A Date with Stairs

Oh Stairmaster.

Pinned Image

Our love/hate relationship is one of my favorites.

I paid it a visit today after breakfast, and per usual, I got my butt kicked.

IMG_0566IMG_0161

Egg White Chia Oats with blueberries and 1/2 a grapefruit

I completed a 35 minute climb at Level 9, while listening to David Guetta’s station on Pandora Radio. This is mandatory in getting me through this tortuous sweat session.

IMG_0567

By the end of my 35 minutes, my butt was tight and my shirt was soaked. I ended with a light 10 minutes on the elliptical and a quick AB routine

AB Workout

Repeat 3-4x

  • 30 second low plank
  • 15 high plank oblique cross overs
  • 15 mountain climbers
  • 30 second low plank

Stretch.

When I arrived home, I got creative with my post workout snack.

IMG_0568

  • 1 scoop Sun Warrior Protein powder
  • 1 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3 Tbsp water

spread on an unsalted rice cake, and top with fresh blueberries and strawberries.

Um..YUM!

I may have just created my new favorite snack.

And for a daily dose of Yogi…

IMG_0569

stay happy, my friends.

A Sweet POPCHIP Giveaway

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:

Print

  • 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!

WIAW {Healthy Snack Edition}

I want to review a topic that I find many people struggle with.

….Healthy Snacking….

Creating a healthy snack that will both satisfy and energize can be difficult, especially to those who are new to a healthier lifestyle. It is easy to slip back into your old routine when snack time roles around, but I am here to make sure that does not happen.

Since today is Wednesday (Yay mid-week!), I decided to dedicate my WIAW post to a list of healthy options that will help keep you on track and feeling your best.

Hunger can strike at any moment.

When your belly begins to rumble and the hunger monster starts to roar, you must be prepared to tackle him head on.

Whether you are at the mall, the airport, or dragging through your last few hours at work, it’s important to ALWAYS have a healthy snack on hand. Not only will it keep your metabolism blasting calories away, but your energy level will be heightend as well.

Here is a list of my favorite “Grab and Go” snacks. These will keep your waist slim, energy full, and mind focused.

Fruit.

Fruit is always available, and each season brings it’s own variety. You can easily toss apples, oranges, kiwis or peaches into your purse for a sweet,crisp and fibrous snack.

Raw Veggies

A crunchy, no mess snack that will fill you up without filling you out.

Nuts

A handful of nuts will provide you with healthy fats and protein. Pair it with an apple, banana or veggies for the perfect mid day energizer.

All natural Protein Bars (1/2 or whole)

Always check the label for real ingredients.

Ex. Almonds, Dates, Honey and Flaxseed. If you cannot pronounce most of the names on the list, don’t eat it. 

Whole Grain Crackers with cheese or Hummus

 

Another perfect combination of protein, whole grains and healthy fat.

{ If you have access to a fridge or microwave }

Greek Yogurt/Cottage Cheese

Add fruit or Chia seeds for fiber and Omega-3’s. Nuts for healthy fats, or Cinnamon and honey for a touch of sweetness.

Instant Oatmeal Packets.

Watch out for the flavored packets, which can be loaded with added sugars. Choose the Original kind and add your own sweetener with berries, bananas, cinnamon or a packet of Stevia.

Broth based, Low sodium soups

Perfect mid-day comfort snack, complete with a serving of vegetables

Hard Boiled Eggs

Packed with protein and pairs perfectly with a side of fruit or veggies

Smoothies.

The night before work, or in the morning, blend together your favoritet smoothie for a powerhouse of filling antioxidants.

Coffee/ Tea

For a quick afternoon pick me up and because sometimes, we just wanna sip something tasty.

As you can see, the variety of options are endless and readily available for any situation. Healthy snacking will not only benefit your body and mind, but will help keep you focused and ready to tackle any obstacle that may come your way.

 Feed your body with the best ingredients possible. { Protein, Carbs, and Fat } and beat the hunger before it beats you