Love Your Body

Love Your Body by choicescoach

I must admit that my relationship with swimsuit season is love/hate.  Every year, that first moment when I unveil my cellulite at the pool I feel like I am ripping a Band-Aid off a super hairy spot.  After getting it over with I kind of relax a little and decide who cares what everyone thinks (sort of).  I wish I could say that this year is going to be totally different, because I have lost a lot of weight since last year.  It is a little different since I'm 35 lbs. lighter, but it will still feel a bit painful and vulnerable.  I still have cellulite.  I'm still a pasty white girl that can only get a fake tan from a bottle.  I'm still (surprise, surprise) imperfect.  What is actually different isn't so much the weight, it's an attitude.  I love my body.  Sure I have my insecurities.  I have my junk in the trunk.  I wish I had an ample bosom (does anyone even say that anymore? lol).  More importantly, I have my health back.  

Part of having my health back is not just having a healthy body, but also having a healthy mind.  I could really demolish my self-esteem comparing myself to all the younger, prettier, curvier girls at the pool this summer.  I'm not going to do that.  I like to think that as I get older I'm also getting a little wiser. Comparing myself to others has never been very fruitful.  Even comparing myself to my younger self can leave me feeling a bit gloomy.  I never had the sense to appreciate my body in my youth when it was easier to stay fit.  What a waste!

Life's A Beach by choicescoach 

There is a lesson there.  How old do I have to be before I learn to love my body?  If I didn't have the good sense to love my body in my 20's & 30's, then how old do I have to be before I realize that this time is going to pass too?  Shouldn't I spend this time appreciating my body for what it is now?  If more than likely my future self would say "have the good sense to love your body right now," then shouldn't I do that?  

It may sound strange to set a goal to love your body.  Maybe you're like me.  Maybe you look in the mirror and only see what you want to change.  Take this challenge with me.  Let's stop circling the fat.  Let's stop picking apart the problem areas.  Let's focus on what we like about our bodies.  Let's accept ourselves and our imperfections!  Let's accept that we are works in progress!  Let's love ourselves completely, mind, body, and soul!  Who's with me?

LOVE YOUR BODY!!!

Fit > Skinny,

Sara

Dark Chocolate Protein Mousse

Dark Chocolate Protein Mousse Under 200 Calories

I am a sucker for decadent chocolate desserts, but most of them pack a calorie punch straight to the midsection.  In my book, Choices Coach: Weight Loss Menu Guide, I share my 150-Calorie Mocha Protein Pudding recipe.  This is pretty much the same recipe, but I used Dark Chocolate Almond Milk instead of original to make it a little richer and more indulgent.  It's still pretty low-cal (under 200 calories), but if you make it for dinner guests they will think you spoiled them with a high-calorie treat.  Plus it is super fast and easy to make!

Ingredients

2 scoops (1/2 cup) Big Train Fit Frappe Mocha Protein Powder
1/2 cup Dark Chocolate Almond Milk
1/2 tsp. Instant Espresso Powder (optional)
1/4 cup Raspberries or Strawberries, fresh

Combine the protein powder, almond milk, and espresso powder in a blender. Mix until well blended. Serve immediately or chill in the fridge until ready to eat. Garnish with fresh berries or whipped cream.

Choices Coach Dark Chocolate Mousse 21.8g Protein

Nutrition Facts

Calories 195, Total Fat 5g, Total Carbohydrate 35g, Fiber 7.6g, Sugars 8.5g, Protein 21.8g

Fit > Skinny,

Sara

Coachella-Inspired Festival Looks

Coachella

Festival chic seems to be the biggest trend for Spring/Summer 2015. Designers took inspiration from all the celebrities sporting edgy, hippie, rock n' roll looks to Coachella. Most of these celebrity looks could have easily been worn to Woodstock, decades ago. I happen to love the bohemian look. However, most of us do not have legs for days and a tiny midriff like Kendall Jenner. She can get away with a crop top and cutoff jean shorts, but let us not forget she is a runway model.

The question is how do we get the festival look without looking like we are wearing a costume or revealing way too much?

The key is restraint. Wearing a crop top and cutoff shorts at the same time just looks like you are trying way too hard. If you are past your 20's, then dressing too young can actually make you look older. By dialing it back a bit you can add a creative edge to your look, and you don't have to break the bank to participate in the trend. Incorporate items from your closet with some new accessories, like a fringed handbag or a pair of suede ankle boots. Maybe purchase one item of clothing, a top or dress, and keep everything else modern.

Here are some looks that are inspired by the festival trend that still translate to the street. No concert tickets required.

Boho Inspired Daytime Look 

SXSW Austin Inspired

Chambray Dress

Street Festival

Boho Night & Day

Leg Day Workout

Never skip leg day!  Swimsuit season is just around the corner, and the best way to disguise cellulite is to put on some muscle.  No excuses!  Be consistent and the results will come.

Fit > skinny,

Sara