Holiday Weekend and Portion Control

Happy Holiday Weekend Everyone!

WHY.. did Mother Nature have to give us such GREAT weather this holiday weekend!?

I GUESS it can’t be sunshine and butterflies ALL the time.. But it would have been nice to have BBQ weather right?!

Oh well…. I was able to entertain myself inside all weekend.

Currently.. I am enjoying a cold beer with my roommates.

They are in the living room watching some sports game. I think it is the Bruins or something? I don’t know… I would rather be typing to you guys and being a nerd in the other room.

This beeeeeeeer is BOMB. Have you tried it?! What is your FAVORITE beer?! Do you keep it classy with Bud Lite? Or do you prefer DARK beer?

Now on to a healthier topic! Who believes portion control has a lot to do with weight loss? I can tell you from experience that it has A LOT to do with individuals needing or wanting to lose weight.

A lot of healthy-fit bloggers use their Sunday’s as a prep day. I know I did for a LONG time. Sometimes I would spend the whole day in the kitchen prepping snacks, cutting vegetables and fruit, etc. It was great. I learnt portion control for a lot of my favorite snacks and it saved me time over the week!

Some of the foods that I NEED portioned to avoid OVER INDULGENCE are..

Peanut butter
Almonds
Chips
Cereal
Dessert treats (chocolate, cookies)

I know many people who can be very consistent with their diet and NOT over think it. They can go about their day the same way EVERY SINGLE DAY and be happy.

But it isn’t like that for me. I over think it. I will take things out of my diet and months later put it back into my diet. I’m not normal… AND I don’t want to be.

But at this point in my life.. I am okay with it. I like to experiment.

I am not hurting anyone else and I am learning. But I also have to make sure I am healthy, which I DO BELIEVE I AM. I truly believe everyone has their own way of living and we have to RESPECT others.

Portion control is very important to me. I am not eliminating any type or particular food from my diet at this time. However, I am watching HOW MUCH I am consuming AND getting a moderate amount of exercise, as anyone should.

You have to experiment in order to learn and I am okay with that. But sometimes we can take it too far, I know I have.

That is why I truly love the healthy-blogging community. We learn we are not alone and someone is always there if we need someone to talk to or relate to.

What have you been thinking about lately? Do you prep on Sundays for the week ahead? What are some snacks YOU NEED portioned?!

Enjoy the Holiday Weekend!!
LP <3

Lush Charity Pot

I have recently been obsessed with Lush Products. Especially Charity Pot! I have yet, in my 23 years of living, found a lotion that is healthy, warm and comforting scented, and most importantly has all the earnings go straight to charity!

I will be lying in my bed without the lotion on AND STILL be able to smell the warm, fresh ingredients of charity pot lingering in my room…..

So what does this charity pot consist of!?

To keep it short and sweet… It is a hand and body lotion made with Fair Trade organic cocoa butter, moisturizing almond oil and fragrant ylang ylang.

For the curious minds out there I’ll go even more in depth for you…

Almond Oil- Rich and moisturizing, almond oil is one of our favorite ingredients for its high vitamin E content.

Fair Trade Cocoa Butter- Our Fair Trade cocoa butter comes from the Dominican Republic. Softening and nourishing for the skin, cocoa butter also gives Charity Pot a chocolaty scent. (YES!)

Ylang Ylang Oil- A sweet and sharp floral oil, ylang ylang is a major component of Charity Pot’s beautiful fragrance.

I absolutely love that there are only three ingredients. It keeps you smelling good and leaves your skin silky smooth!

Is there a lotion you are obsessed with?! If so, please share!!

Guest Post

Hello everyone-

It has been a long time since I have written a post. I apologize!

If my life was a little bit more interesting… I would be more motivated to write! However, in reality, it has been the same old thing! Work outs, work, organization, applications, etc…

My food and work outs have been extra simple and boring. What about you?!

Luckily, I received a nice email from Cole asking if I would feature a post on my blog. He is super into health and would like to share some of his thoughts! I was glad to reach out and help.

His nice email simply said,

Hi Lauren,

I came across your blog and really enjoyed reading some of your posts and the feel of the blog. My name is Cole and I am an avid Traveler and foodie. I was wondering if you’re interested in featuring a guest post of mine on your blog. I have recently been looking into how it is increasingly difficult to maintain a nutritious diet when indulging in cuisines across the world from my travels. As more folks like myself begin trending towards a healthier travel experience, I think it would be great for your readers to learn some tips and tricks of the trade that I have learned in my own experiences of traveling and staying healthy. Of course I would love for you to also share your experiences in staying healthy on the road. Let me know if I can shoot an article over for your review and possibly share it with your visitors. Let me know what you think!

I look forward to hearing from you,

Cole

I kindly responded with a YES-!

So without further adieu.. Cole’s post!

“Tips For Eating Healthy On Vacation”

Tips for Eating Healthy on Vacation
For some people, going on vacation means a bacchanalia event of gorging on food and alcohol and the extra pounds are just the price one pays for a good time. However, going on a vacation does not mean that you have to resort to eating an abundance of unhealthy meals. There are ways to stick to a healthy eating plan no matter where your destination may be. Follow these simple tips so you can return from your vacation rested, refreshed and at your optimal weight.
-Plan Ahead
Take along some healthy snacks when you are traveling that will help satisfy cravings. Dried fruit such as raisins, seeds and nuts, low calorie fiber bars and instant oatmeal packets that you can add water to make easy to carry, delicious snacks that will help you stick to your nutritious eating plan. Travel can take a toll on the body so it is important to stay hydrated during your vacation. You should particularly drink plenty of water if you are flying. Staying hydrated will help you feel full and forgo the need to eat between meals.
Planning ahead for healthy foods is simple. If you are flying during meal times and your airline provides meals, ask for a healthy alternative or a vegetarian meal. Eat before you leave for a long plane, train or car ride. Eating a healthy meal before taking off will make it less likely for you to dip into unhealthy snacks in the air or on the road. Do an online search for healthy restaurants and hotels with a fitness center while you are planning your trip. One of the factors that I found pivotal in maintaining a healthy lifestyle while traveling was to read reviews from travelers with the same desires. I recently took a trip out west and was worried about the limited options that would be available to remain nutritious. With the help of some experienced travelers reviews on a great site I found, I was able to find one of the rare Las Vegas hotels with a complete gluten free menu. As you can imagine, in the midst of the buffet capital of the world, I was ecstatic.
-Stay In for Meals
Scope out your surroundings by asking the hotel concierge or, better yet, by taking walks around the neighborhood to see if you are near a healthy restaurant, health food store or farmers market. These spots will provide healthy alternatives to high-calorie and high-fat foods.
If possible, avoid going out for three meals a day by getting a room with a kitchenette or at least a microwave and refrigerator. When booking your hotel, ask whether these accommodations may be available in your room. Heat up oatmeal for breakfast; keep fruit in the mini refrigerator for breakfast or snacks. This will cut down on your need to go out for meals.
-Eating Out
When going out to eat, take care when ordering. Ask your server for salad dressing on the side and to take away any breadbaskets that he may place on the table. Ask for a container before you get your meal so you can split it and take half back to the room with you for later. Order soup and an appetizer or order a half sandwich or salad instead of an entrée to save on calories. This may end up saving you money as well.
It’s important to treat yourself when you are on vacation so you don’t go crazy and end up gorging one day. Save room for a quality desert at a restaurant or an ice-cream cone on the boardwalk. Limit yourself to one delicious treat each day and eat healthier the rest of the time.
Following these simple tips will allow you to enjoy your travels and come home in as good of shape as when you left!

Cole handed out so many great tips, tricks, and insight. If you have any questions for him OR would like to learn more about him… check out his blog!

As for me… I hope to come around here more often and update you guys on what has been going on in my life. BUUUUTTT what has been going on in yours?! Update me please!!

<3 LP

About me RECENTLY!

Hey guys! What a trip it has been since last May! I canNOT believe that it has been almost one whole year since I have graduated from college.

What have I been doing with my life?!

Lots of stuff….

Meeting new and interesting people! Getting back into shape. Taking time for myself. Applying for jobs… Interviewing for potential jobs… Spending time with my family and friends.. And LIVING life.

What is life without friends and family right?!

My eating has been “mediocre.” Not the best but not horrible.

My work outs on the other hand have been great! I love independently working out in the gym.

There will ALWAYS going to be bumps in the road. But we most importantly have to remember to keep on moving forward.

Recently….

The wood stove in my parents living room puts me to sleep… If only I had one in my bedroom…☺

My workouts at the gym have been excellent.

I AM IN LOVE WITH.. Haddock, chocolate and raspberry ANYTHING, mocha chip and moose tracks ice cream from the Puritan, tootsie rolls, bananas, salads, fruit salad, water, and oil and vinegar dressing.

I have been coffee FREE for the last two weeks!

I LOVE my planet fitness family.

I am looking forward to the beach, night time walks, summer nights, and summer concerts!

What have you guys been up to!?

St. Patty’s Day Celebrations!

Do you believe in miracles? A plan for life? A happy ending?

Today was one of the best days ever!

Talk about POOR nutrition… But even as The Institute for Integrative Nutrition suggests… All we are trying to do as humans is to be HEALTHY! Such as… including more fruits and vegetables.. Which I will most certainly be doing this week!

Lets talk about the weekend….

Such a fun time on Friday night with these guys…

<3 them!!

Saturday was spent with friends. Lunch, ice cream, and a movie!

Sunday was St. Pattys Day! Need I say more!?

BEER! EXCITEMENT! FRIENDS!

It was a very unhealthy weekend *nutrition* wise… Pizza, ice cream, donuts, beer, cheeseburger…..

But a VERY healthy weekend…friend, socialization, happiness, and love wise. <3

I wouldn't change one moment!

I hope you enjoyed your weekend too! Remember… Life is what YOU MAKE OF IT! There is no guarantee with anything!! You have to get out there and make things happen!

HAPPY ST PATRICK'S DAY!!

Much love! Xoxoxo

LP

If you had one wish… What would it be?!

I am who I am and nothing will change that. It is unfortunate for those who can’t forgive themselves for their mistakes. It is unfortunate to those who are too blind to see how much someone suffers for the lack of responsibility on their part. It isn’t fair… But we all move on.

We are all different and WANT different things. Some of us are so needed by others… That it affects EVERYONE around them.

Someone of us just want to simply get away from everything.

WE CANNOT START OVER. The only thing I ask is… We accept it and from now on tell the truth and have a better attitude. We have to be willing to love ourselves and accept imperfection. It isn’t easy BUT WE CAN DO IT.

Everyone is suffering and doing the same things we are doing– just with different people, different tasks, and different fears. That is all…..

At this time in your life.. If you had once wish… What would it be?!

What about your future?

Hey everyone! So what has been on my mind lately!? A whole bunch of stuff!

- How EVERYONE IS NEEDED…in this CRAZY/mixed up world..

- How EVERYONE makes mistakes.

- How important it is to be GOOD to people.

- How important it is to do your own thing and not depend on others for happiness.

- Not everyone is going to listen and not everyone is as motivated as you.

- You just need to LIVE and let LIVE.

- Everyones behavior and abilities are different.

This quote will forever be with me… Obviously no ones life is perfect but the attitude you stand by in your life is IMPORTANT.

The attitude behind who you are determines A LOT. The decisions you make and how strong you become is really only dependent on you. You call the shots.

There are so many people I envy and look up to. I believe we are all insecure, scared, afraid, and jealous. It is a GOOD thing. It means we care, love and hope.

Is it possible to “wing” life? How are you suppose to account for something that hasn’t happened yet? You can estimate… But do you ever really know what is going to happen? There are so many things that could happen….

Life isn’t perfect.

What I have to remember most is.. Just do it. Life is life… Be the leader, and watch what you are doing! Others are following you.

Things to look forward to:
- Spring
- Farmers Market
- Flowers
- Gardening
- Walks
- Bonfires

So what if life isn’t going as planned…. The unknown is part of the fun in my opinion.

An investment in education is something to be proud of and NOTHING to be scared of. We are all different and we all LIVE a different kind of life. What is most important? Being honest with yourself and trusting your GUT. Enough with the lists and second guessing yourself. Trust what it is you REALLY want and are looking for. Health? Excitement? Fun? Education? Love? Energy?

No one wants to be around someone who is unhappy and fake. Everything you are looking for is right inside of you. No one is getting out of this world alive. Therefore, the time is NOW to live out your dreams. YOU CAN DO IT.

I have been thinking..

Hey everyone! So what has been on my mind lately!? A whole bunch of stuff!

- How EVERYONE IS NEEDED…in this CRAZY/mixed up world..

- How EVERYONE makes mistakes.

- How important it is to be GOOD to people.

- How important it is to do your own thing and not depend on others for happiness.

- Not everyone is going to listen and not everyone is as motivated as you.

- You just need to LIVE and let LIVE.

- Everyones behavior and abilities are different.

This quote will forever be with me… Obviously no ones life is perfect but the attitude you stand by in your life is IMPORTANT.

The attitude behind who you are determines A LOT. The decisions you make and how strong you bec

A Night Out Like No Other

The perfect night out, in my opinion, includes a celebration and great friends. It is wonderful to surprise someone with a gift and just celebrate their special day (it only happens once a year!)

You are having so much fun that the night goes by slow and you are completely in the moment…

You just want time to stand still. You want the moment to last forever!

The silly/wonderful moments you and your friends make won’t last forever…

You live one life which can be easily taken from you at any moment. Tomorrow is never promised!

…other thoughts..

Chocolate Covered Katie wrote a great blog post that covers such an important way to think when it comes to nutrition.

I guarantee you will find many people who has suffered from some type of eating “disorder.” Some will want to keep it to themselves and others will willingly want to share. Either way.. We have all had a problem that we would like to get fixed.

Katie simply put that her perfect diet would be eating well 90% of the time. Include all the good stuff like veggies, grains, and fruit but also enjoy the pleasures and comfort food without the stress and guilt! As Katie mentioned… Stress and guilt are much more unhealthy than a little bit of comfort food.

I do want to start taking my workouts a little bit more serious. But also have them be fun and enjoyable! Diet wise, I definitely stick to the rule IIN encourages. Eat healthfully 90% of the time and splurge once and a while!

Unfortunately, I am a stress bubble. I WORRY way too much about things that I can’t control. I am working on it though… and I realize things will never be perfect.

This weekend was busy and I look forward to a structured and happy week!

Look at how beautiful my yogurt and oatmeal was this morning!

Such a beauty… Fiber, grain and dairy. <3

What did your weekend consist of? Any good eats?

Happy March 1st!

If I could relive today.. everyday…. I would.

It was a VERY successful first day of A VERY IMPORTANT month! My birthday month. I can’t believe I am turning 23. It has been two years since my 21st!? I remember that day like it was yesterday. A beautiful, caring, wonderful women took me out that night since my parents were away! Thanks again Kayla Frank!

It goes to show you how TIME FLIES.

Before you know it, another year will have passed on… So be grateful each and everyday. Tomorrow is NEVER promised.

Today I woke up, had some cereal and coffee, and applied for a few jobs ( on my day off. )

Then went to the gym, showered, and had a snack!

Then went tanning…..

and got my nails done!

I love black!

I went to Amazing Nails about a block from my house. They were great!

Later on in the afternoon I did some shopping for a wonderful women’s birthday! Then parked myself on the Starbucks couch to do a little reflecting, card writing and blogging.

- Skinny Vanilla Latte
- Apple (not pictured, already eaten)
- Justin’s organic dark chocolate peanut butter cups
- Notebook and fresh market receipt

It was a great afternoon and I hope to relive this day again very soon! I believed I lived this day like it was my last! Lets hope it isn’t.

I am off to go celebrate a friends birthday! I spoiled her rotten because she deserves it. Happy Birthday to anyone who has a March birthday like I do! It is one hell of a month.

<3 always Lauren xoxoxo <3