Saturday, February 23, 2013

FUELING UP

Good Morning FITers! Another rainy day in NYC and I woke up starving!!!! Days like this I crave a hearty breakfast. So, I whipped up a protein pancake, eggs and a side of avocado and I'm telling you it hit the spot!

Vanilla Protein Pancake (makes 1 large cake)

  • 2 scoops of quick oats
  • 1/2 scoop of vanilla protein
  • 2 egg whites
  • Dash of Pure Vanilla Extract
  • 1/2 packet of Truvia
  • Dash of Cinnamon

Mix ingredients and heat on skillet, don't flip until the top starts to bubble. Top with agave!

Additional Topping for the FITers that love sweets! 

  • 2 tablespoons full plain greek yogurt
  • Dash of Pure Vanilla Extract and packet of Truvia/Stevia
Mix and top pancake - looks like a vanilla icing

Also made Eggs over easy with fresh dillweed and 1/4 of Avocado served in its shell. 

ENJOY!




*Tip* - Avocados are a HEALTHY source of GOOD fat that will keep you full and curb your sweet cravings. I tend to eat mine in the morning and at lunch so it curves my mid day cravings. See here




Friday, February 22, 2013

ORGANIC SHOPPING LIST

 
 
By now, most of us should know there’s a huge benefit to buying organic groceries. However, in today's time, you have sellers promoting everything from organic food, organic clothes to organic skincare products. Sure, I want you to be as healthy as you can possibly be, but going organic in other directions other than food can be extremely expensive.
 
Yes, you want to treat your body like temple and keep things as pure as possible but I don't want you to break the bank either. Remember, a healthy wallet is a happy wallet. 
 
Here are some items I suggest starting off with when your on a budget. Good Luck FITers!
  • Strawberries (they have been know to have about 13 pesticides on at once)
  • Apples
  • Celery
  • Sweet bell peppers
  • Peaches
  • Strawberries
  • Spinach
  • Nectarines (imported)
  • Grapes
  • Green Beans
  • Lettuce
  • Cucumbers
  • Blueberries (domestic)
  • Potatoes
  • Kale/collard greens
  • Beef/Poultry
NON FOOD ITEMS I SUGGEST FOR YOUR NEXT SHOPPING ADVENTURE
  • Cookware (buy stainless steel, cast iron - never nonstick)
  • House Cleaners (personally love Mrs. Meyers)
  • Waterbottles (buy a stainless steel bottle)
Happy Shopping!

Stay tuned for tips on how to shop organically on a budget :)

MAKE AN INVESTMENT

 

 
Everyday we make choices for ourselves. From what we wear, what we spend and what we eat. Far too often we shutter from the thought of spending more on organic groceries because of the price jumps on the same item as non-organic. But the real costs will come in the future when you’re not as healthy as you should be. People spend money on clothes, car accessories, and expensive dinners. You need to start putting your money into your health. Physical Fitness and Organic Food is the ultimate investment opportunity for anyone.
 
 
Think about it. Feeling energized, looking and feeling younger, more self-confidence, radiant skin…. These are just some of the rewards. With all the junk that is being pumped into our foods its pretty disgusting to think about what we are allowing to go into our bodies.
 
Spending more on organic items decreases your cancer risks, decreases your intake of unnecessary hormones and antibiotics from meat & poultry (gross), humane treatment of animals & buying organic supports local farmers and helps the environment. To me, this is a no brainer.
Buy organic and start moving your body. Invest in your health today and have a brighter tomorrow.  

FAB FRIDAY FINDS!






Its been a hectic week for me from working, going to school, apartment hunting and bridesmaid duties.... I need a break already!
 
My break is well....shopping. Online Shopping for beautiful items that make me feel good inside and out! Ive spotted some amazing finds this week that I would love to share with you.


 






 
All the gorgeous Dannijo & Kenneth J Lane Candies shown above can be purchased at Charm and Chain. A beautiful online boutique with some of the most gorgeous and delicious jewelry pieces a girl could own. Check it out!
 
 
 
 
Gorgeous Pants and Top combo from JCREW. Obsessed!


 
If you live downtown NYC, Financial District area, you HAVE to try Yorganic! Their juices and smoothies are my favorite. Tried this last night and I cant wait to go back. Price are just right too! (Post on Yorganic to follow)
 
 
& This Givenchy from Barneys needs no introduction.... Swoon....
 
 
 


Wednesday, February 20, 2013

BOOST DAY WEDNESDAY!






Happy Hump Day! Now…. I don’t want to scare you but we are about 120 days away from summer. Bikinis, shorts, tank tops.... Are you ready? Be honest, a lot of you have found it to hard to find any motivation to get up and work out. Here are some sure fire tips that work for me each time I need the extra push. Let me know how it goes and hopefully one of these will help you get your butt moving!!!!

 
1.      Blast Music! Yes, music is the answer for me. When I get home from work, exhausted& stressed out from the chaos of the day and the crazies of the subway  I immediately throw on feel good music and its like a cup of coffee to my soul. Personally, dance music gets my heart beating and the minute I’m in good spirits I can envision myself working out to the music.

 
2.     Dress the part! Yes, I know. I hear it all the time… “I hate girls that go to the gym in makeup and look cute” Are you kidding? Why not look cute for yourself! Buy a cute gym outfit that brightens your mood and rock it. Listen, many times after a full day of work and class I go immediately to the gym and my hair still looks good as does my day makeup. I do a quick removal of my face makeup to keep my skin clean but I keep my eye makeup intact. No I’m not trying to impress anyone but myself. But maybe dressing the part and feeling good at the start of your workout is the push that some of you need.

 
3.     Eyes on the prize! Keep your goal in mind at all times.I keep a motivational quote on my phone for me to see every time I look at it. I also keep motivational quotes placed strategically in my office and home. There are ones on the Refrigerator, computer, tucked in my wallet and makeup bin. Wherever you go and need to read something to remind you that you are able to attain whatever goal you have in mind - Keep it readily available to read!

 
4.    Last but not least….Give yourself more credit. When you want to throw in the towel, DON’T. Don’t give up on yourself – push through it even on your crappiest days and when you leave be proud that you did it. Don't give up on you. Every step counts.

 

Hope you all have a beautiful day! Keep it Fit!

 
 

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

GIVING INTO MY CRAVINGS!

This is odd. I'm craving veggies and fruit. Normally, I crave peanut butter....
 
Well, its been about a week now since Lent began and I gave up my chocolate, nuts & nut butters & so far I'm alot better than  I  had expected.
 
One thing Ive learned about living a healthy lifestyle is that your body craves what you put into it. Lately, Ive been eating alot more veggies & fruits and recently decided to eliminated poultry for a bit (sometimes I feel like my body just needs a break). So, Ive been craving salads, avocados and veggie juices. Sounds weird, I know - but don't knock it until you try it. 

What are your healthy cravings?

My food diary today.....(note - appetite seems to be lighter today)
 
Breakfast - Half an avocado & 3 egg whites
Snack - Banana
Lunch - Lentil CousCous Salad over Arugula and Kale, Cucumber, Spinach Lemon and Apple Juice
Snack - Strawberry Vegan Protein Shake
Dinner - Half an Avocado and Steamed Tilapia
*I'm not a nutritionist, I simply feed my body what it is craving

 
 
 
 
 
 

Monday, February 18, 2013

PRESIDENTS DAY MASH

Hope you all had a wonderful fit weekend and enjoyed every minute, I sure did!

Started with a surprsie party Friday night, my Valentine dinner at Cafe Boulud in NYC Saturday night and Sunday afternoon spent with my cousins. I ended my weekend with a day of cooking and eating with one of my bests and here is what I came up with! 
I just had to share this simple and healthy recipe!

Ingredients:
  • 1/2 Avocado
  • 3 Fresh off the stove Hard Boiled Egg Whites
  • 1 Tablespoon of Chobani Greek Yogurt
  • Seasoned with ground pepper and Dillweed
  • Serve on Gluten Free Crackers



& Wahhhh Lahh!!!!