The sun is out and the temperature is rising, prompting me to reach deep in my closet to pull out my shorts, tank tops, and…..bikinis. We all dread the moment when that tiny little swimsuit is staring back at us with criticism. So this is the time of year that we begin our annual slim down for destination beach body. This year it may be a little easier to accomplish with the help of Leptiburn from Biotrust.

The makers of Biotrust have done their research and gotten down to the root of the weight loss enigma. They have put their scientific minds together to produce a weight loss supplement that actually works to restore balance to your body, helping you lose weight.  You may be asking how this is possible and what makes this supplement different from the others on the market.

The hormone Leptin is the key to this supplement’s success. Leptin is a hormone that plays two roles in the body. First, it signals your brain to say how much to eat and when to stop eating and second it stimulates fat burning.  Many people that are overweight have what is known as leptin resistance. This occurs when the hormone is not reaching the target receptors to inform the brain that you have had enough food, failing to give you that satiated feeling and failing to stimulate fat tissue to burn energy. This can hamper your weight loss efforts, so Biotrust went to work for you to create a supplement that will target this problem.

LeptiBurn was born out of scientific fact through excessive research to bring you the most effective ingredients that have been shown to increase leptin production and sensitivity. Let’s break down what’s packed into the blend.

Irvingia Gabonesis: Has been found to support leptin sensitivity by inhibiting the chemical C-reactive protein that has been known to lead to leptin resistance.

Oleanolic Acid: This compound comes from olive tree leaves and has been shown to increase leptin production.

Modifilan: Seaweed extract has been linked to an increase in leptin production by stimulating an increase of TSH or thyroid stimulating hormone.

Panax Notoginseng: A Chinese herb that has been shown to provide unique metabolic properties by increasing leptin sensitivity.

Combination of Yerbe Mate and Green Tea: We have all heard of the amazing effects that these ingredients have on fat loss by increasing metabolism and fatty acid mobilization as well as providing energy and alertness.

The combination of these ingredients packs a punch to your fat cells. LeptiBurn is priced at $69.00 and the makers of Biotrust give you discounts when purchasing more than one bottle. This is a steal if you compare buying each of these ingredients separately. Also, Biotrust offers a 1 year money back guarantee! We love that! LepitBurn is not a “magic pill” as the Biotrust reminds us but it can help our body restore balance.  Beach season is here and thanks to LeptiBurn you will be ready to sport that seemingly tiny bikini with confidence.

The post The Key to a Bikini-Ready Body appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

When planning for a fun get-together with friends everything goes through your mind, from your wardrobe to jewelry and make-up. What many of us don’t plan for, however, is our meals.  Eating the wrong foods before an event can sabotage your beauty plan. Certain foods can give your gut an instant bloat that looks and feels awful. However, there is a solution to this dilemma. Instead of skipping dinner to squeeze into your LBD or grabbing Einstein’s bagels for a quick morning bite, New York City area certified nutritionist, personal trainer and exercise physiologist Franci Cohen suggests these meals that will not give you a bulging belly.

For a girl’s night out: Don’t be afraid to have a large meal beforehand (large meaning more than just a PB&J). If you are planning for an active night, whether dancing, bowling or party hopping, you will need the fuel. Franci has created the perfect meal for this situation:

• 1 grilled chicken breast (approx 4 oz)
• 1/2 cup cooked brown rice and lentils
• 1 cup steamed string beans

This combo will fill you up without weighing you down, and will give you the energy you need to dance the night away!

For a dinner- date: You’re wearing a stunning new BCBG dress that already had to be zipped up by your roommate. When you’re at the restaurant with your guy refrain from ordering a salad to make it look like you’re being healthy. All the veggies in the salad will actually cause your stomach to bloat more. Franci advises that a fish dish with one side of grilled veggies is the way to go! “Wild Salmon is jam-packed with heart healthy vitamins and omega 3 fatty acids. If Salmon is not an option, mackerel, sea bass and lemon sole are all good options as well. As for the veggies, try to steer clear of cruciferous veggies (such as cauliflower, broccoli) that can cause bloating. Instead opt for grilled zucchini, asparagus, or carrots – which will keep your tummy tamed!”

For a day at the beach: It’s finally getting warm out and you can take that bathing suit out of hiding. If you’re going to the beach you need a healthy, energizing meal to get you through the morning but you don’t want it to show in your stomach.  You’re probably thinking that the easiest thing to eat before you head out is some Special K with skim milk. It’s low in calories after all, right? It doesn’t matter how low-cal it is, the dairy and multi-grains will expand in your intestines, causing your gut to stick out. Instead of cereal, Franci has an awesome recipe for oatmeal pancakes. Take 1/2 cup raw oats, 3 egg whites, 1/2 apple, and a dash of cinnamon and throw in a blender to create the pancake mix. This high fiber non-fat breakfast choice offers whole grain fiber plus additional fiber from the apple, and protein from the egg whites. It’s a great filling way to start the day, and will not create any abdominal gas or bloating, so you can go bikini-bare with ease!

For an afternoon luncheon: Eating a well-balanced lunch is essential for boosting energy and productivity; giving you power over that mid-day slump and keeping your metabolism active.  A lot of times people want to skip lunch in hopes of losing weight and grab an energy drink to keep them going. This is so bad! The carbonation from an energy drink will make you more bloated then a light lunch. Franci says, “For a mid-day luncheon, your best bet is a salad chock-full of fresh veggies and greens, and topped with a piece of grilled fish, low-fat tuna salad, or fresh turkey breast slices. Throw a few walnuts or almonds on top and dress with a low fat/low sugar dressing, to finish off your delicious salad creation!”

For traveling days: These days airports are getting bigger and so are the food courts. It’s tempting to give in to the convenience of fast travel food, but the combination of a high-sodium smorgasbord and air travel equals a very bloated body from head to toe. You absolutely must resist because there are better options. Eat before you leave for the airport.  Franci suggests packing your carry-on with fruits, veggies, and granola bars. Believe it or not these are available at kiosks. Also, avoid the beverage service on board. Stick to water, you will have a happier flight and feel revived upon arriving at your destination!

Meet Franci Cohen:

A No Nonsense Approach to Fitness, Health & Your Life

Franci Cohen is a personal trainer, certified nutritionist, exercise physiologist and creator of SPIDERBANDS®, a total-body cardio resistance workout that leverages gravity and your bodyweight with other intense exercise modules such as rebounding, kickboxing and indoor cycling.  With over 18 years of experience, 

Franci has been a mainstay in the fitness and nutrition industries. Franci believes in a tough love approach to fitness and health.  “We all have our fitness wake-up call at some point in our lives and it can be a powerful catalyst for change,” says Franci. “Unfortunately, many people overcompensate and try to change everything at once, which is a disaster. Making lasting change involves going through stages that aren’t necessarily linear.  People fluctuate and transition between the stages. Knowing how to move through them can get you where you want to be.”

Franci devotes much of her time to Fuel Fitness, a specialty fitness center in Brooklyn, NY and continues to teach group fitness classes, train clients and broaden her perspective in all areas of fitness, nutrition and wellness.  She designs unique fitness modules and group exercise programs for her clients utilizing the most effective and popular products, tools and exercise equipment available.  “Exercise is one of the most important things you can do for your health, but sometimes it’s hard to just get motivated.  My goal is to keep it fun and interesting by creating out-of-the-box programs that wow my clients with both the innovative nature of the classes, as well as with the rapid results they see in their bodies!  My classes are the ultimate playground where fitness meets fun, and nothing is off limits!”

Education:

• Triple Bachelors Degree
• Masters in Nutrition
• Masters in Exercise Physiology

Certifications:

• Nutritionist
• Group Exercise Instructor
• Group Fitness Specialist
• Personal Trainer
• Lifeguard/Professional Rescuer
• Indoor Cycling Instructor

Certifying Institutions:

• Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (A.N.D.) 
• American College of Sports Medicine
• National Academy of Sports Medicine
• American Council on Exercise (ACE)
• American Fitness Association of American (AFAA)
• Mad Dog Athletics
• American Red Cross

Franci has been married for 14 years and currently lives in Brooklyn, NY with her husband and four children.     

The post Avoid Belly Bloat: Foods That Make You Look & Feel Fat appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

Be honest with yourself. Now that the New Year’s festivities are over, are you sticking with your resolutions still? If not, don’t despair—the fact of the matter is that you aren’t alone. According to research conducted earlier this year by the University of Scranton, only about 8% of Americans are actually successful in achieving New Year’s resolutions.

Don’t want to be a statistic? Well if you’re ready for a real change after perhaps years of broken promises to yourself, you’re probably open to a few suggestions. Here’s one: when traditional methods of obtaining your goals just won’t cut it, try managing your post New Year’s resolutions with the power of suggestion instead.

That’s right—the power of suggestion!

And who better to help you reorient your goals than someone who wrote the book—two books, to be exact—on reassessing (and reinforcing) the human potential for change.

Rena Greenberg, MD, is the author of The Craving Cure and The Right Weigh. Through clinical hypnosis, including a breakthrough treatment called weight loss hypnosis, Dr. Greenberg espouses the potential for change in areas traditionally clouded by ineffective results. In areas such as weight-loss and smoking cessation, Greenberg’s methods allow clients to finally make good on their promises for change, and all of this through positive reinforcement and the power of suggestion.

President of Wellness Seminars, Inc., Dr. Rena Greenberg has appeared in over 100 success stories—both in magazines and in newsprint—and in over 65 television news stories, including Woman’s World Magazine, FOX TV, USA Today, NBC-TV News, CBS TV, and ABC-TV Nightline.

One of the most popular treatments offered by Rena Greenberg is her Gastric Bypass Hypnosis Surgery, a process where actual weight loss can be achieved without undergoing a costly surgery with potential side-effects. The hypnosis surgery is conducted through the natural, safe AND effective process of clinical hypnosis, where Greenberg walks each patient through the gastric bypass process.

Clients relate the sensation of having an actual lap band placed on their stomachs after going through the hypnosis surgery. And with the power of suggestion that accompanies the surgery—including more follow-up assistance than a patient might ever receive after a traditional gastric bypass surgery—Rena Greenberg helps post-surgery patients adjust to cutting the food, fighting any cravings and, ultimately, keeping off the fat.

Many clients admit that they don’t even feel the need to eat as much after the clinical hypnosis session(s), and when they do eat, they choose healthy foods in smaller portions. An overall sense of fullness, and at a much faster rate than pre-hypnosis surgery, effectively replaces the previous desires for unhealthy eating.

The complete Gastric Bypass Hypnosis At Home System can even be purchased as an immediate download from Greenberg’s website, www.easywillpower.com. Depending on a client’s needs, the program can be done from the comfort of your own via private lessons with Greenberg or on your own with the at home system.

Another popular treatment offered by Greenberg is the Smoking Cessation program. For those who have resolved time and again to quit, who have tried to quit but keep starting again, or even for people who know someone that wants desperately to kick this habit, Greenberg’s Smoking Cessation program provides a revolutionary alternative to traditional methods of quitting.

The Think and Quit Smoking Cessation program delves into the subconscious to root out the true reasons for your addiction, and then addresses these reasons one by one. As many smokers have tried to quite time and again, Greenberg’s clinical hypnosis—whether through private treatments or by use of the at-home CDs and books—will get to the root of dependence and addiction. With positive reinforcement, and through a client’s own easy willpower, smoking can be a thing of the past. Not only will your health improve in folds, your wallet will feel the once-heavy burden lifted as well.

With Rena Greenberg’s easy willpower methods of positive reinforcement, you don’t have to be a statistic anymore.

So don’t delay any longer—there’s no time like the present to make good on years of unresolved resolutions. You can lose the weight and quit smoking through the positive power of suggestion today!

For more information, visit Rena Greenberg’s website: www.easywillpower.com. 

The post The Power of Suggestion: Managing Post New Year’s Resolutions with Positive Reinforcement appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

There’s not one day that goes by where you don’t run into some sort of advertisement for dieting and weight loss.  It’s a popular thing, yet we all feel alone in beating America’s biggest challenge.  The most frustrating part is trying to shave off that last 5-10 pounds that seems cemented onto our bodies.  Why is this so difficult?  You thought that running that extra mile would do the trick. Well it’s probably not because of your exercise regimen and could be as simple as consuming faux-healthy foods on a daily basis.  Many foods out there are advertised as healthier alternatives that can help slash away body fat and drop pounds, but they may in fact be hindering your weight loss achievements.  Here are some of the most common health food gimmicks to watch out for when strolling the grocery store lanes.

Flavored Yogurt

Yogurt is an excellent source of protein, calcium, and probiotics, but they’re not all equally as nutrient dense.  Flavored yogurts can easily fool the consumer into thinking there’s little difference from non-flavored yogurts.  However, flavored yogurts contain about 8 grams less protein per serving and consist of several more grams of sugar.  Many might think they’re getting an extra boost with yogurts that contain fruit, but once the fruit is pureed during production, it losses a lot of it’s essential nutrients, such as Vitamin C (www.prevention.com).  Also, all yogurts contain enough probiotics that are beneficial to digestion, so any brands claiming they’re specifically designed for assisting in digestion are just trying to amp up their marketing (www.today.com). If you’re looking for the best way to eat yogurt, go for plain Greek yogurt, and if needed, add in your own fresh fruit, honey, chia seeds, or even dark chocolate chips to feed that craving.

Granola 

Granola tends to have a household reputation for being a quick, filling, and nutritious breakfast food.  You get grains, dried fruit, nuts, and warm seasonings such as cinnamon, it’s a comfort food that’s delicious and seemingly good for you.  But the reality of it is, granola skyrockets in sugar, fat, and calories.  Whether it’s store bought or homemade, 1 cup of granola generally ranges between 420 to 600 calories, 11 to 30 grams of fat, and at least 25 grams of sugar.  On top of that, the sugars that make up this sweet, crunchy delight are mostly added sugar rather than the healthier, naturally-occurring sugars you find in fruit (fructose) or dairy products (lactose).  So, having that 1 cup of granola for breakfast will already account for over the 24 grams of sugar women should allow in their diet for the entire day (www.shape.com).

Artificial Sweeteners

Many nutrition-focused manmade products are designed to help the consumer continue to enjoy their favorite foods with less negative repercussions to their health. However, this tends to backfire more often than it works.  Artificial sweeteners are today’s most prevalent example of this.  People want less calories but just as much sweetness and flavor to their sodas, coffee drinks, sweet teas, etc. and artificial sweeteners grant all those wishes.  But the reality of choosing Sweet N’ Low, Equal, Truvia, or Stevia over natural cane sugar could be more detrimental than helpful.  Artificial sweeteners tend to be hundreds to thousands of times sweeter than real sugar, so this spikes your sweetness tolerance potentially causing you to overindulge in foods and crave sweet things more often. Many artificial sweeteners have been linked to increasing the risk of developing diabetes and/or heart disease.  Ingredients to look out for in foods when trying to avoid artificial sweeteners go by the names aspartame, saccharine, sucralose, acesulfame potassium, and cyclamate potassium.  If you want to continue to ride on the artificial sweetener train, your best choice is Splenda, which contains sucralose that is derived from natural sugar and is the only current artificial sweetener isn’t linked to adverse health effects (www.sharecare.com).

Veggie Chips/Straws

Anything containing the word “veggie” is like getting splashed in the face with water. You instantly wake up and think you just discovered the newest and easiest way to get those 5 cups per day.  Veggie chips – made out of zucchini, squash, carrots, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, spinach – you’re getting a full serving of vegetables doused in oil and deep fried.  Essentially, you could call original potato chips veggie chips.  If you literally broke down a veggie chip into it’s top ingredients, they’re basically made out of corn flour or potato with a small addition of vegetable powder or pureed vegetable.  The majority, if not all of it’s nutritional beneficiaries, like Vitamins A and C, are lost in the processing plant.  Veggie chips are just another empty calorie food that will only supply a roadblock in your stride to losing pounds (www.shape.com).

Protein Bars

Protein bars are simply a healthier version of a candy bar.  Protein bars, in general, contain loads of added sugars and artificial sweeteners, which obviously won’t help cinch that waist.  Also, most people, unless you’re an athlete or aggressively training for some kind of physically active competition, don’t need the extra protein.  In fact, excess protein in your diet will just convert to fat.  What many people might not realize is that there are better-for-you proteins, such as whey concentrate and isolates or casein protein, and and, in general, protein bars contain the less healthy varieties.  Most bars are made with a form of protein isolate, which contains MSG, a neurotoxin that is linked to digestive disorders, Celiac’s disease, and autoimmune disorders.  However, not all bars go for an entirely genetically modified layout (www.care2.com).  Some brands that have no added sugar, gluten free, and/or contain a richer protein source are Lara Bars, Luna Bars, or Think Thin.

The biggest favor you can do for yourself and your body is to really look at what you’re actually eating.  Learn to read nutrition labels properly and what key ingredients to avoid.  Just because it says flashy phrases like “sugar-free”, “protein-rich”, or “a great source of vegetables” is most likely not everything it’s cracked up to be.  Switching to a clean, healthy diet is a lifestyle change.  It takes work, time, and research, but the benefits are all worth it, like finally losing those last 5 pounds.

The post 5 Faux-Healthy Foods appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

There has been a lot of news lately about women dieting like men. Every woman knows that life is unfair when it comes to which gender loses weight faster. Men generally have the unfair advantage of dropping pounds quickly and easily just by cutting out beer, soda, or their morning latte. Meanwhile, women cut out carbohydrates, lessen calories, and do tons of cardio and still have difficulty dropping weight.

Scientists tell us the reason men drop pounds more easily is that they have more testosterone and muscle mass, resulting in a higher metabolism.  But recent news is telling us that women may be able to drop pounds as quickly as men if they some take diet tips from men.  Men typically attack excess pounds from a different angle, focusing on adding more protein to their diet, lifting heavy weights, and taking the slower more achievable approach of only cutting out one treat per day. A woman typically chooses to do massive amounts of cardio, lowering calories, cutting out protein and increasing vegetables, and not allowing themselves any treats.  Women focus so strictly on the process that it becomes difficult to stick to, leading to yo-yo dieting.  Men typically go slow and steady and are less likely to beat themselves up if they slip up and have that extra cheese pizza for lunch.

 Is this more conservative and sustainable approach men take helping them stay on track longer and remain consistent with their goals or is it really the anatomy and chemistry that is propelling a man’s weight loss? The answer is yes to both.  Men do have a metabolic advantage over weight loss, but they also take an approach to dieting that is stress free and easier to stick with. This stress free approach is another advantage for team men. Stress increases with cortisol levels and leads to weight gain. Women tend to stress more about being overweight and dieting, increasing the amount of cortisol in the body and making it more difficult to lose weight.  

So what is the verdict, should women diet like men and will it make a difference?  Women should take some tips from men, but a woman’s approach is not completely wrong either. Combining the two is the best option. Not every diet works for every person, you must do what works best for your body. 

Follow these modified “man diet” tips:

• Eat like our ancestors: protein, veggies, and nuts/seeds
• Choose lean protein (chicken, fish, and turkey).
• Add weight lifting to your exercise routine, it’s a myth that weight lifting makes women bulky.
• Do not cut out entire food groups. This leads to deficient nutrients and increases cravings.
• Slow and steady wins the race, don’t stress if you slip up one day, tomorrow is a new day.
• Get plenty of rest. When you are tired, you tend to crave starchy and sugary foods.
• Allow yourself to have one treat per day. Knowing that you can have it again tomorrow can help you sustain from over doing it.

The post Look like a Beauty, Eat like a Beast! appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

Have you ever heard of that crazy wrap thing? I hadn’t either until contacted by Jamie Goodman, a distributor and wrapologist from It Works Global. It Works Global has made a name for itself by being the creator of the Fab Wrap, a body contouring wrap that tightens, tones, and firms skin. The wrap is infused with all natural ingredients and begins to show results in as little as 45 minutes. In a nutshell, the wrap reduces the appearance of cellulite and sagging skin, restoring its healthy, youthful look that we all seem to lose with age.

Besides the Fab Wrap, It Works Global also provides a variety of other products that are made with natural ingredients and aimed at improving overall health. It’s Vital is a complete line of essential vitamins, nutrients, and minerals. Their weight loss supplements include ThermoFit and the Fat Fighter, and they work to reduce appetite and cravings, increase metabolism, and balance blood glucose levels. In addition, It Works Global offers a full line of facial products including a facial wrap, nighttime moisturizer, cleansing gel, and the Lifting Lip and Eye Cream.

I recently had the chance to ask Jamie more about It Works Global and that crazy wrap thing.

Q: So tell me more about the Fab Wrap. How does it work?

A: The Fab Wrap is a cloth wrap infused with an all-natural botanically based formula that continuously hydrates to tone, tighten and firm skin in 45 minutes. It is applied to the area of choice, and while it does the magic of toning, tightening and firming, it also detoxes to rid your body of harmful substances. Some of the ingredients are designed to show results in 45 minutes, while other results in the formula continue to work over the next 72 hours. It comes in two forms, body and facial applicator.

Q: How does the Fab Wrap help people and what are some of its benefits?

A: Everyone is different in terms of results for a couple of reasons. First, it has everything to do with the level of toxins within your body. Secondly and most importantly, is the consumption of water. A person’s water consumption tremendously boosts results. I can instantly tell a difference between those who adequately hydrate with the wrap and those who don’t. The wrap is designed to work on a continual basis, but once applied for the first time, it is removed in 45 minutes, simply to test the body’s reaction to the natural ingredients.

The wrap continues to work after it is removed for 72 hours, and after you have wrapped the first time, with no reactions, you may wear the wrap as long as you like. When you purchase a wrap application, it consists of four wraps, which is considered a full treatment, whereas one wrap alone is considered a “treat,” and while many have instant first-time results, it is a process and it only improves as the treatment continues. As a personal rule, I wrap weekly and typically sleep in mine. As for the actual facial wrap applicator, it is the exact same thing only in a facial form.

Q: What are some other products you would recommend from It Works Global?

A: My biggest seller, next to the Wrap, is our Greens. Greens come in Orange or Berry flavor and contain a full day’s serving of fruits and vegetables with 38 super foods in two little scoops that are mixed with water or juice. The Greens Chews is the same as the powder mix just in a chew form. Hair, Skin and Nails is one of our newest products, and it promotes growth and strengthening by boosting the body’s natural collagen and keratin production. 

Personally, the most important product to me with It Works Global is Confianza. Confianza is a herbal-based supplement designed to enhance your ability to cope with all forms of stress, whether physical, emotional or environmental. For me, this was a game-changer. I am a busy single-mom with two teenage daughters that are both very busy, and I was at a point in my life that stress became completely unmanageable for me personally. One of the first products I started from It Works Global was the Confianza, and today I am no longer on prescription medication. With Confianza I feel energized and balanced.

Q: How did you get started with It Works Global?

I was introduced to It Works Global in 2013 by a family member in Michigan where I grew up.  Many friends and friends of friends were involved and over time I sat back and watched what they did and eventually tried the products. Then came my ever-personal experience with Confianza. I signed on as a distributor and was totally hooked. At the time, I was completely and utterly devastated at the fact that I had lost my job. I had no choice but to work this business and I find myself saying it was a blessing in disguise. It certainly took me out of my comfort zone but that crazy little wrap thing is changing my life and the life of my girls’ futures.

It Works Global gives women in particular the chance to go into business for themselves and discover the rewards of becoming successful entrepreneurs. Jamie says, “As a wrapologist, I simply love what I do.  I love helping people become healthier and providing them with the tools to accomplish their goals!”

Check out It Works Global’s products at http://www.goodwoman.myitworks.com/

To become an It Works Global distributor click here!

The post It Works Global: That Crazy Wrap Thing! appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

Social media is at it once more, helping us better our lives by linking us with others. Pinterest began as an idea grapevine turned into an organization and planning giant. Countless people have planned weddings, anniversary parties, and baby showers using Pinterest and now we are using the site to attain weight loss goals and live fitter lives. There is even a new diet book on the market The Pinterest Diet: How to Pin Your Way Thin, written by Mitzi Dulan, Registered Dietician. In her book, she suggests using Pinterest to create a vision board of your goals  by creating boards such as Most Satisfying Foods, Workout Plans Board, Daily Inspiration Board, In-The-Know, and Favorite Products. Pinterest is the ultimate social media site for planning your healthy life.

Pinterest offers the power to look for recipes, inspirational and motivational quotes, workouts, and merchandise such as exercise clothes as well as the ability to hold all of the ideas organized in a single spot. It is a replacement for the age-old vision board that many of us pinned to our wall to keep ourselves focused on a goal.  This site allows you to digitally pin pictures of your dream body or inspirational sayings to keep your actions in check.

Pinterest has something for everyone! Searching for a recipe that is Vegan, Paleo, or Gluten-free? Check out this delicious looking Healthy Chocolate Cake recipe by iFOODreal @http://www.pinterest.com/pin/195273333817500880/

Nutritional Info

Servings Per Recipe: 10; Amount Per Serving = 1 slice; Calories: 265.8; Total Fat: 13.0 g; Cholesterol: 37.2 mg; Sodium: 211.1 mg; Total Carbs: 37.5 g; Sugars: 17.3 g; Dietary Fiber: 4.5 g; Protein: 5.3 g; WW Points+: 8

or check out this Mashed Cauliflower recipe by Healthy Recipes @http://www.pinterest.com/pin/89016530108918303/.

Total time: 20 minutes
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes

Ingredients
1 medium cauliflower (1 pound trimmed)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, soft
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions
1. Wash the cauliflower,towel dry, trim outer leaves and cut into florets, or just into chunks. Place in a microwave-safe bowl, add a tablespoon of water to the bottom of the bowl, cover with a microwave-safe plate and microwave on high around 10 minutes, until very tender.

2. Meanwhile, prepare the other ingredients.

3. When the cauliflower is done, carefully remove it from the microwave (bowl and plate will be hot and steam will escape) and transfer to the food processor. Add the remaining ingredients. Process until very smooth, about 1 minute. Serve immediately.

Makes 4 servings.

Nutrition per Serving

Calories 102.9; Total Fat 7.5 g; Saturated Fat 4.6 g; Sodium 407.8 mg; Potassium 350.9 mg; Total Carbohydrate 6.3 g; Dietary Fiber 2.8 g; Sugars 0.0 g; Protein 4.4 g

Health and wellness websites are also jumping on the bandwagon. You can follow sites on Pinterest such as POPSUGAR Fitness, Holistic Ebony, and Health.com. Following these sites can lead you to information that you might not otherwise find when searching on your own. You can search and pin exercises from gym routines to 8 minutes at home at routines. There are even exercise routines for the couch potato to follow during the commercials of your favorite television show.

Pinterest is the ultimate social site to connect ideas as well as people. There is no limit to the number of ideas found and once you start searching it can be difficult to stop. Just Remember to put all those newly found  ideas to use and start living healthier today.

Reference

Dulan, M. (2014, 01 19). How Pinterest can help you lose weight and get fit. Retrieved from Fox News: http://www.foxnews.com/health/2014/01/19/how-pinterest-can-help-lose-weight-and-get-fit/

The post The Pinterest Diet: Pin your way to a healthier you appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

When motivation to be healthy isn’t enough should you turn to financial motivation? Websites are now popping up with cash incentives to motivate weight loss. This is how it works. You join a challenge to lose weight; this can be to lose 5, 10 or 15% of your body weight. You and other challengers pay money to a pot and the people who reach their goal split the money.

Social dieting is not an entirely new idea, many corporate offices run group dieting pools with financial incentives. Now you can do this virtually. We have turned almost every area of our lives into a social networking opportunity, from Instagram for pictures to Pinterest for new ideas, social media connects our lives. It’s only natural that we turn to social networking to help us achieve better health. Let’s face it; if gyms paid members for working out, we would definitely make more of  an effort to go.  It’s not important what motivates you to become fitter, but it is important for you to keep a healthy lifestyle. A cash motivation may just be the kick start you need.

This concept can actually be backed up by a recent study from the Mayo Clinic. According to the research, completion rates were higher among weight loss groups with incentives versus groups without incentives (2013). The incentive groups also lost more weight, with a mean weight loss of 9.08 pounds versus 2.34 for groups without incentives (2013).

The bottom line is that if you meet your goal, you are healthier and you now have some cash in your pocket to buy that pair of skinny jeans you’ve had your eye on. Here are four websites to help get you started:

www.Healthywage.com

Healthywage boasts that it can keep you focused and accountable while losing weight. They have a free challenge with a $100 incentive and a top prize of $10,000 for their team weight loss challenges.

www.dietbetter.com

Dietbet gives you the ability to create your own game (challenge) or join one. The more players in a game the higher the prize.

www.weightlosswars.com

WeightlossWars offers  a free signup if you try a product from Trialpay or a single payment of $10.00. You can create challenges or join one of their own. They also offer measurement trackers, a recipe box, and health calculators.

www.stickK.com

StickK offers you the ability to customize your health goal for more than weight loss such as quitting smoking or exercising more. This website gives you the option of setting monetary stakes and charges your credit card each week you do not reach your goal. You can set the money to go to a designated recipient such as a charity.

Works Cited

Mayo Clinic. (2013, 03 07). Money Talks When It Comes to Losing Weight, Mayo Clinic Study Finds. Retrieved 12 21, 2013, from Mayo Clinic: http://www.mayoclinic.org/news2013-rst/7357.html

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Weight loss is one of the most popular fitness goals and for good reason. Obesity is becoming epidemic and being overweight can lead to a multitude of chronic diseases and health problems. Losing weight means getting healthier, and as moms, this sets a good example for our kids and families. On the other hand, weight loss is difficult and there could be many lifestyle elements keeping you from reaching your ideal weight.

If you find yourself in a weight loss slump, here some factors that could be sabotaging your efforts:

1.  Not Getting Enough Sleep – A common complaint of moms everywhere, a lack of sleep can lead to packing on pounds even if you are making other efforts to lose them. According to several studies of the effects of sleep on weight loss, not getting enough sleep leads to a slower metabolism and an increase in the amount of calories consumed. Sleepiness could lead to poorer food choices throughout the day when you are tempted to reach for sweets or energy drinks.

2.  Dehydration – Our bodies are primarily made up of water so it is critical to replace the fluids we lose every day. Not drinking enough water can sabotage our weight loss efforts because our metabolisms slow down when we don’t get enough. Curiously, drinking enough water throughout the day actually leads to more weight loss because water increases our metabolism and helps to control appetite. 

3.  Not Building Muscle – In general, women tend to stick to cardio exercise in order to lose weight. However, strength training is an essential ingredient of any weight loss plan. The more lean muscle you have, the higher your metabolism will be and you will burn more calories. Adding lean muscle through lifting leads to increases in your metabolism even when you aren’t physically active.

4.  Not Having Support – Having just one person in your life that supports your weight loss goal can make all the difference. If your family isn’t supportive and unwilling to make lifestyle changes along with yours, they will hinder your efforts. Get the family involved or try to find at least one person you can call when or those late night cravings hit. Sometimes, your support person can be a workout buddy or a personal trainer at your gym.

5.  Inconsistency – Anyone who has lost a significant amount of weight will tell you that being consistent is the key to weight loss. Many people get caught up in yo-yo dieting where their weight fluctuates significantly over time. They might do well for a few months but then lose motivation to continue eating well when the holidays come around. 

January may bring difficulties in getting back on track, but being disciplined in your healthy habits in the long run is critical to reaching your goal.

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Losing the baby weight is challenging for most women. But when you’re celebrity mom, Hollywood’s beauty standards can make the postpartum period downright miserable.

Let’s take a look at 5 high-profile mamas who have opened up about weight loss post-pregnancy. Read about Gisele Bündchen‘s “muscle memory,” to Hilary Duff not losing the baby weight “overnight,” to Gwen Stefani admitting it was “no miracle” that she’s regained her svelte figure.

◦   Alyson Hannigan:

American Pie star Alyson Hannigan and her husband, actor Alexis Denisof, welcomed their second daughter, Keeva Jane,  on May 23. The Buffy alums are also parents to 3-year-old daughter Satyana.

Since welcoming baby Keeva, Alyson has talked about not losing the baby weight quickly enough for Tinseltown.

“I think by Hollywood standards I’m supposed to be in bikini shape now that my baby is 4 weeks old,” she playfully tweeted. “My workout goal: Food drops in lap, not on belly.”

Despite her woes, fans of the How I Met Your Mother star showed their support for “setting a good example” and not rushing to lose the baby weight.

Alyson replied, “I still haven’t lost all the weight from my first daughter. Oh well.”

◦   Hilary Duff:

Lizzie McGuire actress Hilary Duff and husband, hockey star Mike Comrie, welcomed their first child, son Luca, on March 20. The Disney darling recently said that she enjoyed eating during her pregnancy.

“My whole life you know I worked out and exercised and been in the public eye and always watched what I ate. This was like a vacation,” Hilary said of enjoying eating during pregnancy. “I had a blast. I wouldn’t go back and change it. I had a lot of fun.”

The new mom has also opened up about her postpartum weight loss.

“I’m not perfect, but I feel fantastic,” she said. “This is how it goes for most women – the weight doesn’t fall off overnight.”

The actress-singer, 24, added that she’s been exercising “a few” times a week, mixing spin classes with private training sessions.

She added that her hubby “doesn’t care” about her extra pregnancy weight, and added, “Even during my pregnancy he thought I was beautiful.”

◦   Gisele Bündchen:

Supermodel Gisele Bündchen and her husband, football star Tom Brady, welcomed their first child together, son Benjamin, on December 8, 2009.

The Brazilian beauty talked about regaining her figure almost instantly after Benjamin’s birth.

“I think it’s muscle memory,” Gisele said. “I did kung fu up until two weeks before Benjamin was born, and yoga three days a week. I think a lot of people get pregnant and decide they can turn into garbage disposals. I was mindful about what I ate, and I gained only 30 pounds.”

◦   Molly Sims:

Actress Molly Sims and husband Scott Stuber welcomed their first child, son Brooks Alan, on June 19. The new mom recently opened up about her mission to lose the 50 pounds of baby weight that she gained during her first pregnancy.

“Eating during my pregnancy was easy, but losing the baby weight—that’s going to be a whole other story,” Molly wrote on MollySims.com. “As much as I tried to stick to a healthy diet and exercise routine while I was pregnant, I ended up gaining 50 pounds—so let’s just say I have my work cut out for me! But no matter what it takes, being in the best shape possible has always been very important to me. I’m more than willing to put in the work to get my pre-baby body back.”

◦   Gwen Stefani:

Rockers Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale are parents to two sons – Kingston, 6, and Zuma, nearly 4. Five months after welcoming Kingston, Gwen talked about her postpartum weight loss.

“That’s been really hard,” she said of losing the weight. “But it’s almost gone. I’ve just been eating healthy,” she said, adding, “I cheat every day at least once.”

The uber-svelte No Doubt frontwoman has admitted to struggling with her weight and body image after having two children. She said that her current figure is “no miracle” and that it took eight months to lose the baby weight after the arrival of Zuma.

And even Gavin chimed in about the pressures on his wife to lose the baby weight under the limelight.

“Yeah, she does [feel under pressure to lose the weight fast], Gavin said. “I mean, she’s just so dedicated and she’s just amazing with that stuff (weight loss). It’s very hard because everyone’s so judged the whole time.”

More top stories from CelebrityBabyScoop:

Kendra Wilkinson On Playboy Past, Motherhood, Baby No. 2

Mario Bello:  “I Have To Have A Sense Of Humor About Trying To Juggle It All”

A Look At 10 Hollywood Adoptions

Best Celeb Parents & Kids Pics Of The Week

Celebrity Baby Scoop is one of the most popular blogs on the topic and the foremost provider of everything celebrity-baby, featuring baby fashion, baby names, baby trends and up-to-the-minute celebrity baby gossip and pics. Get all the latest news, updates, and photos about Hollywood’s most beloved celebrity moms, dads and their babies. Who’s the latest Tinseltown baby? Who’s due next and who just announced a pregnancy? It’s all on Celebrity Baby Scoop.

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