Saturday, March 31, 2012

OUT AND ABOUT

I pull out my Skinny Star tricks all the time when dining out! Right now I am preparing for my wedding day, May 5th which is right around the corner and of course I want to be in tip-top shape! Last night I went out to Edith's in Cabo San Lucas, MX with my fiancé and our friend and it was delicious! The atmosphere there is unbelievable with live music, gorgeous decor and top of the notch service.


A fun video of my fiancé and our friends dessert and not going to lie I took a bite :)

*This was my very first video so don't judge me haha :)

Some quick Skinny Star tricks when dining out:
-1 glass of wine at dinner, 1 glass of wine after (or other drinks work as well, I am just a wino)
-Turn that one glass into 2 with a trick I like to call "The Skinny Sparkler"
-Tea for dessert (freshens breathe and helps you feel even more full)
-If I have to one bite of each persons dessert, savor all the flavors.
"Skinny Sparkler"
1 Glass of Red Malbec Wine (my favorite, any will do)
Sparkling Water
Squeeze of Bar Sized Lime

-Delicious yummy and will last you the entire dinner


The best thing is have FUN! Always enjoy yourself! There is no need to NOT drink because you are trying to lose weight its called not downing 50 margaritas! A HUGE difference! 100-150 calories is not I repeat is NOT going to make you fat the next day. The point of going out is to enjoy yourself so do it!





Friday, March 30, 2012

FABULOUS FRIDAY

Aloe Vera rocks! It is the ultimate beauty secret and so easy to grow and find! We all know if helps heal a sunburn but did you know it can help your hair grow, beautify your skin, anti-age you and its just all around an amazing plant. Aloe Vera also can help your digestive system, sustain blood sugars, help your joints out and clean out your ulcers. Of course is best in pure form, grown by yourself but there is also bottled versions at health food stores and even walmart. 

Some quick facts about this beautiful plant:
-An Anti-inflammatory and it has an ability to absorb nutrients in the digestive system.
-Strengthens and improves immune system because of the essential enzymes, vitamins and minerals it    contains
-45% reduction of blood sugar levels for diabetics proven by
-It is also said that aloe vera can help repaid elastin and collagen in the skin and joints.

The thing is there is one problem, you have to grow it yourself to get the FULL benefits. Sure you can take a supplement but what better way to test out your green thumb than growing your own beauty secret! If all else fails you can always just purchase a plant at Home Depot, this is much easier for those of you who don't have a green thumb like myself :)

Just be sure to get one that has matured a bit as the youthful Aloe Vera's may only have first aid properties. You really want one that has a ton of leaves because once you cut the leaf off it will not grow back. 

How to Cut off A leaf:
-Cut Away with a Sharp Knife
-Trim thorny edges and slice across its width
-The inner gooey gel is the good stuff!
-Keep reaching for more gel by scratching the surface with a clean knife to rupture more cells with more juices.

Enjoy your Aloe Vera :)





Thursday, March 29, 2012

SHAKE MY MORNINGS

Shaking up my mornings lately and I would like to share with you all an amazing beautifying skinny star recipe!
I have been using my Ninja to whip up some magic in the kitchen and let me tell you it is so worth it! I am already seeing results and the feeling I have is amazing :) Food that has been ground up makes it easier for your body to digest so it can focus on the other stuff thats been left behind from previous meals. The biggest mistake people make when making smoothies is that they put so much fruit and unnecessary calories with syrups and all that other fun stuff. Yes, it makes it taste good but you can easily make a 500 calorie smoothies with all that stuff. Trust me, its better to put a ton of vegetables and use your spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla extract, peppermint, and cacao powder to put that flavor punch in your smoothie. These spices and flavorings are low calorie, taste amazing and have health benefits as well. 

The trick to making an amazing smoothie and not be to lazy too is preparing your ingredients early. I wash all my veggies with my Dr. Oz spray (http://starsystemz.blogspot.mx/2012/03/you-dirty-thang.html) than I put all my ingredients near each other in the fridge and while I am chopping up my dinner vegetables I chop up my morning ones as well so they are ready in the morning. Last night I decided not to so I could show you :)



Place liquids in than protein powder than the spinach. Turn blender on. Turn off and put the rest of the ingredients inside. I do this so the spinach gets mashed first so I don't get chunks later!



Hope you enjoy 





Wednesday, March 28, 2012

STAR SPOTLIGHT

April is around the corner and its time to stock up on your fresh vegetables and fruits because summer is right around the corner. As we all know, vegetables are nutritionally dense foods and should take up about 75% of your diet! That's right 75%. Vegetables provide your body with all the vitamins and minerals you need for very few calories. Vegetables are an amazing source of energy, fiber, and even prevent disease. So get on that veggie wagon and start making your plate a rainbow of colors!

Imagine if most of your calories came from vegetables?
http://www.ginacarson.com/gc/2011/09/tax-soda-subsidize-vegetables/
There is nothing wrong with your meats, dairy, fruits and all that other fun stuff but imagine if you could get very full on a ton of food and have it be so low in calories that losing weight is so easy!

It is important to know whats in season and what is locally grown in your area. My favorite for the United States area is http://www.localharvest.org/ for those who live internationally http://www.openair.org/view/marketmagazine gives a pretty good view of where to find a local farmers market. When purchasing local produce know its less damaged, less preservatives as the farmer does not need to preserve it to ship and it supports your local economy!


Check out your local farmers markets and don't forget to wash your veggies and fruits!



Monday, March 26, 2012

MOTIVATIONAL MONDAY

March is coming to an end and April is in just a few days. April showers bring May flowers is the saying but why have April showers! Put down what your doing and put your goals into ACTION! Or if you have yet to know what your goals truly are sit, write do whatever you must do to get some goals that are true to you and what you want. 

One thing I have learned about myself and goal setting for others is that instead of saying "I can't have any sweets" or "I can't have a drink tonight at dinner" you should turn it into a positive goal and remove the can't! Say "I am going to enjoy my healthy dinner and have some tea at the end" or "I'll enjoy my water tonight and know that tomorrow I will wake up clear headed and ready for my day." What I have noticed is that when you tell yourself that you can't have something, you end up wanting it MORE! So why say NO to it when you can put in your head the better option and be happy with the decisions you have made when you reach your goals!

So go ahead get some goals started for April and remember Summer is around the corner! Make it happen and make it happen right!



Sunday, March 25, 2012

SUNLESS SUNDAY


 Sunless tanning is the ticket to achieving that perfect skin tone without harming your skin! Star Systemz uses cruelty-free, vegan all organic and natural products. This way you are achieving your perfect glow without being sprayed with harmful chemicals.
So before you start rubbing yourself down with self-tanner consider the fact that it might be harmful chemicals you are lathering onto your skin and not an all organic Star Systemz spray tan :)

Currently running specials, book your appointment to find out more details!


Friday, March 23, 2012

FABULOUS FRIDAY


 We all have a cabinet full of beauty products but did you ever think that what foods you are consuming promote beauty and can actually do more for you than that expensive face cream. When I entered high school, I always had acne and looking back it was most likely because all I consumed was Del Taco, McDonalds, and greasy pizza. Your skin is your largest organ and will tell you how your insides are doing if you just pay attention. Of course I was breaking out, I am allergic to cheese and the amount of grease and chemicals I was consuming was disgusting. Now I eat a clean, dairy free diet and my skin is clear and clean :)


Here are some foods you should add to your diet to create a healthier skin tone and get rid of that acne!


Avocados- Contain the fats essential for cell rejuvenation which is essential for the building blocks of new skin
Grape Seed Oil-Contains oligomeric procyanidine which improves skins elasticity 
*Add some grape seed oil to your vegetables, the great thing about grape seed oil is it doesn't smoke when cooked on high heat.
Millet-Highly nutritious seed which contains silica which is amazing for hair, skin and nails
*Cook millet and put some olive oil in there into a blender makes a great stuffing for peppers!
Apricots-Rich in phytochemicals and contain folate, calcium, vitamins a & c, iron and potassium which provide the vitamins to promote collagen
*Snack on them or add chopped apricots to give your salad a healthy boost

Brazil Nuts- Helps promote skin moisture and prevents sun damage
*Eat 3 (100 calories)  a day to promote skin moisture, eat as a snack
Cucumbers- Contain tons of Vitamin C and manganese necessary for increasing collagen production
*Add some to your sandwiches, salads, dip in hummus for a snack
Add these items to your grocery list and start seeing results as soon as 4 weeks! So much cheaper than those facial creams and a great way to add stuff to your salads and snacks!

Enjoy your weekend and have a FABULOUS FRIDAY!




Thursday, March 22, 2012

PORTION SIZE ME


I understand this may be hard to read, but I promise you it is most valuable :) So many people eat the right foods but what they are not understanding is that just because you are loving your new favorite quinoa recipe or that amazing cous cous you are still consuming calories. If you are watching your intake you must know how many calories you are eating. A calorie is a calorie but for a healthy individual it is not just about watching calories its about providing your body with nutritious foods. For instance, last week I provided my Star Systemz followers a chart that describes how many nuts is equivalent to 100 calories. So many of you were just eating almonds like they were going out of style and forgetting that just because you are eating a raw healthy food you are still consuming calories and that is why you are not losing weight! You don't need to be a crazy person counting each and every almond you consume just grasp the idea that almonds are not your new popcorn. Learn to love healthy foods but remember to have an idea of portion size and portion control. This is the way to a healthy well-being and the best body you could ever have :)



Tuesday, March 20, 2012

POWER SHAKE

Right now I am cleansing my system to get a fresh start to my new workout regimen! I always do a little change before starting something new because I like to switch things up in order to continue seeing results. To do this the first thing you need to do is cut out ALL and I mean ALL sodas, sugars, alcohol, packaged/processed foods which is easy considering all this diet consist of is a few simple ingredients!

Its three days for me this time possibly I will do five we will see what my body says. In anything you do, ALWAYS listen to your body! If you treat your body like a temple and listen to what its saying to you, you will never have those problems many of us have today (poor health, poor digestion, upset stomach, heart burn, large stomachs etc.)

My skin has been very dry and by looking at my tongue on this chart I am at a Damp Retention and need some detoxing ASAP! Take a look at this chart and see where you are at.

http://www.stewarttrotter.com/tongue_chart.htm


My Super Shake:


Ingredients:

-1 handful raw spinach
-1 scoop whey chocolate protein powder
-2 spoonfuls chia seeds
-8 oz of water
-1 handful of berries (the darker the better, blueberries,blackberries,raspberries, strawberries)
-dash of cinnamon for taste
-3-4 ice cubes

I get some protein, fibers, antioxidants, Omega 3's, vitamins, minerals and since its all mashed up my body doesn't have to put too much into digesting it so it can focus on all the other undigested foods I have lying around in there.

-Tip: If you have yet to try Chia Seeds they are pretty much tasteless and have so many amazing health benefits its only to your benefit to start adding it to your meals!

Try it out and let me know what you think! I have been seeing results just from drinking a shake in the morning instead of my normal oatmeal. I am seeing that eating such a large bowl of oatmeal was slowing me down instead of energizing me due to the fact that breaking-the-fast should be a light meal not a heavy one.

Have an terrific Tuesday :)

Monday, March 19, 2012

MOTIVATIONAL MONDAY


What choices are you making today to improve your overall health? Are you adding some veggies to your everyday smoothie? Are you cutting back on alcohol, soda and sugars? Are you regularly stretching before a workout? There are SO many things you can add to your routine or rid off to make the world of difference for your future health conditions. 

Tanning Bed 2x a Day: Senior Year '07
I used to be a tanaholic..literally! I would lay in the tanning bed before school and right before cheer practice so that makes about 2 times a day, 5 days a week. I looked fabulous, if I do say so myself! My issue here is I am Irish, I have pale pink toned skin and I burn VERY easily. So by doing this I encountered some terrible problems when I hit 21. I had some scary moles on my back which had to be removed and according to the dermatologist they were pre cancer. That's right pre-canerous moles. I look back and ask myself why I did this to myself. I was the youngest person this doctor had ever seen have this issue. I cried, I could not believe it. The worst thing was is I knew what I was doing was harmful to my health, I just didn't care. I am paying for it miserably now as my facial skin is more matured due to the fact I burned it every other week and I have some lovely scars on my back. This is how I got into spray tanning by the way :)

After: Just Spray Tanned
I have not entered a tanning bed in over two years and maybe have sun worshipped a bit but nothing dramatic. I rely on spray tanning and from what I see in pictures it makes me have that amazing glow without the burning! Looking tan with just my spray tan on :) That is my handsome very soon to be husband!!

Make changes or find alternatives to what is harmful to your health! Trust me I love being tanned so I found an alternative. I would never to say to you NEVER there is always another way that is a healthier option! Feel free to ask me questions I am all about finding another option for that "unbreakable" unhealthy habit. There is ALWAYS a way to break it!

Saturday, March 17, 2012

YOU DIRTY THANG


Are you dirty? Well these 12 fruits and vegetables sure are! When you enter the grocery store you head on over to the produce section and know you are doing the right thing by sticking to the outside of the store but than you get there and there is 4 different areas of the same fruit or vegetable. What do you do? Well for me and for most we check the price..what is the price difference and why do these bananas cost more? Than you glance up and see the word ORGANIC. I believe in buying certain fruits and vegetables organic and certain ones not.

The USDA's own tests show that most non-organic produce contain residual pesticides even after washing. This list I found on about.com shows how important it is to buy these fruits and vegetables organic.
  1. Nectarines – 97.3% of nectarines sampled were found to contain pesticides.
  2. Celery – 94.5% of celery sampled were found to contain pesticides.
  3. Pears – 94.4% of pears sampled were found to contain pesticides.
  4. Peaches – 93.7% of peaches sampled were found to contain pesticides.
  5. Apples – 91% of apples sampled were found to contain pesticides.
  6. Cherries – 91% of cherries sampled were found to contain pesticides.
  7. Strawberries – 90% of strawberries sampled were found to contain pesticides.
  8. Imported Grapes – 86% of imported grapes (i.e. Chile) sampled were found to contain pesticides.
  9. Spinach – 83.4% of spinach sampled were found to contain pesticides.
  10. Potatoes – 79.3% of potatoes sampled were found to contain pesticides.
  11. Bell Peppers – 68% of bell peppers sampled were found to contain pesticides.
  12. Red Raspberries – 59% of red raspberries sampled were found to contain pesticides.

Wasting money on the low pesticide foods is not necessary especially if you are watching your grocery bill. 

I love Dr. Oz, I feel he is opening the eyes of the everyday citizen about health and nutrition awareness.   

On one of his episodes he had a wonderful home spray you can use to help wash off those yucky pesticides.

DR OZ ANTI-PESTICIDE SPRAY
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 TB baking soda
- 1/2 lemon

Mix into a bowl and pour into a spray bottle. Spray produce and let the solution sit on your produce for 5 minutes and rinse off. 

This solution works because vinegar is anti-bactieral and lemon is a natural astringent.

Have a dirty weekend ;)






Thursday, March 15, 2012

NUTS ABOUT NUTS

One trait that I notice about individuals who are consuming healthy foods but are still overweight is there portion sizes are out of whack! Eating almonds is amazing for you, it provides you with healthy fats and proteins and taste really good. So why are you gaining weight? The first questions I always ask is how many are you eating? I always hear the same thing.."I am unsure, a few handfuls I guess" well if you knew that every handful contains about 100-120 calories you would be shocked to know that your "healthy snack" has become 300 or more calories. Snacks should be around 100 calories, 150 at most of course depending on the individual but 300 calories for anyone is too much.

I have created a list of commonly consumed nuts and how many equal 100 calories.

Just keep this chart in mind the next time you go for that handful of nuts! Have an amazing day :)




Monday, March 12, 2012

Motivational Monday


Last week I talked a little bit about finding the FUN in your fitness routine! I meet so many people who mention they have no fun when it comes to fitness so they lose interest quickly and the program yet again FAILS. So why have you not tried out that new Zumba class? Why have you avoided or made excuses not to try out that kickboxing class? You know how much you love to dance and you have always dreamed of knowing how to kick someones booty but why the excuses?

It comes down to a big word that so many of us live in daily FEAR! Fear defeats YOU it even defeats ME! Yesterday I was so blessed to be asked by a friend to join her in a vision board workshop. It has always been in my nature to make these vision boards since I was young but this time I was forced to open myself up and actually decide what I WANT. If you are having trouble discovering yourself check out the beautiful soul Michelle DeBerge, who specializes in opening the true YOU! Check her out at http://michelledeberge.com/ 

Many of us bury ourselves in other people but what about YOU. It than comes down to the fear of doing YOU, and the doubt in yourself. Confidence and courage STOMPS on fear! Courage and confidence defeats FEAR! So put on your dancing shoes or your boxing gloves and get into that class. Now I know you may not be the best dancer or you have no clue how to throw a punch and thats probably why you have avoided the class. You walk by the class and watch what seems like everyone following the teacher with the perfect moves and all in tune. But what you may not realize is that they were just like you at one time and didn't know the choregraphy or the moves, but they had the courage and the desire to just go in and try it out! Ask anyone in the class and they will say to you they had the fear of not knowing but checked it out and now feel amazing and love the class :) Most teachers, teach because they love to inspire and motivate others to love and feel that same passion for that activity. Find the teacher that inspires you most and I guarantee after the class they would love to help you out! So get in the class, try out that studio you drive by daily and get moving!

Create a goal for yourself this week to try out that class or go in that studio you have been dying to try! It may become your new favorite and you may meet some new friends! Who knows, just give yourself a chance and a confidence boost and stomp on FEAR!


Sunday, March 11, 2012

SUNLESS SUNDAY


Tons of events are coming up! Its bikini season and its time to shine and show off that body you have been working so hard on! 

Nikki Beach White Party is April 13th and just around the corner! Feel confident rocking white and get a spray tan! White is such a difficult color to pull off unless you have some sort of glowing tan. Be the star shining at this party and book your appointment early! 

Host a party at your home before an event! Have a beauty pre-party and be the hottest group at the party! Star Systemz will set up the catering, drinks and spray tan appointments! Groups of 5 or more receive a discount! Contact and book an appointment at http://www.starsystemz.com or by emailing Courtney at courtney@starsystemz.com

Shine like a Star with Star Systemz!

Friday, March 9, 2012

FABULOUS FRIDAY

Today is a different kind of fabulous friday! Other than teaching you about natural beauty remedies, I am going to teach you about a tool you already have!


We all own it, we all show it in pictures but what about when you are just walking around, driving, shopping, socializing..? Do you show it than? A smile is literally an expression that can change the mood of EVERYONE around you and can change the mood of even yourself! 

The other day I was driving around and I felt sad and bored. I didn't drive to the nearest gas station to pick up candy or stop at my favorite store to pick something up, I just smiled :) My mood instantly changed and I felt an amazing warm feeling. Never underestimate the power of your smile!

No matter what is going on a smile can change a situation. I smile wherever I go and I swear it has brought much more joy and happiness into my life. Yesterday I was driving around lost with my girlfriend and because we were both so happy and smily a lady asked us if we were lost and helped us get around! Another instance I was walking around lost in a town that I barely know the language let alone where I am. A lady stopped me and asked me what I was looking for and showed me the way to get where I needed. People tend to soften up towards those who are happy. If you walk around mad or at least look mad people will avoid you! Who wants to be avoided!? 

From now on when you feel yourself getting tired, lazy, sad, mad or stressed just take a look in the mirror and smile! Smile as big as you can and I promise you will feel an amazing power go throughout your body and your whole situation and day will change!

So go ahead smile! Say hello to people and help those who are around you! Your life will become a happier and more positive place!

Have a star studded weekend!




Wednesday, March 7, 2012

WORK IT WEDNESDAY

What kind of training do you do? What works best for you? Are you a split trainer, all cardio, magazine opener workout picker, class taker...are you seeing results?

The best fitness is FUN fitness. If you are not enjoying your fitness routine or excited to get through a workout, than what is fitness to you. You can enjoy it! I promise! If you are currently dreading it, you need to take a look into something else!

One thing to realize is that just because your girlfriend is seeing results from running a few miles everyday does not mean you will too unless you love running as well. You can run every single day and short cut yourself due to the fact that eventually you will not run as hard, as fast and as strong as you should simply because you hate to do it. In time you will see no results and a poor attitude from yourself.

Look inside of you and think to yourself what do I love to do?

Some love to dance! So why not take a hip-hop class, Zumba, ballet barre, pilates, burlesque, pole dancing or just simply join a dance studio and try all kinds of classes. If you are not to sure about your moves join an actual dance studio or try out Xbox kinect and those fun dance games!

Do you like gymnastics? Join a gymnastics studio, cross-fit, mixed martial arts or pole dancing.





Do you enjoy beating someone up or have a ton of stress at work or home? Do you ever just feel the need to hit someone? Make it apart of your fitness routine and try out tae kwon do, jiu-jitsu, karate, boxing, kickboxing, kung-fu, the list is endless.











Love exploring new areas? Get into hiking, biking, rock climbing, surfing, scuba diving all activities that are fun and active. If you travel a lot this can be great because you get the chance to appreciate the nature of an area while sweating up a storm and burning calories!






 Enjoy being in the water? Surfing, SUP, scuba diving, rowing, paddle boarding, swimming in the pool! Just get in that water and go for it! Tons of these activities are used by celebrities including Cameron Diaz who used surfing as a way to get ready for the Charlie's Angels movies. The water is also calming and you can get yourself a nice tan as well! Do not forget your sun screen though :)


You have to look into yourself or just try new things to find what you love to do. I love to dance so taking a ballet or hip-hop class really gets me going and burns TONS of calories! Time to explore YOU and find what you love doing! There are so many more options these are just a few popular ones that people tend to use. Enjoy your routine, say to yourself "I love working out and taking care of my body by eating healthy" instead of "I have to eat this nasty salad and go running after a long day at work" Results come from fun and happiness! Ensure your happiness and try out new health foods and NEW activities!