Yoga for Life

Yoga has changed everything! Honestly I can't say much more. Yoga has changed me physically, mentally, and emotionally. I incorporate yoga into every workout routine that I do!! Just try it, what do you have to lose? #yoga#justdoit#trysomethingnew#challengeyourself 

Energy Bites....my life saver!!

Hey everyone!! I make these amazing energy bites about two times a month. I always post pictures on Facebook and Instagram, so I thought I would share the recipe! I make some modifications on mine based on what I have on hand to make them with. I don't like fresh coconut, so I never add that to mine.  Sometimes I add Vanilla Shakeology for added nutrients, but be careful adding powder because they can turn out dry! If you do add powder add a little extra honey to the mix! You can also freeze them too and just pull them out as needed ;)

No Bake Energy Bites

These delicious little no bake energy bites are the perfect healthy snack!

Prep: 10 mins Total: 10 mins

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (dry) oatmeal (I used old-fashioned oats)
• 2/3 cup toasted coconut flakes (optional)
• 1/2 cup peanut butter (I use almond butter)
• 1/2 cup ground flax seed
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips or cacao nibs 
• 1/3 cup honey or agave nectar (I use natural honey)
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Stir all ingredients together in a medium bowl until thoroughly mixed. Cover and let chill in the refrigerator for half an hour.
2. Once chilled, roll into balls of whatever size you would like. (Mine were about 1" in diameter.) Store in an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to 1 week.
3. Makes about 20-25 balls.

For additional tips please visit http://www.gimmesomeoven.com/no-bake-energy-bites/

New town, New home, New perspective

I have struggled the past few weeks after our recent move. My husband left for a five week schooling program and I moved our family into a brand new home while he was gone. My 16 month son has been going through a lot of transitions and trying to settle in has taken up most of my time. I can finally say that I am feeling more at home. I have met a wonderful group of moms who do activities every week for my son and I to attend. I also have my home office and gym set up so I can work from home and get back on track with my workouts. I am excited to start a new life with my family here (even though we moved back to our home town). We have family and support for a few years and we get to experience our hometown in a while new way now that we have a family. I am preparing for the new year by setting myself up for success. I am starting my P90x3 program early, drinking my Shakeology, and following a healthy nutrition meal plan (which will NOT be followed on Christmas lol). I am ready to jump back int he game and ready to start posting again. Cheers to a new town, new home, and new perspective!

Chocolate Zucchini Bread

Found this great recipe for chocolate zucchini bread (Paleo, gluten-free, and grain-free). I made this in about 10 minutes (plus 25 minute baking time). It was very easy and my house smells amazing! I loved the touch of chocolate chips on top because sometimes I just want a little treat. Perfect way to spend my Sunday morning and I don't feel guilty eating it! To check out the recipe link click here: Chocolate Zucchini Bread

Ingredients 

• 1 cup Justin's chocolate hazelnut butter blend or if Paleo, use almond butter sweetened with 1 tbsp of maple syrup and 1-2 tbsp of cocoa powder 

• 1 cup shredded zucchini (squeeze excess water out of the shredded zucchini)

• 2 large eggs

• 2 tbsp grade b maple syrup

• 1 tbsp pure vanilla

• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar

• 1/2 tsp baking soda

• 1/8 tsp sea salt 
• 1-2 tbsp mini chocolate chips (enjoy life)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400 F.2
2. In a medium bowl combine the chocolate hazelnut butter, eggs, maple syrup, vanilla and sea salt and blend with a hand held mixer for 2 minutes on medium speed.3
3. Add baking soda and vinegar (will fizz up) and blend for 30 more seconds.
4. Stir in shredded zucchini. If really watery, squeeze out excess water.
5. Place in a lined or greased loaf pan. You can use one 5x9" pan or 2 mini loaf pans.
6. Top with 1-2 tbsp of mini chocolate chips.
7. Bake for 23-28 minutes if you have mini loaf pans and 35-50 minutes for large loaf pan. Start testing with a toothpick at 35 minutes and when it comes out clean when inserted in the center, it is done.
8. Allow to cool on a cooling rack and serve. You can also serve warm too.

3-Day Refresh Cleanse

Toady is the first day of my cleanse and I am feeling great!! I am going to post an overall review of this cleanse once I am done, but since this is my second time doing it I figured I would rave about it now! This is my favorite cleanse because I can actually eat real food during my detox! In addition, I feel like I have energy and I'm not terribly hungry! I am eating or drinking something every hour (and water in between), so I don't feel like I even have time to snack. Here was today's lunch: Vanilla Refresh shake (I add vanilla extract for flavor), carrots, pears, and almond butter. YUM!

Playground Workout

Who says you little one is the only one who can play at the park? Sometimes I don't have time to do a full workout in the morning, so when I take my son to the park I try to take full advantage! I always try to get in at least 2 miles of walking, whether it is to the park and home or just walking around the park  (my son just loves to run).

A few great workout moves you can do at the park include:
1) Lunges
2) Squats
3) Triceps dips
4) Dead lifts
5) Push ups
6) Leg raises (use a bench)

Sometimes I even put him on my shoulders to do some of these moves too! A little extra weight can't hurt ; )

What are your tricks for fitting in a workout with an active toddler?

It's a Baking Kind of Day

I bought a can of organic pumpkin mix a couple weeks ago and decided today was the perfect day to wipe something up!! I love when I get in the mood to bake because it serves as a huge stress reliever! Baby is napping, Mumford & Sons is playing, and mommy is baking!! This is a great recipe that I found for Chai pumpkin bread. I was so excited to make this because I have never used tea in bread. All I can say is that it smells amazing! I had to make a few adjustments based on what I had available at home (too lazy to go to the store today). I am reposting the recipe here as well as providing the link for you!

Click here for link: Chai Pumpkin Bread 

Ingredients

• 1 cup almond butter (or other nut butter or seed butter)
• ½ cup pumpkin puree
• 1 banana, mashed (I used applesauce)
• ¼ cup honey (optional- I like it sweeter, I also added 1/4 cup of Coconut Sugar).
• 2 eggs, whisked
• 2 chai tea packets (tea spices removed from packets) ( I used black tea with orange & spices).
• 3 tablespoons coconut flour
• ½ tablespoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
• ⅛ teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• pinch of salt
  

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Mix together almond butter, pumpkin, banana, and eggs.
3. Cut open the two tea bags and remove all the tea spices from the tea bags and add to almond butter mixture.
4. Add the rest of the ingredients and mix until well combined.
5. Grease a bread pan and then line it with parchment paper.
6. Pour batter in pan and place in oven. Bake for 45 minutes. Let rest before slicing.

Morning Workout: My Quick Face Routine

As a busy mom and wife I tend to always do my workouts in the morning. Morning workouts are great for waking up your body and boosting your metabolism! If your pressed for free time in the morning like me than this is a great quick face routine for your morning workout! According to Confessions of a Beauty Editor, doctors say that your face does not build up much dirt over night. Therefore, you do not need to spend much time prepping your skin in the morning (depending on skin type). These are the steps I take from when I roll out of bed, workout, and after my workout.

1. Wash face with warm water and a gentle cleanser, pat dry, moisturize  (I use Simple). 

2. At home workouts = Bare skin! Wearing no make-up allows my skin to breathe and doesn't clog my pores while I sweat! Outdoor or Gym workout = BB Cream with at least 15 SPF (I use 25 SPF). Again, minimal make-up is all you need for protection, although you can apply more if you are wanting to "dress to impress."

3. Gentle exfoliation! I always hear to be careful when it comes to exfoliating. Although this is true, a gentle exfoliating face wash is a good idea after a sweaty workout. Try one that also has nutrients so your not stripping away all the good stuff from your skin! I use Yes to Grapefruit and it is amazing! 

4. On-the-go make-up consists of: Rimmel London BB cream & a matte powder....then I add cream eye shadow and mascara if I have the time. I always feel fresh and clean with this skin routine! 

Fall Inspiration!!

I just had to share how amazing it felt to workout today! I have been packing, living out of a hotel (with a toddler), driving, unpacking, and settling in to a temporary home for the past week. I finally got the motivation and the time to do a morning workout!! It was an amazingly beautiful morning, so I did a workout in our backyard shed! My husband set up a great little space for us, so I was all set to go! The fresh, crisp fall air filled me with so much joy and inspiration to get in a good workout! I focused on legs today, but I also added in some yoga at the end to help me stretch and really appreciate my new workout space. So thankful for FALL, so thankful for YOGA!

Boosting your SPF!

Outdoor workouts are probably one of my favorite! I love early morning yoga on my patio or at the park. I also like to do the occasional walk/jog/hike in the afternoon. While working on this Fitness & Beauty project I have been doing some research on how to protect your skin while working out.

Rule #1: Use a cleanser before and after your workout, but also an exfoliate a few times a week! I love to use Yes to Grapefruit because it is gentle on my skin but also it smells amazing! I noticed a difference in my skin within the first 3 days of using it.
Rule #2: Moisturize! You can either moisturize before you apply your foundation ( I like Simple brand) or you can use a tinted moisturizer as your foundation if your just needing something quick.
Rule #3: Foundation! I like to use a BB cream with SPF! Always choose a foundation that has SPF, unless you use an SPF cream separately. You always need to protect your face, even if your just out and about.
Rule: 4: Don't forget your body! Your face is important, but so is the rest of your body, so make sure your apply sunscreen when going outside for a workout. I like to buy the travel size spray sunscreen. I can easily carry in my bag and I know I am always prepared in case I forget to apply it at home.

SPF Tip: Carrots & Coconut are great natural ingredients that can help protect your skin. 
"Five carrots a day is equivalent to an added SPF 5 internally, and the carotenoids ensure a pretty bronze rather than a ruddy burn," says Melissa Picoli, an esthetician, former professional whitewater kayaker, and founder of BijaBody Health+Beauty.
 "Before a big day out, apply a light layer of coconut oil to your face. Coconut oil has been shown to have a potential sunscreen like effect, increases effectiveness of sunscreen products, and it keeps your skin protected during long hours in water," Picoli says.
http://www.shape.com/lifestyle/beauty-style/clear-skin-secrets-sweaty-professionals/slide/3

Beauty & Fitness Project Sneak Peak!

Post by Beauty by Hannah Lebron, California.

Giveaway Details

In an effort to promote a healthy holiday season I am giving away the brand new Hybrid Shakeology Shaker to a random follower!!! Simply follow my blog page and/or my fitness page. Giveaway form in following post. 

The Shaker is pretty awesome!!! Never would have thought a Shaker cup would get me so excited ‪#‎fitlife‬ Brand new Hybrid Shaker cups from Shakeology are great for ANY protein shake or just water!

Made of BPA-free, eco-friendly materials
Leak-proof and odor-resistant
Measurement marks on the side for perfect portions every time
Surgical-grade, stainless steel Cyclone agitator for a smoother beverage
Practical antislip base
Convenient sip spout and chug opening

Holiday Giveaway!!

In an effort to promote a healthy holiday season I am giving away the brand new Hybrid Shakeology Shaker to a random follower!!! Simply follow my blog page and/or my fitness page.

Entry-Form

Getting Back on Track

Vacations are amazing, but they really have a way of throwing me off track! A few tips for staying active and how to bounce back!

Active Vacation:
1. Bring workout equipment! I always pack my dumb bells, kettle bells, and yoga mat in my car when ever I go on vacation. You never know when you will have a chance to workout, so you must be prepared!
2. Print up a few workout routines! Make sure you have a cardio, calisthenics, yoga, morning wake-up routine, and a stretch routine ready to go for both motivation and direction.
3. Plan outdoor activities! Staying active doesn't mean you have to do a workout. You may just choose to take a walk on the beach, chase your kids around the park, or hike with a friend. Active rest days are always better than nothing!
4. Choose healthier food options! Eating healthier foods will help give you energy and motivate you to be active. You won't want to exercise if your eating take-out everyday!

Bouncing Back:
1. Day one Detox! Don't try to jump right back into working out (unless you did great on your vacation). Drink plenty of water, enjoy a nice detox tea (my favorite is Yogi tea), and eat 5-6 small, clean meals, and do a stretch or yoga routine.
2. Create a workout schedule and meal plan for the first week back. More than likely your going to struggle to get out of vacation mode, so a visual aid is a perfect way to set yourself up for success.
3. Try a new workout, go to the gym, or workout with a friend! Motivation can come in many forms, so shake it up a little to help yourself get excited about working out again.
4. Give yourself a break! Don't be too hard on yourself if you don't meet all your goals for the first week back. Bouncing back is hard, so do your best! Also, create a workout schedule and meal plan for the following week, keeping in mind what your struggles were from week one, and make adjustments!

Fall Fitness Challenge!

So I think this is true for most people, but the holidays are a really hard time of year for me to stay on track! With all the travel, holiday parties, and adult beverages I tend to put my fitness and health on the back burner. This year I really want to make a change! While I don't mind some "treats" I do want to make healthy choices. A group of girls and I are going to be doing a Fall Fitness Challenge to motivate each other as we approach the holiday season. Who is willing to join us?? 

My Fall Fitness Commitment: 

1. Drink Shakeology every day

2. 80% clean eating, 20% smart choices

3. Workout 5 days a week & 2 active rest days 

4. Do the 3-Day Refresh Cleanse after Thanksgiving

5. Try a new workout program 

 

If you are willing to make a list of commitments (does not have to the same as mine) and join us on our journey than just click on the link below and it will take you to the Fall Fitness Challenge Page!! 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1525472634336970/1525475781003322/?notif_t=group_activity

Working out...Gotta Lift that Booty!

So being vacation means a lot of "treats" that aren't too great for keeping the figure tight. When I slack off on my workouts, the first place to get loose is my booty and thighs! This is my trouble area and man does it love to give me trouble! Today I did a full body workout of calisthenics and my booty was feeling heavy. My immediate guilt was quickly followed by a surge of motivation. I pushed harder, squeezed tighter, and made sure to do fully extended movements. I think it is great how my body communicates with me when I really need to focus on one specific area. I pay attention to my body everyday and I can tell what parts feel strengthened, what parts feel sore, and what parts feel loose. Although my vacation is not over yet, I feel confident that my booty work today is going to help keep me tight and on track. Squat when you can, lunge when you can, and do dead lifts when you can. Muscle memory will allow your body to recall specific movements and exercises so my booty can get right back in shape when I am ready to work!

I Love Workout Clothes!

Check out these GetOffYours Fitness Clothes !! I just love them and they make me want to workout. One of my rules for motivation is to wear workout clothes whenever I can. That way I am ready to go when I get the time!! Also wearing workout clothes is motivation because it reminds you that you need to be active (not to mention they reveal your trouble areas). Cute workout clothes are the best because I don't mind wearing them... in fact I love the sassy wording so I actually like showing them off!

10 Simple Ways to Eat Healthy Without Thinking

Article link: 10 Simple Ways to Eat Healthy Without Thinking


I found this article while working on my coaching page. I love the idea of setting yourself up to make healthy choices. It has always been my belief that if you make the right choice in your mind before you are presented with a bad situation, then you are more likely to follow through with what you know is right. Making better choices can be as easy as choosing the right size plate or only having healthy options to choose from. These are some of my personal favorites from the article:
1. Use Smaller Plates "Bigger plates mean bigger portions. And that means you eat more. According to a study conducted by Wansink and his research team, if you made a simple change and served your dinner on 10-inch plates instead of a 12-inch plate, you would eat 22% less food over the course of the next year."
5. Display Healthy Foods in a Prominent Place. "For example, you could place a bowl of fruits or nuts near the front door or somewhere else that you pass by before you leave the house. When you’re hungry and in a rush, you are more likely to grab the first thing you see."
10. Applying Environment Design to the Rest of Your Life:

"You can take this same approach to almost anything in life. If you want to make a bad behavior more difficult, then increase the number of steps between you and the behavior.

Meanwhile, if you want to make a good behavior easier, reduce the number of steps between you and the behavior. For example, if you want to make it easier to go for a run then lay out your shoes and running gear the night before you exercise. One less step between you and your workout."

Progress is better than Plateau

Some days I feel like my progress is minimal and some days I can FEEL the changes in my body. At times, I struggle with motivation to workout and snacking is my enemy. If I eat clean, healthy meals and do a good workout than I can chalk that up to a good day, but if not I feel like I have failed. The ups and downs are real, BUT progress is better than a plateau. A few weeks ago I was in a real rut when it came to getting my workouts completed. I could feel my body getting weaker and my confidence quickly fading. That is the worst feeling! I hate when I feel like I have worked so hard and then I allow myself to fall. My strength is found when I get back on track and I prove to myself that I have changed, I have learned, and I have not plateaued. Even failing is a part of progress, because it is how I rise again that shows how much I have learned about health and fitness over this past year. I am stronger, I am wiser, and I will not quit. My results are real and everyone can see it.

Health food To-Go Please

This weekend I will be doing a lot of traveling!! So this article has been really helpful for how to prepare for that!!
Step 1: Scoping Out the Surroundings
Step 2: The Food Prep and Packing
Step 3: The Pre-Boarding Meal
Step 4: The Grocery Store
Step 5: The Restaurants

http://eat-spin-run-repeat.com/2013/08/26/how-to-eat-clean-while-traveling/

We recently took a road trip and my plan for the drive down worked beautifully. I packed healthy snacks for the whole family and we made smarter decisions when stopping for dinner. I was even good when we hit Starbucks! I ordered green tea instead of a high calorie coffee!! Luckily we are staying at my mom in-law's house, so we can shop for healthy items. The biggest challenge will be keeping our take-out and restaurant meals to a minimum! Wish me luck!