A few words from Meredith Grey...

Just because she is wonderful.

"You know how when you were a little kid and you believed in fairy tales, that fantasy of what your life would be. The white dress, prince charming who would carry you away to a castle on a hill. You would lie in bed at night and close your eyes and you had complete and utter faith. Santa claus, the tooth fairy, prince charming, they were so close you could taste them. But eventually you grow up, one day you open your eyes and the fairy tale disappears. Most people turn to the things and people they can trust. But the thing is, its hard to let go of that fairy tale entirely because almost everyone has the smallest bit of hope, of faith, that one day they will open their eyes and it will come true."

the aftermath of a heartbreak... and an epic victory.

Hello again my friends, it's been a while... I can't believe this is my first post since October.

Nevertheless, there has never been a better time to blog again :)

As a long time March Madness fanatic, it comes as no surprise that this post was inspired by a basketball game I witnessed last night... I am so unbelievably proud of the University of Arizona (my alma mater) for defeating the top seeded Duke to advance to the Elite 8 of the NCAA tournament. Last night's win was the greatest victory I have ever seen. The classic story of the lowly underdog, Arizona, defeating the Evil Empire, Duke.

I have been an Arizona Basketball fan for a decade now. My mom and I used to watch a friend who played on the team, and we quickly became fervent fans. And of course, I spent the 4 greatest years of my life at the UofA... Forever a Wildcat, we all say.

Anyways, the past few months of my life have been anything but simple; an everyday struggle to reconstruct the shattered pieces of my heart... but I am eager to confess that Arizona's impassioned win so idyllically personifies the battle I have been fighting. Last night I was reminded just how powerful the will to succeed and overcome the greatest of obstacles can be.

It may seem a bit silly to compare the turbulence of my life to a college basketball team, yet, it's my reality. Last night I felt the universe sending me a message... I have been watching Arizona suffer for years, just as my friends and family have watched me. The once dominant Wildcats have been ripped to shreds the past few years and were discounted every step of the way. But last night they proved against all odds that they are no longer an easily weakened or defeated team... they are fighters. And yes, I am a fighter.

This post clearly caught me in the midst a moment. Yet, it's important that I post this instead of merely tossing it aside, as I do with most posts I begin to write. This newly acquired strength and confidence I feel is too beautiful and rare to be left unheard. I never want to forget this feeling.

To every girl who has ever had her heart broken and soul shattered into a million pieces, this post is for you. To every girl who has ever let a man break her down to nothing, this post is for you. To every girl who has ever cried after a sporting event (win or lose), this post is for you.

We only get one life ladies... and what a beautiful life it can be when you have the courage to stand up for what you deserve and the confidence to truly love yourself.

Till next time,

Bear Down... and Believe.

Health Tip Of The Day #2!

Over the years I have picked up little ways of saving calories and creating simple, high fiber (and low fat) meals. For me, I have found that dinner is where I would consume most of my calories - full of carbs, fat and completely devoid of fiber.

One of my tricks is Lentil Soup. The average can of lentil soup is around 250-300 and has about 15-17 grams of fiber. In other words, it is just about the healthiest thing you can put in your body!The only problem is the sodium content, however with that much fiber, I wouldn't even think about it. I like to eat lentil soup with high fiber crackers or pretzels. You can also eat a simple side salad (with a low calorie vinaigrette dressing) if you want a little more with the meal.

Try having this combination for lunch or dinner once or twice a week. I promise you, it will make a HUGE difference. Every little step you take to add fiber into your diet, the healthier you will be and the more weight you will lose! :)

Here are my favorite brands of lentil soul and my suggestions for delicious and healthy crackers and pretzels:

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Always opt for the low sodium can if it's available!

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Bon Appetite! :)

Health Tip Of The Day! :)

As you may know, I am a health fanatic (See below posts). I have talked a bit about fiber, however I am now going to post health tips every few days for those of you who need a little boost in the health department.

It's my dream to create a career around my fiber mix and the lifestyle I live. I want to spread my passion and love for healthy eating to as many as I can. My beliefs are a little weird, yet after years of experimenting with different foods and practices, I can finally say that I have control over my weight, body and life!

So here's your food tip of the day:

Miltons Whole Grain Bread (in the red packaging). You can find it at any regular supermarket. There are 5 grams of fiber in each slice and only 90 calories in one slice of bread. There are a lot of other whole wheat breads that pose as high fiber, but this one is the best!

Even adding 5 grams of fiber a day can make a difference! :)

And don't worry about the carbs that come from whole wheat bread. The amazing thing about fiber (to put it simply) is that it essentially cancelles out the carbs, sugar and calories! I make sure to have one slice with egg whites in the morning and sometimes for lunch I will make a sancwhich with two slices. Instead of picking up a high calorie salad or sandwich from the store, make a sandwich with this bread. That's 15 grams of fiber!!

The more fiber the better... however if you don't eat much fiber, it may shock your system. So start slowly and build up. I promise you will start to look and feel better in no time!

Stay tuned for more tips :)

Hollywood in Black & White

The other day I decided to peruse Hollywood with my SLR. Well, by new I mean my fathers Nikon N2000 from 1985... It was so amazing using the camera my parents used together when they traveled overseas in the late 80's.

I'm still learning how to operate such an old camera, but here are a few of my shots! :)

Ode To Fiber

At one point or another, we all find ourselves here ... Choose a path... Find yourself ... Figure out exactly what you are going to do for the rest of your life blah blah blah

I never would have thought at the age of 24 I would be where I am right now.

I have so many interests and passions, yet, I am utterly confused.

How do I want to spend my life?

How am I ever supposed to choose which path to take?

I do know two things:

Fiber, health and nutrition drive my soul... And photography is my greatest passion.

So, how do I make these two things my life?

In a perfect world, I would travel overseas for months at a time, snapping photos, volunteering, and spreading the word of fiber.

It probably sounds a bit silly, but it's true. I owe my life to fiber. It's completely changed me. My health, my body, my mind... my entire life.

Let me clarify... When I say "it", I mean a fiber supplement that I have been taking religiously for 6 years now. It is a triple fiber, protein, vitamin supplement that my father created about 30 years ago. Since I began taking my dad's advice (and mix), I've tried to learn just about everything I could about nutrition, the human body and the effects of a high fiber diet. Fiber has become a bit trendy in the past year or so, however, the real dominance of fiber is still fairly unknown and very illusive.

In reality, it's as simply as this: a high fiber diet can prevent heart disease, diabetes, colon cancer and obesity. Pretty crazy, huh? It's a difficult one though - because it's nearly impossible to maintain a high fiber diet without a supplement. That's where my dad's mix is key.

I was 18 years old... overweight, low confident and extremely unhealthy. I tried so many ways to lose weight, to feel good and nothing ever worked. I just wanted to feel beautiful and healthy. I wanted to look in the mirror and actually like what I saw... Long story short, I changed my life through my dad's mix and his teachings of fiber. And through all of it, I have developed my own theories on fiber and how it can so easily transform the human body with dedication and a refreshed outlook on what you put in your body.

I promise that I'm not one to preach, I just get a bit carried away (and very emotional) when I talk about all this... It has inspired me so much and I wish more than anything I could help anyone and everyone out there who wants to change their life but doesn't know how.

Nevertheless, I am still at this immense, intimidating crossroads in my life. I have so many passions, yet I feel stuck in this wrath of confusion. What will my 'career' be? How am I supposed to decide what I want to do with the rest of my life?

I do know one thing, and it is going to sound absolutely crazy (as if this entire post hasn't already been rampant and crazy)... But I am thankful to have such strong passions in my life. I am thankful that I can wake up everyday and feel strong, healthy and beautiful.

So for that, thank you fiber :)

I went to Oregon!