March CARA

This CARA box was so exciting for me because it connected me (by total coincidence) with someone who spends half the year in my home town!  Growing up in upstate NY, I lived right on Lake Champlain in an adorable town by the name of Essex.  I attended Willsboro Central Highschool and spent the majority of my time in Willsboro as it was more populated than my area.

Since Willsboro is right on the lake and close to the mountains, ski resorts, etc. many people own summer homes.  It just so happens Rebecca, of Caravan Sonnet, is one of those summer people!  I realized it instantly upon looking through her pictures.

This month's theme was based around the letter of our name and she sent me lots of "L" goodies:

It came in a beautiful lavender box with an L stamp, L stationary, a notebook, lavender bath salts, a "little" scrapbook album, popcorn, Skittles, and a gossip magazine!  I absolutely loved it - not to mention, it was waiting on me when I got back from vacation.  (which explains my tardy link-up)

Thank you so much, Rebecca!  I really enjoyed my gifts.

P.S. She made my little scrapbook - you should definitely stop by and see what else she makes!

From the Inside Out

Source: louisianabrideblog.com via Lindsay on Pinterest

I'm doing it guys.  For the month of April, I'm doing Whole 30.  I've decided to do it for a few reasons: 1.  I've been battling extremely dry/chapped lips for almost two years now with very little relief.  I've been to several doctors and none of them have been able to figure out what is wrong - I have no deficiencies or allergies that are known, and 2.  I'm on a journey to treat my body better - cleaner eating, healthier lifestyle, sustainable exercise routine.

Each week I will post (at least once) about my experiences throughout the week.  I know this is not going to be easy, but I can do it.  My body needs me to do it.

Here is a breakdown of why I decided this is right for me:

1. I already stick to mostly whole foods and clean eating.
2. A juice cleanse is not appealing to me at all.
3. I am curious to find out what certain foods are doing to my body.
4. After watching "Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead" I am interested in find out if my body really can heal itself from the inside out.
5. I need to reevaluate my habits and turn bad ones into good ones.

Other bloggers have done it as well and I know I'm not a "fitness blog" per se, but I do blog about fitness and co-host Fitness Friday.  And fitness is something really significant to me so I find it only appropriate that I share my journey with all of you.  If any of you have done this before or are currently partaking in the challenge, please, feel free to share your perspective/recipes/etc. with me as well.  

I'm not gonna lie, yesterday was the first day and going out to eat from staff development was tough.  I had to be careful what I ordered and then even what salad dressing I chose.  I'm up for the challenge.  Are you?!

Guest Post: Spring Cleaning Your Diet

I'm so excited for this guest post today because I played soccer in college with Alissa.  We stumbled across each other's blogs (neither knowing the other had one) and she participates weekly in our Fitness Friday Link-Up.  She is a fountain of health and nutrition knowledge!

P.S. There is still time to sign up for the workout gear giveaway!

Hello readers of Domesticated Working Woman!  Today I have the honor of writing a post for Lindsay.  My name is Alissa MS, RDN and I blog over at iAManRD.  I’m currently working as a registered dietitian nutritionist and love posting about healthy recipes, new foods, and current nutrition trends over at my blog. Today I thought I would share some healthy eating tips to help you all “Spring Clean Your Diet”.  The summer season is approaching, and I know that while cleaning out our closets we also are cleaning out our pantries as well.  Here are some tips that you can put into practice to help your body be fit and healthy for this upcoming summer season.

1) Choose Whole Grains

• Just because a grain is brown does NOT mean it is a whole grain.
• Multi-grain and 7-grain breads are NOT always whole grains.
• Look at the label and make sure the first ingredient is 100% Whole Grain
• Examples of whole grains include: whole wheat bread, whole wheat pasta, oatmeal, brown rice, barley, bulgur, millet, quinoa, sorghum, and rye

2) Choose Lean Sources of Protein

• Lean beef: choose ones with the least visible fat/marbling or ones with the highest percentage (93/7), examples of lean cuts include top round roast, and top sirloin steak
• Poultry: take off the skin, and choose the white meat from the breast
• Fish/Seafood
• Choose meatless protein sources more often, like beans, tofu, nuts, tempeh, nuts, low-fat dairy

3) Choose Healthier Fats

• Avoid fats that are solid at room temperature. These tend to be animal fats like bacon, sausage, poultry skin, lard, butter, and whole fat dairy products.
• Avoid trans-fats, which are vegetable oils that are partially hydrogenated and tend to be found in cookies, donuts, pastries, and crackers.
• Choose monounsaturated fats found in nuts, olive oil, and canola oil.  These can help to improve cholesterol levels.
• Choose polyunsaturated fats. These are like omega-3s found in found in fish oil, ground flaxseed, and walnuts, and can help decrease the risk of heart disease

4) Add More Fruits and Vegetables

• These combined should make up half your of plate at each meal or you should strive for at least 2 ½ cups every day.
• Variety is key because each color offers different nutrients
• Low in calories, rich in fiber, and packed with vitamins and minerals
• Can help reduce the risk of heart disease, obesity, cancer, and type 2 diabetes

5) Cut Back on Foods with Added Sugar and Empty Calories

• Reduce your intake of sugar sweetened beverages (sodas, energy drinks, fancy coffees like frappuccinos)
• Cut back on your desserts and try to choose fruit or low-calorie options
• Reduce the amount of processed food you use, and try to avoid processed foods where you cannot pronounce half of the ingredients or where sugar is the first ingredient on the list.

These are just some suggestions to get you started on “Spring Cleaning” your diet, but check back over at iAManRD for more information and inspiration!  In addition, if you feel like you need more information on your diet or want your own personalized nutrition plan please contact me or another Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.  Happy Cleaning!