Weight Loss Archives - Page 3 of 5 - Wannabe Balanced Mom

November 30, 2015 · in 52 Weeks of Balance Project· Health· Inspiration· Life of a Wannabe· List's and Schedules· Mom Stuff· My Thoughts and Feelings· Uncategorized· Weight Loss

December Challenge

Wannabe Balanced Challenge

This month I want to really focus on being balanced and enjoying every moment. Each day we will post a picture on our Instagram and or Facebook accounts that applies to the daily prompt. Just post a picture on facebook/instagram each day. Elaborate a little and share your thoughts or a positive quote to go with your picture. Use the hashtag #wannabebalanced so that we can easily find each others posts and support one another by liking and commenting. If you’re new to our challenges then I’d highly recommend you start with our Wannabe Fearless Challenge first.

Instead of stressing out and over doing it on the treats, take one step toward staying healthy physically and mentally this month. Get FREE daily inspiration from me, your fellow Wannabe Balanced Mom.

How it works:

1. Use the daily prompts to inspire you.

2. Inspire US with your pics, and or thoughts.

3. Share on Facebook, Instagram, or even Periscope using the hashtag #wannabebalanced (November Wannabe Fearless challenge had 1k people talking about it!)

4. Encourage balance in others with likes + thoughtful comments. (most supportive tribe of women here)

5. Share this post on Facebook, or share this picture on Instagram so you can help your friends and family stay a little more balanced this month. Also, Join our Facebook group Wannabe Balanced for more support and inspiration throughout the year.

· Selfie: Tell us a little about you.
· What are you reading?
· Push yourself really hard in your fitness routine. Sweat!!!
· Focus on mindfulness today. Enjoy the present, practice mindful listening and eating.
· Go on a long run.
· Write in your journal.
· Meal prep for the week.
· Call a friend or send a hand written letter.
· De-clutter a space in your house.
· Spend 10 minutes meditating. Eyes closed, doing and thinking about NOTHING. Set your timer.
· Write out some positive affirmations today.
· Make a colorful salad.
· Wake up early.
· Do something different with your husband.
· Share a childhood memory.
· Share a healthy treat.
· Do something festive and fun with the kids.
· Say a 10 minute prayer.
· Do a service project with your kids.
· Show us a DIY project.
· Wrap presents
· Have a family movie night with pop corn and hot cocoa.
· Get bundled up and play outside with your kids.
· Share a tradition.
· Show us your Christmas morning aftermath.
· Do Yoga.
· Write down your game plan for 2016
· Go to bed early
· Listen to a podcast
· Best bit of today.
· Last moment of 2015

November 2, 2015 · in Weight Loss

Sick And Tired

Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired?

Weight loss has become a subject too commonly spoken of over the past decade. Things are shifting though. We are becoming a more health conscious society rather than a “being skinny” obsessed people. Don’t get me wrong, losing weight is still a priority for most women, especially moms. We put our bodies through so much in order to bring these little babies into the world. Then we pretty much devote all of our time and energy into raising them. Needless to say, it takes a tole on our bodies and our health. More and more we are realizing that our health can NOT be put on the back burner while we raise our children. Our health is exactly what will power us through the many hours required for caring for our family.

Weight loss is great, but health is essential. That’s why I’m so passionate about Nutritional Cleansing! Because it’s not just another diet that we do for a week then fall back to our old eating habits. It’s a lifestyle change that everyone can do. Just give it a week and you will see what happens. It’s the perfect way to jump start better eating habits. You will first cleanse out all the toxic junk that you’re body has become addicted to. Diet coke, fast food, energy drinks and sugar. Then you really are starting fresh. A clean slate. You will be amazed at how much easier it will be to do a whole 30 program, or go gluten free, or to get off that diet coke completely.

When I first did this program back 11 years ago. I had gotten to a point where I basically lost hope that I would ever be able to lose weight and keep it off. I had tried EVERYTHING! But what I didn’t know back then is that we are ALL toxic. It’s the sad truth but we are exposed to so many chemicals whether we like it or not. Our air is polluted, our water is polluted, our food is not only polluted but it is depleted of nutrients. These are all facts that I’ve learned over the years. There are multiple documentaries surrounding the subject. Sadly the majority of us are going about our lives in ignorance, just trusting the masses but not realizing that we all need to take reaponsibility and be proactive about our Health and get EDUCATED.

We wonder why we don’t feel good, can’t lose the weight, or overcome addictions. We are sick and tired of being sick and tired.

Like I said, I did my first cleanse 11 years ago before I even had kids. I was amazed with my results, but still believed that I would eventually gain the weight back. I was able to lose a total of 25 lbs and go from a size 10 to a 5. That’s even smaller than I was in high school. So, as time went on and I remained consistent with the program, I never did gain any weight back. Now after having 4 kids I’m STILL back in my size 5 jeans. It’s seriously a dream come true!

Here were my very first before and after pics.

And here are my most recent ones after baby #4

The weight loss is just an exciting side benefit to cleansing the body. Other things you will notice when cleansing out the junk is, getting a handle on your food cravings, increased energy, stamina, and mental clarity. We have coached thousands of people through a 30 day program and have seen all kinds of amazing results. What it all comes down to is the simple fact that it WORKS and that’s why my husband and I have been able to achieve tremendous success financially. We are living our dream all because we continue to share what we KNOW with others.

Click HERE to get started on your 30 day program!!!

Watch this awesome 5 minute video called “ARE YOU TOXIC?”

July 31, 2015 · in cultured foods· drinks· fermented foods· Health· Health weight loss· healthy drinks· Weight Loss

Make Your Own Kombucha

I’ve known about Kombucha since I was about 15 years old. My mom used to make it but of course back then I really wasn’t concerned about my health. Hence the countless hours I spent baking in the sun, and junk food I consumed on a daily basis.

So now that I’m older and wiser, and actually CARE about what I put into my body, I decided to do a little research on it. I had no idea the incredible health benefits this stuff offers.

Who out there has tried Kombucha? I’ve learned how to flavor it just right and now it’s my favorite drink. I’ve completely replaced my nasty addiction to soda with this probiotic packed power drink. I’m seriously obsessed. I crave it!!!!

Kombucha is a beverage the ancient Chinese called the “Immortal Health Elixir?” It’s been around for more than 2,000 years and has a rich anecdotal history of health benefits like improving digestion, boosting energy, reducing stress, and helping your immune system.

Reasons to drink Kombucha!

Improved Digestion
Weight Loss
Increased Energy
Cleansing and Detoxification
Immune Support
Reduced Joint Pain
Cancer Prevention

I’m going to give you a crash course on how to make Kombucha because it’s actually pretty simple. Also, you’ll save a TON of money by making it yourself. You’ll spend up to $4 a bottle if you buy it at the store. You can find all the supplies you need on Amazon. You can watch my how-to video at the end of this post or find me you YouTube. I’ve also provided a PRINTABLE RECIPE for you.

What you’ll need in your Kombucha Kit:

* Scobi mushroom and 2 cups Kombucha (you can order them online)

* Flip top bottles (I got mine on Amazon)

* Large mason jar

* Green tea packets

* Organic raw cane sugar

* Strainer

* Something to flavor with ( I like to use some Replenish powder because it’s low in sugar and it’s packed with vitamin B and electrolytes. My other favorite is frozen raspberries blended up with a little water to make it smooth).

Directions:

First you’ll need to boil 3 quarts of water. Remove from heat and add 5-6 green tea bags. Let steep for about 5 minutes then add 1 cup of sugar. Stir until sugar dissolves.

Let cool to room temperature then remove tea bags and pour tea into gallon size mason jar. Then add your 2 cups of Kombucha and the scobi mushroom.

Now it’s time to ferment. Find a place in your house that stays about 75 degrees. Then just leave it there for a week to ten days. This is what it will look like.

Use a strainer then a funnel when pouring out the tea into the flip top bottles. Leave a little room in the bottle to add some juice or powder for flavoring. Check out my Holiday Kombucha Video.

Close the flip top bottles and let ferment again for a couple more days if you want it to be carbonated. If you don’t like carbonation then just store directly in the fridge until you’re ready to drink.

I store mine in the coat closet.

Please feel free to add more tips or information in the comment section of this post. Also, I ‘d like to hear if anyone else out there has made their own Kombucha and what your experience with it has been.

Get started now and buy your supplies on Amazon. Printable Instructions HERE.
Or if you live in Utah near me in Draper, you can buy a whole Kombucha kit from me.
BUY NOW $35
The kit comes with your starter Scobi, 2 cups Kombucha, sugar, grean tea, gallon size mason jar, and my Guide to Fermented Foods.

Kombucha

by Crystal Escobar February-19-2016

Save money and make your own Kombucha from home.

Ingredients

3 Quarts Water
1 Cup Sugar (regular granulated sugar works best)
6-8 bags Green tea, (or 2 tablespoons loose tea)
2 Cups Kombucha (from the store, or from your last batch)
1 Scobi
2-3 Cups Pureed Fruit

Instructions

Note: Avoid prolonged contact between the kombucha and metal both during and after brewing. This can affect the flavor of your kombucha and weaken the scoby over time. Make the tea base: Bring the water to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in the sugar to dissolve. Drop in the tea and allow it to steep until the water has cooled. Depending on the size of your pot, this will take a few hours. Add the starter tea: Once the tea is cool, remove the tea bags or strain out the loose tea. Stir in the starter tea/2 cups Kombucha. (The starter tea makes the liquid acidic, which prevents harmful bacteria from growing in the first few days of fermentation.) Transfer to jars and add the scoby: Pour the mixture into a 1-gallon glass jar and place the scoby into the jar with clean hands. Cover the mouth of the jar with a few layers tightly-woven cloth, coffee filters, or paper towels secured with a rubber band. Ferment for 7 to 10 days: Keep the jar at room temperature, out of direct sunlight, and where it won’t get moved or bumped. A new layer of scoby should start forming at the top of the kombucha within a few days. It usually attaches to the old scoby. You may also see brown stringy bits floating beneath the scoby, sediment collecting at the bottom, and bubbles collecting around the scoby. This is all normal and signs of healthy fermentation. After 7 days, begin tasting the kombucha daily by pouring a little out of the jar and into a cup. When it reaches a balance of sweetness and tartness that is pleasant to you, the kombucha is ready to bottle. Remove the scoby: Before proceeding, prepare and cool another pot of strong tea for your next batch of Kombucha. With clean hands, gently lift the scoby out of the kombucha and set it on a clean plate. Bottle the finished kombucha: Measure out your starter tea from this batch of kombucha and set it aside for the next batch. Pour the fermented kombucha (straining, if desired) into bottles using the small funnel, along with any juice, herbs, or fruit you may want to use as flavoring. Leave about a half inch of room in each bottle. Carbonate and refrigerate the finished kombucha: Store the bottled kombucha at room temperature out of direct sunlight and allow 1 to 3 days for the kombucha to carbonate. Refrigerate to stop fermentation and carbonation, and then consume your kombucha within a month. Make a fresh batch of kombucha: Clean the jar being used for kombucha fermentation. Combine the starter tea from your last batch of kombucha with the fresh batch of sugary tea, and pour it into the fermentation jar. Place the scoby on top, cover, and ferment for 7 to 10 days.

Details

Prep time: 15 mins Cook time: Total time: Yield: 1 Gallon

July 13, 2015 · in Health· Isagenix· Weight Loss

Healthy Jello Snack

I’m all about finding fun and tasty ways to eat healthy. Jello was one of my favorite treats growing up. Something about the thick techture that melts in your mouth was so fun for me. I recently discovered how to make jello HEALTHY and learned that making it all natural from home can actually have some pretty awesome health benefits. Using REAL gelatin can help improve your skin, hair, nails, digestion, and joints. This homemade jello is made without the artificial colors and flavorings found in the store bought kind.

Have you ever tried natural grass fed gelatin?

Great Lakes Unflavored Beef Gelatin, Kosher, 16 Ounce Can

Neither have I until just recently. I never even knew that natural gelatin had so many great health benefits.

“Gelatin is the purified protein derived by the selective hydrolysis of collagen from the skin, the connective tissue and/or bones of animals. Great Lakes Gelatin provides you with the highest types of pure unflavored edible gelatin. It is available in type A (porcine), or type B (bovine or bone).”

You can find this on Amazon, that’s pretty much where I buy everything these days. Amazon prime baby, it’s the way to go.

So the way I prepared this was simply mixed up 3 1/2 cups of the Isagenix hibiscus Want More Energy/Replenish drink (I would recommend 5 scoops of the powder).

Or you can use 100% fruit juice. In a separate bowl, pour 1/2 cup of the juice or WME drink in and mix with 2 T of the gelatin (needs to soak for a few minutes). Then pour 1/2 cup of boiling water into the gelatin/juice mixture. Stir until desolves then add the rest of the juice/WME. After its all mixed together then pour into a greased or lined pan and let chill in the fridge for a couple hours.

After mine was done I cut into squares and placed in tupperware for a quick snack.

I like to top mine with non dairy coconut whip cream and fresh blueberries. So yummy!!!

Coconut Whipped Cream

Just whip up a can of coconut milk that has been chilled for a few hours,

I like to make big batches at a time so I usually use 3 cans. Separate the thick cream from the runny watery part. Use the watery part for smoothies, and save the thick part for your whipped Cream. Use an electric beater and whip the cream with a little bit of honey and vanilla extract. I usually always have some ready made in my fridge cause I LOVE this stuff on everything. Pancakes, fruit, smoothies, yum!!!

So now tell me, what are your thoughts? Have any of you made homemade gummies with this stuff? That’s next on my list. Leave a comment below if you have any tips or tricks to add? I love to hear what other people are doing, especially when it comes to improving the skin.

UPDATE:

I just made another batch of jello using 100% grape juice and I added another tablespoon of the gelatin. I have to say that I really liked the texture better. Much more dense.

May 10, 2011 · in 52 Weeks of Balance Project· Weight Loss· Work Out Program

Week #3 Work Out Program

I’ve FINALLY finished week #3 of my 4 week work out program. If you missed the first two here they are:
Week #1
Week #2
This is part of my 52 Weeks of Balance Project. All of these printout inserts go with the Wanna Be Balanced Day Planner, you can buy yours HERE.

Click HERE to print.

March 31, 2011 · in 52 Weeks of Balance Project· Weight Loss· Work Out Program

FREE Meal Plan & Printable Exercise Plan

Exercising is like marriage…
You’ve got to spice things up to maintain the passion.

This program is all about mixing things up to prevent boredom and to keep your body guessing which is ideal for maximum results.

Are you at the point where you feel like nothing’s working for you? No matter what you do that muffin top remains. I hear ya girl. It’s called, LIFE AFTER KIDS.

Don’t give up hope though, there is a way. I’m going to share exactly what I do to keep my weight in check. Although I won’t exactly be joining in now that I’m with child. I’ll be there cheering you on while stuffing my face with carbs on top of carbs, yum 🙂 Now’s my chance to eat what I want right? I’m trying not to go over board because I tend to think I’m literally eating for two. We like to say that don’t we, but we all know it only takes an extra 300 calories to keep that baby growing healthy and strong.

Let’s just pretend we didn’t hear that okay?

I’m eating for two and I don’t care what you say!!!

These four week’s we’ll be incorporating MIND BODY and SOUL to keep us feeling energized and balanced as we get our bodies back to where they were meant to be.

It’s no secret that diet plays a major role in getting the kinds of results you’re looking for. So for the next 4 weeks, try replacing breakfast with an Isagenix meal replacement shake, for lunch, you should eat a 400-600 calorie meal (get my FREE Meal Plan for ideas), and for dinner have a small portion of what ever you’re making for the family. I don’t think it’s necessary to eat perfectly ALL day. Enjoy a nice yummy meal with your family, just don’t over do it. Try using a smaller plate to trick your mind into thinking you’ve got a full plate.

Here’s week one!

Click HERE to print.

Just so you know, I’m fully qualified to give you fitness advice. Seriously, I used to be an aerobics instructor ya know…

Well, not legally, but I was.

Let me just tell you that story real quick.

I was about 20 years old, living in Hawaii with my mom. We were living in a small town called Hilo, population- 40,000. Fitness has always been a major priority in my life. I’m not one to work out more than 30-40 min. on average, but I do make it a part of my daily routine. So anyway, I found the nearest gym and first thing I thought was, I wonder if I could get a job here and get a free membership.
So I asked the person at the front desk (which just so happened to be the owner) if they were hiring. It went a little something like this…

Owner: Well yes we are, but we need an aerobics instructor, can you teach aerobics?

Me: Um yah… I mean, I’m not certified or anything, but I’ve been to enough aerobics classes to know how to teach one.

Owner: Okay, come in tomorrow and show us your routine.

Me: Uh, okay… ya… um, sure sure I can do that. Great, thanks… see you tomorrow.

I walked away thinking, WHAT THE HECK JUST HAPPENED?

I was excited but felt major pressure to come up with a good routine. I worked all night on it, wrote it down and practiced it over and over.

I came back the next day for the “audition” I guess you’d call it. Did my routine in front of all the other instructors and was totally embarrassed because I really had know idea what I was doing.

Well, I got the job and taught my class 3 times a week for 4 months (then I left on my mission). Is there anything better than getting paid to work out?

Um no…

Someday I’ll tell you about when I was an aerobics instructor on my MISSION. Yes, I’m being serious, but I’ll have to save that story for another day.

December Challenge

Sick And Tired

Make Your Own Kombucha

Kombucha

Healthy Jello Snack

Week #3 Work Out Program

FREE Meal Plan & Printable Exercise Plan

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