VIDEO: Easy, Shortcut Vegetarian Slow Cooker Chili

Happy Sunday, everyone!

Do you have company coming over to watch the Oscars? This is the first time in years that I've actually seen some of the nominated films. This year I saw Gone Girl (hear our Book VS Movie podcast on it HERE), The Grand Budapest Hotel (loved!) and The Imitation Game (also loved, #Cumberbitch). Go me! 

If you have friends coming over and want to whip up a simple crowdpleaser, try this chili! You can throw it in the slowcooker on high for 1-2 hours, or low for 4-6 hours or just heat it up on the stovetop. It came out YUMMY. I've had so many requests for cooking videos! This was surprisingly easy, so I'll definitely be doing more-even though I woke up my son. Maybe next time I'll even change out of my pajamas!

In case you missed it, here's the review of the Ninja 4-in-1 Cooker I did back in December. I still haven't taken it off my counter.

If you need something to listen to while cooking, check out our latest Book VS Movie. We discuss High Fidelity. Because John Cusack, Jack Black, Lisa Bonet!

Quick what are your Top 5 favorite movies of all time?

Wishing you love with extra cheese-

Nacho Mama

This content is not affiliated with any company whatsoever, just sharing what I love with you!

VIDEO: Where's YOUR Cheeseburger?

Hello all!

Had a "forehead slap" moment this afternoon and thought I'd share.

That burger was FANTASTIC. And I didn't have to spend any money!

Doesn't always seem like the things we most desire are things we actually already have?

HAPPY HUMP DAY!

If you are viewing this anywhere but on NachoMamasBlog.com, then you are reading stolen content. Click away!

Wishing you love with extra cheese-

Nacho Mama

2015 Goal: Beach Walking and "Earthing"

Hello there!

As I mentioned earlier, I have no resolutions, but a few goals for 2015. One of them is to TAKE A WALK ON THE BEACH at least twice a month. 

Will I be enjoying the benefits of "grounding" or "earthing" as some call it? Who knows! But I shot this video yesterday and I still feel terrific.

Here's a video by Dr. Stephen Sinatra explaining the basic principles of grounding/earthing:

Of course, I'm not a doctor-just a kooky Californian. Be sure and check with your doctor before trying any new health kookiness!

(If you're reading this anywhere but NachoMamasBlog.com then you are reading stolen content. Don't support thieving cochinos, please!)

In other news, can you believe how close the beach is to me? Crazy.

What are YOUR 2015 goals?

Wishing you love with extra cheese-
Nacho Mama

HAPPY 2015! Goals and Snack Finds :)

HAPPY NEW YEAR, EVERYONE!

Hope 2015 is treating you well. I'm a little behind this month, I got sidelined by that awful flu that is sweeping the nation, yuck! While I was laid up, I noticed that many of my favorite bloggers and friends were posting a "Word for 2015" like: motivation, consistency, joy, etc. I thought this was a wonderful idea but felt too weak to come up with one myself, so here we are.

I also didn't get any resolutions together, for the first time in at least 10 years! Have any of the rest of you been experiencing "New Year Fatigue"? 

But I *do* have some things I'd like to do more of in 2015, just nothing I'd go as far as to classify as a resolution. I'll just call them goals. So stay tuned for those!

In the meantime, here's a couple of snack finds I'm relying on these days. I love Blue Diamond almonds and I first learned about Angie's Popcorn from Melissa of The Daily Mel last Valentine's day. Since then I always scour the "holiday" section of Target for these-thanks Melissa!

HAPPY 2015! What do YOU want to do this year?

Wishing you love with extra cheese-

Nacho Mama

VLOGMAS GIFT GUIDE: NINJA 4-IN-1 Multi COOKER

Need a last minute gift for that special Weight Watcher in your life? Or for anyone who loves to cook? I ADORE my Ninja 4-in-1 Multi Cooker, and I would never have tried it if they hadn't been at Fitbloggin this year! 

That wraps up the gift guide! Hope you all have a beautiful, healthy and happy holiday.

Wishing you love with extra cheese-

Nacho Mama

VIDEO: Vlogmas Gift Guide! Sistema Microwave Mug

Thanks for liking and subscribing to my Youtube Channel!

I swear this is the LAST mug on my gift guide! But I love these so much. And how cute is this puppy (also, I will try to wear makeup in the future)? 

I checked, I got the mugs on QVC. This holiday season they have a set of 6 mugs for $30, which is great since they tend to run about $7 each anywhere else. You even get cute gift boxes!

If you're reading this anywhere but NachoMamasBlog.com, then you are reading stolen content, my friend. Please don't support thieving cochinos, just get this stuff from the source at NachoMamasBlog.com!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS and stay tuned for more gift ideas.

Wishing you love with extra cheese, 

Nacho Mama

VIDEO: Vlogmas Gift Guide Item 1- Collapsible Mug!

Click for more content like this & subscribe to my channel!

This is an unsolicited, unsponsored review! I really like this product, purchased it with my own cash and wanted to share it with you.

If you're reading this anywhere but NachoMamasBlog.com, then you are reading stolen content, my friend. Please don't support thieving cochinos, just get this stuff from the source at NachoMamasBlog.com!

Wishing you love with extra cheese-

Nacho Mama

New VIDEO: Activelink 2.0 Review

Hello All!

Just a ridiculous amount of movement.

How are the holidays treating you so far? I can't believe how quickly it's all going by! I was shocked when I logged onto Youtube and saw that it's been almost SIX WEEKS since I last uploaded a video. And the podcast? Not since October 17. (I'm working on the next one, no worries!). It didn't seem like that long, but then I started getting "Are you okay?" messages from some of you, so I guess it has been that long.

Construction continues around here and we are puppysitting this guy...

til New Year's. So I guess I kind of lost track of time.

MANY of you have been asking me to post a review of the Activelink 2.0, so here's a video.

The ONLY things I DON'T like about the new Activelink are:

1. It still doesn't count steps. It really seems like it wouldn't have been that hard to add that feature, but maybe I'm wrong.

2. There STILL is no way to share my "Activelink Day" on social media! I've have been begging for this on Twitter since the original Activelink came out. Maybe for the next upgrade?

All in all, though, I really love the new AL. I think we're getting a WHOLE lot more for our money than with the first one, and I thought the first one was the bee's knees.

ALSO-not mentioned in the video but FYI: until 12/20/14, when you JOIN WW and purchase a monthly pass, you will receive the new AL 2.0 device for free! If you are an existing member and monthly pass holder, you will be able to purchase the device for only $24.95. 

If you're reading this anywhere but NachoMamasBlog.com, then you are reading stolen content, my friend. Please don't support thieving cochinos, just get this stuff from the source at NachoMamasBlog.com!

Wishing you love with extra cheese-

Nacho Mama

Weekend Wellness Web Wanderings

Happy Sunday everyone!

I can't believe how quickly this holiday season is flying by! Tonight the Mr. and I are attending our friends' annual Holiday Prom at Bar Pink in North Park. BUT FIRST...

I wanted to share some cool things I've come across on the web lately. 

Me with Gail at Fitbloggin '14

First off, my friend Gail (GoGoGail.com) put together a collection of tips from lots of weightloss bloggers, including myself. There's some great stuff, especially if you're looking for new bloggers to follow. Click HERE to check it out.

This week in the WW meetings room, we're discussing "Is this food worthy of ME?" This morning on my walk I heard this Jack Lalanne clip from FIFTY YEARS AGO that pretty much says it all.

God bless that man!

Wondering whether your Starbucks or DD habit is worthy of YOU? Check out this Buzzfeed video spilling the beans on your fave holiday, er, beverages?


YIKES!

For a while now I've been a fan of Andrew Saul, PhD and his work in the field of orthomolecular (that's a big word meaning "vitamins are awesome!") medicine. His books have truly made a difference in the health of my family-my kids have never had to take antibiotics (at least, not yet) and I haven't had one in almost 15 years. So I was SUPER excited to learn that he's FINALLY making a documentary about his field. They are crowdfunding and I will definitely make a contribution! In the meantime I thought I'd spread the word.


The Megavitamin Man - Indiegogo from Andrew Saul Phd on Vimeo.

Last, but not least...are you following CHER TWEETS on Youtube? OMC (Oh.My.Cher.) I am LIVING for this hilarious series featuring Chad Michaels (a San Diego native, ahem), winner of RuPaul's Drag Race All-Stars. Just subscribe, already. Laughter is critical for your health!

What have YOU found on the web this week? Do tell!

Wishing you love with extra cheese-
Nacho Mama

WEIGHT WATCHERS: Pumpkin Spice Latte Swaps & YOUTUBE GIVEAWAY!

Today on the ol' Youtube, I share my favorite Pumpkin Spice Latte Swaps (7 pointsplus? No thanks, Starbucks!) AND my Youtube GIVEAWAY.

That's right, YOU can win a few of my favorite things! (This is not a sponsored giveaway, I bought all the prize items with my own cash.)

To enter: you MUST subscribe to my Youtube channel and leave a comment ON YOUTUBE, ON THIS VIDEO. Winner will be chosen at random on November 14. Continental US shipping addresses, only (sorry!).

Wishing you love with extra cheese,

Nacho Mama

NEW PODCAST! Ep.62: Halloween Survival Guide

It's been waaay too long! But I've finally carved out some time to get back to Nacho Mama's Podcast and answer some of the questions you've been sending me about getting through the holidays. Yes, they're coming!

I've been getting a lot of questions about getting through HALLOWEEN. Halloween has always been my favorite holiday. But for many years of my adulthood, Halloween meant buying candy in September, eating it all, buying it again in October, passing it out to a few cute kids and then shutting off the lights so I could sit on the sofa eating the rest of the candy while watching "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown". 

But after I joined Weight Watchers, my husband and I started changing the way we approach Halloween. Now it's the kickoff for a healthy, active holiday season. So I decided to share my 6 Top Tips for enjoying Halloween without destroying your health goals!

Click the player to listen NOW (or subscribe to Nacho Mama's Podcast on iTunes or Stitcher):

Check Out Health Podcasts at Blog Talk Radio with NachoMamasPodcast on BlogTalkRadio

Get Dani's FABULOUS tips (including her candy list, with Points) for Halloween HERE.

Subscribe to MY Youtube Channel-Featuring Weight Watchers FAQ & more! at: https://www.youtube.com/user/mediamonarkey

FOLLOW BOOK VS MOVIE ON BTR: https://www.blogtalkradio.com/bookvsmovie

Wishing you love with extra cheese,

Nacho Mama 

Disclosure: All opinions, content, views and ideas expressed on Nacho Mama's Podcast are strictly my own and those of my guests and are presented for entertainment and informational purposes only. It is strongly advised that you consult professional guidance when considering anything discussed on Nacho Mama's Blog or Nacho Mama's Podcast. I am also not affiliated with Weight Watchers-just a regular, paying customer, folks. ALL PODCAST CONTENT Blogtalkradio.com/NachoMamasPodcast is © Nacho Mama and nachomamasblog.com, 2009-2014. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of podcast content without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited.

Fall Follies (Fallies?) and Book VS Movie: THE PRINCESS BRIDE

Happy FALL!! (No really, I mean it this time. Mother Nature has finally dropped the temperatures down to the high 70s around here. Brrrrr!)

Did someone say FALL?

I know, I've been seriously neglecting Nacho Mama's Podcast lately. Things have been crazy around here. The water heater burst at my studio AND at home(nothing like a cold shower to make you appreciate the unseasonable warmth), the oven broke, a bunch of electrical outlets suddenly stopped working...you know the drill. And all of this while preparing to move and doing TONS of training for the NEW ROLE I'll soon be taking on at Weight Watchers (more on that later, it's seriously weeks of training but it should be fun).

Since we've got the holiday's coming up, though, I'm planning to do a series of short podcasts to address some of the pitfalls we'll all be facing and share some of the best advice I've heard on how to handle them. If you don't already subscribe to the podcast, just search "Nacho Mama's Podcast" on iTunes or Stitcher.

In the meantime...I have not one but TWO new episodes of "Book VS Movie" for your enjoyment (yeah, I've been busy doing that as well. Where do I find the time?). First, we take on The Firm. Tom Cruise as a star player on the Harvard Basketball team? Annnnd it gets less believable from there. Listen HERE or by searching for "Book VS Movie" on iTunes or Stitcher.

And now, our 7th episode: The Princess Bride. Did you know it was a book? Inconceivable! Click the player to listen now.

Check Out Film Podcasts at Blog Talk Radio with Book VS Movie on BlogTalkRadio

ALSO...I'm planning a GIVEAWAY on my Youtube channel! I recently passed 500 followers and I promised myself that if I ever hit that number, I'd do something special. Stay tuned and THANK YOU FOR FOLLOWING! (Don't subscribe yet? Click HERE.)

How is your Fall going? What are you going to be for Halloween?Do you even dress up? We still do most of the time. My husband thinks I should be the Long Island Medium. I'm totally considering it. In other news, I am not missing The Biggest Loser AT ALL. What do you think of it this season, if you're watching? I'm dying to know if it's improved!

If you're reading this anywhere but NachoMamasBlog.com, then you are reading stolen content, my friend. Please don't support thieving mentirosos sin verguenza, just get this stuff from the source at NachoMamasBlog.com!

Wishing you love with extra cheese-
Nacho Mama

VIDEO Viewer Question: Simply Filling Cereals? Plus HALLOWEEN FOOD FINDS!

Hello all!

Is it fall where you are? Mother Nature is being a serious diva out here in California. Nevertheless, I am forging ahead, preparing for Halloween (though not quite dragging out the fall clothes yet). 

Today on Youtube, I'm answering a VIEWER QUESTION: Are there Simply Filling COLD CEREALS? (Submit YOUR questions to shesnachomama@yahoo.com or in the comments)

Plus-a couple of awesome Halloween Food Finds from Target!

THANKS FOR SUBSCRIBING TO MY CHANNEL!

I'm almost at 500 subscribers, what? When I get there, I'll have an awesome Youtube-only giveaway so please subscribe if you haven't already!

Wishing you love with extra cheese-

Nacho Mama

Disclosure:This content is not affiliated in any way with Weight Watchers or any other company and solely expresses my personal opinion.

YOUTUBE VIEWER QUESTION: Cutting sugar from my coffee?

Subscribe to my Youtube channel HERE!

Happy Monday, everyone!
Today, a VIEWER QUESTION from Stacie: How can I save Pointsplus and cut down on the sugar in my COFFEE?

Do you have any tips for cutting down on sugar and sweeteners? Do YOU have a question you'd like answered? Let me know!

Wishing you love with extra cheese-
Nacho Mama

TWO Podcasts for you this weekend!

Hello, you!

I'm heading off to spend a few days camping with my sweet husband and silly, adorable kids but I wanted to post not one, but TWO podcasts for you! Maybe you'll take them with you on your walk or on your commute-who knows?

The first is the latest NACHO MAMA'S PODCAST, in which I share my fave Youtube channel finds of late. Enjoy!

Online Health Radio at Blog Talk Radio with NachoMamasPodcast on BlogTalkRadio

Next up, Episode 3 of BOOK VS MOVIE, where Margo and I tackle Breakfast at Tiffany's! Think you love this movie, listen in on our conversation and we're pretty sure you'll love it even more...except for that one thing.

Find Additional Film Podcasts with Book VS Movie on BlogTalkRadio

HAPPY WEEKEND! Now, where's my s'mores skewer?

Wishing you love with extra cheese-

Nacho Mama

VIDEO: CORN TORTILLAS! Erh. Mah. Gerd.

I still can't believe it. 

CORN TORTILLAS!!!!!

Wishing you love with extra cheese-

Nacho Mama

VIDEO: Food Find plus a NEW PODCAST!!!

That's right, Margo D. of Brooklyn Fit Chick and I had so much fun on Nacho Mama's Podcast that we decided to start a NEW podcast, "Book VS Movie"!

Plus I give Yoplait Light Greek Yogurt another chance.

FOLLOW BOOK VS MOVIE on Facebook!

Wishing you love with extra cheese-

Nacho Mama

PODCAST Episode 60!! The Birthday Edition or "It's My Party and I'll Call Biggest Loser 'Porn' If I Want To"

Hola Darlings, It's my BIRTHDAY!

We're gonna party like it's my birthday.

That means a NEW episode of the podcast and the announcement of a NEW PODCAST. WHAT? YES!

First off, there's the latest edition of Nacho Mama's Podcast, wherein I discuss whether or not the Biggest Loser is "Weight Loss Porn"- yep, I'm totally going there. Listen here!

Current Health Podcasts at Blog Talk Radio with NachoMamasPodcast on BlogTalkRadio

And THEN....drumroll please!

On August 1st, Margo of Brooklyn Fit Chick and I will be launching a NEW PODCAST! Yes, you asked for it! Based on the amazing response to our impromptu "The movie of  Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil sucks compared to the book" discussion during our Fitbloggin Recap show, we are proud to announce:

Yes, I'll now be offering not one, but TWO podcasts for your listening enjoyment!

Our first "Book VS Movie" will, of course, be Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Because there's so much, much more to say!

Keep up with the podcast here or on our Facebook page, where we'd love to hear your favorite "Books VS Movies". 

Off to celebrate my 41st, lovelies. THANK YOU ALL for making 40 such a special year.

Wishing you love with extra cheese-

Nacho Mama

VIDEO: A Day on Simply Filling / Simple Start

Hola Amigos!

You asked for it, and here it is-an entire day's food on Simply Filling. This would also qualify as "Simple Start", FYI.

UPDATE: Had my employee weigh-in this morning and, after only 3 days on Simply Filling, I'd lost TWO of the three pounds I gained at Fitbloggin! YAY! I'd still like to lose another 4-5 pounds this summer, so I'm sticking with SF/SS for the time being.

Wishing you love with extra cheese-

Nacho Mama

VIDEO: Weight Watchers Coffee Creamer Tip!

Please subscribe to my Youtube Channel! I'll wait.

Am I the only one who hadn't figured this little trick out yet? Forehead slap!

Wishing you love with extra cheese-

Nacho Mama