Health segment: The MommySavoir

Must know techniques to alleviate stress! Go Ahead!!!

Welcome back moms! So many of us are trying to keep our heads above water during this challenging year. Unfortunately many of us don't have the tools or aren't equipped for the hurdles, so we find ourselves sinking and gasping for air!  Here are a few ventilators that may prove to be life savers!

5 Tips for coping with stress:

#1) Eat and drink sensibly- 

We have been told to watch our diet for weight and stress control, but we haven't been told how.  The how is in us retraining our brains when it comes to our meals. Most of the time we eat from our subconscious or out of habit.  We go into autopilot when selecting foods. What if I told you that we could actually train ourselves to make healthier food choices? Yes there is a psychology behind our eating habits!

Re-programing the brain is all it takes to getting on the fast track of healthy eating.          

Statements like: Today I will eat.... I will no longer consume....My healthy meal plan today is... This type of affirmation can set the tone and help you control your daily intake! So Go Ahead and try this!

#2) Assert Yourself-

  Most moms are nurturers and pleasers, therefore they commit to assignments that may be overwhelming. A great tactic for countering this is to take a critical look at that good old To-Do list and make sure it's not overloaded.  Once you have accessed what isn't feasible, then it's time to say No to these items.   Go ahead say it "Nooo", it actually is relieving! So Go Ahead and try this!

#3) Eliminate Bad Habits-

Bad habits are the culprits of so many of our stress levels.  Habits like not getting enough sleep, exercise, or eating properly. Take a stand and start each day by stating what behavior you want to eliminate and the new habits you'd like to replace this with. Breaking these habits can be a task, but fortunately it only takes 21 days to break a habit and construct a new one! So Go Ahead and try this!

#4) Self Inventory-

Another factor that most aren't aware of is that a general lack of self-care is also a bad habit.  Self-care meaning we take care of the issues in our lives by facing them. When was the last time that you really asked yourself questions like:  what is bothering me?, how can I get more satisfaction out of my life?, what do I need to do differently?, what strengths do I have to elevate myself?  Taking stock of some of the issues ailing us and working through them could give us our own therapy session. 

Note: when your pondering this, try to be candid with your responses. An honest approach can get you the answers you need, and could lead to a more fulfilling existence. So Go Ahead and try this!

#5) Pampering-

Self-care comes in various forms. Another component of it is seen when we pamper ourselves. This is a popular anecdote for relieving stress, however it doesn't work unless it is done!

-Indulge in a  bubble bath

-Spurge on that manicure and pedicure once in a while

-Treat yourself to a Swedish or Deep Tissue Massage

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These five stress relievers can prove beneficial if practiced everyday. Beginning your day with simple affirmations can be the start of something wonderful!

Source: Speaking of Women's Health

                                                                                                                Aniyah- The MommySavior

  How to Look Slimmer after your holiday binging:

Hello Moms! I'm sure most of you may have overeaten during the Thanksgiving holiday.  It's OK. go ahead and admit it. No judging. I just hope that you forgave yourselves as well! LOL....I definitely allowed myself to indulge. 

Guess what, I have good news!!! You can still have a flattering silhouette regardless of the binge eating that may have caused some unpleasant bloating. I'd like to share a few apparel concepts that will help you still look your best, and appear more slender. You may have heard of some of these suggestions, but if I have cultivated you with at least one new trick then I have done my job!!! 

Flattering tops:

Geometric prints- Geometric prints take the eye away from the body's shape or size.

Vertical lines or stripes- Go with vertical stripes to create an elongated torso. Stripes are also perfect on the side line of your pants. 

Aline cuts- Like Aline skirts, Aline shaped tops camouflage unforgiving areas, such as the tummy, waist line and our backs.

Flutter sleeves- Opt. for a flutter sleeve if you have full or broad arms.

V-neck- Show off your neck line with a V-neck to narrow your upper body.

Complimentary Bottoms/Pants:

 Ankle Length- Create a sleek look with an ankle length pant that can be worn with almost any shoe. Add a pair of pumps and you are already 10 pounds thinner!

Try Chicos Ankle Length jeans (pricing starts @ $49-$109)

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Boot cut- A boot cut is great for any body type. Allowing your weight to be distributed evenly and gives you a balanced silhouette!

Try Kohls Boot Cut w/embellished and Tummy control jeans (pricing starts @ $19.99)

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High waist skinny Pant- Instant height is what you will get out of a high waist pant! Pair with heels and your towering over all of the others:)

Try the plus sized Jayden colored skinny jeans @ Macys (pricing starts @ $22)

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If nothing else works to mask your undesirable areas try layering with a vest, slouchy sweater, or a princess or A-line cut jacket/blazer. 

Then of course wearing shapers doesn't hurt as well! :)

I hope these tricks are as helpful for you as they have been for me! 

Enjoy!

Aniyah,

"Everyday I intend to grow a little stronger, wiser and kinder"

 

Health Trends 2020 Feeling Good!!!!

Hello moms: Most of us have been facing a challenging year, but we are still responsible for our careers, childrearing, cooking, cleaning, and maintaining ourselves regardless of the obstacles. 

But what can we do to feel better while we grind at our everyday tasks? 

Well, we can set aside a little time to invest in our physical health! The more care we put into our bodies is the better we will feel. 

 Now, why do we usually feel better? One reason is because we are taking pride in being proactive with our well-being, our planned food choices assist in clear mental focus, and our work-out routine allows our bodies to release those invaluable endorphins! 

So instead of slouching through the day, we can exude energy with simple meal planning. When we deposit nutritious foods into our system our bodies respond almost immediately by giving us a euphoric sensation. The best way for us to continue this high state of being is to create a regular toolbox, which of course includes the customary high proteins, fibers, and greens, and staying up to date on food progressions. 

According to Today.com, below is a list of foods trending this year as people are becoming more health conscious. 

New healthy foods and new food trends for 2020 

1. Sweet potato is the new cauliflower. 

2. Fish is going faux. 

3. Plant-based yogurt, ice cream and creamers galore. 

4. Mocktails over cocktails. 

5. Snacks to help you sleep.

6. Blended burgers and mighty meats. 

7. Plant-based butters are back. 

8. Fruit flours and potent powders. 

Food for thought: We usually experience food cravings due to a lack of certain nutrients. This causes us to continue to eat to fulfill this need. Eating well balanced meals and implementing supplements or potent smoothies will eradicate any deficiencies. 

Aniyah’s tip: Breakfast foods are generally high in carbs and fat. Most snack food is easy to grab, making it convenient, however the caveat is that it is processed, loaded with bad chemicals that the body does not recognized. As a solution, I keep a makeshift list of healthy foods I can eat for breakfast and snacking. This list allows me to choose whole grain breads, fruit and oatmeal for breakfast, and snack on nuts and yogurt throughout the day.

That's all for today's health segment!

Be Well: Aniyah 

"Today will be that day" 

Quick Tip: Plaid Anyone?

Aniyah's Quick Tips: If you aren't in plaid this fall you aren't a true fashionista! Trending this fall are plaid blazers. The blazers are gaining popularity due to their versatility. Pump up your work day with this plaid ensemble and a skinny pant, or set the tone for a casual chic look when you pair it with denim! Whichever look you choose you are sure to make a statement in plaid!!!!!!

"Use your gifts to spread joy into the world" Aniyah

Chic fall looks

Chic Looks for Fall 2020 Hello moms, It's been challenging for us during the year of 2020, but we are still finding ways to stay motivated. The next time you are able to get out, try some of these chic styles to brighten your mood. Here are some occasions you can wear these looks for: -A quick stroll by the promenade -A car ride for sight seeing -A stroll at the park -lunch with a friend -Trip to the mall

Enjoy!!!!! May everyday fulfill you as it it were your last! Aniyah

What Matters Most!

First Response 

     My first response to the change in our new world was panic and discomfort. My sense of self and control had been taken away. What type of schedule can I keep if I no longer have a To-Do list? I paced around my living room wondering what this all meant. Questions came to my head like: Will my son fall behind or get held back from school? How am I going to get an update on my son’s progress without meeting with his teacher face to face? Was my job secure? Will my opportunity to start my dream job be put on hold? Oh no! Why did I wait so long to stock up on our back-up resources? Dam, and what could I substitute for toilet paper due to the scarce supply? Umm if I’m pushed hard enough, I’ll just use a washcloth to wipe myself! LOL Why did this have to happen now? I have so many exciting upcoming plans. My mind continued to wonder. I figured, If we simply kept up with cleansing protocols we should be safe, right? My logic was that most adults practice healthy hygiene, and are considerate enough to to stay at home when struck down by a fever that was preceded by coughing and sneezing.

         Unfortunately these precautions weren’t taken; resulting in the inevitable implementation of social distancing. Though this feels more like social isolation! I became dismayed by these circumstances, contemplating on what I’ll be missing out on I thought:

    I can’t: Go to work Go to the mall Go out for a leisurely dinner Go out for drinks Go to a gathering with friends Then after over a week of staying at home I had an epiphany. My perspective changed and I suddenly thought

  I can: Indulge! Soak in a bubbly bubble bath lathered with aromatherapy body soap Read a book before I hit my pillow every evening Actually have the time to give myself a neat and smooth manicure without falling asleep before they dry; where I usually wake up to a bumpy mess! Sleep-in without the interruption of a noisy alarm clock Take in guilt free binge watching of my favorite shows after hours Dive into a huge container of french vanilla ice cream scooped over a layer of a succulent slice of chocolate fudge cake Prepare and eat breakfast with my son After breakfast flipping through a fashion magazine on my deck; while really tasting the almond and cinnamon spice of my morning tea that I sip out of my favorite white and gold plated tea cup that I normally don’t notice Get Organized! Reorganize that cluttered closet that I’d been neglecting due to prior time constraints Clean out that messy storage unit that I will be utilizing 

Be Constructive! Wake up feeling energized enough to keep up with the rhythm of my favorite exercise video Sign up for that online course to enhance my skills Plan! What tools could I give my son for his future success? What is my five year financial plan? How can I increase my credit score? How do I walk toward the career that I really want? What is missing in my life? How can I make a contribution to this world? This epiphany gave me the turnaround that I needed. My lesson has been realizing that there is usually some good underlying the “bad events”. We just need to stop in our tracks to see it. Over the last week of being home I feel that I have lived more than I have in years. My mornings have been filled with healthy breakfasts, time for playing soccer at the park with my son, and observing fathers throwing softball with their children. At the same time I was also able to experience looking up at the sun during my morning jogging sessions, and allowing the rays to penetrate my skin (with the use of sunblock of course. LOL). 

Through this challenging time in our history, the universe has intervened to remind us of what matters the most!

 I hope it has also shed some light for you as well:) All greatness starts within! Aniyah (AKA Anita)-The Mommysavior