Food Findings!

For the past few weeks, I've been going through a phase of finding new and healthy food choices. I've been finding some GREAT stuff! I had to share with everyone.

With the summer in full swing,there are backyard BBQs every weekend and outdoor happy hours after work. It's hard to maintain that balance of healthy eating and having a good time. One of the ways I find that balance is ensuring that I'm getting nutritious foods into my diet during the work week because I let myself "cheat" on the weekends (to a certain extent). Since weekends are a little less structured, taking advantage of packing nutritious lunches for work and planning quick and wholesome weeknight meals is the perfect opportunity to set yourself up to stick to the healthy choices.

Two of my new favorite items to pack for quick breakfasts, part of my lunch, or a snack, are Think Thin Bars and Pure Organic Bars. Two totally different types of bar in flavor, but both packed with protein, which keeps you feeling full for longer. Both bars are gluten free so they are easy on the stomach!

Pure bars are vegan, raw, kosher, and organic. They are packed with fiber, anti-oxidants, and omega3s. The ingredients in this bar is what excites me. All that is included is dried fruit and nuts! So many flavors like apples, cherries, blueberries, cashews, and almonds. Such a good snack for an afternoon boost of energy. And let's face it, all of us could use that extra oomph to kickstart a project or workout. Sometimes, something as little as a snack can help you feel happier and stronger.

Think Thin Bars, while they are a protein bar, really satisfy that chocolate or sweet craving that we all get at some point during the day or week. I actually find myself craving them! These bars have 20grams of protein and little to no sugar. That's the difference between these bars and other high protein bars. They don't have the side effects of all that added sugar. I eat these bars for breakfast a lot. They are convenient and a great post-workout meal to replenish muscles. Pairing this bar with a banana has me full until lunch! The flavors are yummy and dessert-like - Chocolate Brownie, Creamy Peanut Butter, White Chocolate.

So, bottom line, I'm super excited about these two new items I've found! Healthy eating leads to better living and my quest for these types of delicious additions to my diet is so fun!

Stay tuned for more of my findings!

Jump-start it!

There is something to be said about those Saturdays or Sunday mornings when we wake up early and plan to have a healthy and invigorating morning.  During the week, if you're like me, you can't get out of bed even if you push the snooze button 6 times.  Then you're rushing to be out the door on time, usually with a wrinkled shirt and some sort of breakfast to-go.  Today I woke up earlier than I do during the week, and made myself some protein pancakes (I'll share the recipe soon!) and some coffee, cleaned up my room, and will leave for an amazing yoga class shortly.

I love how quiet my apartment is this time of the week.  No traffic outside my window just yet.  Roommate is still sleeping.  No TV on.  No people passing through the hallways yet.  Just the buzzing of the refrigerator.  Sometimes we have to remember that we deserve and need this type of peace and quiet in our lives.  So much of our time is dedicated towards other people- at work, school, a crowded city etc.- we need a moment every now and then to just BE.  I feel very relaxed and excited that I have a full Saturday ahead of me today.

The yoga class I'm going to this morning is one of my favorite classes I've ever had the opportunity to take.  The instructor is very organic and natural and she talks and relates to us during ever class.  She starts off every practice with a quote that she applies to her agenda that day.  I find myself thinking of the things she says even after the class is over.  Her quotes almost make you rediscover a little something about yourself, so that you leave thinking "I can't believe I don't do this every day!".  It's almost like a touchstone for me, to re-gain some self-focus after a long week.  Energizing and simplifying are two perfect words for it.

If we all could have one day a week where we allow ourselves to reconnect and move forward in a healthful way, I know we would all be ten times better versions of ourselves.  I am the proof!  So everyone should take some time this weekend to de-stress and engage with the happy and vital part of yourself.  Walking in the park, reading a new book, cooking something you've been wanting to try, or yoga!  Living your life requires self-care.  So jump start it!  Support your thriving life with your healthy lifestyle.

I've discovered QUINOA!

You all HAVE to try this quick meal idea! I've recently become addicted to Quinoa. Quinoa is actually a seed. This little tiny seed is a member of the grass family and it is chock full of nutrients your body needs to stay energized and re-fuel. It is also gluten free which makes it easy on the stomach. But my favorite part of Quinoa is how much protein is in just 1 cup- 16 grams!  This is such a great staple item!

Above is what Quinoa looks like dry, but when you cook it, it is very light and fluffy and it is a great alternative to white rice or pastas, with that added protein boost. Below is my Go-To meal this week.  Let's face it, we are all running around like crazy during the week.  By 7 or 8 o'clock at night, we need something tastey and quick.  We need a healthy meal that leaves us satisfied. This quickie meal kicks any craving for a sodium loaded, processed macaroni & cheese. This is GOOD comfort food, AND good for your body!

Easy Easy "Mac" & Cheesey


1 Cup Quinoa
2-3 Tbsp Low Fat Cheddar Cheese (Or another cheese you love), shredded
Pinch of Pepper
Pinch of Garlic Salt


Cooking Quinoa is so simple! Boil 2 cups of water and 1 cup quinoa. When it comes to a boil, turn it down to low, cover it and let it cook for 10-15 minutes. Let it sit for 5 minutes then use a fork to fluff it up a bit. Take about a cup of your cooked Quinoa and put in a small bowl or mug (Portion Control!). Put the rest away for tomorrow (or share with your boyfriend)!


Your Quinoa should still be hot. Add your cheese right into the mug or bowl and stir. The cheese will melt and blend in.  Mix in your garlic salt and pepper, but not too much salt because you've already got enough salt from your cheese.


A great add-in to make this quick meal even more nutritious is steamed and chopped asparagus.

ENJOY!

Hello!

My dad always reminds me that when I was a baby, I was running before I learned how to walk.  It was not until I graduated from college that I realized that was STILL exactly how I was living my life, everyday, and how I would continue to live my life.  I love that!

When I look back and see that I have acheived one of my biggest dreams of living and thriving in New York City, I really owe it to every experience and person that I open-heartedly plunged forward towards, without worrying or looking back.  My home is in the heart of one of the greatest cities in the world!  Everyday I can wake up smiling because of just that.

With full time corporate jobs, long commutes, appointments, and the many different directions life is pulling us, it is often hard to remember that we are allowed to just stop, breathe, and re-gain focus.  And that is what I want this blog to be about.  A healthy body and a healthy spirit is what we need to attract the people and opportunities that are needed in our lives.  It is also what is needed to be able to take those "plunges" towards what we desire.  I will share with you some of my most fun restaurant experiences, relaxing yoga poses, delicious wines, calorie blasting workouts, girls night activities, healthy recipes, and more. 

I want this page to give you tips and ideas you can take away and try out to add to your own path of living a healthy, FUN, and energized life.  So stayed tuned, have fun, and enjoy!