Thirty Thirty Flash Card Workout

Posted on April 26, 2013 by Jenna-Marie

Bring this workout wherever life may lead you.

It’s guaranteed to get your heart rate up, make you sweat, and work your entire body in only 30 minutes.

All that’s needed is your own body, a timer (I use the Gymboss app on my iPhone), and some jumping room.

What is your excuse? Get to it!

PB, Banana, and Coconut Cookies

Posted on March 31, 2013 by Jenna-Marie

Ingredients.

3 Ripe Bananas
1/2 cup All Natural Peanut Butter (two or less ingredients in pb)
1/4 cup canola oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups Dry Oats
1/3 cup Bobs Red Mill unsweetened shredded desiccated coconut (or you can use unsweetened coconut flakes)
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1 cup dark chocolate chips (I also threw in a few pb chips as well)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or spray with cooking spray.
In a large bowl, mash bananas, peanut butter, canola oil and vanilla extract together until smooth.
In a separate bowl, combine oats, baking powder, coconut and cinnamon.
Slowly add dry ingredients into the banana mixture and stir until everything is combined.
Fold in chocolate chips
Place tablespoon sized balls of dough onto cookie sheet and bake 10 – 12 minutes, until cookies are slightly golden.
Let cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to cooling rack to cool completely.

Enjoy!

Protein Cupcakes!

Posted on March 22, 2013 by Jenna-Marie

Dark Chocolate Coconut Protein Cupcakes.

2 scoops Vanilla Sunwarrior Protein Powder
1/4 cup Coconut Flour
3 Tbsp unsweetened shredded coconut
1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (or more )
1 tsp baking soda
dash of cinnamon
3 egg whites
2 Tbsp Agave Nectar
2 Tbsp coconut extract
1/4 cup unsweetened vanilla coconut almond milk

Pour ingredients into greased cupcake pan and bake for about 15 minutes at 350 degrees.

Frosting

2 Tbsp + 1 tsp Organic Crunchy Peanut Butter
3 Tablespoons plain Fage 0% Greek yogurt
1 packet of Stevia in the Raw.

Shower with cinnamon, an additional dark chocolate chip, and enjoy!

Dark Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread

Posted on November 4, 2012 by Jenna-Marie

Dry Ingredients

1 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
3/4 cup sugar
1 tsp baking soda
2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
3 handfuls dark chocolate chips

Wet Ingredients

1 1/2 cups pumpkin puree
2 tbsp. vegetable oil
1/3 cup egg whites (2 large eggs)
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Directions.

Mix all dry ingredients in a medium sized bowl. Set aside
Mix all wet ingredients in a large bowl until thick.
Add dry ingredients into the large bowl and mix until well combined
Pour mixture into a 9×5 loaf pan sprayed with nonstick spray, and bake at 350 degrees for 55 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the center.

Let cool for 30 minutes before cutting.

Enjoy!

What I’m Loving Wednesday

Posted on September 26, 2012 by Jenna-Marie

I’ll get to that, but first, I want to start off with what I am NOT loving.

Um…seriously!?

Knee’s do NOT go over your toes. Period!

If needed, put a chair behind you for support through the motion, or place a stability ball between you and the wall.

When I come across articles like this in fitness magazines, it infuriates me. Mostly because young women, who are in search of a healthy and accurate approach to exercise and eating, are the main audience.

And don’t even get me started on the 1,500 calorie a day diets that these magazines try to play off as healthy. They neglect the fact that everyone’s body is different and has different needs depending on an abundance of factors.

children’s size bowl of Special K with skim milk and one strawberry anyone?

Bottom line, exercise enhances your diet’s results, and your diet enhances your energy to workout. It’s a team effort.

Eat real food, eat real food often, workout smart, and drink plenty of water.

OK…Moving on Smile

My family and I threw my father a surprise 60th birthday dinner at The Capital Grille this past weekend, and one of our favorite appetizers to order on the menu is the Cold Shellfish Platter.

one pound lobster, crab meat, jumbo shrimp, and fresh shucked oysters served over ice.

It’s basically a seafood lovers dream, and at $100 dollars per tower, you better believe this thing is worth the splurge.

Along with 3 towers dispersed throughout the table, we also had prosciutto wrapped mozzarella, choice of soup or salad, and any choice of entrée and sides.

I ordered the grilled swordfish, which is my favorite entrée on the menu.

And for dessert, we has an assortment of hazelnut chocolate cake, coconut cream pie, crème boule, cheesecake, and my all time favorite…

Flourless chocolate cake. It’s not even right how good this thing is.

I swear I’m loving other things besides The Capital Grille..such as the shirt that I wore there Smile

Black + Flowy = Hiding my seafood and chocolate cake filled belly.

It’s every woman’s fashion trick Winking smile

Other loves include…

Peanut flour, which I ordered fromiHerb.com.

use my code VOZ131, for $5.00 off of your first purchase!

One of my favorite ways to use peanut flour is as a dip

2 tbsps. peanut flour mixed
2 tbsp. Sunwarrior chocolate protein
water added slowly to thicken.

So delicious. So satisfying

By the way!

I added a link to my sidebar for anyone interested in purchasing Sunwarrior Protein. It’s the only protein powder that I use, and the link will take your directly to their Website for easy access.

Here’s some information about my #1 protein choice.

A great tasting plant-based protein with a silky smooth texture that blends easily without the chalky or grainy texture found in other vegetable based proteins.
A 98% correlation rate to Mother’s Milk and a 98.2% digestion efficiency, one of the highest digestibility and efficiency ratings of any other protein sources (compared to whey and soy).
Highest Net Protein Utilization score of any plant-based protein and the highest ratio of amino acids converted to proteins.
Uses neither chemicals nor acid hydrolysis. Uses organic enzymes and the process is 100% Organic Compliant.
Naturally rich in vitamins and minerals, contains high amounts of antioxidants, tocopherols, tocotrienols, and other essential nutrients such as thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, phosphorous, iron, and potassium.
Increases absorption and effectiveness of vitamins and minerals.
Easily digested by infants, the elderly, and adults. The World Health Organization may be using Sunwarrior Classic Protein in the future to feed malnourished individuals.
Clinical studies show the balanced nutritional profile of rice helps to maintain and control insulin levels.
Additional clinical studies show that Sunwarrior Classic Protein has cholesterol lowering potential and the USDA is currently using Sunwarrior Classic Protein in trials to see if it may help control high blood pressure.

Pick your favorite flavor and release your inner warrior!

………………………

My ACV filled water bottle and daily cup of Green Tea has helped me power through the first half of my day.

1tbsp acv
1 packet of Stevia (or a few drops of liquid Stevia)
fresh lemon juice
dash of cinnamon
3 cups water.

And easy to prepare Lean Ground Turkey has been one of the most versatile proteins to leave in the fridge for use throughout the week.

tacos, salad topper, chili. The options are endless!

I haven’t used my crock pot yet, however I’ve been researching some delicious recipes that I’m excited to make.

See my Pintrest for what I plan on making in the near future.

So..What are you loving lately?

Nutritional Needs to Succeed.

Posted on September 5, 2012 by Jenna-Marie

A healthy diet is a major factor when it comes to learning, as well as the way a child behaves in and out of the classroom.

They need lasting energy, not a sugar high.

Proper hydration, not a can of caffeine

And real, whole foods, not fake and processed junk.

Give them the nutrients they need to concentrate, with plenty of energy left over for after school activities.

1. Eat a hearty breakfast.

A bowl of whole grain cereal (watch for sugar content and sodium,) with milk of choice, sliced banana and blueberries.
Oatmeal or Cream of Wheat with milk, raisins and a pinch of brown sugar
Whole grain toast with nut butter and banana slices
Whole wheat wrap with scrambled eggs and 1 oz of cheese
Whole wheat waffles,french toast, or pancakes with fresh fruit and dollop of yogurt.
Greek or Non Fat Yogurt with sliced strawberries, granola, and cinnamon. Make it into a parfait to look more kid friendly.
Cottage cheese with melon and a side of wheat toast
Scrambled eggs with toast and turkey bacon
A smoothie made with any frozen fruits, 1/2 cup yogurt, 1/2-1 cup water or milk, raw oats and ice.

2. An afternoon pick me up

Carrot sticks or an apple with nut butter
Cucumber and Hummus
Frozen grapes with yogurt
Ants on a log
Pirate Booty or popchips
Dried fruit
Whole grain crackers and string cheese
Graham crackers with banana slices and peanut butter
Trail mix: whole grain cereal, dried fruit, dark chocolate chips, pretzels.

Try to stick to water, milk, and fresh fruit juices with no added sugars.

3. A legitimate lunch

Boars head low salt turkey, cheese,and mustard sandwich. Side of baby carrots, and a small fruit salad.
Whole grain pasta salad with tomatoes, peppers and hardboiled eggs. Side of berries and dark chocolate chips.
Nut butter and jelly on a whole wheat wrap. Side of apple slices with yogurt for dipping.
Ham and cheese roll ups with a side of cherry tomatoes, bell pepper sticks, and an orange.
Almond butter and dried cranberries on whole wheat. Side of carrot and celery sticks.
Tuna salad made with 1 Tbsp Greek yogurt, a pinch of black pepper and chopped celery, rolled onto a whole wheat wrap with lettuce and tomato. Side of grapes.

Use Tupperware that has separate compartments for convenience and fun!

So cute.

4. Have an active afternoon

Ride bikes
Rollerblade
Get them involved in sports
MOVE!

do NOT allow video and computer games to take over the rest of the their day.

5. A helping hand

Allow your kids to help you make dinner. This will teach them how to create healthy balanced meals, which they will later create on their own.

Think lean proteins, veggies,healthy fats, and complex carbs

6. Early to bed, Early to rise

Make sure your students get at least 7-8 hours of sleep. We all know how hard it is to concentrate when exhaustion strikes!

Set an example, and show your kids how important, and delicious, healthy foods can be.

Remember, they are what they eat, so give them the tools they need to succeed.

Here is a great article from the Chicago Tribune that talks more about this topic.

Barefoot and Crazy Cardio Circuit

Posted on August 30, 2012 by Jenna-Marie

My mom took me for a birthday lunch at The Brickyard yesterday afternoon, where I ordered one of the best salads that I’ve eaten in a while

The food here is always delicious, especially their crispy brick oven pizza, and the bar/lounge downstairs is the perfect place for a night out.

You literally feel like you are at a trendy Boston bar, but with plenty of parking, and less drunk people running around screaming.

I said Less..not None

For those of you in the Boston area, give The Brickyard a try for lunch or dinner, and you can also find live entertainment Wednesday-Sunday evenings.

I had some extra time after lunch, so I fit in a workout at the gym that was “broken toe friendly”

There is not much pressure put on it unless it’s stuffed in a sneaker, so I improvised and brought some dumbbells into my gym’s studio, laid down a mat, and worked out in my socks

Sliding mountain climbers in socks….HELLOOO

Here’s what I did: Barefoot and Crazy Cardio Circuit

Complete 1 minute of each move. Rest 30 seconds. And move on to the next.

Mountain Climbers
Squats
Mountain Climbers
Bent Over row
Mountain Climbers
Alternating Lunge
Mountain Climbers
Bicep Curl to press
Mountain Climbers
Tricep Kick Back

Next 10!

Ice Skaters
Push Ups
Ice Skaters
V-Ups
Ice Skaters
Plank Twist (knee to opposite elbow)
Ice Skaters
Plank Jacks
Ice Skaters
Bicycle Crunch

Stretch.

Then it was time for cake!

Glorious. There are no words.

27 is off to a great start.

What is your favorite birthday cake?

Sunday Things

Posted on August 13, 2012 by Jenna-Marie

Breakfast in bed: Greek yogurt, Kashi, raw almond butter and fruit

The usual Sunday dinner at my parents, along with a coconut sprinkled fruit bowl and wine

Crazy rain storms

Followed by a rainbow

And a trip to Zinga! for some frozen yogurt

Dark chocolate and vanilla, topped with hot fudge, brownie bites, cookie dough bites, Oreos, Reese’s, and banana

Toppings > Ice Cream

A balanced diet > Food restriction

What I’m Loving Wednesday

Posted on August 7, 2012 by Jenna-Marie

White peaches have taken over, and I’m not even mad about it.

mixed with Greek yogurt, kashi and cinnamon

Giant vegetables are always a good thing.

If anyone has a family of 6 or more, call me.

I smile every time I look at these two bags Smile

I’m burning a new fall scent as we speak Smile

A luscious combination of juicy pears, plums, and grapes with parts of spice and cardamom.

You know how overly excited I get when it’s time to burn “The Fall Collection”, and this year’s scents did not disappoint.

spiced cinnamon and pumpkin, baked apples, fresh leaves and sweet desserts.

How excited are you all!?

I must say that the “Whoopie Pie” scent was not my favorite, nor was the atrociously strong “Witches’ Brew”, which literally made me try to jump away from my own nose.

Maybe it smells better while it’s burning. I hope.

I think I’ll stick to “Candy Corn” instead Smile

OK enough talk about Halloween, it’s August 8th!

Back to Summer heat…

I’ve been adding Sriracha to my eggs, salads ..pretty much anything that I can

Just a teaspoon of this spicy sauce adds the perfect kick to any meal, so if you’re a fan of spicy foods, pick up a bottle now!

They are on sale 2 for $5 at Stop and Shop

I also picked up another carton of coconut love for my Protein Oats and Shakes.

Click here to enter the “Get Your Good Going” Sweepstakes, thrown by Blue Diamond Almond Breeze. By doing so, you earn a chance to win a years supply of Almond Breeze, as well as a $1000 home store gift card, all for sharing a positive message about a Facebook friend.

Not a bad idea. Spread the love people Smile

Today’s Leg Workout

Warm up: 20 minute treadmill jog