A Latte Lipstick

Archives for December 2014

10 Day Sugar Detox Challenge

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My father is a health freak, ahem, health nut. Since I was a kid he has jokingly, but not, said “Sugar is poison” followed by me rolling my eyes. However, the more I research sugar, the more the statement rings true. Sugar is extremely addictive and many doctors, nutritionists, etc. believe that sugar is what causes obesity, not fat.

Generally, I eat really healthy but when it comes to sweets, I go a little overboard. It’s the one thing that I don’t feel like I have complete control over, which I hate. I have done fruit/vegetable cleanses, and cut out gluten, but ten days “without” sugar was the most difficult! Quotes because I was very very lenient and plan to try it again and be more prepared. Sugar is a sneaky beast.

So about my lenient sugar-free challenge for ten days… Guys, it was hard, and I wasn’t even hardcore. Clearly proving that I am addicted to sugar. I don’t feel bad about it though because it is in everything!

Source

Many items that I eat are packed with sugar. Read the labels ladies, sugar is easy to be hidden in the ingredients. Starting off, I looked into products I regularly eat to see if they have sugar. I was unhappy to find that nearly everything I eat that’s “healthy” has at least 6 grams of sugar in it. Don’t even get me started on protein bars and powders. 21 G in Clif Bars, 23 G in Power Bars, 15 G in Special K Protein Bars…Yikes!

Anyone want to join this challenge?  We can support each other! I will be doing it again next month after the holidays. Let me know in the comments and I’ll send you some recipes without sugar!

Holiday Tabata Workout

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It has been awhile since I have created a workout and thought it was fitting to create one for the holiday season. Holidays are the time to indulge in some treats, but might as well try to negate some of those delectable desserts with a booty kicking Tabata workout. It’s all about the balance during the busy season!

Tabata workouts are cardio intense and the perfect workout to do when you may not have a long time. These workouts can quickly be modified to fit the time that you have to get in a workout. Traditionally, Tabata has 8 rounds.

This high intensity interval training is sure to give you results. The structure of Tabata consists of 20 seconds of hard work and 10 second rest (20:10 ratio) in four-minute sets of one move. This interval training improves your endurance and keeps the metabolism revved!

This particular Tabata workout pairs two moves to alternate between for the four-minute round. Spend two minutes on each move with the 20:10 ratio. After complete first round, move on to the next. Trust me you will be a sweaty mess after only one round! Then, repeat, time and body permitting of course.
Tabata Round One – 4 minutes
Jump Lunges (2 minutes, 20:10 ratio)
Jump Rope (2 minutes, 20:10 ratio)

Tabata Round Two – 4 minutes
Mountain Climbers(2 minutes, 20:10 ratio)
Tricep Dips(2 minutes, 20:10 ratio)

Tabata Round Three – 4 minutes
Squats (2 minutes, 20:10 ratio)
Kettle Bell Swings (2 minutes, 20:10 ratio)

Tabata Round Four – 4 minutes
Push Ups (2 minutes, 20:10 ratio)
Plank Twists (2 minutes, 20:10 ratio)

Repeat!

Have a great week full of holiday mischief and great workouts!

Improve your Lunch Box with these Healthy Simple Swaps

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This post is for all my teacher friends out there who have homemade lunches everyday or, for those sweet mommas who make packed lunches for their kiddos. Make it even more sweet by providing more nutritional benefits!

So, is your lunchbox really healthy? There are simple swaps to make to get more nutritional value and less of the bad stuff! Here are some great healthy swaps to get you started and headed toward a healthier you!

Healthy Lunch Box Swaps

PBJ swap – Almond Butter Banana. Many jellies are loaded with extra sugars, stick with slicing up a banana. Use whole wheat bread.

Bag of Chips swap – Skip the grease and grab some hummus. I like Cedars Hummus pack that includes pre-portioned healthy chips and hummus.Chicken Salad Sandwich swap – Switch to a classic turkey sandwich with lots of veggies. Chicken salad is loaded with gobs of mayo and fat.

Packaged Cookies swap – Try these protein balls. Guaranteed to keep you fuller longer and gives your sweet tooth a treat!

Power Bar swap – Kind Bar. Power bars have lots of protein in them but way too much sugar! Kind bars have less sugar and few ingredients.

Trail Mix swap – Make your own, that way you know exactly what is in it. I like this Trail Mix for metabolism recipe! Always portion it before you eat the entire bag!!

Yoplait Yogurt swap – Try Chobani Strawberry yogurt. It has less fat, double the protein, and less sugar.

Make it even better with one of these awesome vintage lunch boxes!

What do you pack in your lunch box?

Gift Guide for Fitness Fanatics

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Have no idea what to buy for the fitness fanatic in your life? Here are some great options for those enthused workout friends!

These gift ideas will get you started on gifting for a yogi, crossfit lover, pilates obsessed or motivated marathoner.


1. 28 to Great Challenge and Yoga Ball 

This is a great challenge for those looking to get more tone and healthy. Inspire and motivate a friend looking to get in shape.

2. Under Armour workout headband

No one likes to have fly aways all over their sweating face when they are in the zone. Stop that from happening with this awesome braided head band.

3. Workin my fluff into buff workout top

How awesome is this yoga mat? Talk about taking the boring out of it! Trust me, this mat would make any yogi swoon.

4. Magic carpet yoga mat

This workout top is too cute for the holiday season! Everyone loves Santa! Plus, adding humor to anything you can is always a good thing.

5. Womens Little Book of Exercises

Even the most well rounded workout fiend needs some more moves in their repertoire! This book is full of some great options that can break any exercise rut!

Who else will you be buying your gifts for this year? Let me know in the comments and I’ll find some great options!

6 Inspiring Quotes to Keep you Fit and Strong

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What motivates you, pushes you, and inspires you to work your body, eat right and live healthy? It is so important to have some motivation to keep you going each day. Do you have a body crush? I sure do, lots of them. Get one.

Time is something that we all don’t have enough of so try to get your body moving at every opportunity. Fit in a workout, no matter if it is for 30 minutes or 30 seconds throughout the day.

Cameron Diaz:
“This last year I haven’t trained as much as I normally do because I have been so crazy busy. I was doing 15 minute workouts, three or four times a week. It’s about well-being, physical health and taking care of myself.”

Kate Hudson:
“My new thing is that I always carry a jump rope with me. Then whenever I have a break during the day, I’ll just jump, I can either sit around looking at my phone or I can jump!”

Inspiring outlooks on overall health for your mind and your body. It’s all about balance. Don’t push yourself too hard but don’t not push yourself, listen to your body and care for it.

Jennifer Lopez:
“Beauty is only skin deep. I think what’s really important is finding a balance of mind, body, and spirit.”

Sadie Lincoln:
“Be sure to take time out of your busy schedule to cook a healthy meal, take a walk, or do something fun. By spending just a little time doing things that fuel your body and inspire your mind, you’ll feel happier, energized and more balanced.

Julianne Hough:
“I think at the end of the day you have to find a balance with what’s really important.”

Only you truly know how you and your body feels. Take charge of your health and be an advocate for your personal and physical health.

Jillian Michaels:
“At the end of the day your health is your responsibility.”

Who are your body crushes?