Diary of a Fit Mommy

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Order This, Not That at the Restaurant!

When surfing through the restaurant's menu, sometimes it is hard to make a decision on just what to get. Everything sounds so good! However, if you only knew the calories behind the menu items that you were vying over, would you still get them or pick a healthier option? Sometimes, it is all about the healthier meal swaps that can lead you to your weight loss successes-I dropped 45lbs from this!

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Here are 12 of the most popular restaurants and what to order and what to leave behind!

1. Apple Bees

Order This: Weight Watchers Cajun Lime Tilapia (310 calories)

Not That: Spinach & Artichoke Dip at (1,510 calories)

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2. IHOP

Order This: Simple and Fit Spinach, Mushroom, and Tomato Omelette (330 calories)

Not That: Harvest Grain 'N Nut Pancakes (920 calories)

3. Cheesecake Factory

Order This: SkinnyLicious Ahi Tartare (split), SkinnyLicious Fresh Vegetable Salad with Chicken (500 calories)

Not That: Memphis Burger (1,300 calories)

4. P.F. Changs

Order This: Norwegian Salmon Steamed with Ginger (590 calories)

Not That: Crispy Honey Chicken (680 calories)

5. TGI Fridays

Order This: Petite Sirloin with broccoli (400 calories)

Not That: Tuscan Spinach Dip (1,000 calories)

6. Olive Garden

Order This: Herb-Grilled Salmon with broccoli (450 calories)

Not That: Plain Fettuccine Alfredo (1,220 calories)

7. Chili's

Order This: Caribbean Salad with Grilled Shrimp (500 calories)

Not That: Crispy Honey-Chipotle Chicken Crispers with Ranch (1,660 calories)

8. Red Lobster

Order This: Wood-Grilled Salmon (200 calories)

Not That: The Admiral's Feast (1,280 calories)

9. Denny's

Order This:A Fit Fare Omelette, customized with egg whites, spinach, and mushrooms (390 calories)

Not That: Grand Slamwich with Hash Browns (1,520 calories)

10. Ruby Tuesday

Order This:Double Ruby Minis sliders-half order (519 calories)

Not That: Whole Rub Minis plate (915 calories)

11. Outback Steakhouse

Order This: Grilled Shrimp on the Barbie (split), filet and lobster tail-half order (470 calories)

Not That: No Rules Parmesan Pasta, with grilled chicken (1,322 calories)

12. Red Robin

Order This: Blackened Chicken Sandwich (405 calories)

Not That: Whiskey River BBQ Burger (1,138 calories)

Nutrition Source: Calorie King

Adorable Bohemian Maternity/Nursing Maxi Dress for Fall!

If you remember from a couple of weeks ago, I reviewed Belly Dance Maternity (a favorite among celebrities and one of the best online boutiques that offers maternity & nursing apparel) and one of their Maternal America dresses (which has become my favorite date night dress by the way). I have yet another amazing dress from them by the brand Seraphine.

At Belly Dance Maternity, they believe you shouldn't have to sacrifice your style when you’re expecting. Our clothes outfit every part of your life - work, home, formal occasions, outdoors, sleepwear and lingerie-even cool baby gifts! They also offer some of the best brands around such as Maternal America, Seraphine, NOM, Belabumbum, Bravado, you name it-they have it! To check out their full list of designers, click here.

I had the chance to review the Seraphine Coral Matilda Maxi-a fabulous choice for the pregnant or nursing mamas out there. This dress is super flowy with a floral Bohemian vibe to it. It is the perfect vacation dressand that is exactly how I wore it-on vacation!

Even though I tend to be one of the shorter ladies, the maxi was not too long at all-a common problem that I face with most maxi dresses these days since they end up being too "maxi." The dress is perfect for summer whether you are having a picnic in the park or a day at the beach.

Even though I am not pregnant, I can see how this dress would be perfectly maternal. However, it still flatters the non-pregnant women, as well! The deep v-cut of the neck allows for super easy access when nursing. This was super nice! The cut was actually quite beautiful and accentuated my features.

One of my favorite parts of this dress was the bottom hem. It was extra flowy, indeed! I also liked the straps-they weren't just skimpy straps, but had a texture to them. This dress was absolutely stunning-the pattern was so pretty. And of course, I love anything PINK.

And that's not the best part-this dress is on sale right now for $49! That is a HUGE discount! So hurry up and grab yours while you still can.

To learn more about Belly Dance Maternity, visit their:

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

Squat It Out September Challenge

September is a great month-the leaves start changing and the weather gets just a tad bit cooler-well, depending on where you live! In Florida, it is still hot as s***. Here is a workout that you can do all month long to not only get your booty in tip top shape, but to also help you become a master at the squat!

Here is a fun little workout that you can do in addition to my 12 week home workout bundle!
Also, be sure to follow me on Instagram and my Facebook page for free recipes, diet tips, workout videos, and motivation.

Squat It Out September Challenge

September 1:

5 Squats
5 Squat Jumps
5 Sumo Squats
5 Pistol Squat
5 Split Squats

September 2:

10 Squats
10 Squat Jumps
10 Sumo Squats
10 Pistol Squats
10 Split Squats

September 3:

15 Squats
15 Squat Jumps
15 Sumo Squats
15 Pistol Squats
15 Split Squats

September 4:

20 Squats
20 Squat Jumps
20 Sumo Squats
20 Pistol Squats
20 Split Squats

September 5:

25 Squats
25 Squat Jumps
25 Sumo Squats
25 Pistol Squats
25 Split Squats

September 6:

30 Squats
30 Squat Jumps
30 Sumo Squats
30 Pistol Squats
30 Split Squats

September 7:

35 Squats
35 Squat Jumps
35 Sumo Squats
35 Pistol Squats
35 Split Squats

September 8:

40 Squats
40 Squat Jumps
40 Sumo Squats
40 Pistol Squats
40 Split Squats

September 9:

45 Squats
45 Squat Jumps
45 Sumo Squats
45 Pistol Squats
45 Split Squats

September 10:

50 Squats
50 Squat Jumps
50 Sumo Squats
50 Pistol Squats
50 Split Squats

September 11:

55 Squats
55 Squat Jumps
55 Sumo Squats
55 Pistol Squats
55 Split Squats

September 12:

60 Squats
60 Squat Jumps
60 Sumo Squats
60 Pistol Squats
60 Split Squats

September 13:

65 Squats
65 Squat Jumps
65 Sumo Squats
65 Pistol Squats
65 Split Squats

September 14:

70 Squats
70 Squat Jumps
70 Sumo Squats
70 Pistol Squats
70 Split Squats

September 15:

75 Squats
75 Squat Jumps
75 Sumo Squats
75 Pistol Squats
75 Split Squats

September 16:

80 Squats
80 Squat Jumps
80 Sumo Squats
80 Pistol Squats
80 Split Squats

September 17:

85 Squats
85 Squat Jumps
85 Sumo Squats
85 Pistol Squats
85 Split Squats

September 18:

90 Squats
90 Squat Jumps
90 Sumo Squats
90 Pistol Squats
90 Split Squats

September 19:

95 Squats
95 Squat Jumps
95 Sumo Squats
95 Pistol Squats
95 Split Squats

September 20:

100 Squats
100 Squat Jumps
100 Sumo Squats
100 Pistol Squats
100 Split Squats

September 21:

105 Squats
105 Squat Jumps
105 Sumo Squats
105 Pistol Squats
105 Split Squats

September 22:

110 Squats
110 Squat Jumps
110 Sumo Squats
110 Pistol Squats
110 Split Squats

September 23:

115 Squats
115 Squat Jumps
115 Sumo Squats
115 Pistol Squats
115 Split Squats

September 24:

120 Squats
120 Squat Jumps
120 Sumo Squats
120 Pistol Squats
120 Split Squats

September 25:

125 Squats
125 Squat Jumps
125 Sumo Squats
125 Pistol Squats
125 Split Squats

September 26:

130 Squats
130 Squat Jumps
130 Sumo Squats
130 Pistol Squats
130 Split Squats

September 27:

135 Squats
135 Squat Jumps
135 Sumo Squats
135 Pistol Squats
135 Split Squats

September 28:

140 Squats
140 Squat Jumps
140 Sumo Squats
140 Pistol Squats
140 Split Squats

September 29:

145 Squats
145 Squat Jumps
145 Sumo Squats
145 Pistol Squats
145 Split Squats

September 30:

150 Squats
150 Squat Jumps
150 Sumo Squats
150 Pistol Squats
150 Split Squats

DEMOS:

Squats

Plant your feet flat on the ground, about shoulder-width apart.
Point your feet slightly outward, not straight ahead.
Never let your knees extend beyond your toes.
Look straight ahead. Bend at your knees as if you were going to sit back in a chair, keeping your heels on the floor.
Pull in your abs, and keep your lower back in a near neutral position (a slightly arched back might be unavoidable).
Tighten your whole body when you perform the squat.
Lower yourself. In a controlled manner slowly lower yourself down and back so that your upper legs are nearly parallel with the floor. Extend your arms for balance.
Keep the upper body tight at all times.

Sumo Squats

Stand with your feet wider than hip-width apart, toes slightly turned out, holding a medicine ball in front of your chest.
Squat down as low as you can, keeping your heels on the ground and your back straight.
Press back up to standing. That's one rep.

Pistol Squat

Stand holding your arms straight out in front of your body at shoulder level, parallel to the floor.
Raise your right leg off the floor and hold it there.
Flex your right ankle so that your toes are higher than your heel.
Your right leg should be straight.
Brace your core.
Push your hips back and lower your body as far as you can.
As you lower your body, raise your right leg so that it doesn’t touch the floor.
Pause, then push your body back to the starting position.
Keep your torso as upright as possible.

Split Squat

Stand with dumbbells grasped to sides facing away from bench.
Extend leg back and place top of foot on bench.
Squat down by flexing knee and hip of front leg until knee of rear leg is almost in contact with floor.
Return to original standing position by extending hip and knee of forward leg and repeat. Continue with opposite leg.

Squat Jumps

Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, arms hanging at your sides.
Squat down until your knees are bent about 90 degrees.
Immediately swing your arms overhead and jump upward as high as you can.
As you land, gently bend your knees and sink back down into the squat position.

Now, for some motivation to get you started, here are some amazing before and afters showing you the true power behind squats! It works, people!!

If you cannot make it to a gym and need to workout from home, try my new Strong Body Guide that is helping busy women worldwide get into their best shape ever. Little to no equipment needed for most moves!

Strong Body Guide: 12 Week Home Workout Program

Buy now

In this guide, you can expect:

–

12 weeks of workouts that can be done at home with little to no equipment.
–

225 pages long
–

Each workout takes less than 30 minutes-great for busy schedules.
–

step by step instructional picture examples of every move
–

no gym required
–

exercises focus on hiit, strength training, and plymetrics
–

download on any device
–

build a lean tone stomach, butt, thighs, and arms
–

download instantly from anywhere
–

promote fat loss & boost metabolism
–

contains cardio and stretching routines as well!
–

full exercise glossary with images and instructions for every move

*All guides are digital ebooks available instantly worldwide. Compatible on all devices – Android, iPhone, iPad, Kindle, Nook, Computer, Mac.

Avocado Coconut Lime Popsicles

Ingredients:

2 ripe avocados
1/2 cup raw honey
3 tbsp fresh lime juice
1 cup coconut water
1 pinch of salt

Directions

Dissolve honey in warm water; pour into blender pitcher.
Add avocados, lime juice, coconut water and salt to blender; blend until smooth.
Pour avocado mixture into ice pop molds to about 1/3 inch from the top.
Freeze until completely solid, about 6 hours.

Serves 8.

150 calories roughly each.

Photo Source: Cooking Light

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

An Unlikely Way to Whiten Your Teeth Naturally

People have been using activated charcoal for thousands of years. In World War I, activated charcoal was used in gas masks to prevent soldiers from being poisoned by chemical exposure, and it has been used to treat water (making it tasteless and odorless) since 1930.

Activated charcoal works because it chemically binds other substances to its surface and can absorb thousands of times its own weight. It also has an incredibly large surface area due to all of its pores . This is why just a bit of charcoal can absorb so many toxins, atoms, and ions.

Activated charcoal is available for purchase in capsule form at your local nutrition store such as GNC or even online.

I know what you are thinking-how in the hell is this supposed to work? Charcoal is highly absorbent and is known to help pull toxins from various surfaces. Ever wondered why when a person is poisoned, they pump their stomach with charcoal? This would be the reason why.

The charcoal works the same way on your teeth, drawing out those stains and any residue and making them appear even whiter than before! I found this idea floating around Pinterest one day and couldn't believe it! After much researching, I cannot wait to give this a try.

To use activated charcoal as a natural teeth whitener, here is what to do:

Break one capsule and pour into a small bowl.
Start brushing the charcoal onto your teeth (no worries, it won't stain!)
Brush for at least 3-5 minutes.
Swish your mouth with water to rid any remaining charcoal.
Do no more than once per week.

Photo Source: Pinterest, WillowtheWisp, Live Laugh & Love With Lana

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