I think it’s time we start caring about our feet. Growing up as a dancer and working in nightclubs in heels, I’ve always done more complaining about sore feet than taking action in decreasing the pain. I did a bit of research and thought I’d share some tips on how to preserve our tootsies.

Some visuals to encourage you to care:

Victoria Beckham has been the bunion queen for a while now but wearing pointy, tight heels has not helped her case in any way. It was said back in ’07 that she may have to undergo surgery to correct her problem. Katie Holmes has corns galore which can be somewhat prevented.

WHEN BUYING:

Size Matters!

Make sure to buy the right size! I almost ALWAYS buy shoes that are too small. It’s a bad habit of loving the look of little feet. Remember, your feet expand throughout the day, so make sure to get the right size. There’s always the option of adding an insole which will make them more comfortable anyways.

Different brands, Different sizes, Different styles

Don’t assume you are a 7 across the board. All brands fit slightly different so make sure to try them on, and be honest with yourself on what is most comfortable. You may be a 7 at Browns but try to fit into a Christian Louboutain 7 and your feet won’t be very happy! Also, many of us have one foot that’s bigger than the other so buy the size according to the fit of the bigger foot.

If you feel off balance in heels, choose a thicker heeled shoe. Booties are good, as well as heels with a front strap to help hold the shoe on. This will prevent you from having to grasp your toes in the hopes of keeping your shoe on.

Pleather vs. Leather

If the shoe is made of plastic, do not justify buying the sale 7 although a bit too tight because you think it will ‘stretch out’. It’s plastic, it’s not gonna happen. Oh and by the way, the rubbing of a sweaty foot in a plastic shoe will leave visible damages ie corns, blisters, scars…NOT CUTE! Also, avoid extremely pointy heels.

Think of a pair of heels as an investment. Go for the natural materials even if they are a bit more pricey. Your shoe will adjust accordingly and allow your feet to breathe.

More on how to wear heels and what to do when enough is enough under the fold.

I read an article today in The Globe by Leslie Beck about the benefits of berries and was not only blown away, but totally stoked because I LOVE berries! Not only are they packed with vitamins, low-cal, fat free and full of fiber, they apparently can help fight off cancer, aging and keep that ticker of yours a-tickin’.

If that’s not enough to convince you to eat more berries check out what else Beck has to say about these little superfoods:

“It appears that a berry-rich diet can activate the brain’s natural house-cleaning process, helping remove toxins and other compounds that can interfere with brain function”

superfooooods!

A recent study suggests that polyphenols found in a cup of berries or 14 walnut halves can help slow down the brain’s aging process and prevent brain disease like Alzheimer’s.

So grab a cup of berries or some walnuts more often for your mid-afternoon snack, not only are they good for you, they’re delicious!!

Read the full article HERE

xoxo,

coco

My friend and fellow book club member Robyn Baldwin started these inspiring workout vids last month and they are the perfect thing to keep you pulling through when most of us want to give up -mid-week or mid-month.

Click on the READ MORE tab below to watch July’s Mid-Month Motivation video

At first when I joined The Hourglass workout with Lyzabeth Lopez I just wanted to add something new to my workout schedule.  I didn’t really follow the meal plan that she provided and didn’t really see any crazy changes to my body.  It wasn’t until a few of the girls encouraged me to take the 3 Month Challenge that things really started to change.  I’ve always been a quiet competitor, but to avoid failure I had been avoiding challenges….  After checking out the amazing success that the girls had on Lyzabeth’s facebook page I got up enough courage to brave the ‘before’ shot taken in the girls change room after class.

Two months into the challenge I was so amped!  I had heard girls raving over the meal plan and how once you got it right, the weight just melted off and now I was starting to see the results.  The food and workout schedule was grueling but it also became a routine -almost a normal way of life- and though I missed champagne and pizza, the challenge was only 3 months and the way I was feeling was helping me to stay motivated.  Lyzabeth and the girls were also such an awesome inspiration.  They are not shy to compliment you and at the same time try to push you just that little bit farther to help you reach your goal.  I didn’t end up winning the challenge (my new friend Chynna took the prize, love her!) but I actually really believe I won in so many other ways.

1. I got myself back into a healthy routine that I plan on keeping for the rest of my life

2. I remembered what it feels like to really accomplish something tangible

3. I tested my limits and realized how much further I can push myself

So although I still cringe at these photos, a new girl in class told me that I inspired her to join and I was super flattered.  It got me thinking that if my embarrassing photos can inspire one person to get healthy, then maybe they can inspire two?

ignore the awful hiked up thong… lol

In the 3 months I lost 16 pounds.  I still have more to go but the main thing about this challenge is that it taught me the importance of having a goal and sticking, fighting, kicking your way to it.

The next Hourglass Workout 3 Month Challenge Starts in July.  Sign up soon to ensure your spot.  Click HERE for more info

xoxo,

coco

When watching what you eat it can get increasingly difficult to find something that satisfies ‘The Crunch Factor’.  Most crunchy things are laden with preservatives, gluten and fat, full with empty calories and little to no ‘goodness’.  On a recent trip to Whole Foods I came across a feature section that had products from a company called Live.  Lyzabeth Lopez, the leader of my fave Hour Glass Workout and nutritionist swears by Live restaurant but what I didn’t realize was that they also sold some of their products in stores.

The crackers looked good so I grabbed them and a bag of Kale Chips.  I have to be honest, I’m not a fan of the Kale Chips (because they taste like seaweed) but I’m a picky eater, so don’t not try them because of me (Lyzabeth loves them).  On the other hand the Rosemary and Onion crackers are killer!  They are crunchy and amazing with Humus or even alone.  The crackers are also gluten and dairy free and are organic.  If you’re looking for a little healthy crunch I totally recommend the Rosemary and Onion Crackers from Live!

I would love to share a pic of them but regrettably I ate them all and through out the bag before I could blog about them… LOL!  Apparently I’m a fan…

Click HERE for more info on Live

xoxo,

coco

p.s. I’m so going to check out Live for dinner soon and will report back.

Reflexology is a form of massage and pressure application to feet, hands and ears, which correspond to, related areas, glands and organs, that when massaged, release tension and encourage circulation.

Foot Chart

Hand Chart

Ear Chart

With a woman’s love for sky-high heels and addiction to the crackberry, reflexology is a great way to release stress, stimulate energy flow and be pampered all at the same time! I have turned to reflexology many times and it’s fascinating to know that every party of your nervous system is connected!

Most spas offer reflexology and I highly recommend you try it. If you’re ticklish though, you may squirm for the first little bit.

Have you ever tried Reflexology?

xoxo,

Lowe

A couple of weeks ago I checked out Cykl – the first indoor cycling studio in Toronto that uses RealRyder bikes.  Although it was one of the toughest workouts that I’ve had in a while, I am totally hooked!  RealRyder bikes are the only stationary bikes in the world that allow riders to lean left and right into turns.  When you first get on it’s the strangest sensation, you’re core is instantly engaged as you try to stabilize yourself and keep the bike centered.  Although it’s impossible to fall off once you’re strapped in, it kind of feels like you just might.  The best part about the bike and the reason why it’s such a great workout is because it actually mimics the feeling of riding on the open road.  Unlike regular stationary Spin bikes, RealRyder’s give you more range of motion therefore working more muscle groups.

Cykl is new, fresh, clean and bright.  The owners and teachers are super amped and are extremely helpful to newbies.  I’ve been with Lowe and another friend and have sent two of my other girls – all at different fitness levels- and they were all able to keep up and wholeheartedly agreed that it was a kick ass workout.

I highly recommend going to check out Cykl!  They are offering free classes for first timers!

Go to www.cykl.ca for more info

xoxo,

coco