Bottoms Up - Calories Down

I think the calories in alcoholic beverages are often overlooked by those of us trying to watch what we eat.  As the weekend approaches and I'm making plans to hang out with my friends, I decided to conduct a little research and determine which drinks I can have that will not railroad my goal of trimming 2" off of my waist by my b-day on October 9th.

I'm sure most of you are aware that alcohol has its health benefits.  Alcohol increases your HDL (healthy cholesterol) which helps to clear away bad cholesterol.  This is not of course a reason to over-indulge...doctors recommend just one drink daily.  

So if you plan on raising a glass or two this weekend, here are a few things to bear in mind:

1. Alcohol can increase your appetite for up to 24 hours after you drink.
2. Your body converts alcohol into acetate, which hinders the burning of fat.
3. The higher the alcohol content, the higher the calories.
4. Most beers have less than 150 calories per bottle.  Darker beers are the most fattening.
   
5. White Zin, Chablis and Chardonnays are good bets, all weighing in at less than 100 calories a glass.
6. Consider a spritzer instead of a glass of wine - less alcohol.
   
7. Liqueurs (sweet liquors) such as Kuhlua, Bailey's Irish Creme, and Grand Marnier are loaded with calories.  Avoid cocktails that are mixed with several liqueurs or mixers, such as Long Island Iced Tea, which weighs in at about 780 calories...who knew?!
8. Mojitos and Manhattans are smart choices, with a calorie count in the mid 100's.

Cheers! ...although I may only have ginger ale in my glass after making this entry! :-) 

Be Beautiful.   Be Confident.   Be Unstoppable.

Be Classy, Not Ashy! By: Tracey - Guest Blogger and SoC Follower

My dry skin issues are notorious! Without proper hydration my skin begins to itch and sometimes crack. This has made me a slave to lathering lotion religiously over my body after each shower and several times throughout the day on my hands and arms (legs and feet during the summer). Thanks to SOC creator Tiffany, I was introduced to St. Ives' Oatmeal and Shea Butter lotion earlier this summer and gave up my trusted Vaseline Intensive Care. It's smooth and creamy with a delightful scent. I was pleased. But this past weekend, I discovered something new.

Burt's Bees Lemon & Vitamin E Bath and Body Oil works wonderfully! It's an all-natural oil made from the best ingredients nature has to offer.  The organic ingredients help prevent irritating my sensitive Eczema prone skin. After showering, I applied the oil to my damp skin and was hit with the refreshing and zestful smell of lemons! The scent is subtle enough to not overpower. Unfortunately, it doesn't linger on the body long. I've tried various oils over the years and what I found was that within an hour or so after application, my skin would be dry again. Not so with Burt's Bees. My skin remained hydrated throughout the day. Not a threat of ash in sight! No reapplication needed! Nor is it sticky or greasy!

I've tried lip balms by BB before to satisfaction. This body oil is another keeper from their line.I found out today that it won the 2008 Beauty With a Conscience Award! Yep, I believe this little bottle of oil will remain in rotation for quite a while:-)

Be Beautiful.   Be Confident.   Be Unstoppable.