Hormonal changes associated with different types of food are also important. Diets high in carbs cause increased secretion of insulin, meaning elevated insulin levels, meaning more fat storage. Low insulin promotes fat burning.4,5

It seems obvious that the type of food consumed can affect energy expenditure and fat loss. Staying away from processed foods made with refined starches and added sugar is, “the road map to reducing the obesity epidemic in the United States,” said Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian, a cardiologist and dean of the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University.

Food reward regions in the brain programmed much of this physical dependence on processed foods and refined starches. But the body can reverse it. Acute bouts of aerobic exercise have been shown to significantly suppress appetite and hunger while increasing satiety and fullness.6 Exercise in the form of resistance (weight) training can enhance insulin sensitivity,7 which results in reduced insulin secretion.8 Less insulin helps bodies favor fat burning over fat storage.

At its core, weight loss results from burning more calories than you consume. But the macronutrient composition of those calories is also vital. Different foods have substantially different metabolic and hormonal effects on the body. So what’s eaten (and how calories are expended) can change how much you eat and whether those calories are burned or stored.
​
Not all calories are created equal.

Metabolic Advantage
According to one hypothesis, low-carb diets have a distinct “metabolic advantage” over diets with higher carbohydrate content when the amount of calories consumed are the same.3This metabolic advantage is essentially an increase in the expenditure of energy (calories) on the low-carb diet. Factors that may account for this higher rate of calorie burning include:

1. Higher energy costs associated with high thermic effect of protein. Greater protein intake on the keto diet is more energetically costly. When carb intake is low, protein is used to make glucose via a process called gluconeogenesis. The energy cost for this is estimated to be ~ 400 to 600 calories/day from a simple diet change.13
2. Increased ability to burn fat. Keto-adaptation more than doubles the rate of fat burning compared to a high-carb diet.14 In addition, lower levels of insulin trigger fat burning, reduce fat storage, and increase lean mass.4,5

Published studies established the metabolic advantage of low-carb diets.4,3,15 A recent pilot study–though flawed and biased against low-carb eating–showed a significant increase in energy expenditure (100-150 calories/day) associated with a ketogenic diet.16 If sustained, this would lead to ~ 10 to 15 pounds of fat lost, or not gained, over a year.
Appetite Suppression
A common symptom of the ketogenic diet is appetite suppression.17 This feeling of fullness associated with the state of nutritional ketosis may be linked to a higher intake of protein and fat.

Ketosis suppresses ghrelin–a hormone that increases hunger,18 while high levels of the ketone beta-hydroxybutyrate may act directly as a satiety signal.19 Exogenous ketosis induced by HVMN Ketone, a ketone ester drink, also decreases appetite and ghrelin.20 If you're looking for a fasting aid, HVMN Ketone is the perfect tool. Our flagship product puts you into nearly immediate ketosis without the need to diet or fast for weeks–try it here.
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While both appetite suppression and higher energy expenditure likely play a role in low-carb weight loss, they may not always act independently. For example, the increase in body temperature resulting from the greater energy cost of higher protein consumption translates into feelings of satiety.21,4

If it’s in season locally, buy and eat it. That means don’t eat strawberries from Spain in the winter.  Your choices should require less assistance to be ripe at the appropriate time, be more budget friendly and support your health needs during that time of year. It makes it fun and provides motivation and opportunities to try new things and get out of meal ruts.

Proteins: Good quality proteins. Both meat or non-meat sources can work, though you do have to apply more effort into your selections to get balance if you go a non-meat route. Protein should be a part of all of your daily meals. 

Carbohydrates: Lots of vegetables,  kale and chard, carrots, peppers, mushrooms to name just a few - Eat green - Get lean.

Fats: Yes they are great but don’t go crazy because too much of even a good thing will ultimately be stored as body fat. Fat sources such as olive oil, avocados, egg yolks and nuts are great natural ways to improve skin, hair, and overall health -  Just keep it to small amounts.

Dairy -  If you're allergic or lactose intolerant, this is obviously not a good choice.If dairy is not a problem I still suggest selecting  high quality whole milk over processed and skim - just not a gallon a day. A small organic, grass-fed, full fat, greek yogurt , a little chèvre or some feta are all good choices. When it comes to cooking and added milk in recipes, I recommend almond milk or preferred non-dairy source, provided it’s not soy

Bread: If you have celiac or a real gluten intolerance, then you can skip this part. If you are going to indulge in bread, choose a whole grain product with minimal processing.

We all eat for emotional reasons. People eat when stressed, or sad or happy. I eat sometimes just because it’s Fall - whatever your trigger is,  just take a moment before you eat and think if you are really hungry.  The more you do this, the more aware you become of fueling your body and less about  trying to heal another need.

​Remove Triggers. Other people don't have more self control or willpower than you . They most likely have just reduced the number of triggers around them.  We will all break down and do something we shouldn't if faced with constant temptation. Don't make yourself work that hard. Simply reduce the opportunities for your body to give in. Don't buy food you have a hard time resisting. If it’s not around, it’s not part of your daily eating equation.

​Set yourself up for success. Do food prep to make healthy cooking less of a chore when you are hungry. Have good to go snacks. Bring food with you when healthy food options are not available.

I have always been bothered by the use of steroids in the fitness industry. I believe the goal of fitness endeavors should be geared around improving one's health. Sadly, I had gotten used to  steroids in traditional bodybuilding, but then they started working their way into bikini competitions. These were originally created as an alternative  format where women could have a competitive option that didn't require the need for drugs. The truth is, if there are people posing on a stage, there are steroids on the stage. I quickly became disenchanted with the whole idea of fitness related competitions.

One of the main reasons is that women who choose not to take these dangerous drugs no longer stand a chance of placing. Often, they don't realize the people who are winning are taking steroids. This leads to self blame and criticism. "I didn't train hard enough. I shouldn't have eaten that extra ounce of turkey," etc. Fitness should make you feel good about yourself. Training for a show is hard work and, if in the end, the only way to be competitive is to take steroids, what is a fitness related competition actually about?

I came across a great article by SpotMeGirl.com that outlines the details of steroids in women's fitness. My only caveat is the article states that "No one should have to disclose if they take any enhancements."  I disagree. When it comes to competing, if you walk on a stage or enter a contest, it needs to be a level playing field. If its a drug show or a drug free show, just say so.  Other than that, its a great read. Here's an excerpt and the link to read in full "Here is the kicker: most of you follow them on Instagram or Facebook and don’t realize it. No one said that steroids were only for the muscle bound bodybuilder like Iris Kyle. Bikini models and competitors alike take steroids to maintain a lean and cut figure. When it is your job, or you’re trying to make it your job, you’ll do what you need to in order to maintain a certain look. That is why while many people steer clear of steroids, there are those who benefit from it and you’d never know. How does that effect the industry though? By setting standards that many can’t attain." 

Some days you just can't face it. One more session on the bike, treadmill, or stair machine feels like it will kill you. When cardio dread hits you, just break it up into smaller parts. For example, do ten minutes of cardio in the beginning of your work out, train a body part, do ten more minutes, train another body part, and finish up with a final ten minutes on your cardio machine of choice. It's easy to skip it when you aren't feeling it, but by knocking it out even when you don't want to will get you over the cardio blues.

We all have the same problem - we run out of time so frequently, it feels like we are never going to catch up with all the things we need to do. We try scheduling and making lists, but somehow time always slips away and things don't get done.  I think this problem can be simplified to reach a level where nothing falls through                                                                          the cracks, and we actually start to take on more than we thought possible before.

There are too many things pulling at us through technology that split our attention and often steal our productivity.  You don't need to comment on every posted pic.  You aren't missing out on anything.  If you can free your mind from the need to check in with social media, your time will open up significantly.  I'm not just talking about the time spent actually looking at your device - I'm combining that with the headspace you use automatically telling yourself that you need to look at your phone every thirty seconds.  Turn your phone off.  Give yourself  a break from your tech habit.  You will see that you really haven't missed a thing, and you have reclaimed minutes - and potentially hours everyday.

This one is pretty simple.  Those few moments of "snooze sleep" never help.  I feel it can even set a daily tone of procrastination that results in low overall productivity.  The personal freedom you will know by having the discipline to get up and attack your day feels so much better than those few extra minutes of restless sleep

Here's the drill - Get a monthly planner.  Take bites out of the year in 30 day segments.  Write what you have to do in black on every day.  For example, "Pay Rent", is a black ink item.  Then,  write in red for things you are going to do for yourself.  "Go To Yoga" , would be a red item.  Then,  in green, write up your goals.  Even something like "Paint The Bathroom Door".  Write it down, and make it real.  Just looking around and hoping you will get to it won't get it done.  Consider this calendar your appointment book with yourself.  It manages your must-do items, your personal health and wellness, and serves as a tracking system for the other little chores that slip away.  This is not a calendar on your phone with all the built in distractions.  It's paper.  And pen.  Like in the old days.  Before phones.  When things got done....

Just a little reminder to wear your sunscreen DAILY. We have come so far from when this ad was created - Tanning leads to premature aging and collagen breakdown that is often difficult and costly to reverse (if it's even possible). If you are still laying out, you are killing yourself. Literally.

This summer, many of us will be stepping away from our regular lives to get some much needed R&R. The best way to have a great trip is to not come home with extra pounds and cravings that are hard to kick. Don't worry  - staying on track and making the most of your vacation can go hand in hand.

The best tip I can give, is to stay away from the buffet. These staples of resort dining can lead you to pile on unnecessary calories, and send you into a craving tailspin. It's best to order a la carte, but if you must eat at the buffet, I suggest using two smaller plates. The first one is for your nutritious green vegetables and items that typically make up your normal eating routine. The second is for sampling a few of the things that look interesting. This will allow you to fill up first on healthier things, as well as give space for some dietary cheating. After all, it is a vacation.

When I'm away from my usual gym, I also think of it as a break from the way I would normally work out. If you are somewhere that offers group classes, then take one that you have never taken before. That will make it fun and will give you something to look forward to. I also like to do two short sessions rather than one long one. For example, if I take a yoga class in the morning, I may do 20 minutes of core later in the afternoon. It's a good idea to coordinate your later session with happy hour. You can avoid unnecessary afternoon calories and alcohol by keeping this appointment with yourself. I feel much fresher going to dinner knowing I did something good for myself over having that extra Mai Tai. And that's not even mentioning those bar snacks that always seem to disappear...

I like to do a little exploring when I'm in a new place - I get a feel for the culture and sometimes I can even learn something new. I enjoy trying activities like a day tour on a bike, or paddle boarding to a more remote snorkeling spot. These non-motorized outings can often lead you to locations that many people don't get to see and really add to the beauty of the place you are visiting. Hidden gems are hard to find, but of you are willing to put in a little work, the locals will show you why their home is such a special place. Try this - make a one to one trade - if you rent jet skis, then next you are going to try windsurfing. You won't regret trying something new.

This summer, take a trip  and get away from it all. Just don't come home with work to do to get back to where you were before you left. Proper food choices, staying hydrated, and getting a couple of short work out sessions a day in can all come together to making it your best trip ever. Just remember...Sunscreen, Sunscreen, Sunscreen.

I recently had a client complain to me that the weight she wanted to lose wasn't coming off. She had been good about her workouts, had cut calories and maintained her nutritional requirements. What was the deal?

When we broke down what was going on, I discovered that she had opted to replace a couple of meals each day with protein shakes. Seems reasonable. Loads of nutrition, easy to digest,  you feel full and it keeps your diet on track. The label even says meal replacement. At first blush, this sounds like a real time saver and a true diet hack. WRONG.

Here's the problem. We all want our metabolisms to be like turbine engines, burning through everything we throw at them. Meal replacements and protein shakes are built on the backbone of predigested proteins and nutrients. You simply don't have to work as hard to break them down and put them to use. It's a digestive vacation that may give you a lot of nutrition, but your machine simply is not going as hard as you want for optimal results.

When putting together your diet and nutrition plan, it's ok to occasionally use a protein shake to mix things up. When you use shakes as a mainstay, you are headed for trouble. Supplement means "in addition to". These drinks were never meant be the bulk of your diet. To keep your metabolism running in top form, as always, eat green, eat lean, and now you know, shakes sometimes.

It's something that you already know, but let's go over it again. You can lose weight and rev up your metabolism simply by walking. You can also elevate your mood and in many cases, crack the code to overcoming the cravings that often come at the end of each day. By taking a walk after dinner, every night, you are going to become a believer. I'm not talking about some arduous pilgrimage through rough terrain or walking the local shopping mall. I'm talking about getting up from your meal, passing on dessert, and walking in your neighborhood for even just two tiny miles. In a month, even if you only walk four days a week, you will cover forty miles, and burn 4000 calories. Those are results that everyone has time for.

When you keep this appointment with yourself, the benefits really go beyond what exercise offers. I do my walk without my phone. Don't be scared. You can do it. Just leave it at home, and walk out the door. The freedom you get may surprise you. Not only that, but in the absence of your phone, you may understand how reliant you are on this technology - which is not always a good thing. Simply be present in your walk, and see what 40 minutes can do. A tech diet is good for everyone. You really won't miss a thing. 

It can take 20 minutes for the signal to go from the receptors in your stomach to your brain that tell you to stop eating. By eating a sensible dinner, and getting up and heading out, you give time for that process to occur. I have never come home after a walk and been hungry. I find that the method of "Eat and Walk" will also completely erase my desire for something sweet. I don't know how. It just does.

When I return from my walk, I make a little note on my calendar (yes - my paper one) so I can see how far I've gone in a "week by week" and "month by  month" basis. It makes it more fun, and if something isn't fun, chances are, you won't stick with it. I keep it fresh by walking different routes and exploring streets I haven't been down. I like seeing the different landscaping designs and color schemes that people use on their homes. It gives me something to look forward to, and I use a very simple "20 minutes is a mile" method to track my distances. It's not exactly accurate, but for this, it's close enough. ​

I had friend tell me a long time ago, that no matter what you do, the time will pass. So this summer, get out there and walk after dinner. I bet by August, many of you have gone beyond 100 miles. That is real. So, as the summer passes, you can get out and be a part of it and cover the distance of a few marathons, or you can have that second helping everyday and complain that your bathing suit must have shrunk. Totally up to you.......

Makes 24 Mini Muffins
Ingredients:
1 scoop Quest All Purpose Protein mix
1 pouch of METRX chocolate protein blend
¼ cup Unsweetened Applesauce
Unsweetened Almond milk
⅛ tsp baking powder
3 tsp stevia bakeable blend - Pyure
1 egg

Dramatic, but true. I know you realize that sugar is bad for you - but sometimes a little reminder is a good thing. High levels of dietary sugar will erode your quality of life. It will age you prematurely, both inside and out, and put you on a path to numerous health issues. Sugar is hidden in products we use everyday. It has created generations of unknowing addicts that have suffered physically and emotionally as it has taken hold and become a major part of our diets.

I read the label on everything I buy. I have noticed that some products are trying to hide added sugar by labeling the ingredient as another form of sugar such as fructose. To be perfectly clear, this fruit derived sugar is sugar. In nature, we are meant to eat an orange or an apple, not have some factory extraction process delivering us the juice without the fibrous material inherent to the fruit itself. So, when you see products with "no added sugar", look to see if they have simply added a sugar analog. It's a dirty trick that harms your health. Sugar can even sneak in to seemingly innocent  products like taco seasoning and almond milk. Stay informed, read labels, and make good choices.

Let's be honest - no one is a fan of the beer belly. Wine will do the same thing. I do enjoy a very occasional glass of wine (and by glass I don't mean bottle) - but I partake with the caveat that I'm going to pay for it the next day in the form of additional cardio. I think of an alcoholic drink as a glass of sugar, because it is. Alcohol places your metabolism in low gear, and leaves it there until you work it out of your system. It also erodes your will power. How many of us have over eaten as a result of having a couple of drinks? All of us. Also, the terrible sleep you will have on nights you drink is due to the alcohol and the sugar being processed out at different rates.  Be aware that a serving of wine is 5 ounces. Many restaurants will pour a 10 ounce double serving. So if you have two glasses of wine, you have had four servings. No one has ever stopped drinking and gotten less attractive. If you want to drop your wine gut, drop the wine. It's fine occasionally - which means on occasion - the daily arrival of 5:30 doesn't qualify. 

Sugar is a jerk. The more you eat it, the more you want it. It gives you amazing highs only to drop the bottom out with  soul crushing lows. It's a major player in depression, mood imbalances, attention disorders, and completely sends your hormones into a spin trying to regulate your levels. If you aren't quite feeling yourself, maybe all you need is to reduce your sugar intake and reassess. Sugar depresses immunity, making you vulnerable to colds and flu, not to mention diabetes, tooth decay, heart disease, and, new research shows Alzheimer's can be linked to the damages caused by this sweet little creep. 

Completely eliminating sugar is very, very hard. Reducing it is an attainable goal that can be done today. Read your labels, make good choices, and show your body the respect it deserves. Sugar is a tough one - but you are tougher.

​As a skin care clinician I spend a lot of time with clients analyzing their individual issues, and creating an at home skin care program that complements the treatments we perform at the spa. Ideally, your home care regimen should be customized to your personal skin profile to help get the results you want and still be completed in a reasonable amount of time. 

​After selecting the products, and explaining  why the key ingredients work best, I started asking my clients if they know the technique to apply their products. I found that many of us just don't know. We do what we have always done, or what is fast and gets us on to the next task. Let's take a minute to establish the best way to get the most out of your home care regimen.

​​By using these techniques, I feel you can improve the quality of your skin while getting the most out of the products you buy. My mom was right when she said, "Treat your skin like your eyeball". It was one of those things that sounded funny at the time, but really makes a lot of sense. She also calls blue jeans "dungarees", but you can't win them all.

Ladies, we all need to up our calf game.  There is no better time than the legging covered winter to work on the body part that gets all the attention when you throw on your favorite heels. Carving out a nice set of calves takes persistence.  But all that constant work means nothing if you aren't doing things the right way to get the look you want.

In knowing how to build and shape the calf muscle, we need to first  understand what we are dealing with.  The calves are constantly working and always under load from everything we do all day long.  As a result, the muscles in the calf are very dense, and are a unique combination of both slow and fast twitch muscle.  Additionally, the calves can be a couple of degrees colder than the more central muscle groups, so getting them to respond takes strategy.

Hollywood legend Steve Reeves was known to spend his mornings on his tiptoes.  He felt that immediately stimulating the calves after lying down all night was a good way to force them to grow.  He also had an amazing body at a point in time when no one had an amazing body - so he may have known what he was doing. Want to give it  a shot? Just try standing on your toes when you brush your teeth. Even small, incremental stimulation can push your muscles to change.

The Seated Calf Raise : This is a staple to build lower calf strength.  I like to do these as a starting exercise to really get my achilles stretched out as I get the blood flowing. I keep the weight light and move slowly through the movement like a ballet dancer getting up on her toes. Bouncing is not the way.  Keep control - and keep your weight low and your reps high.  I feel that overloading on this exercise can create a thickness in the lower calf area that doesn't benefit the desired shape.

Leg Press Calf Raises : Here is where I add the weight.  I put just enough to make 20 reps challenging. If you load it right and get a full range of movement, 20 will be more than enough.  I also change my foot position here during my three sets. I go from inline, to slightly outward , to slightly inward.  If you start bouncing, you are going too heavy. Lighten up and do it right. Think about how you would press if you were trying to look over a wall. Pay attention not to shock load your knees here as well. A slight bend is all it takes - just keep them from being locked out -  but don't let the quads sneak in to help you either. That's called cheating.    

Standing Calf Raise : I have a love/hate relationship with this one.  I love the feeling of the deep muscle stretch it gives me, but I hate the marks it can leave on my shoulders. To combat this, I use a lighter weight, and really relax at the bottom of the movement to get the full benefit of that elongation. When you feel it, you will know you are in the right spot.

If you don't want to risk the shoulder marks from the standing calf raise, try the standing dumbbell calf raise.  Flex hard at the top and relax the muscle as you lower back to the floor.  It's not exactly the same, but if you don't enjoy your workout, you aren't going to stick with it, so alternatives are always a good thing. Using a couple of weight plates under your toes can give you an additional range of movement that you wont get from just being on the floor.

To get good calves, you have to plan your work, and then work your plan. Accessory muscles can be overlooked. Don't do that. Training your calves regularly will not only give your legs an overall better shape, but will give you more balance and confidence in every move you make. Brush your teeth on your toes, don't bounce in the gym, keep them stretched out, and the next time you put on your favorite heels, you're going to steal the show.

There is a lot of talk today about turmeric and it's potential health benefits. With every trend, I like to take a step back and go to the science to separate the hype from the facts. I gave turmeric a solid skeptical hippo gaze, and here's what I found out.

Turmeric is a spice that has been used in India for centuries.  It gives curry that beautiful yellow color and adds the flavor that is distinctive to many East Asian dishes. It has recently been hailed as an antioxidant that reduces inflammation and provides relief for a whole host of ailments. 

The active ingredient that provides the benefits is curcumin. Unfortunately, there is only about 3% curcumin in turmeric, making it virtually impossible to get the healing benefits from just turmeric alone. You just couldn't consume enough of it to hit a meaningful therapeutic threshold. Curcumin is also very poorly absorbed in the bloodstream, so you need to combine it with piperine - which is found in black pepper.  Once those two get together, their absorption rate can go up as high as 2,000% over just taking curcumin alone. Knowing this, taking turmeric is pretty pointless.

Now that we know turmeric won't give us all the benefits the mob is telling us, what is curcumin good for? 

1 - It's a proven anti-inflammatory  that in some tests proves as potent as a pharmaceutical agent

2 - It increases your anti-oxidant capacity - and getting rid of those free radicals is always a good thing

3 - In your brain, there is a hormone called "Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor" (BDNF) - This hormone helps create the pathways for neural activity - which happens in childhood.  Studies show that curcumin can increase your BDNF levels, and put those pathway crews back to work.  It can help repair and potentially slow some of the aging processes in the brain.  Amazing.

4 - Heart Disease is a killer - and curcumin works to improve the function of the lining of the blood vessels.  When the lining isn't functioning properly, the negative impact of heart disease can accelerate rapidly.  Combine better function with reduced inflammation and you are on your way to a happier heart.

The list truly goes on and on.  When I turned my hippo gaze  deeper into my bowl of curry, I found the answer was not turmeric, but curcumin.  Remember, curcumin alone is not enough - it needs piperine or you will literally be flushing your supplements down the toilet.

When the hype tells you to take turmeric, get on some curcumin with piperine - and keep the spices in the kitchen.  Hey - don't be sad turmeric - being delicious is a big benefit too....

After a few months off of sharing "My Favorite Things", I've had a lot of requests to bring it back and share the little gems I have found that I really enjoy.  I'm going to try to kick off each month with another edition, so let's get into it...

Quark isn't yogurt - it's a crafted German Cheese that is made in Los Angeles and delivered right to your door.  Elli created 16 delicious flavors that have a  smooth and creamy, cheesecake like consistency. Its higher protein to sugar ratio than yogurt, and clean ingredients make it a clear winner.   For me, it's an easy way to satisfy my desert cravings and not call it a "cheat day". Try the apple pie. I love it. Click on the pic to go to their website and select your flavors today.

Bragg Organic Sprinkle is awesome.   When I first opened it, the smell was amazing.  I knew it would be good on so many things - chicken, fish, salad, even eggs. It adds a ton of flavor with no dietary impact.  It's available everywhere.  Just click the pic to check out the macros...

How Good Does All This Sound???
INGREDIENTS: rosemary*, onion*, garlic*, thyme*, red bell pepper*, carrot*, tomato*, black pepper*, basil*, Bragg Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil*, parsley*, tarragon*, lemon peel*, orange peel*, Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar*, celery seed*, dill seed*, oregano*, savory*, sage*, ginger*, coriander*, bay leaf*, turmeric*.      * organic ingredients

Do you remember my blog about my homemade cauliflower bread bites?  Well, after the blog came out, a client ( Thank you Melissa) turned me on to these. They had the exact same ingredients as my recipe. They are a great bread substitute that you can get in some Whole Foods - or even have them shipped to you.  Outer Aisle Cauliflower Sandwich Thins are the BEST.  They cook up nice and crispy in a toaster, and are an excellent gluten-free bread alternative.  They are made in Goleta, California, and I love them!!! They also do a pizza crust that comes in a two-pack, so be sure to try that as well  - it's the same formulation as the sandwich thins - but gives you the option of a healthy pizza night in your own kitchen. Click below to read more from Outer Aisle and my blog.

I wanted to share an article I wrote for a trade magazine.  It will give you a little insight into my business philosophy and give you a look inside what makes S-Team work.  Click the link below...

You know it's true. You can be sound asleep, and that cracked hoof slides through the sheets and touches your leg, waking you up like you've been scratched with a dragon's claw.

This Valentine's Day, give yourself a gift that you both with enjoy. S-Team has put together a his and hers home foot peel treatment for the first 50 customers, that will bring you closer together, and end your embarrassment when he wears flip flops around your friends.

We have assembled a limited amount of Baby Foot Exfoliant Foot Peels, in a his and hers combination that will make this Valentine's Day your best ever. No candy, no  flowers, none of that stuff.  Lavender scented for you and minty fresh for him -  it's a can't miss.

​At just $40, it's a perfect evening that works for both of you  - He gets fixed up, you get fixed up, and later that night, when he slides a little closer, it's going to be a lot better.  Ahhh Romance...

I like things to be easy when it comes to nutrition.  My gluten free She-Hulk shake is about as easy as it gets.  It's power packed with protein and iron and easily processed fat from avocado. If you are training hard, or just needing a meal replacement pick me up, it's the perfect fuel to power you through any challenge - and the best part is that everything you need is at your local Costco.

​1 & 1/2  Scoops  of ON Vanilla 100% Whey Protein      
1 cup Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk
2 Cups Spinach
1/4 Sliced Fresh Avocado

​Put all the ingredients in the Magic Bullet.  It's just that simple. It works out best to put the almond milk in first.  The protein is less likely to stick to the bottom that way. If you want a smoother shake, just add a little water and give the Bullet another spin.

Calories = 287
Fat          = 10.5
Protein  = 40
Carbs     = 4.6

It's a delicious , protein rich shake that is a great addition to any diet.  The caloric count is perfect for me and keeps me going through a tough work out.  It's easy to make, feels great to drink, and once again, Costco has it all.

​​It's bound to happen at some point.  The system you have been using for optimum performance stops working : It's time to mix it up.

​The human body (and the mind) are highly adaptable.  You can get  into a non-optimal performance pattern with your training regimen, your sleep schedule, and even your diet. We are looking for a constant upward progression, no matter how small, and the first step toward assurance of success comes in two simple words.  Let go.

​Let's pretend everything in your life is exactly the same, but you aren’t performing at your physical or mental peak.  Go to the gas tank first.  What are you eating?  What are you not eating?  What have you let slowly slip into your diet that seemed so benign at first but is now firmly in the rotation and is stealing your thunder?  Fix it.  The simplest way to achieve this is to do a five day diary.  For five days, (one weekend day and four weekdays) write down everything you eat and at exactly what time you are eating.  A simple entry of “coffee” isn’t good enough  - You even  need to log the 1 oz of creamer (even if it's sugar free).  Try it.  I think you will be surprised what has gotten off track.  It’s not easy to maintain the discipline of a healthy diet day in and day out.  Unfortunately, it is easy to allow variations in your diet become standard.  It's those standards that make or break your efforts toward optimum health.

​What about your work out?  You have it down….its totally predictable - you know exactly how long it will take and what level of fatigue you can expect to have (or not have) as the day progresses.  Plus it’s brainless and automatic.  Headphones on, brain off, magically its over and you didn’t even realize it.  Time to let go.  You need a new way to reach your destination, and it’s going to take some new thinking.  Get outside.  Go plyometric.  Do something different.  Whatever you do, mix it up.  You body is dying for a new challenge.  

​If your sleep is suffering, take a look at your nightly rituals.  Do you stop looking at your computer or phone a few hours before bed?  Have you started the nasty habit of eating anything close to bedtime that can disrupt your sleep cycle?  Are you so overtrained that you are restless during the night and tired in the morning?  Never forget that you train in the gym and you grow and repair in bed.  Maybe you need a few weeks of conscientious under-training.  Sleep is a precious commodity essential to both body and brain function.  Never sacrifice your sleep. Remember - alcohol can significantly disrupt your normal sleep cycle. Be honest about the reasons you aren’t resting.  Fix it.  And get some new pillows……you deserve it.

​When you make an investment, you are looking for a return.  When you invest in yourself, you should expect no less.  If your time is not paying the dividends you should be getting based on your honest efforts, then revamp your routine and let go.

Flashback to my high school days, wearing my yellow polyester uniform, standing behind the counter at Ken's Donuts, serving up the hottest, freshest, and quite possibly least healthy things you could ever eat.  I don't miss those early morning shifts, but I still love a good donut.  So I made my own...

I got the idea to try to make these little gems while walking through Marshall's (because I love a good deal), and I saw the donut pan.  I went home to the "test kitchen", and after a couple of flat attempts, I found a combination that is tasty and good for you too.

Three Eggs
One packet of Vanilla Met-Rx Protein Powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla
Optional - Dark Chocolate Chips (8 per donut) - but seriously - we all know this is totally a must add

Preheat your oven to 375, and coat your pan with non stick canola oil spray

Put two egg whites and one whole egg in your Magic Bullet
​
Add in the Met-Rx Vanilla Protein Powder, along with the vanilla and baking powder
(I put a splash of almond milk in the empty Met-Rx envelope to get all the powder that sticks to the sides - You know - the old Kool-Aid trick)

I use the Magic Bullet, (which I got at my beloved Costco), because it mixes with no lumps and clean up is a breeze - it's a perfect  time saver in an early morning rush. If you don't have a Magic Bullet, just be sure to get the mixture smooth and lump-free.  You may need to add a little water to get the right cake batter consistency...

Bake for 20 minutes...

Per Donut:
Without Chips                                            With Chips
Calories = 60                                                Calories = 77
Fat          = 1.2                                                 Fat         = 2.4
Protein   = 8.7                                               Protein  = 9
Carbs      = 6.6                                               Carbs     = 8.5

I love these because they are delicious, healthy, and very portable.   When I'm on the run, I take them with me to eat  throughout the morning.  It keeps my diet in check - and hey - Who doesn't love a donut?

I’m always trying new things in the kitchen, and let me tell you, they are not always winners. Recently, I created a gluten free “bread” from riced cauliflower, and it has become a staple of my diet. Easy to make, delicious, and every ingredient comes from Costco.

​I have two pans that I make the “bread” in - a standard muffin pan, and a whoopie pie pan.  I end up with two different thicknesses, but they taste almost identical.

​2 eggs
4 Teaspoons Almond Flour
3 cups riced Cauliflower
1 Teaspoon Baking Powder
½ cup Shredded Parmesean Cheese
Organic No Salt Seasoning (I don’t know the measurement here – I just put it what looks right)
 
​Preheat the oven to 375 and spray your pans with non-stick canola oil spray
​​
Combine all ingredients in a bowl until well mixed, and place equal amounts in the cups of the pan.  Put a little pressure on it as you put the mixture in to sort of pack it down. Bake for 20-25 minutes (My oven is good at 23 minutes, so somewhere in that range should work)
 
When I take them out , I give them a few minutes to cool just a little before removing them from the pan to finish on the rack.

​That’s all there is to it.  They are good in the fridge for about a week, or you can freeze them for later.  I like to heat them up in a toaster oven to keep the edges crispy.

​I use these “bread bites” under poached eggs for breakfast, to make grilled cheese for lunch, (only in the toaster oven – a pan or panini press destroys them), or even under a nice piece of grilled salmon at dinner.

​The Macros
Makes 12 Bread Bites
Each Bread Bite contains:
Calories = 60
Protein = 7.6
Fat = 5.3
Carbs = .6

​Super easy to make, super delicious, super good for you and everything comes from Costco too.  What could be better than that?

What is the deal with coconut sugar? Is it really better than just regular sugar? Is it the same? With so many options for “all natural” and man-made sweeteners, sometimes it’s hard to see the forest for the trees.  

​Coconut sugar is made by taking the sap of the Coconut Palm, and drying it under heat until all of the moisture is gone and the sugar remains. 
("coconut palm sugar" isn't coconut sugar... it's from a different type of palm tree - I know...It's confusing....but don't worry about that now...)

This natural production process actually leaves the final product with some additional minerals that you won’t find in white sugar. Zinc, Iron, Calcium, and Potassium are all found in coconut sugar, but the amounts are pretty small. Knowing that, I would say you should seek other sources for these nutrients. However, Inulin is the magic in coconut sugar.  It’s a fiber that is believed to reduce the glycemic index of coconut sugar by lowering the absorption rate. In a nutshell, (pun intended), you won’t get the major spike in your blood sugar level you would get from normal sugar.

What is the glycemic index anyway?  The glycemic index is a scale that uses pure glucose as the top performer. Table sugar has a glycemic index of 60, so it can be assumed that it is 60% as potent as pure glucose. Coconut sugar has a glycemic index of 35. Pretty simple. 

​The real villain is fructose.  Fructose has been linked to insulin resistance (which can lead to diabetes), and when the liver gets too much fructose, it gets converted to fat. Table sugar, or “sucrose”, is 50% glucose and 50% fructose.  Coconut sugar is typically 70% sucrose.  Which means half of that 70 is fructose.   Pretty not simple...I know...

At 16 calories a teaspoon, for both table and coconut sugar, it appears that neither is any better for you on a calorie restricted diet. I do feel that the lower absorption rate can help you overcome some of the sugar crash you could get from your morning coffee. In the end, I would say it’s a good addition if you like the taste and the more natural production process appeals to you. It’s not going to cure your sweet tooth, but could be a good band-aid for the peaks and valleys that come with a white sugar fix.