Bad for you or is it just a facade?

Here is a list of ingredients that you just cannot live without but are a healthy alternative.

1. Cheese!! I cannot live without cheese so when I am looking to slim down for bathing suit season I go for the Fat Free Cheese instead of regular.  Fat Free comes in multiple varieties such as shredded, singles, american, or cheddar.

2. MAYO yes Mayonnaise.  This condiment otherwise known as fat in a jar actually has a healthy counterpart, and its name is Hellman's low fat mayonnaise consisting of only 15 calories and 1 gram of fat

3. Baked Chicken.  It is very important to get protein and baked chicken is the best way to get your source of lean protein.  This is the alternative to deep fried and breaded chicken.  Try spicing up your baked chicken with healthy sauces or spices and avoid deep friend foods at all costs!

4. Sweet Potato Fries. MMMMM by simply cutting the sweet potato into slivers, coating the baking pan with non stick spray, and then cooking until crispy, you now how healthy fries.  They will satisfy your carb craving and by adding a little touch of sea salt you can crave that sodium craving in the best way as well.

5. Turkey Burger and Fat Free Hot Dogs.  As the summer approaches so does grilling season.  We have to accept that eating and dining with others is all apart of our social lives.  While everyone else is grilling we do not want to look like the odd man out.  So instead of sitting and looking awkward make sure to bring your own stock of turkey burgers or fat free hot dogs. They look exactly the same as the real deal and no one will ever know the difference!

Broke the bank or look for less?

All of the fashionistas of the world have been guilty at one time or another of spending too much.  However these days with the help of improved technology and mass production in China we are able to score the same degree of chic for a much cheaper price.  Look at these examples and you decide whether I my credit card was in pain after the purchase, or I had money for dinner afterwards.

Steve Madden Platform Pumps

     

Could you decide which is the splurge? If you chose the one on the right you were correct.  The shoes on the right retail at $110 and are Steve Madden.  The shoes on the left (mine) are only $30 and from TJ Maxx which is one of my secret hot spots for designers deals.  

The next great fashion accessory is HAIR.  Today it is not uncommon to see stars and college student to being wearing fake hair.  Celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Britney Spears usually can be known to have their sewn or glued in which can be very costly.  A cheap alternative to this is a do-it-yourself clip in extension.  Now I'm sure you can tell the difference between the next two pictures but I promise when done the CORRECT way clip in extensions can look just as fabulous and at a fraction of the cost!

Kim Kardashian wearing $500 worth of hair at least

Emma Rose Monk age 1 sporting clip in extensions for only $50

All about the condiments

When staying healthy the condiments and sauces are key.  Things like salad dressing can add hidden grams of fat, calories, and carbs.  When dressing up your salad go for a fat free dressing, or the best, lemon juice.  Many people believe that all salads are healthy when actually a Caesar dressing can add about 24 grams of fat.  Also avoid mayonnaise by replacing it with mustard. This will keep the calories and the fat way down.

Bargain Hunting

Get the look for less by scoring designs duds at the right places.  This top is a denim Marc by Marc Jacobs corset that I found at Neiman Marcus Last Call.  This corset which was originally $200 was on the sale rack for a measly $12.  I also was able to score a pair of Marc Jacobs jeans that were originally priced at $267 for $7.  There are great steals like this throughout the store, you just have to look a little harder.  The pink skirt is from H and M, another great place for trendy pieces, or quality basics.  When attempting to find deals like these be sure not to get discouraged when you don't find exactly what you are looking for.  Bargain shopping is a "hit or miss" adventure, you just have to keep looking.  Even if you only have a minute to stop in and skim through the clearance rack, do it.  Use these tips and you will have your cause others to become green with envy as you stroll in the room. 

Go BIG or go HOME

While we are on the week of indulgence treat yourself to something sweet, not only on your feet but on your taste buds.  When i look to break my diet after i have just broken my bank account I go to Baked Ziti.  The Food Network is a great website for recipes of any kind, and after you are done treating yourself they also have a Healthy Living section to help get you back on track.

Food Network Recipe

"I like my money right where i can see it, hanging in my closet"- Carrie Bradshaw

    

Sometimes you just have to throw caution to the wind and go retail wild.  If you really want to wear your money and indulge yourself, the name you want to look for is CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN. When you see the red sole on the bottom you know you have the right shoes.  A work of art like these will set you back a pretty penny but allow you to rise above the rest of the fashion deprived population who do not own a pair.  The retail price on this pair is $1,195 and can be bought at major department stores.

Bergdorf Goodman

Its always sunny in Philadelphia

The chic alternative to sweat pants?... COTTON MAXI DRESS

7 Reasons to love maxi dresses

1. No waistband that digs into the muffin top

2. COTTON (so its very comfortable, washes great, and lightweight <3 )

3. Elongates the body (especially with a heel)

4. It creates the allusion that you have a full outfit on

5. Easy to move around in 

6. A great piece to layer with jackets!

7. Can be dressed up or down

8. Travels with you through the seasons

When you are in a hurry and need to wear something a little more presentable than sweats, turn to the cotton maxi dress.  This one and done outfit creates the cohesive allusion that you have spent time and energy on choosing this outfit.  In this outfit I have paired a $5 sunglasses scored at a flea market, with a lace jacket and Cotton black maxi dress.  This whole outfit together only set me back $35 dollars, and the best they are all stand alone pieces to be mixed and matched.  This flowy dress is also a great alternative when you brake your diet drunkenly and the next morning you are feeling anything but healthy.  But to avoid that you should find a healthy late night snack.

THE LATE NIGHT SNACK that won't stretch the waistline

THE GUIDE TO MAKING THE HEALTHY BUFFALO CHICKEN WRAP

The key to the healthy chicken wrap is cooking the chicken the right way, and no butter in the hot sauce. To cook the chicken the RIGHT way, first defrost it in the microwave.  When it is thawed cut the chicken into smaller cubes.  Put the chicken in a frying pan filled with water, make sure its covering the chicken.  Then just put on the lid and let it cook.  After the meat is fully cooked, dump out the water, and pour on the hot sauce (preferably Franks Red Hot).  Make sure you do not add any butter because that is the source of the unwanted fat.  Hot sauce by itself will pack on 0 calories and 0 grams of fat.  When you combine the chicken, lettuce, and the wrap in the end you consume only 320 calories and 3 grams of fat. Although its never a good idea to eat late at night, this is a great alternative that won't leave you feeling gross in the morning. (And you can look great in the maxi dress after you do that too <3 )

If you want to understand today, you have to search yesterday.

Go back to the future in this palazzo jumpsuit

     To achieve this vintage inspired look you do not have to rummage through racks of musty clothing.  If thrift store shopping is not for you, look for clothes with a certain aesthetic.  The trick is to channel and decide on what your personal style looks like.  This 60s inspired patterned palazzo is a steal for $24.50 from Forever 21.  This cotton lycra blend is the perfect alternative when you simply cannot fathom putting an outfit together. You can either pair this piece with a pair of heels for night time chic, or a pair of flats with a pop of color for the day. While you build your wardrobe,take a break from plain basics every once in a while, and spice up your collection with pieces like this jumpsuit.  Due to the lightweight versatility it can transform through the seasons as you layer and accessorize.

Healthy living

Unfortunately you are what you eat, and many times you can see every calorie of a Krispy Kreme donut right through that American Apparel skirt.  As a college student many times on Sunday mornings we crave a good greasy brunch to help bounce us back from the weekend festivities, but there is an alternative that will get you beach wear ready.  An egg white omelet is a delicious, filling, and healthy alternative to any breakfast food, and the best part is many restaurants offer them today.  In a society where mostly everyone is either counting calories or starting  diet on a daily basis, healthy alternatives are almost always an option.  If you want to make this on your own its very simple. Before you start spray your pan with a no calorie no fat non stick spray. Then, to start you either need 4 eggs or, as seen below, a carton of "All Whites" egg whites.  These egg whites are a great option for the not-so-savvy cook who doesn't necessarily know how to separate an egg.  Each serving of the egg whites is  equal to one egg, so I usually use 4 servings.  To liven up your eggs continue to add; tomatoes, spinach, roasted peppers, banana peppers, and a slice of fat free american cheese.  All of these toppings will add substance to the meal but without any fat, and very little calories.  Stay away from adding meats,  a lot of the time they just bring with them a lot of fat.  You also do not need them because the eggs will give you the protein your body needs.  As you chow down know that you are only consuming 200 calories and 0 grams of fat. 

The Earth Laughs in Flowers

     As Mother Nature whispers little signs of spring into our ears we are starting to see spring lines.  Fashion does not have to be expensive, just like good food does not have to be bad for you.  As a college student with the love for retail therapy, I need my shopping fix at least once a week or else my skin starts to crawl.  This is why I have acquired a love for bargain shopping.  This includes scavenging The Goodwill and all thrift stores in the area.  These high waisted floral print shorts were $2.50 at The Goodwill.  All it took to make these shorts "urban outfitters worthy" was a little shortening of the hem, and pulling them up to my natural waist.  They weren't supposed to be high waisted but because they were a much bigger size than I normally wear the inseam was longer, and thus allowed room for pulling them up.  Another not-so-hidden gem of the discount fashion world is Forever 21.  I found this slightly embellished cotton tank for $3.50 at Forever 21.  While on a mission to save money, be sure to remember its also ok to spend more money on staple pieces (like jeans) to match with the cheaper items, but this way the outfit looks much more expensive.  Great accessories can also easily enhance any monotone frock.

Can't say no to that persistent sweet tooth?  Here is an amazing alternative that won't give you a sugar hangover... a cupcake made with pumpkin. YES pumpkin.  Pumpkin is the best kept secret in the baking world.  The key is to substitute all of the ingredients that provide the excess of fat and empty calories.  This includes getting rid of the eggs and vegetable oil, and dumping in half a can of pure pumpkin.  I know this sounds crazy but I know from experience they are delicious and much better than the ever popular "diet coke cake".  The pumpkin substitute is for the most part flavorless and takes on the addictive taste of rich chocolate. After you add the pumpkin to the brownie mix just stir and distribute them in the cupcake pan.  Each box of brownies should produce 11 cupcakes.  When the delicious treats are ready for devouring first top them off with a little bit of fat free cool whip.  Cool Whip is a calorie smart alternative to icing. Icing adds extra calories and lots of saturated fat.  The finished product of this easy concoction only sets you back 180 calories and 4.5 g fat.  You also consume 2.3 g fiber, and fiber is key to any smart diet.  Next time you're watching the Food Network and the desserts are driving you nuts, whip up this smart recipe, and then treat yourself to a new mini skirt.

Ingredients

I box of Pillsbury brownie mix (I used Chocolate Extreme) and 1/2 can of Libbys 100% pure pumpkin (the can was 15 oz, so used 7.5 oz)

Directions

Mix box of brownie mix with 1/2" can (7.5 oz)
of Libbys pure pumpkin. Mix together {keep stirring, don't add more pumpkin} and put in
cupcake pan. It made 11 cupcakes.
Cook for 20 minutes or until done.

Number of Servings: 11



Number of Servings: 11

NUTRITION FACTS

• Servings Per Recipe: 11
• Amount Per Serving
• Calories: 180.9

• Total Fat: 4.4 g
• Cholesterol: 0.0 mg
• Sodium: 102.6 mg
• Total Carbs: 33.4 g
• Dietary Fiber: 2.3 g
• Protein: 1.8 g

Shoes are my dessert but they cannot replace the real thing.  Food and clothes are two things that bring people together.  Think about the memorable lunch dates shared after you just spent way too much money on a brand new pair of patent leather 6-inch pumps.  Shopping and eating are also the two best methods of therapy, to overcome any man or internship that turned you down.  There’s a certain comfort in knowing that that 50% off Marc Jacobs sweater is all yours, as you hang it perfectly over your Christian Louboutin heels.  I also know that although those three double chunk cookies, cheese steak, and half a chicken parmesan were delicious when you devoured them, but then the last thing you feel like doing is putting on those skinny jeans.  This is why I will teach you how to cook in a delicious but healthy way while exposing you to my perspective on the glitter of the fashion world.