Tag: tips

tips

Mizuno Wave Rider 20 Review

November 10, 2016

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Mizuno If you are following me on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter, you probably noticed I was at DICK’S Sporting Goods Store in Allen, Texas to attend a special intimate event with Mizuno and learn about the Wave Rider 20. Since I am training for my next half and full marathon and RRCA Running Coach, I understand how vital picking the right shoe. Investing in quality and proper shoes helps prevent injuries and damage on your body. Mizuno Wave Rider 20 Review I was able to bring my fellow runner and sneakerhead Monisha of Runner’s Revelation with me as my guest. Since we both run and speak to or assist with runners, we got a chance to learn directly from Mizuno District Manager on their longest-standing shoe – the Wave Rider 20. The Wave Rider 20 reflects 20 iterations of refinement to deliver the right blend of soft cushioning and a smooth heel-to-toe transition. Mizuno franchise was the first to incorporate Wave Technology®. The Wave Rider 20 features new cloudwave® technology – designed using convex (u-shaped) geometry. This gives you a well-cushioned, flexible shoe with the support you need directly on your heel. The curve in thecloudwave® is longer and gentler to convert more of the runner’s heel impact into forward motion. You can identify the wave by looking at the white area on the bottom of the shoe. You will see the wave in pink… Waving* So what’s different? New cloudwave technology is the primary difference between the Wave Rider 20 and previous models.In addition, the midsole has been redesigned with comfort and durability. This improvement allows your feet comfort from running to explosive jump jacks during boot camp. Also, the shoe box is beyond AMAZING! After chatting with the expert and testing it out, I recommend this shoe for Runners who seek a Neutral Cushioned. These shoes are intended for runners who have a higher arch that does not pronate or collapse in very slightly. If your running show is the stability category like myself, then I suggest these shoes for Cross Training or Training Shoes. Training shoes are shoes that are used for the gym or boot camp, which is what I use them. They have enough arch support to allow you to run during workouts but plenty of breathing room and flexible for various gym circuits. After learning about the Mizuno Wave Rider 20, we had a mini photoshoot, scavenger hunt and grabbed a little bit from the uber healthy snack bar. The scavenger hunt was tiring as we had an adventure looking around DICK’S Sporting store for items. I didn’t realize they had soooo much stuff there. They have a little bit for every type of sport. You can check out my Facebook Live Video Anywho. If this interest you then you can check out the Wave Rider 20 nationally at your local DICK’s Sporting Goods, run specialty stores and online retailers with a retail price of $119.99. You can also learn more about the history of the Wave Rider and purchase a new pair at http://bit.ly/2eeZygl This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Mizuno. All opinions are my own.

Bone Broth For Hair Growth

October 7, 2016

When you get sick, often times everyone tell you to drink some chicken noodle soup. I finally learned another reason why is due to the broth. Bone broth isn’t new-new. Many cultures, dishes and even our ancestors have been using it for years. A few years ago, there was a big bone broth hype and I honestly ignored it because it was just another fad to me. It’s been said the vitamins and minerals you get from the broken-down bones have powerful healing properties and can help to alleviate joint and gut pain, boost your immune system, brighten skin and even make your hair shiny. Allison, Communications Specialist for Sprouts and Emilie Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and self-taught intuitive chef who runs the Zen and Spice blog, were on hand to teach us #bonebroth101 and two simple soup recipes using the bone broth. Bone broth can be used by simply swapping water or regular stock. BONE BROTH 101 Benefits of Bone Broth There are countless benefits in bone broth. The ones I was most impressed with the most are Treat leaky gut syndrome Overcome food intolerances and allergies Improve joint health Reduce cellulite Boost immune system Indigestion and gut health You can easily make your own batch of bone broth and freeze it for a rainy day or even use it for savory soups such as in a Shrimp Bisque soup. I attended the event with some of my fellow fitness and nutrition bloggers in the Dallas/ Ft. Worth area. The event was hosted at Sprout’s newest store in Allen, Texas . The new store has fresh juices, unique prepared foods and even a sushi area. You can find out more about new openings in your area here. Most of us had only heard about Bone Broth but honestly we all didn’t understand the benefits of bone broth and mostly the difference in it from broth. Different Between Broth, Stock and Bone Broth Nourished Kitchen has a great explanation of the different in Broth, Stock and Bone Broth. Broth is typically made with meat and can contain a small amount of bones (think of the bones in a fresh whole chicken). Broth is typically simmered for a short period of time (45 minutes to 2 hours). It is very light in flavor, thin in texture and rich in protein. Stock is typically made with bones and can contain a small amount of meat (think of the meat that adheres to a beef neck bone). Often the bones are roasted before simmering them as this simple technique greatly improves the flavor. Beef stocks, for example, can present a faint acrid flavor if the bones aren’t first roasted. Stock is typically simmered for a moderate amount of time (3 to 4 hours). Stock is a good source of gelatin. Bone Broth is typically made with bones and can contain a small amount of meat adhering to the bones. As with stock, bones are typically roasted first to improve the flavor of the bone broth. Bone broths are typically simmered for a very long period of time (often in excess of 24 hours), with the purpose being not only to produce gelatin from collagen-rich joints but also to release minerals from bones. At the end of cooking, the bones should crumble when pressed lightly between your thumb and forefinger. Benefits of Bone Broth for Hair and Skin So, I had to ask the nutritionist for the benefits of bone broth for growing hair and having amazing skin. There are countless but I will highlight the main ones. Collagen is the main nutrient in bone broth. Collagen is a protein found in the connective tissue, tendons, ligaments and bones. Collagen maintains skin elasticity and firmness additionally is assist with helping skin to be smooth and supple. Wrinkles occur when the collagen in your skin breaks down. Some people apply collagen type of products on the outside but many are choosing to start from the inside out. Your scalp is still skin so having a healthy scalp with has Additionally, bone broth contains other essential vitamins for growing healthy hair such as Magnesium (assist with acne issues and inflammation) and Calcium (Deficiency leads to dull hair). Oh and it’s packed with protein, one serving often contains as much as 10g of protein. Boom! Where to Buy Bone Broth & How to Make It Obviously, since we were at Sprouts, I learned you can purchase the bones in Sprouts‘ Old Tyme Butcher Shop. The butchers can custom-cut any meat, bone cuts or anything just the way you want it. They also can help you pick, which ones are right for your particular recipes. You can make bone broth on your own or you can purchase them. Note, when purchasing please review sourcing, ingredients and if collagen has been removed or added. Below are a few recommendations . I listed them in order of how long it takes to make or cook. DIY Bone Broth – Takes 48 hours Jarrow Bone Broth Powder – 5 Minutes Sprouts Organic Bone Broth – None Major thank you to Sprouts for inviting some of my fellow Dallas Fitness Ambassadors out to learn about Bone Broth. Special thanks to Zen and Spice for teaching us some simple fall soups using Bone Borth.

FitHair Healthy Refrigerator Tour

September 26, 2016

Studies have shown that we reach for what’s convenient and what’s visible. When it comes to eating healthy and having the right foods for hair growth, I make sure to keep my refrigerator stock with visible healthy items. I took a little bit of time to record what my fridge looks like and what I do to keep it healthy. Where do I stock up on healthy foods? I buy most of my food from Sprouts either on Amazon Prime or in store. Thanks to Sprouts having a 72-hour sale on the fruits and vegetable department, I was able to get two weeks worth of veggies and fruits for $40 bucks. #winning. Sprouts is becoming one of my favorite stores to shop for all my grocery needs. Did you know, every week they always have a different department on sale? This is great for saving money on everything from protein supplements to kale. Healthy Refrigerator Tips Here are a few quick tips to keeping your refrigerator in tip-top shape. Stay Organized I make sure to keep my refrigerator organized on a daily or weekly basis. I keep most vegetables and fruits separate using a variety of bowls and shelving. This ensures I won’t mistake cucumbers for zucchini by accident and visually assist me in knowing what I need for my groceries. I am a visual eater so this is key or me. Buy Healthy: Read Labels I try to keep fruits within reach for those “sweet” tooth moments. Not having junk food in the house makes sure I stay healthy and only reach for the foods my body needs. For other items, I make sure to look for foods that have the organic label or Non-GMO. You can find out more information on what labels are best for foods. Clean Foods Before the foods are loaded in the refrigerator, I make sure to keep them clean and washed. I love using Eat Cleaner to clean, remove pesticides and preserve foods, which save me tons of money in the long term. Purchase Eat Cleaner Here. Hopefully, this video will inspire you to have a healthy refrigerator. This video is not sponsored.

3 Things I Learned | The Boss Network Recap

September 15, 2016

Just a few weeks ago, I attended the Boss Network . I took a lot away from the event as I am continually seeking to evolve as a person and business owner. For those of you who couldn’t’ make it out, I did a recap of the three things I learned at the event. 3 Things I Learned | The Boss Network Recap A Woman In Her Purpose is a BOSS One of the biggest notes I learned before the panelist shared their insights for the night, focused on how the women pinpointed success to being in their purpose. Each woman had a different story and different walk in life. Not all entrepreneurs who hated their jobs and “the man.” Each woman held various positions and are BOSSES at what they were doing. No matter if you’re working in corporate, consulting full-time or owning your own business if you’re living in your purpose then 9-times-out-of-10 you will be successful. As we evolve, it’s okay to take new chances and try new things but remember your purpose. Purpose is everything. “ If it’s not in my purpose then I don’t do it. @RealMichelleW “ Evolving is Critical Evolving is part of your purpose. The honest sit-down chat with Michelle Williams really highlighted how important evolving is. Michelle was open and honest about how she too is evolving, learning and changing on a very personal level. While we know her as part of ⅓ of Destiny’s Child, evolved in the singing channels, did some acting and another shift into being in the home/bedding industry. Years ago, Michelle knew she wanted to design and offer items for the home. Instead of launching tons of items for the home at one time, she started with one department – bedding. No one told her how to do this, but she figured it out. She hired the right people she needed, learned and did it. “Sometimes there isn’t a how-to. Sometimes u do a how-to when u do it.” Evolution is critical to obtaining and walking in your purpose. It’s okay to let go of the past items you did and try new things. Don’t be afraid to show u don’t know. U probably were put in that place b/c u didn’t. @TheBOSSNetwork #leadin2016 EARN IT The last piece of advice I learned at the BOSS Network was the acronym EARN It. E(Education) A(Ask) R(Risks), N(Network) . Whatever you do make sure you earn it. Here is the breakdown. E: EDUCATION Education is vital to whatever you are doing. It is essential in today’s fast-paced world. No matter if it’s a degree, on-line program or an additional certification, always make sure you’re learning in some form. Never stop learning and never stop growing. A: ASK FOR WHAT YOU WANT The a is self-explanatory. We often want things but don’t ask for it. No one is gonna just hand stuff to you – well unless you’re a kid. R: TAKE INTELLIGENT RISKS Risks are a part of life. That is part of evolving; however, be smart about it. Don’t just make decisions just because. Be smart. N:BUILD YOUR NETWORK Networks are critical. It’s not about going to the right networking events or having a million followers. Being authentic and having a great support system and folks within your network that you give and also receiving.

3 Summer Desserts Great for Hair and Body

June 10, 2016

With temperatures increasing for the summer so are my taste buds for summer desserts. From popsicles to pie, my taste buds are flowing for some great desserts. I was asked by Weight Watchers® Ice Cream to create some unique tips celebrating the anticipation of the summer season so three super easy desserts that benefit both your hair and body. Watermelon Watermelon is a great option for summer thanks to its high amount of water content. It also contains a significant amount of vitamins A, B6 and C, antioxidants, amino acids, and potassium, which are both great for your hair and body. Blueberries Blueberries are one of my favorite berries to consume during the summer season. From salads to smoothies to cakes and pies, blueberries can be incorporated in a variety of dishes. Blueberries contain a variety of nutrients such as potassium, vitamin C and B6, which all are essential to hair growth. Blueberries also contain a significant amount of fiber, which helps lower cholesterol in the blood and is said to decrease the risk of heart disease. Yogurt Yogurt is one of my favorite desserts in the summer because it contains hair vitamins such as B-2 and B-12 but also a great deal of nutrients essential to the body such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Greek yogurt is one of my favorites as it can contain up to 15g of protein in one serving and low in calorie. Bonus: So I know some of you might not like bake or make anything so if you don’t find any of these desserts appetizing simply head on over to your local Target and Walmart and grab a lower calorie and fat version of your favorite cold dessert. You can also find the Weight Watchers Dark Chocolate Raspberry Ice Cream Bars, which I enjoyed in the hot summer temperatures. If Raspberry isn’t your thing, they have several other flavors to try. This post is sponsored by Weight Watchers® Ice Cream as a part of their summer celebration. Don’t forget about my giveaway going on for the “Summer Preparation Gift Pack.” Items in the Summer Preparation Gift Pack will include: Nunatt Hair Products, Beach scarf, Garden of Life product, Ellevie body product, a tumbler, Weight Watchers coupons and much more a Rafflecopter giveaway This is a sponsored post on behalf of Weight Watchers Ice Cream. All opinions are my own.Comments submitted may be displayed on other websites owned by the sponsoring brand.

Meal Prep Tips for Vegetarians

January 18, 2016

We are half way through the 30-day vegetarian challenge. A few of you requested to see a few details of meal prepping for a vegetarian. This meal prep is both affordable and health meal prep. Meal Prep Tips for Vegetarians I wanted to share my vegetarian meal prep for this week. In less than 90 minutes and $50 dollars, I was able to make all my meals for the week. Here is the list of items I prepared for the week. Breakfast: Green-Smoothie or Overnight Oats Snacks: Mixed Fruit, Tomato and Cucumber Salad, boiled eggs etc Lunch: Bbq meatballs with green beans and rice mix (quinoa and black rice with seasoning, Stir-fry with rice mix Dinner: Variety of Salads Meal Prep Additional Tips 30 Day Vegetarian Challenge 10 Minute Healthy Vegan Pizza Vegetarian Weekly Meal Prep

Benefits of Avocados for Hair, Skin and Body

January 11, 2016

Avocados are incredibly nutritious. Their high nutrient value are important for overall health and well-being. Here are a few benefits of avocados for not just your hair but also your body. Benefits of Avocados for Hair, Skin and Body Contain Many Vitamins, Which Aid In Absorption of Nutrients Avocados are rich in fat content that makes it easier to absorb fat-soluble vitamins that are present in food. Without the fat in your diet, the body would not be able to absorb fat-soluble vitamins in that meal. Contain More Potassium than Bananas Avocados are actually very high in potassium… with a 100 gram (3.5 ounce) serving containing 14% of the RDA, compared to 10% in bananas, which are a typical high potassium food (5 Aid In Reducing Cholesterol Avocados contain monounsaturated fat, which helps to lower bad cholesterol. A 1996 study published in the journal Archives of Medical Research found patients with high cholesterol who added avocados to their diet for one week had a 22 percent decrease in bad cholesterol and triglycerides and an 11 percent increase in good cholesterol. High In Antioxidants Avocados are high in antioxidants, which play a part in luster of skin and important for eye health How to Use Avocados Body and Skin: Make a avocado hair mask by using 2 tablespoons of lemon, ½ cup of olive oil and an avocado together. Here area few other articles and tips on avocado mask for skin, body and hair. Honey Avocado Face Mask 4 Avocado Face Masks that Work Avocado Hair Mask Eat It: I love making guacamole with avocado or add into eggs and tacos. Buy It: If you don’t want to make an avocado mask you an buy Avocado oil and fruit complex by nuNAAT cream . These NAAT Creams are balanced to treat various hair types, and best of all, you can combine different products to create your very own customized formula. NAAT Cream Avocado Oil & Fruit Complex is ideal for dry or damaged hair. Not a sponsored video or post.

Healthy Vegan Pizza in 10 Minutes

December 7, 2015

Last weekend, my brother and I spent some quality time during his Thanksgiving break. He is picky eater, but while under my care we make have a habit of always trying new foods, dessert (vegan cupcakes are his many favorites) and a lot of learning. Needless to say it’s always a fun and adventurous time together. It was raining a lot so we decided to put on some Christmas music and make our own pizza using traditional Naan bread. Naan bread is a authentic, hand-stretched naan, baked in a tandoor oven at high heat; a cooking method which dates back many centuries.It has an authentic look with large bubbles, smoky flavor and airy texture. The naan is prepared with ghee (clarified butter) and flavored with buttermilk, a low-fat source of dairy. One of my favorite brands of Naan bread is by Stonefire Authentic Flatbreads. Simple & Easy Vegan Pizza I purchased all items at Trader Joe’s except the Beyond Meat. I made the vegan pizza while he made a non-vegan pizza. Here are the items I used. Healthy Vegan Pizza Ingredients Naan bread Coconut spray Vegan cheese Pizza sauce Italian seasoning (I used Zoe’s) Beyond Meat crumbles Don’t want to make a vegan pizza? No problem! Swap out a few ingredients to still have a fairly healthy and delicious pizza. Non-Vegan Healthy Pizza Ingredients Naan bread Coconut spray Mozzarella cheese Pizza sauce Italian seasoning (I used Zoe’s) Choice of meat (toppings) Note: We had some leftover pepperoni from a free lunch-kit box. I illustrated this in the picture above. We decided to use the left over pepperoni on the pizza. Waste not want not. Assemble all the items and place cheese, toppings and sauce on the Naan bread. We had an assortment of toppings so feel free to add other toppings. Things will get a little bit messy but with a great Spotify playlist playing, you won’t even mind the mess at all. This is a super easy and kid friendly recipe to have for a rainy day or any day. After assembling the pizzas, spray the pan and or baking sheets. In an oven set to 375 degrees, bake the pizza until the Naan bread is a bit crispy, which is about 5-7 minutes. It was my first time making a vegan pizza and it came out perfect! Honestly it was very good too! Pair with a simple salad and that’s it! Delicious!

WATER PH AND NATURAL HAIR

November 16, 2015

Water is vital to our entire world but especially our bodies. Water helps to distribute nutrients and vitamins to cells, helps remove toxins from the body and aids directly in hair growth. Unfortunately, most people do not have the proper amount of water each day or are having a very hard time drinking. If you are having concerns about drinking water or need a reason to kick the soda habit, take a look at my water, ph and natural hair series for an eye opening segment focusing on water, ph and natural hair. WATER, PH AND NATURAL HAIR This is the first video of the water, ph and natural hair series. Did you know your body tries to maintain a neutral balance of alkaline and acidity. Foods, water, alcohol and even stress can and does directly affects a person’s overall well being but also the pH levels. In this video I discuss the importance of water, education on ph and how water affects not just natural hair growth but internal organs, skin complexion and much more. Acid, Alkaline, Natural Hair and Your Body Many studies suggest an acidic body is a magnet for sickness, early aging, various diseases and even cancer. Eating more alkaline foods helps shift your internal body’s pH and oxygenates your system. This means your body has more oxygen, which is something we breathe in every second of the day. Acidic items are needed such as our stomach acid in order to break down but to much acidic foods internally can hinder and alter our ph levels. Alkaline foods keep your body healthy and functioning correctly, preventing diseases and help with your overall well being. In this video, I discuss the differences in acid and alkaline and how it affects the over all well being of a person. Acid (0-6) Neutral (7) Alkaline(8-14) Please note: I am mostly referring to basically alkaline and acidity levels with regards to foods and liquids. The PH Test Now that you know a little bit about acid, alkaline and how water affect your body, it’s time to test the ph of common drinks most people have daily. In this video, I test three different liquids to see their ph. The items tested are Sprite soda, Ozarka bottled water and Alkaline water from Santevia water system. As a DIY naturalist, I think of acids, alkaline and neutral ph’s in this manner Acid (0-6): Apple Cider Vinegar Neutral (7): Distilled Water Alkaline(8-14) : Baking Soda or Lemon If you are not a DIY naturalista or want to see a ph chart here is a quick chart of acid and alkaline chart. References for Water, Ph and Natural Hair Series Items mentioned in the videos can be found below on my Amazon store Books Referenced Tapped and Ph Diet Ph Testers Water systems Recommended Santevia & Zen Water —————————————————————————————- Disclaimer: The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. The purpose of this website/video is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. JustAlex/Alex Williams does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions or other information that may be mentioned on this website. Reliance on any information appearing on this website is solely at your own risk.

Why GMO Salmon is Bad

November 15, 2015

Salmon is the only fish I actually enjoy, eat and can recommend. It’s also one of my top favorite foods to recommend for hair growth. However, thanks to FDA folks approving the selling of Salmon with NO REGULATION. It will be almost impossible now to tell, which salmon is from the ocean, farm or lab. ‪I jumped on periscope to express my frustrations and issues with gmo salmon and the difference in farmed and wild. Take a look at the periscope replay below. Why GMO Salmon is Bad According to New York Times , “The approval by the Food and Drug Administration caps a long struggle for AquaBounty Technologies, a small company that first approached the F.D.A. about approval in the 1990s. The agency made its initial determination that the fish would be safe to eat and for the environment more than five years ago.” – Source Here are a few links to articles and recommendations on the salmon issue FDA approved GMO Salon Difference in Farmed and Wild Salmon Center for Food Safety Files Lawsuit Against AquAdvantage Salmon Background (GE/GMO Salomon) Difference in Wild and Farmed Raised Salmon Source: Prevention This Prevention Magazine infographic shows a great comparison between wild and farmed raised salmon. It’s eye opening to look at the difference in wild verses farmed raised salmon from a nutritional standpoint. You can see more details on the entire infographic and how Wild salmon trumps farmed raised completely by clicking here. I fear GMO/GE Salmon will be along the same lines as the farmed raised salmon. No GMO Salmon For Me In my periscope rant, I expressed my opinions on GMO salmon compared to what has happened with Farmed raised salmon. In general I hope that things are labeled so that we can be better informed as a consumer. Personally, I will not purchase the GMO salmon and have moved towards a meat-free diet for a bit. But I eat according to my body and plant based. Unfortunately, the Center for Food Safety points out “Consumers concerned about their personal health may not be able to avoid the fish. While 9,000 grocery stores and numerous restaurants have vowed not to sell the GE fish, lack of labeling laws mean that average consumers will not have a choice.” Source Let me know what you think about GMO, Farmed and Wild Salmon