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DIVA TAUNIA’S CARMELIZED & GRILLED BRUSSELS SPROUTS (You will LOVE them!)

23 Apr

I know that brussels sprouts get a bad rap, and I think that’s why I avoided them like the plague for most of my adult life.  What I didn’t realize is that they could be DELICIOUS and super-duper easy to make.  I’m going to give you two versions:  one low-calorie and much healthier, and another with, you know, BACON.  :)

ImageDIVA T’S CARMELIZED & GRILLED BRUSSELS SPROUTS INGREDIENTS:

  • 8-10 large/robust fresh brussels sprouts
  • 3 tablespoons of good olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon of Splenda or other sugar substitute
  • 1/2 teaspoon each of kosher salt and pepper

 

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Take the brussels sprouts and cut them in half, width-wise
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the oil, sugar, salt and pepper
  3. Toss the brussel sprouts until they are well-moistened
  4. Grill the brussel sprouts for about 10 minutes, turning frequently to get even carmelization
  5. Enjoy the hell outta these!

BACON(!) VARIATION:

  1. Follow the recipe from above, then set aside grilled brussels sprouts when done
  2. In a pan, crisp up one half package of small diced/cubed pancetta.  You can usually find this pre-packaged in the salami and deli meat section.  Fresh pancetta is best, but in a pinch you can use the packaged.   It will be about 1/4 cup of pancetta total.
  3. Take the pancetta out of the pan to blot from the oil. Toss pancetta into a bowl, and then toss in the sprouts and mix well.  Enjoy the hell outta this even more!  The salty and sweet are a really killer combo!

If you make this, please let me know what you think!  :)

BRUSSELS SPROUTS NUTRITIONAL INFO (FROM WIKIPEDIA):

Brussels sprouts are a cultivar of the same species that includes cabbage, collard greens, broccoli, kale, and kohlrabi; they arecruciferous (they belong to the Brassicaceae family; old name Cruciferae). They contain good amounts of vitamin A, vitamin C, folic acid and dietary fiber. Moreover, they are believed to protect against colon cancer, because they contain sinigrin.[5] Although they contain compounds such as goitrin that can act as goitrogens and interfere with thyroid hormone production, realistic amounts in the diet do not seem to have any effect on the function of the thyroid gland in humans.[6] Brussels sprouts also contain high levels of erucic acid, a monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid.[7]

 

 

GUEST BLOGGER DAGNY KIGHT: PART 3 / POST-OP EXERCISE

7 Apr

WLS Post-Ops—Beginning a Lifetime Exercise Habit: Part 3 of 3
by guest blogger and author Dagny Kight

Ready to start exercising after weight loss surgery? Got clearance from your surgeon? OK, time for a plan. Hold on! Don’t rush out to a gym! For most folks who have WLS, it’s probably been awhile since you got any significant physical activity. Maybe you’ve never really exercised at all. That’s OK. I’ve created a Three-Part Plan for getting started with effective exercise.

1.  Develop a regular habit.

This is the challenge of getting started! Even if you begin with a minute of exercise, doing something every day at the same time each day is the best way to establish that critical habit. Saying they’ll make time during the day is how most people find their plans fall apart. Pick a time of day that works for your schedule and stick with it. I highly recommend going for first thing in the morning! If you don’t already have to get up before dawn, get up a little earlier, have your clothes and equipment laid out from the night before, and kick start your day! Even if you’re only able to do a minimal workout at first, prepare as if you’re putting in a full session. Those details will be integral to establishing the routine.

2.  Connect with your body.

A lot of us who live many years at a high weight become disconnected from our physical presence. Becoming aware of your body and connecting with how it responds can be a powerful component of your overall transformation. A heart rate strap will not only give you a quantifiable means of learning how your body is functioning, it will guide you to gauge the intensity of your workouts.

If exercising has previously felt like a chore or worse, an ordeal, simply exhausting yourself or feeling reminded of your physical limitations, connecting with the beating of your heart and the rhythm of your breathing will allow you to put the focus on improving your fitness. Using a heart rate strap lets you see improvement by the numbers. You’ll feel the changes and you’ll be able to track quantifiable proof it’s happening and that’s so exciting!

Connecting with your body will begin to influence how you feel about your physical self. It gets really difficult to hate your body when you experience improvements and feel your ability expanding!

3.  Challenge yourself.

You achieve results when you continually push your limits. Whether you start with thirty seconds or thirty minutes of physical activity, tracking your heart rate will guide you to identify how to challenge yourself. Working with a heart rate strap, you’ll be able to see how quickly your heartbeat pops up with exertion and then recovers to a normal pace. You can make note of your heart rate when you reach the point that your body and breathing are telling you to stop. As time goes by, you’ll feel your breathing become deep and rhythmic and you’ll see proof in the numbers, confirming that you are achieving an improvement in your cardiovascular efficiency!

Get Moving!

So how should you begin an exercise regimen? Any way you can! For my clients who have not exercised in a long time or for those who wish to keep it simple and develop a sense of physical confidence, I start them with a High Step. This is an inexpensive piece of equipment with a small footprint. Place it anywhere in your home where you want to step and adjust the height. Then just step! Step forward, step backward, go side to side, add a little jump, modify your speed to do intervals, add a riser—The High Step lets you mix it up while getting your heart pumpin’! You could even place it next to something sturdy to hold for balance if you need to, at first.

A High Step and a heart rate strap represent a minimal investment to start building a regular exercise habit aimed at conditioning your heart.  Once you’ve developed a sense of physical confidence and feel connected to how your body is changing, I hope you’ll want to be adventurous! Get out of the house to walk, get a bicycle, play a sport, jump in a pool, or give a gym membership a try if you think you’ll make the time to go consistently. I highly recommend that you choose a locally-owned independent gym where the trainers are less likely to be pushed to sell class packages. Be sure to ask about any trainer’s certification. NASM is the top certification required by the best gyms; ACE is popular among trainers who lead exercise classes. If you’re interested in trying kettlebells, get the proper instruction from a trainer certified by RKC or IKFF.

Powerful Hunger by Dagny Kight

Powerful Hunger by Dagny Kight

Visit the Equipment & Tools page at PowerfulHunger.com to find well-priced heart rate straps and the High Step.

BOOK BONUS for Diva Taunia Friends & Fans! Download an excerpt from the book, Powerful Hunger, to get detailed information about baselining your heart rate to begin an exercise regimen.

http://www.powerfulhunger.com/bookpages/Powerful_Hunger_Fitness.pdf

 

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FIND EVERYTHING TO LOVE

11 Feb

For the past few days, I’ve noticed a disturbing trend on Facebook:  women complaining about their bodies and why they hate them(selves).  Believe me, I’m not exempt:  I do it too.  But when does it stop for us?  It’s hate-talk, just directed at ourselves.

The other day, I read a beautiful article titled, “So You’re Feeling Too Fat To Be Photographed?” on the blog My Friend Theresa Photography.  She writes:

“In our warped minds pictures become frozen mirrors that we can stare at as we pick apart our features over and over again.”

Theresa had been in a serious car accident and realized that had the accident been fatal, her family would have had no photographs to remember her by.  She posted a beautiful family portrait that she took and summed up exactly what WE don’t see when we look at our own photos:

Image

©My Friend Theresa Photography

Do you know what my mom sees when she looks at this picture? Her beautiful family all together.
Do you know what my husband sees? The family he gained the moment he met me (and how much he looks like my dad…)
Do you know what my dad sees? The happy family he has worked for every day of his life.
Do you know what my brother sees? That he got away with wearing shorts… :)

This really struck me, and was incredibly poignant.  Life is not about vanity.  Life is about living.  For those of us who have had weight loss surgery, we *should* know how incredibly lucky we are to have had a second chance at health and are most likely living a life that we never lived before.  Enjoying every day with our spouses, kids, friends, loved ones.  Being able to breathe, to walk, to dance, to MOVE.  Still?  We obsess about the number on the scale and the way we look.  There’s always something to hate:  right now, find everything to love.

When I moved to California, Jake told me that we are not allowed to have a scale in the house.  I panicked.  My entire life had been ruled by the numbers that I would see on there.  When I started losing weight, those numbers validated everything for me.  They showed me progress, they kept me on track, they kept me accountable…at least that’s what I told myself.  The scale was just a new form of obsession since I was not able to eat my obsessions any more.  And five years later, I was still ruled by it, and my fiance’ had the good sense to put a stop to those shenanigans right away.

Let me tell you what has changed in five years and what truly matters: it’s not the fluctuating number on the scale.  It’s not the oft-changing size of my clothing or extra pounds that have snuck back on.  It’s not how trendy or stylish  my clothing is.  It is my life, the one that I am living.

Since I’ve lost weight, I’ve done things that I’ve never dreamed possible.  I danced.  Not only did I dance, but I produced and choreographed a 50+ cast and crew burlesque and cabaret group.  I’ve flown multiple times without needing a seat belt extender or being worried that I wouldn’t fit.  I’ve run.  I’ve walked.  I’ve ridden a bike.  I’ve run around with my nieces and nephews without getting winded.  I’ve loved, I’ve lived, and I’m alive.  I’m alive, and for the most part, healthy.  My body moves.  And right now, with no scale and no knowledge of what my actual weight is, I’m the happiest and healthiest I’ve ever been.

My body may not be perfect, but it’s doing things that five years ago were not even possible for me. I have friends who have limited mobility, who are confined to a wheelchair, and would give anything to be able to have their body do what mine can.  How completely and utterly selfish and self-centered of me to not appreciate that, and to not look in the mirror and see how very lucky I am.

I’m begging you – us – to stop obsessing about the scale.  Stop obsessing about the number on the label.  Stop obsessing about the 5-10 lbs you may have put on.  Look in the mirror RIGHT NOW and see how beautiful you are.  How lucky you are to be able to breathe, move, and LIVE. And see yourself the way the people in your life do:  amazing, special, and loved.

You are more than any number to them, I promise you that.

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CUSTOMER SERVICE PROS: THE LASH COMPANY

25 Jan

I write a lot of reviews here on my blog, on my Yelp Page, and on my YouTube Page.  When I like a product or service, I generally post about it right away, but it’s rare that I  write more than one review.  The Lash Company is the exception to that rule.  Their customer service and business model is so stellar, that I am writing about them twice.

THE LASH COMPANY

I am a customer-service stickler.  I get really disappointed by a lot of businesses that don’t place enough value and emphasis on customer service.  To me, it’s truly the backbone of the company’s success, and I’m always amazed at how many companies lack even the most basic elements of good customer service.  The Lash Company & Skin Care Boutique doesn’t  just provide good customer service, they offer STELLAR customer service, and other small (and large) businesses should take note.

My experience with them started with a phone call, answered by Jeremy, who was very friendly and polite, and we even connected in conversation after finding out we’re both East Coast transplants to California.  He had to check on a time for me, but called me back promptly to offer me times and also followed up our conversation with an email confirmation for my appointment (which I LOVED because I’m incredibly forgetful and that reminded me to put it in my calendar).  I was booked for an electrology appointment with Rosie.

When I walked in, I fell in love with the decor – pinks, leopard prints – totally my type of place.  The gals there were super friendly, despite obviously being very busy with their customers.   Rosie came out, introduced herself, and then brought me to the back room and took lots of notes to make sure she knew about my medical history, my concerns, my previous experiences, and my future “wants.”

She immediately put me at ease with great conversation, and she worked really efficiently with minimal pain (which is to be expected, at least a little bit).  I was really pleased with the end result, and the price is very comparable with my east coast treatments ($60/hr).    I just found her to be so personable and professional, I’d highly recommend her to anyone looking for an electrologist.

That appointment was yesterday.  Today in the mail, I received this little note card:

thank you

It was a lovely hand-written note from Rosie thanking me for coming in.  Prompt and incredibly thoughtful, this is the way that customer service *should* be.   I am so impressed with the way they regarded me as a customer, and it’s obvious from their other Yelp reviews that others agree.

Other businesses would do well to follow their lead here:  they showed me that they valued my business, and in return, they’ve got it.  I’ll definitely be returning there regularly, and as shown by my TWO reviews now, I’ll definitely be spreading the word about how great I think they are.

These were small, easy to do things that make a HUGE difference in retaining customers.  In a fast-paced world where customer service is so often neglected, The Lash Company & Skin Care Boutique really stand out as top-notch.  They’ll be getting tons of repeat business from me, and hopefully others!

The Lash Company & Skin Care Boutique
205 N. Glendora Ave
Glendora, CA 91741
(626) 260-3786

http://www.thelashcompany.co/

Electrology:  Rosie

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FIRST EVER LIVE WEBINAR! 11/12/12 @ NOON

6 Nov

I’m excited to let you all know about my very first online webinar, being held next Monday, November 12th at 12:00/NOON, EST! It’s hosted by my newest sponsor, Vita4Life.net, and I’ll have both Greg and Aaron Race on as guests to answer any and all of your vitamin and supplement questions.

We’ll also be doing another prize package giveaway for an online participant. Greg will speak directly to the winner to make sure you get the best formula for your needs.  Prize packages include:

Bariatric Vitamins: Vita4Life! Multi-Standard Formula
Quantity: 360 Capsules – Retails for $57.95

Our multi-standard formula has been formulated to provide essential micronutrients in both fat and water-soluble vitamins and amino acid chelated minerals. We included a high concentration of B-complex vitamins and folic acid to aid in woman’s health. We use calcium in citrate form to ensure maximum absorption.

Calcium Malate Chelate Support
Quantity: 260 Capsules – Retails for $24.95

Vita4Life! Calcium Malate Chelate formula is designed to meet the calcium supplementation needs of patients who have undergone all weight loss surgery procedures. We use only the highest quality ingredients in our calcium product. Calcium chelate has been proven to offer maximum absorption properties.

THIS VITA4LIFE! PRIZE PACKAGE IS AN $82.90 VALUE!!

To take part in the Live Webinar on 11/12/12 at NOON (EST), CLICK HERE!

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MY 1637 DAY POST-OP, WEIGH-IN UPDATE! (With ♥LOVE♥ added in!) (And COSTUMES!)

17 Sep

MY 1637 DAY POST-OP, WEIGH-IN UPDATE! (With ♥LOVE♥ added in!) (And COSTUMES!)

Just checking in with a weigh-in update, talking a bit about the love of my life. :) Also letting you know about the costumes that I have for sale on my Facebook page here:

FACEBOOK COSTUMES FOR SALE

Want to keep in touch online? Find me at these places and say hello! :)

My Website: http://www.divataunia.com
My Blog: http://www.divatauniablog.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/divatauniamusic
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/divataunia
Klout: http://www.klout.com/divataunia
My Music: http://www.soundcloud.com/divataunia

ALSO, PLEASE VISIT MY SPONSOR FOR YOUR LIQUID BARIATRIC VITAMINS!
http://www.wellesse.com
Use coupon code DIVAT for $5 off!

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GUEST CO-HOST TONIGHT! Amy Pederson from Slimpressions

11 Jun

I am super-excited to be joined by the lovely Amy Pederson from Slimpressions.com tonight.  She’ll be co-hosting with me tonight and we’ll be discussing the importance of a healthy self-image and self-esteem.  Amy will be talking about her new “challenge” at Slimpressions:

The Slimpressions Positive Self Talk Challenge starts now!

And even better?  She’ll be doing a caller-giveaway for one of their Tanks-A-Lot pieces!

Tonight’s program info:

Backstage Pass Radio Program
8:00pm EST
www.backstagepassradio.com
Call-in # :  347-857-2052
Live-chat opens at 7:45pm EST
(scroll to the bottom of the show page to login in and chat)

We welcome and encourage you to call-in and participate in this discussion.  Thanks for tuning in and listening!

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CELEBRATE MY MILKSHAKE

11 Jun

“My milkshake brings all the boys to the yard, damn right it’s better than yours…”

Come on, I couldn’t resist.

So, it’s officially summer-ish here in the Boston area, and when the warm air starts coming in, people go absolutely crazy around here for ice cream.  Me too, except ice cream makes me sick.  It’s one of the only things that I can have literally one single bite of before my body revolts, so I just don’t have it.  But I crave it every now and then – particularly milkshakes.  And of course, every fast food restaurant sign in town and showcasing milkshakes right now, so it feels like torture at times.    But I found a way to get my shake on:  Celebrate Vitamins ENS Vanilla Cake Batter (Milkshake).

www.celebratevitamins.com

I’ve long been a fan of this Multivitamin/Calcium/Protein shake drink, but realized it could totally curb my milkshake craving too.   I threw about 6 small ice cubes in a blender and from the directions, replaced water with 1% low-fat milk.  I also keep mugs chilled in my freezer, so after I blended this up and threw it in an icy mug, I was in milkshake HEAVEN:

Here are the nutritional details, since I know you’re clambering to know how awesome this milkshake is going to be for your bod:

Next up:   more milkshakes including fruit (particularly bananas and pineapple), PB2, and other flavor change-ups.  But honestly, the straight-up Vanilla Cake Batter is rockin’ my milkshake world right now.

And also because I can’t resist out-dated pop culture references:

Video

THE WATER BOTTLE CONTROVERSY

6 Jun

I am so glad that there is respectful discussion happening about this, because I think it’s a really important issue.

I want to remind people that in order to make progress, we talk. We discuss. Please do not take this as an opportunity to openly attack any individual, let’s talk openly and honestly about the *topic*. Thanks for watching! :)

LITTLE SHOTS OF LOVE

30 May

I’m here to give some pimpy sponsor love to Wellesse, makers of the yummiest liquid bariatric supplements on the planet.  Yes, they’re my sponsor, but even if they weren’t, I’d still love them – because they’re 1) yummy and 2) EASY.  The perfect solution for newbie post-ops who can’t take pills – but great-tasting for any wls-er, really. They’re fast-absorbing, easy to take, and most are gluten-free (score)!

I was supposed to be at the vendor table in Las Vegas, but as you probably heard, I had a personal emergency and could not attend.   I was wicked-super-sad about that, but mostly because I was looking forward to finally meeting Leslie from Wellesse.  I let her know I couldn’t make it, and she was really understanding and nice about it.  The very least I could do is put up a blog entry to tell you how much I love the stuff, because I really do.

Everything tastes really great – honest.  I always get a little suspicious of anything in liquid form because, let’s face it, there’s a ton of stuff out there that’s pretty gag-inducing.  Wellesse is on the total opposite end of that spectrum.  In fact, I even stated before that I think they should create some Wellesse-brand of Snoopy Snow Cone Machines, because that would be a hella fun way to get your vitamins in, don’ t you think?   I’d be on that every single day in the summer.

But for those of you without a snow cone machine (you know, those of you who are actual adults), Wellesse designed these bottles with cute little shot glasses right on the top.  Swig! You’re done.  Easy. And you can feel really grown up about it without the nasty hangover.  Vitamin shots!  (Disclaimer:  Beth, aka Melting Mama has been pimping them out as shots for way longer than I have.  I always jump on her bandwagon.  But she loves them too, and for good reason.)

I’ll be posting a YouTube video review soon, but in the meantime, go on and get yourself a little discount using the coupon code “DIVAT” shopping HERE ON MY LINK!

Want more health information?  Check out these links from Wellesse.com:

We offer the following ways to access information on health benefits related to nutritional supplements:

  • Research Studies: Click on the research tab at the top of this page to access the topic of study you are interested in.
  • Blog: our “Vital to Health” blog offers up to date articles on many health and Wellness issues.
  • Twitter:“Follow us on Twitter” for great health news and important links.
  • Ask an Expert: Submit your question to a health consultant with “Ask an Expert”.

Also, find Wellesse online:

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