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? 

Post Workout Protein

ahhhhh YES, this is tasting even better than I can begin to describe! :)
    1/2 cup organic milk + 1/2 cup water
    1/2 cup oatmeal
    1/2 tsp honey
    1 tsp flax seed
    1/4 tsp cinnamon
    1 ripe peach (or fruit of choice)

So proud to have stayed strong and true to my workout schedule this week. I feel amazing. Every Wednesday I challenge myself to a double workout routine: 45-50 minute cardio, followed by either a strength training class at my gym, or my own total body conditioning plan. I enjoy perusing various workouts and exercises to target the major muscle groups and jotting down a list to take along with me to the gym. Not only am I in the company of fellow fitness minded folks, I can take the time to stay focused.  Although my weight has remained the same (yes, I do step onto the scales from time to time), I feel leaner and that's perfect. At times, results may not be easily noticeable. However, that does NOT mean there's no progress. There IS. Have faith. Keep going. Don't give up. :) 

Moroccan Burger Night...yes please!

Just for clarification purposes: it's turkey burger. :) A bit more leaner and greener...yet does not compromise the commitment to eat leaner without giving up the delicious taste of having a grilled burger.

This week while cycling, I came across this appetizing Moroccan burger spice mix recipe in one of my nutrition newsletters. Thus I knew it was time to grill and give this burger a taste test. The verdict?

flavorful and perfectly aromatic; definitely will be making this turkey burger again! :)

Excited about Italian!

It was time for Italian night! Been wanting to get my apron on and cook up my own spaghetti sauce...and tonight was it. :) Recipe for a successful dinner:

1) play some happy tunes. :) 

2) gather & prep all sauce ingredients...while they simmer,

3) start on italian meatballs. Whew! Let's just say mine didn't quite turn out nice and round, yet they were nonetheless tasty! Tip for next time: baked meatballs.

4) roast garlic. Keep it warm in the oven with the bread until time to set the table. 

5) prep pasta (set pot w/ water; seasonings; pasta nearby)

6) assemble the fresh greens salad. make a basil vinaigrette dressing to compliment the fresh tomatoes and lettuce. 

As all the dinner items come together, the sense of pride in completing a homemade meal is unmistakeable! It may take some time in planning and gaining experience; however, it's nothing compared to frozen meals.  

weekend warrior

For some, there's a whole new definition to the term: weekend warrior. As opposed to slacking off or letting life's busy days get the best of me, I do my best one day at a time. I stay strong. I pull myself out of bed at the wee hours of the morning even when I don't feel like it and remind myself it IS worth it.

I LOVE the way I feel after an especially sweat-drenched class or workout session, and I smile remembering how difficult it was hours before...talking myself into not hitting snooze.

This weekend warrior hit the grocery store late at night to avoid all the shoppers and am all set to snack on fruits and got my veggies in for a few meals I got planned this weekend.

See that amazingly thin stalked asparagus? It shall accompany the Gorgonzola + Garlic mashed potatoes, sweet corn + basil salad, and lemon-garlic chicken. :) Yes, I can't wait!