My 7-day Full Body Detox:

Rules:

• Foods allowed: Veggies, Fruits (except bananas), Rice cakes (only 3-5 per day), organic oatmeal in the mornings
• Beverages allowed: Green tea (decaf), water, 1 coffee (decaf)
• At least 60 minutes of exercise each day
• At least 20 minutes of meditation/yoga/pilates each day
• No negative energy
• At least 8 hours of sleep each night
• No fast food, perservatives, processed foods, etc
• No alcohol, no caffeine

 Day 3, Wednesday July 15th: (3 pounds down since beginning)

8:30am: Woke up and was very tired

10:30am: Drove to the office, picked up a small decaf black coffee – drank a a couple of sips, but honestly wasn’t delightful.

11:30am: Had organic oatmeal – was delicious, and finally “woke me up”

12:45pm: Had 1 rice cake – geeze, these things are messy!

1:20pm: Made a hot tea, sipped on it lightly, much more appetizing.

2:00pm: Stepped outside to get some UV Rays

3:45pm: Organic spring mix with diced tomatoes and other veggies. Definitely impressed with Organic Girl.

5:00pm: Client # 1 (Ate 1 rice cake prior)

5:45pm: Ate some fresh fruit to keep my energy up

6:00pm: Small group (3 clients)

7:15pm: Outdoor Bootcamp group – still feeling energized (much better than yesterday’s workout)

8:30pm: Small group (3 clients)

9:30pm: Ate a quick organic salad

10:40pm: Went to see a movie, sucked down water, and had a handful of popcorn (yikes!)

1:00am: Was in bed and passed right out!

OVERVIEW OF THE DAY:

For the most part, the day was a good one. I had energy and I enjoyed working out and training my clients. I felt like my energy came from within, as opposed to being just a caffeine rush. I did get a couple of headaches throughout the day, but I couldn’t tell if it was because of the weather (sinuses) or if it was because I had been off caffeine for so long. On to day 4!

My 7-day Full Body Detox:

Rules:

• Foods allowed: Veggies, Fruits (except bananas), Rice cakes (only 3-5 per day), organic oatmeal in the mornings
• Beverages allowed: Green tea (decaf), water
• At least 60 minutes of exercise each day
• At least 20 minutes of meditation/yoga/pilates each day
• No negative energy
• At least 8 hours of sleep each night
• No fast food, perservatives, processed foods, etc
• No alcohol, no caffeine

 Day 2, Tuesday July 14th: (2 pounds down)

6:15am: Was wide awake – that hasn’t happened for a while. Felt somewhat energetic and ready for the day.

6:45am: Did some basic Pilates moves in my bedroom, then showered.

7:30am: Made some organic oatmeal – tasted great and felt even MORE energized.

8:30am: Got dressed, relaxed, then headed to the office. On the way, had 1 rice cake (mainly to get rid of the toothpaste taste in my mouth)

9:00am: Fixed my first natural tea of the day.

11:10am: Organic spring mix salad, with diced tomatoes and other veggies. Absolutely delicious.

11:30am: Ran errands. Started to crave a coffee, but energized without it.

1:45pm: Pulled out some fruit (blueberries, pineapples, strawberries) and started to have some

2:15pm: Ate 1 rice cake. Talked to my mom on the phone for 10 minutes while she tried to convince me that 1 tall decaf latte from SBux will not break my detox.

2:45pm: Starting to feel a bit tired, and grumpy – so reheated some tea to calm down. I also went into the back room (where I have some workout equipment) and stretched out. MUCH better!

5:00pm: Ate 1 more rice cake.

6:00pm: Went to the gym, completed the following: Biceps & Back; 15 minutes on Stair Stepper, then 10 minutes on Elliptical. Was extremely worn out by the time I got to the Elliptical. I felt exhausted and just needed a pick-me-up fast.

7:30pm: Picked up a  green tea on my way to train a client.

8:00-8:45pm: Trained my client

9:00pm: Had a stir-fry of just vegetables for my late night dinner. The mixed veggies was a delicious way to end the day.

9:30pm+: Managed to have no wine, no tortilla chips, zippo while watching the All Star game

OVERVIEW OF THE DAY:

Overall, the day went OK – I ended up extremely exhausted at the gym which definitely upset me because I did not get in as much cardio as I had hoped. I literally could have fallen asleep on the machine. However, I do FEEL better, I feel refreshed and more focused. Skipping out on the wine and “munchies” was not as hard as I had thought. But thankfully, I was so full from the veggies that I didn’t crave anything else.

My 7-day Full Body Detox:

Rules:

• Foods allowed: Veggies, Fruits (except bananas), Rice cakes (only 3-5 per day), organic oatmeal in the mornings
• Beverages allowed: Green tea (decaf), water
• At least 60 minutes of exercise each day
• At least 20 minutes of meditation/yoga/pilates each day
• No negative energy
• At least 8 hours of sleep each night
• No fast food, perservatives, processed foods, etc
• No alcohol, no caffeine

Day 1, Monday July 13th:

7:00am: Woke up – ready to take on the day, then realized that TOM decided to visit, what a great way to start my detox!

9:00am: Craved my Starbucks latte, but knew I really enjoy green tea more

9:45am: Drove to grocery store next to work, and picked up lots of veggies and fruit to have at work (no excuses!) Ate 2 rice cakes.

11:15am: Water running through me like crazy. Grumpy co-worker already trying to test my nerves (ok, so we know it is Monday, but get over it!), but I’m not giving into his negative energy!

11:55am: Onto my 2^nd green tea, this time with mixed berries! Yum! However, had a small headache for 10 minutes, and it finally went away! *crossing fingers on that being the only coffee withdrawl that I go through!*

12:10pm: Grabbing lunch: Organic spring salad with diced tomatoes and other veggies included

1:00pm: Feeling absolutely great after lunch – the veggies were so fresh & I can’t wait to snack on some fruit later on.

1:20pm: Felt real chilly – so stepped outside for some UV Rays for about 5 minutes. I love the sunshine.

2:50pm: Pulled out a fruit cup with blueberries and pineapples. Honestly, probably soon to say this, but the food tastes so amazing – I may have gotten lucky with freshness, but I literally savoured the fruit.

3:30pm: Heated up another glass of green tea – begin to plan for my clients tonight. I have a girl’s group of 6, then a Cardio Kickboxing class afterwards. The real test is to see if I’m fatigued after 2 intense workout sessions. Come on natural energy… give it all you got!

4:30pm: Ran home to change, starting to feel a little weak!

5:55pm: First group of clients arrive… feeling drained but OK – worked them out pretty darn hard!

6:50pm: Start with next client — actually worked out with her and knew right away the effect of no carbs/protein had — I was exhausted immediately

8:30pm: Grabbed a rice cake on drive home because I felt light-headed, boo this, where is my natural energy??!!

8:50pm: Grabbed a garden spring salad with lots of veggies, much needed! A great re-fuel prior to bedtime.

9:20pm: About to grab a shower and lay down and read… will definitely be getting my 8 hours of sleep tonight, I feel like I could pass out right now!

OVERVIEW OF THE DAY:

So it started off great, but once the day kept going and I started training and working out myself, I felt the effects hardcore. As I drove home, I CRAVED coffee, mainly that vanilla smell/taste, but I was able to quickly disregard that craving. Once I was home, I was able to grab my final meal of the night & I was re-fueled. Now I’m off to read a book and relax before eventually passing out. Will let you all know how my sleep is! Goodnight.

Detox (verb): to eliminate, get rid of and/or cleanse from toxins

Our bodies have a built-in detoxification and cleansing system, a natural function of eliminating toxins through certain organs, the kidney, liver, intestines, lymph and blood. For many of us though our bodies are battling to eliminate the toxins as fast as we ingest them.

Our bodies become congested with toxic substances either through a short term over-exposure, bad lifestyle, diet, or excessive use of alcohol and drugs.

Detoxification refers to programs or steps taken to cleanse and purify. Of course we immediately think of the body, diets, colon cleanse and liver. Maybe alcohol and drug detox too. But if you think about it, every aspect of your life could benefit from getting rid or toxins. How about your primary relationships like with your significant other, your children, your parents. Ever think about cleaning up your attitude? Do your have an attitude that is lashing out at the world and attracting back more negativity to your life?

Today, with more toxins in the environment than ever, “it’s critical to detox,” says Linda Page, N.D., Ph.D., the author of Detoxification (Healthy Healing Publications). Page recommends detoxing for symptoms such as unexplained fatigue, sluggish elimination, irritated skin, allergies or low-grade infections; bags under the eyes; a distended stomach even if the rest of your body is thin; menstrual difficulties; or mental confusion.

Where to begin?

1. Eat plenty of fiber, including brown rice and organically-grown fresh fruits and vegetables. Beets, radishes, artichokes, cabbage, broccoli, spirulina, chlorella, and seaweed are excellent detoxifying foods.

2. Cleanse and protect the liver by taking herbs such as dandelion root, burdock and milk thistle, and drinking green tea.

3. Take vitamin C, which helps the body produce glutathione, a liver compound that drives away toxins.

4. Drink at least 2 quarts of water daily.

5. Breathe deeply to allow oxygen to circulate more completely through your system.

6. Transform stress by emphasizing positive emotions.

7. Practice hydrotherapy by taking a very hot shower for five minutes, allowing the water to run on your back. Follow with cold water for 30 seconds. Do this three times, and then get into bed for 30 minutes.

8. Sweat in a sauna so your body can eliminate wastes through perspiration.

9. Dry-brush your skin or try detoxifying patches or detox foot spas / foot baths to remove toxins through your pores. Special brushes are available at natural products stores.

10. What is the most important way to detoxify? Exercise! Yoga or jump-roping are good. One hour every day.

There are many theories on why women love to wear lingerie. For women it isn’t about whether or not anyone else will see it, it is for themselves. How women perceive themselves helps their over all self esteem. If you think you look sexy in that camisole then you are sexy. Looking and feeling good is a big part our society today. Many people assume when a woman wears lingerie that is solely for a man’s pleasure. Even though lingerie has been worn for centuries for the pleasure of the opposite sex, it is not the main focus for women these days or in the past. Now it is more of a notion of self-image and feeling attractive for ones self rather than for anybody else. It is about feeling good about the whole you and knowing you are sexy even when you don’t readily show everyone else.

Interestingly enough, marketing approaches have also changed as well these last few years. Their message today not only promotes looking sexy for your partner, they also tell you to feel sexy for you as well and more importantly. Lingerie has always made to be exotic and teasing. Today, women can get just as much pleasure just from wearing it as they can by being viewed in it. In some cases they can get more out of just wearing it for them and not other. Some women are very shy and are not willing to immediately slip into something sexy for some one else’s viewing pleasure. This type of display can make them feel awkward or anxious. Just wearing the sexy lingerie when no one else knows can help spark self-esteem and desire in her self. Now designers are gearing this sexy wear for comfort, movement, and everyday practicality as well as sleek and sexy. Not only does this trend in design say a lot about marketing it says a lot about women in society today.

Back in the day of boned corsets that left women barely able to breathe or move, comfort was not the option. It was implied that proper women did not move all around and had no need to. It was also under the premise that women had no need to be out in the world. Their job was to cater to their husbands, home and families. Comfort was not in the equation. Not to mention that lingerie was not for the common women so it carried prestige and merit. But as the time changed and women became more active in political, economical, and the social realms of the world lingerie has taken a huge change. It is not geared towards the woman her self and the comfort and sexiness she needs. There for lingerie had to become modernized by being less restrictive. There is lingerie and intimate apparel for all occasions that are of great comfort and flexibility for every taste and body type today.

Lingerie designers are finally recognizing that beauty is not some standardized thing. Women are now demanding that designers make sexy and practical lingerie that is realistic and designed for all women, not just the standard. Women want to feel and look beautiful to them. That beauty and appreciation for their own body will permeate their personality and trickle into all areas of their lives. Women are tired and have no use to constantly try to fit into some impossible idealistic box anymore. It is now about being appreciated for the individual you. This has been proven with the burst of lingerie for fuller sized women today. The designs of today are now finally geared to the real size women and she can feel sexy too. So now fuller figured women can also feel and look as sexy too, no matter what their size is.

The wearing of lingerie for a woman can be as much sensual as it sexual. It has to do with self-image. The women today are strong, independent, and vibrant and should be free to explore their own personal sexuality. The shopping for and wearing of lingerie today is such a sensual pleasure for women today. It is not the lingerie that gives a women confidence it is the woman’s self-esteem created by feeling good about her self that gives her an air of confidence, beauty, and sensitivity.

As many of you may or may not know, I have been designing and constructing garments for about six years now. It’s definitely one of my passions. And I hope to get into the lingerie industry at least for a selection of garments because I think it would be extremely fun! Lingerie should reflect your inner-self. I encourage all of you girls (and boyfriends, husbands, best friends) to buy lingerie this season. I swear to you, it will make you feel like a million dollars underneath your clothes!

“I love to wear lingerie. The problem is that men always rip it off too quickly. When women are dolled up in lingerie they feel sexy. So let us wear it for five minutes.” >Karen McDougal

So you started a new workout regimen where you’re getting in cardio 5 to 6 days per week and strength training too. You’re feeling great about your results, the pounds are starting to drop but there’s an abnormal ‘funk’ coming from your gym bag, from your laundry room, and from all of your clothes in general. What is going on?? Working out definitely has a lot more pro’s than con’s – however, one of the biggest con’s that I can think of is the fact that a good session leaves your clothes smelly, even after you’ve washed them a couple of times. So I did some research and was able to come up with some remedies to get rid of the funky smell and get you back into the gym or outside to complete your workouts without having to pinch your nose shut. Hopefully these will work to your advantage!

Option 1: Get new detergent

There has been many improvements made in laundry detergents that specialize in not only cotton clothing but for the moisture-wicking tees/dry fit clothing that people usually wear while working out. These detergents are soft enough for lingerie even. However, the best part about it is that they are specifically designed to pull the stench out of the clothing and they leave your garments nice and fresh. Some well-known detergents are:

Atsko Sports Wash : $

• I have seen many great reviews on this product. Try finding where you buy this product in your area as opposed to ordering directly from the site.

No Sweat Laundry : $$$

• I only found one review, but it was 100% positive. The site is chic and girly – very neat concept but was kind of amazed at the higher prices.

Febreze Sport : $

• Febreze works wonders – we all know that.. and their sport collection is no different. They even offer the sport collection detergent.

Option 2: Creat new habits after working out

Many have recommended that you must simply hang your clothes to dry completely after a sweat-filled workout. Dampness brings upon the stench and mold, so when you throw your clothes into a gym bag and allow them to stay damp, the smell gets stronger. So throw your clothes over a chair on your patio or a place where it will get air to fully dry – then you can wash it from there.

Option 3: Add in items to your everyday detergent

Some folks don’t really want to try new detergent because they are satisfied with their own so there are two ways to get rid of that stink.

• Vinegar
• Baking soda

So there you have it – some ways to get rid of the funk. Hopefully these will work to your benefit. If you try it out, let me know how it goes by leaving a comment.

“I believe in pink, I believe that laughing is the best calorie burner. I believe in kissing, kissing a lot. I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day and I believe in miracles.”

– Audrey Hepburn

If you know me pretty well, you’ll know that I am not a fan of rain. For some reason, I have it in my head that rain just ruins plans unless it comes at night time, which in that case, I have no issue with rain at all. If you’re faced with a rainy day (like us in Florida have been for the past few days) then perhaps you should do the following to make your time “worth it’s while”…

¤ Do the chores you’ve been putting off for weeks

¤ Cuddle up with a good book

¤ Pull out the board games

¤ Pump up the music and get in a workout (there’s so much you can do without using a machine, be creative!)

¤ Work on that scrapbook that has been collecting dust for months

¤ Try on all your clothes in your closet – and start packing away all of the ones that don’t fit or you don’t like, to give away to charity or to sell.

¤ Be carefree, go play in the rain (of course if there is no lightning or ridiculous winds)

Poll

What items would increase the value of my studio space for you personally? Dance floor space for group fitness classes Cardio equipment such as: treadmill, elliptical, etc Children’s area Vending machines for water, energy drinks, etc Spinning room Shower/Locker room Current Results

I am in the process of putting together my studio space and I want to know from YOU what are the most important aspects of a workout studio. I primarily do 1-on-1 training, buddy training, and group fitness classes, however, I am looking to pursue more. Please select the items that would strike you as “WOW” if you found out that I had it available at my studio. Obviously, all of the above would be just amazing, but select a couple choices that really mean ALOT to you. Then leave me a comment at the end explaining what you chose and why (if you want). I could use all the feedback! Thanks!

The beautiful thing about memories is that they are yours, whether they are good, bad or indifferent.. they belong to you. & no matter where life takes you, your memories tie you to where you`ve been.

We all have guilty pleasures…here are some of my own:

01. Purchasing magazines at the store instead of saving $ by subscribing

02. Dancing everywhere – to the bathroom, on the patio, in the car

03. Doodling my name (practicing my autograph)

04. Twitter

05. Buying an item just because it’s on the sell or clearance rack

06. Cookies made by my little sister, Lu

07. Not checking my voicemail for days

08. Sending random picture text messages

09. Writing out to-do lists, then re-writing because it was messy

10. Listening to a song, and picturing myself being in the music video for it

11. Cool whip

12. Wanting to work out after a drink or two

13. Daydreaming about raising a family and living down the street from my two best friends – Andrea and Monica

14. Living by and through quotes & pictures

15. Paying more attention to song lyric than the actual beat of the song

16. Taking hot baths, with bubbles

17. Tanning beds

18. Adoring anything vintage

19. Taking the term “retail therapy” to heart on a bad day

20. Caring more about my clients then myself, at times

21. Chatting with my dad for hours

22. Gossiping with my gramma

23. The “nook” (resting your head right on the inside shoulder of your significant other, it’s like the perfect spot while laying down)

24. Arcade games

25. S’mores when it’s chilly outside

26. 600 thread count sheets, at least.

27. Going to movies and being more excited about the previews

28. Designing clothes at 3am – I always gets the most creative thoughts then

29. Going out with guy friends, and dancing (yes… guy friends)

30. Enjoying staying in my house on a Friday or Saturday night

What are some of yours? (Comment below)