Tuesday, January 31, 2017

STOP! Drop! And drink some water....

Hey you! 
If you are reading this - STOP! And take a drink of water - here is why: 

Water suppresses the appetite naturally and helps the body metabolize stored fat. Studies have shown that a decrease in water intake will cause fat deposits to increase, while an increase in water intake can actually reduce fat deposits. Here's why: The kidneys can't function properly without enough water. When the kidneys don't work to capacity, some of their load is dumped onto the liver. One of the liver's primary functions is to metabolize stored fat into usable energy for the body. If the liver has to do some of the kidney's work, it can't operate at full throttle. As a result, it metabolizes less fat, more fat remains stored in the body, and weight loss stops.

Need some tips to drink more? Try these:

1. Make a bet with a co-worker to see who can drink more water in the course of a day.

2. Have a big glass of water at every transitional point of the day: when you first get up, just before leaving the house, when you sit down to work, etc.

3. Make it convenient - keep a big, plastic, insulated water bottle full on your desk and reach for it all day.

4. When you have juice (apple, grape, or orange) fill half the glass with water.

5. When you have a junk-food craving, down a glass of water immediately. You feel full quickly and avoid the calories, and it lets time pass till the craving fades.

6. Have one glass every hour on the hour while at work. When the work day is done your water quota is met.

7. Substitute a cup of hot water with a drop of honey for tea or coffee.

8. While at work, get a 20 ounce cup of ice and keep filling it up from the office water cooler. The key is drinking with a straw - you take bigger gulps and drink much more.

9. Freeze little bits of peeled lemons, limes, and oranges and use them in place of ice cubes - it's refreshing and helps get in a serving or two of fruit.

10. After each trip to the restroom, guzzle an eight-ounce glass to replenish your system.

11. Don't allow yourself a diet soda until you've had two to four glasses of water. You will find that you won't want the soda anymore or that just half a can is enough.

12. Let ounces of water double grams of fat: When eating something containing 10 grams of fat, I drink 20 ounces of water.

13. Drink two full glasses at each meal, one before and one after. Also, drink one glass before each snack so you don't eat as much.

14. Carry a small refillable water bottle at all times and drink during downtime; while waiting in a bank line, sitting on the train, etc.

15. Use a beautiful gold-rimmed glass and fill it with cold water from the tap.

16. Drink two glasses of water immediately after waking up.

17. Bring a two-liter bottle of water to work and try to drink it all before you leave work. If you don't finish, drink it in traffic on the way home - it's like a race.

18. Always keep a 24-ounce bottle of water handy while watching TV, doing laundry, making dinner, etc.

19. Add drinking two glasses of water to your daily skincare regimen. Drink, cleanse, moisturize, etc., then drink again.

20. Drink your water out of a big Pyrex measuring cup - it's a good way to keep track of how much water you are drinking.


Have questions or comments?  Find me on Facebook and be sure to say HI!

Monday, January 30, 2017

Recipe alert - and don't let the name fool you, it's clean and healthy! Creamy Mexican Chicken

Happy Monday!!!
And it's the last Monday in January!!! I feel like this month FLEW by! How is everyone doing with their New Years Resolutions!?? Did you know that only about 8% of people actually keep their resolution?? IF your resolution was anything to do in health/fitness, then this recipe will help keep you on track but provide a 'cheating' feel....

Creamy Mexican Chicken is not only delicious but it is super easy and nutritious! Let's face it, usually when you hear "creamy", you think that the dish can't be all too clean and healthy? NOT this one! So, if you struggle to stay on track, this meal may be perfect for you....plus, with all the time saving benefits of a crockpot, you have extra time to get that workout in! ;)

CREAMY MEXICAN CHILI

Ingredients:
-4 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts (may be frozen)
-15 oz. can black beans, drained
-7 oz. canned chopped green chilies
-1 cup frozen corn
-1 large onion, diced
-3 bell peppers, chopped
-15 oz. can diced tomatoes
-Salt and pepper, to taste
-1 tsp. paprika
-1 tsp. cumin
-1 red container plain Greek yogurt
-Fresh cilantro

Directions:
Add chicken breasts to slow-cooker. Top with remaining ingredients, except for Greek yogurt and fresh cilantro. Cook on low for 8 hours, until chicken breasts begin to fall apart easily.
Remove chicken and shred. Add back to crockpot. Add Greek yogurt, cover and continue to cook on low for 30 minutes. Stir well, top with fresh cilantro. Serve with tortillas, or over quinoa or rice.
21 Day Fix approved:
This makes 6 servings, and each serving counts as 1 RED, 1 GREEN, 1/2 a PURPLE, and 1 YELLOW. Count additional YELLOW for tortillas and/or rice and quinoa. Top with avocado or cheese with your BLUE container!

P.S I read that you shouldn't put frozen foods into a crockpot -- I've never had a problem with doing it but have you heard that?? For more tips like that, benefits of using, and over 40 crockpot recipes (all clean and healthy) be sure to join my FREE 5 day crockpot group that starts next week! JOIN HERE!


Friday, January 27, 2017

Wisdom for my daughter!

Who has a daughter in this crowd?  My girl is 17 but I still look at her as my little baby!  It's crazy how time flies!  As she has grown up, I have given countless advice on things but this list sums it up the best! Let me know what you would add and if you have any questions!  If you haven't already, hit me up on Facebook, I'd love to connect with you!

Wisdom for my daughter:

-Your future does not lay in front of you. It lies deep inside you. 
-Life is not about finding yourself, it's about creating yourself. 
-When life becomes a roller coaster, climb into the front seat, throw your arms in the air and enjoy the ride. 
-Rise by lifting others.
-When life gets crazy, do something normal.
-And if life gets too normal, do something crazy.
-Always be nice.
-Life is about your how handle plan B.
-Practice the art of listening.
-Play with wild abandon no matter how old you get.
-Find the joy in all choices you make.
-Remember, in the end good girls always win.
-Never forget...I will love you forever, for always, and no matter what.

Thursday, January 26, 2017

#ThankfulThursday


Thankful Thursday!! I am so grateful for my workout partner! Today especially, I needed a little kick in my booty...and she always provides it! Who is your workout buddy? Do you have one?? Be sure to Tag & Thank your workout buddy! 

Why you love your workout partner:

1. You'll Actually Show Up! Half the battle in a workout can be just getting there! Having an accountability partner will guarantee you show up! 

2. You'll Work Harder! It's proven that when you work out with someone, you are more likely to push yourself harder! The motivation and even competition with another person will kick up your workout!

3. You'll Score a Free Therapy session! Not only do you get a workout but you can talk and vent and laugh with a good friend! That's a priceless bonus!

4. You'll Learn New Tricks. Having another person to workout with means two brains versus one! Tired of boring bicep curls? Your friend may have a different move that works your biceps in a new way! Or, you can't master that Piyo flip? Your friend can help you dissect the move! 

5. You'll Burn More Calories. In fact, you'll burn, on average, 41 more calories per session exercising with your plus one than you would solo, studies prove.


Not to mention, it is just more FUN!  Why go thru a workout alone when you have someone by your side cheering you on and supporting you?  You can grab a cup of coffee after your workout and plan your next gym sesh or just catch up, too.  It's good for the body AND soul!  

**As always, you can connect with me on Facebook -- speaking of which, I am doing a FREE 5 day clean eating ROCK your CROCK POT challenge there starting February 3rd.   You should grab your workout buddy and join in the fun!  CLICK HERE to check it out!

Wednesday, January 25, 2017

My Basal Cell Carcinoma

Hi Friends!
I hope this email finds everyone doing well!   I hope that you are enjoying life and having some awesome adventures! 

Are you a cold weather fan or a warm weather fan?  It probably is no secret, but I LOVE the warm weather!   I love being warm and the feeling of the sun on my face.  There is nothing better!  I get so miserable in the winter - the lack of sunshine (remember, I live in Michigan!)  and the frigid temperatures are enough to make me wanna curl under my blanket, with an electric blanket and not come out again until May!  Or, are you the snow bunny?  Love snow skiing?  Getting outside and feeling the crisp air on your face?   I suppose that I do like a white Christmas - but after December 25th, I am ready for the snow to be gone! I would like to share a personal story dealing with my love of the sun.  I am not here to preach to you about sun screen and the dangers of loving to sun bath, but I do want to share with you my experiences!  And I hope that if any of you reading this have had something similiar, you would help me with recommendations, advice, etc.  

On July 23rd of 2015, I went to my dermatologist to check out a spot on my chest.  The spot had been there for a while and I thought that a professional better check it out.  It was raised and would sometimes bleed but never itched or really bothered me.  My Doctor, who is also my neighbor and a friend, took one look at it and immediately told me that it had to come off.  She ended up slicing off a portion of the spot and told me that I would hear back from her in office soon.  About a week later, the call came back that it was indeed Basal Cell Carcinoma...a form of skin cancer. 

I was scared and did not know what to expect.   After Darren's diagnosis of terminal brain cancer several years ago, whenever I hear the word "cancer" - I panic!   If you are familiar with the 3 major skin cancers (Basal Cell, Squamous Cell, and Melanoma) then you are aware that Basal Cell almost never spreads (metastasizes) beyond the original tumor site. Only in exceedingly rare cases can it spread to other parts of the body and become life-threatening.  So, although I took the diagnosis extremely seriously, it was reassuring to know that this fight was treatable!   A few days later, I went to the Doctor's office where a surgeon removed the lesion (and then surrounding skin) and stitched me up.  I thought that may be the end of the story -- but it wasn't.

Fast forward to about a month ago, I had a spot on my forehead that my Dr and I were watching.  She had removed it and warned me that if it comes back, I would need to have it removed.  Sure enough, about a month ago, it did come back.  I immediately went to the doctor and found out it was another basal cell.  This time, I will need the MOHS surgery to remove it.  That appointment is coming up and I'll be sure to keep you posted on it.  Have any of you had this procedure done?  Any recommendations?  My Dr. also recommended the light therapy treatment to hopefully help - has anyone done that?   I made the "mistake" of looking online and seeing the pictures as you heal from the light therapy...although it is daunting, I know it will help.  Have any of you done that, too?  Any recommendations?

I know that Basal Cell and skin cancers are very common.  Have any of you ever experienced this type of scare?   I would love to hear your story if you would like to share.  As I mentioned briefly earlier (and as you may or not be aware), my husband is fighting stage 4 Brain Cancer.  I will be getting more into his story with this very soon.   I'd love to connect with you elsewhere so that you can learn more about Darren's diagnosis and what we are doing to LIVE every day with cancer.   If you haven't already, you can connect with me on Facebook (www.facebook.com/jenddelvaux).  

Thanks for reading and taking the time to connect with me!  


Monday, January 23, 2017

My set of daily rules - and WELCOME!

Welcome, officially!, to my new blog!  Although I have been blogging and posting for a while now, doing it 'officially' on a blog site is new with me!  I hope you enjoy the reads -- and I would love to hear from you, so never hesitate to reach out and connect.  My goals with this blog is to inspire, motivate, and SHARE with you.  I plan on posting often about LIVING with cancer; sharing about Darren's story with brain cancer and our story with it, #girlieboss tips, health/fitness motivation and tips, and recipes.  If there is a subject you are interested in, you can find me on Facebook!  I am sure that I'll sneak in information about vertigo (anyone else battle with this!??) and my skin cancer treatments, too.  I have LOTS of stuff to share so I hope you join me in this journey!!!



1.  TAKE CARE OF YOU!: It is SO important to take time for yourself. Mom’s lives can get so busy with cleaning, cooking, running errands and playing, all while trying to deal with finances, kissing boo-boos and singing songs. Do something you love EVERY day.
2. LIFE IS BETTER WHEN YOU’RE LAUGHING: Learn to laugh. Nothing is going to be perfect – there are going to be days where you actually just want to cry! But learn to laugh. We all make mistakes – but everything works out. I find it helpful to laugh in some of the most stressful situations.
3. IT’S ALL ABOUT THE SCHEDULE: I find that my most successful days as a mom are the days I wake up early and get going quickly. Find a schedule that works for you!
4. FOCUS ON FAMILY: Family should always come first. Your spouse and your children should be your very first priority. 
5. GIRLS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN…AND THAT IS OKAY: Not only is it okay, but it is a good thing! Leave the kids with your husband, mom, friend, babysitter – and have a little Girls Night Out! 
6. CREATE A HAPPY, HEALTHY HOUSE: That sign that says, “Please excuse the mess, my kids are busy making memories.” I LOVE that! Although it is so important to have a clean house, I am a big believer in creating a happy house too.
7. DON’T WORRY ABOUT THE JONESES: Always remember we don’t see EVERYTHING. Just because someone’s life looks flawless on Facebook, doesn’t mean that is truly how it is. Everyone has trials. Everyone has bad days. Stop comparing and just do your best.
8. CALL FOR HELP: I have learned that it is okay to ask for help. In fact, we can’t do it alone. If you don’t have a husband to call – call your mom, call a friend, call a neighbor. We all need support. 
9. LEARN HOW TO SAY “NO”: This is a hard one for me, but I am slowly learning how to say it. I can’t help with everything and be the best Mom to my family. 
10. DO WHAT YOU CAN DO, IN THE BEST WAY YOU KNOW: Lastly, just do your very best! No one is perfect!


And remember;
Be crazy.
Be stupid.πŸ€“
Be silly.😝

Be weird.🀠

Be whatever.πŸ€—

Because life is to short to be anything but happy!πŸ™ŒπŸ»

Which of the habits above are you going to incorporate into your daily routine? Share below!


Sunday, January 22, 2017

Meatless Monday - RECIPE alert!

Who is food prepping and getting everything set for a successful week ready today?  That is what I love to do on Sundays -- make my list, write things out, dream big, food prep, and get ready to #girlieboss my week!   
You hear about #MeatlessMonday and maybe even do it every once and awhile. But did you know ALL the incredible benefits of going meatless just one day a week? πŸ—πŸ–Read on!  And, as always, if you have questions – be sure to connect with me on Facebook for more tips, LIVING with cancer, being a #girlieboss, and so much more!  
πŸ—1. Meatless Monday can help you live longer
Studies show that eating more plant-based foods and less red meat can increase longevity. You don’t have to adopt a strict vegetarian diet to reap the benefits of a plant-based diet: cutting back on meat just one day a week can bring about the health benefits to help you live longer.
🌭2. Meatless Monday sets you up for a successful and healthy week
The beginning of the workweek sets the tone for the rest of your week. A positive, healthy habit like Meatless Monday sets you on the right track to make better health decisions throughout the rest of the week, so come Thursday you might reach for a granola bar instead of a chocolate bar.
πŸ”3. It is good for your heart
Cutting back on meat decreases your risk of heart disease, can lower cholesterol, and can decrease blood pressure. Studies have found that vegetarians have a 32% lower risk of dying from coronary heart disease than omnivores.
πŸ—4. It decreases your environmental footprint
Switching out meat for plant-based foods means less water and energy is required to produce your food, and fewer greenhouse gases are expelled during production. It takes a whopping 1,800 gallons of water to produce one pound of beef compared to just 108 gallons for a pound of corn. Raising livestock is so resource-intensive because of how much corn, soy, and other feed must be grown to feed the animal. The resource footprint of a cow or pig includes all of the water, land, and energy required to grow the food that the animal eats, so it is significantly higher than the resource footprint of plants.
πŸ”5. It’s easy and delicious
Meatless meals don’t have to be boring or time-intensive. Thanks to the internet thousands of easy, delicious, and free vegetarian recipes are available at your fingertips to help make your Meatless Monday meals the most delicious meals of your week. Dishes that do not normally include meat – like enchiladas, pasta dishes, or soup – are great for starting out. Protein-rich foods like beans, lentils, and tofu can easily replace meat in traditional dishes like stir-fries, tacos, and casseroles.
🌭6. It can help you lose weight
Eating more fiber-rich plants lowers your risk of obesity, and meals that don’t feature meat tend to focus more on vegetables, grains, and fruits. Meatless diets also tend to be lower in fat, particularly saturated fat, and reduce your risk for type 2 diabetes.
πŸ–7. It can help you out of a food rut
Shopping, meal planning, and cooking are time intensive, so it’s easy to eat the same meals over and over again until they become boring. Adopting a challenge like Meatless Monday encourages you to branch out and experiment with new recipes and ingredients, bringing new life to your kitchen.
πŸ—8. It can save you money.
Meat tends to be more expensive than fruits, vegetables, and grains. Cutting out meat for just a few meals a week gives you more money to spend on healthy foods!
My favorite Meatless Monday recipe -- which can also work for #TacoTuesday!
 Mexican Quinoa (one skillet) dish

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 jalapeno, minced
  • 1 cup quinoa
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup corn kernels, frozen, canned or roasted
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 avocado, halved, seeded, peeled and diced
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add garlic and jalapeno, and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  2. Stir in quinoa, vegetable broth, beans, tomatoes, corn, chili powder and cumin; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat and simmer until quinoa is cooked through, about 20 minutes. Stir in avocado, lime juice and cilantro.
  3. Serve immediately.

Saturday, January 21, 2017

Tips for a healthier weekend!



YAY the weekend is here! Enjoy your family & friends. Just remember all the hard work you've put in this week with your health & fitness. Don't let it get away from you. You don't want to have to start back at square one on Monday!! Here are some tips for you!!  If you have questions or need more advice, be sure to connect with me on Facebook today!

TAG your friends to share tips for a HEALTHIER WEEKEND.

1⃣ Squeeze in a longer workout since you have more fee time.πŸ’ͺ🏻
2⃣ Don't go hungry to a party/event.πŸ™ŒπŸ»
3⃣ Get enough sleep.😴
4⃣ Use the weekend for healthy meal planning.🍏
5⃣ Plan something relaxing.πŸ’…πŸ»
6⃣ Break the on-again, off-again diet mentality.🚫
7⃣ Unplug from the world!! Enjoy your family!πŸ‘«
8⃣ Get outdoors.🚴
9⃣ Limit your beverage drinks.🍷
πŸ”Ÿ Be productive! NO lazy Sundays.πŸ‘ŠπŸ»

Friday, January 20, 2017

12 things to always remember!


12 things to always remember!! Please feel free to share this to your page so you can refer back to it!! And tag your bffπŸ‘­

1. The past cannot be changed
2. Opinions don't define your reality
3. Everyone's journey is different 
4. Things always get better with time
5. Judgements are confessions of character
6. Overthinking will lead to sadness
7. Happiness is found within
8. Positive thoughts create positive things
9. Smiles are contagious
10. Kindness is free
11. You only fail if you quit
12. What goes around, comes around!

Any questions?  Concerns?  Additions?  Connect with me on Facebook and let me know your thoughts!  

Strength Training Tips

Strength Training is vital for everyone; including women!  It will not bulk you up — but it WILL increase your calorie burn all day!  If you are new to strength training or have been doing it for a while, check out these tips to decrease injury chances and increase calorie burn!  As always, be sure to connect with me on Facebook if you have any questions!

❤️ lifting!! My favorite part of the workout is when I get to lift!!! Don’t get me wrong, cardio is great but nothing makes me feel more amazing than lifting…you with me? Are you scared to lift or don’t know how? Try these 7 tips for weightlifting!

1. Start small. Don’t grab a heavy weight just to lift it. Start small enough where you don’t hurt yourself but yet are struggling at the end of 10 reps.
2. Ask an expert. Don’t know how to use a machine or what moves are best for your triceps? Find an expert or a knowledgeable source and go over proper form and technique.
3. Listen to your body. You should be feeling a burn in the muscle area that you are targeting after many reps. If not, you may not be properly doing it or lifting enough. Or, if your body is screaming in pain, you may have injured yourself!
4. Work your way up. Start small but build. Every week you should gradually increase the weight in order to see max results. Lifting heavy is a relative term but is also the KEY to success!
5. Don’t be boring. Don’t always lift your muscles the same way to the same rhythm. Try temp training (to the beat of music: fast, fast then slow, or any unique way). Change up different moves that target the same area, too.
6. Stick with it. Like most things, seeing results take time! Don’t quit after a week if you see no change.
7. Rest! Allow your muscles to heal after you work them. Ideally, two days between each body part. If you did legs today – do arms tomorrow, then core the following. Then, get back to your legs.