On a scorching hot day like today when the temperature is above 90 degrees, and the mugginess is unbearable, I can’t help but want an ice cold beverage or treat.

Since 7 Eleven was on my way home, I decided to run in and treat myself to a diet drink of some sort. I like to stick to water most of the week, but once in a while, diet root beer is just so tasty!

OK… so as I approached the double doors, a girl walked out sipping on a giant slurpee. Ooooo Slurpee… if only they had a guilt-free, sugar free one?

Wait! They do have one!!! The spinning slurpee machine offered “SUGAR-FREE BANANA STRAWBERRY CRYSTAL LIGHT”

Sold!!!

I grabbed a cup and started filling to the top! Of course I was all smiles as I skipped to the register with my treat. I paid the nice 7 Eleven guy and sipped my way out of there.

Two sips in and my mind started churning with thoughts… hmmmm… the crystal light packets that I dump in my water bottle contain zero calories, zero sugar and zero carbs. If this is a crystal light slurpee, then it should be somewhat close to the nutrition facts right? No more sips! Stop sipping until you know what’s going in your mouth Ghada!

Out came my Google phone and I voice commanded a search “7 Eleven crystal light slurpee calories”

Here’s what I found… (not calorie free)

As you can see, for a 16 oz cup, a slurpee comes in at 80 calories.

This is still a great low cal treat, but I just wanted you to be aware that it’s not calorie free.

Enjoy it, but just factor it in to your day

Love,

Ghada

I’m sure you noticed that Coconut is one of my favorite ingredients in the world!

I’m sure you also noticed that my first protein bar concoction is made of coconut, dark coco, bits of almond and more coco bits!

If you had a chance to taste Coconut Coco Cream bars, then you know what I mean.

Coconut Coco Cream is like my cookie and treat, minus the sugar, excess carbs and hydrogenated oils.  This “cookie” is delicious, but I just found another way to make it even yummier!!!!

Move over  milk, Coconut Milk is moving in to my fridge!

I recently tasted this “SO DELICIOUS Unsweetened Coconut Milk” and fell in love.  This thicker milk-like drink is so good but I have to warn you that there is very little flavor to it, so I suggest you add a packet or two of zero calorie sweetener to maximize your coconut experience.

Mmmm … This Coconut Milk contains ZERO sugar and only 1 g of carbs. Coconut is highly nutritious and rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Enjoy and let me know what you think! xoxo

I was laying in bed the other night and started clicking through the channels to find something boring to help put me to sleep. Just my luck, I stumbled on to a health talk on the PBS channel that had me up until 2 am

The speaker was Dr. Daniel Amen, a physician and author of a new book called “CHANGE YOUR BRAIN. CHANGE YOUR BODY”.

I’m a true believer that the power of our minds can help us achieve almost anything from losing weight to reaching any goal we set for ourselves.

Click on the videos below to hear about his 6 tips on how to control food cravings. I have listed the summary below the video so you can write them down and take notes.

Ways to control Cravings:

1. Keep blood sugar balanced
2. Get rid of artificial sweeteners
3. Manage stress
4. Outsmart food triggers
5. Deal with hidden food allergies
6. Proper supplements

Watch Part II:

Oh the taste of a summer peach!

One of my favorite things to do in the summer, is peach picking at a local orchards.

Personally, I love a fuzzy soft-ball sized, ripened sweet peach that is jam packed with juice. Not only are these little guys perfect to eat as is, but they’re also delicious when baked in the oven.

This next recipe is one of my favorite guilt-free weekend treats. Stuffed Peaches are the perfect flavor combinations of sweet, spicy and crunchy!

Ingredients:

• 1 peach
• 1 cup fat free or low fat ricotta cheese
• 1 table spoon of honey or 1 packets of sweetener
• 1/2 tsp on pumpkin spice
• 1/2 cup egg whites
• 10 almonds

Preparation:

• Preheat oven at 350 degrees
• cut your peach in half and remove core and lay on baking sheet
• In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg whites, honey or sweetener, and spices
• divide in half and place mixture in peach halves
• chop almonds in a blender and lightly toast them in a pan (use oil spray to reduce calories)
• top peaches with chopped almonds
• bake for 20 minutes
• serve warm or chilled

This summer peach dessert is packed with nutrients, fiber and protein. If you’re watching your sugar intake, eliminate half the honey or all, and use a zero calorie sweetener instead.

Enjoy!

If you’re a skin care junky, then you’ll love a peak at what’s on my beauty dresser. I have collected so many beauty products in the last few years while attending Esthetic conferences and trade shows. If you’re looking for a tingly, feel good cleanser, then I got it! How about a refreshing toner? Want to try the closest thing to botox moisturizer? Oooo, how about a vegetabl e-based exfoliating scrub! Got acne? I have just the stuff to make that inflamed pimple disappear by the time you wake up!

Yes, I have it all except one thing…. sunscreen.

I am constantly being yelled out by fellow skin care professionals for not owning and/or applying sun screen regularly. Before you jump to judging me, let me plead my case

Sun damage is one of the key factors to premature aging and may increase the risk for skin cancer. Note… I said sun “damage”.

I am a big believer of moderate daily sun exposure to boost my Vitamin D and enhance my mood. I am however against frequent visits to the tanning beds and laying hours on the beach under a cloudless sky. I’m not saying that you’ll never find me relaxing on the beach, but it’s only a few times a year. In addition to my moderate sun exposure, I always apply mineral makeup which naturally contains an SPF 15 or higher depending on the powder.

According to a new study, the number of skin cancer incidents continue to increase even though sun screen use remains popular. The study revealed that people who apply sun screen, tend to sun bathe much longer than individuals who don’t.

Another study conducted by a British Biochemist also revealed that ingredients in sun screen may actually be causing more damage than protecting your skin. The study showed that some ingredients found in sun care products were reacting on the skin and causing free radical damage that could lead to cancer.

Soon after the release of this information, the Health Education Authority jumped to the accusation that the study was spreading confusing messages and stood by the importance of sunscreen.

So what’s the answer?

Health Experts are still advocating that individuals cover up, use sunscreen and avoid excess sun exposure.

What’s my answer….. be moderate, cover up, and get spray tanned! Make sure it’s a good spray tan though, because an orange, Jersey shore skin tone is not that cute..