The Ketogenic diet commonly known as Keto, is a low carbohydrate high-fat diet used for rapid weight loss. Success stories of weight loss are growing in numbers. With people toting all over social media about their weight loss success. The diet is spreading rapidly as one of the hottest weight loss trends.
The diet creates a low blood sugar effect which puts your body into a state of ketosis. This causes the body to burn excess fat quickly. Although it is recognized for weigh loss success, the diet consists of mostly fat and very little protein which causes some concern.
The Ketogenic diet was developed in 1924 by Dr. Russell Wilder at the mayo clinic. It was originally developed to help treat children with epilepsy. It has since been widely used by doctors and patients as a treatment for epilepsy. Although Dr. Wilder is recognized for coining the phrase Ketogenic, the diet may have been around longer. His studies were based on fasting and similar diets used to treat epilepsy since as early as 500 BC.
It’s not clear exactly when Keto became a popular weight loss trend. However, as with most diets, there are already many cases where the weight is gained back after going off the diet.
The positive effects of the Ketogenic diet are rapid and significant weight loss. Making it appealing to those wishing to lose weight. However, there are drawbacks. Negative side effects have been reported as low energy, constipation and dangerously low blood sugar levels from the lack of carbohydrates. The biggest negative effect is weight gain after going off the diet.
Often times you gain even more weight back. Yet, remaining on the diet can be equally dangerous. The high fat food you consume while on the diet can put you at risk for stroke, heart disease and heart attacks.
A healthy lifestyle change with increased exercise and eating a well balanced diet is a safer way to lose weight and keep the weight off for longevity.
Making healthy lifestyle choices has always been and will always be the safest and healthiest way to lose weight. And keep it off for good. Eating a well balanced diet filled with vegetables, fruit, whole grains, legumes and lean protein is not only safe but effective.
One of the downfalls of any diet is not incorporating a healthy exercise routine into your weight loss plan. Exercise is one of the healthiest things you can do for yourself. Whether you are trying to lose weight or not. It relieves stress, keeps your metabolism going giving you energy, it burns calories and releases endorphins that make you feel good. It also increases your stamina. For more productivity, better sex and happiness.
To learn more about weight loss and healthy lifestyle choices watch this video: Vital to Your Weight Loss Success
This post may include affiliate links. Which means I may earn some money if you click on one. This does not affect your price. Please see my disclosure for more information.
Discover the confidence it takes to walk the red carpet.
What would you do if suddenly you were going to a fancy event, black tie dinner, or…
You are finally about to take the long anticipated walk down the red carpet?
And you need to get red carpet ready – FAST!
Don’t think it could happen to you?
Don’t be so sure.
Big dreams can turn into realities.
Look at Channing Tatum. Stripper turned famous actor.
Cheryl Strayed, author of best-selling book and blockbuster hit movie Wild. She became famous after sharing her true story of overcoming drug addiction and walking the Pacific Crest Trail.
Jack Canfield, famous author of Chicken Soup for the Soul was rejected 144 times before a publisher agreed to publish his best-selling book. Now with over 40 million copies sold.
Living proof that it could happen to you.
Even if you never walk down the red carpet. You can walk with the same confidence at any event. A wedding, a formal dinner, a hot date. Or strutting your stuff on the beach.
All you need to walk the red carpet is confidence.
The kind of confidence that only comes with feeling good about yourself. Like when you lose a few pounds. Your clothes fit better and you can even fit back into some of your favorite dresses.
But losing weight doesn’t just change your dress size…
It can change your life.
After I had my second child, I was 20 pounds heavier than I like to be. I was miserable. I hated the way I looked and I hated the way I felt.
After I lost the weight, my whole life changed. I felt happy again.
I ended a bad relationship, changed my hairstyle and started a new career. I eventually went on to start my own business and published my first book.
If I can do it, so can you.
You can accomplish anything your heart desires.
Taking care of your body and your health can give you the confidence you need to change your life. Giving you the confidence to go after your dreams, reach your goals and create a life of happiness.
Like my friend Charlotte did.
Here is what Charlotte said after going through the Zipping It Up weight loss program: “I did all the things in your book and I dropped 2 dress sizes. I am so happy being back to a size 6 again!”
Don’t wait! Start now.
Every small step you take will lead you in the right direction. You can start now by learning everything Charlotte did. The system that helped her drop 2 dress sizes in 6 weeks. “Zipping It Up: How to lose 5 pounds fast and look great in that little black dress.”
You will discover *exactly* how to build the confidence you need to succeed.
Get red carpet ready for any occasion.
Follow your path to success. Discover how it feels to be confident and ready.
You can begin your walk down the red carpet here:
I want to be red carpet ready!
Are you ready to crush your weight loss goals?
Exercise and healthy eating are the a big part of reaching your goals. Old school methods that have worked for decades. The methods I teach in “Zipping It Up: How to lose 5 pounds fast and look great in that little black dress!”
Methods like:
*Drinking lots of water
*Squeezing in exercise to burn extra calories
*Eating your vegetables
*Reducing carbs and sugar
These things are all essential to living a healthy lifestyle. But there is one thing that is vital to your success.
This one thing can work wonders for your weight loss success.
It is so potent that it can also work wonders for everything in your life.
Including changing your career, relationships, financial freedom, finally publishing your first book, or anything else you are trying to achieve in life.
Discover the one vital thing that can help you succeed in everything you do. Watch the video now:
https://youtu.be/mqbdmIku7LY
Discover more ways to lose weight fast here.
How to plan a last minute trip… Or last minute packing! The most important things to bring on your next vacation or weekend getaway. Here are a few travel suggestions.
A few weeks ago I went on a tour of the White House. I’ve been to Washington, DC more times than I can count. But I’d never been inside the White House before.
It was a lot of fun seeing our nation’s capitol at Christmas time. The picture below is one I took from inside the Grand Foyer of the White House. Where the important guests enter when visiting the President of the United States.
It was a last minute trip.
A good friend of mine won 2 tickets in a holiday raffle. And out of all the people she could have asked, she picked me!
I only had a week to decide whether to fly or drive. What to bring on the trip and make all the travel arrangements.
My biggest decision?
Which boots do I bring?
I love all my boots. My sexy high heeled brown boots. The dressier black pair with the comfy heel. The black ones that I call my Daphne boots. Because my daughter says I look like Daphne from Scooby Doo when I wear them.
I take that as a compliment even though she’s a cartoon character. She is the pretty one…
Since I decided to drive I brought them all!
Even the cute brown flats and my warm ugly Uggs. Just in case I ended up doing a lot of walking.
I also brought lots of healthy snacks for the trip. Because you should always carry healthy snacks and water when you travel.
Especially if you’ll be eating out a lot like I did.
And you know what?
I didn’t gain a single pound.
To find out how I did it, check out my 10 tips for staying healthy while traveling.
Below is a picture of me and my friend Marci Posey. We are standing beneath the Seal of the President of the United States in the Grand Foyer. And yep, I wore my comfy Ugg boots. What can I say? We did a lot of walking.
Is it possible to eat dessert and indulge on vacation without gaining weight? Yes! Discover how to dine at the best restaurants and enjoy your vacation without getting post-vacation tummy bulge.
A few weeks ago I traveled to Washington, DC to visit the White House at Christmas time. A good friend of mine won two tickets to see the beautiful Christmas décor. She asked me to join her on the tour and I couldn’t resist the offer. I couldn’t wait to see the beautifully decorated home of the President and First Lady of the United States at Christmas time.
After shopping around for airline tickets, I decided to drive. It’s only about a 7 hour drive from where I live and I was looking forward to spending time alone. Getting lost in my thoughts and planning my business strategy for the upcoming new year.
I packed up the car with my laptop, luggage, healthy snacks, my jump rope and hand weights. And all of my favorite boots. The perks of driving. You can bring as many pairs of shoes as you want.
The trip was amazing. I spent time with friends in Virginia and went to see a light show. I walked around downtown DC and had a delicious lunch at a place I now call DC’s best kept secret. Café Soleil located at 839 Seventeenth Street NW. I enjoyed a triple berry kale salad topped with yogurt poppy seed dressing. For dessert I had the decadent homemade crème brulee.
The restaurant was only a short walk to the White House where we met for our tour. There was no wait for a table and the service was fantastic. The waiter even escorted me to an elevator to direct me to the private restrooms inside the adjoining hotel.
After a successful weekend of traveling and eating out I was able to make it through my quick vacay without gaining a pound. Even after the crème brulee.
Read on to see exactly how I did it. Below is a list of 10 ways you can stay healthy while traveling and indulge in delicious desserts without gaining a pound.
1. Pack healthy snacks. Whether you are flying or driving it’s always a great idea to bring healthy snacks. Cut up your favorite vegetables and put them in a disposable container. Or a reusable one. This way you can pack healthy snacks for your return. Easy to grab fruit like apples, bananas or grapes are small and easy to pack. Either in your carry on bag or a small cooler for the car. For protein bring nuts, granola bars, protein bars or trail mix.
2. Use every opportunity to walk. If you are traveling with friends or family, use their restroom breaks as an opportunity to get up and stretch or take a walk. Get out of the car every time you stop even if it’s for someone else. If you’re at the airport walk with them to the restroom or stand up and stretch every so often. Especially if it’s going to be a long flight.
3. Take the stairs. Whenever you have a choice between taking the stairs or an elevator, always opt for the stairs. After all you’re on vacation. What’s the rush? I once lost 5 pounds on a cruise ship just by taking the stairs. And still enjoyed all the delicious food served on the ship. It’s a great way to tone your legs, thighs and glutes.
4. Watch workout videos in your hotel room. You can find them on your laptop, iPad or phone. There are tons of free videos on YouTube. My favorite fitness YouTube channel is Blogilates with Cassey Ho. She has a great selection of short videos ranging from 5 to 10 minutes. Making it easy to squeeze in a quick workout. The important thing is to find something you like. So you will actually do it. Check out a few before you leave for vacation. This way you’ll have it planned out and will even look forward to doing them while on vacation.
5. Exercise in the car. Bring hand weights or a resistance band to work your arms and core while sitting. You can do bicep curls, shoulder presses and over the head tricep lifts depending on your vehicle. Get creative. Obviously, if you’re driving you should have both hands on the wheel. Squeeze in a few sets while making stops instead.
6. Bring a jump rope. Jumping rope is a great way to get the circulation going in your body. They are light and easy to carry. Even when flying. Do repetitions by your car at rest stops or find a quiet corner at the airport. Worried about what people might think? C’mon, you can’t tell me you haven’t seen stranger things at the airport. It’s also a great exercise to do inside your hotel room or on the balcony with the ocean breeze cooling you off.
7. Work your lower body while sitting. Try doing thigh squeezes and butt crunches while sitting in your car, on an airplane or at the airport. Don’t worry, no one can tell. If you’re worried about appearances, do Kegels instead. No one will ever notice and they are great for your core. Helping you get ready for your bikini and making vacation sex even better. Learn how to do Kegels here.
8. Make healthy eating choices. You can enjoy delicious dining and treats while on vacation and still eat healthy. If you are eating seafood, select something broiled instead of fried. Make sure your side of vegetables isn’t laden with butter. Fresh steamed vegetables taste better when they are plain. Order a small side salad instead of french fries. And go ahead have a little dessert. You deserve it with all the Kegels you’re doing!
9. Drink lots of water. Always bring water with you wherever you go. In the car. To the airport. You can bring an empty water bottle through the gates and fill it after you go through security. Or allow yourself time to stop and buy a bottle before getting on the plane. This way you won’t have to wait to hydrate while on the airplane.
10. Get your friends and family involved. Go for a walk in the airport while waiting for your plane. Take walks on the beach. Utilize the exercise center together or go swimming in the hotel pool. You will sleep better after getting much needed exercise. Making it easier to adjust to your hotel bed and vacation surroundings.
Throughout your vacation, make healthy choices. Burn as many calories as possible by walking whenever you can. Don’t skip your workouts. Unless you’ll be hiking, swimming or doing something that will exert a lot of energy. Enjoy treats in moderation and reward yourself for sticking to a healthy plan. Most importantly, relax and enjoy your vacation.
Ready to lose 5 pounds fast before your trip? Go here now: Learn more…
If you or someone you know is feeling a little sad this holiday season, there are many ways you can perk up your mood and get through the difficult moments. Persevere and enjoy the holiday season with the ones you love. Read on to see how you can beat the holiday blues and make this holiday season a celebration of happiness.
Christmas should be a joyous occasion. Below are a few suggestions to help you or someone you love get through the holidays.
1. Let yourself cry. It is perfectly okay to cry. In fact, I strongly encourage it. Watch a good tear jerker movie. One of my all time favorite movies is “A Walk to Remember.” A story about two young kids who fall in love starring Mandy Moore. It will make you laugh and it will make you cry. Making it a perfect remedy for feeling sad.
2. Spend time with the people you love. Gather up the family and do something fun together. Watch a good comedy, play a game or just hang out. Surrounding yourself with love and laughter will help you conquer those sneaky holiday blues.
3. Exercise. I can’t even begin to touch upon the health benefits of exercise. This isn’t anything you don’t already know. Exercise makes you feel happier. Just do it. Call a friend and go for a walk. The combination of fresh air, exercise and good conversation will instantly lift your mood.
4. Eat healthy. It’s easy to put on a few extra pounds around the holidays. Nothing feels worse than waking up, feeling bloated and putting on your favorite jeans only to have your gut hanging over. Yuck. Treat yourself, but don’t overindulge. If you do overindulge and want to debloat fast, you can download my Delicious Detox Water recipe here.
5. Smile. Smiles are contagious. Making other people feel good has a boomerang effect that will elevate your mood as well as theirs. Remember to spread joy to people around you. Smiling or offering a few kind words to anyone you encounter will make you feel better.
Appreciate what you have. It could be gone tomorrow. Don’t risk losing time with the people you love. Create new traditions and happy memories that you can cherish. Again, it’s okay to be sad. But recognize it, embrace it and move forward.
For some the sadness begins after Christmas. Taking down the Christmas Tree and decorations isn’t nearly as fun as putting them up. The beautiful bright lights are gone. The Christmas songs stop playing. The Salvation Army Santa’s are no more.
And we’re often left having gained a few pounds and credit card bills to pay.
You can use the same coping for the Holiday Blues. But also try adding a few strategies to end the year on a high note. And begin the New Year more relaxed and less stressed.
1. End the year being careful with your money. Holiday sales are tough to resist. You’ve been in what I refer to as spending mode. And it’s time to stop. If you save $2 on a $10 item, you’ve still spent $8. Resist going out too much and spending lavishly on nights out filled with entertainment. It’s tempting when old friends are home for the holidays. Instead suggest going for a walk or hitting the gym for a much needed post-holiday workout.
2. Look at your budget. Begin to strategize how you will begin the year off debt free. Cut back on expensive drive thru treats. Enjoy gourmet coffee at home. It’s amazing how much money you save by skipping the coffee shop brews and making it at home. Use your favorite travel mug. Using your Keurig is less expensive and you can still enjoy delicious brews to go.
3. Earn extra cash. Consider taking on a side hustle to earn a little extra cash. Use skills you have to teach someone something you know. Start a dog walking service, cleaning service or photography business on the weekends. Sell things in your home that you don’t use or need. If you want to make some extra cash fast read my article How to Make $200 Fast.
4. Begin a new exercise routine now. Why wait until the New Year. Wear your fancy New Year’s Eve dress in style. If you’re looking for fun ways to burn more calories, read chapters 6 and 7 in “Zipping It Up: How to lose 5 pounds fast and look great in that little black dress!”
5. Start eating healthy now. There is no reason to wait until the new year to begin feeling happier. You can feel great in all your clothes. Especially the ones you have buried in the back of the closet. For when you finally lose the weight. If dropping a couple dress sizes would make you feel happier check out “Zipping It Up: How to lose 5 pounds fast and look great in that little black dress!”
This post includes affiliate links. Which means I may earn a small commission if you click on a link. This does not affect your price in any way. Please see my disclosure for more information and thank you for your support.
Shower your loved ones with gifts that keep on giving. Gifts that will keep them happy & healthy all year long. If you’re not sure what to give someone this year, check out a few healthy ideas. From luxury bath items to life changing ideas. Below I share 10 ideas for unique gifts that keep on giving.
Yoga is a common practice derived from a Hindu spiritual and ascetic discipline. It is a combination of breath control, simple meditation, and the adoption of specific bodily postures. It is widely used for health, exercise and relaxation. There are many types of yoga and choosing the right one depends on your style and preference. Whichever style you choose, you can reap many benefits from adding the practice to your exercise routine.
Yoga improves muscle tone, flexibility, strength and stamina. Power yoga is my personal preference. It combines strength and meditation to build muscle, increase your heart rate and decrease stress.
Don’t let the headstands and pretzel-like twists scare you. Beginners can start slowly with easier poses that almost anyone can do. Yoga stretches help you improve balance and flexibility while working multiple muscle groups at once.
Yoga breathing can greatly improve your mental health and overall well being. Benefits include improvements in mental clarity and concentration, stress relief, and relaxation of the mind. They are very easy to do and help improve your focus and concentrate. You become more in tune with your entire body and your mind.
You can practice yoga breathing for relaxation. Sit or lie in a relaxed position. Inhale deeply through your nose as you feel your lungs and chest fill completely with air. Tighten your core while inhaling and exhaling. Release the air by exhaling slowly through the mouth. Feeling the air leave your body, while concentrating on your inner core. The breathing helps you concentrate as you feel the breath entering and slowly leaving your body.
Yoga is a form of exercise that can be used to maintain a healthy weight or lose unwanted weight. It is often practiced in a heated environment to increase metabolism and pulse rate. Which can help you lose weight quickly. Maintaining a healthy weight gives you more energy, helps you prevent illness and builds confidence. To make better decisions in life, better career choices and enjoy healthier relationships.
To get started practicing yoga today, all you need is a yoga mat and a little guidance. You can find a class near you, buy a yoga DVD or find free yoga videos on YouTube.
For more ways to get more balance in your life and build a strong hard core read How to Get Flat Abs Fast.
This post includes affiliate links. Which means I may earn a small commission if you click on a link. This does not affect your price. Please see my disclosure for more information.
Discover the benefits of Kegels and enhance your love life. If you aren’t doing Kegels, you should be. Kegels are an exercise where you squeeze and tighten the pelvic floor muscles then release them. The benefits include more pleasurable sex, a decrease in frequent urination, preventing discomfort from having a full bladder (frequent urgency) and stress incontinence. Stress incontinence is when you leak a few drops of urine while sneezing, laughing or coughing. It can happen to anyone. And let’s be honest, we’ve all been there.
I started doing Kegels when I was pregnant. I’d heard of them before but didn’t concern myself with them. Until the thought of childbirth stretching my vagina to where sex was less pleasurable was not acceptable. I began doing them religiously. In fact, when I went for my 6 week checkup after giving birth, my OBGYN said to me, “You’ve been doing your Kegels, I see.” She was right and I still do them daily. Whether you have children, are planning to or not, it’s never too early (or too late) to start doing them.
There are a several ways you can do Kegels. Either sitting. lying on your back or even while standing. Once you’ve mastered the technique you’ll find you can do them just about anywhere and in any position. I suggest finding what is most comfortable for you. Like any exercise if it’s too uncomfortable or you hate doing them, you won’t do them. The benefits are tremendous. Find a comfort level or pattern that works for you and stick to it.
Emptying your bladder before you begin is recommended but not necessary. It will make it easier and more comfortable. Especially for beginners. If you’re on a long car ride, do them right after a rest stop break. Along with thigh squeezes and butt crunches. The car is a great place to do static exercises that you might not think to do while home.
For beginners, lie on your back with your knees bent. Hold completely still while squeezing your pelvic floor muscles. Hold the muscle for 10 seconds. Then release. Repeat 10 times. If you can’t hold them for the full 10 seconds, hold them as long as possible until you work your way up. Another technique is to quickly squeeze and release in a pulsating rhythm. Work your way up to 100 squeezes. Or do 5 sets 20.
Try to avoid moving any other muscles in the surrounding areas and concentrate on the muscles you are working. If you are having trouble locating the muscles practice holding your urine mid-stream, then releasing your urine. Don’t make this a common practice but it is a quick and efficient way to familiarize yourself with the muscles.
Remember to breathe continuously while doing them and tighten your abdominal muscles simultaneously. Which strengthens your core. Ideally, you should do Kegels 3 times a day. However, like any exercise every bit helps. Doing them once a day is better than not at all.
To learn more ways to strengthen your core read How To Get Flat Abs Fast.
One morning, I was walking to my car from the grocery store. I was feeling a little discouraged and sad about some challenges I am facing. As I was getting into my car, I heard a woman’s voice.
She said, “I was looking at your cute little figure and I started to feel a little bad about myself.”
I turned to see a beautiful woman sitting in the car parked next to mine. The window was open, so I could see her clearly.
My first thought was “Angels are real.”
Admittedly she looked overweight. I personally see beauty from within. As it goes far beneath the surface of our skin.
I responded by telling her that she was beautiful.
And that I truly believe sometimes Angels are put in our paths. Often when we need them the most. She asked me to share my sorrows and offered to help by listening.
But her kindness was enough.
We chatted for a bit longer and she told me a story about the tragic loss of her young daughter. It immediately made me realize how minimal my problems were. In comparison anyway.
Wanting to thank her for her kindness, I asked for her email address. I wanted to give her a free copy of one of my books. “Zipping it Up: How to lose 5 pounds fast and look great in that little black dress.” Not to insult her in any way. But Because she was telling me how she wanted to lose weight. I felt it was the least I could do.
I’ll soon be giving her a copy of yet another book I am writing. She will be in this book. As a key character and as my inspiration to begin writing the new book. It’s about angels in our path. The real life Angels we meet in our day to day lives.
Angels are real.
Incidentally, my heart wasn’t the only thing hurting that morning. My whole body was sore from exercising. Not in a bad way. It was the good kind of muscle ache that makes you proud of your accomplishments. I have been working out really hard lately.
It’s hard work getting (and keeping) your body in shape. It takes time and dedication.
If you have the desire to turn heads and get noticed, all my secrets are packed into 12 little chapters. Of the same book I offered my beautiful Angel that morning.
If you want a cute little body that turns heads, gets you noticed and has perfect strangers dishing out compliments – out of the clear blue…
Discover *exactly* how I do it.
You can find my little black book (black, white and red to be exact) on Amazon in Kindle and in print. Just click the link below: