Why is My Weight Fluctuating When I Eat Healthy and Exercise?

I've been on this healthy, whole foods lifestyle mission for several years now.

Is exercising making you gain weight? Photo Credit: SXC

But unfortunately, I've been getting lazy.

Sure, I still choose fresh vegetables and cook from scratch as much as possible. But with the hubby getting on the healthy bandwagon, it's time to ramp up my healthy lifestyle and cut out the convenience processed foods that had crept back into my life little by little.

I need to use less canned beans and soak my own.

I enjoy making salad dressing from scratch, so why am I not doing it?

*sigh*

Ironically, over the last few months, the numbers on my scale have been creeping up. What?? I'm watching my portions closer than ever, exercising more frequently and eating even more healthy than when I started this blog. Something isn't right!

But my clothes still fit and some of my jeans are even getting a little loose.

Apparently I'm building muscle while losing fat! I can tell I feel stronger since I've started swimming and walking on a treadmill regularly. But, I never thought about the fact that my weight might creep up during this process.

So, if you're on an adventure to a healthier lifestyle, don't get upset when the scale doesn't plummet. If you're diligent with your nutrition and exercise, you might just be increasing your muscle mass!

Have you noticed your weight fluctuating despite making healthy decisions? Tell me I'm not alone in this discovery!

Until Next Time,
Choose Healthy!

Angela Tague
Whole Foods Living

It's Almost A to Z Time!

Image Credit: Blogging from A to Z Challenge

As I look out the window, sun beams down on quarter-size, sparkling snowflakes. But, I'm still dreaming of warmer weather. Thankfully, one of my favorite spring blogging traditions is just around the corner.

Yep, it's almost time for the Blogging from A to Z April Challenge.

Motivated bloggers have the opportunity to connect with writers, learn about new websites, build their email lists, make new friends and learn a little something along the way.

I'm thinking of sharing a month's worth of healthy, whole foods living snack ideas. Sounds tasty, right?

This will be my third year participating in the month-long challenge. You can learn more about the challenge and sign up with your blog on the official website HERE.

Do you plan on participating this year? Have you signed up or chosen a theme for your April posts? I have two blogs participating this year: Whole Foods Living and Web Writing Advice.

I hope to 'see' you online in April!

Until Next Time,
Choose Healthy!
Angela Tague
Whole Foods Living

Add Non-Toxic Nail Polish to Your Natural Lifestyle!

What's red and pink and pretty all over? My nails!

This Valentine's Day make your fingers and toes just as fabulous with the new Scotch Naturals Red Hot Cocktail Trio, a non-toxic nail polish collection that's eco-friendly.

Photo Credit: Angela Tague

A few weeks ago Scotch Naturals asked if I wanted to give its water-based, environmentally friendly nail polish a try.

I'm very picky about what goes on my skin, hair and nails. After a little research, I was happy to find out this collection easily fits into my healthy lifestyle.

You won't find any harmful chemicals or heavy metals in these formulas, which after long-term use can cause health problems. You can learn more about the health aspects of these hypoallergenic polishes on the company website.

Tell Me About The Colors
Scotch Naturals has really outdone themselves just in time for Valentine's Day. The Red Hot Cocktail Trio comes with three seasonal colors, a base coat and a top coat.

• Sticky Base Coat: Apply this clear coat to clean, moisturized buffed nails to help the polish stay in place longer. I found this very easy to use. It wasn't sticky at all!
• Whisper: The palest pink of the trio will make girls of all ages blush. I love the sparkle in this very muted color. It's perfect for everyday wear when you want a very understated, yet polished, look.
• Stiletto: This vibrant red-pink pops! This will be your go-to for date night!
• Tartan Swizzle: The deep magenta hue has a very romantic vibe. I tried it on my toenails and absolutely love the deep purple-pink shade.
• On the Rocks Top Coat: After polishing the nails, use this finishing coat to reduce scratches and chipping. As bonus this top coat adds a sexy, wet sheen to your nails.

Do Non-Toxic Polishes Last?
I'm hard on my nail polish. I wash dishes by hand, swim in a chlorinated pool three to four times each week and subject my toes to everything from running sneakers to flats throughout the week. These polishes were given a true workout!

So, how did they fair?

The polishes go on thick and even, giving my nails great coverage. The lightest shade, Whisper, could have used a third coat to reduce some minor streaking. Sitting at my desk typing, I could admire my nails all day long. The polish doesn't chip or crack and the Valentine's Day colors are spot on perfect.

However, when I got my fingers and toes wet, the polish started to peel. With respect to Scotch Naturals, these are water-based polishes meant to be removed with warm water, so I'm not surprised. After spending an hour in the swimming pool, about half of the polish peeled away.

My take? I'd definitely drop a hint about the Scotch Naturals Red Hot Cocktail Trio to your sweetie for a last-minute Valentine's Day gift. The polishes come in a beautiful gift box sealed with a red ribbon.

Or, why wait? Go ahead and splurge on these natural goodies just for yourself! Have you ventured into using non-toxic nail polish? What did you think?

Until Next Time,
Choose Healthy!

Angela Tague
Whole Foods Living

Disclosure: The Scotch Naturals Red Hot Cocktail Trio nail polish mentioned in this blog post was provided free of charge from Scotch Naturals for review purposes. No monetary compensation was sought or awarded in exchange for the review. All thoughts expressed on Whole Foods Living are solely my own. ~Angela