Cinch! by Cynthia Sass: Will this new weight loss method work? An Invite to Follow Along

If you're a regular reader here, you know I'm adament about keeping my weight down to avoid Type 2 diabetes following gestational diabetes I had in my last pregnancy.

And I'll admit that it feels good in a vain sort of way.  But did I mention that I literally, physically feel better too?

Well, recently discovered a new diet I want to try, in Cynthia Sass's book Cinch! that's releasing on December 28, 2010.

According to promotions, if you follow the steps faithfully, participants can see significant changes in their eating habits and watch the pounds fall off.

Here is the synopsis of the book:

Cynthia Sass, the creator and co-author of the New York Times Bestselling Flat Belly Diet presents her new break-through, 30-day weight loss program Cinch! targeted to end overeating, leaving dieters feeling full and satisfied while enjoying the best food combinations to burn fat and boost metabolism.

The program starts with the 5-day Fast Forward plan that ends erratic eating by focusing on five simple foods—spinach, almonds, raspberries, eggs, and yogurt (or vegan-friendly alternatives)—eaten in a variety of combinations. These first 5 days promise up to 8 pounds of weight loss. Each of the five foods is low in calories yet loaded with nutrients and natural satiety-boosters, which allows you to “detox” from junk foods without feeling deprived.

The remaining 25 days of the program are packed with foods that offer maximum fat-burning, improving metabolism while unlocking the secret to the body’s satiety center with foods that the latest research shows turn on the body’s “I’m full” signal. As in Flat Belly Diet, all of the meals for the full 30-day program are created for you and are fully interchangeable. As an added feature, vegan and vegetarian options are covered so the plan can be adapted to fit any lifestyle.

I hope you'll follow along with me as I give this 30 days program a try and see if these claims hold true:

• Weight loss—up to eight pounds in the first five days and drop a size in the first thirty days
• Increased self-confidence
• Mastery of the tactics proven to keep weight off
• An understanding of the powerful emotions that drive you to eat when you’re not hungry
• Better health, including a surge in energy

Will I stick with it?  Will it work?  I don't know, but I guess we'll see.

Hey, here's an idea - if you've been looking to lose weight and free yourself of crappy foods, then why don't you pre-order Cinch! and try it along with me.  Each day we can check in with our results.

Sound like fun?  Okay!  Then let's do it!

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10 Little Things that Lead to a Happier, Healthier You

When trying to improve your personal health and happiness, sometimes big steps, like starting a new diet or exercise plan, can feel overwhelming and daunting. This spring season, we’re celebrating the little things we can do that add up to make a huge difference in bettering ourselves and our health, wellness and happiness!

TwitterMoms and Tropicana Trop50 have teamed up to bring you a "Spring Renewal" blogging program, asking for the "10 Little Things that Lead to a Happier, Healthier You."

This is a topic that I could spend forever on because it's something toward which I've spent working the last couple of years.

These are the 10 things I do for a healthier, happier ME:

1. Choose Food Wisely:  Sometimes we don't even realize it until we change it, but diet plays a big part in our happiness as well as our health.
2. Sleep:  This can be a tough one, especially for Moms, but getting a minimum of 8 hours of sleep each night allows the body to "reset."  And resetting is something we all NEED!
3. Nix Negativity:  Other people and situations can bring you down too.  I found that by eliminating negative people and situations that were causing me stress (where possible) did a lot for improving my mood.  And since we know that stress often presents itself with physical symptoms, 86'ing the negativity factors can also improve overall health.
4. Sunshine:  Whether it's spending time in direct sunlight or throwing open the curtains to let it in, sunshine is an AWESOME happy stimulator.
5. Exercise:  I personally prefer Zumba and Wii Fit for exercising, but no matter how you choose, exercise not only burns calories but produces endorphins that are proven to improve our moods.
6. Get Your Groove On:  Okay, so maybe it goes hand in hand with exercising, but have you ever just listened to a song and began feeling more upbeat?  When I'm feeling a little down, I'm prone to put on Kenny Chesney Live and let go!
7. Talk it Out:  The more reserved probably won't find this helpful, but I've personally found just spending fifteen minutes "letting it all hang out" goes a long way for destressing.  I talk to my husband, my best friend, or - yes, I admit it - I even talk to myself.  :)
8. Cleanliness is Next to Godliness:  Clutter and dirt can affect mood as well as health.  While I'm not a cleaning fanatic like my mother - gotta love her, after 20 years her house looks like it's never been lived in...lol - I do try to get clutter to a minimum, dust, sweep, vacuum, mop, and keep the bathrooms clean.  And I feel so much better when those things are done.
9. Have a Little Faith:  Knowing we're not alone in times of struggle, feeling as though there is something greater than us, has been shown to promote both healthiness and happiness.
10. All Work and No Play Makes You a Very Dull Person, Indeed:  As Moms, are lives are constant go-go-go, centered around the children.  And that's great, but sometimes we all need a little "Me Time."  I find a little time each day to read, watch a sitcom, or just do nothing.  Just a few minutes in a day to do something I want to do can give me that second wind needed to get through the rest of the day.  Try it!

That's my tips for creating a healthier, happier me.  What's yours?

I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Tropicana Trop50 blogging program to be eligible to win 6 free Juicy Rewards points and a $30 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here.

Sign up the Tropicana Juicy Rewards Program and use coupon code TWMOM-READR (worth one Juicy Rewards point – that’s up to $5 in savings) free prizes and super discounts!

This one-time use code is valid for new accounts ONLY. Must be entered within 6 hours of creating your account. Limit one new account bonus code per new account. All accounts must be created and all codes entered by May 7, 2010 at 11:59 PM EST.

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Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion Review and Giveaway {CLOSED}

Every winter, Brian and I suffer horribly dry skin. We have tried many, many lotions with little or no effect.

So I was THRILLED when the makers of Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion asked me to try and review their product.

Oh. My. Goodness! This is the best lotion I have EVER applied to my skin!

I've got to be perfectly honest when I tell you that I didn't have high expectations.

Let's face it, every lotion thinks it is the best and makes numerous claims of healing dry skin.

And maybe they do work for others, but never for us. Never.

So imagine my surprise when this lotion actually did as it promised and more!

I have had a patch of dry, scaly skin on my ankle for what seems to be forever - not any more!

I have used lotions, creams, healing ointments, salve, and an assortment of wraps and soaks; all to no avail.

Skin MD Natural is a unique natural ingredients lotion and serves as a replacement (not supplement, so you can toss all those other bottles) to traditional moisturizing lotions.

One of the first things I noticed about Skin MD is how quickly my skin absorbed this (miracle) lotion. Within seconds my skin was dry but moisturized; unlike other lotions that seem to leave a perpetual layer of oil on the skin.

Additionally, being natural, there is no overpowering fragrances; just the subtle, clean smell of Mother Nature.

This will be the ONLY lotion used in our household now. Not only are Brian and I using it, but I'm using on my 11-month-old daughter who has a mild case of eczema; and have already noticed a complete healing of several patches and a lessening in redness of remaining spots.

Don't just take my word for it - try it yourself. Visit Skin MD Natural to learn more about how you can get a free sample.

It'll be the last lotion you ever try!

GIVEAWAY! {CLOSED. WINNER: Missybeez} The makers of Skin MD Natural are generously offering one lucky reader of The Mom Trap a free 4 oz. bottle of this awesome shielding lotion. (An $18 value!)

Here's how to enter:

• Visit Skin MD Natural then come back here to leave a comment telling me why you want to try Skin MD Natural.

Want extra entries? (Leave 1 comment for each additional entry; i.e., 5 extra entries = 5 comments)

• Subscribe to The Mom Trap RSS Feed via email through Feedburner (right sidebar): 1 extra entry
  
  
• Follow The Mom Trap on Twitter: 2 extra entries
  
  
• Tweet this giveaway and leave the Tweet URL in your comment (be sure to include @kdcantrell): 3 extra entries
  
  
• Follow The Mom Trap with Google Friend Connect (left sidebar): 1 extra entry
  
  
• Add The Mom Trap Button to your blog (found in left sidebar): 3 extra entries
  
  
• Blog about this giveaway and include the post URL in your comment: 5 extra entries.

The Fine Print: Must be 18 or older to enter. Open to U.S. Residents only. Void where prohibited. Contest begins December 23, 2009, and ends at 11:59:59 p.m. on January 8, 2010; at which time a winner will be randomly chosen using Random.org. Winner will be notified via email within 24 hours and must respond within 48 hours to maintain winner status. Failure to provide a valid email and/or shipping address will result in forfeiture of prize.

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It's Okay to be Vain about Veins

Women work their legs hard. And, as a result, women are most prone to varicose veins.

Unlike twenty, or even ten, years ago, varicose veins can be fixed in a vein clinic rather than at a hospital.

Today's procedures are less invasive and include include ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy for spider veins and endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) for varicose veins.

If you suffer from venous conditions and need to find a reputable vein doctor, just visit Vein-Treament.com and use the free web-based locator to find a clinic near you.

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Exercises to Reduce and Prevent Back Pain

I loathe back pain. In my opinion, it is one of the most irritating pains you can have in your body.

Back2Yourself is the leading provider of back exercise programs on the web. Programs include video instructed back exercises, progress tracking and professional support.

Along with free access to instructions on helpful back exercises, B2Y also offers an intense paid subscribers program that includes a video playlist of daily routines.

Don't think it's just a set of exercises? B2Y provides for program participants to track their progress and determine when professional intervention is required.

B2Y has helped hundreds suffering from back pain. They can help you too!

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Get A Free Health Insurance Coverage Quote

As health care costs continue to rise, it's important to have coverage for you and your family.

Get health insurance quotes from trusted companies online quickly, for any state!

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Label It or Lose It! Lovable Labels Review and Coupon Code

It's back to school time!

And what does that mean in my home? It means label it, or lose it.

Big Brother is in his 3rd (and final) year of preschool. And, as is typical but necessary, with any of the younger ages, they want parents to label everything.

I couldn't have been contacted at a better time to try and review Lovable Labels of Ontario, Canada.

When I first agreed to review Lovable Labels' products, I was told to expect their arrival within 2 weeks; considering that it involved international shipping from Canada to the U.S.

How long did it actually take? A very impressive 9 days! And that included order processing and printing time! (I shop online a lot - worldwide - and this is one of the fastest companies from whom I have ever received a purchase.)

As soon as it arrived, my little guy was running circles waiting to see his "stickers."

It was well worth his wait. The first words out of his mouth when he say his black "stickers" with his name and dinosaur icon were "Oh cool! Can I put these on right now?"

So we snatched up his new backpack and attached his personalized mini-metal tag.

The tag was super easy to attach, fitting perfectly in existing zipper; and so much neater than the old stand-by of a permanent pen.

Don't let the name fool you, though.

Lovable Labels isn't just about "stickers." In addition to iron-on or press 'n stick labels, this company offers plastic bag tags, Vital ID/Medical wristbands, and plenty of other fun personalized products.

My 13 year old son came home a little later and was browsing through the brochure. He brought to my attention an item that we'll definitely be ordering: Allergy Alert labels!

As someone who suffers numerous food allergies and constantly having to remind others of them, he latched onto the idea right away - as I'm sure moms and kids who suffer this ordeal too will surely understand!

My middle-schooling allergy sufferer also wants his own set of identify labels because he too thinks they're "Cool!"

Kids of all ages will love (pun intended ☺ ) Lovable Labels. With over 20 icons and a wide variety of colors from which to choose, these work-reducing, handy tools are sure to put on a smile on your child's face!

Coupon Code: themomtrap (good through August 28, 2009)

Readers of The Mom Trap can receive 10% off their purchase of the Back To School Mega Pack, which includes:

15 Sticker Labels 48 Press 'n Stick Clothing Dots 16 Shoe Labels

60 Slimline Labels 5 Book Binder Stickers 2 Mini-Metal Tags

P.S. Are you a coach, PTA member, program coordinator, or anyone who is always looking for fun, easy, and unique fundraising ideas? Lovable Labels offers a great fundraising program too!

~ Thank you to limelite PR for this awesome opportunity! ~

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Share Your Thoughts On A Fat Tax

In 2008, Alabama instituted what some refer to as a "fat tax."

State employees who peruse the insurance plans available to them will be required to undergo medical screenings. Those who have high blood pressure, high cholesterol or high glucose will have to pay $25 a month more in health insurance beginning in January 2011, if they don't take steps to address their health problems.

And it's not just Alabama looking to take steps to rid their residents of their love handles.

New York, since last year, has been tossing the idea around of a similar tax - sometimes referred to as a "Twinkie Tax" - that would place tax penalties on items such as non-diet soft drinks.

Now that the hot topic of Universal Health Care is on the table, many believe that a "fat tax" will be one of the first means of paying for the program.

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON STATE OR FEDERAL GOVERNMENTS IMPOSING FAT TAXES ON THEIR CITIZENS?

On the surface, this seems like a good idea considering that 72 million (1/3) adults in the U.S. are now overweight or obese; add to that the 32% of American children who are overweight.

Upon learning of the possibilities of fat taxes becoming a nationwide mandate, I took time to seriously contemplate the pros and the cons.

Overall, however, I see a major problem: one more way the government is telling us how we should live.

What it really boils down to is this: American's are willing to take responsibility for their health, so the government wants to jump in with a health plan. In turn for your free (said tongue in cheek) healthcare they control your diet; or, at the very least, make you pay extra for your goodies.

I personally think that Americans need a little lesson in tough love - meaning the government can butt out. If we can't control ourselves from eating all the unhealthy stuff out there, then let the thinning of the herd begin!

Let us fend for ourselves for a while and maybe common sense will make a comeback.

And if not, oh well....

I have my diet well under control considering my scare with gestational diabetes; but about once every three months, I allow myself a sweet little treat. And, quite frankly, I'm not to keen as paying a tax on that goody that serves the same as a governmental slap on my hand.

Besides, has anyone noticed that the arrogant men and women looking to punish the "bad people" have innertubes around their wastes and vienna sausage fingers?

Ha! How about we give this idea a test run on them first and see if actually works? I'll go ahead and put my money down on a BIG FAT ~FAIL~!

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Product Review: Boost Kid Essentials Nutritionally Complete Drink

My four-year-old son eats like a bird.

Literally.

Numerous meals, frequently consisting of worms. (Ok, they're gummies but...)

It leaves me worried about nourishment. So I'm always on the prowl for something he'll like and that offers him something in the way of being healthy.

When I was offered the chance to try Boost Kid Essentials Nutritionally-Complete Drink, I jumped on it.

And wow! He liked them!

Not only him, but my 13-year-old son wanted to suck them down like they were cola too!

Boost Kid Essentials offers 355 calories and 10 grams of protein per serving without sacrificing taste - which is hard to accomplish, as most moms know.

I was relieved to finally find something that could offer good nutrition in the form of a "treat."

The only downside to this product is that you pay a pretty penny for what you get; with each 8.25 fl. oz. drink box costing approximately $2.00 USD.

However, I've decided that the benefits outweigh the excessive cost and will continue to purchase this item. (Purchase them in bulk at Amazon for only $1.97 each, with free super saver shipping!)

Register At the Kid Essentials website to instantly receive $5.00 in Savings and Notification on Future Offers!

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Your Thoughts On Pregnancy and STD Testing In Schools

Beginning this fall, schools (elementary, middle and high schools) in Port Chester, New York will be administering pregnancy and STD testing to requesting students.

If the child tests positive, s/he will be referred to a nearby off-campus medical clinic.

The policy was put into place by Port Chester school officials after realizing that 19 of 525 (roughly 4%) high school girls were pregnant or parenting in 2008.

Parental notification is not required prior to testing. However, the board did election to require notification of parents before pap smears or the dispensation of the "morning after pill" although New York state law does not require such disclosure for a minor.

My question for you this week:

Do you agree or disagree with this new policy by the Port Chester school board?

My Answer:

I do not agree with any legislation (federal, state, or local) that permits a kindergartner to be tested for such serious matters as pregnancy and STDs.

Quite frankly, if you have a child in elementary that needs testing for these potential "ailments," you've got bigger problems than for what they are testing.

Some have argued it is a good thing because children are afraid to approach their parents on these subjects. Well, in my opinion, when children did have to go to their parents because they were pregnant or needed to be treated for an STD, there was a lot less of it going on.

So maybe the government should butt out of raising our children for us, because all of their "efforts" to decrease is only resulting in drastic increases.

Maybe letting parents be responsible for their children would be a nice "change."

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Nevada Health Insurance Offers Free Health Quotes

With skyrocketing medical cost, it's become a necessity to have health insurance.

Nevada Health Insurance provides free quotes for many health insurance carriers in Nevada, such as United Health One, Anthem Blue Cross, Humana, and Aetna.

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