Olive Oil, Vinegar & Garlic Does A Lot of Good...For You

Hair can get so damaged during summer. It is good to cover if you can. There are several things that you have around your home that will definitely get your hair looking healthy and shining. I have done this since college, half a cup of mayonnaise, two tablespoons of olive oil and (one egg) optional. Mix them all together in a bowl and apply to hair. Put a plastic cap or bag around your hair for about 20 minutes. Shampoo and condition as you usually would. I have long curly hair and have been doing this since college, way before all these better products came out and it still works just as good or even better. Your hair will not keep the smell and you will see the difference in one use. Olive oil is good for your body as well. Give yourself one teaspoon of olive oil and one teaspoon of vinegar. The olive oil takes away inflammation which causes joint and back pain. It also is a lube for your joints. It is also good for our skin. The vinegar cleans your organs and keeps your body running well. If you feel like you might not like oil and vinegar alone, throw it in a salad or veggies. Last but not least garlic heals and is good for your blood, so add a little garlic to you diet, fresh is best. Barbara Jeanne xo

Burning Calories While Sitting

There are so many body types for both men and women. As we get older it seems more of a struggle to keep off those unwanted pounds. We may exercise less; have sitting jobs or like to have a few cocktail while we wind down from a hard day. These factors and the big factor of fast food are making it hard to keep to the size we truly want to be. People are getting married older and although it keeps us more active we are opt to having more snacks around the house to nibble on. Most Americans are not happy about their bodies, wanting to lose that unwanted weight but not enough to work out. I hate when I hear someone say they are so unhappy with how much weight they have gained and feel it is too late or too hard to do much about it. There are plenty of small things that can be done that may make a difference. First off in the elevator, sitting on a chair at work or the couch while watching TV you can squeeze the butt (squeeze release). Just slouch done on the sit and squeeze away. Next lift your legs as if you are marching (right left, right left) and extend legs and fold. If you are able keep to keep the leg extends out, lift with a small movement up and down. Hold the legs extend out and point and flex to firm up your calves. Arms are easy, circle in front then out to the sides this may have to be done at home or on break, it might look a little silly at your desk. Circle in one direction then the other, this helps with that flabby triceps. Extend your arms over head and bring them back to the side of you, this works your arms, shoulders and upper back. You’re almost done, squeeze you stomach, contract and release. Lastly, while sitting scoot up on the couch or chair and let’s work on the waist. Lean your shoulders down to the right (down and up) then switch to the left. With your butt is firmly on the chair twist your body right to left. You have now done a full body workout. Start doing 20 repetitions for each and work your way up until you reach your level tension for each muscle group. This is part of a class I teach called “Just don’t sit there”, the class is done while sitting in chairs.

Don't Settle for Baggy Clothes!

So many women do not like their body. When many women try on clothes they get upset when things don’t look exactly like they imagined. It can become so frustrating when everything in your closet doesn’t fit or just doesn’t look as you would like. Soon you have a mess and end up wearing something that may be a better fit for you but not what you really wanted to wear. This goes on day after day. You see so many things that you would love to wear but you wouldn’t dare. You do have choices you can either stay miserable and wear what fits or shed those unwanted pounds and wear what you always wanted. There is no better time than the summer. There are so many things that you can do. You can walk, ride a bike, swim and go out for a night of dancing. You would be surprised how many calories you burn dancing. Swimming is good for burning calories and is very therapeutic. Walking is good for a slower exercise but it helps clear the mind. There is also speed walking that was a fad several years ago were you would walk at an aerobic speed and keep it heel toe. Those are some ideas that are free or don’t cost much but can give your metabolism a boost toward losing. Losing a few inches and dropping a few pounds can make a big difference. Don’t feel overwhelmed and do not keep jumping on the scale. Do it at your own pace. Don’t diet just cut back and never go back for seconds. Here is one easy suggestion cut out one thing that you like to eat. If you have a bad day and you mess up, it’s okay, get back on the wagon the next day. It will make a difference. You just have to have the want…Barbara Jeanne xo

Why Diet Soda Isn't Good & There Are Better Refreshing Drinks

They say diet soda is not good for you because of the ingredients but there is way more to it. Diet soda actually turns of the little signal in your stomach that tells you that you are now full from eating. This goes for all the fake sugar packets as well. Regular soda is better in the long run and your intake should be two 12 to 16 ounces of soda daily, that is what I tell people I train that are soda drinkers. You can’t tell someone that loves soda they can’t have it, you should enjoy what you like but in moderations. This goes for all the fake sugar packets as. What’s great about summer is you can make tea and leave the bags in and let the sun brew it for a fresh taste. You can add fruit for flavor. Any type of berries adds a nice touch and by doing that it also adds natural sweetening. You can do the same with lemons, squeeze them in water and let it brew in the sun as well add fruit and you have a nice refreshing drink. Barbara Jeanne xo

Defeating Your Weight Problem

They say that our country has a high obesity rate. In fact in New York the mayor wants to put a 16 ounce limit to the drink size in all businesses. I am not one to judge but being in fitness since college I have seen many fads come and go. I do remember in the 80’s it was all about working out. It was a thing to do. I also remember the clothes being more form fitting. It was also okay to wear a mini skirt and heels just to feel or look pretty. Now people look at you strange as if you are overdressed or you’re just strange. It’s a shame that people who aren’t fit do judge people if they are to see them dressing a bit skimpy, well she just has to be a whore, dressing with little clothing. People that are in the mid-range are finding the clothes that best fits their body and people over weight either wear clothes that they shouldn’t or now a days they have a nice section for full size woman so they stay content. We now have nice clothes to wear so it’s all good. We are one of the unhealthiest countries as well. I am not talking about poverty countries but countries that eat well. There is a difference of eating well and over eating. The United States seems to be over eating to the point of being unhealthy and we need to start being more aware of our weight. Hiding our weight with clothes should not be good enough for anybody. We need to look at our bodies and although we want to love and embrace who you are most certainly. If you say these words “I wish I could lose a few pounds” you most certainly can. The thing is that we all can with a little effort and if you look at yourself and say it, then deep down you want it. As well as those people that their doctors have been telling them they need to lose and for those that know it or want it. Then you need to start with a plan. You can exercise twenty minutes a day and it will be effective if you are consistent. I will post a couple 20 minute work outs that you can follow, and realize how easy it can be. Find one that is enjoyable for you. When you do see a difference I know you will have a smile on your face. Barbara Jeanne xo