LIFE with APPLE and LEMON

LIFE with APPLE
While an apple a day might keep the doctor away, it may be the perfect substitute for your morning java too!

In addition to drinking a glass of hot lemon water in the morning, our dear girl began eating a sliced up apple with breakfast. And believe it or not, she felt as awake and energized as she did post-coffee. What!?

We looked into the matter and sure enough, it’s been said that the fructose (a natural sugar) in apples can provide an energy boost equivalent to that of coffee. Crazy, right? Additionally, apples have carbs, which are used to fuel the body and due to their high fiber content, the body absorbs the sugar slowly, thus providing your bod with a steady stream of energy (sans sugar coma) as opposed to a sudden jolt of java. (To read more about this topic, check out the sources list at the very bottom of this post!)

Even if you can’t forgo your morning latte, it’s never a bad idea to include an apple in your daily diet routine. There’s a reason that old “apple a day” saying is around—apples are just plain good for you!

If you’re looking to give up coffee this year, we highly recommend giving our apple-a-day trick a try. While you won’t feel that instant coffee buzz, you will be energized and properly fueled to kick start your day on a healthy note.

Personally, I usually have a big cup of green tea in the mornings along with an apple. It always gets me going!

LIFE with LEMON
Lemon and water are a match made in heaven... I've started drinking it every day and feel more energized than ever. After learning about the slew of health benefits associated with drinking water and freshly squeezed lemon juice, I decided to make it a part of my daily diet. Lemons are packed with natural vitamins and minerals that are key to your inner and outer beauty regime as well as your general health.

Here are three reasons why you should pair hot water with lemons ladies:

• It's a natural energizer! It hydrates and oxygenates the body so it feels revitalized and refreshed.
• It's cleansing. According to NaturalNews.com, the citric acid in lemons helps maximize enzyme function, which stimulates the liver and aids in detoxification.
• It aids in digestion. Not only will this killer combination relive indigestion, it will also help flush you out.

First Date :)

1. Picking the venue. 
If you are given the task of selecting a restaurant or activity, pick something that isn't too over-the-top or expensive. Opt for a something reasonably priced. When it comes to restaurants, pick a place with a wide variety of menu options. (You never know what your mystery man palate requires...he might be vegan or allergic to shellfish!)

2. Meeting up. 
Ideally, the guy should pick you up from your home and drive you to the destination of the date. However, if this is not possible, meet at the location and don't be a second late. It's also a good idea to give a confirmation call the day before the date to make sure everyone is on the same page. This way you can avoid any confusion.

3. At the dining table. 
Throughout the date, sit up straight and maintain good posture. Slouching and leaning on your elbows is considered rude and unladylike. Use your best table manners throughout the meal (I'll do a blog on restaurant dining etiquette soon!). And absolutely, positively do not look at your cellphone. It communicates boredom and disinterest.

4. The conversation. 
Ask questions about your date and listen. It's in bad taste to talk about yourself the entire time. (Remember that episode of Sex & the City when Carrie nervously blabs on about herself to Aidan throughout their entire date? Don't do that.) When in doubt, ask him a question. If you're afraid the conversation will be dull, catch up on current events and pop culture as fallback topics. A few areas of conversation to avoid include politics, religion, money, previous relationships, deep dark secrets and the economy. Most importantly, never be critical in conversation or bad mouth anyone.

5. Ordering. 
Be considerate of what you order. Just because you're on a date doesn't give you a free pass to order the most expensive thing on the menu. Instead, pick something at midrange price point. If you're still unsure, take a cue from your date: Ask him what he is ordering and pick something of equivalent or lesser value. If your date orders an appetizer or starter salad, follow suit and order something to start with as well. That way, you will be eating at the same time and can avoid the awkward "Do I dig in?" or "I don't want to sit here and watch you eat." This same rule of thumb goes for cocktails as well. If you decide to order an alcoholic drink, keep it to a minimum as they can get pricy and you definitely should not get drunk. Let your date learn about you in a sober state. Lastly, order items that are easy to eat and do not require your hands (no sandwiches, burgers, spaghetti etc.). I also suggest staying away from foods with excessive herbs and leafy greens. It's not worth risking the embarrassment living through 45 minutes of an intimate dinner with oregano lodged between your front teeth. Finally, take it easy on the garlic and onions too.

6. Eating. 
Put your knife to work! As you make your way through your meal, cut each bite into a manageable size to avoid looking like a hungry baby bird. Don't cut it up into pieces first and then eat, instead cut as you go. If you do not finish your meal, do not take it to go. Doggie bags are considered passè on a first date. (I wish I had known this when I started dating!)


5. Bill. 
A gentleman should always pay the bill. It may sound old-fashioned, but it's proper etiquette. The best way to navigate the bill is to subtly offer to pay. It's important to make sure your date is aware you didn't go on the date just for a free meal. The best way to do this is to reach for your purse when the bill comes to the table. Most likely your date will tell you not to worry about it and will take care of paying. If he doesn't stop you, don't be hurt. At this point, just split the bill. It should be noted that some guys find it insulting when you offer to pay so this is definitely something you need to feel out. Personally, I suggest sticking with the "subtle offer" since it's the best way to gauge the situation.

6. The goodbye. 
Some dates go really well and the chemistry is on point, while others fail to impress. I suppose the silver lining of a bad date is that you walk away with a great story... Needless to say, for most, "the goodbye" is the most puzzling part of the entire date. By the end you should have a pretty good idea whether or not there will be another date. If you're hoping to rendezvous again, give him a warm hug, thank him for dinner and imply that you'd love to do it again soon. Save your kisses for date #2 (unless he is a cheek kisser). Otherwise, if you can't get away from him fast enough, shake his hand, thank him for dinner and leave it at that.


I hope you ladies find this helpful!

Tuesday Ten: Foods That Beat the Blues BY: LAUREN CONRAD

This ARTICLE really help me when I'm in a mood swing. When I'm tired in work, stressed out and when I'm hungry. You should read this and be sure to save this.

1. Feeling stressed? Eat chocolate.
Yep, you read that right. Chocolate not only tastes great, it also helps to reduce stress hormones that can make you moody. Even eating a tiny bit has proven to reduce anxiety and keep you level-headed. Opt for dark chocolate, which is packed with more antioxidants than milk chocolate.

2. Feeling anxious? Eat salmon.
Foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to help calm nerves and keep you in a happier state of mind in general. Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3s, so eat up. Plus, it will give your skin a glow and make your hair shiny too!

3. Feeling angry? Drink green tea.
I think that everyone should make green tea a staple in their daily diet. Besides lowering your cholesterol and helping to prevent cancer, it can also keep you calm, concentrated and focused too. If there’s something that’s eating away at you, brew yourself a nice warm cup of green tea. You’ll be sipping up a ton of antioxidants and calming down at the same time.

4. Feeling sluggish? Eat spinach.
Besides being amazing for your health, spinach will also give you a major midday energy boost. According to iVillage, this leafy green has enough nutrients to help increase blood flow to your brain and help you recall information, so a spinach salad is the perfect lunch to pack for work or school.

5. Feeling cranky? Eat a handful of berries.
Eating a handful of blueberries will give you body a big dose of antioxidants, which will keep your neural pathways running smoothly, promoting positive energy. New research even shows that compounds in the berries help to re-write our genetic code so that the body becomes its own antioxidant factory, churning out feel-good enzymes in the brain, according to What’s Cooking America.

6. Feeling sad? Eat a bowl of cereal.
For those downer days when you need a little happiness boost, a bowl of healthy cereal and milk can do just the trick. Sometimes we get sad because our bodies aren’t getting the right vitamins. Vitamin D, which is in milk and healthy cereals, helps to promote happy thoughts in your brain. A good way to give your body this boost every day is to have a bowl of cereal for breakfast.

7. PMSing? Eat eggs. 
We’ve all been there. Your hormones are out of whack and nothing is making you feel better. While you might want to reach for ice cream or salty chips to cure your cravings when it’s that time of the month, these foods can actually make you feel grumpier because they won’t give your body the right nutrition (more like dehydration and added bloating). Consider scrambled eggs on whole grain toast your new best-PMS-food-friend. Eggs have happiness-boosting nutrients, and healthy carbs like whole grain breads are a healthy way to replace your cravings for bagels and chips.

8. Feeling ornery? Eat an orange.
Orange you glad that oranges boost your mood? This citrus fruit is packed with nutrients and vitamin C, which helps to pump oxygen through your body to your brain. The citric acid will also recharge your system. Oranges are such an easy snack to bring anywhere that there’s no reason not to carry one when you have a case of the grumps.

9. Feeling worried? Eat a bowl of chicken soup.
Everyone loves a bowl of chicken soup. It’s one of my ultimate comfort foods, and I included it in my list of foods that boost your immune system. But did you know that it makes you less stressed too? According to WebMD, a hearty bowl of chicken soup with veggies has the water-fiber-protein trifecta that fills you up before it fills you out. I suggest making your chicken soup homemade so that you can add in as many dark, leafy green veggies as possible for an extra boost.

10. Feeling unsettled? Eat a PB & J.
Carbs tend to get a bad rap. Whenever I feel anxious about something, I find that having a snack with some carbs helps to settle my stomach and mind. Peanut butter and jelly on a half an English muffin is a comforting snack that actually helps to raise your levels of serotonin, the brain’s natural antidepressant. A snack that is a little bit indulgent and comforting but not too unhealthy will satisfy your cravings and make you feel a little better.

I hope you all learned something new! Be sure to bookmark this page and make it your go-to guide for when you need to beat the blues. Also, while these foods might be quick fixes when you’re having a moody moment, if you’re really upset about a big issue talk it out with a friend or trusted family member.

FACT: What Your Cravings Are Really Telling You

I've always heard that craving salty or sweet foods can actually be your body’s way of telling you it needs something. The other day, I had a serious sweet tooth and before I knew it I found myself researching what my craving really meant. What I discovered was that there is a pretty surprising list of cravings and their real meanings. It’s fascinating! It is also very helpful to see what your body really needs (hint: it’s not actually those French fries).

1. If you're craving SWEETS...

It means your body really needs chromium, carbon phosphorous, sulfur, and tryptophan. Get these by filling up on, fresh fruit, cheese and sweet potatoes when you have a sweet tooth. This craving may also mean you’re tired, according to Shape.com. Evaluate how much you’re sleeping lately if you find yourself wanting sweets. Instead of heading for the chocolate cake, take a nap if you can. Or, go for a walk to boost your energy levels.

2. If you're craving CARBS...

It means your body needs nitrogen, which is found in high-protein foods like fish, meat, nuts, and beans. Eat a turkey burger, a handful of almonds, or a black bean burrito bowl (black beans, corn, pico de gallo, guacamole and brown rice). You might also be craving carbs because you’re trying to cut them out of your diet completely. If this is the reason, make sure you’re eating every food group in moderation to prevent a big, unplanned carb-fest that will leave you feeling way worse than, say, an open-faced sandwich.

3. If you’re craving FRENCH FRIES, SODA, and PIZZA…

And other junk food, it means your body needs calcium. Instead, fix a kale salad with steamed broccoli, chicken, breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese (um, yum.). It might not sound quite as good as those French fries at first, but it will leave you feeling way better, not to mention guilt-free.

4. If you’re craving CAFFEINE…

It means your body needs salt and iron. To get these nutrients the healthy way, eat lean meats like chicken or turkey, eggs, or black cherries, surprisingly. If you can, a great option here would be to make an omelet with turkey and veggies, with a handful of black cherries on the side. Craving caffeine can also mean you’re actually just really thirsty or dehydrated, according to Huffington Post. Drink an entire glass of water before you reach for that second (or third) cup of coffee—you might realize you don’t even need it.

5. If you’re craving SALTY foods…

It means your body needs chloride, which is essential in order for your body to maintain healthy digestion and keep your electrolyte levels in check, according to Nutritional Wellness. Avoid super salty junk food like potato chips and eat goat’s milk yogurt or fish instead. I would recommend making a tuna fish sandwich or salmon salad for lunch with goat’s yogurt as a snack the next time you have a salt craving.