Healthy Beverage Giveaway (Ayala's Herbal Water, Blender Bottle, & Truvia)

Jun 30 2011

How do the Belles quench our thirst without taking in a bunch of extra calories and packing on the pounds? Keep reading to find out- better yet, enter below to WIN THEM ALL!

Ayala’s Herbal Water :
Herbal water is Full of flavor yet free of calories, artificial sweeteners, and artificial chemicals, these naturally fragrant beverages evoke happy feelings, like a breeze in a sunny garden. Ayala’s Herbal Water is the first nationally available organically certified enhanced flavored water made with all organic ingredients. Each Herbal Water blend is all-natural and sets a new standard for healthy beverages: zero calories, zero artificial sweeteners, flavors, and colors, and zero chemical preservatives. And our water comes from an Artesian Well in Virginia. Nothing but great taste from pure water, infused with the finest natural herbs from around the world and kept fresh in a beautiful bottle for your enjoyment. You can find Herbal Water locally at these locations or they can be found online here .

I first discovered Herbal Water at Cost Plus World Market one very hot day in the desert. The Lemongrass Mint Vanilla variety was the ultimate refreshment!. Each natural herb flavor is distinct and blended so well with the others. “Especially versatile, the citrusy-floral taste of lemongrass gets an added jolt of cool with spearmint, while the vanilla rounds out the mix with a deep and persistent sweetness that lingers pleasantly on the palate.”

I had the opportunity to try Herbal Waters variety pack that included all 6 refreshing flavors of Herbal Water: Lavender Mint , Lemon Verbena Geranium , Cloves Cardamom Cinnamon , Cinnamon Orange Peel , Ginger Lemon Peel , Lemongrass Mint Vanilla . We both LOVE them all- I can’t even begin to describe how absolutely refreshing these waters are. You have to try them for yourself, we know you’ll love them as much as we do!

Blender Bottle, Recipe Book and Insulated Sling :

Want to keep your beverages cool on those hot summer days? Then you need a BlenderBottle. Not only that, you need an insulated sling made just for the BlenderBottle! The fabulous BlenderBottle now makes a super cute insulated sling , to keep your drinks COLD! The BlenderBottle is SO nice for SO many different reasons: BlenderBall® mixer inside, Secure screw-on lid, Wide mouth makes it easy to add ingredients, Large drink/pour spout, Patented StayOpen flip cap ™, GripperBars™, BPA-free. But enough about the bottles. Now available in a variety of looks is a super cute sling!!! BlenderBottles with a sling are perfect for on the go protein shakes or yogurt smoothies. The sling keeps your protein shake cool from home to office. And you know what else? Now available from BlenderBottle is a great compilation of recipes that you can make with your BlenderBottle. The new “ 101 Quick & Easy BlenderBottle Recipes ” takes food preparation to a whole new level of ease and convenience by combining the elegant simplicity of the BlenderBottle mixer with delicious, fully-tested recipes. The Recipe book comes with 101 Quick and Easy recipes to make in your BlenderBottle from smoothies to batters, eggs to marinades. But to really quench our thirst we love mixing up in our BlenderBottle the Pina Colada Escape and the Pomegrante Lemonade! You will love all the things you can do with your BlenderBottle.

Truvia Natural Sweetener :
How do the Belles sweeten their lemonade on a hot summer day without doing damage to their waistline? We add Truvia to it, of course! Why do the Belles love Truvia? Well its natural for one and for two its calorie FREE. And lets not forget that it tastes delicious! We love it in our coffee & tea, on our grapefruit, on our cereal, and we love to bake with it. Truvia Natural Sweetener is the obvious choice for sweetening all of our healthy drinks: iced tea, coffees, or fruit smoothies! Americans drink SO many calories – Truvia is THE natural way to eliminate all those extra calories you sip through a straw.

Truvia is made from the leaves of the stevia plant, not in a lab. People have been sweetening foods and beverages with stevia leaves for hundreds of years. The taste comes from a natural ingredient from the leaves called rebiana. Rebiana is what gives Truvia ^® natural sweetener its clean, honest sweet taste. Unlike most stevia-based sweeteners, which are typically a mixture of many components from the stevia leaf, Truvia ^® natural sweetener is made from rebiana, the best tasting part of the stevia leaf. Simple. Who knew going green could be so good? Truvia is a great option for diabetics as well as those who want a natural sweetener without the calories!

Mandatory Entry: Tell us which item above you most want & why

Optional Entires: After completing mandatory entry above

1 Entry per sponsor page visisted: Visit each of our sponsor’s pages & tell us something you learned
1 Entry: Follow Truvia on Twitter
1 Entry: Like Truvia on Facebook
1 Entry: Like Ayala’s Herbal Water on Facebook
1 Entry : Follow Ayala’s Herbal Water on Twitter
1 Entry: Like BlenderBottle on Facebook
1 Entry : Follow BlenderBottle on Twitter
2 Entries: Sign up for Ayala’s Herbal Water newsletter
2 Entries: Check out the Herbal Water blog and tell us something you learned
1 Entry per tweet: Tweet the following up to 3X per day 1 hour apart:

#Win @HerbalWater, @truvia, & @BlenderBottle #giveaway on @2bellesfitness http://bit.ly/kMMuFH

Entries will be accepted until 11:59 pm on 7/8/2011 and the winner will be selected using random.org random number generator and annouced on 7/10/2011. Contest open to US Residents in the continuous 48 states (No PO Boxes, APO’s, Hawaii, or Alaska)! Good Luck!

We received samples of these products to review. We were in no other way compensated for our honest reviews. All thoughts and ideas expressed are oury own. We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. We can not be held responsible for user errors in entering this contest, shipping errors, postage errors, damage in transit, or undelivered prizes.

Artisana Foods: (Amazingly Delicious) Organic Nut Butters

Jun 29 2011

Artisana offers the highest quality certified organic nut butters. We are absolutely IN LOVE with EACH AND EVERY Artisana nut butter we had the pleasure of reviewing. I can not say enough things about their nut butters- unique flavor combinations, organic, RAW, pure, HEALTHY , and did I mention they all taste AMAZING !! I am in LOVE LOVE LOVE!!! I add them to my morning smoothies, enjoy a few TBSP on a juicy apple, spread some on celery or a cracker. Enjoy on a sandwich with some jelly or spread on toast. Seriously awesome natural nut butters!

Artisana nut butters are:

Pure - they don’t add any extra ingredients. No salt, sugar, preservatives or artificial flavors – Nothing. Which means that all you get is the clean, fresh taste of nuts and seeds the way nature intended. And believe me- you will not miss the extra sodium, calories, sugar and faux ingredients – the taste of all their butters is AMAZING!

Raw - The ingredients which comprise theirproducts are raw, not roasted, and made into butter with a low temperature process.

Organic - They only use 100% certified Organic nuts, seeds, and coconut meat which means no toxic pesticides, chemicals, or genetically modified organisms. (Certified by QAI)!

Non-animal proteins and enzymes
Vitamins and Minerals
Essential fatty-acids (including Omega-3, of which Walnut butter has the most)
Fiber All in products more readily digestible than whole nuts…making them truly whole foods.

PEANUT, GLUTEN, and DAIRY FREE Kosher – All of theirr products are KSA Kosher certified. Storage – None of their products need to be refrigerated.

We cant decide which Artisana product we like best because they are all so amazing- honestly- I am craving some now as I write this up. Some of my favorites are:

Walnut Butter
Cashew Butter
Tahini Butter
Cashini Butter
Cacoa Bliss
Coconut Butter
Almond Butter
Coconut Oil

Artisana – The Art of Healthy Food. Creating uniquely delicious, healthy, gourmet food is a work of passion, blending together nuts and seeds into delicious organic, healthy (& delicious) treats for us all to enjoy!

Handmade with care, their organic live foods are crafted using low heat processes that always preserves the life-essential fatty-acids, enzymes, and vitamins. Artisana Raw and Roasted Sattva Nut Butters are certified Organic by QAI to the International Standard of Organics and certified Kosher by KSA.

Artisana subscribes to the belief that the energy they have when they make the foods surrounds it and makes it taste better, and the Belles agree- we have both found THE source for all of our nut butter needs. Artisana nut butters are available for purchase from many online retailers- click here to find out how you can order .

For more information about Artisana visit:

the Artisana website
Artisana on Facebook
Artisana on Twitter

Interview with Barry's Bootcamp's Barry Jay

Interviews No Responses »

Jun 28 2011

As I’m sure many of you know I am a HUGE fan of Barry’s Bootcamp and have had great success with his Fat Blaster workouts! So needless to say the Belles were thrilled to have the opportunity to “interview” him!

Belles: We LOVED your 5 Day Academy & BBC Fat Blaster. Do you have any new dvds on the horizon?

Barry: Not right now but would definitely love to do more. I’ve always wanted to do one for kids. I love kids and thinks its important to help them find their way with exercise and nutrition young…

Belles: Many of us are familiar with you from your workouts, but for those that aren’t, can you tell us a little bit about yourself and how you found yourself involved in fitness?

Barry: Sure. I think probably the most surprising thing is that I’m quiet outside of bootcamp. I love being at home with my 3 dogs just writing… hanging with friends, nothing big or splashy. I’m almost never out and about at the popular hang outs… whatever they are these days.

I found fitness back in the 80′s and loved it. guess just living in LA it was hard to not see it all around me. I worked in entertainment public relations and management, working with Roseanne, Bill Cosby, Lou Rawls, Dionne Warwick – I managed Chaka Khan for two years…it was another life. I got fired. I went to work on a temp assignment for Weho city hall (lets just say I type fast) and when that was over the Mayor referred me to a friend of his who had a fitness studio. I needed a job and loved fitness and working behind the desk I was told I could take classes for free. Sold! As soon as I started working there was taking like 17 classes a week… you might say I was addicted. Then one day working there, an instructor didn’t show up and the manager sent me in to teach. I was HOOKED!! That class became mine – then other instructors quit and in three weeks I had 27 classes a week – and in two years only missed 2!! my biz partner John and Rachel Mumford were students in my classes… when that place closed suddenly (by now I’m working at the weather channel AND instructing) John said we should open a place together – he had the $$$, Rachel was over the actress thing and wanted something she could sink her teeth into and I would be the main dude instructor. I was scared but it was too good to turn down… John was (is) one of the smartest people I knew and Rachel is the most driven and knows so much about presentation!! I knew dumbbells! We were the perfect triangle and we knew it. We actually opened in the same place that fitness studio closed. so you can say I own the desk I used to work behind, thanks to John and Rachel. Pretty amazing!!

Along the way this pretty cool kid came along; had more on the ball than anyone I had really ever seen – he was on FIRE. He started working there, then instructing at bootcamp and long story short we are all partners now, its Joey Gonzalez and without him we would not be in NYC right now – which is pretty amazing!!

Belles: You mention giving up sugar in your dvds, what advice can you offer those of us that would love to give up sugar but dont know where to start?

Barry: It was SO HARD!! I tried and failed many times. I seriously had to take it one day at a time. I just made sure that I had plenty of the foods I could eat around….and got the crap out of the house. It was one of the best things I ever did for myself. Sugar is a drug and eating sugar makes us want more sugar. I gave up dairy as well which also helped. Dairy can make you crave sugar. Go figure. If you’re able to have a cheat meal a week that includes sugar and the rest of the time you’re fine – more power to ya. I had to give it up and I lost about 15 lbs just from giving up sugar - results kept me going strong.

Belles: How did giving up sugar benefit you?

Barry: weight loss
no crashes
more natural energy
ate better foods instead
not “depending” on it was freedom

Belles: There are many known benefits to exercising beyond aesthetics, what is your number one motivator to continue exercising?

Barry: A side from health – number one benefit is positive thinking! Working out helps us over come our negative thoughts. No, its not the cure but it helps a lot. I have seen people workout and then stop and get depressed. There’s a direct connection between mind and body – one that should be honored. I think it also helps keep us on track with the rest of our decisions in life. maybe we just quit smoking or we are eating better because we are working out – if we stop working out we may start throwing those other things out the window of “who cares” – also working out gives us energy! the less we do, the less we wanna do. working out gets our bodies wanting to live our lives more energetically!!

Belles: How has fitness helped you become the person you are today?

Barry: Seriously – it saved my life. When I first started working out I was a drug addicted kid who over dosed many times – one time I made it home and wasn’t sure how. I was 120 lbs and gaunt!! I gave up EVERYTHING (cigarettes, drugs, drinking, not eating) and joined a gym. I drank weight gain drinks and started eating regular meals! The transformation was incredible and those who knew me couldn’t believe their eyes. Aside from that fitness has given me a way to help others which has helped me not only stay in shape but feel purposeful in this life. it’s changed me because I have seen people age without grace and honestly – I feel like a kid! I love being in shape at my age (48) and knowing I can stay this way and appreciate the one body God gave me – taking care of it so I can be enjoying life at 80!!

Belles: I also meant to ask about your BBC Gym. If you want to include any info about it: what can you share with us about your gym Barry’s Bootcamp?

Barry: Treadmills, weights, resistance bands, great energizing music – creating a fun hard working environment where people can get the best workout in the world! I want them to feel like they have a personal trainer – I know them. I’m there to help. I help with food. I love seeing bootcampers become friends. its that kind of place. you come in there dry and leave soaking wet. as I say to them ‘the wetter the better’ every day is a different body part – every week that body part is approached a slightly different way – we keep you on your toes and truth they keep me on my toes because I want them to have the best workout in the world and I work hard to bring it to them.

For more information about Barry Jay and Barry’s Bootcamp visit:
The Barry’s Bootcamp website
Barry’s Bootcamp on Facebook
Barry’s Bootcamp on Twitter

Holly Perkins: Fitness 360 and New Balance Socks Giveaway

Closed Giveaways , Reviews 187 Responses »

Jun 27 2011

Holly Perkins holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Physiology and Nutrition and has worked in the health and fitness industry for over 14 years. As one of the industry’s top trainers, her workouts come straight from her experience working with her clients. Holly is also the first official Ambassador to New Balance as well as a favorite trainer on ExerciseTV. Together with New Balance and ExerciseTV, Holly created the Fitness360 exercise DVD, an exercise program that combines cardio, strength and yoga and provides a total body approach to fitness and wellness.

Fitness 360

Holly leads this workout alone in a cute little gym set w/ fitness accessories around the perimeter. Fitness 360 offers three workout options on this dvd: cardio (actually AWT), toning, and yoga. You can play all or select the workout you wish to do. Total running time is 50 minutes. You will need dumbbells for this dvd.

Cardio 360: This is a 20 minute cardio and toning workout performed circuit style. The workout begins with a brief warm-up before alternating cardio intervals of jumping rope, jumping jacks and plyometric split jumps with targeted resistance exercises for the upper body, lower body and abdominals. Exercises include: jump rope, walking squats, jacks, pulse & plyo lunges, pec fly, ribcage pullovers, leg drops, bicep curls, french press, delt raise, pushups, knee drops, and concludes with a stretch. Holly does a great job of getting in cardio, strength, and core work in this workout.

Total Tone 360: focuses on the strength component of the Fitness 360 program. In this twenty minute workout, Holly takes you through targeted resistance exercises while still adding in short cardio bursts to keep the heart rate elevated. Again, the workout begins with a brief warm-up to get the body prepared for the workout. The first half of the workout is the lower body segment. The first time through the lower body routine, Holly demonstrates the exercises unweighted using bodyweight only and adds the weights the second time through to allow the exerciser to master technique. The second half of the workout targets all the major muscle groups of the upper body and ends with and abdominal routine.

Yoga Energizer 360: is the final workout in the Fitness 360 program. This is a ten minute workout that can be used

separately or tacked on to either of the above workouts for an additional stretch. This is a great workout to boost energy, stretch and recover and round out the exercise program. Yoga postures include: cat- cow, down dog, plank , up dog, sun salutations, etc. A great quick yoga workout to add on to other workouts or for a quick pick-me-up!

I would rate this a low intermediate workout done as is- easy to adjust the intensity by adjusting your poundage. Holly is very energetic and you can tell she is passionate & knowledgeable about fitness. She has a great energy and I would love to see more workouts from her in the future! She offers excellent form pointers & her cuing is good.

Fitness360 and New Balance Socks Giveaway

So, now the part you have all been waiting for. Here is your chance to win a copy of Fitness360 along with New Balance socks courtesy of Holly Perkins Fitness .

Mandatory Entry

To enter, visit Holly Perkins Fitness and leave a comment stating something you have learned.

Optional Entries (Leave a comment below for each entry)

Like Holly Perkins Fitness on Facebook (1 entry)
Follow Holly Perkins on Twitter (1 entry)
Read our interview with Holly Perkins and leave a comment about something you’ve learned (1 entry)
Follow Two Belles on Twitter (1 entry. Already Follow? Leave a comment saying so.)
Like Two Belles on Facebook (1 entry. Already Like Two Belles? Leave a comment saying so.)
Follow Two Belles via Google Friend Connect (1 entry)
Subscribe to Two Belles blog (1 entry – Already subscribed? Leave a comment saying so)
Vote in our current poll. (1 entry)
Tweet the following once daily (1 entry per day):

#Enter to #Win Holly Perkins Fitness #Giveaway from @2BellesFitness courtesy of @holly_perkins http://bit.ly/kwRJBp

GOOD LUCK!

This giveaway begins 6/27/11 and will end on 7/8/11 @ 11:59 p.m pacific and is open to U.S. residents only. Void where prohibited. Winner will be chosen randomly via random.org. An email notification will be sent to the email address provided by the winner with 48 hours to respond. Failure to do so will result in a new winner being selected. Please see Terms and conditions for full giveaway rules.

Disclaimer: Two Belles was provided with a copy of Fitness 360 to review. We received no other compensation and were under no obligation to review it if we so chose. Nor were we under obligation to provide a positive review in return for the free workout. Giveaway retail value is $19.99 each.

Winners! Fitness Favorites, HairArt, and Spa Giveaways

Winners No Responses »

Jun 26 2011

Congrats to the lucky winner of Firm Classic Volume 2 courtesy of the one and only Fitness Favorites : #81 – Francine

Congrats to the lucky winner of our HairArt Infrared Flat Iron giveaway: #72 – Dana West

Congrats to the winner of our At Home Spa giveaway : #136 – Holly will be taking home fabulous Bodycology , Perfect Formula , and ONE Bath & Body products .

The winners have been emailed and have 48 hours to respond & claim their prize packs.Thank you to everyone who entered and a HUGE thank you to our fabulous sponsors for hosting these awesome giveaways!

Win, Lose, or Blog Now Accepting Applications!

Motivation No Responses »

Jun 25 2011

We are now accepting applications ( here ) for Season five contestents on Win, Lose, or Blog ! Last season our 8 contestants lost 106 pounds in 7 weeks! Win, Lose, or Blog is a Big Loser inspired weight loss challenge for the blogging world. Health & Fitness are my passions in life and I hope this competition wil l inspire others to lead healthier lifes too!

What does Win, Lose, or Blog have to offer you?

Want to be a contestant? Apply here .

Each season of the challenge (lasting 7 weeks) we will choose eight contestants. This is your chance to win some MAJOR prizes! The “big loser” (based on percentage of body weight lost) will win one big AWESOME prize. Second and third place contestants will also win some great prizes. And everyone else will get something just for participating.

Just want to follow along?
We have multiple health and fitness gurus on our team who are going to be posting information, recipes, tips, inspiration and more. So come follow and get a little help living a healthier lifestyle . Also, at the end of each season two followers will win awesome prizes just for leaving comments throughout the season. And you know it will be fun to watch the competition play out and cheer on the contestants

Go check it out !!! And spread the word!

Remember each comment you leave all season long counts as an entry for two great prizes! Want to get a head start on those comments? Head on over to Win, Lose, or Blog , grab our button, and leave three comments for displaying our button on your blog and five comments for writing an exciting post announcing us to your blog friends. We want you to invite others to join the the fun and gain some motivation to live a healthier lifestyle.

Fitness Fashion and Accessory Must Haves (iShirts, Sweaty Bands, and Matter of Crafts)

Closed Giveaways 159 Responses »

Jun 24 2011

So what are some of the Belles fashion must haves? Keep reading to find out….and enter to win them below.

iStyle Originals :
We have fallen in love with iStyle Originals!!!! iStyle Originals offer women and men iShirts, baby onesies, doggie wear, accessories, and kids shirts. So many cute options so you can reflect your own iStyle! iStyle Originals is the essence of self expression in this new mobile social media world. It gives stars and regular folks like us a unique way to tell people a little something about ourselves.

Whether you rock, you party or are sweeter than candy, iStyle Originals has a shirt or accessory for you. Even little ones can tell the world they are cute or that they like to cuddle. How about doggies? Of course, our four legged canine friends can express themselves too!

Lindsey-belle had the pleasure of reviewing the iCandy shirt and Maria-belle had the pleasure of reviewing the iRock shirt- we loved both shirts so much!!! We also have our eyes on the supercute iCoach and iTalk shirts In our neverending pursuit of fitness, we both want to pursue getting PT and/or group fitness certified and will definitely reward ourselves with the iCoach shirt when we obtain our certifications.

Sweaty Bands :
We have been looking for a non-slip exercise head-band for EVER. Well search no longer- we found the ultimate non-slip (super cute & stylish) Sweaty Bands! They come in a HUGE variety of widths and designs. They literally stay put no matter how high impact the workout, no matter how sweaty we get!

They have so many cute patterns and colors to choose from and seriously: THEY DO NOT SLIP!!!!!!! Sweaty Bands has turned perspiration into a fashion sensation! Sweaty Bands are the ultimate sports and fitness headband, uniquely designed for women and girls who want to show their style, even when they sweat a while! Slip into one today and become a Sweaty Bands believer. Like potato chips, you can’t have just one, so check out out the monthly six-pack . Go ahead; turn on the Sweaty Jukebox, take your time, and enjoy your visit!

Matter of Crafts:

The Belles have come across a super-cute craft store, Matter of Crafts , which offers custom-made charms, key chains, magnets and much more. Matter of Crafts stems from one woman with a desire to make unique, personalized gifts for any occasion At Matter of Crafts, their mission is making you smile, one craft at a time. From the care and quality that goes into each piece, it is apparent that Matter of Crafts makes sure that attention to detail and creativity are a matter of fact ! The beautifully crafted keychains, charms and magnets are made with a high quality pendant glass. They come ready for gift-giving tucked inside an organza bag. These pieces make perfect gifts for the people in your life that you need a little something for but have no idea what to get them. From teachers to co-workers, the postman to neighbors, everyone will appreciate the sentiment behind these carfully crafted gifts. They are also good for party favors and fundraisers. And let’s not forget about getting something for you! Do you have a picture of a special event you want to commemorate? Crossing the finish line at your first half-marathon or marathon? Do you have a favorite quote you want on a magnet on your refrigerator to keep you motivated? Matter of Crafts will custom make a charm, magnet or key chain just for you! Matter of Crafts will provide the winner of this giveaway with two custom-made magnets (one circle and one rectangle) and one square charm (chain not included).

Mandatory Entry: Tell us which item above you must have & why

Optional Entries: After completing mandatory entry above:

1 Entry per Sponsor Page Visited: Visit each of our sponsors websites & tell us what products you like!
1 Entry: Like Matter of Crafts on Facebook
1 Entry: Like Sweaty Bands on Facebook
1 Entry: Like iStyle Originals on Facebook
1 Entry: Like Two Belles Fitness on Facebook
5 Entries: Re-blog about this giveaway and leave a link (leave 5 comments)
1 Entry: Follow Two Belles Fitness on Twitter
1 Entry: Subscribe to Two Belles Fitness
1 Entry : Follow Sweaty Bands on Twitter
1 Entry : Follow iStyle Originals on Twitter
1 Entry: Follow Two Belles Fitness via GFC
1 Entry: Enter any of our current giveaways (1 entry per giveaway)
1 Per Tweet: Tweet the following up to 3X per day 1 hr apart:

#win @2bellesfitness Fashion #giveaway: @SweatyBands, @istyleoriginal, http://bit.ly/iOfJzM

Entries will be accepted until 11:59 pm on 7/1/2011 and the winner will be selected using random.org random number generator and annouced on 7/3/2011. Contest open to US Residents (No PO Boxes)! Good Luck!

Review: Just Tell Me What to Eat by Timothy Harlan, MD

Nutrition , Reviews 1 Response »

Jun 23 2011

Just Tell Me What to Eat

Timothy Harlan is a practicing New Orleans-based internist. Known as Dr Gourmet, Timothy Harlan grew up with a love for cooking. After opening his first restaurant at the age of twenty-two, he returned back to school and persued a medical degree after dealing with an illness in the family. Over the years he has counseled thousands of individuals searching for weight-loss answers. During those years one thing was apparent, most patients were confused about both how to lose weight and how to eat healthy. The lack of sound information coupled with spread of fad diets exacerbated the problem. Dr Harlan wrote Just Tell Me What to Eat as an answer to the problem.

Just Tell Me What to Eat!: The Delicious 6-Week Weight Loss Plan for the Real World is a medically based weight loss plan that teaches readers how to plan, cook, snack and eat out for long term success. The book offers a practical and achievable solution designed to fit into event the busiest of lifestyles. The book includes specific menus and over fifty delicious recipes that are the foundation for the six-week plan.

Just Tell Me What to Eat is based on three key principles: 1) Eat the highest-quality calories that you can; 2) Eat according to the Mediterranean diet principles; 3) Whenever possible, you should make your own meals. While most books begin with information overload and finish off with, often time boring and unappetizing meal plans, Just Tell Me What to Eat takes a different approach. The book is laid out in an easy-to-follow, easy-to-read manner. With six weeks of meal plans, recipes and shopping lists, one chapter for each week, Dr Harlan takes you through the plan. Each week begins with the dinner menu for the week which also includes a convenience food alternative as well as a restaurant meal alternative. Each day during the six weeks you will learn not only how to cook great food but the benefits and science behind the food. You will learn a little bit each day not only from Dr. Tim’s perspective but also from Chef Tim’s perspective. By the end of the six weeks you will have learned about quality calories, how to lose weight, why you lose weight, how to keep it off and stay healthy going forward all in small, manageable daily bites.

Just Tell Me What to Eat!: The Delicious 6-Week Weight Loss Plan for the Real World is a no-nonsense, no gimmicks approach to eating right designed to help you lose weight effectively and permanently. The book is full of tips, menus, food alternatives and useful information about the benefits and science of food. Dr Harlan is not only a board-certified physician but his love for food combined with his fact-based approach to the kitchen sets him and his work apart. He provides a solution and an exact prescription of what to eat, how to cook it and best of all why eating great food is the best health decision you can make.

For more information about Dr Gourmet Timothy Harlan or his new book Just Tell Me what to Eat visit:
Dr Gourmet on the Web
Dr Gourmet on Facebook
Dr Gourmet on Twitter

Disclaimer: I was provided with Just Tell Me What to Eat to review. We received no other compensation and were under no obligation to review it if we so chose. Nor were we under obligation to provide a positive review in return for the free workout. Retail value is $25.00.

Giveaway: What's in Your Pantry? (Designer Whey, Manna Organics, LaraBar)

Closed Giveaways 276 Responses »

Jun 22 2011

Have you ever wondered what the Belles keep in our pantries?…. Keep reading to find out how you can win the goods!

Manna Organics :

MANNA BREAD® is remarkably simple and wholesome, made entirely from sprouted organic grains, seeds, fruits & nuts. It contains no salt, leavening, yeast, oil, or sweeteners. By fully germinating theirr grains, they convert the starches into easily digested natural complex sugars, similar to those found in fresh fruits, hence the sweetness. The sprouts are ground and hand-shaped into loaves, baked at a low temperature, then packed and frozen to preserve shelf life, without any chemical additives.

I had the absolute pleasure of trying Manna Breads: Carrot Raisin, Banana Walnut Hemp, Cinnamon Date, and Multigrain. I cant decided which I like best- they are all so moist, delicious, and full of flavor. Both DH & I loved them! Which is saying a lot because DH is not a fan of most healthy foods LOL! We have been enjoying the Banana Walnut Hemp toasted and topped with a little almond butter for a quick and filling breakfast. We also love the Cinnamon Date topped with a dab of butter and sprinkled with cinnamon. The Carrot Raisin is delicious toasted as a post workout snack and we love using the Multigrain for our lunch sandwiches.

Manna Sprouted Breads are: salt free, 100% sprouted whole grain, delicious & moist, unleavened, high in fiber, flour free, contain no fats or oils, no added sweeteners, yeast free, low glycemic index, and contain no artificial ingredients. So yummy, so filling, so good for you! I am in LOVE with Manna Organics breads!!!!!

Designer Whey Protein Powder :
The Belles are pleased to share the fantastic tasting and super healthy Designer Whey protein powder! We are in LOVE with their new Vanilla Almond flavor! And whats not to love: All natural, 18 grams of protein, 200 mg calcium, and only 2 grams of fat in each 100 calorie serving and it tastes superb!!!! Who knew all natural whey protein could taste this good!!! Healthy whey protein: keeps us full so we eat less, helps us recover from exercise and gives us extra energy. Designer Whey contains B vitamins to help convert protein into useable energy, contains added calcium for better muscle performance and bone health (VERY important to us women!), and is naturally sweetened with a hint of almond…creamy and delicious!

Our favorite way to enjoy Designer Whey Vanilla Almond is blended with 1 cup of almond milk, ice cubes, and 1/2 a banana. Fast, filling, and healthy breakfast. Also perfect for an after workout recovery drink to fuel our muscles. Designer Whey also comes in All Natural: Double Chocolate, unflavored, and French Vanilla. We love them all and at only 100 calories per serving- we can enjoy the shakes as a snack or a fast meal on the go! Visit the Designer Whey website to print your own $2.00 off coupon. Be sure to join the Designer Whey Facebook page to be one of fifty lucky winners each week that will receive a sample pack of their new Vanilla Almond Flavor. The lucky winner of this giveaway will take home a canister of Designer Whey Protein Powder.

Larabar :
The Belles always have a Larabar in hand (or in our bag, our desk drawer, and of course our pantries!) We never know when a craving will hit us and armed with a Larabar- we won’t be tempted to induldge in office goodies or fast food treats. Larabars taste better, and are SO much healthier!

In mouth-watering flavors such as: Pecan Pie, Key Lime Pie, Coconut Cream Pie, Cashew Cookie, Chocolate Chip Brownie, Cherry Pie, and SO many more who can resist??? But the good news is- you dont have to-Larabars are good for you deliciousness! The Larabar Coconut Cream Pie contains a mix of unsweetened coconut, cashews and almonds provides 6 grams of fiber and a yummy alternative to eating actual pie- but believe me you won’t miss out on the taste! The winner of this giveaway will take home a variety of Larabars!

Mandatory Entry: Tell us which item above you must have & why

Optional Entries: After completing mandatory entry above:

1 Entry per Sponsor Page Visited: Visit each of our sponsors websites & tell us something you learned
1 Entry: Tell us which Manna Organics bread you most want to try
1 Entry: Like LaraBar on Facebook
1 Entry: Like Designer Whey on Facebook
1 Entry: Like Two Belles Fitness on Facebook
5 Entries: Re-blog about this giveaway and leave a link (leave 5 comments)
1 Entry: Follow Two Belles Fitness on Twitter
2 Entries : Check out Designer Whey on YouTube & tell us something you learned
1 Entry: Subscribe to Two Belles Fitness
1 Entry : Follow Larabar on Twitter
1 Entry: Follow Two Belles Fitness via GFC
1 Entry: Enter any of our current giveaways (1 entry per giveaway)
1 Per Tweet: Tweet the following up to 3X per day 1 hr apart:

#win @2bellesfitness Pantry Essentials @DesignerWhey @larabar, Manna Organics#Giveaway http://bit.ly/lz19dc

10 Pounds DOWN and Shape Summer Challenge

Fitness , Motivation No Responses »

Jun 21 2011

Did you know that the greater support system you have in place, the more likely you are to succeed? Looking for accountability and support to stay on track with your fitness goals? This summer Jessica Smith and 10 Pounds Down is teaming up with SHAPE Magazine to bring you a special summer challenge workout series – for FREE. The plan is set to begin on July 1 ^st . Please stay tuned for more details. Be the first to get the details by signing up at 10 Pounds Down .

Looking for FREE audio-guided workouts to add to your exercise routine? G Series Fit and MotionTraxx is offering a series of expert lead workouts. Be sure to check out their G Series FIT for free, coached workout mixes to take your summer workouts to the next level. Check out their latest treadmill workout or the elliptical workout led by Amy Dixon .

Q&A Session with Fitness Trainer Angie Miller

Interviews No Responses »

Jun 20 2011

Belles: You have three great workouts under your belt already. Everyone wants to know, do you have any new DVDs or projects in the works?

Angie: I do. I have two DVD projects I’m working on right now and I’m very passionate about both. I will be filming again soon and I can’t wait to release some great new workouts!

I’m also very involved in getting information out there about what exercise does for the brain and our emotions. I published an article for American Fitness magazine that is posted on my website, and I’m working on more articles, doing continuous research, and developing ways to get people moving not just for physical health, but for emotional and brain health. My interest in this is two fold. When it comes to the emotional side, my interest stems from my background in counseling. I believe strongly that exercise has an incredible ability to stabilize emotions, decrease anxiety, and lower your risk of depression. On the brain side, my interest is very personal. My dad passed away five years ago from Lewy Body Disease and my mom has been diagnosed with the same disease. It’s a form of dementia similar to Alzheimer’s, but with a Parkinson’s like effect. I was a caregiver for my mom up until a month ago. Exercise has the power to lower our risk of dementia and related neurodegenerative diseases as it is proven to increase blood flow to the brain and essentially boost our brain power. (I have more about this on my website). I’m no longer interested in exercise from just a physical perspective. Yes, I want to fit into my skinny jeans, but more importantly I want to remember where they are.

Belles: In your workouts, we love how you utilize a variety of equipment (dumbbells, tubing, kettlebells). Does this reflect your actual workout routines and what is the benefit of “variety” in our exercise routines?

Angie: It absolutely does! I teach so many different formats and I believe that it has helped prevent burnout for me personally. It’s also kept my body guessing, my mind engaged, and enabled me to challenge myself in so many new and unique ways. I think there are huge benefits to maintaining variety in your workouts. You avoid overuse injury, have potential to burn calories more efficiently, and you don’t get bored!

Belles: Fitness beliefs are constantly evolving as to “best way” to achieve weight loss or any other fitness goal. With so much information out there, how do you recommend individuals weed through all the information?

Angie: First and foremost, do what you enjoy. If you enjoy it, you will stick to it and that is half the battle. At the same time, I recommend that people step out of their comfort zone and challenge their mind and body with new and unique ways to achieve their fitness goals. I didn’t like kettlebells when I was first introduced to them. But I found them challenging, and that was enough inspiration for me… I decided I had to “conquer the bell,” ha ha. I found myself learning everything I could learn about them, practicing endlessly, and loving the results!! I was so happy that I went that extra mile and discovered a great way to get fit. There is no “best way to get fit.” There is no magic bullet. You have to come to terms with that, and realize that it’s an ongoing effort and it will always be part of your life. You have to keep working at it… just like relationships, and just like raising your kids. Just do it, was the best slogan ever! At the end of the day, you just need to move. Don’t expect there to be one way or one answer. Just do it!

Belles: Is there one constant that you have come across that fitness researchers always come back to?

Angie: You can exercise all you want to, but if you are not practicing sound nutritional principles and watching your calorie intake, chances are you won’t experience the results you are looking for. It’s all moderation. I love chocolate, and I rarely go a day without it, but if I maintain my exercise routine and create a balance between calories in and calories out, I will be okay. There’s also many fitness principles that are based on science and research and those will never change. One of them: You have to burn more calories than you take in if you want to lose weight.

Belles: There are many reasons individuals adopt a fitness program. Do you find that the majority do it for overall wellness, weight loss, or another reason?

Angie: I think that different people do it for different reasons, but weight loss, or at least maintenance, is probably what I hear the most. I’d like to think, however, that as we continue to learn more from all the research, we will realize that exercise helps us in so many ways and weight control is just one of them.

To learn more about Angie Miller, visit:

Angie Miller Fitness on the web

Angie Miller Fitness on Facebook

Angie Miller on Twitter

Rocco Dispirito Win It. Cook It. Sweepstakes

Nutrition No Responses »

Jun 19 2011

New York Times Best Selling author, Chef Rocco DiSpirito has launched the “ Win It. Cook It.” Sweepstakes via his Facebook page . In celebration of the success of “ Now Eat This! Diet ” and the June 15th series premiere of “ Rocco’s Dinner Party ” on Bravo Network, Chef DiSpirito has decided to give something back to show appreciation to the fans!

GRAND PRIZE (1) winner will receive a collection of Chef Rocco DiSpirito’s favorite cookware items to use in the kitchen;

FIRST RUNNERS-UP (10) will receive a personalized signed copy of “Now Eat This! Diet.”

All you have to do is visit: Rocco Dispirito’s Facebook Page and fill out the submission form with your information to be entered.

*Please note that the SWEEPSTAKES IS OPEN TO U.S. CITIZENS ONLY.

Also, don’t forget to tune-in to “Rocco’s Dinner Party” on Bravo TV which premiered on June 15th. Each week, three chefs will compete to win $20,000 for hosting the ultimate dinner party for Chef Rocco DiSpirito and his celebrity guests. See what culinary dishes make it out of Rocco’s kitchen and onto the dinner table!

*Tune-in this Wednesday, June 15th at 11PM ET and then every week after that at 10PM ET!
More info on the show here: Rocco’s Dinner Party on Facebook

Healthy Kitchen, Snack Pack, and Angie Gorr WINNERS!

Winners No Responses »

Jun 19 2011

The lucky winner of our Healthy Kitchen giveaway featuring Country Bobs All Purpose Sauce, Tillamook Cheese , Tropical Traditions , and CLICK Espresso Protein Powder is: #135 B eth shepherd who said: http://twitter.com/#!/tatertot374/status/81019547645247489 Thank you

The lucky winner of ourAngie Gorr: 50/50 Cardio and Weights is: #67 l atanya who said : I entered the At Home Spa giveaway

And Congrats to the winner of out Toss it in Your Bag giveaway featuring: Kashi , CalNatural Svelte , and Paramount Farms Pistachios is: n#201 Natalie J. Vandenberghe who said: I must have Wonderful Pistachios (because I love them)! Thanks for the giveaway.

The winners have been emailed and have 48 hours to respond & claim their prize packs.Thank you to everyone who entered and a HUGE thank you to our fabulous sponsors for hosting these awesome giveaways!

Q&A Session with Suzanne Forbes-Vierling

Interviews No Responses »

Jun 18 2011

Belles: What inspired you to create your Tribal Energy Cardio workout?

Suzanne: I simply love the joy and energy of African dance and drum. It is quite a life altering experience when you move your body completely connected to rhythm – live rhythm. Students become really attached to the natural high energy and positive feelings as a result of my class. I tried to convey that with a DVD to share a little of the awesome feeling that you get live.

Belles: We both really enjoyed your Tribal Energy Cardio dvd- are there any more dvd projects in your future you can tell us about?

Suzanne: I would love to do more – in particular an abdominal workout with my drummers. I would love Tribal Energy Cardio to be all over the world. Everyone enjoying the movement.
Belles: You teach live Tribal Energy classes- what does your normal weekly fitness routine look like?

Suzanne: I teach a 90 minute live class and I do this once or twice a week. My youtube channel shows a live class. I did an a.m. promo on Fox I think and you will see how we travel across the floor for additional cardio! New concept for the fitness world!

Belles: Keeping our fitness routines fun is a necessity in our opinions- do you have recommendation for us on keeping fitness fun?

Suzanne: I think people should try different things – take an African dance class, an Afro-Cuban class, Capoeira – movement that has satisfied people around the world for hundreds of years. every culture has a drum that has kept the “heartbeat” of the community together so why not try things out – even if it’s difficult. Do activities with friends! Put together a “triathalon” – three activities that can be done in about an hour and then go to lunch at a place that is health conscious and delicious. So…. everyone meets at one person’s house – power walk through the neighborhood, come back to the house and power out some abs and push ups in the backyard and workout to a DVD in the house for 15 minutes- preferable my Tribal Energy Cardio DVD – then carpool to a really cool place for lunch – no fried foods and stay away from ranch dressing. Condiments take up too many calories really.

Belles: One of the reasons people don’t stick to an exercise routine is because they get bored, Tribal Energy Cardio takes care of that. What other obstacle do you or your students face when it comes to sticking with an exercise program? How have you helped them overcome it?

Suzanne: My students are hooked to the rhythms of the drums so they tell me that they never get bored. Class is like an event. but when it comes to following an overall exercise program and not getting bored – we always talk about changing instructors and finding instructors with a vibe – if you are doing a class involving weights – find someone that is jovial enough to get you through it.

You can learn more about Suzanne Forbes-Vierling or Tribal Energy Cardio at:

Tribal Energy Cardio Website

Tribal Energy Cardio YouTube Channel

At-Home Spa Day Giveaway (Perfect Formula, Bodycology, One Bath and Body)

Closed Giveaways 241 Responses »

Jun 17 2011

What do the Belles do when they want some pampering without the cost of going to a spa? We treat ourselves with some at-home spa essentials. Keep reading to find out how you can win some too!

Perfect Formula: Essentials For Perfect Nails

The Perfect Formula product line is designed to make beautiful hands and feet easily achievable for anyone. Their unique nail strengthening formulas have given thousands of women longer, stronger, healthier natural nails. Whether you have brittle or weak nails, nails that split or peel or even nails that have been damaged by acrylic, gel or glue, Perfect Formula products can help them become strong, healthy and beautiful. The Belles had the opportunity to try the Perfect Formula Crystal Pedi-Buff and we are in love! The exclusive, patented Crystal Pedi-Buff exfoliates away rough, dry skin. A never dulling crystal surface gives you soft, smooth feet, ready for sandals year- round. With an ergonomically designed handle for comfort and an antibacterial surface, you can leave your Perfect Formula Pedi-Buff in the shower for daily use. This is the answer to smooth summer ready feet- quick & easy to use and glamorous results! Our lucky winner will take home a Crystal Pedi-Buff of their very own!

ONE Bath and Body Lotion Massage Bar :

ONE Bath and Body is committed to promoting natural beauty without compromising the beauty of the earth, providing eco-friendly products in recyclable, plastic-free packaging to rejuvenate the spirit and save the planet. From pampering bath formulas to nourishing moisturizers, the entire collection is infused with rich essential oils, natural butters and delicate fragrance, energizing the mind and body with quality natural ingredients. ONE exclusively packages its unprecedented collection in recyclable cardboard cartons and tins, housing nourishing, natural products in equally planet-friendly containers. ONE lotion massage bars are blended with the finest moisturizing butters and essential oils from around the world. They melt on warm skin providing a sensation that is not only healing but pleasing and relaxing. Each bar comes with an aluminum tin that fits perfectly in your purse making it perfect for travel. Massage the lotion bar onto skin concentrating on tense muscles and sore areas. It will actually tingle as it glides over your body. The winner of this giveaway will take home their very one ONE Lotion Massage Bar!

Bodycology Island Coconut :

Bodycology is more than a brand; it is a state of mind, focusing on the self-fulfillment needs of women from the first layer to the last. The philosophy of Bodycology is for women to feel a sense of wellbeing and create a sanctuary within the daily beauty routine. Bodycology includes a delicious range of products that use the highest quality ingredients, long-lasting fragrance and upscale, beautiful packaging – and all at a great price. Bodycology’s newest scent, Island Coconut, will transport you to sandy beaches on a tropical island with the tantalizing scent of coconut and a hint of sweet cream. Begin your tropical journey in the shower with the rich, creamy lather from the body wash, layer it with the creamy body lotion and finish it off with a spritz of the body mist for all-over freshness.

I am IN LOVE with the Island Coconut scent- yummmm! I love layering my scents; I start with the Bodycology shower gel-which produces a wonderfully fragrant but not overpowering lather, then onto the super moisturizing lotion. Which is completely non-greasy! I finish with the Bodycology body mist! The shower gel doubles as a bubble bath for those days you have time to really pamper yourself with a lovely bubble bath. The winner of this giveaway will take home one of each of the featured Bodycology Island Coconut products!

Mandatory Entry: Tell us which item above you must have & why

Optional Entries: After completing mandatory entry above:

1 Entry per Sponsor Page Visited: Visit each of our sponsors websites & tell us something you learned
1 Entry: Like Bodycology on Facebook
1 Entry: Like Perfect Formula on Facebook
1 Entry: Like ONE Bath and Body on Facebook
1 Entry: Like Two Belles Fitness on Facebook
5 Entries: Re-blog about this giveaway and leave a link (leave 5 comments)
1 Entry: Follow Two Belles Fitness on Twitter
1 Entry: Subscribe to Two Belles Fitness
1 Entry : Follow Bodycology on Twitter
1 Entry : Follow One Bath and Body on Twitter
1 Entry : Follow Perfect Formula on Twitter
1 Entry: Follow Two Belles Fitness via GFC
1 Entry: Enter any of our current giveaways (1 entry per giveaway)
1 Per Tweet: Tweet the following up to 3X per day 1 hr apart:

#win @2bellesfitness Spa Day #Giveaway @perfectformula, @onebathandbody, @mybodycology http://bit.ly/ii7Zmw

Entries will be accepted until 11:59 pm on 6/24/2011 and the winner will be selected using random.org random number generator and annouced on 6/26/2011. Contest open to US Residents (No PO Boxes)! Good Luck!