Archive for March, 2010

Top 10 Superfoods — Multi-Tasking Your Health!

Monday, March 15th, 2010

We’ve all heard of Superfoods, multi-tasking foods so rich in phytonutrients that they promote not only your health, but you’re mood and well being and can even control your weight! We here at The Balancing Act know how essential multi-tasking is to your every day. So, we’ve compiled our list of top 10 superfoods and tasty ways you can incorporate them into your family’s diet.

1. Nuts – If you want to dramatically reduce your risk of cancer, diabetes and heart disease then GO NUTS! Nuts are rich in vitamin E, folate (folic acid), fiber, plant protein and many minerals.

2. Sweet Potatoes/ Yams - Yep, sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes are packed with carotenoids, including the vitamin A precursor beta-carotene. These have been found to protect us against carcinogens and preserve our night vision. Three and a half ounces of sweet potato delivers 12 mg. of beta-carotene vitamin A. So don’t just save those sweet potato recipes for Thanksgiving – your health will thank you for it!

3.Edamame – or young baby soy beans are high in protein, fiber, vitamins, and isoflavones (found only in soy). A small serving of these tasty snacks have as much fiber as 4 slices of bread or 4 cups of zucchini!

4.Carrots – Bugs Bunny knew what he was doing! This tasty snack has beta-carotene which is excellent for your eyes, helps keep your arteries clear, and may prevent tumors from growing!

5. Beans – “Beans, beans, they’re good for your heart…” as they say! They are high in complex carbohydrates and dietary fiber. Beans are also extremely beneficial in an anti-diabetes diet because they rank low on the glycemic scale, which means that they do not cause the inflammatory, hunger-inducing spike in blood sugar levels associated with refined grains and baked goods.

6. Dark Chocolate – You heard me right! CHOCOLATE! Not only do they taste good but dark chocolate seems to contribute to lowering blood pressure, increasing blood flow, and ultimately contributing to a healthy heart. But dont go overboard because it’s still high in fat and calories!

7. Tuna – The omega-3 fatty acids in tuna, salmon and other “fatty” fishes have been shown to help lower LDL, or “bad” cholesterol levels and minimize menstrual cramps. Tuna is also rich in vitamin D, and has high protein, which gives energy and builds muscle!

8. Strawberries; -Strawberries contain significant levels of phytonutrients and antioxidants, which fight free radicals (great cancer fighter!) and full of vitamin C. And they’re tasty to boot!

9. Kale – Kale contains high amounts of beta carotene (precursor of vitamin A) and vitamin C. And like any leafy greens like spinach, turnip greens and collards, is high in folic acid which is essential for great hair and skin!

10. Green & Black Tea - Green & Black Teas are high antioxidants and they modify the metabolism to detoxify harmful chemicals. Green & Black Tea have about eight to 10 times the polyphenols found in fruits and vegetables! SO make time for Tea Time!

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Red Carpet Kudos and Catastrophes by Celebrity Stylist Lisa Cera

Monday, March 15th, 2010

Wow, they really channeled the old Hollywood times and I love it!! The Academy Awards seem to have gotten more glamorous, from the cabaret type skits to the elaborate stage settings, from the music to the fashion. It seems as though no one skipped it this year and everyone is dressed in top form.

Trend wise, I saw a lot of corset tops, metallics, gold, cinched waists, whites, purples, reds and a few blues & nudes as well as beading, strapless gowns, tons of ruffles, ruching and lace details. There is so much variety this year, risk taking and of course, glamour for miles!! Marchesa seemed to be a celebrity favorite yet again, but naturally there were some great gowns and some not so great.

Let’s start with:

Zoe Saldana- presenter,

Wearing a beaded violet strapless gown with layers and layers and layers and did I say layers of ruffles? I am falling off the fence on this one. Where do I look, at the beaded top? The layers and layers, and did I say layers of colored ruffles? or at the long slit right down the middle of her legs!
There were amazing parts of the dress separately but together …CATASTROPHIE!!

Vera Farmiga-Nominee for Up in the Air,
She carries her pleated ruffled Marchesa red gown with old gown very well, looks like she is very comfortable wearing it. Hollywood glamour, very form fitting channeling the old glamour days of Marylyn Monroe, Rita Hayworth. Hair in finger waves, red lipstick. KUDOS!!!! And Best Dressed!!

Maggie Gyllenhaal- Dries Van Noten, bold move, very brilliant dress but the question is…Is it Oscar worthy???

Hmmmmmm….I wouldn’t say so!


Elizabeth Banks-presenter-

Gray form-fitting strapless ruffled Versace gown is ravishing on her. I love the delicate beading and the layers of ruffles that go on forever!! Exquisite!!- Best Dressed!!

Kristen Stewart is stunning in her black pleated strapless gown. I would love to see earrings then she would have had KUDOS!!

Sigourney Weaver didn’t really make the best dressed list. The one shoulder is too wide and unflattering for her body and I think the belt should have been a beaded belt, something a bit fresher then a black belt. Also I didn’t like the sheer bottom and black shoes. Altogether this was a no no!! Catastrophe!!

Sandra Bullock,- I wouldn’t put her on the best dressed list in this dress. The beading on her hips and the shine of the dress are a bit much for her and add that to the harsh red lipstick and it’s a not so great combination. Bullock’s metallic Marchesa dress was compared to Olympics figure skating costumes. Ooops.. Sorry!! Not a winner for the Oscar winner.


Penelope Cruz- Always a red carpet Kudos girl and best dressed! Looking fabulous in her red Donna Karan gown!

Mo’nique looks confident and stunning in her gown. I love the shirring of the fabric on her shoulders and the brilliant color which is beautiful on her. It brightens her up. She takes the Oscar in all!!

Tina Fey- wearing a Michael Kors one shouldered black beaded dress with a banded waist. The shape of the dress is very flattering for her body, I would have loved to see a color, like lavender, blue, even silver but she played it safe at the academy awards, and that was a great thing; especially since she was slammed at the golden globes! Good job Tina!!

Carey Mulligan - Strapless, beaded princess gown works well with her new blonde ‘doo. Although the shoes were a bit too thick and casual for the elegance of the gown and the earings were a bit harsh. She still rocked her youthful look with a bit of edge.

Faith Hill- the detail in the waist and the lace is nice but maybe a bit too much going on. It sort of looks like pieces thrown together and the tasseled hair didn’t fair well with her dress.. A bit of a Catastrophe!!

Amanda Seyfried’s Armani Prive – such a beautiful youthful gown, the bodice works for her body, its structured yet very feminine on her and the ruching detail goes right down the dress! – She looks like a fairy!!

Miley Cyrus- Presenter looks absolutely grown up and lovely!! The corset bodice works well for her–the lace skirt is very whimsical and gives an enchanting look to her dress which makes it very youthful. A perfect select for her. Just a little posture work and its perfect!!

KUDOS TO OPRAH!! Fantastic and slimming dress. Works amazingly on her!! From the wrap top that slims her , to the black band around her waist paired with the wrap skirt of the dress is perfect!!!

Jennifer Lopez’s iridescent light pink gown is FABULOUS! She is captivating in her light pink gown. The side ruching of fabric is on her hips but actually works with her body so perfectly. I love the top and how it goes across the bust line then across the waist and then the train.WOW.This is definitely a Best Dressed!!

Kathryn Bigelow’s dress is a little unappealing, to tight and very dull. As well, her red bracelet doesn’t work! Her hair and make up were at best, messy. Definitely Not a fav of mine! Catastrophe!!


Sarah Jessica Parker-Love the fashion statement of Sarah’s pastel yellow Channel Couture Gown with the Metallic touches, which only Sarah could pull off! I absolutely LOVED how she looked. It actually gave a sort of 60’s feel, with her up do and make up, and is refreshing to see a gown that screams “FASHION!” on the red carpet.

Queen Latifah- looks so beautiful stunning in her blush pink gown!! The beading goes from the shoulder into a slant curve at the waist and this actually has a slimming effect which is perfect for a full figured woman.The color works great on her and she emits confidence in it.

Meryl Streep looked absolutely dazzling in her wintry white Chris March gown. It is very sexy and age appropriate for her. I particularly love the Draping that goes from the shoulder to the waist and back to shoulder again. I think this is the best I have seem her look on the Red carpet and I’d definitely say she is a best dressed!!

Demi Moore’s nude dress is stunning; all of the gathering, sheering and ruching actually add volume to her dress which she carries so very well .Her shoes and jewels are perfectly put together. Definitely a fav.Best dressed!!

Charlize Theron ruching details on her Pink Dior are covering the breasts and that’s all you see…Breasts!!-she looks like she has a Madonna-esqe thing going on….hmmmm not a winner to me! And red lipstick to boot!!

Gabourey Sidibe – looks gorgeous in her dress. The Shirring and ruching works so well on the top and the diamond beading is strategically placed perfectly on her dress to flatter her figure. The color is perfect . Job well done!

Kate Winslet’s dress was gorgeous in her Yves St Laurent Dress.The color was beautiful. I loved the graphic look of the bodice and the way it worked with her necklace.

Anna Kendrick- Had a winning look. Her off-the-shoulder blush Elie Saab gown was enchanting on her. Make up fresh and flawless! Definitely Best Dressed!

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Lose Weight – Not Your Mind

Monday, March 15th, 2010

So you failed your New Year’s Resolution to lose weight huh? It’s ok—you’re with the other 92% of the population that fail to keep their resolutions. Here are a few pointers that will help you lose weight—without losing your mind!

1.) Exercise your right to enjoy it. Who says you have to have ankle weights on while sprinting up a hill, or be stuck in the weight room searching for that extra oomph to lift that last rep? Find an activity that you enjoy to do whether it’s joining a soccer team, enrolling in a dance class, or early morning walks with a friend. You are way more likely to stick with a work-out routine if you enjoy and look forward to it!

2.) Reward yourself. Yes, it’s fine to give in every once in a while. I don’t mean eating a salad and being so proud of yourself that you continue with the meal and eat an apple pie. But giving in to those cravings, such as a couple pieces of chocolate (key word: couple) every once in a while will help you from slipping up big-time.

3.) Drink like a fish. People don’t realize how important water is for their health and appearance. Your body needs water to metabolize fat faster. Besides keeping your skin glowing, it can act as an appetite suppressant by filling you up! As a general rule of thumb try to consume around 64 ounces a day—and feel free to spice it up a bit by adding a lemon or lime slice.

4.) Set goals, not dreams. Set realistic goals for yourself. Clicking your ruby red slippers together and wishing for the weight to come off isn’t going to happen. You aren’t going to lose 20 lbs in 2 weeks and expect to keep it off. Understand that your diet is actually a new lifestyle, and progress takes work and time! Be patient and before you know it you will be happy to spend those few extra bucks at the mall shopping for slimmer clothes.

5.) Sleep your fat off. If you think you are accelerating your weight loss by not sleeping you are sadly mistaken. Sleep allows your body to properly metabolize foods and gives you energy for the next day, not to mention decreases your appetite. You don’t want to be half-way through your run in the morning, crash, and have to walk back in turn making you late for work and skipping your morning Starbucks routine while weaving in and out of traffic do you? (Not speaking from experience or anything!) Try to squeeze in 8 hours of blissful REM time a night.

6.) Shovels are for the garden. Your fork is not to be used like a shovel. Your brain does not know it’s full until twenty minutes after it already is. Stuffing food in your mouth furiously isn’t going to help your weight loss or feeling full. Watch your portions and don’t feel the need to eat everything that’s in front of you—it’s ok to save some for later which is great for your weight loss and wallet.

7.) Skipping breakfast is a no-no. Whatever excuse you give to yourself for not eating breakfast (no time, not hungry, etc.) needs to be eliminated from your daily routine and supplemented with a healthy option like yogurt with granola or oatmeal. If you don’t eat breakfast, your metabolic rate slows down. Your energy levels drop, and your appetite goes up! Schedule time for yourself and your weight loss by starting your day off right!

8.) Mini Meals for a Mini You! Exchanging your 3 hearty meals a day for 5-6 smaller portioned meals may be beneficial for your weight loss. You will feel less hungry and it keeps your metabolism and energy levels up throughout the entire day!

9.) Dear Diary. Don’t worry—no one else has to know your weird food combinations you enjoy, but it is helpful to keep a food journal. This will help you distinguish the habits you need to break as well as show your improvement with your nutrition decisions! Record the time you ate as well as your mood to help evaluate your eating patterns.

10.) Liquids Have Feelings Too! Just because you are drinking calories does not mean they are exempt—this is your body, not a tax return. This includes that happy hour cosmopolitan you enjoy on a weekly basis after your long workday. Whether it is liquor or sugary soda, realize you are adding hundreds of wasted calories to your daily intake. So next time that pina colada or extra large soda is staring at you in the face, stare back and ask for a light beer or diet soda instead.

Understand that there is no magic pill or diet that will drop 10 lbs of fat off your body. Create a lifestyle that accommodates your lifestyle and interests, stick to it, and when all the envious complements pour in smile sweetly and accept them like what you’re doing is no biggie!

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