Lately I’ve been receiving a lot of questions via e-mail/Twitter/Instagram. And I think the easiest, most efficient way to answer all of them is through the blog.
If there’s been a question you’ve asked via e-mail/comments/Twitter that’s gone unanswered, simply write it below in ze comment box.
& I’ll try to answer them in a post next week ; )!
FYI: it’s really, really important to me to keep in constant interaction with the readers of TSConf.
Because, I mean, without you guys this blog would be nothing! I never want to turn in to one of ‘those bloggers’ that’s way too busy to answer e-mails or questions ( <<< yuck ).
Yah. That’s not my style. At all.
So! Ask away! Just type a comment/question/etc. ( asking anonymously works too ) in the below comment box & I’ll provide the answers next weekend.
MWAH! x.Lauryn
Tips for petite girls trying to lose those last 5 pounds?
Already upped my protein intake and work out every day and eat clean.
Is there something I’m missing? (It’s been months!)
Victoria, It’s hard to help you without knowing EVERYTHING you are eating and what exactly you’re doing for your workout.
Have to agree with GiGi… try logging everything into myfitnesspal (free app) for 3-7 days… just what you NORMALLY eat.
I would then look at ways to cut calories… in terms of structuring your meals, my dietician (going to save you a lot of money here!) had me cut all starchy foods (eg bread, flour, potatoes, even quinoa) so I am for around 80-100 grams carbs, 90-110 protein, 90-100 fat. That’s about 1500 calories. Then, a couple days a week (like, 2), I will do around 1200 calories a day. I lost 7 lbs in about 6 weeks doing this.
Anyway, mainly I would cut carbs. Don’t go cray cray with the protein– my dietician told me TOO much protein can hinder weight loss. Up your good fats when cutting carbs… so like avocado, coconut oil, pasture butter, olive oil, organic sour cream…
And log yo’ food. Logging REALLY helps if you want to dial it in!
Good luck. XX
How did you and your boyfriend meet?
What are some advice you can give to a college senior who isn’t sure what to do after graduation?
Do you want kids? What’s the main goal on your bucket list?
Hi Lauryn,
Thanks! I really love you blog and it’s a big inspiration.
I’m trying to lose a bit of weight and eat better. It’s hard and I have trouble with motivation.
But anyways, my question: do you think replacing dinner with a pressed juice once in a while is a good way to shed a few pounds?
In addition to exercise and overall eating better of course!
On a totally normal day ( not going out but showering and want to look nice, but in a hurry and not needing to look amazing… i.e. me going to work) how long does it take you to get ready? #2 where oh where can i learn to use eyeliner without looking like a prostitute? I’m dying to learn to DIY it but it always looks so AWFUL!!! (Just turned 30 so I’ve seriously been on the mission for, like a decade)
How so you get your hair so soft?
What’s an affordable juicing method for college students?
Any affordable recipes?
Any good tried and true skin care regimens?
What do you typically eat in a week of being healthy?
Have you ever been heavy/overweight?
What made you get into fitness/health?
Do you have any body insecurities? How do you deal with them, if so?
What are your struggles in your healthy lifestyle?
Thanks <3 🙂
Hi Lauryn! Love u and your blog! Where is your favorite place to travel to? What is the best get skinny tip you have encountered out of all of your amaze interviews?? Thanks! 🙂
Blogging 101 tips? What camera do you use?
How do you have such tan glowing skin? Do you use fake tan?
How did you transition into blogging full time? When did it become your main job? To me you have the purrrrfect situation! You get to blog about stuff you want and on your own time (aka having time to workout when/where ever you want! You are an inspiration and it would be sick to work for a blogger like you! Hats off! xx
Hi! I was just wondering if you had to cut anything out of your diet like bread? And what are your go to healthy snacks?
Thanx!
Hi Lauryn!
I feel so lucky to have stumbled across your blog awhile back. Since then, I’ve been addicted! I just wanted to know what your favorite ab and arm workouts were? And since you’re clearly someone who lives a healthy lifestyle incorparting exercise, what are your thoughts on plastic surgery to enhance a person’s looks even more?
P.S. Congrats on your book! Can’t wait to order it!
Thanks for your help:)
Dina
Are you most of your friends into healthy eating/living? I feel like it’s often easier to succeed when your friends are trying, too.
Please do a post on your daily routine!!! Also, what are your tips for being productive while living such a hectic life!? So much to do in so little time! I’m dying to know how you do it all and keep your cool. You’re so inspiring and motivating 🙂
What type of skin do you have, and what is your skin care regimen? Also favorite beauty products from head to toe?
I live in Midwest where it can be humid and Buggy in summer months. What is your best recommendation, either brand or DIY or vitamin/herb, bug repellant for body? How about for say perimeter like windows, yard, pets? Of course that is healthy and effective too. Thanks!
Lip lips lo
Your lips are so perfect! Could you share your experience with fillers (if you have used them). How long the results last, how much product used, and how often ?
Thank you so much!
Best advice you can give to someone who’s schedules flip from day to night?
Thanks!
The Purse Snatcher
How do you afford healthy food (as a college student, it can be expensive!), do you have any budgeting tips? Also what are your fave things at trader joes (I know you said a while ago but anything new?) and can you do more posts about what you eat in a whole day? It gives me meal/snack ideas! Ps love the blog
I am allergic to honey can you give some info on substitutes and is there a healthy agave syrup?
More favorite products for beauty and eating
Hi there! Thanks for doing this! My question is your thoughts on a low estrogen birth control… Yucky hormones or ok for your bod?
Can’t wait to order your book! Congrats on everything!
Xoxo
Hi 🙂
I have recently made the decision to commit to a healthy lifestyle (Thanks to your blog!). I would like to learn a little more about the basics of nutrition, what the body needs, why that is and the most efficient way to obtain these nutrients. Are there any books/websites that you would recommend for the best information? Also, I’ve found that I usually get bored with a workout quite easily, so I have been switching it up based on what I feel like doing that day. Are there any tips you could offer to keep motivated? Thanks!
Have you ever done a water fast? If so would you recommend it?
Hey Lauryn!
First of all I tots love your blog!!
So, how the heck do you keep that lovely golden glowing tone to your skin? I know how cray cray you are about sunscreen and big hats, and staying out of the sun, so how do you get that sunkissed look, but without the sun?
XOXO – Erin
How exciting! Yes, I actually have a few questions for you:
1. What kind of camera do you use for your blog?
2. When starting your business, what was the biggest fear you had to overcome? (For instance, maybe quitting your 9-5 job and loosing job security?)
3. If you could give us one tip on how to grow our blogs, what would it be?
Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions!
Love this! Can’t wait for your book!
-Do you ever feel isolated since you work for yourself/from home?
-Any tips for living with a boy?
-Do you ever fall off the healthy eating wagon? If so, how do you get back on it?
-How do you get your friends/family to appreciate healthy eating?
-Thoughts on cosmetic surgery?
hey lauryn! fantastic idea!!
how do you incorporate fresh juice into your diet when you’re not doing a cleanse? do you drink it in place of a meal, with a meal, as a snack? how often do you drink fresh juice/suja?
also, i would love to know what you eat in a typical week. you shared your own food diary awhile ago and annie’s even more recently. i found both of them to be so inspiring and helpful!
xo
Hi Lauryn! I’m a recovering tanaholic – I used to tan [fake bake] in my college years pretty regularly, about every other day. I absolutely loved the color it gave me and how great it made me feel. I’ll admit, I’m starting to notice very fine lines and my long-distance vision regressed slightly [not sure if it’s totally attributable to the tanning – but probably the biggest factor.] I stopped a few months ago because the salon closed, and I took it as an opportunity to quit cold turkey.
I’m proud of myself for doing the right thing, but my willpower is wavering because the paleness is creeping in. I’m making do by covering up with foundation [my face is the biggest concern: SO pale and splotchy without a tan!] I’m thinking about alternatives: are there any safe natural-esque self-tanners? You look super tan in your photos – can you sympathize? 🙁 I’ll compromise – not looking for Brazillian Goddess tan like I did in the old days, but at least a glow [instead of Casper] would be nice…. thoughts??
Well you said anything… :p I know it’s a tacky question, but how do you afford to go on so many nice vacays? Do you put away savings, budget it in, or is it a spontaneous thing? Tell me your tips, I’d love to spend some relaxing time by the water!
Any tips on how to get your hair to grow long? / How often should I be cutting it?
I take a hair skin nail vitamin every day, use heat styling 3 times a week, and only dye it darker once every few months. It’s grown a little but I’m still not seeing the results I want. Let me know if you have any other tips! Thank you!! 🙂
LOVE your blog – thank you for all you do!!!
– I have fair skin and stay out of the sun like you – but your tan is incredible!! What kind of fake tanner do you use if any? I like St Tropez but I’m always interested in what others use.
Thanks!
Annie
NYC
Lauryn! I love your blog <3 I read it religiously ever day. You're my fave!
Okay so this past summer I was feeling great: eating clean, exercising every day, and my bod was rocking.
Then when I went to India, I was force-fed by all my relatives, yucky. On top of that, I started birth control when I was there for my hormonal acne…Let's just say the scale was not happy when I came back.
Now, even though I'm eating clean the majority of the time and am exercising regularly (HIIT AND lifting weights/strength training, plus total body conditioning on some days), I'm about 10lbs heavier than I was back in the summer and I feel like a bloated balloon. I don't know if it's the birth control or what (but I highly doubt I've ACTUALLY gained ten pounds, if i did…ugh) and I don't know what I'm doing wrong. HELP! What do I do to revert to my summer self?
Any tips on losing weight/ eating healthy when you’re constantly at work/ in the office? I’ve gained 10 pounds since starting my desk job and am having a hard time getting rid of it.
Also, any tips on barre workouts? I’m starting pure barre this week and am fairly out of shape and scared!
I’m extremely busy and stressed with my new job. Can you give tips for eating healthy? I know you should be prepared.. but anything a little more specific would be nice!
You’re such a great blogger and I will attest to the fact that you answer emails – you’ve answered the few emails I’ve sent you.. and quickly! Thanks for all you do!
Do you live with your boyfriend? What do you eat for breakfast? Can you do a typical day post? Thanks! Xo
Do you cut breads and other carbs out of your diet to stay thin? Can you post your meals and work outs for a typical week? Can you give advice on how to eat healthy at parties and events that don’t have healthy options? For example, I’m going to a party tonight and they are having pizza and salad and cake and ice cream! I don’t want to be the only one not eating and to appear super high maintenance! You must have some advice!? Thx!!
Can you please do a ‘where to start’ post? For someone who is new to clean eating and daily exercise? Also is it a good idea to cut bread/carbs out altogether straight away?
Thank You 🙂
What does a typical day look like? How do you fit it all in?!?
I think there’s a trend here, your readers (including me) want to know what a typical day of meals looks like for you. Also- what are your main go-to’s for meals/snacks and what are some things that you stay away from.
Thanks! 🙂
Your blog is incredibly inspiring and so are you! I would love to know tips about how to get into blogging! Also, what is your sign??
I just e mailed you this morning! lol
do you use google adsense? How do you make money off your website? I’m on the verge of starting my own! Can’t wait to plug yours as my inspiration/ you as my totes adore muse!!!!
oh! and what webhost do you use?
I would love to know your skin care and make-up routines!
I want to start getting a workout before I leave the house at 7:30 am, should I eat right when I get up or can I wait till after workout and getting ready? I’m just not hungry until an hour or so after getting up, so quick and easy suggestions for early breaky would be helpful too. Thx
Love your blog; the pictures, insights, tips and the voice that you have created!
I just moved back to San Diego, where are some great spots to grab a drink? Or places that I must go to?!
Thanks!
When people say they eat a cup of oats or rice or quinoa, do they mean a cup that is cooked from using 1/4 cup of it dried? Others, that is almost 600+ calories (I don’t count, but I look at the nutrition labels to look at value and serving size). The same goes for nuts. A ton of vegans/raw foodists/paleo people make dressings/sauces or faux meats using a full cup of nuts. What ever happened to moderation? That is a ton of calories and fat.
Apparently I should have waited till the end of the day with my questions since this is my third comment, sorry! Can you recommend a healthy PB that isn’t oily and needling to be stirred??
Assuming you do get paid via The Skinny Confidential, who pays you? Is it through ads? Does Suja pay you? How long did it take for you to be able to make an income through blogging?
Hey Lauryn! I love your blog sosososo much, you are inspirational and fabulous! As a college girl, I am not looking to lose any weight but rather embrace the lifestyle you encourage through your blog. However, I find it can be difficult with all the temptations of partying, junk food, and also with the loads of work… ugh. I know you’ve done a post before, but would you ever consider doing a ‘college series’ of blog posts, that relate to how to have fun and succeed in college while not gaining the sicko freshman 15,20,50 etc.? It would be much appreciated by us college girls wanting to stay fit happy and healthy!! xx
What is your foundation and makeup routine ? ! How do you achieve a flawless face and what are your best/favorite product reccomendations !?
Also do you wear extensions!?
Cant wait to read your answers next week!
Mwaaa… !!
Do you have any tips on getting rid of love handles? Any ideas how to tone up the upper inner arms quickly? P.S. Really appreciate your good attitude to answering questions! Your blog is so refreshing! Keep up the good work 🙂
Hi Lauryn,
Do you wear extensions? If so, what kind?? Love the hair 😉
Also, you always look so tan but are so anti-sun…whats your trick? what products do you reccomend?
Thanks!
c
What is the lunch or dinner you eat most often? What is your go-to ab routine (exercises please!)
Thanks, Lauryn! Can’t wait for the looooong Q & A post 🙂
Hey, I would love to know what products you use for your skin care and make-up routine.
Thanks
Hi Lauryn!
What does a typical day of eating & working out look like for you? Also, some snack ideas would be awesome! Thanks so much!
xo.
Random q: but how tall are you? Just for comparison with all the fashion posts you do!
This is more of a personal question, but it really makes a difference in someone’s skin… what’s your take on birth control pills and their affect on skin? And if you’ve ever used them and come off, how did your skin react/how did you deal with it?
Hi Lauryn, I really love your beauty/health tips, mostly because they are very health conscious. However, I would love for you to do a post on spray tans. I love spray tans, but I’ve been hearing mixed reviews on how healthy they actually are- especially with DHA. I would love love love for you to address this topic! Love your blog!
I know clean eating and exercising is a given for a healthy, happy, mind and body. But, any on advice on supplements to speed up the process of getting that supermodel body? I’m looking for something HEALTHY and for women that increases LEAN muscle and burns fat. Is this miracle supplement too good to be true? I was looking into creatine and would love to hear your opinion on this or any other supplements that could help me get more out of my workout routine, and give me faster results (and not make me look like a body builder.)
Thank you xx
Hi Lauryn!
Any tips on combating sugar cravings and how to curb late night eating?!?!
Thoughts on gel manicures, particularly at home kits with LED lights, and potential health risks associated with them. Thank u xx
I absolutely love your blog, you’re so inspiring and honest!
-What’s your favourite snack to bring in the hand bag?
-I’m a student. Any ideas on quick, cheap lunch boxes?
-Have you tried bikram yoga? Any thoughts? I’m doing it today, for the first time!!
xx
What blogs do you visit on a regular basis?
Keep up the great work- love the site!!
Hi Lauryn,
Have been a long time fan of your blog! Like many others, I’d love to see a typical days meals for you. Ideally even a few days or a week to see the kind of variety you have, what you indulge in, your snacks etc etc
Also, as others have said I’d love to know how long it took for you to be able work full time for yourself. As someone who is ready to move out of the 8-5 world of work and venture out on my own, I’d love to know how long it took you to be able to work for yourself and live comfortably
Really appreciate the effort you make to answer questions on your blog!
Lucy x
Do you always eat healthy every day? Or have you ever just ate a bag of Doritos or some Oreos? Do you have a quick 20 min routine you do if you just can’t make it to the gym? Any great recipes we need to know…..What products do you use to clean your house? Are they “clean” clean products?
Hi,
I just recently read an article on this website called butter believer (http://butterbeliever.com/are-the-benefits-of-flax-seeds-worth-it/) which basically states that Flax Seed actually is not good for you. I wanted to do some research of my own so tried to google about it, however, I keep getting mixed results. Some say its good, others say its bad. What’s your take?
– Blogging basics: what camera do you use? What hosting site do you use for your blog? Do you edit your own pictures, if so what program do you use?
– Top 3 makeup, skin, hair & fashion “holy-grail” items?
– What is your go-to fifteen minute skinny meal?
– Any tips for eating out and staying healthy?
– Favorite styling tips/inspiration for home decor?
How do you come up with the topics you blog about? Do you ever run out of ideas or encounter “writers block”? What goes into a typical post?
Side note: love the blog! It’s become part of my routine… wakeup (check,) make breakfast (check,) read TSC (check)…
Hey!
When you have particularly stressful times, how do you deal? And, how do you make yourself focused? I worry. A. LOT. About things that are not relevant to my life currently, or even worth worrying over, and I’m pretty sure I worry more about all the stuff I have to get done than actually doing it – which leaves me SUPER stressed! – This is why I ask about especially stressful phases or deadlines you have to meet and how you deal with them (when you have less time than usual to get stuff done)
xx
Anxiety. You have mentioned it
Before , how to deal with it ? Also even though you have a bf , dating/relationship advice 😉 love your blog;)
Xoxo
Hey Lauryn,
What is the main improvement (or elimination) you have made to your diet and/or lifestyle that has benefited you the most? And how has it benefited you? (i.e. Cutting out fried food, incorporating a daily probiotic, etc.)
I read your blog daily and find you to be a huge motivation! Great work girl.
I’ve been trying to slim down my thighs without getting them all bulky and muscular, any tips?? Also, any dorm-friendly recipes you can share? That would be super helpful, ESPECIALLY living on a college budget. You rock girl <3
Cellulite!! I’m fairly thin and 22 have always been athletic but maybe after too much drinking this summer I have gained sooo much viable cellulite on my ass and thighs…. Helpppp
What you eat on a daily basis in a week. Your favorite makeup products that you wear everyday. How to prevent holiday weight gain. How to re-motivate yourself to eating healthy and working out.
Love your blog! Here we go with the questions:
1. Do you color your hair? How often?
2. What’s your favorite: food? Exercise? Way to relax? Vacation spot?
Is it possible to reduce cheek fat and double chin? I’ve seen many facial exercises, but I’ve also seen counter articles to it. So please tell me is there a way around it!
Hi Lauryn
I have another question: why is it that beauty/hygiene products still contain parabens and aluminum when they’ve been deemed unhealthy? Why do people still use them? Why are companies still producing them? How do we change this? Thanks!
Harkness
Hi!! I love your blog! You are so awesome and inspiring! I have a blog that is very dear to my heart that I would love for you to check it out: caramclaughlin.blogspot.com
My blog was monetized for a while through Google AdSense and I was making great money! Sadly, they kicked me off their system without providing a reason. So for months now I have had increased readership and 0 money. So my question is, do you have any basic tips for monetizing a blog?
Thanks!!
xx
What are your thoughts on zero calorie foods (Fruits and Veggies)? Do you believe in that??
What are your thoughts on zero calorie foods (fruits and veggies)??
What are your thoughts on zero calories foods (Fruits and veggies)??
Oops! Sorry for the repeat ^^ My computer is messed up 😛
Hey Lauryn!
I ADORE your blog! Do you have any advice for losing weight, while working a desk job? In the past, I had jobs that kept me moving and active. I’ve always been pretty small, but sitting at a desk all day has significantly decreased my metabolism, making it harder to lose the extra pounds. Besides working out like crazy, are there any tricks/tips you have to boost weight loss?
As a college freshman I am required to purchase a meal plan to live in the dorms. My school provides food like burgers, pizza, and taco salads. I am gluten-free so I can’t eat the “healthier” sandwich options, and all salads are iceburg lettuce! Ugh. Any tips on how to eat healthy and clean on a college meal plan?! (Also any advice on fitting in fitness with a busy college schedule and no gym?)
Thank you!! <3
I love your blog so much! I so admire how you keep your life fulfilled and balanced. I’m wondering though how you handle slip ups? I always feel so guilty after I eat too much or eat something. Just trying to find some balance! Any tips would be so appreciated.
Thanks!!
Nicole
Hey Lauryn,
What is the most significant improvement (or elimination) you have made to your diet/lifestyle that has provided the greatest results? And how has it affected your life?
P.S. I read your blog daily — You have provided me with such inspiration. Good work with the blog, girl!
What kind of car do you drive?
I know it is kind of late but I was wondering what you thoughts were on Monsanto? I love your blog!
I see all these foods you use that I never seem to find at your “regular” grocery store. Where do you usually do your grocery shopping?
Hi L 🙂 First, thanks for the ton of inspiration and fresh take on everything!!
After what kind of work out do you feel best? And where oh where can I find these adorbs little polka dot bowls in some of your pics?
Thanks! <3
Hi! So what is the “skinny” on hummus? I am absolutely addicted to it – it is my crack! And you mention often that you eat it. So whats the deal? Obviously you can still have too much of a good thing so please enlighten us with your hummus knowledge! Thanks 🙂
can you do a post on what kind of makeup you use when you go for a more dressed up look, like foundation and stuff? thanks<33
I’m wondering about your adorable dog, Pixie! I have been thinking about getting a dog, and when I look online at the shelters in my area, there seem to be a lot of chihuahuas. Did you adopt yours, or get her as a puppy? Was she difficult to train? What do you do if you are at work or out for a long period of time? Do you travel with her? Tell us all about her, she’s so adorable!!!!!
Thanks!
Kelsey
What running shoes do you recommend? The ones I have are not cutting it, I’ve worn through them in just two months! I’ve read reviews on other websites but I trust your opinion a whole lot more 🙂
What are your thoughts on intermittent fasting (like 16 hr fast, 8 hr eating window)?
Hi Lauryn!
What does an average day look like for you?!
What do you and your boyfriend cook on the weekends? I am gluten free, so I would love some ideas!
Can’t wait for your book! When does it come out?
What’s the skinny on packaged tuna? I don’t understand how tuna can sit in a can (extra yuck!) or in a package in a grocery store aisle and not go bad. Am I right about my concern with this or is it healthy to eat?
How do you keep yourself motivated to workout on days that you’re feeling kind of sicky and just not 100%?
How do you feel about the green coffee bean supplement?
I love your lifestyle! Being healthy, blogging, and giving advice on a way to be a better you is something I’d want to do. What/How did you start blogging? What kind of classes or courses do you suggest taking that would help someone get into the same kind of industry? What kind of advice do you have for others that are looking to make something like that into a career?
Hi! I started to read your blog in January and i love it! Sorry if i have any grammar mistake, i´m Spanish! haha
I just want to tell you that your blog really help me every day with all your tips. I´m a skinny girl and i do cardio 3 times a week. Also i do some weight and abs, but i still have some tipical fat in the back and arms, and it doesn´t wanna go!!…any tip exercise or recommendation for that fat thing?
thanks a lot
Hi!
I moved to nyc a little over a year and a half ago after I graduated college. I’ve pretty much got my routine down, working 9-5, working out, etc., but I find it’s hard to meet new people living in a big city and working a full time job, etc.
My bff and boyfriend live in different cities so it can get a little lonely at times (which is why I got a cat).
I was wondering if you had any good tips for meeting new people?
Thanks!
BTW Thank you for all your posts about workout clothes. I am a total fiend and love alternatives to lululemon!
I’m 46 going on 47 I’m five two and weigh ten stone two pu day help me loose weight plz I want to loose a stone
Just curious, why do you wear the chin strap?