Tea Time: BooTea TeaTox Initial Review

...what's the tea?

It's time for yet another teatox review. I know I haven't put up my final review for Skinny Teatox but I will be revisiting that upon completion of this teatox so bare with me.

I had originally ordered this teatox a few months ago and it took FOREVER to finally arrive to my house...granted this company is based in the UK, however I have had handmade clothes shipped to me faster than this tea yet that's neither here nor there lol.

 

(Source: Google Images)

Bootea?

BooTea , as stated before is a UK based 100% natural health supplements company that has a desire to promote an active, healthy and balanced lifestyle.

How Does BooTea work?

The natural ingredients found in Bootea can:

•    Increase your metabolism

•    Burn calories and convert food to energy

•    Burn fat & counteract fat storage

•    Regulate blood sugar levels

•    Assist in the digestion of food

•    Suppress appetite

•    Improve skin health

•    Improve quality of sleep

•    Cleanse & detoxify

•    Allow you to reach your health/weightloss goals

All ingredients are pure, natural & preservative free!

How does Bootea tea work?

Bootea makes a point of using only the best natural ingredients for your body. The natural health and weight loss ingredients we use are specifically and finitely selected to maximise the teatox process.

That may sound like a mouthful, so we’ll cut the jargon and explain in short how Bootea will help you achieve your goals.

Our daytime tea works to increase your metabolism, by doing so this helps your body convert food into energy to burn fat and calories whilst also supressing your appetite. As a result you should begin to notice that you have more energy and more motivation to exercise. The appetite suppressing ingredients will mean you find yourself feeling less hungry and make you less prone to snacking. Our Flexi Diet Plan takes this into consideration for you.

Our Bedtime Cleanse tea bag (to be taken at night time) works on cleaning out your digestive system, helping to prevent excess calories from being absorbed and stored as fat.

The Teatox:

The aim of the Bootea teatox & eating plan is to cleanse your body whilst significantly aiding weightloss. The ingredients used in our teas have been used for centuries for health and wellbeing purposes but it is only now we have finally brought all these powerful ingredients into one perfect, rounded product.  Teatox is a fancy word we use to describe the way the body goes through a natural process of elimination, by removing unwanted ‘toxins’ & built up waste matter, from your body via the lungs, kidneys, bowels and skin.

Ingredients:

Daytime Detox:

Chinese Oolong tea, Maté leaves, Ginger root, Fennel seeds, Lemongrass, Dandelion leaf, Ginseng root, Gotu Kola leaves, Nettle leaves.

NOTE: The Daytime Detox does NOT produce a laxative effect (only the Bedtime Cleanse will operate in this manner). The Daytime Tea contains a small amount of caffeine.

Bedtime Cleanse:

Senna leaves, Peppermint leaves, Fenugreek seeds, Liquorice root, Burdock root, Hawthorn leaves, Valerian root, Psyllium seeds.

 

Source: About Bootea

I ordered the 14 day BooTea Teatox which is currently $33.94. They also offer a 28 day teatox which is on sale for $59.40, the daytime tea and nightime tea separately, bootea smoothies and lastly a fitness plan.

I also like that they offer a eating plan, see below:

The Bootea Flexible Eating Plan helps to optimise the detoxification process while maximising weight loss during the Bootea teatox. We provide various healthy options for breakfast, lunch, dinner and two snacks. We do NOT advocate an ‘eat less’ policy! As we always stress,we are all different shapes and sizes and some of use will get full up quicker than others. If you're following this plan and you find yourself still hungry we recommend adding in another snack or two from our healthy options list to keep you going :)! For maximum results we recommend an active exercise regime.  (Source: Eating Plan)

& here are my starting pictures:

Starting Weight: 128.6 lbs

Starting Waist: 26 inches

Also, I would like to mention that I am not looking to lose weight. If I do in face shed some pounds, great...if not oh well.

See you all in one week for an update!

Peace and Love <3

Meatless Monday: Pasta With Broccoli, Tomatoes And Pine Nuts Topped With Vegan Cheese

...and so it begins! Hey y'all! I've officially started my vegetarian diet! I'm so freaking pumped to see where this journey takes me and the body changes that will occur .

Any who I have a little less than a month until I take my Caribbean cruise and I have decided to up my intensity of my workouts as well as avoid meat. With that being said I want to introduce the idea of Meatless Monday's (even though I know this is currently being done).

I signed up for a weeks worth of emails and recipes over at www.veggiechallenge.com and made one of the dinner recipes tonight.

Here's the recipe:

Serves 2, <30 minutes

1/2 lb (225 g) your choice of whole-grain pasta
1 head broccoli
1/2 Tbsp olive oil
1 garlic cloves, chopped
3 Tbsp (20 g) pine nuts
A pinch of chili powder
1 (14 oz / 400 g) can diced tomatoes
Fresh parsley as garnish

Boil water for pasta. Prepare according to package directions.

Meanwhile, steam or boil broccoli pieces until tender crisp.

Sauté garlic in oil in a large frying pan until lightly brown. • Add pine nuts, chili powder and tomatoes, and simmer over medium heat for 5 to 10 minutes. • Stir in the cooked broccoli and drained pasta. • Serve with fresh parsley.

I also added:

because I'm a cheese fanatic lol. However this dairy free cheese is AH-MAZING!! This will definitely become a staple in my cooking.

Here's the final product and it was so freaking delicious and filling. Perfect way to end my night along with a cup of tea.

What are some of your favorite #meatlessmonday recipes?

Peace and Love <3

Fitness Friday: Healthy Snacking? Let’s Graze!

 Now I know that today isn't Friday but I forgot to post this due to me being on the road travelling for my family vacation..but here it is anyway!

Hey all! So I’m teaming up with some pretty cool natural divas over at Saving Our Strands and participating in their Fitness Friday series.

Any who, I’m sure everyone is familiar with subscription boxes and all the glam that comes along with them. However, I have never come across a box that was devoted to healthy snacking. In walks Graze.

What is Graze?

Graze is the largest and fastest growing healthy snacks subscription business in the world. We offer consumers personalized boxes of healthy treats delivered to their door. Founded by 7 friends in London, graze has become a household name in the UK and it has changed the way a generation of Brits snack. Since our launch in Sep 2013 we have grown at an extraordinary pace, with strong customer bases across the whole of the United States. The graze craze is now taking the country by storm……  (Source Graze)

So I stumbled upon a graze friendcode on Facebook that was offering your 1^st and 5^th box from graze for free and decided to take the plunge.

How Does Graze Work?

Just like with any other subscription service, Graze boxes are based off of your preference. They currently have two different box types to choose from:

Calorie Counter Box: Low Calorie Snacking – Over 50 healthy snacks to choose from, all snacks are between 50-150 calories

Nibble Box: Maximum Variety- Choose from over 90 of the tastiest natural nibbles

What’s really cool about graze is you can set your frequency to a box a week, bi monthly or however far out your little heart desires…all for just $6 which also includes shipping. Secondly, you are also able to go on their website after receiving your box and rate the snacks you received and ultimately semi creating a uniquely customized box.

So I received my first Graze box this past week and here’s what I received:

Boston baguettes

BBQ relish with tomato breadsticks

Very yummy def will be requesting this snack a lot more!

Raspberry and coconut muffin

Amaretti drops, raspberry infused cranberries, almond slices and coconut flakes

Mississippi BBQ pistachios

Roasted pistachios with BBQ seasoning

Tropical daiquiri

Pineapple, green mange, and lime infused raisins

I love that each snack is perfectly packaged and can easily be thrown in my purse or lunch bag. I’m actually getting ready for a road trip and these babies are perfect and will allow me to avoid picking up gas station snacks.

My next box is set to ship next week so I will be sure to update you all on how everything tasted and what I will receive. If you are interested in trying out graze, you can use my unique friendcode which will allow you to get your first and fifth box free.

Just follow this link: https://www.graze.com/us/p/ERRICK3VU

ReJUNEivate

 Now that we are a few days into the month of June, I'd thought I would share some progress photo's as well as my newest outlook on life and during this fitness journey.

but before we jump in to that I just wanted to make a small announcement that we are halfway done with 2014 and the best month of the year is NEXT!!

 

let me not get ahead of myself. anywho on to the progress pictures.

 

"Progress is a slow process"

I'm so impressed with how far my body has came. Yes indeed it has been a slow process but I'm not giving up. I can not wait to see myself a year from now. I'm shooting for some abs baby! Also, my V cuts are coming!!!

Secondly, my mother has been kicking my butt with her bootcamp. I'm so proud of her fitness journey and everything that she is creating. It's only up from here and lord knows she's going to continue to change lives and create healthy individuals.

Thirdly, can we just quickly talk about this lovely decision that I have made to go Vegetarian/Vegan. Now I haven't fully made the transistion but I have decided to become a vegetarian first then move on to a vegan. I'm a little bit scared to become a vegan because I love CHEESE, however I have been informed that there is even vegan cheese so I shall give it a shot.  Anywho, I ordered a free vegan/vegetarian starter kit which should help with my transistion and once it arrives, I will be sure to share with everyone. In the meantime here is a cool infographic that depicts a few key facts about the vegan diet.

Did I mention that I'm already going through withdrawl? yeah this shall be very interesting. Any tips or comments from any seasoned vegans would be amazing! I'm looking for all the help I can get!

But that's it for now. My 3 month challenge is drawing near and I'm eager to start a new challenge in which I will probably push myself a lot harder.

Let's Chat

Hey yall! I know I haven't been on here in a while and I'm mostly blaming my lack of blogging on work and baseball which have totally consumed my life. However, now that I have completed a major project, I have a lot more free time to blog!

Anywho, June is right around the corner which means I'm getting closer and closer to the completion of my 90 day challenge as well as closer to my vacay! So now is the perfect time to share with you all my goals for June and of course to provide some progress pics!

I have seriously slacked on increasing my flexibility this month. Initially I was doing Yoga poses before bed and then I just slowly stopped. I also wasn't consistent with my teatox due to lack of prep and lack of sleep. However, one of my personal June goals is to remain consistent and focused.

June Goals

1. No Meat: I'm going to try out this vegetarian lifestyle for a whole month. I love meat but I have been doing great without it for the past few weeks. I have only been eating meat at random times.

2. Cup of Tea: As previously stated, I wasn't consistent with my tea tox so I'm giving this another shot starting June 1st.

3. Workout 6x a week doing Cardio at least 2x: I used to love cardio but now I'm mainly focused on strength training. However, I know the type of body that I have and I know that cardio is imperative.

4.Flexible:Yeah I totally slacked in this department throughout May. Yet, I shall continue to focus on increasing my flexibility.

That's it! I will share some progress pics later after I take some tomorrow morning.

How are you gearing up for June in the fitness department?

Start sweating sweetheart,

Love Erricka

Unboxing: Bulu Box

hello out there.

Hello everyone!! I deeply apologize for my mini hiatus from blogging. These last couple of weeks have been extremely busy between both work and baseball season. I finally have some downtime to catch up on my blogging and my first post will be dedicated to my first Bulu Box.

What is Bulu Box you ask?
Bulu Box is the first health, nutrition and weight loss discovery box designed to help you feel your best. Each month, you’ll get a custom box filled with a new mix of 4 to 5 premium samples from top brands to try. Every sample is sufficient enough to decide if the product is right for you. Of course, shipping is always free and you can cancel anytime. Share your thoughts about each product in our sample surveys and you can earn 50+ Rewards Points (that's $5!) each month! Use your points to purchase your new favorites in full size at BuluBox.com! Here you’ll also get expert tips, tricks and a supportive community of Bulugans just like you! Join the discovery and find a healthier you! (www.bulubox.com)

How does it work?

We do our best to put items in your Bulu Box that match your account profile. However, at a basic level we offer two box types to choose from:

Bulu Box: As the first and only vitamin and supplement sample box, this box includes a well-rounded sampling of vitamins and supplements that help in all areas of health. Each box contains 4 to 5 premium samples plus lifestyle extras from time to time. Every box is a feel good discovery.

Bulu Box Weight Loss: As the first and only weight loss subscription box, this box was designed with the specific goal of weight loss in mind. Each box contains 4 to 5 premium weight loss items such as vitamin and supplement samples, fitness gear and healthy eating tools. Discover products to help you succeed with weight loss.

So I went with the Bulu Weight Loss Box and was able to get a 3 month subscription for half the price, which was AHMAZING! Anywho I received my first box over the weekend and here is what it included:

Rootology: Rootology is the best blend of concentrated herbal extracts that work individually and in concert with one another to immediately support nasal, sinus and eye health for dramatic seasonal allergy relief without a prescription. Stay healthy to stay active. $14.99/40 capsules

Smarty Pants for Kids: The only multivitamin gummy on the market today with added omega-3 and vitamin D to give your little one a boost of health without added high fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. $21.99/120 capusles

Smarty Pants Weight Management: The only multivitamin that tastes great and supports your goal of weight loss. Smarty Pants Weight Management is a complete multivitamin with added D3, omega-3 and is an excellent source of soluble fiber to promote healthy digestion. $47.95/180 gummies

Naturade Vegan Smart Protein: Vegan Smart Protein contains a protein, fiber and omega blend as well as multivitamins, mineral, probiotics and other digestive enzymes to help your body absorb nutrients, improve digestion and increase metabolism. $34.99/15 servings

Beauty Bursts: Beauty Bursts deliver high absorption beauty nutrients in delectable, gourmet soft chews. Beauty bursts contain collagen type 1 & 3 to firm and smooth the skin and strengthen hair and nails. Beauty Bursts help shed the years as you shed pounds. $22.49/60 chews

Simple Being Simple Diet: Weight loss pills can sometimes use a ton of caffiene, not Simple Diet! Simple Diet contains powerful green coffee bean, african mango, acai and resveratol to increase metabolism and boost energy. Antioxidants from acai and resveratol also help cleanse the body and eliminate free radicals. $19.99/60 capsules

Mediterranean Snacks Tapaz 2 Go: Beat the temptation to hit up the drive thru with Tapaz 2 Go's single serve pouch of lentil crackers paired with protein-rich hummus. This conveniently packaged gluten-free, non-GMO mini-meal will come to your grumbling tummy's resuce. $17.94/6 pack

Interested in purchasing your own Bulu Box? Click my referral code 

http://curebit.com/x/qCrNe7

Or use the code MOTIVATE to get 50% off any 3,6 or 12 Month Subscription.

Start sweating sweetheart,

Love Erricka