Post Turkey Day Workouts You Can Do Anywhere

Posted by Amina AlTai on

Thanksgiving is the official holiday of overeating.  And even the best of us, armed with great intentions and vegetable platters, can overdo it.  But fear not, it's only one day and it's easy to get back into your healthy habits—especially when you have a  go-to workout. 

 

If traveling has you missing your usual sweat sesh, we've got you covered with a few workouts you can do anywhere.  No weights necessary.  

Select one of the options below and do each more for 30 seconds and then repeat the whole series four times:

Option 1:

  • High knees
  • Box jumps
  • Squats
  • Mountain climbers
  • Mermaid crunches

Option 2:

  • Burpees
  • Triceps dips
  • Pus- ups
  • V-sits
  • Jump lunges

 

Option 3:

  • Jumping jacks
  • Side lunges
  • Push-up rotations
  • Plié squat pulses
  • Crunches

Remember to check with your healthcare provider before beginning a new workout or nutrition plan.

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I've Got 99 Problems and Coconut Oil Fixed Like 86 of Them

Posted by Amina AlTai on

Coconut oil is pretty much nature's most magical elixir, and a healthy solution for just about, well, everything. From cooking, to healthcare to looking more beautiful than you already do, it has countless benefits. Here are just a handful of our favorite ways to use this good stuff:

1. ULTIMATE SKIN MOISTURIZER: Swap out your lavish (and likely expensive) lotions and start lathering your skin with coconut oil instead. It locks in moisture, and will leave your body feeling soft as can be. And you'll smell like summer! Everyone loves that. It is also great for your cuticles (say goodbye to hangnails), and can be used as aftershave as well...cleansing and closing your pores without clogging them! 

2. HAIR CARE OF ALL KINDS: De-frizz, mend dry, split ends or use as a moisturizing hair mask for soft, touchable and shiny hair. It can even act as a styling substitute if you want to use something to add definition to your layers without the stickiness. Also, if you happen to be dealing with an itchy scalp or frustrating dandruff, this should do the trick! 

3. CLEAN COOKING INGREDIENT: Coconut oil contains that healthy kind of fat that we all should be incorporating into our diets. It contains medium-chain saturated fatty acids (or MCFA's, for short) which is way better for you trans fat, which is linked to high cholesterol, heart problems, and even depression. It can serve as a substitute for eggs, butter, coffee creamer, you name it!

4. WEIGHT LOSS SUPPORT AND METABOLISM BOOSTER: Coconut oil is much easier to digest than its stepsister substitutes. It protects you from insulin resistance (so its also great for type 2 diabetes), and even boosts your metabolism, helping to trim your waistline!

5. ALL NATURAL BUG SPRAY: Cut out that chemical crap, and spray on some coconut oil to keep those pesky, bloodsucking mosquitoes off, the natural way! And, as mentioned, it also moisturizes your skin and smells just lovely. Win-win-win.

6. GEAR FOR A GLOWING COMPLEXION: Don't be fooled by the word "oil", because this stuff actually clears blemishes. Not only that but it eliminates spots and fine lines. Coconut oil will leave your face feeling soft and looking as bright and beautiful as can be! Makes for a great mask too. Oily skin? Mix with with a spoonful of apple cider vinegar. If you want to moisturize, combine with a bit of honey and almond milk, then apply! 

7. LOVE FOR YOUR LADY PARTS: It's kind of like giving your vagina a facial. Seriously, gals, if you haven't tried it...we definitely recommend. Keep things smooth, soft and feeling fresh down there! It's also a really great remedy for yeast infections. With antioxidants and several other incredible ingredients it'll help soothe and even heal these very annoying bacterial infections. 

8. LUSTFUL LASHES AND LIPS: Applying coconut oil to your eyelashes each night can make them grow longer (told you this stuff is practically a miracle). If you have sensitive eyes and like to avoid mascara, this is a better option than vaseline, which many women tend to use instead. Also, while you're at it gloss that pretty pout -- it'll get rid of chapped lips and leave them looking quite kissable. 

9. SILKY SMOOTH SHAVING CREAM SUBSTITUTE: Swap out the canned stuff for coconut oil, and you'll never go back. You're legs (or face, for the dudes) will be smoother than ever. And it doubles as aftershave and moisturizer, as mentioned, as well. 

10. ENERGY BOOSTER: If you are trying to cut out caffeine and/or sugar, swallow a tablespoon of coconut oil when you feel yourself getting snoozy. And guess what? You won't experience a crash like you will from a giant cookie or a cappuccino. 

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We could go on for days about this chivalrous (and cheap) solution. Truly, this is hardly the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the countless benefits of coconut oil. If you don't have a jar of this at home, it's time to go out and get some! You can thank us later. ;)

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Healthy Thanksgiving Dessert: Baked Pears

Posted by Amina AlTai on

Let's be real here for a second.  Thanksgiving isn't a holiday synonymous with good food choices.  It's usually carb heavy and full of sugar and it can be really tough to say "no" to those insanely delicious pies.  So this year, come prepared by bringing your own healthy dessert.  I've got just the ticket with the baked pears.  

All you'll need is:

4 pears, cut in half with the center scooped out

1 cup of Anita's Coconut yogurt

1 cup of granola 

A dash of cinnamon 

A drizzle of honey

Coconut oil 

Directions:

Grease a baking tray with coconut oil.  Cut the pears in half and scoop out the center.  Drizzle with cinnamon and honey and bake on 350 for 35-50 minutes—or until they're easily pierced with a fork.  Remove from the oven and allow to cool.

Once cooled, add a dollop of coconut yogurt to the center, top with granola and a drizzle more of the honey.  Serve and enjoy!

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Maintain Your Sanity: The Importance of a Work-Life Balance

Posted by Amina AlTai on

Establishing and maintaining a work-life balance can be a HUGE challenge for many of us....especially if you are working independently or building your own business. However, it also applies to you badass execs and young professionals who clock crazy hours in order to get it all done. 

We completely applaud you for being passionate about the work you do. But don't let this become your only passion. You will burn out about as quick as those Diptyque candles you spent $100 on. 

In a competitive job market, it can be hard to separate business and pleasure. Don't get blindsided or make excuses that allow you to neglect your other passions. It's easy to let business become all-consuming, which might be sustainable for a little while, but soon enough you'll find yourself stuck in a serious rut.

Here are a handful of tips and tricks that'll help you stay on point while keeping your cool:

MAKE TO-DO LISTS

Decide at the beginning of the week what your primary goals are. Write them down in a notebook, and keep that as your "work bible". Sunday night is a good time to do this, before the madness sets in! I also recommend making daily do-to lists, but keeping that primary one as your "table of contents", if you will, so you can avoid getting sidetracked. AND CROSS OFF YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS! There's no better feeling scratching that line through a completed task.

GET ON A SCHEDULE AND STICK TO IT

For those of you who work in an office, it's a bit easer to maintain reasonable structure. But don't be the last one leaving the office each day, just as the building manager is shutting off the lights. 

If you work remotely, this one is ma-jor. Your house might be your office, but if you also want it to be your HOME, so setting boundaries is crucial. Working around the clock is a dangerous and easy trap to fall into under these circumstances. Set your alarm for the same time each morning and wrap up the "work day" around sundown, if you can. Having the ability to set your own schedule is a serious perk to being your own boss. It doesn't have to perfectly align with that of a corporate job, but try and stick to 40-50 hours a week, max so there's still room for "you" time. 

For example, I happen to love working on Sundays because I accomplish so much more in fewer hours. But to balance that, I try and shave off a few hours at the end of the day on Thursdays and Fridays.

Make sure you take at least one full day to yourself each week. Go to the park, see a movie, ride your bike, whatever! Just do something that brings you joy and removes your mind from work-related madness. 

THERE IS LIFE BEYOND YOUR INBOX

Set rules for yourself (i.e. I will not turn off my alarm only to check and reply to all my emails before setting my phone down and getting out of bed in the AM). Wake up 20 minutes earlier so you can sit down, enjoy a cup of tea or coffee, read the paper for a hot minute, and then get ready without going into freakout mode because you overslept.

Make plans with friends and do your best to stick to them. When they talk to you about their lives, listen. Social interaction is important, and so are your people. Enjoy being in the presence of others, set your phone to silent so you aren't distracted. Unless you're Meredith Grey, pretty sure nobody is going to die if you miss a call.

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There is no better time than the present to start implementing these small changes. With Q4 coming to a wrap and the New Year just around the corner, set some goals that allow you to stay on top of your stuff, while still preserving your sanity. You've got this!

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4 Tiers to Holiday Cheer

Posted by Amina AlTai on

For many of us, it gets tricky to stay on track this time of year...you aren't alone. But if the list of stresses is adding up, be sure to check yourself before you wreck yourself! Enjoy what should be a time of relaxation, health and happiness with friends and family, instead of going into a downward spiral. 

Here are a few tips and tricks that will keep your inner light shining:

1) DON'T HATE, MEDITATE. Center your mind and body while fostering happy thoughts! Take things down a notch and get to know your inner self. A stronger internal understanding will give you the ability to act with a cool, calm confidence. Take these meditative exercises for a test run!

2) WRITE IT OFF. There’s a special kind of power that comes with putting pretty pen to paper. Pick up a fresh Moleskin and Le Pen (personal faves) and reflect. Recall the last time you found it tough contain your sparkling smile. Gently break down your bummer moments and you just might find that solution you're looking for. Studies have shown that students who practiced positive writing experienced fewer illnesses, better moods, and made fewer visits to the health center after just three days of happy journaling. 

3) PLAY ON, PLAYER. Don't forget to pencil in some time for yourself and enjoy a little silliness. Do things that make you feel like a kid again. Not enough hours in the day? False...you can take a breather. When you get back in work mode you'll feel rejuvenated and more efficient than ever. 

4) PUSH THE RESTART BUTTON. When you get overwhelmed, train yourself to stop and recall some of life's little joys. Keep those endorphins in check! As mentioned, it's therapeutic to write out your woes. At the same time, jotting down some uplifting ideas can enlighten your overall thought process. Jumpstart a brighter outlook by looking at life through a more optimistic lens. Here comes the sun!

Find your joy, take risks and embrace adventure. Your vibe attracts your tribe. Do your best to radiate positive energy, and you’ll likely receive it right back! Cheers to being busy, happy and healthy throughout the holiday season and beyond!

 

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