The Ketogenic Diet

I've been on the Ketogenic Diet for about 3 weeks now and I'm kind of stalled out at around 12 lbs of weight off.  However, my measurements scream "Keep doing this!  It's working BIGTIME!" 

What's ketogenic?  Well, it's getting your body to a state of ketosis, where basically it burns fat instead of sugar.  How?  Well, that's the hard part, you can't eat any sugar.  Not just simple sugar, but any sugar really.  No Carbs!

You're aiming for consuming 70% fat, 25% protein and 5% carbohydrates.  This is harder than some people realize. 

What can you eat?
Meat
Eggs
Veggies

I try and eat as much eggs, meat and avocados as I can.  Add in a little cheese, tomatoes, and weird cream cheese concoctions as I can and it mostly keeps me happy.  I do throw in some sugar free ice cream now and then.  It's not all bad!  I keep meat and cheese snacks in my car....yep, the ones from the gas station.

You can do it.  I promise.  If I can do this, anyone can do this.  Start with eggs for breakfast, don't rule out the power of bacon and sausage either.  And stay active.  I'd shoot for 5,000 - 10,000 steps per day and at least 30 minutes 3 times a week of some real exercise.

Carb Cutting

Many moons ago, I lost a whole bunch of weight cutting carbs.  I didn't hate it either.  Now, recently I tried to shed a few lbs with Atkins and thought I was going to die.  So, I'm going to go back to cutting out potatoes and bread and substituting my regular corn or quinoa pasta with black bean pasta.  My little glutenoid loves it when I cut carbs, he gets better food to eat because I cook more gluten-free stuff naturally.  But, the rest of my family doesn't so much love it. 

This is the most filling spaghetti I've ever had.  And, you can really make so many things with these noodles!  Check out the black bean pasta selection on Vitacost for some penne pasta or rotini....you can make tons of dishes with black bean pasta!  They go really well in TexMex dishes!  Costco carries the spaghetti noodles, but I've never seen any other black bean pasta there.  HUGE BOX too!

Detox Bath

Detoxing your body is an uncomfortable, yet amazing experience that leaves you feeling rejuvenated.  Detoxification of your body through bathing in a detox bath is an ancient remedy that anyone can perform in the comfort of their own home. In detoxification circles, your skin is known as the third kidney, and toxins are excreted through sweating. A detox bath assists body in eliminating toxins as well as absorbing the minerals and nutrients that are in the water. Although uncomfortable, it'll leave you feeling refreshed and awakened.

Start with adding simple epsom salts to your bath.  The epsom salts actually helps replenish the body magnesium level, and can actually combat high blood pressure. The sulfate flushes toxins and helps form proteins in brain tissue and joints.  Epsom salt is very inexpensive and can be purchased.

• For children under 60 lbs, add 1/2 cup to a standard bath.
• For children 60 lbs to 100 lbs, add 1 cup to a standard bath.
• For people 100 lbs and up, add 2 cups or more to a standard bath

After a few simple epsom salt baths, you can also add up to 2 cups of baking soda.  It leaves skin feeling soft AND has anti-fungal properties.

Add some ground ginger.  Start with 1 Tablespoon.  You can work up to 1/3 cup in a few bathing sessions.  You may sweat profusely and this is normal.  Ginger can also:

• Relieve nausea
• Stop diarrhea
• Reduce gas and bloating
• Improve digestion
• Soothe menstrual cramps
• Provide Relief from headaches
• Decrease cholesterol
• Aid in stabilization of blood pressure
• Anti-Inflammatory (ie. reduces pain from rheumatoid arthritis)
• Encourage circulation
• Cold and Flu Relief

You can purchase a detox bath containing essential oils for detox:
Click here for the Lip Crack Detox Bath
It comes with a vial of essential oil blends for detox and all the epsom salts and sodium bicarbonate you need for a great detoxifying bath!

 

http://organiclipcrack.com/shop.html

 

New Shoes!

I got a new pair of Puma in the mail the other day and I love them.  I'll be honest I'm usually a New Balance kind of girl, but these Puma are light weight and really let my feet breathe in the heat of summer!

Great New Natural Lip Balm From Organic Sources

Lip Crack is available on the Etsy Store, at L. Salon in Roseville, Illinois, at Grand Escape Day Spa in Macomb, Illinois and on the website for $3.50.  There's also a nice stretch mark stick made from cocoa butter.

From Food To Plate

Remember, the closer to your food source the food is when you get it, the better it's going to be.  Buy local, eat local, be healthier.

Does Your Back Hurt?

My husband and I have this Inversion Table and we LOVE it!  We've owned it for about a year and it's so great to stretch out your back on.  I can highly recommend it because I've used it!!