healthy and beautiful

  In a session last week, a client mentioned it was too hot to drink warm tea. Even though I like hot coffee hot, regardless of weather, I agreed regarding tea. I suggested she make iced tea and she looked at me confused “do you just chill hot tea, how do you make iced tea?” As I explained to her what I outlined below I realized iced tea probably baffles a lot of people. We have to fix that. To answer her question, I don’t like making iced tea from hot tea. It tends to have a burnt or harsh taste. Instead, I make it cold-brewed in the fridge. All you need: Large Mason jar (or as large as you have) or any container with a lid Tea- loose or in bags, in the photo I used Bellocq's Green Mint tea Water Strainer Optional: stevia Add tea to the jar (I use 2 tablespoons of loose tea in a 32 ounce jar) but 1 teaspoon loose tea or 1 bag per six ounces of water is a good ratio. I gravitate toward loose tea as I generally have a lot to use up. And I find the flavor is better with loose tea but...

Yes,  I am a cheater of fabulous quality splurges and I like to re-define the term as a "treat meal".  I do not believe that having a fresh baked brownie now and then is cheating on my fitness program.  I eat healthy the majority of the time and follow a 90/10 rule where I consume a wide variety of good carbs , lean proteins and healthy fats 90% of the time and allowing 10% for indulgences like a glass of wine or chocolate . I will even apply the 80/20 rule where I eat healthy foods 80% of the time and allowing 20% to splurge on foods not on my typical menu.  This comes in handy when on vacation or during the holidays.  It is realistic to want things that are considered "bad" and I am not immune to those cravings.  I will not turn down a piece of my Mom's home baked pie or biscuits with butter and honey ... are you kidding me? Pizza is a Coveted Cheat Meal When I do partake in something nutritionally naughty it has to be quality.  I will not be div...

Well…not as big as they used to be physically but my mental and emotional shoulders are definitely making up for that loss…lol.   What the heck does this have to do with fitness, my life, my health…I say everything! When you are in a position of internet personality, helping people from around the world, bravely putting yourself out there for all to see through images, videos, and opinions…well…the mental shoulders get well developed.    As you know, I am a say it like it is person, trainer, consultant, coach, expert and any other name that gets tagged onto “Darla” the fitness gal.   In this position, I MUST remain POSITIVE   and let things roll off my back like a duck sometimes.   The majority of the time, I am taken with appreciation, and thankfulness from so many for providing the hope they thought was never possible…touching to me as my purpose to help has been accomplished. The other side of the coin can be exactly the opposite and filled with stateme...