Jus by Julie!

So some days, I feel so gross after eating disgusting meals that I feel like I need a juice cleanse. Luckily, the amazing people at Jus by Julie sent over some juices for me to try! 

I learned from my delirium of my last juice cleanse that I should take it little at a time, so I opted to just drink either one in the morning to replace my breakfast or as an afternoon snack (since my lunch is at 10:45 and my dinner is around 5:45) 

This was the first one that I tried:

I quite like this one! It had a very strong hemp taste, so when I had my husband try it, he hated it - so just be weary of that if you dont like the hemp taste! Overall it was a nice mix of veggies and fruits! 

This was the second one and my FAVORITE one! 

Now I love myself some green juice, but this one was thick, tropical and vegetable-y! It was the best of all worlds for me! Usually when I have a green juice, I pee and am hungry in 4 seconds... but because of the thickness with the banana and rice milk, it was perfection! Kept me full til my next meal! 

Here was the next one:

This was like a coconut smoothie for me! I'm not HUGE on coconut flavor, so this wasnt my favorite one... however, if you like coconut, you will absolutely love this! This is another one that definitely filled me up well! 

The Chia Berry one was next!

This was the perfect drink as an afternoon pick me up! It was just sweet enough with a slight tang from the lemon and kept me full with the chia seeds.

Lastly...

This was like a fun take on a spicy lemonade! I couldnt finish this whole drink because I was scared the spice would make my stomach upset at work since my stomach doesnt handle spice well.. but this was quite tasty! 

Overall I really loved these juices! I definitely prefered the fruit and vegetable blends over the fruit juices.. especially the green ones since I felt like they kept me full!!! 

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The kind friends over at Jus also sent over a bunch of booster shots which I found very interesting. I had my coworker try them with me since some were quite daunting. They have normal sounding shots like ginger citrus and lemon... but then they have ones like oregano... chlorophyll...E3 Live.... (what.) 

Day 1:

Day 2 (definitely feeling scared to drink it! LOL):

Some of them werent too bad.. but some of them were very strong. Needless to say, I would give you the advice of putting it in a juice rather than drinking it straight! However... I will say although the oregano tasted disgusting, I feel like it helped me fend off a cold that was on its way over!

Thank you Jus for sending over these juices! It was super fun to try out and I will definitely be picking some up - especially that #3 sweet spin... so good! 

Check out: www.jusbyjulie.com for more info!! xoxo

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Sunday Morning Coffee: Fit + Healthy

I had a reality check the other day. I looked at my new Driver's License picture and it was so close and I had a DOUBLE CHIN. a DOUBLE CHIN! And i know that when I was taking the picture, I was trying to make sure it wasn't there... meaning that that double chin is always hanging around!

I am constantly on a journey that goes up and down with fitness. Because Felix and I love to go out with friends and enjoy good food... and our idea of a good time may be having drinks and singing karaoke rather than going for a good hike.. so needless to say, it's hard to remind myself to be healthy.

All excuses aside, I am always telling myself and Felix.. OK. it's time. It's time to get healthy. Two weeks later, whoops. off we go for another huge meal with friends or family. It's a horrible roller coaster of events and it's so annoying!

I've done a couple of new things these past couple weeks and it seems to be working (so far!). Especially because the Holidays are around the corner, I don't want to fall into a deeper hole and not be able to get myself out.  I hope hope hope.. I can keep this up to really make a lifestyle change. Here are the things that have changed:

1. I have a workout buddy. I have a friend who is really trying to get healthy as well - so we have a plan to go to zumba class twice a week. It's a very set schedule that we're trying to stick to. On Sundays, I try and drag felix to go for a brisk walk with me in the mornings. Occasionally if I'm feeling daring I'll do some strength stuff on a wednesday, but that has only happened once. HAHA. (told you when i'm by myself, it doesn't tend to work haha!)

2. I have a journal. I am trying to track everything I eat. It's actually been really helpful because when I don't think I eat much for the whole day, I notice CRAP I ate 4 pieces of chocolate and 20 gummies! You forget the extra stuff you eat!!!

3. I look at the nutrition facts when I'm at the supermarket. I love myself some Trader Joes, but sometimes I end up putting like EVERYTHING in my cart then I realize that I probably shouldn't have afterwards. LOL! Now I try to read the label before I put anything in my cart and if it doesn't meet the criteria, I don't put it in my cart. Fresh is the best. (although it spoils the fastest). I try and get fresh products so thats all I will want to bring during the week for lunch. Also, I ALWAYS have frozen veggies on hand incase I run out of produce! I have frozen broccoli, corn, mixed veggies - they have the best selection of these in trades!

Well those are my little changes that have been working so far. Hopefully I can keep this up. I really don't want the holiday cheer to get me down! After just 2 weeks of working out, I can feel my body getting more energy and strength. I also make sure to write all that down so I dont forget the steps I've made toward a healthier life!!!

Are you guys doing anything to make steps toward a healthier life? I'd love to hear your stories + encouragement! Let's inspire each other! xoxo

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Healthy Living: Week #1

So one week has passed since my healthy journey has begun. I have changed a bunch of things in my normal routine in hopes to make them more of a long term thing :) I'm not going to lie, things have been hard. My regular habits have been long and too far gone to be changed... but I'm pushing through!

Food: I've been trying my best to eat home as much as possible because I find that it's times when I eat OUT, do I ever feel SICK and GROSS. I try to eat a bigger breakfast and lunch and dinner - if i get hungry I have pre measured out snacks or I bring a Luna bar. If I do end up going out, I try and choose healthier options. One of my new favorite places recently has been Maoz! Have you guys ever eaten there? It's DELISH! It's vegetarian food/falafel! It comes with like a salad bar type thing where you can put whatever toppings you want on your falafel & pita  (or falafel and salad!) Yum!

Exercise: I'm not going to lie. This is probably the most difficult part of this whole process. In general, I walk a LOT because I live in New York City, but since last week, i've ordered the Jillian Michaels 30 day shred again and did it ONCE. hahaha not only was it hot, but I was just not in the mood. Any tips on how to motivate yourself to do exercise? lol!

Skin Care: Thank God for Hip Apotheca and Michelle for sending me some of the best all natural skin care I've ever used in my life. I cannot (seriously could I annoying rave about this anymore?!) wait until this site launches - I cant wait to see what their site will carry! Don't forget to sign up here in order to get free goodies!

I honestly could not have done this without her because Michelle was really able to cater to my every skin care need to try and develop a great regimen for my face. My favorite products that she sent me so far have definitely been the Coola matte cucumber sunblock in SPF 30 and the Rejoice light facial lotion. I will definitely do an indepth review on both of these products from this weekend to next week.

Hair: I cut my hair and have been letting it be free!!!!! :) I personally hate using heat during the summertime or products in my hair... especially because i'm already sweaty and with extra products in my hair, it causes more build up, which just clogs up my head and makes it hotter! haha!

I've been using the LUSH head case set in balance. I've been using the Rehab Shampoo or the Jumping Juniper shampoo bar and topping it off with my Cozy Moments conditioner. I will also use some Adara Coconut Oil in my hair afterwards for some extra shine and protection.

$$: How hard is it to not spend money. Especially when you know you are going on vacation in a couple of weeks. Sigh. I've actually done a pretty decent job. Considering the fact that I have to buy food and pay for transportation, I haven't spent too much money (well way less than what I usually spend!). It's been really really hard, but this is another thing that wont be a quick fix. Hopefully over time I'll learn to be a bit more money savvy! It feels good to not have to swipe so much!

That's it for now! I will update for you guys on specific products that I absolutely have been loving and recommend for YOU!

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