Tuesday, May 24, 2011

A Berry Yummy Snack!

      Snacks. They get me through the day! Especially when I'm posted up at the library...I can't sit still for hours without having a couple of goodies to munch on! One of my favorite snacks is inspired by a PB and fruit sandwich from a hip little coffee/fro yo shop right by my house in Costa Mesa..Milk and Honey. Love it! 

My version is the Berry Lover snack! It's easy, loaded with vitamins, high in fiber and it features my favorite fruit...BLUEBERRIES!


You'll need:

Strawberries
Blueberries
Almond Butter
Orowheat 100% Whole Wheat Sandwich Thins




Spread the almond butter on the sandwich thin (just 1/2 of the roll). Slice up the berries and put them on top. Eat any extra berries on the side. VOILA!

Did you know?

       Berries are phytochemical powerhouses! Phytochemcials are active plant compounds that seem to have powerful effects against disease. Some phytochemicals act as antioxidants which protect the body against oxidation from free radicals. Thousands of free radicals are constantly attacking cells which can play a huge factor in the development of illnesses such as cancer. This means...EAT YOUR BERRIES! :) Some research has also found that blueberries particularly help prevent brain function/memory loss that occurs simply by aging and oxidative stress.  Strawberries are a superfood in my book too! One cup contains about a day's requirement of Vitamin C.  Just another reason to make this Berry Lover snack!

Saturday, May 14, 2011

Saturday Run...Ain't No Picnic

          It's SATURDAY! After staying out late and catching only a few zzz's, you'd think I'd want to sleep in and watch t.v. all day. As relaxing as that sounds, half marathon training= getting up early enough to beat the sun at it's blazing time and to get a bunch of miles in! It's hard to get out of bed sometimes but today I was excited to try my new Nike GPS watch on a long run! Let me tell you....I'm OBSESSED! It is amazing and I recommend anyone who is into running to get one! It tracks your distance, calories burned, time elapsed, pace, and all your history and good stuff. This personal coach even gives you comments after your run...sweet huh?!  AND on the watch strap there's a little USB connector so you can plug it in to your computer and use nikeplus.com to track everything. GENIUS!


    As fun as it was to run with my little precious, I did find myself getting pretty tired today. Luckily, something kept me going...the thought of my favorite, HEAVENLY shake I was going to make after my run! If you like Chocolate, Peanut Butter, and Bananas, you will LOVE it. It is a great source of protein and many other nutrients you will need to keep you going all day! Try it or else! jk here's what you need:

Rita's Fav. Shake:

1 small banana
1 scoop of chocolate protein powder
1 heaping spoonful of Peanut butter (or almond butter if you're hard core)
3/4 cup milk (low fat or skim)
1/4 cup water
3+ ice cubes 


Blend that all up and enjoy! You can thank me later ;)

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Happy Mother's Day!

             Happy Mother's Day! Today I want to dedicate this post to the most amazing woman in my life, my mom! She has taught me so much of what I know and I am grateful for all that she does for my family and I. If it wasn't for her, I wouldn't be the "health freak" I am today!
   
            Mom, thanks for always being so caring and wanting to share all your cool little nutrition facts. I look back and think it's so cute how you would save all those magazine articles and share something new with us. Most importantly, thank you for always doing your best to keep us healthy. I could use one of your delicious and nutritious meals right about now! You're the best! I miss you and I wish I could be with you to celebrate :/ LOVE YOU!

Thursday, May 5, 2011

The Biggest Loser

   I just finished watching Tuesday's episode of THE BIGGEST LOSER and I am seriously contemplating on what I am going to do when this season is over!!! I started getting really into this season because my one of my best friend's sister-in-law (the pink team) was on the show. Now I clearly have an obsession. If you guys aren't already watching the show, you are missing out! It's so inspiring and since most Americans need to make big lifestyle changes, it's probably the best thing on T.V.! No joke, I have found myself crying one minute and laughing the next. The stories of these contestants are really touching. They teach a valuable lesson...If you're unhappy with your life, YOU take action...don't let your past ruin your future. Hang on to dreams you left behind and set new goals for yourself! I hope I did enough to convince you :)
 
For real though...Go to nbc.com and catch up on all the episodes before the FINALE!

Here's a preview!:
http://www.nbc.com/the-biggest-loser/video/week-19/1325151/