Ditch The Diet for Healthy Habits

The Great Carb Controversy Part 1

May 19, 2017April 26, 2017 LauraJoli LookingJoliGoodLeave a comment

~Ditch The Diet~

Let’s REALLY talk about carbs, yup I am going THERE…

No other nutrient has caused so much confusion or controversy.

Keep in mind that what you do to lose the weight is what you will have to do to maintain it.

Let me say that again:

What you DO to LOSE the weight is what you will have to do to MAINTAIN it!

What you DO to LOSE the weight is what you will have to do to MAINTAIN it! | lookingjoligood.blog

This is why it is important to choose a healthy BALANCED diet that will help you to have LONG-TERM consistency in your health and nutrition.

While it seems as if completely cutting out carbs might be a quick way to lose weight fast, is it the best for your body?

We need a balanced diet to have optimal body functioning. Any diet that requires you to cut out an entire food group will not keep your body working at its best long term.

I am going to be completely honest, I don’t like extremely low-carb diets! I’m an active person, I love to do high-intensity exercises. I require a larger number of grams of carbs per day than someone that isn’t very active.

With a low/no carb diet, yes, the body will adapt. It will learn to break down other nutrients and use them as fuel for the brain. But this is what the body does in survival mode, it is not optimal. This is how the body reacts during times of starvation. This is the body’s last resort!

Sure, we can cut carbs temporarily if we need to lose weight quickly. But for most of us, keeping carbs too low for too long can have disastrous consequences.

Restricting your carb intake too drastically can lead to:
• decreased thyroid output
• increased cortisol output
• decreased testosterone
• impaired mood and cognitive function
• muscle catabolism
• suppressed immune function.

In other words: Your metabolism might slow, your stress hormones go up and your muscle-building hormones go down.

A truly balanced diet is one that will give your body all the nutrition it needs to function properly. Balanced nutrition comes from a diet of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.

While it is great to see results on the scale, what is going on inside the body is more important. | lookingjoligood.blog

While it is great to see results on the scale, what is going on inside the body is more important.

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Quote

Think Positively!

May 18, 2017April 23, 2017 LauraJoli LookingJoliGoodLeave a comment

It all starts with the way you think! Change your mind, change your life!

Free your mind and the rest will follow.

I would love for you to follow me on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook. You can find me as Looking Joli Good on all four.

Tips and Tricks

Tip Tuesday #65

May 16, 2017April 19, 2017 LauraJoli LookingJoliGood2 Comments

Here’s another tip for Tip Tuesday:

Always smooth in moisturizer in upward strokes. Pulling down on your skin can eventually lead to sagging. Gravity and time are already hard enough on us! Also, don’t forget to moisturize your neck and chest! The neck and chest area, if not properly taken care of, can be dead giveaways for your true age.

One of my favorite moisturizers is CeraVe Moisturizing cream. It has both ceramides and hyaluronic acid. Both help to draw and trap moisture into the skin.

Let me know if you try it out and what you think! If you are enjoying these tips every Tuesday you can check them all out by clicking HERE.

I would love for you to follow me on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
You can find me as Looking Joli Good on all three.

Lifestyle · Love and Life

Happy Mother’s Day!

May 14, 2017May 11, 2017 LauraJoli LookingJoliGood2 Comments

I am so thankful to have been blessed with two wonderful loving healthy children. I have also been blessed with a wonderful loving and healthy mother!

I never knew just how much I was loved by my mom until I became a mother myself! Being a mother is the best and most important job in the world. It is also the hardest and most rewarding thing I have ever done.

I appreciate all that my mom has done for me throughout my life. Happy Mother’s Day, I love you, Mom!

Happy Mother’s day to all you moms and if you are not a mom make sure you call your mother to tell her that you love and appreciate her!

I would love for you to follow me on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook. You can find me as Looking Joli Good on all four.

Love and Life

For Better, For worse!

May 13, 2017May 13, 2017 LauraJoli LookingJoliGood2 Comments

I don’t really talk much about my family and personal life here on LookingJoliGood, but in the next few days, I am about to celebrate my 14th wedding anniversary…

Way back then I thought I loved him with all my heart… I had no idea what it really meant to truly love someone.

Love isn’t just a feeling, it is action. It is a daily commitment to choose to put someone else before yourself.

Over the last almost 14 years, I have not always made loving me easy. Life it hard, marriage can be tough. I can be a bit overdramatic at times. Through the years, he has always been the one steady anchor in my life.

He still makes my heart skip a beat just by walking into the room. He is not only handsome, but he is strong and dependable. I never have to worry about whether or not I am going to be taken care of. I love him more every day!

He is the yin to my yang, the calm to my CrAzY. Like cheese and wine, he only gets better with age and I look forward to spending the rest of my life with him.

For better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and health, now and forever!

Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

I would love for you to follow me on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook. You can find me as Looking Joli Good on all four.

Ditch The Diet for Healthy Habits

High Five for Fiber!

May 12, 2017April 26, 2017 LauraJoli LookingJoliGoodLeave a comment

Fiber refers to certain types of carbohydrates that our body cannot digest. These carbohydrates pass through the intestinal tract intact and help to move waste out of the body.

Diets that are low in fiber have been shown to cause problems such as constipation and hemorrhoids and to increase the risk for certain types of cancers such as colon cancer.

Diets high in fiber; however, have been shown to decrease risks for heart disease, obesity, and they help lower cholesterol. Foods high in fiber include fruits, vegetables, and whole grain products. (See the 4 Fs of Bowel Health post for a more detailed list of high fiber foods.)

Fiber helps to keep everything moving down and out.

The majority of American women do not get enough daily fiber. Most people should aim for 25–35 grams of fiber a day.

An added bonus to fiber is that it keeps you feeling fuller longer, as well as slowing down the absorption of sugars and the release of those sugars into your bloodstream.

If you are not used to eating a fiber rich diet you need to take it slow! Don’t just start eating all the high fiber foods that you can find. Start with a little bit at a time and increase your intake by one fiber rich food every two -three days depending on how your gut is responding.

You cannot just increase your fiber without increasing your fluid intake. You will end up with a lot of gas and possibly even more stopped up!

Keep in mind that losing weight and being healthy are so much more than just choosing a “diet plan” and following it.

Are you interested in learning more about ditching dieting for good? You can read more about it by clicking HERE.

I would love for you to follow me on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. You can find me as Looking Joli Good on all three.

Love and Life

Redeemed

May 11, 2017April 19, 2017 LauraJoli LookingJoliGood2 Comments

Way too often I have to remind myself that I need to stop fighting a fight that has already been won!

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33.

I try to do things on my own. Do right on my own. Forgive others on my own. Be better, act better… on my own. My problem is that often I don’t trust in Him enough to let Him do it for me… So instead I try to take control, I try to do it on my own. Then I remember, God, You’re not done with me yet! He doesn’t expect me to do it on my own. He already gave me the power to do it through Him. I don’t always have to be the same, I am redeemed, God set me free!

Big Daddy Weave – “Redeemed” – from the new album Love Come To Life

Seems like all I can see was the struggle
Haunted by ghosts that lived in my past
Bound up in shackles of all my failures
Wondering how long is this gonna last
Then You look at this prisoner and say to me “son
Stop fighting a fight that’s already been won”

I am redeemed, You set me free
So I’ll shake off theses heavy chains
And wipe away every stain now I’m not who I used to be
I am redeemed
I’m redeemed

All my life I have been called unworthy
Named by the voice of my shame and regret
But when I hear You whisper, “Child lift up your head”
I remember oh God, You’re not done with me yet

I am redeemed, You set me free
So I’ll shake off theses heavy chains
And wipe away every stain now I’m not who I used to be
Because I don’t have to be the old man inside of me
‘Cause his day is long dead and gone
Because I’ve got a new name, a new life I’m not the same
And a hope that will carry me home

I am redeemed, You set me free
So I’ll shake off theses heavy chains
And wipe away every stain now I’m not who I used to be

Oh God I’m not who I used to be
Jesus, I’m not who I used to be

‘Cause I am redeemed
Thank God, redeemed

I would love for you to follow me on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook. You can find me as Looking Joli Good on all four.

Love and Life

Up and Vanished

May 10, 2017April 19, 2017 LauraJoli LookingJoliGood1 Comment

When I find something that I love, I have to share it with all of you!

I spend around two hours of every weekday driving my kids back and forth to school. I love listening to audiobooks and Podcasts during my commute! For years I have been listening to This American Life and Snap Judgment. I love Serial and The Moth. I highly recommend all of them!

Recently I discovered a cold case crime podcast called Up and Vanished.

“Up and vanished as an investigative podcast that explores the unsolved disappearance of Georgia beauty queen and high school teacher Tara Grinstead and 11 year old mystery that is the largest case File and Georgia’s history follow along as host Payne Lindsey a documentarian turned amateur investigator examines old case evidence RI interviews Persons of Interest and uncovers New Leads while guiding listeners through his real-time investigation a recent arrest in the case may have given us more questions than answers in this main question Still Remains…WHAT HAPPENED TO TARA GRINSTEAD?”

Payne Lindsey does a great job of piecing together the mystery of what happened to Tara Grinstead 11 years ago when she up and vanished from her small town in Georgia.

If you like crime stories and enjoy listening to podcasts, I recommend this one!

I would love for you to follow me on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook. You can find me as Looking Joli Good on all four.

Tips and Tricks

Tip Tuesday #64

May 9, 2017May 9, 2017 LauraJoli LookingJoliGood2 Comments

Here’s another tip for Tip Tuesday:

Ever have a tough time getting your matte liquid lipstick off?

My friend Toni sent me a tip for Tip Tuesday, and I wanted to share it with all of you!

She was wearing Lime Crime Velvetine in red rose matte liquid lipstick and realized it’s really hard to take off! She used olive oil and a paper towel and it came off cleanly! She said that her mouth “wasn’t stained or on fire!” Yay for painless liquid lipstick removal!

Sounds like a winning tip to me, thanks, Toni!

If you have tips or tricks that you would like to share with the LookingJoliGood readers, feel free to send them to me and I will share them here!

Let me know if you try it out and what you think! If you are enjoying these tips every Tuesday you can check them all out by clicking HERE.

I would love for you to follow me on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook. You can find me as Looking Joli Good on all four.

Ditch The Diet for Healthy Habits

What I Eat In A Day Weekend Edition

May 7, 2017June 2, 2017 LauraJoli LookingJoliGoodLeave a comment

~Ditch The Diet~

As you may remember, I follow a model of eating called 80/20 which means 80% of what I eat is clean/healthy foods and 20% is “splurge” foods. I also eat intuitively. Meaning if I am hungry I eat until I am satisfied, and if I am not hungry, I don’t eat. Sounds simple right? Some days are easier than others especially if there are warm chocolate chip cookies in my house.

As you will see, I am a bit more strict with getting in all my veggies during the week, and not as much on the weekend.

Breakfast 375 calories

I love Honey Nut Cheerios! Starting the day off with something sweet often helps me to stay on track for the rest of the day.

Kellogg’s – Honey Nut Cheerios, 3/4 cup /28 g 110 cal
1% Milk, 0.5 cup 55 cal
Trader Joes – Ancient Grain & Super Seed, 1 TBS 60 cal
Greek Gods – Greek Yogurt – Vanilla Honey 113.5 g/1 cup 145 cal
Regular Coffee Black 10 oz <5cal

Can you eat pizza and lose weight? Yes you can! You just have to be aware of the type of pizza that you are eating. I made my pizza at home with a multigrain crust and reduced fat cheese and baked chicken.

Lunch 456 calories

2 pieces of Multi Grain Pizza with cheese and shredded chicken 250 cal ( 1 serving 125 cal)
1/2 California Avocado 120 cal
1 1/2 cups Baby roman leafy greens 6 cal
1/2 cup Halo Top – Ice Cream 80 cal (serving size 1/2 cup 80 cal)

Snack 90 calories

12 Caramel Mini Rice Cakes, 90 cal (serving size 8 mini cakes 60 cal)

Dinner 685 calories

Hamberger Roll, 1 roll 140 cal
2 pieces Bacon 80 cal
Ketchup/Mustard 15 cal
Ground hamburger 86/14 4 oz 240 cal
1 slice Reduced Fat Cheddar Cheese 80 cal
Trader Joe’s – Veggie and Flax Seed Tortilla Chips, 7 chips 130 cal (serving size 7 chips 130 cal)

YES, that is a hamburger bun! Yup, a burger with a bun is not going to derail your diet! Just like eating pizza won’t kill you, you can enjoy a burger with a bun and still stay on track and lose weight too.

Here is a rough breakdown of my macros

1,605 calories

Protein 72g -288 cal from protein

Fat 74g -667 cal from fat

Carbs 158g-632 cal from carbs
Fiber 24 g

Water 90 fl oz

The biggest difference in my weekday and weekend eating habits can usually be seen in my macros. I tend to let myself eat more fat and less fiber.

I hope these examples of what I eat in a day can help you to make some healthy choices! I will post these “What I Eat In A Day” posts every once in a while.

Are you enjoying these Ditch the Diet posts? You can read more by clicking HERE.

I would love for you to follow me on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook. You can find me as Looking Joli Good on all four.

Looking Joli Good

Kindness is beautiful!

Tag: makeup

The Great Carb Controversy Part 1

~Ditch The Diet~

Think Positively!

Tip Tuesday #65

Here’s another tip for Tip Tuesday:

Happy Mother’s Day!

For Better, For worse!

High Five for Fiber!

Are you interested in learning more about ditching dieting for good? You can read more about it by clicking HERE.

Redeemed

Way too often I have to remind myself that I need to stop fighting a fight that has already been won!

Up and Vanished

Recently I discovered a cold case crime podcast called Up and Vanished.

Tip Tuesday #64

Here’s another tip for Tip Tuesday:

What I Eat In A Day Weekend Edition

Here is a rough breakdown of my macros

~Ditch The Diet~

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Here’s another tip for Tip Tuesday:

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Are you interested in learning more about ditching dieting for good? You can read more about it by clicking HERE.

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Way too often I have to remind myself that I need to stop fighting a fight that has already been won!

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Recently I discovered a cold case crime podcast called Up and Vanished.

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Here’s another tip for Tip Tuesday:

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Here is a rough breakdown of my macros

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