Travel

Interview & GIVEAWAY: Dr. Ian Smith On Shredding Pounds Once and For All!

January 7, 2013

Now that we’re a full week into the new year, are you still on track with your resolutions? If you’re like countless Americans who’ve made the commitment to get in shape this year, Dr. Ian K. Smith’s new book, Shred: The Revolutionary Diet—Six Weeks, Four Inches, Two Sizes, will make it easier to keep your promise, and keep those pesky unwanted pounds in the past.

The New York Times best-selling author’s latest effort serves as a comprehensive weight-loss manual. Think of it as a book version of a hard-nosed personal trainer and nutritionist, outlining in reader-friendly detail what it takes to well, shred those hard-to-ditch pounds. From stressing the importance of meal planning to strategic ways to switch up workout routines to increase weight loss, Shred doesn’t skimp on articulating the methods and techniques needed to complete the six-week program. Plus, it includes easy recipes for delicious smoothies, soups and stews to help maintain the plan.

But don’t be mistaken, this isn’t your typical diet book. There are no gimmicks to getting in shape. It takes hard work, dedication and will power to see successful results as the former “Celebrity Fit Club” medical expert expresses throughout the book.

I recently spoke with Dr. Smith to discuss Shred, working with the president and his favorite pig-out food!

The Shred: Revolutionary Diet—6 Weeks, 4 Inches, 2 inches

Shred: The Revolutionary Diet—6 Weeks, 4 Inches, 2 inches; Available here, $15

BGG: What sets Shred apart from your other books?

Dr. Ian Smith: It’s all of my best strategies in one place!

BGG: Tell me your thoughts on the key to losing weight with Shred.

DS: It’s not really a diet, it’s a way of life. It’s about a way of living. A lot of people think that they should go on a diet if they’re going to a reunion, birthday or on vacation. It’s fine to lose weight for those purposes, but I am interested in you losing weight permanently and for long-term healthy reasons, as well as aesthetic reasons.

BGG: Why is it so difficult for individuals to lose those last few pounds?

DS: When you’re so close to your target weight, it’s in general just more difficult to lose weight. People who have been successful at losing weight reach a plateau because they’ve done what they’ve been doing and their body has settled in and now they have to shake it up. The body has to see different foods, different quantities, etc. That’s what “Diet Confusion” is all about. “Diet Confusion” is about keeping the body off kilter so that you keep your metabolism going and your body won’t get adjusted to the same foods.

BGG: What do you want to convey to women about weight loss?

DS: I want women to know that weight loss is possible and weight loss is possible through making lifestyle changes. It is not about gimmicks to get those last few pounds off because once you stop the gimmick, the weight is going to come back. It’s not about perfection. It’s about finding a way to eat and exercising comfortably. It’s about making smart choices and balance.

BGG: Did you always want to work in the healthcare field?

DS: I always wanted to be a physician since I was a little boy; so my dream has come true. I was supposed to be a surgeon, but I got into weight loss and nutrition by accident. I was a columnist for Time magazine and a lot of my readers would and in questions about diet, weight loss and supplements. In order to fulfill the needs of my readers to understand in a complicated and frustrated marketplace I started becoming an expert in nutrition and weight loss.

BGG: Tell me about your involvement with President Barack Obama’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition.

DS: We (ambassadors for the White House) go around the country whether it’s on TV, in schools or churches to spread the importance of getting people to eat better and exercise more.

BGG: You’ve had many notable accomplishments throughout your career. What makes you the most proud?

DS: I think the 50-million pound challenge and having the ability to enhance the national dialogue about the need for us to lose weight and to be healthier. I think that was a big deal.

BGG: We all know that you’re incredibly fit, but what’s your indulgence when you just want to pig out?

DS: I was recently on “Rachael Ray” making barbecue steak, buttered mashed potatoes, and honey glazed carrots!

Watch Dr. Smith cooking in the kitchen below:

Be sure to follow @DoctorIanSmith on Twitter for daily health tips, quotes, etc.

Is losing weight one of your New Year’s resolutions? If so, leave a comment below and you could win a copy of Shred! One lucky reader will be randomly selected and announced later this week!

Category: Featured, Features, Giveaway, Giveaways, Health, Interviews, Travel & Lifestyle, Uncategorized, Wellness | 6 Comments

Angels On Earth: My Trip to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

November 5, 2012

A few weeks ago I experienced a trip of a lifetime. No, it wasn’t to an exotic locale or luxurious beachfront resort. I traveled to one of the most special places I’ve ever visited—St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN.

The entrance into St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN.

Invited by the hospital to see first-hand how it operates, I was excited to learn more. I’d heard about the hospital throughout the years from commercials and seeing Marlo Thomas (the founder’s daughter) speak about it on TV, but I didn’t have a true understanding of everything the child-focused healthcare facility does.

For starters, I learned that the hospital only takes patients (ages birth to 18) with the most life-threatening illnesses such as cancer and sickle cell disease, which is a blood disorder that causes red blood cells to become hard and sickle-shaped, instead of soft and round. And, the parents of the patients will never receive a bill.

Yes, you read that correctly! PARENTS OF ST. JUDE CHILDREN’S RESEARCH HOSPITAL PATIENTS WILL NEVER RECEIVE A MEDICAL BILL! The hospital believes that these parents are undergoing some of the most incredible stress imaginable and worrying about medical bills shouldn’t be one of them. From the finest foods to state-of-the-art housing, this one-of-a-kind hospital caters to every need that a family enduring these unfortunate circumstances could want—at no cost.

St. Jude patient Marion, with his mom during one of the press events from the weekend.

From the moment I arrived at the hospital, there was a warm and inviting atmosphere unlike any other hospital I’ve stepped foot in. The walls were covered in colorful murals and breathtakingly beautiful artwork created by the patients. Elephants were also a recurrent theme throughout the hospital and housing facilities. A symbol of luck in many cultures, elephants are also known to live long lives.

An eye-catching piece of art from a St. Jude patient.

Throughout my weekend visit, I met some of the most extraordinary children that I’ve ever encountered. Their strength was beyond admirable and their determination nothing less than outstanding. Courtney, 10, who suffers from sickle cell disease was beaming with star quality. Her smile and outgoing personality made it hard to believe that she’s ever suffered from any disease.

Courtney and me.

The young beauty has been treated at the hospital since the age of 2. Thanks to St. Jude’s groundbreaking research, Courtney thrives with the help of a drug called hydroxyuera. She told me that she “loves New York” and wants to move here one day to pursue her dreams of becoming a singer/actress.

“I’ve seen ‘Mary Poppins‘ and ‘The Lion King‘ while in New York,” she said with excitement. With her spunk and bright outlook, there’s no doubt in my mind that she’s well on her way to becoming one of Broadway’s biggest stars.

The entire visit was filled with inspiring stories, harrowing tales and encouraging accounts of courage. This trip has forever changed my perspective on life. So many of us take our health and our children’s health for granted. Watching those young people endure some of the most painful challenges while still smiling is something that will stay with me forever.

Actors Lance Gross and Elise Neal with a patient during the weekend.

While I gained so much insight and knowledge during my trip, I can’t begin to tell you guys everything. Here are few of the best tidbits of information that I received:

*St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital was founded by the late entertainer Danny Thomas (star of Make Room for Daddy) in 1962.

*Founder Danny Thomas vowed that he would build a hospital that took in all patients no matter their race, creed or religion. At that time, his decision and promise played a pivotal role in the segregated south during the 1960s.

*No family ever receives a bill for the care their child receives at the hospital.

*St. Jude Children’s Hospital is the leader in sickle cell research in the world.

*Approximately 1 in 375 African-Americans is born with sickle cell disease each year.

*Bone marrow (stem cell) transplantation is the only cure for sickle cell disease and St. Jude performed the first successful one in 1983.

*For every child treated at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, thousands more have been saved worldwide through the hospital’s discoveries.

*It costs 1.8 million dollars A DAY to run St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

*Everyone associated with the hospital are truly angels on earth! From the volunteers to the doctors, everyone is like a family.

Check out this cute video:

As a parent, it is my hope that my daughter never has to be admitted to St. Jude, but for all of those children who are there are in the best hands. Supporting this hospital is something that we can all do. Whether it’s $5 or $500, we can all pitch in to help save the lives of sick children. Also, be aware that during the holidays, numerous retailers including: Target, Kmart, CVS Pharmacy, and many more have products whose proceeds go directly to the hospital.

If you would like to donate to St. Jude, please visit www.stjude.org for more information.

Have you ever donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital?

Category: Featured, Travel & Lifestyle, Uncategorized | 6 Comments

Safe & Sound After Sandy

October 31, 2012

To all of my readers on the East Coast who have been devastated by Hurricane Sandy, my prayers and thoughts are with and your families at this time. Thankfully, my family and I were blessed to have not been directly affected by the storm. In fact, we never even lost power in our area. However, Ava kept asking, “Mommy, what’s that sound?” when she heard the strong winds slamming against our windows. Other than her slight jitters, we survived the storm trouble free.

While we were spared Mother Nature’s wrath this time, one can never be too prepared when disaster strikes. According to the American Red Cross, here are a few things everyone should have on hand (in an easy-to-carry kit) in case of emergency:

* Water — one gallon per person, per day (at least a three-day supply)
* Food — nonperishable, easy-to-prepare items (at least a three-day supply)
* Flashlight
* Battery-powered or hand-cranked radio
* Extra batteries
* First aid kit
* Medications (seven-day supply) and medical items
* Multipurpose tool
* Sanitation and personal hygiene items
* Copies of personal documents (like passports, house deed, birth certificates)
* Cell phone with chargers
* Family and emergency contact information
* Extra cash
* Emergency blanket
* Map(s) of the area

Does your family have an emergency kit readily available? If you’d like information on how to help those affected by Hurricane Sandy please visit RedCross.org.

Category: Health, Travel & Lifestyle | 3 Comments

5 Steps to Help Prevent Breast Cancer

October 29, 2012

Although Breast Cancer Awareness month is winding down, don’t forget that there are steps that we can take year-round to help prevent the disease.

According to the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center here are a few things we can do:

Don’t Smoke. While this is a no-brainer, it still needs to be addressed. Research suggests that long-term smoking is associated with increased risk of breast cancer in some women.

Keep Your Weight in Check. Obesity raises the risk of breast cancer after menopause, the time of life when breast cancer most often occurs. Avoid gaining weight over time, and try to maintain a body-mass index under 25 (calculators can be found online).

Eat healthy. Embrace a diet high in vegetables and fruit and low in sugared drinks, refined carbohydrates and fatty foods. Eat lean protein such as fish or chicken breast and eat red meat in moderation, if at all. Eat whole grains. Choose vegetable oils over animal fats.

Keep physically active. Research suggests that increased physical activity, even when begun later in life, reduces overall breast-cancer risk by about 10 percent to 30 percent. All it takes is moderate exercise like a 30-minute walk five days a week to get this protective effect.

Drink little or no alcohol. While having a drink every now and then, excessive drinking can pose a risk. Alcohol use is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. Women should limit intake to no more than one drink per day, regardless of the type of alcohol.

Check out this cool infographic:

What steps do you take to prevent breast cancer?

Category: Travel & Lifestyle | 1 Comment

Goodbye Gummi Bears, 5 Naturally Sweet Alternatives!

October 16, 2012

Anyone who knows me knows that I have a major gummi bear obsession. During my weekly Target runs, I can hardly resist picking up a pack of Haribo treats from the candy aisle.

Once, a friend even bought me a giant size bear of sugary goodness for my birthday. Plus, I eat them so much that my 2-year-old probably thinks they’re part of a major food group!

That’s why before Halloween and the holidays roll around, I’m making a conscious effort to cut down on my candy intake by consuming healthier snacks. I want to be a good role model for my daughter and overall healthier person.

From banana chips to trail mix, I’ll be stocking up on healthy goodies instead of my yummy go-to gummies. I’m not giving them up for good (a treat every now and then is fine), but definitely scaling back! Wish me luck!

Check out a few of these naturally sweet alternatives:

Peeled Snacks Dried Fruit available here, for about $3

Regal Banana Chips available here, $2

Kashi Dark Chocolate Coconut Bars available here, $4

Craisins Dried Cranberries available here , $4

Bear Naked Mango Agave Almond Granola available here, $5

What’s your sweet-tooth weakness?

Category: Travel & Lifestyle | 3 Comments

BGG’s Top Breast Cancer Awareness Beauty Picks

October 1, 2012

It’s a sobering stat that 1 in 8 women has a chance of being diagnosed with breast cancer at some point during her lifetime. I’ve already lost three aunts to the disease and don’t want to lose anyone else.

Since 1985, October has been designated as Breast Cancer Awareness Month in an effort to raise awareness and funds for the cure. During the month, retailers and companies donate a portion (and in some cases 100%) of their proceeds toward breast cancer research.

From specially-designed brush sets to pretty lipstick shades, purchasing beauty products for a great cause is always a good look!

Check out a few of my faves:

Mixed Chicks Special “Pink Cap” Leave-In Conditioner available here, $16.99 (From every purchase, $1 will be donated to Save the Ta Tas Foundation)

Ka’Oir ‘Survivor’ Lipstick available here, $19.99 (10% of the proceeds of every purchase will be donated to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation)

La Mer ‘The Hand Treatment’ available here, $75 ($10 from every purchase will be donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation)

Proudly Pink 5-Piece Purse Brush Set available here, $14.99 (For each purchase, 15% of the proceeds will be donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation)

Coach ‘Poppy’ Lipgloss Set available exclusively here, $35 (20% from each purchase will be donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation)

Bobbi Brown ‘Pink Peony Set’ available here, $45 ($10 from each purchase will be donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation)

Have you ever purchased a product solely based on helping a good cause? Have you ever had a mammogram?

Category: Beauty, Health, Travel & Lifestyle, Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Gabrielle Union Speaks on Skin Cancer Prevention

August 20, 2012

Although summer is coming to a close, that doesn’t mean that we should ditch our sunscreen. In fact, we BGs need to make our sunscreen usage a year-round routine. Far too often we think that once temps start to dip, it’s ok to skip the SPF.

According to a recent survey conducted by Neutrogena, only 46% of African-American women use sunscreen in comparison to 76% White and 63% of Hispanic women. That’s why actress and Neutrogena spokeswoman, Gabrielle Union, urges us to take our skin’s health more seriously.

Photo Courtesy: Neutrogena

“Just because summer is ending, sun-safe behavior should not,” says Union. “Skin cancer is the one cancer that’s preventable, yet it’s still on the rise. I’m glad that I can help Neutrogena educate people by spotlighting common sun protection myths and spreading the word that it doesn’t matter the color of your skin; everyone can get skin cancer.”

Watch Gabrielle Union speak on sun-safe behavior.

Here are a few facts according to Neutrogena and Dr. Darrell Rigel:

Cases of skin cancer in people with darker skin are often not detected until later stages, when it is more dangerous. The overall melanoma survival rate for African Americans is only 77 percent, versus 91 percent for Caucasians.

Sun’s harmful rays are as deadly during the colder seasons as they are during summer. In fact, even under cloud cover, it is possible for the sun to harm your skin and eyes, so it is important to protect yourself with sunscreen, sunglasses and protective clothing even in cloudy weather.

Melanoma is the most common form of cancer in young adults aged 25 to 29. It is also increasing faster in women ages 15 to 29 than in men of the same age group.

Do you forget to wear sunscreen during the cooler seasons?