Diets Suck!

Lately, it seems that everyone is riding an internal roller coaster, and the stress of day to day life has been taking a toll on just about everyone. The economy has definitely disturbed the peace, and I find myself praying that the upward swing is just around the corner. Stress and depression affect everyone differently, some eat too much, and others eat too little. Let me just start by saying that diets suck, and you can deprive yourself of things you love, but trust me once you're off the diet, you'll go right back to it. In order to change your body, you need to change your life. Loosing weight is one of the hardest things to do, because it is keeping it off that really matters. In order to do this, you must first make a pact within yourself . . . and stick to it! So the word diet in non-existent in my vocabulary. I prefer to refer to it as a lifestyle change.

A lifestyle change is not an easy task, because it is the end to old habits. We all know that as humans, we are creatures of habit. I've heard it takes 21 days to change. I'm not really sure if this is true, but if it is, just think how you could feel after 21 days, of hell :) Now there is a difference between poor eating habits and addiction. If you are an addict, seek help, and stay away from what you can not live without. If you are making poor choices, recognize these and try and create a plan of attack. Good luck!

Don't believe everything you hear

We all grew up on yummy yogurt, the morning fruity goodness our mothers use to have us eat. If I remotely complained, my mother would always reply, "Eat it, it is good for you." Somewhere along the line Probiotics became very chic, and it is true, it is wonderful for overall wellness. Probiotics were originally thought to help put good bacteria back into our systems, and over time, there have been a plethora of noted positive health effects, too. However, some companies are claiming to have immunity in their product, and they do not http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/On-your-radar/Probiotics/Dannon-pulls-immunity-claim-from-probiotic-drinks. Beware you might not always get everything that you thought you were buying. For more on Probiotics: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Probiotic

"I just don't think that Brooke could've done this. Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don't shoot their husbands, they just don't".

~Reese Witherspoon as Elle Woods in Legally Blonde (2001)


Cardio. Cardio. Cardio. It can change your life. 20 minutes makes a difference. Take a walk on the wild side. How about hula hooping or jump roping.

Protein it does a body good . . .

I'm not a big meat eater, and with that comes lack in protein. I've found a way to get the protein my body needs, and curb crazy sugar cravings, too. BTW, I'm a sugar addict. I love candy. Nerds are my guilty pleasure.

Every morning, I wake up and make myself a protein shake, and it is definitely true . . . It has helped in keeping some unwanted lbs off. I live for my JBN's Vanilla Whey Superior. Depending on my mood I add a small bit of orange juice, or fresh berries. De-lish.

And so it begins . . .

I'm asked the same question a lot, and at times, it makes me rather uncomfortable. . ."How do I get abs like yours?" . . . "Do you live at the gym?" . . . The truth of the matter is, I do not really think about it, and to be perfectly honest, those questions make me blush. While I appreciate the compliments, to me, health and wellness are a way of life. Hi, my name is Raylene Bartolacci. I was born into an extremely loving and demonstrative Italian-American family. Eating and cooking is an essential part of Italian heritage. Growing up in an Italian-American household the smells of food are extremely nostalgic to me, and so is taking my vitamins. One of my favorite things to do is cook, and the other is to stay physically fit. I was a competitive figure skater for about 13 years, so being active has never left my soul; however, I believe that the way to some one's heart is through their stomach. Now-a-days, a girl who cooks seems to be a novelty in LA. Here is my family's story, and why I am the way I am . . .

My grandfather grew up in Corropoli, Italy. He arrived by boat at the age of five, in 1928, and is a subject of the Great Depression. To survive the terrible times he raised rabbits, and collected coal along the railroad tracks, to keep his family warm. He then became a butcher, and opened his first store. After years of blood, sweat, and tears one store grew into 27 stores through out Northeast Pennsylvania and New Jersey. My grandfather is the forefather of combination stores, today we know them as Supercenters. However, the family revolution of food vs. nutrition did not stop there.

At 13, my father began managing the family pharmacies. If you know my father, you know he is extremely thorough, and had everything from Tylenol to Arnica to bulk herbs and oats. When my grandfather retired, my father started manufacturing and distributing his very own private label. NRS Nutrition Resource Services has been in business for 27 years. You can find anything from a daily multi-vitamin, to whey protein, to Krank'd Body Fuel. Thus, my family's love for food and health truly coincide. I guess you could say we are a walking, breathing, and eating conflict of interest.

So, I know what you're thinking, and Yes, I was raised on pasta. Yes, I still eat it. No, you do not have to stop eating it either. This is a dedication to my family and the lifestyle in which we live. My stories are life lessons I have been taught since birth. I hope you enjoy. Mangia!

Health, hugs, and wellness,

Raylene