The Impact of Alcohol on Diet and Exercise: Exploring the Myth of Red Wine and Clear Alcohol

Alright, let's dive into the age-old conversation about how alcohol affects our body’s relationship with food and exercise. There’s this common belief that red wine and clear alcohol are fine in moderation, but let’s break down this myth and get a better understanding of the facts.

Red Wine and Clear Alcohol: The Moderation Myth

So, here's the thing: many of us have heard that a glass of red wine or a vodka soda here and there might not do much harm. And sure, there's some truth to it. In moderation, some folks argue that red wine’s antioxidants or the relative simplicity of clear alcohol choices might be slightly better options. But let’s unpack this a bit more.

Alcohol’s Impact on the Body

Alcohol, regardless of its color or clarity, can disrupt your body’s normal processes. It affects your digestive system, influencing the way your body absorbs nutrients, particularly after a meal. When we enjoy a drink, our body prioritizes metabolizing the alcohol over breaking down food or storing nutrients. This might hinder the efficient processing of what we’ve eaten, impacting everything from nutrient absorption to how efficiently we burn fat or build muscle during workouts.

The Calorie Quandary

Let’s talk about calories. Alcohol carries a fair share of calories without contributing much in the way of nutritional value. So, that glass of red or vodka soda might pack in more calories than you realize, potentially impacting your daily caloric intake and fitness goals.

The Exercise Equation

When it comes to exercise, alcohol can have multiple effects. It dehydrates your body, impacting your performance and recovery. It might also affect your sleep quality, which is crucial for post-workout recovery and overall fitness progress.

Moderation and Personal Balance

Now, let’s not disregard the importance of moderation and personal balance. Enjoying a drink here and there doesn’t mean it has to derail your diet or fitness routine completely. It’s about finding that middle ground and understanding your body’s reactions. What works for one person might not work for another.

So, is red wine or clear alcohol okay in moderation? Well, it's a bit of a balancing act. While some argue for the benefits of red wine or clear alcohol, the overall impact on your body's ability to process food and perform during workouts remains a consideration.

Understanding how alcohol affects your own body and finding the right balance for your lifestyle and fitness goals is what truly matters. So, whether it's that occasional glass of red or clear alcohol, being mindful of the impacts on your body’s digestion and workout routines is key to finding your personal balance.

Remember, it's always a great idea to discuss your individual choices with a healthcare professional or a nutritionist to ensure your diet and exercise routines align with your health goals. Because, in the end, it's about achieving that harmonious balance between enjoying life and taking care of your body. Cheers to finding that balance!

XO,

Angela

Halloween Treats Beyond Candy: Embracing Creativity and Alternatives

Hey there, fellow Halloween enthusiast! As we gear up for the spookiest time of the year, let’s explore some fun and unconventional treats to offer the trick-or-treaters who come knocking. If you’re like me, you might be seeking alternatives to the classic candy handouts. Here are a few creative ideas to add a dash of excitement to your Halloween celebrations!

1. Temporary Tattoos and Spider Rings

In the past, I’ve opted for temporary tattoos and spider rings – they’re simple, fun, and add a touch of creepiness to the Halloween spirit. Kids love these little tokens, making them a hit on the trick-or-treat trail.

2. Non-Candy Treats

Embracing alternatives to traditional sweets, I’ve found joy in offering treats beyond the sugary realm. Items like mini notebooks, stickers, glow sticks, or even small games can spark joy and offer a unique surprise in each Halloween goody bag.

3. Trade-off Extravaganza

Here’s a unique twist I’ve tried: post-Halloween candy trading! Instead of indulging in loads of sweets, my kids have the option to swap their candy haul for either a surprise gift or a bit of pocket money. It’s a win-win – they get a treat and I get to manage the sugar rush!

The Magic of Creativity

By embracing these alternatives, we can foster creativity and provide a range of options for trick-or-treaters. It’s about infusing a bit of fun and diversity into the Halloween experience. While candy reigns supreme, mixing it up with other treats can bring a sprinkle of magic to the holiday.

Celebrating Halloween Creatively

Ultimately, Halloween is about celebrating creativity and sharing joy. Offering alternative treats or organizing post-trick-or-treat swaps can add an extra layer of fun, bringing a bit of surprise and delight to the spooky season.

Remember, Halloween is all about enjoying the festivities in a way that resonates with you. Whether it’s trading candy, surprising with unconventional treats, or adding a touch of creativity, the essence lies in celebrating the spirit of Halloween in a way that brings smiles to everyone’s faces.

So here’s to a creatively spooky and delightfully different Halloween - where the treats are diverse, the surprises abound, and the joy is truly infectious!

The Power of Will: Transforming Your Relationship with Food for a Nourished Body and Soul

Willpower is the force that empowers us to make positive changes in our lives, especially when it comes to our diet and nutrition. It’s not just about restraining from indulgences; it’s about reshaping our connection with food and fostering a healthier lifestyle that nurtures both body and soul.

Understanding Willpower and Healthy Eating:

Willpower is often misunderstood as sheer restraint or deprivation. However, it’s more about cultivating a positive and sustainable mindset towards food. It involves making conscious choices that prioritize nourishing your body with wholesome, nutritious foods while allowing occasional indulgences without guilt.

Transforming Your Relationship with Food:

Shifting your mindset towards food involves acknowledging the emotional and psychological aspects tied to eating habits. This transformation includes:

• Mindful Eating: Embrace the practice of mindful eating, savoring each bite, and being present during meals to better understand your body’s hunger and fullness cues.

• Awareness of Triggers: Identify emotional triggers that lead to unhealthy eating habits. This self-awareness is crucial in reshaping your relationship with food.

• Building Healthy Habits: Gradually incorporate healthier food choices into your routine. This can be through meal prepping, trying new nutritious recipes, or substituting unhealthy options with nourishing alternatives.

The Role of Nourishment:

Nourishing your body goes beyond just physical sustenance; it’s about feeding your soul as well. Consider:

• Choosing Nutrient-Rich Foods: Prioritize a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats to provide essential nutrients for your body’s optimal function.

• Food as Fuel: View food as a source of energy and nourishment rather than as a reward or coping mechanism. This perspective shift can alter your relationship with what and how you eat.

• Embracing Balance: Allow flexibility in your diet by incorporating foods you enjoy in moderation, understanding that balance is key to sustainability.

Cultivating Willpower for Long-term Success:

Developing willpower for healthy eating is an ongoing journey. Here’s how to sustain it:

• Goal Setting: Set realistic and achievable goals for your dietary changes, allowing room for gradual adjustments.

• Accountability and Support: Engage with a support system or community to stay motivated and accountable in your journey towards healthier eating habits.

• Self-Compassion: Embrace setbacks with kindness and understanding. Remember, it’s about progress, not perfection.

The power of will guides us in reshaping our relationship with food. By embracing mindful eating, nourishing both body and soul and sustaining willpower for long-term success, you can cultivate a positive, enduring transformation towards a healthier and more fulfilling lifestyle.

Remember, it’s not just about what you eat; it’s about fostering a harmonious relationship with food that nourishes both your body and soul.

XO,

Angela

Marine Collagen Peptides

What is it? Well its this amazing fibrous protein that is extracted from the scales or skin of salt water fish.  The brand pictured here, Natural Force gets their marine collagen peptides from verified wild caught Snapper. I am so excited to try this product!  Here are a few of the benefits. 

Healthier skin, hair, bones, joints and hormones!

Slows the signs of aging  ~  Hello!  I don’t know about you, but I would like to help set a new standard of what “old” looks like! Apparently marine collagen has antioxidant properties that can help prevent or even repair the damage caused by UV rays!  It was also found that marine collagen played a key role in the creation of new skin. 

Want to work out or go on a long run? Mix some collagen peptides in your water!  Your tendons and cartilage need collagen to heal and regenerate. The great thing about this product is that it is easy to mix in either a hot or cold drink! I will be mixing mine in my matcha tea.

If your still asking why you should consider marine collagen peptides its because you may not be getting enough essential amino acids in your diet.  These are the building blocks of protein. If you don’t have enough of this essential protein, it will affect the appearance and health of your joints, bones, skin and hair.  

So heres to healthier you, from the inside out!  Cheers

Click on the picture if you would like to purchase Marine Collagen Peptides! I have attached a link to amazon!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year! 2018 is going to be a wonderfully gracious year.  It’s the time of year to create goals and good habits, a time to cleanse and renew and to make better choices. For me it’s always been a time of reflection.  Can I be a better version of myself? The answer has always been, yes. So this year my New Year’s resolution is self-love. 

While finding space to love and cherish myself more, I stumbled across some amazingly healthy superfoods!  I will share them all with you and their benefits in future posts.  Today I would like to share one in particular. Maca.

Some of you might already be familiar with this amazing plant. For those of you that are not, maca has been used by the indigenous people of the Andes Mountains for thousands of years. The Inca warriors would chew maca to increase strength and stamina!  The maca root has a ton of health benefits!  Too many to list here, but click on this link to see what benefits WebMd has listed. 

I can tell you first hand my experience with this amazing root.  Unfortunately, I learned by trial and error.  Word of advice, do not use this superfood before bed time, unless you would like to be up until 4am!  (I did, however, get some good research in)  In all seriousness, I am able to function throughout the day without my usual 32oz coffee.  Yup that’s right, 32 OUNCES!!!  Sheesh.  I have been mixing this little superfood supplement in my Matcha Tea Lattes since I received it right after the New Year!  Its nutty flavor adds the perfect touch to this delicious drink. For the recipe, check out Whitespace + Wellness!   

I hope you discover all the benefits of this amazing plant!

Cheers!

Angela Nichole