August 28, 2020 1 Comment

The Benefits Of Walking

Since the country has been living in a very strange time for the last six months due to Covid, I feel like we have to continue to be creative on how we can keep maintaining a healthy lifestyle. A lot of gyms and exercise classes are still closed at this point and a lot of people aren’t ready to go back if they are open. At home workouts in a spare room or yard can be a great thing to get in the habit of doing and help you keep your sanity and those extra pesky pounds off. However, I like to change up my workouts so I don’t get bored doing the same thing every day. One low impact and free workout that often gets overlooked, is one of my favorites to do- walking! I feel like a lot of people have the misconception that walking is not considered a very good workout and will not help you lose weight. Not only can it help drop some pounds, but it offers a lot of other health benefits as well. So, the next time you have a free 20 minutes and feel like moving, put on your most comfortable walking shoes and head outside!

Improves Circulation

If you can add 20-30 minutes of walking several days a week, you will help improve the circulation in your body. A brisk walk will get your heartbeat up and will get your blood pumping. After time, this helps to strengthen your heart which will lead to better circulation throughout your body.

Helps Your Mental Health

One of the best things I can do for myself when I am feeling anxious is take a walk. It allows me to remove myself from the environment that might have been adding stress to me, move my body around and distract myself while doing it. I personally find getting some fresh air and allowing myself to be surrounded by nature very soothing to the soul.

Lose Weight

Going on regular walks has been proven to help with weight loss. Once you have gotten your body used to getting up and moving, add some extra challenges to your walk. You can increase your speed, go on different routes that include hills and add extra distance.

Catch Up With Loved Ones

Walking does not have to be a solo activity. Grab your family members or call a friend to meet you at a local park or trail. Use this time away from home to catch up with someone you love without any distractions.

Increases Energy

You are probably wondering, did I read that correctly? How can exercising make me have more energy? Studies have proven that if you find yourself sedentary during the day, try getting up and doing a quick walk. If you cannot leave your house, just try walking up and down your steps 10 times. Walking around will increase the blood flow in your body, which helps more oxygen reach your brain! Skip that cup of coffee and give it a try!

June 26, 2020 Leave a Comment

Staying Active and Healthy At Home

2020 has definitely been a year filled with challenges so far. Since we are still practicing social distancing during this pandemic, it can make it hard to stay as active as you were when you were able to go out more and go to the gym. I think one of the most important things that can help you maintain a sense of normality and calm is to plan a routine and stick with it! I found myself staring into the fridge several times a day in search of a snack. I think it so easy to form bad snacking habits when you have more down time on your hands- not to mention I am currently snacking for two! Since I have baby four in my belly, it is super important to me to stay active and healthy during this extra time I have at home. I have listed some of the things I have added into my daily routine that have helped me get in some extra steps and maintain a healthy diet. Hopefully some of these things will help you if you have found yourself struggling like I was at first!

At Home Workouts

There are so many ways you can access workouts out from home that use minimal or no equipment. Pinterest is filled with different toning exercises, Youtube has every workout imaginable and there are a ton of apps! Take some time to research what exercise will fit your needs and looks like something that will keep your attention.

Food Prep

If you have an extra few minutes throughout the week, try to prep snacks and meals. I know I will usually make a healthier choice if I can reach into the fridge and grab fruit or veggies that have already been washed and chopped up. I also find it less stressful at dinner time if I have planned out what I am going to be making for my family for the week. As an extra bonus, meal prepping can also help you save money on your grocery bill because you are more likely to make a list when you shop and stick to it!

Go On A Walk

If you are getting cabin fever, throw on some shoes and get outside for a bit. Even if you aren’t power walking, you are still getting your body up and moving. Fresh air always makes me feel better, too!

Log Your Food

There are a lot of different apps that let you log your food intake throughout the day. If you prefer not using a smartphone to log, keep a journal. It can help you track how many calories you are taking in each day and help you make mindful choices when figuring out what you want to eat. I always feel like I have more success losing weight or maintaining my weight when I am logging my food.

Walk While You Talk

If you are chatting on the phone with someone, try walking around the house while you are talking. You might feel silly at first doing laps in your family room, but you will most likely forget what you are doing once the conversation takes off. I find I am able to get in a ton of extra steps throughout my day when I do this!

Make It A Family Affair

Staying active doesn’t have to be boring. If you’re not feeling into another cardio workout in front of your tv, spruce it up a bit. Grab your family members and plan a fun activity that will get you moving. It could be going on a hike, having a dance off or jumping rope. Any moving around is good for you, so you might as well make it fun!

Accountability

I have always found having a workout buddy can help you keep yourself accountable. Find a friend that also wants to stay active and healthy. Check in with one another during the week and share what things are working for you. Sharing tips and tricks, listening and checking in often can keep you on the right track!

April 10, 2020 1 Comment

Boosting Your Energy Without Caffeine

As a mom of three (soon to be four) little ones, I need to have a lot of energy during the day to keep up. There never seems to be a dull moment in our house and I am always running after someone, doing household chores or playing with my kids. I know a lot of people’s go to on keeping up with their busy life and kids is caffeine, especially coffee! I can see the appeal and I love the smell of coffee brewing. However, I personally do not drink caffeine. Mind blown, right? Most mama’s I know thrive on those hot (who are we kidding- lukewarm on a good day) mugs of tastiness every morning and I understand why. Caffeine can keep you going and give you that extra boost when you feel your feet dragging. Since, I choose to live a caffeine free lifestyle , I am always on the hunt for things that will give me a natural boost of energy. I am not superwomen disguised in leggings- I too need that energy boost whenever I can get it. Check out some of my favorite ways I boost my energy throughout the day without the use of caffeine. Maybe you can add one of these to your routine and keep yourself energized to the max!

Exercise

Making sure your body gets enough activity during the day can play a huge role in how you feel and how much energy you have. It can be hard to make yourself workout on days you are feeling extra sluggish, but try to push yourself. By going on a 15 minute walk, doing some light stretching or even climbing up and down your stairs a few times, you are getting your heart rate up. This will help give you a natural mood boost and feel more refreshed when you are done.

Eat More Protein

Having a diet that consists of lots of healthy protein is key to providing your body with the fuel it needs. Protein takes longer to break down during the day than eating foods that are high in fat. This means you are giving yourself something that provides a longer lasting energy source. Try some new recipes off of Pinterest to see what protein sources are your favorite or look into adding a protein powder to your shake or drinks during the day.

Take a Power Nap

We are often led to believe that taking a nap throughout the day is considered being lazy or unproductive. However, there have been many studies that show how good a short power nap can be to your health. On the days that you feel yourself really dragging, let your body give into what it is craving and catch some zzz’s for a little while. As long as you don’t oversleep during your naps, you should wake up feeling more rested and with an extra pep to your step to finish out your day!

Drink a Glass of Water

I know a glass of water does not sound as appealing as your latte or mocha. However, if you are not intaking enough water throughout the day, your body can become dehydrated which can result in you feeling sluggish. Make sure you are staying hydrated all day long. It not only helps your energy levels, but can also help with weight loss! If plain water is not for you, check out my blog here that I wrote on 7 water infusions that will naturally boost your energy!

Add Superfoods to Your Diet

Just like adding protein filled foods to your diet is beneficial, so is adding what experts call superfoods. Superfoods are known to be packed with healthy nutrition that help support the immune system, your stamina, mental healthy and energy. Some of my favorites that I like to add into my diet throughout the day are blueberries, avocado, salmon and oats!

Take Your Vitamins

I feel like as a parent I am always mindful of my kids taking their vitamins every day. However, this is definitely an area that I need to practice what I preach. I am trying to make sure I am getting better at taking vitamins every day. It is so important to make sure your body is getting all of the nutrients that it needs and a multivitamin is the perfect way to accomplish that. When your body isn’t being deprived of key nutrients, you naturally feel better and have more energy!

November 8, 2019 Leave a Comment

Healthy Alternatives for Two of Your Favorite Holiday Treats

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Every year from October through December it’s a battle of wills between my hereditary sweet tooth (thanks mom) and all of the holiday treats floating around. And since I’m not one to punish my body by starving or denying it a little dessert every now and then, I’ve found a few hacks that deliver the yum while still being totally healthy!

If you’re looking to indulge this holiday season but still stay on track for your health goals, try these genius swaps.

Healthy Alternatives for Two of Your Favorite Holiday Treats

Eat this, not that…

Protein Peanut Butter Cups instead of Reeses

I’ve been notorious for raiding my kids’ trick-or-treat bag for all the Reeses cups. Those things are so good! But this year, because I’m cutting the processed sugar, I whipped up the most delicious copy-cat…protein peanut butter cups! They taste just like a Reeses, but they’re packed with protein and natural ingredients.

Check out this video for easy instructions and the exclusive Kylee’s Korner recipe below!

Kylee’s Korner Protein PB cups:

(Makes 5-7)

4 TBSP natural crunchy PB
1/4 C (vanilla protein powder)
4 TBSP Unsweeted Vanilla Almond Milk
1/3 C 60% or 90% dark chocolate
5-7 silicone cupcake cups

1. Combine all ingredients except dark chocolate in a bowl.

2. Melt Dark Chocolate according to package directions

3. Pour small amount of chocolate into bottom of each silicone cup, swirl around to coat the bottom.

4. Spoon PB mix into each chocolate coated cup, then top with the remaining chocolate.

5. Freeze for at least 15 minutes

6. Pop Out and Enjoy!

Eat this, not that…

Dark Chocolate Salted Protein Truffles instead of that box of chocolates

Every year a box of chocolates inevitably falls into my lap and is usually gone within a day. This year I found the most amazing swap that satisfies my chocolate craving without all the sugar and fat. So I’ll be freezing these dark chocolate truffles to keep on hand and re-gifting that box of chocolates!

Dark Chocolate Salted Protein Truffles:

(Makes 15)

3 TBSP Natural PB
2 TBSP Unsweet Dark Cocoa Powder
1 C Dry Rolled Oats
1 tsp salt
Splash of Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk
2 TBSP hard coconut oil
1/3 C Dark Chocolate Chips
2 Scoops Vanilla Protein Powder ()
Drizzle or 2 of all natural Honey

1. Mix PB, Dark Cocoa Powder, Rolled Oats, Protein Powder, coconut oil, salt and splash of almond milk together in a bowl.

2. Drizzle honey to add some strength to help in combine. Add a little more almond milk if needed.

3. Mix in Dark Chocolate Chips

4. Roll into 15 small balls and enjoy! Freeze what you don’t eat and get one out any time you have a sweet attack!

As far as healthy holiday hacks go, protein powder can make some really delicious, guilt-free desserts. Try these healthy protein brownies for example.

The holidays don’t need to be a reason to stop your healthy habits. Before you hit a holiday party, drink a protein shake to avoid overeating. While you’re there, fill your plate first with veggies, fruit, and lean protein and save a bit of room for that sip of eggnog. Happy holidays!

June 27, 2019 Leave a Comment

How To Have a Spa Day at Home

Who else loves a good spa day? I’m a big believer in self-care for every lady. We need to create time for ourselves to disconnect for a period from the world and focus on our well-being. For me, one of the most relaxing things to do is a spa day. Unfortunately, going to a local spa for a day of services can get costly. But, I’ve found I can create a relaxing spa atmosphere from the comfort of my own home for a fraction of the price! It might not have all the fancy bells and whistles that an actual spa would have, but I find the most important part is being able to just relax and take a moment to breathe. I definitely suggest if you have kiddos at home, try your best to make plans for them outside of the house. I love being with my kids more than anything, but I am not able to fully focus on self-care if they are in the same place as I am. Over the years I have learned to feel less selfish when I take a few moments to myself and recharge. I truly think it benefits us all when I am refreshed and ready to give 100% of myself. Ladies- plan a few hours sometime soon and treat yourself to a day of beauty at home. I have shared some of the things I love to do during my alone time, along with some of my favorite products. Happy relaxing!

Pretty Nails

A must have during your spa day is fresh and pretty nails. By now you guys have probably seen my posts on the press on nails I have fallen in love with. If you haven’t tried them yet, you definitely should! There are so many colors, shapes and lengths to choose from and they last longer than any other press on nails I have tried.

Fancy Feet

If your fingernails are going to look pretty, then your toenails need to be on point, too! I love using a foot mask before I go to work on filing, buffing and painting. This foot mask is affordable and can be found at Target. It is really easy to use and is mess free! After I have used it I like to follow up with my electronic foot file or the basic ones used in nail salons. Amazon has great prices on both!

Foot Mask

Electronic Foot File

Pedicure Kit

At Home Facials

I love getting a good facial. Not only are they relaxing, but they are an important part of skin care. I have tried tons of different masks at home and love seeing the results afterwards. Masks can range in price and what they are created to do for your face and skin. I’d suggest finding something in your price range and reading reviews before committing to trying something.

Estee Lauder Face Masks

Face Masks Variety

Massage Time

My other favorite part of a spa day is a massage! This is where I feel truly relaxed and feel the tension start to melt away. You can learn different techniques on how to do self massage on your hands, feet, etc. But, I love to go for the reliable and easy head massagers. Does anyone else feel the tingles when getting a good shampoo and rinse at a hair salon? This head massager allows you to give yourself that feeling for as long as you want. Winning!

Head Massager

Essential Oils

I have written about my love for essential oils before. When I am trying to relax and take a few deep calming breaths, I find lavender oil helps me. Spray a little on your wrist and inhale it throughout your day.

Lavender Oil Roll On

Bubble Bath Time

Bubble baths are a must have at the end of my spa day. I like to get all of the remaining lotions from my manicure and pedicure off before I get dressed and ready to tackle the rest of my day. Plus, bubble baths are the epitome of relaxing. Turn off the lights, light a candle and jam away to some chill music. I like to add a bath bomb for an added touch,

Bath Bombs

Chillin In Comfort

Once I am done with my bath and ready to get dressed, I still like to aim for comfort. I love wearing flip-flop slippers during the summer. I have linked a couple of pairs that look really comfortable, get great reviews and are priced well!

Microfiber Thong Slippers

Plush Flip-Flops Slippers