Monday Munchies!

UPDATE since last month:

Since starting my new diet/workout regiment, I have lost 8 pounds. Even though it's only a few pounds, I already feel healthier and happier. I have a lot more energy and I am actually able to fall asleep at night, as well as waking up well rested.

I haven't been working out as much as I would like to due to schoolwork and getting back in the swing of things, but I have made a more concerted effort to take those few extra steps, take the stairs and walk to more places instead of drive.

I have tried to be more conscientious of the foods that I'm putting in my body and reduce the amount of preservatives and processed food in my diet.




I'm excited to be starting a new posting series called Monday Munchies, where the second and fourth Monday of each month I will be sharing health conscious recipes or healthy alternatives to otherwise heavier dishes.

This one has been one of my favorites on a consistent basis:


For lunch I made a sandwich on wheat bread from Weight Watchers. I used low sodium and 97% fat free turkey lunch meat, with one slice of low fat cheese and replaced mayo with avocado, add lettuce and tomato and you've already got a great portion of your produce requirements covered for the day.

As a side I had a salad with blueberries. I also usually include strawberries, with low fat yogurt dressing. Not only is it healthy, but it's actually SUPER tasty.

Sticking to a diet of mostly produce, at least at lunch time, will help you keep

New Stage, New Me..So Healthy

Prior to coming to college, I had a pretty healthy diet and a really strict exercise regiment. Perhaps being in high school allowed for extra activities like varsity sports and extra time throughout the day to exercise. However, being undergraduate changed all that for me. From the school meal plan, to a more sedentary life style filled with studying, I was making choices that made me more unhealthy. I'm not only unhappy with the actual weight gain, but with the lack of energy I have.

Since I'm starting law school, I've made the decision with the new stage in my life I'm going to start evoking some healthier habits. With the workload increasing, I'm not going to try to create unrealistic goals or expectations. A lifestyle change will take time and dedication, but I'm ready to make that change.

I've set the goal of:

• Working out at least 3 times during the week days, and once a weekend for at least 30 minutes; my goal is to increase it as time progresses, 
• Cut out sugary drinks and other snack foods
• Restrict going out to eat to once a week
• Lastly, to try to incorporate at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables into my daily diet. 

I've started to cut out junk food and sugars a few weeks ago and already lost a few pounds. As I'm going through the diet change and dining in more, I will be posting new recipes weekly that I'm trying that are low in fat and sugar, and filled with more produce. In addition, I will be posting progress on my goals and how it is going. I will be honest when I cheat, because owning up to errors will make it easier to overcome them. 

I want to take control of my life and my health while I'm still young and can make meaningful change. 

Here's to a better, healthier and happier life!

Get The Look for Less

As most college students can attest to, spending tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars can be impossible with many students taking that same amount into student debt to finance their education. Being broke and surviving on Ramen Noodles does not mean your sense of style has to suffer.

This post is to point out a few of the ways you can finance your wardrobe for less:

1. Rent the Runway...I'm in LOVE with this website. I will never way the same dress more than once, and now I don't have to pay full price for each dress, in addition to the fact that the dresses you can rent can be worth thousands of dollars.

For example, this Herve Leger dress was seen on 90210's character Naomi:

Herve Leger Sunset Ombre Dress

Retail Price: $1,500, RTR Price: $150

When I went on their website, this particular style was sold out, but a one shoulder version is still available here

2. SALES, SALES, SALES

Huge holiday sales (Easter, Mother's Day, Christmas, etc.) Retailers are all looking for their cut of the pie so they'll lower their prices to get people at least in the door and hope they'll make it out positive. Keep an eye out around these times for better than usual deals. Also check places like Nordstrom Rack, TJ Maxx, etc. for designer clothes at rock bottom prices. These websites often have sales to try to get rid of a lot of their excess inventory. 

3. Coupons and deal sites

Your mom's coupons are NOT outdated and can save you a ton of money. Some stores will offer you better coupons if you have their credit cards (Macy's, Victoria's Secret, etc.) Just be weary of taking on too much debt, so if you decide to open a store card, make sure you choose wisely. 

Also check out places like retailmenot.com for coupon codes when ordering online. Living Social even has sales going on for Neiman Marcus Last Call where you get $50 credit for $25 bucks. Use the code EXTRA 10 to bring it down to $22.

4. When shopping in-store ask for student/AAA discounts

You'd be surprised the number of stores that will give you discounts when showing a student ID or triple A card. Designer shops like Guess, J.Crew, Ann Taylor, Asos, Juicy Couture, Ralph Lauren Rugby, other websites sponsored by UniDays, etc. 

If you pay for a Triple A subscription check what deals are available online and in your area here