I Like To Move It Move It!

June 24, 2016June 14, 2016 LauraJoli LookingJoliGoodLeave a comment

If you know me in real life, most likely you already know that my “bowl health” is very important to me! While yes, it might be a really gross thing to talk about, it is so important! You can tell so much about what is going on inside your body by your bowl patterns.

What is considered to be a normal bowel routine? While everyones bowel patterns are different, it is considered normal to have a bowel movement at most one to three times a day, or at the least three times a week. You should never let yourself go more than 3 days without a bowel movement.

So now you are thinking I know what is normal, how can I get a better bowel patter?

First of all make sure you are drinking plenty of water! Fluids are absorbed in the large intestine (also know as the colon). The more fluids readily available to your colon, the less it needs to work to absorb them. Do you see where I am going here…the harder the colon has to work to draw out the necessary fluids your body needs, the harder you’ll have to work to get the waste it produces out. (Gross, I know, but so true.)

After Fluid comes and other F…Fiber!

Fiber helps to keep everything moving down and out. Most people should aim for 25–35 grams of fiber a day. An added bonus to fiber is that it keeps you fuller longer as well as slowing down the absorption of sugar and the release of those sugars into your bloodstream.

Here is a list of food that are great for your gut and bowels.

Avocados

Apples

Sweet Potatoes (click HERE for a great roasted sweet potato recipe!)

Raspberries and Black berries

Chia seeds

Melons
watermelon
musk melon (cantaloupe)
honey dew

Edamame

Pears

Lentils

Beans:
Garbanzo Beans
Navy Beans
Black Beans
White Beans
Kidney Beans

Broccoli

Prunes

Grapefruit

Oranges

Coffee-while it doesn’t have any fiber and actually acts as a diuretic which means it takes fluid away and doesn’t add any. Coffee actually helps with peristalsis which helps to get the bowels moving.

Dark Leafy Greens

Add these things to your shopping list and you will be moving it too in no time!

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June 18, 2016June 19, 2016 LauraJoli LookingJoliGood1 Comment

I love Pinterest!

How in the world did I plan my entire wedding with out a “Wedding Planning Board”?

Pinterest is such a great way to get awesome ideas. I love to search for pins and find new sites. I would love for you to follow me and all my boards. As well, I would love to follow your boards, so leave a comment below with your username!

You can find me by searching for Looking Joli Good or by clicking HERE

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

Where Is the Body Revolution Review?!

May 28, 2016June 3, 2023 LauraJoli LookingJoliGood1 Comment

**Please see below for an update.

Ok, so you might remember that for a while I was doing a weekly Jillian Michaels Body Revolution Review. I reviewed up through week 6 and Cardio 2, then the reviews suddenly stopped… I completed workouts for weeks 7 and 8, although I didn’t review them, and I started Cardio 3 and weeks 9-10. One night after doing workout 9 or 10, I rolled over and woke up from a dead sleep, my muscles were so sore and in pain that the simple movement woke me up. It was then that thought to myself, “Why am I doing this to myself?!”

My love for Jillian has not waned, but at this point in my life things are just so busy that I cannot be losing sleep or hobbling around due to muscles that are so stiff and sore from my workouts. I hate to give up on something that I have started, but I cannot complete the body revolution at this point.

I am going to be honest, the moves in Cardio 3 are insane! I did not enjoy the workout at all. I found myself dreading it. I love to exercise, I look forward to it everyday, and don’t want it to become a chore due to the type of workouts I am doing. I love to challenge myself with my workouts, but I cannot risk injury while doing it.

So for now, my “Body Revolution” is on hold…

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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.

Love and Life

Perspective!

May 20, 2016May 20, 2016 LauraJoli LookingJoliGood4 Comments

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Delicious Recipes

M&M’s Chocolate Chip Cookies

May 19, 2016May 16, 2016 LauraJoli LookingJoliGood3 Comments

I have a major sweet tooth! Despite the fact that I have been trying to eat more healthy lately, when it comes to M&M’sChocolate Chip Cookies I cannot resist them! They are one of my very favorites. Here is one of my favorite recipes

M&M's chocolate chip cookies | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

Chocolate Chip M&M’s Cookies

Ingredients

1 cup (2 sticks) butter
2/3 cup brown sugar
2/3 cup sugar
1 egg
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cup flour
1 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup
1 3/4 cups M&M’S Milk Chocolate Candies

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F degrees.

In a large bowl, cream butter and both sugars until well blended. Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix to combine.

In a separate bowl, sift the flour, baking soda and salt together. Slowly add these ingredients into the butter mixture and stir until combined.Fold in the Chocolate Chips and M&M’s and chill the dough for 1 hour, or overnight.

Drop dough by rounded tablespoons onto a lightly greased tray, about 2 inches apart.

Bake for 8- 10 minutes for chewy cookies or 12-14 for crispy cookies.

Enjoy!

Try not to eat them all yourself 😉

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Health/ Fitness

5 Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Workout

May 6, 2016May 16, 2016 LauraJoli LookingJoliGoodLeave a comment

1. Just do it! You may not feel like working out, but let me tell you, you will not regret it! You will only regret the times you skipped not the times you did it!

2.Be consistent! The more often you exercise the greater impact it will have on your life. As with many things consistency is what brings results. Long term health is more important than short term results.

3. Have a plan! If you are new to exercising and working out, make sure you have a plan! Have you ever heard the saying “Fail to plan, plan to fail”? It is so true. Having a plan will also help you to not waste your time. If you are going to take the time to work out give it your all! Don’t take the easy way out, do your best. Be completely present in what you are doing. Think about the muscles you are working

4. Keep moving! Even if you feel like you might keel over, keep moving. Even if you have to move super slowly, keep moving. If you are moving then you will keep going, if you stop to take a break, you might be able to convince yourself that you don’t need to continue. Anything worth doing is worth doing right! Make the most out of your time. Putting in an intense workout for 30 minute is worth way more than an hour long session at only a half effort . Keep moving!

5. Don’t give up! Even if you miss a day here or there, or haven’t been consistent at all, that doesn’t mean you have to give up! Just remember, January may be the start of the new year, but you can start a new healthy lifestyle any day you want to! Most people give up on their New Years resolutions by February. You got this, don’t let that be you! Don’t give up!

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Love and Life · Photography

Happy 10th Birthday, Tessie

April 30, 2016April 27, 2016 LauraJoli LookingJoliGood6 Comments

Life is so much better with a Boston Terrier!

There is no one who is happier to see me or makes me feel as unconditionally loved as this precious little dog! She is such a source of joy and happiness in my life! I cannot even believe that she has been around for 10 years. I hope, wish, and pray for 10 more years with her!

Happy 10th birthday to my sweet Tessie!

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Delicious Recipes

Making Smoothies Even Easier

April 21, 2016April 26, 2016 LauraJoli LookingJoliGood9 Comments

While recently out with one of my friends, we were discussing the pros and cons of healthy eating. While I love the way eating right makes me feel, I said that one of the things I don’t like about eating healthy is all the chewing involved. Some times I just want to get the nutrition without having to graze on the veggies all day long.

One of the things that I love about using smoothies as a way of getting in all my veggies is that you can throw all kinds of great things in there from kale and spinach or beans and chia seeds. It is a great way to get in all the fiber, protein, and healhty fats you need for the day. And with a bit of prep work smoothies can be so fast to make! Put it into a portable cup and you’ve got a quick healthy meal on the go.

All you need is 20 minutes of prep time once a week, and instead of 5 to 10 minutes to make a smoothie each morning, all you’ll need is about 60 seconds! Smoothie freezer packs are also such a great way to use up fruit that’s almost too ripe to eat. (I love to wait to use my bananas until they are super ripe and sweet!)

These packs are made with just five ingredients: kale, bananas, blueberries, mango, and avocado. They add up to 243 calories, which means that you can add any extra ingredients like protein powder or almond milk. Of course, you can always make your own creative combinations as well. I personally love to make smoothies with strawberries, pineapple, peaches, cucumbers, and carrots.

I originally found this recipe by Jenny Sugar on POPSUGAR.

Photo credit PopSugar

How to Prep for a Week’s worth of Smoothie Freezer Packs

5 Days of Smoothie Freezer Packs

Yield: 5 packs
Prep Time: 20 minutes

INGREDIENTS

10 cups spinach or baby kale (or a mixture of both)
2 1/2 bananas
2 1/2 cups blueberries (fresh or frozen)
2 1/2 cups mango (I used frozen)
1 1/4 ripe avocados

NUTRITION

Calories per serving 243

DIRECTIONS

Grab five freezer-safe sealable plastic bags and divide the ingredients between them. Add: 2 cups of greens, 1/2 a banana (sliced), 1/4 cup blueberries, 1/4 cupmango, and 1/4 avocado.
Close them up and feel free to write any notes on the bag such as the date or ingredients you want to add later, then place them in the freezer.
When you’re ready to make your smoothie, empty the contents of the freezer pack into your blender, add the extra ingredients like water or coconut water, almond or soy milk, protein powder, flaxmeal, chia seeds, cinnamon, beans, tofu, or whatever you please. Blend it up and enjoy!

Source: Calorie Count

Here’s the calorie breakdown of other smoothie ingredients you might want to add to your blender:

1 cup unsweetened soy milk: 80 calories
1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk: 40 calories
1 cup coconut water: 43 calories
1 serving (about 35 grams) vanilla protein powder: 110 calories
1/2 cup nonfat vanilla Greek yogurt: 83 calories
1/2 cup vanilla soy yogurt: 105 calories
1/2 cup coconut milk yogurt: 90 calories
1/2 tablespoon chia seeds: 30 calories
1 tablespoon flaxmeal: 40 calories
1 serving soft tofu (1/5 package): 60 calories
1/4 cup cannellini beans: 50 calories
1 tablespoon almond butter: 95 calories

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Delicious Recipes

Healthier Energy Bites

April 14, 2016April 3, 2017 LauraJoli LookingJoliGood9 Comments

Why Reese’s Easter PB eggs do you have to be so temptingly delicious?! The holiday edition of Reese’s peanut butter cups tastes even more awesome than the already awesome regular Pb cups.

So while I really want to be eating Reese’s Peanut Butter Eggs, instead I will be good and snack on some of this healthier option of an Energy bite.

I find that just one or two of these little bites will be just enough to fill me up and stave off unwanted afternoon snacking.

INGREDIENTS

2 cup oats (dry)
1/4 cup natural peanut butter (I love crunchy, but smooth is fine of course too.)
1/4 cup almond butter (if you don’t have any almond butter just use 1/2 cup of peanut butter.)
4 Tbsp honey (use local raw honey for an added immune boost.)
4 Tbsp mini chocolate chips
1/2 tsp pure vanilla extractAdditional ingredients for added flavor and nutrition…
1 Tbs chia seeds
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 scoop vanilla flavored protein powder of your choice.

DIRECTIONS

Mix all ingredients in a large mixing bowl using a spatula
Place mixing bowl in refrigerator for 30 minutes to 1 hour
Roll mixture into equal size bites (I use my 2 tsp scoop to make them all uniform)
Store in refrigerator until ready to eat

Makes 8 servings, Each serving is quite a few of the 2 teaspoon sized balls. You won’t be able to eat too many without feeling sick to your stomach, so the chances of eating an entire serving is not likely.
Macros (per serving): If the above recipe is followed without the additional ingredients…

Calories – 338
Protein – 10 g
Carbs – 37 g
Fat – 18 g

Let me know if you make them and how you like them!

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Delicious Recipes

Cadbury Mini Eggs candies Cheesecake Dip

March 27, 2016March 22, 2016 LauraJoli LookingJoliGood5 Comments

If you know me in person, you know that I am in LOVE with Cadbury Mini Eggs. They are my all time favorite candy in the history of forever! I cannot resist their sweet perfect yummy goodness! Easter is my favorite season for candy! One of my friends recently shared this delicious looking recipe with me, and I wanted to share it with all of you.

You can find the original recipe at http://apumpkinandaprincess.com

Cadbury Mini Eggs candies Cheesecake Dip | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com — This picture is from A Pumpkin & A Princess website.

Ingredients

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 tablespoons brown sugar
3/4 cup confectioner’s sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup Cadbury Mini Eggs candies, crushed

Instructions

In a stand mixer or medium bowl beat cream cheese and butter together.
Add brown sugar, confectioner’s sugar, and vanilla until well combined.
Stir in Cadbury Mini Eggs candies with a spatula.
Serve with graham crackers or cookies of your choice.

If you aren’t a fan of Cabdury Mini Eggs (maybe you should go get checked out by your doctor because there may be something wrong with you!) you can substitute any of your favorite Easter candy for the mini eggs. I bet Reese’s pieces eggs or Reese’s peanut butter cup eggs would be wonderful as well, or even M&M’s! The candy combinations are pretty much endless!

Happy Easter!

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Looking Joli Good

Kindness is beautiful!

Tag: food

I Like To Move It Move It!

Here is a list of food that are great for your gut and bowels.

Pinterest

Where Is the Body Revolution Review?!

**Update:

Perspective!