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Why Lemon Water is a Must!

05.06.2013

Lemon water is a great way to get in your gallon a day! Water hydrates while lemon revs your metabolism. This is a fitness must! My parents brought on my obsession with lemon water, they are so creative with adding all sorts of fruit to create something a little different from the ordinary. Start your day off on the right foot with a glass in the morning to refresh, revitalize and hydrate! I’m telling you, it does wonders for your body, skin and energy levels! Here’s how:

Boosts your immune system
Balances pH levels
Flushes out unwanted materials
Decreases wrinkles and blemishes (woohoo!)
Cures sore throat, especially when you mix with honey
Aids with weight loss(!!!)
Stimulate digestion and adds vitamin C
Reduces Fever

(Photo c/o The Culinary Tribune)

Instead of soda, lemonade or any sugary drinks, I love the idea of creating flavored ice cubes! For a fun summery drink, make flavored ice cubes by adding lemon, mint, blueberries, strawberries, pineapples, pomegranate seeds, cucumbers (pretty much anything) to your ice-cube trays and freeze. Delish!

Happy Monday and thanks for reading!!

Self Tanner Picks…Hello Summer!

04.15.2013

We are heading into the summer season! (Sorry to state the obvious, but I’m a little excited). Well, here in San Francisco the seasons are all mixed up, so you never know when you will have a summer day. With that said, bring on the self tanner! The best way to accentuate your fit body is a nice tan. Who am I kidding, everyone looks better tan. I used to a frequent visitor of the tanning bed (EEK!!) but with all the new knowledge about how bad they are I have learned my lesson and steer clear. When I don’t have time for a spray tan at the salon I often use the following to get that healthy summer glow.

1. St. Tropez: Self Tan Bronzing Mousse: St Tropez has many popular products and this is one of my favs! The formula drys quickly and gives a nice natural tone. Make sure to use the gloves provided, wash off in a couple of hours or the next day to reveal a gorgeous rich bronze tan.

2. Kate Somerville: Tanning Towelettes: Absolutely NO streaks and very easy to use! You can apply to your body and within the hour put on your shorts and go. These are more expensive than the others, but well worth it for a nice deep easy way to tan. They are also paraben and sulfate free.

3. Neutrogena MicroMist Airbrush Sunless Tan: I buy this stuff at my local drugstore quite often because you can’t beat the price. The quality is also up to par, and can be used both on your body or face. I usually spray on a clean face post shower, go to bed and wake up with beautiful natural glow.

4. bareMinerals Faux Tan Face Gradual Glow Sunless Tanner: LOVE this stuff. I love everything bareMinerals, and use their entire makeup line as well. Also thinking about checking out their moisurizers. There is no bad smell and does not clog pores. Definite staple in my collection.

5. Bliss A Tan for all Seasons: This is an excellent self tanner for fair skin, but also buildable for darker complextions. It keeps the skin smelling sunny and bright with a citrusy scent, and looks completely natural with no orange tone.

6. Jergens: Natural Glow Firming Daily Moisturizer: Looking for a 3 in 1, moisturizer, bronzer and skin firming technique? This is it! You can buy this at your local drugstore.

Which are your favorites?

Special shout-out to the best (in my opinion) Spray Tan Salons here in San Francisco, Christine at Organic Shimmer and Brenna at Bronze by Brenna! 🙂

Protein Pancake Recipe

01.13.2013

I’m sure you have heard this a million times before, but breakfast is the most important meal of the day! I find myself eating a lot of the same meals, especially during a busy work week. My go-to is a non fat greek yogurt and berry mixture. Sometimes I will add some honey or a taste of natural nut butter. I work for Diamond Foods, so this Kettle Nut Butter is my fav, they also have cashew butter, salted or unsalted. Click here to go to the Diamond Foods Website.

On the weekends, I really enjoy making a yummy breakfast to go along with my nice big cup of coffee. I love making different scrambles and getting creative with all sorts ingredients. An egg white scramble with avocado and smoked salmon on the side has been popular in my house lately. Breakfast is an absolute must for me! If I skip breakfast, I will be dragging and energy less all day long. Be sure to fuel your body with a protein filled power breakfast to give you tons of energy throughout the day!

I have been experimenting with different protein pancake recipes a lot lately. Some miserably failed and some were quite successful. This was the definite winner in my book! A delicious and healthy way to start your day and power you with the fuel you need.

Protein Pancake Recipe

1 scoop Whey Protein (vanilla or chocolate)
2 egg whites
1/4 cup oats
1/2 large banana (you can also substitute with non-fat greek yogurt or pumpkin puree)
1TB Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk
1/8 teaspoon of Baking Powder
1/2 teaspoon of Cinnamon

Directions: Mix all ingredients in a large bowl or blender. Allow the mix to sit for a few minutes. Heat up a skillet and spray with non stick cooking spray. Pour batter onto the skillet and allow to cook for 2-3 minutes. Flip and cook for additional 2-3 minutes. Should make 2-3 pancakes.

Get creative! Top with cinnamon, berries, honey or a natural nut butter.

Enjoy, and don’t forget to eat your breakfast! =)

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