TIP TUESDAY

Still working on moving this blog over...details to follow :)

One of my clients has an addiction to Starbucks which I do as well :)

THIRSTY THURSDAY

Being in Playa this week, I had to pick up a new recipe or two for my SKINNY STAR SERIES...

TIP TUESDAY

Are you chewing your food all the way through?

So many of us eat to eat but are you eating because you are actually hungry? Is your stomach sending you those hunger pains? Or are you just eating..

It can be hard to determine sometimes and it can be really difficult to write every single nutrient down and figure out what EXACTLY you are missing vitamin and mineral wise. But what if you did not need a fancy calculator, website, smart phone app and all you needed was that thing you walk around in all day. That's RIGHT your digestive system and brain are the best business partners and deserve a FORBES award you just have to LISTEN to them!

Now imagine biting into a fresh, organic Granny Smith Apple..how does it feel? how does it taste?

Can you answer those questions or are you one of the many who chew each bite 5-7 times on average and swallow?

If you are the many of chew each bite just 5-7 times you need to LISTEN UP!

Eating should not be something you just DO to DO but should have some sort of purpose in your life. 

If you look at many other cultures including the French they dine on the finest foods and are super fit and thin...besides the fact they walk EVERYWHERE they actually sit and enjoy the food that is placed in front of them. They celebrate food..now do not take this the wrong way and think you can have a cake with candles at every meal just because you are willing to chew it more then 7 times a bite.... 

I am saying that when you eat you should be in a sitting relaxed state, eating food because you are hungry, and eating a healthy well-balanced meal to get all the nutrients available to you.

I discovered "Food Mediation" through tons of research and just the plain and simple understanding of how the digestive system works. Your body has to work to digest foods and yes when it works it burns calories and provides you with the minerals and vitamins available from the food you just shoveled into your mouth. But, did you know if you enjoyed every single bite, chewed your food thoroughly and relaxed while eating the food you could actually LOSE WEIGHT?

A simple fact that will change the way you eat a meal hopefully from now on...

Like I said above you can LOSE WEIGHT if you actually chew your food...how and why does this happen?

LINK

• Digestion begins in the mouth..those pearly whites are made to grind the food you provide your body and that gorgeous PINK tongue has saliva on it which signals the digestive enzymes to break down starches into simple sugars
• The saliva also contains lipid (fat) digestive enzymes that help begin the process of breaking fats down. The teeth also help grind the food into smaller pieces so that when the food is finally swallowed (after tons of chewing) it mixes better with your stomach acids (hydrochloric acid).
• The longer you chew your food the taste and smell receptors start to trigger. Once this happens the production of stomach acids and pancreatic juices occurs so your system is ready to roar!
• As you swallow the stomach acids begins to break down the proteins into even smaller digestible molecules and works on killing all that nasty bacteria and pathogens that may be in your food. Remember this...more area to work in the easier it is to get to work so the smaller your food the easier for the body to break it down even further!
• The smaller the food is, the better the breakdown which further leads to more vitamin and mineral absorption in the small intestine. The small intestine is VITAL to star shining health!
• The large intestine is up next and takes what is left of the already digested food (fiber and water). The large intestine sucks up the water and whatever vitamins and electrolytes are left and then creates your best friend :)
• If your friends that come out your back side have food that's undigested or you always have that bloated, gassy feeling this may be a sign of not chewing your food thoroughly.
• I could break this down further but basically CHEW YOUR FOOD for OPTIMAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS

The more you chew the less you eat:

• Hormones (leptin, cholecystokinin) have a chance to catch up and tell your brain "Hey I am full down here, thanks for the amazing nutrients"
• Studies show that slowly chewing your food and making a connection of tasting, smelling, touching, acknowledge (see), and hear your body and what it needs you end up decreasing your food intake by 1/3 at a meal

Ways to work on this is by using Food Meditation! Watch the video above and try it out at your next meal :)

How many chews will you chew today?

How many licks to the center of optimum health?

MOTIVATIONAL MONDAY

If you follow me on twitter @c0urtstar, you know I am SICK! I have an inner ear infection and to state that I feel like I am constantly high (not that I would know) is an UNDERSTATEMENT

This quote really spoke to me this morning because even though I have been sick and not truly able to go full force in a workout I have been practicing stretching, Mat Pilates, and lightly walking around my neighborhood when I feel up to it :)

I miss my hardcore workouts and sweating like crazy when leaving the gym and trust me I am dying to go but completely quitting your workout routine is one of the worst things you can do. Trust me, resting and taking rest days are CRUCIAL but if you completely lift the emergency brake on your car it can be more harmful then good! So get stretching sister :)

Eating tons of healthy food helps too :)

Meal for my hubby: Pita, Salad with carrots, pineapple, raisins, and walnuts with some rice pilaf and grilled chicken 

I have been craving sweets and a slice of papaya with some raw honey has done the trick (so far)

Steamed broccoli, green peas, squash and grilled chicken

Thawing out some chicken to prepare for the next few meals

Mix of leftovers (best meal yet)

Update on me:

-I have quit my Lexapro (anxiety meds) and let me tell you its been difficult but since I have been practicing food meditations, deep breathing (through the nose and out the nose), and stretching it has been helping A TON. When a situation comes up where I feel that rush of stress I just breathe and stretch it out of my body!

-I have completely rid of WHEY PROTEIN and I am feeling so much lighter and not so sluggish! I really do believe that you can be allergic to just about anything. Stop and feeling how your body feels after certain meals. Just because EVERYONE hypes about WHEY protein and its health benefits there are tons of other options that work with those with dairy allergies: Hemp Protein, Rice Proteins, Egg White Proteins, Kefir

Sun Warrior Protein is going to be my next trial :)

-Like I said above, I am stretching like a fanatic and have started practicing pilates again (in hopes of abs) and of course better posture! Ladies you know ALL about osteoporosis so start putting those shoulders back, getting your daily calcium requirements and weight lifting!

My Power Pilates Certification Book

What are some changes you have made? Comment and let me know! I love being inspired :)

TIP TUESDAY

Living an all around healthy lifestyle may be easy for some, but for most this task is a difficult one.

Many people do not have the time to cook a meal or even go to the grocery store for that matter, so if I am talking about you here are some tips in order to live that healthy lifestyle but with simplicity!

Besides the fact frozen foods can save you tons of money, flash-frozen organic foods such as vegetable mixes and fruits are perfectly acceptable! Go out to Costco or any other fine bulk store and stock your freezer up with these delicious, easy and healthy foods. Of course if you have the time please buy everything fresh but honestly sometimes flash-frozen produce can be better in terms of organic foods and budget. STAY AWAY from those containing cheeses, or additives (salts or seasonings), you can add these yourself!

Smoothies are super easy when all you have to do is throw in your favorite protein powder (still trying to find a new fav), frozen organic fruits and some frozen organic veggies!

Dry goods such as Black Beans, Chick Peas, Lentils, Basmati Brown Rice, Quinoa, Rolled Oats, Barley, and Buckwheat are excellent to have lying around in your pantry! Not only can you buy in bulk (always cost effective) but they work wonders in a soup, salad or side dish. If you get really creative you can turn those frozen veggies and one type of grain into an entire meal.

Organic Low Sodium Chicken Broth and Vegetable Broths have a very long shelf life and are the base of most soups and sauces. Having these always on hand and buying in bulk will make your pantry complete and give you a base for all those grains and frozen vegetables.

Oils such as Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Coconut Oil should in your spices drawer/pantry. Check the quality of these oils as quality matters especially when cooking. Coconut Oil is ideal for high-heat and cooking while Extra Virgin Olive Oil works great as a salad dressing.

Grab some ground pepper, sea salt, cinnamon

Stocking your pantry is one of the main KEYS towards your goal weight, ideal body or just pairing good nutrition with your workouts.

A pantry full of chips, cookies and sodas will lead you to destruction later on! I know the feeling of an empty fridge (with nothing to eat) and the next door is always the pantry which is usually a hole filled with "junk" foods.

Another useful tip is to prepare large batches of soups and stews that store nicely in the fridge and work great as meals to bring to work, school or wherever you may be going. They also work as a wonderful late night dinner after working all day and not wanting to touch a pan.


I made the one above a few days ago and have been enjoying it on top of some chicken I made earlier in the week and just alone! It feels so nice not to have to start chopping up everything and waiting!


What are some tricks you use to stay healthy when on the go or super busy?


What are some new items you will pick up on your next grocery trip to make your life easier?

FABULOUS FRIDAY

What in the world am I doing with curlers in my hair?

Today's fabulous friday is a topic I have struggled with for MANY, MANY years! As you can tell from some of my pictures, my hair is short one day and then long the next (thank you clip in extensions)! This is because I have been struggling for as long as I can remember with hair growth! I not only dye my hair blonde, I love to curl it and straighten it because my hair naturally is a kinky mess.

TIP TUESDAY

Are you up to the challenge? Its so easy and fun to try new things so go for it! 5 items, easy! 

Try out shiitake mushrooms, portobello mushrooms, chia seeds, maca powder, seaweed, kiwis, grapefruit, brussel sprouts, lima beans, black eyed peas, quinoa, starfruit, blackberries, broccoli spears, asparagus, artichokes...the list is endless. You can even try out new spices! I love paprika, its traditionally used in Hungarian dishes but can be added to chicken, beef, pork, or turkey and give a kick of flavor just by grilling with it! 

It's always nice to acquire new tastes as you get older. I used to hate vegetables and now I eat them at every meal literally EVERY meal! So go for it, try out those broccoli spears you used to hate as a kid! I bet you have new taste buds and they will be super yummy!

Comment and let me know what you picked up! I would love to hear your choices! 

HONG KONG PART 3

I am loving this culture! Tons of vegetables with spices! You can't go wrong with spices and vegetables! I have been loading up on my veggies and I can tell you its not very hard out here to get my 5 recommended servings of vegetables and fruits! With all that I am walking, I know I will look perfect for my wedding day!

My handsome hubby and I at Cafe Grey at the JW Marriott! My hubby got me my first Herve Leger dress which I had wanted for FOREVER! I just wanted to reach my goal weight and body fat percentage before I got it!

A delicious Iced Tea with mint leaves and spiced with ginger! I love the Asian culture, you rarely need sugar with all the flavors from spices!

Gorgeous lunch at the W pool! Cajun spiced grilled chicken with spring greens and sliced carrots! They look like huge bacon strips but an organic carrot! Dressing was a olive oiled balsamic vinaigrette! I always get my dressing on the side just in case! I like to control my food not let it control me.

Instead of a welcome cocktail, I had some green Jasmine tea to give me a bit of a boost around my 4 PM slow down!

My gorgeous new dress! Reward yourself with clothes not food or dessert! If you completed your goals go and grab yourself some new shoes or clothes! Way better than a piece of cake I promise :)

Headed down to a gorgeous Chinese dinner :)

TRAVEL/WEDDING LIFE

I am preparing and packing for a trip my finance and I will be taking to Hong Kong! I am so excited not only because I have NEVER been to an Asian country but because I get to experience a whole new culture and lifestyle. Sure I have been to Ireland, Costa Rica and Mexico which have all been amazing experiences but to go somewhere like Hong Kong does not compare!

I thought I would share with my readers a quick tip for packing since this is something I love doing and it works out perfectly! You know all of those samples you get at Sephora or Planet Beauty? Well save them because they will come in handy. What is pictured below is 10 days worth of shampoo, conditioner, styling balm, exfoliator, eye makeup remover, lotion, face wash and toothpaste! Crazy right? The best part is I can carry it on! No more worrying about your stuff being lost in space :)

Star Systemz Travel Tip: Use Samples to Travel

I am also getting married in 30 days! I am so excited and have been working hard with my wedding planner Rachel Hansen of infinity-cabo.com to get it done! We planned everything in less than 5 months :) For a destination wedding, with people flying in I think we did an amazing job!

Here are some tidbit pictures I took so you can get a behind the scenes look of what I worked on:

Glass Heart Wedding Favor handmade at The Glass Factory

Gold Painted Wedding Welcome Baskets for my Out-of-Towners

 I would show you what is inside but I will wait until my guests receive them :)

My crafting table! This is where I view my gorgeous beach and pretend to make things for the wedding :)

 I have also been laying out in my backyard a bit to get a nice base tan for my wedding day, check out my how-to here http://starsystemz.blogspot.mx/2012/04/sunless-sunday.html

Random day my fiancé and I went looking for props for our wedding :) I am a true Irish girl with truly pale/red toned skin so I am proud I have somewhat of a base color here!

I took my very first Louis Vuitton purse which had holes in it and got it turned into a laptop purse! I definitely recommend taking a second look at your damaged clothes or purses because you can change it into something else and make use of it again! I am so happy my laptop has a gorgeous home and that my old purse feels brand new again!

Me laying out pretending to have duck lips...I wish...