Nutrients

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It’s In Your Sole

January 23, 2019

inbeauty, beauty tips, Debra, diets, Fitness, Food, Health, Inspiration, Latest Trends, Nutrients, Nutrition, Recipes, Supplements, Weight Loss

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Heels To Laces is on a mission to break through the clutter of health and fitness and make it easier to live healthier – and have a ton of fun doing it. As always, we love interaction so email us, comment, share and send your thoughts.

It’s a NEW YEAR! Let’s get on it!

WINNER, WINNER, CHICKEN DINNER!
If you are a new subscriber and this is your first experience joining us – giddy up! All new subscribers this week were entered into our beauty give-away raffle. If you are a winner, we will hit you up soon! Keep a look out in your email.

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK
“Life is beautiful if we are able to look at it through the lenses of optimism, love and gratitude.” ~Liz Ferro

TRUTH OR DARE
Each post we will present you with a truth or dare – the idea is to tackle it with gusto and make it happen. Focusing on just one change is much less daunting and more achievable, giving you the jump start you may need.

Truth: What have you done for you lately?
Like most of us, we sprinted through the holiday season and continued our celebrations well beyond the Auld Lang…then got slammed with a New Year, back to the same whirlwind grind. Have you taken any time to do you? Down time, promised daily meditation, new resolution to exercise weekly…and the list goes on.

Today is the day. Get that massage (it’s not an indulgence, it’s a self-care necessity), go to the gym, take a bath (and don’t let anyone enter!), book a night out with friends. Life is short people. Take the opportunity as it presents itself.

ASK THE EXPERTS
We don’t claim to know everything – so sometimes we have to ask the experts:

Enter Beast Mode.
The book “Girls with Sole” recently crossed our path from a well-respected friend and colleague who thought it related to our mantra. She was on-point. The author, Liz Ferro, founded Girls With Sole (Girls with Sole / Heels To Laces…yeh, it got us a little giddy) to help girls battling challenging lives and backgrounds utilize the power of fitness and self-awareness activities to reinvent themselves and unleash their inner superhero.

Liz translates that methodology to the general audience, providing tools to becoming “a badass, rock star, super version of yourself.” Her book forces you to be introspective and change your language from negative to positive. She helps people “develop and unleash their gifts into the world and take real-world steps toward becoming the fit and fierce person you want to be.”

Liz teaches us how to face fear head-on and take control of your own destiny. Oh, and as part of her journey, she ran 50 marathons, in 50 states (70 total). She is a fierce woman who has made it her mission to carve her influence into the world and save and inspire others. Read more about Liz & her book. It will change you.

WHAT’S TRENDING
Intermittent fasting. This idea took launch as the latest diet craze, however it really is more of a lifestyle approach. Concept: eat within a specific time period, and fast the rest of the day. It’s not necessarily about what you eat (although we are all about healthy food choices), but when you eat. There are several popular trends:

fasting for 16 hours, eating within the remaining 8 hours (ie. 1 pm – 9pm only)
fasting for 24 hours once or twice a week
strictly reducing your calorie intake for 2 non-consecutive days, then eat normally for the remaining days of the week.

The 16/8 is a one of the more popular methods – which can be modified to a shorter fasting period like 15/9 (eating from 11 – 8) or 14/10.

What’s the premise? Intermittent fasting is said to have some remarkable health benefits including: weight loss, insulin resistance, HGH increases, cellular repair, reduction of inflammation, keeping your heart & brain healthy, anti-aging benefits and being mindful of what you eat.

This is not a license to go hog-wild and eat anything & everything within the limited time frame, but it does allow you to eat more freely, as long as your choices continue to be healthy (avoiding processed foods and high sugars).

WHAT WE’RE OBSESSED WITH
Sometimes, you just gotta have it.

Cha-Cha-Cha Chia
These little power seeds pack quite a punch. Rich in protein, omega 3’s, beneficial antioxidants, fiber and magnesium (3 tbsp. serving has 15x more magnesium than broccoli, 30% more antioxidants than blueberries and 2x more potassium than bananas) they are truly a super-food. Sprinkle ’em on your yogurt, cereal, oatmeal, in your smoothie, or use them as an egg replacement in baking (mix 1 tablespoon of chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water per egg required; Let sit for 10 – 15 minutes until the mixture becomes gel-like).

Pure Satisfaction
We scour the web for the best products at the best prices. Man, did we score. If you are a supplement junkie like us (or just love your vitamins), we found you a new home. This site offers certified quality products, including nutritional supplements, organic foods, beauty, sports nutrition, and pet products. Best prices on the planet, free shipping, free returns, same-day shipping, rewards for purchases, incentives, constant discounts & specials and outstanding customer service. Yep, quality customer service still exists. And, we got you $5 off your first order of $50. p.s. that powerhouse Mega Food Acute Defense we swear on and yell about from the rooftops …yep, they got it. Stock on up (cause now everyone knows about it).

Lovin’ Me Some Lashes
Yes, we’ve tried the lash growth products…we liked them, we put in our time…but lately, we’ve tossed them due to this ridiculous lash extension mascara we discovered. One product, one amazing outcome.

THE DISH ON DELISH
All of our recipes will always be quick, healthy, easy, gluten-free, grain-free, sugar-free, mostly dairy-free, SCD legal and Paleo friendly. And yes, all sorts of deliciousness.

Apple treats aren’t just for Thanksgiving. This healthy adaption of the beloved apple crisp is the easiest you will ever make.

Crispy Apple Crumb
Ingredients:

6-10 apples (based on your pie dish) / variety of your choice (Honey Crisp is delish)
2 tablespoons butter or ghee
Cinnamon
2/3 cup honey
1.5 cups almond flour
2/3 cups butter or ghee, soft or slightly melted

Instructions:
– Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
– Peel and slice the apples and scatter them into your pie dish
– Generously sprinkle cinnamon all over the apples then drizzle about 2 tablespoons of honey on top – mix together until well blended
– Cut thin slices of butter and spread them sporadically throughout the apple mixture
– In a separate bowl, mix together the almond flour, softened butter, about 1/3 cup honey until it gets a little clumpy (like crumbs)
– Once well mixed, sprinkle evenly over the apples until they are covered with topping
– Bake for about 45 minutes (if you like softer apples, leave in 5-10 min extra); If the top starts to brown or burn, cover with parchment paper

Serve hot.

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WANT TO SHINE?
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Disclosure: some product recommendations are affiliate sites, which simply means we get a small compensation from the companies that sell the products we endorse. We will never endorse a product we do not personally use or love. Opinions expressed are solely those of Heels To Laces.

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Booyah!

June 13, 2018

inDebra, Food, Health, Inspiration, Latest Trends, Nutrients, Nutrition, Recipes, Supplements, Things to Avoid

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Heels To Laces is on a mission to break through the clutter of health and fitness and make it easier to live healthier – and have a ton of fun doing it.

As always, we love interaction so email us, comment, share and send your thoughts.

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK
“What you’re supposed to do when you don’t like a thing is change it. If you can’t change it, change the way you think about it.” ~Maya Angelou

TRUTH OR DARE
Each post we will present you with a truth or dare. All you have to do is tackle it with gusto and make it happen. Often, by just focusing on one change…just one, it’s much more palpable and achievable and becomes the jump start you need.

Truth: Get rid of the excuses
How often do you find yourself making excuses for unhealthy choices? You know who you are: “I’m tired, so I need that double chocolate Frappuccino”; “I had a long day at work, I deserve that bottle of wine”; “I don’t need to work out today, I’ll do it tomorrow”.

The problem with excuses is they usually trigger bigger problems like a food coma, hangover and laziness.

Be true to yourself by thinking of the consequences over the immediate gratification. That’s how you’ll find long-term success.

ASK THE EXPERTS
We don’t claim to know everything – so sometimes we have to ask the experts – but today, it’s our turn:

Oil, Man
Oil is good for you right? Omega 3’s, heart health, brain smarts, etc. Then why is fried food the enemy? Just like anything in life, there’s some good and some bad. Picking the right oil can make all the difference. So here’s your handy little guide.

Best Oils For Cooking
When you’re cooking at a high heat, you want to use oils that are stable and don’t oxidize or easily turn rancid. When oils undergo oxidation, they form free radicals and harmful compounds that are unhealthy to consume. Saturated fats and monounsaturated fats are more resistant to heating, but oils that are high in polyunsaturated fats should be avoided.

Coconut Oil: One of the best choices for cooking – made up of over 90% saturated fatty acids, it is very resistant to heat. It can also improve cholesterol, help kill bacteria and other pathogens, boost metabolism and increase feelings of fullness. Look for raw or virgin coconut oil.

Clarified Butter (Ghee): Grass-fed ghee is rich in the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, and K2 and CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) — the essential fatty acid found almost exclusively in grass-fed animals, which is now believed to protect against cancer, heart disease, and type II diabetes. The milk solids have been removed from ghee, therefore is it considered dairy-free.

Olive Oil: A heart-healthy fat, it contains beneficial antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Choose high quality extra virgin olive oil – it has many more nutrients and antioxidants than the refined oil olives and a much richer taste.

Avocodo Oil: Very similar to olive oil, it is primarily monounsaturated.

The Not So Good
Industrial Seed and Vegetable Oils: These are highly processed, refined products that are much too rich in Omega-6 fatty acids. The world health organization’s (WHO) recommended ratio for omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids is about 4:1. However, the average ratio American’s ingest ranges from 10:1 to 25:1

Avoid the following oils altogether – as an ingredient, for cooking or ingesting: Soybean, Corn, Rapeseed, Sunflower, Grapeseed, Safflower, Canola. To create these oils, many are refined, bleached and deodorized. About 87% of canola oil is genetically modified.

It is recommended to avoid nut oils when cooking due to their high level of polyunsaturated fats, except for macadamia nut oil which is mostly monounsaturated (like olive oil) and has great properties and is safe for cooking

Side Note: Fish oil and flaxseed oils are great as they are high in omega-3s, but should not be heated because they are sensitive to oxidation.

There have been many reports about unsavory olive oil dealers who have been combining olive oils with cheap vegetable oils. As a result, you might be unknowingly ingesting unhealthy oils. Artisan or locally produced olive oils tend to be your safest bet. Olea olive oils are 100% pure olive oil.

WHAT’S TRENDING
Cacao. Nope, we didn’t misspell it. We are familiar with cocoa – chances are, it’s what you grew up on. But there’s a new kid in town. Raw cacao is the purest form of chocolate you can consume, which means it is raw and much less processed than cocoa powder – which is typically used in chocolate bars. Raw cacao is known to be one of the best sources of antioxidants of any food source and the highest source of magnesium. It is the highest plant source of iron, loaded with calcium and is a natural mood elevator & anti-depressant.

The key is to maintain the beneficial properties without adding sugar. Companies are getting smarter. There are some incredible, pure chocolates available that only use honey as a sweetener – so you get the added benefits of honey + cacao. Two of our favorites: Honey Mamas and Good Stuff Cacao.

WHAT WE’RE OBSESSED WITH
Sometimes, you just gotta have it.

Thrive, Baby, Thrive
Bug season is upon us. Did you know certain homeopathic oils are said to have the same power as deet? We found this blend of 100% aromatherapy oils – a combination bugs, ticks and mosquitoes avoid. The best part? You can safely put it all over your body on a daily basis. Bonus – it has other therapeutic properties like purifying, boosting energy and promoting immunity.

Not So Fishy
We are consistently asked what is the best protein powder to add to smoothies, dishes, etc. The honest answer is most of them are loaded with junk, additives and artificial flavors. There is a much more efficient way to get your added protein through simply adding collagen. This is one of the purest sources we have found and has 9 grams of protein per serving. Better yet, it’s tasteless and super fine (no chunks). Oh wait, did we mention it also helps reduce wrinkles, promotes skin hydration and elasticity, promotes healthier joints, builds stronger nails and healthier hair? Um-hum.

Chippy, Chip
No matter how hard we try, we just can’t say goodbye to the chip. What would we do with all of that guacamole? The crunch, the texture, the satisfaction… We almost gave up hope, until we found these. Gluten-free, grain-free, vegan, Paleo, yeast-free, non-GMO. Although it comes with a warning – do not sit down with the bag. They disappear quickly. P.S. they also have them at Whole Foods.

D to the H to the A
We hear about the benefits of Omega 3’s all the time. And they are legit. Omega 3’s support overall wellness including heart, brain, joint, eye, immune system and mood health. And this little ditty is the Ultimate. It contains 1,000 mg EPA + DHA with the added bonus of 500 IU of vitamin D3 to support calcium absorption, energy level and healthy bones. Pure, wild caught and sustainably sourced. Also safe (and beneficial) for kids.

It’s All Contained
If you were going to do one thing for yourself, especially if you struggling to get your nutrients by food alone, take a multi-vitamin. But not just any multi – they are not all created equal. We have talked about Mega Foods before – all of their products are made from pure food sources (which we love!) – they are not synthetically produced. This is as pure as it gets, “from farm to tablet.” One a day, that’s all it takes to help your body maintain optimal performance.

Yeah, this one is killer.

No-Bake Crazy for Cashew Cups
Ingredients:

1 cup organic raw cashews
8 pitted dates
½ cup organic melted cacao butter
2 tsp vanilla
1/8 cup honey
pinch of sea salt

Instructions:
This is the easy part.

Melt the cacao butter. Combine all ingredients in a small bullet blender cup. Blend at high speed until well blended and smooth. Spoon into small cupcake liners. Freeze. Ready in 1-2 hours.

PS. We love you too.

WANT TO SHINE?
Have a product you’d like us to try and review for potential inclusion in our newsletter? Simply contact us: info@heelstolaces.com

WANT MORE?
Let the fun continue…Follow us on Instagram & Facebook to get daily doses of inspiration, knowledge & recipes.

Disclosure: some product recommendations are affiliate sites, which simply means we get a small compensation from the companies that sell the products we endorse. We will never endorse a product we do not personally use or love. Opinions expressed are solely those of Heels To Laces.

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When In Doubt, Don’t…

February 1, 2018

inApps, Debra, diets, Exercise, Fitness, Food, Health, In The News, Inspiration, Mental Health, Nutrients, Nutrition, Recipes, Snacks, stress, Vitamins, Workouts

• Leave a comment

Heels To Laces is on a mission to break through the clutter of health and fitness and make it easier to live healthier – and have a ton of fun doing it.

As always, we love interaction so email us, comment, share and send your thoughts.

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK
“I don’t have to be perfect. All I have to do is show up and enjoy the messy, imperfect, and beautiful journey of my life. ” ~Kerry Washington

TRUTH OR DARE
Each week we will present you with a truth or dare. It’s your job to tackle it with gusto and make it happen. Often, by just focusing on one change…just one, it’s much more palpable and achievable and becomes the jump start you need.

Dare (you knew it was coming): Get it in.
Get moving. This week challenge yourself every day (that’s 7 straight days, folks) to:

10 push-ups (tight, straight plank – lower to the ground, squeeze up; do not arch your back or cheat on your knees)
20 alternating lunges (one alternating right leg, left leg, count as one) – maintain a 90 degree angle on your front lunging foot, push off from your toe
30 squats – shoulder width apart; knees and toes straight – sit down as if you are sitting in a chair, butt low, squeeze the glutes tight on the lift
10 dips – start sitting on the ground – lift up into a “table” (pelvis up), dip your elbows up and down

It will take you all of 5 minutes. Note where you start at the beginning of the week – and where you end at the conclusion of the week. Having this type of repetition will challenge your muscles in a concentrated segment of time. Who knows – after you complete one week, you may want to continue (but up the anty – increase your numbers by 5-10 reps.

ASK THE EXPERTS
We don’t claim to know everything – so sometimes we have to ask the experts.

There is no doubt that most of us doubt ourselves on a daily basis (see how we did that?). Self-doubt is defined as “lacking in confidence in oneself and one’s abilities”. And sometimes, we just get in our own way of success or achievement. Imagine if you had no doubt or no fear? Even if we have done something many times in the past…it tends to creep in. But, why? And are there any benefits to self-doubt? We asked psychotherapist, Lauren Pardo, LCSW to help us dig a little deeper. Here is her insight:

Self-doubt is a core, maladaptive belief which causes us to not trust ourselves or our innate abilities. It often causes feelings of inadequacy and causes us to seek advice/opinions from others for decisions. Self-doubters are trying to self-protect and ultimately rationalize their irrational thoughts. Although, some amount of self-doubt can be beneficial as it can challenge us in a situation of discomfort, it can prevent a hubristic (excessively proud or self-confident) way of thinking

There are several implications for chronic self-doubt including a rise in cortisol levels, under and overachieving, interference with perseverance, personal will and determination, procrastination, avoidant behavior, depriving you of the opportunity to succeed, hyper-focus on perfectionism (will not settle for “good enough”) and not “showing up”. Chronic self-doubters are more likely to have addiction and mental health concerns (anxiety, depression).

So how do you cope with self-doubt?
You need to learn to reprogram the self-doubt thoughts to self-acceptance thoughts. Challenge the inner rumination by asking yourself “is that a thought I am having or a true fact?” Envision yourself talking to a friend who is in need of compassion – it is a helpful way to learn self-compassion (learning how to treat yourself with kindness). Focusing on the process, rather than the end result, will improve the outcome.

There are two great TED Talks by Brene Brown that can offer insight and guidance on self-doubt: “Vulnerability” and “Listening to Shame”
Ground yourself – what connects you to you? Being in nature? Walk with a good, trusted friend? Meditation? (love the Breethe app)
List 5 to 10 things you love about yourself (I know it may be hard when in true self-doubt mode, but if done earlier, it’s great to refer to)
Understand your strengths, we all have them

Just as a successful eating or fitness program can challenge you and create a body you are proud of, mentally challenging yourself to combat your thoughts of self-doubt is something everyone needs/deserves.

Lauren Pardo works out of Summit, NJ: lpardolcsw@gmail.com

WHAT’S TRENDING
Sickness. Everyone around us is sick. It’s unavoidable. Other than walking around with masks on (it’s become the new fashion trend) or in bubble wrap, we believe there are some incredible homeopathic preventative and healing options. And they work. We’ve tested them tried and true.

Elderberry – this is a well kept secret that is not so secret anymore. It is an immunity booster that works quickly. Aside from making your own (which you can do), Elderberry is readily available – you just need a great source. We found 2 options that are said to be the strongest in the industry, that come highly recommended from nutritionists and health food specialist aficionados. Same brand, one is a syrup (9 carbs, 1 gram sugar) and one is an extract (0 carb, 0 sugar). Same potency. Local and an instant gratification kinda person? It’s available at The Health Shoppe on Springfield Ave in Summit.
Garlic – Garlic contains allicin – a powerful antibacterial only present shortly after garlic is crushed so you need to eat it raw, and quickly. It’s more satisfying than you think – mix it with ghee butter and put it on a cracker or small piece of bread. Tastes just like garlic bread. (caveat – your breathe might be kickin’ but it’s worth it).
Vitamin C – High doses of vitamin C are said to help kill the bugs causing sickness. It is a water-soluble vitamin and powerful antioxidant, and also helps the body form and maintain connective tissue, including bones, blood vessels, and skin. Our favorite option? Mega Foods (this is the “Farm to Table” brand we talked about in our last post). It is one of the purest forms available and is made from whole foods. Sometimes too much is too much, so try to stick to under 1,000mg/day.
Oregano Oil – Not gonna lie, this one has a very strong taste – but packs a punch. It is said to get rid of any respiratory ailments that you may have and it’s health benefits are attributed to it’s properties as antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, digestive, emmenagogue, and an anti-allergenic substance. Whew. We told you.
Tumeric – Tumeric has been widely recognized as an anti-oxidant with anti-inflammatory properties. Mixed with lemon, mint or green tea, honey and raw ginger – it’s a potion in which illness has no chance.
Gargling – This is a mom favorite from the 80’s and beyond…and it works. Salt and hot water, gargled in your throat. The salt is said to clean and kill bacteria in your throat and loosen up mucus.
Pineapple Juice – Fresh squeezed, organic pineapple juice contains bromelain, an enzyme found only in the stem and fruit of pineapples, that can help suppress coughs as well as loosen mucus. Side note: Bromelain may interact with antibiotics, so check with your doctor if you are taking any medications.
Pre and probiotics – we have preached before in multiple posts. Get your fill and continue to build up your microbiome.

Can you do all remedies together? YES. Alternate a remedy every two hours until you start to feel better.

WHAT WE’RE OBSESSED WITH
Sometimes, you just gotta have it.

Whee!…It’s Ghee
We have been taught to avoid butter – due to saturated fat, dairy and excess calories. Not the case. We use Ghee butter when we want an alternative to dairy butter. Why is ghee a healthier option? Ghee is a clarified butter that has a high smoke point (can be heated at high temps before it will start to smoke), it’s abundant in fat-soluble vitamins, it has no lactose or casein, it contains conjugated linoleic acid (a fatty acid with incredible health benefits), it’s loaded with butyrate (plays a central role in gut health), it has an intense buttery flavor, it strengthens your bones, it reduces inflammation, and contains vitamins A, D and E. This is our favorite.

Magic Fairy Dust
L-Glutamine, a free-form amino acid, and when converted to glutamic acid, it is a usable energy source for the brain and a precursor to the important inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). It improves gastrointestinal health because it is a vital nutrient for the intestines to rebuild and repair, helps heal ulcers and leaky gut by protecting from further damage, is an essential neurotransmitter in the brain and helps with memory, focus and concentration, improves IBS and diarrhea by balancing mucus production (healthy bowel movements), promotes muscle growth, improves athletic performance and recovery, improves metabolism and cellular detoxification, curbs cravings for sugar and alcohol, fights cancer and improves diabetes and blood sugar. We use it for all of those reasons – and found this one to be the best source. It doesn’t have much of a taste. You can sprinkle it in yogurt or blend into a smoothie. Contains no yeast, dairy, egg, gluten, soy, wheat, sugar, starch, salt, preservatives, or artificial color, flavor or fragrance. Source: Dr. Axe

This is a healthy, gluten free, filling power meal:

Cauliflower Grilled Cheese (slightly modified for ease)
(thank you, Lauren Miyashiro)

Ingredients:

Organic cauliflower rice (available at Trader Joe’s)
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 c. finely grated Parmesan
1/2 tsp. oregano (optional)
1 1/2 c. shredded white Cheddar

Instructions:

Defrost cauliflower if frozen
In a medium bowl, combine cauliflower, eggs, Parmesan and oregano. Mix until evenly combined then season with salt and pepper.
Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat with olive or coconut oil. Scoop the cauliflower mixture on one side of the pan and shape into a bread shape. Repeat to form a second patty on the other side. (These are your “bread” slices.) Press down on both pieces with a spatula and cook until golden underneath, about 5 minutes. Flip and cook until the other sides are golden, about 3 minutes more.
Top one cauliflower slice with cheese then place the other cauliflower slice on top. Cook until the cheese is melted, about 2 minutes more per side. Repeat with remaining ingredients.

WANT TO SHINE?
Have a product you’d like us to try and review for potential inclusion in our newsletter? Simply contact us: info@heelstolaces.com

WANT MORE?
Let the fun continue…Follow us on Instagram & Facebook to get daily doses of inspiration, knowledge & recipes.

Disclosure: some product recommendations are affiliate sites, which simply means we get a small compensation from the companies that sell the products we endorse. We will never endorse a product we do not personally use or love. Opinions expressed are solely those of Heels To Laces.

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