It's more than calories

Let's talk about calories.

• Calories don't always matter. 

WHY? 

If you pick up a snack that's 100 calories, great, but what's IN it? What ingredients does it contain? 

I mean, do you really think about how many calories you're consuming when you eat vegetables? How many calories does this carrot have? You know it's good for you right? So, there's not as much of a concern. 

Dark chocolate is good for you, at least 70 percent cocoa. Four squares of "Lindt Excellence 70% Cocoa" has 250 calories, and the ingredients are what actually should be in dark chocolate.

It's some of the best chocolate you can consume. Plus it's $3.85 online and around $3.25 at Walgreens.

Now, Haribo Gummy Bears, we've all had some fun with these since childhood, you can play with them, stack them, anything you want! Wonderful fun memories! 

But the ingredients. So, 17 pieces is 150 calories, but let's check out the ingredients. Corn syrup, sugar, gelatin artificial and natural flavors...

I'm not trying to say bad things, I'm just bringing to light the importance of what we are consuming, and how important it is to stay healthy and really think about what you choose to eat...or snack on. And, if you want to snack on gummy bears every now and then, go for it, but don't make it too often. 

The point is, calorie intake is not your main focus. Be mindful of what you choose to eat. 

Happy Independence Day!!

Celebrate your day with some healthy snacks and some night time fireworks :)

Coconut flour cupcakes

My family and I have been celebrating with cupcakes -- a healthier version! I made them with coconut flour, coconut milk, xylitol and only a few more ingredients. They turned out looking small, but they're more filling then they look!

I also decided to make some whipped cream, using sugar, heavy whipping cream and a small amount of vanilla extra. Later, I decided to be adventurous and add some 100 percent cocoa powder, and the chocolate whipped cream, so yummy!!


P.S. I also made another batch of different cupcakes with the general cupcake ingredients! Both batches are super good though!

Have a great Independence Day!!

Regular cupcake ingredients

Sugar, good or bad?

Sugar! The sweet taste of glory,

but how the hazards and health issues roll in with this ingredient.
Sugar-free? Better? Not in all cases. Some of the sugar substitutes are actually worse than sugar itself.

The best way to go is to cut sugar out. But, you have to be careful. Sugar will sneak its way into your foods, protein bars and yogurt cups. Check the labels before your decide your next snack.
That favorite candy bar of yours, try to find a healthier version of it, and check the sugar in it. Or better yet, cut it out. Just try cutting out sugar for a week, the first few days will be hard. Your body will crave and want everything in sight! Stay strong! The results will most likely make you grin to yourself in the mirror.

However! 

Sugar can be good. After spending a long time working out, during a marathon, or hike, you may begin to feel weak, this is probably the best time to consume sugar. This is when you reach for your sugars. 
When you train, your body burns glycogen - sugar. Your body consumes blood sugar and muscle glycogen, and after your workouts you need to replenish this. Hence, products like, "PowerBar Gel." 
Most protein shakes also have sugars. Check your local health foods, or Vitamin Shoppe for more information on which protein you should be taking. Be aware of your body too, be observant of how you react to workouts, to pre and post-workout products, if you consume any.

Don't over expose

My favorite sunscreen, organic, smells
 great and doesn't leave a weird residue on skin either.

 It's that time of year, the sun is hot, the grass is green, the beach and pool are calling your name.
Whether you decide to spend some quality time outside, or just travelling to and from work, don't fry your skin.

Lathering up on sunscreen daily is ultra important to your skin and body health. Protect yourself from getting melanoma, skin cancer. I've been reading more and more, in magazines, newspapers and online news articles, that people are being diagnosed with skin cancer at younger ages.

SPF & insect repellant = Summer perfection.

Soak in these tips before you head outside. 

1. Skip the tanning beds: Time in a tanning bed significantly increases your risk of developing skin cancer. Just don't do it. Embrace your lighter skin tone, and take care of yours if it's naturally darker.
2. Sunscreen and acne: Sometimes there are sunscreens that are so oily and greasy it's cringe-worthy slathering it on your skin, but there are tons and tons of different kinds that aren't so goopy feeling. Though spending a day in the sun dries out your acne, and it seems to be nice and smooth the next few days, the results of this dryness don't show up until a week or two later. Your skin might breakout even more, and the sun damage makes it harder for the pimples and dark spots to heal. 
• TRY: Elemis Aromapure, Vital Face Sun Screen (SPF 15)
  
3. Tan skin doesn't mean you can skip sun protection: The darker the skin, the more melanin you have, but that does NOT make you immune to sun burns. If you're concerned about not getting tan, try a self tanner, or find a place you can get a spray tan you'll like. And, it IS possible to find a self tanner that doesn't leave streaks.
4. Waterproof means waterproof: Of course! It means it will protect you while you're sweating and swimming, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't have to reapply. Always reapply. Sometimes in highly populated areas you see  gloss of an oil like substance on the water's surface, there you have it, that's sunscreen. It will wash off. Apply at least 30 minutes before you get full on sun-exposure, and after you've been swimming reapply. What works best for me is, if I plan on being in the sun for four or more hours, I reapply every hour, depending on how much time I spend in the water.