Flab to FAB · Health/ Fitness

What’s the Best Diet? Healthy Eating 101 by Doc Mike Evans

You know I love me some makeup!  But there is so much more to “looking (and feeling) Joli good” than just what we put on our faces every day.

What is a diet?  Whether you are consciously on a “weight loss diet”or not, you still have a diet.  A diet can easily be explained as the “set of food rules that you follow for yourself.” Most of us seem to want weight loss at one point or another in our lives.  Is there a magic food formula?  Unfortunately, still NO!  We are not all genetically the same, so what is right for one person is not necessarily best for someone else.

While obesity is a major factor in a lot of diseases,  it is better to focus on health at every size.  Health should not just be a weight goal, but a lifestyle: lots of physical activity, regular meals, good social support.  Instead of just focusing on weight loss, focusing on healthy outcomes such as less cancer, heart disease, and longer life with better quality.

Active obese people tend to live longer than skinny sedentary people.

Losing weight, while it is not easy, isn’t actually the hardest part.  Maintaining that weight loss is trickier.  Overly restrictive diets are hard to maintain.  I am not saying that you have to change everything about your current diet, but sometimes just making small changes here and there make big differenced in the long run.

Consistency is more important than perfection! | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

Studies have shown that something as simple as keeping track of your weight on a consistent basis helps with weight loss.  As well, keeping a food journal can actually double your overall weight loss! I write down everything I eat, whether good or bad to keep myself accountable and aware of what I am actually eating.  I think this is the #1 thing that has helped me to lose weight and I am hoping it will help me to maintain this weight loss in the future.

Think more about what is healthy to eat instead of all of what you should not be eating.

Most of us don’t overeat because we are hungry, we over eat because we are in the habit of overeating.  Some times simple changes like putting the cookies and snacks away in the closet and instead having fruit and veggies easily accessible can make healthy dietary choices easier without being overly conscious of the change.

Moderation: less meat, more veggies, having fruit for dessert and skipping processed foods.

Also, leave room for flexibility!  Make good choices 80% of the time and let yourself have a bit of indulge every once in a while. Healthy is a longterm lifestyle, not a short term quick fix.

Consistency is more important than perfection!

The first time I watched this video by Dr Mike Evens I started taking notes!  I love the way that the vastness and confusion of “healthy eating” and “diets” is broken down into smaller bites (pun totally intended. :-))

 Please take 15 minutes out of your busy day to watch this video!

 

Dr. Mike Evans is a staff physician at St. Michael’s Hospital and an Associate Professor of Family Medicine. He is a Scientist at the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute and has an endowed Chair in Patient Engagement and Childhood Nutrition at the University of Toronto. 

Written, Narrated and Produced by Dr. Mike Evans
Illustrations by Liisa Sorsa
Directed, Photographed and Produced by Nick de Pencier
Editor, David Schmidt
Story/Graphic Facilitator, Disa Kauk
Production Assistant, Chris Niesing
Director of Operations, Mike Heinrich”

You can also check out the other interesting health information he has on his website by clicking HERE.

What's the Best Diet? Healthy Eating 101 by Doc Mike Evans | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

I know I personally feel so much better overall when I eat healthier, not just physically but mentally as well.  What do you think about overall health over weight?

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If you would like to read more about my journey from flab to fab click HERE.

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Beauty Subscription · Make up

Ipsy Glam Bag February 2016

I can’t believe that I completely forgot to post about this months ipsy bag!  We were recently away on vacation in sunny Florida, so when my ipsy glam bag arrived I wasn’t even around to open it!!  I haven’t used any of these products yet, so no reviews this month.

If you don’t already know what ipsy is you can check out my previous post all about it by clicking HERE.  If you are thinking about trying out ipsy, I would love it if you were to use my referral link  https://www.ipsy.com/new?refer=uqdkx

February 2016 Ipsy Glam Bag | lookingjoligood.wordpress.comThis month’s glam bag theme is “Pretty In Ipsy Pink“. The bag is a cute pixilated white envelope with a pink heart.  The main side is a bumpy texture with pink smooth patten leather on the back.  Again this month the zipper is across the top which, you may remember, I like a lot better than the style of the ones that have the zipper 1/4 of the way down.  This is one of my favorite bag designs so far.

If you follow me on Instagram or Facebook you have already seen what I received.  If you don’t follow me on Instagram or Facebook, you totally should be 😉 !

February 2016 Ipsy Glam Bag | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

Here is what I got in my glam bag this month…

February 2016 Ipsy Glam Bag | lookingjoligood.wordpress.comGirls! Oh my goodness! I got another nail polish product in my bag again this month! I have retaken the quiz so many times, and yet I still keep getting nail polishes!  I have filled out the ratings every time I have gotten a nail polish/nail product and I have even called and complained.  Still, still I get another nail product!  If any of you know a trick to get less nail polishes PLEASE tell me!!!
Perfect FormulaPink Gel Coat (Weight: .17 oz)
The “Suit of Armor” for your nails. Instantly achieve strong, healthier-looking natural nails.

  • Instantly Strengthens
  • Brightens, seals, and protects
  • High Gloss Finish

February 2016 Ipsy Glam Bag | lookingjoligood.wordpress.comBelláPierre Cosmetics Mineral Blush (Weight: .2 oz)
This creamy, non-comedogenic Mineral Blush gives you a beautiful, healthy flush that looks natural. Recommended by make-up artists and dermatologists, this award-winning blush is talc-free, paraben-free, and suitable for all skin types and conditions.

  • All natural
  • Vegan
  • Creates a natural blush

ipsters who sample Mineral Blush will receive the shade Desert Rose.

February 2016 Ipsy Glam Bag | lookingjoligood.wordpress.comSmashbox Cosmetics Photo Finish Primer Oil (Weight: .13 oz)
The Power of a Primer. The Luxury of a Face Oil.

Fall in love with your skin — before you put on makeup — with the first ever primer specially formulated in a lightweight, lustrous oil. This fast-absorbing hero blend of 15 essential and lipid-rich plant oils penetrate instantly to moisturize your face for seamless foundation application with a dewy, youthful finish. In fact, you might think twice before you reach for your makeup.

  • Softens complexion to make foundation look like skin
  • Instantly absorbs and adds radiance
  • 15 essential and lipid-rich plant oils including moisturizing jojoba and calming chamomile
  • Apply a few drops to split-ends, cuticles, elbows and clavicle for a dewy, youthful sheen

February 2016 Ipsy Glam Bag | lookingjoligood.wordpress.comDr. Brandt PoreDermabrasion (Weight: .25 oz)
Dr. brandt PoreDermabrasion is a unique physical and chemical exfoliator and pore perfector in one. No matter how old you are or what type of skin you have, enlarged pores are a huge concern. Shrink them down to the vanishing point while smoothing and evening skin’s texture.

  • Helps refine the appearance of pores
  • Helps cleanse pores
  • Helps smooth and even skin texture

 

February 2016 Ipsy Glam Bag | lookingjoligood.wordpress.comMOR Emporium Classics Hand & Body Lotion in Candied Vanilla (Weight: 1 oz)
A luxurious Hand & Body Lotion enriched with Macadamia and Soybean Oils, Shea Butter and Vitamin E that leaves skin feeling supple. Sweet almond extract and argan oil deeply moisturizes and leaves skin delicately scented.

  • Free from mineral oils, parabens, synthetic dyes and sulphates
  • This product is not tested on animals

How about you?   Did you get an ipsy’s glam bag?  What did you get in yours?  Were you happy with your samples?  Do you get any other monthly subscription bags/boxes that are worth trying out?  Let me know in the comments below.

If you don’t already subscribe and would like to try out ipsy you can use my referral link by clicking HERE!  Also, if you are interested in seeing my other recent posts about ipsy click HERE.

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Delicious Recipes

Homemade Twix Bars

 I LOVE caramel!

One of my favorite candy bars of all time is Twix.

Here is a simply delicious recipe to make Twix bars at home!

Homemade Twix Bars | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

Jamielyn over at I Heart Naptime has so many great recipes!   If you are looking for something great to eat, you’ve got to go check it out!

Here is the direct link to these homemade twix bars over at I Heart Naptime.  http://www.iheartnaptime.net/homemade-twix-bars/

Prep time: 25 MINUTES

Cook time: 30 MINUTES

Total time: 50 MINUTES + COOL TIME

Ingredients:

Shortbread:

  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2/3 cup butter, softened slightly

Caramel:

  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
  • 2 Tablespoons corn syrup

Chocolate:

  • 2 cups chocolate chips
  • 1 teaspoon vegetable oil

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Line a 9×9 pan with parchment paper or spray with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.

Combine the flour and sugar in a medium size bowl. Then cut the butter in with a pastry cutter or two forks, until it forms a crumb mixture. Then press down into the pan and bake for 20 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool.

For the caramel add the butter to a medium saucepan and melt over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, corn syrup, and sweetened condensed milk. Bring to a boil and cook for 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir an additional 2 minutes, or until it starts to thicken. Pour over cooled shortbread bars. Allow to cool.

Once the caramel has become firm, mix the chocolate and oil in a microwave safe bowl. Cook on high for 1 minute. Stir and cook in 15 second intervals, until the chocolate is melted. Then pour over the caramel layer and allow to set. May place in the fridge to help set faster.

Once the chocolate has hardened, cut into squares with a warm knife.

Go check out all the other awesome recipes at I Heart Naptime!

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Make up · Tips and Tricks

Tip Tuesday #3

Tip Tuesday Make up tips and tricks every Tuesday | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

Sometime making little changes can make a big difference in you makeup/beauty routine.

Here is another tip for Tip Tuesdays…

When applying eyeshadow into the crease, instead of looking straight on into the mirror, tilt your head back and look down into the mirror.  Just moving your head into this different position will help you to visualize the eye bone better giving you a better guide where to add your crease color.

This tip is also helpful for when you are applying eyeliner as well as false lashes.  You can better visualize where you want to add the liner and the lashes by tilting your head back and looking into the mirror at this different angle.

If you try out this tip, I’d love to hear how it works for you!

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No Gym No Problem

No Gym? No Problem! #8

We have completed two months of this new year, can you believe it?!  How are things going with your new years resolutions?  Have you been eating well and working out?  If not, today is a great day to start!

This 10 minute workout focuses on the arms.  You’ll need  2 sets of weights: a light and heavier set.  I prefer to use 3 and 8 lbs weights, but if you only have 3 and 5 lbs that works out fine as well.

Remember, keep good form, warm up before and stretch after you exercises!  No excuses, just do it!

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Make up · Review · Weekly Product Highlight

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circle Treatment Concealer

~Weekly Product Highlight~ Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circle Treatment Concealer~

Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circle Treatment Concealer | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

After seeing so many beauty YouTubes recommend this Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circle Treatment Concealer by Maybelline, I figured I had to at least give it a try, and I am so glad that I did!

I absolutely love this Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circle Treatment Concealer.  It covers and blends so beautifully. I have tried a lot of concealers, and this is the best so far. It gives me the perfect amount of coverage. It does not crease, goes on smoothly and doesn’t leave that white shadow that I hate that some concealers leave.  Also,when and if I decide to bring it down into a triangle onto my face, it doesn’t seep into my pores or fine lines.

It comes in 6 different shades.  Fair, Light, Medium, Honey, Neutralizer, and Brightener.  My favorite so far is 160 Brightener.

Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circle Treatment Concealer | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

One downfall I’ve noticed is that it seems to wear off a little quicker than I would like.  Although, when set with a finely milled under eye powder it seems to last much better.  Also, when necessary, it can be reapplied without causing too much caking or creasing.  Another downfall is that despite having 6 shades, none are really great for darker skin.

I love the design of the packaging.  Since most concealers have a doe foot applicator, it is quite a different application experience from the other concealers that I have used.  Also because of the design of the packaging, it is easier to not go overboard and apply too much.  A little bit does go a long way (another added bonus.)

The Ulta Website give a great description of the way to use it…(which can also be found on the back of the package it comes in.)

“Turn collar of the micro-corrector applicator in direction of arrows until product is visible on sponge. This may require a number of turns. Adjust accordingly for desired amount of product. Using applicator, apply concealer directly to under-eye area, blending in an outward motion. To apply more, twist collar of applicator 1-2 clicks at a time. For best results, use sparingly. For extreme dark circles, apply the neutralizer shade underneath your concealer shade. Use the brightener shade to add a luminous touch to inner corner of eyes, cheek and brow bones and bridge of nose.”

(ps: I don’t know why, but I love the word sparingly, lol!)

What does the Maybelline website have to say about it?…

“Active Formula and Micro-Corrector Applicator erase dark circles, puffiness and fine lines instantly.

Why You’ll Love It

• Micro-Corrector Applicator micro-fills and smoothes.
• Active formula with Haloxyl reduces the look of puffiness and shadows while fading the appearance of under-eye circles.
• Apply neutralizer shade for extreme dark circles.
• Brightener shade adds a luminous touch.

For Best Results

Use applicator to apply concealer directly to under-eye area, blending in an outward motion.  Wipe off excess eye concealer with dry tissue only.  Do not wet applicator.”

Have you ever used this Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circle Treatment Concealer?  What do you think?  Which shade is your favorite?  Let me know in the comment section!

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Flab to FAB · Health/ Fitness · Jillian Michaels Body Revolution

Jillian Michaels Body Revolution Cardio 2 Review

**Please see update below

Phase 2 Cardio 2 for Weeks 5 through 8 

What will you need?  Good supportive athletic shoes, that’s it.

No warm up for this workout, it starts right up with the circuit.  Each of the fourteen parts is done for 30 seconds and repeated through twice for a total of three times.

Jillian Michaels Body Revolution Cardio 1 Review | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

Workout:
1. Jumprope
2. Butt Kicks
3. High Knees
4.Alternating Knee Strikes
5. Jumping Jacks
6. Fast Feet
7. Skiers
8. Skaters
9. Plié Hops
10. Cross Jacks
11.Upper Cuts
12. Towel Runs Right then Left
13. Hooks Right then Left
14. Burpees (I HATE burpees, but then again, who doesn’t.)

Repeat twice.

Cool Down/Stretches

I love this workout.  I think that because each of the moves only lasts for 30 seconds it is much more tolerable and enjoyable!

Follow along with me as I journey from Flab to FAB!

I hope this was helpful if you are trying to decide if Jillian Michaels Body Revolution is right for you!

Here is one of my very favorite Jillian Micheals quotes:

“Many are so preoccupied with what others think it defines their existence. When we fixate externally, it keeps us from truly knowing ourselves and our destiny. Most [people] fear looking inward for worry they won’t find greatness, but when you stop allowing others to define your worth, you’ll see—greatness exists in us all, waiting to be
 expressed”

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**Update:

Initially, I found Jillian Michaels’ approach to exercise and dieting highly motivational. Her intense workouts and strict dietary guidelines pushed me to achieve remarkable physical results, which fueled my motivation and determination. I embraced her no-nonsense attitude and believed that pushing my body to its limits was the only way to achieve success. However, as time went on, I began to realize that this approach was taking a toll on my mental health. The relentless pursuit of physical perfection and the constant pressure I placed on myself led to feelings of anxiety, guilt, and a distorted body image. It was then that I decided to change my perspective and adopt a more balanced and loving approach to my body. By prioritizing self-compassion, listening to my body’s needs, and embracing acceptance, I discovered a newfound sense of mental well-being. This shift in thinking allowed me to find joy in movement, cultivate a positive relationship with my body, and ultimately, achieve a healthier and more sustainable approach to overall well-being.

Flab to FAB · Health/ Fitness

Equal Doesn’t Always Mean Equal ~ Flab to Fab

 

junk-food-vs-healthy-food | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

All food is not created equal.  Unfortunately the two hundred calories from a Little Debbie Snack Cake are not equal to the 200 calories in steamed veggies.  I really wish that this was not true! I really wish that my body would use the calories from desserts the same way it uses the veggies.

junk-food-vs-healthy-food | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

Despite having met my goal weight, I still have good days and bad days.  Some days I want to eat an entire bag of skittles all by myself…the big bag,  while other days I will stick to my healthy food plan no problem.  The important thing is that I don’t let the mess up days keep me from being successful the next time.

Skittles Taste the rainbow! | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com
I love them all, but the green ones are probably my favorite closely followed by the red ones.

I saw this video a while back and I love how it shows the comparison between the different foods.  It perfectly shows how equal doesn’t mean equal!

Thank you for continuing to journey with me from flab to fab!  If you would like to read more posts about this journey click HERE!

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Make up

Marnie Goldberg Ms GoldGirl

Whenever I find something (or someone) new that I love, I want to share it.

My sister recently recommended Marnie Goldberg’s YouTube channel to me.  I have been binge watching her videos.  Check out her channel by clicking HERE.

I love that she is a little older, so her recommendations are more applicable to me than someone who is closer to their 20’s.  She also has a large senior Weimaraner named Bosley that has a great personality.  Her videos are great!  Go check her out!

Marnie Goldberg | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

If you would like, checkout her blog by clicking HERE.  Here is the link to her Instagram account Msgoldgirl.

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Also, I would love for you to follow me on Instagram and Facebook!