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Dawna Stone

A Happy Mom is A Healthy Mom

September 7, 2017 by Dawna Stone

7 tips to stay healthy (and happy) when you’re trying to manage it all.

If you’re a mom, your world most likely revolves around your children. And although being a mom brings incredible joy, it also brings sleep deprivation, stress and a constant stream of worry. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t worry about my kids!

As the mom of an eight-year-old and a Nine-year-old, I sometimes feel overwhelmed. My kids are the most important things in my life, but I sometimes get so caught up in trying to be the best mom possible that I forget to take care of myself in the process. That self-neglect can make me feel worn out, stressed and unhealthy.

BONUS: 7 Secrets to Your Best Life!
Click Here.

It took me years to realize that ignoring my needs wasn’t actually helping me take care of my kids’ needs. In fact, the less I focused on my needs, the less vibrant and healthy I felt and the more difficult it became to deliver on my kids wants and needs. When I did finally take the time to take care of myself, I not only had more energy, which translated into better interaction with my kids, but I felt so much happier. A healthy mom is a happy mom and a happy mom is a better mom!

So how do you stay healthy—and happy—when you’re struggling to manage it all and be the best mom possible? Following these 7 simple tips can help:

Find some “me” time

You deserve a break. Carve out some alone time, walk around your local farmer’s market, cuddle up somewhere quiet and read a book or your favorite magazine. Give yourself a facial or simply take a long hot bath. Focusing on just you—even if only for a short period of time—can really help you stay calm during an otherwise hectic life.

Exercise

Don’t let your workout get pushed off. Schedule your exercise just like you would an important work meeting or a parent teacher conference. Also, schedule your exercise first thing in the morning. It’s been shown that people who exercise in the morning are more likely to stick to a regular routine.

Have a night out

Whether it’s a date with your husband (or significant other) or a girls’ get-together, make reconnecting with loved ones and friends a priority. A night out without kids can really be a relationship booster. In fact, a study released by the National Marriage Project reported the couples who spent time together at least once a week were three times more likely to report being “very happy” in their marriages. And women who participate in a weekly or monthly girls’ night out often say that the time with their girlfriends makes them a better wife, mom and person.

BONUS: 7 Secrets to Your Best Life!
Click Here.

Get enough sleep

Getting adequate sleep it not only important to your health, but it has also been shown to boost your mood, improve creativity, reduce stress and make it easier to lose weight. If you have to get up early for work or to get the kids off to school, try going to bed just 30 minutes earlier—that 30 minutes could make a huge difference in your day and your happiness!

One-on-One time 


Children want to feel special. If you have more than one child, try to set aside to spend one-on-one time with each of them. Not only will your child love the attention and cherish the time you spend with them, but it will also give you tremendous joy. Whether you have one child or 5, make sure you have special “mommy and me” time with your kids.

Eat Right


Providing your body and mind with the nourishment it needs can increase your energy, improve your mood, help you sleep better and reduce stress and anxiety. Steer clear from highly processed foods and excess sugar and focus on a diet that is fresh and wholesome. Increase your consumption of fruits, vegetables and whole grains and, if possible, eat organic.

Be Positive 


Sadly, we are often the ones who sabotage our own happiness without even realizing it. Negativity can bleed into many other aspects of our life, preventing us from reaching our full potential and hindering our overall happiness. Change your thinking from negative to positive and you can change your life!

P.S. My new book You Can Have A Better Life: 21 Secrets to Getting the Life You Desire—Full of Significance, Joy and Purpose is now available! See it HERE.

Runner’s Weight Loss Challenge: Week 2 Shopping List

June 11, 2014 by Dawna Stone

RWLC_Shopping List_Wk2Please find a list of the food items you will see week 2 of the Runner's Weight Loss Challenge below. You will notice that I did not include the quantities for the items, as we assume everyone will be making different serving sizes, depending on how many people you are cooking for. The list is merely a guide to help you stock your pantry and give you a heads up as to what you will need to look for in the grocery store. Click here for the complete meal plan and corresponding recipes.

Some of the items are perishable which means people will be purchasing within days of making the recipe. Others are spices, seasonings, oils, condiments, etc. that can be purchased and kept in your pantry as needed (and most you have from preparation for week 1). Either way, I hope this list provides you with a shopping guide as you prepare for week 2 of the Runner's Weight Loss Challenge.

Good luck with your shopping!

(Don’t freak out by the large list of items! Many of the items on the list are every day staples. Many of you will already have certain items like salt, pepper, olive oil, etc. on hand. I just wanted to be thorough and make sure we didn’t leave anything out.)

Week 2 Shopping List: FRUITS
Week 2 Shopping List: FRUITS
Ingredients
  • apples
  • avocados
  • bananas
  • blueberries
  • cantaloupe chunks
  • cherry tomatoes
  • crushed tomatoes(canned, organic)
  • diced tomatoes(canned, organic)
  • dried cherries
  • fire-roasted diced tomatoes(canned, organic)
  • freeze dried banana slices
  • grape tomatoes
  • grapes(red or green)
  • green apples
  • lemons
  • lemons(for fresh squeezed lemon juice)
  • limes
  • limes(for fresh squeezed lime juice)
  • mango
  • mixed berries
  • oranges(for fresh squeezed orange juice)
  • pear
  • pineapple(chunks)
  • raisins
  • strawberries
  • tomatoes
Servings:
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Week 2 Shopping List: VEGETABLES
Week 2 Shopping List: VEGETABLES
Ingredients
  • asparagus
  • baby carrots
  • baby spinach
  • bean sprouts
  • broccoli
  • carrots
  • cauliflower
  • celery
  • corn(organic; fresh, frozen or canned)
  • cucumber
  • edamame
  • fennel bulb
  • garlic(cloves)
  • green bell pepper
  • green beans
  • jalapeño
  • kale leaves
  • leeks
  • lettuce(shredded)
  • mushrooms
  • onions(red)
  • onions(yellow)
  • pickled ginger(for garnish)
  • red bell pepper
  • romaine lettuce(or European salad blend)
  • scallions
  • shallots
  • snap or snow peas
  • spinach
  • Swiss chard
  • zucchini squash
Servings:
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Week 2 Shopping List: MEAT / FISH / POULTRY
Week 2 Shopping List: MEAT / FISH / POULTRY
Ingredients
  • boneless, skinless chicken breasts(organic or hormone-free preferred)
  • cooked crabmeat(lump)
  • crab sticks
  • eggs(whole)
  • egg whites
  • halibut fillets
Servings:
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Week 2 Shopping List: RICE / GRAINS / BEANS / PASTA
Week 2 Shopping List: RICE / GRAINS / BEANS / PASTA
Ingredients
  • basmati rice
  • black beans(canned, organic)
  • brown rice
  • brown rice penne pasta
  • cannellini beans(canned, organic)
  • chick peas / garbanzo beans(canned, organic)
  • kidney beans(canned, organic)
  • northern or cannellini beans(canned, organic)
  • quinoa
  • sushi or short grain rice(brown rice optional)
  • wild rice
Servings:
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Week 2 Shopping List: BAKERY / BREADS
Week 2 Shopping List: BAKERY / BREADS
Ingredients
  • coconut flakes(raw and unsweetened)
  • coconut or almond flour
  • corn tortillas(wheat-free)
  • oat flour(for dusting work surface)
  • parchment paper
Servings:
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Week 2 Shopping List: SPICES / HERBS / CONDIMENTS
Week 2 Shopping List: SPICES / HERBS / CONDIMENTS
Ingredients
  • agave nectar
  • almond butter
  • basil leaves
  • basil(dried)
  • black pepper(cracked)
  • black pepper(ground)
  • Chesapeake Bay seasoning
  • chicken broth(organic, reduced-sodium)
  • chili powder
  • cilantro
  • cumin(ground)
  • Dijon mustard
  • extra virgin olive oil
  • extra virgin olive oil spray
  • hot sauce
  • mint leaves(fresh)
  • oregano(dried)
  • paprika
  • parsley
  • peanut butter(natural, no sugar added)
  • salsa(fresh, of your choice)
  • salt(table)
  • salt(sea salt)
  • soy sauce(reduced-sodium, gluten-free)
  • spicy mustard
  • taco seasoning
  • tahini sesame seed paste
  • thyme(dried)
  • tomato paste
  • tomato sauce
  • unseasoned nori
  • vegetable brothorganic, reduced-sodium)
  • wasabi(for garnish)
  • white pepper(ground)
Servings:
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Week 2 Shopping List: NUTS / SEEDS
Week 2 Shopping List: NUTS / SEEDS
Ingredients
  • almonds
  • cashews
  • pine nuts
  • sunflower seeds
  • toasted sesame seeds
  • walnuts
Servings:
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Week 2 Shopping List: OILS / VINEGARS
Week 2 Shopping List: OILS / VINEGARS
Ingredients
  • red wine vinegar
  • rice vinegar
  • seasoned rice wine vinegar
  • walnut oil
  • white balsamic vinegar
  • white wine vinegar
Servings:
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Week 2 Shopping List: DRINKS
Week 2 Shopping List: DRINKS
Ingredients
  • almond milk(sugar-free, plain)
Servings:
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Week 2 Shopping List: OTHER
Week 2 Shopping List: OTHER
Ingredients
  • protein powder(flavor of your choice; sugar-free, dairy-free)
Servings:
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Is Sugar Sabotaging Your Diet?

February 12, 2014 by Dawna Stone

https://youtube.com/watch?v=OInjFPj3vTc%3Flist%3DPLONuAjeQtHicCTDffd-XtyimYtsPwDBpa

New Year, New You! 14-Day Healthy You Challenge

December 18, 2017 by Dawna Stone

Start 2018 out right! As the new year approaches, many of us are starting to think about New Year's resolutions. If eating better or getting healthy is at the top of your list, you're in luck.

Starting January 1st, I will be hosting another Healthy You Challenge. To date, more than 10,000 people have found success on the challenge and you can too!

Check out some of the praise we received from past participants:

  • Since doing your program, I’ve lost 16 pounds and feel 10 years younger.” – Mary H
  • Day 10 of 14: “To date, I'm almost 10 lbs. down! Awesome! Thanks for all your support… I am loving how I feel! Thanks Dawna!!!” – Kim P
  • Day 7: “I'm down 5 pounds. But moreover, I am shocked at the changes in my body and skin. I feel great!” – Melissa C
  • “I am feeling more mindful and more aware of what I eat and looking forward to really eating clean. This program has given me a mind reset.” – Kareema S
  • “Today, day 4, I am down 6 lbs… thank you Dawna!” – Bonnie B
  • “I lost 6 pounds on the program! My appetite has dramatically reduced and my sugar and salt cravings are gone!” – Kelly B
  • “Ready and so delighted with my week one results. Down 5 pounds and I definitely feel more energetic.” – Cindy R

Give me just two weeks and I’ll help you lose weight the quick and healthy way! Participants in previous challenges lost on average 7-14 pounds during the 14 days.

So how does it work? You can join the challenge or learn more by going to: http://dawnastone.com/take-the-challenge No matter if you have less than 20 pounds to lose or 50 or more, the Healthy You Challenge is right for you.

Leading up to the start date, I will provide you with all of the information you need to succeed including meal plans, recipes, shopping lists, a food journal, a FAQ booklet and a special clean eating guide. If you join now, you’ll also receive two special bonus offers! Both are listed on the challenge page.

Once the challenge begins, I will personally guide you day-by-day through The Healthy You Challenge. I will be available to answer questions and provide you with encouragement and motivation to help you achieve your weight loss and healthy eating goals. Some have said it’s like having your own personal weight loss coach!

Losing weight isn’t always a fun process but the Healthy You Challenge, with it’s easy-to-follow plan and accompanying recipes, can help you lose those unwanted pounds quickly and easily. The added support of doing the program with a group of people can also give you the added confidence and support you need to adopt a healthier lifestyle and lose weight in the process.

I hope you will join me on this two-week journey starting Monday, January 1st. For more details and to join the challenge go to: http://dawnastone.com/take-the-challenge

I hope you’ll join me!

– Dawna

Healthy Holiday Gift Guide: 15+ Items to Set You Up for a Healthy New Year!

December 8, 2015 by Dawna Stone

Wish lists and holiday gifts are heavily circulating between friends and family this time of year. With less than a month of shopping left, it’s crunch time!

I put together a list of healthy living products that are currently on my wish list as well as items I’ve grown to love and use often. All of the products on this list will help you kick off the New Year in a healthy and happy way (perhaps getting us one step closer to achieving our ‘healthy’ New Year’s Resolution).

I hope the guide will help you as you develop your wish list, or help you when shopping for that someone special.

ARTISANAL BAMBOO SALT CHEST ($130)
I love experimenting with different salts while cooking. Even just a pinch of salt can make a big difference in the flavor of a dish. Most of my recipes in The Healthy You Diet cookbook includes salt and pepper as I think it adds just the perfect touch. So when I came across the Artisanal Bamboo Salt Chest (including 24 varieties from around the world), I was super excited! Having a wide assortment of spices can satisfy any mood or craving and make for a memorable meal!

HHGG_Salt Chest
Photo credit: Uncommongoods.com

 

BREVILLE JUICE FOUNTAIN PLUS ($150)
As you probably know, I love to juice in the mornings. Since sharing several juice recipes from my cookbook, I often get the question “What kind of juicer to you use?” Buying a juicer can be quite confusing, and quite frankly daunting, as there are so many different kinds at a wide variety of prices. I have tried many different brands of juicers over the years, but recently started using the Breville Juice Fountain Plus, which I absolutely love! It does everything on my check list. If you are in the market for a juicer, I suggest reading as many reviews as possible. Also, if you are interested in a Breville, I found the comparison guide on Amazon very helpful!

HHGG_Breville Juice Fountain
Photo credit: amazon.com

 

SODASTREAM (starting at $80)
I am a BIG proponent of drinking lots of water throughout the day. But I know that water can sometimes get boring and often suggest adding fruit or veggies (like cucumber, lemon, lime, etc). I also love ordering sparkling water while dining out — it tastes good and makes water more interesting! The more interesting it is, the more you'll drink. So you can imagine how excited I was to stumble upon SodaStream. With a touch of a button, SodaStream allows you to turn tap water into sparkling water in an instant. Their slogan, “water made exciting” is the perfect way to sum it up! Not sure which sparkling water making is right for you? Compare their models here.

sodastream

Photo credit: sodastreamusa.com

COOKING LIGHT SUBSCRIPTION ($18)
Cooking Light is my all-time favorite magazine! I get so excited when it comes in the mail and I read it cover-to-cover immediately. I keep recent copies on hand as I refer to them often. Cooking Light offers everything from healthy and fast recipes for the novice to more skilled, detailed recipes for the veteran chef. It also provides decorating inspiration, beauty and fitness tips and travel and entertaining ideas. Everything you could ever want in one place!

HHGG_Cooking Light
Photo credit: cookinglight.com

 

EPICUREAN CUTTING BOARD ($11.95 – $34.95)
I currently own a bamboo cutting board that has to be hand washed. Then I stumbled upon this dishwasher-safe cutting board that immediately went on my wish-list. This Epicurean Cutting Board is a wood-fiber composite that is often used in commercial kitchens. The best part? The wood-fiber composite won’t harbor bacteria, absorb unwanted flavors or odors or dull your knives!

Epicurian Cutting Board
Photo credit: william-sonoma.com

 

FITBIT FLEX ($99.95)
Fitbit’s holiday slogan: “Small gifts. Big impact”. I couldn’t agree more. This is a trending item for this year’s holiday season and definitely on my wish list. I love the idea of wirelessly tracking my everyday activity including steps walked, distance, calories burned, active minutes, and sleeping patterns (all from wearing a conspicuous wrist band!). It also allows you to set goals and syncs your stats wirelessly so you can see your real-time progress on your computer or wireless devices. How cool is that?!? This is just the thing to make me a little more mindful of my everyday activity and the motivation I need to keep me moving.

HHGG_Fitbit2
Photo credit: amazon.com

 

GREEN HERBAL TEA KIT ($40)
Once the kids are asleep, I love winding down after a long day with a cup of hot herbal tea. I agree with UncommonGoods.com when they say, “waiting for the tea to steep gives your mind a moment to rest.” In this tea kit, there is a wide varity of flavors and every herb is labeled with its unique blend of health benefits. The kit comes with reusable tea bags, but if you are looking for a tea infuser to go along with it, Teavana has a great selection.

HHGG_Herbal Tea
Photo credit: Uncommongoods.com

KITCHINAID ARTISAN 5-QUART STAND MIXER (prices vary)
The KitchenAid Artisan Series Mixer is every cook’s dream. With 10 speeds and the option for additional attachments (food grinders, pasta makers and more), this appliance mixes, kneads and whips, making any recipe a breeze! The “legendary” KitchenAid mixer has been on my wish list for awhile now – perhaps 2013 is my year for it!

HHGG_KitchenAid
Photo caption: KitchenAid.com

 

MOLCAJETE ($34.95)
The Mexican molcajete is handcarved tool made of natural volcanic stone. The molcajete is used for grinding herbs and spices and blending sauces and pastes. What do I want to use it for? Fresh guacamole! Not only does it make a perfect guacamole, but the presentation at a gathering or party is like no other! (Molcajete comes with instructions for seasoning the stone prior to use).

HHGG_molcajete
Photo credit: crateandbarrel.com

 

WILLIAM-SONOMA SMART TOOLS FOR iPAD ($199.95)
Exclusive to William-Sonoma, this gadget makes it easy for you to read recipes and follow while in the kitchen, watch cooking videos, listen to music and even video chat. This three-piece set includes a Bluetooth speaker, stand for iPad (can hold device horizontally or vertically), and screen shield (items are also sold separately). Efficiency and entertainment in one cool device – yes please!

HHGG_WS Smart Tool
Photo credit: william-sonoma.com

 

THE HEALTHY YOU DIET ($14.95)

You know I had to :) Start the year off with inspiration for eating healthier and cleaner. The Healthy You Diet is jam packed with tips for eating well and ultimately leading a healthier lifestyle. The book also includes a two week meal plan and amazing recipes for breakfast, lunch and dinner!

HYD_ribbon

DEAR SANTA! (STOCKING STUFFERS):

Growing up, my favorite part of Christmas was opening up my stocking first thing in the morning. And truth be told, it still is! Here are some great stocking stuffers to keep with our healthy holiday gift theme.

HHGG_Portable Spices

FOODIE SURVIVAL KIT ($26)
Although labeled as a ‘mobile’ kit, I’m not sure I would personally travel with this in my purse. As a self-proclaimed foodie, I would however, love to have this variety of spices in my kitchen cabinet for easy access while cooking. I love the size of the containers and the easy stack display. This would also make a great host/hostess gift!

 

SPONGESTER ($28) HHGG_Spongester2
The kitchen sponge is one of my biggest concerns when cleaning up after a meal. The “Spongester” by uncommongoods.com seems like a great solution!  It offers to shelves – one for the “good sponge” (for counters and dishes) and the “evil sponge” (for sink and drain). Love this idea!

 

HHGG_bobble copy

BOBBLE BPA FREE WATER BOTTLE ($9.99 – $12.99)
The bobble is a reusable bottle that filters water as you drink by its replaceable carbon filter. The carbon filter removes chlorine and organic contaminants. As you know, I am a big proponent of drinking water all day long. This allows you to fill up anywhere and drink filtered water on the go.

 

HHGG_Wine Stoppers

PERSONALIZED WINE STOPPERS (SET OF 2, $19.50)
This mango wood and iron wine stopper is beautiful and will be used again and again. It can also be monogrammed to make it more personal. (Also great as a housewarming gift)

 

AVOCADO TOOLS ($9.95 – $17.95)
I am convinced these tools would be some of the most used in my house. With as many avocados as I eat, I am always looking for the easiest way to cut, pit and slice them. I think I found my answer! (Tools found at Williams-Sonoma and Crate&Barrel)

 HHGG_3-in-1-avocado-toolHHGG_Avocado Cuber

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Healthy You! is now available!

September 13, 2013 by Dawna Stone

Dawna’s second book, Healthy You! 14 Days to Quick and Permanent Weight Loss and a Healthier, Happier You is available now! The Healthy You! book provides an easy-to-follow road map to help you reach a healthy weight and ultimately lead an overall better life.

Whether you’re trying to lose less than 20 pounds or you’re the constant dieter struggling to drop anywhere from 50 to 100+, Healthy You! will help you ditch unhealthy eating habits to build a foundation for wholesome eating that will lead to permanent weight loss.

Healthy You! provides a simple 14-day program that can jump-start your new lifestyle and allow you to elevate your quality of living to a whole new level.

HY Book Cover_webThe Healthy You! program will help you:

  • Lose weight quickly and easily
  • Increase your energy
  • Sleep better
  • Reduce stress and anxiety
  • Alleviate cravings and mood swings
  • Increase self-esteem
  • Improve digestion
  • Clarify your complexion
  • Look and feel younger

Dawna Stone's Healthy You! program is divided into two one-week segments—the Elimination Phase and the Clean Phase. Each phase includes detailed and easy-to-follow meal plans and accompanying recipes. Dawna designed these two weeks to help participants reevaluate food choices and to get started on a cleaner, healthier diet.

Click here purchase your copy of Healthy You! 14 Days to Quick and Permanent Weight Loss and a Healthier, Happier You.

Click here to read testimonial praise for Healthy You!

 

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