Clean Slate ~ Book Review

Clean Slate: A Cookbook & Guide

Reset Your Health, Detox Your Body & Feel Your Best

ISBN: 978-0-307-95459-6

$17.10 (paperback)

$11.99 (kindle)

About the book:

It’s time to hit the reset button. This book emphasizes eating clean, whole, unprocessed foods as part of a primarily plant-based diet, with delicious and healthy recipes that make it easy to do just that. Refreshing juices and smoothies, savory snacks, protein-packed main dishes, and even delectable desserts will keep you satisfied all day long; among them are plenty of vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and allergen-free options, each identified by helpful icons. Comprehensive, informative, and utterly satisfying, Clean Slate is the complete go-to guide for boosting your energy and feeling your best.

More than just a cookbook, Clean Slate, from the editors of Martha Stewart Living,provides you with the nutritionally sound information you need to shop for and prepare food that nourishes body and mind. You’ll find guidelines for restocking your pantry with whole grains, beans and legumes, lean proteins, and healthy fats; glossaries of the best sources of detoxifiers, antioxidants, and other health-boosting nutrients; and menus for a simple 3-day cleanse and a 21-day whole-body detox, with easy-to-follow tips and strategies for staying on track.
 
Get inspired by more than 160 beautifully photographed recipes organized into action-focused chapters, including: 

My thoughts:

I have a confession. I LOVE just sitting and looking at cookbooks. I don't actually cook out of them much anymore as my fibromyalgia advances and I don't have much energy but this book caught my eye because of the cover and the text on the front. 

I choose this book for a couple of reasons. 

1) I feel better when I watch my processed foods and while I don't do it 100% (and not even 80%) I do feel better when I cook my own food and eat healthier. It seems to help me control my symptoms & I'm not nearly as tired.

2) As the years have gone by I've gained weight and as I've gained I've gotten sicker and I'm ready for that to end. The phrase "Detox Your Body" caught my eye and I'm wondering if Detoxing will help me feel better in the long wrong as the chemicals & preservatives in processed foods, our everyday produce and meats leaves. I've been told it will - and it just might.

When I took it out of the package I was excited to find a book that was interesting, beautiful and caught my attention. I immediately fell in love with this book. It's truly beautiful. I don't say that lightly - the pictures are gorgeous and the information that is contained is interesting, well written and concise. It is not a DIET book - but more of a lifestyle change type of book. You will not find a book full of dry scientific facts like "why this works and why you shouldn't have.....". 

I found several weeks of menus - there is a 3 day and a 21 day Detox plan that is easy to use. The detox itself uses a variety of smoothies & salads that are filling and has enough flavor so you don't get bored. I think the thing that most impressed me is 10 pages of Smoothies with easy recipes that don't need special ingredients - there are mangos, pineapple, apples, kale - and that most dreaded veggie in MY house BEETS! Ugh. 

Breakfast was my favorite chapter and I even purchased some Quinoa to use to make Cardamom Quinoa Porridge. I haven't tried it yet - but will soon. I found chicken and fish and several side dishes I want to try.  One thing I always look for in a cookbook anymore (I am dairy, whey & soy intolerant & Baby is Gluten Free) is whether the recipes are labeled vegan, dairy, nut or gluten free. I found plenty of anti-inflammatory ingredients & recipes that will help with the pain and discomfort of a Chronic Pain condition. =D 

A few good recipes:

Replenish: Get off to a good start

Whole-Wheat Waffles with Strawberries and Yogurt; 

Poached Eggs with Roasted Tomatoes

 

Reboot: Drink to your health

Grapefruit, Carrot, and Ginger Juice;

Green Machine Smoothie

 

Recharge: Load up on vegetables

Roasted Mushroom Tartines with Avocado; 

Steamed Vegetable Salad with Macadamia Dressing 

 

Reenergize: Choose your snacks wisely

Warm Spinach-White Bean Dip; 

Trail Mix with Toasted Coconut

 

Restore: Make meals with substance

Wild Salmon, Asparagus, and Shiitakes in Parchment; 

Grilled Chicken with Cucumber, Radish, and Cherry Tomato Relish

 

Relax: Have a little something sweet

Dark Chocolate Bark with Hazelnuts; 

Berry-Almond Crisp

I'm planning on trying out the 21 day detox program and will let you know how I do. The only reason I'm waiting at this point is that I don't have a juicer for the smoothies. 

Anyone have any suggestions for a good juicer that is $50 or less? (that is easy to clean?)

Disclaimer: I received this book from the Blogging for Books program in exchange for my honest review. Regardless I only recommend products or services I have personally read or used & think my readers will enjoy.

The Omni Diet by Tana Amen

The Omni Diet
by Tana Amen
ISBN: 978-1250029843
$17.46 (hardback)
$12.74 (kindle)

About the book:
The Omni Diet is a simple 70:30 plant-to-protein model, carefully designed series of three, two-week phases, followed by a maintenance plan that offers a lifetime of healthy living. During each of the three phases, you are provided with meal-planning guidelines and daily menus that feature an exciting variety of easy, delicious recipes along with commonsense advice and simple tips.

My thoughts:
The Omni Diet caught my attention because over the years of fighting Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain I have become aware that eating a whole foods, natural diet is beneficial and helpful to combatting pain, weight gain and inflammation. I was excited to see what looked like a helpful tool that was easy and budget friendly. Here is Tana herself to explain what her goals are for The Omni Diet:


One of my concerns is that Tana says she can reverse disease and illnesses and personally I don't believe that you can reverse Fibromyalgia. Yes, most illnesses and disease are partially caused by Unhealthy Diets and our Environment - however some of them are also caused by genetic disorders. I do however, believe that eating a whole foods diet and limiting or eliminating environmental stressors and unhealthy choices can make a difference.

I will confess up front I have not personally started the diet (as of yet). The first half of the book is explanation and details as to why the Omni Diet works and how to use it and one of the issues I have with Fibromyalgia is reading long detailed chapters & understanding all of it. I don't know why - my doctor thinks it has something to do with the fogginess that comes with my illness. So, while I have read the first 1/2 of the book - I'm hoping I can get my hands on the audio of the book so I can listen to it while I'm in the car sometime.

 

The 2nd half of the book I loved. I found several pages of easy to follow recipes most of which aren't going to require me to purchase ingredients I won't use ever again. The recipes are easy to make and won't require a cooking degree either or a personal chef to create. The ingredients you use can be purchased fresh at the farmer's market or at your favorite grocery store. You eat foods like chicken & other meats, fresh veggies: avocado, carrots, peppers, onions, etc, fresh fruits, whole grains and even the desserts look delicious. You aren't going to find a "fad" type of Diet - Tana's goal is to draw you away from dieting and introduce you to a healthy lifestyle filled with delicious foods that will make you feel full longer and satisfied.

I strongly recommend The Omni Diet - it's ideal for anyone that wants to improve their everyday diet. It's a delicious, normal method of feeding your family.

About the author:
TANA AMEN, BSN, RN, is a nurse, health and fitness expert, and nationally-renowned speaker. Tana is also a nutrition consultant and coach for the wildly popular Daniel Plan, an inspirational health movement led by Pastor Rick Warren, which includes Dr. Daniel Amen, Dr. Mark Hyman, and Dr. Mehmet Oz. Tana has been featured in Everyday Health’s Recipe Rehab, GNC LiveWell Magazine, on PBS and Martha Stewart Living Radio, and has been a guest speaker at the Omega Institute and Saddleback Church. She works alongside her husband, New York Times bestselling author and physician, Daniel Amen, MD, offering nutritional guidance and practical support to hundreds of thousands of Amen followers at The Amen Clinics. (from Amazon)

Learn more about the author & The Omni Diet @ http://www.tanaamen.com/

Recipes

Order the book: Hardback or Kindle

Disclaimer:

I was offered a copy of the book to read and review on GivingNSharing. I was not required to have a positive review and no money exchanged hands. Thanks for reading!

 

Friday Weigh In w/ the ShapelyGirl Fitness Crew - Wk 1

Week One is HERE! Amazing! In many ways I've been excited to be able to do this with Sierra (one of the kids I watch) and yet it's a little nerve racking too.

I will be working for the next 4-5 weeks with the ShapelyGirl Fitness Crew on a Fitness Event that will be focused on using the ShapelyGirl Fitness DVD's and Debra Mazda's motivation to help us get through the next month.

I love that this series of videos is called ShapelyGirl Fitness - why? because it fits WHO I am and have become. Course, I've always been Shapely - wanna know WHY I allowed myself to start gaining weight?

Besides the serious cravings I had in my 20's and 30's (for sugar of course) - I was a big hipped tiny topped gal. Size 16 jeans and size 12 tops or a Medium. I hated having jeans that didn't fit almost as much as I hated wearing belts. 

So, that being said, each Friday all of us ShapelyGirl Fitness Gals are going to be accountable to each other (and you) to share our goals, weight loss, thoughts and frustrations. There are 4 different DVD's and between 27 Gals - we are doing them all! 

What is the ShapelyGirl Revolution?

A movement to empower ShapelyGirls to get fit and feel fabulous, while enjoying the journey to better health. They are women who are mothers, daughters, sisters, teachers, doctors (and the list goes on), usually overweight and have a desire to feel & look better.

ShapelyGirl Fitness has been featured on Exercise TV on Demand and QVC. There are 4 main types of DVD's:

1. Walking Fit & Fabulous DVD 

2. Let's Get Moving 2 - Cardio Toning with Weights DVD 

3. Let's Get Stepping! DVD - a basic step cardio workout

4. Let's Get Moving! DVD - Low Impact Cardio workout

and... Debra Mazda's Life-Guide for ShapelyGirls 2 CD set - a 10 part motivational program for a healthy life.

Right now, all CD's, DVD's and apparel are on sale on Debra's website. We'd love to have you preview the program for the next 4 weeks and if you'd like to join us just order your DVD's now while they are on sale and then let us know how things are going in the comments below each Friday's post. 

Keep in Mind: This plan is NOT a Diet. It's to encourage ShapelyGirls Fitness Gals to exercise. Losing Weight and Feeling Good is a natural follow through (or it should be). No Diet is required. 

Here is a clip from Walking Fit & Fabulous which is the DVD I will be using:

I am asking for prayer - 

With Fibromyalgia I have to be really careful to not overdo any activity I'm trying to do. I've been having a lot of pain in the achilles tendon of both feet for about 4-5 weeks now and when I do any amount of sitting it locks up. Mornings are awful BUT I'm hoping since I'm doing the Walking Fit and Fabulous! DVD that it will warm up slowly enough that it's not going to hurt my tendon as much as a full-blown workout such as stepping would. Keeping my fingers crossed.

Week 1:

Goal - 175 pounds

Weight - 249 pounds (I've actually lost 15 pounds this month using the Body by Vi Shapely plan.)

Size - 22/24 - would like to get to about a 14 which is when I feel the best.

More information:

Connect with Shapely Girl Fitness on Facebook     

Connect on Twitter with Debra Mazda

Please ReTweet This & Help Spread the Word:

Come check out the ShapelyGirl Fitness Crew - Friday #Fitness Weigh In & Report Wk 1: #shapelygirl su.pr/6KV6u2
— Tina Peterson (@familyliteracy) September 28, 2012

Meet some of the other 26 gals on the ShapelyGirls Fitness Team. This October, each Friday, come back here and visit each gal to cheer & encourage her on! Thanks! Disclosure: I was given a copy of the Walking DVD by ShapelyGirls Fitness to use in my home and review on my blog. No money exchanged hands and I was not required to have a positive review/experience.

The Eat Smart Precision Digital Bathroom Scale - Review/Giveaway

Our Winner is:  #158!  They have 48 hours to respond with their contact info or I will draw another winner.  Thanks for joining in with this great contest!

I recently received The Eat Smart Precision Digital Bathroom Scale which is wonderful.  I love the look of it - it has a "clean", very modern look that goes well with any home decor.  The design is compact with a clear tempered glass platform, it's Silver (you can also get it in Black) so it's very versatile in any home or room of the house.

Some of the features of the Eat Smart Digital Bathroom Scale include:

• Step-On Technology - no more waiting or tapping to turn it on.  It's instantaneous and the digital display has large numbers to make it easy to read in the morning when you aren't awake yet.
• Energy Conserving Shut-Off.
• Max Weight is 400 lbs - most of the scales that I've seen only go to about 250 lbs, so this is perfect for the larger person.
• Batteries are INCLUDED!  WOW!  Enough said!
• 100% EatSmart Satisfaction Guarantee, if you have ANY questions they provide you with an email or phone number in the box.  You don't have to search online to find out how to get a hold of them.

My review:

I really like the scale.  The scale was packaged very well, with a Styrofoam holder on both sides of the scale.  It fit very snugly and the batteries are attached to the bottom of one of the holders.  Don't miss these!  I didn't realize that it needed batteries when I got it so it was nice to see that they were included.  The booklet that came with the box includes a detailed explanation of how to calibrate the scale.  It's VERY easy to do this.  Put the scale down on a hard surface, weigh yourself and a "C" appears after your weight yourself & that means it's calibrated.  Very easy.

Overall, I didn't have anything I didn't like about the scale.  EatSmart was so good about sending my scale right away and I know I will definitely order from them again.  I think this would make a great wedding or shower gift and at $28.95 it has a great price too!  You can purchase a scale online HERE.

I would like to get the Kitchen Scale next.  I've heard that cooking with a scale and weighing your ingredients is actually much more accurate than measuring.  Plus, when you are trying to lose weight, I think you are more aware of what you are eating when you take the time to weigh it.

EatSmart is offering ONE of my readers a Precision Digital Scale of their very own!  YAY!   

Mandatory Entry:

Go to EatSmart's Website and take a look around.  Tell me about another product you'd love to have.  Leave the link so we can all see what you want.  =D  Be sure to leave me your email with your entry!

Optional:  Be sure to leave your email on each entry!
Note: These entries are OPTIONAL - you do not have to do them if you don't want to.  =D

1. Like EatSmart Products on Facebook (1 entry), leave a comment on their page telling them I sent you and leave me the hyperlink here.
2. Like @EatSmartScales on Twitter (1 entry)
3.  "Like" ME on Facebook (1 entry)
4.  Follow @familyliteracy on twitter (1 entry)
5.  Place my Blog URL/button on your blogroll/sidebar (Leave the link where I
   can find it) - 2  Entries/Comments
6. Follow me on Networked Blogs (left column)

Extra Credit:  5 entries/5 comments please

Tweet:  " I want to win a EatSmart Precision Bathroom Scale at http://ning.it/e56Y6H, ends 2/28, US only, #weight loss, #decor "


Details: The US Winner will be drawn on 2/28 at 10 pm. They will have 48 hours to respond to my email w/ their address so their Winning Item can be shipped to them. US Street address - no PO Boxes please. 
Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free from EatSmart.  Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. 

Health Challenge Event - Week 1

Thanks for joining GivingNSharing's first annual Health Challenge Event.  Honestly, this is my way to kick start my own weight loss program and I'm holding myself accountable to you.  I've received the Walk, Eat and Lose program from WalkAtHome.com and will be using that program.  Don't want to add another set of DVD's to your stash of Exercise videos - at least until you know you like the program?  You might want to look at WalkAtHome.com's Walk Club. 

WALK AT HOME is designed to help you become walking-fit in the comfort of your own home. Walk at Home is fitness fun for everyone and every age. There’s nothing complicated to learn and you don’t need fancy equipment.


If you can walk, you can do this!

Introducing the Walk Club!

• Changes your fitness level and improves your health.
• Challenges to keep you motivated all year long!
• Not only do you get Exclusive streaming workouts, meal plans, fitness calendars and more but you get the support of one of the best communities you can find on the internet! You also get a 15% discount on all products in the store.

Email me for a complete explanation of what you get with the Walk Club - they are in the process of revamping that page and it's not available.  I have it in a handy write up that you can print and post.

Take it from Our Walkers:
I joined the Walk club in Nov 05 after discovering Leslie's videos. It is the best decision I have ever made. I truly found my second family. The wonderful women and men are here to cheer each other on and they are there to lift you up when you fall. We even have Walk Challenge teams! It doesn't matter if you are just starting out or are a veteran walker. Leslie says we are here for each other. The Walk Club has helped me lose 117.3 pounds, and it gave me the courage to change my lifestyle one day at a time. I am a whole new person, and I thank God that he led me to Leslie's videos and her Walk Club. ~ from Mandi

There is a charge for this program - $29.99 - for the WHOLE YEAR!  That's $2.50 a month!  How many of you can join a gym for $2.50 a month?  You get streaming videos so you can walk in your living room, bedroom, study or even at the office if they'll let you do them there. 

You don't have to get out in bad weather (it's been -30 this week - bitterly freezing cold), you can call your friends over or take turns at each other's houses each week and exercise together.  You could even have a luncheon afterwards and keep each other accountable by keeping track of your weight, inches lost - whatever will help you improve your health.

There are TRY IT Videos if you'd like to see a class online before you BUY IT.  These are FREE.                  http://www.walkathome.com/try-walk-at-home/

This would also be a great opportunity if you are ready to go to the next level of exercise and are ready to try the Express or Advanced levels of WalkingAtHome.

I would be interested in hearing if anyone has used this program for losing weight.  Please leave your comments below and if you do join let us know so we can form a group or something to help each other.  Remember, I set up a group online at:  PeerTrainer.com - sign up (it's FREE) and look for the group: Health Challenge Event

Buddy Up & Slim Down

with WalkAtHome.com

Take the Yoplait Yogurt Challenge!

You could lose up to 5 pounds in 2 weeks!

You could lose 5 pounds in 2 weeks! Whether you want to look and feel your best for an upcoming event or find a meal plan to just tune up a bit, we'll get you there in a matter of steps, along with tips and a little guidance.

IT'S EASY
• Replace breakfast and lunch with a Yoplait® Light, a grain and a fruit
• Eat a sensible dinner rich in lean protein, and your favorite vegetables for snacks
• Choose 3 additional servings of non-fat dairy, like skim milk
• Stay active with 30-40 minutes of walking every day

I just looked at this and it should be a fun WARM up to our New Years Resolution of getting in shape and taking better care of ourselves!  Go to: http://www.yoplait.com/twoweektuneup and you can choose 14 of your favorite yogurts, get a 2 week meal plan and tips/suggestions for success.  Check it out!  Oh, while you're there, be sure to get your free cup of yogurt too!



Improv(e) your Butt Challenge

Do we have any Quilters, sewers, crafters, designers, jewelers, etc......?  Here's a FUN way to motivate yourself to lose weight, improve your nutrition, exercise more - whatever YOU're goals are:




Jacquie over at Tall Grass Prairie Studio (here) and Katie at Sew Katie Did (here) challenged each other last year to take a break from sewing & quilting and get some exercise every once in a while and they came up with a plan to motivate themselves using something they LOVE as a reward.  I'm going to post their plan, and if you think it will help motivate you, go for it.  I'll add the link to sign up for the plan at the end - let me know if you're going to give it a try.  I just might - I love to sew & quilt!


Quilter's Butt and an Improv(e) Challenge


Alas, those of us who sit in front of sewing machines (and computers) for long periods of time are prone to that only whispered about in coffee shops syndrome known as the dreaded Quilter's Butt. There are similar maladies for other artist and crafter types who spend long hours doing anything but exercising and avoiding and making seriously legitimate excuses for not hopping on the treadmill, jumping on a bike or hitting the pool.

My friend Katie and I met on the internet and we initially connected trying to motivate each other to exercise. We know that exercise and healthy living will allow us to be more productive quilters and in the end isn't that what it's all about? We want to quilt longer and harder, so we need to be in shape.

When Katie was visiting Kansas last month she suggested I join this government site that tracks your exercise. It's a virtual transcontinental trip across the United States. She suggested that we become partners to motivate each other. I was all over that. I need all the help I can get!

Are you like that? You want to, you know you should, but you can't seem to get your quilter butt out of that chair? We thought it would be great if we could form a team and get a whole bunch of quilters to join with us. So, Team 'Quilter Butts' was formed and the 'Improv(E) Your Butt Challenge' was born.

HERE'S HOW IT WORKS. To join in, you need to head to the site and sign up as a participant. It's all confidential too! You'll be able to set an individual exercise goal. When you sign up you'll get an ID number. To join Team Quilter Butts and the challenge, email me your id number and whatever you want me to put in the sidebar of my blog. (your first name, an alias and a link if you'd like.) Katie and I will add you to the team. My email is jgeringirre (at) yahoo (dot) com.

You can decide what activity you want to qualify as your exercise. The options on the site are biking, running, and run/walk, but Katie is counting her water aerobics and I'm counting my swimming. You can figure out how to convert your activity into miles. You can enter your exercise daily or whenever you have a minute or two. You'll be able to track your own miles as well as the team's. It's all on the honor system so you're on your own. Do you think that together we can make it all the way across America? We do!!

So, how does quilting fit into this challenge? Both Katie and I love to improvise, so this is an IMPROV challenge too. For every mile you log, you get one piece of fabric. My weekly goal is 15 miles. So, if I achieve my goal, at the end of the week, I get 15 pieces of fabric that I can sew together in some improvisational way. You can use scraps, or you can cut new fabric. You can add a piece one mile at a time or you can collect them on your design wall and then sew them together at the end. If you want to make a potholder from your first 15 pieces, go for it. It's up to you. Improvise!! We're going to try to keep the challenge going for at least 6 months...let's see... 4 weeks a month, 15 miles each week x 6 months...that's 360 pieces of fabric. Imagine what I or you could make from that!

I'm pretty sure I'm making a quilt. I haven't decided what colors or if I want to use scraps or cut new fabric, but I have time to decide. I'm only 5 miles into my trip across the US. I have a LONG way to go.

Let's report our weekly fitness and improv progress on Fridays. Fitness Friday has a nice ring to it, don't you think? Feel free to post photos of your quilty goodness in the Project Improv flickr group. We'll be cruising the group to look for in progress and finished work to highlight on our blogs. Be sure to let us know this is your 'Quilter's Butt' Challenge piece!

We're working on some fun motivation for all of us along the way. If you'd like to contribute to the cause, feel free to contact Katie or I.

Here's the code so you can add the button to your blog.

Enter HERE to sign up - then follow the directions in this post - or you can read the original post on Tall Grass Studio

Tools you may find helpful

Health Challenge Event - starts 1/15/11 - 

click here to sign up for the event.

Use the links below for additional information for health and wellness.

Curves Website:

Click on a link below for specific resource pages as referenced in the book Curves:

•	Download Blank Daily Meal Planner Pages
•	Download Blank Metabolic Tune-up Tracking Charts
•	Download Blank Weekly Progress Report

     Lose Weight with MyFitnessPal.com — for FREE!

        Losing weight isn't easy - we know. But with a membership to MyFitnessPal.com, you'll get the tools you need to successfully take weight off - and keep it off. And best of all, everything on our site is 100% FREE. So put away your credit card - you'll never have to pay a cent.

At MyFitnessPal.com, we focus on making sure you can log your meals as quickly and easily as possible. Because the easier we make it for you, the more likely you are to stay on track, and the more likely you are to succeed in your weight loss goals.

Health Challenge Event - starts 1/15/11

Hi - The Health Challenge Event will be a 6 week event starting 1/15/11.  I would love to have some of my bloggy friends join us so we can encourage each other to lose weight, eat healthier, exercise (what ever your goal is).  I'm only asking everyone to journal their progress (whether it's weight loss or just becoming more healthy) - you don't have to use the same program I am, so long as it's healthy and nutritious.

I will be kicking off the program 1/15/11 with the NEW Walk-Eat-Lose program from WalkAtHome.com and am looking for other items that would be beneficial to people trying to improve their health.
Would you please email me @ contact(dot)thebooklady@gmail(dot)com if you are interested so we can chat further? Thank you!

If you are interested in joining me please leave a comment below in the comments field.  I'd love to hear how you are doing, what "tricks" or things have worked for you and if you'd like to join me with Walk-Eat-Lose that would be awesome too!

Thanks!  Tina "The Book Lady"