Everyone has their preferred pre workout snack, and mine was a simple protein shake. But a few weeks ago, my protein shake did not sit so well with me. I guess it felt too heavy right after waking up, so I was forced to try something else.

 

I looked around the kitchen to find a simple carb that will supply enough energy to sustain me through an intense workout.

 

I noticed there was some organic honey on the counter and decided to go for it since I was running out of time. So, I mixed a tablespoon with some cinnamon and creatine and headed off to the gym. Surprisingly, my stomach felt calm and my body was enjoying it, so I continued with the same concoction for the rest of the week.

 

The conclusion was that honey was my perfect pre-workout supplement. 

I couldn’t wait to look it up and see if there was any validity to what I was experiencing. And there was!

 

 

Dr. Richard Kreider of the University of Memphis Exercise and Sport Nutrition Laboratory, conducted various studies that revealed honey’s amazing fitness benefits.

 

One of the studies compared honey’s effects to other carbohydrate gels. Honey showed to be just as good or better than those industry sport gels!

 

As a pre-workout snack, honey can increase power, speed and endurance. Honey acted as a time-released carb source that did not create a sugar spike and crash. It’s low glycemic index, sustained blood sugar for up to 2 hours after a workout.

 

As a post-workout supplement, honey mixed with protein was shown to be great and effective for refueling and recovering the muscles.

 

According to a study conducted by the University of California, honey contains as many antioxidants as spinach, apples, oranges and strawberries. WOW. 

 

Another study showed that eating 1-2 tbsp before bedtime can improve sleep.

 

Here are just a few more of honey’s nutritional benefits:

• Infused with vitamins & minerals
• Contains Amino Acids
• Speeds wound healing
• Contains Anti-inflammatory properties
• Acts as a hydratng skin treatment
• Contains Enzymes and friendly bacteria to aid in digestion
• Tastes Yummy!

 

If you’re looking for a natural energy booster full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, or just looking for better zzzz’s tonight, then why not give honey a try. 

 

I look forward to hearing your thoughts!

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!

 

 

 

Traveling is a very spiritual experience for me. Not only do I get to meet new people, but I am continuously being exposed to new cultures, religions and lifestyles. Throughout my journey, I have come to the realization that I love all humanity’s differences. I love the different art, music, dance and food. Every religion brings something beautiful to the table and I am more than happy to participate in all the holidays of the world.

 

I am currently on business in Orlando, Florida and I had an urge to share my finding with you. I am working with two other people on this trip and they are both from Argentina, a South American country that I hope to set foot in soon. Joe and Norma, two fire crackers that exude the Latin flavor have exposed me to more information than I asked for, but I love it.

Similar to my Middle Eastern heritage, the Latin culture loves to indulge in food. After a long day of work, the three of us always head to a well-reviewed restaurant to experience new cuisine. Whole in the wall eateries are preferred because we love home-made recipes.

 

Joe loves to eat! After every meal, he complains about why he ate so much and mentions that he has to go back to his room to drink his “tea”.

 

“What is this tea?” I asked.

 

Joe rubs his belly and smiles “ah, it’s this amazing tea that we drink in Argentina. Yerba Mate; it’s so good for you! I’ll bring you some next time”.

 

Keeping his word, Joe surprised me with my first Yerba Mate kit. The kit came with 500g bag of this special tea, a weird coconut looking cup and a funky straw.

 

 

Hmmm… I had to ask “What do I need this crazy cup for Joe? Can’t I just brew it like tea?”

 

He laughed and grabbed the crazy cup to show me “This is a special cup. Let me show you”. He breaks open my Yerba Mate bag and pours the tea-looking flakes in to the cup while the straw remains put. He explains that I should fill it half way up. The funky straw has a strainer device on the bottom to prevent any flakes from flying into my mouth. Yeah, I don’t want that. Using the coffee machine in his hotel room, we brewed some water to pour in to the cup. Joe warns not to use boiling water, just hot.

 

 

So he pours the water in the cup, takes a taste to check the temperature of the water then passes it over for me to taste. He also warns that it will not taste comforting like other teas.  Ok! Trusting my friend, I took my first sip of the South American Yerba Mate.

 

 

 

“What the $#@! Joe! This tastes horrible!”. The tea tasted so bitter and smokey. Hmmm… almost like bacon.

 

But that didn’t stop me from finishing the cup. I stuck it out and just kept thinking about the benefits of this tea that I knew nothing about. I thanked Joe, and went back to my room to do some research on Yerba Mate.

 

What I learned and found about this tea, showed to be very impressive:

 

Yerba Mate comes from a wild plant grown in the forests of South American countries of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru, Uruguay and Paraguay. This loose tea has been clinically tested to have more nutritional benefits than Green Tea.

 

 

Yerba Mate’s benefits include:

• Amino acids, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.
• A natural energy booster without toxic side effects
• A great detox and cleanse for the blood
• Helps with balancing the nervous system
• Promotes healthy shiny hair
• Combats free radicals to slow down aging
• Suppresses the appetite
• Relieves stress
• Aids in sleep

 

After researching Yerba Mate, I have decided to give this nasty tea a shot.  I’m sure it will take more than a day to notice the benefits, so I’ll comply to drinking it for 30 days. I’ll keep you posted.

 

I can say that I had the best sleep ever last night. I was knocked out and woke up refreshed and ready to workout. But, it’s just the first day so I won’t jump to conclusions already.

 

If you’re Yerba Mate drinker, I would love to hear your story and why you continue to drink it.

 

Love,

Ghada

People always ask me “aren’t you bored eating the same thing everyday?” My answer is no, because there are endless options of delicious foods and snacks to choose from.

Here are just a few of my favorite snacks! (Notice how my snacks are well balanced, filled with protein, carbs & fat).

1. FAGE Total 0% Greek Yogurt & frozen blue berries. This is my dessert! Zero fat and packed with protein, FAGE Yogurt is unbelievably thick and creamy. Mix it with a cup of frozen blue berries and never crave ice cream again.