<rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"><channel><title>formestudios</title><description>formestudios</description><link>https://formestudios.com/blog</link><item><title>2018 ANNUAL SALE PREVIEW</title><description><![CDATA[Here’s a list of everything on the sale! Decide your top THREE items. As your items sell out, we will go down your list! Before you look, please note that the # available are the number of these that will be sold. So, if it says 2 available and 2 people snag it before you, sorry, it's gone! This will help you prioritize what you want, as well as know how quickly you need to email us!Happy Holidays! MEMBERSHIP DEALS Buy a friend 1 month unlimited for $50 (4 available) Free barre socks with]]></description><dc:creator>Donna Burke</dc:creator><link>https://formestudios.com/single-post/2018/12/06/2018-ANNUAL-SALE-PREVIEW</link><guid>https://formestudios.com/single-post/2018/12/06/2018-ANNUAL-SALE-PREVIEW</guid><pubDate>Fri, 07 Dec 2018 01:25:15 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div>Here’s a list of everything on the sale! Decide your top THREE items. As your items sell out, we will go down your list! </div><div>Before you look, please note that the # available are the number of these that will be sold. So, if it says 2 available and 2 people snag it before you, sorry, it's gone! This will help you prioritize what you want, as well as know how quickly you need to email us!</div><div>Happy Holidays!</div><div>MEMBERSHIP DEALS </div><div>Buy a friend 1 month unlimited for $50 (4 available)Free barre socks with membership upgrade (5 available)One year unlimited $999 (2 available)Upgrade membership get first month free (4 available)One month Forme on demand free with membership upgrade (2 available) 6 class membership $72/mo (one year contract) (ONE available)Free year of on demand with purchase of one year unlimited (2 available) Monthly unlimited $145/mo (one yr contract) (ONE Available)10 class membership $110/mo (one yr contract) (ONE available) Monthly unlimited $135/mo (one year contract) (ONE Available)Free unlimited week for 2 friends (3 Available)</div><div>CLASS PACK DEALS</div><div>5 pack gift certificate $50 (ONE Available)20% off 5 pack of classes (ONE Available)20% off a 10 pack of classes (ONE Available)20% off a 20 pack of classes (ONE Available)</div><div>PRIVATE TRAINING DEALS </div><div>20% off 10 pack of private training (2 available)Free private class for you &amp; 10 friends (ONE Available) Free nutrition consult with Donna (5 available)</div><div>GIFT CERTIFICATE DEALS </div><div>BOGO 50% gift certificates (5 available)25% off gift certificates (5 available)5 pack gift certificate $50 (ONE Available)10 pack gift certificate $100 (ONE Available)$50 gift certificate for $25 (2 available)$100 gift certificate for $50 (2 available)</div><div>SELFCARE STORE DEALS </div><div>20% off self care store (3 available)50% off one self care item (3 available)20% off barre socks (two available)BOGO 50% off barresocks (3 available)</div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Edit Your Social. CHANGE Your Life.</title><description><![CDATA[We all do it. We scroll through Instagram and Facebook sending memes to friends while laughing about "how true it is"! Looking back at the memes I was sending or was being sent, I realized that while these things were funny, they were highlighting and glorifying the things I was trying to change about myself.They say that you're a culmination of the 5 people you hang out with most, but in a virtual world, are we also a culmination of the social media profiles we follow? I'm inspired by my<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_64fe557065ac4de5be6b0f1dd9844df9%7Emv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_563%2Ch_326/998609_64fe557065ac4de5be6b0f1dd9844df9%7Emv2.jpg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Donna Burke</dc:creator><link>https://formestudios.com/single-post/2018/02/20/Edit-Your-Social-Edit-Your-Life</link><guid>https://formestudios.com/single-post/2018/02/20/Edit-Your-Social-Edit-Your-Life</guid><pubDate>Wed, 06 Jun 2018 19:05:50 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div>We all do it. We scroll through Instagram and Facebook sending memes to friends while laughing about &quot;how true it is&quot;! Looking back at the memes I was sending or was being sent, I realized that while these things were funny, they were highlighting and glorifying the things I was trying to change about myself.</div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_64fe557065ac4de5be6b0f1dd9844df9~mv2.jpg"/><div>They say that you're a culmination of the 5 people you hang out with most, but in a virtual world, are we also a culmination of the social media profiles we follow? I'm inspired by my healthy, happy friends and kind of offended when someone tags me in a meme they think is &quot;so me&quot;, but isn't the person I see myself being. </div><div>I scrolled through my Instagram and started to unfollow all of the accounts posting “relatable memes” about drinking, bad dates/relationships and being lazy, then started following more accounts that aligned with where I wanted to go with my life. I followed Gabby Bernstein, Sara Blakely, Bethanney Frankel, The Wing, and so many more #girlboss women and companies. People I aspired to be like. People who made me get up in the morning after seeing their Insta story of the 3am wake up call for a TV interview, not people who posted about a hangover on a Monday morning because #SundayFunday. I also started following interior designers and fashion brands to inspire me to create a better home and better self. I realigned my priorities with the things I wanted out of life, not the things I thought would make me “cool”. </div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_3783aae4cbb74dfbbc0f6678827adbc5~mv2.jpg"/><div>The second tier to my social clean up was to also consider that I was making my friends feel the same way by sending “funny” memes with messages like “you. Last night.” If I felt disappointed in myself when I was sent one, why was I creating a culture where I made my friends feel the same way? So I pulled back, and stopped sending memes at all, then after a few weeks, started sending funny memes again, but not ones that spoke to anyone’s mistakes or misfortunes. I still got the same laughs, but I hoped I made my friends smile rather than question themselves. </div><div>I can say that my social stream cleanse has, in fact, made me happier and pushes me to achieve my goals. My feed empowers me rather than giving me pause, and while every now and then, a meme pops up that I would have stressed over for relating to, I’m finding that they don’t have the same effect. I’m relating to my new lifestyle, not the meme lifestyle. </div><div>So, think about your life. What you love about it, what you don’t love about it, and what you want to love about it. Then hit your social media feeds and start making decisions. Unfollow the things you don’t like about your life and add some accounts that make you strive for your best! Want to start your own business? Follow Gary Vaynerchuk. Want to find happiness? Follow Gabby Bernstein. Want to get healthier and live a balanced life? Follow TheFashionFitnessFoodie. </div><div>Edit what you look at every day to tailor your future. Manifest it in your social media feed. Put it in front of you. If you’re perfectly happy, then keep doing what you’re doing, girl! </div><div>Need some help? DM us on insta and we’ll walk you through it! @FORMEstudios </div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>FORME Retreat 2018: Welcome To MIAMI!</title><description><![CDATA[What is the FORME retreat?Every year we take a trip where the women of the FORME community get to soak up the sun, have some cocktails, make some new friends and go on a truly amazing trip for a very reasonable cost. We have two 30 minute workouts, one in the morning and one in the early evening, followed by days of pools, drinks and fabulous dinners!Do you have to come to the studio? NOPE! Every year we have friends from out of town join us for the trip! We love introducing new ladies to the<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_81e94fcac58d45bab0f594ef4fc24faf%7Emv2.jpg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Donna Burke</dc:creator><link>https://formestudios.com/single-post/2018/04/09/FORME-Retreat-2018-Welcome-To-MIAMI</link><guid>https://formestudios.com/single-post/2018/04/09/FORME-Retreat-2018-Welcome-To-MIAMI</guid><pubDate>Tue, 10 Apr 2018 00:43:48 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_81e94fcac58d45bab0f594ef4fc24faf~mv2.jpg"/><div>What is the FORME retreat?</div><div>Every year we take a trip where the women of the FORME community get to soak up the sun, have some cocktails, make some new friends and go on a truly amazing trip for a very reasonable cost. We have two 30 minute workouts, one in the morning and one in the early evening, followed by days of pools, drinks and fabulous dinners!</div><div>Do you have to come to the studio? </div><div>NOPE! Every year we have friends from out of town join us for the trip! We love introducing new ladies to the workouts and to all of you! So, tell your friends and have everyone join us!</div><div>Do you have to have someone to go with?</div><div>NOPE! You can fly solo and have your own room, or we can do our very best to pair you with a roommate!</div><div>Can I stay longer than the weekend?</div><div>We can try to work with the hotel to get you the same rates if you'd like to stay for a few extra days!</div><div>Here's the hotel &amp; pricing information you need to know!</div><div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_106883be1fe149cb846ee8edb61da483~mv2.png"/><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_81e94fcac58d45bab0f594ef4fc24faf~mv2.jpg"/><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_a441b2ae7f144556964c3bf2cdb42003~mv2_d_1836_2448_s_2.jpg"/><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_ab6d32f13a3f4a3caf91a3f52a0e81b7~mv2.jpg"/><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_a36a11251ee44cde8eff48c233c85ee5~mv2.jpg"/><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_6753f931090341a78bece5d10b55efc3~mv2.jpg"/></div><div><div>Hotel: <a href="http://www.faena.com/">Faena, Miami Beach</a></div> (You're going to DIE over this place!)</div><div>Dates: September 20th-23rd 2018</div><div>Room Rates:</div><div>Typically rooms at Faena are $600/night. We were able to get an amazing price at an amazing hotel! We cannot wait! #canwegonow</div><div>Room w/ 2 Twin Beds $575/person (One left!)Room w/ 2 Queen Beds $685/person (4 rooms left!)Room w/1 King Bed $940/person (1 left!)</div><div>$300 non-refundable deposit required upon reservation. Full payment must be made by 8/15/18, and can be paid in installments. Payments made directly to FORME for the hotel rooms.</div><div>Suggested Flight &amp; Price:</div><div>Departing, 9/20/18:</div><div>DL1987, ATLANTA to MIAMI</div><div>Departs 8:35am</div><div>Return, 9/23/18:</div><div>DL1460, MIAMI to ATLANTA</div><div>Departs 1:15pm</div><div>Current Price: $226.00 (basic economy) and $292.40 (main cabin) on Delta.com*</div><div>You are responsible for booking your own flight. You can choose to book this flight, or another flight or airline. This allows you to use skymiles, credit card points, vouchers, buddy passes, etc. if you have those options, or to book another flight time that works better for you! *Prices subject to change &amp; availability. We cannot guarantee these prices! Prices may vary from other cities.</div><div>How do You Join?</div><div><a href="mailto:info@formestudios.com?subject=FORME RETREAT MIAMI!!">Email Donna</a> to secure your room and make your deposit! Room types are first come, first booked. We can only provide this set number of double occupancy rooms. More king rooms can be booked!</div><div>Wait for confirmation of your room, then you can book your flight and let Donna know how to auto-bill your remaining payments.</div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Teeny Bikini Tone Up: You In?</title><description><![CDATA[I am so excited about this challenge! I know I need a reset before swimsuit season, and by the sounds of it, many of us need a lesson on balance before the summer! April 1st-May 31st!Toning up while living our best lives? Yes, please!SO what is the Teeny Bikini Tone Up Challenge?This challenge is one of our two annual nutrition challenges where we walk you through a balanced nutrition lifestyle (Read: have healthy foods, but also have tacos and queso!). This lifestyle helps you live your best<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_3864359548f14dd390c9a781e449496c.jpg/v1/fill/w_469%2Ch_469/998609_3864359548f14dd390c9a781e449496c.jpg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Donna Burke</dc:creator><link>https://formestudios.com/single-post/2018/03/15/Teeny-Bikini-Tone-Up-You-In</link><guid>https://formestudios.com/single-post/2018/03/15/Teeny-Bikini-Tone-Up-You-In</guid><pubDate>Thu, 15 Mar 2018 18:31:34 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_3864359548f14dd390c9a781e449496c.jpg"/><div>I am so excited about this challenge! I know I need a reset before swimsuit season, and by the sounds of it, many of us need a lesson on balance before the summer! April 1st-May 31st!</div><div>Toning up while living our best lives? Yes, please!</div><div>SO what is the Teeny Bikini Tone Up Challenge?</div><div>This challenge is one of our two annual nutrition challenges where we walk you through a balanced nutrition lifestyle (Read: have healthy foods, but also have tacos and queso!). This lifestyle helps you live your best life while making small changes at each meal to get you to your goals. It's an attainable and sustainable lifestyle, rather than a restrictive diet.</div><div>This year, you're betting on yourself! You're betting $35 on yourself as your deposit and official acceptance of this challenge! You can venmo it for me to hold (@formestudios)! The goal is to lose 5&quot;, and we take measurements right before the challenge starts in 5 places. (arms, bust/back, natural waist, belly, inner thighs) That's losing 1&quot; in each area, and in the past, people have lost closer to 10&quot; during these challenges. I promise, you'll get your $35 back!</div><div>If you drop out of this challenge, or do not hit the 5&quot; mark, you lose your $35 to &quot;the pot&quot;. This &quot;pot&quot; gets split up between the people who completed the challenge. SO, If 30 people register, and 15 drop out, the 15 people who complete this challenge not only lose inches, but also double their bet and get $70! Win win!!</div><div>But here's the thing, even if you do this challenge and life catches up to you and you only lose 3&quot; and lose your $35, you still lost 2&quot; and gained the knowledge for a healthy, balanced life! So there's no losing at all!</div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_ad9817ba1925486c8febaf35de9e2d61~mv2_d_3000_2000_s_2.png"/><div>Now, what do you need to do to accept the challenge, bet on yourself and get ready over the next 2 weeks?</div><div>1. <a href="mailto:info@formestudios.com?subject=TEENY BIKINI TONE UP! I'm In!">E-mail us</a> if you haven't yet to officially join! Have more questions? <a href="mailto:info@formestudios.com?subject=Teeny Bikini Questions!">Email us</a> and ask them!</div><div>2. Venmo that $35 to @formestudios!</div><div>3. If you're not a member, <a href="mailto:info@formestudios.com?subject=TEENY BIKINI TONE UP! I'm In!">email us</a> with the membership I need to set up for you to start on 4/1. Unlimited ($159), Teacher/Student ($115) or Classpass Supplement (6 classes for $88).</div><div>-We've seen the greatest result with people coming to FORME 5-6 times a week, which makes the unlimited plan the best option. I believe this is because you're surrounded by like minded people who are all engaging in the challenge and the instructors can engage with you about it. The motivation is greater inside the studio. That being said, if you are a super self-motivated person and know you can work your classpass membership alongside the FORME 6 class supplement membership, go for it. If it's not working by month 2, we can always switch it over!</div><div>4. Head to this doodle and check out when you can hit a Trader Joe's tour with me! I'll take groups of 4-5 people. Feel free to register for more than one day, I will confirm the final groups. <a href="https://doodle.com/poll/bx2zcc97rer6ehyq">https://doodle.com/poll/bx2zcc97rer6ehyq</a></div><div>5. Tell your friends! Get two friends who need this challenge to join you, get your first month of the challenge FREE! Yaaassss, queen.</div><div>6. Save these Dates:</div><div>Friday, March 30th, 6pm Meet &amp; Greet Challenge Happy Hour! The Regent Cocktail Club at American Cut at Buckhead Atlanta (we'll talk healthy cocktails and also meet everyone in the challenge!)</div><div>Friday, June 1st, 6pm Celebratory WE DID IT Happy Hour! Location TBD</div><div>7. Get started! After you make your venmo deposit and confirm your membership option, we'll send you the nutrition program and cookbook so you can start learning! We'll also send you access to our private TBTU Facebook group!</div><div>8. Make an appointment with Donna before or after one of her classes during the week of 3/25-3/31 to get measurements and photos! Please wear fitted leggings and a fitted top or sports bra for photos!</div><div>We can't wait to change our lifestyles together and love ourselves while doing it!</div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>How To Make The Most of The ClassPass Changes!</title><description><![CDATA[Another day, another change to your ClassPass membership, and this time it's a big one! With the new dynamic pricing structure, you'll now be paying the same as a class purchased from FORME, but without any of the perks! Here's 5 ways to make the most of your ClassPass membership, but also get the most out of your FORME classes and your bank account!1. Book early on ClassPass if you want a lower rate! The more people start to book a class, the more expensive it gets on ClassPass. Get on it when<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_ad9817ba1925486c8febaf35de9e2d61%7Emv2_d_3000_2000_s_2.png/v1/fill/w_457%2Ch_304/998609_ad9817ba1925486c8febaf35de9e2d61%7Emv2_d_3000_2000_s_2.png"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Donna Burke</dc:creator><link>https://formestudios.com/single-post/2018/03/04/How-To-Make-The-Most-of-The-ClassPass-Changes</link><guid>https://formestudios.com/single-post/2018/03/04/How-To-Make-The-Most-of-The-ClassPass-Changes</guid><pubDate>Mon, 05 Mar 2018 01:29:27 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div>Another day, another change to your ClassPass membership, and this time it's a big one! With the new dynamic pricing structure, you'll now be paying the same as a class purchased from FORME, but without any of the perks! </div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_ad9817ba1925486c8febaf35de9e2d61~mv2_d_3000_2000_s_2.png"/><div>Here's 5 ways to make the most of your ClassPass membership, but also get the most out of your FORME classes and your bank account!</div><div>1. Book early on ClassPass if you want a lower rate! The more people start to book a class, the more expensive it gets on ClassPass. Get on it when those classes open up! Prices on the ClassPass app are now the same as the studios! Keep this in mind as you book! </div><div>2. Buy direct from the studio when ClassPass starts &quot;surging&quot;. By purchasing directly from the studio, you have more flexibility with booking and cancelation policies, and better class pricing. ClassPass charges $15 for cancelling within 12 HOURS of a class, and $20 for a no show. That's more than the cost of a class at FORME!!</div><div>At FORME, we have the best late cancel and no show policy in the city! You can cancel for no penalty up to 30 MINUTES prior to class. Within 30 minutes, you keep your class credit but are charged $8. No show? $10 fee plus the loss of the class credit. See more FORME pricing and policies here!</div><div>Buying directly through FORME gives you flexibility and saves you money, honey!</div><div>3. Buy class packs through your favorite studios to pay less for classes than you'll be paying on Classpass now! A 20 pack at FORME brings classes down to $15/class and you can book classes super far in advance. These classes can also be used for up to one year! $15 is the lowest class price you'll ever get on ClassPass for a FORME class. Risk paying more on ClassPass just for booking closer to class time? No thanks!</div><div>4. Make a commitment to FORME and save even more! <a href="https://clients.mindbodyonline.com/classic/ws?studioid=152720&amp;stype=40&amp;prodId=105">Our 6 class supplement membership</a> allows you to have memberships and class packs at other studios, but saves you a bunch! $84/month makes each class $14, you can bring new friends for free AND you get into all of our events for FREE! <a href="https://clients.mindbodyonline.com/classic/ws?studioid=152720&amp;stype=40&amp;prodId=105">Purchase it here!</a></div><div><div>5. Make it official with us and save a ton! <a href="https://clients.mindbodyonline.com/classic/ws?studioid=152720&amp;stype=40&amp;prodId=100">$159 for an unlimited FORME membership</a>($115 for teachers/students!!) </div>gets you all the barre, mat Pilates, and cardio you can handle! This makes classes less than $6/class! You'll never beat that price!</div><div>Our members love the perks! Bring friends for free their first time! 10% off all retail! Access to all FORME events for free! A community of bad ass women who are always welcoming and fun!</div><div><a href="https://clients.mindbodyonline.com/classic/ws?studioid=152720&amp;stype=40&amp;prodId=100">Purchase the monthly unlimited here!</a></div><div><a href="https://clients.mindbodyonline.com/classic/ws?studioid=152720&amp;stype=40&amp;prodId=106">Purchase the Teacher/Student membership here!</a></div><div>The studio has been called &quot;a second home&quot;, a &quot;safe space&quot;, &quot;the most inclusive studio in Atlanta&quot;, &quot;a place where I can go an be myself&quot;. Join us and make that community even better by bringing your uniqueness to it!</div><div>Can't wait to see you in classes this week!</div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Using Your Apple Watch For Toning!</title><description><![CDATA[Like many of the FORME girls, I got an Apple Watch for the holidays, and two months in, I’m FINALLY getting a hold on how to make it most accuarate and understanding the metrics! The Apple Watch is most accurate when it can read your heart rate during the entire workout. Because of this, I tighten my band as much as I can to ensure it’s in constant contact with my skin. I can say that by doing this, I get about 100 calories more per workout than when it bounces around. When it can’t read your<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_8220d80aefe8410f8ddcd6d71e027e76%7Emv2.png/v1/fill/w_626%2Ch_729/998609_8220d80aefe8410f8ddcd6d71e027e76%7Emv2.png"/>]]></description><link>https://formestudios.com/single-post/2018/02/21/Using-Your-Apple-Watch-For-Toning</link><guid>https://formestudios.com/single-post/2018/02/21/Using-Your-Apple-Watch-For-Toning</guid><pubDate>Thu, 22 Feb 2018 13:38:44 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div>Like many of the FORME girls, I got an Apple Watch for the holidays, and two months in, I’m FINALLY getting a hold on how to make it most accuarate and understanding the metrics! </div><img src="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_8220d80aefe8410f8ddcd6d71e027e76~mv2.png"/><div>The Apple Watch is most accurate when it can read your heart rate during the entire workout. Because of this, I tighten my band as much as I can to ensure it’s in constant contact with my skin. I can say that by doing this, I get about 100 calories more per workout than when it bounces around. When it can’t read your heart rate, it uses a “walk” as your calorie burn. Let me be clear, FORME is no walk! </div><div>I get lots of questions on how to set your watch, what the metrics mean, and how you can use it to lose weight, so here are the answers to the most common Apple Watch questions!</div><div>1. What workout setting do you use?</div><div>BarreFusion, BarreFusion SCULPT, and Cardio FORME/glow are all versions of HIIT workouts. We typically think of HIIT workouts as workouts with sprints and rests, but the real definition of HIIT (high intensity interval training) is short bursts of cardio mixed with bursts of lower energy movement. </div><div>FORME uses a lower impact version of HIIT training. We based our class structure on this in order to burn the highest number of calories. So, set your watch to HIIT when your start class and watch those calories add up! </div><div>Pilates should be set to “other workout” then use the app on your phone to change the setting to Pilates. </div><div>2. What does “active calories” mean?</div><div>This term “active calories” lists the calories burned by elevating your heart rate and exercising. </div><div>3. What does “total calories” mean?</div><div>This term is the total number of calories your body burns plus your active calories. </div><div>4. Isn’t that the same thing?</div><div>Nope! Your “total calories” section during a workout is the number of active calories you burned because of the exercises PLUS the number of calories your body burned by running its systems so you can move muscles, breath, and activate your entire body without thinking. </div><img src="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_a517a9cbd5bc449b89a141c0ab3dc61d~mv2.jpg"/><div>691 is my “total calories” for SCULPT. 570 is my active calorie count. A difference of 121 calories, which means my body burned 121 EXTRA calories by breathing harder, moving limbs, and pumping my heart to get blood &amp; oxygen to itself. </div><div>Technically, your “resting calories” would be considered your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR). The number of calories your body burns to run all of its systems, even when you’re doing nothing at all. <a href="/single-post/2017/01/03/What-Is-A-Calorie-Why-Do-They-Make-Me-Gain-Weight">Check out this blog to see how to calculate and use your BMR for toning &amp; weight loss!</a></div><div>5. My Health App shows me different stats! What are these???</div><div>Your health app is an awesome way to track your overall burn. Resting energy is your BMR we just talked about. Active Energy is your exercise burn. </div><img src="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_71fcb0cf4a2d48c3aed3e7bdf6361b0d~mv2.png"/><div>So, looking at my chart from yesterday, my body burned 1791 calories by just being alive. We determined that it burned an extra 121 calories to ramp up my systems for my workout, so while I was at work, sleeping, walking around, driving, etc., my body burned 1,670 calories to keep me going. </div><div>My workout burned 691 calories overall. 570 from the workout and 121 from my body (we got these stats from the exercise tracking app on the watch, remember?)</div><div>So, yesterday I burned an overall total of 2,361 calories. Woah. </div><div>6. BUT WHAT DOES THAT MEAN???!!! And how do I use that information to help me hit my goals?</div><div>If your goal is to lose fat to tone up or lose weight, this is what that means: you should consume the number of calories in your BMR and exercise to burn your fat for extra energy. This does NOT mean that you burn 2000 calories by exercising to cancel out your food intake, your body needs food for fuel. If you do this, your body will start to break down. </div><div><a href="/single-post/2017/01/03/What-Is-A-Calorie-Why-Do-They-Make-Me-Gain-Weight">Read this blog</a> for a more in depth discussion on how to use these numbers plus a balanced lifestyle to hit your goals. </div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>We Tried Meal Delivery: Peach Dish!</title><description><![CDATA[We're huge fans of anything that makes being healthy easier, and when I bought my first PeachDish at Whole Foods, it was purely out of the need to get a meal cooked FAST. I was running late, per usual, and needed to get to the store and get a meal on the table before we headed out for an event that evening. Whole Foods was on my way home, so I flew in and saw these pre-packaged meals that I could just cook and be done. THANK THE LORD was my only thought.Honestly, I've tried other prepacked meals]]></description><dc:creator>Donna Burke</dc:creator><link>https://formestudios.com/single-post/2017/08/22/We-Tried-Meal-Delivery-Peach-Dish</link><guid>https://formestudios.com/single-post/2017/08/22/We-Tried-Meal-Delivery-Peach-Dish</guid><pubDate>Tue, 22 Aug 2017 18:34:04 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div>We're huge fans of anything that makes being healthy easier, and when I bought my first <a href="http://www.peachdish.com">PeachDish</a> at Whole Foods, it was purely out of the need to get a meal cooked FAST. I was running late, per usual, and needed to get to the store and get a meal on the table before we headed out for an event that evening. Whole Foods was on my way home, so I flew in and saw these pre-packaged meals that I could just cook and be done. THANK THE LORD was my only thought.</div><div>Honestly, I've tried other prepacked meals before and have had zero luck. I always open them to find a 1000 calorie per serving meal that barely feeds me, let alone my boyfriend. <a href="https://www.peachdish.com/">PeachDish</a> was different, it was all organic, locally sourced ingredients and healthy to boot!! The BF kept saying the meal was so good, and okay, maybe I didn't tell him the meal wasn't EXACTLY all me, but he didn't need to know!</div><div>Fast forward to me finding out I could order <a href="https://www.peachdish.com/">PeachDish</a> online! Holy. Game Changer. I logged into <a href="https://www.peachdish.com/">PeachDish.com</a> and chose my meals for the next week, they were delivered to my house on Tuesday and I had healthy meals I didn't have to think about until Saturday. My favorite part is that they have options for vegetarian, Pescatarian, and even Gluten Free. Here are pics of just a few of the meals I made:</div><div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_4ff1190013424b2abf9efbfa16e45031~mv2.jpg"/><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_871ea9d8c8f24283a4f21d8858eebb9e~mv2.jpg"/><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_680c6d88f7084aed81f83b6a25c1f1ad~mv2.jpg"/></div><div>(Pictured: Vegetarian Pearl Couscous w/ tomatoes &amp; sprouts, Pork Hot Pot w/Snap Beans &amp; Smoked Chicken Sausage Maque Choux)</div><div>All of these took less than 30 minutes, and while I know how to cook, I didn't know any of these recipes, so ANYONE of any cooking level can do this. The recipe cards even tell you temperatures and lengths to cook each individual item. See the video at the end for a &quot;live&quot; cooking demo from my kitchen! </div><div>We actually loved <a href="https://www.peachdish.com/">PeachDish</a> so much we slid into their DMs and got in touch with the amazing team at their Atlanta HQ! They loved us so much they're giving you <div>$15 off your first order at <a href="https://www.peachdish.com/">PeachDish.com</a> with promocode FORME!</div> #yourewelcome #goordernow</div><div>Here's a video of me channeling my best Julia Child, and failing. Live cooking is super difficult!</div><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QMSW4IrAEzI"/></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Our 5 Trader Joe's Favorites!</title><description><![CDATA[I'm OBSESSED with Trader Joe's. OB.SESSED. I love TJ's because they make semi-homemade easy, and for all us busy babes on the go, we need that. So, here are the 5 things I buy from Trader Joe's every week to help me stay on track:Photo: Trader Joes1. Cauliflower Rice: Seriously, I don't even like cauliflower, but this stuff has changed the game. Replace any kind of rice dish with the cauliflower rice, and you can't even tell. Eating it alone? I'd suggest cooking it with a couple cloves of garlic<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_747e000b758b4ea9b22645a86aea1f0c%7Emv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_500%2Ch_344/998609_747e000b758b4ea9b22645a86aea1f0c%7Emv2.jpg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Donna Burke</dc:creator><link>https://formestudios.com/single-post/2017/08/02/Our-5-Trader-Joes-Favorites</link><guid>https://formestudios.com/single-post/2017/08/02/Our-5-Trader-Joes-Favorites</guid><pubDate>Thu, 03 Aug 2017 00:32:09 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div>I'm OBSESSED with Trader Joe's. OB.SESSED. I love TJ's because they make semi-homemade easy, and for all us busy babes on the go, we need that. </div><div>So, here are the 5 things I buy from Trader Joe's every week to help me stay on track:</div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_747e000b758b4ea9b22645a86aea1f0c~mv2.jpg"/><div>Photo: Trader Joes</div><div>1. Cauliflower Rice: Seriously, I don't even like cauliflower, but this stuff has changed the game. Replace any kind of rice dish with the cauliflower rice, and you can't even tell. Eating it alone? I'd suggest cooking it with a couple cloves of garlic to cover the cauliflower taste. Sprinkle in some salt &amp; pepper, you're good to go! (You can find it either refrigerated or frozen aisle! Both are organic, non-gmo!)</div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_d01ce9593a764833b32d43bb8302878f~mv2.jpg"/><div> Photo: Spindrift</div><div>2. Spindrift Seltzer: You like La Croix? You'll LOVE Spindrift. Made with real fruits crushed in the seltzer water, they have more flavor and just as few calories. (Use them on the weekends to make cocktails, and you're set!)</div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_f6f1e3ecd93e454ba7b4b9456a6ff40e~mv2.jpg"/><div>Photo: Google </div><div>3. Refrigerated, Shelled Edamame: Eat it cold. Eat it heated with salt. Season with some of the Everything But The Bagel seasoning. Add it to every. single. meal. Edamame has more protein than most meats, it's great to up the protein and feel more full for lower cals!</div><div>4. Soy &amp; Flax Chips w/Peach Salsa: Did you know flax is really healthy, but only if it's ground down? Which means these chips are super healthy, give you the feel of tortilla chips and are delicious! I love the peach salsa because it has that sweet &amp; tangy flavor that keeps me going in the afternoon without grabbing candy.</div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_be00baa3fef4401cb8c13367aa5bad9b~mv2_d_1600_1200_s_2.jpg"/><div> Photo: Brie My Love</div><div>5. Spicy Dried Mango: If you love spicy foods, you have to grab a bag of these. I love to nosh on them before classes to get a bump of sugar and get my metabolism going to keep it in high gear all day.</div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Can't Tone It? TAN IT!</title><description><![CDATA[This spring, we're partnering with the fearless #girlbosses of Atlanta and bringing some serious discounts and fun stuff to the FORME girls! First up, our favorite spray tan studio, RAW Bronzing Studio! Use promocode FORME$10 to get $10 off any service at RAW or mention us over the phone! We're entering wedding season, festival season, swimsuit season, shorts season and hot as blazes season, which means all of your hard FORME work is about to pay off, but who says a little tan can't give you<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_cd6a18c0bd7d44598b67fc7d1763a3d9%7Emv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_626%2Ch_626/998609_cd6a18c0bd7d44598b67fc7d1763a3d9%7Emv2.jpg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Donna Burke</dc:creator><link>https://formestudios.com/single-post/2017/04/27/Cant-Tone-It-TAN-IT</link><guid>https://formestudios.com/single-post/2017/04/27/Cant-Tone-It-TAN-IT</guid><pubDate>Thu, 27 Apr 2017 17:24:14 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div>This spring, we're partnering with the fearless #girlbosses of Atlanta and bringing some serious discounts and fun stuff to the FORME girls! First up, our favorite spray tan studio, <a href="http://www.rawbronzingstudio.com/">RAW Bronzing Studio</a>!</div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_cd6a18c0bd7d44598b67fc7d1763a3d9~mv2.jpg"/><div> Use promocode FORME$10 to get $10 off any service at RAW or mention us over the phone! </div><div>We're entering wedding season, festival season, swimsuit season, shorts season and hot as blazes season, which means all of your hard FORME work is about to pay off, but who says a little tan can't give you that extra confidence you're looking for!</div><img src="http://media2.giphy.com/media/T5ewlwT0N20hy/giphy.gif"/><div>I always feel my absolute BEST while rocking a RAW tan and you'll never have a Ross from &quot;Friends&quot; tanning problem again! RAW has been voted best Spray Tan in Atlanta for the last 8 years! We don't trust anyone else, and that's why FORME has partnered with <a href="http://www.rawbronzingstudio.com/">RAW to get you $10 off any service</a>! Use promocode FORME$10 at checkout or mention the discount while booking over the phone!</div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_f8babc718feb4f929cd0c29f11059650~mv2.png"/><div>Not only do we love how professional they are, but RAW uses all organic, toxin free tanning solutions. We care about what we eat, we should also care about what soaks into our largest organ, our skin!</div><div>Never gotten a spray tan before? Here's what RAW has to say about getting the best tan possible:</div><div>PREP 101</div><div>HOW TO PREP &amp; WHAT TO BRING</div><div>• Shower, shave, exfoliate.</div><div>• FOR BEST RESULTS: Come free of lotion and makeup (unless you add the Prep).</div><div>• Wear dark, soft, knit layers and flip flops after (NO JEANS, SPORTS BRAS OR TIGHT SHOES).</div><div>HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR TAN</div><div>• No sweating or getting wet for 8 hours.</div><div>• After initial 8 hours of dry time, showering, moisturizing, and sweating is ok. </div><div>• During the first 8 hours, don’t touch the skin with fingers/palms. </div><div>• Wash palms/finger tips every couple hours post-tan to keep them from picking up excess color.</div><div>• Avoid spray sunscreens (unless they’re organic, like Coola). They’ll strip the color completely.</div><div>• Take cool, quick showers.</div><div>• When you are ready for a fresh tan, spot exfoliate as needed throughout the week until the tan is completely gone. Then you’re ready for the next!</div><div>FOR MORE INFO VISIT RAW'S <a href="http://www.rawbronzingstudio.com/more-info">TIPS &amp; TRICKS PAGE</a>.</div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Cardio FORME vs SCULPT: What Shoes Are Best?</title><description><![CDATA[Sneakers are made in all different fabrics, support levels and for all different sports. Wearing the wrong ones can create issues while exercising that you may think is from the workout, but can be solved with a simple purchase of new shoes! Everyone's body is different, and we search for the perfect swimsuit for our body type, so why aren't we just as picky with our sneaker purchases? Pronation, supination, knock kneed, unlevel hips, you name it, your FORME instructors have it, and we've tested<img src="http://media3.giphy.com/media/xT5LMYAMUkxDeakh56/giphy.gif"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Donna Burke</dc:creator><link>https://formestudios.com/single-post/2017/04/04/Cardio-FORME-vs-SCULPT-What-Shoes-Are-Best</link><guid>https://formestudios.com/single-post/2017/04/04/Cardio-FORME-vs-SCULPT-What-Shoes-Are-Best</guid><pubDate>Tue, 18 Apr 2017 10:15:00 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div>Sneakers are made in all different fabrics, support levels and for all different sports. Wearing the wrong ones can create issues while exercising that you may think is from the workout, but can be solved with a simple purchase of new shoes! Everyone's body is different, and we search for the perfect swimsuit for our body type, so why aren't we just as picky with our sneaker purchases? </div><img src="http://media3.giphy.com/media/xT5LMYAMUkxDeakh56/giphy.gif"/><div>Pronation, supination, knock kneed, unlevel hips, you name it, your FORME instructors have it, and we've tested the gamut of shoes to help you get through our classes with only that sweet, sweet muscle burn you come to class for, no other aches and pains!</div><div>When Hadley first started teaching cardio FORME, she was complaining about her lower back and feet hurting. From experience, I knew this was an impact problem. Her back taking the impact of the cardio versus her ankles, knees and hips. But why? Hadley was wearing a pair of low profile, Skechers walking shoes for high impact cardio, aka zero support. After a few weeks of hounding her, she went to the Nike store and purchased a pair of <a href="http://store.nike.com/us/en_us/pd/air-zoom-strong-womens-training-shoe/pid-11235902/pgid-11505360">Nike Air Zoom Strong</a>shoes. These shoes are built for cross training and have a foot support strap which took away her foot pain, and the support in the sole of the shoe redistributed the impact from the cardio through the sole of her shoe and her joints properly. Problem. Solved!</div><div>For me, I struggled with many injuries from past sports and workouts. I need a shoe with the highest level of support, so I wear the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&amp;field-keywords=womens+nike+pegasus&amp;rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Awomens+nike+pegasus/?tag=formestudios-20">Nike Pegasus and the Zoom Pegasus</a>for cardio FORME. This is Nike's most supportive running shoe, which works well for me. Jelly sports <a href="https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Daps&amp;field-keywords=womens+nike+free+5.0/?tag=formestudios-20">the Nike Free 5.0</a>, which is the most supportive of the Free collection, and Lauren C wears the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&amp;field-keywords=womens+adidas+pure+boost&amp;rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Awomens+adidas+pure+boost/?tag=formestudios-20">Adidas Pure Boost</a> that hug her high arches and give her support. </div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_e6e7282b557f4f599567bf631a4328e4~mv2.jpg"/><div>But why do we always wear different shoes for cardio and SCULPT? </div><div>Do you need to, too?</div><div>SCULPT is a low impact, balanced based cardio class. When searching for the perfect shoe for this class, we wanted a low profile, almost barefoot style shoe that let our feet do the work. The more sole of a shoe that you have, the less impression your feet can make with the ground. Our foot sensors help our body maintain our balance, and being close to the ground helps with that. </div><div>We recommend the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&amp;field-keywords=womens+nike+free+tr+6&amp;rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Awomens+nike+free+tr+6/?tag=formestudios-20">Nike Free TR 6</a>, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Daps&amp;field-keywords=womens+APL&amp;rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Awomens+APL/?tag=formestudios-20">APL</a>, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_4_16?url=search-alias%3Daps&amp;field-keywords=new+balance+minimus+women&amp;sprefix=new+balance+mini%2Caps%2C144&amp;crid=1PTT3RUMXGM7M&amp;rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Anew+balance+minimus+women/?tag=formestudios-20">New Balance Minimus</a>, and the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Daps&amp;field-keywords=womens+nike+lunar+glide&amp;rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Awomens+nike+lunar+glide/?tag=formestudios-20">Nike Lunar Glide</a> to keep you close to the ground but still get support while moving around the studio! </div><div>But you're not an activewear expert? How do you find the right pair for you? We suggest heading to one of our favorite local running specialty stores, West Stride on W Paces Ferry or Big Peach (multiple locations). Explain you're doing high impact cross training for cardio FORME and let them test your gait. Or let them know you need a low profile, barefoot type of shoe for a low impact, dance based class. They'll be able to get you set up!</div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Talk About It Tuesday: Stress &amp; Striving for Perfection</title><description><![CDATA[Life is busy, stressful, and overwhelming sometimes! Forme girls know that first hand—we are trying to balance careers, relationships, healthy living, and look fabulous while doing it. We’ve all been there when you think to yourself: “I cannot handle one more thing in my life right now. If someone even looks at me wrong, I’m going to burst into tears.” Remember, we are all human and it’s okay to give yourself a break from the incessant pressure of life. Here are 5 of the best things you can do<img src="http://media4.giphy.com/media/lMXUc94LvbjDa/giphy.gif"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Susanna McQuarrie</dc:creator><link>https://formestudios.com/single-post/2017/04/04/Talk-About-It-Tuesday-Stress-Striving-for-Perfection</link><guid>https://formestudios.com/single-post/2017/04/04/Talk-About-It-Tuesday-Stress-Striving-for-Perfection</guid><pubDate>Tue, 04 Apr 2017 14:41:47 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div>Life is busy, stressful, and overwhelming sometimes! Forme girls know that first hand—we are trying to balance careers, relationships, healthy living, and look fabulous while doing it.</div><img src="http://media4.giphy.com/media/lMXUc94LvbjDa/giphy.gif"/><div> We’ve all been there when you think to yourself: “I cannot handle one more thing in my life right now. If someone even looks at me wrong, I’m going to burst into tears.” Remember, we are all human and it’s okay to give yourself a break from the incessant pressure of life. Here are 5 of the best things you can do for yourself when you’re feeling overwhelmed: 1. Exercise—not just for your body, it is extremely helpful for your mind, too! Research supports that physical activity can help improve your mood when you’re already feeling down or overwhelmed and it can help prevent you from feeling anxious and stressed. In general, people who are more physically active are less likely to experience symptoms of anxiety and depression. So the next time you feel like your life is getting a little out of control, go work out—it will help! 2. Mindfulness—This buzzword has been popping up all over mainstream culture recently, but is actually a longstanding practice dating back thousands of years, rooted in Hinduism and Buddhism. The goal of mindfulness is to bring your awareness to the present moment and away from worry about the future or ruminative thoughts about the past. Think about the last time you were super stressed, it probably wasn’t just because of something in that moment—you were probably also worried about upcoming deadlines or an important event. The point of mindfulness is to take each moment at a time in order to live a more fulfilling life. The practice of mindfulness has been shown to be such an effective tool for mental health that it is incorporated into many therapies today.</div><img src="http://media0.giphy.com/media/EqJBJMCh96O1W/giphy.gif"/><div>3. Social support—when you’re feeling especially stressed, reach out to those who care about you! Studies consistently show that strong social support networks are protective against many mental health problems. Be careful not to “co-ruminate” though--we’re all guilty of getting together with girl friends and complaining about a certain job/boss/co-worker. While it may feel good in the moment to feel like you’re not alone in your feelings about something, this can actually lead to feeling worse and more burnt out in the long run. Try to keep conversations with your friends and family about your feelings and don’t waste time on people who bring you down! 4. Sleep—The National Sleep Foundation recommends that adult women get 7-9 hours of sleep per night. I hear you: “How am I supposed to fit that into my already crazy schedule?!” Well the idea is that if you’re more well rested you will work more efficiently throughout the day and it will probably take you less time to get things done. Also, it’s important to make sure the sleep you get is restful by sleeping in a dark, quiet and slightly cool room (60-68°F). And the least popular, but very important sleep hygiene recommendation is to limit “screen-time” 30 minutes before you try to go to sleep. This means not checking your phone, computer or watching TV. The light emitted from these devices interferes with your body’s circadian rhythm (the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle that can be influenced by light).</div><img src="http://media2.giphy.com/media/5L9GOn3sAUmCQ/giphy.gif"/><div>5. Cut back on the wine…. don’t drink to feel better, drink to feel EVEN better. Alcohol acts as a depressant on the body and the brain. This means that if you are feeling sad, down, and overwhelmed, the wine you drink is only going to amplify that feeling. Try swapping out the glass of wine for a cup of tea. Green tea has great benefits for the mind and body!</div><div>Susanna has a Masters degree in Psychology from Georgia State and is currently in school for a PhD in Clinical Psychology. </div><div>Sources: Chernomas, W. M. (2014). Social Support and Mental Health. The Wiley Blackwell Encyclopedia of Health, Illness, Behavior, and Society. Hiles, S. A., Lamers, F., Milaneschi, Y., &amp; Penninx, B. W. J. H. (2017). Sit, step, sweat: longitudinal associations between physical activity patterns, anxiety and depression. Psychological Medicine, 1-12. Khoury, B., Lecomte, T., Fortin, G., Masse, M., Therien, P., Bouchard, V., ... &amp; Hofmann, S. G. (2013). Mindfulness-based therapy: a comprehensive meta-analysis. Clinical psychology review, 33(6), 763-771. Mammen, G., &amp; Faulkner, G. (2013). Physical activity and the prevention of depression: a systematic review of prospective studies. American journal of preventive medicine, 45(5), 649-657. Stone, L. B., Hankin, B. L., Gibb, B. E., &amp; Abela, J. R. (2011). Co-rumination predicts the onset of depressive disorders during adolescence. Journal of abnormal psychology, 120(3), 752.</div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>5 Things FORME Instructors Can't Live Without</title><description><![CDATA[The girls at FORME are always up on the latest and greatest trends, but trends don't stick around for long. So, what do the FORME girls swear they aren't tossing aside?1. PopSockets: Have you ever complained that your arm isn't long enough for selfies? Or one handed texting is just too hard? #firstworldproblems We've got all of this solved, and a more comfortable way to hold your phone in the PopSocket. A disc that sticks onto the back of your phone that allows for more selfie taking length and<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_ea3f136427a445b7b3857c2e252d2ae3%7Emv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_438%2Ch_438/998609_ea3f136427a445b7b3857c2e252d2ae3%7Emv2.jpg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Donna Burke</dc:creator><link>https://formestudios.com/single-post/2017/02/16/5-Things-FORME-Instructors-Cant-Live-Without</link><guid>https://formestudios.com/single-post/2017/02/16/5-Things-FORME-Instructors-Cant-Live-Without</guid><pubDate>Thu, 02 Mar 2017 14:35:29 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div>The girls at FORME are always up on the latest and greatest trends, but trends don't stick around for long. So, what do the FORME girls swear they aren't tossing aside?</div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_ea3f136427a445b7b3857c2e252d2ae3~mv2.jpg"/><div>1. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/PopSockets/b/ref=w_bl_hsx_s_wi_web_9358146011?ie=UTF8&amp;node=9358146011&amp;field-lbr_brands_browse-bin=PopSockets&amp;tag=formestudios-20">PopSockets:</a></div><div>Have you ever complained that your arm isn't long enough for selfies? Or one handed texting is just too hard? #firstworldproblems We've got all of this solved, and a more comfortable way to hold your phone in the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/PopSockets/b/ref=w_bl_hsx_s_wi_web_9358146011?ie=UTF8&amp;node=9358146011&amp;field-lbr_brands_browse-bin=PopSockets&amp;tag=formestudios-20">PopSocket</a>. A disc that sticks onto the back of your phone that allows for more selfie taking length and keeping your <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-3409834/Have-got-smartphone-pinky-People-share-shocking-photos-showing-hands-left-deformed-way-hold-gadget.html">pinky fingers free of &quot;phone indents&quot;</a>. Don't worry, you can stick, unstick and remove it when you want! <a href="https://www.amazon.com/PopSockets/b/ref=w_bl_hsx_s_wi_web_9358146011?ie=UTF8&amp;node=9358146011&amp;field-lbr_brands_browse-bin=PopSockets&amp;tag=formestudios-20">Buy one!</a></div><img src="http://media3.giphy.com/media/LqnmRBalFUUNi/giphy.gif"/><div><a href="https://www.amazon.com/LuMee/b/ref=w_bl_hsx_s_wi_web_13451998011?ie=UTF8&amp;node=13451998011&amp;field-lbr_brands_browse-bin=LuMee&amp;tag=formestudios-20">2. Lumee Cases:</a></div><div>Speaking of selfies....we swear by our Lumee cases, the iPhone cases with the face illuminating lights. They dim, brighten and give that Kim K selfie perfection. Perfect for Snapchats in dimly lit bars or just adding that little oomph to an Insta. The <a href="https://www.amazon.com/LuMee-Duo-iPhone-6s-Matte/dp/B01NBX6CHF/ref=lp_13451998011_1_9?srs=13451998011&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1488462819&amp;sr=8-9&amp;tag=formestudios-20">Lumee Duo</a>now has lights on the back so all of you can really capture your brunch pics in all their glory! Seriously though, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/LuMee/b/ref=w_bl_hsx_s_wi_web_13451998011?ie=UTF8&amp;node=13451998011&amp;field-lbr_brands_browse-bin=LuMee&amp;tag=formestudios-20">get one!</a></div><img src="http://media0.giphy.com/media/UI5VoseHC5QMU/giphy.gif"/><div><a href="https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_2_22?url=search-alias%3Dfashion-womens-clothing&amp;field-keywords=high+waisted+workout+leggings&amp;sprefix=high+waisted+workout+l%2Caps%2C133&amp;crid=FGUP02SW71PF&amp;rh=i%3Afashion-womens-clothing%2Ck%3Ahigh+waisted+workout+leggings&amp;tag=formestudios-20">3. High-waisted Leggings:</a></div><div>Lauren P <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Alo-Yoga/b/ref=w_bl_sl_l_ap_ap_web_8172086011?ie=UTF8&amp;node=8172086011&amp;field-lbr_brands_browse-bin=Alo+Yoga&amp;tag=formestudios-20">swears by Alo</a>. Donna <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lorna-Jane/b/ref=w_bl_sl_ap_ap_web_13640772011?ie=UTF8&amp;node=13640772011&amp;field-lbr_brands_browse-bin=Lorna+Jane&amp;tag=formestudios-20">swears by Lorna Jane</a>. Karly <a href="http://www.fabletics.com/invite/23406422/">loves her Fabletics</a>. No matter what brand, we love our high waisted styles that add that little bit of confidence and make sporting crop tops that much easier. </div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_5974b941fb244b3a95aae90f9fb9bb42~mv2.jpg"/><div>4. Kombucha:</div><div>Fizzy, fermented tea that has so many health benefits we just can't stop loving it. Catch us in the fridge aisle at Sprouts, Whole Foods, or buying in bulk at Costco. We love this healthy alternative to soda and juice! (Pssst....mix it with wine for a healthy spritzer!) Currently 2 for $6 at Kroger!</div><img src="http://media2.giphy.com/media/l46CnJs02ADUVWjxS/giphy.gif"/><div>5. Dry Shampoo: </div><div>Donna uses <a href="https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Daps&amp;field-keywords=lush+no+drought&amp;rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Alush+no+drought&amp;tag=formestudios-20">Lush &quot;No Drought&quot;</a>, and she &amp; Alex also swear by <a href="https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&amp;field-keywords=oribe+dry+shampoo&amp;tag=formestudios-20">Oribe Gold Lust</a>. Hadley &amp; Jelly use <a href="https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_1_10?url=search-alias%3Daps&amp;field-keywords=not+your+mothers+dry+shampoo&amp;sprefix=not+your+m%2Caps%2C163&amp;crid=163PIBH1EKCS3&amp;rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Anot+your+mothers+dry+shampoo&amp;tag=formestudios-20">&quot;Not Your Mother's&quot;</a>. Karly uses <a href="http://www.target.com/s?searchTerm=kristen%20ess%20dry%20shampoo">Kristen Ess' new Target line</a>. Lauren P uses <a href="https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&amp;field-keywords=oribe+dry+shampoo&amp;tag=formestudios-20">Oribe &quot;Foundation Mist&quot;</a> (but you need heat!). Lauren C uses whatever she can <a href="https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_1_20?url=search-alias%3Daps&amp;field-keywords=travel+size+dry+shampoo&amp;sprefix=travel+size+dry+sham%2Caps%2C142&amp;crid=8649LMLPA68P&amp;rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Atravel+size+dry+shampoo&amp;tag=formestudios-20">find in travel size</a>. Dry shampoo is our saving grace heading from our classes to work, dinner or a date! We keep one everywhere we can! And when we don't have access to our faves? Baby Powder always does the trick! Keep your eye on the blog for a whole post on dry shampoo from our in-house beauty guru, Lauren P!</div><div>There you have it! All the things we need to keep our phones in hand, hair in place and selfies on point.</div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Teeny Bikini Tone Up!</title><description><![CDATA[Our Spring kick off challenge is here, and it's our annual 21 in 31 challenge, the Teeny Bikini Tone Up!Your goal? To hit as many FORME classes as you can during the month of March. As soon as you hit the 21st class, you win a pretty sweet prize. Be the first to hit 21? Get $50 to spend at Lululemon! While we'd love to let this be an absolute free for all, there are some rules you must follow in order to win the challenge. Don't worry, they're super simple and are to keep it fair!TEENY BIKINI<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_1925d3b8b08f47e9aba163f021f8a7be%7Emv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_394%2Ch_394/998609_1925d3b8b08f47e9aba163f021f8a7be%7Emv2.jpg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Donna Burke</dc:creator><link>https://formestudios.com/single-post/2017/02/28/Teeny-Bikini-Tone-Up</link><guid>https://formestudios.com/single-post/2017/02/28/Teeny-Bikini-Tone-Up</guid><pubDate>Tue, 28 Feb 2017 14:18:34 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div>Our Spring kick off challenge is here, and it's our annual 21 in 31 challenge, the Teeny Bikini Tone Up!</div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_1925d3b8b08f47e9aba163f021f8a7be~mv2.jpg"/><div>Your goal? To hit as many FORME classes as you can during the month of March. As soon as you hit the 21st class, you win a pretty sweet prize. Be the first to hit 21? Get $50 to spend at Lululemon! </div><div>While we'd love to let this be an absolute free for all, there are some rules you must follow in order to win the challenge. Don't worry, they're super simple and are to keep it fair!</div><div>TEENY BIKINI TONE UP RULES:</div><div>1. Two-A-Days are welcome, but you can only hit TWO 2-a-days a week, and you may not take two high impact classes in one day (read: sculpt &amp; cardio FORME). Back to back classes are also okay, but again no more than two a week.</div><div>2. Morning Madness: Hit any class before noon Monday - Friday and get entered to win the second $50 Lululemon gift card. Every morning class taken will be an additional entry. #riseandFORME, ladies! (Please use the sun stickers to denote your morning attendance!)</div><div>2. You are in charge of tracking your classes on the Teeny Bikini Tone Up board in the studio. Donna will verify the results, but if you forget to mark a day and someone else wins, we can't help. Sorry! </div><div>3. Use your social media to motivate you! Use #getyourFORMEon and #TeenyBikiniToneUp so we can see them and share them! Tag @FORMEstudios, too!</div><div>4. Have fun! Don't let this challenge add extra stress to your life. The real lesson is to find out when we can take classes and when we're really just being lazy. There's always a bigger goal with FORME challenges!</div><div>There yo have it! It's easy as pie! Just get your bootay to FORME and put a little stick on the board! <a href="mailto:info@formestudios.com?subject=I'm IN! #TeenyBikiniToneUp">Email Donna</a> to let her know you're definitely in!</div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Sober Thoughts: 5 Non-Alcoholic Friend Dates</title><description><![CDATA[Have you noticed every time you want to catch up with a friend, it's always, "Let's grab drinks," which leads to money spent, extra calories consumed, and many times, a hangover the next day. We've noticed a shift in social trends over the last 6 months, with many of the FORME girls, including myself, going sober. "...sober is the new party..."I decided to do "No Drink November" in the fall after a slew of Saturday nights out and Sundays spent on the couch. I decided I wanted a better quality of<img src="http://media3.giphy.com/media/avbpWzEvlcexW/giphy.gif"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Donna Burke</dc:creator><link>https://formestudios.com/single-post/2017/02/23/Sober-Thoughts-5-NonAlcoholic-Friend-Dates</link><guid>https://formestudios.com/single-post/2017/02/23/Sober-Thoughts-5-NonAlcoholic-Friend-Dates</guid><pubDate>Thu, 23 Feb 2017 19:34:27 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div>Have you noticed every time you want to catch up with a friend, it's always, &quot;Let's grab drinks,&quot; which leads to money spent, extra calories consumed, and many times, a hangover the next day. </div><img src="http://media3.giphy.com/media/avbpWzEvlcexW/giphy.gif"/><div>We've noticed a shift in social trends over the last 6 months, with many of the FORME girls, including myself, going sober. </div><div>&quot;...sober is the new party...&quot;</div><div>I decided to do &quot;No Drink November&quot; in the fall after a slew of Saturday nights out and Sundays spent on the couch. I decided I wanted a better quality of weekend; weekends where I could enjoy Friday night, all day Saturday and all day Sunday.</div><div>My biggest fear? I am I going to be as much fun without drinking. </div><div>4 months later, with the occasional late night of imbibing, I can assure you, I am just as much fun, actually, more fun, when I'm sober. According to <a href="https://www.wellandgood.com/good-advice/sober-social-events-trend-wellness/">Well + Good</a>&amp; Glamour, I'm ahead of the trend, sober is the new party, there are even mocktail bars opening in NYC. </div><div>So, what do you do when you don't go for drinks? First, you save almost $600 a month. Second, you learn to take care of yourself. </div><div>Here's what I do with my friends now that I'm not drinking:</div><img src="http://media0.giphy.com/media/hfK02CmJDtYvC/giphy.gif"/><div>1. Mani-Pedi Dates: Drinks are just a venting sesh anyways, why do it when you're drunk and yelling? Grab some pedicure appointments, turn on the massage chair, and relax while spilling all of your latest date deets without everyone around you hearing. Can't afford to get regular mani/pedis? They cost the same amount as drinks &amp; apps at your local restaurant, you can if you choose one!</div><div>2. Coffee &amp; Chair Massages: Treat Your Feet has $35 body massages and $20 foot massages (30 minutes) where you can sit next to your friend fully clothed and relax while talking about how you want to quit your job. Grab a coffee next door to the Buckhead location at Caribou on Peachtree &amp; Piedmont, and you're set. </div><img src="http://media1.giphy.com/media/SSA5FHxQ6Pk2I/giphy.gif"/><div>3. Workout &amp; Brunch: Sober brunch is the new Sunday Funday. One mimosa never killed anybody, but 12 left us feeling like a train hit us Monday morning. Getting your sweat on before brunch makes you more conscious of your choices, and usually leads to a healthier brunch menu choice, and less feelings of guilt if you go for that chicken biscuit. </div><div>&quot;..there's more to life than mimosas and margs..&quot;</div><div>4. Shopping Date: Want to know what that $100 a weekend you saved on booze can do? Buy you a whole new wardrobe. Seriously. I saved close to $1000 a month between alcohol, Ubers, and takeout food at 3am. $15 glasses of wine add up. $1000 buys you TWO pairs of Louboutins A MONTH. #realtalk </div><img src="http://media3.giphy.com/media/11wsZr0jbXc15m/giphy.gif"/><div>5. Blowouts &amp; Festivals: Girl, you know there's nothing better than someone else doing your hair. Grab your girls, go for blowouts, then go man shopping at the local festivals. Festival season is upon us, ladies! </div><div>My quality of life has vastly improved since I've quit drinking, and even on the nights where I do indulge, it just reminds me that I made the right decision. 99% of your life happens when you're not drinking, so why do we always feel like we have to drink to have fun? Moral of this story: there's more to life than mimosas and margs, but occasionally, a few of those are fun, too. </div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>What Is A Calorie? &amp; Why Do They Make Me Gain Weight?</title><description><![CDATA[We see and hear the word all the time, but do you know what a "calorie" actually is? Why they're important? Why they're the key to losing/gaining weight? Suprisingly, 95% of people whom I talk to on a regular basis don't know what a calorie is, what it does or why we need them? They just assume high calorie content = bad, low calorie content = good. So simple, right?A calorie isn't just a way to measure if food is good or bad for you, a calorie is a term for energy, it's like gasoline for the<img src="http://media4.giphy.com/media/dN0sqYSBBqCRO/giphy.gif"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Donna Burke</dc:creator><link>https://formestudios.com/single-post/2017/01/03/What-Is-A-Calorie-Why-Do-They-Make-Me-Gain-Weight</link><guid>https://formestudios.com/single-post/2017/01/03/What-Is-A-Calorie-Why-Do-They-Make-Me-Gain-Weight</guid><pubDate>Tue, 03 Jan 2017 13:16:05 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div>We see and hear the word all the time, but do you know what a &quot;calorie&quot; actually is? Why they're important? Why they're the key to losing/gaining weight? Suprisingly, 95% of people whom I talk to on a regular basis don't know what a calorie is, what it does or why we need them? They just assume high calorie content = bad, low calorie content = good. So simple, right?</div><img src="http://media4.giphy.com/media/dN0sqYSBBqCRO/giphy.gif"/><div>A calorie isn't just a way to measure if food is good or bad for you, a calorie is a term for energy, it's like gasoline for the body. Without gas, our cars don't function properly, and without consuming calories, our systems don't either. </div><div>Have you ever been low on gas? Like, REALLY low? REALLY, REALLY low? If you have, you'll know that your car operates in the same way as your body, in order to conserve energy (or calories) to continue to get you to your destination, it will start shutting down &quot;unnecessary&quot; systems, like the Air Conditioning. When it's 100* in The South, the A/C is necessary in your car for you to be comfortable, but as far as the car is concerned, it is not necessary to get you to your destination, so it will turn the A/C off to conserve the gasoline for driving. Your body does the same thing, but with systems that you need to live.</div><img src="http://media2.giphy.com/media/boGfrd5NOl4R2/giphy.gif"/><div>To find out how many calories your body needs to operate on a daily basis, you need to calculate your BMR, <a href="/single-post/2014/03/23/Weight-Loss-BMR-and-Balanced-Diets">which you can do here</a>. The healthy way to lose weight is to consume the amount of calories your BMR tells you, and then workout to create a deficit. But how does energy/calories make you gain weight? You're constantly burning it off from just living, right? Not really.</div><div>1lb = 3600 calories, roughly. Consume 3600 calories, you will gain 1lb. Create a deficit of 3600 calories, you'll lose a pound. While this is the simplest explanation of it, it can vary with things like autoimmune diseases, thyroid problems, and many other things, but for most people, it's as simple as adding and subtracting.</div><div>So, let's take me as an example. I am 5'7&quot; and 145lbs, so my BMR is 1450 calories. If I consume 1450 calories every day and do NOTHING, I will stay the same weight. If I consume 2050 calories a day and do nothing, I will gain ONE POUND EVERY 6 DAYS. If I consume 1450 calories and hit FORME 6 days a week, burning on average 600 calories a class, I will LOSE ONE POUND A WEEK. Simple.</div><img src="http://media1.giphy.com/media/3oriNKXRxg0QYOE3n2/giphy.gif"/><div>I know what you're thinking, &quot;Well, I could just not eat that many calories and lose the weight without the effort, Donna, duh,&quot; but that's where the problem lies. At the beginning, yes, of course you will lose some weight, your body is simply doing its simple math equation, calories in vs calories out. There will come a point, though, when your body starts to run low on &quot;gas&quot; or calories and it will either start shutting down systems to conserve energy (like your nervous system, causing loss of feeling in your limbs OR your eye sight will start to go blurry) OR it will start storing ANY extra calories it can in its reserves for days when you need more energy because you don't have enough gas, therefore, making you pack on more fat stores, more fatty tissue, more &quot;pudge&quot;.</div><div>So, you've made a resolution to lose weight or tone up, but what are you doing to track how you get there? My go-to is to download the Lose It app and track everything I eat, and consume half my body weight in water, while choosing protein and complex carbs (read vegetables) and lessening the simple carbs (read: bread/processed foods) and sugars. Have some questions? Leave a comment or <a href="mailto:info@formestudios.com?subject=">email me to ask!</a></div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>FORME for a Cause: Alzheimer's Association</title><description><![CDATA[On August 6th, our amazing friends at FORME Atlanta have offered to help Walk Team Berty & Ernie raise money for a cause that is incredibly close to our hearts, the Atlanta Walk to End Alzheimer’s! This year’s Walk will be held on the grounds of Kennesaw State University, September 24th at 8am.Not only is exercise — like those famous strengthening, lengthening and toning classes at FORME — good for your body, but it also helps keep your brain healthy. Your brain is the control center of your<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_00bfeb79a0814a7ab3510d6f605360bf%7Emv2.gif"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Erin Smith</dc:creator><link>https://formestudios.com/single-post/2016/07/24/FORME-for-a-Cause-Alzheimers-Association</link><guid>https://formestudios.com/single-post/2016/07/24/FORME-for-a-Cause-Alzheimers-Association</guid><pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 02:19:24 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div>On August 6th, our amazing friends at FORME Atlanta have offered to help Walk Team Berty &amp; Ernie raise money for a cause that is incredibly close to our hearts, the Atlanta Walk to End Alzheimer’s! This year’s Walk will be held on the grounds of Kennesaw State University, September 24th at 8am.</div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_00bfeb79a0814a7ab3510d6f605360bf~mv2.gif"/><div>Not only is exercise — like those famous strengthening, lengthening and toning classes at FORME — good for your body, but it also helps keep your brain healthy. Your brain is the control center of your body — and just like your other vital organs, heart, lungs, and kidneys, it deserves to be a priority when it comes to your health. Originally published by The Alzheimer’s Association, June 3 2015, here are ten ways to help you love your brain, and possibly even reduce your risk of cognitive decline. </div><div>15% of sales from classes on August 6th will go to Team Berty &amp; Ernie's efforts to end Alzheimer's. Please be sure to register for classes that morning!</div><div>10 Ways to Love Your Brain</div><div>Break a sweat.</div><div>Engage in regular cardiovascular exercise that elevates your heart rate and increases blood flow to the brain and body. Several studies have found an association between physical activity and reduced risk of cognitive decline.</div><div>Hit the books.</div><div>Formal education in any stage of life will help reduce your risk of cognitive decline and dementia. For example, take a class at a local college, community center or online.</div><div>Butt out.</div><div>Evidence shows that smoking increases risk of cognitive decline. Quitting smoking can reduce that risk to levels comparable to those who have not smoked.</div><div>Follow your heart.</div><div>Evidence shows that risk factors for cardiovascular disease and stroke – obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes – negatively impact your cognitive health. Take care of your heart, and your brain just might follow.</div><div>Heads up!</div><div>Brain injury can raise your risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Wear a seat belt, use a helmet when playing contact sports or riding a bike, and take steps to prevent falls.</div><div>Fuel up right.</div><div>Eat a healthy and balanced diet that is lower in fat and higher in vegetables and fruit to help reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Although research on diet and cognitive function is limited, certain diets, including Mediterranean and Mediterranean-DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), may contribute to risk reduction.</div><div>Catch some Zzz’s.</div><div>Not getting enough sleep due to conditions like insomnia or sleep apnea may result in problems with memory and thinking.</div><div>Take care of your mental health.</div><div>Some studies link a history of depression with increased risk of cognitive decline, so seek medical treatment if you have symptoms of depression, anxiety or other mental health concerns. Also, try to manage stress.</div><div>Buddy up.</div><div>Staying socially engaged may support brain health. Pursue social activities that are meaningful to you. Find ways to be part of your local community – if you love animals, consider volunteering at a local shelter. If you enjoy singing, join a local choir or help at an afterschool program. Or, just share activities with friends and family.</div><div>Stump yourself.</div><div>Challenge and activate your mind. Build a piece of furniture. Complete a jigsaw puzzle. Do something artistic. Play games, such as bridge, that make you think strategically. Challenging your mind may have short and long-term benefits for your brain.</div><div>Alzheimer’s is the only one of the top 10 causes of death in the United States that doesn’t currently have a cure. When you participate in Walk, your fundraising dollars fuel the Alzheimer’s Association’s mission, and your participation in the event helps to change the level of Alzheimer’s awareness in your community.</div><div>Start a team or donate to an existing team or participant today! <a href="http://www.alz.org/walk">http://www.alz.org/walk</a></div><div>Team “Berty &amp; Ernie” is a Walk team comprised of friends and family members with loved ones who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia. This is our sixth year working with Walk, and our second as members of the Walk Planning Committee. We work with our communities to raise funds and awareness for Alzheimer’s, early onset Alzheimer's, and other forms of dementia. In six short years, we have raised over $30,000 for the cause, all thanks to our amazing family and friends who have been loyal Team B&amp;E supporters since the very beginning. Thank you in advance for your time and generosity. See you at the studio! (Click the schedule button on our menu and head to August 6th to book your class!)</div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>4 Ways You're Gaining Weight....Without Knowing!</title><description><![CDATA[For the majority of people, weight loss/gain is a numbers game. 3600 calories is the equivalent of one pound. What does 3600 calories look like? 3.5 Chipotle burritos. Yeah, that's it. So if you eat an extra 3600 calories, you gain one pound. If you burn 3600 calories, you lose one pound. Simple math...but what are you doing wrong? 4 Easiest Ways to Gain Weight Without Trying 1. Eat At Restaurants: Eating out is going to add an extra 500-1000 calories to every meal. From the extra salt, extra]]></description><dc:creator>Donna Burke</dc:creator><link>https://formestudios.com/single-post/2016/05/24/4-Ways-Youre-Gaining-WeightWithout-Knowing</link><guid>https://formestudios.com/single-post/2016/05/24/4-Ways-Youre-Gaining-WeightWithout-Knowing</guid><pubDate>Tue, 24 May 2016 10:00:00 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div>For the majority of people, weight loss/gain is a numbers game. 3600 calories is the equivalent of one pound. What does 3600 calories look like? 3.5 Chipotle burritos. Yeah, that's it.</div><iframe src="//0.htmlcomponentservice.com/get_draft?id=99310c_a6ba44acb68dc55455fe1124a46133c9.html"/><div>So if you eat an extra 3600 calories, you gain one pound. If you burn 3600 calories, you lose one pound. Simple math...but what are you doing wrong?</div><div>4 Easiest Ways to Gain Weight Without Trying</div><div>1. Eat At Restaurants: Eating out is going to add an extra 500-1000 calories to every meal. From the extra salt, extra toppings, and not so healthy preparation, you never know what exactly you're getting. Tacos at home will run you about 300 calories each. Tacos at a local Mexican restaurant? You're looking at 400-500 a pop.</div><div>2. Small snacks that add up: For every extra 300 calories you eat a day, you gain ONE POUND every 2 weeks....even with exercise. So two slices of bread. Two rolls at dinner. 5 chips with queso (and you know you don't just eat 5). One flour tortilla. One candy bar. The list goes on....</div><div>3.Weekend Fun: You &quot;only cheat on the weekends.&quot; Did you realize that cheating *only* on Friday, Saturday &amp; Sunday is HALF THE MONTH? Almost...it's 12 days, 15 on 5 week months.</div><div>4. Cocktails &amp; Hangovers: Your cocktails are riddled with sugar. Every Vodka tonic packs more sugar than a can of coke and runs about 200 calories. 3 of those on Friday &amp; Saturday, plus you're late night Dominos is adding on a pound in just one sitting. (Psst..healthy cocktail mixing class this Wednesday!)</div><div>You can combat these little things by hitting a workout 6 times a week. Burn the excess and train to maintain OR make smart choices 2 meals out of 3 and you'll be dropping lbs in no time! Snap us any questions you have or show us your healthy meals on Instagram!</div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Sugar or Substitute?</title><description><![CDATA[Sugar or sugar substitute? Calories, low calorie or no calorie? Is there a difference? Does it matter? Which is healthiest?This question is asked at least once a day, and it's and important one to know the answer to, but every person is different and this is my professional opinion. If I have the chance, I choose real sugar every time. *gasp* It's a shocking answer in the health and fitness industry, but if there's one thing I'm sure of, it's that our bodies know how to process sugar, and while<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_2a83c2fcc3c44a1ebf0f7bb37dcb7ade.jpg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Donna Burke</dc:creator><link>https://formestudios.com/single-post/2016/05/16/Sugar-or-Substitute</link><guid>https://formestudios.com/single-post/2016/05/16/Sugar-or-Substitute</guid><pubDate>Tue, 17 May 2016 01:44:26 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div>Sugar or sugar substitute? Calories, low calorie or no calorie? Is there a difference? Does it matter? Which is healthiest?</div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_2a83c2fcc3c44a1ebf0f7bb37dcb7ade.jpg"/><div>This question is asked at least once a day, and it's and important one to know the answer to, but every person is different and this is my professional opinion. If I have the chance, I choose real sugar every time. *gasp*</div><div>It's a shocking answer in the health and fitness industry, but if there's one thing I'm sure of, it's that our bodies know how to process sugar, and while it's not great for us, it isn't a chemical substance tricking us into thinking it's sugar. Within reason, sugar isn't bad for you. We need sugar to help our bodies move, our brains think and ultimately to keep us sane!</div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_8ea5e4cd0673429fb16e70b2b39ec6e7.jpg"/><div>Why do I avoid such &quot;health foods&quot; that are labeled &quot;no sugar&quot;, &quot;low calorie&quot; or &quot;calorie free&quot;? Because if you're eating REAL foods, they have calories AND CALORIES AREN'T EVIL! If you're eating chemicals, most likely, they are calorie &quot;free&quot;. So do you want to load your body with chemicals in the name of the latest fad diet, or do you want to eat real food, that might contain real sugar?</div><div>The trick that many &quot;diet&quot; foods won't let you know is that, while their low calorie, &quot;health&quot; foods give you peace of mind about your calorie intake, many times they trick us into eating those extra fries, last slice of pizza or grabbing that dessert because &quot;we deserve it&quot;. Studies have shown that people who drink diet soda tend to gain more weight because they have tricked their minds into thinking they have &quot;saved calories&quot; all day.</div><div>There are different types of sugar (white, brown, agave nectar, honey, etc.), but sugar is sugar and has the same effects on our bodies. When you need a sugar hit, reach for an apple, kiwi, or some pineapple, especially when making smoothies! If you can get your sugar from fruits and vegetables, you're on the healthiest path, but reaching for a Snickers every now and again won't kill you!</div><div>If you really are looking for a sugar substitute, look for products that are plant based. Stevia (brand name, Truvia) is a great alternative and looks just like regular sugar. Keep this in mind when you purchase low calorie products! Search those ingredients and check for real sugar, cane sugar, agave, stevia, honey or fruit additives!</div><div>Snap us with any questions! formestudios on snapchat!</div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>We're Adding Pilates!</title><description><![CDATA[We are beyond excited to announce that we are adding Pilates to the FORME schedule! Alex Hayes is coming to us from San Francisco, CA, and will be teaching mat Pilates at FORME along with reformer classes at CORE Pilates in Buckhead. Alex has recently moved to Atlanta with her fiance and is excited to start teaching mat classes again! She loves teaching upbeat classes with pumped up playlists, so she's going to fit in perfectly at FORME! Alex was the lead Pilates Teacher Trainer for Equinox and<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_85df1d76e6104acd91db4962ead9b17e.jpg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Donna Burke</dc:creator><link>https://formestudios.com/single-post/2016/05/15/Were-Adding-Pilates</link><guid>https://formestudios.com/single-post/2016/05/15/Were-Adding-Pilates</guid><pubDate>Sun, 15 May 2016 22:57:06 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_85df1d76e6104acd91db4962ead9b17e.jpg"/><div>We are beyond excited to announce that we are adding Pilates to the FORME schedule! Alex Hayes is coming to us from San Francisco, CA, and will be teaching mat Pilates at FORME along with reformer classes at CORE Pilates in Buckhead.</div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_7ce2d53c42d24908a759af1d027eb519.jpg"/><div>Alex has recently moved to Atlanta with her fiance and is excited to start teaching mat classes again! She loves teaching upbeat classes with pumped up playlists, so she's going to fit in perfectly at FORME! Alex was the lead Pilates Teacher Trainer for Equinox and also was Pilates Coordinator for Equinox and LifeTime fitness. We are so thrilled to have someone so talented coming to the FORME family!</div><div>Be sure to head to her <a href="https://www.instagram.com/alexhayespilates/?hl=en">Instagram (@alexhayespilates)</a> and follow her for your daily dose of Pilates moves! Keep your eye on the schedule to get into her upcoming FREE classes and schedule your regular classes starting in the middle of June!</div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Dance Choreography with Carly!</title><description><![CDATA[You guys asked for it, so we got one of the best Atlanta dancers on board to help us out! While I wish I could choreograph and teach you some amazing routines, I can't, so I enlisted the help of a new FORME girl and former Hawks Cheerleader, Carly Gallup! So channel your inner J Lo and get ready to dance! We couldn't be more excited to start a monthly dance choreography series for everyone! Our first one is Saturday, April 30th at 11am! Register online on Mindbody, the FORME app or the Mindbody<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_3031577986e7421cbb611bff6a5f9a29.jpg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Donna Burke</dc:creator><link>https://formestudios.com/single-post/2016/04/18/Dance-Choreography-with-Carly</link><guid>https://formestudios.com/single-post/2016/04/18/Dance-Choreography-with-Carly</guid><pubDate>Tue, 19 Apr 2016 01:22:46 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div>You guys asked for it, so we got one of the best Atlanta dancers on board to help us out! While I wish I could choreograph and teach you some amazing routines, I can't, so I enlisted the help of a new FORME girl and former Hawks Cheerleader, Carly Gallup! So channel your inner J Lo and get ready to dance!</div><iframe src="//0.htmlcomponentservice.com/get_draft?id=99310c_933b948869786c9bca347170d35e4e82.html"/><div>We couldn't be more excited to start a monthly dance choreography series for everyone! Our first one is Saturday, April 30th at 11am! Register online on Mindbody, the FORME app or the Mindbody app to get in on this amazing class! You'll dance, you'll sweat and you'll be ready to hit the dance floor with new moves on Saturday night!</div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_3031577986e7421cbb611bff6a5f9a29.jpg"/><div>Who is the fabulous Carly?</div><div>Carly is a professional dancer based out of Atlanta, specializing in hip hop, jazz, and contemporary dance. Her dancing has led to working with many local bands, artists, the Atlanta Hawks, and Red Bull North America. Carly has over 20 years of dance training, and is known around the US for her competitive dance choreography.</div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_2eb1252a95be416089c8f9ae28a05bf4.png"/><div>What to expect for class:</div><div>Carly's fiery spirit and passion for dance come together for this fun, challenging, and very sweaty work out. In Carly's class, you will learn how to dance like your favorite pop stars and see if YOU have what it takes to dance in a music video. This dance choreography is open to anyone who wants to shake it like Beyonce, or get down like Rihanna.</div><div><a href="https://clients.mindbodyonline.com/classic/ws?studioid=152720&amp;stype=-101&amp;sTG=23&amp;sView=day&amp;sLoc=1&amp;date=04/30/16">So head to the schedule and get ready to dance your butt off, literally. I'll be there!</a></div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Yoga is BACK!</title><description><![CDATA[Emily is across the pond in Spain preparing for her 11 month World Race and while we miss her, we are excited to welcome our newest FORME family member, Kristin Gilbert! I've known Kristin for the past 7 years and her energy is perfect for the FORME community! Kristin has been teaching yoga, barre and other class styles in metro Atlanta for almost 6 years. Her background is fashion, fitness and she has a deep passion for music (especially live shows). She stays busy with a fashion blog, health<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_ccf6b9515a8541d0950e48f2a4b1e2d7.jpg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Donna Burke</dc:creator><link>https://formestudios.com/single-post/2016/04/10/Yoga-is-BACK</link><guid>https://formestudios.com/single-post/2016/04/10/Yoga-is-BACK</guid><pubDate>Sun, 10 Apr 2016 22:11:12 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div>Emily is across the pond in Spain preparing for her 11 month World Race and while we miss her, we are excited to welcome our newest FORME family member, Kristin Gilbert! I've known Kristin for the past 7 years and her energy is perfect for the FORME community! </div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_ccf6b9515a8541d0950e48f2a4b1e2d7.jpg"/><div>Kristin has been teaching yoga, barre and other class styles in metro Atlanta for almost 6 years. Her background is fashion, fitness and she has a deep passion for music (especially live shows). She stays busy with a fashion blog, health blog, planning fun events &amp; spending time with her hubby and cat. Her classes are fun, empowering, build strength &amp; flexibility with a sense of humor and great music! </div><div>So what should you expect from her classes? A fusion traditional vinyasa methodology with contemporary dynamic flow, this fluid practice links breath and movement, integrates inner and outer alignment, and balances strength with flexibility. Students will weave their way through creative transitions accompanied by rhythmic tunes.</div><div>Bring your own mat and join Kristin on Sundays at noon on 4/24, and Mondays/Wednesdays starting 5/2 at 9:45am! <a href="https://clients.mindbodyonline.com/classic/ws?studioid=152720&amp;stype=-101&amp;sTG=23&amp;sView=day&amp;date=04/24/16">Click here to schedule your first class with her on April 24th at noon!</a></div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Instructor Skin Care Regime!</title><description><![CDATA[FORME instructors are breaking a sweat multiple times a day, so how is it that they keep their skin so clear? You've asked many of us for our skincare secrets, but different skin means different skincare. So, who's are you going to try out? Ashley Ruppert: "I'm probably the poster child for what not to do for skin care. I have super sensitive skin. Sunscreen, face washes, makeup and most lotions irritate my skin. My only three tricks are moisturizer, sun protection and lots of fruits and<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_eab3b63ab2b84e228a40c74d87728c57.jpg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Donna Burke</dc:creator><link>https://formestudios.com/single-post/2016/04/06/Instructor-Skin-Care-Regime</link><guid>https://formestudios.com/single-post/2016/04/06/Instructor-Skin-Care-Regime</guid><pubDate>Wed, 06 Apr 2016 10:00:00 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div>FORME instructors are breaking a sweat multiple times a day, so how is it that they keep their skin so clear? You've asked many of us for our skincare secrets, but different skin means different skincare. So, who's are you going to try out?</div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_eab3b63ab2b84e228a40c74d87728c57.jpg"/><div>Ashley Ruppert: &quot;I'm probably the poster child for what not to do for skin care. I have super sensitive skin. Sunscreen, face washes, makeup and most lotions irritate my skin. My only three tricks are moisturizer, sun protection and lots of fruits and veggies. For moisturizer, there's only one type that doesn't make me break out in a rash (have I told you one of my sister's endearing nicknames for me is &quot;rAshley&quot;?) and that's Clean &amp; Clear Dual Action Moisturizer. It's light weight, good for sensitive skin and doesn't break the bank.For sun protection I prefer to wear hats and sunglasses to protect my face. I also try to duck in the shade when I'm not doing something active. Because this face is about to turn 30, I've got to start thinking about sun damage and wrinkles.Probably the most important thing I do is eat excessive amounts of fruit and veggies. I'm convinced that nothing you put on top of your face beats what you put in your body.&quot;</div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_2a5859141e15453f99a5ec01ca6bad20.jpg"/><div>Melanie Appel: &quot;IN THE MORNINGI wash my face with Biore Blemish Flighting Ice Cleanser ($8). I find that using this at the beginning and end of the day ensure that my skin is super clean so I don't break out. And if I do happen to break out, it helps heal the break out quickly.Now that I'm 31, I ALWAYS use an eye cream. Right now I'm a fan of Acure Organics Eye Cream ($17). It's made with organic, natural ingredients that fight fine lines and relive puffiness. I use it all on the delicate skin area around my eyes and pat gently with my ring fingers to &quot;activate&quot; the moisturizer. (Not sure if that works, but whenever I get a facial they do that!) I use it around my lips, too! God forbid I get any wrinkles around my mouth from too many iced Americanos! After my skin is clean and eyes are prepped, I use copious amounts of Neutrogena Deep Moisture Day Cream with Sunscreen ($13). </div><div>IN THE EVENING When I get home in the evening, I wash my face almost immediately if I'm not going out again. I once read that the more skin can &quot;breathe&quot; without makeup the healthier it will be. At night when I wash my face I count to 100 and make sure I've really spent time to clean the skin. After all, I've had makeup on the skin's surface all day, so want to make sure that while I sleep my skin can rejuvenate and repair itself. I follow the same Biore face wash + Acure eye cream routine as I do in the AM , but skip on the SPF at night. I ADORE Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré ($28) for the evening. Again, I slather this cream all over my face, neck and décolletage. If my skin is feeling particularly dry, I leave a bit of a layer so my skin can absorb the extra moisture. I adore this cream as it's been a beauty favorite for ages and never disappoints!</div><div>EXTRA CREDIT These options are a little pricier, but they last a few months so overall the daily/weekly cost is low. A few times a week I use bliss that's incredi-'peel'! glycolic resurfacing pads ($49). These pads are AMAZING for removing any dead skin skills and brightening your complexion. If you have dry skin on you face, it can lead to breakouts and dull skin which is not cute! On other days of the week and depending on how my skin is feeling, I'll do a moisturizing mask like the Fresh Rose Face Mask ($62) which smells lovely and adds makes my skin bright and glow-y the next day.&quot;</div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_160cb4bf1b9642b98dace51c6aa9756c.jpg"/><div>Hadley Hickner: &quot;My all-time fav &quot;skin care product&quot; is simply Extra Virgin Coconut Oil! It's super affordable and can be found at virtually any grocery store. I actually keep one jar in my bathroom as a skin care product and another in the kitchen for cooking. I use coconut oil to:</div><div>- Take off make up. I put a little dab on a cotton ball and gentle pull away my day's make up. It leave my skin smooth and hydrated.</div><div>- Moisturize. I not only use it on my face, but also my body! I have keratosis Pilaris (tiny red bumps on my upper arms and legs). A weekly treatment of coconut oil on freshly washed skin has really helped to clear up my symptoms especially in the winter months</div><div>.- Shave my legs. Instead of investing in commercial shaving cream, I use my coconut oil instead! It has a really great invigorating tropical scent and leaves my legs silky smooth!&quot;</div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_45f14cd7d979449d82bc4915d3bafa43.jpg"/><div>Lauren Cunningham: &quot;Hydration - half your body weight in ounces per day at least. Face Reality skin care products = lifesaving. A great product line! </div><div>Vegan face makeup - Ingredients like mineral oils, coconut oils, salts, are very harsh on acne prone skin. Okay to use on the rest of body but...if you're acne prone, avoid those ingredients.</div><div>Ice - Feel a breakout or a cold sore coming on? Ice ice baby. The ice helps with inflammation and swelling.</div><div>Washing makeup off at night and using wipes post workout on face, chest and back prevents the bacteria from getting trapped under dead skin. Also, be patient with your skin. A pimple can take up to 3 months to actually form after that night you don't wash your face. The reverse is true that it takes about 3 months for skin to completely clear up.</div><div>Exfoliate at least 2x a week to turn over cells. This prevents buildup and clogging.</div><div>Diet is also so important! Lots of greens and hydrating fruits. Dairy and other foods high in androgens (peanuts, shellfish) also trigger acne for a lot of women including myself. Almond and cashew butter are great substitutes.</div><div>Let skin breathe when working out - if you can remove makeup prior to coming into the studio, it'll save your skin! On that note, going makeup free as often as possible lets the skin breathe.</div><div>Alcohol is dehydrating so pair it with non-alcoholic drinks.</div><div>Do. Not. Pick. If your mother taught you anything, don't touch it! Digging into skin may release the top part of the breakout, but the rest gets pushed deeper into the skin and therefore you get that recurring pimple every month. Let a professional do it, and apply ice or a benzyl peroxide spot treatment. For deep cystic pimples, ingredients like sulfur get deep into the breakout as opposed to benzyl peroxide which will actually just dry the top layer of skin and not do much for a cystic breakout.&quot;</div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_30dc5088869046db9f503fad5d9b6e47.jpg"/><div>Donna Burke: &quot;I'm not super into big skin routines, if I can't do it in the shower, it's not happening. I keep it simple and try not to change products too often. I workout more than any human ever should and the combination of the constant sweat, oils and drying out of my skin is making me keep more of a regimen. I'm also not down to spend $300 a month on skincare products....so I literally keep it Simple and use Simple Micellar water wipes after every class to get rid of the immediate sweat and drying issue. If I'm headed to a meeting or an event after class, I'll even use them on the rest of my body to freshen up. I use all natural makeup from Bare Minerals and Exuviance to ensure my skin isn't being bombarded with chemicals all day long. Honestly, sometimes I'm just too tired to wash my face at night, so the fact that my makeup is all natural is comforting. As far as my daily routine, I'm the girl who takes care of it all in the shower. I start with the basic, old-school Noxema cleanser and use my Olay ProX Microdermabrasion brush to work out my pores. I have huge, deep pores and need them to be cleansed regularly. Then I'll use the Simple Facial Scrub twice a week after the microdermabrasion brush to really clear my pores. Once I get out of the shower, I use the Micellar Water wipes again to make sure all my eye makeup is gone. Then I top it all off with the Simple moisturizer. I also use Noxema as a body wash and dry brushing to keep my Keratosis Pilaris at bay, when you workout a lot and wear leggings all the time, it's inevitable that you'll develop it, but controlling it is key! Dry brushing is also known for fighting cellulite...I just hope it's helping mine!&quot;</div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>First Step to Healthy Living</title><description><![CDATA[We talk an awful lot about balanced living at the studio, but what exactly is it? It's living a healthy life, but also not feeling guilty about enjoying yourself either. As women, we've been conditioned to think that having a cupcake or a bagel or even just a piece of bread is terrible. Why? Why can't we have our cake, eat it, and workout, too? You absolutely can, even if you're busy! First step to doing it? Eat 75% of your meals at home/make them at home. Too busy to grocery shop? If you have<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_9ed5646d97044a30853f32b8217a222e.png"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Donna Burke</dc:creator><link>https://formestudios.com/single-post/2016/04/04/First-Step-to-Healthy-Living</link><guid>https://formestudios.com/single-post/2016/04/04/First-Step-to-Healthy-Living</guid><pubDate>Mon, 04 Apr 2016 10:00:00 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div>We talk an awful lot about balanced living at the studio, but what exactly is it? It's living a healthy life, but also not feeling guilty about enjoying yourself either. As women, we've been conditioned to think that having a cupcake or a bagel or even just a piece of bread is terrible. Why? Why can't we have our cake, eat it, and workout, too?</div><div>You absolutely can, even if you're busy! First step to doing it? Eat 75% of your meals at home/make them at home. Too busy to grocery shop? If you have time to snap, insta or Facebook, you have time to <a href="http://inst.cr/t/c9PReN">open up instacart</a> and buy the weekly essentials.</div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_3c92c93648bb4fe58615c5cc81ca61ce.jpg"/><div> (Click any of the links or photos to get $10 off your first order and free delivery!)</div><div>My sister has used<a href="http://inst.cr/t/c9PReN">Instacart</a>for about a year now, but I decided to test it out tonight to see how it was. As I sit here in my pajamas, I am proud to say my spinach, arugula, grapefruits and Ben &amp; Jerry's Half Baked were just delivered....at 9pm on a Sunday. </div><div>I've never used Instacart before, but this process could have taken only 5 minutes with a pre-set grocery list that you can have in your account. I tend to buy the same things most weeks: chicken breasts, ground turkey or beef, spinach, arugula, ice cream, fruit for smoothies, almond or coconut milk, broccoli, asparagus, and any of the essentials (pasta, rice, etc) that I'm out of. Even without my list, it only took 20 minutes to put everything together and pay. 90 minutes later, the delivery girl was at my door.</div><div>The downside is that some grocery stores (like Publix) charge extra for some items that you purchase. The upside is that ordering via Instacart with a 15% fee is still cheaper than eating out every day and that you'll see yourself start to tone up, have better skin and lose weight way faster. (It's also been shown that you spend less when you shop once a week versus going to the store every day!)</div><div><a href="http://inst.cr/t/c9PReN">Click here for $10 off your first order and free delivery</a>and tag us when you get your order! Want to see what I purchased for me and Nate this week? Plus the ground turkey I have frozen from last week and essentials in the pantry, we're all set for the weekdays for $70</div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_9ed5646d97044a30853f32b8217a222e.png"/></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Must Have Kitchen Tools!</title><description><![CDATA[I barely have time to make dinner as it is, but the WORST part about making meals is the prep time. You buy pre-bagged kale, and yet you stand there taking the stems out. If I can save 20 minutes of prep, I'm in, so when I found these kitchen gadgets, I was sold. Chef'n StripperI was a little nervous when I Googled this guy, but it's been revolutionary to all of my cooking. From stripping kale stems, chard or even just some rosemary, just insert the stem and pull it out the other side over a<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_d6aded6afb4c46ecb3a4e9ed64a1f79a.jpg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Donna Burke</dc:creator><link>https://formestudios.com/single-post/2016/03/30/Must-Have-Kitchen-Tools</link><guid>https://formestudios.com/single-post/2016/03/30/Must-Have-Kitchen-Tools</guid><pubDate>Wed, 30 Mar 2016 10:00:00 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div>I barely have time to make dinner as it is, but the WORST part about making meals is the prep time. You buy pre-bagged kale, and yet you stand there taking the stems out. If I can save 20 minutes of prep, I'm in, so when I found these kitchen gadgets, I was sold.</div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_d6aded6afb4c46ecb3a4e9ed64a1f79a.jpg"/><div>Chef'n Stripper</div><div>I was a little nervous when I Googled this guy, but it's been revolutionary to all of my cooking. From stripping kale stems, chard or even just some rosemary, just insert the stem and pull it out the other side over a bowl. I'm done de-stemming the Trader Joe's bagged kale. I'm done trying to get a teaspoon of rosemary off the stem. Stick it in. Pull it out. Eat it up. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00QWNRGS8/ref=crt_ewc_title_dp_2?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1&amp;smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER">$7.99 on Amazon</a></div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_02adcbd3cf3749ff971ba04af8343d33.jpg"/><div>Ninja Nutri Ninja Pro</div><div>Blenders are just a cumbersome kitchen appliance that really has no room in a FORME girl's cupboard. Why do you need an entire blender when you're only making one smoothie? There's always extra that never keeps, a huge blender to try to clean and no counter space left in your apartment for anything! I use the Ninja to make my morning juices and smoothies, even soups in the winter. Just pour it into your <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/268860266/funny-tumbler-youre-like-really-pretty?ga_order=most_relevant&amp;ga_search_type=all&amp;ga_view_type=gallery&amp;ga_search_query=funny%20tumblers&amp;ref=sr_gallery_27">favorite tumbler</a>, stick the ninja capsule in the dishwasher and go. I even leave mine on the counter because it's so small! <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ninja-Nutri-Blender-Copco-Tumbler/dp/B01CE5W8O4/ref=sr_1_3?s=kitchen&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1459301314&amp;sr=1-3-spons&amp;keywords=ninja+blender&amp;psc=1">$99 on Amazon.</a></div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_1bf126564ac34b4e8208ac1159217572.jpg"/><div>Aroma Digital Rice &amp; Steam Cooker</div><div>Crockpots and I do not get along. Somehow I mess it up or it just all tastes the same. Enter the Aroma rice cooker. Programmable and perfect for two people. Use the bottom to cook the rice and have a healthy meal all done at once by using the top to steam the rest of your dinner. Just pour a glass of wine and wait it out. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Aroma-UNCOOKED-Stainless-Exterior-ARC-914SBD/dp/B007WQ9YNO/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1459301718&amp;sr=8-3&amp;keywords=rice+cooker">$29.92 on Amazon</a></div><div>Add these to your everyday and you'll be saving time, toning up and buying a new swimsuit (in a smaller size)!!</div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Perfect Post-Workout Hair</title><description><![CDATA[Dirty Hair. Don't Care. It's hard enough to get the energy to wash your hair every other day, but when you're working out all the time, it just become a chore. Why wash your hair when it's just getting dirty again in 12 hours? Seriously, why when you don't have to? Enter, my secret weapon. We all use dry shampoo, but if you haven't tried the Lush No Drought Dry Shampoo in the studio bathroom, you're seriously missing out. Tilt. Poof into roots. Tease with a hairbrush. Off to]]></description><dc:creator>Donna Burke</dc:creator><link>https://formestudios.com/single-post/2016/03/25/Perfect-PostWorkout-Hair</link><guid>https://formestudios.com/single-post/2016/03/25/Perfect-PostWorkout-Hair</guid><pubDate>Fri, 25 Mar 2016 10:00:00 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div>Dirty Hair. Don't Care. It's hard enough to get the energy to wash your hair every other day, but when you're working out all the time, it just become a chore. </div><div>Why wash your hair when it's just getting dirty again in 12 hours? </div><div>Seriously, why when you don't have to? Enter, my secret weapon. We all use dry shampoo, but if you haven't tried the <a href="http://www.lushusa.com/No-Drought/9999903589,en_US,pd.html">Lush No Drought Dry Shampoo</a> in the studio bathroom, you're seriously missing out. Tilt. Poof into roots. Tease with a hairbrush. Off to work/date/coffee/drinks you go! Doesn't work for you? Here's a few pro tips from the Dry Shampoo Queen herself. </div><iframe src="http://static.usrfiles.com/html/99310c_1aa8722fbb2845993504952c87e81fb0.html"/><div>Dry Shampoo pre-bed or pre-workout. </div><div>Dry shampoo works best when it's really embedded in your hair, it's not meant to be added to damp hair, so why do we all spritz away post-workout when our sweat is clinging at our roots? The dry shampoo isn't allowed to work its magic when your roots are damp, so apply it pre-workout or before bed. By doing this all the motion through sleep or throughout the workout is going to help push that dry shampoo into your hair and stop the moisture before it ruins everything. Not only will it help keep the greasiness at bay, it will also allow your hair to be voluminous post-workout. (I know...I just changed your life.)</div><div>Brushes with short bristles work best for post-workout teasing. </div><div>I use a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tangle-Teezer-Salon-Elite-Pink/dp/B00264NW7G">Tangle Teezer</a>. Why a short bristled brush? It's easier to really get in there and tease the roots to pump up the volume, but it also leads to less knots and tangles when brushing out the rest of the hair.</div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tangle-Teezer-Salon-Elite-Pink/dp/B00264NW7G">Get a tangle teaser on amazon</a>. (You know you've got Prime...but they're also at Sephora and Sally's Beauty Supply)</div><div>Use a flat hair-tie to avoid creases OR go with a braid.</div><div>There are so many versions now, but Emi-Jays were the original. Find a similar style and you'll be able to rock straight, creaseless hair. Don't have an Emi-Jay handy? Just toss your hair into a basic braid and let your body heat do the rest. Sexy beach waves ain't got nothing on sexy workout waves. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_10?url=search-alias%3Dbeauty&amp;field-keywords=no+crease+hair+ties&amp;sprefix=no+crease+hair+ties%2Cbeauty%2C208">Buy some on Amazon.</a></div><div>Flip Your Hair back &amp; Forth.</div><div>No seriously. Channel your inner mermaid and flip your head up and down, or just upside down and tousle through the roots. Your hair needs to use gravity to pull it away from the scalp and getting a breeze in there will also help dry the remaining sweat.</div><div>Give it a whirl next week before you start class and you'll find yourself having so much extra time in your morning routine!</div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Tonics to Wake You Up, Tone You Up &amp; Help You Sleep!</title><description><![CDATA[Mocktails for health?We're so in. Every day I mix myself what I call a "tonic", but essentially it's a cocktail full of health benefits just non-alcoholic! So, if you could mix yourself a drink that helps you look younger, lose weight, flatten your stomach and help you go to sleep, would you? Let's start with the wake up. For most of us, this is the hardest part of the day. I always try to make my breakfast something exciting, whether it's avocado toast or a trip to Starbucks for something fun,<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_9e3f64ac9acd4128855f71919767b1ec.png"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Donna</dc:creator><link>https://formestudios.com/single-post/2016/03/23/Tonics-to-Wake-You-Up-Tone-You-Up-Help-You-Sleep</link><guid>https://formestudios.com/single-post/2016/03/23/Tonics-to-Wake-You-Up-Tone-You-Up-Help-You-Sleep</guid><pubDate>Wed, 23 Mar 2016 10:00:00 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_9e3f64ac9acd4128855f71919767b1ec.png"/><div>Mocktails for health?We're so in.</div><div>Every day I mix myself what I call a &quot;tonic&quot;, but essentially it's a cocktail full of health benefits just non-alcoholic! So, if you could mix yourself a drink that helps you look younger, lose weight, flatten your stomach and help you go to sleep, would you? Let's start with the wake up.</div><div>For most of us, this is the hardest part of the day. I always try to make my breakfast something exciting, whether it's avocado toast or a trip to Starbucks for something fun, but whatever I do, I always drink a glass of what I like to call, &quot;skinny water&quot;.</div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_eb88535227a74eae9ca17cd30e7ebee4.png"/><div>What is skinny water?</div><div>8 oz. Water + 1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper + Juice of 1 Lemon + 1/2 tsp Stevia </div><div>What do these ingredients do?</div><div>Water for hydration, cayenne to rev up your metabolism, lemon to decrease inflammation and boost the immune system, and stevia to give it a healthy sweetness, like a spicy lemonade.</div><div>Pro Tip: Lemons contain acid that can decay enamel on your teeth. Swish some plain water around your mouth to wash the acid off your teeth.</div><div>When I'm feeling like something a little tastier, PMS-ing or just plain trying to de-bloat after a long weekend, I go for another, more tropical tonic, our beauty revival juice!</div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_f27e7155b63744babfd71e0b4a090303.png"/><div>What is Beauty Revival Juice?</div><div>8oz Organic, Fresh Squeezed Pineapple juice + Apple Cider Vinegar + Juice of 1 Lime </div><div>What do these ingredients do?</div><div>Pineapple juice is packed with B vitamins for energy, Manganese to slow the ageing process and help skin produce collagen, and Vitamin C for more collagen production and skin elasticity! Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) suppresses your appetite and boosts metabolism, reduces lactic acid build up and helps muscles recover faster post-workout, whitens teeth and controls blood sugar! Lime juice contains citric acid which aids in burning fat and it also aids in rejuvenating skin, keeping that all over glow!</div><div>Pro Tip: Pineapple juice contains lots of sugar, and therefore doesn't need any added sugar. We suggest following this with a water swish to rinse the acid from your teeth!</div><div>If you're like me, your brain never stops, even when you're trying to sleep. I hate sleeping pills, and I'm not a huge fan of adding a 200 calorie glass of wine to my intake every day, so I drink a simple snooze juice, once when I get home from work and once when I'm headed to bed.</div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_53a2e54ec8b24ce6a88419bc1c928d8e.png"/><div>What is Snooze Juice?</div><div>Tart Cherry Juice + 1 drop Vanilla Extract </div><div>What do these ingredients do?</div><div>Tart Cherry juice is an all-natural way to get in melatonin, and it tastes so good. You can absolutely drink this by itself, but the vanilla has aromatherapy properties that help sooth us and slow our brain processes down.</div><div>So there you have it, three tonics to help you wake up, tone up and then hit the sack no problem! Instagram your tonics or send us a snap and we'll feature you on our channels!</div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Schedule Hacks: Making Time to Workout</title><description><![CDATA[It's Monday. I'm sure as your alarm went off this morning you wished you had left Sunday Funday a little earlier and gotten yourself ready for the week. But this isn't the first week you've thought that, and honey, it won't be the last! We've got all sorts of hacks for optimizing our cell phones, how to open wine when you don't have a bottle opener, getting a jar open, etc. So today, we talk life hacks that will optimize your schedule and get your workouts on your schedule and save you money in<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_3772441733fd47a29d52267a560e3d7e.jpg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Donna Burke</dc:creator><link>https://formestudios.com/single-post/2016/03/21/Schedule-Hacks-Making-Time-to-Workout</link><guid>https://formestudios.com/single-post/2016/03/21/Schedule-Hacks-Making-Time-to-Workout</guid><pubDate>Mon, 21 Mar 2016 10:00:00 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_3772441733fd47a29d52267a560e3d7e.jpg"/><div>It's Monday. I'm sure as your alarm went off this morning you wished you had left Sunday Funday a little earlier and gotten yourself ready for the week. But this isn't the first week you've thought that, and honey, it won't be the last! We've got all sorts of hacks for optimizing our cell phones, how to open wine when you don't have a bottle opener, getting a jar open, etc. So today, we talk life hacks that will optimize your schedule and get your workouts on your schedule and save you money in late cancel and no show fees!</div><div><div>Use Your Commute: Swing by the gym on the way to or from work. You'll cut out another hour of traffic time by packing your gear and making it a pit stop while also avoiding major traffic jams during peak rush hour. You'll also guarantee you'll make it to the gym more often because the couch won't be able to suck you in after a long day.</div><div>One Hour Max: Keep your gym time to a max of one hour. By getting in and out quickly, you not only add another half hour to your day, you also don't feel like it's a chore. </div><div>Schedule Workouts With Friends: Haven't seen your bestie in a while? Why grab drinks and a ton of extra calories? You're friends because you have things in common, and I can bet hitting the gym is one of them. Arrive early, prepare for class and chit chat on the mat, then gab for a few minute after. Not only did you get your calorie burn in, but you also caught up on the most important details that have happened in each others' lives. </div><div>Take a Lean Lunch: Hit a lunch time workout, especially on a Friday. Fridays tend to be a little less busy, so you have some wiggle room in your lunch hour. You can either bring a lunch to eat at your desk, grab something on the way back or use UberEats to have something delivered to the office!</div><div>Schedule Yourself Busy: Work always calling you or making you stay late? Calendar yourself as &quot;busy&quot; during the time you are headed to workout. Someone trying to catch you on the way out? Tell them to email you and you'll get back to them in an hour. You can always head back to the office after relieving some stress and clearing your head, you'll work better that way anyways. Or take your computer with you and work from home in the evening. You'll be glad you did.</div></div><div>Try a few of these this week and #getyourFORMEon! See you at the studio!</div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Beloved Atlanta Donation!</title><description><![CDATA[We love to help out amazing causes at FORME. During the month of February, we challenged you to take as many classes as you could with any of our instructors (excluding Donna's classes). Why? We wanted you to experience all of our amazing instructors while also donating $1 for every person who attended their classes. BELOVED ATLANTA IS THE ONLY TWO-YEAR RESIDENTIAL HOME & PROGRAM FOR ADULT WOMEN SURVIVING PROSTITUTION, TRAFFICKING AND ADDICTION IN ATLANTA,GA. Last year, they had over 100 women<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_3fb3f9a40a2b4d04bcf2b84fb383745f.jpeg"/>]]></description><link>https://formestudios.com/single-post/2016/03/20/Beloved-Atlanta-Donation</link><guid>https://formestudios.com/single-post/2016/03/20/Beloved-Atlanta-Donation</guid><pubDate>Sun, 20 Mar 2016 22:59:35 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_3fb3f9a40a2b4d04bcf2b84fb383745f.jpeg"/><div>We love to help out amazing causes at FORME. During the month of February, we challenged you to take as many classes as you could with any of our instructors (excluding Donna's classes). Why? We wanted you to experience all of our amazing instructors while also donating $1 for every person who attended their classes. </div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_01a2361da8b64d7691353cf4834020c7.jpg"/><div>BELOVED ATLANTA IS THE ONLY TWO-YEAR RESIDENTIAL HOME &amp; PROGRAM FOR ADULT WOMEN SURVIVING PROSTITUTION, TRAFFICKING AND ADDICTION IN ATLANTA,GA. </div><div>Last year, they had over 100 women apply to become a part of their program, but they only have 4 beds. The work that they do helps these women re-establish themselves in our community and as a business that stands for women supporting women, we wanted to do what we could to provide support.</div><div>We are happy to announce that we raised $471 in one month! While this is awesome, we want to help more. Please <a href="http://www.belovedatlanta.org/take-action/">click here</a> to find out how you can donate to help Beloved Atlanta expand to help more women or how to volunteer with them. </div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_32c3bc07b2534c8483a80a5366e09981.png"/></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Teeny Bikini Tone Up Challenge!</title><description><![CDATA[Today marks the beginning of Spring which also means that crop tops, tanks, shorts and swimsuits are coming out to play! We're launching a new challenge for April and you need to bring your social game with you! We're challenging you to hit 20 FORME classes in the 30 days of April, but that's not the only way to win! Here's how it's going down: Every class attended = 2 points Two-A-Day = 1 extra point (max 2 per week!) Social Media Post = 1 point (must use #teenybikinitoneup #getyourFORMEon)<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_ef20825980d94f4ea741332f665a5809.jpg"/>]]></description><link>https://formestudios.com/single-post/2016/03/20/Teeny-Bikini-Tone-Up-Challenge</link><guid>https://formestudios.com/single-post/2016/03/20/Teeny-Bikini-Tone-Up-Challenge</guid><pubDate>Sun, 20 Mar 2016 22:34:19 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_ef20825980d94f4ea741332f665a5809.jpg"/><div>Today marks the beginning of Spring which also means that crop tops, tanks, shorts and swimsuits are coming out to play! We're launching a new challenge for April and you need to bring your social game with you!</div><div>We're challenging you to hit 20 FORME classes in the 30 days of April, but that's not the only way to win! Here's how it's going down:</div><div>Every class attended = 2 points<div>Two-A-Day = 1 extra point (max 2 per week!)</div><div>Social Media Post = 1 point (must use #teenybikinitoneup #getyourFORMEon)</div></div><div>Social Media Rules: Instagram &amp; Twitter must use @formestudios #teenybikinitoneup and #getyourFORMEon. Facebook posts must be public so we can see them! Snapchat users must follow formestudios on snapchat for us to follow back. Snaps must be sent as stories!</div><div>Are there winners? Of course!</div><div>There will be multiple winners!</div><div>The #FORMEgirl who completes the 20 in 30 fastest will receive a $50 gift card to Athleta! The #FORMEgirl with the highest number of points at the end of the challenge will win a FREE MONTH OF FORME!EVERY girl who completes the 20 in 30 will receive a free FORME class! </div><div>There will also be extra giveaways throughout the challenge to keep everyone motivated!</div><div>FORME challenges are always fun! Share this with your girlfriends and encourage everyone to get bikini ready together! Friends who FORME together are the best kind of friends!</div><div>Purchase a unlimited membership to get the best bang for your buck! At $145 for the month it makes every class less than $8!</div><div>Get ahead of the game! Share the below image using the above social media rules and get 5 points to add to your total!</div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_3864359548f14dd390c9a781e449496c.jpg"/><div><a href="mailto:info@formestudios.com?subject=April Challenge! I'm In!">Email us</a> to let us know that you're in for the #teenybikinitoneup!</div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>FORME Retreat!</title><description><![CDATA[Leave your work clothes and pack your swimsuits and sports bras, we're heading to Mexico for the first annual FORME fitness retreat! June 16-19, Royalton Rivieria All-Inclusive Resort & Spa We're excited to announce that we have been able to open up the retreat to anyone who wants to join! We'll be hosting FORME on the beach, cocktail hours, healthy living talks and so much more! This trip has been quoted at only $840* including flights, food/drinks, accomodation and FORME! For more information<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_b072cfaecc0e4c76a56d5e52115e9012.jpg"/>]]></description><link>https://formestudios.com/single-post/2016/03/20/FORME-Retreat</link><guid>https://formestudios.com/single-post/2016/03/20/FORME-Retreat</guid><pubDate>Sun, 20 Mar 2016 21:46:06 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div>Leave your work clothes and pack your swimsuits and sports bras, we're heading to Mexico for the first annual FORME fitness retreat!</div><div>June 16-19, Royalton Rivieria All-Inclusive Resort &amp; Spa </div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_b072cfaecc0e4c76a56d5e52115e9012.jpg"/><div>We're excited to announce that we have been able to open up the retreat to anyone who wants to join! We'll be hosting FORME on the beach, cocktail hours, healthy living talks and so much more! This trip has been quoted at only $840* including flights, food/drinks, accomodation and FORME! </div><div>For more information on booking information, please email . </div><div>*Price is subject to change based on time of booking and available flight prices. Based on double occupancy in junior suite, we can pair you with a roommate if available.*</div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Healthy Dinners in Under 20 Minutes!</title><description><![CDATA[I have zero time and zero tolerance for nutrition plans with meals that take 2 hours to cook. #sorryimnotsorry I don't have that amount of time to cook on a week night, and to be honest, I just don't feel like it. While eating out always seems like the fastest option when you're tired, it actually takes more time to park, get a table, go through the waiter's schpeal, and then order your dinner and wait for it than it does to just go home and make one of these meals. (You'll also save yourself at<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_397e9575a7974900b947fcf86d446edb.jpg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Donna Burke</dc:creator><link>https://formestudios.com/single-post/2015/09/24/Healthy-Dinners-in-Under-20-Minutes</link><guid>https://formestudios.com/single-post/2015/09/24/Healthy-Dinners-in-Under-20-Minutes</guid><pubDate>Thu, 24 Sep 2015 11:55:57 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div>I have zero time and zero tolerance for nutrition plans with meals that take 2 hours to cook. #sorryimnotsorry I don't have that amount of time to cook on a week night, and to be honest, I just don't feel like it. While eating out always seems like the fastest option when you're tired, it actually takes more time to park, get a table, go through the waiter's schpeal, and then order your dinner and wait for it than it does to just go home and make one of these meals. (You'll also save yourself at least 500 calories per meal at home!)</div><div>I'm the queen of semi-homemade, but semi-homemade requires you to read labels in the grocery store and check for sugar content, sodium content and all sorts of unhealthy addditives. At the end of the day, the cleaner you eat, the more you can eat, but you should never be hungry on our Everygirl Nutrition Plan.</div><div>Dinner in under 20 minutes, and less than 500 calories!</div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_2eb19c471862472c9334c735528df8cf.jpg"/><div>1. Fajitas (10 Minutes)</div><div>Craving Mexican? This is so good and only takes 5 minutes!</div><div>Ingredients:</div><div>1/2 can Organic, Low Sodium Black Beans1/4 can low sodium, no sugar added Corn1 Red Bell Pepper1 Green Bell Pepper1 Yellow Bell Pepper1/2 lb 90/10 ground beef, steak strips or chicken strips</div><div>Heat coconut oil in pan. Cook meat until halfway cooked, toss in all veggies. Cook all together until meat is fully cooked and veggies are warmed through! </div><div>2. Zoodle Stirfry (10 Minutes)</div><div>Ingredients:</div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Spiral-Slicer-Spiralizer-Complete-Bundle/dp/B00J19AR7W/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1442316263&amp;sr=8-2&amp;keywords=zoodler">Zoodler</a>1 Medium Zucchini 1/2 lb Chicken Strips or Steak Strips1 head broccoli1/2 cup carrot shredded/grated1/2 cup edamame beans1/8 cup sesame seedsLow Sodium Stirfry Seasoning</div><div>Zoodle your zucchini. Heat coconut oil in pan. Sear meat on both sides. Add vegetables, except Zoodles. Add Sesame Seeds and stirfry seasoning. Cook for 3 minutes, add zoodles. Finish cooking until meat is fully cooked and zoodles are al dente.</div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_687b3d71dd4044cfb44edc8ec7301c6e.jpg"/><div>3. Homemade Zaghetti (Zoodle Spaghetti) (20 minutes)</div><div>Ingredients:</div><div>1 Large Can Crushed Tomatoes 2 cloves garlic1/2 onion, finely chopped1/2 cup celery, finely chopped2 carrots, finely choppedOR Mirepoix mix from Trader Joes (pre-cut onion, carrots and celery in one container)Italian Seasoning1 Bay Leaf1lb 90/10 ground beef1 large zucchini1 tsp stevia</div><div>Boil a pot of water (for zoodles). Heat coconut oil in pan. Season ground beef with salt &amp; pepper. Brown ground beef. Crush garlic cloves, add to meat. Add mirepoix mix (carrots, celery, onions) to ground beef and cook until onions are sheer. Add tomatoes and bay leaf. Cook for 5 minutes, add stevia to take bitter taste from tomatoes out of sauce. Zoodle zucchini. Boil zoodles for 3 minutes while sauce is cooking.</div><div>4. Semi-Homemade Zaghetti (10 Minutes)</div><div>Ingredients:</div><div>1 jar Mario Batoli tomato basil sauce1lb 90/10 Ground Beef1 Large Zucchini</div><div>Boil a pot of water (for zoodles). Heat coconut oil in pan. Season ground beef with salt &amp; pepper. Brown ground beef. Add tomato sauce. Bring to a simmer. Zoodle zucchini. Boil zoodles for 3 minutes while sauce is cooking.</div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_397e9575a7974900b947fcf86d446edb.jpg"/><div>5. Skinny Fettuccine Alfredo (via Gimme Some Oven) (20 minutes)</div><div>12 ounces fettuccine (or any pasta shape)1 Tbsp. olive oil4 cloves garlic, pressed or minced3 Tbsp. flour1 cup chicken broth1 cup low-fat milk (I used 1%)3/4 cup freshly-grated Parmesan cheese1/2 tsp. salt1/4 tsp. black pepper(optional topping: chopped fresh parsley)</div><div>Cook pasta al dente according to package directions, in generously salted water.</div><div>Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large saute pan over medium-high heat. Add garlic and saute one minute, stirring occasionally, until fragrant. Sprinkle with flour, and stir to combine. Saute for an additional minute to cook the flour, stirring occasionally.</div><div>Slowly add chicken broth, whisking to combine until smooth. Whisk in milk, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let cook for an additional minute until thickened, then stir in Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper until the cheese melted. Reduce heat to medium-low until pasta reaches al dente.</div><div>Drain pasta, then immediately add pasta to the saute pan with alfredo sauce. Toss to combine. Serve topped with chopped fresh parsley if desired.</div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_ef11537cdff945d5832bbe5afb96f537.jpg"/><div>6. Chicken Fried Brown Rice (20 minutes)</div><div>Trader Joe's Pre-Cooked Brown Rice2 Tbsp Low Sodium Soy Sauce Trader Joe's Asian Vegetable Mix1/2 lb Chicken Strips, raw1 Tbsp Sesame Seeds2 Tbsp Sesame Oil</div><div>Sautee chicken in pan with seasame oil and dash of soy sauce. Add vegetable mix when chicken half cooked, cook until onions trasnlucent. Add Sesame seeds, stir into meat and veggie mix. Add pre-cooked brown rice from bag. Cook until warmed. Add 2 tbsp low sodium soy sauce, distribute evenly over rice and stir. </div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Balancing Your Nutrition with Your Social Life</title><description><![CDATA["Diets" and being social seem to sometimes be the antithesis of each other. How are you supposed to go out with friends and be uninhibited while constantly being inhibited by your food and drink choices? While drinking and eating out aren't the best thing you can do while trying to lose weight and tone up, sitting at home alone counting calories isn't either. We need to find a healthy mix of the two, but how in the world do we do that? This Greatist article really struck a chord with me, and I<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_22cbda2436a94f45a51b95d37e5421f8.gif"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Donna Burke</dc:creator><link>https://formestudios.com/single-post/2015/09/11/Balancing-Your-Nutrition-with-Your-Social-Life</link><guid>https://formestudios.com/single-post/2015/09/11/Balancing-Your-Nutrition-with-Your-Social-Life</guid><pubDate>Fri, 11 Sep 2015 02:35:12 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div>&quot;Diets&quot; and being social seem to sometimes be the antithesis of each other. How are you supposed to go out with friends and be uninhibited while constantly being inhibited by your food and drink choices? While drinking and eating out aren't the best thing you can do while trying to lose weight and tone up, sitting at home alone counting calories isn't either. We need to find a healthy mix of the two, but how in the world do we do that?</div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_1de08bbb722941be9510360927278eda.gif"/><div><a href="http://greatist.com/connect/what-I-learned-from-giving-up-alcohol">This Greatist article</a> really struck a chord with me, and I think it resonates with all of us. Over the last 10 days of the #skinnyjeanslimdown, I've heard a lot of &quot;Can I go out and not drink?&quot; &quot;How am I supposed to go to a tailgate and not drink?&quot; &quot;People will think I'm so weird if I'm not drinking...&quot; and as you can see from that article, that's all wrong. As much as you think they do, other people just don't care what you're doing or why. Your friends may care, as they want to make sure you're doing okay, but any supportive friend will say okay and help, and unsupportive friend is jealous, and someone you don't need in your life. #realtalk</div><div>I genuinely enjoy going out for cocktails with friends and it is a regular part of my social life. On any given weekend, you'll find me at a bar, but it's not until 2am and it's getting loaded. Having 2 cocktails on Friday and Saturday night is OKAY, you just have to choose wisely. We talked a little in the last blog post on some cocktails to choose from, but here's how to have a social life and stay on track.</div><div>1. Workout on the weekend: &quot;Burn it off BEFORE you consume it.&quot; I say this all the time and this is why. I know that I'm not going to be perfect on the weekends because, well, stuff happens, but I know that if I burn that 650 calories at barre fusion, maybe the impact of my bad decisions won't effect me as much. Put in the extra calorie burn to add more calories to your food bank, it's that simple.</div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_c3afc855ec3f4592869cdfe5a9db74cb.gif"/><div>2. Change your drink mixer: We love to mix with tonic water, fruit juices, cocktail mixers, sodas, and whatever specialty cocktail mix your local bar has made. If you're drinking your alcohols with these, you're asking for a hangover the next day, as the sugar overload makes the body work twice as hard to remove the extra toxins from it. Change your mixer to water, club soda, sparkling soda (La Croix), organic pressed juices (Veda Juice Pineapple Carrot Start Me Up or dTox Pineapple Water), and avoid sodas and those specialty bar cocktails at all costs. </div><div>**Pro Tip: Bring your own flavor! Will you look weird at a bar pulling out a sachet of Crystal Light or a SkinnyGirl flavor pod? Maybe, but will everyone want some? Yes. </div><div>3. Beer: I don't drink a lot of beer, so I don't have much to say on this other than if you can stomach the light beers, drink them instead. Beers pack a lot of carbs, starch and sugars; everything we are trying to avoid, especially late night. If you can't stomach to be the &quot;light beer girl&quot;, limit yourself to 1 beer. Beer will stall your weight loss far faster than a cocktail.</div><div>4. Choose Red Wine: Red wine can be good for you in small doses. 1-2 glasses of red wine with dinner is a great choice as it's lower calorie and lower sugar. More than that, you're entering that sugar overload again, and facing a terrible hangover and a wine belly the next day.</div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_22cbda2436a94f45a51b95d37e5421f8.gif"/><div>5. Don't Get Drunk: We've all had one too many, sometimes 5 too many, and we're also old enough to know that we can't fight that hangover and we can't control ourselves when we get to that level. It's only when we have a few too many do we hit the McDonald's drive thru &quot;because it's going to soak up the alcohol&quot; and wake up feeling embarassed, hungover, and really, really grossly fat. A night like that is going to take a FULL WEEK to burn off. Getting drunk on 5 or 6 cocktails is going to be around 1000 calories, those late night snacks are totaling 2000-3000 calories, and the &quot;hangover cure&quot; breakfast is going to cost you another 1500-2000 calories. On the low end of that scale, you're at 4500 calories for ONE NIGHT of boozing. 3600 calories is equal to 1 lb, so that night you gained 1.5lbs. Was it worth it? Sometimes, yes. 99% of the time, no. Making a graceful exit after a few cocktails is always better than a sloppy exit after a few too many.</div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Two Minute Healthy Breakfasts!</title><description><![CDATA[There's nothing worse than getting to work and being hungry when you're trying to be healthy. The unhealthy donuts and coffee cakes call your name all morning, and you finally cave, all because you didn't have time to sit down and make that time consuming meal, even toasting a bagel taste 10 minutes! Don't let mornings de-rail your healthy habits! Try these amazing breakfast options that need nothing more than a stir and a pop in the microwave! 1. Minute Muffin by Blogilates Ingredients: 1/4 cup<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_1a90155e55ec47e48ed2a83dce2deba8.jpg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Donna</dc:creator><link>https://formestudios.com/single-post/2015/09/08/Two-Minute-Healthy-Breakfasts</link><guid>https://formestudios.com/single-post/2015/09/08/Two-Minute-Healthy-Breakfasts</guid><pubDate>Tue, 08 Sep 2015 11:46:39 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div>There's nothing worse than getting to work and being hungry when you're trying to be healthy. The unhealthy donuts and coffee cakes call your name all morning, and you finally cave, all because you didn't have time to sit down and make that time consuming meal, even toasting a bagel taste 10 minutes!</div><div>Don't let mornings de-rail your healthy habits! Try these amazing breakfast options that need nothing more than a stir and a pop in the microwave!</div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_1a90155e55ec47e48ed2a83dce2deba8.jpg"/><div>1. Minute Muffin by Blogilates</div><div>Ingredients: 1/4 cup quick oats 1 egg Handful blueberries (or raspberries) Sprinkle brown sugar or Stevia 1 tablespoon plain soy or almond milk</div><div>Directions: Take a little less than a quarter cup of quick oats, one egg, a small handful of blueberries and some brown sugar or Stevia if you like things sweet, and mix it all up in a coffee mug. If you want your muffin a little moist, add a tablespoon of plain soy milk or almond milk.</div><div>Place mixture in the microwave for 1 minute. Watch it carefully since this could overflow.</div><div>If the muffin top does not look firm, place back in the microwave 30 seconds at a time.</div><div>Once ready, flip mug upside down onto a plate and enjoy with a piece of fruit</div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_6d54cb087d2d483083cf20eb73c9f5be.jpg"/><div>2. 2 Minute Scramble</div><div>Ingredients: </div><div>3 eggs, yolk included</div><div>Diced tri-color peppers</div><div>Goats Cheese</div><div>Heavy Whipping Cream</div><div>Directions:</div><div>Whisk 3 eggs until liquified in to go container. Add peppers and goats chese along with a splash of HWC. Place in microwave for 2 minutes, stir with fork to break up. Add ground beef or breakfast sausage if you'd like.</div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_7e6147a6cb494dbfb9b7a6d4208ac8ef.jpg"/><div>3. Overnight Oats</div><div>PREPARE THE DAY BEFORE!</div><div>Ingredients:</div><div>2/3 cups dry rolled oats</div><div>160mL Apple Juice (unsweentened)</div><div>1/2-2/3 Cup Greek Yogurt</div><div>1 Medium Apple (finely chopped/grated)</div><div>2 tsp Sunflower Seeds (or flax &amp; chia seeds)</div><div>1/2 cup fresh blueberries OR 2/3 cup frozen blueberries</div><div>Directions:</div><div>Place all igredients into a container and soak overnight in fridge. Remove an enjoy!</div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_7836aeaf9b7c435e9699822d952d7fb4.jpg"/><div>4. 3 Minute Chocolate Almond Butter Quinoa Oatmeal via Refinery29</div><div>1 Trader Joe's Frozen Oatmeal &amp; Quinoa puck 1 tsp unsweetened ground cocoa powder (such as Ghirardelli's)  1 tbsp almond butter (we love Peanut Butter &amp; Co.’s “The Heat is On” spicy peanut butter for an extra kick!) 1 tsp carob chips  1 tbsp Greek yogurt 2 tbsp almond milk or soy milk 2 tbsp chopped apples Chopped almonds for garnish (optional) Instructions Put the frozen oatmeal and quinoa disk in a large mug and microwave for 2 minutes. Stir in the ground cocoa and peanut or almond butter. Cook for one minute longer, then stir in the Greek yogurt, milk, and most of the chopped apples. Garnish with mini chocolate chips, a few chopped apples, and chopped nuts. Enjoy!</div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>How To Survive Game Day (without consuming 10,000 calories)!</title><description><![CDATA[You're starting to think you started the Skinny Jean Slim Down at the wrong time, football season starts TONIGHT, and you can't miss any of the games this weekend or ALL season. Don't worry, at FORME, we love football season (GO NOLES!) and we wouldn't want you to miss it. The question becomes, how do you hit a tailgate, a party or just a bar to watch the game and not ruin all of your hard work from the week. Here are some helpful tips we use to survive a tailgate without avoiding the things we<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_7380f985baf84b0cb319d16f4f53729c.jpg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Donna Burke</dc:creator><link>https://formestudios.com/single-post/2015/09/03/How-To-Survive-Game-Day-without-consuming-10000-calories</link><guid>https://formestudios.com/single-post/2015/09/03/How-To-Survive-Game-Day-without-consuming-10000-calories</guid><pubDate>Thu, 03 Sep 2015 12:08:32 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div>You're starting to think you started the Skinny Jean Slim Down at the wrong time, football season starts TONIGHT, and you can't miss any of the games this weekend or ALL season. Don't worry, at FORME, we love football season (GO NOLES!) and we wouldn't want you to miss it. The question becomes, how do you hit a tailgate, a party or just a bar to watch the game and not ruin all of your hard work from the week. Here are some helpful tips we use to survive a tailgate without avoiding the things we love.</div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_7380f985baf84b0cb319d16f4f53729c.jpg"/><div>1. Bring dishes that are tasty, fun and healthy: Set yourself up for success! If you're like me, you spend the majority of the tailgate hovered over the food table with a drink in your hand. Being healthy doesn't mean being anti-social, so head on over to Pinterest and search for &quot;healthy tailgate dishes.&quot; <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=healthy%20tailgate%20meals&amp;term_meta%5B%5D=healthy%7Ctyped&amp;term_meta%5B%5D=tailgate%7Ctyped&amp;term_meta%5B%5D=meals%7Ctyped">Click here for tasty and HEALTHY party foods</a> that everyone will die for like skinny spinach &amp; artichoke dip, baked buffalo chicken bites, and baked guacmole skins! Not a Susie Homemaker and definitely NOT cooking? Baked buffalo wings from Publix are a good choice, as is the veggie plate with hummus, and chips &amp; guac or salsa. You can even bring a healthy cocktail that everyone will love!</div><div>2. Don't Feel Weird Eating the Veggie Plate: People buy them for a reason, to have a healthy option. Have you ever judged someone for eating a carrot stick? No, so why do we feel self-conscious making the healthy choice at the party and choose the fried chicken instead? Munch on those carrot sticks because you know what comes after football season? Bikini season. </div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_faed4a1c73b44b2697e8bb5c3b17059c.jpg"/><div>3. Think before you Drink: And I'm not telling you that it's sober September, you need to think about your drink choices prior to having one. We all have our go-to cocktail, beer or wine, but if you stop and think about why you drink it, most of the time it's because it's familiar or easy. Try to steer clear of heavy beers, and if you drink beers, try to keep them to a &quot;light&quot; beer. The carb content in beer is huge, and this just turns to sugar and packs onto the pooch. I'd actually prefer you drank red wine, vodka, tequila, or any &quot;clear&quot; liquor. Whiskeys and Bourbon are pure sugar, as are rums and other dark liquors. What are some of my go to cocktails?</div><div> *Vodka with Water &amp; 2 lemons or limes</div><div> *Vodka with Soda &amp; 2 lemons or limes</div><div> *Tequila with Soda &amp; 3 limes (squeeze of agave sometimes)</div><div> *Skinny Blueberry &quot;Mojito&quot;: Stoli Blueberry Vodka, Club Soda, Muddled Blueberries &amp; Mint, splash of Agave. (HUGE HIT AT PARTIES! I bring it in mason jars to add a cute factor!)</div><div> *SkinnyGirl bottled Cocktails or Sinless Mixers (found in any Atlanta liquor store or Whole Foods). Both made with stevia!</div><div> *Miller Lite, Mich Ultra, Bud Light, Corona Light, etc. </div><div> * Use Dtox or Veda Juice juices as mixers with your vodka! I LOVE the dTox Pineapple H2O with vodka or the Veda Start Me Up with vodka. So good, and less of a hangover because of the natural juices!</div><div>Remember, you have 4 drinks to use over the weekend (Friday-Sunday), you can have them all in one sitting or over time, but try not to drink more than 4. You'll thank me when the hangover fairy doesn't come for a visit.</div><div>4. No one thinks you're weird for not drinking: If you're trying to avoid drinking all together, that's great! While you think it's hard to go to a party and not drink because everyone else is, I can promise you that no one else will notice. Best answer to &quot;Are you not drinking?!?&quot; is always &quot;Still deciding on what I'm feeling like!&quot; That puts an end to the conversation and you can put water, soda, juice, or anything in a solo cup. If anyone really cares that much about you drinking, it's because they are already drunk, feel bad they are drunk and want a PIC.</div><div>5. Hit Your Workouts BEFORE the Game: Starting your morning with a workout will help you make the healthier choices when you get to the party and you'll already have burned a bunch of calories before you get there allowing you a little wiggle room. Really want to indulge at the party? Do it! BUT hit a back to back at the studio before you do to have 1000 extra calories in the bank. You'll never regret the extra workout, but you might regret the extra calories.</div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Healthy Super Bowl Snacks!</title><description><![CDATA[You're working so hard at FORME, the last thing you want to do is blow it at a Super Bowl party. Let's be honest, we aren't really there for the game, even though Tom Brady is super hot. We're there for the party, and with the party comes snacks and drinks. Here are my tips & tricks for staying skinny during the Super Bowl! 1. Eat Before You Go! Eat a full meal prior to the party so you won't feel the need to snack. You can still enjoy a few items, but if you aren't starving, you won't need to<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_f34d524e72004c8094abf85579fbec57.jpg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Donna</dc:creator><link>https://formestudios.com/single-post/2015/01/31/Healthy-Super-Bowl-Snacks</link><guid>https://formestudios.com/single-post/2015/01/31/Healthy-Super-Bowl-Snacks</guid><pubDate>Sat, 31 Jan 2015 23:44:05 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div>You're working so hard at FORME, the last thing you want to do is blow it at a Super Bowl party. Let's be honest, we aren't really there for the game, even though Tom Brady is super hot. We're there for the party, and with the party comes snacks and drinks. Here are my tips &amp; tricks for staying skinny during the Super Bowl!</div><div>1. Eat Before You Go! Eat a full meal prior to the party so you won't feel the need to snack. You can still enjoy a few items, but if you aren't starving, you won't need to gorge on chips and salsa.</div><div>2. Change your snack carrier! I talk about this all the time. Change the way you transport your food to your mouth and cut thousands of calories at a time. Having a cookout? Burgers are great with a fork and knife! BAKED wings are a great option (hit Publix for their wings since they aren't breaded!). Eat guac with spinach chips or veggies. Tacos? Use a big leaf of lettuce. Try to stay away from the potato chips, tortillas, buns and breads.</div><div>3. Bring a meat and cheese plate! EVERYONE loves meats and cheeses, and a little salumi board always makes a party great. Best part about it? You look like the all-star guest and you can keep your calories low by snacking on it all night. SO tasty, and a perfect, carb-free way to stay on track.</div><div>4. Don't Drink Your Calories! I know it's an All-American sport and maybe you want to enjoy some All-American Buds, but if you're trying to hit your goals, those Budweisers aren't helping. Lucky for you, Super Bowls are on Sunday which means you have work (and 6am FORME) on Monday! Limit your intake to 2 high calorie beers, or switch to a light beer. I'm not a big beer drinker, so I still stick to vodka waters at parties, and when I feel like adding a little something to it, I use one of my Skinny Girl water enhancers or Crystal Light. Even grab some Skinny GIrl margaritas or sangria, Bethany Frankel knows what she is doing and sweetened them with Stevia. Who doesn't love the girl who brought the low cal drinks? I know I do.</div><div>5. Use Small Plates! There's only so much food a plate can handle, and the smaller your plate, the less you can put on it. Restrict from the start and if you're still hungry after round 1, have a drink, then go back for round 2. Chances are, you won't need round 2 (or 3...or 6.)</div><div>These tricks work for all types of parties, so make the small changes and don't ruin your hard work. As for who wins? I like to bet on the team with the hottest QB, but this year it might be a tie!</div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Spicy Kale Chips!</title><description><![CDATA[So this week everyone was talking about snacks, and when you're craving a snack it can be a huge calorie bomb to your healthy living. Grab these ingredients at the store this week and get your chip craving under control. Ingredients: 1 medium bunch kale, washed, stemmed, and chopped into 1-inch pieces 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 teaspoon sea salt 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Whisk together olive oil, sea salt and cayenne pepper in a small bowl. Place kale in<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_d24067c81ad243bc8f9ac1ce17801635.png"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Donna</dc:creator><link>https://formestudios.com/single-post/2015/01/25/Spicy-Kale-Chips</link><guid>https://formestudios.com/single-post/2015/01/25/Spicy-Kale-Chips</guid><pubDate>Sun, 25 Jan 2015 22:09:27 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div>So this week everyone was talking about snacks, and when you're craving a snack it can be a huge calorie bomb to your healthy living. Grab these ingredients at the store this week and get your chip craving under control.</div><div> Ingredients:</div><div>1 medium bunch kale, washed, stemmed, and chopped into 1-inch pieces3 tablespoons olive oil1 teaspoon sea salt1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper</div><div>Directions:</div><div>Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Whisk together olive oil, sea salt and cayenne pepper in a small bowl. Place kale in a large bowl and pour dressing over it, then massage into the leaves with your hands.</div><div>Spread kale onto a large baking sheet in a single layer (you may have to do this in batches).</div><div>Bake for 10 minutes. Then stir the chips up. Then bake in the oven for another 8 minutes or until the chips turn crispy.</div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Clean Eats: Murphy's Restaurant Meatloaf (Healthy Version)</title><description><![CDATA[The worst part about losing weight is losing the things you love to eat. I LOVE to eat out, but when you're trying to drop pounds or trim up, you just can't because restaurant foods are laced with extra salt, oils and unnecessary carbs. One of my favorite meals is the italian sausage meatloaf at Murphy's in Virginia Highland, and here's the recipe I made that tastes EXACTLY the same but doesn't use the bread crumbs and add extra calories. This recipe is involved and takes a while, but it's best<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_9f7efd12cc504133879b64b96df1dae8.jpg"/>]]></description><link>https://formestudios.com/single-post/2015/01/11/Clean-Eats-Murphys-Restaurant-Meatloaf-Healthy-Version</link><guid>https://formestudios.com/single-post/2015/01/11/Clean-Eats-Murphys-Restaurant-Meatloaf-Healthy-Version</guid><pubDate>Sun, 11 Jan 2015 17:19:19 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div>The worst part about losing weight is losing the things you love to eat. I LOVE to eat out, but when you're trying to drop pounds or trim up, you just can't because restaurant foods are laced with extra salt, oils and unnecessary carbs. One of my favorite meals is the italian sausage meatloaf at Murphy's in Virginia Highland, and here's the recipe I made that tastes EXACTLY the same but doesn't use the bread crumbs and add extra calories.</div><div>This recipe is involved and takes a while, but it's best to do on a Sunday afternoon and it makes enough for 6 servings. You will need a loaf pan to cook it in.</div><div>Ingredients:</div><div>1/3 c. olive oil1 lg. onion4 garlic cloves, crushed1 tsp. basil1 tsp. oregano1 tsp. thyme1 tsp. crushed hot red pepper1 pkg. (10 oz.) frozen chopped spinach (pkg. thawed, squeeze out water)2 lb. ground lean beef1 lb. Italian style sausage3 eggs, beaten</div><div>Directions:</div><div>Preheat oven to 350 degrees.</div><div>In skillet, heat olive oil over high heat. Add onion, garlic, basil, oregano, thyme, hot red pepper. Reduce heat to low and cook covered until onion is tender, about 20 minutes. Add spinach stirring to break up spinach for 5 minutes. Cool to room temperature.</div><div>In large bowl combine beef and sausage. Stir in spinach mixture and eggs; mix well. Form meat into large round meatloaf and bake for about 1- 1.5 hours. You may serve with warmed tomato sauce on the side.</div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>How To: Grocery Shop on a Budget</title><description><![CDATA[I've been there--standing in Whole Foods with my debit card in hand watching the tally as my Kombucha, green juice, fresh veggies and healthy foods ring up. $100....$200...$300!! You don't want to start unloading your fancy reuseable totes, but you can't afford $1200 in groceries a month! Healthy eating can be really expensive, but with a little planning, a snack before the grocery trip and some price watching, you can buy healthy groceries for under $50 a week. So many of you asked me this week<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_7ee5586ce12b46c490d769866007c5a6.jpg"/>]]></description><link>https://formestudios.com/single-post/2015/01/11/How-To-Grocery-Shop-on-a-Budget</link><guid>https://formestudios.com/single-post/2015/01/11/How-To-Grocery-Shop-on-a-Budget</guid><pubDate>Sun, 11 Jan 2015 00:07:33 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div>I've been there--standing in Whole Foods with my debit card in hand watching the tally as my Kombucha, green juice, fresh veggies and healthy foods ring up. $100....$200...$300!! You don't want to start unloading your fancy reuseable totes, but you can't afford $1200 in groceries a month! Healthy eating can be really expensive, but with a little planning, a snack before the grocery trip and some price watching, you can buy healthy groceries for under $50 a week.</div><div>So many of you asked me this week what to buy at the grocery store in order to have food on hand to make healthy meals. Personally, I like to take the meals I LOVE at restaurants and make them at home cutting back on bad fats and sugary, starchy carbs. Then I don't feel like I'm missing out. Things I always have on hand in case of emergency? Zucchini, chicken breasts and sweet potatoes. </div><div>Top 5 Ways to Save Money At the Grocery Store:</div><div><div>Plan your meals prior to the trip: Know exactly what you need and EXACTLY WHAT YOU HAVE. Nothing angers me more than opening my pantry and seeing 2 bags of very expensive quinoa when I have just bought one. When you have half the ingredients, you're already saving money...and you'd be surprised at everything you already have. Also, check your social calendar. Are you meeting friends or have work dinners on Tuesday and Thursday? Be sure not to plan a meal for those days and save money.</div><div>Check the prices on EVERY brand: The grocery store brand isn't always the cheapest, so take a look at those prices. Many times you can save over $1 per item. BUT when buying canned, frozen or packaged food, the cheaper the item the more sodium and sugar it will have. THESE are hidden on the back of the label, check yourself before your wreck your diet. Sometimes it's worth spending $1 more.</div><div>Trader Joes vs Generic Grocery: Trader Joes has amazing deals on fresh vegetables, hummus, and pretty much everything else. Generic grocery stores like Publix and Kroger tend to have lower meat prices with more options in portion sizes. </div><div>Packaged vs Fresh: Packaged foods may seem cheaper on the price tag, BUT you never get as much broccoli in a packet as you do from grabbing some stalks from the veggie section. Same with frozen veggies, you get more when you buy fresh and burn some extra calories while chopping them up! You'll also end up with more leftovers that you can eat for lunch.</div><div>Cut Back On Snacks: Buy snacks that will fill you up but might be slightly pricier. You may not want to splurge for $7 trail mix, but that $3 box of granola bars will be gone by noon on Wednesday. Fruits, baby carrots, and hummus are great snacks that can last all week and keep you on track.</div></div><div>Pro Tip: Hit the Farmer's Market and you'll save a bunch! You'll need cash at local one's like the Morningside Farmers Market on Saturday mornings, but Dekalb Farmer's Market is a great place to go. Just go with a list, that place is overwhelming.</div><div>Here's a grocery list from <a href="http://www.laurenliveshealthy.com/healthy-living/grocery-list/">Lauren Lives Healthy</a>you can print out and highlight in order to keep yourself in check while grocery shopping:</div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Healthy Breakfast Alternatives!</title><description><![CDATA[There are only so many days a person can eat eggs, or oatmeal, or even bacon. When we get bored with our breakfast, we make poor decisions by hitting a Chick-Fil-A drive through for a 700 calorie chicken biscuit or just skipping the meal all-together. Neither one of these can happen on your road to your goals, but we can come up with some healthy breakfast alternatives that take under 10 minutes to make and taste great! The Breakfast Quesadilla by Cookie & Kate: Serve with mashed avocado or pop<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_d3818297db7a4486991ae106dc82e6e3.jpg"/>]]></description><link>https://formestudios.com/single-post/2015/01/10/Healthy-Breakfast-Alternatives</link><guid>https://formestudios.com/single-post/2015/01/10/Healthy-Breakfast-Alternatives</guid><pubDate>Sat, 10 Jan 2015 23:43:11 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div>There are only so many days a person can eat eggs, or oatmeal, or even bacon. When we get bored with our breakfast, we make poor decisions by hitting a Chick-Fil-A drive through for a 700 calorie chicken biscuit or just skipping the meal all-together. Neither one of these can happen on your road to your goals, but we can come up with some healthy breakfast alternatives that take under 10 minutes to make and taste great!</div><div><div><a href="http://www.skinnymom.com/2014/06/20/breakfast-quesadillas-with-scrambled-eggs-spinach-and-black-beans/">The Breakfast Quesadilla by Cookie &amp; Kate</a>:</div> Serve with mashed avocado or pop that avocado inside! Excellent source of protein, fats, and carbs. Fills you up all morning and it rounds out to an under 350 calorie breakfast!</div><div><div><a href="http://www.skinnymom.com/2013/12/29/green-monster-smoothie/">Green Monster Smoothie from SkinnyMom</a>:</div> Personally, I replace almond milk with coconut milk to get the extra healthy fats and keep me full until noon. </div><div><div><a href="http://thecornerkitchenblog.com/avocado-toast/">Avocado Toast with Egg by The Corner Kitchen</a><a href="http://thecornerkitchenblog.com/avocado-toast/">Blog:</a><a href="http://thecornerkitchenblog.com/avocado-toast/"></a></div>Use whole grain or flax seed bread over white or wheat. Cook your eggs how you want; over easy, hard boiled, scrambled, you choose! You can also use fresh guac instead of plain avocado!</div><div><a href="http://iowagirleats.com/2012/02/16/mini-ham-cheese-quinoa-cups/">Quinoa Cups from Iowa Girl Eats:</a>Quinoa is a fantastic source of carbs and protein. Choose your favorite meat protein (chicken, ham, bacon, chorizo, etc.) and head out the door every morning with a breakfast to-go!</div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Regular or Diet? What's Better For Your Diet?</title><description><![CDATA[You've probably noticed by now that we are using basic math and essentially counting calories during the FORME Selfie Challenge. We are doing this beacuse it allows you, like Weight Watchers, to choose your own adventure and enjoy your life while losing weight. But you're smart, and you know you love empty calories in sodas and juices, so during this process you've opted for diet drinks over regular because the label clearly states "ZERO CALORIES!" I'm going to advise you against that, and<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/998609_2543d7a675ad4b7c8c5ef6e6bb514754.jpg"/>]]></description><link>https://formestudios.com/single-post/2014/11/04/Regular-or-Diet-Whats-Better-For-Your-Diet</link><guid>https://formestudios.com/single-post/2014/11/04/Regular-or-Diet-Whats-Better-For-Your-Diet</guid><pubDate>Tue, 04 Nov 2014 14:01:50 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div>You've probably noticed by now that we are using basic math and essentially counting calories during the FORME Selfie Challenge. We are doing this beacuse it allows you, like Weight Watchers, to choose your own adventure and enjoy your life while losing weight. But you're smart, and you know you love empty calories in sodas and juices, so during this process you've opted for diet drinks over regular because the label clearly states &quot;ZERO CALORIES!&quot; I'm going to advise you against that, and here's why...</div><div>Diet drinks are laced with sugar substitutes, such as aspartame, which sweeten your drink like regular sugar but without all the calories. Amazing, right? Unfortunately, it's not. It would be better for you to consume the calories of real sugar (even High Fructose Syrup) because your body can process that sugar and rid your body of it immediately. You body cannot process the chemicals that make up aspartame, so where does it go when you drink it? It gets stored as fat!!!</div><div>The second reason I suggest real sugar over substitutes is that sugar substitutes do the same thing to your body's glucose levels, raise them so your body believes its receiving a new load of energy. But what happens when you don't have the sugar to process? Your glucose levels have spiked, but your body received nothing in return, so you start to crave MORE sugar...and in turn, probably eat something even worse than the original juice or soda you had planned on and your body now has another glucose spike.</div><div>I suggest real cane sugar, agave nectar, honey for real sugars, and Stevia for a sugar substitute. Stevia is a plant based substance that sweetens your drinks, it's more natural than other substitute products. Vitamin Water Zero actually uses stevia as its sugar replacement, so reach for one of those the next time you feel a craving coming on!</div><div>How was your first day on Lose It? Were you under or over your calorie intake? Did you get in one of your 6 workouts? </div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Weight Loss, BMR, and Balanced Diets</title><description><![CDATA[The FORME #Selfie Challenge is off and running, and one of the things we asked you to find out was your BMR, or your Basal Metabolic Rate. The first step to losing weight and toning up is knowing what your maximum caloric intake is, and that, is your BMR. I learned this trick from celebrity trainer, Jillian Michaels, and it's what helped me lose over 30lbs with FORME. You can find your BMR here, and when you plug in your height, weight and age, it tells you what the number of calories to<img src="http://static.parastorage.com/services/wixapps/2.486.0/images/demo-content/kiwi-popsicle.jpg"/>]]></description><link>https://formestudios.com/single-post/2014/03/23/Weight-Loss-BMR-and-Balanced-Diets</link><guid>https://formestudios.com/single-post/2014/03/23/Weight-Loss-BMR-and-Balanced-Diets</guid><pubDate>Sun, 23 Mar 2014 13:55:19 +0000</pubDate></item></channel></rss>