It’s Friday and I am in the mood for cupcakes. While over indulgence is bad for the backside  a little treat from time to time can be just what the doctor ordered. Although these cupcakes are definitely not carb-free,  (one actually includes mash potatoes) there is a healthy twist applied to each of the recipes. I promise.  Individually, these cupcakes contain only half the fat and sugar as compared to the store bought cake mix and frosting.  You could actually eat two without feeling guilty.  Go forth and bake.

Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes – The chopped cherries keep the cake super moist without having to add extra oil

Classic Vanilla Cupcakes with Chocolate Frosting – Butter is substituted with applesauce to significantly reduce the fat

Blueberry Cupcakes – The lowest calorie cake of the three plus the added bonus of antioxidants

Note: All of the recipes include whole-wheat pastry flour that can be found in the natural foods section at the grocery store.

Written by Lea Barlow • Leave a comment

There are so many things wrong with this ad that I don’t know where to begin.  Obviously, we know much better now than to give our babies sodas for the benefit of their health.  At 140 calories and 39 grams of carbs a can, I am also fairly certain that most of you ladies out there know to avoid sodas altogether.

That being said, there is a newer offender out there.  It’s the sugared, high calorie beverage masquerading as a healthy drink choice.  Here are a few:

Vitamin Water: 20 oz. bottle yields 150 calories and 39 grams of carbs

Sobe Energize: 20 oz. bottle yields a whopping 250 calories and 67 grams of carbs

FUZE Healthy Infuzions: 18.5 oz. bottle yields 180 calories and 46 grams of carbs

Hidden calories in drinks have a sneaky way of sabotaging our dieting efforts.  Here’s a hint, if the first few ingredients in the drink are sugar or some sort of fructose, step away from the product.  Just stick with water, lots of water.

Image Source:  Found in Mom’s Basement

Written by Lea Barlow • Leave a comment

“I still haven’t had time to go back to doing exercise.” – Gisele Bundchen

Really, Gisele, really?  This is a picture of her 5 months post baby.  I don’t believe she was ever pregnant.  Please excuse my bitterness but I still haven’t forgiven her for marrying Tom Brady.

Written by Lea Barlow • 1 Comment

I am absolutely in love with my Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer.  Not only does it provide a smooth, light foundation perfect for day wear but it also contains a 20 SPF which is a ‘have to’ this time of year.  My face tends to possess a natural greasiness so I opt for the oil-free version and top off with a little powder.  At $42, this stuff isn’t cheap.  I make the tube last longer by combining it with my more economical, drugstore moisturizer.

Written by Lea Barlow • Leave a comment