THE FAULT IN OUR DIETS

In the constant battle to shed pounds I too have tried some of these crazy fad diets hoping they will work as people claim and every time i always fail. Worst part is I gain more weight after trying these diets. What is the magic to eating right and not gaining weight?

 I have kept a food diary for like 3 years now and trust me you will be shocked at what you put into your mouth in just a day. Less is actually more in terms of eating. When you combine all that you have been eating all day it amounts to a lot of food.I am an extreme snacker. I always have something to chew in my bag but all the bad snacking makes me heavier so I decided to turn the tables and snack wisely.

Here is what works for me:

1.Replace your sugary cereal with fruit

I started off by cutting completely my cereal intake.I replaced my cereal with fruits now i have fruit with milk for breakfast every day. I just dice them and add milk. This small change has actually made me eat fruit everyday without even noticing it.

2.Replace your store bought juice freshly squeezed juice

We are encouraged to take juice instead of sodas to keep healthy but sometimes these store bought juices have more sugar that is bad for us. Rather than loading up on these making your own juice is better. You can purchase a juicer or use a blender to create your own flavors and medleys with the fruits of your choice.

3.Snack wisely

I love crisps and if i could I would own a crisp shop, lol but crisps are bad, even if the label says 'lightly salted' or 'baked not fried' that sh*t is bad for you. I found a better replacement, sweet potato chips,rice cakes,pop corn and beetroot chips actually curb your crisp craving just as the potato crisps do and i also snack on biltong but do not overdo the biltong as some biltong manufactures add too much salt.

4.Eat something before you eat out at a restaurant

Every time I eat out I end up making unhealthy choices, the reason being the menu is enticing and that double cheese burger with a side of fries look so succulent you can't resist. So before you leave a fruit or a snack will reduce your hunger therefore you are more likely to order something healthier when you get there.

5.Drink water

This line is probably getting so old because the emphasis is to always drink water. One thing people do not realize is that half the time they think they are hungry they are just thirsty. Water has a lot of benefits we oversee. Even at the restaurant while waiting for your food, instead of loading up on soda, ask for a free glass of water with ice, its good for your body and your pocket.

6.Eat 6-8 times a day

There is a lot of conflicts on this one but eating small portions actually fools your stomach into thinking its eating enough. While some may prefer eating three huge meals a day, its not always good for you. Eating in small portions actually adjusts your tummy to feeling full with just a small serving. If you eat huge portions your tummy overstretches and adjust to the big portions. Even if you have been eating larger portions its not too late to start eating small portions,with time your tummy will adjust.

7.Drink green tea (hot/cold)

Green tea is a very refreshing drink and the best part is you can have it hot or cold. Instead of buying sodas or manufactured ice tea there are so many recipes to make your own ice tea, its also good for both your body and your pocket.

8.Eat wiser after 7 PM

Going to bed full is one of the reasons why we struggle with our weight. So I try eating my supper before 7 PM at least if I have to eat something after 7 PM I try making a more healthier choice like having a bowl of soup, a fruit or a glass of water. I also chew on minty gum when i feel hungry after 7 PM and the mint ruins my craving as it has an aftertaste in my mouth.

9.Only buy what you need

Most of the time I go to the grocery store I end up filling up the trolley with all the junk snacks on sale and try convince myself I need them when in actual fact am just buying them because they are on sale. I type a list of what I have to get before i go to the store that way Its harder to buy impulsively.

10.Don't punish yourself

Despite all these healthier options I sometimes break the rules a little so do not punish yourself for eating fat cakes and fries for breakfast instead move on like it never happened. In fact give yourself little treats once in a while, trust me your body will adjust and make these habits your daily routine.

Kindly note that  I am not a dietitian or a nutritionist. I just shared with you what works for me. And doing all the above does not guarantee healthy eating or weight loss.I do this almost everyday and I have noticed the following changes: I eat less now, I have a lot of energy, I feel lighter and not bloated, My face is great (no more breakouts), I crave healthier snacks now.

I work hard at sharing these tips with you so please appreciate by following me or commenting with more tips I can try. Thanks for reading.

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photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/12066972@N02/3080737622">Juice Drink</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/">(license)</a>

photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/86639298@N02/8560852808">Water Filter</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/">(license)</a>

photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/41433606@N00/119546864">2006-03-10-17-09-31</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/">(license)</a>

photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19762676@N00/3167902393">mint tea & recipe</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/">(license)</a>

photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23837844@N05/3318469505">Apple</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/">(license)</a>

8 HOTTEST 50 SHADES OF GREY QUOTES SAID BY CHRISTIAN GREY IN THE MOVIE

First of all we all agree that Christian Grey is hot right? Please don't hate the guy is rich,hot,sexy and rich, yes you read it right, I wrote rich twice. lol. And the fact that he fell for a simple and down to earth chick like Anna makes us go gaga over him right? In simple terms what am trying to say is Christian Grey is a gentleman in public and a master in the bedroom.So here are some of the hottest quotes from Christian Grey that totally took my breath away.


1. Later's baby 

2. F*ck the paperwork

3. I don't make love, I f*ck...hard

4. Sarcasm is the lowest form of wit.

5. Am fifty shades of fucked up Anastasia.

6. Anastasia, I've told you. There's something about you. I can't leave you alone. I'm like a moth to a flame.

7. I'd rather planned on having you for dessert.

8. I'd give anything to know what you're thinking right at this moment.

For some reason I can't explain, I am crazy about these quotes. The movie is awesome but If you haven't read the novel I will advise you to read it!!!!!!! Please note I am not a critic or anything I was just sharing with you what I loved in the movie and feel free to add more quotes if you like. :)

Happy Friday to you all :) :)

5 BREATHTAKING GIFTS TO GIVE YOUR PARTNER THIS VALENTINE'S

What is the perfect gift to get your better half? One question but different answers to it. We all express love differently but one thing we all love is to be original. Since tomorrow its valentines day I gathered up my own list of perfect gifts to get this valentine's day.

1. A pet

Getting your partner a pet is the most amazing thing. Its like giving them a guardian angel to guard over them when you are not there and you get to take care of that pet together like your own little baby so if you have been planning to get a pet for your special one now might be the chance. The best part is you can adopt a instead of buying one.

2. A gift voucher

Some of us are bad gift buyers so a voucher is a great idea as it gives your partner total control over their gift or if you are not sure what to get for them this year still it will save you the trouble of buying something they might not like.

3. A subscription to the local gym/cooking class

If your partner loves to go to the gym or bake or dance or whatever it is they love, you can surprise them by paying for subscription/classes. It will also show them you support their interests and to make it even more interesting you can attend couples classes together that way you get to share and do the things you both enjoy.

4. A road side assistance tool kit

There is nothing like the perfect gift and the handy gifts are the best. Getting a tool kit for your partner or teaching them how to change a flat is by far my favorite. If your partner does not own a car you can opt to get them a tool kit for their bicycle or a tool box to use around the house for handy work. But be sure to get these if they do not have them or you can upgrade their tool boxes instead of buying the whole kit.

5. Cook for your partner

Instead of taking your partner out to a lavish place you can do it the old way. Stay indoors and prepare a meal for them. One can never go wrong with a simple candle lit dinner and a slow song playing in the background.

Wishing each and everyone of you  a great valentine's day.

I <3 YOU ALL..

photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22119289@N05/4585911625">Bijou and the golden hare</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.0/">(license)</a>

photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19396658@N00/8139267608">193-365 (Year 6) Flat tyre :(</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/2.0/">(license)</a>

photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22093010@N06/5039871465">macadamia parfait with gardenia</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/">(license)</a>

photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/80490962@N06/10062450585">Treadmill Runner</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/">(license)</a>

photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39160147@N03/14080490910">Target Gift Card Sign.</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/">(license)</a>

KEEP IT SIMPLE "LOW KEY IS HIGH KEY"

I have been wanting to post this for a long time already today i finally managed to do it.
This year its all about being natural you know, low key is high key. I did the big chop last month for my birthday and i am loving every second of it.

L.O.L

Everyone is entitled to doing what they like but here is what i don't plan on doing in 2015.

1. Ciao to fake hair extensions

Ladies say good bye to those long extensions cause this season is all about embracing your natural beauty. Natural hair suits any hair type and the best part is its easy to maintain and that's money in the pocket. ching-ching  :D

2. Ta-ta Fake 'fan' eye lashes

OK! don't kill me on this one we all ought to agree on one thing fan lashes are not appealing especially for an everyday look. Ladies we are pretty enough the way we are and a looking like an anime character will not make you prettier. Natural looking lashes are the way to go and they are available in every beauty store unlike back in the days so be sure to rock a natural looking pair this season. Less is more!

3. Sayonara dark boxy brows

Someone needs to put a stop to this. Black eyeliner + brows = FAKE. Save those for Halloween. A brown brow liner is the way to go to achieve that natural brow yet sophisticated look and please do make sure you blend in the concealer around your brows to match your natural skin color.

4. Adios to the bun

2014 was a great year for the over-sized bun, famous stars rocked the red carpet in style with the over-sized bun, but this season if you not going for the big chop a sleek ponytail will keep you trendy.

5. Shalom Stiletto nails/ Dragon nails

 I personally adore almond nails but i have to admit long freakishly nails are so last season. A simple nail art will keep you trendy enough without the hassle and inconvenience long pointy nails give us. You can now open that can of soda yourself. lol

One more thing lets give those pores a chance to breath. Heavy make up should be for those rare occasions. Replace your regular foundation with a BB cream or a tinted moisturizer that matches your skin color as it will give u a full coverage yet light on your skin. Don't forget to prime that beautiful face.

Please note this is just my opinion and every one is entitled to do what pleases them. Thanks for reading.  

DON'T ASSUME I AM UNHEALTHY BECAUSE OF MY SIZE

A lot of people judge a book by its cover and most of the time its not fair let alone necessary. Speaking from experience people will judge you no matter what especially if you are on the plus size. This article is my own opinion and its based on my personal experiences so please ask for permission before using it elsewhere or whatsoever.

We all have those skinny friends who have bodies to die for but they eat anything they want and still don't gain a single pound of fat and then there is my category, the type that swears by the rule book and eats healthy yet the pounds still build up. In all the 22 years of my existence I can promise you I have tried almost every trick in the book to loose weight and avoid gaining it back but I am stuck in a pendulum and I can't seem to break the habit.

Long post alert... lol

Along this dreadful journey the worst part is that no matter what I do people always comment about my weight. I am not obese and my B.M.I is also not far off but that's not the point,the point is maybe I focus too much on what society says instead of living healthy. Personally I love fitness and i am obsessed with greens so even if I am not focusing on loosing weight i still eat green,hike and cycle but no one ever cares about that right?? Its all about how you look.

Bear with me I will get to the point.... :)

I am fat yes I get it but what matters is, I am metabolically healthy because of the lifestyle path I took. Ever since I cut back on junk food I can assure you that I have good skin, I am less moody, I feel lighter, my energy levels have sky rocketed and did mention I make better food choices now?? YES I do. Finally, I am free from being a slave to my cravings and senses.Dear friends being skinny is great we all want to be skinny haha... but it does not guarantee good health, if you don't eat right metabolically you face the same health risks as overweight/obese people who don't look after their health. Lets not assume that all fat people overeat and stuff themselves with junk same applies for skinny people, not all of them eat healthy or exercise regularly. Bottom line is loosing weight is easy but maintaining it is hard "Ask me i will tell you, been there done that honey" and sometimes the only way out is to choose a lifestyle that will prevent future weight gain rather than loosing weight on a fad diet only gain it back again later.

Lets raise our glasses to living healthy and fit.

Thanks for reading

Yours truly

 dixie.