Being Backed Up

Being Backed Up

Alright. After my computer was unplugged and then straight up jacked from me I haven't posted since August. I am ashamed and incomplete. Enough of feeling the winter blues and enough with the self pity I'm back and I'm here to talk to you about every ones favourite topic this time of year.

Getting back in shape.  Right?  Well since every ones talking about that I'm gonna talk about another issue. Let me introduce to you 'being backed up'... You know, when you haven't gone to the washroom in a few days and the scale totally proves that you need to go #2?  I know after a good holiday binge I'm not the only one noticing this so here we have some natural ways to help push the crap outta your body...litteraly.  This, along with healthy eating and some exercise will be sure to assist in you reaching your goals this year.

1. Vitamin C.
One of the best detoxing vitamins there is.  Citrus fruit can help kick your digestive track in the butt.  Slice up a lemon and throw it in a glass of water, eat an orange on the way to work, whatever it is, just do it and let the detoxifying agents do their thing.

2. Raw virgin coconut oil.
Improving bowel functions and digestion, coconut oil can be used to saute veggies for a light stir fry or even used instead of regular oil to pop popcorn as a low cal snack.

3. Avocado.

Slice up this cancer fighting treat over a fresh green salad and receive 30% of your daily fibre needs.  Not only is this a delicious way of adding substance to an otherwise known as 'boring' salad and also will aid in improving skin tone.


4. Cabbage.
Cabbage binds waste in the colon making it easier to pass.  If you normally have issues with this adding cabbage to a meal 2-3 times a week can change this.  Throw a handful of chopped cabbage in a soup, stew, casserole, or make a side of coleslaw.  This veggie is hardly noticed when cooked into another dish.

5. Pears and Guava 
Though I have not tried this one myself I have read several times that shortly after eating one of these fruits you'll have a bowel movement.

Well it's lunch time so I'm going to indulge in a juicy pear followed by coleslaw topped with a semi firm avocado.

Bye bye for now ;)

Vega Shake & Go Smoothie Review

I have a shake every morning for breakfast,  I have a shake after a work out and sometimes for a snack instead of eating a bowl of chips I have....a shake.   When you make a shake there are endless possibilities of what goes in it.  That can be a great thing or if your counting calories it can be a bad thing.

I got to try the Vega Shake & Go Smoothie for the first time this last week.
 Vega Shake & Go Smoothie

Each smoothie is 100 Calories, 2 servings of veggies, 2500 ml Omega 3,6,9 and 11g protein.
They come in 4 flavors. The Choc-a-lot which was great I wished I had mixed it with some skim milk to make chocolate milk but I wasn't thinking :) I also tried the Tropical Tango.  I was surprisingly full after and not still wanting something else to eat.

The main thing I love about this is that its vegan and only 100 calories.  For someone who counts everything they eat its nice knowing I can keep one of these in my purse or gym bag and have it with out feeling guilty after.  Its extremely convenient as well.

These will definitely be a staple in my house now :)   They are great!

***Fit Lips Review & Giveaway*** CLOSED

Fit lips is 100% natural Canadian-made lip balm.  It was created in the kitchen by the owner Fernanda Lazzoro then brought to a lab in Vancouver to make her dream come true.  The tin containers are 100% recyclable as well and can be re-used as mini storage containers :)

They come in vanilla, peppermint and unscented.  All which are fabulous but my personal favorite is the peppermint.   I brought them to work with me for the girls to try and they all loved them.  Its smooth, and not goopy at all and it leaves your lips feeling really smooth instead of dry after like some other balms. They also work well with other lip products.

Website:
www.fitlips.com

The Giveaway:
3 lucky winners will receive some lip balm from Fit lips.

Rules:

This contest if open for Canadians only.
It will run from Aug 10- Aug19.
The winner will be chosen through random.org.

Manditory Entry:

Visit Fitlips website and tell me something you learned

Fitlips

Extra Entry's (Please leave a separate comment for each entry)
1. Follow this blog via Google Friend Connect - 2 entries
2. Tweet about this giveaway - 2 entries
3. Blog, Fb or Post about this giveaway - 2 entries

Blue Berry Recovery Smoothie

Blue Berry Recovery Smoothie

.5 C frozen blueberry's
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
1 C skim milk
1 scoop glutamine
.25 C raw oatmeal
Water if you like it not as thick. 

Makes 1 smoothie
Calories per smoothie 335
Takes 5 mins to make.

Why this is so good for an after work out power drink?

 

During an intense workout the glutamine levels in your muscles are depleted.  Since glutamine is the most common amino acid in your muscles it is important to refuel after a strenuous work out.  Adding glutamine into a shake with in 30 mins of exercise can help restore strength, stamina and recovery times.  It also helps your body metabolize fat and build new muscles.

Roasted Asparagus With Poached Egg

Roasted Asparagus With Poached Egg
2 pounds asparagus
4 eggs
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp Parmesan cheese
Salt and Pepper to taste
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp white vinegar

Lay asparagus on baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil, balsamic and season with salt and pepper.
Bake at 450 for 15 mins.
Poach 4 eggs.
If you dont know how to poach an egg (like me until yesterday) this is a helpful vid:
How to poach an egg

Divide asparagus onto 4 plates.  Place on egg over each bunch and sprinkle with parm.

Takes 25 mins
Makes 4 servings
Calories: 210

Oneka Elements Review

 I received a bottle of the lavender shampoo, conditioner and body wash.  I am allergic to most body washes and know within half an hour after showering weather I can use it again or not.  So I showered right away and was more than happy that I had no reaction.


Ive fried my hair in the last few months using at home hair dye in an attempt to save some money.  Ive tried several shampoos since December to try to make my hair soft again.  Normally after I shampoo my hair and I go to use conditioner its like I'm rubbing conditioner into a bail of hay.  I used the shampoo and rinsed it out and my hair was actually soft.  After conditioning it and drying it my hair was smooth, soft and actually felt lighter than it has in the past few months even though I'm long over due for a hair cut! And... I could still smell a hint of lavender.

I could do with out the fact that my scalp gets flaky this time of year.  I usually buy a certain conditioner that costs $35 to treat it.  I have had a completely flake free scalp since  using this shampoo and conditioner. The shampoo is safe on colored hair which is important because 80% of women color their hair these days! They are also safe for kids as they are very gentle. 

I love the fact that the products are made with 100% biodegradable ingredients so we aren't polluting the water when we use them.  The smell is great.  Its not a chemically altered smell, its refreshing and natural just like a lavender plant. The products are made in Canada and are made with Certified Organic extracts.  Being a vegetarian I love the fact that they are vegan friendly!

To see more:
http://www.onekaelements.com/

Mango Salsa

Mango Salsa 

1 mango - diced
3 tbsp cilantro - chopped
1 jalapeno - diced
Juice from half a lemon
Juice from 1 lime
2 tbsp red onion

Mix all together, add in lemon and lime juice and let sit in fridge for at least 30 mins.
This is a simple, healthy recipe which is great over a bbq salmon!

Takes 10 mins to make.
8 servings.
Calories: 23