Fit and Fun Friday: Keep Track of Those Calories!

Weight and finances – the two things that never seem to be under control! Well weight, just like finances, needs a roadmap to get things started. Whether you’re trying to lose the last remaining baby weight, finally getting in shape, making sure you’re eating healthy, or if you’re trying to fit into that perfect wedding dress (like myself), a calorie calculator can be your best friend.

I’ve never had a weight issue, per say. But, I’m teeny-tiny (barely five foot) so when I put on a few pounds you can see them. Also, for as petite as I am, I’m naturally curvy. Thanks Mom! So knowing there’s a wedding dress to squeeze into in 14 months, I’m trying to stay on top of my body now more than ever.

There are a gazillion (that’s just an estimate) weight loss tools, trackers, apps, websites, etc. out there. And everybody is different so what works for one person does not work for all. The one that I’ve found has worked the best for me is: myfitnesspal.com. I started using the app / website consistently since January and I’ve already lost close to eight pounds. Not a whole lot, but if you’re little like me you know how hard it is to lose even 1 measly pound!

I love Myfitnesspal because you can access it anywhere – on the computer and on your phone. And with a database of 1000’s of foods and recipes, it’s so easy to input your calories and figure out how much more you can consume for the day.

When you first sign up, you input your starting weight (and measurements, if you like), what your goal size is, and your activity level. From there it calculates how many calories you should consume every day, and that’s it! I input all my breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack items… as well as my daily workouts. Let me tell you, it really spells out that I can indeed have that bowl of ice cream tonight if I go to my exercise class.

My favorite part is at the end of the day, you click “complete this entry” and a new screen pops up saying “if every day were like today, you’d weigh BLANK amount in 5 weeks.” The blank amount is very exciting.

They also have tools online for figuring out your BMI, seeing how much calories you’ve consumed over a given time, and a little weight loss ticker to show off to your friends. Oh! And you can add friends much like facebook to give you support.

There are a ton of other sites and apps like this one. What are some of your favorites?

Hope everyone had a wonderful week and has a blissful and lovely weekend. Next week the blog will feature special editions for Passover and Easter, so stay tuned!

http://myfitnesspal.com and if you’d like to add me, my username is jgarfinkel
 

Thrifty Thursday: Balance your Budget!

I feel like the two things I’m constantly struggling with are weight and finances. Apparently this is the norm, for us twenty-somethings. Fortunately, I have an awesome way of staying on top of my finances so I don’t get so overwhelmed (and stay tuned for tomorrow’s post on weight loss tips and tricks!) But, first the finances.

It wasn’t too long ago that I was first branching out on my own and suddenly had a ton of expenses (bills, dinner dates, the latest fashions!) that I wasn’t expecting. I also didn’t have the biggest paycheck to support these expenses (and sadly, still don’t… but that’s another story), and relied on my credit card for EVERYTHING. I remember looking at my bill one month and thinking there must’ve been some sort of mistake. How did those zero’s get there?! Anyway, after a proper scolding from my dear old Mom and Dad, I sat down and made a budget sheet.

It’s relatively simple – in fact it looks a lot like a checkbook registrar (does anyone still use these, by the way?), and I just plug in all my projected spending as well as my projected earnings. Back when I was in credit card debt, I had another column that showed how long it would take to get myself out of debt (which wasn’t that long, thank goodness). Now, I use it nearly every day and even have a second one for my fiancé and my joint account (I think he secretly loves and loathes my weekly updates). But, it paints a good picture of where I am financially and how much I need to save or splurge each month.

(screen capture of my budget sheet- with actual amounts omitted, duh! Black is what I actually spent, red is what I projected to spend, and I update it weekly for accuracy)

There are also several helpful tools online that can help with this. In my opinion, the easiest and most simple to use can be found at: http://www.mappingyourfuture.org/money/budgetcalculator.htm

You just plug in your monthly income and expenses and it tells you how much you can save or spend each month.

If you do online banking, many banks offer free online tools which can show you where you’re spending the most money and where you can cut back. My friend just made her own excel sheet doing the same thing and realized she was spending too much in the food category, so now she’s cutting back in order to save.

No matter which way you do it, keeping track of your monthly finances through a personal excel sheet or a website is a very valuable tool. Plus, it’ll make you feel a lot more on top of things!

Wellness Wednesday: At-Home Spa

Last week I said one of my favorite Wednesday rituals is turning my bathroom into a spa. Well, here are all the tools to do so! I love it because it’s a great way to regroup and recharge mid-week in the convenience of your own home and without spending a pretty penny to feel relaxed. Just a disclaimer: I am not a dermatologist or esthetician, so what works for me may not work for everyone. But, if you’d like a little midweek pampering, here’s what I do:

Exfoliate skin head to toe

Step into a nice warm shower (bonus points if an aroma candle is burning nearby), and slough off that dead skin.

My Pick: Milis Buff Body Exfoliator – this body scrub is great if you’re going to apply any cellulite or body treatments afterwards. It leaves skin feeling tingly… ooo la la

My 2^nd Favorite: La Liscious Sugar Souffle Scrub in Sugar Kiss the smell of this body scrub is amazing. Plus, it leaves skin feeling like silk.

Drugstore Deal: Alba Hawaiian Body Scrub – a cheaper version of the sugar scrub that is all natural

Detox Body Cream:

After stepping out of the hot shower with your newly polished skin, slough some skin “helpers” on

My pick: Milis Maintain Anti-Cellulite Lotion – like the exfoliator, you can feel it tingle when you use it, and you can see results when you use it consistently!

2^nd Pick: Bliss Fat Girl Slim – I love all of Bliss’s skincare products. They smell amazing and actually work

Drugstore Deal: Nivea Goodbye Cellulite Gel Cream – I’ve used it and seen results, but over a long period of time. And you get the tingly sensation!

Body Lotion:

Let the skin helpers absorb and then layer on some lotion over your entire body for a smooth and delicious smelling finish

My Pick: Bliss Vanilla Body Cream – It’s like pouring milk over your body. Super absorbent and smells A-mazing.

Drugstore deal: Olay Ultra Moisture lotion – Best drugstore moisturizer in my opinion. I use it for everyday use.

Face Wash

Now that your body is nourished and pampered, let’s move to our precious faces and get off all that dirt and makeup

My Pick: Image Clear Cell Salicylic Gel Cleanser – The Image skincare line has done wonders for my skin. Nothing leaves my skin feeling as refreshed and squeaky clean!

2^nd Favorite: Philosophy purity cleanser – Philosophy knows skincare! If your skin isn’t as problematic as mine, this cleanser is as good as they come.

Drugstore Deal: Neutrogena deep cleanser – Great cleanser at a great price!

Face Scrub

Now that your skin is squeaky clean, let’s polish it smooth!

My Pick: Sanitas Lemon Cream Scrub: Mmm, the smell of this scrub is amazing like freshly squeezed lemons. Plus, it’s super-fine so it doesn’t feel rough on my skin.

2^nd Favorite: Clinique 7-day Cream Scrub – Great for all skin types

Drugstore Deal: St. Ives Apricot Cream Scrub – The smell is amazing and it really sloughs off the dead skin

Face Mask

Okay, your skin is feeling clean and polished. Now let’s take it to the next level and use a masque to take away all problems (wouldn’t that be nice?)

For Acne: Image Medicated Acne Masque – Sensitive skin, beware. If you’re dealing with a flare-up, NOTHING is better than this acne mask (and trust me, I’ve tried them all). It’ll make your skin tingle, and blemishes will be gone in 2-3 days. But, make sure to use a heavy-duty moisturizer after!

For Moisture: Origins Plantidote Mega Mushroom Skin Calming Face Mask – If you suffer from dry, sensitive skin this is the best bet for you. Your skin will feel BLISSFUL afterwards.

For Detox: Dead Sea Essentials Chamomile Mud Mask – Removes purities and toxins and makes your skin feel calm and smooth after

Drugstore Deal: Alba Hawaiian Facial Mask w/ Papaya- Smells great and is all-natural

Toner

Rinse that Masque off and apply some toner just to be sure you got all those impurities out!

My Pick: Image Salicylic Clarifying Tonic

2^nd Favorite: Clinique Clarifying Lotion

Drugstore Deal: Neutrogena Pore Refining Toner

Moisturizer / Cream

Now let’s slap some moisture back onto that skin

Oily skin: Philosophy On a Clear Day Moisturizer – Great for oily skin. Gives essential nutrients, but doesn’t leave skin feeling slick.

Normal Skin: Neutrogena Anti-Wrinkle Anti-Blemish Cream – Best of both worlds and makes skin feel super soft

Night treatments:

One last step. Just like we gave our body some skin-helpers, these do the same.

My Pick: Sanitas Vita-Rich Serum – Quenches my skin and I can always tell when I’ve used it because the next day my skin looks and feels amazing

2^nd Favorite: Peter Thomas Retinol Fusion PM - Packs a powerful punch of vitamins to prevent aging (it’s going to happen) and makes skin feel nourished.

Drugstore Deal: Olay Regenerist Serum – I have never used it, but it’s tough to argue with it being Allure’s consistent top beauty pick.

Shopping Guide

http://www.mlis.com/

http://www.lalicious.com/

http://www.blissworld.com/skincare.aspx

http://www.imageskincare.com/

http://www.sanitas-skincare.com/

http://www.clinique.com/

http://www.deadsea-essentials.com/products/chamomile-mud-mask

http://sephora.com/browse/brand_hierarchy.jhtml;jsessionid=0XH2XUNC2VMY0CV0KSIBPIQ?brandId=Peter%20Thomas%20Roth

http://drugstore.com (for all the drugstore picks)

Enjoy! Hope you have a blissful Wednesday

Tasty Tuesday: Comfort Food Classics

We all get cravings for comfort food, and it’s okay to indulge in the real deal every once in awhile. But here’s some yummy classics with healthy modifications so you don’t overindulge. It also happens that I made all this last week, so I can tell you it’s tummy tested and waistline approved!

Tuna Salad

I promised my amazing mom that I wouldn’t post her secret Tuna recipe on the blog, so unfortunately you won’t be getting the actual tuna salad I make, but here’s an alternative that’s (almost) just as yummy. Tuna salad is great because you can eat it plain, slap it on a sandwich, or spread it over some crackers. You get essential omega-3’s and it’s not that many calories. Plus, it is so quick and easy!

Prep time: 15 mins, Cook time: 5-10 mins, Ready in: 15-20 mins

3 hard-cooked eggs, chopped

2 (6 ounce) cans tuna, rinsed and drained

1/2 stalk celery, chopped

1/4 cup chopped sweet onion

2 tbsp low fat mayonnaise

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt

1. Place the tuna, hard-cooked eggs, celery and onion in a large bowl. Mix well until tuna is in pieces. Add the mayo, salt and pepper. Mix together. Chill for 30 minutes until ready to serve.

Recipe is enough for 2 people, with leftovers the next day

1 serving (approx 1 cup): 195 calories!

Modified Bruschetta

I kind of came up with this on a whim. I’m not even sure it’s really bruschetta, but it’s quick and easy… and really yummy.

Prep time: 10 mins, Cook time: 5 mins, Ready in: 15 mins

1/2 sourdough bread loaf, cut into slices

4 slices mozzarella cheese, cut into halves

16 cherry tomatoes, sliced in half

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (I used vinaigrette cause that’s all I had on hand)

1 tsp sea salt

1 tsp ground pepper

Place 8 slices of sourdough bread onto serving plate. Place the Mozzarella cheese half slices on top of the bread. Place the sliced cherry tomatoes on top of the cheese. Drizzle with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper. Serve with plenty of napkins!

Makes enough for 8 mini bruschettas.

1 serving: 130 calories

(Tuna and "Bruschetta" clearly I am not a professional food photographer, but you get the idea!)

White Macaroni

This is a recipe my Grandma used to make, who passed it down to my Mom, and now I’m making it. It was always a special treat when my mom made this for my brother and I. And this was one of those recipes I couldn’t wait to make on my own. It is DELICIOUS, and with some modifications not too bad for you. Definitely make this on a night you’re working out, though!

Prep Time: 15 mins, Cook time: 1-2 hours, Ready in: 1.5-2.5 hours

1 box large (or medium) shell pasta

1 pint lowfat cottage cheese (you can use whatever kind of cottage cheese, but I usually make lowfat with fiber added)

1 stick butter or margarine

1 cup lowfat milk

1 tsp salt

1. Cook pasta per instructions (boil in water for about 7-8 minutes), and preheat oven to 350

2. Meanwhile, melt down stick of butter and mix it in large bowl with cottage cheese

3. Drain pasta, add cooked pasta to cottage cheese mixture. Mix well. Sprinkle a little salt on top.

4. Pour macaroni mix into 13x9 glass pyrex dish. Pour milk over mixture

5. Bake 1-2 hours (depending on how crispy you like your macaroni) at 350

1 serving (approx 2 cups): 530 calories (prepared with butter, lowfat cottage cheese and milk)

Turkey Burgers

Last on the comfort food express are turkey burgers, because let’s face it, sometimes there’s nothing better than a burger and fries. Lucky for me, my future hubby is amazing with the grill, so I get to take a break in the kitchen for these treats. Turkey burgers are an amazing and healthy alternative to beef burgers. They’re easy to make, and pair them with some oven baked fries and beans, you’ve got yourselves a dinner!

Prep Time: 10 mins, Cook time: 15-20 mins, Ready in: 30 mins

1 pound ground turkey

2 tbsp minced garlic

1 tbsp onion salt

2 tsp black pepper

Whatever condiments you enjoy!

1. Combine ground turkey, minced garlic, onion salt and pepper in a large bowl. Form into 4-5 patties.

2. Grill on BBQ grill or lightly oiled stovetop until done (approx 5-10 mins on each side)

3. Serve and Enjoy!

1 burger (6oz): 170 calories

Monday Motivation: Setting Goals

By now you may have realized that I’m in love with lists. Not only are they extremely helpful in seeing everything in a concise, well-laid out manner, but it feels oh-so-satisfying to cross something off on my to-do list. Along those same lines, I’m a huge goals person.

My college job was working for a mortgage company, and while I didn’t learn a whole lot about mortgages, my boss was extremely goal oriented and a great leader. He was the first person that really introduced to me the power of writing my goals down, and then subsequently seeing them come to life. Funny, that one of the first goals I actually wrote down was leaving that job. Anyway, since then I’ve always written my goals down and nine times out of ten, they’ve come to fruition – no matter how big or small. I usually do the big set of goals at the start of the year, in lieu of traditional resolutions. But, I do try to set a smaller set of goals every week. Creating a smaller goal list is essential in checking the bigger items off. After all, there are very few things you can do overnight; it usually takes a lot of practice and determination.

The biggest trick of goal setting is not to overwhelm yourself. Start small, or maybe only focus on one for each “category of life.” For example, don’t make it a goal to “get out of debt” and simultaneously “start saving for a down payment.” Focus on the get out of debt part first (or whichever you prefer). This way you have a solid focus and clear objective.

Goals can be anything from: “I don’t want to get overly stressed this week,” to “I’m finally going to finish my screenplay.” My goal last week was to write a blog entry every week, and low and behold I did it! And, don’t worry that’s one of my goals this week, too. Here are some of my other goals:

-Keep the house clean (I did a major spring cleaning yesterday, and I’d like my counters to be clutter free for at least a week)

-Write a chapter of my novel

-Workout at least 3 times this week

-Make sure my dog is getting the proper exercise he needs (walks at least twice a day)

-Do not spend more than $60 on groceries, essentials, etc this week

-Do not spend more than 1 hour a day on wedding related items (lately my afternoons have been spent up browsing wedding blogs… oops!)

-Eat healthy, but it’s okay to allow 1 cheat day (there is pizza and cookies in my house right now, after all!)

And that’s it! What are some of your goals this week?

Fit and Fun Friday: Go Take a Hike!

Congratulations, you’ve made it through what was most-likely a hectic week! With the weekend approaching, you can finally take some time to relax, focus on you and the ones closest to you, and breakout of the weekly grind. Lately, I’ve been going on weekend hikes with my fiancé, good friend and his girlfriend, and my adorable dog. Hikes are an amazing way to burn calories while spending time with friends and getting to experience the great outdoors. Unfortunately not all of us are so lucky to live in southern California and have 70 degree weather year-round. But, with the warmer temps starting to spread around the country, it might be hiking weather soon!

We like to sleep in a bit on Saturdays and set out for the hike mid-morning. There’s a great place to go in LA called Runyon Canyon. It can get extremely busy and is apparently quite popular with celebrities, but I’ve never seen one there. Depending on the trail we do, it takes about an hour to get through. Our dog loves it, we love it, and we all feel great afterwards. You can google "hiking trails" in your area to find a place to go. I think it’s a fabulous way to kick off the weekend! 

Thanks for reading this week. Hope you have a relaxing and fun weekend!

Thrifty Thursday: Crazy about Coupons

We’re all trying to save a little money, right?  Well, no one does it better than my best friend. She never ceases to impress me with the amazing deals she gets. When I asked her what her secret was, she said: coupons. Now, we don’t need to get as intense as the new TLC show “Extreme Couponing”, but by printing a few coupons every week to help save with groceries and essentials it can really go a long way. Here are some of her favorite sites for savings:

-coupons.com: offers printable coupons on a variety of products, and you can even digitally add manufacturer’s coupons to your Grocery store savings card

-redplum.com: printable grocery store coupons

-smartsource.com: another printable grocery store coupon site

-restaurant.com: great deals up to 50% off on local restaurants

-groupon.com & livingsocial.com: you can sign up for daily deals on fun local activities like the spa, restaurants, and more

-Stores like vons.com, cvs.com, ralphs.com, target.com offer weekly specials

Happy coupon clipping!

Contributing editor: Sam