Video REVIEW: Women's Wellness Conference 2015

Many of you have asked about my impression of the Women's Wellness Conference I attended last month. It was such a terrific, inspiring experience. I learned so much and I only attended ONE DAY of this annual three day conference. Here's my video review:

Right now you can get unlimited viewing of ALL the talks for only $47! Click HERE to learn more. Here's just a taste of what I saw:

Don't miss out on next year's conference or the Longevity Now conference, coming in April of next year. If you are in or near Southern California, GO. If not, look for opportunities to stream this valuable information on their website (linked above).

I really believe that no one is going to be a better advocate for your health than YOU. We owe it to ourselves to take advantage of all the information available so we can make educated choices that are uniquely relevant to each of us.

I can't wait for a chance to attend the next conference that this impressive team puts together. 

By the way-the thyroid doctor is Alan Christiansen. His book is The Adrenal Reset Diet (not an affiliate link).

Wishing you love and health with extra cheese-

Nacho Mama

Disclosure: I was granted a press pass to attend this event for review purposes. The above is my honest opinion. No, really!

RESULTS of the Hormone Reset Diet PLUS Natural Makeup Finds!

WARNING: 2 VERY long videos ahead! You might want to just play them in the background while you do something productive. :)

Are you subscribed to my Youtube Channel?

Hello lovelies!

I am getting ready to attend the Women's Wellness Conference in Orange County at the end of this week-I can't wait to geek out with some of my fave health gurus! One speaker I'm particularly looking forward to hearing is Dr. Sara Gottfried, who wrote The Hormone Reset Diet, a 21-day detox/reset that I've just completed (see my last post). What were my results? Watch (or listen to) the video to find out!

I made that video about a week ago and yes, I am still eating as though I am on the Hormone Reset Diet! I'm feeling terrific so there's no real reason to change anything for the time being.

One thing I forgot to mention was that the final phase of the diet involves removing household cleaners and personal care products that contain potential endocrine disruptors. I'd mostly done this already but I had to admit my makeup bag had some seriously toxic stuff in it. Did I find any great replacements? I did! Watch the video to find out.

I really love the SkinDeep app, I hope they continue to add more products to their database.

Do YOU have any natural makeup faves? Let me know!

Wishing you love with extra cheese,
Nacho Mama

Let's all talk about PERIMENOPAUSE! (yay?)

Ahhh...Perimenopause. So little is known and understood about it that the word does not appear on my phone's autotype list. I like to think of it as the lobby between my clueless youth and the wisdom-rich years I have to look forward to. As in...

Only without the candy, soda and cigarettes (I do have wisdom-rich years to look forward to, right?).

I first became aware of Perimenopause a couple of years ago when it seemed like my health was sliding off the rails, despite all my best and vigilant efforts. My long-suffering doctor suggested to me that my hormones might be to blame for the poor sleep, mystery weight gain and the rest of the symptoms I complained of. 

Yep, Perimenopause. Every now and again it rears it's annoying, bloated head and we have to go back to the drawing board with my food/fitness/supplement routine. Did you know it can start as early as your thirties? I don't know about you, but I'm starting to doubt the gender of Mother Nature. Uncool!

Of course being the wellness blogger and science geek that I am, I immediately set out to research the booty off this whole Perimenopause thingy. Unfortunately, there's not a that much out there. I have found a few extremely helpful resources and thought it might be a good idea to share them with you. You know, just in case you have a friend who might be going through this, too, or whatever.

WARNING: this video is like 11 minutes long. Maybe find something to do while you're listening, like folding laundry, walking around the block or practicing your Batgirl combat moves?

Purchase the books mentioned on Amazon (not affiliate links):

I'M TOO YOUNG FOR THIS by Suzanne Somers

THE HORMONE CURE by Dr. Sarah Gottfried 

THE HORMONE RESET DIET by Dr. Sarah Gottfried

So...anyone else willing to talk about this?

In other news: I will soon be adding "Certified Nutrition Coach" to my services! In the meantime, though, I'll be slogging my way through this detox. I'll let you know how the rest of it goes. If I survive, that is. 

No coffee? None? Please send me lucky vibes!

Wishing you love with extra cheese-

Nacho Mama

Experiments in Health: in which I try Diatomaceous Earth

so beautiful, and yet, so allergy-inducing

Can you believe summer is almost officially over? While I'm happy to have the structure of the school year back, I'm also sad because I've had a really, really fun summer. But there's one summer phenomenon I can't WAIT to say goodbye to:

My summer health/weight. Sigh. It's time to pay the piper.

in my mind, "the piper" is always Richard Simmons

Some people struggle with their weight and health in the winter, I always struggle way more in the summer. First of all, summer means vacations, out-of-town visitors and MY BIRTHDAY...all of which means a few extra pounds come fall. This year, for some reason, I also suffered terrible allergies that zapped my energy, and hormonal shifts that have wreaked all manor of havoc.

I don't know about you, but I'm ready for a re-boot. 

Do you ever have this experience: you suddenly decide to make a change in your health, or your job, or where you live and suddenly everywhere you look there's information everywhere on exactly that subject? I was catching up on some of my fave Youtubers and this video, from a couple of years ago, showed up in my "suggested videos" cue.  I just love "Elle is For Living"!

Now, I'm a HUGE geek when it comes to supplements, nutrition and things of that nature, I couldn't believe I'd never heard of diatomaceous earth. Further research suggested it's perfectly harmless and inexpensive-so I figured I had nothing to lose by trying it. (note: I am a bit of a renegade when it comes to trying stuff, please obtain professional guidance before trying anything new, like ever) I've been taking it for about a week, here's a video sharing what I've noticed so far:

Not a bad start to my little "Margo 2.0" project. I'll keep you updated on any further effects I might experience, but so far so good!

Interested? Try FOOD GRADE DE on Amazon. That's Elle's link, not mine-I don't make any money if you buy anything using that link. :)

Next on my docket is trying to balance my hormones as much as I possibly can through my diet. Hmmmm...we'll see how that one goes. Stay tuned!

How about you? Do you get off-track with your health and diet in summer? Or winter? Or both? Got any plans for "You 2.0"? Like what?

Wishing you love with extra cheese-

Nacho Mama

PERISCOPE: #Inspiriscope Let's All Talk About Weight Loss Plateaus!

THANKS FOR THE GRAPHIC, Emily! 

This is a video of my most recent episode of the #Inspiriscope series that Christine A. (@Dubyawife) and I do on PERISCOPE!

In other news: Periscope has FINALLY upgraded their app for Android users. The quality is SO much better! I can't wait to share more #Inspiriscopes with you.

Wishing you love with extra cheese-

Nacho Mama

It's my Birthday! And I found AMAZING skincare stuff at Ross!

Yes, I have secret giveaways on my Youtube channel!

Subscribe HERE.

THANK YOU ALL for making this such a special birthday.

Wishing you love with extra cheese-

Nacho Mama

NOTE: I paid for the products mentioned in this video with my own money. I just wanted to let you know about them because they are THAT GOOD.

Fitbloggin highlights, Pt. 1 #Fitbloggin15 #Denver

Yep, EVERY MORNING.

Still recovering...so many hugs...so...much...bacon...

Let's start with the "just for fun" stuff.

1. Getting to see and hug all my Fitbloggin friends! To name a few:

Thea (It's Me VS Me)

ALAN! (Sweating Until Happy-his photo)

I love Robby! (Fat Girl VS World)

Terry (Terry Cabeen-his photo) the STAR of our FLASHMOB!

What's that? Oh yeah, there was a flashmob. Yes, again.

2. THE FLASH FITMOB 

This is the 3rd time the "fitmob" has hit Fitbloggin. I still cannot believe any of these people agree to participate. For every "yes" there are at least 2 "nos", so it makes the effort and final product of the group that much more meaningful. They TRULY rocked it this year!

The flashmob originally started because I was nervous about attending a conference where, for the first time ever, I did not know a single soul "IRL". It's become a great way for seasoned Fitbloggers and newbies to bond long before the conference begins.

I'll try to locate some video. We were kind of amazing.

4. The Scavenger Hunt

Christine (Dubyawife) organized a crazy (seriously, KRAY-ZEE) scavenger hunt that had us invading the streets of Denver, asking cops to marry us, serenading strangers and, um, bending the law (allegedly).

Our team, "Green is the New Black", bouncing on the Jumpsport Trampolines in a most law-abiding manner. (photo by Nicole Tow, Health Nut In Training)

5. Off-Time

One of my favorite things about Fitbloggin is what happens during the off-times between and after the official sessions and festivities. 

Kelly and I spent a great afternoon enjoying lunch at ModMarket (ModMarketplace?) and enjoying some of the sights of downtown Denver, including the ballpark.

Kelly (Curvy Fit Girl)

Deb and I took a beautiful walk along the "creek", which here in California would be considered a raging river, if not a tsunami. We miss water.

Deb (Weight For Deb)

I had a wonderful talk with Susan (SusanIto.com) that was so enthralling, we forgot to take a selfie!

Christine (@Dubyawife again, always the instigator) brought CARDS AGAINST HUMANITY. 

Horrid, deplorable humans. Especially that middle one, trying to hide behind her cards. photo by Christine

6. Jen

Did I take this photo? I'm going to say I did.

Two years ago Jennifer (Perfect In Our Imperfections) and I proposed similar session topics to Fitbloggin. Roni suggested we present together. We decided we might as well room together while we were at it, and a Fitbloggin tradition was born. Jennifer is the reason I don't bite anyone's head off or throw chanclas at Fitbloggin breakfasts. You're welcome.

7. Roni (and Team Fitbloggin)

Roni, center, and just some of Team Fitbloggin.
THANK YOU! (photo by Carrie D Photography)

Roni is remarkably shy and yet still has managed to pull off this HUGE, multifaceted event year after year. Next year Fitbloggin gets passed into the hands of a new team. That means Roni may actually get in on more of the fun from now on. Which is as it should be, because Roni is the sh*t.

Okay, that's about all I can manage for now. Stay tuned for more fun, LOADS of fitness and some stuff I actually learned.

Yes, me!

Wishing you love with extra cheese,

Nacho Mama

"I feel FAT!" Feeling fat? Why #fatisnotafeeling

Hello all!

Whew! It's been a while, hasn't it? I've been really busy with work and very sick, but now that things have calmed down and I'm on the mend, I finally made a video on a topic I've been wanting to address for a long, long time.

Ever catch yourself saying, "I feel FAT"? I do. I've also noticed that many of my friends and social colleagues have been saying it more lately, too. I've even noticed people saying it when I'm in public, like in the dressing rooms at Ross or on the sidewalks of my neighborhood during Sunday brunch hours. 

But I try to never let that statement go by without probing a little deeper. Here's why:

And another thing I've noticed: nobody ever says "I feel fat" in a positive way.  Which makes me really concerned about the message we're sending our kids about the "f-word". Remember back in the 90s when we spelled it with a "ph" and it meant something that was sooooo cool? I vote we bring that back.

So what do YOU actually mean when you say "I feel fat"? 

Wishing you love (and a beautiful Memorial Day!) with extra cheese-

Nacho Mama

VIDEO: Fitbloggin, 300 Pounds & Running, Photo Alarm

Are you going to FITBLOGGIN?

I hope you'll be able to join us in Denver this year. The Fitbloggin community is something that has definitely made a measurable difference in my life, not only professionally, but personally as well.

Follow Martinus.

Check out FITBLOGGIN!

Wishing you love with extra cheese-

Nacho Mama

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

VIDEO: Reading Labels, Skin Deep app & e.l.f. Review

Hello!

My last big goal for 2015 is to READ ALL THE LABELS.

Here's the video showing Kia's easy household cleanser recipe:

Here's Susannah Constantine talking about Rosehip Oil-I've tried so many night creams and even very expensive products do not do as much for my skin as simple rosehip oil. Look for it at your favorite natural foods store.

Learn more about the Skin Deep app HERE.

Get Jillian Michaels' Slim for Life HERE.

Do YOU read labels? Did what you read influence you to change the products you use? 

If you are reading this anywhere but NachoMamasBlog.com, then you are reading stolen content. This post and everything posted by me is strictly my own opinion and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Weight Watchers in any way.

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

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.

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