Remember the childhood fable about the tortoise and the hare? The hare got off to a fast start and seemed so sure about winning the race but at the end, the tortoise somehow took the medal!

Even though the tortoise was naturally much slower than the hare, he kept a steady pace towards the finish line and was able to cross it first.

So the moral of this story was….

Slow and steady wins the race.

To reach your weight loss and or strength training goals, you need to switch from the hare’s mind set to thinking like the tortoise’s.

Are you the type to start diet and strength training plans with an “all or nothing” mentality, watch everything you eat and obsessively workout seven days a week to fall off the wagon and give up hope? 

This mentality is very common among the newbies and can become very unhealthy and may end up leading to failure.

If you’re dealing with the “all or nothing” syndrome then I need you to shift your thinking. Human beings are imperfect and no matter how dedicated we are, it is inevitable that we will eventually skip a workout or give in to some sort of temptation like those amazing Christmas cookies that will fill you with guilt and cause you to feel like a failure and want to give up entirely!

So Small world beauties, this 2009 I want you to start thinking like a tortoise and pace yourself. Allow yourself to have a slice of pizza or take a day off every now and again!

Just remember not to stray too far from the path that will lead you to your goals. 

let’s start the year winning the race!

Shaneek AKA Miss Murder

Ok, so it’s really Kaki not Kaka.. but my dad always called it that so it stays that way at my house.

Don’t laugh, but doesn’t my dad (right) look like Saddam Hussein?

Growing up in Kuwait, I was so lucky to have been  exposed to an abundance of fruits from all around the world.

I was also blessed to have parents that were well-traveled and shared the  passion of cooking. My father had one of the most well-known restaurants that served the best Middle Eastern desserts and fresh juices.

I have listed a few of my favorite exotic fruits that you can also find at your local US. grocery store. If you don’t find them there, try an international market or go online. I promise you’ll thank me! 

Japanese Kaki or Persimmon fruit: Oh my! I can’t even find the right words to describe the taste of sweet, honey-like orange-colored fruit. These are best eaten when ripe and soft. The softer they feel, the sweeter they taste.

 This fruit contains rich contents of fibers,  vitamins A and C. This fruit was found superior than apples because it contains higher amounts of dietary fibers, phenols, epicatechin, gallic and p-coumaric acids, and some minerals.

Fresh figs or Anjeer:

Most people have tasted figs in dried form or in processed Fig Newton’s. After you taste this fruit in its raw and fresh state, you’ll hesitate to eat it dry again.

Figs look like little soft onions and can come in green or purple. Purple ones are much sweeter, but they’re both delicious.

 Figs have many benefits! Figs contain vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, calcium, iron, phosphorus, manganese, sodium, potassium and chlorine. They even contain Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids! Figs have been found to be beneficial for weight loss, sexual enhancement, proper bowel movements, diabetes, asthma and more!

Sweet Sop , Custard or Sugar Apple:

I think I spent over an hour on the phone the other day trying to find this fruit online. First I had to figure out the English name for it, since I only knew it in Arabic “Ishta” which means custard. As you can see from the title, one of its names is “Custard Apple”. Yay! I found a place that grew them, but since they were not in season I couldn’t purchase any.

When perfectly ripened, this amazing fruit can be easily broken open. To eat it, simply bite into the white meat of the fruit. It really tastes like custard! It’s sooo good that I can’t wait till it’s in season again. As you can see from the picture, the fruit contains little black seeds so just spit them out unless you feel the urge to swallow them. They’ll eventually come out the other end.  

Custard Apples are well-balanced fruits containing protein, fiber, minerals, vitamins and very little fat. They are also an excellent source of Vitamin C, Vitamin B6 & B2, magnesium and potassium.

Guava:

Mmmmmm…. I always love me some Guava! You can always find Guava juice in the Mexican Food section of your grocery store, but if you can taste them ripe and fresh then consider yourself in heaven.

Guavas look almost like pears. Some may come in a green, pale yellow or maroon color. You can bite into them like any fruit, but unlike apples and pears, this fruit is very soft and juicy similar to a soft peach texture. When you bite into the Guava, you will notice little seeds. They’re not obnoxious seeds, so feel free to swallow them.

Guavas are rich in vitamins A, B & C, proteins and minerals. Free of cholesterol and high in fiber, this fruit is great for appetite control and weight management. Guavas are superior over citrus fruits when it comes to its high Vitamin C content. Guavas were also shown to improve oral health.

Yellow dates:

You always see dried brown dates at the supermarket, but you rarely see the yellow ones. Yellow dates are the pre-ripened stage. They’re firmer and less sweet. I can go for both, but fresh yellow dates are my favorite!

(I can hear my brother #2 Khalid saying “everything is your favorite”… Ha ha.. so true! I love it all!)

Dates are high in iron, potassium, calcium, folate, vitamin A & B1, B2, B3 vitamins and other beneficial minerals. Dates contain 2-3 times the fiber of green broccoli and studies have shown that they are slow in releasing energy so that means that they’re great pre-workout!

Many dieticians voted dates as the BEST food for women especially new mothers who are breast feeding. Dates can help with post mommy depression and enrich breast milk that leads to healthier baby.

The world offers us infinite selections of fruits, veggies and wonders so try to taste as much of life as possible.

If you’ve never tasted the mentioned fruit above, I can’t wait for you to try them! If you have, then please do share.

Can you suggest some other exotic fruits for us to try?

Love,

Ghada

 Everybody needs an outlet for stress and exercise can be the perfect antidote!

Exercise is an investment of time and strength that yields great assets over time.

Exercise is known to  lower blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and weight all at the same time while increasing your metabolism, confidence, and endorphin levels making you feel more energetic.

It is almost like instant gratification! If committed to a ritual of exercise as a part of your lifestyle (along with eating well, refer back to the Love Your Life Program), you can significantly reduce your risks of heart disease, cancer, and stroke: the top three U.S. killers according to the National Center for Health Statistics.You will also lower your risk of diabetes which is number 6 on the list. Ready to get started yet?

Ok good then let’s go!

So how many times a week should one invest in exercise? Some people seem to think that twice a week is a sufficient deposit. However, the current guidelines set by the American Heart Association and ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine) for adults under the age of 65 are:

Moderately intense cardio 30 minutes a day, five days a week

Or

Vigorously intense cardio 20 minutes a day, 3 days a week

And

Eight to 10 strength-training exercises, eight to 12 repetitions of each exercise twice a week.

Just keep in mind that these guidelines are set for the average American. If you consider yourself in better shape than the average American than you’ll  need to up the ante.

Working harder for better results will set you ahead of the pack. And you don’t have to share your results with anyone else. They’re all yours! 

Remember our health is one major thing that we have control over, and your body is the best asset you have to invest in. So why not take advantage of these last 10 weeks left in 2008 and start investing in yourself!

Why not start the New Year ahead of the game regardless of what might be going on with your financial investments!

Shaneek AKA Miss Murder

 Earlier this year, reports were released about the contamination of tap water. Traces of pharmaceutical prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs were found in the water. Even though the presence was minimal, it still left scientists concerned about long term harmful effects.

After this information was revealed, you would think the better choice is to reach for bottled water.

WRONG..

Almost 25-30 % of bottled water is filled with tap water and may also be contaminated with harmful substances. Regulations on bottled water are not as harsh as tap water, leading to just as much threat as regular tap water.

According to USA Today, the Environmental advocacy group tested major brands of bottled and revealed shocking results:

The lab found 38 pollutants in 24 samples from 10 major brands purchased by the group in California, Washington, D.C., and eight other states.

Giant foods and WalMart contained the highest amounts of chlorine byproducts which have been linked to birth defects.

Contaminated tap and bottled water are supposedly only a threat to young children, the elderly or people with weakened immune systems. Long term effects are unknown at this time, so until then we should limit the intake of tap and bottled water.

Investing in a carbon filter for your home is a smart and efficient way of eliminating toxins from your water supply.

Be safe and stay smart!

Love, Ghada

Since starting the Love Your Life Program, I have influenced so many people along the way including my coworkers. I have earned the title of “Food Nazi” and banned processed junk food from entering my office. Dessert is only allowed during birthdays or celebrations, but even then I rarely participate.

Work environments can be hazardous to your program if you are not cautious.

Corporate office buildings are very accommodating with restaurants and vending machines filled with inexpensive sugary snacks and sodas.

Similar to many, our kitchen used to be stocked with bagels, brownies and other forms of dessert to compliment a morning cup of coffee.  Not to mention, there was always a large candy bowl welcoming our guests.

Those days are long gone!

I, the Food Nazi transformed our office into a healthy one! My weight loss achievements and healthy pre-packed meals became contagious. Slowly, everyone started to follow in my footsteps.

Our marketing girl replaced her chocolate cake with cottage cheese and frozen blueberries, and our receptionist joined Weight Watchers and a boot camp class.  We all kept each other in line, but I was the toughest of the Food Nazis.

If you currently work in an environment that is hazardous to your waist line, then I suggest that you start making some changes to create a healthier one.

Here are some helpful suggestions to staying healthy at work:

Always keep a water bottle at your desk:  My glass 20 oz  bottle gets filled around 6 times during my work day. Drinking water hydrates me, flushes me out and keeps my satiety in check.

Pre-pack your meals: I dedicate my Sundays to prepare most of my meals for the work week. I usually bake some chicken and fish, steam my veggies and boil a pot of brown rice. Everything takes me less than two hours to prep, cook and store in containers. Prepping my meals saves me so much time during the week and allows me more free time to engage in other fun activities.

Enjoy a 30 minute break away from your  computer: If it’s a sunny day, then lunch is almost always served outside. Why not get some vitamins from my food and the sun! If it’s raining, then I’ll sit by the window and watch. Rain is beautiful and relaxing and by eating slower, I can gauge my hunger level to prevent me from overeating.

Stock your kitchen with healthy snacks: Yogurt,  protein shakes, veggie slices, fruits and nuts can always be found in the kitchen fridge. But, I only stock enough for a few days. If you stock more, you’ll be tempted to finish off the whole week’s supply. Click here if you need some delicious snack ideas.

Exercise and get away from your desk: I try to rock my  heels to work so I can get a workout walking back and forth to the bathroom. I also like to take a sprint down and up a few flight of stairs before lunch time to get my heart pumping.

Drink some Green or Herbal Tea: Drinking a hot cup of tea after my lunch always soothes my belly and seals any false craving that I have. Not to mention the great nutritional benefits that it contains.

If you are already a Food Nazi at work, then I would love to hear how you keep order. Do you give the evil eye? Or do you simply snatch their bag of chips and slam dunk it in the trash can?

One of my worst discomforts in life is constipation! (Guys, if you are reading this. please stay out. this is lady territory right now!)

Even though my diet is full of fibrous fruits and veggies, I still seem to get constipated during my travels. It’s almost as if my body knows when it’s far from home.

No exaggeration, but one time I was backed up for over 3 days!

The feeling of being bloated and knowing that my last few meals are hanging out and having a party in my stomach is not cute!

(I’m actually bloated and constipated in the picture to the left. That’s how I smile when I am feeling uncomfortable)

About a year or so ago, I attended a Health & Beauty convention in Las Vegas and came across a cure for my backed up pipes.

As I walked the convention floors, I noticed a radiant woman behind an inviting counter. I approached her and introduced myself. I was curious to who she was. It was almost as if her energy reeled me in.

Her name was Lake Louise Ziwa! Oooo what a powerful sounding name! A graduate from Stanford University, Lake had partnered up with Dr. Gloria Gilbere to create DetoxRx: natural products that included a vast line of skin care to wonderful immune boosting supplements.

We went through the typical exchange of words. “how are you today? How’s the show? Bla bla bla.”

For some reason, I couldn’t help but blurt out.

“I’m so constipated Lake!”  I felt comfortable with her that I didn’t care. My mom hates when I discuss “dirty” topics. Supposedly, it’s not lady like.

Anyway, back to my problem.

So Lake answers “Girl! I know what you mean. I’m gonna give you a few pills tonight to try and you let me know how you feel tomorrow”.

I was up for anything! Drano? Great! Just kidding.

Like clockwork, my bowels started rumbling the next morning. Oh oh.. I think its time. Wow, Like Tony the Tiger.. I felt GREAT!!!! There was no cramping, no irritation just pure relief.

I was so happy that I actually sent Lake a text message thanking her while I sat there. I couldn’t wait to see her again so I can purchase some and ask her more about this product!

Later that afternoon, I made my way back to Lake’s booth to get the details on the magic pills. The magic pills were a combination of two DetoxRx formulas: ColonSweep®. & EliminAid®.

ColonSweep® is Five synergistically balanced blends for intestinal detoxification. The blend contains botanicals, essential oils, enzymes, probiotics, fiber and alkalizing minerals that help cleanse and detoxify your body. Suggested use is 3-5 tablets in the evening.

EliminAid® is a natural herbal softener that should be taken along with the ColonSweep® to push the bulk out.  Unlike other laxatives that contain Senna, this formula is cramp free and non habit-forming.

If you suffer from constipation or just looking to do a little body detox, I highly suggest you call Lake! Tell her Ghada referred you.

Click here to learn more: www.detoxrx.com

I swear I’m not making any commission of this referral, I just want you to feel the relief that I felt!

Ok lovely Smallworld Beauties! I would love to hear your thoughts if you decide to give it a try!

I think our hero Arnold Schwarzenegger is tired of eating out and packing on the weight.

The California governor has agreed to sign a bill this week that will require California chain restaurants to post and provide nutrition facts for their customers.

This new law will effect restaurant chains with 20 locations or more. A total of 17,000 restaurants will have to take act by July 1st.  On that date, the qualified restaurants must start providing hand outs/ brochures with nutrition facts and calorie info.

By January 1st, nutrition facts must also be displayed on the front counter and display board. 

Check out the nutrition facts on McDonald’s Medium Fries!  Ruh Roh

This law has already been in effect in New York City, and will soon be passed in other states as well.

I hope that these new laws will lead to a decrease in obesity and weight-related health issues. I know that if I was provided with nutritional information while dining out, I would more likely choose the healthiest options. I hope that others start doing the same.

Starbucks, Cosi and Chipotle are some of the many chains that are already on the ball, providing nutritional facts on their food items, so try to make a stop there before heading to another fast food place.

Personally, I would rather make my own coffee at home and pack my own meals and snacks to go.

Thank you ladies for taking the time to read my articles, now go spread some fairy health dust!

Hi Smallworld Beauties!

So how did I come up with the Smallworld Beauty?

As I mentioned in my bio, I used to work in New York City for a few years. If you have ever visited the Big Apple, you have probably noticed the crazy melting pot that it is. I loved people watching whether it was while walking or taking the subway. I was so mesmerized by anyone that passed my way. Everyone was so different and fascinating. Every time that thought ran through my mind, the song “It’s a small world after all” would play. That was it!

Smallworld Beauty would be the brand I would soon create.

I have been fortunate to meet so many inspiring individuals during my journey. Every interaction, touch, smile and verse from another person  left an imprint on me. I am continuously evolving as I meet more and more people.

I have learned to love hard! I have learned to stop judging others for the way they live their lives. I have accepted all my faults and imperfections. I have learned to respect other people’s views while sharing mine.  

One of my favorite quotes is from Mahatma Gandhi’s “My life is my message”

 Just like everyone else, I aspire to be happy in this life. I will try my best to be the best person I can be to myself and others, and hope that my actions will be inspire people around me.

I am just another girl in this small world. I am blessed with so many great things but I also deal with normal issues that every other woman experiences. I experience love, joy, sadness, irritability, discontent, insecurity and all that comes with female hormones!

The purpose of my blog is to be your new girl friend. 

I would love for you to join me as I share my findings, experiences and stories with you. In turn, I would love for you to share your journey with me.

I love you my Smallworld Beauties!