A Friendly Face and A Friendly Roll

Posted on February 29, 2012 by Jenna-Marie

I had every intention of starting off this post with a complaint about the weather.

“I hate the snow. Tomorrow is March first. I’m ready for spring. I have to wake up extra early to brush off the snow on my car. My hair will frizz. I hate New England weather. I’m cold.”

and so on.

As I was leaving the gym, mumbling under my breath and catching snowflakes with my eyelashes, I saw that the snow had left a message for me on the trunk of my car.

Is it mocking me, or simply saying hello?

I took this as a sign from Mother Nature.

Complaining about the snow is a waste of time, and it will not it stop it from falling.
Look at the glass as half full, instead of half empty
Embrace one of the few snow appearances we’ve had this winter.

Well played, Mother Nature, well played.

(click the photo for other delicious dishes)

Breakfast

Black coffee with Stevia and Cocoa Banana Protein Oats

1 scoop chocolate SunWarrior
1/3 cup raw oats
1/2 Tbsp chia seeds
1/2 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 thinly sliced banana
1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk

Leave in the fridge overnight and in the morning add water and microwave for about 3 minutes.

Lunch

Egg-white Oatcake topped with cinnamon, raw almond butter and wild blueberries. Served with steamed broccoli, baby carrots and brussell sprouts on a bed of wild arugula.

Snack

Container of plain Chobani mixed with 1Tbsp almond meal and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Served with a sliced Gala apple and lemon seltzer.

Dinner

Roasted rosemary chicken breast, 1/2 sweet potato, and a side of mixed greens with roasted peppers and cucumber.

And finally…

Dessert

a sliver of this graham cracker, marshmallow and chocolate roll of love.

AB Circuit Tutorial

Posted on February 23, 2012 by Jenna-Marie

AB TIME!!

10 Stability Ball Rollouts
30 second Stability Ball Plank
10 Plank Oblique Twists
10 Mountain Climbers

Rest 30-45 seconds.

Complete the circuit 2-3 times depending on your fitness level.

Beginners: Try performing the circuit once, and adding another set if you feel strong enough.

More Advanced: Add desired number of reps to each exercise, or perform an additional set until fatigued.

Happy ABing!!

GOLEAN CRISP! Cinnamon Crumble

Posted on February 22, 2012 by Jenna-Marie

For those of you who read my blog regularly, (I love you ), you’re probably aware that I have a major crush on three tasty ingredients:

Greek yogurt, Kashi GOLEAN, and Ground Cinnamon.

Did I say crush?

I actually meant that I’m in a pretty committed relationship with them.

They have their own key to my apartment and a place for their toothbrush in my bathroom.

So imagine my excitement when I received an email from Jessica at Formula PR, asking if I would like to try a sample of a new cereal, GOLEAN CRISP! Cinnamon Crumbles, created by one of their clients, Kashi.

“ A combination of deliciously light and crispy whole grain clusters with natural cinnamon , toasted to perfection”

Sounds Glorious

Kashi: “We packed our New! GOLEAN® Crisp!™ Cinnamon Crumble cereal with 10 grams of protein and 9 grams of fiber — that’s twice the protein and fiber of the average of other cereals* — to help keep you feeling fuller longer!”

I couldn’t wait to try it out.

As I had previously stated, “It’s my favorite cereal and spice all rolled into one!”

For the most part, people like to eat their cereal out of a bowl, covered with ice cold milk and topped with a banana or other fruit of choice.

I however, prefer to use it as a topping on my yogurt, cottage cheese, and as a sweetener in my own trail mix creations.

I even mix it into my smoothies, adding a bit of a “crunch” to an otherwise boring consistency.

I’m the type of girl who likes to incorporate a lot of texture into my meals, and this morning, I knew exactly how I wanted to put these light, sweet, and protein filled cinnamon crumbles to use.

golean crisp

I present to you…

Apple Crisp Yogurt.

1 container of plain Greek yogurt
1Tbsp chia seeds
1/3 cup Cinnamon Crumble
Sliced Gala apple

Verdict: Approved!I

I loved the lightly dusted flavor of cinnamon sprinkled onto each cluster. It was not overpowering, and it added just the right amount of sweetness to every bite.

Delicious!

As I prepared my breakfast, I got to thinking about creating the dessert edition to my recipe.

Baked Apple Cinnamon Crumble

Gala apple; heated in microwave or baked in oven
Vanilla bean ice cream or Frozen Yogurt
Dark Chocolate chips
Kashi GOLEAN Crisp! Cinnamon Crumble sprinkled on top.

Definitely a winner in taste, nutrition and texture Smile .

If you are a fan of Kashi products, give this cereal a try. It’s delicious in all the right ways.

They also offer another flavor, GOLEAN CRISP! Toasted Berry Crumble, and since I apparently have a thing for berries as well, I’m sure I will love it just as much.

Hero

You can find GOLEAN CRISP! Cinnamon Crumble, along with Toasted Berry Crumble at your local grocery store and natural food retailers nationwide for around $3.99 per box.

Also, check out Kashi’s website for more information, products, and recipe ideas.

Surprise Packages

Posted on February 21, 2012 by Jenna-Marie

I love coming home and seeing packages patiently waiting for me on my doorstep.

It’s like Christmas and my birthday all tied into one. Smile

I had just finished up at the gym, so I was pretty stoked when I saw that my SunWarrior Protein had arrived.

All I wanted was some time with my foam roller and nice cold protein shake.

Into the Magic Bullet went:

1 scoop chocolate SunWarrior protein powder
1/2 frozen banana
2 large frozen strawberries
handful of spinach
1 cup water
1/3 cup unsweetened almond milk
4 ice cubes.

Looks gross, tastes great.

When it comes to protein powder, in my opinion, SunWarrior is the best.

Most powders are full of chemically enhanced ingredients, however SunWarrior protein is

“100% Raw Vegan
83% Pure Protein
Complete Amino Acid Profile
Hypoallergenic
Non-GMO
Gluten Free”

Made with: “Whole brown rice protein (bio-fermented raw sprouted whole grain brown rice protein), vanilla (natural vanilla flavor) or cocoa [depending on flavor selected], pectin (from fruit), xanthan gum (natural bio-fermented stabilizer), stevia”

It’s also very easily digested, making it safe for both infants and the elderly to consume as well.

Click here for Information.

Also, be on the lookout for a review of Kashi’s new cereal, GoLean Crisp! Cinnamon Crumbles.

I was sent a box to try, and I can’t wait to top my yogurt and cottage cheese with my favorite cereal and spice all rolled into one!

Words

Posted on February 21, 2012 by Jenna-Marie

Less is More

Posted on February 18, 2012 by Jenna-Marie

When we want to lose weight, we tend to hide inside of our favorite sweatshirt, hop on a piece of cardio equipment and proceed to run like hell in our own personal sauna.

Sexy.

However, I firmly believe that when it comes to weight lifting, less is definitely more.

And by less, I mean less clothes.

After my Ab Circuit:

Think about it.

We workout because we want to SEE results, and what better way to see those results than to actually visualize your muscles doing the work?

Watching your abs contract, your biceps swell and your legs pump, is the ultimate motivation towards reaching your goals.

Now, I’m not saying to go workout on in a sports bra and underwear.

We don’t want to give all those men a heart attack from your amazingly good looks Winking smile

I’m saying not to be afraid to show a little skin for your own sake, and for a little added boost of confidence.

If your strength training in bulky clothes, it’s hard to see if you’re performing the exercise correctly. This can cause muscle misalignment, which hinders progress and increases your chance of injury.

Not to mention, it’s almost impossible to get a good range of motion when an oversized sweatshirt is in the way.

There are plenty of classy and sexy workout clothes available for all shapes and sizes, so why not show off all of your hard work?

You’ve earned it!

Although I love lululemon and their amazing butt enhancing tendencies, I just can’t fathom sweating my ass off in a pair of $90 yoga pants and an adorable $118 dollar zip-up.

I’d much rather wear them while running errands for a casual, yet active look. Smile

In fact, most of my exercise gear is from bargain stores such as Marshalls, TJ Maxx and JCPenney.

Some of favorite brands include Marika, The Balance Collection, and Xersian.

Fancy Pants Yoga Pant W/Embellishment Detail Lace To The Finish Seamless Tank W/Spot Print Marika Heat Wave Power Sport Tank

Old Navy, Kohl’s and Target often have some good deals as well.

No need to break the bank when breaking a sweat!

Find what style works for you and ROCK IT! Use the mirror to your advantage, and watch those muscles work!

See the strong woman you want to be instead of the woman who you think you are.

You are beautiful. You are strong. You are YOU.

Love your reflection and watch your body change.

Be Svelte

Posted on February 16, 2012 by Jenna-Marie

California National Products is a company that has provided supermarkets and national food stores with more than 150 organic and all-natural products for over 30 years.

Their mission statement;

“To improve the health and wellness of consumers by creating the best-tasting, nourishing and convenient foods at a great value, without compromising on quality or the environment”

In 2009, CNP created a new brand called, CalNaturale, in which they introduced their first all-natural protein shake, Svelte.

Svelte is made with “pure and simple ingredients” such as rice syrup solids, soy protein, Stevia and inulin; a fiber, pre-biotic and complex carb that aids in both digestion and the absorption of calcium and magnesium.

The combination of these ingredients makes for a filling drink that is kosher,vegan and low glycemic,as well as dairy, gluten, and cholesterol free.

With 16g of protein, 35-40g of complex carbs and 20-30% of our daily fiber, one whole shake is sure to satisfy your hunger for up to 4-6 hours.

As an on the go snack, the base of a smoothie, or in place of milk in your cereal, these shakes fit perfectly into any healthy and active adult’s lifestyle. Plus, they come in a Tetra Paks re-closable container that is both convenient and eco-friendly, an added bonus.

In honor of CalNaturale’s #BeSvelteBoston campaign, which aims towards bringing new energy into the new year, I was sent some samples try and was blown away at how tasty and creamy these shakes truly were.

They come in four flavors: Spiced Chai, French Vanilla, Cappuccino and Chocolate; my favorite!

I was skeptical about how the Spiced Chai would taste, but it was actually really delicious! All of the flavors were rich, velvety smooth, and the perfect shake consistency.

Because I like to eat real food for my main meals, I sipped half of a shake as a post workout recovery snack, and also added some of the French Vanilla to my coffee in the morning, which tasted great.

CalNaturale even recommends using Svelte in these tasty smoothie recipes:

Chocolate-Banana Bliss: 1 CalNaturale Svelte Chocolate shake blended with 1 banana and 1 cup of ice
Cappuccino Crush: 1 CalNaturale Svelte Cappuccino blended with 1 cup of ice

For a price of $2.99 for a 15.9 ounce shake, I’d say Svelte is definitely worth a try!

If you would like to try Svelte or want to find out more information regarding these all-natural shakes, visit their website @ http://sveltebrand.com/

Also, if you live in the Boston area, check out these upcoming events where free Svelte and coupons for free Svelte will be available.

2/24/12- Winter Skate at PatriotPlace in Foxboro MA from 12-2pm
2/26/12- Reilly Memorial Rink in Brighton, MA from 2-4pm

To find other events where CalNaturale will be present, follow their Twitter @CalNaturale, or visit their Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/#!/CalNaturale

What I Ate While Ice Fishing.

Posted on February 15, 2012 by Jenna-Marie

Here are more pictures from my Ice Fishing Trip, along with some of my eats!

Heading onto the ice

Yes, that would be a crack

Our little set up, accompanied by a heated tent, bob house, and fire pit

My saving grace

Making orange peel potpourri on the wood burning stove in the bob house.

Beautiful.

OK, now onto the food!

Our cooking station on the ice.

Scrambled egg, vegetables, and sausage breakfast burritos

Chocolate protein oatmeal with cocoa covered almonds (mine,obvi)

Piping hot Pasta Fagioli

With some Vodka Citron and Sprite Zero

The pasta felt SO good to eat in the frigid air. Just holding the warm plate was heavenly.

Our body uses a lot of energy to stay warm, making our appetite’s much more ravenous than normal. Thank goodness we had a whole pot to go around, we all had 2 servings each!

Restaurant Food

Giuseppe’s: Located in the Marketplace of our Inn.

“The Ernest Vegan”

I swapped the eggplant for grilled chicken, and a kale salad in place of the pasta.

“Camp”: Located at the “Chase House”, one of the sister hotels next door to our Inn.

Cutest menu ever!

The décor was set up to resemble an intimate cabin with a fireplace, small bar and wooden furniture.

I ordered the Pan Seared Salmon atop a spinach salad with brown sugared pecans and a side of butternut squash.

All of this glorious candy was located right in Marketplace of our Inn.

Buckets of love <3

Good weekend on the food front.

Along with plenty of walking, sliding and shivering, I was able to fit some fitness into my day. I did not use the hotel gym during my trip, however I sporadically performed push ups,bath tub tricep dips, squats,lunges, planks, and other bodyweight exercises throughout the weekend.

See, you can work out anywhere! You just have to be creative Smile

I definitely recommend staying at “The Mills Falls Inn” in Meredith, NH.

It was cozy, quaint, and right in the middle of everything.

Click the link to check out the other 6 hotels connected to the “Inn’s & Spa at Mills Falls”

V-Day Giveaway

Posted on February 14, 2012 by Jenna-Marie

I am not a fan of all the Valentine’s Day pressure that restaurants, card stores and flower shops throw in our face every year, making us feel bad for not having an “I’ll LOVE YOU FOREVER AND EVER X2 INFINITY” party, in honor of our significant other, cat, dog, family member and Iphone.

(you know you love your Iphone more than some people in your life)

However, anything that involves receiving sweets is ok in my book, so in that case, Valentine’s day...I surrender.

If your would like to receive a FREE PACKAGE of sweet potato popchips for you and your sweetheart, make sure to enter my popchips giveaway by 6pm tonight!

To enter the giveaway:

Send a tweet to @fitgirlsmartini and @popchipsBoston using hashtag #eatsweet, telling us your favorite part about Valentines Day!

You must live in the Boston area to enter.

GIVEAWAY UPDATE!!!!

Our lucky winner of the sweet potato popchips Valentine’s Day package is…

Noel @msnoelmoran!!!

She writes..@FitGirlsMartini @popchipsBoston My favorite part of Valentines Day is the extra sweetness everyone carries with them today! #eatsweet

That is one of our favorite parts also!

Congratulations Noel, and enjoy your deliciously sweet prize!!

A Sweet POPCHIP Giveaway

Posted on February 13, 2012 by Jenna-Marie

As an employee in the health and fitness field, I am always on the lookout for a tasty snack that will help satisfy my cravings without feeling deprived.

This is where popchips come in handy.

popchips are a type of chip made from real potatoes that have been transformed into a kernel-like substance and then “popped” using basic heat and pressure.

Following the “popping” process, the chips are then seasoned with all natural ingredients, as well as a touch of “non-hydrogenated, non-gmo sunflower, safflower and/or canola oil”.

They also contain NO;

fake colors
flavors
gmo’s
preservatives
cholesterol
saturated fat
trans fat
hydrogenated oils.

The end result is a light, crunchy, and satisfying snack that will keep your munchies calm, and your fingers out of that greasy potato chip bag.

Flavors include

Original
Sour cream and Onion
Barbeque
Sea Salt & Vinegar
Parmesan Cheese
Jalapeno
Cheddar
Salt & Pepper
Chili Lime
Sweet Potato

popchips are kosher, gluten free, vegetarian, and offer some vegan options as well, making them a great snack for any lifestyle.

Visit the popchips website for more information

Last week, popchips was very generous and sent me a few samples of their newest flavor, sweet potato.

Since I am a full blown sweet potato addict, I was super excited to try them out.

Verdict: Delicious!

They did not taste like a healthy product trying to taste like a fattening potato chip. These chips were crispy,subtly sweet,not overly salty, and tasted extremely fresh.

My niece also enjoyed the airy chip, and my brother and sister-n- law felt good about offering them to her as a snack.

Even my brother liked them, and he is hard to please when it comes to healthy snack alternatives.

My family is now “Pro popchip”, and here is a chance for you to get your hands on some as well!

Since tomorrow is Valentines Day and love is in the air, popchips has offered to send you and your “sweetheart” a prize pack of popchips, which includes their new sweet potato flavor!

Here’s How to Enter:

You must live in the BOSTON area.
Use the hashtag #eatsweet, and send a tweet to me @FitGirlsMartini and to @popchipsBoston, telling us Your favorite part about Valentine’s day

The winner will be chosen tomorrow evening, and sent their own package of “sweets” to enjoy!

Good Luck!

Monthly Archives: February 2012

A Friendly Face and A Friendly Roll

AB Circuit Tutorial

GOLEAN CRISP! Cinnamon Crumble

Surprise Packages

“100% Raw Vegan

83% Pure Protein

Complete Amino Acid Profile

Hypoallergenic

Non-GMO

Gluten Free”