Posts Tagged ‘nutrition’

Turkey Time Tools by Carina Sohaili

Thanksgiving is a time for friends, family and memories to be made – not a time for feeling guilty about food choices or depriving yourself of certain foods. Below are my Turkey Time Tools so you can be healthy AND enjoy yourself. My tips were also featured in Fox News Magazine.

Preparation before the meal:

  • A huge mistake my clients tend to make is eating very little until the big meal. This is a recipe for disaster. Make sure you have a solid breakfast and lunch filled with a good combination of protein and healthy carbohydrates. When you starve yourself during the day in preparation for a huge meal your body has a much harder time acknowledging when you are actually full. You also will get much more intense cravings for sugary and carbohydrate heavy sweets.
  • Ditch the all or nothing diet mentality. So many people have “cheat” days then are excessively strict and deprive themselves. This causes them to overeat way too much when they “let themselves go.” I always hear “I am starting my diet tomorrow.” You should erase the term diet from your vocabulary. Indulge in a balanced way; if you are craving a serving of stuffing have a portion but do not eat three servings. Do you notice how the first serving of an amazing food tastes the best? The food is not as good the second or third time around.
  • Remember why you are at the Thanksgiving table in the first place. Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks and be grateful for the people you are surrounded by. Focus on friends, family and conversation. The dinner is only one part of the equation.
  • Whether it is a morning jog, a brisk family hike or a football game do something to get your sweat on. Make time for physical activity even if it is a twenty minute fast walk around the block before dinner. Everything counts and something is better than nothing. Make it a friend and family event. Everything is better with a buddy.

What to eat:

  • Fill up on protein! Go for the light meat instead of the dark meat and skip the skin. Light meat has less saturated fat (unhealthy fat) than the dark meat. Filling up on protein increases your feelings of satisfaction, stabilizes your blood sugar levels and will keep you more full for a longer amount of time. If you are vegetarian make sure there is a healthy protein option at your dinner so you do not just overeat stuffing or marshmallow yams. (Check out my Meal Makeover Spaghetti Squash video tutorial here for a healthy vegetarian option.)
  • Get creative! So many people are closed-minded when it comes to healthy alternatives and ignore the idea before they even try it. I always teach my clients to find some healthy swaps that they can enjoy. Instead of marshmallows add Greek yogurt (with stevia) to the Yams. Spice up your dishes with cinnamon, garlic and nutmeg instead of extra butter and excessive oils. Spices are incredible; they are huge metabolism boosters, help curb cravings and increase post meal satisfaction levels. Not to mention transform the taste of dishes.
  • Get your greens on! There is always a healthy basic side dish at Thanksgiving whether it is steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts. Just make sure it is not soaked in extra butter or excessive oils.
  • What about dessert? Easy breezy! If you are unable to bring a healthy dessert like my warm pumpkin cranberry parfait then simply indulge in a balanced way. Guess what? If you did fill up on protein you will 100% not crave the same amount of dessert you do normally. Take time to visit, play card games or watch a movie with the family. Always have an activity besides just eating dessert. If you have a love affair with pumpkin pie, have a slice, enjoy it and move on. I also am a huge dark chocolate fan! Check out two of my favorite, “no brainer” Eat Yourself Gorgeous dark chocolate healthy desserts here.

Have a plan for the day: what you are going to indulge in, what you are going to pass on and how you are going to get your sweat on. Everyone is different so it is really important to understand what your weakness is and be aware of it. If it is eating too much stuffing to avoid talking to that relative who you have nothing in common with or having one two many helpings of marshmallow yams. Simply keep yourself in check and focus on the bigger picture of why you are together in the first place. 

Remember to have compassion for yourself; always focus on progress, not perfection.

Small consistent steps overtime is how lasting change occurs.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Need more health tools?

Check out my Flu Fighting Foods, my Divine Dark Chocolate Munchies and my Beauty Bites!

Healthy Holiday Eat Yourself Gorgeous Meal Makeover Videos: https://www.vibranthealthylife.com/videos-meal-makeovers-with-carina-sohaili

XX,

Carina

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Filling Flu Fighting Foods by Carina Sohaili

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Food is the best medicine around and nobody likes being sick! The time has come to start eating your way to radiance…

Here are two of my favorite foods to help protect you against the flu, curb unhealthy cravings, boost energy levels, and get that skin glowing. Not to mention a way to make your favorite comfort foods a bit healthier.

Pasta please! Instead of your traditional pasta, go for skin clearing spaghetti squash. This sassy squash is packed with vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, fiber, and magnesium. Need some energy? Hello magnesium! This mineral is responsible for energy production within the body. It also helps slow down the aging process which will minimize those pesky crows feet and fine lines.

Feeling a bit bloated? Potassium helps flush the body of excessive toxins and waste that is fantastic for de-bloating. Vitamin C and vitamin A protect your skin from dry, flaky, rough patches and is key in strengthening your immune system (two of the best vitamins for fighting the flu around.) Squash is a healthy carbohydrate high in dietary fiber, which will keep you more full for a longer amount of time. This will help prevent you from reaching for that office donut. The rich warm flavor of squash is a flu fighting favorite of mine; it will warm you without filling you out. Not to mention, tastes divine! Check out my simple video tutorial on how to make it here.

Precious pumpkin! Pumpkin is one of my favorite skin super foods loaded with vitamin C, vitamin A, fiber, potassium, and magnesium. Not to mention, beta-carotene, a cancer fighting antioxidant. Vitamin A is fantastic for the bags and dark circles under your eyes, while vitamin C will give your skin a young, dewy glow. These two vitamins are also great immune system boosters. Here is my pumpkin pancake taco recipethat is a client favorite and takes less than 10 minutes to make.

Stay tuned for all new Eat Yourself Gorgeous Meal Makeover episodes out soon (watch episodes 1-5 here) and a very exciting announcement I am waiting to share with the community!

Learn more about my Custom Eat Yourself Gorgeous Programs

For more free videos, health tools and easy recipes join the VHL party and connect with me!

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Love always,

Carina

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Holiday Party Tools by Carina Sohaili

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The holidays are about memories, moments and fun. There is no time for feeling deprived or guilty about food choices (that also is not the answer to a happy life). Below are my simple tools (nine easy to apply steps) so you can enjoy the holiday season without the guilt.

Remember, nobody’s perfect. Set realistic goals to stay on track so you can truly enjoy this holiday season and not go on a crazy diet in the New Year.

For more Holiday Tools check out my article featured on Active.com on Healthy Holiday Sides (link is at the end of the piece) my Eat Yourself Gorgeous Meal Makeover Video Series and my Everyday Health featured piece.

  1. Never go to a party starving. Often times when we are stressed out, tired or cranky it is because we are eating sugary packed junk foods and unhealthy sweets with preservatives. These foods make us crave more unhealthy foods and mess with the hormones that regulate the stress response within the body. By nourishing your body with nutrient dense foods and always having a healthy snack, you will have increased energy, a calmer demeanor and be less likely to lose control at the holiday buffet. One of my favorite snacks is organic canned pumpkin with a dollop of plain all natural Greek yogurt. This is a great combination of a healthy carbohydrate (from the pumpkin) and protein from the Greek yogurt. I call it my special “bliss in a cup” energizing snack. It is quick, easy to make and leaves me feeling like I just ate a slice of pumpkin pie. Moreover, the fiber in the pumpkin is great for your digestive system especially during the Holidays. Watch my video tutorial on how to make it here.
  2. Eat real food before you reach for the sugary sweets. Fill up on protein before you head to the dessert table. Protein will help stabilize your blood sugar levels and keep you more full and satisfied for a longer amount of time. By eating protein you will reduce your cravings for junk food and sweets. One of my favorite protein appetizer options is shrimp, which you can find at most holiday parties (if not, be a great guest and bring a healthy appetizer). Just do not drench your shrimp in the cocktail sauce, which is usually made with excessive sugars. Instead squeeze on some freshly sliced lemon for flavor and zest (lemon helps with holiday bloating and is a great immune system booster as well). If you are vegetarian, hummus is normally a party platter favorite and a good source of protein.
  3. Indulge in a balanced way. If you are craving a serving of pie have a reasonable portion but do not eat three servings. Do you notice how the first serving of an amazing food tastes the best? The food is not as good the second or third time around. This will prevent you from feeling deprived and then overeating later on.
  4. Munch on veggies. Often times when we are not hungry but see other people eating it is very easy to mindlessly put food in our bodies. When I am in the mood to munch I always go for veggies. I love carrots because of the vitamin-A. Vitamin- A is great for vision, dark circles under your eyes and an immune system booster.
  5. Volunteer to bring a healthy side to your next holiday party. Not only are you a great guest because you are contributing to the party (the host will love you!) but you can ensure that there is something delicious AND healthy for you to eat. Bringing a healthy side does not have to be complicated or overwhelming. Check out my library of healthy holiday cooking videos from Garlic Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes to Skin Clearing Spaghetti Squash here! All take less than 20 minutes to make.
  6. Be mindful of your environment. It is very easy to overeat when everyone around you is overeating as well.
  7. Always have a plan. If you know you are going to be around a group of people that over-indulge all the time, have a plan going into the situation. Make it clear what you are going to indulge in, what you are going to pass on and other activities you are going to focus on (schedule a family game of cards or talk to that uncle who you have not seen in a while). Focus on friends, family and conversation; not simply stuffing your face with food at the holiday buffet. Remember why you are at the gathering in the first place.
  8. Learn to take a deep breath and slow down. It is okay to say no to certain events if you are feeling drained and over-worked. Finding balance, especially during the holiday season is important. Recognize when you are doing too much and be okay with cutting back. You do not have to be superman (or woman). Make choices that are energy inducing as opposed to energy draining. Be smart about your time and how you invest it.
  9. Ditch the all or nothing diet mentality. I always say to focus on progress instead of perfection. So many people have “cheat” days then are excessively strict and deprive themselves. This causes them to overeat way too much when they “let themselves go.” I always hear “I am starting my diet tomorrow.” You should erase the term diet from your vocabulary.

Eat Yourself Gorgeous Meal Makeover Holiday Cooking Video Series: https://www.vibranthealthylife.com/videos-meal-makeovers-with-carina-sohaili

Active.com featured piece: http://www.active.com/nutrition/articles/5-healthy-makeovers-for-holiday-sides

Everyday Health featured piece: http://www.everydayhealth.com/food/8-Health-Experts-Weigh-In-on-Navigating-the-Holidays-the-Healthy-Way.aspx#/slide-7

Just like any muscle, the more you practice consistent healthy habits the easier they will get. By implementing these tools you will be less stressed and have more energy to invest in activities you truly enjoy. Happy Holidays!

For more easy recipes and health secrets connect with me:

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Love always,

Carina

* Stay tuned for an exciting announcement I get to share VERY soon!!

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Fuel up with Foods to Focus by Carina Sohaili

We all have those days where it seems impossible to focus. Here are some simple foods to add to your daily diet to improve your focus, mood and get you ready to conquer.

  1. Brilliant Blueberries. Blueberries contain specific antioxidants that have been shown to increase oxygen to the brain. Blueberries are also packed with Vitamin-C, Vitamin-E and have incredible cancer fighting benefits. Have a cup of blueberries for a mid-morning snack or throw them in your oatmeal.
  2. Sassy Salmon. Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s have been directly shown to improve your mood, increase your memory and concentration levels. These healthy fats also will reduce your anxiety and stress levels. Not to mention great for your heart health. Have a couple of cut salmon rolls with brown rice for lunch, or go for a delicious steamed salmon entrée.
  3. Wonderful Walnuts. Walnuts have protein, essential fats and B6 – a vitamin that has been shown to increase energy levels. Walnuts also have been shown to increase Serotonin. Serotonin is a chemical in the brain which helps you react to stress better. Don’t go too crazy with these nuts; ¼ of a cup is a perfect snack size. They can be a great addition to a salad, or sprinkle some on Greek yogurt for a crunchy munch.
  4. Delicious Dark Chocolate. Indulge in Dark Chocolate for a 3pm pick me up. A great snack size is ¼ of a bar (2-3 small squares.) Dark chocolate is loaded with antioxidants, and stimulates the release of ‘feel good’ hormones in your brain. The caffeine in dark chocolate will keep you alert without the crash later on.
  5. Cha-Cha Chia it up. Chia seeds are tiny, powerful and nutrient dense. Add a scoop to your AM shake or make a delicious chia seed drink in the afternoon with some almond milk and stevia.

Be selfish and make yourself a priority. Nourish your brain. Once you start fueling your body with the proper nutrition, your focus, concentration and overall productivity will change. Pick one food, incorporate it continuously for a few weeks and see how you feel.

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Start Spring with Simple Steps to Change by Carina Sohaili

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Most people know how to make the right choices, but have trouble implementing that change. What is holding you back from being the best version of yourself? Habits are a comfort. It is very easy to get stuck in a routine and pattern – especially if you have been doing it over and over again for years. If you are ready to change here are some steps to help:

  1. Write down your bad habits, how they make you feel, why you want to change and then put it on your mirror or fridge.
  2. If you give into your habit, write down how it makes you feel afterwards. The next time you are tempted to give into your unproductive pattern force yourself to read the note first.
  3. Be realistic and do not try to do everything all at once. Change is very hard, especially when patterns are deeply engrained. Choose one small goal to focus on that seems manageable.
  4. Be consistent and slowly you will see that everything will get easier the more you stick to your goal. Whether it’s having a goal to go to the market on Sunday so you have healthy food for the week, or having three cups of coffee instead of four. All change is positive – be proud of your work! Everything counts.
  5. It’s okay to stumble and frankly you should at first. No one is perfect, and perfection is not realistic. It is important to not give up every time you make a mistake or give into an old habit. At least you are being proactive and trying to make a change. That should be your focus. You are human, not a robot who can automatically change with the hit of a switch.

We all have bad habits. We all have an urge to give into quick fix solutions to satisfy immediate needs. This is human nature. Recognize your bad habits, why they are holding you back and replace them with positive ones. From over doing it on coffee, to ordering takeout every day at lunch and hitting snooze instead of waking up thirty minutes early to get a sweat session in. Taking care of your health is the best tool for success. The more you practice healthy habits, the easier they will get. Soon planning a healthy lunch will be like brushing your teeth, exercise will be something you look forward to, and ignoring the donut for a healthier snack will be something that you love

You can find more of my simple tips in the Huffington Post here. Everything boils down to daily patterns, habits and small, consistent changes over time.

Remember to have compassion for yourself, always.

More information about my Custom Programs can be found here.

Love,

Carina

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Snacking Secrets: Curb Cravings and Increase Energy

Heart Healthy Valentine’s Day By Carina Sohaili

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The day of love is fast approaching – here are some tools for your mind and body to celebrate in a heart healthy way.

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Go Dark. Chocolate and the day of love go hand in hand. Do not deprive yourself but instead of name brand milk chocolate opt for some pure dark chocolate. Dark chocolate triggers the release of “feel good” hormones in your brain; the same “feel good” hormones that get released after you do physical activity or when you are falling in love. Dark chocolate also controls your blood sugar levels and is loaded with antioxidants. Antioxidants help protect your body against certain types of cancer, infection and slow down the signs of aging.

Go for Heart Healthy Salmon. Salmon is high in omega-3 fatty acids; a healthy fat that our bodies do not produce on it’s own. Omega-3 fatty acids decrease the risk of heart disease, irregular heartbeats and help lower blood pressure levels. These healthy fats also increase your ability to focus and improve your mood.

Instead of going out to a fancy dinner with your significant other or group of friends plan to cook a meal at home. Home cooked meals are much healthier than eating out and getting comfortable in the kitchen is a great bonding activity. Cooking may seem draining or daunting at first – but just like using a muscle that you have not used, it will get stronger and easier with time. If you are eating out the best way to order salmon is steamed or poached.

Mind. Valentine’s day is a day of love; show yourself and your loved ones how much you truly care by taking a step to make health a priority. Even if it’s a small change, everything counts. If you are feeling alone on Valentine’s Day treat yourself to a delicious healthy home cooked meal, massage or activity that YOU enjoy. Indulge and invest in yourself. Once you start focusing on your own hhealth– mentally and physically, the right people will fill your life. Everything happens for a reason. Trust the process.

Stay tuned for my latest nutrition video on cravings coming out this weekend. Try and make a small positive change in your life this week, everything counts.

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