMPARATIVELY lower fat and calories than their popular candy counterparts. 
Ok- that's all I've got!  Good luck this weekend and remember- even if for some incomprehensible reason you ignore my tips and give in to a candy binge this weekend- wars were not won or lost in a day.  That goes for healthy eating too. Forget the guilt and start fresh and healthy the next day!
XO
Chel
PS. Happy Bday Natty! Love you!

Mood Swings Got You Down?

Disclaimer- this is an article I wrote for one of the Health & Fitness websites I do content writing for- but they rejected it because they wanted less "natural" ways to prevent more mood swings and more supplements- so their loss = your gain :) Enjoy! 

A common problem for dieters is dealing with mood swings. A change in diet affects more than just your weight, it impacts your entire body including your mental health. Whether you've started a new diet, or simply feel like your emotional ups and downs have become a challenge for you to manage, natural supplements can be a great fix. Below are 5 natural supplements that can help prevent mood swings to keep you happy and healthy.

Sleep

Before considering supplements, take an evaluation of your current lifestyle.  Are you getting enough sleep? No supplement in the world can fix a mood swing problem if it’s caused by a deficiency of your bodies physical needs.  Sleep is one of them. The average adult needs between 7-9 hours per night.  Mood Swing Fix: Pay attention to how many hours of sleep you are getting and make sleep a priority on your to-do list.

Exercise

Exercise is a great natural mood booster!  The happy floating feeling of accomplishment you have after a tough workout, you’re not imagining it.  Exercise boosts the body’s natural endorphins which elevate the mood and leave you with a positive feeling that can last for hours. Mood Swing Fix: When you feel a bad mood coming on, lace up your running shoes and hit the gym.  Changes are you’ll feel better and at least more accomplished when you return.

Diet

What are you eating? Often times mood swings are actually our brains reaction to a blood sugar crash caused by eating processed, high sugar foods. Whole grain natural foods are less likely to have this effect.  Another dietary suggestion is get your leafy greens! Veggies are good for your body, but your mental state as well due to their folate content which is essential in the production of serotonin, a “feel good” chemical in the brain. Mood Swing Fix: Try cutting sugars and processed foods out of your diet for a week and see if your mood stabilizes.

Ok- so you’re sleeping 8 hours, working out, have your diet in check and are still moody? The following two natural supplements have been shown to have an impact on mood stabilization. 

5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) is an amino acid with the main purpose of increasing serotonin productivity in the brain. The recommended dosing is 50-300 milligrams per day with effectiveness seen after two to three weeks.  A second herbal alternative is St. Johns Wart, a mood supporting supplement that has been around for decades and has shown great effectiveness in improving general mood and relieving the symptoms of depression.  Both 5-HTP and St Johns Wart are prescribed as prescription drugs in Europe, unlike the US where they are sold as herbal remedies commonly found at a health food store and are not subject to FDA regulation. Be cautious and make sure you are purchasing a high quality product and that if you plan to take either with existing prescription drugs; you run it by your doctor first. Mood Swing Fix: Talk to your doc if you are considering either of these and be sure to give them a few weeks to take full effect.

Don't Go it Alone... Host a Healthy Cooking Party!

Having a support system for weight loss is key.  What better way to motivate the people around you and share great diet "best practices" than by hosting a health focused cooking party and recipe exchange? Check out my article on how to plan one of these fun events here: 
http://www.3fatchicks.com/hosting-a-cooking-party-with-weight-loss-recipes/
XO
Chel