#benefitpro

[cassandra-mcclure]

Thanks to @benefitcosmetics for sending me my #MakeupPro card in the mail along with new product goodies! I can't wait to try the new #browgel ✌🏼✔️✨🙏🏼 #benefitpro #muaperks #makeupartistpro (at Cassandra McClure .com)

[patsybrooks5879-blog]

Thank you!! 😊💕😘 @benefitcosmetics #benefitcosmetics #benefitpro (at TheBeauty Mark)

[benefitpro]

Find A New Fit: Boot Camp

What are boot camps? How do I get started? What is the #beneFIT of a boot camp style workout? Find out the answers here via this #FitBit article!

[benefitpro]

Coming to you late, (but better late than never!) I am so beyond pleased with all those who participated in the Clean+Lean in January 2015 Challenge! Now before I announce the winner(s)...

Each participant endured (and perhaps suffered) through a month-long, 31 days of #lean15 and #eatclean challenges. Each challenge was designed to get you thinking, not solely about what you should be giving up, but rather about the healthy lifestyle strategies that you can implement into your life ongoing. Each challenge and each day pushed you to try a new type of workout or some form of physical activity; to test out a new way of eating or a healthy nutritional choice. I personally loved trying to act upon, do and POST about each strategically designed challenge and enjoyed seeing all of the participant's posts each day!

I cannot tell you how fun this challenge was for me and one of the best things that I noticed was how it inspired others. There are people in this group that may not have participated formally, joined the challenge late or just didn't have time to really commit. My own family and friends who were not a part of the challenge started to jump on board, cooking family meals that were vegan on one of our many vegan days or ensuring that group activities were planned around the workout challenge of the day. It was the participation of EVERYONE, even those who were not formally a part of the challenge that will lead to healthy choices on a permanent basis. That is all I can hope for, that is all I can work towards inspiring in those around me. I am certain that most would agree that their husband, boyfriend, mother, friends and family all joined in on at least one of the healthy challenges and maybe, just maybe, some little piece of that challenge will stick with them. If we take care of our bodies, our bodies will take care of us. So cheers and I hope the participants (and YOU) have been inspired to change at least one element of your lifestyle, if not more! Amazing job, what a great month we had and I am so excited to bring you many more challenges in the months to come!

Drum roll please....

I am ecstatic to announce that there was not one, but TWO WINNERS of the Clean+Lean in January 2015 Challenge! Points were awarded for demonstration that you partook in the daily #lean15 and #eatclean challenges. Congratulations Rosemary and Rosanna! I was as shocked as you must be to see a tie when tabulating the final scores! Enjoy the shared pot of $$$ and don't forget to treat yourself! Thank you again to everyone else for supporting one another and participating in January, it truly was a super fun time had by all because nothing really does look as good as healthy feels!!! #beneFITpro

[benefitpro]

Healthy "Fast Food"?

When morning hunger strikes, try a Tim Horton's regular size berry oatmeal, hold the sugar! (you know...that giant tablespoon of "brown" sugar that is heaped on top of the standard mixed berry oatmeal?) Some of my other favorites include quinoa and fresh fruit from the Longo's salad bar or a smoothie from Jugo Juice.

Snacks include running into any local grocery store to purchase some roasted, unsalted nuts, dried fruit, fresh cut-up fruit, yoghurt or when I am really craving something salty...mixed olives!

Typical lunch or dinner options can lead me to Swiss Chalet where I recommend ordering a quarter chicken, grilled with a multigrain bun and steamed vegetables or salad on the side. Also try a 6-inch veggie sub from Subway or Mr. Sub on whole grain bread, vegetable sushi, Vietnamese spring rolls, a veggie or lean meat wrap or my fail-safe, go-to...Longo's salad bar! I love their green salad topped with walnuts, avocado and cheese and a light drizzle of olive oil, hard boiled eggs, tomato and cucumber salad and many of their flavorful quinoa or couscous salad options!

So whether you forgot your lunch on the kitchen counter, are in a rush between after-work activities or just failed to prepare some clean meals in advance, there are always quick food options that will keep you clear of the McDonalds or Wendy's drive-thru. Just remember, don't be fooled by amazing marketing campaigns! Most salads or "healthy" options at many fast food chains are far worse for you than the standard meal you were avoiding. Eat clean everyone and stay healthy! What are some of your favorite clean and quick meals?

[benefitpro]

A Day in the Life of a Vegan...

So here we are, Day 2 of the Clean+Lean in January 2015 Challenge, and I decided to throw our first (of a few) GO VEGAN! days into the mix. So what exactly is a vegan diet? Well, Veganism in a nutshell can be defined by The Vegetarian Resource Group as follows: "Vegetarians do not eat meat, fish, or poultry. Vegans, in addition to being vegetarian, do not use other animal products and by-products such as eggs, dairy products, honey, leather, fur, silk, wool, cosmetics, and soaps derived from animal products."

So today, we went without meat, fish, poultry, eggs and dairy products. Now for some, this may seem CRAZY! Especially if you are someone who has absolutely no idea what to eat in the absence of all of the above foods/food groups.  So I thought what better way to show you how easy it really can be, than to post what we ate thus far today. So here it is...

Breakfast:

Hot water with lemon

Fresh fruit (prisimmon, strawberries, blackberries, orange and banana)

Multigrain rye toast with natural peanut butter

(WORKOUT!)

Morning Snack:

Post-workout shake (blueberries, banana, coconut water and ice)

Lunch:

Shitake mushroom couscous with steamed kale

Afternoon Snack:

Olives and unsalted roasted corn nuts

Dinner:

Vegetable pasta with creamy avocado sauce (organic spelt spaghetti with onion, garlic, zucchini, green peas and chick peas, covered in a creamy avocado dressing made up of fresh avocado, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil and parsley)

Dessert:

Pan-seared yellow delicious apples, cooked in coconut oil, pure maple syrup, cinnamon and a touch of rye

So there it is! I survived my first day EVER of testing out the vegan lifestyle, and so can you! Now that I'm a pro, I have a few more GO VEGAN! days to sample out some other amazing recipes before this month and this challenge are over! #eatclean #veganism #beneFITpro

Cheers everyone and happy Friday!