How To Determine What Type Of Protein Powder Is Right For You

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Protein powders are a quick and convenient source of quality, complete protein. If you're a growing teenager it's a good way to fuel workouts. If you're just starting a workout program and trying to build new muscle, you'll need more protein than normal. If you're amping up your workouts, recovering from an injury or going vegan, a protein powder is a good option to consider. 

But there are so many options out there! Still trying to figure out your whey from your casein? And what about egg white, rice and pea (really!) protein? I make my green smoothies with ARIA protein powder but everyone has a unique preference.

Here's a simple cheat sheet to help you navigate the overwhelming minefield that can be the protein powder aisle. 

Share it, Pin it, Tweet it, Facebook it. This is an outstanding cheat sheet from Health Perch to help you determine the right protein powder for you.

Splurge or Steal: Gucci's Fall Collection

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Have you seen Gucci's fall collection? It is full of all sorts of 60's-inspired looks that are beyond fabulous. I love everything about it...except the price.

While I am a believer in investing in quality pieces that last a lifetime, I can't afford to spend $3200 on a dress. So I set out to recreate one of my favorite looks with a more wallet-friendly approach.

What do you think?

Splurge
Gucci Tote, $3800
Gucci Dress, $3200
Gucci Boots, $1450
Gucci Bracelet, $450
Gucci Ring, $430
Gucci Sunglasses, $345

Steal
Tory Burch Tote, $295
Ann Taylor Dress, $169 (50% off this weekend!)
Ivanka Trump Boots, $199
Alexis Bittar Ring, $195
Aqua Clara Bracelet, $50
ASOS Sunglasses, $22.86

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How Not To Look Like A Slob At the Gym

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As a recovering recovering gym slob, I am always on the lookout for stylish workout gear that can withstand a beating and multiple washings. There are some outstanding pieces you can find to update your fall workout wardrobe which will force you to retire that ratty tank top (you know which one I'm talking about).

I'm sending a slew of my older pieces that are still wearable to Genesis Women's Shelter.

It's also a good time to update your shoes. I typically buy a new pair once a year. I bought these Reebok ZigKick Alphas last year. My eye is on these new Nike cross-trainers. 

Fall Workout Goals
Do you have any fall workout goals? I need to get back on the yoga routine. I think I took only one yoga class the entire summer. My Om was definitely OFF. I like to get at least one class a week, typically on Sundays.

What new workouts or classes are you looking forward to trying in the next few months? 

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Diets Tips That Actually Work

TRUTH! 

After being skinny, gaining weight, losing weight, gaining weight, losing weight, having a kid, losing the baby weight and more, I feel like I'm a diet expert simply through practice.

After years of trying everything: Atkins, the Zone, the grapefruit diet, Cabbage Soup diet, I could go on. There are principles that I know work: eat well, eat real food, don't overindulge, exercise most days of the week.

There are certain "diet secrets" that work better than others, though. Putting down your fork after each bite, for example, is a gamechanger. I've featured them on the blog.

Fitsugar has a few more diet secrets that are truly effective:

• Eat clean - no white food, refined carbs, sugar, alcohol, etc.
• Don't diet - think of adopting an overall, longterm approach to eating, not a temporary "diet"
• Do more cardio - ramp up the intensity to get that afterburn.
• Drink more water - hydration is huge. Drink green tea, water with lemon or fruit added, any water-based drink without extra sweetener or calories added to it. 
• Make calories in less than calories out - if you eat more than you burn, you will gain weight. I gained weight while training for marathons. Even though I was burning hundreds, sometimes thousands, of calories it didn't make up for the extra cookies I ate at lunch. 
• Eliminate extras - all the little nibbles, sips and snacks add up. 

This is such a practical approach to maintaining your weight (notice I didn't say "diet). If you're looking for a particular dietary approach to follow, try the Mediterranean diet. It's simple, easy, delicious and calls for wine and chocolate. Win!

I love this Mediterranean Diet cookbook for recipe ideas.

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How To Enjoy Napa Valley With Kids

Napa Valley with kids is a lot easier than you might think. Here's the thing: you need a good attitude about the trip. There will be pivots and, likely, cancellations. Flexibility is key to surviving Napa Valley with kids.

First, a bit of history. We've taken our daughter to Paris. Twice. The most recent trip involved wine tastings at Moët et Chandon and Tattinger in Champagne.

The Surprising Secret To Burning Fat Fast

After an indulgent trip to California, I am all about trying to burn some extra heft. While no amount of exercise will make up for a terrible diet, you can maximize your workouts so that you burn fat faster most fat possible in the time you have allotted to exercise.

What's interesting is that you don't have to kill yourself. Turns out, exercising at a perceived exertion rate of 5-7, on a scale of 1-10, is the prime fat burning zone. (Tweet this).

It's Hip To Be "All In" But Bill Parcells Was The Trendsetter For This NFL Cliché

Dallas Poker Club

It might be hip to be "all in" in the NFL but former Cowboys head coach Bill Parcells was a trendsetter when it comes to poker analogies in the NFL.

The Wall Street Journal notes that the Ravens, Raiders and Seahawks are "all in", an unofficial slogan to signify that every member of the team and coaching staff is completely committed to winning.

The article cites NFL executives who trace the genesis "of the cliché to the New York Giants, who used it in their late 2011 playoff run which ended with a Super Bowl title. Within a year, the Jacksonville Jaguars had adopted it as a marketing slogan."

It goes back further than that.

Anyone who covered the Cowboys when Bill Parcells coached the team knows that in 2006 the head coach had players wearing t-shirts with the phrase "Who's All In?" featuring a set of hands pushing a pile of pokers chips on the chest.  Blasts from the past like Terrell Owens, Mike Vanderjagt and Drew Bledsoe all sported the catchy T's.

Of course, these were the pre-Twitter & Instagram days so, natch, there's not a pic of the t-shirts to be found.