Tag Archives: Active Lifestyle

The New Year Plan!

Posted on January 5, 2012 by Barbara| 9 Comments

Yes it’s that time of year when we are ready to make those changes that have been haunting us all year. Its resolution time! The time of year when we have the ability to start over with a clean slate.  For me I feel as if we should always be practicing positive things in our lives and the New Year is just a way to have the good fortune of experiencing life and its wonders once again. However, I understand that many like to say, “This is it! I am going to do it this year!”   “It” being lose weight.

Healthy living is a challenge to many, frankly to the majority. So for those of you who are looking to join me on the journey of living a healthier life this New Year, here are a few tips that have helped my clients and I achieve success!

~Make a REALISTIC plan! Baby steps…yes, slow and steady does win the race.  Don’t say you are going to hit the gym every day if you really cant. Besides, working out everyday isn’t good for your body. Aim at 3 days at first, and gradually work your way to 5. Allow yourself 2 days of recovery and then get back on your schedule.  If you can give it 30 minutes great! Remember even 10 minutes is better than no minutes.

~Set REALITIC goals! If you’ve never been a size 2 and always a 12 chances are you are not going to be.  Especially if you’re giving yourself 6 months to do it!  The numbers you should be focusing on are your internal numbers not your pant size.  See your medical practitioner and get a check up first. How is your cholesterol? Your blood pressure? Make those numbers your objective. Eventually your pant size will follow.

~Find something you love~ Zumba, cycling, yoga, walking, running, dancing.  Allow yourself to have fun while your are working out. One of the biggest reasons people give up is due to boredom. Be consistently inconsistent. Shake this up and find something that keeps you wanting to do it! Wanting more!Partner up~ find someone that will workout with you. A friend, partner, your kids! A buddy system is very important for motivation and support.  Call me! :) Surround yourself with people that are looking to achieve the same health & fitness goals you are. There is nothing worse than negative peer pressure!

~Keep a journal~ I love to write so this is easy for me. Not only is it therapeutic but it also reminds me of things I did or need to do. However, be sure you are honest! If you ate a piece of cake, write down that you ate a piece of cake! Be true to yourself….always!

~Make a meal plan~ Aim at every Sunday writing your menu for the week. Not only will your weight benefit but so will your wallet.  Visualize the market you are going to and write your shopping list accordingly. Stick to the ingredients you need for you meals and nothing extra.Make healthy choices when eating & snacking.  Always keep healthy snacks on hand in single portions. This will help you avoid attacking the fridge/pantry when starved.

~Eat balanced meals~ Three main meals & two healthy snacks. Get that metabolism going by eating every 3 hours.

~ALWAYS practice portion control!Eat breakfast like a King, lunch like a Prince, & dinner like a Pauper…no, not my quote but love it nonetheless!

~Drink plenty of water, meditate regularly, breathe, & enjoy the Journey!

Have a great one! Make today & everyday count….why sell yourself short?!?!

Besos y Abrazos..xoxo  ”….Barbara por Atras, Barbara por Adelante, y Siempre Barbara por Adentro!”

 

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Go For IT!!

Posted on December 20, 2011 by Barbara| 5 Comments

A simple Thought for Tuesday.  As we are running around last minute shopping and reflecting on the year that has passed us by all to quickly. Remember these very important & wise words~

“Life is Short….BUY the Shoes!!” :)

Make it a Great one….Today & Everyday!! Have fun & Enjoy the Journey!

Besos y Abrazos….xoxo  ”…..Barbara por Atras, Barbara por Adelante, y Siempre Barbara por Adentro!”

PS. Thank you D :) xoxo….

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‘Tis the Season to Stay Warm

Posted on December 9, 2011 by Barbara| 8 Comments

I’m cold  so something nice and warm is calling my name. I think a nice healthy hot home cooked oatmeal, NOT instant baggy style,  is the right breakfast choice for today, sprinkled with a little cinnamon. Yummy!

Oatmeal is so good for you loaded with dietary fiber and a great source of good carbs. Starting your day with a healthy breakfast such as this one will put you on the right path for the rest of your day. Add a nice small side of berries and you are set with the necessary antioxidants to fight off the colds this season brings. Yes, V already has the sniffles so she is loading up on blueberries today! :)

My body calls for warm dishes this time of year and soups are my fav. Today I’m sharing a Butternut Squash recipe I love courtesy of Whole Foods Market.

Staying true to myself and my playing with recipes there are times I’ve enhanced this recipe to give the soup a nice yummy metabolism kick. Simply  add 2tsp chopped fresh ginger & 1 tbsp red curry paste into the carrot, celery, and onion mix! Either way it is absolutely delicioso! :)

Classic Butternut Squash Soup

  • 2 tbsp EVOO
  • 2/3 cup diced carrot
  • 1/2 cup diced celery
  • 2/3 cup diced onion
  • 4 cups cubed butternut squash
  • 1/2 tsp chopped fresh thyme
  • 4 to 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • Sea Salt & ground pepper to taste

Heat EVOO in a large soup pot add carrot, celery, & onion. Cook until veggies have begun to soften and onion turns translucent, about 3-4 minutes.  Add squash and thyme. Stir to combine all and add broth, S&P. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer until squash is fork-tender, about 30 minutes. Let the soup cool slightly and puree in batches in a blender.  Makes 6 servings~ 140 calories per serving, 6g total fat, 6g protein, 20g total carbs, 5g dietary fiber, 0mg cholesterol, 180mg sodium. Told you it was great for you! Enjoy! :)

Have a Great One! Get Moving and Make it Yours!

Besos y Abrazos…xoxo  ”….Barbara por Atras, Barbara por Adelante, y Siempre Barbara por Adentro!” :)

 

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Coquito Time!!

Posted on December 1, 2011 by Barbara| 6 Comments

And yes Low Fat too!

Its that time of year when I get to make my fav, My Low Fat Coquito! Que Rico! Our rendition of the traditional Egg Nog….but better :) Easy to whip up and not too bad for the waistline.  A win win in my book!

“…Barbara por Atras” Low Fat Coquito~

  • 1 12 oz can Fat Free Evaporated Milk
  • 1 14oz Fat Free Condensed Milk
  • 15oz Coconut Milk (buy the carton fresh in the dairy section of your market, its better for you than canned)
  • 1/2 cup of Egg Beater
  • 1/4 tsp Ground Cinnamon
  • 1 cup Dark Rum

Blend all together & process for about 3 minutes or until it gets frothy. Serve with a little cinnamon sprinkled on top. Store in the fridge & Enjoy!  Like my dad would say “Pascua!!”

Have a Fabulous one! Get Moving & Make it Great!

Besos y Abrazos…xoxo   “….Barbara por Atras, por Adelante, y Siempre por Adentro!”

 

 

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Thankful…

Posted on November 22, 2011 by Barbara| 6 Comments

I went back to last years Thanksgiving blog and what I found was quite interesting. The only thing that changed was that a full year had passed. Well, maybe an i Phone…Enjoy the read & Happy Thanksgiving! :)

Posted on November 22, 2010 by Barbara

Gathering my recipes and gathering my thoughts, that is what today has been like for me. Most of the time I am on auto pilot with breaks in between for battery recharging aka yoga/meditation :) Although I aimed for much of the same, today has been a little different.  What am I thankful for? I’ve been asking my kids this question so why not ask myself.  I am thankful for my family, my husband, my kids, my sister, my mom, my brother, my niece, and my nephews. My friends, my home, and my clothes :) My shoes, my wine, my Mac.  My new snazzy Flip video camera, my Jets when they win :) and my Yankees even when they lose. I am thankful for the sun that shines and the rain that falls. For the arguments that open my mind and my ability to do so. For Barklow even though he makes me vacuum twice a day :( and for the fact that I can burn some calories while doing so :)  For the memories that tug my heart and for that hole that will never be replaced.  For the eyes I will never forget and for the touch I so long for. I guess the bottom line is I am thankful for everything my life is about and everyone that has touched it. Many of you know what Thanksgiving day is to my family. For those that don’t, 7 yrs ago the day after Thanksgiving was the last time I hugged and kissed my dad goodbye. Although I am writing with tears in my eyes and much of my being just wants to scream, I don’t. I smile and am so thankful for feeling this pain. The pain is only as great as the love. For that I am thankful :)

Enjoy this beautufl time of year my friends. Be thankful even when you don’t want to be. No matter how hard it seams, it is a beautiful life one that we ought to be Thankful for :)

Now, do enjoy the yummy’s!  I know that even though I tell you not to overdue it you probably will. After all what kind of Thanksgiving would it be if we are not stuffed! :) However, remember, the traditional Thanksgiving feast can be very healthy. Load up on the veggies and turkey. Stick to sweet potato and a small portion of stuffing :) and DO NOT forget to save some room for the pumpkin pie, apple pie, and all the other pies, my fav!! :)

Have a Great Holiday!  Happy Thanksgiving!! Que la pacen de maravilla! :)

Besos y Abrazos….xoxo    ”….Barbara por Atras, Barbara por Adelante, y Siempre Barbara por Adentro!” :)

 

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Low Fat Pumpkin Pie!

Posted on November 14, 2011 by Barbara| 10 Comments

Shhhhh no one has to know and no one will be able to tell.  Two things I LOVE to do when cooking.  Once your family or guests are enjoying every last morsel of your heavenly delicious dish, THEN you tell them what was in it.

Whether its added veggies in a pasta sauce for the kids or honey instead of sugar in pumpkin pie, thinking outside the box and using alternative ingredients to traditional dishes is the key to healthier recipes. Its not necessary to change tradition, however it is necessary to enhance them so that we may be able to enjoy la fiesta for years to come!

My Low Fat Pumpkin Pie~


Ingredients~

  • Low Fat Unbaked 9-inch Organic Pie Crust
  • 1 can 100% Pure Pumpkin (15 oz)
  • 1/2 cup of Pure Honey
  • 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Ground Ginger
  • 1/4 tsp Ground Nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp Ground Cloves
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 can 2% Evaporated Milk (12 fl oz)

Directions~

  1. Mix cinnamon, salt, ginger, nutmeg and cloves in a small bowl.
  2. Beat eggs in a large bowl.
  3. Stir in pumpkin & spice mixture.
  4. Add evaporated milk & honey and blend well.
  5. Pour into pie shell
  6. Bake in preheated 375 degree oven for 50 minutes or until knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Remove from the oven and allow cooling for at least 2 hours.
  8. Serve or refrigerate….Enjoy!

Have a Healthy & Fit Fabulous Day!

Besos y Abrzos….xoxo   “…..Barbara por Atras, por Adelante, y Siempre por Adentro!”

 

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Pie & Wine……

Posted on November 12, 2011 by Barbara| 4 Comments

Be Thankful

Be thankful that you don’t already have everything you desire.
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?
Be thankful when you don’t know everything,
for it gives you the opportunity to learn.
Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.
Be thankful for your limitations,
because they give you opportunities for improvement.
Be thankful for each new challenge
because it will build your strength and character.
Be thankful for your mistakes.
They will teach you valuable lessons.
Be thankful when you’re tired and weary,
because it means you’ve made a difference.

During this month of gratitude, & season of reflection I will be sharing with you all the things I am thankful for.  Although my family is without a doubt what I am most thankful for,  I feel the need to start with two things that often keep me going…..

Pie & Wine…..and yes its Low Fat! :)

As some of you may know I have had a recent case of what I thought was wine allergy. Well, after a visit to an allergist and a game of trial and error, it appears the grapes are not all to blame.  A component in the wine, which I think is a preservative, is the cause of my sinus congestion.  After trying better wines and different regions, I am once again able to enjoy my vino!

Have a Wonderful Day filled with Fun, Fitness, Food, y Familia! :)

Besos y Abrazos…xoxo  ”….Barbara por Atras, por Adelante, y Siempre por Adentro!

 

 

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Fabulous Fit Friday!

Posted on November 4, 2011 by Barbara| 1 Comment

Time to finish off the week with a bang!

Another week is almost over. The weekend is here. Time to kick back and enjoy some quality time with those we love. And then comes a new week…..do over time!

Some may think that I’m rushing with the thought, but I see it as excited anticipation of doing things! Its not like I’m living waiting for a “day to come” I am planning on the great things  ”that day” will bring! There’s a difference.

Planning, time management, organizing, de-cluttering. All things that I strongly believe are necessary tools for success. Whether its in reaching fitness, work, school, or personal goals. They are the KEY!  Try it. Organize your desk, drawers, pantry….you will feel the weight come right off and the clarity in your vision crystal.  For me its as simple as throwing out the trash! Nothing worse than an overloaded trash bag…..ahhh clean & clear.

Today I am going to share some of the pics from the American Heart Association Latino Health Summit~ Tu Corazon Latino I attended last week.  A great group of leaders coming together to tackle the health issues that so greatly effect us all.

I am looking forward to continuing or mission…..our passion.

Enjoy!

Joining Co-Charis Lucinda Desir & Dr. Ortiz

Go Red Panel~ A Day in the Life of the American Latina

Signing & Sharing my Passion

Have a great one! Make Health & Fitness a priority! Beauty comes from the inside out…..Show the Glow! :)

Besos y Abrazos….xoxo  ”…..Barbara por Atras, Barbara por Adelante, y Siempre Barbara por Adentro!”

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Things I Learned….

Posted on October 28, 2011 by Barbara| 8 Comments

 

“The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience” ~Eleanor Roosevlet


I can’t believe this week is over! October is soon coming to a close, Mother Nature has blown some cold wind upon us, and before you know it we will be toasting to a Happy & Healthy New Year! Wow, cliche or not, time is flying by!

With that said, I thought I’d blog today about the things I learned this week. I like looking at each day as a learning experience and am the first to tell you that although I may know much about certain things, I love the fact that I still have so much more to learn….keeps me young at heart :)

I started my week filled with allergy frustration. Realizing that staying away from wine wasn’t alleviating my congestion & recognizing that it may be a component of something else, I bit the bullet and made an appointment to see an allergist. Meanwhile I will take an Allegra-D daily on an empty stomach. Yes, empty stomach is the key! Didn’t read that fine line before. “Read” (key word/lesson) directions even when you “think” you know what to do :)

I learned that as much as I am influencing my kids to eat healthy & stay away from junk food, there is a time in the year where you just have to bite the bullet and give in. Yes, we are upon that time of year. My home is filled with Halloween goodies~ cupcakes & candy! Now its up to me to stay away from it all…..live by example B :)  We have a few weeks to break from it all before Thanksgiving & Christmas…oh boy!

I learned that although I knew we had a big issue with health care in our country, its much bigger than many know. I also learned that our education system really needs some major revamping! Actually no new news there.

I learned that although sometimes I feel as if I am fighting an uphill battle preaching to people the importance & value of living a healthy life for themselves and their family, it is something that I will continue to do. Why? Because, I firmly believe that is what I was put on this earth to do.

Often I miss my days at Jaguar LandRover, my corporate days. And have said before how leaving that world was one the hardest decisions I had to do in my life.  Last night driving home feeling energized from the days events, I realized & learned something extremely valuable for my being that helped me accept that decision once again. One of the questions asked yesterday to the panel at the AHA Summit by the wonderful Maria Hinojosa, was what drove our emotional heart. I answered what drove me, which was my children and their future as leaders and individuals. Mostly because I strongly believe that what we fuel our bodies with are detrimental not only to the well-being of our bodies but to development of our minds/brains, body/self image etc.  But what I didn’t say was what tugs my emotional heart. My family in general.

My emotional heart is tugged by the loss of my dad to a massive heart attack. The fact that I never met my grandfathers due to them passing early in life due to heart related illnesses. The sad unfortunate reality that both my in-laws were taken from us way to soon after losing their battle with cancer.  So, what really drives my emotional heart is the reality that If I don’t preach the grave importance of living a healthy life to my kids, my husband, my mom, my sister, my niece, nephews, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, cousins, aunts, friends….everyone, well then I would be doing a huge disservice to them, those who left us too soon, & the world as a whole.

I once read this quote, “Those who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, usually do” and didn’t think much of it. Today I learned that I am one of those people. I love what I do, and I love educating & motivating people to embrace healthy living as a way of life. One by one, day by day. We will get there….

One more thing I learned, well I knew it already, but its nice to see again. Love & support from family & friends is priceless AND my kids think I ROCK! :)

Have a fabulous weekend all!

Get MOVING & make some smart health & fitness choices for yourself & your family!

Besos y Abrazos….xoxo  ”…..Barbara por Atras, Barbara por Adelante, y Siempre Barbara por Adentro!”

PS Almost forgot! As much as I LOVE my Christian Louboutin shoes/boots, I learned one valuable lesson that Michael will be very happy to hear! Steve Maddens knock off’s are much more comfortable and only $89 bucks on Zappos! :)

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Not My Vino!!

Posted on October 24, 2011 by Barbara| 8 Comments

I am freaking out right about now and frankly in disbelief.  It all started last Summer when after a day of celebrating Michael’s birthday I woke the next morning feeling as if I had a severe case of the flu coming on. Major sinus infection, chills, the works!  I never in a million years thought it was due to the Chardonnay I so wonderfully enjoyed.  It wasn’t until another episode occurred that I shook my head and said “NO way!” I ran to my handy helper and “Googled” away! Sure enough I found much information on the many allergic reactions to sulfates, a preservative commonly used in Wine. Since I am a seasonal Chardonnay connoisseur I brushed it off, NEVER thinking it would happen with my Merlot. After all, all the reports stated that white wines have a higher content of sulfates, and I can probably live without sulfates thanks to the many organic options out there.

Well, not so fast. Don’t think its sulfate related after all. This fall I’ve suffered from allergies more than I normally do. Blamed it on rag weed and pet dander. NEVER thought it had anything to do with the glass of Merlot I so look forward to after a long days work.

As many know I am one who listens to their body and truly analyzes all the effects different foods give me.  I went back to reading & research.  Luckily I came across a great site for Beekman Wines & Liquor out of Glen Rock, NJ.  True to my heart this liquor store keeps a blog of great information on wine & alcoholic beverages.  I came across a post on  RWH (Red Wine Headache). Luckily I don’t suffer from the headache part, but since it is related I read on.  Much of what was written made great sense, but since it didn’t exactly pertain to sinus/stuffy nose I decided to drop them a line explaining my dilemma.

Less than an hour after pressing send, I received a great note from Joel Mitchel of Beekman Wine & Liquors.  Got to love good customer service :)

What I loved about his note was that he reiterated what my instincts were already telling me.  Below are a few of the steps he suggested I take:

Some suggestions:

1. See an allergist. They may be able to test you for various sensitivities common to wine.

2. Try taking an antihistamine before drinking. Even a VERY small dose (half or even 1/4 of a pill may alleviate your symptoms with no alcohol/antihistamine danger.

3. In my experience, Sauvignon Blancs and Pinot Noirs cause fewer problems than other wines. Also French wines may be better for you than American.

4. You might also try some organic wines. More and more are available today. Many French (and other) wines are produced organically even if they make no claim on the label. You may have to do some research.

Joel also made a good point. He stated how it clearly wasn’t red vs white related ruling sulfate out and pinpointing to another component found in wines that I may be sensitive to.  Unfortunately don’t know what that is…yet!

When I tell you that Wine stores and Vitamin shoppes are my “libraries” I am not kidding! I LOVE standing before a wall filled with all the varieties reading about them all! There are nights where I actually dream about living beside a beautiful wine vineyard! :)

So no, this is not the end! I will find out what is going on. I will test and research and learn. I know I am not the only one out there, and know that  this will not end my love affair with my Vino….maybe just for the time being.

No joke, I was in bed all day Saturday after simply enjoying two glasses of Merlot! That was not good! Now its becoming a quality of life issue, and that I will not accept.

On that note…stay tuned. My allergy free wine journey has begun! :)

Until the next time….Enjoy a clean living preservative free day! :)

Besos y Abrazos…xoxo “….Barbara por Atras, Barbara por Adelante, y Siempre Barbara por Adentro!”

PS. Thank you Joel! Looking forward to meeting you in person during my next visit to North Jersey! ~ Beekman Wine & Liquor




 

 

 

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