Keto and Low Carb Survival Guide for Holiday Parties

Cheese boards, fruit trays, charcuterie, sweet and salty snacks– oh my! To many of us, a smorgasbord of holiday party snacks is an invitation to over indulge  . . . ‘tis the season, fa, la, la!  To others, especially those trying to be mindful of a low-carb lifestyle or weight-loss diet (like keto, paleo, etc.), just the sight of a high-carb, high-calorie food fest turns the mood from happy to high stress.  beef charcuterie cheeseboard - paleo, keto and low carb options   But fear not, you can still treat yourself to a night of delicious nibbling and drink by following these diet-friendly and low-carb tips that are much less naughty and way more nice. Read on for my low carb and keto holiday snack tips! Continue reading

Six Smart Ways To Slash Sugar From Your Diet 

Usually I can pass on salty snacks and bready things. Not that interested. But, when it comes to sweet, I swoon . . . and sometimes over consume. Really, I am pretty good about sugar, but it IS my weakness and I sometimes realize it’s getting out of control and have to take steps to curb sugar cravings. Six Smart Ways to Slash Sugar From Your Diet

I know I’m not the only one with a mighty sweet tooth, it’s a national pastime. The American Heart Associate says that “added sugars” should be limited to 6 teaspoons a day for women and 9 teaspoons for men – but the average American scarfs down about 3x that much per day. Too much sugar is linked to obesity, diabetes and a ton of other chronic diseases that I wouldn’t wish upon my worst enemy. Today, I’m sharing Six Smart Ways To Slash Sugar From Your Diet  Continue reading

 7 Ways Women Can Blast Middle-Age Belly Fat

One of the biggest queries I get from my mid-life friends is how can I get and stay lean? Many of these same ladies in their 40s, 50s and beyond are telling me they eat well, they exercise, and still yet, they can’t get rid of the stubborn pounds that show up around their middles. And, I believe them because many are workout buddies and so I see the struggle firsthand. We can largely thank pre-menopause and menopause for this unwelcomed fluffiness. The changes can be so frustrating and stressful, that many (even the once dedicated) decide to throw in the proverbial towel and allow their fitness to turn into fatness . . . but that’s not healthy, mentally or physically! Ways Women Can Blast Middle Age Belly Fat

While we can’t completely beat the “the change,” there are ways to keep ahead of this stage of life and minimize unwanted symptoms – like belly fat.  Read on to learn 7 Ways Women Can Blast Middle-Age Belly Fat – you’ll feel better and you’ll #BeYourBestBeast – that’s the personal hashtag / mantra I live by! Continue reading

Healthy Watermelon Drinks for the Active & Adventurous

This post is sponsored by The National Watermelon Board However, all opinions, ideas and enthusiasm are completely my own.

Cheers to watermelon, it’s my favorite fruit to eat . . . and drink! I love watermelon anywhere and any time of year. With the last long weekend of summer approaching, I’m sharing some Healthy Watermelon Drinks for the Active & Adventurous to keep you hydrated weather you’re tubing down a river on Labor Day or on a swishing down a mountain later this winter.

Healthy Watermelon Drinks for the Active and Adventurous

This watermelon drink round-up includes a brand-new addition for your enjoyment – Watermelon Apple Cinnamon Switchel.  Read on to get all the juicy, good news about drinking watermelon and, the back story on making the Switchel (the flavors were picked by YOU), and, of course, my yummy watermelon recipes mixed up with whole food goodness and a sprinkle of my “living on the wedge” craziness. Continue reading

15 Must Haves in a Keto Diet Kitchen

ad This post is sponsored by iWi but the content and opinions expressed here are my own. This post also contains affiliate links.

The Keto Diet is all the rage, although it’s been around since the 1920s. It’s an extreme diet, not for everyone . . . but devotees sing its praises and show off the results. High in fat (think 75 – 80% of calories), very low in carbohydrates (think 5%), and middle ground in protein (think 15 to 20%). 

Full disclosure, I am not a strict follower of the keto diet, but I am fascinated by it as someone who has been eating high protein, higher fat for years. In fact, I’ve posted many times about becoming fat-adapted and fat-loading for endurance sports. In other words, how to train your body to use fat more efficiently as fuel, thereby sparing glucose for later down the road in a race. The Keto Diet is pretty much the same, restricting carbs so your body sources out other energy, namely fat. Read on to find out some of the must-haves that benefit a keto, fat-adapted, or very low-carb lifestyle. Continue reading