Today, I’m doing my second Q&A post featuring questions from readers and friends.  Unless you say it’s okay to put your name, I assume you wish to remain anonymous.

What’s the update on my nut butter obsession?

Over a month ago, I told you in this post about my love of nut butters.  I’ve now been clean for 26 days and have lost weight because of it!  At the time, I was searching for an alternative to the almond and cashew butters which have about 200 calories per 2 Tbsp.  On the Rachael Ray Show, Rachel had a segment of alternatives to high calorie snacks.  There was a young woman who was in college and ate spoonfuls of peanut butter during final exams (it wasn’t me, I swear!).  Rach told her about PB2 Powdered Peanut Butter.  I immediately got online and ordered a case.  Now a month later, I still haven’t received my order and they haven’t shipped it either.  The website claims that they are backed up on orders.  I really don’t even want the stinkin PB2 anymore! 

Alright now that I have unintentionally bashed a company today, I’ll digress to the next question. To eat organic or not to eat organic?

Many people think eating healthy has to be expensive.  To be honest, you may spend a few extra dollars more each week at the grocery store, but in the long run, you will save thousands of dollars.  Think long term health vs. short term dollar menu savings.  The Environmental Working Group just released a study which details the amount of pesticides in organic vs. non organic foods. 

 The Dirty Dozen are the worst 12 fruits and veggies containing chemicals and pesticides.  You should buy these organic: celery, peaches, strawberries, apples, blueberries, nectarines, bell peppers, spinach, kale, cherries, potatoes, grapes.  I currently buy everything organic on this list but frozen strawberries and blueberries.  The organic brand has a butt load of added sugar, and I’m already eating organic everything else!

The Clean 15 are the foods which are extremely low in pesticides and you can save a little money by not buying organic: onions, avocado, sweet corn, pineapple, mango, peas, asparagus, kiwi, cabbage, eggplant, cantaloupe, watermelon, grapefruit, sweet potatoe, honeydew melon. 

What do I eat for snacks and what is a good substitute for bread?

I will have greek yogurt, a piece of fruit (banana or tangerine usually), or a handful of nuts.  If you are ever tempted to snack on the wrong things, don’t keep them in your house.  At your job, place some fresh fruit or a bag of nuts on your desk to remind you a healthy choice is within reach.  I thought I was the only one who loved bread! Haha.  The great thing about bread is that not all kinds are bad.  100% Whole grain bread is great, just look on the ingredients list on the back and make sure it is not made with high fructose corn syrup and/or enriched wheat flour.   Light, air popped popcorn is a great substitute for bread though.  They come in 100 calorie packs, so you’re not tempted to have a big bag.   Right now I’m experimenting with broiling and baking lower calorie grains.  I will have some recipes and pictures soon!

I get this question probably more than any: Who takes all those pictures of you on your blog?

Mostly, I have paparazzi following me around all the time like Britney Spears.

But I swear, I don’t hit their cars with an umbrella after shaving my head!

Other times, friends/family are with me and enjoy showing off their photography skills.  Also, I have a timer on my camera.  I set it and it takes the picture automatically. 

How can I tone up my legs?

I will forever attribute running as a great way to tone up legs, butt, and your core.  However, to amp up the toning quality of the run, run up and down a hill or find a set of stairs/bleachers and run those every other day.  This will not only tone the muscle, but it will burn fat as well.  Also, my friend and trainer Sarah has great YouTube exercise videos.  Here’s one of her exercise videos that I now use in my strength training routine.  It really works your inner thighs and butt:

(Thanks Sarah!)

 

Thanks for all the questions.  If you have one I haven’t yet covered, feel free to contact me and I will try my best to answer it.  XOXO

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