November 30, 2018

Bucket List Cross off: Andrea Bocelli Concert!

When I was a little girl, Saturday mornings were dubbed "cleaning days" my sister and I helped my parents clean the house. They would wake us with breakfast and the most poetic songs from their generation. Through the cracks of my bedroom door, I distinctly remember the echoing sounds of Andrea Bocelli's beautiful symphonies and at that exact moment, doing chores didn't feel like work. 

As you can imagine, I grew to love songs that had a meaning behind them, were poetic and the genre ranged from opera to rap...


A few Elton John's and Garth Brooks later my musical palate evolved but always kept me true to my roots. As in every time, I would have a breakdown or need to decompress Andrea Bocelli was there for me. 
Night of the concert - November 29, 2018







When Daniel and I started dating when both couldn't believe how similar our childhood was as well as the taste of music. Which it brings us to the most epic night. We had both heard that Andrea was coming to town and kept putting off buying tickets to see him. At this point, I almost thought it would be too late, that's when he surprised me with
Andrea Bocelli tickets! I was so excited I cried!









The evening started out amazing, first, we had dinner at Ruth’s Chris which in my opinion was delicious. Our dark picture below, but you get an idea of all the deliciousness. 


Then off to the concert, we went to. There was such a positive energy around us and I was in awe to see how many Andrea fans are in Utah! 

I teared up a few times and squeezed his hands extra tight. 

What got me the most about this evening was the not only was I completing some off of my bucket list, but so was he! 


The symphony was about two hours long with an intermission in between. Every time Andrea would walk out the whole crowd would cheer. The time went by so quickly and by the end of the evening, my face was hurting from smiling and all the happy tears. 

This was one of the greatest items to cross off my bucket list! 

I love that we both share so many of the same passions. Thank you, Daniel, for being the sweetest human around! 







November 7, 2018

How-To Series: Ketogenic Diet



Welcome to the first post of this fun How-To Series! I'm kicking this off with one of the most talked-about diets of the year: KETO (aka Ketogenic Diet)

A quick unbiased reminder: the point of this series is to educate you on all things nutrition. This doesn't mean that I'm going to persuade you towards a certain diet/lifestyle. I want to be transparent as I can with you about each topic and give a "research & study" point of view, and since I'm going to school for dietetics it seems fitting to give you an overall understanding without selling you on a product from some business. However, I will be recommending certain products that have research to back them up. Let's get right into it, shall we?

What is the Ketogenic Diet?
The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, adequate-protein, low-carbohydrate diet that in medicine is used primarily to treat difficult-to-control (refractory) epilepsy in children. The diet forces the body to burn fats rather than carbohydrates. When the body has too little glucose in the bloodstream, the liver converts fats into a form of energy known as ketones and fatty acids. The body then uses the ketones as an energy source.

Who is recommended for?
Usually recommended by a doctor if the patient has epilepsy, seizures, or is obese. People who use the ketogenic diet to control seizures usually follow this plan for about two years of being seizure-free. However, a person must taper off the ketogenic diet gradually or risk seizures and other health effects. It is no surprise that keto is recommended by many online health coaches to lose weight and fight diseases such as autoimmune. 

What are the side effects?
The ketogenic diet can cause several side effects, such as no appetite, constipation, dehydration, high cholesterol, kidney stones, nutrient deficiencies, and diabetic ketoacidosis. The Keto Flu - which is the initial symptoms of transition may include fatigue, insomnia, digestive upset, achiness, and lightheadedness. 

What is recommended:
First and foremost you should consult with your doctor to see if this diet is a good fit for you and quite honestly I dislike the word "diet" and think of it more as a lifestyle change. People on a ketogenic diet MUST drink lots of water to stay properly hydrated. Although supplementation is not recommended, there are a few products out there that could help you on this journey such as: 



What are the common foods for the Keto Diet?
Beef, lamb, venison, wild-caught fish, ghee, pastured eggs, swiss chard, spinach, zucchini, spaghetti squash, asparagus, avocado, and black coffee are some of the most common foods. 

What are the foods that need to be avoided on this diet?
Avoid sweetness, grains such as rice, quinoa, pizza, ice cream, soda, processed foods, refined fats products are among the list of what to avoid. 


Once again, the keto diet consists of around 70% fat, 25% protein, and 5% carbohydrates. I have presented you with detailed information on the ketogenic diet and hope that you proceed with your own discretion. Just like any other diet: keto isn't for everyone. If you have serious health issues please consult with your doctor beforehand. 


HOW TO START THE KETO DIET:
  1. Talk to your doctor first.
  2. Plan on being on this diet for a while (your body takes around 2-7 days to reach the ketosis stage). 
  3. Don't eat processed fats! Eat the foods I mentioned above.
  4. Talk to an expert on Ketogenic diet
  5. ONCE AGAIN: This diet is not for everyone!
I searched a few books on Amazon to help you get started if you are serious about this diet: 



Below is a compilation of delicious and healthy "Keto Friendly" recipes should you chose to go that direction. Let me know if you try any of them! 

 1. Dill Glazed Carrots by teaspoon of goodness


3. Chicken Fajita Sheet by Meraki Mother 


 4. Low Carb Swedish Meatballs by Whole Lotta Yum

 5. Keto Salad by Diabetes Strong










I hope you enjoyed today's post! See you next Wednesday for another How-To
xo,

Karina 
*Disclaimer: Nina Talks earns a small commission from affiliate links on the blog. I also receive compensation/products in exchange for reviews. All opinions are my own. I only recommend products we love. Thank you! 

November 6, 2018

Practicing Yoga with ProSource

*Disclaimer: Nina Talks earns a small commission from affiliate links on the blog. I also receive compensation/product in exchange for reviews. All opinions are my own. I only recommend products we love. Thank you!


There has always been this love-hate relationship between yoga and I; Quite honestly, during my younger year’s yoga was commonly practiced and just part of my day-to-day routine. Fast forward to now: my thirties and my practicing isn't as consistent as it used to be. One of my goals for 2019 is to practice yoga more often and I will accomplish just that!
Yoga is 99 percent practice, one percent theory. ~Pattabhi Jois

YOGA is a systematic technology to improve the body, understand the mind, and free the spirit. With practice, you are strengthening and calming the nervous system. You are also increasing blood flow and bringing more oxygen to your cells. In all honesty, yoga has the tools to help you overcome different health symptoms and overall well-being. It gets ready of mind fog, stress, and just puts you into a more energetic mood. 

Why should you use yoga as medicine?
Because stress is one of the most common factors in medical conditions (obesity, heart attacks, infertility, are a few examples). If you understand how yoga truly works, then you know that it plays a huge role in stress reduction. Sure, it might not cure your disease, but I can promise you that you are one step closer to that path of recovery.


Did you know that some people who are anxious or depressed have the sense that they can't take a full breath? Yoga teaches that one way to improve the inhalation is to focus on the exhalation.
6 ways yoga can be used as medicine by facilitating better health: 
  • It improves flexibility
  • Strengthens muscles
  • Improves balance
  • Strengthens bones
  • Improves posture
  • Promotes weight loss
What if you are a beginner yogi?

If you haven't mastered your flexibility, don't worry! You've got to start somewhere. That's why there are plenty of props such as yoga blocks to help you when you can't reach or flex a certain way. It all comes down to being prepared. If you have all the right equipment from the beginning then your first yoga experience shouldn't be as crazy. I personally recommend getting a yoga mat, blocks, a towel, and even a stability ball. One of my favorite one-stop-shop for all of the items I mentioned is ProSource. Where you can Buy quality yoga gear at amazing prices. Click Here! 

Like I mentioned earlier, I'm not a true Yogi just yet. It's been a while since I have consistently practiced. I will keep you all updated as I have grown and get better at each move!

Pictured above is me using my yoga blocks for the child's pose & triangle. 

So what do you think? Are you ready to unleash your inner Yogi?


xo, 
Karina 

November 5, 2018

Who is the girl behind Nina Talks?

Happy Monday Lovelies, 

With the revamp/makeover of Nina Talks I figured this was the perfect time to re-introduce myself to you all. The list below is what I've compiled for the past few months with questions from well, YOU guys (over on Instagram & YouTube)!

Utah blogger Nina Talks

So, without further ado, let's get to it! 

WHO IS KARINA OLIVEIRA?

I'm just a hopeless romantic girl; who hails from Sao Paulo Brazil. That in her young years migrated to Utah. I'm a mother of the coolest kiddos in town (Logan & Lia). I'm a girl that's a little obsessed with making lists, pandas, Boba drinks, dancing, and anything to do with fitness/nutrition. I'm also a college student in hopes to soon become a registered dietitian. 

WHAT IS THE MEANING OF NINA TALKS?

Nina was one of my nicknames growing up and through the years it has always brought a big smile to my face. Nina has always been unique to me in a sense and it means more than just a nickname. It means freedom, it means me doing me, it means putting my emotions out. So, naturally while changing directions of my blog, it only seemed fitting to have "Nina Talks" as the name. 

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING TO DO?

The older I get, the quicker I've come to realize that I'm a homebody. Staying in, hanging out with the boyfriend and kiddos while eating and watching our favorite movies = Count me in! 

FAVORITE FOOD?

I'm such a foodie! My current favorites are general Tso's cauliflower, shrimp pasta, mangos, and Boba drinks! 

HOBBIES?

Writing, baking, dancing, fitness, and of course napping (that's a hobby, right?)

FAVORITE ANIMAL?

PANDAS!!!

WHAT DO YOU DO FOR WORK?

I'm a dietary technician at my local hospital by day, and blogger/author by night. 

WHERE ARE YOU FROM?

Sao Paulo, Brazil

BUCKET LIST?

YES! I have a huge bucket list and have completed a lot of things on it. 

FAVORITE SONGS?

Perfect by Ed Sheeran

WHAT IS ONE GOAL YOU WISH TO COMPLETE THIS YEAR?

To publish my book before the end of the year!

FAVORITE CHRISTMAS MOVIE?

ELF!

CHOCOLATE OR VANILLA?

Chocolate all the way!

STAYING IN OR GOING OUT?

Staying in!

WHAT IS YOUR NATURAL HAIR COLOR/TYPE?

Brown and curly

FAVORITE STORES?

Forever 21 & Amazon

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE COLOR?

Pink & Black

DO YOU HAVE A QUOTE YOU LIVE BY?

“Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.” ~Unknown

 “It’s never too late to be what you might have been.” ~George Eliot


There you have it! I hope you learned something new about me! 

xo,

Karina