200 Best Smoothie Bowl Recipes by Alison Lewis - Book Review
If you are like me and you hate drinking your calories a smoothie bowl sounds like a much better option. You literally can make anything into a smoothie bowl. Author Alison Lewis is also an internationally published author of two cookbooks, a professional recipe developer, nutritionist, and the owner of Ingredients Inc., a food and travel media company based in Birmingham, Alabama. So when it comes to food she definitely knows her stuff.
From reviewing thats amazing book I have learned how simple it is to prepare a smoothie bowl. I incorporate a lot of her recipes into my client programs when they get sick of shakes or for a great late night snack. They can be very satisfying and satiating. This book was originally published back in April but because of my prep I was unable to make use of it until now!
The book has easy to make recipes that don't involve a lot of complicated ingredients, and it even includes kid friendly recipes. She also gives you topping alternatives and options. You can get as creative as you want on top of the base. There are yummy dessert recipes, any time of the day recipes and even smoothie bowls with coffee and tea as the base. And if you follow my social media you will know that I love both my coffee and my tea! So you know those are some of my favourite recipes. Another one of my favourite recipes that she includes is what she calls the Peanut Butter Cup. It's on page 99 in the kid-friendly smoothie bowls. Be careful it is addictive!
Overall I give this book an 8/10. There are some really great healthy ideas for smoothie bowls. I wish that there was calorie counts and macros for those of us who do competition prep or track macros. And there are a lot of great recipes but no pictures to go with the recipes and I love a book that shows me beautiful photography along with the great recipe! I would suggest getting this book and adding it to your collection for fun meal prep ideas! Especially if you have kids!
150 Best Recipes For Cooking In Foil - Book Review
Foil packet meals = cooking at its simple best
I couldn't agree more with the above statement. As you guys know I am a fitness competitor and prepping meals is a huge part of my nutrition when I am on prep. It can be very time consuming. That means I am always looking for quick and simple recipes to get my food ready so I have more time for training. I also want them to taste good. I don't limit my sodium on prep so I flavour everything! And foil packets are so much fun, easy, and help create amazing flavours with your ingredients. They can also be prepared for oven, bbq or even camping!
This book: 150 Best Recipes For Cooking In Foil by Marilyn Haugen has quickly become one of my favourites for preparing meals! The delicious grilling and one recipes offer convenience with minimal cleanup. I hate cleaning so this is tremendously helpful for me. Its also great for the busy person who doesn't have a lot of time. Many of the dishes I ate ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze for reheat later.
I also like that the ingredients that she uses for her recipes are easy to find every day ingredients. You just chop, mix and you are ready to go. I make mine in the oven but you aren't just limited to the oven with these recipes which is particularly useful no matter what your cooking situation is.
I give this book an 8/10 simply because it is in black and white and not every recipe has a photo. However every recipe that I have tried has been amazing! So grateful to have been sent this book!
150 Best Meals In A Jar - Tanya Linton - Book Review
I love mason jars! I have always said that "everything tastes better in a mason jar." And it does! Thats why I was excited to receive this book 150 Best Meals In A Jar. Once you start using mason jars you will see just how easy it is to do meal prep, eat on the go. You can even be as innovative as you want with the recipes. There really are no limits.
The book has a wide variety of delicious meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It includes soups, snacks, fruit and vegetable salads, grain and legume salads, pastas, rice bowls, over night oats and even desserts.
My favourites are the over night oats. I always love including that into my own plans as well as my clients. One of my top fav recipes is the chocolate protein smoothie that is on pg 19.
The recipes are easy to follow, have great ingredients that are easily available and most often times you already have in your panty. Tanya Linton also provides great variations of the recipes so you aren't limited to exactly what she has in the originally recipe.
Overall I give this book an 8/10. There arent pictures of each recipe but there are just so many amazing options and variations its a go to book for meal prep. If you are into health and fitness and want amazing healthy recipes this is a go to!
To purchase your own copy head on over to:
Juice Guru - Transform Your Life By Adding One juice A Day - Book Review
I know we have all had our fair share of juices. But buying in a store can be fairly expensive. If you have the luxury of your own juicer or you happen to have gotten gifted one for Christmas even better. Did you know that almost 90% of us don't get the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables in our diet? With busy lifestyles these days its often hard to eat the right amount of veggies. Juicing definitely makes it easier.
I would highly recommend the Juice Guru book by Steve & Julie Prusssack if you are new to juicing and want to have a book on hand to use. By following the straightforward guidelines in the book, you will take a huge step in transforming your health. It will also help you learn how to apply the science of habit so that juicing becomes an enjoyable practice you adopt for life rather than a short term experiment.
This book demystifies juicing and will help you incorporate this regimen into your daily lifestyle. It includes a 21 day plan that will help you get started that has 100 flavourful fruit and vegetable juices.
Ive tried quite a few of the recipes in this book. Mostly the veggie ones as I don't eat a lot of fruit on prep. One of my favs was the Nothin' But Greens which can be found on page 119 in the power greens section of the book! Give it a try and let me know how you liked it!
Happy Holidays! I want to share with you my review of a new product that I was sent! Its called Equilibrium! As you know I promote fitness and health and I tell you all my opinions on products and supplements so this is no different. I tried it. I love it. And I want to share it with you guys!
(DONT JUDGE MY NAILS - I need a manicure)
What is it? Equilibriumis the evolution peak of superfoods. The company that creates it is called HoneyColony. They have created and formulated raw honey-based blend consists of organic and wildcrafted ingredients. To create their specific blend, they actually teamed up with former Bee Panacea formulator, Gosia Reed.
About the product: At the core of Equilibrium is raw honey. Eleven other potent superfoods are added—each one organic or wildcrafted, boasting numerous health benefits. The total 12 ingredients bring harmony to a life that faces any stress, toxins, and negative energy.
How its made: Equilibirum Superfood is made in small batches to ensure high quality, exact measurements, and consistency in every jar. To ensure our product never loses integrity, we use high-quality Biophotonic jars that only let sunlight in to improve the substances in each formula.
Equilibrium comes in three different flavors and offers three different functions. The first one, Energy, was designed for athletes or anyone who lives an active lifestyle. This is the one that they sent me. It works by naturally stimulating the nervous system, enhancing brain function, supporting muscle relief, and providing anti-inflammation support, each jar will keep you in the active zone. For those of us who who seize life in its whirlwind of activity, Equilibrium Energy offers the support you need for a mental and physical edge.
My experience: Because they sent it to me at the end of my prep for my figure show I was unable to try it right away. When I won my competition and my diet became more flexible I was able to introduce it! I decided to take a spoonful every morning as they recommended. Because I was reducing my stimulants from prep I found it very helpful with increasing my energy On top of this it was very delicious! I looked forward to taking it because it was like a nice sweet treat!
Things to know: If you count your macros or calories. Equilibrium is 25 calories per serving, 5g of carbohydrates and 3g of sugars!
I would highly recommend this if you are looking for a natural energy enhancer as an athlete or fitness enthusiast! And if you are a macro tracker during prep you may want to wait until you're off of prep.
For more information or to see their other products please check out their website https://www.honeycolony.com
Next Sugar - Review
Some Nutrition facts:
Per packet (3g)
Calories 6
Carbs 3g
What is it you ask? Next Sugar is the first clinically tested, low glycemic natural cane sugar blend that tastes just like sugar because it is real sugar. Their unique blend naturally and safely blocks up to 50% of the sugar from being absorbed by the body. Less sugar absorbed, means less calories.
It tastes pretty good compared to sweetners. It doesn't have that aspartame taste. Im not too sure how much I would use it when I am in prep based on the fact it is still sugar. However I will put it to use in my off season!
Around the world, hundreds of millions of people need to reduce their sugar intake -- from individuals who need to manage their weight, to diabetics who must carefully control their blood sugar levels.
At the same time, people who are currently healthy must be on alert, too. Studies show that over-consumption of sugar can trigger a range of serious metabolic syndromes like heart disease. It can also lead to obesity, which is now an epidemic crisis -- especially among children. In short: big sugar is a BIG problem!
Sugar Substitute? Not a Chance!
However, so-called “sugar substitutes” are the problem -- not the solution! In addition to tasting nothing like real sugar, these products are loaded with chemicals, and can actually trigger weight gain and cause adverse health issues.
The good news is that there’s a new sugar alternative on the market that is finally delivering the solution that so many people -- including health researchers and medical professionals -- have been waiting for: NEXT SUGAR.
Benefits Backed by Clinical Trials
NEXT SUGAR is the world’s first low glycemic, non-GMO and Kosher natural cane sugar that has a sweetness intensity and profile of conventional sugar, but with a groundbreaking advantage: its unique composition naturally and safely blocks up to 50% of the sugar from being absorbed by the body. NEXT SUGAR is suitable for any traditional use of sugar, such as baking, cooking and sweetening.
What’s more, NEXT SUGAR’s advantages are not based on hyped-up marketing claims. They are backed by successful human clinical trials, such as one by Sydney University’s “Glycemic Index Research Service” (SUGiRS) which concluded that: “NEXT SUGAR would be suitable for consumption in controlled amounts by people with diabetes in line with their individual dietary requirements.”
Positive Thinking Will Never Change Your Life...But this Book Will - A book review
If the title doesn't get you Im not sure what will! I am always looking for positive and uplifting books to learn tips and tricks from. And this book really hit the nail on the head. It puts the myth of positive thinking to the test and really gets into the reality of success.
The author is a man named David Essel, M.S. is the author of 9 books, a Master Life Coach and Teacher, Business Relationship and Addiction recovery Coach, International Speaker and Radio/TV Host (what doesn't this guy do?) For more info on him check out: www.davidessel.com
I really enjoyed this book and if you are looking for a more positive 2017 definitely pick it up, I highly recommend it! It was an easy read and definitely a great way to start off your 2017!
I was recently sent the cold-Q oral spray to try. Which is 100% natural. It's pesticide/heavy metal free. Its also non-gmo. They sent me a 20ml bottle. Cold-Q enhancement is a unique oral spray that is made up of a proprietary formula of natural herbs, designed to be delivered to the back of the throat. This special formula is composed of herbs that are listed on Health Canada's Traditional Chinese Medicine Ingredient (TCMI) monograph.
Although I have not been sick I had my boyfriend test it out (he got sick) at the time the bottle arrived. Unlike most sprays of this nature that can be harsh or numbing he found this to be refreshing and cooling on the back of his throat. He felt relief from it and definitely used it every day until he felt better.
The spray was easy to use he said. All you have to do is simply shake the bottle, rotate the point so that it points upwards at a 45 degree angle, tilt your head back and spray 5 times into the back of your throat. They recommend you do this 3 times a day. They also recommend that you wait 30 minutes after spraying before eating or drinking.
My boyfriend and I highly recommend this natural product and find it to be a great solution to relief when you are sick. It was safe, convenient and easy to use. You can also stash it in your purse or pocket easily. For more information visit www.coldq.com
Thanks again at Cold-Q for allowing me to test out your product and helping my boyfriend feel better!
Hazing Aging - Book Review
Physician, Robert Buckingham believes the key to reversing the aging process lies within a group of cells that line the body's blood vessels, called the vascular endothelium. He wants to help as many people as he can through disease prevention to develop anti-inflammatory lifestyle choices that would serve people well in againg with grace.
His new book, “Hazing Aging” explores how maintaining the health of these cells through basic lifestyle changes can reverse effects of aging and drastically prolong lifespans. A lot of the clients that I work with are all going through some form of lifestyle change so I found this book very eye opening with the tactics that I will now implement with them. "Health care prevention does not have to be complicated or disjointed, rather it can be wrapped around a core understanding of vascular inflammatory risk mitigation." I am a firm believer and so is Dr. Buckingham that when you get older you don't have to hurt, your heart doesn't have to fail and that your brain does not have to rot.
I consider myself well educated based on my degrees, certifications and experience so I found this book very interesting because this is the first time that I had heard of the vascular endothelium which is a group of cells that line the body's blood vessels. These cells have evolved according to Dr. Buckingham in both structure and function to facilitate efficient and specific exchanges between blood and organs. He says that by focusing on theses cells, you'll improve end-organ function, reverse adverse effects of aging and live happier. After delving into the physiology I believe that this is possible but for some it does take a lot of change. I feel in my experience that the personal has to willingly understand and want the change and you can't force it on them. No one can change unless they desire it themselves deep down.
According to the National Council on Aging, approximately 92% of oder adults have at least one chronic disease. That's crazy to me. And so unfortunately. That means that you or a loved one could be suffering in the future from a chronic disease. Doesn't that make you want to do everything that you can to prevent that so that you can age with grace.
About The Author Robert L. Buckingham, MD, FACP, has been a practicing physician in Ojai, California, for thirty-six years. He received his medical degree from the University of Illinois College of Medicine, where he graduated as a James Scholar with an MD and a master’s degree in pharmacology. He firmly believes that all should be informed about health, longevity and anti-aging.
Check out this great video by Dr. Buckingham below explaining his book:
Sweating your way to optimal health Giacomo Fasano highlights the benefits of detoxifying the body through running in new fitness book
I recently received the book Revolutionary Powercycles to review. As I am a track and field coach and recreational runner it was very fitting to my lifestyle. The fundamentals of fitness have been under our noses forever, but some aspects have not been diligently recognized. I also myself had to under go chemo last year (non cancerous) and used exercises as part of my therapy for both the mental and physical aspects. Although after reading this book I don't think that it is for everyone but there is a place for it with a lot of people. Sweat does help use release toxins in our bodies and I think we need to focus more on that with our treatment plans for a lot of illnesses. Please use the programs that the author suggests if you have a doctor to supervises especially if you are on any radiation therapy or chemotherapy drugs.
In the book “Revolutionary Powercycles,” Giacomo Fasano presents an 8-year self-study of his unique exercise regimen, Powercycle68, which combines 68 minutes of vigorous and slow-paced running to achieve the highest amount of sweat extraction.
Lead and other toxic metals present in sweat are cumulative toxicants that affect multiple bodily systems that can lead to many illnesses like cancer, tumors, depression, high blood pressure and premature aging. The World Health Organization says there is no known level of lead exposure that is considered safe, and that lead can enter the body through environmental contamination or ingestion.
“The pragmatic approach to targeted lead removal in Powercycle68, known as progressive displacement, is like a reverse vitamin to our bodies,” Fasano said.
By following Giacomo’s fitness plan, readers currently undergoing cancer treatments can also improve their health through progressive displacement by lowering the levels of arsenic toxicity in their bodies caused by radiation or chemotherapy drugs while generating new, healthy cells in the brain, lungs and other organs.
“I am of the strong opinion that the calculated, systematic and consistent removal of lead and other bad toxins from the body can only begin to have mankind be taller and better than cancer and other ailments,” Fasano said.
The author Giacomo Fasano has a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Johnson & Wales University and a law degree from Pace University School of Law. His passion for health and fitness is well into its fourth decade, having logged more than 14,000 miles of running throughout the last 10 years.
Thank you so much for giving me the honour to read your book Giacomo Fasano. It really reminded me and re- opened my eyes as a health professional and track coach about the benefits of sweat and exercise. Endorphins are a powerful drug. We all need to take exercise I bit more seriously.
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