Challenge Day 41

                                                                     HIIT Routine

                                                                       Daily Abs

                                                                   Fasting Day 22

                                                             STEPS SO FAR = 7,900

Weather still playing blah games but I went outside and did my walk and ran a few errands. Fighting with an earache so going to rest a bit and veg in front of the television. Had a nice talk with my friend Larissa today and I am thankful for people that keep it professional but still manage to be friends when your not doing business! 

Nough said

Ciao, M

Challenge Day 35

HIIT Routine

Daily Abs

Fasting Day 16

STEPS SO FAR = 8,008

Chill day. Completed most of my routine early and have been napping on and off. Some days like this are needed to rebuild and snap off the work light in our minds. The body actually does most of its repairs while we are sleeping...so no guilt today. Tabata HIITS are my new fav. 

What did the hurricane say to the coconut tree? 

Hang on to your nuts here comes one heck of a blow job.

Hahahahah..... or not ?

So this coconut challenge has been awesome and I am going to continue using it for hair, teeth, skin and cooking. The only thing I found is that I would personally not use it a moisturizer for feet, hands and lips alone in the winter months...mixing with vasaline or olive oil give it that extra for those areas.  

 Oil pulling = Teeth are whiter and stronger

Deep Conditioner = Hair is strong and shiny

Hair Maintenence = Not greasy or heavy

Skin = Soft and glowing

Face = Clear 

Nails = Healthy and growing

Morning tablespoon in Tea provides a nice energy boost

Coconut oil is the new staple in my Kitchen and Bathroom

Ciao , M

Challenge Day 32

HIIT Routine

Daily Abs

Fasting Day 14

STEPS SO FAR =  9,000

Full of energy today. Not one part of the day was filled with cravings, hunger or sleepiness. I would 

advise anyone to do a fast even if just for 7 days because the clean up your body is doing internally while you give it a break works wonders on inside and out.  I feel light and not so weighed down. 

Vocal coaching was successful today. We discussed upcoming projects and a very special one I will be working on tomorrow. I am thankful for the people that step in to help me reach my stars. I appreciate them very much!

Sub this with Coconut oil!

1) Cooking at High Heat - Some oils are unsafe to cook with at high temperatures, coconut oil is a great alternative. .

 

2) On Toast Instead of Butter - Simply use coconut oil instead of butter on your toast.

 

3) Eat it by the Spoonful - Coconut oil is that delicious and healthful. Enjoy one spoonful each morning.

 

4) Smoothies - Add one tablespoon of coconut oil into your favorite smoothie recipe and increase your energy with the oil's MCTs. 

 

5) Fry Eggs - Lightly coat the bottom of your skillet with coconut oil to create a non-stick surface and delicious eggs.

 

6) Popping Popcorn - A sweet twist on a classic snack! To make stovetop popcorn, you need a heavy-bottomed pan. First, add the coconut oil and popcorn to the pot. Coat the area of the pot with the oil, and use just enough popcorn to make a single layer over the bottom of the pot. Give the pot a little shake to make sure all of the kernels are coated with oil. Next, place the pot over medium heat. Put the lid on the pot, leaving it slightly open so that steam can escape. It should take about five minutes for the popcorn to pop completely.

 

7) Popcorn Topping - Instead of butter, melt a little coconut oil and pour it over your popped popcorn. Then sprinkle lightly with Sea Salt.

8) Oven Baked Sweet Potato Chips - Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Thinly slice sweet potatoes to about 1/8” thick.  Place slices on a baking sheet and brush lightly with coconut oil. Bake for about 15 minutes or until chips are lightly brown.  Add salt to taste, and serve with salsa or dip. (Or just eat them plain – either way they’re delicious!)

 

9) Replace Vegetable Oil for Baking - Next time you make your favorite brownie recipe, replace the vegetable oil with coconut oil. Your friends will be begging you for the recipe.

 

10) Pan Frying - Next time you fry up a batch of sweet potato fries or a piece of chicken, use coconut oil.

 

11) Grilled Cheese with Coconut Oil - No need for butter the next time you are making a grilled cheese sandwich. 

                                                    Tips from Swanson

                                                                

Ciao, M

 

Challenge Day 31

HIIT Routine

Daily Abs

STEPS SO FAR =  9,300

Mixed day. Positive mood because of reaching the first 30 days of my challenge.... completing the squat and plank portion of the challenges. I really do not notice a big difference other then more strength which i guess that is a good thing. Negative mood because its dreary outside and a I am a bit stir crazy. I am thankful for being able to get past these negative feelings and within a few hours I  can move on and be excited on some sort of a new focus. Its a coping skill... these focuses ....Challenges that are are still going on are Coconut oil , HIIT, Daily abs, Fasting and being thankful. 

FACTOID COCONUT FILES

SLOWS FINE LINES

Coconut is not just for your cooking – it's a wonderfully hydrating treat for skin too. It keeps the skin's connective tissues strong, which prevents sagging and wrinkles. Apply coconut oil directly to your skin to soften the appearance of fine lines or use it daily on your face and body for a healthy glow. Be sure you use virgin coconut oil with no additives.

Ciao , M

Challenge Day 29

BACK ON POINTE MORNING ROUTINE

SQUAT AND PLANK CHALLENGE

STEPS SO FAR =  17,236

Really awesome seeing a family friend today..minus the part almost getting kidnapped at train station. We managed to go to 8 clothing boutiques and not one thing peeked my interest..thats a first and later in the evening crashed a greek wedding which later actually turned out to be a baptism....apparently the greeks like to throw plates and dance on them at any occasion...fun times. Did not even notice how much I went over my goal until just now. 

COCA NAUTS

.............................

Short factable....

• Reduces Sweet Cravings and improves insulin secretion and utilization of blood glucose.  The healthy fat in coconut slowsdown any rise in blood sugar and helps to reduce hypoglycemic cravings. 

                   Some of my day ....

LIGHTS ....MY DESIGNER OBSESSION

Ciao , M

Challenge Day 28

BACK ON POINTE MORNING ROUTINE

SQUAT AND PLANK CHALLENGE

STEPS SO FAR =  11,624

Day 10 of fast! I am starting to feel stable again. It is taking a little longer then I wish but it is what it is.

Mornings are my best and though the AM. has always been my strongest time I find I am more clear in my thoughts. I also find that I am not in rush mode anymore which makes the beginning of the day less stressful. I am thankful for the ability to stick to things I set my mind to. 

Starting to incorporate HIIT and Yoga 

Co-Nuts cont....

10 facts for you today

Help to keep blood sugars in balance (good for diabetics)

Moderates glucose release into bloodstream

Improves insulin secretion

Improves insulin sensitivity

Weight management

Reduces steatorrhea (improves fat indigestion)

Helps heal damage caused by celiac disease, improving nutrient absorption

Improve digestive health/function

Improve absorption of nutrients (vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fat soluble phytonutrients)

Improve athletic performance

                                                         

Complete Truth

Ciao , M

Challenge Day 27

BACK ON POINTE MORNING ROUTINE

SQUAT AND PLANK CHALLENGE

STEPS SO FAR =  11,387

Walk into the city today to pick up some oils.  The weather is quite pleasant for this time of year..fingers crossed it stays that way. I felt quite a bit of energy when i woke up this morning. Energy burst lasted till 1pm and then I layed down for a little. Its getting better and I feel good inside. 

CO-LO

Coconut oil is composed of a group of unique fat molecules known as medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA). Although they are technically classified as saturated fats, this fat can actually protect you from getting a heart attack or suffering a stroke.

Good for stopping heartburn too!

Don't tell me the sky's the limit when there are foosteps on the moon.

Ciao , M

Challenge Day 25

BACK ON POINTE MORNING ROUTINE

SQUAT AND PLANK CHALLENGE

STEPS SO FAR =  11,509

Productive describes today. Some mood swings but overall strong day..

Vocal training and meeting with a bassist. Its great to be around artists.

Not too hungry today just tired at times with the occasional snap at cha

Coco for Coconuts

USE IT FOR EVERYTHING! 

Baking

Frying

Deep Frying

Broiling

REPLACE BUTTER WITH IT!

Ciao , M

Challenge Day 14

WORKOUT

BACK ON POINTE MORNING ROUTINE

SQUAT AND PLANK CHALLENGE

STEPS SO FAR = 16,733

Apples = 2

Microdermabrasion appt this morning was nice. 

Face massage 

+

Face mask

+

relaxing music 

=

Happy Mishell

WHATS IN YOUR MORNING CUP?

I am a fan of tea. Green, black, fruit, white...I like it. 

One of my favorites though is 

YERBA MATE

Benefits of drinking yerba mate

                                                 Rich in antioxidents                                                             (90%more than green tea)

                                      Enhances Your Ability to Focus

No jitters, No headaches, No nonsense

Enhances physical endurance 

Regular yerba mate consumption also helps keep lactic acid from building up in your muscles so you can decrease post workout soreness and cut your recovery time.

                                                     Aids digestion and helps control weight

                                                        Supports Cardiovascular Health

The antioxidants and amino acids present in yerba mate help fat and cholesterol move through your bloodstream so that they don't accumulate on artery walls.

Its just awesome!

Beautiful Days to You I Wish

Ciao , M

Challenge Day 13

WORKOUT

BACK ON POINTE MORNING ROUTINE

SQUAT AND PLANK CHALLENGE

STEPS SO FAR = 11,592

Apples = 2

A bit of a lazy day. Looking forward to the new year and the challenges I lay out for myself.

Missing my family quite a bit over these past few days but I know this part of my

journey will all be worth it in the end.

Whipped Coconut Oil Body Butter

 Less than $2 a jar this lotion works wonders.

    Super simple to make and literally only requires one

ingredient. Vitamin E oil and essential oils completely optional.

Wrap it in a up in a pretty jar and share it with a friend.

What you need:

• 1 cup coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon Vit E oil (optional)
• a few drops of your favorite essential oils for fragrance (optional)

1. Put all ingredients into a mixing bowl. Note: Do not melt the coconut oil first. It will only whip up if it’s solid.

2. Mix on high speed with a wire whisk for 6-7 minutes or until whipped into a light, airy consistency.

3. Spoon the whipped coconut oil body butter into a glass jar and cover tightly. Store at room temperature, or in the refrigerator if your house is so warm it melts the oil.

Tip: An electric hand mixer will work just fine or a high tech kitchen mixer will also do an awesome job.  Do not use a  blender or food processor with this coconut oil recipe, because they tend to warm the oil too much and prevent it from whipping up.

SideNote: Whipped oil should stay quite soft and not eventually harden up like it would in the glass jar just in its regular state. Some beading as it sweats is normal. 

                                                  Guide: from The Nourished Life

Ciao, M