tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37928766175581184162024-03-12T20:04:35.934-06:00The Healthy NotesFood, lifestyle, and fitness tidbits!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00944374004198752755noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3792876617558118416.post-29975755919377204422014-01-20T16:02:00.002-07:002014-01-20T16:02:46.636-07:00Let the half marathon training commence!Last week I finished P90X (review to come later), so I'm back to running! My school schedule this semester works perfectly with my running schedule, so I'm happy to say that I'm starting to train for my half marathon. I'm determined to actually run one this year, since last year an injured knee kept that from happening. My knee is back to feeling normal, and I'm going to make sure I keep up on strengthening and stretching my leg, so I have my fingers double triple crossed that I'll make it to the race in May.<br />
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This morning I headed out early for a relatively easy 3 miles, and it felt great! It was about 30 degrees outside, so it was a little chilly, but not too bad. I actually prefer to run in the cold versus the heat, so it was perfect.<br />
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As much as I've enjoyed doing P90X, especially since I get to work out without going outside, there's just something about running that clears my head and refreshes me like no other workout. I'm so excited to get back into it and smash one of my goals in the process! <br />
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I don't really have any "Motivation Monday" post today, but here's my little plug for running: <b>DO IT!</b> If you are physically able to run and you haven't tried before, just put on a pair of closed-toed shoes of some sort and go for a little run. I totally get that running isn't for anyone, and some people absolutely hate it, but if you haven't ever tried it before I reeeeeally suggest you do! You will reap both the mental and physical benefits.<br />
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Have a lovely day!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00944374004198752755noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3792876617558118416.post-38900398198291165352014-01-06T07:00:00.000-07:002014-01-06T07:00:02.729-07:00Motivation Monday: Be Good to Yourself<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Happy Monday, everyone!<br />
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It feels like an eternity since I've done one of these posts, but I happen to quite enjoy them, so I'm going to do one again! Before I jump into the motivation stuff, I just wanted to say that I started another blog in addition to this one! Click <a href="http://lifeandloveliness.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">HERE</a> to go check it out! I hope to continue posting on this blog, since my other one is mostly where I write lots and lots about various things in life, unrelated to health and fitness. Sooo yeah, go take a look! :)<br />
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Okay, back to some motivation!<br />
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The best thoughts happen in the shower, right? No? At any rate, I was trying to think up different messages this morning in the shower for a "Motivation Monday" post, and this happened to come to me.<br />
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Be good to yourself.<br />
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The health and fitness world is incredibly focused on being better and faster and stronger, which results in a lot of comparison. Don't get me wrong, there's nothing entirely wrong with the health and fitness world - I think that all the encouragement and information that gets thrown at people can be very good and motivating and useful. I just think that it's important to make sure that comparison doesn't take over your life.<br />
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It's okay if you don't do every single thing on every single "20 tips to be (fill in the blank - faster, skinnier, whatever)" lists. Trust me, it's okay. It's human to struggle and not be top-notch at everything.<br />
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Don't beat yourself up for being human. Instead, celebrate the successes you do have, instead of your shortcomings. Celebrate the little improvements in your life. Focus on the good. Celebrate the fact that you got yourself to workout 4 days last week, instead of 2, or none at all. Celebrate the fact that you ate 4 servings of vegetables yesterday. Set small goals to change one little thing at a time and then feel darn awesome when you meet those goals.<br />
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Along with being good to yourself by focusing on the positive, be good to yourself by taking time for yourself. Take a nap once in a while. Treat yourself to some dessert. Make time to do something that you love but don't always have time for. You don't have to be work, work, work, go, go, go, healthy, healthy, healthy 100% of the time. There should be moderation in all things, and you will be better off if you take a break once in a while. I promise!<br />
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I hope you have a wonderful day!<br />
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<b>What is your favorite thing to do to take time for yourself?</b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00944374004198752755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3792876617558118416.post-18432549398901767662014-01-01T23:25:00.003-07:002014-01-01T23:25:51.113-07:00Motivation Post Roundup + Looking Forward to 2014Happy New Year!<br />
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I started off my day with a nice run with my family along the river (if you're familiar with the Boise, Idaho area, we ran along the Eagle section of the greenbelt, by Merrill Park). That section of the Boise river is so pretty, especially in the wintertime when everything is frosted over. Since I was running with other people, I went music-less, which I don't often do. I rarely go running without some kind of music playing in my ear. If I run without music in the neighborhoods, I tend to get bored, but boredom isn't really a problem when I'm running somewhere scenic and different than the usual. Going without music today turned out to be incredibly refreshing. For part of the run I actually ended up running separately from the rest of my family, and it felt amazing to just run through the chilly winter air, by myself amid the bare trees, and let my thoughts flow freely. I loved the time I ran with my family as well, but I really enjoyed the experience of running by myself too. It was a great way to start off the new year!<br />
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The beginning of the new year often gets a bad rap, and resolutions (particularly health and fitness ones) tend to be scoffed at. My personal take on it is that resolutions aren't bad, but unattainable ones are. If you <a href="http://thehealthynotes.blogspot.com/2013/08/motivation-monday-mini-goals-challenge.html" target="_blank">set small, measurable goals for yourself</a>, instead of setting out to completely change every aspect of your lifestyle at the same time, you're much more likely to be successful.<br />
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I've been off-and-on about making resolutions in the past, but this year I have come up with a couple health-related goals for myself. I made some other, non-health-related resolutions too, which you can check out <a href="http://lifeandloveliness.wordpress.com/2014/01/01/well-hello-2014/" target="_blank">here</a>, but these are my health-related ones:<br />
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1. <b>Run a half marathon.</b> I am determined to finally do it! It's been something I've wanted to do for over a year, but injury and daylight savings has continually thwarted my efforts. I'm going to do my best to actually check this one off in 2014!<br />
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2. <b>Eat at least 3 servings of vegetables per day.</b> This one is going to be difficult, I'm not going to lie. I challenged myself to this for a three-month time period last year, and it was hard. I did find, though, that when I was working on that challenge, I ate a lot better overall, since fitting in those three servings left less room for the less-healthy food. Lately I've been eating a lot of processed food (things like protein bars and other granola bars) and I want to do better at eating more naturally. Protein bars are awesome, but I'd just like to eat things with smaller ingredient lists that haven't been processed quite as much. For me, setting a goal to eat at least three servings of veggies with help me avoid the unhealthy food and not eat as much of the healthier processed food. I'm going to do my best with this resolution, but I'm not going to freak out if I only eat one or two servings in a day occasionally. <br />
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I wish you all a very healthy and happy 2014! If your resolutions are health-related, here's a roundup of posts related to healthy lifestyle tips and motivation. Even if your goals aren't directly health-related, a lot of it still applies. If you are looking for some easy, healthy recipes to start off your year, <b>check out the "Recipes" tab</b> right below the blog header for a compiled list of my recipes. Enjoy!<br />
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<a href="http://thehealthynotes.blogspot.com/2013/07/motivation-monday.html" target="_blank">Motivation Monday: Healthiness is a Journey</a><br />
<a href="http://thehealthynotes.blogspot.com/2013/07/live-actively.html" target="_blank">Choose to Live Actively</a><br />
<a href="http://thehealthynotes.blogspot.com/2013/07/a-notebook-and-pen.html" target="_blank">A Notebook and a Pen</a><br />
<a href="http://thehealthynotes.blogspot.com/2013/07/motivation-monday-what-do-you-love.html" target="_blank">Motivation Monday: You Sacrifice for What You Love</a><br />
<a href="http://thehealthynotes.blogspot.com/2013/07/motivation-monday-healthy.html" target="_blank">Motivation Monday: Just Because You're Not Sick, It Doesn't Mean You're Healthy</a><br />
<a href="http://thehealthynotes.blogspot.com/2013/08/eating-healthy-on-budget-9-tips.html" target="_blank">Eating Healthy On a Budget: 9 Tips</a><br />
<a href="http://thehealthynotes.blogspot.com/2013/08/motivation-monday-getting-away-from.html" target="_blank">Motivation Monday: Getting Away From the Physical</a><br />
<a href="http://thehealthynotes.blogspot.com/2013/08/motivation-monday-pinterest-motivation.html" target="_blank">Motivation Monday: Pinterest Motivation</a><br />
<a href="http://thehealthynotes.blogspot.com/2013/08/motivation-monday-write-mission.html" target="_blank">Motivation Monday: Write a Mission Statement</a><br />
<a href="http://thehealthynotes.blogspot.com/2013/09/motivation-monday.html" target="_blank">Motivation Monday: General Tidbits About Embracing Life</a><br />
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<b>What are your New Years resolutions?</b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00944374004198752755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3792876617558118416.post-12933700841493962442013-12-30T11:53:00.000-07:002013-12-30T11:53:16.502-07:00Broccoli Chicken Stir FryIt seems like I have lots of stir fry dinners on Saturday nights! I was feeling like some more vegetables, so Saturday night became a stir fry night again! I guess I'm calling this a stir fry recipe, but what exactly constitutes a stir fry?<br />
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Regardless of what the correct name for this recipe is, it's super easy and tastes great! I think I say that every recipe of mine is super easy, but really, I don't ever make anything complicated. I don't think eating healthy has to necessarily involve huge ingredient lists or tricky instructions...just focus on eating fruits and vegetables and reasonable amounts of lean protein and you'll be fine. </div>
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Anyway, enjoy this simple stir fry (or whatever it is)!</div>
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Ingredients:</div>
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1/2 boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1" pieces</div>
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1 broccoli head, chopped up into small florets</div>
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1/3 C chopped red onion</div>
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1/3 C canned pineapple chunks</div>
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1 T Asian Toasted Sesame dressing</div>
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salt and pepper to taste</div>
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chopped peanuts (optional)</div>
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1. Steam broccoli until it's almost all the way cooked.<br />
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2. Cook chicken with red onion in a medium-sized skillet.<br />
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3. Add broccoli to chicken and onion when chicken is mostly cooked.<br />
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4. Add pineapple.<br />
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5. Add dressing and mix everything together.<br />
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6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.</div>
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7. If you want, top with chopped peanuts.</div>
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And after eating up this nice and healthy dinner, my sister and I proceeded to eat a large amount of Lindor chocolates. Ah well, balance is key!</div>
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I hope you have a wonderful day!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00944374004198752755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3792876617558118416.post-70777987328356047552013-11-18T21:08:00.001-07:002013-11-18T21:08:50.334-07:00Sunday Meal PrepYesterday I was feeling ambitious and decided to pre-make some meals for this week. Okay, not every single meal, but I got a head-start on my lunches, which tends to be the meal I throw together last-minute every day. <div><br></div><div>I chopped up a head of green leaf lettuce and cooked a couple chicken breasts and added it to some onion, mushrooms, carrots, feta cheese, almond slivers, and part of a Good Seasons dry Italian dressing packet. The dry dressing mix is great because it adds some flavor without me having to worry about packing a separate container for dressing to add to my salad during lunchtime. I also chopped up a couple of Roma tomatoes, but I won't add those in until the mornings when I actually pack my lunch, so there's not as much moisture hanging out in my salad making my lettuce soggy. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-UO1jorpvON0/Uoluzis0ASI/AAAAAAAAAxs/HZ2ffMGxbx4/s640/blogger-image--1821679865.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-UO1jorpvON0/Uoluzis0ASI/AAAAAAAAAxs/HZ2ffMGxbx4/s640/blogger-image--1821679865.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Along with the salad, I cut up an apple and a banana to go along with my breakfast this morning. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-GdrAdZ5-wA8/UorkR1Eo5YI/AAAAAAAAAyE/na1MSnXOPKY/s640/blogger-image--1871980819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-GdrAdZ5-wA8/UorkR1Eo5YI/AAAAAAAAAyE/na1MSnXOPKY/s640/blogger-image--1871980819.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I also blended up the dry mix for my morning protein shake. I mixed up 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder, a teaspoon or so of cinnamon, and a teaspoon or so of dry butterscotch pudding mix. This morning I added some milk to it and shook it up before drinking it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-iEZa7oy9nBQ/UorkT0Sed7I/AAAAAAAAAyM/HgaHDhW5qFM/s640/blogger-image--1670495201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-iEZa7oy9nBQ/UorkT0Sed7I/AAAAAAAAAyM/HgaHDhW5qFM/s640/blogger-image--1670495201.jpg"></a></div><br></div>For me, preparing ahead for the upcoming week is somewhat hit-and-miss. I'd really like to be one of those people who makes almost everything for the week on a prep day, so eventually I'll get to that point. Until then, I'm happy that I at least did something! </div><div><br></div><div>I hope you have a fantastic week this week!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00944374004198752755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3792876617558118416.post-21577258906219733242013-11-12T18:41:00.001-07:002013-11-12T22:24:36.374-07:00Go-To Breakfast<div>All summer long I loved drinking a smoothie for breakfast. It was relatively easy to throw ingredients in a blender and my smoothies usually tasted great. I had time to chop up fruits and time to clean the blender. Since school started, I don't think I've made more than one or two smoothies for breakfast, mainly because I don't have as much time anymore to spend prepping or cleaning with the smoothie process. Excuses, excuses, I know! Along with practicality issues, I'm also just not in the mood for a smoothie since it's gotten colder here. Instead of an ice-cold drink for breakfast, I want something warm and comforting for those chilly mornings when I'm making breakfast at 6:30. So lately I've been gravitating toward oatmeal! </div><div><br></div><div>Oatmeal is super-fast to make. Just put some oats in a bowl with some liquid and microwave for 90 seconds or so and you have a bowl of warm, creamy goodness. </div><div><br></div><div>I used to think that oatmeal was bland and gross, but then I started playing around with different add-ins that take the flavor up about ten notches. Lately I've become obsessed with almond butter (just like every other healthy living blogger out there), so that's been the flavor base of my oatmeal. Here's the recipe for this morning's breakfast:</div><div><br></div><div>-2/3 C rolled oats</div><div>-1 C almond milk</div><div>-2 spoonfuls almond butter (probably about 3-4 tsp)</div><div>-1 Tbsp brown sugar</div><div>-1 tsp mapleine</div><div>-1 Stevia packet </div><div><br></div><div>Combine all ingredients, microwave, stir up a little, and enjoy!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-O84WE20Mha0/UoMNEojFylI/AAAAAAAAAxU/FaoBZr-bPZI/s640/blogger-image-309254908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-O84WE20Mha0/UoMNEojFylI/AAAAAAAAAxU/FaoBZr-bPZI/s640/blogger-image-309254908.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><b>Do you have a favorite add-in for your oatmeal? </b></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00944374004198752755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3792876617558118416.post-44371756348548011782013-11-10T22:13:00.000-07:002013-11-10T22:13:08.854-07:00Simple Sweet Potato WrapYesterday started out great when I actually got to sleep in! It seems like this entire fall I've had things going on almost every Saturday morning, so I haven't gotten the chance to sleep in very much. For me, sleeping in is at its best when I don't have anything to set an alarm for, and I'm able to wake up whenever my body pleases. So yesterday was quite nice!<br />
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After waking up, I went for a little 4-mile run on the Eagle section of the Boise greenbelt. If you're ever in the area, I highly recommend going for a run or even a walk on it, especially during the fall. This part of the greenbelt isn't really paved, so it feels somewhat like trail running. Right now the changing leaves on the trees are beautiful.<br />
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I've been doing P90X for the past few weeks, which I intend to keep doing, but I'd like to start incorporating some more runs into my workout schedule. I realized this week that I really miss running! Since daylight savings happened, it's not really an option for me to run most evenings, since it's already dark by the time I'm done teaching piano. Luckily, I do have a couple days in the week that I can fit a run in, so I'm going to start doing that more. I'm really enjoying the strength aspect of P90X, but I miss running as my form of cardio.<br />
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By the time I got back from my run, it was lunchtime, so I threw together some vegetables put them in a wheat tortilla. It turned out pretty well! Here's the recipe:<br />
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<b>Ingredients: </b><br />
1 medium sweet potato<br />
1/2 green pepper, chopped<br />
1/4 C red onion<br />
1 large carrot,chopped<br />
3 T corn<br />
1-2 T garlic powder<br />
salt and pepper to taste<br />
grated parmesan cheese <br />
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1. Peel sweet potato and chop into medium-sized pieces<br />
2. Put chopped sweet potato into a tupperware with a little bit of water and steam in the microwave for about 2 minutes, or until somewhat soft (they don't need to be totally cooked at this point)<br />
3. After sweet potato is done, steam chopped carrot as well (same as the sweet potatoes, they don't need to be totally cooked - this just speeds up the cooking process)<br />
4. Spray a medium-sized skillet with non-stick spray and put on the stove on medium to high heat<br />
5. Add vegetables, garlic powder, salt and pepper and saute for 5-10 minutes or until sweet potatoes and carrots are as soft as you would like them<br />
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6. Serve in a whole-wheat tortilla and top with parmesan cheese. Wrap your tortilla up however you choose! <br />
<br />
Makes enough to fill 2 tortillas<br />
<br />
I think that overall it doesn't matter a ton how you combine vegetables. Sure, some combinations taste better than others, but you're pretty safe in cooking and serving a bunch of vegetables together. My go-to quick lunch or dinner usually involves some combination of veggies thrown together in a pan with some seasonings, and it usually turns out decently!<br />
<br />
<b>What is your favorite combination of vegetable to eat?</b><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00944374004198752755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3792876617558118416.post-20522196494540455802013-10-27T19:20:00.002-06:002013-10-27T19:20:47.462-06:00Soy Sauce Chicken Stir FryFor dinner last night, I ended up throwing things together in a saucepan. Lately I've been trying to eat more protein, and chicken sounded good, so that became the base of my dish. I recently started the P90x workout series, and the nutrition plan that goes with it recommends a lot of protein in order to build more muscle, so that's been my focus for my diet as of late.<br />
<br />
Basically, you could do this with any vegetables and meat you have on hand. If you want a more Asian-tasting dish, you could leave out the tomato and put in some broccoli instead.<br />
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<br />
<b>Soy Sauce Chicken Stir Fry</b><br />
<br />
<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
6-7 oz. chicken breast, cut into small pieces<br />
1/4 tsp rice vinegar<br />
1 1/4 tsp soy sauce<br />
1/2 green bell pepper, diced<br />
1-2 mushrooms, diced<br />
1 small roma tomato <br />
garlic powder (probably about 1/2 to 1/4 tsp., but I didn't measure)<br />
onions (I used a sprinkling of dehydrated ones, but fresh onions would taste great too. Just add as much as you feel is necessary!)<br />
salt and pepper to taste<br />
<br />
1. Cook the chicken in a medium-sized saucepan with 1/2 tsp soy sauce<br />
2. Add the bell pepper, mushrooms, garlic powder, onions, and rest of the soy sauce<br />
3. Cook for 5 or so more minutes, or until peppers are as cooked as you'd like them<br />
4. Add tomato and cook for another 30 seconds or so before removing from heat<br />
5. Add salt and pepper and enjoy! Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00944374004198752755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3792876617558118416.post-62203282875172489542013-09-25T22:21:00.000-06:002013-09-25T22:24:14.214-06:00I need to stay awake!<div>Behold, my messy kitchen.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Zfg_P6jX1Q4/UkO22ZIQCnI/AAAAAAAAAsQ/GXgMubL2jZo/s640/blogger-image-1114950577.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Zfg_P6jX1Q4/UkO22ZIQCnI/AAAAAAAAAsQ/GXgMubL2jZo/s640/blogger-image-1114950577.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Hk4ycLlAMnE/UkO27AM23zI/AAAAAAAAAso/sJPqxEcq-20/s640/blogger-image-1500219209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Hk4ycLlAMnE/UkO27AM23zI/AAAAAAAAAso/sJPqxEcq-20/s640/blogger-image-1500219209.jpg"></a></div><br>
Currently I'm in the process of studying for my government test tomorrow morning. I've heard rumors that it's hard, so I'm stressin' a little. Oh, and I still have to write an entire essay for the same class about the views of philosophers that influenced the Constitution. Haven't even touched that yet! Did I mention that it's past 10:00?<br>
<br>
To keep me awake, I have to do something that keeps me moving. I've figured out that it does <b>not</b> work for me to sit down cross-legged on my bed with my textbook and hope to stay awake. So I decided to do some food prep! I'm steaming some carrots, which may or may not end up being eaten before I go to bed tonight, and I'm cooking some chicken to go with my breakfast and lunch tomorrow. I might do some sort of a tabata workout within the hour to further keep me awake. Who knows what time that essay is going to be finished!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-99q0GCVm9qM/UkO25qUEadI/AAAAAAAAAsg/JvMXi7CuCks/s640/blogger-image--942185477.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-99q0GCVm9qM/UkO25qUEadI/AAAAAAAAAsg/JvMXi7CuCks/s640/blogger-image--942185477.jpg"></a></div><br>
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Why does life have to be so crazy all the time? Je ne sais pas. Oh yeah, I have a French assignment due tomorrow too...</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00944374004198752755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3792876617558118416.post-37916122449765587252013-09-23T07:00:00.000-06:002013-09-23T07:00:02.627-06:00Motivation Monday?Happy Monday, everyone!<br />
<br />
My apologies for being missing in action the past few weeks. Starting back with school kind of knocked me off my feet and I'm just now starting to get into a normal routine.<br />
<br />
Today's post is just going to be some general tidbits and items of randomness that have been floating around in my head the past few weeks. Maybe you'll find some motivation in it? <br />
<br />
<b>You can't always fit everything in!</b><br />
When I'm not doing much (during the summer months, for example), I fill my time by pursuing slight obsessions that aren't quite so productive. Think Pinterest, YouTube makeup videos, lots of reading, etc. On the more productive side, exercising most days of the week was essential this summer, and blogging became a part of my schedule as well. When my life gets busier (when school starts again!), I want to keep doing everything I was doing during the non-busy time, along with fulfilling my school-related obligations. Social media and books are fun, right? Yeah, I tried that for about a week this time around before realizing that there's no way I can fit it all in and still go to bed at a decent hour each night. Prioritizing has been key lately. Although I wish it were otherwise, school has priority over running or reading or even blogging. I've realized that I just need to chill out and stop trying to be a super lady. That just leads to stress, and stress is definitely not healthy! <br />
<br />
<b>Life works better if you relax.</b><br />
This is kind of similar to the last tidbit, but can still stand independently. If you're stressed out every second of the day, it's hard to really enjoy life. And we're supposed to enjoy life, right? I definitely think so! Life is a happy place! If you need to drop one or two things off of your schedule in order to take care of the stress, <b>do it</b>, and don't look back! I've figured out that I'm so much happier on a day-to-day basis if I keep my schedule on the simple side, and if I don't stress out when I happen to have a busier day here and there.<br />
<br />
<b>Savor the run.</b><br />
Running is a privilege. Having been injured and out of commission for part of the summer, and now being too busy to fit in a run sometimes, I have a greater appreciation for the opportunity to run. Don't discount even the smallest run. I'm grateful for the time and ability I have to get my little "easy runs" done during the week. If you don't have time to do your preferred hour-long workout on a weeknight, try for ten minutes. Even the littlest effort is better than none. <br />
<br />
<b>It's all mental.</b><br />
You have control over yourself. If you want to start - or continue - eating healthy, you're the one who ultimately has the power to make that happen. Find some good motivation, stay motivated, and keep your mind on track. You have the power to choose how you take care of yourself.<br />
<br />
Those are the general, main ideas that have been floating around in my head lately. I've been trying to focus on the most important things, and add in the less-important, more-enjoyable things as I go. Hopefully blogging will be one of those add-ins! I've missed it ! Hopefully I'm back to blogging on a regular basis! <b>Let me know if there is anything specific you want me to blog about! Motivation, tips, workouts, recipes...?</b> <b>Tweet me (@tessabrynnk) or leave a comment on this post!</b><br />
<br />
Thanks, as always, for reading! Have a lovely day! <b> </b><br />
<br />
<b>Question of the Day:</b><br />
<b>How do you transition best between less-busy and more-busy times of the year? Any tips?</b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00944374004198752755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3792876617558118416.post-58961142201488206922013-09-02T09:00:00.000-06:002013-09-22T20:51:28.326-06:00Portable LunchesThe start of the new school year means going back to packing a lunch every day. It's not my favorite arrangement; I'd rather spend my lunchtime at home everyday, but that's not quite an option.<br />
<br />
This week I set off with a running start, but who knows how long my lunch creativity will last. By the end of the year, I'm usually just throwing things in a brown bag, but for now I'm enjoying making my lunches unique.<br />
<br />
I picked up the tupperware container (it's Ziplock brand) at Fred Meyer for about three dollars a week or so ago. It makes it a lot easier to portion-control what I pack, which is nice. I put together my lunch at night, then stick it in the fridge until the morning.<br />
<br />
Hopefully you'll find some inspiration in what I packed!<br />
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<i>-Wrap (Flat Out bread, hummus, lettuce, 1 roma tomato, 1 slice ham, cheese)</i></div>
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<i>-1 apple </i></div>
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<i>-1/4 C blueberries</i></div>
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<i> </i> </div>
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<i>-<a href="http://thehealthynotes.blogspot.com/2013/08/the-classic-pb-j-healthified.html" target="_blank">Healthier Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich</a></i> </div>
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<i>-carrots (they have frost on them because I stuck this container on the top shelf of the refrigerator overnight, and they froze)</i></div>
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<i>-hummus mixed with salsa (to dip the carrots in) </i></div>
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<i>*I had some camera malfunctions, so the picture got cut off on the bottom!</i></div>
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<i>-quesadilla (black beans, cheese, Flat Out wrap)</i></div>
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<i>-salsa</i></div>
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<i>-pluot</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>-fruit salad (blueberries, 1 orange, 1 apple, grapes)</i></div>
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<i>-carrots</i></div>
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<i>-Cheerios and peanuts </i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00944374004198752755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3792876617558118416.post-4066004642360512752013-08-28T22:26:00.003-06:002013-08-28T22:26:23.083-06:00The Classic PB & J (healthified!)<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4_xV0hiflkQ/Uh7MT7ZIQGI/AAAAAAAAAqM/oUTqSMdi8jA/s1600/pb+and+j+cover.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4_xV0hiflkQ/Uh7MT7ZIQGI/AAAAAAAAAqM/oUTqSMdi8jA/s400/pb+and+j+cover.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I love me some PB&J! There's just something about that particular combination of flavors that is perfectly delicious. Unfortunately, normal, store-bought jellies are loaded with sugar, as is a lot of peanut butters. The classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich isn't quite the healthiest.<br />
<br />
Enter fresh fruit and PB2! If you mash up fruits like peaches, raspberries, or strawberries, they become the consistency of a good, homemade jam. Add some stevia, and it tastes even better. As for the peanut butter factor, PB2 is my best friend. PB2 is powdered peanut butter, which may sound like a strange idea, but it works wonderfully. Just measure out the powder, add some water, stir it around, and you have peanut butter. PB2 is a lot lower in calories than normal peanut butter, plus you're able to determine the thickness of your peanut butter. If you like it smoother, add more water. If you like it thicker, add less.<br />
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<br /></div>
With some whole wheat bread, fresh fruit "jelly," and PB2, you have a much healthier - but still delicious - classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich!<br />
<br />
Ingredients:<br />
2 slices whole wheat breat<br />
3 T PB2 (in powder form)<br />
1 1/2 T water <br />
1/4 C fresh raspberries<br />
1 stevia packet<br />
<br />
1. Mash up raspberries and add stevia packet.<br />
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2. Add water to PB2 and mix.<br />
3. Spread raspberries and peanut butter on bread.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i3DPnQj3UeI/Uh7MVqX8GII/AAAAAAAAAqY/d_PEkJ3yaPk/s1600/peanut+butter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i3DPnQj3UeI/Uh7MVqX8GII/AAAAAAAAAqY/d_PEkJ3yaPk/s400/peanut+butter.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00944374004198752755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3792876617558118416.post-57128159507548406982013-08-26T09:00:00.000-06:002013-08-26T09:00:00.603-06:00Motivation Monday: Write a Mission StatementHappy Monday! For me, I have school to look forward to this week, although at least now I have some yummy, healthy cookies from <a href="http://thehealthynotes.blogspot.com/2013/08/healthified-chocolatey-oatmeal-cookie.html" target="_blank">yesterday's baking experiment</a> take with me. Okay, it's not much, but it's a slight consolation prize for being forced to sit through classes all day. Sigh.<br />
<br />
Anyway! Back to the topic of motivation!<br />
<br />
The other day, I had another brain-spark: <b>to stay motivated, write a mission statement for yourself. </b>Schools and businesses and other organizations have mission statements, so why not normal people?<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-flA6xl5bSzs/UhrNu7L6P7I/AAAAAAAAAn0/iZU-cq-5bYY/s1600/personal+mission+statement.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-flA6xl5bSzs/UhrNu7L6P7I/AAAAAAAAAn0/iZU-cq-5bYY/s640/personal+mission+statement.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<b><br /></b>
Huh? Just bear with me! I'll explain!<br />
<br />
First, <b>get out a piece of paper and writing utensil</b>. (What would be super extra fantastic is if you got out <a href="http://thehealthynotes.blogspot.com/2013/07/a-notebook-and-pen.html" target="_blank">the notebook or planner you keep yourself organized with</a>!) At the top of your paper, write <b>"Who Am I?"</b><br />
<br />
Then answer the question! Technically you can write anything about yourself, not just fitness-related things, but be sure to include some of those in there too. If you eat healthily about half of the time, but get thwarted by food temptation the other half, write in what you wish to be - in the form of a true statement.<br />
<br />
Is this getting confusing? Here's an example:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
I'm Tessa Kohler. I'm a daydreamer, and a romantic, and I'm obsessed with New York City, and I'm going to live there someday. I eat clean. I choose to eat food that is good for me because I care about my body enough to fuel it right. I exercise regularly, no matter how sluggish I may be feeling. I am a runner. I am dedicated and I make sacrifices because <b>I know it is all worth it.</b></blockquote>
<b><br /></b>
Is it maybe making more sense? For me, eating super clean and waking myself up to exercise in the mornings is what I struggle with. I'm not perfect at it by any means, however in my mission statement I wrote that I <b>do </b>eat clean and I <b>do </b>exercise regularly, <b>no matter what. </b><br />
<br />
When you write down strong statements about yourself, based on your goals and aspirations, you will be more likely to actually believe that they're possible. Really, it all comes back to <a href="http://thehealthynotes.blogspot.com/2013/08/motivation-monday-pinterest-motivation.html" target="_blank">believing in yourself</a>, which is absolutely crucial if you want to get anywhere with your goals.<br />
<br />
Put your mission statement somewhere you will see it regularly - maybe next to your <a href="http://thehealthynotes.blogspot.com/2013/08/motivation-monday-mini-goals-challenge.html" target="_blank">list of goals</a>. <b>Let it be your motivation and your support on those days when you feel like you will never be done with trying and failing. </b>Let it be the thing that helps get you back on your feet, working even harder than before.<br />
<br />
Have a wonderful week! <b>Tweet me</b> and let me know if you wrote your mission statement (@tessabrynnk)!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Question of the Day:</b></span><br />
<b>If you were to answer "Who Am I?" in only once sentence, what would it be?</b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00944374004198752755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3792876617558118416.post-42943801120568323252013-08-25T23:02:00.001-06:002013-08-25T23:10:04.069-06:00Healthified Chocolatey Oatmeal Cookies (With Optional Raspberry Topping)...a baking success!I have a love-hate relationship with "the healthy cookie." I've tried a recipe or two that was too dense and wasn't as sweet as a normal cookie. I've also tried the famous banana-oat cookie, which I'm really not a fan of. As much as my healthy instincts want me to like it, I just can't handle the overpowering banana taste. <b>Does anyone else have this problem? </b>Warm, gooey banana...yuck.<br />
<br />
One of my favorite cookie recipes is oatmeal chocolate chip. So this afternoon I set out to healthify that recipe. There was only one issue: I had no idea what the essential components of a cookie actually are. Yeahhh, slight problem. <br />
<br />
So I took my oatmeal chocolate chip recipe and searched the internet for things to replace the unhealthier ingredients (shortening, brown sugar, etc.). After a lot of Google searches, and lots of pencil marks on my recipe, I came away slightly overwhelmed. The substitution values for ingredients differed a lot from site to site, and I wasn't sure which websites had the best information.<br />
<br />
I ended up just going at it in the kitchen, throwing in different ingredients that seemed like they would work, based on all the healthy cookie recipes I've seen. My goal, however, was to make these taste like mostly normal cookies, and not like a banana food-substance.<br />
<br />
The end result? SUCCESS! While still using bananas, I was able to mask the banana flavor. The rest of the ingredients somehow combined to form something that actually tastes like a cookie. That may or may not be due to the large amount chocolate chips and cocoa powder I put in. I added the raspberry part last-minute. The cookies still taste good without it, but I think the raspberry taste is a nice complement to the chocolate.<br />
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If you're a little more health-conscious, you can use dark chocolate chips (vegan ones would be even better), or less chocolate chips, or even no chocolate chips at all. You can also try adding in nuts for some extra crunch, or some raisins if you're an oatmeal raisin cookie kind of person.<br />
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If you make this recipe, let me know how it goes! <b>Tweet me pictures at @tessabrynnk! Let me know what add-ins you used in your rendition. </b><br />
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<i>Side-note: <b>After</b> combining my random assortment of ingredients, I got smart and searched the internet for a website to help me create a legit cookie. I came across <a href="http://bakerbettie.com/how-to-create-your-own-original-cookie-recipe-and-cookie-science/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this great post</a> that I'll definitely turn to the next time I want to make my own cookies.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CtawBp8ZOSw/Uhrfpmz2bEI/AAAAAAAAAok/2vaRlh-JKwc/s1600/oatmeal+cookies+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CtawBp8ZOSw/Uhrfpmz2bEI/AAAAAAAAAok/2vaRlh-JKwc/s640/oatmeal+cookies+cover.jpg" width="526" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<b>Ingredients</b><br />
<br />
Cookie: <br />
2 bananas<br />
2 C rolled oats<br />
1/4 C unsweetened applesauce<br />
3/4 C whole wheat flour<br />
2 egg whites<br />
2 stevia packets<br />
1 1/2 tsp vanilla<br />
1/8 C honey<br />
1/2 tsp baking soda<br />
1/2 tsp cinnamon<br />
1/2 tsp salt<br />
1/4 C cocoa powder<br />
3/4 C semisweet chocolate chips<br />
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Raspberry Filling:<br />
2 C raspberries<br />
1 stevia packet<br />
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1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.<br />
2. Combine all ingredients (just for the cookie dough) in a mixer.<br />
3. Spoon dough onto cookie sheet covered with parchment paper.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-edmH1mVgUy0/Uhrfgh39gZI/AAAAAAAAAoU/fmBmJ0QlF2I/s1600/cookie+dough.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-edmH1mVgUy0/Uhrfgh39gZI/AAAAAAAAAoU/fmBmJ0QlF2I/s400/cookie+dough.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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4. If using raspberry filling, mash raspberries in a bowl.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--sFDSv-3-z4/UhrftTB1gYI/AAAAAAAAAo8/Pa7OwLoZafU/s1600/raspberry+filling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--sFDSv-3-z4/UhrftTB1gYI/AAAAAAAAAo8/Pa7OwLoZafU/s400/raspberry+filling.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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5. Add stevia packet and mix together.<br />
6. Make an indentation in each cookie with a spoon.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NIhWTAIlM-o/UhrgfmbUQXI/AAAAAAAAApE/kHmg2PlBBdI/s1600/flatten+cookie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="335" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NIhWTAIlM-o/UhrgfmbUQXI/AAAAAAAAApE/kHmg2PlBBdI/s400/flatten+cookie.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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7. Spoon raspberry mixture into the indentation.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1tPOBUXaQRM/UhrfggFDZlI/AAAAAAAAAoQ/XD4t8mUi4M8/s1600/cookies+with+filling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1tPOBUXaQRM/UhrfggFDZlI/AAAAAAAAAoQ/XD4t8mUi4M8/s400/cookies+with+filling.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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8. Bake for 10-12 minutes.<br />
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Makes about 2 dozen cookies.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IzmMyW1yHkk/Uhrfh_xAW0I/AAAAAAAAAoc/djdx091n7H8/s1600/cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IzmMyW1yHkk/Uhrfh_xAW0I/AAAAAAAAAoc/djdx091n7H8/s640/cookies.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aLVwZtcU38Y/UhrfsEoU60I/AAAAAAAAAo0/4-Ta_rpoD9U/s1600/horizontal+cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aLVwZtcU38Y/UhrfsEoU60I/AAAAAAAAAo0/4-Ta_rpoD9U/s400/horizontal+cookies.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cTvseFD0bTc/UhrfpuX2sJI/AAAAAAAAAoo/WKSd-Nm8g34/s1600/plain+chocolate+close-up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="348" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cTvseFD0bTc/UhrfpuX2sJI/AAAAAAAAAoo/WKSd-Nm8g34/s400/plain+chocolate+close-up.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Nutrition (without raspberry filling)<br />
Calories: 94 | Fat: 2.6 g | Sodium: 83 mg | Carbs: 16.7 g | Protein: 1.9 g<br />
Serving size: 1 cookieAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00944374004198752755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3792876617558118416.post-5499023422147449652013-08-24T19:53:00.000-06:002013-08-25T14:29:58.307-06:00A Couple of Everything SaladsHappy weekend, everyone!<br />
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The past few days have been nice and relaxing, but a little bittersweet at the same time. We went on a little getaway, which was lovely, but it's also the last weekend before school starts, so that's the bittersweet part.<br />
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On Thursday I drove with my family to Oregon for a little three-day camping trip. We camped at a spot near past Baker City, Oregon that my dad and his extended family used to camp at when he was growing up. Later that day his cousin and her family joined us, as well as another family we have known for a long time.<br />
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It was pretty much a normal camping trip with hiking, exploring, talking around the campfire, eating s'mores and other yummy food, and all that great outdoors-y stuff. On Friday I went for a little four-mile run along the dirt road next to our camp, which was great! I love switching up the scenery of my run once in a while. My neighborhood, the park by my house, and everything in the general vicinity of my house gets a little boring as far as running scenery goes.<br />
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After eating some pancakes and packing up our gear this morning, we headed back to Boise. Aaaand now summer is pretty much officially over. Sigh. It's been a good one! Even though I didn't really go very many places, it was nice to spend so much time with family and just chill.<br />
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For dinner this evening I opted for a couple "everything" salads. I'm not going to lie, delicious camping food got me once again, (although not as bad other times) so I was ready for some freshness. I pretty much just opened up my fridge, chopped up almost everything I saw, and threw it all together.<br />
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Veggie Everything Salad<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aHInOBQh_qU/UhlimJHyxNI/AAAAAAAAAk0/mGtpLtNB0Vo/s1600/veggie+everything+salad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aHInOBQh_qU/UhlimJHyxNI/AAAAAAAAAk0/mGtpLtNB0Vo/s400/veggie+everything+salad.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Ingredients:<br />
romaine lettuce <br />
cucumber<br />
cherry tomatoes<br />
green bell pepper<br />
carrots<br />
mushroom<br />
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chickpeas<br />
craisins<br />
feta cheese<br />
almond slivers<br />
sunflower seeds<br />
croutons <br />
light Italian dressing <br />
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Fruit Everything Salad<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c9xr0YTPKxU/UhlinI2WhyI/AAAAAAAAAk8/3ku85Og9-iE/s1600/fruit+everything+salad.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c9xr0YTPKxU/UhlinI2WhyI/AAAAAAAAAk8/3ku85Og9-iE/s400/fruit+everything+salad.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div>
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Ingredients:<br />
Pink Lady apple<br />
orange<br />
blueberries<br />
strawberries<br />
grapes<br />
banana<br />
vanilla yogurt<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What are <i>your</i> favorite salad fixings?</span></span></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00944374004198752755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3792876617558118416.post-76584498720558408672013-08-23T09:30:00.000-06:002013-08-25T14:29:08.737-06:00Hotel Room WorkoutStaying in a couple hotels last weekend inspired me to come up with this quiet workout that is perfect for a hotel room. There isn't any jumping involved, so if you're on an upper floor, you don't have to worry about the people below you being bothered. This also works great if you live in a dorm room or an apartment.<br />
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I'd say this is a beginner-to-moderate workout. The less rest time you give yourself between exercises, the more difficult it is (obviously). When I did this workout, it took me between 30 and 40 minutes to complete.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSEUCRWtO6h0_WwFjy3Nz30A4QaxJ3_5BzgBgDovZ9nJovkhzK3e-FHiRJhfLxYD_7rT9m844vpSO-htBkIj_zliyoSyV2tZ2uugzPHtLApnWQYhWNeYDqjDZkh1i81RsQ_2bNfd7fVAW5/s1600/hotel+room+workout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSEUCRWtO6h0_WwFjy3Nz30A4QaxJ3_5BzgBgDovZ9nJovkhzK3e-FHiRJhfLxYD_7rT9m844vpSO-htBkIj_zliyoSyV2tZ2uugzPHtLApnWQYhWNeYDqjDZkh1i81RsQ_2bNfd7fVAW5/s640/hotel+room+workout.jpg" width="481" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>What's your go-to plan for working out while staying in a hotel?</b></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00944374004198752755noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3792876617558118416.post-46229642196161807182013-08-21T09:30:00.000-06:002013-08-25T14:28:29.686-06:00Chickpea Turkey WrapsWe're <i>finally </i>going grocery shopping this morning! Our poor fridge is all white and bare inside.<br />
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Eating meals that aren't boring can get tricky when you're getting down to the end of your groceries. On Monday I really didn't want to just eat an apple and some random snacky items for lunch, so I dug around and scrounged up some ingredients for something more interesting. This is what I came up with!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UeLjLvdisc4/UhPPyeUJY-I/AAAAAAAAAfU/fhuycvSkMi4/s1600/chickpea+turkey+wraps+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UeLjLvdisc4/UhPPyeUJY-I/AAAAAAAAAfU/fhuycvSkMi4/s640/chickpea+turkey+wraps+cover.jpg" width="508" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Ingredients:</b></span><br />
1 tortilla (wheat is best, but we didn't happen to have any wheat tortillas on hand)<br />
2-3 T hummus<br />
2 romaine lettuce leaves<br />
1 slice turkey<br />
2-3 T chickpeas<br />
1-2 T feta cheese<br />
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1. Spread hummus on tortilla.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AZZNlLJGQhw/UhPWKcxN4zI/AAAAAAAAAgE/tHF-L3r6Zy0/s1600/hummus+spoon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AZZNlLJGQhw/UhPWKcxN4zI/AAAAAAAAAgE/tHF-L3r6Zy0/s400/hummus+spoon.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>We buy our hummus in powdered form in bulk at WinCo, then add some water and olive oil to reconstitute it. It doesn't taste any different than normal hummus.</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gZM9N82yJ6g/UhPWTrc0qaI/AAAAAAAAAgY/DRTWasFr5ts/s1600/hummus+tortilla.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gZM9N82yJ6g/UhPWTrc0qaI/AAAAAAAAAgY/DRTWasFr5ts/s400/hummus+tortilla.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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2. Tear up lettuce and turkey and put on tortilla.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ur3wb69PGl0/UhPWTSBie9I/AAAAAAAAAgc/qPx6bTA8Vkw/s1600/lettuce+tortilla.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ur3wb69PGl0/UhPWTSBie9I/AAAAAAAAAgc/qPx6bTA8Vkw/s400/lettuce+tortilla.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hU3WEH2AW9g/UhPWUdH9fgI/AAAAAAAAAgo/F0L6v_QVeBQ/s1600/turkey+tortilla.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hU3WEH2AW9g/UhPWUdH9fgI/AAAAAAAAAgo/F0L6v_QVeBQ/s640/turkey+tortilla.jpg" width="497" /></a></div>
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3. Add chickpeas and feta cheese.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x3fF2Ls7rO0/UhPWEE02MXI/AAAAAAAAAf4/y-q1Desmrtg/s1600/chickpeas+tortilla.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x3fF2Ls7rO0/UhPWEE02MXI/AAAAAAAAAf4/y-q1Desmrtg/s400/chickpeas+tortilla.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eEfqnMYRCSo/UhPWIjopapI/AAAAAAAAAgA/kGRcoeFRoyQ/s1600/feta+measuring+spoon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eEfqnMYRCSo/UhPWIjopapI/AAAAAAAAAgA/kGRcoeFRoyQ/s400/feta+measuring+spoon.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pNEdPLkvdgw/UhPWDhf27rI/AAAAAAAAAfw/AGj3aTV6rv0/s1600/feta+background.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pNEdPLkvdgw/UhPWDhf27rI/AAAAAAAAAfw/AGj3aTV6rv0/s400/feta+background.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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4. Roll up and enjoy!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vdsvGGonOO0/UhPWK3wqfVI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/mfFaircHK0A/s1600/final+tortilla.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="387" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vdsvGGonOO0/UhPWK3wqfVI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/mfFaircHK0A/s400/final+tortilla.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>*Note: I made this again yesterday for lunch and added olives, which tasted great too!</i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Question of the Day:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>What are your favorite wrap fillings? </b></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00944374004198752755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3792876617558118416.post-35154755442339912013-08-20T22:09:00.003-06:002013-08-25T14:27:15.892-06:00Healthy Stuffed French Toast, a Face-Lift, & Getting Back On TrackYesterday was a day for getting back into the swing of things, even though I was only out of town for a weekend. It's crazy how fast a car full of yummy (but not always healthy) trip snacks can put you out of whack.<br />
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I started the day yesterday with a little bit of oatmeal before my workout. After that, I completed <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/246220304601055830/">this workout</a> I found on Pinterest. It says it burns 1,000 calories, which I'm not too sure about, but it was a good workout nonetheless. I would have preferred a run, but for some reason my running shoes decided to start giving me huge blisters on my heels, even though I've worn them for months now. I'm waiting for my heels to heal (hehe get it?) before I go for a run again. After the workout I enjoyed a bowl of Greek yogurt, Grape Nuts cereal, and a cut-up orange. </div>
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After not snacking the best on the trip, I was in the mood for a snack that was actually healthy. I sliced up an apple really quick, since a sliced apple is just much more fun to eat than a whole apple!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7m2Igdhdfr0/UhQ8lD5-69I/AAAAAAAAAhE/tkKgxhOFO6A/s1600/apples.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="347" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7m2Igdhdfr0/UhQ8lD5-69I/AAAAAAAAAhE/tkKgxhOFO6A/s400/apples.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div>
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For lunch I made myself a quick wrap with what I could find in the fridge. We reeeeally need to go grocery shopping, but it turned out pretty well with what I put into it. The recipe for this will be coming tomorrow!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w7_b88Ur6ng/UhQ8nrYFrNI/AAAAAAAAAhU/h8AT-6uNNG0/s1600/chickpea+wraps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w7_b88Ur6ng/UhQ8nrYFrNI/AAAAAAAAAhU/h8AT-6uNNG0/s400/chickpea+wraps.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>
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Another quick snack of the day: almonds and peanuts!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vmpsr8ageJU/UhQ8lV2b-ZI/AAAAAAAAAhI/c2JWgL_vzTM/s1600/almonds+peanuts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vmpsr8ageJU/UhQ8lV2b-ZI/AAAAAAAAAhI/c2JWgL_vzTM/s400/almonds+peanuts.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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For dinner, I went the nontraditional way with my french toast and turned it into stuffed french toast by topping each slice with Greek yogurt and folding them over. Yes, it looks weird, but it actually tasted great! It was a lot lighter than drenching my french toast with maple syrup.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FEiYRS-vBAM/UhQ831kjXgI/AAAAAAAAAhk/v1b_a07CPAo/s1600/french+toast+open.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FEiYRS-vBAM/UhQ831kjXgI/AAAAAAAAAhk/v1b_a07CPAo/s400/french+toast+open.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SVXHnz0dlEY/UhQ83pIkssI/AAAAAAAAAhg/nDr-9YH7xAQ/s1600/french+toast+bite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SVXHnz0dlEY/UhQ83pIkssI/AAAAAAAAAhg/nDr-9YH7xAQ/s400/french+toast+bite.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8nJ91WA3NO0/UhQ83Q3TmuI/AAAAAAAAAhc/AodPHkK4ESc/s1600/french+toast+oranges.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="330" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8nJ91WA3NO0/UhQ83Q3TmuI/AAAAAAAAAhc/AodPHkK4ESc/s400/french+toast+oranges.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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For a quick evening snack, I had some air-popped popcorn (I didn't eat this whole thing), and a little bowl of granola mixed with honey nut Cheerios, topped with almond milk. Granola with almond milk is one of my favorite foods to eat late at night. I like to put my almond milk with the granola and just let it sit for about 10 minutes or so, until the milk is all soaked up. Granola doesn't really get soggy like other cereal, just softer. Personally, I like granola when it's a little less crunchy.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cF9atH-y6KY/UhQ8-3jaU9I/AAAAAAAAAh4/I0PbaYSlubo/s1600/granola+cheerios.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="321" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cF9atH-y6KY/UhQ8-3jaU9I/AAAAAAAAAh4/I0PbaYSlubo/s400/granola+cheerios.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xfp-Ai0gT90/UhQ8-No9DwI/AAAAAAAAAh0/rWY7WEd6150/s1600/popcorn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xfp-Ai0gT90/UhQ8-No9DwI/AAAAAAAAAh0/rWY7WEd6150/s400/popcorn.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Then I proceeded to stay up waaay to late, working on giving this lovely blog a face-lift! I added a new header, and then I also switched up the layout. What do you think?<br />
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It feels great to get back on track with exercising and eating clean. If you ended up having a bit of a YOLO weekend with food and such, don't get discouraged...just get back into it! One step in the right direction is better than none at all.<br />
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Check back in tomorrow for my lunch recipe!<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Question of the Day:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>What do you eat to get back into the swing of clean eating after a less-than-healthy weekend or vacation?</b></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00944374004198752755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3792876617558118416.post-76579385235681824402013-08-19T12:30:00.003-06:002013-08-25T14:26:41.338-06:00Motivation Monday: Pinterest MotivationHappy Monday! I'm back to normal life today after spending the weekend in Portland with family. It was a nice little vacation, squeezed in before summer ends.<br />
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The other day I was scrolling through <a href="http://pinterest.com/piano111/boards/">my Pinterest boards</a>, when I came across this pin on my "Motivation" board. Pinterest is a great source if I need a little motivation pick-me-up. It's also a great source for lots of other wonderful things (time-wasting, great dessert recipes, outfit inspiration before going shopping, etc!), but today I'll just stick to the motivation.<br />
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Image source: <a href="http://backonpointe.tumblr.com/post/27225292713">http://backonpointe.tumblr.com/post/27225292713</a></div>
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I love this! If you want to take any step in the direction of improving your overall quality of life by improving your health, you need to first believe in yourself. You need to believe that you have the power and ability to overcome bad habits. </div>
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I think one of the things that stands the most in people's way when they consider making a new goal is lack of self-confidence and a belief that there's no way they would actually accomplish their goal. There are just too many things standing in the way. I'm telling you today that any goal is attainable. If you want to run a 10K, but haven't run a mile in years, <b>don't let disbelief in yourself stop you</b>. There are other, more valid, excuses and roadblocks keeping you from being fit. You have complete control over yourself and your thoughts. Keep them positive!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g6KnJ8f-2P4/UhJkGfyxeCI/AAAAAAAAAbA/M-iMW1eBfdA/s1600/obstacle+or+strength.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g6KnJ8f-2P4/UhJkGfyxeCI/AAAAAAAAAbA/M-iMW1eBfdA/s640/obstacle+or+strength.jpg" width="477" /></a></div>
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<b>You can either be your largest obstacle, or else your greatest source of strength.</b> Choose today to be strong and believe in yourself!</div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Question of the Day:</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>What is one of your favorite motivational quotes?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Photo source for the mountain picture I added the quote to: </span><a href="http://alzirrswanheartstock.deviantart.com/art/Stock-417-summer-mountains-8-131584875">http://alzirrswanheartstock.deviantart.com/art/Stock-417-summer-mountains-8-131584875</a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00944374004198752755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3792876617558118416.post-39094020221750361452013-08-16T14:06:00.003-06:002013-08-25T14:26:18.165-06:00Peanut Butter Coconut OatmealThe other day I whipped up this oatmeal to eat after a run. I haven't used peanut butter a lot in my oatmeal, and I was pleased by the result!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QbqPQyLJdm4/Ug6FqDRR7PI/AAAAAAAAAYs/BfPx3Air__c/s1600/pb+coconut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QbqPQyLJdm4/Ug6FqDRR7PI/AAAAAAAAAYs/BfPx3Air__c/s400/pb+coconut.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Ingredients:</b></span><br />
1/3 C rolled oats<br />
2/3 C water<br />
1/4 C vanilla almond milk<br />
2 T coconut<br />
2 T PB2 (still in the powdered form)<br />
1 packet Stevia<br />
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Microwave oats and water for about a minute and a half. Stir in other ingredients. </div>
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Feel free to add more PB2 if you want!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00944374004198752755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3792876617558118416.post-22759400608608550032013-08-14T11:50:00.001-06:002013-08-25T14:25:59.740-06:00Fiesta Lettuce WrapsYesterday for lunch I felt like experimenting. I was in the mood for something on the spicier side, so I threw some ingredients together with some taco seasoning and put it in some lettuce. Simple enough! It turned out pretty good, so I thought I'd share my recipe!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r4POcG-JC_Q/UgvB2bQqnGI/AAAAAAAAAXc/ZOHIXLrmTK4/s1600/lettuce+wraps+title.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r4POcG-JC_Q/UgvB2bQqnGI/AAAAAAAAAXc/ZOHIXLrmTK4/s400/lettuce+wraps+title.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>I'm not such a pro at the lettuce wrapping part, but I promise it still tastes good! </i></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Ingredients</b></span></div>
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1/2 C chickpeas</div>
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3/4 C black beans</div>
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1/4 C frozen corn, thawed</div>
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1 roma tomato</div>
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2 T chopped cilantro</div>
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1/4 C chopped onion</div>
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1 1/3 T taco seasoning</div>
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Romaine lettuce leaves</div>
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Combine all ingredients except lettuce. Spoon into lettuce and wrap up! Makes enough for about 6 or so wraps.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XnzqAHZGH2c/UgvC4t7mlrI/AAAAAAAAAXs/mKpWu8LZpGE/s1600/lettuce+wrap+hand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XnzqAHZGH2c/UgvC4t7mlrI/AAAAAAAAAXs/mKpWu8LZpGE/s400/lettuce+wrap+hand.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00944374004198752755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3792876617558118416.post-9957418495792320592013-08-12T09:00:00.000-06:002013-08-25T14:25:36.365-06:00Motivation Monday: Getting Away from the PhysicalGood morning! Happy Monday!<br />
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Today's motivation stems from exasperation at the whole weight loss industry. Hopefully this doesn't come off sounding like a rant or anything!<br />
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So many health-related goals that people have deal with physical qualities: Fitting into a smaller size of jeans, having toned arms, weighing a certain amount, etc. If this is the ultimate goal you have in your head right now, <b>drop it</b>! Focus, instead, on living a healthy lifestyle. The other benefits will follow of their own accord. Tell yourself right now that you love yourself enough to improve your whole <i>lifestyle. </i><br />
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<b>Focusing on the physical will stress you out! </b>I promise! Focus your goals on the big picture: You want to be healthier and feel better in all aspects of your life. If you treat yourself great, you will feel great. Exercise, eat real food, sleep, laugh, smile...<br />
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What really matters is <b>YOU</b>. When you treat yourself right, you will radiate confidence and be beautiful no matter what dress size you are, or no matter what that number on the scale says. Starting today, train yourself to ignore the numbers and the physical qualities you see around you. Go back to basics and <b>focus on simply treating yourself right</b>. If you do, the particulars you find so essential will come on their own.<br />
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Love yourself today! Don't define yourself by the physical!<br />
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Have a fabulous week!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YuZtQGEuZ-o/UgjslTbcbZI/AAAAAAAAAWc/mbfa0qbTegU/s1600/the+rest+will+follow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YuZtQGEuZ-o/UgjslTbcbZI/AAAAAAAAAWc/mbfa0qbTegU/s640/the+rest+will+follow.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00944374004198752755noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3792876617558118416.post-80997237339390656892013-08-09T09:30:00.000-06:002013-08-25T14:25:14.077-06:00Eating Healthy on a Budget: 9 Tips<div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_6q7MqLqQEI/UgQjWf9ts6I/AAAAAAAAAVY/cy72jwj_Gro/s1600/eating+healthy+on+a+budget+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_6q7MqLqQEI/UgQjWf9ts6I/AAAAAAAAAVY/cy72jwj_Gro/s640/eating+healthy+on+a+budget+cover.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Sometimes one of the hardest things about eating healthy is the grocery store. A complaint that many people have (including me), is that healthy food is too expensive. Without going into a long speech, the key is that if you really want to make your health a priority, you have to sacrifice. Yes, healthy food is expensive, but buying it is a sacrifice worth making. Aside from that, there are some tricks I've learned about eating healthy on a budget.</div>
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<b>1. Plan out meals before going to the grocery store.</b> This is huge! Fresh produce goes bad, so you need to know exactly what you're going to eat so you don't buy too much.<br />
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<b>2. Pick only one new food to try per grocery store visit.</b> This may not be relevant to some people, but I'm the kind of person who loves trying out new healthy foods. If I set a limit for myself of only one just-for-fun food, I don't go overboard with the new granola bars, crackers, and fruit chips that catch my eye.<br />
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<b>3. Bring a limited amount of money with you.</b> If you only want to spend $20 on groceries, only bring $20 with you. You'll be sure to buy only what you need since your money is limited.<br />
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<b>4. Keep an eye on the fresh produce you've bought so you eat it before it's overripe. </b>I'm the worst person for buying a bunch of tomatoes, and only using one before they all go bad. I just forget what I have! Meal planning will help a lot with this, because you won't be as inclined to accidentally neglect your fresh food.<br />
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<b>5. Buy produce in varying stages of freshness. </b>This tip has helped me a lot. If you buy multiple avocados or bananas, for example, you don't want them to all get ripe at the same time, forcing you to eat copious amounts of that particular food in a short period of time before it goes bad.<br />
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<b>6. Watch for sales on more expensive produce items. </b>Where I live, fruits like blueberries or cherries tend to be a little more expensive. If I don't need them for a specific recipe, I hold off on buying them until they go in sale, making sure to keep up-to-date with the sales by checking in the advertisements that come with the newspaper.<br />
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<b>7. Freeze your own fruit for smoothies. </b>Frozen fruit gets expensive, so when fresh fruit is on sale, buy it in larger quantities. Chop up what you can't eat before it's too ripe, stick it in a zip-lock baggie, and toss it in the freezer.<br />
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<b>8. Grow it yourself. </b>While not everyone has this option, this will definitely save you a lot of money. At the very least, you can buy potted herbs you can put in your kitchen. Potted vegetable plants are also easy to put on your patio.<br />
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<b>9. You don't need to shop at Whole Foods.</b> The last thing I want is for people to think that you need to shop at fancy healthy stores to eat right. Yes, Whole Foods is a good store. Personally, I love wandering around in there. However! It is expensive and you can still buy good produce and other healthy food at your normal grocery store.<br />
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Those are the top nine recommendations I have for eating healthy with a limited amount of money. A healthy lifestyle is completely feasible for almost anyone, as long as you have your priorities set right.<br />
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<b>What would you add to this list? What do you do to stay healthy on a budget?</b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00944374004198752755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3792876617558118416.post-62371270922918852722013-08-08T22:19:00.001-06:002013-08-24T22:46:58.763-06:00What Happens When You Get Your Wisdom Teeth PulledSo, this morning I got my four lovely wisdom teeth kindly pulled out of my mouth. Thank goodness for anesthetic!<br>
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Getting your wisdom teeth out happens about once in a lifetime, so I am YOLO-ing it up. My diet today consisted of mashed potatoes, tomato bacon soup, chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream, butterscotch pudding, blueberry frozen Greek yogurt, and maple and brown sugar instant oatmeal. What up.<br>
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Life happens, embrace the lapses into unhealthiness (as long as they don't occur too often), and don't freak out!<br>
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I'll be back with a normal, healthy post tomorrow!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00944374004198752755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3792876617558118416.post-57203501456787953092013-08-07T13:53:00.001-06:002013-08-25T14:24:49.502-06:00Zesty Avocado SaladThis summer I've had lots of salads for lunches. They're easy and filling and the possibilities are endless! Here's the salad that I've made the most this summer.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3jof95ZHW5o/UgKlnJnI0RI/AAAAAAAAAVI/UQbDYKOhiJQ/s1600/full+salad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3jof95ZHW5o/UgKlnJnI0RI/AAAAAAAAAVI/UQbDYKOhiJQ/s400/full+salad.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Ingredients:</span></b></div>
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2 1/2 C chopped romaine lettuce</div>
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1/2 avocado, cut into cubes</div>
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1 roma tomato, chopped</div>
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1/3 C frozen corn, thawed</div>
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1/2 T Parmesan cheese</div>
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1/4 tsp Good Seasons Italian Dressing Mix </div>
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Combine all ingredients and enjoy!</div>
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*With the corn, you may want to chill it a little after it's thawed, just so your salad is a bit more crisp.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00944374004198752755noreply@blogger.com0