Tag: food

Wednesday On The Web

Fall Scarf on Belle Belle Beauty

Changing up Wednesday on the Web this week – instead of an update and links, I had a couple short updates to share with you. Hope you like the little twist on the weekly installment!

Sadly, the Rag & Bone booties I ordered I Shopbop were so hard to get on. They had to go back. I wanted them to work so badly, it was almost painful to drop them at USPS today. So now I am considering this pair.

I attended a William Sonoma cooking class on Sunday – my first and inspired by my recent visit to Culinary Institute of America in St. Helena last month. We learned Butternut Squash “mac and cheese” using a spiralizer. After many months of hearing praises, I finally caved and purchased the four-blade version. Last night I made zucchini “pasta” and am already hooked.

I don’t get too excited for Halloween. Usually I’d rather just fast-forward to Thanksgiving (not that I’d ever want to miss a single second of autumn and college football). But I do find myself transfixed by this Halloween shoot – am I in awe by its beauty or shocked by its drama? Maybe both?

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Nutrisystem Week 33

Nutrisystem Week 33 // Belle Belle Beauty

This week, I lost 0.2 pounds for a total weight loss of 36.4 pounds. Hey, I’ll take a down week no matter how small. Given my bout of bronchitis, I haven’t been running as much as usual, so I am happy that the pounds didn’t stack back on. Finally feeling a little better today, I am excited to get back in a routine STAT. And you better bet I’ll be after it harder than ever now that I have my energy back.

Speaking of routine, I wanted to talk a little about Nutrisystem’s new meals! I am so excited for the additions they announced here. The new snacks include:

  • White Cheddar Popcorn
  • Chocolate Sandwich Cookies
  • Whole Grain Soft Pretzel

Can you say YUM!? White Cheddar Popcorn is a huge favorite. And these snacks provide a great does of fiber and protein that keeps me feeling full. The new dinners are:

  • Chef’s Table® Tilapia with Asparagus & Rice
  • Chef’s Table® Spaghetti Primavera with Chicken Meatballs
  • Chef’s Table® Grilled Chicken Sausage & Peppers
  • Chef’s Table® Whole Wheat Ricotta Crepes

Oh yeah, I said Crepes. And I know my seafood nut of a dad is going to go nuts over the Tilapia! I never ever feel deprived on Nutrisystem, and with this new variety, there is always something to look forward to. Can’t wait to try them all!

Check out last week’s Nutrisystem post here.

Want to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem? Join today by calling 1-888-853-4689 or by visiting Nutrisystem.

Disclosure: As part of the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program, Nutrisystem has provided me with complementary meals in exchange for my honest thoughts on the Nutrisystem plan. The opinions expressed in my posts are strictly my own. No other compensation is being given.

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New SimpleSkincare.com Site!

New SimpleSkincare.com Site! // Belle Belle Beauty

Well, look who got a makeover! Simple Skincare launched a new website last week and I’ve just now had a chance to swing by and check it out. While they are still rolling out features, I am particularly smitten with the recipe finder. A member of the Simple Skincare Advisory Board, Ellie Krieger offers foods that can help skin look better from the inside out.

On my radar to try out stat are the crab cakes. This recipe includes bell peppers, which are a great source of Vitamin C, and crab (a Belle Favorite), which is a great source of selenium, an antioxidant mineral that helps protect the skin from sun damage and helps to maintain skin firmness and elasticity. Yum!

She offers loads of other tips specific to skin concerns. For instance, if you have dry skin, try eating more nuts and seeds, oil-rich fish like salmon, avocado and healthy oils like olive oil. Make sure to pop over to SimpleSkincare.com and check out all the new goodness!

This post was created in connection with my appointment as an Influencer in the Simple® Skincare Program.  Visit www.facebook.com/SimpleSkincare to share your story on sensitive skin.

Nutrisystem Week 28

Nutrisystem Week 28 // Belle Belle Beauty

This week, I lost 0.5 pounds for a total weight loss of 34.7 pounds. Slow and steady seems to be the way, so I’ll take it. But I do have some big events coming up in two weeks – more news on that later. So, I’ve resolved to step up my game… adding in more runs and some barre classes to meet the 40 pound goal hopefully before the end of June.

Recently, I’ve been asked a lot about the quality of food on Nutrisystem. While I have been singing its praises, I wanted to again comment on how tasty the meals really are. I’m particularly hooked on the bars – available for breakfast, lunch and dessert. Also, fruits and veggies are allowed – and encouraged! – on the plan. So you are definitely getting a fair share of fresh and nutritious snacks. My favorites are apples and a big spinach salad lately.

I’m still amazed after six months on Nutrisystem how easy and satisfying the food and journey has been. I can envision Nutrisystem being a part of my life for a very long time just to keep the excellent portion control and balanced meals in the rotation! Check out last week’s Nutrisystem post here.

Want to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem? Join today by calling 1-888-853-4689 or by visiting Nutrisystem.

Disclosure: As part of the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program, Nutrisystem has provided me with complementary meals in exchange for my honest thoughts on the Nutrisystem plan. The opinions expressed in my posts are strictly my own. No other compensation is being given.

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Simple Skincare You Tube Channel – How Nutrition Affects Our Skin

I’ve been focusing more and more on nutrition and how it can affect the way our skin looks. When exploring Simple Skincare’s new You Tube channel, I was thrilled to find several videos featuring some great tips on incorporating veggies and fruits into your diet. They are loaded with antioxidants and can fight free radicals. Not to mention… vitamins help skin look more radiant and clear.

Not only does Nutritionist Ellie Krieger, RD’s tips look colorful and delicious – they look amazing easy. Enjoy this video from Simple Skincare and let me know what you think in the comments! How do you work veggies and fruit into your diet?

If you are reading this post in an email, be sure to click through to view the video.

This post was created in connection with my appointment as an Influencer in the Simple® Skincare Program.  Visit www.facebook.com/SimpleSkincare to share your story on sensitive skin.

Good Skin from Inside Out – Tips From Simple Skincare’s Experts

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Did you know that Simple Skincare has its own group of experts to share all sorts of tips and tricks to keep our skin looking great? I didn’t until I was appointed an ambassador at the beginning of this year. In the interest of a new season, I thought today would be a great time to share some tips (ones that I hadn’t heard) to get us ready for the warmer months. And, I truly believe skin can look good from the inside out, so I am including tips from Simple Nutritionist, Ellie Krieger, especially since I am on a food lifestyle journey myself!

Limit Caffeine and Hydrate Deliciously!
You don’t need to give up your morning cup of Joe! A little caffeine is okay, but drinking too much caffeine can have some serious downsides, such as anxiety, restlessness and problems sleeping.  If you need an energy boost, quenching your thirst with a more hydrating beverage, like water, may be just what you and your skin need, since one of the first signs of dehydration is fatigue, and getting enough water is important for nourishing healthy skin. For something with even more flavor and skin-loving benefits, try this watermelon water. Just put chunks of watermelon in your water pitcher, with some fresh mint leaves if you’d like, and let it sit for an hour or more to infuse the water with flavor. You can try this with cantaloupe or honeydew as well.

Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth Smartly
Foods that quickly raise your blood sugar (called high glycemic foods), such as refined sugars and baked goods, may also contribute to increased skin oil production.  For a sweet treat that is better for you and your skin, try fresh apple slices sprinkled with cinnamon instead of your usual dessert.  It could help you help decrease shine and boost your confidence.

Tomatoes to Combat Fine Lines
Fine lines are a natural part of aging, but you may be able to help combat them with the right diet. Tomatoes contain an antioxidant that may reduce the appearance of fine lines. Try an easy spinach salad with chopped tomatoes. Top your salad with almonds or sunflower seeds; their vitamin E may also help protect against wrinkles. Add a splash of extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar and a dash of salt for a tasty and effective skin-loving salad.
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Berries For Brighter Skin
Healthy skin is lustrous and beautiful, and incorporating anti-oxidant rich foods into your diet may help keep it that way. For a powerful antioxidant boost, start your day with a berry bowl containing strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries. They all may help to combat dullness, helping you to maintain supple and radiant skin.

Under Eye Skin Health with Antioxidant-Rich Foods
Your eyes are the windows to your soul – and the skin surrounding them is some of the most sensitive skin on your face. So help keep your under eye skin healthy-looking with a healthy diet, including more antioxidant-rich foods, like red bell peppers and black beans. Put them together for a fantastic antioxidant-rich salsa. Just combine diced bell peppers with corn and black beans. Add a chopped jalapeño if you want a little heat. Toss together with some olive oil, a squeeze of fresh lime juice, a little fresh-ground pepper and a pinch of salt. Enjoy as a snack with baked tortilla chips or on top of grilled chicken or fish. Your taste-buds and your under eye skin will thank you.

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This post was created in connection with my appointment as an Influencer in the Simple® Skincare Program. Visit www.facebook.com/SimpleSkincare to share your story on sensitive skin.