Relaxing, Reading...and Rationalizing

With the sun shining, the birds singing, and the promise of what summer shall bring, one cannot help but sit out and just smile with happiness.

That apple pastry is a weekend treat from my sister. I enjoyed every delicious bite and am pleased there are bakeries nearby where they create such treats made from scratch! :) :) :)

On a side note, I've found this food advocate writing position that I can't get out of my mind. True, I love to write, am an activist of pure ingredients; sustainable living; farmers markets; and going back to the basics where food is concerned. Do I have it in me to take it upon  myself to join the hundreds of other food activists in the fight to preserve what little good remains of our food system? It's so overrun with organizations that are money driven and with governing bodies that have more loopholes than should ever be allowed. Yet is this a bigger undertaking than I can imagine? I'm curious... And curiosity means I can't not think about it. So I wonder...I wonder if I should give it a shot...

Power Breakfast!

Power up with Proteins and fiber post workouts: There are SO many healthy breakfast combinations! I love randomly looking at breakfast photos on Instagram. So addicting yet diverse. :)

Great morning combinations include:
-oatmeal made w/ coconut or soy milk. sprinkled w/ flax seed. topped with fruit.

-Greek yogurt w/ flax. topped with homemade granola and fruit. 

- pancakes/waffles with homemade peanut/almond butter and some jam. Delicious, let me tell you! 

-wheat tortilla spread w/ almond butter, topped w/ fruits and granola. roll up and enjoy!

I do wonder what other delicious food combinations people come up with for healthy power breakfasts post workouts? 

Italian Diet

I've been given a challenge of sorts: recently I got into a discussion about food & fitness and the importance of balance and the need for both in order to not only make lifestyle changes but a positive difference to matter what one's nutrition/fitness goals may be. I was told that if I adhered to a specific diet (namely Italian, for example), I would not only gain a minimum of 30+ pounds but get sick.

I disagreed. I truly believe that I can remain athletic and stick to my nutritional choices even if I were to follow a specific diet. And so a bet was formed: starting January 2013, for one entire YEAR I am to cook Italian meals. I don't know if this was a moment of weakness because I truly do LOVE all things Italian and was secretly harboring a reason to learn more about the culture, customs, people, and of course: food.  Or if I didn't want to be wrong. Either way, I refuse to lose, even if it means I sacrifice sleep to put in an extra workout in the morning or have to go twice a day. This girl is not getting chunky thighs or getting fat. The stakes? The winner gets an all expense paid 10-day Wine & Dine trip to Italy! :)

More details about this to come later...specifically since I want to have this in writing and then there shall be no backing out of no bets. I'm excited. I've always wanted to wine and dine my way through Italy. Why not make it happen?

Mushroom + Barley Soup

Been wanting to make this MUSHROOM + BARLEY soup for a while now, and after searching online for a recipe that appealed most, I rolled up my sleeves and chopped, sliced, stirred, and taste-tested. End result? So satisfying and filling!! :)
Recipe can be modified for busy cooks and made in a crockpot; but truthfully it's a quick soup!

Some of the changes I made: soaking the 1-cup barley in 2-cups liquid (broth & water) overnight, hence it cut down on total soup cooking time.

Additionally, after refrigerating it overnight, do add more water and season to taste if you prefer less thick soup. I loved how filling and stew-like mine was so I kept it as is. :)

Saturday Morning Smoothie

A Healthy Morning awaits...and what better way to begin the day than with a nutrient-packed smoothie? Simple to make yet satisfying:

1/2 cup greek yogurt

1/4 cup coconut water

1 Tbsp peanut butter

1-cup frozen strawberries (or fresh)

1 banana

1 Tbsp Flax seed

Directions: add all ingredients (except flax seed) to blender and puree. Top with flax seed and stir into smoothie before enjoying. :) Sweet way to power up before your morning workout, no? 

 

Baking Without Butter?

Not just any baking that is...but baking with substitutions to make it healthier. Cleaner. More appealing without the added fats or sugars. At times it cannot be helped. It's a part of the kitchen that includes indulgence and the biggest challenge: Baking Without Butter.
The idea has been formulating in my mind for quite some time, yet the majority of my baking attempts are not quite satisfactory and as a result: haven't made it to this blog in full scale. But it won't be long. I enjoy baking breakfast muffins w/ berries. Oatmeal & Raisin cookies. Banana or zucchini bread...

Generally I much prefer using applesauce in place of butter or sugar or even Greek yogurt. My taste buds however, are not average. Therefore recipes are 'unknowingly' tested on my family and if approved, I know I'm on the right track. Tonight felt like a baking night...and so here's to successfully managing a busy week of work, training, cooking, research, reading, and writing. :)

Southwestern Pizza

Unsure of where I found this recipe but it's been calling my name. Loaded with fresh veggies this week, I knew it was time for this colorful pizza to be tested. Thus early this morning, I made my salsa and returned it to refrigerator until tonight. Then onto the dough: pre-made a 100% whole wheat pizza dough (thin crust recipe), placed it in a bowl, covered with a towel and set it on the counter while I ran off to work. 

Couldn't wait to get home and arrange this delightful dinner. Here's the end result. :) 

Chicken + Avocado Sandwich

There's something about getting worked at 5am in the gym: I can't wait to sink my teeth into good food. Healthy fats. Fulfilling protein.

Here's a sneak peek at todays lunch:
-Rye Bread
-Dijon Mustard
-Lettuce leaf
-Chicken breast (grilled)
-Avocado
-seasoned w/ fresh pepper.

DELISH let me tell you! Totally worth the wait, especially after a lengthy cardio session, followed by ab and leg strength training. Yes, I'm in beast mode. :) Well, mostly it's that new swimsuit I've been eyeing but am waiting to treat myself once I reach my next fitness goal: lose an inch off my waist! 

Sunday Splurge: Starbucks

Sure, we all fall off the wagon at times. But what's important to remember is that treats are ok - so long as you keep in mind one simple key: moderation.

Although I train hard for upcoming athletic events, or even if I'm sticking religiously to my workout calendar, I'm still aware of fat/calories/sugar in sweets and cafe treats.

I enjoy going out with friends or even spending a lazy Sunday afternoon at a neighborhood cafe, tasting my way through an apple pastry while reading (or writing). :) And of course it's no secret I enjoy baking. But I'm always on the lookout how to make things healthier...and how much of a good thing I'm eating. You know what they say: it all goes straight to your hips. ;) (just kidding, of course) 

Marathon Madness

Catch the MSN article today about training for a marathon and feeling inspired? Print off the 16-week Rookie Marathon Training Plan and stay posted for training tips on how to enhance your running routine.