Apparently Forever Living has been around for years, but I've only known about it when Mark's client, Donia, from Forever Living Middle East asked me if I'm willing to try the C9 Cleansing Program for review. I tried to search online about the program and since Forever Living is one of those multi-level marketing companies, it seemed hard to find unbiased reviews of their products.

I've tried products before which promised quick weight loss and although I'm aware that there's no such quick way for it and that I won't get back to my old 52-kg self in just 9 days, I still decided to give C9 a go. Who wouldn’t want to lose a few pounds, right? And besides, I'm really after it's cleansing benefits.

Strawberry Chia Pudding with Almonds and Banana

by Sweet Nothings | kriskamarie.com

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: No-cook

Yield: 1 serving

Ingredients

• 1 120g Yoplait lowfat strawberry yogurt
• 1/4 cup low-fat strawberry milk
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds
• 1 small banana, sliced
• 2 tablespoons almonds, chopped

Instructions

1. In a mason jar or covered glass container, pour in the yogurt and milk and mix well.

2. Add in the chia seeds and stir until well incorporated.

3. Keep in the refrigerator overnight.

4. Transfer chia pudding on a clean bowl and top with almonds and bananas.

5. Server and enjoy!

My 52-kg self suddenly vanished ever since I was diagnosed with PCOS a few years back. Since then, I'd been struggling to get back to my old weight. I must admit that I was at the peak of giving in to all the fad diets which promise quick weight loss, but Mark would always talk me out of the idea.

So when I got an email from Nutridiet wanting me to try their products out, although I was excited, I was more of hesitant as Mark might not allow me. I showed him the site without expecting a positive response, but I was more than delighted when he gave me the go signal! He just made it clear that I only get their Moderate Weight Loss Program. :p

Aside from vegetables, fruits have also been my best friend when I started on my vegetarian diet. :) I would usually much on mangoes, watermelons, melons, apples, and bananas all throughout the day. But yesterday was different, I got to have berries for lunch and dinner. :)

Berries are good for the body as they are packed with fiber and they contain a range of nutrients, such as Vitamins B and C. They are also a good source of phytonutrients and antioxidants which help the body fight against free radicals.

Strawberries, Blueberries, Cherry Tomatoes, and Lettuce

Tomatoes contain large amounts of Vitamins C and Vitamin A, which are both good for the skin. It also contains lycopene which acts as an antioxidant, neutralizing free radicals that can damage cells in the body. ~ WHFooods: Tomatoes


Aside from Vitamin C, strawberries are also an excellent source of Vitamin K, potassium, and omega 3. ~ WHFoods: Strawberries

Though very small in size, blueberries are packed with antioxidants. They are also very low in calories. Aside from Vitamin C, they also contain Vitamin E which is good for the skin. ~ WHFoods: Blueberries


I love eating berries straight from the chiller. :) Not only will it make me healthy, it is also a great way to beat the summer heat! :) So next time you're craving for something to munch, be sure to grab a bowl of fresh berries!

Shared at: The Diet Day Blog, Food Trip Friday

...that's what the boyfriend told me when I got to talk to him last Friday. :) He said that a veggies-and-fruits diet is ok but a balanced diet is what's always the best. He also added that loading up on proteins will help build muscles which in turn help the body burn fats more easily. Plus proteins also make the skin and hair glow and look healthier. Cool! :p

My dad must have sensed what my 'dietitian' advised, so last Saturday, aside from another round of his sautéed veggies,

Sautéed Tomatoes, Zucchinis, Eggplants, Baguio beans, Carrots, and Onions

in Olive Oil and Oyster Sauce

he also prepared not one but three protein dishes. :p First is the Chicken Afritada, a classic chicken stew with bell pepper and potatoes in tomato sauce, which my dad does uniquely by adding in chicken liver.

Chicken Afritada

This next one's what I missed a lot! It's been years I believe since I last tasted this dish. It's cooked just like how you would cook a Chicken Tinola (minus the papaya or sayote), with clams as the main ingredient of course, plus tomatoes. :)

Clam Soup

And just like the old times, it still never failed to satisfy my palates.

Clam Soup

He also made this fried tilapia. I get to try this very often so I just skipped eating this. :p

Fried Tilapia

Egg whites, tuna, and oats are what the boyfriend suggested that I load up on, but he also said that any chicken, pork, fish, seafood, or beef dish would also be fine. :) And so here's what my healthy lunch plate looked like:

My High-Protein(?) Lunch Plate

Shared at: The Diet Day Blog, Food Trip Friday

Nah! I don't think I can haha! :p Though my doctor said it would really help if I could, for now I guess I'm already fine with cutting out sweets, fats, and rice from my diet. :)

At first I thought it would be hard for me since I have a dad who cooks luscious dishes and a family who loves to eat. Good thing my mom and dad has been very supportive. :p

My mom always prepares my food for work. She would usually put in fruits, oats, and slices of wheat bread in my lunch box. She also makes sure that we never run out of cucumber because this is what I love to munch at home.


During weekends, my dad still continues to cook mouth-watering dishes for the family, but also never forgets to cook a healthy dish for me. :) Just like last Sunday, he made this veggie dish:

Sautéed Tomatoes, Zucchinis, Eggplants, Baguio beans, and Onions
in Olive Oil and Oyster Sauce

...which made me have a healthy lunch and dinner. Of course a balanced diet is what I need, so I also got my dad's pork adobo, a small piece each, for lunch and for dinner. :p

Healthy Lunch Plate: Mixed Veggies, Pork Liver Adobo, Watermelon, and Mangoes

Healthy Dinner Plate: Mixed Veggies, Boiled Young Potatoes, Pork Adobo, and Cucumber

Shared at: The Diet Day Blog