Welcome to THINKING SKINNY

22 07 2012

You don’t drown by falling in the water; you drown by staying there. –Edwin Lewis Cole

I am a woman much like you, struggling with weight issues, sincerely searching for workable solutions. I’ve learned that if you can envision the body you want, you can embody that vision; and it’s not the individual diet plan you choose that matters most, it’s the methods you use with it and your commitment to making permanent lifestyle changes.  You can choose ANY healthy weight-loss program and I’ll show you how to transform it into a supercharged success.  –Nadia Giordana

In THINKING SKINNY, you will learn step-by-step how Nadia lost 88 pounds, and you will learn how to apply the techniques she used to your own life. Click the tab ‘book’ above to get your copy. Also available at Amazon.com.

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This afternoon, as I try on clothes that are now too big for me, I reflect on the many points and tips in Thinking Skinny that were, and still are, so helpful for me. The book is full of great guidance and insights, and I reread them over and over as motivational reminders. It is inspiring to read Nadia Giordana’s story, which she tells with great honesty, openness and compassion. It feels like I’ve got a friend right there with me. I have really enjoyed this book. –Debra FG



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Exercise apparel improves attitude and results

5 05 2013

Nadia wearing yoga pants and leggings, working out on her favorite exercise bicycleFeeling good physically spills over into all aspects of our lives, and as a bonus, lifts our spirits. When I do my morning exercises in old pajamas, my efforts are okay, don’t get me wrong (and there are plenty of times I do just that). But when I invest the extra minute it takes to put on something nicer than pajamas or old clothes (yoga pants, a contrasting shirt, some colorful leg warmers or some other fun accessory), suddenly I’m emotionally invested in my routine. It is then I work out a little longer and a little harder. Are my results better? Yes, I always feel better than usual after a workout I’ve approached with enthusiasm, and preparation.


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Categories : exercise, treadmill, WEIGHT LOSS, What to wear

Easy vegetable smoothies

22 04 2013
Green Smoothie

Green Smoothie

I don’t use a recipe, because I never have the same things on hand in my refrigerator on any given day. The following blender formula works best for me: 1/2 to 3/4 c. almond milk and a handful of ice cubes along with a small amount of fruit and some vegetables. In the smoothie on the left, I used a half of an apple (include skin) along with a handful of kale, a chunk of zucchini and a little bit of cabbage. For the one on the bottom right, it was red cabbage, rhubarb sauce (sweet), carrots, and again some kale.

Other options:  Broccoli is a favorite addition because of how well it blends, and celery brings high fiber to the mix. Use your imagination.

It’s a fresh, slightly sweet tasting way to work more vegetables into your diet, and only takes a minute to whip up. It is important to have a good blender. Keep the consistency about the same as a milkshake, adding a splash of almond milk, or ice cubes if it gets too thick.

Pink Smoothie

Pink Smoothie

There is no need to count calories with something like this, but if you do, the almond milk is 30 calories per cup (I use less than a cup), fresh vegetables are about 25-40 calories per half cup serving depending on the vegetable, and a half an apple is 50-60 calories. This formula will make about two servings, or 12-16 ounces total–less than 100 calories per serving.

You can enjoy this without reservation. I find that it makes me feel full for 2-3 hours and also give me an energy boost. I make this mostly for breakfast, but also sometimes as an afternoon pick-me-up.

If, it is evening, and I’m having this to curb a dessert craving, I will change the mix to something more like a milkshake, using a half banana and cocoa powder or fresh fruit (strawberries are great) and a splash of vanilla. Sometimes I will add Stevia sweetener. I usually add some vegetables even when I make a dessert smoothie. For example, sweet red peppers are good with strawberries and brighten the color.

Since I published this post a few weeks ago, I’ve received requests for a more specific recipe. In response, I shared my method via video as an episode of WomanVision TV. You can watch it below:


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Categories : calories, Cooking Light, recipes, WEIGHT LOSS

Quinoa is a great tasting source of protein

27 02 2013
Cooked quinoa

Cooked quinoa

Quinoa is a great tasting source of protein, among other things. This is something you may not have known. A staple of ancient Andean civilizations, quinoa barely gets a second look in our modern society except for vegetarians and other health conscious individuals. It deserves more attention. I won’t bore you with the nutritional details, you can follow the link for that—and this one for additional background information. Quinoa tastes great! Yes, you can look up all sorts of creative recipes, but my favorite way to eat it is simply to cook it in boiling water (with a touch of salt) until you can see the germ separating (little white rings). For my taste, it is fully cooked in about 10 minutes, which keeps the grains slightly chewy. 15 minutes will give you a softer result, but still very good. Drain it and eat it as you would plain white rice. Quinoa is equally as good as rice, and in my estimation, beats couscous and millet hands down. Raw quinoa is known for having a bitter-tasting coating that needs vigorous rinsing to remove (perhaps that is why some people don’t attempt to cook it). But most pre-packaged commercial products are ready to cook with nothing more than a light rinse. Even bulk quinoa that I’ve purchased at local co-op stores has been pre-rinsed. At 222 calories per cooked cup, it is relatively low in calories. Quinoa is for me, one of the high-satisfaction foods in my arsenal. It’s one of my secret weapons.


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Healthier lifestyle is good for men too

21 02 2013

Chuck-before-after-Febr-2013-webIt took 5 years before my husband, Chuck, was ready to follow my lead and adopt a healthier lifestyle, but look at him now. I’m so proud. What’s even better, he is loving how he feels. He’s been at it a little over a year, making changes in his food and drink, replacing bad choices with good ones. It seemed effortless and one day he looked at himself in the mirror and was surprised to see himself so much slimmer and healthier looking. About two months ago, he added exercise to his routine, and now I can barely keep up with him. How much has he lost? 45 pounds. He started at age 70. It’s never too late.


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You don’t have to be skinny to rock your blue jeans

27 01 2013

jeansAmericans have had a love affair with blue jeans for as long as I can remember. They are never out of fashion, and whatever your age, even if you are a grandparent, it doesn’t mean you can’t rock a good pair of blue jeans.

I don’t know what is it with all the disparaging talk about so-called “mom jeans.” They were high fashion in the 80s, and yes, several styles popular at that time have deservedly gone by the wayside. Others are still around because they are universal. Buying a pair of jeans should be about good fit and comfort. Oh, and maybe it’s just me, but the jeans to the picture on the left look about an inch or so too short. Am I right? That doesn’t affect my overall point though.

Higher-cut, normal-fitting jeans work for a lot of women and men. It is best to buy from departments that have several lengths and cuts, letting you find what works well for your body type, not the latest low-rise teen-jean on the market. If you choose flattering jeans that look and feel good, you’ll feel younger, slimmer, and more energetic. What more can be asked of our favorite “go to” article of clothing?

Do I have a favorite brand? Yes I do (and I’m getting nothing in return for this recommendation other that the pleasure of sharing my favorite with you). Gloria Vanderbilt’s, Amanda, tapered, short, stretch jeans work best for me. Gloria Vanderbilt carries a wide range of sizes, lengths and styles (including plus sizes), and the price at around $35.00 won’t hold you back. I usually get them at Kohl’s, but have also found them at (of all places) Fleet Farm stores. Once you know your size, you can also get them online at Amazon.com.


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Tami Cox lost three dress sizes and got her sexy back

8 01 2013

tn_Tamis BEFORE AFTER Promo Pic JAN 2013bI (Nadia Giordana) met Tami Cox a few years ago at a networking event in Minneapolis, Minnesota. I don’t remember specifics, except that she bought my book, Thinking Skinny. It was some time later that our paths crossed again and she mentioned that my book had inspired her to lose weight. She took from the book, what worked for her and then devised her own weight-loss program. Tami lost three dress sizes and is looking and feeling great. She deserves applause for everything she is doing. She’s a writer, so don’t be surprised if a book comes out of this.

Catalyst, spark, inspiration. Whatever you call it, I’m pleased to have been a small part of her story. This is what I expect my books and my life example to do, period. After that, readers, you should run with what you learn like Tami did and make it your own. When you do, your transformation or life change will be real and permanent.

Tami Cox helps women and couples put the SIZZLE and the SEXY back in their marriage. She is a published author, speaker, and love coach. After reading Thinking Skinny, she was inspired to transform her body and get her sexy back! Click the bold type to read more of her story of success. Also, to check out her business and spice up your life, visit her website at The Business of Love.


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Grow celery in your kitchen

1 11 2012
An end cut from a stalk of celery on the left, and a sprouting celery plant in a pot on the right.

Sprouting end cut, left, and growing celery on the right.

We often think of celery as one of the most common raw vegetables to have on hand as a healthy snack food—and it is. Let’s talk about having some fun in your kitchen with this savory vegetable. This idea has been circulating for some time now. Here is a fun idea for you to do:

When you slice off the big end of a large bunch of celery, don’t throw it away. (The correct name for the whole bunch is the head or stalk. The individual pieces are ribs.) In the springtime, you can plant the end pieces outside in your garden and let them grow. But what can you do in winter? Take the clean end piece of celery and set it cut-side-up in a shallow dish with about one inch of water in it. Let it sit there for several days (up to a week) until you see a sprout coming out of it. Then plant it sprout-side-up in a medium-sized pot using ordinary household potting soil. See photo.

In days your celery will be growing like gangbusters. Don’t be afraid to clip and snip for salads, use as garnish, and in soups. It will recover and continue to produce. You can have as many as you need waiting on your window sill.


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