Do What Makes Cents

With economics continually going up and down, and for most of us down, keeping close eye on the 'purse' is important. Despite the times, however, there are ways to eat healthy, stay fit and be fashionable without breaking the bank.  All you need is to do what makes 'cents'.
Begin by making a list of meals you are going to eat, week by week. To start, take inventory of the food you currently have in your refrigerator and pantry. By doing this you will only by the food you need at the store, while congruently using the food you already have. Making a list also saves you money by not purchasing things you don't need while at the store.
When making the list, makes sure to focus on the items outside the aisles: poultry, chicken, produce, dairy, etc. This way you will be saving money, but also saving time at the gym by choosing healthy options.

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Next, instead of buying an expensive gym membership, take advantage of summer weather and take your exercise routine outdoors.
One of the favorite outdoor routines is running. However, if this doesn't fancy you, try an interval training/boot camp workout. Start by running or jogging 1/4 mile. Stop and do 3 sets of 12 push-ups. (For more of a challenge, add on to each exercise. For example, as seen below, add on a arm and leg raise to challenge core and overall body's resistance.) Repeat, changing the 'stopping' exercise each time.
                                                                 
Finally, save a few extra dollars on updating your summer wardrobe, by incorporating new items with items you currently have.  Go through your closet and put together pieces you love, making a list of pieces you need, that would complement them. For instance, take your classic pair of white shorts and pair them with one of this year's hottest summer trends, a floral blouse. (Take inspiration from the Robert Cavalli dress, below.)
                       

With these simple tips, you will not only be healthy, fit and fashionable, but financially better off, as well.
Keeping it fresh, Jenny

Make a Statement

 Making a statement does not always mean being that person that everyone is staring at. Sometimes, it means making a commitment to something important to you, and sticking to it.
Let's start with healthy eating goals.  Lately, I have found myself craving chips and salsa - one of my all-time favorite snacks.  Instead of reaching for that usual bag of chips, get some corn-flour tortillas, cut them, and bake them yourself.  Bake the whole bag. When finished baking, fill the bag with the chips and limit the amount you eat in once sitting.  For salsa, go for fresh pico de gallo. Fresh salsa is full of healthy pre-biotics like onions, tomatoes, garlic and much more.  Not only is this the healthy way to go, but it also tastes so much better when made from scratch.

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      Next, focus on getting those thighs ultra-lean by doing leg lifts. I recommend front, side and rear. Watch the form and challenge yourself to hold the pose at your highest height.
                                          
Example of side leg lift (resistance band is optional).

Last, but not least, dress to impress by dazzling yourself in your favorite summer accessory.  As we all know, hats, jewelry and shoes take the cake; but don't forget about hair.  Especially in the summer, when putting on another thing seems a little too much, your hair is most definitely your best accessory. Work on a new style or challenge yourself with color to make a real statement.
                                       
Keeping it fresh, Jenny

It is Time to Change your Lifestyle

 Do you eat to live or live to eat? To truly change your body, a lifestyle change must be made. And, unfortunately for most, it starts with food choices.  I know what you are thinking, not another diet.  I totally agree!! Diets won't get you anywhere but on another diet again.  In order to see real results start by simply taking out all foods with sugar. Now I say 'simply' but this will probably be the hardest first step you have ever taken.  Reward yourself with a desert of your choice once a week - that's right "ONCE A WEEK".  This means every form of sugar, excluding fruits and veggies.  I promise it will be worth it!

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What better way to compliment a lifestyle eating makeover, by challenging self to an extreme sport.  Do something you thought you would never do before. This provides a sense of accomplishment and will keep your focus on fun things you are doing, as opposed to sweet foods you may be missing.  I recommend bungy jumping, skydiving, rock climbing, para-sailing, skiing, and/or white water rafting. HAVE FUN!
                                    
Allison Sweeney - jumping in New Zealand

Fashion is always a phenomenal way to make a change, but a lifestyle change? If wanting to simply spruce up one's day-to-day look, that works. However, change, by pure definition, requires a variation from what is current. For true dramatics, challenge yourself to switch out your entire look. For instance, if you are typically dress classic like a 'lady', or try being eccentric with the looks of a 'rocker'.

           
Classic Style (The Chic Fashionista)

                                                    
                                       Eccentric - Rocker Look (The Chic Fashionista)

Keeping it fresh, Jenny

Finding a New Flavor

Sometimes, whether eating super healthy or not, we just need a refresher. After awhile routine eating becomes boring and can often allow us to fall off our plan. Make a lifestyle change by focusing on whole foods and variating the palate with natural spices.  One of my ultimate toppings for foods is salsas. With a periphery of choices, meals become limitless.

Image by Armando Maynez via Flickr

Same goes for fitness. I can't tell you how many times I have seen people start off with amazing ideas for routines, only to fall away after 2-3 weeks. One way to truly make a change is simply by adding weights to one's current workouts.
1) This enhances metabolism, allowing one to burn more calories when working out and eating.
2) It also defines muscles, sculpts body and gives overall definition.
                                     
Colbie Caillat demonstrating a traditional squat, while prepping for a bicep curl. (Fitness magazine).

Of course it needn't be said how quickly fashion comes and goes. Keeping up with the trends is not for the faint of heart. No need to worry...every look is refreshed through key accessories.  For spring 2011, which is ironically half over, pick out a pair of oversize shades and bangles.  This draws from the new, bo-ho, reigning fashion supreme right now.

                                        

Keeping it fresh, Jenny

Yummy Food, Easy Workout, and Fun Fashion

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In keeping with the idea that it takes diet and exercise to get the body you have been dreaming of, let's start with appetizing your senses in more ways than one. Beginning with food...

Nothing says it best than getting some yummy, carb-filled, energizing foods in your system. I know what you are thinking - carbs!! Not all carbs are bad.  I suggest loading up on fresh, organic fruits. Mix these with a delightful cup of greek yogurt.  Keep in mind, the less sugar, the better.

Next, prepare your mind to relax, stretch and energize by completing a 1/2 hour yoga workout.  The best yoga practice incorporates stretching, strength and endurance. By keeping these 3 things in mind, find a video or class that will challenge you. (If you are an advanced student, definitely go for 1 hour.)
              

Last but not least, let's have fun and spice up our workout wear. There is nothing better than looking hot while you work out.  Even if you are doing it at home, take the time to get dressed and make yourself smile in front of the mirror, before and after your workout. Some ideas....fitted bra and slimming pants.

          

Now you are set to feed your mind, body and soul with food, fitness and fashion. Have fun!

Keeping it fresh, Jenny