{What} on Wednesday

What I’m eating.

Rainbows

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Amazing Meal in my morning shake.

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sampler from iherb.com (use code VOZ131 for $5 off of your first purchase!)

Egg white oats with strawberries and blueberries

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Vegetable Maki with brown rice, kale and sliced ginger

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Snacks on the go:

  • mini cucumber wrapped in low salt turkey.
  • Greek yogurt with almond butter and cinnamon

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What I’m Drinking

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  • Water
  • Green Tea/Oolong Tea
  • Coffee
  • ACV cocktails

What I’m working

EVERYTHING

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What I’m Loving

That I am two weeks sober since I’ve chewed a piece of gum

IMG_2566Will power

So dramatic.

Peas and Crayons

Feelin’ Snacky

Peas and Crayons

It’s been a while since I’ve made a frozen yogurt mess for breakfast, so I brought it back  after meeting with a client.

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  • 1 container Fage 0%
  • 1/3 cup Kashi
  • 1/4 frozen banana, sliced
  • 1/2 cup frozen mixed berries
  • 1/2 T raw almond butter
  • cinnamon.

mix all together and place in the freezer for 5-10 minutes.

Since it’s pouring here in Boston today, I was craving a taste of the tropics. I made myself a cup of Island Coconut coffee to go along with my fruit filled breakfast.

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By far my favorite flavor yet.

You all know that I love my Rice cakes, and I just can’t get enough of their versatile capabilities as a pre workout snack.

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click the link above for other rice cake recipe ideas!

  • rice cake
  • 1/2 Tbsp raw almond butter
  • 1 Tbsp strawberry preserves
  • 1/2 cup cooked egg whites topped with blueberries cinnamon.

I also had a hot water with fresh lemon juice in my favorite mug Smile

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I often add a packet of Stevia in the Raw to it for a hint of sweetness. It’s good to do cold as well, for a healthy lemonade on a hot day.

Enter INSANITY!

I’m trying to get the DVD to work on my laptop so I can bring it to the gym with me, but it keeps skipping. My living room has a carpet and I’m feeling unstable when I do certain movements.

Any suggestions on how to get the DVD to work on laptops? Help!

Post workout snack

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  • 1/2 sliced Granny smith apple
  • 1 scoop of Sunwarrior vanilla mixed with 3 Tbsps. unsweetened vanilla almond milk, slowly added
  • 1/4 cup Kashi
  • cinnamon

I also had a small salad on the side, mixing 1/2 T Dijon mustard with 3 Tbsps. balsamic vinegar as my dressing.

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I didn’t have time to grocery shop yesterday, so “Take Out Tuesday” it was!

Thank you SATO II!

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  • Persian salad with 1/2 sweet potato, topped with cinnamon
  • steamed chicken with mixed vegetables and sliced ginger.

Matt also ordered himself a beef teriyaki, Peking ravioli, chicken fingers and brown rice.

I love when I don’t have to cook Smile

Now it’s off to the grocery store to fill up my fridge.

Stay dry!

Every New Beginning, Comes From Some Other Beginning’s End.

I’m a frequent runner of Lake Quannapowit, and today was the first time that I saw swans on the property.

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I’ve seen plenty of geese, dogs, bugs, and elderly men sun bathing shirtless, but I’ve never seen swans.

say that 10x fast.

I guess they’ve been grazing the area for a long time. I would love to know how I’ve missed them…Runner’s peripheral vision I guess.

Glad I parked my car in this lot today Smile.

Pre-Run Snack

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Rice cake topped with 1Tbsp of roasted red pepper hummus, and 1/2 cup AllWhites.

Following my run, I completed a lower body circuit on the grass, checking for poop before getting started Smile

3x through for 1 minute each. 

  • Right Lunge
  • Left Lunge
  • Squat
  • Right Reverse Lunge
  • Left Reverse Lunge
  • Squat.

Hello burning quads! I love it!

After stretching for a while in the sun, I heading home for a snack.

I steamed a chunk of my one pound sweet potato in the microwave, and paired it with plain Greek yogurt, raw almond butter and cinnamon.

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Best combo ever

As you know, tomorrow marks the end of a work week and the beginning of a new month; A month that I want you to make all about you.

It’s a fresh start. Do with it what you will, and do it well.

Begin a 31 day fitness challenge, tackle an obstacle that’s been holding you back, aim to finally start and finish that book, drink more water, neglect junk and processed foods, or finally visit that place you’ve been dying to see.

Let’s start June off on the right foot; reenergized, motivated, and grabbing life by the horns.

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Fully Charged Memorial Day Weekend

I kicked the holiday weekend off right with a cup of Island Coconut coffee, which I have become slightly obsessed with..

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It’s Limited Edition, so go grab yourself a box and stock you pantry with this tropical escape in a cup!

Along with my coffee, I also snacked on a rice cake topped with 1/2 scoop of chocolate Sunwarrior protein powder, 1 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder, and 1/2 Tbsp raw almond butter, mixed all together with a little water to combine and thicken

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Topped with blueberries and 3 slices of frozen banana

Once my battery was fully charged, I headed to the gym to sweat my face off for an hour on the Arc Trainer. 

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You devil.

I finished with this no joke AB routine and some glutes thrown in as well

  • 25 Bicycle crunches
  • 25 Reverse crunch
  • 25 Regular crunch
  • 25 Butterfly crunch

rest and repeat 2 more times

Followed by this little gem that you will surely hate me for Smile

  • 1 minute low plank while pulsing your glutes for 45 seconds, and holding the squeeze for the last 15 seconds. Tight Tight Tight!

rest and repeat 2 more times

I’m not gonna lie, I was screaming and grunting through that one. At least I was in the yoga studio by myself so no one could hear me cursing. It was intense, but definitely effective

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I’ll be feeling that one later.

After some stretching, it was time for breakfast

Banana Walnut Egg white Oats

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  • 1/3 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 a banana
  • 1/2 cup egg whites
  • 10g walnuts
  • blueberries
  • cinnamon and nutmeg

I toasted the walnuts in the microwave for a minute and a half before adding them to my oatmeal, which was the best idea I’ve ever had.

As for the rest of the weekend, I intend to soak up as much sun as possible, enjoying my time off and being spontaneous. And of course, fitting in a workout or two when I can.

Get outside and do the same! Smile

And as always, have a safe and happy Memorial Day weekend! xoxo

Red, White and Blue Martini

Caffeine Machine.

True story.

I love coffee

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It’s aroma can get me out of bed in seconds, and taking that first sip is like drinking a cup of warm and cozy blankets.

Then it’s buzzing affects hit and off to work I go! Best of both worlds Smile

Whether in liquid form, ice cream, candle or grinded with chocolate and sugar…

(best stuff ever)

coffee is my one vice that I refuse to go without.

Any why should I?

Coffee benefits. 1-2 cups a day.

  • Natural boost of energy, unless it’s Decaf (stay away from those 3hr energy shots, Rockstar and AMP) They are full of sugar, chemicals and will have you crashing like a kid who just inhaled 5 candy bars)
  • Helps with mental alertness
  • May help reduce Heart Disease, Dementia,Type 2 Diabetes, Gallstones and certain Cancers.
  • Full of Antioxidants
  • May reduce the risk of stroke and certain skin disorders
  • It tastes good, is low in calories, and gets me through some tough and sluggish mornings.

Of course, just like everything else, coffee should be consumed in moderation. It is a natural stimulant, so a sudden increase in heart rate and trouble sleeping may occur. Try to have your last cup no later than 4 hours before bedtime, and always have your water bottle close by to avoid dehydration.

Also if you are an expecting mother, along with an avid coffee drinker, talk to your doctor about any risks or concerns you may have.

Along with my usual Newman’s Own Organic coffee this morning, I made a protein shake to drink in the car on the way to a clients house.

1cup Unsweetened Almond milk, 3/4 cup pasteurized liquid egg whites, 1/2T unsweetened cocoa powder, handful of spinach, and 1/2 cup frozen mixed berries.

Fills you right up with energy!

After my training session, I ran straight to Trader Joe’s to grab a bunch of items before the morning rush filled the aisles.

I’m trying to avoid having to go to the grocery store tomorrow before the Super bowl, but I’m sure something will turn up where I’ll have to tackle someone for the last bag of Tostitos and salsa.

I’ll make sure to wear a helmet, a Patriots helmet  that is!

Post workout/Trader Joe’s meal: Chocolate Almond butter Frozen Yogurt

chocola yogurt

1 container of Plain Chobani,1/2 scoop chocolate protein powder,1/2T raw almond butter. Mixed with 1/3c Kashi GoLean Original and a handful of fresh blueberries,

Place in freezer for 5 minutes and enjoy.

Off to seize the day!

Have a happy and healthy Saturday! xoxo

I Like It Raw

I’ve recently converted to Raw Almond Butter over Roasted Almond Butter.

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Raw

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Roasted

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Though it’s a personal preference, I found in terms of texture and taste, Raw AB has my vote.

I love the grindy (is that a word?) and thick texture of the butter, along with the natural flavor that the almonds possess.

From the MaraNatha Website:

  • Raw nut butter products are not subjected to treatment or heat prior to the grinding process. These items are often preferred by people who are looking for minimally processed food that is “as close to Nature” as possible.
  • Roasted nut butters are baked or heated to produce a desired flavor and/or color prior to grinding. Some manufacturers use oil in the roasting process

Try it out and see if you like it!

I purchased my jar at Trader Joe’s, but I’m sure you will find it at another grocery store as well Smile.

Breakfast: Strawberry Banana Protein Oats

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  • 1/3 C oats
  • 1/3 C liquid egg whites
  • 1/2 banana
  • 2 large strawberries
  • cinnamon

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1/2 T of Raw AB

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Served along side Newman’s Own Organic coffee with Truvia and a relaxing Eucalyptus candle.

Today’s Workout:

  • Spin Class.
  • Abs.
  • Stretching.

Don’t Fear the Fish {Oil}

Fish Oil is only one type of Omega-3 with a plethora of benefits.

Our bodies cannot create Omega-3 on it’s own, so it is crucial to incorporate these fats into our diet through certain foods and supplementation.

Benefits of Fish Oil.

  • Anti-inflammatory, which aids in muscle stiffness, tenderness, and disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
  • Protects against cardiovascular disease
  • Inhibits the growth of plaque and blood clots, which can lead to clogged arteries.
  • Helps maintain cognitive function, improves eye health, reduces the risk of depression and promotes a sense of emotional well being.
  • Improves metabolism, hunger signals, and exercise results in terms of weight loss and body composition.
  • Aids in the prevention of prostate cancer, testicle/ovarian cancer, colon cancer and breast cancer.

Omega 3′s should also be part of a pregnant woman’s diet to help aid in positive fetal growth and development.

Other forms of Omega-3′s include;

  • Flax seed, Chia Seeds
  • Walnuts, Nut Oils, Avocado
  • Soybeans
  • Wild Caught Tuna,Salmon,Mackerel, Halibut, Sardines,Shrimp, Scallops and Anchovies
  • Kidney and Pinto Bean
  • Spinach, Winter Squash, Broccoli and Cauliflower

Do not fear healthy fats. Our bodies need them to properly function, grow and recover.

Plus, they taste good!

I am about to open a brand new jar of my favorite monounsaturated fat as we speak Smile

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Crunchy, Raw Almond Butter

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Added to a heated sweet potato with a dollop of Greek yogurt.

Perfection.

Click here for more information regarding the benefits of fish oil, and other powerful Omega-3 foods

Thirsty Thursday {Classics}

Combining sour mixes, syrups, liqueurs and juices can become very overwhelming to our sensitive stomach’s. Sometimes less is more, and drinks that have the least amount of ingredients in the mix are often the best tasting and take longer to drink.

Here are some examples that will be sure to have you sipping slowly, and looking classy.

Thirsty Thursday Classics

Dry Martini

  • 2.5 oz Gin or Vodka
  • 1/4 oz Dry Vermouth
  • 2 Green Olives or a twisted lemon peel

Mix Liquor and Dry Vermouth in shaker with ice, and strain into chilled glass. Add olives or lemon peel

Tom Collins

  •  2oz Gin
  • 1 oz Lemon Juice
  • 2 oz Club Soda
  • 1 Packet of Truvia

Mix ingredients in shaker with ice. Strain into chilled glass. Garnish with lemon slice.

 SoCo and Lime

  • 3 oz Southern Comfort
  • 2 Lime Wedges, squeezed

Served on the rocks

 Mimosa

        

  • 3.5 oz Champagne, Chilled
  • 1.5 oz Fresh Orange Juice
  • 1/2 oz Triple Sec

Serve in champagne flute with orange slice for garnish.

Bellini

  • 1.5 oz Pureed Peaches
  • 4 oz Sparkling Wine
  • Fresh Lemon Juice

Combine ingredients in shaker with ice. Serve in cooled champagne glass

Margarita

  • 2.5 oz Tequila
  • 1 oz Fresh Lime Juice
  • 1/2 oz Triple Sec
  • Lime wedge for Garnish

Combine liquid in shaker with ice. Pour into chilled glass rimmed with salt.

And every Sex and The City fan’s favorite…

Cosmopolitan

  • 2 oz Vodka
  • 1/2 oz Triple Sec
  • 1/2 oz Lime Juice
  • 1/2 oz Cranberry Juice

Mix ingredients in shaker with ice. Strain into chilled glass and garnish with lime slice.

Cheers to keepin’ it simple and classy!