The Best Way to Lose Weight: Diet vs. Exercise

Let's spend the next few days discussing the TRUTH about weight-loss!  What do you think about that?

We'll start with a popular topic.  Whether you want to shed a couple of pounds or drop 20, the decision must be made:  HOW?  The 2 key components to weight-loss are diet and exercise, and the debate about which is more effective has been around a lonnng time.  I'm not sure why it's even a debate anymore, because let me tell you: the research is clear!  Although choosing either diet OR exercise as a means to lose weight can be effective, choosing a combination of the two will speed up the process AND {according to an abundance of research} gives LASTING results!

DID YOU KNOW:

Your chances of losing weight and KEEPING IT OFF increase drastically when diet AND exercise are both addressed.

Only 5% of those who cut calories without increasing their activity level are able to keep the weight off....and weight fluctuation is a common obstacle amongst this group. (this is so unhealthy!...but we'll discuss that later...) Of those who choose exercise only, only 1% are able to reach their weight-loss goals and maintain their weight for at least 6 months. WOW.

So, bottom line:  If you want/need to lose weight, there are 2 things you need to do!  Change up your eating habits AND increase your activity level!  It's about calories in vs. calories out! (also to be discussed at a later date!)

--Peace.Health.RoxyB!!

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Food Blogs!!

Okay.  I have to share 2 superrrrr great food blogs.  2 girls I went to high school with author the blogs and although they're both AWESOME, they're super different :)  You should DEF check them both out!

Joy is a big timer in the food/cooking world!  Seriously.  I am amazed at the recognition she's received and at the opportunities she has been given because of her mad cooking skeeeels. :) {She was even featured on the front page of foodgawker today!!}  I can't say that all of her recipes are healthy options, but I am recommending her because she HAS shared some healthy stuff in the past, but has dedicated herself to HEALTH-CONSCIOUS cooking for 2011!  Yay!!  Check out Joy @ Joylicious.

Kim was in choir with me and from what I understand, she started her blog after she got married to document her adventures in cooking for her hubs.  Um...she's got some killer recipes and the vast majority of them are healthy healthy!  YAY!  Check out Kim's cooking prowess at Prestocook!!

--Peace.Health.RoxyB!!

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Sweet Tooth!!

Well.  If you know me at all, you know that I have a masssiiivvve sweet tooth.  My fav foods are cookies, cupcakes, hershey bars, milk shakes...you get the idea :)  Anyway, because sweets (particularly baked goods!) bring JOY to my life, I am constantly on the lookout for healthier versions of said foods :)  Because, you see, there ARE healthier versions.  This is why I don't preach absolution when it comes to eating habits.  As long as the vast majority of your diet is centered around clean & nutritious foods, I am ALL for indulging in the evils of cookies & cupcakes, because I truly believe they add some much needed pleasure to our days!  BUT, save calories where you can when preparing these foods!

Please please PLEASE share your fav "healthified" recipes with me!  There are SO many ways to prepare our fav baked yummies using substitutions and twists that lessen the calories, and up the nutrition level!  Help a sister out!  I've got a chocolate chip cookie recipe and a white chocolate strawberry oatmeal cookie recipe that I will be sharing later this week!  YUM!

--Peace. Health. RoxyB!!

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New Running Shoes

I am absolutely LOVING my new Nikes.  I've been dying to get a pair of Nike Frees.  Finally got a version of them.  YES.  They rock.  Just need some fun/funky shoe laces to finish them off.  What better reason to work out than to sport a gorgeous  new pair of shoes??  Try it.  I highly recommend.

--Peace. Health. RoxyB!!

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Warrior Dash!! Don't be scurrd...

Okay people.  Sign up for the Warrior Dash.  ASAP.  If you're in the DFW, come run with ME!!

I would by no means consider myself a runner.  I love physical activity, but running ranks WAY low on my personal preference list :)  If you're like me....SIGN UP FOR WARRIOR DASH!  It's running w/ a twist!  What's not to love about a 3.24 mile course with 11 crazy obstacles (mud, tired, hills, water, etc) scattered throughout that you can conquer in the company your friends!?

I've never done it, but have wanted to get into Adventure Racing for years.  Maybe this will be my big start?  I'll let you know how it goes...

Seriously though.  Sign up.  I can't think of a cooler/more social way to burn some calories!!

--Peace.Health.RoxyB

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Grilled Chicken Apple Spinach Salad

 This is a great dinner for those of you honoring your "carb curfew".  It's bursting with freshness, while providing a mouthful of nutrients AND deliciousness!  The greens are offset by the sweetness of the apple and the carrots give it a nice but subtle little crunch.  YUM! :)

Grilled Chicken Apple Spinach Salad:

{serves one}

-3 cups fresh spinach

-1 apple peeled (yes, with a peeler)

-2 carrots peeled
-1/2 cucumber sliced super-thin

-1 grilled chicken breast (season the chicken to keep from needing a dressing!)

- toss in bowl and ENJOY!  

**TIP:  If your chicken isn't nice & juicy, the salad may seem a bit dry...even with the apples!  Add a tsp or so of balsamic or red wine vinegar to moisten it up!

-Peace. Health. RoxyB!!

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Banana Ice Cream!! (guilt-free style!)

 BANANA ICE CREAM

1.  Peel 2 over-ripe bananas (no green whatsoever)
2. Place in Ziploc and leave in freezer for 24 hours minimum
3. Remove bananas from freezer and immediately place in food processor
4. Blend on high until smooth & fluffy (approx 2 min)
5. Scoop into bowl & enjoy!

All natural.
Dairy Free.
No added Sugar.
Easiest. Thing. EVER.

*BONUS TIP*

If plain banana flavor doesn't do it for you, try adding a bit of peanut butter or honey once the bananas are blended smooth!

--Peace. Health. RoxyB!!

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