"The Exercise Cure" Book Review

Jordan D. Metzl, MD, who has participated in 30 marathons and 11 Ironmans, along with Andrew Heffernan, CSCS have written a book called The Exercise Cure: A Doctor's All-Natural, No-Pill Prescription for Better Health & Longer Life.

Dr. Metzl believes that exercise can potentially avoid disease and increase a person's life expectancy, with exercise being beneficial against all kinds of medical conditions.

How the book is laid out is AWESOME! First, it talks about exercise in general. Then, it goes through a number of medical problems. For example, memory loss and cognition problems, chronic stress, cardiovascular disease, etc. It goes through the symptoms of each medical problem, what happens in your body, and how exercise can help. It also gives you examples of exercises to help you cope with the particular medical problem. For some of the examples, there are example exercises laid out with detailed instructions, along with photographs as to how the exercise is done.

The book then contains a number of workout programs and more examples with photographs! There are also some caveats if you are working out for the first time that is included.

Nutrition and eating is lightly touched in the book. Since the book is primarily about exercise, it makes sense!

Even if you are fairly seasoned and educated on exercise, this book is very interesting and helpful. It gives you a lot of information that you might not have been familiar with - for example, the important of foam rolling. Hubby has a foam roller I just never used it because I didn't realize the importance of it - now I do!

ESPECIALLY if you are an exercise beginner, I recommend this book. It will help you a great deal with getting into your head why exercising is so important and where to start. Some people simply do not know where to start!


The sponsor of my review was Orthovisc, who wanted to share some important information with you:
More than ten million people suffer from osteoarthritis of the knee. Many people wait too long to see a doctor about it and deal with their pain with over the counter medication or just live with the pain and limited mobility. Many people are turning to hyaluronic acid knee injections if they are not receiving enough relief from their pain medication. Dr. Metzl would like you to visit his Orthovisc website if you suffer form this or at least see your doctor.



Disclaimer: I was provided the bookt to review and not compensated in any other way. All opinions are 100% my own and I stand behind my review.

Barre 3 Mobile Ap & Giveaway!

In case you missed how much I love barre 3 - you can catch up here!

I was a little concerned when I went on vacation that I wouldn't be able to keep up with it since I hadn't planned on bringing my laptop. When I found out that a barre 3 iPhone ap was released, I was incredibly thrilled!

Unfortunately there are not full workouts on it yet, ten minute workouts are what is available. That isn't completely bad, though - you can layer the workouts together! The way the workouts are categorized makes it easy to find what you are looking for.

The ap also gives you access to healthy recipes and a shopping list (SUPER helpful) and daily tips. The daily tips are great. You can also book classes right from the application.

For a health-conscious, fitness lover - I've found this ap to be one of my favorites! I've tried out a handful of fitness aps and never came across one I really liked - until now!


& now I have a giveaway for my lovely readers! -A code for the barre 3 ap!


  a Rafflecopter giveaway Good luck, lovelies!

Perfect Time to Jump Back on the Dieting Bandwagon: Dukan Diet offers Weight Loss Coaching

There are so many different types of diets out there in the market – it gets confusing after a while! For those of you who need to lose weight, you might need a little more regimented way of dieting.

One of the newest diets out there is known as the Dukan Diet. Dr. Dukan started the diet in Europe first. After much success there, he brought it to America. The diet is a very specific weight-loss program that has been formulated by certified physicians. There are four phases of the program that helps you to keep your true weight for the rest of your life. (There are some diets out there that when you are done with the diet and you begin to eat “normal” again – you gain all of your weight back.)

The Cliff Notes of the diet is: there is no counting calories, but instead - eating lean protein along with an unrestricting amount of 100 healthy foods, drinking a lot of water, and walking daily. The diet is designed to help members overcome common pitfalls and achieving a healthy, lifelong weight management.

Before you begin the Dukan Diet, you are asked to calculate your True Weight by answering 80 questions in precise detail. Your true weight is a realistic and healthy weight that can be reached and maintained for the rest of your life.

What I find impressive about the Dukan Diet is that it is not just a diet – it is a personalized, interactive, daily online weight-loss plan. You will have a personal coach that tailors your needs specifically for your lifestyle. This will ensure long-term success. Also, your diet program is adjusted on a daily basis based on reports from the previous day! (I’d like to mention, also, that for a one month membership, you will be paying less than $1 a day – which is not only less than any other online diet program but also less than a personal trainer or nutritionist you might hire locally!)

A great deal of people have had success outcomes with weight loss coaching, rather than doing it on their own. The extra encouragement is helpful!

I had the opportunity to read the Dukan Diet book. While reading the book, I had a few questions and concerns regarding what I was reading. I was able to speak with a Dukan Diet nutritionist, Simon Gloger, who answered my questions. My first concern was that aspartame and artificial sweeteners were mentioned multiple times throughout the book. Studies have recently come out that suggest artificial sweeteners, especially aspartame are not healthy. Ms. Gloger said that in the most current version of the European book, stevia (which is more natural) is recommended instead. She also noted that when the American book is revised, aspartame and artificial sweeteners will not be recommended. I also read that avocados are not allowed to be eaten due to their high fat content. Ms. Gloger assured me that avocados are not recommended during a particular phase of the diet due to it being low carb and free of fat.

My favorite part of the Dukan Diet: it includes how to keep your weight off for the rest of your life - that is so very important. A lot of diets just help you lose weight, but they don't help you maintain the weight you get to. Also, the recipe ideas contained within the book are super helpful, like the Oat Bran recipe.

If you would like to sign up for the Dukan Diet, you can do so here. I have a 25% off coaching code I would like to extend to you! It is: J13BF25. Please let me know what your thoughts are when you try it out.

And if you would like to keep up with the Dukan Diet or learn more about the diet and available products, you can follow them on twitter and/or facebook! 

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post by the Dukan Diet. However, all opinions are 100% my own and I stand behind my review.

Chilly Jilly Lounge Pants Review

I was given the opportunity to review lounge pants by Chilly Jilly. The lounge pants came in the cutest little bag I ever did see. As soon as I took the pants out of the bag - I fell in love! They are incredibly soft and comfortable. They seem to be crease-free, as well.

When the pants were first described to be, I had the image of tight yoga pants in my head for some reason. They have a nice fit around my waist (and booty) but around my legs, they are so loose and just plain wonderful! They  are so incredibly comfortable.

Can't you tell?

Photo Credit: Honesty.im

One of the cool things about them, I think, is that they seem to be pretty versatile. I can wear them to the gym, around the house lounging, to work, out for the night. (At least I think so!) You think I could get away with wearing them out and about??

Ok, so maybe not the best shirt to go with it...but I think you can catch my drift. ;)

No matter where I wear them, I know I will be super comfortable! I feel like I look somewhat cute in them and they aren't sucking me in like some of my yoga pants do. (Oops. Is that my fault? Or is that how they come? I'm going to go with that's how they come.;)

OH! And they are perfect to travel with because they are so light-weight and easy to fold-up. Actually, they will be perfect to travel IN as well...


Disclaimer: I was provided this product to review and not compensated in any other way. All opinions are 100% my own and I stand behind my review.

Barre3 Review

For the longest time, I have wanted to give yoga and/or pilates a try. Mostly because I have heard how helpful it is to people with back issues, like myself. I have tried doing it in classes a few times and enjoyed it - but never fell in love. I must not have taken the right class.

Recently, I was given the opportunity to try our barre 3 for one month online. For those that are unfamiliar with barre 3, it is described best by "where ballet barre meets yoga and pilates."

Not only are there online classes, but there are also studios through North America that offer the classes. Online, you have major resources available to you right at your fingertips- recommended meal plans, meal ideas, etc.

At first, I will admit, I was a little iffy. I wasn't sure if I could pull it off without having an instructor physical there. I am glad I stuck with it and gave it my all!

One of the things I like best about the classes is that there are two ways you can do each movement - an easier way and a more difficult way. It is wonderful, too, that the instructor always reminds you to just go at your own pace. You also feel more comfortable doing the movements because you are in the comfort of your own home.

I am almost glad I haven't found a local class (yet) that I enjoy doing yoga or pilates at. You want to know why? BECAUSE I LOVE BARRE 3! Seriously, I do. It's wonderful. I notice a difference in my back when I do not do barre 3 - meaning, I have pain! But when I avidly do barre 3, I feel okay. I also feel more toned and like I have a better posture the more frequently I do it.

It is wonderful because there are so many class options, with class time ranging from ten minutes to one hour! Every so often, new classes are added as well. This is a sure way to stay interested and continuing doing it.

I love barre 3 so much I have signed up for a membership and purchased my own barre 3 ball! (Which, I do want to add that you do not absolutely need the ball for the program. When I first started, I was doing it without and still felt as if I was getting something out of the program. When I started incorporating the ball in it, I did notice a difference. But I just wanted to make it clear that it is not absolutely necessary.)

So, for those of you who are interesting in starting a yoga/pilates/ballet routine or add something new to your current workout schedule - barre 3 is what you have been searching for your whole life!


Disclaimer:  I was provided this product to review and not compensated in any other way. All opinions are 100% my own and I stand behind my review.

September 2013 MyGlam

Kohl Eye Pencil: I'm a fan of liquid eye liner but this eye liner is pretty good. I just get lazy when it comes to having to sharpen it. ;)

It's So Big Mascara: Great mascara! I like that it's so small - great to travel with! 

NYX Eyeshadow in "Nutmug": Prety color! I like wearing neutral/brown colors on my eyes. I have some NYX blush that I really like so I have high hopes of this shadow!

Butter Polish in 'La Moss': I've been wanting to try Butter nail polish for a while now - so I'm excited to try this. I'm not sure about the color, it's like an eggplant purple. Might be a little too dark for me. But, for the fall, it might be great.

Cailyn Lip Blam in 'Big Apple': Such a weird little container this is in! The top comes off and it's a little brush. The color is too red for me as well. I can't pull off red!


I really liked the  makeup bag this month. Other than that, this month was just "so-so" in my books. The only thing that I'm excited about is the mascara!

Special Day

Today is a very special day! Ok, and I'm not that self centered to say that it's so special because today is my birthday. ;)

It's also a special day because it is National Coffee Day!!

Anyone who knows me knows that coffee is a delicious habit of mine.

I was recently given the opportunity to try some Maison Camus coffee. Whole bean coffee is my favorite. It is more work, but I feel like it is full of more flavors. Maison Camus gave me the opportunity to try both their Signature Blend and French Roast.

I was also sent a pamphlet of information about Maison Camus and a neat little brochure about coffee in general. Did you know that in order to have the best cup of joe, it is recommended that you drink it right away after it has been made - if it has been brewing for longer than fifteen minutes, you will not be able to have the full amount of flavor.

Anyways, Maison Camus is made from only 5% of all 100% High Grade Arabica beans. The beans are grown at high altitudes by "small scale farmers" in South and Central America. Can you believe that the coffee is not only blended by hand, but also roasted by hand? There is a "Roast Master" that oversees this process.

All of their hard work certainly pays off! This coffee is absolutely delicious. It is full bodied and super tasty! Not only am I satisfied with the taste, but I am very satisfied with how so much detail goes into making it.

V, who is a huge coffee drinker as well and who drinks his coffee black, gives two thumbs up. I did not tell him I was making a different type of coffee one morning - he asked me if I had bought a new one because the coffee was "extra delicious." If Maison Camus gets hubby's approval - I think it will get yours as well!



Disclaimer: I was provided this product to review and not compensated in any other way. All opinions are 100% my own and I stand behind my review.

Grind Gastropub - Ormond Beach, FL

For those of you who live in or around or are visiting Ormond Beach, there is some exciting news for you!

A new restaurant called Grind Gastropub (which is associated with with the Kona Tikibar) is opening up. This week marks their soft opening.

If you are looking for a place that makes you forget you are in Florida, Grind Gastropub is for you.

One side of the bar

View of the other side of the bar and part of the pub

You can get a fill for the pub with all of the awesome decor

More fun decorations

We were fortunate enough to attend a private party they were having. We had the opportunity to sample specialty drinks (that are accompanied by all-natural fruits, might I add!), appetizers and entrees.

The best way to describe the drinks is by saying they were exquisite. They were simply delicious! One of the drinks I tried was a type of "lemonade" with fresh squeeze lemons and fresh strawberries. There was some type of vodka in it as well, but the fresh fruit is what got me!

Everything sounds heavenly, doesn't it? And let me tell you - it was.

Traditional Island Poke. My favorite of the night. Better than any local sushi place.

Prosciutto and Fig Pizza. YUM! This was only an appetizer - it could have been a whole meal.

For the meals, we had the Veal Osso Buco with Rissoto and Sweet Potato Encrusted Grouper. Both of them were cooked per perfection and full of flavor.

We are excited that such a place exists in Florida - and in such close distance for us. The atmosphere is great, the food amazing, and all of the staff incredible.

Thanks for a great night, Grind! We look forward to many more in the future.

Another Thing I Love: The Armpocket

When going to the gym, I don't particularly like going with a bag. The less I have to worry about there - the better! That means the more I can focus on working out.

I always seem to have trouble finding something to put my iPhone in when working out. There are a ton of options, but I have yet to find an armband that not only fits around my (skinny) bicep - but that stays put!

That is - until now!

I was giving the opportunity to review and test the Armpocket! They truly are the ultimate armband! Not only are they comfortable and a cool color - but I can fit my gym key in it, a chapstick, and my license! That's in addition to my headphones and iPhone, as well.

If you've been like me and you've searched high and low for an armband that works - look no further.

You know what else is cool? The Armpocket is water resistant. So when you are doing some hardcore sweating, you do not have to worry. The material is also eco-friendly. (You guys know how important that is to me!)





Disclaimer:  Orca Communications Unlimited sent me a sample of the product for my honest, unbiased opinion. All opinions are my own.

Wendy's Offering Free Tea Today!

Wendy's is going organic!

Well...kind of. Today marks the start of their new line of organic tea: Honest tea! There are three choices: tropical green tea, unsweetened tea, and (not too) sweet tea. The tea is brewed in Wendy's kitchens using organic, whole leaf teas.

Each and every person will receive a sample - no purchase necessary. Samples are available until 10pm tonight!

I had the opportunity to try out Honest tea (thank you, guys!) and I can say that I thoroughly enjoy it! Honest tea spoiled me and sent me a glass bottle, organic sweetener (which I didn't even need!), re-usable ice cubes, and of course the tea . The glass bottle is so nifty that I am able to put the organic tea leaves right on top. (There is a little piece on top that lets me seep the tea leaves right there.)

The tea is delicious and refreshing! They've got me hooked on it now.

Silk'n Go Flash & Go Laser Hair Removal System!

As a female, I am thoroughly tired of shaving. Seriously. Ok, shaving my underarms isn’t TOO bad – it’s pretty quick and easy. Everything else is a huge pain in the butt (I think.)

I have always wanted to wax (but been too scared of the level of pain) or do a laser removal system. I was so excited when Silk’n gave me the opportunity to review their Flash and Go product!

The Silk’n Flash and Go is a significant money saver! If you get laser hair removal done at a salon, you could easily spend near $2,000. Not only cost-effective, but the product and treatment sessions are very simple and fairly quick. (And it doesn’t hurt like waxing does!) If you are removing hair from a private area, you can use the product from the privacy of your own bathroom!

Silk’n Flash and Go warns that those with dark skin tones, the system is not recommended. The system cannot detect he difference between the hair and skin – therefore the system will not be nearly as effective. (This is no different than a professional laser system.)

There are many home laser hair removal systems that are unable to work properly on your face. This system works and is safe to use on your face!

I live in Florida…on the beach…so naturally, I am tan! With that being said, I was limited with the areas I could use the system! Due to the tan my skin is glowing with and that I am in a bikini pretty much every day, I decided to use the Flash and Go on my bikini area. (I would love to share photos with you to show how great it works…but, sorry…that is a private area for me that I don’t want plastered on the internet.)

After the first treatment, I didn’t notice much of a difference. The second treatment proved that this product is a great success!

I was a little nervous to use the system to start…I wasn’t sure how uncomfortable it would be and how much it would hurt. (I am such a baby.) Luckily, the treatment was a little uncomfortable but it did not hurt like I thought it would.

For anyone who is looking to try a laser hair removal system, I highly recommend giving Silk’n Flash and Go a try! The price is very competitive to others on the market, it is easy to use, the pain level isn’t too terrible, and the clean up is easy!

Silk’n has offered a discount code to the readers of First Day of My Life! You can receive 20% off of anything on Silkn.com with the code “NYNY.”

Disclaimer: Silk’n Flash and Go provided the product for me to review. 

All opinions are 100% my own and an honest opinion was given.

Mont Bleu Nail Files Review

One of the things I always carry with me in my purse is a nail file. My nails are fairly brittle and extremely thin - so carrying a nail file is a must - no questions asked!


When Mont Bleu approached me and wanted me to review their glass nail files (made in the Czech-Republic) I couldn't pass it up. I've never heard or seen of glass nail files before so was intrigued.


I must say, I was very skeptical. Who would want to file their nails on glass? Sounded weird to me at first. But boy was I wrong.


Mont Bleu sent:

Beautiful swarovski earrings, glass nail files, and tweezer 

Look how beautiful!

Swarovski crystals decorating the glass file

Ok, first off, the earrings are absolutely breath-taking. They made my day by sending them! I am SO excited to wear them. The tweezers work wonderfully too. I like that the tweezer is thick - so it's easy to get the hair.

The glass nail files are incredibly. You know that eerie terrible sound when you file your nails? You don't get that when you use glass! It's nice and incredibly smooth. It feels amazing! It absolutely files the nail down, too - nice and straight to the size of your choice.

You should probably want to buy glass nail file after seeing how fantastic they are!

Have you used glass nail files? If so - what do you think?

Two thumbs up in my book!

I was compensated for this post in no way. Mont Bleu provided me with the products to be reviewed. All opinions are 100% my own and honest. I was not asked to provide a positive review, but rather an honest and heart-felt review.

HBL Hair Care Review & Giveaway

Shampoo, Conditioner, Revitalizing Treatment

For the past couple of weeks, I've been using the HBL Revitalizing System. Another great hair product!

HBL (Health Beauty Life) - cute name! - is advertised as cleansing, conditioning, and revitalizing weak, brittle, and damaged hair.

First off, I just want to mention that these products smell phenomenal. It reminds me of hibiscus flowers and gardenias...oh my, it just smells so wonderful.

I'm very picky with my shampoo & conditioner. I've used some that does not really feel like I've washed my hair...gross! HBL hair products makes your hair feel clean, soft, and smelling pretty!

I did notice a difference in my hair after using it for just a little over a week - my hair felt more protected and healthy. Due to straightening my hair somewhat regularly, my hair tends to be damaged.

If you purchase the product, let me know what you think of it! You can keep in touch with them on Twitter & Facebook, too.

OR - enter my giveaway & you might win some of your own...

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com.

Regardless, I only recommend products I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Antioxidant Leave in Hair Protectant Review

I was blessed enough to review and review the following protect:

Antioxidant Leave in Protectant (for heat styling/frizz)

More protect info here

This product contains organic extracts (love organic products!) and is paraben free.

It is full of antioxidants that fortifies your hair, creates texture, and protects color-treated hair. It is also full of pro-vitamins, proteins, and amino acids! This helps eliminate frizz and protect hair when being styled.

When using the product, you simply mist it throughout your towel-dried hair and style as usual.

I adore the product! Not only does it smell delicious, but it looks amazing in my hair! I have used the product before putting my normal curling mousse in my hair and have noticed a difference in how my hair looks - a whole lot more curly! I've had many compliments when I use this product as well. It looks like my hair is healthier.

I've also used it as a protectant when blow drying and straightening my hair. I feel like it has a lot less fly aways and frizzies.

This product is a great addition to your hair care regiment! Two thumbs up from Cami!

I received one of these products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Flushy, Trashy, Sinky

I was blessed enough to review Natural House - natural household cleaning products!

Not only are the products natural but the names are just absolutely precious - Flushy, Trashy, and Sinky!

Not only do I adore their name - but I love that they are environmentally friendly! The products are non-toxic and the cleaning ingredients are probiotic. These products are all-natural, plant-based, and very safe!

Sinky (put down your sink drain) and Flushy (put down your toilet) digests oil, grease, and solids. It helps your sink drains and toilets run smoothly. When the products are used, the products are doing it's job to break down all of the "bad" stuff. This creates a safe and clean household!

The products are extremely easy to use to use (and safe!) I've been using the products for the past 2 weeks and wow...I really do notice a difference in my toilet, trash, and sink! I used Sinky in my kitchen sink - which doesn't have a garbage disposal (but that didn't have any effect on how good the product worked!)

All three of them seemed to be cleaner and actually smell a lot better. (ESPECIALLY the trash...gosh, you know how disgusting the trash can get!)

Flushy seemed to work better than any other toilet cleaning product I've used in the past. It also kept the toilet clean longer!

My favorite part was that they are environmentally-friendly! Way better than any other "nasty" environment-hating cleaning product. All natural is the way to go! (Oh and easy to use, too!)

All of these products are two thumbs up in my book!

If you want to learn more -

If you're interested in purchasing the product, you can do so right on their website or right from Amazon!

If you want to keep track of Natural Houses - you can catch them on Facebook and Twitter! They constantly have discount codes for their great products!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Get Hot for Summer with Gaiam TV

As some of you might know, I’ve been wanting to change up my workout routine. (Especially know with the weather so beautiful, I’d rather spend it outside at the beach instead of at the gym working out!) But, obviously, I still need to workout…

I’m reading to get hot for summer with Jillian Michaels and Gaiam TV!

When I first heard about Gaiam TV – I was so excited and thought it is such an ingenious idea!

Gaiam TV is basically a library full of amazing videos – a Netflix for fitness workouts, health, wellness, yoga, etc. There are over 2,000 titles in Gaiam’s library! –There is something for everyone. The instructors of the fitness workouts are top instructors!

Since the videos are all streamed videos, you can access them whenever you want – twenty four hours a day! This means you have no excuse not to workout. Even if you’re on vacation – you have access to these videos! What is great is that Gaiam TV offers the streaming capability in not only computers but iPads and smartphones, too. How much more convenient can you get?

Based on what your fitness goals might be(weight loss, total body sculpting, increased energy, etc.) you can customize you’re the fitness video you are going to workout to. You also have the ability to search for videos based on what your level is, how much time you have to workout, workout style, etc. This help insures that you’ll find the perfect fitness video for you!

Prospective subscribers are offered a free ten day trial to see if they like it before they subscribe! The subscription fee is a mere $9.95/month – this gives you unlimited content to stream. (The subscription to Gaiam TV is non-committal with the ability to cancel any time.) Most of the videos offered cost more than the subscription fee for one month!

I’ve been trying out Gaiam TV and thoroughly enjoying it. I started doing a couple Jillian Michael videos and boy let me tell you – I am sore. (And loving it!) She is so motivating and energetic – makes your workout go by quicker!

Go get your workout on! Remember - Gaiam TV offers a Free 10-day Trial, No Strings Attached!

Thank you, Gaiam TV, for allowing me to try your amazing services out!

The Fresh Diet - Counting Phone Numbers, Not Calories!

More info here

As I mentioned last week, I have been on the Fresh Diet and have absolutely adored the fact that I don't need to count calories - phone numbers are the most important thing to count! ;) I was blessed to do a 7 day trial of the diet - 3 meals a day and 2 snacks!

My experience with the Fresh Diet has been nothing short of amazing. Not only was the food delicious but it was also portion controlled, calorie controlled...oh, and gourmet AND fresh. It definitely beats any tv dinners, that's for sure!

When I received the meals, they came in a big box with dry ice - so you knew they were fresh. You could taste the freshness of the food - not like even some restaurants where you can just tell that your meal was microwaved from frozen.

After the first three days, a Fresh Diet representative e-mailed me to find out how I was liking the diet and if I had any concerns. How cool is that? The only concern I had, at the time, was the fact that the diet seemed to be lacking fruit. (I guess I'm old school - I can't get the food pyramid out of my head!) The representative quickly let me know that the reason for this is that the sugars in fruit inhibits dieting - so when there is fruit in a meal, it is of a small, healthy portion.

The Fresh Diet has helped me in many areas! Most importantly, save time! It has been a wonderful time saver...no longer did I have to stress about what I was going to have for lunch or dinner every night - it was already figured out for me! When I received my food, I also received a "menu" for those days. It was such a nice treat to have something different for every meal. (It gave me some ideas for future meals!)

I did notice a difference in my body while I was on the diet. My stomach seemed to be much less bloated and lean - something I want to continue seeing in my future! It definitely made me realize how important portion control is. (Not that I've ever been a glutton - but it was a great reminder!) Also the fact that fruits were usually a big part of my diet (strawberries recently since it's been the season!) and when I didn't eat them for the week I was on the diet proved to me how moderation is definitely key.

For me, being on the Fresh Diet was definitely a detox diet. (Detoxing from sugars found in processed snacks, too many strawberries and none of my normal protein bars!)

The one recommendation I would have for the Fresh Diet is that the amount of exercise a person does throughout a week be calculated in for the calorie intake per day. My calorie intake per day was 1,200-1,400. On the days I worked out, it should be calculated that you consume more calories (for energy, muscle growth, etc.)

And now - some photos of my delicious meals:

Apple french toast with ricotta Muffin with yogurt and papaya Asparagus quiche with cantaloupe

Steak with lentils & green beans Quiona with asparagus Chicken terraki with black orzo and tomatoes

And my summary of the Fresh Diet - incase you didn't want to read all of that -

Over all - 2 thumbs up of the diet for me!

You can receive 3 days free with the purchase of a 31 day plan at $29.99 per day. The promo code is: singlmar29.

Let me know your thoughts if you try it out!

Snack Healthy

Snack Healthy! -The name of a company, but also a healthy eating lifestyle.

Who doesn't want to snack healthy?! We all should.

I was so excited to be given the opportunity to taste some Snack Healthy products!

Look how excited I am...

Dried apricots are seriously some of my absolutely favorite little snacks ever! This particular brand is quite scrumptious. Each serving is a mere 110 calories - perfect snack size!

Another one of Snack Healthy's products is Crispy Fruit. These packs are freeze-dried fruit. YUM. In the package of bananas - there are 2 full bananas in it at a mere 61 calories.

Some of the best parts of the Crispy Fruit product is the fact that it is real fruit (no additives) free of: peanut/tree nut, gluten, soy, dairy, is non GMO and vegan-friendly.

Oh and did I mention absolutely delicious? My favorite was the pineapple! (Then the apple, then banana.) They have a funky texture (remember, they are freeze dried) but once you get over that, they are sweet and delicious. You can tell that there is no added sugar - that it's all natural.

More nutrition facts of the Crispy Fruit Banana:

Another delicious product from Snack Healthy are the Loli Bars. They are so small - too cute. About the size of a fig newton, but thicker. One of the Loli Bars I tried was a fig one and it was SO delicious. You really tasted the fit and were able to notice how fresh it tasted. Again, it didn't tasted like there were any additives in it. These bars are a little over 100 calories - so again, a perfect little snack.

All in all - I think Snack Healthy delivers some fantastic products. They are delicious, healthy, and the perfect snack to grab with you to head to the gym or to have in between meals. Believe it or not, these little snacks are pretty filling!

If you check out their website, you will notice that there are all kinds of "opportunities" to get involved in earning free snacks and becoming wealthy. This part of the company turns me off a little. Is the reason the products are a little higher priced because profit needs to be built in so people are able to earn compensation through you or because it is truly a healthy product? If I enroll 4 people to have auto-delivery of the snacks every month, my snacks are free! Cool concept...yes...but I don't know...multi-level marketing (aka pyramids) rub me the wrong way.

I will not deny the fact that Snack Healthy offers some healthy & delicious products - but I am not a fan of MLMs. Perhaps I am being a little judgmental & too harsh...but I am being honest!

I will add that the customer service I have dealt with for Snack Healthy is nothing but helpful & amazing. Thanks, Harry! (Harry can be reached at (805)-416-9578!)