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

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.

"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: I didn't die from embarrassment and B-SCHOOL!

Hello all! Hope your weekend is going swimmingly. :)

Subscribe to my Youtube Channel HERE

I just realized that I hadn't posted this video here, sorry! I had big news on MONDAY and I'm only just now sharing it here on my blog. Where has my head been? 

I start MONDAY. I can't wait!

FOLLOW MARIE FORLEO on YOUTUBE:
https://www.youtube.com/user/marieforleo

FOLLOW DANIELLE LAPORT on YOUTUBE:
https://www.youtube.com/user/whitehot...

Hope you all have a BEAUTIFUL WEEKEND.

Wishing you love 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: Lent, Meditation and High Fidelity

Hello!

I meant to post this on Ash Wednesday, but am only just now getting around to it. Even though I am a "fallen Catholic", I still observe many of the traditions I grew up with. One of my favorites is the tradition of "giving something up" for Lent. Trying something new or giving something up for 40 days is a great opportunity to learn about yourself.

This year, I'm going to try to meditate every day for 40 days. Even if it's just a couple of minutes, I don't want to miss a day. Wish me luck!

Check out Book VS Movie on Facebook or online at BookVersusMovie.com. Margo and I have a great time talking about books and movies, we hope you enjoy joining us!

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!

Wishing you love with extra cheese-

Nacho Mama

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: Eat Organic At Least 75% of the Time

Hello, there!

Turns out organic, grass-fed cheese is delicious AND affordable!

Today I'm sharing another goal for 2015: to eat ORGANIC as much as possible. 

Look at this beautiful, organic food coop I get to shop in! I can't believe I don't go there more often, what's wrong with me?

Learn more about the OB People's Organic Coop here:

http://obpeoplesfood.coop/

Do YOU buy organic? If so, what prompted you to do so? And what are your favorite organic products that AREN'T fruits or veggies?

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

BOXING DAY ROAD TRIP and Mitsubishi Mirage review #DriveMitsubishi

Hello there!

How are your holidays going? Do you have plans for NYE? I can't believe it, but we actually have no plans for the 31st for the first time in over 20 years!

As you may have heard me mention before, an unexpected surprise of the holiday season is that we were given an opportunity to review the Mistubishi Mirage during Christmas week. We thought it would be a perfect way to take our kids up to the mountains to see snow...but it's way to warm to snow up there, at least for now. 

My husband found us a great deal on a room at the Casa Del Zorro resort in Borrego Springs, right in the middle of Borrego Springs State Park. That's in the particularly beautiful stretch of desert. Here's a video recap!

All in all it was a great, impromptu trip. We'll definitely be going back, though perhaps we'll have to spend a bit more on gas than we did this time!

Did you do any traveling this holiday season?

Wishing you love with extra cheese-

Nacho Mama

Disclosure: I was loaned the Mistubishi Mirage for review purposes, but not paid to share a review. The above is my honest opinion, honest!

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

Vlogmas Gift Guide: SPINGYM and 3-WAY PONCHO (that is!)

Who wants a 3-Way for Christmas?

Can you tell how much I love to buy stuff off the TV?

Especially if a favorite Youtuber has done a review!

Here are two more great items that I'm sure someone on YOUR list would love this holiday season!

#3 The SPIN GYM! $24.95 at HSN.com

Here's Laurie's review of the Spin Gym that sold me on the product. She looks TOTALLY different now. I love her channel! And I love a Massachusetts accent almost as much as I love a Southern one.

#4 Suzanne Somers' 3-WAY PONCHO (that is!) $19.95 at selected retailers or at 3wayponcho.com 

The Southern California sun was giving me fits today, I tell ya!

If it weren't so close to Christmas I would have waited until I could get a better video made but I would hate for the special someone in YOUR life to miss out on a 3-WAY (Poncho, that is! I never get tired of that joke.)

In case you missed the original commercial:

And here is Patti (@Rxtsrmom) in her entertaining review of this amazing product-SOLD! Seriously I could listen to her say "Poncho" all day long!

Hope you are finding these gift ideas helpful. What cool stuff have YOU bought off the TV lately? Please share!

Happy Vlogmas!

Wishing you love with extra cheese,

Nacho Mama

Disclosure: I was not compensated for these reviews in any way. I bought these items with my own cash and just wanted to share my opinions about them with you. :)

FINALLY! NEW Podcast! Yes, really!

FINALLY!

The question I get asked the most this time of year, "How can I stay motivated during the Holidays?"

Click the player to listen NOW.

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

Subscribe to my Youtube Channel at: https://www.youtube.com/c/NachoMamasBlog
Featuring Weight Watchers FAQ & more!

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

Wishing you Happy Holidays 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. This podcast is not affiliated with Weight Watchers and producer is not compensated in any way. ALL PODCAST CONTENT Blogtalkradio.com/NachoMamasPodcast is © Nacho Mama and nachomamasblog.com, 2009-2015. 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: 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

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.