THE LAND OF THE APPLES!

Forget the land of the free, America is becoming more and more known as the land of the apples! This statement initially may seem a bit a preposterous but slowly and surely the apple is infiltrating all areas of our everyday life from our apple laptops and iPhones to celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow naming their daughter Apple to skincare lines like Juice Beauty naming their premium products "Green Apple," and of course my current hot spot, The Big Apple! Foodies, entertainers, techies, entrepreneurs, and everyday people like myself can’t get enough of this juicy food! The bad news is that most Americans aren’t eating enough apples a week to reap the benefits, however the good news is that by consuming a whole apple 5 times a week it can provide amazing benefits to your health.  America really is the land of free and opportunity for wealth, but if you don’t have your health what good is the wealth, so eating an apple day will give you health, which equals wealth! Read on to find out the wealth that apples bring to your health…

PROMOTES HEALTHY TEETH- Get whiter healthier teeth by biting and chewing an apple. The biting and chewing action stimulates saliva, which is great for teeth.

PROTECTS AGAINST PARKINSON’S- Research has shown that people who eat high fiber fruits like apples get protection from Parkinson’s.

FIGHTS THE WAR ON CANCER- Apples have a number of properties that may help reduce the risk of cancer, including anti-mutagenic activity, antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory mechanisms, and flavonoids which prevent abnormal cells from growing exponentially.

HELPS HEART HEALTH- An extensive body of research has linked high soluble fiber intake with a slower buildup of cholesterol-rich plaque in your arteries.

REDUCES ASTHMA AND LUNG RELATED DISEASES- There is a strong correlation of antioxidants and phytochemicals in apples, such as flavanoids and phenolic acids which help calm inflammation in the airways. Also, the antioxidant quertin promotes healthier lungs and breathing.

PROMOTES HEALTHY CHOLESTEROL- Apples have pectin, which is a soluble fiber that lowers cholesterol.

AIDS IN A HEALTHY DIGESTIVE SYSTEM- The fiber in an apple treats constipation and diarrhea as well as neutralizes irritatable bowl syndrome.

REDUCES AND PREVENTS HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE- Since apples are high in potassium a mineral that helps control blood pressure and reduces the risk of stroke.

IMPROVES BRAIN HEALTH-Apples contain quercetin, a powerful antioxidant that protects brain cells from degeneration in rats and might do the same in humans in diseases like Alzheimer’s. The fruit has been linked to an uptick in acetylcholine production which boosts brain health in memory.

BOOSTS IMMUNITY- Red apples contain an antioxidant called quercetin which boost and strengthen your immune system.

PROMOTES WEIGHTLOSS AND HEALTHY WEIGHT- Apples are a great snack to satisfy hunger without the extra calories. It has pectin, fiber, and is loaded with antioxidants which all help in maintaining an ideal thin. A medium apple contains 4 grams of fiber and is 95 calories and is equivalent to one cup of fruit, and 14 Percent of daily vitamin C.

IMPROVES EYE HEALTH- Studies show that those who have a diet rich in fruits with antioxidants are less likely to develop eye issues such as cataracts.

TIPS TO EATING AND BUYING THE RIGHT APPLE

• Always leave the peel of the apple on because it has the highest amount of antioxidants
• Try to go for organic apples, because apples are one of the most pesticide- contaminated fruits there is
• Choose apples with shiny, and not dull skin because shiny apples will be crisp
• Look for firm apples free of bruises
• Refrigerate apples at 39 degrees F to maintain Crispness

Healthy Apple Crisp Recipe from He and She Eat Clean Blog

http://www.heandsheeatclean.com/2014/11/clean-eat-recipe-apple-crisp.html

DISCLAIMER: The nutritional and well-being information on this site is not intended to be a substitute for professional nutritional or  medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. 

For more information go to www.simplydelish4u.com

FIT FASHION: SWEATING HAS NEVER LOOKED SO GOOD!

Like a little black dress that is ageless, a healthy body never goes out of style. Today, fashion and fitness are having an ahah moment taking this concept and merging at the forefront. Could you imagine the rush of excitement that I, Ms. Fit Fashionista felt when I found out my two favorite things health and fitness were not only taking over gyms, but were all over the map from restaurants, movies, airports, museums, and more!

Just take a glimpse at the rising gym memberships, yoga movement, and the new phenomena of Barre Burn studios they seem more like a full on fashion show than a grueling workout!  Fitness in Entertainment is no longer mimicking calorie counting shows and grueling workouts like The Biggest Loser, but rather spinning out unique shows to fitness’s TLC, What Not to wear!

According to the Wall Street Journal, Barclays estimates “the U.S. athletic apparel market will increase by nearly 50% to more than $100 billion at retail by 2020.” Over the past five years, the size of the athletic apparel market grew by 5% year over year, from $54 billion to $68 billion, according to Barclays analysts.

No longer is a night on the town or a big hot date a reason to dress to impress, but getting your sweat on has never looked so good! Yes, workout apparel is the new craze, and seemingly odd enough it’s quite hip to wear beyond the workout and to brunch, errands, happy hour, or casual meetings. With NYFW only a few days , I have narrowed my top trends for both men and women’s fitness apparel to get you pumped up for your next workout and feeling fashionable fabulous wherever you strut off after!

POWER UP  PRINTS

http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=f21&Category=activewear_bottoms&ProductID=2000116484&VariantID=

Abstract Print Leggings at Forever 21 $19.90

BRIGHT AS ALWAYS 

My leggings were found at Mystique Boutique $9.99  on clearance

http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=f21&Category=activewear&ProductID=2076601172&VariantID=

Fold over yoga Pants  10.80$

COLOR BLOCK TO PERFECTION

http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=f21&Category=activewear&ProductID=2000053030&VariantID=

Athletic Color Block Leggings $22.90 at Forever 21

BACK IS THE NEW FRONT

http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=f21&Category=activewear&ProductID=2000098384&VariantID=

$12.90 low impact sports bra

HOODIE CHIC

http://www.hm.com/us/product/86749?article=86749-B

 Men’s Hooded Sports Jacket $29.95

BICEPS AWAY

http://www.hm.com/us/product/65863?article=65863-B

Men's Sleeveless Sports Top $14.95 at H&M

FITTED TO A TEE

http://www.hm.com/us/product/03226?article=03226-F

Men's Sports Shirt  $17.95 

For more information go to www.simplydelish4u.com 

JOURNEY OF MEDITATION: MASTER THE MAGIC

The good news is that your brain on meditation is nothing like the effects of the famous 80’s anti-drug commercial, “This is your brain on drugs!” In fact, meditation does the complete opposite playing an active role in rewiring the brain and nervous system, and enhancing the quality of one’s life and well-being. I can testify to this first hand that practicing daily meditation seems more like magic! Yes, it really does wonders, and I have seen this in all areas of my life from better concentration, increased creativity, healthier lifestyle, less stress, self awareness, positivity, self acceptance and more calmness.

I discovered meditation as a result of suffering from anxiety over the span of my life. From the early age of 9, my anxiety originated from basic thoughts and ideas I had about my life, and what I thought should be. It was something as simple as worrying about things I couldn’t control like the future, making decisions based on fear, and placing more value in the hands of others rather than my own. It wasn’t until I discovered meditation and the idea of letting go and listening to what currently makes me happy by keeping the focus inward that I was able to reap the benefits of meditation.

The first time I noticed that I suffered from anxiety and stress was during my younger years as a competitive figure skater and tennis player. By the time the competition came for me to perform my three minute routine, my nerves were jumping out of my skin, and I felt frozen all over especially in the pit of my stomach. Rather than focusing internally, all I could remember was future negative thoughts of what if I fell on a jump or messed up the routine before I had even skated, and what other skaters and audience members I knew would think. I played out this scenario in my head so many times that when it came to performing I couldn’t focus and perform my best therefore preventing me from going further.  This feeling of anxiety from such an early age creeped up later into all areas of my life until it became crippling. My anxiety of fear and worrying got so bad that it manifested into a panic attack my sophomore year of college. I thought literally I was dying, and recalled having trouble breathing, eating, and insomnia for two weeks prior to taking my winter exams.  The fear of not maintaining my honor roll grades that I was accustomed to caused me to have a crash and burn. My anxiety had manifested itself so bad that it caused deterioration on my physical health that I ended up having to retake two classes and accept a C in one area of study which never happened before.  The worst part was that the doctors never told me about meditation, or how to explore my under lying thought process, instead they were quick to just write a script as the anecdote for my anxiety. At that time I just took the medication without question, and never even pushed myself to face the underlying root for my anxiety. Fast forward two years later at the young age of 23, I just decided one day to get off medication, because I felt I was fine and had no stress.

 Although, I was off medication and seemed fine I never explored my underlying root of my anxiety and fear, so little doses of my anxiety would come slowly back and forth into my life like a toxic boyfriend that I wanted to get rid of but kept on entering various stages of my life. However, it wasn’t until the past two in half years that I wanted to make a clear break up with this Mr. Anxiety for good! I started working towards change, by applying the techniques of meditation religiously to my daily life, as well as exploring the root of my internal fears and letting go. As a result of meditation and my journey of self-discovery I’m so happy to say that I don’t suffer from anxiety anymore, and can use meditation if I feel that sense of fear, overwhelm, stress, or worry coming on. Read on to find out the magic to transforming your life into present day bliss....

CHOOSE A PEACEFUL PLACE:  When planning meditation into your schedule it’s important to choose a peaceful environment for your meditation.

BE COMFORTABLE:  In your meditation it’s important to feel comfortable so wear clothes that are loose fitting, stretchy, and breathable.

SET ASIDE TIME:  Set aside to meditate daily even if it’s for two minutes.  Remember the longer you practice the more benefits you will see. Also, don’t give up if you feel it’s taking you a while to relax, the more you practice at calming your mind the easier and better it will become

FIND A COMFORTABLE POSITION: Traditional forms of meditation are done in a seated position with legs crossed, however if you have bad hips you can sit on a chair.

FOLLOW YOUR BREATHING:  This is the most universal meditation techniques. Become aware of your breath by the rising and falling of your abdomen as you breathe in and out.  Don’t make a conscious effort to change your breathing patterns, just let it flow naturally, and don’t pass judgment.

FOCUS ON MENTAL IMAGES:  During your breathing if your eyes are closed focus on mental images as the rising and falling of the breath. Pick an image that resonates calmness and the idea of letting go. It can be a flower in the wind, and as you breath out and let go a petal falls, or a sailing boat floating in the ocean, and each time you breath out and let go, the boat floats further away from shore.

MANTRA MEDITATION:  This is another form of meditation that I use once in a while. This includes repeating a sound, word, or phrase over and over until you silence the mind into a deep meditative state. It can be anything you choose.  It can be as common as “Om” or even words like “Peace”. These mantras create vibrations in the mind which allow you to disconnect your thoughts

CONCENTRATE ON ONE OBJECT:  Similar to mantras you can use a simple visual object to fill your mind and allow you to reach to a deeper consciousness. This is open eye meditation.  This is great to do daily if you’re not in a comfortable setting, and on the go and start experiencing stress, or negative thoughts.  Just keep your concentration on one object until your vision starts to dim and the object consumes your vision

PRACTICE VISUALIZATION:  I just love this technique probably the most.  It’s super easy to apply whenever you feel stressed, sad, upset, or overwhelmed. It involves creating a peaceful place in your mind and exploring it, until your thoughts are calm.  It can be a favorite place, mine is always the beach. You don’t need to create this space, just assume it’s at the forefront of your mind.  If you’re at home, you can always add meditational music and lay down.

ALWAYS FOCUS ON THE BREATH:  The easiest way to calm down the central nervous system and to slowly center your thoughts is keeping the focus on your breath and emptying your mind. You can just practice this technique if you start to feel any feelings that would cause you to not be calm.

BECOME AWARE OF YOUR BODY:  No matter what your doing become more aware of your body’s movement and how you feel in the present moment.  Observe the movement of each body part like your fingers moving will allow you to practice being mindful. When your stressed, upset, sad, or feel the need to react write down your feelings to explore how you feel, and why you feel the way you do. It will allow you to center your thoughts and calm your nervous system.

PRACTICE MINDFUL EATING:  What you eat affects your overall mood, and stress. Mindful eating will help you be the best you can be and that comes to making choices that affect your overall well being.

COMMIT TO A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE:  Living a healthy lifestyle will contribute more beneficial to meditation.  This means eating clean and more balanced, sleeping enough, and exercising.

UNDERSTAND THAT MEDITATION IS YOUR JOURNEY: The purpose of meditation is to calm the mind, achieve inner peace, and a sense of happiness and enlightenment, so it may take years to reach enlightenment as long as you see improvements and feel more calm and happy that’s all that matters.

EXERCISE: I find that meditating comes super easy after working out, so try to incorporate more exercise to your routine and add meditation for a few minutes after.

MAKE AN EFFORT TO WORK AT IT: Like anything in life in order for you to get good at something you have to constantly work at it, so don’t give up and know that the light at the end of the tunnel is far more rewarding than going backwards.

BELIEVE THAT YOU CAN CHANGE: All this great advice is awesome that I’m giving, however if you don’t believe your worthy of changing or think it’s possible, well guess what it’s never going to happen, so let go of those past defeating thoughts, because now is a new moment to take the chance to change!

DISCLAIMER: The nutritional and well-being information on this site is not intended to be a substitute for professional nutritional or  medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. 

HEALTHY LIVING TALE: A WINTER GREEN AFTERNOON IN NYC

NYC in the winter seems more like a white out of winter wonderland, than a lush landscape of green! Green, a favorite color for many Americans, including myself is symbolic of growth, change, balance, and being the master healer of heath. So it’s no surprise how transformational this color is as we head into the spring season. Even though it’s slushy and frigid outside, green is NYC’S color of the moment.

Green permeates my weekly routine from daily stops at New York’s hottest Juice joints like Liquiteria and Juice Generation. From a Saturday afternoon brunch in the charming east village at the noteworthy Angelica’s Kitchen, a vegetarian organic restaurant which truly makes the experience of eating green so delish!  There is something about eating an amazing mélange of seasonal greens with avocados that puts me in quite the shopping mood!

As I stroll through the bustling streets of Soho, NYC’s landmark area for the best shopping, it’s hard not to notice retailers like Guess and H&M filling their merchandising displays with green inspired clothing. Just as retailers are anxiously awaiting the surge of spring fever to hit, I am so hyped with a feeling of spring fever from all “greens” that I feel compelled to stop in and purchase some lightweight fitness apparel at LuLulemon.  Now, I can fuel my anticipated excitement and countdown of the days I can run in the awe inspiring and Green Central Park!

HERE ARE SOME LINKS OF PRODUCTS THAT INSPIRE ME WITH THIS TALE

http://myvega.com/product/vega-one-nutritional-shake/

VEGA ONE NUTRITIONAL SHAKE

http://www.dermstore.com/product_Green+Papaya+Nutrient+Mask_9934.htm

Green Papya Nutrient Mask

https://www.nutribullet.com/

THE NUTRIBULLET

www.sephora.com

http://www.sephora.com/eau-parfumee-green-tea-P0847?skuId=

Bvlgari Parfumee Green Tea 

http://shop.lululemon.com/products/clothes-accessories/tanks-no-support/Run-Swiftly-Racerback-32974?cc=4250&skuId=3577100&catId=tanks-

Run: Swiftly Tech Racerback

http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/accessories-jewelry/34149690.jsp#/

 Marchmont Drops $44.00 at Anthropologie

http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/home-garden/31907611.jsp#/

Canyon Fringe Hammock 118.00

http://www.lulus.com/products/without-further-ado-green-maxi-dress/188802.html

Maxi Green Dress at Lulu’s for $52.00

http://shop.lululemon.com/products/clothes-accessories/mens-jackets-and-hoodies-hoodies/Revival-Hoodie?cc=16817&skuId=3574841&catId=mens-jackets-and-hoodies-hoodies

Men’s Revival Hoodie at LuLulemon $108

For more information go to www.simplydelish4u.com