Dairy Detox Update

So! I have been dairy free for over a month now, and I must say that I have had little to no difficulty with the switch. Sure, I kick myself when I'm dying to indulge in a vanilla soft serve cone here and there, but thanks to Rita's Italian Ice and some great ice cream substitutes, I make out just fine. My gas/bloating problem is under control, which is a big relief. And, my dairy detox has come with some surprising health benefits!

Last fall, as a product of being on my feet for many hours a day without shoes, karate over the years, and Zumba, I was getting regular discomfort in my feet, particularly between my third and fourth toes towards the ball of my foot. I would also experience numbness in my toes when the pain was especially obvious. After fighting it for about a month, I finally went to a podiatrist. She explained that I had inflammation between my toe joints due to lack of support. So, I immediately began wearing shoes at work and increased the support for my arch (which has been a chronic issue since my teenage years) with an insole. The pain/discomfort/numbness definitely decreased, but did not altogether disappear...until I removed dairy products from my diet.

Milk is a known allergen that can trigger an inflammatory response. Consequently, I have seen vast improvements in the pain in my foot. Sure, it didn't miraculously heal my acute injury, and I still have flares from time to time when I have been especially hard on my feet. Nevertheless, it is worlds better than it was back in October.

Also, as you know from my older posts, I have been combating rosecea, merely assuming it to be a byproduct of my "old age." Since my detox, the redness in my cheeks has reduced dramatically. I no longer need makeup to cover the red nor even out my skin tone. My skin is beautiful and healthy looking like it used to be! I am thrilled!!

Needless to say, I am very happy with my decision and the positive effects it has had on my overall health. Since I was walking tall (literally and figuratively) with such great results and ever so passionate about health and fitness, I plunged a bit further.

Now, my diet is predominantly vegetarian but with the allowance of fish. Truly, it happened naturally. Most of my diet in the last few years has centered around fruits and vegetables. And, as I take lunch to work with me every day, it is easy to control what I eat. Several months ago, after a rather prolonged IBS flare, my husband resolved to not eat as much red meat. I have never been a huge fan of red meat. Sure, I'll eat it, but given the choice between chicken and beef, I'll take the chicken. Regardless, after removing beef from our diet, he saw improvements quickly. Now, after removing meat almost entirely, his IBS problems have been non-existent. This is HUGE. Ever since I have known Jon, he has battled with IBS (at times quite literally). To not have to deal with this ailment is a true blessing. 

My husband and I often talk about how to take a proactive and healthy approach to our lives. Health and fitness are important to us, and we want to not just talk the talk when we are on the gym or dojo floor, but walk the walk, too. Truthfully, we do it for ourselves, not so much for those we are an example to. But, we enjoy knowing that we have integrity with what we encourage others to strive for.

In our quest for healthier living, I came across this book and highly recommend it, The Flexitarian Diet by Dawn Jackson Blatner. This book has a great approach whether you're looking just to tweak your diet or overhaul it completely. There is no pressure. The recipes are simple, easy, and allow for meat if you want it. It includes easy "swaps" to take out all the guesswork - if you're not a fan of bean, use chicken, beef, or fish; if you can't have cheese, use avocado. It is so user friendly and able to be modified according to your natural palette preferences. I have made many of the recipes and have a list of those I am dying to try. It includes 35 breakfasts, 35 lunches, 35 dinners, and 35 snacks - a 5 week plan that you can pick and choose from as you wish. Definitely a cookbook worth getting.

As I said, I am more than happy with the results of my new diet. I extend a great big "Thank You!" to my sister who has been a vegetarian for 2 years and is a great resource to call upon when in need of advice or ideas for a great recipe. I applaud my husband who has been the beef king for so long as he continues to take a more proactive and thoughtful approach to his diet and overall lifestyle. And, I encourage everyone to live a life that allows you to be exactly the kind of person you want to be. As SELF magazine often says, "Be your best SELF." You're the only YOU this world will ever know. :)

Dairy Detox

In an effort to improve my quality of living, I began a new quest this week. "Why would a 26-year old children's gymnastics, fitness, and Zumba instructor need to improve their quality of living?" You ask. Well, you see, I have a problem, a gaseous problem. Every day, I am plagued by flatulence. Not so much the comedic, nonchalant toot, but of the silent and extremely deadly variety.

Thankfully, I work with children, so it is easy to avoid responsibility and allow the child next to me to take the blame for any unpleasant smells. Not a few times have I passed wind and a parent subsequently picked up their child to smell his/her rear to see if he/she has dirtied his/her diaper. However, what took the cake this week was when I passed gas in a class made up of mostly 3.5 year olds. A child caught wind (pun intended) of one of my foul vapors and exclaimed, "I smell something bad." Trying to inquire but not give myself away, I asked, "Well, what is it you smell?" "It smells like poop," he replied. Say no more. I'm done.

I researched daily gas and bloating issues via the ever-so-wonderful world wide web, and the first suggestion that popped up across all discussion boards was lactose intolerance. My husband, upon broaching the subject with him and having had first hand experience with my odoriferous ventings, agreed with the idea. I am a fiend when it comes to milk and cereal in the morning, yogurt or cheese often for a snack, and ice cream at the end of the night. I love dairy. Who can blame me? Since my diet is otherwise nutritious and healthy, I was left with no other obvious options. I decided to go all in.

My supportive husband kindly procured almond milk for my cereal the next morning, and my lunch box the next day had zero dairy in it. I had had a milkshake the day before, so I puttered my way through Day 1 with little to no change noted. Day 2 was pockmarked with a few gaseous excerpts, but the bloating I had experienced on a nearly daily basis was not there. Nor did it appear on Day 3 or 4. The frequency of my outbursts had definitely decreased, or if I did pass gas I could account for the reason why - an otherwise common trigger food I had consumed earlier.

Here it is now, Day 7. I am holding strong. I abstained from Chicken Parmesan and ice cream cake last night (which I'm convinced caused a little piece of me to die inside). At one point today, I thought, "Today would be a nice day to enjoy cheese cake." NOPE! All of my usual go-to's are no-no's. Pizza is out of the question, as is a fast dinner of raviolis. Such realizations have been occurring all week as has the confirmation that diary has been a significant part of my diet up to this point.

Other than being denied some of my most beloved foods, the worst part of this detox is the withdrawal symptoms. Yep, I'm going through withdrawal. Many people have had flu like symptoms when they come off dairy. They often feel fatigue and "brain fog." Headaches, acne breakouts, gas, and even mood swings make the list of potential symptoms. Thankfully, I have not suffered terribly. However, today, I feel very fatigued. Truly, I am often tired due to the high amounts of energy I expend at work, but this is beyond my norm. Additionally, my attitude over the last few days has been lethargic, which is also very unlike me.

Nevertheless, I keep on pushing, confident that I will overcome this hurdle and be all the better for it. I can't say that I am flatulence free, but there has been a definite improvement. Now, if only my body can finish purging itself of all the dairy waste that has built up over the last 26 years and I can get beyond withdrawal, I know I will be in a much better place. I'll be sure to keep you, readers, updated, but for now, the quest continues.

Trends for Spring 2012

I am LOVING the odd winter we are having - the lack of snow, the warmer temperatures, the crisp, cold breezes. (Perfect for backyard Zumba). :) Sunny days such as today make me look forward to spring all the more, and of course that means a whole new list of fashion picks to oogle and drool over.

As defined by People Style Watch, here are the top 10 trends that you have to look forward to:

1. Colorblocking - This bold trend has carried over from last year and remains at the forefront of popular fashion. You can DIY or just purchase a piece that showcases it. It really encourages the mixing of bursts of color in a pulled-together, chic way. Snazzy! (Yep, I said snazzy).

2. Day Clutches - I want one!!!!!! I am still a huge fan of the envelope style clutch, and I have yet to purchase one. Day clutches are so fun because depending on their look, they can easily go from day to night, from casual to more dressy. I am a huge fan of this metallic clutch by Milly, $174.90 at Nordstrom's. It can add a little luxe to a cute t-shirt and jeans outfit or accentuate a stunning LBD. You can't lose!

3. Ankle-strap heels - Worn thick or more narrow, this dainty footwear option adds a feminine touch to your wardrobe.

4.  Mint Green - I am trying really hard with this one, but I am just not one for pastels. Nevertheless, I will not completely throw it out. In fact, I recently gave a friend some mint colored nail polish to help her phalanges stay on trend this spring. :) You can't rock them all, so you must get creative in the ways you incorporate trends. Fresh creativity - that is the name of the game!

5. Leather - It doesn't have to be black! In fact, it's better if its not! Rock the look on dresses or with mixed material tops. Of course, jackets are A-OK, too. I have kept my eye on this faux leather jacket by Worthington ($40 at JCPenney). The luscious caramel color makes it incredibly versatile. The lack of a collar also adds sleek appeal.

 6. Blue & Green Jewelry - Life on the high seas has left it's mark on popular fashion. Nautical whimsy is very in right now, so of course one "must have" the accessories to go along with it. Paired with basic, unfussy pieces - crisp white tees, dark blue denim - blue and green jewelry adds just enough pop to add interest and glam. Or, alongside dressier, yet still neutral pieces, it can really standout as it did for Eva Mendes at the Golden Globes.

 7. Florals - Florals were quite popular last year; now, the prints are getting bigger and bolder. Why not? Flowers are gorgeous! I'm jumping into this trend full force. Unimpressed by what I have been seeing in stores lately, I decided I would no longer wait for someone to create something I like; I will make it myself. So, I bought this lovely daisy print fabric and will be making a pencil skirt with it. I'm rather excited about the project and the opportunity to sew again. Stay tuned for the results!

8. Peplums - I'm covered! A few weeks ago, wanting to award myself for a hard week at work, I did a bit of shopping and stumbled across this white peplum tank at New York & Company. I was amazed at how good it looked on me and how it minimized my pear-shaped frame. Originally priced at $42.95, I snagged mine during a super sale for $8.49!!!!!! Boo yah! It totally pays to be a bargain shopper. :) Nevertheless, keep in mind that if you're gonna flaunt it, make sure you keep everything else in proportion. Pencil skirts are a great option.

9. Metallic Heels - Gold and silver shoes are like gold and silver jewelry. No matter what you're wearing them with, they pair perfectly. Treat them like neutrals with pizazz! And as far as the style of shoe, anything goes! Get a pair with an ankle strap like these by Nine West and sport two trends at once! They happen to be on sale at 6pm.com for $27.60, 60% off MSRP! (They will also pair nicely with your Milly day clutch).

10. Neon - Brace yourself! It is in every part of your closet - tops, bottoms, shoes, accessories, even makeup! Many who are brave enough to don shades of hot pink, chartreuse, and vibrant orange will take a minimalist approach. But you can go all out, making a magenta dress with simple neautral accessories you're fashion forward statement for the evening. Or, enliven a white/black ensemble with a super sunny blazer! Neon is about fun, so why not have fun with it!?

Blake Lively	Kim Kardashian

Alright folks, there you have it! 10 trends for spring 2012! They will likely carry you right into summer, too! Have fun! Be brave! Be bold! Be you! Spring, keep comin'!

Closet Purge

The frivolity of the New Year has passed. In fact, the first month of the year is nearly over! Why wait until spring to "clean up your act?" I think the New Year offers a great opportunity to clean out your closet! Here are some tips I have come across to help you in the potentially pain-staking and painful process.

Sort it out.

There are those pieces that you cannot do without; you love and live in them. Keep 'em, but organize them in a way that makes sense for you - by type (tee vs. tank), color, or occasion (casual, dressy, essentials). Having some sort of organization makes for easier wardrobe choices later on and when you're in a hurry.

Then, there are things in your wardrobe that have not seen the light of day in at least a year or more. These are easy tosses. Unless they have some great sentimental value, they can head straight to the donation pile. (Emotional attachment is grounds to go to the "maybe" pile; however, when you get to the point where you need to choose yes/no, be brutally realistic). 

Also, things that do not fit any more or are very worn (think pulled fabric, armpit stains, holes, etc.) are easy to eliminate. I cleared about 4 hangers getting rid of stuff that has become too big on me; too big = ill fitting = not flattering = not for me. Out it goes!

If you're like any other woman, you've likely accumulated quite a number of shoes and bags. Treat them as you would your clothes. Ask yourself: When was the last time you wore them? Do they fit? Can you stand in them, or do they cripple you in a matter of minutes? Are they wearable with the rest of your wardrobe? How many pairs of flip flops do you really need? Again, approaching your items with a realistic, practical perspective safeguards you from holding on to things you really don't need.

Along those lines, assess quantity. How many __________ (tees, skirts, pairs of jeans, hoodies) do you really need? Perhaps a more recently purchased item can officially replace an older one. 

This tip I cannot take credit for, but is perhaps my favorite. Borrowed from Style Me Thrifty: "Keep a notepad handy as you go through your wardrobe. Make a wish list of new pieces of clothing or accessories that might breathe new life back into an outfit. A skinny belt, long necklace, or nude pumps might be just want you need to tie a couple outfits together. " I do this all the time, not just when I'm purging my dresser drawers. I create a "Wish List" so that when I feel the urge to shop (which is often weekly), I can go with purpose and settle on something my wardrobe "needs" rather than something I impulsively like.

Hopefully, these tips will get you on the way to a more organized, accessible wardrobe. Sifting through your clothes periodically is quite helpful, especially as the seasons change. Sometimes, you've forgotten about that great halter top you can effortless rock this summer or those great cords you snagged right at the end of the fall/winter season last year. Knowing what you have is half the battle. Utilizing as many wardrobe pieces as possible and creating knock out looks in clothes you feel confident wearing is the sweet victory. :)

Happy New Year!!

So many use this time of year to "get back on track." I say, work to never fall off track!! True, easier said than done, but not if you approach your goals realistically. Here a few easy-to-incorporate tips to help you get started.

Tip 1: Be realistic. Set small goals that can be achieved - not easily necessarily, but make them doable. Determining to lose ALL of the extra pounds that were added to your waistline over the course of 2011 by the end of January is a recipe for failure.  Sure, a crash diet may produce those kinds of results, but they will never last. Also, once you achieve your smaller goals, you can set new, small ones, and as you achieve those, all of the small achievements you've made will add up. All the while, you will have incrementally changed your life habits, which will make for a lasting effect. Hello, success!

Tip 2: Drink more water. (I am scrambling for my Nalgene as I write this). Your body is 70% water, and that water needs to be replenished and refreshed. Plus, it helps all of your body's systems run smoothly. So simple a task. So often neglected.

Tip 3: Eat less processed foods. Processed foods often contain excess sugar or salt that you can just do without. Stick to natural, whole foods - fruits and vegetables. Or when it comes to other snacks, create your own so you have control over it's contents - make your own granola bars, trail mixes, cheese and crackers. The less of your food that is manufactured, the better.

Tip 4: MOVE! Put in exercise wherever, however, whenever you can. Park farther from your job's entrance. Take stairs rather than the elevator. Do an extra lap around the grocery store as you think of any other items you may have missed. Do an exercise DVD. Invest in a Wii and play! It doesn't even need to be a "fitness" game; there are quite a few that just get you up and moving. Take a walk. I know, it's not hard to figure out what to do, but more difficult to actually DO it. But if healthy living is a priority, you can make it happen!

Tip 5: Eat often; keep your metabolism running. Aim to eat every 3-4 hours. Have small snacks between each meal that combine protein, fiber, and healthy fats. They will keep you feeling full, energized, and well nourished. If you stick to three meals a day, or even eat frequently but in an unbalanced manner, you'll do yourself a disservice. You'll lose out on natural burn time that you don't even have to work for! Plus, if you're like me and love food, eating more frequently offers more opportunities to nosh on the foods you love. Granted, you will need to exercise portion control; however, since you'll be able to eat more often, you won't feel as compelled to eat so much in one sitting.

I have to say that 2011 was a good year for me as far as healthy living is concerned. I have dropped a few pounds since last January and have toned up a good deal. Certainly, teaching Zumba has helped a lot towards this end. Nevertheless, I acknowledge that I am where I am because of the diligence with which I approach diet and exercise.

You can't just "diet;" you must make it a lifestyle. Then and only then will you find true success. The number on the scale will matter less, and it will revolve more around how you feel in your own skin. When you're actively taking care of yourself, you can live guiltless, free, confident. That is not to say you won't have a bad day every so often; we all do. But keep your perspective on your journey as a whole, not on one single trip-up when you have countless other steps logged that have moved you in a positive direction.

I wish you the best in 2012. I hope you can put these tips to good use. Even if you only endeavor to incorporate one into your already busy life, something is always better than nothing at all. You can do it! Feel free to contact me if you need some extra moral support. :) Happy New Year!

Be Your Best Self

The other day, I was watching Sex and the City. I never watched the show while it actively aired, but due to a dear friend's recent move to New York City, I was inspired to jump on the SATC band wagon and start from the beginning.

In the 2nd episode of Season 1, "Models & Mortals," the following scene takes place:

MIRANDA: We should just admit that we live in a culture that promotes impossible standards of beauty

CHARLOTTE: Yeah, except men think they're possible

MIRANDA: Yeah

CHARLOTTE: You know, no matter how good I feel about myself if I see Christy Turlington, I just wanna give up

MIRANDA: I just wanna force feed her lard, but that’s the difference between you and me

(All laugh)

CARRIE: What are you talking about? Look at you two, you're beautiful

CHARLOTTE: Oooo I hate my thighs

MIRANDA: O come on

CHARLOTTE: I can't even open a magazine without thinking "thighs, thighs, thighs"

MIRANDA: Well I'll take your thighs and raise you a chin

CARRIE: I’ll take you a chin and raise you a … (points at nose)

(All look at Samantha expectantly)

SAMANTHA: What?

CARRIE: Come on

SAMANTHA: I happen to love the way I look

MIRANDA: You should. You paid enough for it ( Miranda, Carrie and Charlotte all laugh)

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After finishing the episode and generally reflecting, I began to ponder: Why do we (especially women) seek to emulate other people? We miss out entirely on the fact that regardless of our hair/eye/skin color, waist/breast size, or any other physical trait we "hate" about ourselves, we are the only 
        (insert full name here)          this world will ever know! That fact, in and of itself, should make us proud  to be who we are.

My! How the world would be different if we stopped spending so much time worrying about what everyone else thinks and simply concentrated on being our best selves! People, we need to stop comparing ourselves to everybody else! Why do we continue to disillusion ourselves into thinking we could ever look like Ryan Reynolds or a Victoria's Secret model? If that's not how God made you, don't break your back (and your wallet) trying to be something you just anatomically cannot be.


Now, don't get me wrong - I KNOW this is easier said than done (might I remind you that I once was anorexic). Nevertheless, if you don't actively work to change your mindset, of course, you will never experience freedom from the culture "that promotes impossible standards of beauty." (Key word - IMPOSSIBLE). 

Furthermore, if you are able to fully grasp the implications of how special you are simply because you are the only YOU to exist, I guarantee you will hold your head up a little higher. Instead of worrying about how you may fall short in the eye's of others, if you focus solely on being the best         (insert full name here)            you can be in any and every situation - whatever that means and however that looks - much of your current stress will diminish. I know mine did.

At present, I am speaking mostly on the physical level; however, this attitude of loving yourself naturally also applies to your personality, dreams, and ambitions. You only get one shot at life. Do what makes you happy. Aspire towards the things you love and from which you receive fulfillment. When fully flushed out, this idea can potentially change your whole outlook on life!

For years, I have appreciated the artist, Pink. Her music really speaks about and to real situations and all-too-real emotions people face on a daily basis. Her recent song, "F*ckin' Perfect," really sums up and communicates my feelings on this matter - I hope you are able to one day realize that you are perfect just the way you are - for no other reason than because it is true. Don't aspire towards greatness; just be your best self.



(Viewer discretion advised; if you would rather just read the lyrics, they are posted below).



Pink's "F*ckin' Perfect" Lyrics:

Made a wrong turn once or twice
Dug my way out, blood and fire
Bad decisions, that's alright
Welcome to my silly life

Mistreated, misplaced, misunderstood
Miss 'No way, it's all good'
It didn't slow me down.
Mistaken, always second guessing
Underestimated, look I'm still around

Pretty, pretty please, don't you ever, ever feel
Like you're less than fucking perfect
Pretty, pretty please, if you ever, ever feel
Like you're nothing, you're fucking perfect to me

You're so mean when you talk
About yourself. You were wrong.
Change the voices in your head
Make them like you instead.

So complicated,
Look happy, You'll make it!
Filled with so much hatred
Such a tired game
It's enough, I've done all I could think of
Chased down all my demons
I've seen you do the same
(Ohh ohhhhhhh)

Pretty, pretty please, don't you ever, ever feel
Like you're less than fucking perfect
Pretty, pretty please, if you ever, ever feel
Like you're nothing, you're fucking perfect to me

The whole world's scared, so I swallow the fear
The only thing I should be drinking is an ice cold beer
So cool in line and we try try try but we try too hard
And it's a waste of my time.
Done looking for the critics, cause they're everywhere
They don't like my jeans, they don't get my hair
Exchange ourselves and we do it all the time
Why do we do that, why do I do that (why do I do that)?

(Yeah!)
I'm Pretty, pretty, pretty

Pretty, pretty please, don't you ever, ever feel
Like you're less than fucking perfect
Pretty, pretty please, if you ever, ever feel
Like you're nothing, you're fucking perfect to me
(You're perfect, you're perfect)
Pretty, pretty please, don't you ever, ever feel
Like you're less than fucking perfect.
Pretty, pretty please, if you ever, ever feel
Like you're nothing, you are perfect to me.

Tights - They're Back!

Fall/Winter fashion trend alert! Tights are taking the world by storm. What used to be those horribly awful items our mothers forced us to wear under our Sunday best are now finding their way into adults' closets everywhere in various fabrics, patterns, and transparencies!

As the weather can't seem to decide what it's doing - dipping to low 40's one day and then soaring to near 70 the next - tights help extend your spring/summer wardrobe into the fall/winter. In my research, I came across one fashionista who enjoys pairing her shorts with tights, allowing her to maintain core temperatures without having an overly bulky ensemble. Unfortunately, as we enter December, I don't think this adaptation will be wearable much longer.









Unless of course, you're wearing sweater tights! Able to add flair to your outfit, keep your legs and tootsies warm, and they can come in a variety of shades and patterns. Check out these argyle print ones! You can't go wrong!







 


If you're feeling particularly bold, you can pick up a pair of tights in an iridescent shade to add undeniable pop and wake up your otherwise muted cold weather outfits.







Black will of course go with everything and pair nicely with skirts or dresses paired with boots as will browns and navy blues. And, usually this variety comes in a range of transparencies from super opaque to sheer, depending on your personal preferences.

Then, there are tights like these with crazy patterns that jazz up your look without even trying! This zig zag pattern on the left is rather striking as are these cable net ones on the right.

Tights also enable you to recycle your spring and summer shoes! 

Wear them with your strappy heels and peep toes. No need to buy all new footwear as you move into the next season. Wah Lah!

An obvious pro to tights is how budget friendly they are. I just scored 3 pairs at Marshall's for $9.99. In my shopping excursions, I've seen them for as low as $4.50/pair up to $9.99 for a name brand. Sure, you can also find them for $18-$22 at websites likes hue.com, but I'm content with my $3.33 steals. :)

The one piece of advice other bloggers are stressing with tights is: PLEASE, Please, please do not wear tights as if they were leggings. They're tights. Not leggings. So, sure! Pair them with your favorite party dress. Wear them with sweater dresses (that is bonafide dresses made from knit fabrics, not sweaters that are two sizes too big - just sayin'). But do not try to pass them off for pants when they're not. Hello, fashion faux paux. 'Nuff said. 

As I retire for the evening and prepare my Sunday best, I will be looking to dawn a pair of my new tights tomorrow. I'll try to upload a picture and keep you updated with other looks I have created using them, so be sure to check back. Best wishes for finding great success with your legwear and stay warm all season long! 

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With Scarf	Without Scarf	Actual Look of the Tights