Be Healthy, Well & Inspired

Bliss Review and Recipes

By Anna April 24, 2013 Physical No Comments

I love coffee. I love creamer so when they invented liquid creamer, I was in heaven. It wasn’t until a couple of years ago that the makers of Coffee Mate came up with Natural Bliss. I am a customer of Natural Bliss. The first time I tried it was at BlogHer and quickly fell in love with the taste. I immediately bought all of the flavors. Even though I do not put a lot of cream in my coffee, I was still concerned with the sugar.

Now, there is a low fat chocolate version of Natural Bliss coffeemate. To be honest with you, the first time I tried the chocolate low fat flavor, I thought it wasn’t sweet enough so I added more. But, I still was not used to the chocolate flavor so I had to try it again and again. Finally, in the second week, I started liking the Natural Bliss chocolate flavor. Its a matter of getting used to the flavor. Don’t get me wrong I love chocolate. I am just used to my coffee being sweeter than not. I know that does not sound healthy but its a personal preference.

What is healthy is Bliss Lowfat Chocolate creamer. If you want to spice up your coffee in the morning, try this new flavor from Bliss. There are more ways to use this product other than your coffee in the morning. You can make crepes or add Bliss Chocolate flavor to your hot chocolate.

Here are the recipes:

Hot Cocoa

6 tablespoons Baking Cocoa
¼ cup granulated sugar
Pinch of salt
1 cup water
3 cups milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 cup all-natural Coffee-mate Natural Bliss Low-fat Chocolate
Softly whipped cream or mini marshmallows (optional)
Ground cinnamon or cocoa (optional)

- WHISK together cocoa, sugar, salt and water in small saucepan over low heat until smooth.

-COOK, whisking continuously, for 2 minutes, making sure whisk gets into the edges of pan.

Crepes

6 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup all-natural Coffee-mate Natural Bliss Low-fat Chocolate
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/8 tsp. salt
Butter

Filling

1 package (8 ounces) mascarpone cheese
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, at room temperature
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup all-natural Coffee-mate Natural Bliss Low-fat Chocolate
2 Tbsp. NESTLÉ Toll House Baking Cocoa
Fresh raspberries or berries
Fresh mint for garnish
Powdered sugar

For Crêpes:

- PLACE eggs, milk, Natural Bliss, flour, powdered sugar and salt in blender; cover. Blend until well combined.

- HEAT 9-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat; lightly coat with butter.

- POUR 1/4 cup batter into the center of the skillet and swirl until the batter covers the bottom in a thin layer.

- COOK for 30 to 45 seconds or until underside is golden and top is just set. Loosen edge of crêpe with a heatproof rubber spatula, then flip crêpe over with your fingertips and cook for an additional 15 seconds.

- TRANSFER to a plate. Repeat procedure with remaining crêpe batter. You should have about 14 crêpes total. Set aside to cool completely.

For Filling:

- COMBINE mascarpone cheese, cream cheese, ¾ cup powdered sugar, Natural Bliss and cocoa in large mixer bowl; beat until smooth and creamy.

- CENTER a crêpe on a serving plate. Using an offset spatula, spread a layer of filling (about 3 heaping tablespoons) over the crêpe. Continue stacking crêpes and spreading with filling, ending with a crêpe on top.

- COVER; refrigerate for at least 4 hours and up to 24.

- TOP with fresh berries and sprig of mint; dust with powdered sugar. Slice and serve.

*****DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary bottle of Natural Bliss in order to write this review. This review is my own honest opinion and I did not receive any monetary compensation for this post.

{recipe}: Montreal Salmon Rub

By Anna April 23, 2013 Health No Comments

Looking to infuse flavor with a new marinade? Try this healthy, quick, simply delicious Montreal Salmon Rub recipe courtesy of Sam’s Club.

Total time: 15 minutes

Serves: 8

Ingredients:

· 2 tsp. McCormick Grill Mates Montreal Steak Seasoning

· 2 tsp. grated lemon peel

· 1 ½ tsp dill weed

· 2 lbs fresh salmon fillets

Instructions:

· Mix steak seasoning, lemon peel and dill weed in small bowl. Rub mixture over salmon. Let stand 5 minutes.

· Grill salmon over medium heat 10-12 minutes or until fish flakes easily with a fork. Do not turn salmon.

Open House Weekend at Sam’s Club

By Anna April 22, 2013 Health No Comments

If you don’t have anything to do this coming weekend, hop to Sam’s club for some spectacular deals. Read on…..

Friday, April 26 to Sunday, April 28, Sam’s Club is opening its doors to the public for a three-day spring Open House weekend. Members and non-members across the country will be able to access extraordinary savings on the newest items for spring and summer entertaining including dozens of complimentary warm weather food and beverage items, luxurious patio sets, hybrid grills and accessories for outdoor living from gazebos and pop-up gardens to pool floats and play sets.

During the Open House, Sam’s Club will present a festival of summer-inspired food and beverage samples from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day, including but not limited to:

· Patriotic Pound Cake with assorted fresh berries

· Assorted gourmet cheeses including smoked gouda, gruyere and Jarlsburg

· Fresh Enchilada Bake with Brisket and Salsa

· Grilled Steak Salad with Wish-bone® Dressing

· Applewood Smoked Pork Chops

· Garlic and Herb Chicken with Just Add Juice™ Seasoning

· Artichoke Spinach Dip with Pita Chips

· Italian Deli Pasta Salad with Daily Chef Rotini and Castle Wood® Sliced Salami

· Honey BBQ Pork Tenderloin

· Olive Garden Steak with Olive Garden® Italian Dressing

· Fruity Lemonade Cooler with Country Time® Lemonade and fresh watermelon

Several food pairings are sourced from recipes in Fresh, Fast & Fabulous (Version Three), an exclusive Sam’s Club cookbook provided to Open House guests while supplies last. You and your readers can download a digital version of the cookbook with inspiring recipes, cooking tips and brilliant photography at SamsClub.com/meals. For your cooking pleasure, I included a simple recipe from the cookbook below. I can provide more images of the samples if interested.

For more information about club locations, you can visit SamsClub.com/clublocator. Non-members that attend will be directed to the Member Services desk upon entrance to receive a temporary membership pass that allows them to shop with no fees during this three-day event.

Favorite Mother’s Day memory

By Anna April 17, 2013 Emotional 2 Comments

It’s not too early to be thinking about Mother’s Day. What is your favorite Mother’s Day memory? I remember when I was in 2nd or 3rd grade creating a handmade card for my mother and writing the words myself. I can’t remember what I wrote but I do remember writing something incredibly honest and raw (I saw the card again a few years later and was amazed my mom saved it).

Unfortunately, I also have a sad Mother’s Day memory three years ago I learned about my aunt’s cancer diagnosis on Mother’s Day. We lost her two months later.

But enough of sad memories. I want to hear your happy Mother’s Day memories in my comment section below.

I already got my card made from Cardstore. I love cards and stationary and how Cardstore differs from its leading competitors:

can add as many as 3 high quality photos in one card

customize your card with your words and special fonts and colors

Cardstore will mail and supply postage to your card

Want to see a preview of a Cardstore card that I personally made?

Personally made from Cardstore

Add pictures for a more personal touch

Interested in creating your own? I have a special promo for you!

Promo offer: Mother’s Day Cards- $1.99 each (exclusive offer- not available onsite!)

Promo code: CSF3199

Disclaimer: Create any Mother’s Day card for $1.99 when code CSF3199 is applied at checkout. No minimum purchase necessary. Offer valid through 5/6/13. Coupon code CSF3199 must be entered during online checkout. Coupon does not apply to shipping & handling charges and cannot be combined with other offers. Coupon code is not valid on previous purchases, and excludes all plush and greeting card bundles as well as non-card items. Coupon code may be used to purchase more than one Mother’s Day greeting card but is not valid on orders of 150 cards or more. Discount applied at checkout. To prevent abuse, we reserve the right to discontinue or modify this offer at any time without notice. Offer is subject to change and expires at 11:59 pm PST on 5/6/13. Offer intended for use in the United States, US territories, and Canada.

DISCLAIMER: I received a free card from Cardstore in order to write this review. This review is my own opinion and I am not receiving any monetary compensation.

Paleo Diet

By Anna April 11, 2013 Physical 4 Comments

Paleo Diet versus Whole Foods

Adam Ghosh has over twenty years’ experience as a researcher in the medical field. In that time he has worked with allergists and vascular surgeons, and everyone in between. Now he supplements his early retirement by contributing to Weatherby Healthcare.
It seems sometimes, that when you hear the word ‘diet’ it immediately puts people on edge, associating ‘diet’ with ‘deprivation’, ‘restrictions’ and ‘sacrifice’. But what if diet wasn’t a fad or a temporary fix? What if it became a lifestyle?
This is exactly how some people feel about turning back to the diets of our forebears as in the controversial Paleo diet and a newer one that is also gaining popularity, Whole Foods.
But is one better than the other?
Let’s break down the two and see which might appeal more to you:

• Paleo: The Paleo diet is a premise that our bodies are far more efficient adhering to a diet that the Paleolithic man probably ate, as in grass-fed meat, vegetables, nuts and berries. It restricts any dairy products, legumes, sugars and starchy vegetables, grains and salt. Those who have embraced the ‘Paleo’ lifestyle claim to have reduced their waistlines, acid reflux and type 2 diabetes, sometimes eliminating the disease altogether. Researched by Dr. Loren Cordain, he has spent years developing a diet and lifestyle by modeling our eating habits from thousands of years ago to help meet our nutritional standards of today’s modern lifestyle, even for high-performance athletes. By replacing carbohydrate-rich foods like starchy vegetables and sugars with non-starchy fruits and vegetables will slow the digestion process, eliminating a blood-sugar spike. For years we were told to lower our fat intake, but with the Paleo diet, it isn’t reducing fat, it’s switching one type for another. For example reducing or eliminating poly-saturated fats with mono or unsaturated fats (and fats high in Omega 3 oil) will lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, not increase it. Another important aspect of the diet is increasing potassium and reducing sodium intake to help keep our organs and bodies functioning with higher efficiency. Potassium is a necessary mineral that reduces our risk of heart disease and stroke, and unfortunately the American diet has the two reversed; higher sodium and lower potassium as seen in our epidemic rates of cardiovascular disease.

Figure 1 PALEO

• Whole Foods: Unlike the Paleo Diet the Whole Foods lifestyle embraces much more varied nutritional options as in; whole grains, low-fat dairy, even limited amounts of coffee, tea and lower-calorie juices. Originated by the Whole Foods Store based out of Austin, TX, it embraces the idea of eating the idea of ‘wholeness’ for our food source, like fresh vegetables (lightly cooked or raw), reduced processed meats, oils, sugars and more whole grains and simplified menus (ex. fresh berries and granola with skim milk as opposed to a muffin), not reducing your quality or quantity, rather switching your food choices for those that work with your body’s natural metabolism, not against it. Their theory is that human kind has adapted to certain foods since our hunter/gatherer days, and when eaten a less-processed way we can still get the benefits without restricting our diets too much.

Figure 2 WHOLE FOOD

At the end of the day, it is best to speak with your physician and discuss any changes in your diet before you start on any new plan. Undergoing a physical exam before you start either diet is important to rule out any underlying conditions. Talk with your doctor about adding exercise and stress management techniques, chances are you will see your body change very quickly, sometimes even physical symptoms like reduced acid reflux, joint pain and weight loss will be noticeable in as little as two weeks.
But better yet, will be the reduction of emotional and mental stress associated with an unhealthy diet and lifestyle. And when you look better and feel better, your overall quality of life will also improve.
A win-win on all accounts.

10 Simple Tips For Healthier Teeth

By Anna April 11, 2013 Health Tips, Physical 1 Comment

Healthy teeth are a reflection of one’s overall health. We often forget to take care of our teeth which are very important part of our body and make us smile brighter. This results in various oral problems and tooth decay. A regular check on your teeth can help you maintain a healthier teeth and gums.

1. Perfect brushing: Not to mention, brushing perfectly is absolutely necessary for obtaining a better oral health. Brushing twice a day in circular motion is effective in getting rid of sticky food and germs that develop in our mouth. You may also chose electric brushes for proper brushing.

2. An apple a day keeps bad teeth away: Yes, apples are considered as natural cleaning agent for your teeth. It helps clean your teeth while eating but make sure they do not get stuck in the corners of your teeth. Crunching carrots can also help keep your teeth clean and healthy.

3. Brushing teeth with baking soda: Baking soda is an effective cleaning agent for teeth. Brushing your teeth with baking soda once a week can bring out a lot of difference in keeping the stains away.

4. Apple cider vinegar gargle: Gargling with apple cider vinegar can help in keeping your teeth and mouth free from germs. Moreover, it is used in whitening and removing stains from teeth.

5. Visit orthodontic specialist: Only a specialist can diagnose if there is an underlying problem with your teeth that might develop in a tooth disease or gum problem later on. People with improper alignment of teeth find it hard to keep them clean. Proper alignment and correcting treatments by an orthodontic specialist can help you get healthier teeth.

6. Cleaning the tongue: Investing in a tongue cleaner is another way to keep your mouth clean. During night, bacteria develop in our tongue which results in bad breath. Cleaning your tongue properly each morning will make you feel fresh. You may also use a mouth freshener to stop bad breath, but make sure your mouth freshener is sugar free and alcohol free.

7. Brushing with salt: Salt is highly effective in removing stains from teeth. So, try brushing with salt to get whiter teeth but avoid ingesting the salt as it may become harmful for your body.

8. Floss regularly: Flossing cleans away the food instantly that gets stuck in hidden parts of your teeth. It is as essential as brushing. If you do not floss the inner cavities of your teeth, it might develop bacteria and result in tooth decay. Flossing is thus very important especially before going to bed.

9. Stay away from sugary foods: Sugary food tends to stick to your teeth and attract bacteria. It is always better to brush properly after eating sweets. If you can’t, then just rinsing your mouth will keep your teeth clean and free from cavities. Also, good idea is to eat more toothfriendly products.

10. Avoid frequent snacking: Since it is impossible to brush every time you eat, it is better to avoid constant snacking. Regular intake of food constantly provides food to the oral bacteria and aids in their growth. Don’t forget to rinse your mouth and floss after you eat.

These simple but important tips can bring out a big difference on how you take care of your teeth. Most importantly, a feedback from your dentist every six months can help you in taking care of your teeth and make you smile for longer.

Top Steps for Transitioning out of a Break-Up

By Anna April 11, 2013 Emotional No Comments

Everyone undergoes heartbreaks and it is not that easy to come out of it. But, you need to be strong. Breaking up with your partner is common. That’s why there are many songs written about it. Sometimes, just before your break up, you can tell your relationship is not going on well. However, below are a few suggestions which help you to come out of your break-up and move on.

Stay busy

Most of the time, you just sit and dwell on things that didn’t work out. But, you shouldn’t do this. Instead of just sitting on the couch and crying all the time, you need to get up and go out. You can pursue some hobby or sign up for any classes. Whatever you do, you need to keep yourself busy and focus your mind away from your break up.

Confide in Friends

Whenever you feel very depressed, or when you can’t resist texting your ex, just call your close friend and tell him/her the situation. Who knows? They might have experienced a similar situation and might comfort you. In case you have called all your friends and still not satisfied, you could go for some support groups or forums online. Most of them have both public and private journals. It will be an excellent way to express yourself.

Focus on yourself

You tend to spend so much time just by thinking of how other people feel. But, you need to look at yourself and see what condition you are in. at this time, you need to make yourself your priority. Look for something to make yourself healthier. Eat better and, if you wish, join a gym. Search for a good job and improve your lifestyle. You just need to make yourself feel better than ever.

Take time to grieve

Many friends and your family will encourage you to date someone better. But, you should keep in mind not to rush. You alone will know when it is time to start dating other people. You should give yourself a little time to completely grieve and heal from your break-up. In case you rush and move quickly, you might just end with breaking up your next relation as well.

Seek Counseling

In case you are feeling too depressed and think you cannot handle the situation, then, it would do well if you would consult a professional. He/she will recommend you a few useful suggestions and guide you by building some good coping plans.

Never ever run back to them or call them all the time

Sometimes, you will find it impossible to let go of the girl/guy whom you loved so much. If you have broke up, then remember it happened for a particular reason. Don’t just keep calling him/her and start talking to make them love you again. It will definitely not work. Instead it will make you look weak in front of your ex.

Forgive and forget

You need to let go of things and remain cool. You should never let your ex see you in a bad condition. Forget what happened. If you keep dwelling on it, you will just give your ex an ego boost. Instead, you need to keep your head held high and completely forget about him/her.

Remain positive

Don’t think you are worthless just because your ex broke up with you. Instead, you should thank them in your mind for giving you a chance to find someone better than them. Also, you should never feel angry or jealous when you see your ex with someone else. There is someone out there who is dyeing to meet someone like you. You need to spend more time with your family and friends who love you and care for you.

Lift your head up high and move on

You should never let your relationship bring you down. Yes, even if it was the best one you ever had ever had in your life. Just think it is your ex’s loss. Also, you were too good for him/her. Just keep repeating this to yourself. You need someone who will treat you better. Be strong, move on and forget all the bad things.

It’s okay to cry at night

For some time, in the beginning, it might be long and hard. Hence, it doesn’t matter if you cry. However, you yourself will stop it and realize that it is of no use. You can also listen to some break-up songs of Taylor Swift and relate. It will make you feel good and then finally, you can get out of it.

About The Author: Kate is a writer/blogger. She loves writing, travelling and reading books. She contributes to Hydroxycut

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