Tantalizing Turkey Roll Ups

Trying to eat better one meal and one day at a time?

Me too!

 

Trying to cut out extra calories while still feeling fully satisfied?

Me too! 

 

Like most of us, I've been trying to drag myself back on the wagon after a fattening holiday season. This week especially, I've been trying to satisfy my taste buds while fitting back into my skinny jeans.... UGH! Luckily, I started experimenting and ended up with these roll ups for lunch that I am in LOVE with! They're easy, delicious, and you can adjust the ingredients based on what you prefer.
Check it out: 


Tantalizing Turkey
Roll Ups

 

  Step 1

Grab your favorite turkey and lay those bad boys out...

... I chose a low sodium holiday carving style selection at the deli counter - delish!

 

Step 2

Layer your cheese of choice on top of those tasty little turkey slices...

... I chose a sliced Gouda - not my typical cheese selection but I wanted something to really get my taste buds excited, and it worked!

Step 3

Slather on some hummus for creamy goodness...

... I chose a roasted garlic selection - I love the extra kick of flavor and excitement!

 

Step 4

Pile up alfalfa sprouts on top of the hummus...

... I'm always trying to expand and increase my veggie intake - I've been adding sprouts to my fresh juice in the morning, on top of salads and tacos, and now inside my roll ups!

 

Step 5

Roll up those bad boys and package in a Tupperware, aluminum foil or plastic baggy for easy transportation and eating on the go...

... I LOVE THESE FREAKING ROLL UPS... I WANT MORE... RIGHT NOW!

 

 

ENJOY!

Gifting Health & Happiness

The holidays are upon us and if you're anything like me, you've just barely begun shopping for gifts. Not to fear, Love Fit Life is here!

 

Passing on the gift of health, fitness and general wellness is something I love... obviously. However, one of the reasons I love it so much is because of the happiness these gifts have brought me as a recipient! Don't be afraid to use gifting as a way to encourage and motivate both yourself and the people you love. Making good choices and prioritizing health is a group effort, so jump up and lead the way. Here are some of my favorites - they range from inexpensive to a bit more costly, because we all know that wallet size and wish lists vary!

 

 

Massages & Spa Treatments

 

If there's one thing I've always known, it's that massages and spa treatments are the bees knees. Gifting these things doesn't have to be insanely expensive either. Check out Groupon and Living Social for specials or go straight to a no nonsense massage spot like one of these for a great gift certificate:

 

The Massage Place

Massage Envy

Heart & Sole Reflexology

Pure Sole

Glen Ivy Hot Springs Spa

 

Some ideas of places to Yelp or look up in your area are reflexology (which is basically like a massage where you keep your clothes on and have your feet in a nice bath of warm water), blow out salons (where there just wash and blow dry/style your hair - great for women to use for a special event or party), manicures & pedicures, facials, and the list goes on!

 

 

The Happiness Project Journals

 

 

I received The Happiness Project One-Sentence Journal as a gift this year and oh my goodness I want everyone in the world to have it. It's perfect for ANYONE (especially people on the go) and it's literally the only way I've consistently been able to journal ever in my life. Each day of the year has its own page, outfitted with an inspirational quote and a space for one sentence, five years in a row. One sentence a day is a piece of cake, and as each year progresses, you can read what you wrote for that day the year before (or 4 years before by the time you're done). To top it off, it sells for $10-20 depending where you buy it (check out Amazon for great online deals) - Awesome, right?!

 

Also check out the Q & A a Day journal (versions available for both adults and children) if you can't get enough or want more things like this!

Want to see a bunch of great versions and so much more in person?
Find a Paper Source near you and enjoy!

 

 

Exercise Classes & Equipment

Last year, my incredible friend Emily handed me a card and wouldn't let go until explaining that she was really excited about doing this gift together and hoped I didn't take it the wrong way. I was a little uneasy after hearing such a disclaimer, but opened the card to find the perfect gift! She had purchased a Groupon for me as a gift, and another for herself so we could take 10 Cardio Barre classes together. We had such a great time going to classes together and trying out something new. Not only that, but it heightened my interest in barre style classes which has led me to Pure Barre!

At my home studio, Pure Barre Pasadena, there are a plethora of holiday deals, gifts and class packages that are perfect for gifting to anyone and everyone! Even clients who want studio merchandise can create a wish list that will be emailed to their family and friends. Easy, breezy, beautiful! The Pure Barre Pasadena Facebook page is a great place to keep up with all the holiday excitement going on now. 


Juicers, Blenders & Beyond

Don't ever hesitate to give the gift of home appliances that will allow your loved ones to make healthier choices. Since I actively advocate and enjoy smoothies and fresh fruit & vegetable juices, I love buying people the tools to join me and make their own! Even though you don't necessarily blend or juice together, that doesn't mean it's not an exciting group project. I love texting my friends what's in my juice or smoothie for the day and planning out what the rest of the week will entail. Not surprisingly, it keeps all of us more accountable and eager to set positive goals that will be more easily fulfilled.

The other great thing about gifting a blender or juicer is they come in all different price ranges and quality levels. You don't need to give the best of the best of the best (SIR!) - just focus on getting them started and the thought that counts. My first blender was a piece of crap, but it got me hooked and I eventually did my own research and told all my family and friends exactly which one I wanted for an upcoming holiday.

Another great home appliance that comes in all shapes and sizes?! George Foreman grills! These handy dandy cooking machines are great for anyone trying to make healthier eating choices. They cook a LOT of different foods, they cook everything quickly and require little clean up. Not quite sure what a George Foreman grill is?? It's ok... we all have to start somewhere - Wikipedia to the rescue! 

This holiday season, I wish you...
the gift of peace from within, the courage to make the healthier choice, the calming effect of 3 deep breaths, the reward of practicing patience, the priority of self worth and personal commitment, the relief of a wonderful workout, the joy and laughter from enjoying irreplaceable company and loved ones, the power of a positive attitude and the awareness that this moment and the lifetime that follows is meant to be lived and loved, forever!

  

Kung POW to the Common Cold

Hey, cold symptoms... yah, you... clogging up my head, scratching up my throat, messing up my nose and making me feel like I'm on the brink of explosion... you are so unwelcome here!

 

Feeling the symptoms creep up or in the midst of a full blown attack?! Don't worry friends, we've all been there/might be there currently, and I think I speak for all of us when I say I DO NOT HAVE TIME FOR THIS NONSENSE!

 

Act NOW.

Act FAST.

Fill up on these natural remedies to kick your cold in the butt!

 

 

WATER

Hydration is an essential part of getting over whatever ailment you're experiencing. Too much of the time, our bodies become sick and don't recover quickly enough because we're not properly hydrated. At a minimum, you should be drinking 64 ounces of water every single day, but when you're sick or consuming caffeine and/or alcohol, that amount should increase. Try drinking room temperature water to promote more rapid hydration as well - by drinking water that isn't too cold or too hot, your body doesn't have to put in any extra work cooling it down or heating it up. This is also a great hangover tip - your hangover is really just another way of your body saying you're dehydrated after getting wastey-face... room temp water homie.

 

SLEEP

Yup, you've heard this one before but never seem to make it happen which is probably why you're still sick. MAKE TIME TO SLEEP so your body can use all available resources to fight off the yuckies, in turn allowing you to get back to 100% in the blink of an eye. Swear you don't have any extra time to sleep? I think you're full of it.... Here's a solution list for some common excuses:

 

- Record your favorite show (or catch it later on Hulu) so you don't stay up watching TV.

- Unplug the TV if you're that person who watches filler shows all night long.

- Read a book or do some sleep promoting yoga poses if you have trouble falling asleep.

- Grab some ready made soup at the grocery store so you don't have to make dinner.

- Tell your current text or phone buddies that you're taking the night off to rest. Also be sure to text plenty of Emoji's that emphasize how sad this makes you, but that you really have no choice...

- Make a to-do list so you can go to bed with the peace of mind that you won't forget anything that still needs to get done when you wake up.

- Make arrangements for the little kiddles, spouse or YOURSELF to sleep elsewhere for the night to ensure you get a good night sleep. Loved ones should be promoting your recovery, not complaining about it. Send them my way if that's a problem... I workkouuuutttt....

 

**Extra Sleep Tip**

Sleep with an extra pillow under your head to allow your nasal passages to drain more easily. Yes, that's gross and slightly uncomfortable, but do you want to get better or not?!

UNPLUG

I know, I know... it's the century of social networking and we're all slightly to severely addicted to our cell phones, computers, televisions, and any other gadgets lying around. The reality is, you should unplug as much as possible during your recovery time. The more you unplug, the more sleep you'll get and the less your eyes/mind/body will strain to concentrate on electronics, which ultimately means you'll focus more on practicing healing remedies and you'll feel more relaxed. Seriously, your Facebook notifications won't go anywhere for one night while you rest and if that guy/girl likes you enough, they'll respect that you need to get better and encourage you to heal so they can make out with your sexy self again soon!

GET STEAMY

Get your mind out of the gutter... I'm talking about breathing in some steam to loosen up all the yucky business going on in your head and body. Take a hot bath or shower, sip on hot soup and drink warm liquids. The more the merrier since it'll really help clear you out!
 

GREEN TEA

Not only does green tea fall into the get steamy category above, but it also helps rid your body of unwanted toxins! The list of green tea healing benefits goes on and on so this one should be a no brainer. Plus, is tastes delicious...

 

GARLIC
Thought garlic was just a tasty addition to your meal? Think again! Garlic has a ton of great antibacterial, antiviral and anti-fungal properties, which means it will give you a great boost to get better fast! Grab some garlic pills or some extra garlic cloves to add to your meals and take advantage of this incredible ancient healer. Plus, this item also tastes delicious...

 

GINGER

In addition to relieving stomach aches and tummy problems, ginger is great at making you sweat! That's right, add some ginger to your tea to help you sweat out more toxins while calming down your stomach. Not only that, but ginger also contains particles active against a common group of cold viruses. Triple score!

 

CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP

That old wives' tale about eating chicken noodle soup when you have a cold is actually pretty accurate. Not only does chicken noodle soup contain mucus fighting elements, but it also provides good steam to loosen up congestion, carbohydrates to give you energy and protein and veggies to give your body nutrients. Aim for low sodium versions though, since salt will play a role in dehydration... remember, we're trying to hydrate, not dehydrate!

 

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

Don't worry, drinking some Apple Cider Vinegar isn't nearly as disgusting as you look in this state of illness... Combine 2 tablespoons in hot water and drink like tea (add honey if you want). Apple Cider Vinegar will help relieve joint pain and stiffness and improve your bowel movements (aka: you will poop out toxins more quickly).

 

GARGLE

Gargling about 1-2 teaspoons of salt in warm water 3-4 times per day will dramatically help moisten your throat and heal your symptoms of throat soreness and irritation!

WASH YOUR HANDS

(1) Wash your hands thoroughly and often - use warm water and soap to keep yourself bacteria free as much as possible.

(2) Keep your freshly washed hands, and all hands for that matter, away from your face. We are trying to get rid of the yuckies, not welcome more in!

 

 

 

May you be blessed with plenty of tissue and a speedy recovery!

2 Week Bikini Body Makeover

In 2 weeks, I'll be setting sail on my very 1st cruise... and that's not even the most exciting part! Believe it or not, I was invited by my incredible friend Chanel. We'll be going to the Bud Light Port Paradise Festival that she WON tickets for through Young the Giant... her favorite band... and now mine! With such short notice for a once in a lifetime adventure, I had to get my shit together! Between making sure I have enough wife beaters and cut off shorts to fit in on a Bud Light sponsored cruise (I kid, I kid) and all the millions of other things on my plate, the thought of getting bikini ready seemed daunting. BUT, I'd be lying if I didn't say I want to look picture perfect and feel jiggle free in my bikini when we we're living it up on the boat, listening to great live music, and winking at our (hopefully) sexy Captain. Thus, the preparation must commence.

For me, the 2 Week Bikini Body Makeover isn't about losing weight, it's about looking great and feeling my best. At the same time, it's also about staying healthy. I know there's a lot of people out there who go on extreme diets and workout plans to prepare for big events and vacations, but that's not me.

YES, getting your ass in gear to feel like the most confident you possible in a mere 2 weeks will be challenging and will certainly require changes to your daily routine.
NO, I won't lie to you like most magazines and pretend you can do this super amazing awesome quick 10 minute workout 3 times a week and all of a sudden look totally different.
YES, you will have to dramatically change what you're eating and how you're exercising to see rapid results.
NO, it's not impossible to make visible changes in 2 weeks.
YES, if you really want it, you will do it.
YES, you sound stupid when you complain about it.
YES, you should suck it up and get your best bikini body ever.... starting now.

1: DIET
**If you can't pick it or kill it, don't eat it**
- Eliminate all processed foods. Yes, that's probably most of what you eat on a daily basis... you will live, I promise.
- Drink as close to NO alcohol as possible.
- No carbs after 5:00 p.m.
- Drink a full glass of water before every meal.

Feel like "what the hell am I going to eat?!?" after reading that? Don't worry, there's plenty to eat and I'm sure you'll be surprised about how full you stay when you're filling your body with wonderfully nutritious foods! Here's some of the foods I focus on eating to stay within the guidelines above:

- Fruit (don't forget there are lots of great carbs in fruit!)
- Veggies
- Eggs
- Lean Meats (i.e. chicken, turkey, lean ham, lean beef, etc...)
- Beans & Legumes
- Chickpeas
- Fish
- Nuts
- Whole Grains (i.e. quinoa, brown rice, farro, etc...)
- Tofu & Soy products

2: EXERCISE
**Sweat Every Day**
(as Under Armour would say)

My 2 weeks are FULL of exercise. I'm not going to give you a special science for exercising... the bottom line is, YOU MUST EXERCISE - cardio, toning, stretching, the whole deal! Don't overdo it, but also remember we're doing a hardcore 2 weeks and aiming for visible results. Whether you have a gym membership, a great fitness studio in town, a workout class you love, a friend who can help you train, YouTube or Hulu videos to do at home workouts, magazine cut outs of workout routines, the great outdoors and your own body weight, or anything else in between, it's all good in the hood!

Here's my week of planned exercise in case you need a sample:

Monday
Pure Barre class (55 minutes) & Crossfit style workout with the amazing Pasadena Fire Department

Tuesday
3 mile run with the Dog Haus Running Club

Wednesday
Pure Barre class (55 minutes)

Thursday
Elliptical intervals & treadmill jog @ LA Fitness (45-60 minutes)

Friday
Pure Barre class (55 minutes)

Saturday
Rest

Sunday
Yoga (60-90 minutes)

Oh and before you even say you don't have time for an exercise schedule like this... YOU DO! My schedule is literally overflowing with work, commitments and obligations - not excuses. Your 2 weeks starts now, get going girlfriend!

I can do it, you can do it, and we're going to look DAMN FINE in our bikinis in 2 weeks!

The Fast Food Break-Up

Fast food is like a bad boyfriend/girlfriend. No matter how much you try to justify to yourself and the world around you that it's SOOO GOOOD.... it still leaves you unhappy, out of shape, exhausted and broke. Not to mention that you're certainly not the only one in town allowed to drive-thru, if you get my drift ;)

For as long as I can remember, I've had an unhealthy relationship with fast food. I love french fries, cheeseburgers, Jack in the Box breakfast sandwiches, hash browns, chicken nuggets, and so much more.... but you know what, fast food is a bitch that doesn't love me back.

THAT'S IT - I'M OVER YOU, FAST FOOD!

Why? Because... You're just not that tight and you're definitely NOT the best I've ever had!

Also like any bad boyfriend/girlfriend though, it's hard to just walk away happy as a clam and move on. Thus, I've been putting together a game plan that goes something like this:

 

Be Prepared

The first step in my fast food break-up process is putting some serious thought into when I hit the drive-thru and why. My main reasons?

(1) I feel too hungry and too busy for any alternatives.

(2) I've been drinking alcohol and greasy food sounds so damn delicious.

(3) I'm emotional and feel like stuffing my face to smother my feelings. 

Well, that's all fine and dandy, except, oh wait... it's NOT! Here are some solutions I've been working on to address the 3 main reason I figured out for myself:
 

(1)
Keep something quick and easy on hand at all times - when I'm on the road, that could be one of my 5 On-The-Go Food Favorites or when I'm home (or heading home) with no desire to cook, that could be one of my favorite Lean Cuisines or Smart Ones frozen dinners that takes a whole 4 minutes to microwave. For all the Captain Obviouses (yes, I probably made up the word obviouses) out there who are about to tell me frozen meals aren't a healthy choice... YES, you are right that they are not the ideal healthy choice. However, my point is to ease my fast food break-up and making the decision to eat a Lean Cuisine or Smart Ones is definitely better and more health conscious than the drive-thru.

(2)
The obvious remedy would be don't drink as much alcohol.... but let's not get crazy... I'm a 20-something single lady which means I shall continue sipping cocktails as I so please. Thus, my alternative remedies include eating a substantial meal before drinking, consistently drinking water while I consume alcohol, and having a buddy on-call to help remind me that I don't really want fast food at the end of the night.

(3)
Emotional eating and dealing with stress in unhealthy ways is such a bigger issue than I can address in a few sentences. My personal experience has taught me that acknowledging how I feel and that it's OK is a huge part of dealing with things. I've also tried to spend a lot of time finding ways to release this emotional energy in more effective ways, like exercising, writing in a journal, talking to family & friends, trying something new that will take my mind off of it (i.e. crafting, gardening, visiting a new place, cooking a healthy meal, etc...), and reflecting on the origin of my emotional issues. The more I stay away from emotional unhealthy eating, the better I feel too, which helps me build a stronger and stronger case to say no when I want to give in!

 

Break-Up Reminders

By reminding myself WHY I broke up with fast food in the first place, I can more effectively stop and really discourage myself from going back.

NO, IT WILL NOT BE DIFFERENT THIS TIME IF I GO BACK.
NO, IT HASN'T CHANGED.
NO, IT WILL NOT MAKE ME FEEL BETTER.

YES, IT WILL MAKE MY SKIN BREAK OUT.
YES, IT WILL MAKE ME FEEL FAT.
YES, IT WILL MAKE ME SPEND MORE MONEY THAN I SHOULD.

Period.

5 On-The-Go Food Favorites

Ever feel like "OH MY GOD I AM SO BUSY I HAVE NO TIME TO BREATHE!"...?

Yah, me too bro... it happens, but we can get through it together. For me, that feeling typically leads to unhealthy habits, eating out and feeling yucky. Keeping good snacks in mind and on hand have proven to be successful tools for me to be healthy on the go and under pressure. 

Snacking is a good thing too - it helps prevent overeating, stabilizes our blood sugar levels throughout the day and keeps our metabolism up. The trick is snacking on the right foods. The more we snack on unhealthy processed foods, the less likely we are to stay energized and fit. Here are 5 of my on-the-go favorites:

Eggs

Hard boil these protein packed little suckers and you're ready for any snooze morning or otherwise! Not quite sure how to make them? It's cool, they're super easy to do and they perfectly accompany a night watching T.V. or working on your computer. Here's how you do it:

Put as many eggs as you want in the bottom of a saucepan. I like to make a full single layer on the bottom of the pan - it's usually about 8-9 eggs.

Fill the saucepan with water - fill it just about half and inch above the eggs. Add a bit of salt (to help the water boil faster) and put the filled saucepan on the stove at medium/high heat.

Go do your thing while keeping an eye on the pan - you're waiting for it to boil. 

After the water boils for about 2 minutes, turn off the heat and cover it with a top... and don't even give me those dumb excuses about not having a saucepan lid that fits - use your head dude, grab a plate, a baking sheet, a larger lid if you have it, etc... Anything that will trap the heat as much possible.

Set your phone timer for 15 minutes and go back to doing your thing. Timer goes off, you carefully pour the water out, run your little egg friends through cold water for a minute before drying and putting them into the fridge. 

Not sure what kind of container to store them in? I like to boil an even number of eggs so I can just cut the carton in 2 pieces (1 that will be labeled as "hard boiled" and the other that will continue holding the raw eggs).

Muscle Milk Light Chocolate

I like grabbing these 4 packs of protein shakes at the grocery store because they're perfect on the way out the door and give me a great boost before or after a workout. Plus, they don't taste nearly as bad compared to most protein shakes (in my opinion).

Cheese Single Portion Squares

I love these little portion sized cheese squares that are sold at most grocery stores. They usually come in a bag with lots of individually wrapped squares and are available in several varieties. The creamy texture of the cheese really helps me feel full and energized too - into it.

Apples & Bananas

We all know we're supposed to eat more fruits and veggies, but that can be challenging sometimes. Luckily, apples and bananas are among the bunch that are perfect snack buddies. The thing I love about apples and bananas is that they're always available, filling and fantastic for taking on the road. Even better, they're typically the only fruit or veggie option available at places that make healthy eating very difficult, like MacDonalds, gas station & convenience stores, hotels, etc...  

Campbell's Classic Tomato Soup on the Go

As we start cozying up to fall and winter, soup is a must for me. While I prefer making it from scratch at home, these classic tomato soup cups are awesome. They're perfect for lunch or dinner on the go when I have less than 5 minutes to find food and eat! 

 Get It?

Got It?

Go Snacking!

The 12 Best Foods for Your Abs

One of my favorite fit life tools is easy to read go to guides for healthy eating and fitness, like this one on the 12 Best Foods For Your Abs by Women's Health Magazine! Just because summer is ending doesn't mean we need to build up our bulges... The year is 2012, people, put a sweater on or turn up the heater instead of packing on the blubber this coming fall & winter!

 

 

Clean, Green, Juicing Machine

I think it's safe to say that everyone has heard the advise to EAT RIGHT at one time or another. Eating right typically translates to taking your diet more seriously by eating more fiber while limiting your saturated and hydrogenated fat intake. Don't pretend like you don't understand what that means, either... it means exactly what you think - eat more fruits and veggies and don't eat so much fried and fatty foods. Eating right can be really hard for most people though - especially when living in America: the land of fast food on every corner, overflowing schedules, media mind games, and the tendency to give in to our (often unhealthy) desires.

I'm no exception to these challenges that most people face. I like french fries... a lot, I like to eat a whole carnitas burrito in about 5 minutes or less, and I'd rather not bother with green leafy things that taste like what cows eat. On the other hand, I also like to feel great, look amazing and live a fulfilling life each and every day. 

Welcome to the land of JUICING!

Juicing (aka: extracting the juice out of fruits and veggies) is a great way to get all the nutrients from produce without actually eating them all day long. For someone like me who's on the go a lot and picky about the fruits and veggies I like to eat, juicing is AWESOME! Since I've recently purchased a juicer, started drinking more of my daily fruit and veggie intake, and been feeling fantastic because of it, I figured I'd share my experience thus far!

A week ago, today, I went to Target and bought a DASH Electric Juicer for $99. Before making my purchase, I'd been buying fresh made juices at LA Fitness and random spots around town for a few weeks and was really enjoying the feeling the juices gave me - I felt more full than I anticipated by drinking it, my body was more easily and rapidly discharging build up and my daily food intake (if you get my drift... I know boys like to think girls don't poop so I don't want to burst their bubble by saying it that bluntly), my skin was clearing up quickly, and I had more energy. After constantly spending $5-7 on one small juice drink, it seemed clear to me that spending a hundred bucks or so on a juicer of my own was the right choice. I did my research and found some things I was sure my juicer needed:

- A do not exceed price of $150 since it's my first one and it's just for me (for now).

- A more vertical design (versus a more horizontal design) so that gravity could play a roll in feeding the fruits and veggies into the blade/juicer mechanism of the machine and so it would take up less counter space.

- Not too many complicated parts and easy to disassemble and reassemble for fast and efficient cleaning.

- The ability to effectively juice both fruits AND veggies (not all juicers do this... most "specialize" in one or the other, it seems).

**My research also gave me the incredible tip of putting a plastic bag inside the pulp catch for extra easy cleaning**

So, I got my juicer that fit all my guidelines and found myself quite pleased! I went to the grocery store, loaded up on produce, and prepped for my new week and life as a juicer. There are tons of recipes out there for different ingredient combinations, but as usual, I just like everything all at once and didn't pay much attention to the fancy concoctions. My standard juice includes:

Apples
(1-2 whole - without the core since the seeds aren't good for you)

Pears
(1-2 whole - without the core since the seeds aren't good for you)

Oranges
(1-2 whole - peeled)

Lemons
(1-2 whole - peeled)

Spinach
(2-3 large handfuls)

Cucumber
(1 large - ends cut off)

Carrots
(3-4 large - tops cut off)

Celery
(3-4 stalks - ends cut off)


Before you even ask, YES, IT TASTES GREAT! My main trick is balancing the fruits and veggies (mainly citrus and greens) because the flavor is more complex and delicious. My favorite part about my standard juice is that it adds up to an entire day of the recommended servings of fruits and veggies. This means that all the fruits and veggies I actually eat, outside of my juice, are like extra credit! Needless to say, I feel like one CLEAN, GREEN, JUICING MACHINE!

This week, I'm revving it up even more to see just how much I can clean out my body and reboot my system, and I AM STOKED! I have my refrigerator stocked and my juice jug ready to accompany me through each and every busy day.

Join me and feel the joys of juicing, one sip at a time!

Commit to a New Day

Today

I feel like crap.

I let the heat and a busy schedule run me too far into the ground.

I am focused on taking care of myself and going to bed early.

I plan ahead for a busy day tomorrow (and the days that follow).

I put chicken breasts in the refrigerator the thaw.

I decide to wake up tomorrow, ready to take on the world.

Tomorrow

I commit to a new day.

I go forward in a way that betters my overall well being and happiness.

I eat well.

I drink plenty of water.

I take my vitamins.

I wake up on time to start my day right.

I move to keep an active body and mind.

I follow my eating plan:

Everyday

I remind myself to smile, be happy, and make the most out of every moment I have.

Grocery Store Goodness

After a wonderful short getaway weekend, I arrived home to a completely empty refrigerator, an exhausting realization that tomorrow is the beginning of a busy new week, and a desire to keep my fit life going strong. Needless to say, I grabbed my reusable grocery bags and took a nice walk down to the store. A full refrigerator of healthy options always helps me get energized to jump into a productive and refreshing week!

Healthy Shopping Tip

Follow the Frame

By following the "frame" of the grocery store, I mostly hit the fresh sections like produce, meat, seafood, eggs and dairy. I'm able to limit my temptation to buy processed junk food and I go in a quick and efficient circle around the store leading right to check out!

Fun Find

Finding this "new to me" pack of perfectly portion controlled chicken breasts put a huge smile on my face in the store. I've been a fan of Weight Watchers for some time now - mostly because their focus on portion control has helped me a lot. Their food products are pretty consistently tasty without being outrageously priced. These chicken breasts will be perfect to thaw in the refrigerator during the work day and quickly cook at night for a fast and healthy dinner. 

Prep for Success

When time permits, I love prepping snacks and meals right when I get home with full grocery bags. I find that my shopping momentum keeps me going and gets me enthusiastic to have healthy things on hand. Today, after my glorious chicken breast find, I spotted some delicious Snow Crab legs for only $7.99 a pound. Crab is something I've been getting more excited about and snagging at the store when the price and taste is right. Not only does the American Heart Association recommend eating fish or seafood twice a week, but crab is also low in calories and a good source of antioxidants, protein and natural sodium. I took my tasty Snow Crab meat and decided to make a little salad mix to eat with veggies, crackers, etc...

Crab Salad

Chop & Combine:

Crab meat

Cucumber

Cabbage

Cilantro

Dill Pickles

Mix In:

Remoulade

Pineapple Salsa (if available)

Salt

Pepper

Lime Juice

Creole Seasoning

Paprika

Top With:

Avocado

Happy Shopping!

Taste Tester Review: Dog Haus Biergarten

Once upon a time there was a group that just couldn't decide where to go eat. Some members of the group wanted to get down and dirty... load up the calories and comfort food because they're in it for a good time. Meanwhile, other members of the group wanted tasty food that wasn't necessarily going to destroy their calorie count... load up the veggies and meat substitutes because they're thinking about the health factor. The age old dilemma was all too familiar, and as usual, it left the group frustrated and hungry.

If this story sounds familiar, join the club. Family, friends, co-workers - you name it and it can be absolutely hell raising to figure out something as simple as a place to eat that will make everyone happy. So, when I discovered the family of Dog Haus eateries, I was overcome with a sense of relief and excitement. Finally, a place to satisfy the whole crowd; a place to settle all the discussions and hungry stomachs.

The Dog Haus location that I frequent is Dog Haus Biergarten (93 E. Green Street) in Old Town Pasadena. Dog Haus Biergarten is equip with a delicious menu of plentiful options, friendly staff, a full bar, inside seating and an outdoor patio filled with large group style picnic tables. It can be found nestled on Green Street, in between Raymond Avenue and Arroyo Parkway and conveniently located across the street from the Schoolhouse Parking Structure that offers 90 minutes free parking. Whether you're looking for a tasty bite alone, a quick lunch with co-workers or a substantial hang out session with family and/or friends, this is the spot. Oh and did I mention that it's extremely affordable?! Like, I'm talking a mega bratwurst, tater tots (YAH, TATER TOTS), and a drink (alcoholic or otherwise) for less than $10-$15 (depending on what you get). If you ask me, that's AWESOME!

The good news doesn't stop there, either! Their menu has preset options of hot dogs, bratwursts, burgers and more, or you can create your own. The more I go, the more creative I get... the fun never stops! In case you need suggestions, some favorites are:

Sooo Cali
Dog Haus signature 1/4 lb. all-beef, skinless hot dog topped with mixed greens, diced tomatoes, tempura fried onions, spicy basil aioli and avocado on a King's hawaiian bread roll.
*Swap out the hot dog for a turkey dog or veggie dog if you want to be more calorie conscious.


B.L.A.S.T.
Dog Haus signature 1/4 lb. all-beef, skinless hot dog topped with smoked bacon, lettuce, avocado, Serrano chilies, sliced tomato and mayo on a King's hawaiian bread roll.
*Swap out the hot dog for a bratwurst or spicy Italian dog for an extra kick.


Holy Aioli
Dog Haus 1/3 lb. certified Angus beef patty topped with white American cheese, caramelized onions, smoked bacon and haus garlic aioli on a King's hawaiian bread bun. 


Sliders
Angus beef topped with white American cheese and grilled onions on mini King's hawaiian bread buns.
*Buy them by the slider to get as many as your heart desires!


My Favorite (Guilt Free) Creation
Turkey or Veggie dog: lettuce wrapped and topped with arugula, dijon mustard, dill pickles and avocado (a variation of this is pictured below).

But wait...there's more!

Dog Haus Biergarten hosts fun events with live bands, welcomes groups and supports the community too, which makes it even MORE AWESOME! I've been to mixer events at Dog Haus Biergarten hosted by Pasadena Jaycees. Once a month you can usually spend the night listening to and having a great time with a live band like the Past Action Heroes. Cruise by on a Tuesday night between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. to go for a run around town with the Dog Haus Running Club then enjoy some well deserved grub! Again, the fun never stops... 

  

So, what's up Dog - have you hit the Haus yet?!

A Make It Count Monday

After an eventful weekend celebrating the upcoming marriage of my wonderful friend, Heather, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't feeling a little sore, a little sunburned, a little stuffed, and a little slow moving. Lucky for me, though, I was surrounded all weekend by women who are also interested in health and fitness to one extent or another. In addition to Ms. Love Fit Life, the group was equip with Zumba instructors, an active Herbalife customer and advocate, and everyday fit life lovers. Needless to say, we had absolutely no problem munching on fruits, veggies and hummus, dancing late into the night, and chatting about healthier drink options and lifestyle choices.... As human beings that enjoy a good time though, we also didn't have any trouble making a Del Taco run one night, sipping on fruity high calorie drinks and lounging by the pool instead of hitting the incredible hotel gym (evidence provided below).

To my (expected) dismay, I rolled myself out of bed this morning and instantly thought about how one more day of laughing and lounging would be so much cooler than getting back to the grind. At that moment, I realized something so undeniably important to my fit life - the choices I make today, my first day back to reality after vacation, those are the ones that will count... today is the day that I choose whether I'm going jump back on board with my routine or let vacation mode lead the way to total couch control for who knows how long. Today will be the hardest. It will not be fun and I might want to throw a mini tantrum because I can't have another bloody mary or breakfast burrito today, but it will be worth it. I have to be real and acknowledge that if I want a balanced fit life where I allow myself to go out, splurge and indulge once in a while, I have to actually bounce back on Monday (or whatever day it falls on)... I have to snap out of vacation mode and make it count when I return.

However...... I must also be real and acknowledge that I... am... lagging... today...  Thus, I treat my arrival home and the days that follow like a weaning process.

Fact

Vacation makes me feel like... gee-wiz, it would sure be super awesome if I could just be on vacation all the time and miraculously be fit, healthy, balanced, and beyond... 

::Slow & Steady::

Since I don't typically want to exercise when I first get back home, I'm easing in slow and steady. Today I spent my lunch break doing a nice walk and jog with a co-worker, then I went on a brisk 3 mile walk after work. I've also penciled in a few exercise classes this week because I know I'll have a harder time than usual directing and motivating myself. 

Fact 

I get home and realize I have nothing to eat, I'm feeling incredibly lazy, and I want a Jack in the Box Grilled Breakfast Sandwich. This is when I must pull out my no hassle (like, 10 minutes in the store or less), bridge back into healthier choices, and simulate the deliciousness of vacation grocery list.

::Grocery List::

Eggs (great for you, easy to make and I'll eat them with anything)

Gouda Cheese (this is my indulge within limits cheese - it makes me feel like I'm eating something that I shouldn't be and it's oh so delicious!)

Whole Roasted Chicken (perfect for pulling apart in 2 minutes and eating for 3-5 meals until you're ready to get your butt back to the kitchen)

Bananas and Apples (potassium and fiber? yes, please)

Green Beans, Asparagus, Cucumbers, Carrots, Iceberg Lettuce, Cabbage (time to reload on the veggies - I pick super easy to steam veggies or ones I like to eat raw/cold; I like the Iceberg Lettuce and Cabbage because it's food that hydrates and I can eat a ton for very few calories)

Cornichons (umm... perfection, bliss, heaven on Earth? These sharp and tart little baby pickles are beyond words and allow me to easily hop back into gear with healthier choices)

Mini (1 serving) Ice Cream of Choice (just enough for one last hooray before next time)

Coconut Water (hydrate and rebuild in style)

Yah, you might think some or all of that list are odd choices, and that's cool with me... Those are just the things that work for me - it's up to you to find your own perfect snap back grocery cart.

Happy Week to You!