25 Things that are Keeping you Overweight

I know most of these but this article is a really helpful reason for why you may not be losing weight. You've started working out and eating healthy but you still aren't loosing weight find out why!

25 Things that are Keeping you Overweight

Apple Cinnamon Metabolism Boosting Water

Want to cut out sugary drinks but can't stand plain water? There are tons of great flavored water recipes out there, this one has been great for me! I love the taste, it boosts metabolism, and gives me a little extra energy! It is so simple to make too!

Apple Cinnamon Water:

• Cut up on whole apple - Place in pitcher 
• Add 1-2 whole cinnamon sticks
• Fill pitcher with water 
• Place pitcher in the fridge for at least two hours and viola, Yummy Apple Cinnamon Water! When the water is getting low simply add more water once or twice before you switch out the apples and cinnamon!

(Recipe originally from LoseWeightByEating.com)

Why I love Apples (and you should too)

Besides from the fact that apples are absolutely delicious, they also have a ton of amazing health and weight loss benefits! Because of how many benefits apples have (and the fact that they are easier/quicker to read any way) I/m just going to use bullets, so here we go:

1. Eating one apples gives you the same hydration as one 8oz. glass of water. For athletes this means no water sloshing around in your belly while you are performing. Everyone else- water is good for you, keeps you energized, aids in digestion, and helps with weight loss!
2. Apples are low in calories 100g of fresh apple slices equals about 50 calories! (www.nutrition-and-you.com)
3. Apples help fight heart disease by lowering blood fats (www.whfoods.com).
4. Apples help curb your appetite, studies show eating an apple 15 minutes before a meal lowers the caloric intake by 15% - people who ate apples also felt more satisfied with their meals - apple juice/applesauce or processed apple products did not show the same results as whole apples (www.whfoods.com). 
5.  Apples help maintain good two forms of good bacteria in the large intestine, this helps with stomach discomfort, regularity, and weight loss! (www.whfoods.com)
6.  Full of anti-oxidants (www.nutrition-and-you.com)
7.  "Apple fruit contains good quantities of vitamin-C and beta-carotene. Vitamin C is a powerful natural antioxidant. Consumption of foods rich in vitamin C helps the body develop resistance against infectious agents and scavenge harmful, pro-inflammatory free radicals from the body." (www.nutrition-and-you.com).
8. Apples are a great source of B-Complex vitamins which help with the immune system, metabolism, and other bodily functions.  (www.nutrition-and-you.com)

 

If you aren't convinced - go buy a yummy Honey Crisp apple take a big bite and you will be! Apples rock - they are a great snack and meal for kids too. Imagine the health benefits an apple a day can give you and your family!  

Yummy Healthy Knock off "Chewy Bars"

So I am in love with this granola bar recipe I found (and changed significantly) on another blog! Though I have not quite found an exact mixture that sticks together, for now my Chewy bars are more like Chewy Bites. So here's the basic recipe feel free to add different yummy ingredients to flavor or enhance your bars!!

Chewy Granola "Bars"

• 4.5 cups of Rolled Oats
• 1 cup Flour
• 1 tsp. Vanilla 
• 2/3 cup Melted Butter (can also substitute coconut oil, bars come out crunchier)
• 1/2 cup Honey 
• 1/3 cup Packed Brown Sugar
• 1 cup Shredded Coconut (I use the sweetened kind, next time I'm going to try the unsweetened)
• 1/2 cup - Cup of mini chocolate chips or other fresh fruit spices etc. (I think I'm going to try apple cinnamon next!)
• I also add a few healthy pinches of ground flaxseed, it's good for you and you can't even tell it's there! 

Bake at 325 degrees for 18-22min. and there you go, cheap and easy granola your family will love! I have to make a batch every few days for two of us! We just love it! It's amazing warm too, would make a great dessert!!

$10 off Coconut Oil!

I was on another blog today, How does She?, and found a $10 Coupon for Coconut Oil! I am so pumped because I spend a good deal on it!!

Read my Coconut Oil posts (and hers) it's an amazing products that will do wonders for your weight, hair, skin, and overall health!

$10 off Coupon - Coconut Oil

 

This is the brand of coconut oil I usually get, but this is about half of what I pay for it at my local natural foods store, after I use my $10 coupon, I'm going to get this deal!

I hate the taste of Coconut.

I cannot state the taste of fruity coconut. I have tried to mix it in with my smoothies, drinks, tea, food. I just can't do it. Toasted coconut, that's another story, I will destroy a box of Samoas mmm love Girl Scout cookie time (part of my problem!)! That being said I know the amazing benefits coconut oil has for your digestive health, weight loss, skin, bones, hair, etc. and really on your overall health. So here's what I have been doing. I just take a lesson from my freshman in college self, if I don't like the taste just close my eyes and take a shot! Let me tell you that shot of coconut oil is a lot easier to wash down AND it sure helps my tummy (cleans me right out really!) it would be great if you are constipated! If you haven't seen my post on Coconut Oil Check it Out!

So take a lesson from my freshman self, if you can't stand coconut oil (or acai, pom, grapefruit, etc.) just take a shot of it! For your health! 

Couldn't help it...

Shots (LMFAO ft. Lil Jon)

179 lbs! Yes!!

For the first time in five years I am under 180 lbs!! Yay!! Apparently my Smoothies are working on something!! I am so excited!