April 06, 2006

Work It Out!

I've finally found a way to make myself exercise on a consistant basis. Take an exercise class in school! That way, I have to show up because I'm being graded on my attendance (what else is there to grade on?). It's also a great way to boost my GPA. I take a weight training class; all I have to do is show up, workout, and turn in a paper listing my workout plan. Most of the students in the class have no idea what they're doing, but there are a select few, including myself, who asked the teacher (who's the trainer for all the athletic teams in the college) to help them create a workout plan.

I've been taking the class for about 2 months now and I'm seeing results already. I increase the weight every 2 or 3 weeks, which is pretty quick, but I work hard in that class! I haven't seen a difference in the scale (I rarely weigh myself), but then again muscle is heavier than fat and I've definitley gained some muscle. I have more energy, my skin is in better shape, and I'm not as moody as I used to be (which makes my boyfriend very happy)! In other words, I'm feelin good! All you students should give it a try and if you're not a student, give it a try anyway; some local community colleges have great exercise facilities. Hey it's cheaper than any gym!

Posted by *Tammy at 09:15 AM | TrackBack (0)
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October 10, 2005

Gettin' Healthy

Woohoo! My classes were canceled today! So, what did I do? I went to the market. See, I've been on a fast food diet for the past month (sooo not good for me...or anybody) so I decieded to get some food that's good for me. No more fast food for a loooooooong time, or maybe I'll just give it up. That'll be really hard for me because I am a fast food queen. Ok, let's just see if I can go without fast food for one month. If I can, I'll keep on not eating fast food and eventually just forget it completely. You heard me people, I, Tammy Suriwong, will not eat fast food for one month (or longer) starting today, October 10, 2005.

Anyway, if you're wondering what healthy foods actually taste good here's what I like...

I'm not much of a leafy green veggie eater so I eat lots of fruits and veggies that are other colors. I also have a major sweet tooth so I try to eat fruit or yogurt to satisfy my cravings. If I want to sweeten something, I use half a packet Splenda (trust me, a whole packet is way too sweet) instead of real sugar.

Usually, the more colorful the foods are in your diet, the better. So, just try a little of everything and see what tastes best to you. In case you don't know what to try, here's what I like (and also bought at the market today):

- hummus with red peppers (tastes great with rye crackers or 100% whole wheat pita bread)
- hummus with artichokes and garlic
- light yogurt (Yoplait is my favorite)
- cantaloupe
- Ready Pac of sliced, washed carrots and celery (you can save more money by getting the whole veggies and washing and cutting them on your own)
- apple cinnimon oatmeal
- cereal (Total)
- chocolate soymilk
- vanilla soymilk
- granny smith apples
- nectarines
- low fat string cheese (makes a great mid day snack)

Ok, so there's more sweet stuff than veggies, but it's a start for me. Give these foods a try and your body will thank you. Not only does eating healthy help you on the inside, but it helps you on the outside too because the condition of your inside reflects on the outside. Yay for good health! Woohoo!

Posted by *Tammy at 12:40 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
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September 24, 2005

Smells Good!

Aromatherapy this, aromatherapy that...what the heck is aromatherapy anyway? It's the therapeutic use of essential oils extracted from herbs and plants. Each essential oil has its own healing qualites such as relaxation, stress relief, and skin care, oh, and they smell good also. There are various ways to use these oils such as dabbing them directly on the skin, adding them to handmade soaps, or even mixing them with unscented lotion.

Here are two essential oils that are great for skin care and stress relief. Give them a try!

Lavender - Lavender is an evergreen woody shrub about 3 feet tall, with gray-green narrow linear leaves with the most beautiful purple-blue flowers perched on a long stem. The name Lavender is derived from the Latin word 'lavera' to wash. The Romans used Lavender frequently in their bath routine, and it is said to have been introduced by them into England, where it soon became a favorite.

Lavender has a soothing and calming effect on the nerves, relieving tension, depression, panic, hysteria and nervous exhaustion in general. It is also effective for headaches, migraines and insomnia.


Neroli Oil - Neroli oil is extracted from the flowers of Citrus aurantium var. Neroli oil has a sweet, floral and slightly haunting aroma, the color is pale yellow and the viscosity is watery. This essential oil is also known as 'orange blossom' and it takes about 1000 lbs. of orange blossoms to make 1 lb. of Neroli oil. The name Neroli is said to originate from the Italian princess, Anne-Marie de la Tremoille, Countess of Nerola, who used the oil as a perfume and to scent her bathwater and gloves.

Neroli oil helps with the regeneration of skin cells and is useful for scar tissue, skin care and stretch marks; it is also very relaxing and can relieve chronic anxiety, depression, fear, shock and stress.

Give these a try!
Aura Cacia 100% Pure Essential Oil, Lavender (Calming)

Ananda Aromatherapy Pure Neroli Oil


Thanks to Lush Cosmetics and the Lush Life Online Newsletter for the info.

Posted by *Tammy at 11:15 AM | TrackBack (0)
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