Meat Free Mondays: Meat Free Media

Making the initial decision to go meat free (even once a week) was a hard decision for me, but there were a few movies and books that made the transition much easier. Knowing what meat was doing to my body made a big difference in how much I wanted to eat it, and knowing that the research was science based instead of emotional made a big difference to me.

There are a few great books and movies that talk about the importance of a plant based diet for a healthy life; these are a few of my favorites!

Forks Over Knives

This is both a book and a movie. I have heard fantastic things about the book, but have only seen the movie. It is a great look at what meat and dairy are doing to our bodies and how a plant based diet can stop, or sometimes, reverse these effects.

The book was written by two doctors, one at Cornell University and one at the Cleveland Clinic, who research the effects of a meat-based diet on humans. Both these doctors completely their research without knowing what the other was doing and only learned afterwards. What each of them found, through researching cancers and diets of third world countries, is pretty incredible. 

Whether you love meat, hate it, or do not care either way, this movie is a great watch and a must see!

Skinny B----

I have had a pretty great inner debate on whether I should review this book or not. It is quite a bit controversial (the name alone) and controversy is not my middle name. But, just because something is controversial, does not mean it is bad. This book is in my top ten best books ever read list because it changed my outlook on food.

My college room-mate and I read this book together after hearing how fantastic it was. Neither of us were vegetarians, or healthy eater's, really- but both of us thought it was important to understand what we were eating and how it was effecting us long term. Boy was I happy we read it. Be prepared, it is mostly science and research articles explained (science geeks rejoice) and there are a few points that pull on your heart strings worse than the Humane Society commercials. The authors warn you of this first, but my thinking was "if I am going to eat animals, I better know how they got on my plate". If you eat meat, this should be a definite read. If you do not, read it anyway... They go into more than vegan lifestyles and talk a lot about preservatives, engineered foods, and how to live a healthy but well rounded life.

Shape Magazine: Fast Track to Fit Review

The January issue of Shape magazine is busting at the seams with some great workout guides. I am guessing that's because everyone, there little sister, and their third aunt twice removed is working with new year's resolutions in mind. The workout that looks the most intimidating, by far, is done by Jillian Michaels. Who else? When I first saw this workout, I thought, "no thank you" -that is the exact moment I realized it must be done.

Jillian's fat blasting work out is comprised of some major cardio and plyometric intervals to keep the heart pumping and the fat melting. The whole routine should be done twice and take 30 minutes.

There are two parts to the workout, each with about seven moves that are meant to be done for 30 seconds. Circuit one and two should be done back-to-back with a 3 minute break between the two sets. The exercise does call for weights. If you do not have any, I think resistance bands could give a comparable workout instead.

The Workout

Circuit One:

• Split leg push-ups
• Kneel-down chop
• Static-squat row
• Windmill skater
  
• Ninja jump
  
• Double Crunch
• Boat-pose twist

Circuit Two:

• Goblet squat
  
• Crescent kickback
• Warrior-fly
• Long jump around
• Running man
• Shoulder stand reach
• Tornado crunch

The Sum-up

Total time: 30 minutes    Calorie burn: 235

This workout was quite fun and took me, almost exactly, thirty minutes. I was pretty surprised by this considering that I had forgotten to re-read the workout before starting and had to stop, go back, read, then start again. This was quite the process.

When I had started the workout, and even half-way through, I thought it was completely ab-centered. Then, I did the second set of each and my bum was killing me. My upper bum was the only sore thing the next day, which was pretty great because this is the hardest area for me to work. I could have used heavier weights for a more intense upper body workout, but opted to use 5 lbs instead. All of the exercises that use weights could easily use resistance bands if you prefer them. I will be using bands the next time I do this. 

I was a bit confused by how to do the moves in the beginning, but by the second time around it made more sense. I think that a few more times of doing these circuits will make me a pro.

There are a lot of these moves that I will be using with other circuits, but not the boat-pose twist. I did this one on a gym floor and have bruises on my back, for real! If you are at all bony, save yourself some pain and do these on a soft carpet or mattress or cloud.

The workout did not give me the calorie burn I hoped for, but I did have to stop a lot more than suggested. Next time I will do three sets if each instead of the suggested two. 

Thrifty Girl: Online Deals and Steals

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There are some great deals to be found online. Whether old, new, used, antique or refurbished, chances are you can find that piece you have been wanting for a great price online. Not only do most retail stores offer reduced pricing online, but online only sites can offer very competitive prices; if you know where and when to shop for online deals.

Flash Sale Sites

There is a somewhat new trend for online shopping called flash sales. Retail companies mark down there products- sometimes up to 70% off- and place them on a flash sale site. The company can get up to three months worth of profit from this one week sale and we can get ridiculously good prices on great things. Sites like One Kings Lane and The Foundary are great for home decor pieces, stationary, pet supplies, and furniture. OKL also has sale collaborations with designers where the designers sell things they have found and, even, some of their own pieces.

Fab is another great flash sale site. They have everything from clothing to to pet supplies to gadgets. There are some great deals to be found and shipping is quite cheap.

If you are a member of Amazon, you have their flash sale site, MyHabit, available to you. This site has everything that amazon has and a bit more. It is not uncommon to see designer purses and accessories on MyHabit, along with all the house decor pieces you desire. Membership for all these sites is free, all they need is e-mail and password, and possibly, an invitation from a friend... Friend.

Coupon Sites

Places like Groupon and Living Social have become so uber popular, especially in urban areas. I have a good portion of my family who check these sites daily for deals on restaurants, activities, and vacations. It is definitely worth a look, especially if you live in an urban area or are planning to visit one.

Product Stock Sites

For those of us who love places like Marshalls, TJMaxx, and Home Goods, there are the online equivalents. These sites are even great for those who do not like these stores. The deals are great and you get some really awesome stuff! I had never even given these sites a glance until we purchased our home and I realized just how expensive it is to fill it with pretty things. I happened upon Overstock one day and found almost the identical chandeliers I was looking at from Restoration Hardware here, and for almost a 10th the price. They were purchased and now hang happily in our living room for all to see.

One of the greatest perks of sites like Overstock is free shipping.  You may have realized by now that I bring up free shipping a lot, that is because I hate hate hate paying for shipping. The guessing game of knowing how much is in my cart but not knowing how much it will cost drives me insane. Sites with free shipping are already money savers and should be in every Thrifty Girl's arsenal.

Amazon Prime

I have already had a mini rant on shipping in this post, so we do not need to go there again. Let's just leave it at Amazon Prime is great if you order from them more than six times per year, or watch any paid for shows online, or have a kindle. Two day shipping is free for prime products (most the site), or you can get credit and take 5 day shipping for free as well.

Really, the credit thing is a nice thought for me and I may use it one day as a tool to gain more patience. We'll see.

Prime members also get free rentals on movies, books, and shows. Downton Abby Seasons 1 and 2, anyone? The membership is about $75 per year and so worth it in our house. You can try a two week membership for free, then decide if you would like to keep it. It is best to start the trial when you are going to be ordering a lot of products, that way you get your money's worth whether you keep the membership or not.

There are some great deals and steals to be found online. Just remember, if you were not going to buy it in the first place, it is not a deal. Things like buy one get one half off are only great if you were getting two anyway, otherwise, it is a just a waist of money.

To keep from doing those "it's on sale, I need it" purchases, I only go looking to these sites for a particular purpose. If I know that we will be buying a new rug or chair or wallet soon, that is what I look for at OKL or any other sale site. If I know we want to go to a few museums while in London, that is what I look for on Groupon. Going to a site with the knowledge that you want some new workout clothes or a cute new bag makes it much easier to find what you want and say "no" to everything else.

Get Michelle Obama's Arms

My Snapguide shirt!! Yep, the people over at Snapguide sent me this because they are awesome! Click the picture to link over to my Snapguide account!

Let's face it, no matter what your political view, most women would kill for the First Lady's arms. Seriously, her fashion and those guns could make peace treaties alone. This equipment-free arm routine will not only help reduce that unneeded arm jiggle, but can also get you that much closer to having Michelle Obama's arms. Most equipment free arm exercises work the back as much as they do the arms. These exercises will help with posture and increase lean muscle toning- something Michelle Obama's arm's look quite familiar with.

Complete this exercise at least once after your regular workout, or do three sets as a workout replacement for some great results!

Arm Circle and Warm Up

Arm circles are a great way to get your arms warmed, a little stretched, and ready to work. Best of all, they can be done pretty much anywhere! Start by doing wide circles going forward then back; then, complete smaller circles starting with forward and going to back. Work on doing two sets of 20 and increase the reps as needed.

For some work-out inspiration, check-out Michelle Obama's arms, highlighted by that gorgeous Jason Wu red dress, at the inauguration.

Sphinx Push-Ups

These are great for the forearms and shoulders! Get into regular push-up position, then place forearms on the ground with palms down and fingers straight ahead. Lift your body into a plank position and hold before lowering about 2 inches from the ground, hold, then rise back up. You can start by doing between 10 and 15 reps and increase from there.

Chair-Ups

One of those that is great for the back arm jiggle and the back. Place your hands forward on the edge of a chair with your elbows bent back and your body straight out. Bend your arms so that your butt is almost touching the ground and come back up. Complete two sets of 30 increasing reps as needed.

Second Position Ballet Pose

This will work your shoulders, back, and arms like they have never been worked before. Seriously, look at a ballet dancer's arms, then you will realize why this is an arm workout commodity. Hold arms in second position for two sets of 1 minute. Be sure to keep shoulders down and elbows up the entire time. There should be no slouching here. Your chest should be broad and arms should have a slight curve but still be in line with the rest of the body. Bum should be tucked in as well. This is a great exercise to do for better posture.

Plank Position

Plank is wonderful for the arms, back, and the core! Place hands on the ground below the shoulders with fingers facing forward and toes on the ground. It is important to keep your back as straight as possible in this position and to tuck the tailbone under. Hold the plank for at least one minute and complete three sets.

Push-Ups

The classic that is still doing the trick. Complete two sets doing at least 10 to 12 reps. If doing this many is too much, place your knees on the ground and complete... Best to add a few extra reps for the cheating style as well ;)

Triangle push-Ups

Great for the outer and under-arms. Place hands on the ground so your pointer fingers and thumbs create a diamond shape. Complete 2 sets of 10 to 12 reps of push-ups in this position and feel the burn!

Arm Circles

Sphinx Push-Ups

Starting position

Sphinx Push-Ups

Up postition

Chair Ups

Second Position

Plank

Classic Push-Ups

Triangle Push-Ups