I often get asked for snack ideas or items that are good for on-the-go. I travel a lot and trail mix is a very healthy snack to take with you or even to snack on at your desk. I also keep a ziploc bag full in my car for times that I am gone longer than expected. Make your own so you can avoid the sugar and hydrogenated oils that are in many ready made mixes. If you do decide to add fruit such as cranberries or dried banana chips, make sure they are unsweetened.

Healthy Trail Mix
4 c. raw nuts of choice
1 c. raisins
1/2 c. unsweetened coconut flakes
1/8 c. pepitas (Pumkin seeds) and/or sunflower seeds
Unsweetened fruit (optional)

Mix together and enjoy!

The post P3 Healthy Trail Mix appeared first on Little Choices Everyday.

In our post on the detox bath we discussed using baking soda and Epsom salt to help cleanse the skin and body of toxins.  This article covers a variety of ways that baking soda can be used for personal health and beauty, that can be used while on the diet:

Squeaky clean hair: Add a teaspoon of baking soda to your usual shampoo bottle to help remove buildup from conditioners, mousses, and sprays, and to improve manageability.

In emergencies, use baking soda as a dry shampoo on oily hair. Sprinkle on your hair and comb through, then fluff with a blow dryer.

Chlorine remover: Rinse hair with 1/2 teaspoon baking soda in 1 pint water to remove the dullness or discoloration caused by chlorinated pools.

Combs and brushes: Hair spray and oil buildup on combs and brushes can be removed by soaking them in a sink of warm water and adding 3 tablespoons baking soda and 3 tablespoons bleach.

Hands: Remove fish, onion, or garlic odor from hands with a solution of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water or liquid soap. Rub mixture in your hands, and rinse off.

Elbows: Rub a baking-soda paste onto your elbows to smooth away rough skin.

Feet: Soak tired feet in a basin of warm water with 3 tablespoons baking soda.

Add 4 tablespoons baking soda to 1 quart warm water, and soak feet for 10 minutes to relieve foot itch.

Smooth rough and hardened calluses and heels by massaging them with a paste of 3 parts baking soda per 1 part water.

Soothe minor mishaps: For sunburn pain, saturate a washcloth with a solution of 4 tablespoons baking soda in 1 quart water. Apply to affected area.

Ease windburn or poison ivy irritation with a paste of 3 parts baking soda and 1 part water. Do not use on broken skin.

Relaxing baths: Baking soda added to the bathwater has a softening effect on the skin. Add 1/2 cup to a full bath.

Make bubbling bath salts with 21/2 cups baking soda, 2 cups cream of tartar, and 1/2 cup cornstarch. Mix them together, and store in a covered container. Use 1/4 cup per bath.

Relieve itchy winter skin in a bath with 1 cup baking soda and 11/4 cups baby oil in the water.

Sponge bath: Freshen up with a washcloth dipped in a solution of 4 tablespoons baking soda to 1 quart water.

Deodorant: Apply cornstarch to your underarms with a powder puff first, then apply the baking soda.

Nail care: Clean fingernails and toenails by scrubbing them with a nailbrush dipped in baking soda. This also softens cuticles.

Toothpaste: Mix 3 parts baking soda with 1 part salt. Add 3 teaspoons of glycerin. Add 10 to 20 drops of flavoring (peppermint, wintergreen, anise, or cinnamon) and enough water to make a paste. Spoon into a small, refillable squeeze bottle.

Sprinkle baking soda into your palm, dip a damp toothbrush into it, and brush your teeth.

Refreshing mouthwash: To freshen breath, use 1 teaspoon baking soda in 1/2 glass of water, swish the solution through your teeth, and rinse.

Dentures and other dental appliances: Soak dentures in a solution of 2 teaspoons baking soda dissolved in warm water.

• Use baking soda to soak athletic mouth guards, retainers, or other oral appliances.
• Scrub dentures, mouth guards, and retainers with a toothbrush dipped in baking soda.
• Soak toothbrushes in a baking-soda solution overnight.

Facial Care

Baking soda can also do wonders for your face.

Exfoliating: Make a paste of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water, and use as a gentle, exfoliating facial scrub after washing with soap and water. Rinse your face clean.

Mix baking soda with oatmeal in your blender; it makes a great facial scrub.

Shaving: Men with sensitive skin may find that a solution of 1 tablespoon baking soda in 1 cup water makes a great preshave treatment or a soothing aftershave rinse.

For instant relief of razor burn, dab on a baking-soda solution.

The original article can be read here.

The post Baking Soda’s for All Phases! appeared first on Little Choices Everyday.

2 Tbs coconut oil
1 c. Cauliflower flowerets
1/2 c. green and red bell pepper pieces
1/4 c. onion pieces
1/4 c. Jicama pieces
3-4  oz steak
1-2 Tbs. Bragg Ginger & Sesame Salad Dressing
1-2 Tbs. Bragg Liquid Aminos
Salt & Pepper to taste

Heat coconut oil in skillet over medium heat. Add steak and cook for 2-3 minutes then add veggies and stir until cooked but not mushy. (cooked steak can also be added at the same time as veggies) Add pepper, salt, salad dressing and liquid aminos and stir for 1-2 minutes.

The post Cauliflower Steak Stir Fry Phase 3 appeared first on Little Choices Everyday.

Garlic Chicken Pizza for Phase 3

Crust:
2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
2 large organic eggs
2 Tbsp. ground flax seeds (flax meal)
2 Tbsp. coconut flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder

Preheat oven to 350. Mix ingredients together and make a pizza shape on a baking sheet. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and top with the sauce and toppings (see below).

Sauce:
2 Tbsp. butter or margarine, softened
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 Tbsp. chopped green onion
1/2 tsp. dried basil

Heat in a small saucepan on low heat until the butter is melted. Add the garlic, onion, and basil and mix until blended. Pour into a chilled dish to cool, and refrigerate until set. When set, spread over the crust and add toppings.

Toppings:
1 skinless, boneless chicken breast cooked and cut into bite size pieces.
2 Roma tomatoes, diced
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Arrange chicken on top, then dot with ricotta cheese. Top with tomato slices, cilantro and Parmesan cheese. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until center is cooked through.

The post P3 Garlic Chicken Pizza appeared first on Little Choices Everyday.

1 can tuna
1/3 c. celery, chopped
2 green onions, chopped
1/2 tsp. Braggs Liquid Aminos
2 tsp. Mayonnaise

Mix above and spread on 1 Ezekiel English Muffin, split. Bake at 350 fro 15-20 minutes. Top with shredded cheese and bake until cheese is melted. Makes 4 (1/2 muffins) Approx 200 calories per 1/2 muffin

The post Tuna Muffin appeared first on Little Choices Everyday.

Weekends are hard to stay on protocol.  Holidays make it that much worse.  Here is a a little humor for your weekend post.

Stay the course it is so worth it when you meet your goals and keep releasing those pounds.

The post Stay away from the refrigerator! appeared first on Little Choices Everyday.

His recipe is double the recipe below.  (Please note that we no longer recommend using Truvia or Lou Ana coconut oil.  Instead it is best to use SweetLeaf sweetener or the liquid stevia drops, along with a high quality coconut oil, all of which can be found in the marketplace.)

1 C. cocoa
1 C. Coconut Oil, melted
8 packages Stevia
Flavored Stevia – Peppermint, English Toffee (Optional)

Fluff cocoa with a fork to break up any chunks. Add melted Coconut Oil.

Mix in Stevia adding MORE or less depending on taste.

Add a few drops of flavored stevia to taste.

Also add Macadamia nuts, great for increasing Ketone’s.

The post Tricks for Chocolate Delight/Bark appeared first on Little Choices Everyday.

I have personally lost 1-2 lbs with every detox bath I have done and I try to do them a few times a week. I feel much better after getting the toxins out of my system. Go light a candle, relax, and enjoy the detox bath knowing that you are helping the process of your weight loss move along that much quicker!

The post My Results from the Detox Bath appeared first on Little Choices Everyday.

If you are hungry, then increase your water or tea. Your body will confuse dehydration for hunger so drinking liquids usually solves the issue. Adding caffeine (i.e. coffee and caffeinated teas) will cause a dehydration effect, so always follow up with water. Don’t forget to drink at least 2 liters daily and more if you have caffeinated beverages. You need to drink 8oz of water for every caffeinated drink in addition to your normal 8 glasses a day.

If you struggle to get your water in, try doing flavored Stevia drops in water. Many comment on how good it is and how much easier it is to get water down. Try different flavors such as Lemon, Peppermint, Vanilla Cream, Orange and many more flavors are available. You can order flavored stevia on amazon (like this valencia orange flavor), try their new product called sweet drops, water drops, or perhaps try these water enhancers. Drink in hot or cold water. So, if you are feeling a little hungry, start with drinks. Some people have said they are able to drink more water when they get a big tumbler style cup with a straw. Just know that it is key to drink a lot of water and tea to help you will feel full and satisfied in no time!

The post Are You Hungry – Or Are You Actually Just Thirsty? appeared first on Little Choices Everyday.