Oraganic, Easy Lunch....

I try and go organic as much as possible without being an impossible person. Its so hard to go completely organic but its very likely to do it with most of what you consume. So, although its more expensive, I think its better for your body not put a bunch of additives and junk that, I feel, lead to all sorts of sickness and disease.

Today's lunch was an easy one after church. Salad with Organic dressing, eggs, and organic lettuce. Peanut butter and jelly sandwich all organic too. Its easy, quick, and light. No yucky "I ate to much" feeling after. I had a Reeces Peanut butter cup for dessert. Here are some pics of the ingredients I used. I used Newman's Own Raspberry Walnut dressing (not pictured) b/c its all organic. Also, used Nature's Own  Honey 7 Grain bread...the all natural one. There are different versions so make sure you get the no additives one.They also donate all proceeds to charity!!

This peanut butter is amazing, btw. So is this organic jelly.

So try this easy lunch that is good for you:) You will be left feeling light and not guilty! :)

Happy Work Outs!!



New Juice/Vitamin product:)



So I was at Lifetime fitness with my sis in Houston and they had a sample juice. I am interested in it b/c of the benefits that it claims. The name is Reservatol and if you go to their website, http://www.genesistoday.com/genesis_today_products/resv_berry_juice.html, they have more products and info. Here is a break down that caught my eye:

200% vitamin C
100% Vitamin B6
1000% Vitamin B12 ( helps maintain healthy nerve cells
100% Biotin ( good for skin and nails)
100% Folate (Helps create DNA and may prevent cancer)

• Cardiovascular health*
• Youthful energy and appearance*
• Healthy inflammatory responses*

Okay so I was like to good to be true!! Well, I tried it and it was so good= tasted like grape juice. Then I had some energy left over at the end of the day after the gym and a long day at work...so, I was wondering if it had anything to do with it. I have been drinking lots more water lately too-- like close to 2 liters and I wonder if that combo with this new juice has anything to do with it. They have different sizes and flavors and your only supposed to drink a shot at a time. Its made from fruit so the sugar is kinda high... but I think the rest out weighs the negatives. They sell it at Whole Foods and Wal Mart. The big one is 6-7 dollars and you have to drink this in 10 days of opening. Make sure you shake it.... Would love to hear if you have any thoughts!!!:) Happy work outs.

Work makes me tired, must.drag.myself.to.the .gym

Ok, we all work. Work makes all tired. After running around my kindergartners... some days I feel like I could melt into my bed at night! But, the show MUST go on. I think planning what days you will work out before the week starts and writing it in a planner or on a calendar, will def push for a more successful week. I see it, know its the plan, and its harder to go away from that. This week my LIfetime Fitness is renovating and is closed.. So, unfortunately, I am having to find another alternative. ( My apt. has a good gym with great equip and the Allen Lifetime is open for us to use this week too) The guilt of not working out can be so heavy. The feeling after is a million times better. The week work can get hectic. What are you doing to make sure you get to the gym or hit the pavement? Now, I know that certain weeks call for less time to work out.. I think those weeks are good for you every now and then. Just don't make it a back to back work out less weeks... then you have just undone everything you have worked for. SO make sure you get your time in for yourself to work out the most important working machine in your life... YOUR BODY. Look good, feel good, stay healthy. No matter what life throws at you!!:)

pic from Women's Health Magazine

ShAKe YoUr BoOty ...

When it comes to work out music.... I like to "shake your booty" types of songs... and yes, this involves rap music. I know, I am an adult, and frankly I think I will always like rap music. About a year and a half ago my beloved IPOD broke (or so I thought). To my surprise, I continued to work out without music. I found it to clear my head, and it wasn't as painful as I had always imagined. Then I started the running thing, and found sometimes I used my pod and others I didn't. I found my pod again when I moved, and was presently surprised when it turned back on!! So I was back in action with music again. When I take a class, if the instructor has the right kind of music, I find my self going much harder. It has been proven that motivating music will actually enhance your work out. So, the reason for this post is to share some of my play list.... please post any songs you like so we can make this grow!!:)
Work out list;
1. Take it Off   Keisha
2. Jump    by Flo Rida and Nelly Furtado
3. Lil Freak by Usher
4. There goes my baby  by Usher
5. Dynamite by Taio Cruz
6. Break you heart by Taio Cruz and Luda
7. If we ever meet again by Timberland and Katy Perry
8.It's Going Down by Young Joc
9. Pump it up by Joe Budden
10. Can't Be Tamed by Miley Cryus
11. Move Shake DRop Remix by Dj Laz and Flo Rida
12. Woo HOo by Cristina Auguilera
13. Rock that Body by Black Eyed Peas
14. Not myself tonight by Cristina Augilera
15. Get Crazy by LMFAO
16. Candy Shop by Fifty cent
17. Lemonade by Gucci Mane
18. Wasted by Gucci Mane
19. Spotlight by Gucci Mane
20. OMG by Usher
21. My Chick Bad by Luda and Nicki Minaj
22. Get Ur Freak On by Missy Elliot
23. I'm Really Hot by Missy
24. Shake your pom pom by Missy
25. Sweet Disposition by Temper Trap
26. Carry Out by Justin Timberlake
27. Outta Control by Baby Bash
28. Shake and Pop by Green Velvet
29. Shut it DOwn by Pitbull
30. IMma Be by Black Eyed Peas
31. How Low by Luda
32.  Run This Town by Jay Z
33. LA la la by LMFAO
34. Yes by LMFAO
35. Ain't No other man by Crisitina Augilera
36. Boom Boom Pow by Black Eyed Peas
37. Amazing by Kanye
38. Don't Forget by Demi Levato

Ok, yes there are tons more good songs out there...and some of these are super old.  As I typed the names, I realized how silly some of the titles are. There are clean versions and explicit... I try going with clean b/c when I can't find the that version the explicit hits me with shock when working out...hahaha.... Some people like rock, country, or jazz to work out too, I am a pop/Rap girl. Whatever floats your boat! The point is to stay motivated b/c life zaps energy out of us so easily and getting to the work outs is the hardest part!  Post some songs that really get you moving!!

Happy Work Outs!!

Naturally Thin...

I have finished a great book by one of my fave celebrities right now, Bethenny Frankel. Naturally Thin is a wonderful book that helps you balance your eating habits to stay naturally thin. She has 10 rules that out line the book. Here they are:
 1. Your Diet is your bank account.
2. You can have it all, just not all at once.
3. Taste everything, eat nothing.
4. Pay attention.
5. Downsize now.
6. Cancel your membership in the clean plate club.
7.Check yourself before you wreck yourself.
8. Know Thyself.
9. Get Real.
10.Good for you.
These might not make sense right now.. so buy the book off of Amazon for 7 dollars and it will break them down. My favorite is "Cancel your membership in the clean plate club." I hate wasting food... but this really help me see that you shouldn't finish your plate always, especially when out to eat-- and the portions are WAY to big. I think the one that makes the most sense is the "Your diet is your bank account." Duh! If you have sweets all day and no veggies or something of substance- you will be in the negative. Duh?!? The way she breaks it down has made me think more about the moments when I want to eat everything in sight. "Taste everything, eat nothing" is something I need to learn. Taking bites of the "bad" stuff and not actually eating all of it. That way you still get the taste and actual food- just in bites- like two bites. That will save you the calories but still keep you from the dieting that makes most people go over the edge to binging! I like her "No diet" attitude... cause you still get to experience the good stuff. :) For real ladies, go out and get this book ... especially if you love Bethenny like I do:) Well worth it... and just 'food for thought.'
Happy work outs...

A few of my favorite Summer food things.... Oh , and healthy too:)

Some things I am indulging in this summer.... and not bad for you either....

First up.... Watermelon...OMG... so refreshing..

then... these little ice creams that are only 190 calories and a dollar at Wal mart!! they are just enough ice cream too, and way less calories than a pint!

And these Luna Bars are amazing for breakfast before the gym ... love! and way less calories than Cliff bars

These whole grain  peanut butter crackers are the perfect snack.. and whole grain!

(can only find them at wal mart too!)

I will end with the BEST salsa that is from a local company... OMG so good...and so fresh.. .and such a good dip!

Happy Work outs!:) and eating....

Veggies and My 9 mile run....

Yes, the title doesn't go together but two things I want to blog about today. Okay so last week was my Too Hot Too Handle 15K(9 miles). I hadn't thought it was going to be as hard as it was... but boy, was I wrong. Ok, so during the summer I had fell off the training program for the race and had have been doing a TON of crosstraining. This summer has been alot about the gym... I love being up there and changing up my routines from Spinning to NO limit cardio to Total Conditioning. So, back to the race, OK so I was Super nervous b/c all I had run up until then was a 10K (6 miles) (and a 7 mile training session). And I knew how hot it had been here lately. But I tried not getting to psyched about it. So my awesome boyfriend and his dog Sprig came along for the support bright and early. Such troopers since all Justin was pretty much doing was waiting on me the whole time in the heat. So, right before I was going to start, the announcer came on and said it would be 20 more minutes due to the delay of water stations not being ready. I was so anxious, I just wanted to start! SO finally it got closer and closer and then.... the gun went off! So we are off, Of course people are passing me, and thats okay b/c I am in no hurry when I run. The thing on my mind in mile one is "here we go..." Then mile two approaches and I feel a slight pain in my IT band on my left knee... Oh no, I am thinking.. please don't start acting up now(they had been fine for months)... Then they started completely giving out.... Ugh! I mean bad.. it felt like the bones in my outside part of my knee were just hitting and rubbing on each other.... So.. thats when the race started to get wearing and long. Unfortunantly I didn't enjoy the race b/c I was soooooo upset about my knees and not being able to run this thing like I thought. I was just trying to get to the end.... and my time is not even worth mentioning.. .. So sad. I was WAY sore for the 2 days after. But, the good that I got out of it was that I am thankful that it is not an injury that I am unable to keep working out-- it only hurts when I run! That is the weird part of an IT band injury.. things like going down stairs and only hurting when running ... ugh... So the good... I am able to stay healthy and be active and run races... So many people aren't able to things due to limitations or handicaps... And I had an awesome supporter. Here are some pics....

My supporters:)

final stretch...I was so happy to see the finish line...

A very sweaty, tired girl.

Ok... so now on to an amazing veggie dinner that I had recently... I have been eating so many Veggies lately. Lots of squash and zucchini....So this was a pita fold with marinara and mozerella sauce. Then a side of veggies... not rocket science...but a healthy version of pizza:) so yummy....

Look how yummy it looks!! Spice up your meals by adding lots of veggies!!!:)

This was a big meal that can def be cut in half and saved for the next day!!! Happy work outs!

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Fresh dinner...yum.

So I have been reading Naturally Thin by Bethenny Frankel and am absolutely loving it. I have been trying to go more "fresh" with eating.. even though its def more expensive and time consuming. This book also emphasizes how important it is to eat fresh foods and go more organic. So with this in mind, I took a recipe out of her book and tweaked it a little bit. No pics, but just wanted to share this one. You will need whole wheat noodles of your choice, fresh tomatoes(not canned), garlic cloves(it was my first time dealing with garlic:), spinach (I got this canned b/c I couldn't find it otherwise), and Smart Balance butter. Cook the noodles normally, cut your tomatoes, saute your garlic, add butter. Bam...there is your recipe:) For desert, I had Greek plain yogurt with just a tiny bit of Vanilla extract and cinnamon. Added some organic (23-cause that was the serving size) chocolate chips on top...and mixed it up! So good and I feel not disgusting full after. Try it!!:)

A Veggie Sandwich that will change your life (if you like veggies!!)

Ok, so after my stint of trying to be a vegetarian for a couple of months a year ago, I am still not that big of a meat eater. I don't like steak, can't each lunch meat for some reason, and chicken has to be perfect for me to eat it ( like no chewy parts- or barf)! So I have been sticking to fish for my meat intake.

So since lunch meat still grosses me out for some reason, I have switched to purely Veggie sandwiches. LOVE Subway's version of it and heck its 5 dollars! But to be more practical every day, I have bought the fresh veggies and started making my own- which is more of a bargain in the long run too. And, with the right kind of bread (Nature's Own- no crap preservatives and high in fiber/ low in calories) this sandwich is a guilt free kind of meal. I have my preferences of what I like and how I like it, but this is really a "you" kind of sandwich. Change it up if you see something you don't like! Here are some pics... hope I make you hungry:)

Here are the ingredients:)

tomatos and cucumbers

Can't forget the cheese:)        Love pickles!!

Okay now here is the sandwich in a couple steps... make yours how you want it:) You can be your own "sandwich artist" as Subway puts it.

No sure why its a 'm' ?!?

banana peppers and Muenster cheese on!

pile in the veggies...and...

Look how thick and yummy this sandwich looks... without the guilt of tons of calories;)

So I hope your hungry enough to go out and get FRESH vegetables and take the time to prepare a fresh meal. The leftover veggies I put in a container for tomorrow's sandwich, which will cut the time of preperation in half! When school starts again, I will put the veggies in a seperate bag than my break so it doesn't get soggy.... I hate soggy bread!!:)

P.S. Just got this new book in... LOVE Bethenny Frankel and her healthy way of life... I'll let you know how it is  when I am finished...

Happy work outs...:)

High Fructose Corn Syrup.... bad news bears

I first found out about this thing called high fructose corn syrup which I will gladly call HFCS in this post, through a fabulous book called Skinny Bitch by Rory Freedman and Kim Barnouin.  This book caused me to be a vegetarian for about 7-8 months until I fell off the band wagon (still don't eat hardly any meat except fish- but occasionally give in to Sausage and cheese Kolaches), really started wanting to go organic, and really helped me learn about all the crap they put in food and what they do to animals. It actually shocked me. Read it if you want to change your life! :) Ok back to HFCS, I couldn't put it better than how the authors of Skinny Bitch put it...so here it is...

" High fructose syrup is another badass that finds its way into tons of foods. Manufacturers loves its versatility and put it in nearly everything: juice, soda, beer, yogurt, energy bars, cookies, candies, breads, even frozen goods. HFCS is processed more than sugar and is even sweeter.  But it's a friend of the farmer because its so cheap to produce.  Like refined sugar, it has a negative, dramatic effect on our blood-sugar levels....."

After seeing more and more on the topic of HFCS, I started to take notice on the nutrition labels. Wow, was I shocked. It was in things like  whole wheat bread (some do offer without it- Natures Own is the one I eat.) rice cakes, and tons of drinks. I couldn't believe how many products have it. Even Special K cereal has it in it! So many "healthy" snacks and foods claim to have low calories but are packed with tons of artificial.  Not good. My personal opinion and theory is all the symptoms and sicknesses that have taken such a rise (cancer) has a lot to do with all the crap that is in our foods these days. I mean, to me, its just insane the rise of illnesses people are going through. It has to be something that we are ingesting. For something to okay in my book, it needs to be USDA certified. There website has more info. They are a respected organic label... not just some logo slapped with no back up.

 No, not every little thing I eat is organic, but I try as much as possible to get it in. Healthy Choice makes all natural/no preservatives Frozen meals.... they still make some that aren't so look for the label. I try and not buy things with HFCS b/c not it just bugs me to know that something I am eating or drinking has it in it. Just use your judgement. If this is something that sounds like you want to start looking into and weighing heavily, then jump on board. Some people say "one day I will die regardless of something," then good for you. Thats not my way of thinking and so for me, I have consciously tried noticing these things. Happy work outs...