Breakfast Scramble

Woooohoooo!! It almost feels like it should be mandatory having a random day off mid-week. This morning was about a gym workout; followed by picking up a Chai Tea Latte and walking it to a coworker; talking a stroll uphill in the drizzle; and enjoying whipping up a tasty bite:

BREAKFAST SCRAMBLE:
-sauteed tofu
-red & green onion, chopped
-sweet peppers, diced
-white & crimini mushrooms, sliced

All sauteed & seasoned. Topped with avocado, campari tomatoes (yummy!), fresh dill.
One word: AMAZING!

The beautiful thing about breakfast: SO many delicious combinations and options. The possibilities are endless. I love finding new breakfast ideas. :)

 It's never too late to start making those lifestyle changes: fitness - food - habits - choices...

First step: BEGIN!
Next: keep going...don't give up!

Results are achieved by putting in effort and realizing that no one else but yourself can and WILL be the change you wish to see in your life. Stay positive and whatever motivates you, hold onto that and remind yourself of your goals when you face a particularly challenging moment.

YOU got this! :) 

Bachelorette Berry Cupcakes

These berry cupcakes were created for my sister Liya's bachelorette party this weekend. Not only were they DELICIOUS that night, but here I am, back in Seattle and wishing I had this tiny shot of sweetness first thing in the morning! (sheepish grin here...)

Although these turned out amazingly perfect, the creator and modifier of recipes in me is wanting to try one more version before posting the recipe. Some changes I made to these cupcakes:

*pureed 1 cup of fresh strawberries & substituted them instead of 1 egg & 1/2 cup of butter.
*used olive oil instead of butter to keep cake consistency moist yet not fall apart.
*what I am aiming for in the next recipe: using fruit extract for coloring. So stay posted...

Blackberry Smoothie

It's no secret I LOVE smoothies! :) Therefore there's plenty of opportunities to include incredible combinations into one's daily meals, especially pre/post workouts.

Today is no exception: waking up to creative smoothies swirling in my mind and I bounded out of bed and headed straight to the gym, knowing there was all sorts of goodness waiting to be made and tasted later. Needless to say I spoiled myself post workout and didn't go anywhere but my deck, enjoying my treat:

     1/2 cup blackberries
     1/2 cup blueberries
     2-medium sized kale leaves, chopped
     1/2 cup greek yogurt
     1 tsp honey
Blend berries, yogurt, kale, honey. Pour into glass and top with hemp/flax/chia/seeds of choice. 

#100bysummer

HAPPY FRIDAY! This morning was about pushing myself beyond the comfort zone: I'm soaked but feeling super proud and incredible.

Thanks to my TIU team and inspiring trainers, I joined the ranks of thousands of other fitness minded and health driven folks in posting photos of inspiration on Instagram, whether those be of delicious meals, outdoor adventures, or gym accomplishments.

For those not familiar with TIU, it stands for Tone It Up, created by friends and trainers Karina & Katrina (check out their webpage here). This week I was fondly remembering when those gals first started out and am incredibly pleased to see how far they have come - not only being featured in several fitness magazines but also putting out their own fitness DVDs. It's inspiring. Reminds me of my college friend and roomie. She was a HUGE source of motivation and I marveled at her inner strength to stay focused on her fitness goals: To never give up no matter what barriers where before her. Here's to my Shays out there! YOU may very well be inspiring someone without realizing it. So never give up. Always stay strong. :) 

Time for Twitter?

Not sure where this shall take me as I purposely refrained from joining as Twitter exploded online.... But tonight my curiosity got the better of me and I figured: WHY NOT? :) So as sadly as it appears to the right, I have no follows as of this moment. However, most importantly, I want to be there for my fellow minded food & fitness friends.    Our society spotlights fitness and health in many angles, both positively and negatively depending on the source.  If I can be one of those who shares inspiration and encouragement for those seeking it, I shall indeed be satisfied.   So this is for YOU as much as it is for me. To dream BIG. To stay Strong. To never give up. To take small steps in making significant lifestyle changes. To share the light. To spread the truth. To discover and continue on this fitness journey empowered and supported by many who are striving for the same healthy lifestyles. We got this friends! 

Tofu + Veggie Wrap

It was a wine & dine type of evening: assemble my dinner and enjoy a glass of sweet red while the veggies sauteed lightly...

    1/4 # firm tofu, crumbled
    1 garlic clove, minced
    onion, red/green peppers, tomatoes, avocado - diced
    feta cheese, crumbled
    1 Tbsp olive oil
    salt/pepper, to taste
    1 flatbread

Saute tofu with olive oil, salt & pepper for a few minutes. Add onions, garlic, peppers and cook until slightly softened. Add to flatbread. Top with feta, avocado, tomatoes. Season lightly and ENJOY this light yet filling dinner. 

Double Workout...continued.

Double the Trouble?
No way, not with less than 20 days until the official first day of summer! :) :) What's not to love about sunshine, sand, and eternal smiles? Maybe you have been waiting to treat yourself to new swimwear or even workout clothes as a treat for staying so motivated.

So how did you do? Found something that has been especially helpful to you the past few weeks with regard to staying on track?

If you're especially linked into social media and networks, I agree: there's substantial support from others who are aiming for the same healthy lifestyles and know full well what it means to hear a kind word or positive response to your efforts. So you're not alone. If you're committed to your goals, the power to see them through starts with YOU. :) Stay lively, and full of energy...and don't forget to smile from the inside out.

Breakfast: Fruit + Granola Wrap

Found this wrap idea several years ago and breakfast-on-the-go has never been the same since! :) Not only is it simple & healthy, there's no excuse for skipping breakfast, ever. 

1) Slice bananas & strawberries (or fruit of choice)

2) Cook a raw tortilla

3) Spread almond butter on warm tortilla

4) Add fruit; top with granola. dust with cinnamon

5) Roll up & ENJOY! 

Thoughts? :) If you create your own tasty combo, be sure to share, as I always do love to hear what others find when they do a bit of experimenting in their kitchens. 

Motivation Monday: Be Your Own Hero

That's right! Make the right decisions, not for anyone but for YOU. Regardless of what your fitness or nutrition goals should be, you will succeed if you make changes one step and one day at a time. So don't give up, even if your circumstances are bleak and your surroundings are anything but supportive. Give it your BEST effort with whatever resources you may have. 

YOU GOT THIS! :)

(came across this chalk art while strolling around Seattle's Pike Place Market. Love how creative and fun some people are!) :D

Summer is almost here... :D

Happy JUNE to all the fitness and food focused. YES, you better believe it, JUNE is here and with it the beginning of summer. Are you READY? :)
Although I too have been dedicated and focused, I do believe my metabolism is making a switch and my stomach area is being incredibly stubborn. So you see? I can relate. But I will not be discouraged or swayed. I know good things come to those who work their butts off and I am counting down the days when I can proudly post a photo of my bikini-ready body.

Here's a snapshot of what I am enjoying: a beautiful sunset as I dig my toes into the sand and meal plan for this upcoming week. It's going to be a strong start to this summer-inspired month. Whose with me?