Cherry Me Bloom Rooibos and Acai Tea for Weight Loss and Clear Skin

I’ve been drinking this yummy caffeine-free tea by Village Tea Company for the past two weeks and with pleasing effects. Cherry Me Bloom Rooibos and Acai Tea ($13.95) gets its tasty flavor from sour cherry, lemon grass, and acai and is full of antioxidants and natural energy. Rooibos is a choice herb for natural detoxification while providing a gentle energy pick-me-up. I drink about two cups of this tea each day and find myself retaining much less water and attaining clearer skin by the day.

The container holds not only the loose-leaf tea but also three cotton muslin bags to be used for brewing. What’s also cool is that the cylinder container is 100% recyclable and can be used over and over again to store items such as makeup brushes or paper clips once your tea runs out.

Fab Friday: Sugarfree Red Bull Drink Recipes

I’m going to kick off Fab Fridays with two citrus drink recipes that require Red Bull – sugarfree Red Bull that is, which has become a universal power drink for girls on the go. Thing is, it doesn’t taste too great… but a couple clementines and some ice cubes will freshen it right up!

First will be a low-key smoothie recipe containing Red Bull – with minimal fixings to make it easy for everyone – and with ginkgo biloba, which you can find at your local drugstore in the vitamin aisle, and which improves mental focus. After having a couple girlies ask on Twitter for my impromptu Red Bull/champagne drink recipe, I’m going to share that, also. So, without further adieu… (more…)

Can You Lose Weight by Binge Eating?

So, I have this bad habit of weighing myself about three times a week. I say that it’s a bad habit because it can be a real buzzkill if you’re attempting to shed a few pounds yet the number on the scale doesn’t budge. I’m currently trying to lose about 5-7 pounds and my current regimen consists of protein, tea, diet soda, and B-complex. I eat once or twice a day because I maintain a very sedentary lifestyle and can survive on just that. Consequently, my weight stays a steady 132lbs (I’m not ashamed to share!) throughout the week.

My best bud James, who happens to be a fitness buff, once advised me that you can actually lose weight by eating a deliciously greasy, carb-y meal every once in a while. I put it to the test over the weekend when we met up at Steak & Shake for a late night breakfast. The Sourdough Breakfast combo was the greasiest thing I’d eaten in a while — so much so that I was still feeling it the next day. It wasn’t a comfortable feeling! Nonetheless, midday the day after our carbfest I stepped on the scale and had actually lost 1.5 pounds. Whether or not that was conclusive of James’ theory, it worked! I couldn’t believe it. (more…)

“Get Lost” Weight Control Tea by Republic of Tea

Last year I made a resolution to shed all the weight I had gained in previous years. After having successfully done so in 2008, my resolution this year is to keep the weight off.

There are things that war against that number on the scale, including unforeseen water weight gained after, say, a few large dinners or a night out drinking. When it comes to water weight, it can actually account for 5-15 extra pounds on your body! This is especially true if you eat a diet rich in simple carbs – chips, fast food, full-sugar sodas, and so much more. Besides cutting back on the junk, drinking lots of CLEAN fluids like water and tea can help you keep excess water weight off.

Not all teas are created equal. On of my favorites right now is “Get Lost” weight control red tea – a caffeine-free herbal tea containing rooibos and cinnamon as well as carob and gymnema. Rooibos is a naturally detoxifying and energizing herb that also alleviates anxiety, allergies, *and* zits! Carob and gymnema are natural appetite suppressants.

The natural cinnamon/orange peel flavor is delicious. I pour just a bit of Splenda or stevia in it and I’m good to go. I drink about four cups of this tea a day and – I will say – I’m relieving myself throughout the day much more frequently! If you don’t mind having to explain yourself in the office or on the job, you’re golden In the past week I’ve lost 5 pounds and eat less at each sitting. Detoxification is a glorious thing.

“Get Lost” weight control tea by The Republic of Tea is available for $11 (36 tea pods) via Amazon.com.

Home Remedies for Seasonal Allergies

I’ve been a bit “under the weather” lately due to my seasonal allergies flaring up like crazy! My eyes water, I’ve got nasal congestion, and histamine outbreaks leave me up nights, itching like mad. I’ve got backup of Benadryl, Sudafed, Nyquil, and other allergy relief products, and though I should seek a medical prescription for the severity of my allergies, I’m trying not to be so reliant on anti-histamines. I find that once your body gets used to them, it takes a higher dose to ward off allergy symptoms. Also, my recent flare-up may have something to do with the fact that I was slacking for a few days on my vitamin/supplement regimen…

After doing a bit of research, combined with some things I’ve already been incorporating into my daily routine, below are a few natural solutions for seasonal allergy relief. Hopefully my fellow allergy sufferers will find them useful! (more…)

Hayden Panettiere’s Diet Tips

How does Heroes star Hayden Panettiere stay fit, you ask?

No, she doesn’t take diet pills. Hayden works out with her personal trainer, Jonathan Bernan, at Crunch Gym in West Hollywood. She uses the Stairmaster, resistance training, circuit training, and lifts weights to stay “feeling good.” (source: USAToday)

Hayden Panettiere’s Diet Trick

“I’m a picker,” Hayden says, “I will eat a quarter of my meal, and then I’ll get full, so I’ll sit there, and then 20 minutes later I’ll eat the other quarter…”

It’s all about portion control.

Watch the video to hear Hayden Panettiere talk about her workout and diet tips:

What Our Food Cravings Really Mean

Do you have any recurring food cravings? My main cravings include nuts (especially almonds and cashews, mmm) and chocolate, usually once every month. According to nutritionists, our food cravings actually allude to vitamin and mineral deficiencies (among others), and can be easily and healthfully satisfied by opting for healthier food choices that contain the nutrients our bodies are after.

For more healthy alternatives to your food cravings, check out 2nd Wind Body Science’s list.

While we’re on the topic of food, check out some of these Thanksgiving recipes.