5 "Healthy" Foods that Secretly Aren't So Healthy

It's no secret that foods out there with a reputation of being some of the "healthiest" choices really aren't that good for you. The word "healthy" gets thrown around a bit in supermarkets with product labels by companies hoping to intrigue dieters by promising more energy, lower fat, zero sugar, etc. However, some of these products are not always what they may seem!

1. Granola: The cereal itself is actually quite fattening. That’s because granola cereals often contain oils, including high in saturated fat coconut oil, sugar, nuts and other high calorie foods. One cup of granola can contain as much as 25 grams of sugar alone! Granola is not all that bad though it contains fiber and important minerals; however, it would be a good idea to limit your intake.

2. Sushi: Japanese food is usually-and has always been- healthy, but when you Americanize it and start adding things like cream cheese and tons of avocado, that’s when you run into problems when trying to lose those few extra pounds. What's your best bet? Skip the spicy mayo & cream cheese and aim for something along the lines of the tuna roll or California roll which are lower in fat and overall better for you.

3. Frozen Diet Meals: Sure Lean Cuisine and Weight Watcher frozen entrees are fairly low in calories and convenient, but they’re also highly processed and high in sodium-not to mention the amount of preservatives in them! Also, since they are low calorie meals, it may not be enough for you. I used to eat the Healthy Choice meals and most of them would average around 250 calories-per MEAL. That's what I call a snack!

4. Protein Bars: Also known as "glorified candy bars, protein bars are  often high in calories, fat and do little to satisfy a person’s hunger. Some of them even contain triglycerides and are high in cholesterol! These bars were designed with athletes in mind; however, most of the people that consume them do so due to its convenience as a "healthy" snack.

5. Pretzels:  They’re low in fat and low on nutrition. They’re basically empty calories! Though pretzels themselves are not unhealthy, they’re basically all sugar so they’ll make you hungrier and you’ll gain weight as a result of over-eating.

Baby Merlin's Magic Sleep Suit Review

OHHHH ladies, do I have a treat for YOU!

Is your baby staying up all night? Do they hate to be swaddled? Do they seem like they cannot get comfortable? Well, I've got a solution!

I'm reviewing Baby Merlin's Magic Sleep Suit today and thanks to this little suit, my son has successfully transitioned from the Swaddle to sleeping on his own. This suit helps your baby make the transition by making him or her still feel swaddled or "bundled up." Everytime I put my son in this suit, he falls asleep right away-on his own! Also, he looks adorable in it! I joke with my husband that he looks like a little marshmallow whenever we put it on him. 

The suit works by providing babies with a cozy, calming, and safe sleep environment. The suit is introduced at approximately three months of age when most babies are growing out of swaddling, transitioning into larger more spacious cribs from smaller sleep environments (cradles, bassinets, etc.), and able to sleep for longer stretches without parental intervention (holding, nursing, rocking, etc.). 

The Magic Sleepsuit provides babies with the comfort they need by helping to muffle their twitches and startle-type movements that can wake them prematurely, and by keeping them cozy and secure making it easier to go to sleep on their own or fall back asleep if woken. It specifically helps with baby's sleep patterns, but also gives the parents and/or caregivers peace of mind that their baby is getting adequate rest necessary for appropriate growth and development. It is recommended that babies transition out of the Magic Sleepsuit once they are able to roll over in it, since this is typically a sign that they are ready for more movement in their sleep, and the Magic Sleepsuit is specifically designed for the back sleeping position.

It's designed to be used in the crib for back sleeping only, the recommended position for sleep to reduce the risk of SIDS and also helps eliminate the need for blankets and other loose bedding, which is consistent with many recommendations to prevent SIDS.  The Magic Sleepsuit is designed to be used in a room of an appropriate temperature (SIDS prevention guidelines recommend baby's room be kept on the cooler side). It can become a consistent part of baby's sleep routine that the baby associates with sleep. This can be a benefit when traveling because a pack-n-play and/or travel crib can be a strange environment, yet the Magic Sleepsuit is familiar.

Overall, I was highly happy we had received this product for our son! I only wish they made this in adult sizes! HAHA! I was skeptical about a sleep suit, but lo and behold-my son slept for over 6 hours straight-at 3 months old!! It is a MUST HAVE for any new parent out there.

Now, here is your chance to win your very own sleep suit! Follow the directions on the Rafflecopter to win!

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To get your baby his or her own sleep suit, or to learn more about it, visit their:

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Disclosure: I was given a Sleep Suit to test, at no cost. All opinions are my own.

5 Great Altervative Sources to Protein for Vegans

Let's face it. Not all of us are meat eaters; some of us prefer to go the vegetarian or vegan route. One of the most common questions that meat eaters have for vegans are "How in the hell do you get your protein?" Well, most people do not realize that protein does not just come from animals or meat alone. Sometimes, the Earth gives us better sources of protein-without all of the extra saturated fats to go along with it.

Here are 5 great alternatives to protein:

Soybeans

More than just a meat substitute, soybeans, and other beans in general, are so nutritious that the latest dietary guidelines recommend we triple our current general bean intake from 1 to 3 cups per week. You’ll get enough protein from beans without having to worry about all of the harmful saturated and trans fats you get from animal-based foods. Soybeans are one of the richest plant-based protein sources. You’ll get more than 28.5 grams of protein from 1 cup of boiled soybeans. Eat up!

Peanuts

Nuts in general are very good sources of protein for vegans. Nuts provide plenty of protein, as well as other nutrients like vitamins A and E, phosphorus, potassium, fiber and essential fatty acids. Nuts can be purchased whole, flaked, ground and buttered; they're easy to add to all sorts of sweet and savory dishes. Nut butters, such as peanut butter, make easy, wholesome snacks. Peanuts contain 24.3g of protein per serving! Wow!

Tofu

Tofu is an excellent source of protein! Perhaps the most famous & versatile meat-free protein, tofu is made from soybean curds and the only difference between tofu and meat protein is that you have to eat more tofu to meet the recommended dietary protein levels. In fact, every 100 g of tofu yields approximately 17.19 g of protein. To get the protein benefit of 150 g of lean meat, you should consume 290 g of tofu.

Tempeh

Tempeh is made from fermented soybeans. Many people get it mixed up with tofu, though it is actually a bit healthier for you than tofu.  A four-ounce serving of tempeh provides about 18 grams of vegetarian protein, along with an impressive 8 to 10 grams of fiber from the soybeans. It has a firmer, meatier texture and stronger flavor than tofu.

Hemp Protein 

Hemp protein is an easily digestible, earth friendly, and complete form of protein. Hemp also happens to be a great source of good fats and Omega 3's. These plant proteins are easily digestible and have been proven to fight inflammation and reduce muscle soreness more effectively than dairy-based proteins, which makes them a good choice for any athlete or active person.

Cinch Postpartum Girdle Review-8 Weeks Later

Hi guys!

You probably remember my review of the Cinch postpartum girdle several weeks ago. The Cinch was one of the few girdles that I had the opportunity to test and I had some amazing results after just 4 weeks of use! You can see in the photo below!

The Cinch was the only girdle that I wore for the full 8 weeks! After that length of time, I am so happy to show you my after picture-I can see my abs coming back! Hallelujah!

Now, to answer your questions.

What does a postpartum girdle do?
A postpartum girdle compresses the tummy and uterus in order to help shrink it back to its original size-sometimes even smaller! Some are also made to shrink your hips as well. For C-section mamas, they help hold the incision in well due to the fact that some incisions tend to come apart. They also give you the support you need when using your abdominal muscles postpartum when you are still weak.

Why should you wear a postpartum girdle?

Many reasons!

• Faster bounceback rate
• Tummy support
• Flattens your tummy & hips
• Prevents enlargement of fat cells
• Straightens your spine
• Helps compress your uterus to not only return the uterus to its original size, but to help swelling go down and extra fluid come out.

When do you start wearing a girdle?

Immediately after giving birth, at the hospital!

How long are you supposed to wear the girdle for?
For the first 8 weeks immediately upon giving birth. This is because the hormone Relaxin stays within your system for this long!

Is it worth the money ?

Simply put-YES!!!!

Can I skip it?

Sure! Girdles just speed up the process of getting back to your pre-pregnancy body and compress areas that your body normally cannot on its own so it is highly recommended to use one!

As you can see, a girdle is a very vital part of bouncing back after pregnancy. I couldn't live without mine! The Cinch was a perfect fit!

To get your Cinch or to learn more about the brand, visit:
http://www.thebandspecialist.com/

Also, be sure to check out The Band Specialist on Facebook & Twitter!

Disclaimer: I was given a Cinch girdle to test, at no cost. All opinions are my own.