tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90642426053142431112024-03-12T22:43:54.957-07:00OrgannixNixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382066304502542030noreply@blogger.comBlogger103125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9064242605314243111.post-44849160233628398582012-07-24T10:27:00.001-07:002012-07-24T13:21:03.397-07:00Why The Scale Stopped Going Down<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1J4NEpypC2c/UA7WTf9zCzI/AAAAAAAABTk/KQvy7n4Mq34/s1600/olympian.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1J4NEpypC2c/UA7WTf9zCzI/AAAAAAAABTk/KQvy7n4Mq34/s320/olympian.jpeg" width="211" /></a></div>
Summer has hit and you bought your new gym membership. You're going twice a week and thinking you're looking <i>fine. </i>You've lost a few pounds and are sure this trend will continue. But after a month, the scale has come to a slow...and stop. What's up? What happened? I thought those trainer sessions were going great! WTH?!<br />
<br />
Let me let you in on a little secret: you're eating the same things you were before you started working out. You thought it didn't matter what you eat, as long as you're cranking out those reps. WRONG!<br />
<br />
Of course you lost weight when you started moving more. Your body had to expend extra calories, but it's used to it now. Adaptation, isn't it a bitch?<br />
<br />
Your body adapts to whatever you give it. That's why P90x was made so famous. It changes up the workout every day, every week, and every month. Your body has to keep burning more and more calories to try and keep up the changing need of energy. More and different muscles get used when you introduce variety into your workout. Don't do the same thing everyday, and don't eat the same thing everyday. Mix it up! Variety is the spice of life.<br />
<br />
Back to food. You're not an olympic athlete, so you must eat healthy. You can't out-exercise a bad diet, no matter what you think. You must eat your fruits and veggies and I'm here to make them tasty. Stay tuned for Recipes of the Month.<br />
<br />
It's not hard to change your diet. And it's not a 14 day, lose 7lbs diet. It's the food you eat daily diet. The food you will continue to eat the rest of your life. No, not egg whites for breakfast, salad for lunch, and grilled salmon for dinner diet - although that sounds yummy to me! But a style of eating that will keep you <i>naturally thin. </i><br />
<br />
<u><b>3 Easy Rules to Live By</b></u><br />
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li><b>Close to Nature</b>: Eat as close to nature as possible. No, I don't mean go outside and have a picnic. I mean eat foods that are straight from the ground, tree, or animal. Forget the preservatives, chemicals, "natural" added flavors and colors.</li>
<li><b>Forget Health Claims</b>: If it makes a claim, it's not healthy for you. Low Fat. Low Sugar. No Sugar Added. Does lettuce have this written on it leaves? No. Because everyone knows lettuce is healthy. It doesn't need to make a claim. If it's healthy for you, it most likely already has low fat and low sugar. If not, then eat a small portion. Don't deprive yourself, just have a little serving. ;) And that means a few bites! Not a bowlful.</li>
<li><b>Eat Produce-Organic If Possible</b>: Got high cholesterol? Eat more plants. Got high triglycerides (fat in your blood)? Eat more plants. </li>
<ol>
<li>Hint: Plants raise your HDL (H for Healthy) and lower your LDL (L for Lousy). HDL and LDL are types of cholesterol. The HDL goes around your body and cleans out the bad junk in your arteries. Ever heard of good fats? Those are especially good at doing this job, like olive oil and avocados.</li>
</ol>
</ol>
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>Nixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382066304502542030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9064242605314243111.post-78069199646571222842012-05-29T22:58:00.001-07:002012-05-29T22:58:16.801-07:00Getting There<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VSBKgbZ1FXk/T8W27lYQrII/AAAAAAAABSU/MN9JVhZGRiA/s1600/dont+give+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VSBKgbZ1FXk/T8W27lYQrII/AAAAAAAABSU/MN9JVhZGRiA/s320/dont+give+up.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
Whoever told you being fit was easy <b>lied. </b> Recipes for healthy food can be easy. Working out can be fun. But getting from Point A of "I don't like how I look" to Point B of "Wow, I'm proud of this body." is a hard journey. I'm still on it.<br />
<br />
After 3 months of working out in various ways, trying multiple workouts, I wasn't getting the results I wanted. My arms and legs were responding, but my mid section was not. I started to cut my calorie intake to about 800 calories and burning about 600 calories a day. I figured I would get skinny and fit in a sinch...<u>WRONG.</u> Over-stressing your body will make it hold on so strong that you'll cry in frustration and wonder how the HECK is it not whittling away.<br /><br />
Well, I gave in. I let up. I stopped working SO hard (burning 400-600 calories per day) and started eating more (1500-1800 calories per day). And guess what happened!? My pooch started disappearing. My confidence started going up. I realized, like all things in life, you have to balance hard work and good food. Eat lots of grilled veggies, drink lots of water, and indulge in a bagel before doing super hard cardio. I'm on my way to an after picture for you, even though I don't like the title "After Picture." I think it should be called "Current Picture" because if you name something after it gives you the idea you've stopped. I'm not stopping. I'm forming a daily habit. Even on my upcoming getaway, I plan on working out at least an hour a day.<br />
<br />
It's officially like sleeping; I need it or else I don't feel right.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>Nixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382066304502542030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9064242605314243111.post-43804629711501165692012-05-07T19:07:00.002-07:002012-05-07T19:07:13.390-07:00Touring the Good Ol' USA<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="color: purple;">I'm going on a trip. Not just any trip, but a huge, long, discovery-filled, bucket-list, type of trip. I'm driving from California to New Hampshire with my lovely man and dog! We're moving to New Hampshire for work opportunities and to start our life on the East Coast. I'm stoked! </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h8UtAk9e7s8/T6h-NPR_c_I/AAAAAAAABRs/dk3HaUJSG2o/s1600/IMG_20110816_173855.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h8UtAk9e7s8/T6h-NPR_c_I/AAAAAAAABRs/dk3HaUJSG2o/s320/IMG_20110816_173855.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: small;">Welcome to my new playground</span><br /><br /></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: purple;">You get the best part: experiencing our trip by reading my rants and seeing photos of all the fun places to go - without all the driving and expenses. We're starting to book hotels now as we stress and freak over how much this is all going to cost. Luckily, I'm good with my mu-lah and have been saving for a rainy day... or should I say sunny summer trip. =]</span><div>
<span style="color: purple;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: purple;">I've got my certification to be a personal trainer under my belt and am working on my Fitness Nutrition Specialist certificate. I gotta say, I'm pumped to be working for a new gym/studio in a quaint little town. Growing up in Cali is not all that its cracked up to be. I've had my run with you California, but I'm ready to break new sand. See sunrises instead of sets. Venture into historical place instead of seeing construction and traffic.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: purple;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: purple;">Of course I'll miss being close to my immediate family, but everyone has to grow up and move away sometime, right? Well enjoy the written ride across the country with me, because I know I would love to read this adventure I'm about to embark on. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: purple;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<span style="color: purple;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>Nixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382066304502542030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9064242605314243111.post-8664105736698280362012-04-23T19:16:00.000-07:002012-04-23T19:16:05.220-07:00Motivation Monday: Body Biased Fat Loss<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VapR4bVxCrc/T5YHid68roI/AAAAAAAABRc/e_qripa1YtU/s1600/fotolia_3924042_XS.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VapR4bVxCrc/T5YHid68roI/AAAAAAAABRc/e_qripa1YtU/s320/fotolia_3924042_XS.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
Don't get discouraged when you realize you've been working out super hard, but still don't see a major difference in your six pack area. Every body responds differently exercise and stress.<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Personally, my belly is the last to go...like most people. But why? First I notice my face thinning out, then in the following order: arms, legs, butt, boobs, stomach. My stomach, where I hold my stress, worries, insecurities, and waistband, insists on holding onto every last ounce of fat before letting go. My arms are toned. My calves are poppin'. My butt is smaller. And my breasts are firmer. My stomach is finally flatter, and gaining some tone on the top half, but the pooch refuses to surrender it's insulation. This is understandable to me because I know about cortisol, but I think most people exercising will wonder, "What the heck is going on?"</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
When we stress, <a href="http://www.livestrong.com/article/259751-how-to-reduce-cortisol-belly-fat/">cortisol</a> (a stress hormone) is released, keeping us from losing that bottom layer of fat. The best we can do is eat <u>4-6 meals a day, keep our anxiety to a minimum, take rest days after hard sessions, and focus on the positive</u>. Focus on how toned your other parts are becoming, and your tummy will follow suit soon. The <b>most important</b> thing to focus on is your <b>diet</b>. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As I'm sure you've heard;<b> abs are made in the kitchen</b>. Get skinny with healthy food, get fit with the gym. So eat smaller meals more often to keep that fire kindling in your body. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
High Intensity Interval Training <b>(HIIT)</b> (Insanity, sprinting, etc.) also helps burn fat faster. The upside to the rest of your body getting toned is that your body composition is changing. The more muscle you have elsewhere, the more calories you are burning. So even though I don't have ridges down my front, the ridges down my back are helping them come out. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Last Monday I challenged you with a 30 second plank. Today I challenge you mentally to look at the good, and believe the "bad" will be the good soon. Check out your guns, your calves, your face, whatever part(s) of you is the best, and savor all the hard work you put in. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-shXLP7XauxA/T5YMvAy4EPI/AAAAAAAABRk/BczW_UyZsBY/s1600/189291990558130015_EBw6ObJr_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-shXLP7XauxA/T5YMvAy4EPI/AAAAAAAABRk/BczW_UyZsBY/s1600/189291990558130015_EBw6ObJr_f.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hello Bicep :) </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>Nixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382066304502542030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9064242605314243111.post-33169647205814317442012-04-21T17:23:00.002-07:002012-04-21T17:23:09.994-07:00Journey to Your Pot of Gold<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
There are specific skills one needs to live a healthy life; knowledge of quick and healthy recipes, an exercise routine, a stress-reducer, a motivator, social support, emotional support, etc.You might think it's just diet and exercise, and most of the time it is, but it takes a whole lot more to lead a happy life than simply losing weight and feeling sexy.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nh2lUU0xgnk/T5NNBSo09-I/AAAAAAAABRI/ZvgeU5py6ms/s1600/skinnygilr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nh2lUU0xgnk/T5NNBSo09-I/AAAAAAAABRI/ZvgeU5py6ms/s320/skinnygilr.jpg" width="218" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
We all have boundaries and road blocks that keep us from living the life we truly want. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IMFM4TuKrBA/T5NNxpC0ywI/AAAAAAAABRQ/HY_TIfLBcfo/s1600/stop.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IMFM4TuKrBA/T5NNxpC0ywI/AAAAAAAABRQ/HY_TIfLBcfo/s1600/stop.jpeg" /></a></div>
Do you even <i>know</i> the life you truly want? Do you know your goals? A part of you might, but you may not fully be aware of it as you should be. That's why someone or something that comes along always <i>wakes</i> us up from the wool that has been over our eyes. We need to be autonomous of ourselves to really take charge and live <i>our</i> life. The one we see in our dreams. The one we draw in our doodles. The one we cut out of magazines. The one we pin on pinterest. The one we falsely update in our status message. The one we portray in our Facebook photos. But what's happening behind the scenes? Behind the social media screen?<br />
<br />
My goal is to be that clout that slaps people awake and makes them achieve what they've always wanted. Let it be a healthier body, a happier soul, a dream job, or so on; I want to help you get there.<br />
Of course, I'm on my own journey as well riding the colors of a very long double rainbow, but by helping others jump on their yellow brick road will help me reach my pot of gold.<br />
<br />
What does your metaphorical "pot of gold" look like right now? Is it empty...?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mMcqyn4E_AI/T5NMNcmenSI/AAAAAAAABQ4/axXGsjeSVI4/s1600/Pot_of_Gold_Empty.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mMcqyn4E_AI/T5NMNcmenSI/AAAAAAAABQ4/axXGsjeSVI4/s320/Pot_of_Gold_Empty.png" width="233" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Or are you jumping in head first?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qe_oTc-BloU/T5NMNicU1CI/AAAAAAAABRA/YEE0bWcLtQI/s1600/pot+of+gold+life.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qe_oTc-BloU/T5NMNicU1CI/AAAAAAAABRA/YEE0bWcLtQI/s320/pot+of+gold+life.jpg" width="283" /></a></div>
Today I want you to think about what your dreams are. Truly think about it. Don't just pin it. Don't just Facebook it. Think about it away from your computer, Iphone, and Ipad. Look up at the sky, the sun, the moon, wherever you are. And start trying to make it happen. If you put the positive thoughts out there and set that world into motion, your goal will be closer than you ever imagined.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta; font-size: x-large;">REPEAT AFTER ME,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta; font-size: x-large;">"I Can Do This!"</span></div>
<br />
<br /></div>Nixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382066304502542030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9064242605314243111.post-83078564407306402182012-04-17T23:26:00.001-07:002012-04-17T23:52:15.689-07:0012 Quick, Easy, Cheap and Healthy Meals<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d0K13w9aMtI/T45kkG-tdhI/AAAAAAAABQw/uKcYkxq3GZg/s1600/Healthy-Life.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d0K13w9aMtI/T45kkG-tdhI/AAAAAAAABQw/uKcYkxq3GZg/s320/Healthy-Life.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Many of these recipes will be semi-homemade and include products from Trader Joe's. I find TJ's to be one of the cheapest and best grocery stores around. And I'm sorry if you don't have one near. Many of these are made with a George Foreman grill (GF), toaster oven, and/or microwave. So grab one from Wal-mart and get cookin' healthy! <span style="color: red;">*</span>denotes vegan/vegan option. <br />
<br />
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li style="text-align: left;">Chick(e)n PizzaDilla (dee-yah)<span style="color: red;">*</span></li>
<ol>
<li style="text-align: left;">Heat a nonstick pan with 1 Tbsp Earth Balance. Place one whole wheat tortilla down. Cover with grilled chick(e)n and Daiya/light cheese. Spice up with oregano, garlic, and onion. Place second tortilla on top and press down with spatula. Once cheese is starting to melt, flip the dilla. It's done when crispy and melty. Cut into 6 pieces. Place a 1/2 cup of marinara on a plate and dip that hot thang! Enjoy with a cup of spinach/fresh veggies on the side (cold or cooked).</li>
</ol>
<li style="text-align: left;">Chick(e)n PitaDilla<span style="color: red;">*</span></li>
<ol>
<li><span style="text-align: center;">Cook up some Gardein chik'n scallopini or regular chicken on your GF grill. When that's done, heat up your Mediterranean Pita (90 calories each) until pliable. Place chick(e)n, 3 Tbsp hummus, a handful of spinach, and handful of Daiya or light cheese on one side of the pita. Fold in half and press down grill. It's done when the cheese is melting out and there are grill marks on your bread. </span></li>
<ol><ol>
<li><span style="text-align: center;"><i> I make many versions of this, using whatever I have on hand. If I don't have one thing, I switch it out for another. No chicken? Use tofu/tempeh/mushrooms. No spinach? Use romaine/kale. No hummus? Use light mayo/sauce.</i></span></li>
</ol>
</ol>
</ol>
<li>Veggies and Hummus<span style="color: red;">*</span></li>
<ol>
<li> Heat up 4 mini-whole wheat pita pockets (TJ's) in toaster oven or GF grill for 2 minutes. Meanwhile, chop up: 1 bell pepper, 1 cucumber, & a handful of organic baby carrots. Enjoy with a 1/2 cup of organic hummus.</li>
</ol>
<li>Miso Soup and Brown Rice<span style="color: red;">*</span></li>
<ol>
<li>Microwave a frozen rice packet (Trader Joe's has brown and wild mixed rice) for 3 minutes. Set aside. Place a cereal bowl in the microwave filled 3/4 of purified water for 2 minutes. Meanwhile, chop a green onion stalk into small rings. Square a half cup of tofu (preferably silken soft). Drop a tablespoon of miso paste in hot water and stir. Add in tofu and green onions. Enjoy 1 cup of rice on the side with 1 Tbsp Earth Balance or mix it into the soup if you like it that way. </li>
</ol>
<li>Tofu Scramble<span style="color: red;">*</span></li>
<ol>
<li>Place chopped veggies such as bell peppers, green onions, tomatos, and mushrooms on a heated nonstick pan. Saute with a tsp of Earth Balance until soft. Spice up with garlic, onion, and paprika. Add in one box of silken soft tofu. Add one handful of Daiya cheese or light mozzarella/cheddar. Stir until cheese is melted throughout. Enjoy with a banana or chopped strawberries on the side. This meal is good anytime of the day! </li>
</ol>
<li>Tofu Edamame Nuggets</li>
<ol>
<li>Buy frozen from Trader Joe's. Cook one serving in the toaster oven, on a small foil-lined pan for 5-8 minutes (or until cooked through). You will see them start to brown, and you'll know they're done. You could also cook these on the GF grill for less time. Enjoy with honey, ketchup, or your favorite "nugget" sauce. Have a salad on the side with a low-fat dressing. </li>
</ol>
<li>Spicy Arrabatia Pasta<span style="color: red;">*</span></li>
<ol>
<li>Buy frozen from Trader Joe's. Cook on stove top for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, toast up some fresh sourdough bread. Cover with 1 tsp organic Earth Balance, and a dash of each: garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. </li>
</ol>
<li>Chick(e)n Spinach Salad<span style="color: red;">*</span></li>
<ol>
<li>Grill up/heat up some Gardein/grilled chicken on a George Foreman or stove top. Place 2 cups organic spinach in a bowl. Top with chopped cucumber, bell pepper, and dried cranberries. Place cooked chick(e)n on top. Drizzle with favorite low-cal dressing. I use brown rice vinegar and miso paste, plus S+P. </li>
</ol>
<li>Wheat-Free Waffle Breakfast<span style="color: red;">*</span></li>
<ol>
<li>Buy frozen from Trader Joe's. Toast. Cover bottom one with a layer of sliced bananas. Cover top one with organic Earth Balance and agave/maple syrup. Have yogurt and fresh fruit on the side. </li>
</ol>
<li>Black Bean Enchilada<span style="color: red;">*</span></li>
<ol>
<li>Buy frozen from Trader Joe's. Microwave for 4 minutes. Have a salad on the side.</li>
</ol>
<li>Vegan Chick'n Parm<span style="color: red;">*</span></li>
<ol>
<li>Grill/heat 3 crispy chick'n strips. (I use my George Foreman grill) After crispy, but not cooked all the way through, take out and put on a plate. Cover with a handful of Daiya/light mozzarella and some organic tomato basil marinara. Cover with paper plate and microwave for 1 minute (or until cheese is melted). </li>
</ol>
<li>Thai Gyoza Miso Soup</li>
<ol>
<li>Microwave a bowl of purified water and 3 Veggie Thai Gyoza for 3 minutes. When done, take out carefully with rag/oven mitt and place a Tbsp of miso paste. Stir. Optional: Add chopped tofu. </li>
</ol>
</ol>
</div>Nixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382066304502542030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9064242605314243111.post-13037962791355858852012-04-16T19:47:00.002-07:002012-04-16T19:47:42.754-07:00Motivational Monday<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iVYUq3Km9f0/T4zRil2mYzI/AAAAAAAABQg/4mgJQRbG02Y/s1600/female-transformation-rachel-mac_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iVYUq3Km9f0/T4zRil2mYzI/AAAAAAAABQg/4mgJQRbG02Y/s320/female-transformation-rachel-mac_b.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm taking my test next week to become a Certified Personal Trainer. I've been studying since last December and am really excited to finally take this exam. The knowledge has accumulated in my brain and I'm ready to start sharing it with you, if that's okay. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
What is Motivational Monday? I want to motivate you to get up and do something. Move your body. Dance. Lift. Squat. Sit. No wait, don't sit unless it's a wall sit! I know you're sitting now reading this, but when you're done, try something with your body. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Today's challenge is a:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>30 Second Low Plank</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hwkeWtkhsVk/T4zWN_BdsUI/AAAAAAAABQo/VFUBtcbXk24/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-04-16+at+7.32.02+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hwkeWtkhsVk/T4zWN_BdsUI/AAAAAAAABQo/VFUBtcbXk24/s400/Screen+shot+2012-04-16+at+7.32.02+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Looks easy enough right?</i> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Once you lift up, count 30 potatoes and rest by placing your knees down. Make sure to tighten your butt and pull your belly button towards your back (drawing in). If this is too easy, try raising one arm or one leg. Then try raising the opposite arm and leg at the same time! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This exercise targets your <u>local core stabilization</u> muscles. These control posture and balance, along with the rest of your core. Best of all facts is that this exercise beats crunches. You are drawing in and tightening your whole body, challenging your balance, and activating <b>66%</b> more muscle fibers. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If you're truly motivated now, get up and go work out. Turn on some music and start moving your toosh. Have a great week! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>Nixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382066304502542030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9064242605314243111.post-39809354265691715632012-04-07T19:30:00.002-07:002012-04-07T19:30:49.801-07:00Vegan "Hershey's Cookies N' Cream" Bar<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I've always loved white chocolate. I remember going to Trader Joe's as a kid and picking out these hunks of white chocolate amongst milk and dark. My favorite candy bar was the Hershey's Cookies N' Cream. It's white. It's creamy. It's oh-so-delicious. When I became lactose intolerant at 15, I could no longer have my precious ivory delight...until now! I came across this <a href="http://bittersweetblog.wordpress.com/2008/02/18/the-white-stuff/">recipe</a> on Pinterest and immediately ordered all the ingredients from amazon. After I made my first bar seen below, I knew I had to add oreos to make my childhood delight. The very next day I got a pack of Trader Joe O's and made this wonderful bar! And now I must restrain myself from making this all the time. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M9P8tM86hVY/T4DzUUH3YNI/AAAAAAAABQE/2-_r4_n5Mbs/s1600/IMG_1686.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="144" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M9P8tM86hVY/T4DzUUH3YNI/AAAAAAAABQE/2-_r4_n5Mbs/s320/IMG_1686.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pGRUhP8pBr8/T4DzFlzfNQI/AAAAAAAABPs/t_magJZDazs/s1600/IMG_1691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="156" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pGRUhP8pBr8/T4DzFlzfNQI/AAAAAAAABPs/t_magJZDazs/s320/IMG_1691.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E7M0tT54U7Q/T4DzCbaHIyI/AAAAAAAABPk/p0f3GY24CYQ/s1600/IMG_1689.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E7M0tT54U7Q/T4DzCbaHIyI/AAAAAAAABPk/p0f3GY24CYQ/s320/IMG_1689.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tIRNSAw3wL8/T4DzNQFPVJI/AAAAAAAABP0/ROAsKo57Woc/s1600/IMG_1683.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tIRNSAw3wL8/T4DzNQFPVJI/AAAAAAAABP0/ROAsKo57Woc/s320/IMG_1683.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s3Fh-81vZos/T4DzRx7Lk6I/AAAAAAAABP8/ojEiCoVpHmI/s1600/IMG_1684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s3Fh-81vZos/T4DzRx7Lk6I/AAAAAAAABP8/ojEiCoVpHmI/s320/IMG_1684.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is the magic ingredient that makes this bar possible:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00028MLHA/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=nix2n-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00028MLHA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL110_&ASIN=B00028MLHA&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=nix2n-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" width="267" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Cocoa Butter. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Some use it as a moisturizer but it's the main ingredient in this candy! Of course this brand is certified food grade. Once you open the jar, you smell the sweet memorable smell of chocolate. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I was surprised at how easy it was to make this! After gathering all the ingredients from Amazon and Mother's Market (the soy milk powder), I got to working. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here are the simple steps: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;">(!Read all the way through before attempting!)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>Use a fork or knife to break out 1/4 cup of cocoa butter. </li>
<li>Microwave it in 45 second intervals until fully melted. Use a fork to stir it when you stop at each interval. It will take about 2-3 minutes to completely melt into a yellow oil. </li>
<li>In the mean time, measure out all the ingredients like the picture you see above. (The vanilla bean paste, the milk powder, and the powdered sugar are all measured out.)</li>
<li>Once the oil is melted, use a sifter to quickly incorporate the powdered sugar into the oil, stirring the whole time and scraping down the sides. </li>
<li>Add in the milk powder. </li>
<li>The vanilla bean paste is cold so it will make the oil clump up. So make sure you VERY quickly stir it in<b> LAST</b> and then scrape the smooth mixture into the molds. The <a href="http://bittersweetblog.wordpress.com/2008/02/18/the-white-stuff/">recipe</a> only makes one bar, so double it if you want to fill your whole double-bar mold. </li>
<li><b>For the Cookies N' Cream Version: Scrape the cream out of the middle of 2 oreo style cookies and place the sides in a ziploc bag. Crush the cookies into crumbs. Sprinkle some into the mold, place some of the white chocolate down, and then sprinkle some more. Don't stir it in because it will turn the bar brown. Use a butter knife or your finger to smooth the bottom of the bar.</b></li>
<li>Cover with parchment and foil and let sit in the fridge for two hours to firm up. </li>
<li>Enjoy alone to get the best of the flavors, or use like you would any other white chocolate or candy bar!</li>
</ol>
<br />
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=nix2n-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00028MLHA" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
</div>Nixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382066304502542030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9064242605314243111.post-80275021401540668732012-03-23T21:28:00.003-07:002012-03-23T22:27:56.277-07:00Campfire S'mores Delight (Cocktail)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M-nYfTzpua0/T21K8fgR3aI/AAAAAAAABPU/yvgvnmIr6HM/s1600/IMG_1474.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M-nYfTzpua0/T21K8fgR3aI/AAAAAAAABPU/yvgvnmIr6HM/s320/IMG_1474.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jD_7O3fHtnM/T21K20ZW4MI/AAAAAAAABPM/UkjzQ9-aBk8/s1600/IMG_1472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="154" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jD_7O3fHtnM/T21K20ZW4MI/AAAAAAAABPM/UkjzQ9-aBk8/s320/IMG_1472.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4YRVycRPTzo/T21LCRzmOSI/AAAAAAAABPc/84aB0-L3fwM/s1600/IMG_1475.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4YRVycRPTzo/T21LCRzmOSI/AAAAAAAABPc/84aB0-L3fwM/s320/IMG_1475.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I had this amazingly tasty S'mores cocktail at the Chandelier bar in Las Vegas. Ever since that night, I've been wanting another one. After a week of searching for the ingredients, I recreated this drink!<br />
<br />
It's not entirely vegan because of the marshmallows, but you can use Dandies in place. "_"<br />
<br />
<b>Ingredients for Two Drinks </b><br />
4 shots Van Gogh Dutch Chocolate Vodka<br />
4 shots Fluffed Mashmallow Smirnoff Vodka<br />
1 shot Creme de Cacao<br />
1 Tbsp Nesquik Chocolate Syrup (I just drizzled mine in.)<br />
Handful of Ice<br />
<br />
Graham Crackers, smashed into crumbs on a plate<br />
4 Marshamallows<br />
Two Skewers, cut in half<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Shaker<br />
Shot Glass<br />
Agave Syrup<br />
Paper Towel<br />
<br />
<b>Do It This Way </b><br />
1. Put a dab of agave on a folded paper towel.<br />
2. Rim the glasses with a 1/2 inch of sticky goodness.<br />
3. Dip the glasses in the crumbs.<br />
4. Put ice into shaker.<br />
5. Put all alcohol and chocolate syrup into shaker.<br />
6. Shake what your mama gave you for 2-3 minutes. HINT: You want the ice to melt because otherwise it will be STRONG (my mistake).<br />
7. Pour your drinks.<br />
8. Skewer two marshmallows on each stick.<br />
9. Toast them on your stove.<br />
10. Place them over the drinks.<br />
11. Enjoy the Shiite out of those bad boys!<br />
<br />
<b>Warning: You may crave these for weeks after you make them...like I did. </b><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>Nixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382066304502542030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9064242605314243111.post-77799949876277589722012-03-23T03:20:00.001-07:002012-03-23T03:20:16.693-07:00Creative Crescent Rolls<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WzMTF42C0qw/T2xJH4ic-QI/AAAAAAAABOc/MgO4-yhebIU/s1600/IMG_1460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WzMTF42C0qw/T2xJH4ic-QI/AAAAAAAABOc/MgO4-yhebIU/s320/IMG_1460.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I couldn't decide what I wanted to do with them, so I did it all. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lkv78Y4mabg/T2xJOYMz1lI/AAAAAAAABOk/E1jlnu22zrw/s1600/IMG_1461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lkv78Y4mabg/T2xJOYMz1lI/AAAAAAAABOk/E1jlnu22zrw/s320/IMG_1461.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Cinnamon Rolls <br />(Toffuti + Almond Milk + Powdered Sugar + Cinnamon) </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6XqH3FiKe4I/T2xJUijMkAI/AAAAAAAABOs/pvzEvzJ34Nw/s1600/IMG_1462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6XqH3FiKe4I/T2xJUijMkAI/AAAAAAAABOs/pvzEvzJ34Nw/s320/IMG_1462.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Veggie Cheese "Pig" in a Blankets </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(Tofu Dogs + Daiya Cheese + Spices)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VzoivQ3C51k/T2xJbKgiGVI/AAAAAAAABO0/7gm1CwZVQcg/s1600/IMG_1463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VzoivQ3C51k/T2xJbKgiGVI/AAAAAAAABO0/7gm1CwZVQcg/s320/IMG_1463.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Buffalo Chicken</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(Franks Hot Sauce + Grilled Chicken) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
*For the B.F. but to make vegan use Gardein chik'n* </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vMK4Tcj0SEo/T2xJg5ZZPTI/AAAAAAAABO8/M1E4NBtpK1Q/s1600/IMG_1464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vMK4Tcj0SEo/T2xJg5ZZPTI/AAAAAAAABO8/M1E4NBtpK1Q/s320/IMG_1464.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Bacon and Cheez</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(Vegan Bacon Bits + Daiya Cheddar) </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Immaculate Baking Co. was on sale at Whole Foods and I couldn't resist. Vegan crescent rolls and cinnamon buns on sale? Hello Diet Breaker! We all gotta live sometimes. ;) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I couldn't just make plain old crescent rolls so I spiced them up with all these fun things. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Things I Used to Fill Them </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Yves Tofu Dogs</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Daiya Cheddar </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Fakin Bacon Bits </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Grilled Chicken cooked in Franks Red Hot Sauce</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Tofutti, Powdered sugar, and Cinnamon to make mini Cinnabons </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The rolls start off at 100 calories a piece. (Not so bad.) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>Nixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382066304502542030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9064242605314243111.post-78084151669218116822012-03-22T22:46:00.001-07:002012-03-23T01:43:53.528-07:00Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xzzMLF7bC_c/T2wMp5FmhpI/AAAAAAAABN0/kYNSuuYmYEg/s1600/IMG_1468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xzzMLF7bC_c/T2wMp5FmhpI/AAAAAAAABN0/kYNSuuYmYEg/s320/IMG_1468.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_Lc5GDOBy3Q/T2wMjaI1fiI/AAAAAAAABNs/6dS-EZanT1I/s1600/IMG_1467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_Lc5GDOBy3Q/T2wMjaI1fiI/AAAAAAAABNs/6dS-EZanT1I/s320/IMG_1467.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mRqdeFUhfZM/T2wMcoC1NQI/AAAAAAAABNk/HNPr9vGu84k/s1600/IMG_1466.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mRqdeFUhfZM/T2wMcoC1NQI/AAAAAAAABNk/HNPr9vGu84k/s320/IMG_1466.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ft4TqyYfrfE/T2wMw0ZxmkI/AAAAAAAABN8/kMaojchzN7g/s1600/IMG_1469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ft4TqyYfrfE/T2wMw0ZxmkI/AAAAAAAABN8/kMaojchzN7g/s320/IMG_1469.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-16YSu_ubXVY/T2wM9pg5CmI/AAAAAAAABOM/t9lLhAybMG0/s1600/IMG_1471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-16YSu_ubXVY/T2wM9pg5CmI/AAAAAAAABOM/t9lLhAybMG0/s320/IMG_1471.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Ingredients</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<br />
<section class="section jsListClickable" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font: inherit; line-height: 9px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><ul class="list" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; font: inherit; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; font: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 13px; padding-left: 13px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 13px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 cup <a href="http://www.livestrong.com/thedailyplate/nutrition-calories/food/generic/organic-strawberries/" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #0066cc; cursor: pointer; font-size: 13px; font: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Organic Strawberries</a></li>
<li style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; font: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 13px; padding-left: 13px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 13px; vertical-align: baseline;">2 tbsp Tofutti<a href="http://www.livestrong.com/thedailyplate/nutrition-calories/food/tofutti/btcc-non-hydrogenated/" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #0066cc; cursor: pointer; font-size: 13px; font: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> Non-hydrogenated</a></li>
<li style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; font: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 13px; padding-left: 13px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 13px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 tbsp <a href="http://www.livestrong.com/thedailyplate/nutrition-calories/food/organic-nectars/agave-syrup/" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #0066cc; cursor: pointer; font-size: 13px; font: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Agave Syrup</a></li>
<li style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; font: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 13px; padding-left: 13px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 13px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 tsp <a href="http://www.livestrong.com/thedailyplate/nutrition-calories/food/generic/organic-vanilla-extract/" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #0066cc; cursor: pointer; font-size: 13px; font: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Organic Vanilla Extract</a></li>
</ul>
</section><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 9px;"><b><br /></b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 9px;"><b>Directions</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 9px;">1. Cut tops off 8 strawberries. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 9px;">2. Core all strawberries. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 9px;">3. Mix 2 Tbsp Tofutti, 1 Tbsp Agave nectar, and 1 tsp Vanilla together in small bowl until fully incorporated and creamy. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 9px;">4. Use the fork you mixed the cream cheese to fill the strawberries. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 9px;">5. Optional: Add graham cracker crumbs to the tops. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 9px;">6. Optional: Pipe the filling in the strawberries for a prettier effect. </span><span style="background-color: white; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font: inherit; line-height: 9px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span>See Me On <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/80150068338515214/">Pinterest</a> and <a href="http://www.livestrong.com/recipes/vegan-cheesecake-stuffed-strawberries/">Livestrong</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ihJWl1rLH0U/T2w3YknwePI/AAAAAAAABOU/qxLCocc3Uks/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-03-22+at+10.38.03+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ihJWl1rLH0U/T2w3YknwePI/AAAAAAAABOU/qxLCocc3Uks/s320/Screen+shot+2012-03-22+at+10.38.03+PM.png" width="261" /></a></div>
<br /></div>Nixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382066304502542030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9064242605314243111.post-33127963816221043922012-03-14T15:41:00.001-07:002012-03-14T15:41:25.435-07:00Vegas and Vega<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">

<br />
<div class="p1">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P6MAW-X2Cus/T2B8_KRWsuI/AAAAAAAABMQ/srQv7mEYFWE/s1600/IMG_1217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P6MAW-X2Cus/T2B8_KRWsuI/AAAAAAAABMQ/srQv7mEYFWE/s320/IMG_1217.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our awesome room </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pTlUbo-k-Mk/T2B9Fmhi0rI/AAAAAAAABMY/ffQ4TxPslro/s1600/IMG_1219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pTlUbo-k-Mk/T2B9Fmhi0rI/AAAAAAAABMY/ffQ4TxPslro/s320/IMG_1219.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our awesome view</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v-ztwTVbweU/T2B9KzxxU8I/AAAAAAAABMg/x-gPRlOdoXc/s1600/IMG_1225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v-ztwTVbweU/T2B9KzxxU8I/AAAAAAAABMg/x-gPRlOdoXc/s320/IMG_1225.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My photo skills</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sKDVX0kpLAc/T2B9QR81EZI/AAAAAAAABMo/spHCMsabWYo/s1600/IMG_1245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sKDVX0kpLAc/T2B9QR81EZI/AAAAAAAABMo/spHCMsabWYo/s320/IMG_1245.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The Bellagio fountain exploding </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y3RZjXbX_o8/T2B9WaKGFlI/AAAAAAAABMw/eSSyfK0l5vQ/s1600/IMG_1256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y3RZjXbX_o8/T2B9WaKGFlI/AAAAAAAABMw/eSSyfK0l5vQ/s320/IMG_1256.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
All dolled up for the show "O"</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6Aofo-XWAEE/T2B9cPMY1qI/AAAAAAAABM4/oib_qb-PgmU/s1600/IMG_1303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6Aofo-XWAEE/T2B9cPMY1qI/AAAAAAAABM4/oib_qb-PgmU/s320/IMG_1303.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
More photo skills</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JWS98q2vYqA/T2B9lmxJDyI/AAAAAAAABNA/Iq5riNVbFz8/s1600/IMG_1351.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JWS98q2vYqA/T2B9lmxJDyI/AAAAAAAABNA/Iq5riNVbFz8/s320/IMG_1351.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The best bar in Vegas: Chandelier at Cosmo</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LGcFUBnUzuc/T2B9taguluI/AAAAAAAABNI/oYjz3qO7lOU/s1600/IMG_1360.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LGcFUBnUzuc/T2B9taguluI/AAAAAAAABNI/oYjz3qO7lOU/s320/IMG_1360.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A Giant Woman's Steam-Punk Heel</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ngwxeQFSmjI/T2B91OcsPfI/AAAAAAAABNQ/7-B61P-RihY/s1600/IMG_1426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ngwxeQFSmjI/T2B91OcsPfI/AAAAAAAABNQ/7-B61P-RihY/s320/IMG_1426.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The Wynn's entrance</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--KOEFUUFOCc/T2B97qY1h3I/AAAAAAAABNY/Goe8vRsBj24/s1600/IMG_1440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--KOEFUUFOCc/T2B97qY1h3I/AAAAAAAABNY/Goe8vRsBj24/s320/IMG_1440.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The best Vegan Cake - Black Forest @ SW (Steve Wynn Steakhouse)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I had a blast! I drank lots (although probably not nearly enough for Vegas), partied sorta-kinda-hard, and had amazing food at the Wynn. Steve Wynn, the creator/owner of Wynn and Encore (and many other amazing things) is vegan so he has a vegan menu at all his nice restaurants. I was able to eat mushroom croquettes for an appetizer, an amazing veggie risotto, and even had my own vegan butter for my bread! AH! I wish I had one of these near my place :( even though my wallet would die if I did. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We were so stuffed the first night that we couldn't eat dessert. So we came back another night just for it. Haha. Dessert may be $20 a plate at a steakhouse, but you know what? It was worth it. =] I was delighted, satisfied, and joyed by the food and atmosphere. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Once we got home though, we realized we would have liked to see Fremont Street and old Vegas. Maybe another trip is in store for us. Though I must admit, by the last day there, I was thinking to myself,"Get me the hell out of this place!" That may have been because of the influx of the NASCAR crowd though. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
What do I miss? Besides being on a vacation and giving myself excuses to splurge on food and drinks, the Cosmopolitan's gym! Oh.My.Gymness, that gym was awe-some. So big. So fun. So nice. It even has a boxing ring. Downfall? $20 a day pass. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Today: back home and back to my cleansing and exercising. My wonderful, amazing, open-minded boyfriend has decided to do the 3-day Vega journey with me! I'm stoked. We've been practicing making yummy salads to make these next 3 days go over easily. The following is a plan I've made for the cleanse, edited from a BeachBody Shakeology routine.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
We are using "<a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0079BZDK0/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=nix2n-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0079BZDK0%22%3EVega%20One%20All-in-One%20Nutritional%20Shake%20-%20Vanilla%20Chai%20-%2030.8%20oz%20-%20Powder%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=nix2n-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0079BZDK0%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E">VegaOne</a> Vanilla Chai" for the shakes, grilled chicken for his salads, and Gardein chick'n tenders for mine. I've filled the fridge and counter with fruits and veggies for snacking and am ready to tackle my last few inches! I'm really excited because I did this before leaving to Vegas, and I felt and saw the fast results. So now I'm going to do it for 3 days (Wed-Fri) take St. Patty's off, workout on Sunday, and go back to it for Mon-Wed. So in a week, I'll have done it for 6 days, hopefully breaking through this layer of stomach fat and breaking <i>out</i> my abdominals! If it happens, I might show you a before/after pic. We'll see.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If you want to join me or do it yourself, please let me know! I'll offer all the advice and support I can. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>Tips:</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><i>Use Trader Joes "Just Grilled Chicken" in the frozen aisle to make salads quick and easy.</i></li>
<li><i>Buy all organic produce. If you can't afford it, use a little dish soap to clean regular produce.</i></li>
<li><i>Get bottled green tea so its an easy access drink. (Trader Joe's has flavored 0 calorie ones!)</i></li>
<li><i>You can buy Vega online through the link I provided and get free shipping, or if you have a local GNC or VitaminShoppe, it's the same price to pick up. </i></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: blue;">Jump start fitness. Break a weight plateau. Shed pounds fast and effectively in a healthy manner. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1" style="color: red;"><b>NO EXTRA SUGARS<br />
NO DAIRY PRODUCTS</b> (for maximum results, no almond, soy, or rice milk)<br />
<b>LOW FAT DRESSINGS</b> (I suggest olive oil and rice vinegar, or hummus and rice vinegar)</span><br />
<span class="s1" style="color: red;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1" style="color: blue;"></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="color: blue;"><span class="s2"><b>BREAKFAST:</b></span><span class="s1"><br />
1 Shake (140 calories)<br />
½ cup of fruit (60-90 calories) (optional)<br />
1 cup of green tea or a Detox Tea</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1" style="color: blue;"><br />
<b>SNACK:</b> (85 calories) (optional)<br />
1 piece of fruit - Apple, pear, orange,<br />
banana mango, etc.</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1" style="color: blue;"><br />
<b>LUNCH:<br />
</b>1 Shake(140 calories)<br />
1 cup of green tea or a Detox Tea</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1" style="color: blue;"><br />
<b>SNACK:</b> (you can have this either<br />
before or after dinner)<br />
1 Shake (140 calories)<br />
<br />
<b>DINNER:</b><br />
Salad with grilled poultry, or vegan meat (Gardein or Tofu)<br />
(roughly 340 calories)</span></div>
<div class="p3">
<span class="s1" style="color: blue;"></span></div>
<div class="p4">
<span style="color: blue;"><span class="s1"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="s1" style="color: blue;">**Remember working out should be done at a </span><span class="s2" style="color: blue;">minimum</span><span class="s1" style="color: blue;">, and you should consume an ounce of water per pound of body weight. Water will help flush out toxins. **</span></div>
<div class="p4">
<span class="s1" style="color: blue;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="s1" style="color: blue;">120lbs=15 cups</span></div>
<div class="p4">
<span class="s1" style="color: blue;">160lbs=20 cups</span></div>
</div>Nixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382066304502542030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9064242605314243111.post-74871006460215334862012-03-02T21:32:00.004-08:002012-03-05T03:48:01.399-08:00Slimming Down For A Vegas Birthday<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;">You know what helps me lose weight and get fit? A goal event or destination. This time of the year it is </span><span style="text-align: left;">Las Vegas to celebrate my birthday. I've been to Vegas as a child and teenager, but never a legal, able-to-gamble adult. I'm excited! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ORF_aQX-vZQ/T1GnF2c8OjI/AAAAAAAABLw/q6E0uXIHP3E/s1600/photo_vegas_strip_night.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ORF_aQX-vZQ/T1GnF2c8OjI/AAAAAAAABLw/q6E0uXIHP3E/s320/photo_vegas_strip_night.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I've never gambled before, and not looking to make it a habit, but think a few games will be fun.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NoLfkbh6WNI/T1Gn84PH6II/AAAAAAAABL4/75rclWuylY0/s1600/roulette.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NoLfkbh6WNI/T1Gn84PH6II/AAAAAAAABL4/75rclWuylY0/s320/roulette.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
And since it's just going to be me and the boyfriend, I won't be having a big cake this year...but this would have been awesome. :)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A9rN4DnW7a4/T1GphIkKhNI/AAAAAAAABMA/SU254JycxJ4/s1600/birthday-pig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A9rN4DnW7a4/T1GphIkKhNI/AAAAAAAABMA/SU254JycxJ4/s320/birthday-pig.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The only pig I would eat...who can make me a vegan one?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Okay enough party stuff, let's talk fitness and health. As some of you may know, I'm studying to become a personal trainer. I've been training since after the holidays, trying to get fit as a fiddle (what ever that means). And after talking to another coach and doing some research, I've decided to do a 2 day cleanse period/weight loss jump start.<br />
<br />
For the past couple of months my workouts have included P90x, Insanity, my own weight lifting sessions, and going to the gym. Most of my body has responded well, but my trouble spot is my stomach. That pooch refuses to leave! This jumpstart should help it go away and boost my confidence while I wear skimpy, shiny, dresses in Las Vegas.<br />
<br />
What is it? Well it's definitely not one of those lemon juice-cayenne drinks that were popular a bit ago, or a starvation diet. It is however a VLCD (very low calorie diet) that includes 3 shakes a day, 3 pieces of fruit (optional), and a salad for dinner. Since I actually don't have lettuce right now, I'm just going to have a bowl of cereal for dinner, or a 300 calorie meal. You're supposed to cut out all sugars, fats, and dairy for 3 days. But since it's my birthday on Sunday, I'm doing it for two days. Also, you're not supposed to work out because you're taking in so few calories, but I did anyway because I'm trying to get this pooch gone!<br />
<br />
I just wanted to share this journey because I know so many people out there need help with those last few pounds or inches. You body tries to hold onto those last few fat cells because it is so used to having them. And once you get them off, your body will try its hardest to get them back (which will most likely happen during my week of vegas, so I'll have to do it again when I get home.)<br />
<br />
What shake am I drinking? This plan comes from BeachBody's Shakeology, but since its $120, I bought a shake called VegaOne for only $59. Half the price, less calories, and same or better ingredients.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0079BZDK0/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=nix2n-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0079BZDK0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL110_&ASIN=B0079BZDK0&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=nix2n-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" width="108" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The specs are pretty awesome as you can see: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WbS1ahx3BFs/T1GsRJ12xZI/AAAAAAAABMI/BD9M8h2KIU4/s1600/vega+one+specs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="203" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WbS1ahx3BFs/T1GsRJ12xZI/AAAAAAAABMI/BD9M8h2KIU4/s400/vega+one+specs.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And best of all for me, its vegan! And best for you, if interested, it tastes great. You can get it on amazon by clicking on the first picture. Simply mix one scoop with water and you've got a meal.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm on my second shake, and still feeling great and energized. Hopefully I can make it to tomorrow night! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
What my diet looks like for today and tomorrow: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Breakfast - Shake (136 kcal)</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>(</b>workout or run errands) (-300kcal) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Lunch - Shake (136 kcal)</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Snack - Banana (90 kcal)</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Dinner - 300 or less calorie meal (salad, cereal, etc) (300 kcal) OR a shake (136kcal)</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Snack - Pear or Banana (90kcal)</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Drinks - Lots of water and green tea (0 kcal)</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Total calories: 588(shake) or 752 (dinner) w/workout: 288 or 452</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
During this time my body will have no other choice but to eat the fat!!<b> </b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>EDIT 3/4/12: </b>I lost two pounds in two days! I'll be doing this again when I get home for as long as possible. :) </div>
</div>Nixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382066304502542030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9064242605314243111.post-7104281035475813252012-02-14T00:17:00.000-08:002012-02-14T00:20:30.557-08:00Fitness Myths Debunked<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pFgRNX3twQo/TzoYQxx0NyI/AAAAAAAABLk/8oMOEXcmWFE/s1600/myth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="155" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pFgRNX3twQo/TzoYQxx0NyI/AAAAAAAABLk/8oMOEXcmWFE/s320/myth.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Does eating at night make me fat? Do carbs make me fat? What's better, a high protein or high carb diet? Can I eat whatever I want if I workout enough? Do I need a high protein diet for muscle gain? Read on for the truth to these questions we all ask. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sgh_3sEDV60/TzoXII3HXEI/AAAAAAAABK0/4nsDSeRQXt4/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-02-14+at+12.08.31+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="204" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sgh_3sEDV60/TzoXII3HXEI/AAAAAAAABK0/4nsDSeRQXt4/s320/Screen+shot+2012-02-14+at+12.08.31+AM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
No. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lFKvdy0cv6o/TzoXI756YiI/AAAAAAAABK8/9lQwFZ_yDfg/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-02-14+at+12.08.53+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="173" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lFKvdy0cv6o/TzoXI756YiI/AAAAAAAABK8/9lQwFZ_yDfg/s320/Screen+shot+2012-02-14+at+12.08.53+AM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
No. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6NkCu1nkx0I/TzoXJW7ixtI/AAAAAAAABLE/nxF43zR8xf4/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-02-14+at+12.09.10+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6NkCu1nkx0I/TzoXJW7ixtI/AAAAAAAABLE/nxF43zR8xf4/s320/Screen+shot+2012-02-14+at+12.09.10+AM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
None.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BPwBnFWow_s/TzoXLWmTYKI/AAAAAAAABLM/C3AV--tl6eI/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-02-14+at+12.09.20+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="89" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BPwBnFWow_s/TzoXLWmTYKI/AAAAAAAABLM/C3AV--tl6eI/s320/Screen+shot+2012-02-14+at+12.09.20+AM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Eat healthy to be healthy. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-htiWCv2USHg/TzoXMAxXaxI/AAAAAAAABLU/UVblkIRnI5U/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-02-14+at+12.09.41+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="113" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-htiWCv2USHg/TzoXMAxXaxI/AAAAAAAABLU/UVblkIRnI5U/s320/Screen+shot+2012-02-14+at+12.09.41+AM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QjC75YB-O9U/TzoXMc7mk_I/AAAAAAAABLc/MOAcB1bpq-Y/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-02-14+at+12.10.01+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="79" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QjC75YB-O9U/TzoXMc7mk_I/AAAAAAAABLc/MOAcB1bpq-Y/s320/Screen+shot+2012-02-14+at+12.10.01+AM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
No. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5OHC0uK1AeI/TzoXEdw8_OI/AAAAAAAABKU/KyQ91ECYhbo/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-02-12+at+6.03.45+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="167" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5OHC0uK1AeI/TzoXEdw8_OI/AAAAAAAABKU/KyQ91ECYhbo/s400/Screen+shot+2012-02-12+at+6.03.45+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OPtEzFJTaZ4/TzoXFjJrFzI/AAAAAAAABKk/qliIQLhDdWU/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-02-13+at+11.05.22+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="110" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OPtEzFJTaZ4/TzoXFjJrFzI/AAAAAAAABKk/qliIQLhDdWU/s400/Screen+shot+2012-02-13+at+11.05.22+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bFapXu9ec3E/TzoXGCDHwjI/AAAAAAAABKs/YvH0F2uoQvw/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-02-13+at+11.56.14+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="171" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bFapXu9ec3E/TzoXGCDHwjI/AAAAAAAABKs/YvH0F2uoQvw/s320/Screen+shot+2012-02-13+at+11.56.14+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>Source: NASM Essentionals for Personal Fitness Training. Michael A. Clark. Scott C. Lucett. Brian G. Sutton. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. 2012.</i></div>
<br /></div>Nixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382066304502542030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9064242605314243111.post-71132097750021622772012-02-13T21:47:00.000-08:002012-02-13T22:06:38.320-08:00Vegan Valentine<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4QGj2iIniKc/TznsAceoJOI/AAAAAAAABJU/3nnFg_zMUj4/s1600/IMG_1156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4QGj2iIniKc/TznsAceoJOI/AAAAAAAABJU/3nnFg_zMUj4/s320/IMG_1156.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Red Velvet Cake Pops</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IErATX9iO2o/TznsJSQjLeI/AAAAAAAABJc/buk4pnlDxrE/s1600/IMG_1157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IErATX9iO2o/TznsJSQjLeI/AAAAAAAABJc/buk4pnlDxrE/s320/IMG_1157.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3nX5TIqpSAk/TznsS5sXANI/AAAAAAAABJk/IOqy0WZ7HLw/s1600/IMG_1158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3nX5TIqpSAk/TznsS5sXANI/AAAAAAAABJk/IOqy0WZ7HLw/s320/IMG_1158.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Recipe Below</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tFcssGxjIug/Tznsk9neYzI/AAAAAAAABJ0/QjN74ezj1Fg/s1600/IMG_1160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tFcssGxjIug/Tznsk9neYzI/AAAAAAAABJ0/QjN74ezj1Fg/s320/IMG_1160.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My Roses from Mr.Organnix</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FTRg1l4ktYE/TznssYD2PRI/AAAAAAAABJ8/HGoWJp-joe8/s1600/IMG_1161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FTRg1l4ktYE/TznssYD2PRI/AAAAAAAABJ8/HGoWJp-joe8/s320/IMG_1161.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rupalU5lFgc/Tzns1qLGqsI/AAAAAAAABKE/BL1wFBV3dhI/s1600/IMG_1162.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rupalU5lFgc/Tzns1qLGqsI/AAAAAAAABKE/BL1wFBV3dhI/s320/IMG_1162.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I've always wanted a white orchid!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yiNBNDoGWmg/Tzns8-2KHaI/AAAAAAAABKM/-7eIvKUZzhM/s1600/IMG_1163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yiNBNDoGWmg/Tzns8-2KHaI/AAAAAAAABKM/-7eIvKUZzhM/s320/IMG_1163.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And my favorite food...Native Chick'n Wings. Yum! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sooo much better than chocolate. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Thank you so much, the best boyfriend in the world! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
He decided to surprise me early tonight with flowers, my favorite food, and a gift. I love surprises! Everyone expects roses on Valentine's Day, but my BF got creative and came home tonight with all my faves. Tomorrow were going to have a great and fun day together, with an amazing dinner at the Ritz-Carlton resort. *Stoked* We're so cheesy and lovey; its awesome. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="color: red;">Red Velvet Cake Pops </span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>Prep: 60 Min </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>Cook: 30 Min </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>Level: Easy </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<u>For Cake</u> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 C all-purpose flour </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1/2 C whole-wheat flour</div>
1/4 C cocoa powder<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1/2 C sugar</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 1/2 tsp baking powder</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 tsp baking soda</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1/2 tsp salt</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1/2 cup unsweetened apple sauce</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 C water</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2 Tbs apple cider vinegar </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1/2 tsp red food coloring (or enough to make it bright red)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 tsp vanilla extract</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<u>For Frosting</u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1/2 cup Tofutti cream cheese</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1/2 cup organic earth balance</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 3/4 cup powdered sugar</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2 tsp vanilla extract</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<u>For Coating</u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 1/2 cup chocolate chips</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2 Tbsp Coconut oil</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sprinkles of choice </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<u>Hardware</u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
8x8 pan </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 Big glass bowl </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 Medium Glass Bowl +1 Medium Sauce Pan OR a double boiler</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Water, for boiling </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Styrofoam disc (optional) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Waxed or Parchment Paper</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Large cookie sheet </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Music (to make it fun!) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><u><br /></u></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>Mix all ingredients for cake. </li>
<li>Lightly oil an 8x8 pan and pour batter in. </li>
<li>Cook at 350*F for 30 minute, or until a toothpick in the center comes out clean. </li>
<li>While the cake is cooking, mix all ingredients of the frosting in a large bowl. </li>
<li>After the cake is cooled, crumble it into the frosting and mix until you have a dough. </li>
<li>Line a cookie sheet with waxed or parchment paper. </li>
<li>Form hearts and balls of dough, small to medium is best. Bigger than a golf ball, you will have trouble dipping it. (Like I did) </li>
<li>Place in freezer for 20 minutes. </li>
<li>While in freezer, set your chocolate chips and oil on a double boiler (glass bowl ontop of boiling pot of water) to medium-low. Melt chocolate and oil together, stirring until smooth. </li>
<li>Take your dough balls/hearts out and place sticks in the centers. </li>
<li>Dip them in, using a large spoon to coat all sides. </li>
<li>Once chocolate is on, place over bowl and throw on your sprinkles or decorations of choice. </li>
<li>Place back on waxed sheet, or if you're a perfectionist place in a styrofoam disk to keep all sides round. (Instead of one side flat from laying it down like I did, but the hearts are flat on the back anyways so it's still pretty.) </li>
<li>Freeze until solid, then cover with plastic and leave in freezer or fridge. </li>
<li>Enjoy alone or with vanilla ice cream! Yum! </li>
</ol>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>Nixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382066304502542030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9064242605314243111.post-77367134155420780132012-02-08T19:22:00.000-08:002012-02-08T19:34:22.091-08:00A Stronger and Smarter Me<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>Stronger</b><br />
Each day that I lift myself out of this chair and into a sports bra, I know I'm getting stronger. I know it's worth it to be sore all over and not want to get out of bed to do <i>anything.</i> I feel better inside and out, from mental status to physical. Exercise is crucial for life.<br />
<br />
How do you get stronger? Working out. Resistance training, cardio training, plyometric (jumping/reacting) training. Exercise in general will make you stronger. You must push yourself farther than you ever thought you could go. Yell at yourself to push harder, be better, be <i>stronger.</i> You will be surprised at how much you can lift, push, and pull if you dedicate yourself to a fitness plan.<br />
<br />
<b>Smarter</b><br />
I'm currently learning how to be a personal trainer in NASM's (National Academy of Sports Medicine) Certified Personal Trainer program. The pressure to be fit as a fiddle, or should I say trainer, is intense. Sixty minutes a day doesn't seem like enough, but I know overtraining your body will just result in major fatigue and injury. That's the thing with people: they expect results quickly.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;">"LOSE WEIGHT FAST"</span> <span style="color: orange;">"WEEKEND DETOX TO DROP 10LBS"</span> <span style="color: blue;">"HCG WILL HELP YOU LOSE 30LBS IN 30DAYS"</span><span style="color: lime;"> </span><span style="color: purple;">"ONLY 10 CRUNCHES AWAY FROM A 6-PACK" </span><br />
<br />
Those are all gimmicks. Even if you DO lose weight from there, you bet your fat ass it's coming back...faster than you lost it. <i>Hard work and dedication are what give you a bangin' bod.</i> Not weekend diets, lemon juice detoxes, or weight loss cookies. Trust me. I've tried. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zPljvWg0D2Q/TzMydG6Jx5I/AAAAAAAABJE/uD5BwFG-6UY/s1600/strong.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zPljvWg0D2Q/TzMydG6Jx5I/AAAAAAAABJE/uD5BwFG-6UY/s320/strong.jpg" width="237" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I used to strive to be skinny, and now I strive to be strong. </div>
<b><br /></b><br />
<b>Time</b><br />
It's a real process. Not a fake process. Not a surgical process. A real, sweating, crying, showering, process. I'm sure you've heard "Rome wasn't built in a day," well neither is a fit body. It takes conditioning. Months and months of stabilization, strength, endurance, muscle enlargement, and power, to really become the best you can be. It helps to have motivation, but as you can see from my other blogs, I'm still enjoying life. Eating my "skinny" root beer floats and vegan "healthy" pizzas. I have to stay happy and realistic, you know?<br />
<br />
I know that is the last thing you wanted to hear, but it's the truth. Good things take time.<br />
<br />
<b>Incorporation</b><br />
You can't just eat smoothies and salads, get super fit, and expect to keep it that way. You have to incorporate your fitness into your life. If you work 9am-5pm, you have to go before or after work. Of course there are days where I'm like "Ahhh I don't wanna do <i>anything!" </i>and end up not working out. But guess what? You bet I'm hitting it harder and faster the next day, because I'm feeling guilty for not getting it done today. If you fall off the train of fitness, jump back on asap. <i>The longer you wait, the more your hard work goes to waste. </i><br />
<i><br /></i><br />
How does one reach their goal to be a fitter, happier, and healthier person? By setting and achieving goals. Your body isn't a microwave; you can't just set and forget. You have to tend to it daily like a delicate flower.<br />
<br />
<b>SMART</b> <b>Goals </b><br />
Smart goals are very helpful in terms of starting a journey. It may be to fitness, health, happiness, or all three, but goals are crucial. And placing them<b><i style="background-color: yellow;"> <u><span style="color: magenta;">in your face</span></u></i></b> is even more important.<br />
<br />
<u><b>S</b>pecific</u>-Write down the specific goal you want. (Weight loss, toning up, bigger muscles, feeling better, etc.)<br />
<br />
<u><b>M</b>easurable</u>-Make sure you can measure them. (Inches, pounds, centimeters, level of happiness 1-10, etc.)<br />
<br />
<u><b>A</b>ttainable</u>-Make it attainable for you and your lifestyle. (Cut out junky things slowly, and add healthy things in to take their place.)<br />
<br />
<u><b>R</b>ealistic</u>-Results come slowly. (Make your goal realistic so that when you reach it each week, you will feel great about yourself and hard work. Realistic is <i>not</i> 5lbs, 5 hours, 10 books, or $1000, a day!)<br />
<br />
<u><b>T</b>imely</u>-Things take time. Life takes time. (Make your goal in a timeline you can handle, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and a year are good marking stones.)<br />
<br />
DID YOU KNOW? <u>Setting goals and achieving them is proven to help you achieve the life you want.</u> Write it down on a huge neon poster board and put it in your office, kitchen, or bedroom. You can use SMART goals with <i>anything</i> in your life, from your job to your kids, to your health. Make little reminders on your smart phone or computer calendar. Track your results so you can go back and see how much you've put in for yourself.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p5u1beyqcLc/TzM67gW60fI/AAAAAAAABJM/7CQru4YbF_c/s1600/Poster_Board_+Fluorescent_+Neon_+Pink_l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p5u1beyqcLc/TzM67gW60fI/AAAAAAAABJM/7CQru4YbF_c/s320/Poster_Board_+Fluorescent_+Neon_+Pink_l.jpg" width="251" /></a></div>
<br />
Here is a rough sketch of my goals right now. I put "Goals for March", but I meant for these goals to be finished <i>for</i> March. So really, they're my February goals. When you're making your poster, make it clear and concise so you can't go back on your own word to yourself.<br />
<br />
There not set up in SMART format, but you get the idea. Even if you don't want to buy a neon board, make it your desktop image. You're probably on your computer pretty often, so you'll see it everyday.<br />
<br />
A great site to track your diet and exercise is <a href="http://livestrong.com/">Livestrong.com</a> I use it to see the nutritional content of my homemade recipes, and have used it to track my daily food for a few days. Tracking your intake for 3 days by every single bite easily shows you how many calories you're ingesting, and how much you should or shouldn't be!<br />
<br />
Good luck on your journey to fitness and health. And wish me some luck too!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>Nixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382066304502542030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9064242605314243111.post-86668233764029526912012-02-07T19:41:00.000-08:002012-02-07T19:41:06.306-08:00What Vegans Eat<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NgtcjP0X0xw/TzHrnELoe8I/AAAAAAAABHc/AUHa9PaqIb8/s1600/IMG_1137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NgtcjP0X0xw/TzHrnELoe8I/AAAAAAAABHc/AUHa9PaqIb8/s320/IMG_1137.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Strawberry, Banana, Almond Milk</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mmSoTNDUe5g/TzHrsx90cNI/AAAAAAAABHk/goICDDjRv00/s1600/IMG_1138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mmSoTNDUe5g/TzHrsx90cNI/AAAAAAAABHk/goICDDjRv00/s320/IMG_1138.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I told you I ate a lot of pizza...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U7H7fWbqenw/TzHsFwrEr_I/AAAAAAAABIE/j1aKISx9BKs/s1600/IMG_1142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U7H7fWbqenw/TzHsFwrEr_I/AAAAAAAABIE/j1aKISx9BKs/s320/IMG_1142.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5xB3Mxqvp-4/TzHsLOHqtmI/AAAAAAAABIM/i2ngZWdXdBU/s1600/IMG_1143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5xB3Mxqvp-4/TzHsLOHqtmI/AAAAAAAABIM/i2ngZWdXdBU/s320/IMG_1143.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And in this case, Vegan Calzone</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-esuhzNqNWOI/TzHsRKyavFI/AAAAAAAABIU/JHHEC_nKbiw/s1600/IMG_1144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-esuhzNqNWOI/TzHsRKyavFI/AAAAAAAABIU/JHHEC_nKbiw/s320/IMG_1144.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I had two of these.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PeMSXYlzkBM/TzHsWmfRjVI/AAAAAAAABIc/hZLM-Rh7ZeQ/s1600/IMG_1145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PeMSXYlzkBM/TzHsWmfRjVI/AAAAAAAABIc/hZLM-Rh7ZeQ/s320/IMG_1145.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Root Beer Float</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xE4LuLk6iFU/TzHscEwGsKI/AAAAAAAABIk/IQv8VG3LOAU/s1600/IMG_1146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xE4LuLk6iFU/TzHscEwGsKI/AAAAAAAABIk/IQv8VG3LOAU/s320/IMG_1146.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hZ8cmdF9_aI/TzHsiYy0MNI/AAAAAAAABIs/ijFn2M0NpOE/s1600/IMG_1147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hZ8cmdF9_aI/TzHsiYy0MNI/AAAAAAAABIs/ijFn2M0NpOE/s320/IMG_1147.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Stevia sweetened root beer + soy ice cream = delicious</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(B.f. says so too!) </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b2QJSJ-OMpI/TzHspfPoGWI/AAAAAAAABI0/HaPbs5B-QUc/s1600/IMG_1148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b2QJSJ-OMpI/TzHspfPoGWI/AAAAAAAABI0/HaPbs5B-QUc/s320/IMG_1148.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Gardein Chik'n, Hummus, Daiya, Spinach on Mediterranean Pita</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FvuZGxPzGhQ/TzHswm4aqKI/AAAAAAAABI8/RsufvnzD7Dc/s1600/IMG_1149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FvuZGxPzGhQ/TzHswm4aqKI/AAAAAAAABI8/RsufvnzD7Dc/s320/IMG_1149.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>Nixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382066304502542030noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9064242605314243111.post-19693246368272175872012-01-30T16:03:00.000-08:002012-09-10T18:42:38.842-07:00How to Get Fit Eating Pizza and Ice Cream<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E-yMpwr9cuY/Tycv23fAPVI/AAAAAAAABHE/j_T2IN9JKNw/s1600/pizza.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E-yMpwr9cuY/Tycv23fAPVI/AAAAAAAABHE/j_T2IN9JKNw/s320/pizza.png" width="243" /></a></div>
In the past two weeks, I have eaten vegan pizza and soy ice cream a'plenty. Believe it or not, I'm not gaining weight. I know people go on diets but that's really not me. Sure, I'll eat all salads one day if I'm in the mood, or maybe even just miso soup and brown rice. But one thing is for certain: I'm not a diet kinda girl. (Diets don't work...life changes do. Scroll to the bottom to buy my meal plan that includes pizza and ice cream, and you'll still lose weight!)<br />
<br />
Since the day after Christmas I have been doing two workout programs called P90x and Insanity. It's made by a company called BeachBody, who have a bunch of home DVD programs to fit your lifestyle. Each system comes with a certain schedule and designated workout for each day of the week. P90x is all about strength training while Insanity is pure cardio. Sure they each have a little of both, but P90x uses weights, chairs, bands, while Insanity uses only the weight of your body. They are extreme workouts and can burn up to 500 calories in an hour, depending on your weight and how hard you push.<br />
<br />
<b>No, I don't sell them.</b> I just wanted to give you the lowdown. I workout with both of these programs 4-5 days a week (supposed to do 6) and am losing inches and toning up. On some days I crave pizza, and go for my vegan Trader Joe's version or like last night, order in some vegan Zpizza. For dessert, I indulge in a cup of soy ice cream, and maybe top it with some stevia-sweetened diet root beer.<br />
<br />
<b>I love food. </b>I won't give up my favorites because I'm toning up or trimming down. You don't have to either. Just make sure your calories balance out in the end of the week and increase your intensity if you indulged too much. There <i>is</i> a way to get skinny/trim/toned by eating pizza and ice cream and I'm here to prove it.<br />
<br />
<b>My Success So Far</b><br />
I went from<b> 118lbs to 114lbs</b>, with a BMI (body mass index) of 20.6 to 19.3. That may not seem like a lot, but it is for me. My arms and legs are starting to get defined and my tummy is starting to flatten. My plan is to keep eating what I want, but continue to become a defined, sexy little minx. I want to look in the mirror and say, "Wow. I did <i>that?" </i><br />
<br />
<b>For Your Body: Changing Composition </b><br />
When working out, you burn the fat covering your muscles while toning and enlarging the muscles underneath. When you take the space on your body that is used up by fat and replace it with muscle, your BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate) raises. This means your body is burning more calories while at rest. This is why strength training is key in a workout regimen. Cardio is fantastic for burning lots of calories a day, but building muscle <i>keeps</i> you burning calories. I must admit though, it is only a few extra calories per pound of muscle. So don't go overboard with an extra cup of ice cream because you see definition in your biceps.<br />
<br />
<b>For Your Mind: Changing Lifestyle</b><br />
I'm sure you've all heard it before. Exercise increases endorphins and these little guys circulate through your mind making you feel euphoric, happy, and uplifted. It's true. You feel light, airy, and amazing after digging deep. The endorphins only last for a couple hours, but the feeling of, "I worked really hard today," can last until you go to sleep that night. You feel accomplished, satisfied, and proud of yourself. This confidence can spread across to your working habits, studying habits, and the rest of your life.<br />
<br />
Since you worked out, you will pay closer attention to what you put in your body for the rest of the night. Even if it's pizza and ice cream, you'll choose the healthier crust and toppings, the smaller bowl of ice cream, and the sugar free sprinkles.<br />
<br />
<i>Exercise changes your mindset.</i><br />
<br />
<b>Getting Up is the Hardest Part</b><br />
As I lie here on my couch at 4pm I admit, getting up to workout is not the highest thing on my to-do list. But I know the feeling afterwards is worth all the pressure now. After I workout and shower, I feel like being creative, studying hard for my NASM program, and working diligently tonight at my job. It's all about the results, the<i> benefits</i>.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Now you can get my meal plan and get fit eating pizza and ice cream!!! </u></b><br />
<b><u>http://nicoledavidsohn.wordpress.com/</u></b><br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
<b><u><br /></u></b>
<b><u><br /></u></b>
</div>
Nixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382066304502542030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9064242605314243111.post-48303068098971008012012-01-29T00:58:00.000-08:002012-01-29T01:04:26.991-08:00Random Vegan Eats<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I've come to realize that people like to look at pictures, including myself. When I read a recipe blog, I forgoe the story, look at the step-by-step photos, and make sure I have the ingredients. So, I'll keep it simple this time. Here are some meals I've eaten and things I've created in the past week.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D5jGI_JVn_A/TyUC7CmlUUI/AAAAAAAABD8/1kAuvrymGMc/s1600/IMG_1085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D5jGI_JVn_A/TyUC7CmlUUI/AAAAAAAABD8/1kAuvrymGMc/s320/IMG_1085.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Tofu Taco Meat</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5IaHsQ4DLCU/TyUDBOZuZSI/AAAAAAAABEE/CkxQgG2WygM/s1600/IMG_1087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5IaHsQ4DLCU/TyUDBOZuZSI/AAAAAAAABEE/CkxQgG2WygM/s320/IMG_1087.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vvYMtHLolto/TyUDHrlXzYI/AAAAAAAABEM/Wzh1adbk3TI/s1600/IMG_1088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vvYMtHLolto/TyUDHrlXzYI/AAAAAAAABEM/Wzh1adbk3TI/s320/IMG_1088.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8G2BBE9ZbzY/TyUDN-qJ_wI/AAAAAAAABEU/cUAxX_JJyA0/s1600/IMG_1089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8G2BBE9ZbzY/TyUDN-qJ_wI/AAAAAAAABEU/cUAxX_JJyA0/s320/IMG_1089.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mZ7c_xLpXtI/TyUDTiDil5I/AAAAAAAABEc/UJUeWtkGIdI/s1600/IMG_1091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mZ7c_xLpXtI/TyUDTiDil5I/AAAAAAAABEc/UJUeWtkGIdI/s320/IMG_1091.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Tacos+Sliced Apples</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qi2H-Bs2gac/TyUDZHAmCGI/AAAAAAAABEk/y6XqLjlcips/s1600/IMG_1098.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qi2H-Bs2gac/TyUDZHAmCGI/AAAAAAAABEk/y6XqLjlcips/s320/IMG_1098.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Apples+Tahini</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lCpEi_3wVHM/TyUDgP2hrCI/AAAAAAAABEs/hb8cHcoDMuQ/s1600/IMG_1099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lCpEi_3wVHM/TyUDgP2hrCI/AAAAAAAABEs/hb8cHcoDMuQ/s320/IMG_1099.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Apples+Stevia+Cinnamon, Pan-fried in EarthBalance</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0H77ucutA9U/TyUDnKocQWI/AAAAAAAABE0/aQqCwA1ehi4/s1600/IMG_1100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0H77ucutA9U/TyUDnKocQWI/AAAAAAAABE0/aQqCwA1ehi4/s320/IMG_1100.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Apple Cinnamon French Toast</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z7gvy_A4q1w/TyUDrdVXdSI/AAAAAAAABE8/BpSnR0D7tMs/s1600/IMG_1102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z7gvy_A4q1w/TyUDrdVXdSI/AAAAAAAABE8/BpSnR0D7tMs/s320/IMG_1102.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Potato Soup w/Kale and Skinny Fries+ Potato Dolsa+ Coconut Sauce</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-exYnAJULpbE/TyUDwln0rjI/AAAAAAAABFE/FGu2GHFYYEk/s1600/IMG_1103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-exYnAJULpbE/TyUDwln0rjI/AAAAAAAABFE/FGu2GHFYYEk/s320/IMG_1103.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
On-the-go smoothie in reused Starbucks cup</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PC0zmhpvDL0/TyUD2vF3t6I/AAAAAAAABFM/Szs_clDZRgc/s1600/IMG_1107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PC0zmhpvDL0/TyUD2vF3t6I/AAAAAAAABFM/Szs_clDZRgc/s320/IMG_1107.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
WestSoy Seitan "Chick'n"</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uCwBHLgqBxA/TyUD9Bi-dHI/AAAAAAAABFU/HA4Fy64LPsc/s1600/IMG_1109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uCwBHLgqBxA/TyUD9Bi-dHI/AAAAAAAABFU/HA4Fy64LPsc/s320/IMG_1109.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sandwich Prep</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YOWsIv1nvu4/TyUEDE9lg5I/AAAAAAAABFc/muPjTGqaOYA/s1600/IMG_1110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YOWsIv1nvu4/TyUEDE9lg5I/AAAAAAAABFc/muPjTGqaOYA/s320/IMG_1110.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hXs4SCXwKC8/TyUERrmlmmI/AAAAAAAABFs/CvkDX7BIF68/s1600/IMG_1115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hXs4SCXwKC8/TyUERrmlmmI/AAAAAAAABFs/CvkDX7BIF68/s320/IMG_1115.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Chick'n Sandwich+Carrots w/Stevia+Cinnamon+Pepperoncinis+Coconut Water</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2CvYDTn1Hec/TyUEXiaiBjI/AAAAAAAABF0/wPaAmzMerX8/s1600/IMG_1116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2CvYDTn1Hec/TyUEXiaiBjI/AAAAAAAABF0/wPaAmzMerX8/s320/IMG_1116.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-enYYFGcFx_s/TyUEdclVIBI/AAAAAAAABF8/7NFgNYm4eSY/s1600/IMG_1117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-enYYFGcFx_s/TyUEdclVIBI/AAAAAAAABF8/7NFgNYm4eSY/s320/IMG_1117.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Tofu Scramble+Kale</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9AnIKupL6eM/TyUEj60BjCI/AAAAAAAABGE/exQhcTo4jg4/s1600/IMG_1118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9AnIKupL6eM/TyUEj60BjCI/AAAAAAAABGE/exQhcTo4jg4/s320/IMG_1118.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nyjKJxiAdyM/TyUEqLpcYTI/AAAAAAAABGM/KjQuZHOG2ME/s1600/IMG_1119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nyjKJxiAdyM/TyUEqLpcYTI/AAAAAAAABGM/KjQuZHOG2ME/s320/IMG_1119.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Tofu Scramble in Pita</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xhMa4uW_iQo/TyUEvxUSByI/AAAAAAAABGU/fMerEbz9xOc/s1600/IMG_1120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xhMa4uW_iQo/TyUEvxUSByI/AAAAAAAABGU/fMerEbz9xOc/s320/IMG_1120.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3dIkzcDCyTI/TyUE2AwxM-I/AAAAAAAABGc/1q2ek00zW9c/s1600/IMG_1126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3dIkzcDCyTI/TyUE2AwxM-I/AAAAAAAABGc/1q2ek00zW9c/s320/IMG_1126.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Raw Macadamia Cheese (Cultured, pressed, dehydrated)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hOXXV6hvtW0/TyUE7xN_YbI/AAAAAAAABGk/bHWFMDh5FRg/s1600/IMG_1130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hOXXV6hvtW0/TyUE7xN_YbI/AAAAAAAABGk/bHWFMDh5FRg/s320/IMG_1130.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The start to sunflower-brazil nut cheez</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rwvrX4Md6-4/TyUFBTzd3GI/AAAAAAAABGs/KVrn5TSzUe4/s1600/IMG_1131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rwvrX4Md6-4/TyUFBTzd3GI/AAAAAAAABGs/KVrn5TSzUe4/s320/IMG_1131.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Probiotics for culturing</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DY313Aq2FvQ/TyUFHyEC5II/AAAAAAAABG0/fJQprVARx9k/s1600/IMG_1132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DY313Aq2FvQ/TyUFHyEC5II/AAAAAAAABG0/fJQprVARx9k/s320/IMG_1132.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Culturing Process sped up by a warm toaster </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S9zc8uWmF2g/TyUFNPhs5EI/AAAAAAAABG8/2-_YTVCIWZw/s1600/IMG_1133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S9zc8uWmF2g/TyUFNPhs5EI/AAAAAAAABG8/2-_YTVCIWZw/s320/IMG_1133.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A breakfast that looks like a "normal person's" breakfast</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Tangelos+Whole Grain Waffles+Vanilla Soy Yogurt</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm addicted to waffles right now and have a rendition of this almost every morning. Waffles, fruit, side. Sometimes that side includes organic cinnamon toast crunch (Cascadian Farms). Don't call me fat. I eat breakfast like a Queen!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>Nixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382066304502542030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9064242605314243111.post-8737187449296263762012-01-16T01:38:00.000-08:002012-01-16T01:59:23.794-08:00What Do Vegans Eat, Chapter 3<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eulXbOp1xiw/TxPjEC8oveI/AAAAAAAABB4/2rEQ51t1_T4/s1600/IMG_1065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eulXbOp1xiw/TxPjEC8oveI/AAAAAAAABB4/2rEQ51t1_T4/s320/IMG_1065.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Brunch/Before Workout</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Pita French Toast, Apple slices, Coconut Water</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ojZWju9cSJM/TxPi9f5kwsI/AAAAAAAABBw/_Q_sL-o2xdo/s1600/IMG_1061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ojZWju9cSJM/TxPi9f5kwsI/AAAAAAAABBw/_Q_sL-o2xdo/s320/IMG_1061.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pHYhkNx4sPY/TxPiztHwZjI/AAAAAAAABBg/HU0HyHtn-V4/s1600/IMG_1059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pHYhkNx4sPY/TxPiztHwZjI/AAAAAAAABBg/HU0HyHtn-V4/s320/IMG_1059.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Lunch/Dinner/After Workout</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Leftover Carrot Soup from last post. Topped with daiya cheese and filled with kale. :) </div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5_IPhv3FVRI/TxPjKznIiUI/AAAAAAAABCA/YkOkTfCTmas/s1600/IMG_1069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5_IPhv3FVRI/TxPjKznIiUI/AAAAAAAABCA/YkOkTfCTmas/s320/IMG_1069.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Breakfast</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Cacao Protein Shake</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Strawberries, Pineapple, Mango,Cacao Powder, Amazing Grass Orange Dreamsicle, Almond Milk, Water)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o1ajhVj5pn0/TxPjRCTSn6I/AAAAAAAABCI/jgIOQ_7FEOA/s1600/IMG_1070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o1ajhVj5pn0/TxPjRCTSn6I/AAAAAAAABCI/jgIOQ_7FEOA/s320/IMG_1070.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Lunch</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Tempeh Tacos in organic hard shell and sprouted soft shell</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x_dYCMDjNzo/TxPjXO6YhlI/AAAAAAAABCQ/p2ZuyPacw6g/s1600/IMG_1072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x_dYCMDjNzo/TxPjXO6YhlI/AAAAAAAABCQ/p2ZuyPacw6g/s320/IMG_1072.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yZPQ_CN09mE/TxPjeIp_C-I/AAAAAAAABCY/Xjgg1rLyJ6w/s1600/IMG_1073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yZPQ_CN09mE/TxPjeIp_C-I/AAAAAAAABCY/Xjgg1rLyJ6w/s320/IMG_1073.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Dinner</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Potato soup from scratch (Before roasted)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Recipe Below!</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IX8xsyEdVFU/TxPjlsWb9UI/AAAAAAAABCg/vPAamCStCbg/s1600/IMG_1074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IX8xsyEdVFU/TxPjlsWb9UI/AAAAAAAABCg/vPAamCStCbg/s320/IMG_1074.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Roasting with almond milk</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Note the brown coloring for recipe below! </i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GAe6blWLoNY/TxPjsxNcVzI/AAAAAAAABCo/7Wl_8BtCC5U/s1600/IMG_1078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GAe6blWLoNY/TxPjsxNcVzI/AAAAAAAABCo/7Wl_8BtCC5U/s320/IMG_1078.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FjUFPkhPI_U/TxPjzR5ZxlI/AAAAAAAABCw/MtqR02vgY3M/s1600/IMG_1079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FjUFPkhPI_U/TxPjzR5ZxlI/AAAAAAAABCw/MtqR02vgY3M/s320/IMG_1079.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o5RLFDCZYf8/TxPj6owZ4dI/AAAAAAAABC4/Z5GRWuJkmsE/s1600/IMG_1080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o5RLFDCZYf8/TxPj6owZ4dI/AAAAAAAABC4/Z5GRWuJkmsE/s320/IMG_1080.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HhRZsQjxbw4/TxPkAU3Xt1I/AAAAAAAABDA/7iAfxvLHQkM/s1600/IMG_1082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HhRZsQjxbw4/TxPkAU3Xt1I/AAAAAAAABDA/7iAfxvLHQkM/s320/IMG_1082.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Dinner</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I wasn't that hungry so I had a half cup with no toppings.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-821tLzaIT3o/TxPkE8pdSeI/AAAAAAAABDI/K9Es734ezEo/s1600/IMG_1083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-821tLzaIT3o/TxPkE8pdSeI/AAAAAAAABDI/K9Es734ezEo/s320/IMG_1083.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Dessert</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But I was craving ice cream...</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DU2CIBmMGpE/TxPkLT1s7QI/AAAAAAAABDQ/jP7J6AFg6W4/s1600/IMG_1084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DU2CIBmMGpE/TxPkLT1s7QI/AAAAAAAABDQ/jP7J6AFg6W4/s320/IMG_1084.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I had a bit more than a half cup of Chocolate Chip Cherry Soy Ice Cream (Trader Joe's Brand)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I placed the 1/2 cup measuring spoon near to show you exactly how much it was. :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Potato Soup Ingredients</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>Level: Easy</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>Prep Time: 5 minutes</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>Cook Time: 20 minutes</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>Total Time: 25 minutes</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><b>3 cups finger potatoes (the baby yellow ones)</b></li>
<li><b>1/4 cup chopped green onions</b></li>
<li><b>4 cloves garlic</b></li>
<li><b>2 cups vegetable broth </b></li>
<li><b>1/2 cup almond milk </b></li>
<li><b>12 oz/1 box silken tofu </b></li>
<li><b>Few tablespoons Earth Balance,Whipped</b></li>
<li><b>Your favorite spices (I used Onion, black pepper, cayenne, paprika, salt, sugar, sage) </b></li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>Chop veggies in Vitamix. If you don't have one, finely chop them all by hand. </li>
<li>Roast veggies in pan with earth balance and spices until soft and browned. Half way through, about 7 minutes, toss in the almond milk. This will help them soften up more quickly. </li>
<li>As veggies soften and gather all their flavors, make a pot of vegetable broth. I used two cups water and two vegan vegetable broth cubes. You can also use a boxed broth, but I suggest a fresh one for better flavor.</li>
<li>Throw the broth and tofu into the blender. Taste your veggies to make sure they taste amazing and soft, and then throw them in the blender too. </li>
<li>Put your Vitamix on HIGH and blend until creamy! (About 2 minutes) </li>
</ol>
<b><i> Serving size 1 cup </i></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r70VCyWkO5o/TxPq3Ol92KI/AAAAAAAABDY/sQjvtIjNA9M/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-01-16+at+1.15.49+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r70VCyWkO5o/TxPq3Ol92KI/AAAAAAAABDY/sQjvtIjNA9M/s320/Screen+shot+2012-01-16+at+1.15.49+AM.png" width="263" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Tempeh Tacos</b></div>
<div>
<i>Level: Super Easy</i></div>
<div>
<i>Prep Time: 5 minutes</i></div>
<div>
<i>Cook Time: 7 minutes</i></div>
<div>
<i>Total Time: 12 minutes</i></div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><b>1/2 package tempeh (4 oz) </b></li>
<li><b>2 stalks green onions </b></li>
<li><b>2 Tbsp Earth Balance</b></li>
<li><b>Pico De Gallo </b></li>
<li><b>Pepperoncinis </b></li>
<li><b>1/2 Avocado </b></li>
<li><b>Organic Corn Shells (Trader Joes)</b></li>
<li><b>1/2 Cup Daiya cheese (or however much you want)</b></li>
<li><b>Spice Blend: Chili powder, onion powder, garlic-pepper, salt, cayenne </b></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>Heat skillet with Earth Balance. </li>
<li>Crumble tempeh into pan. </li>
<li>Add spice blend and cook until browned and crispy. (About 5-7 minutes)</li>
<li>Heat up soft taco shells if you like those, or place hard taco shells on a plate. </li>
<li>Fill with hot tempeh and top with whatever you like. The onions, salsa, peppers, cheese, and avocado are what I used. </li>
</ol>
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8MJ8HOLGO2c/TxPvp4gAP4I/AAAAAAAABDg/ks3iKEae2YM/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-01-16+at+1.36.07+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8MJ8HOLGO2c/TxPvp4gAP4I/AAAAAAAABDg/ks3iKEae2YM/s320/Screen+shot+2012-01-16+at+1.36.07+AM.png" width="262" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
These are a bit more calories than I thought...but totally worth it! Tempeh has a lot of fat and protein, but it is all from vegetables so it is the "good fats" you hear about. Enjoy! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://www.livestrong.com/recipes/cacao-workout-shake/">Cacao Shake</a> Recipe (Chocolate Pre-workout shake) </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WE4Qi8y0zGw/TxP0hWQ9ECI/AAAAAAAABDo/-Hf6xALxfdc/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-01-16+at+1.56.15+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WE4Qi8y0zGw/TxP0hWQ9ECI/AAAAAAAABDo/-Hf6xALxfdc/s320/Screen+shot+2012-01-16+at+1.56.15+AM.png" width="261" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I got the nutrition labels by creating recipes on Livestrong.com </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Instead of posting the entire shake recipe here, I linked you to the website to show you how it's done. I LOVE it! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>Thanks for checking out my series!</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>Nixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382066304502542030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9064242605314243111.post-65358750440834714662012-01-12T19:44:00.000-08:002012-01-22T22:29:12.468-08:00What Do Vegans Eat, Chapter 2<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L8WeRbP7eg4/Tw-fdRsUKZI/AAAAAAAAA-g/RTmwXIoaBAY/s1600/IMG_1021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L8WeRbP7eg4/Tw-fdRsUKZI/AAAAAAAAA-g/RTmwXIoaBAY/s320/IMG_1021.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0bwd249vUbs/Tw-fij5VDGI/AAAAAAAAA-o/spQ63lmBVf8/s1600/IMG_1022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0bwd249vUbs/Tw-fij5VDGI/AAAAAAAAA-o/spQ63lmBVf8/s320/IMG_1022.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0EMTlcSafyQ/Tw-foW7IAjI/AAAAAAAAA-w/vuCiemAwyDg/s1600/IMG_1025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0EMTlcSafyQ/Tw-foW7IAjI/AAAAAAAAA-w/vuCiemAwyDg/s320/IMG_1025.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Dinner: Trader Joe's Veggie Gyoza, Sprouted corn quesadilla with Daiya and Green Onions</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-doRhotG71c4/Tw-ft9fg-nI/AAAAAAAAA-4/Jw_DosLiLrw/s1600/IMG_1026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-doRhotG71c4/Tw-ft9fg-nI/AAAAAAAAA-4/Jw_DosLiLrw/s320/IMG_1026.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Dessert: Coconut milk, strawberries, mangos blended with chocolate chips on top</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gFsAlLPfn3A/Tw-fzCGPArI/AAAAAAAAA_A/Sqpz8UV5Iac/s1600/IMG_1030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gFsAlLPfn3A/Tw-fzCGPArI/AAAAAAAAA_A/Sqpz8UV5Iac/s320/IMG_1030.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Breakfast/Pre-workout: Berry Slim Juvo, Strawberries, Mango, Pineapple, Ice, and Almond milk</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6XNKaHXtYP4/Tw-f-gsTP9I/AAAAAAAAA_Q/QjOh5ITj9Oo/s1600/IMG_1032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6XNKaHXtYP4/Tw-f-gsTP9I/AAAAAAAAA_Q/QjOh5ITj9Oo/s320/IMG_1032.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6XNKaHXtYP4/Tw-f-gsTP9I/AAAAAAAAA_Q/QjOh5ITj9Oo/s1600/IMG_1032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AeyWasuNcY4/Tw-f5eyjhAI/AAAAAAAAA_I/wF6LA-MwiTI/s1600/IMG_1031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AeyWasuNcY4/Tw-f5eyjhAI/AAAAAAAAA_I/wF6LA-MwiTI/s320/IMG_1031.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Breakfast/Pre-workout: A serving of orange flavored Amazing Grass, with tons of good stuff in it!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6TEsoCRY_hQ/Tw-hQagPeAI/AAAAAAAAA_Y/ntd-xae6Ioc/s1600/IMG_1033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6TEsoCRY_hQ/Tw-hQagPeAI/AAAAAAAAA_Y/ntd-xae6Ioc/s320/IMG_1033.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Lunch/Dinner: Tempeh Tacos on Sprouted corn tortilla</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WWzmKhznWYQ/Tw-hW6Juf3I/AAAAAAAAA_g/z7seHTxnqZI/s1600/IMG_1036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WWzmKhznWYQ/Tw-hW6Juf3I/AAAAAAAAA_g/z7seHTxnqZI/s320/IMG_1036.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Green Onion Carrot Soup</div>
I was craving carrot soup and knew my Vitamix would make things easy, so I decided to make it today for brunch.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jq8rwtHPKPo/Tw-hejTVu5I/AAAAAAAAA_o/FQd2VRHwF78/s1600/IMG_1039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jq8rwtHPKPo/Tw-hejTVu5I/AAAAAAAAA_o/FQd2VRHwF78/s320/IMG_1039.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Chop</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iD9wS-8Bhao/Tw-hmd453qI/AAAAAAAAA_w/8tauMbSGr54/s1600/IMG_1042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iD9wS-8Bhao/Tw-hmd453qI/AAAAAAAAA_w/8tauMbSGr54/s320/IMG_1042.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Saute</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r3uhX-Mujpw/Tw-hsp9XmUI/AAAAAAAAA_4/GhXR8_GN-YU/s1600/IMG_1044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r3uhX-Mujpw/Tw-hsp9XmUI/AAAAAAAAA_4/GhXR8_GN-YU/s320/IMG_1044.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Make a broth</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pr3tb0sz7AE/Tw-h0Ji9t_I/AAAAAAAABAA/UU1zEQtJWw8/s1600/IMG_1045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pr3tb0sz7AE/Tw-h0Ji9t_I/AAAAAAAABAA/UU1zEQtJWw8/s320/IMG_1045.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Add in silken tofu and spice</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ovS7A3kS4SU/Tw-h7jLiUrI/AAAAAAAABAI/pxqMZbwUbVo/s1600/IMG_1046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ovS7A3kS4SU/Tw-h7jLiUrI/AAAAAAAABAI/pxqMZbwUbVo/s320/IMG_1046.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Blend veggies, broth, and spices </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tx2V2sE_zeo/Tw-iCtS8xoI/AAAAAAAABAQ/BupZenxdSQU/s1600/IMG_1047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tx2V2sE_zeo/Tw-iCtS8xoI/AAAAAAAABAQ/BupZenxdSQU/s320/IMG_1047.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GrUYh1vTWWA/Tw-iJBq79PI/AAAAAAAABAY/lkzZPRjHXCw/s1600/IMG_1048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GrUYh1vTWWA/Tw-iJBq79PI/AAAAAAAABAY/lkzZPRjHXCw/s320/IMG_1048.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ift55JsXoNM/Tw-iQXcRUjI/AAAAAAAABAg/xO5-H81GRKw/s1600/IMG_1049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ift55JsXoNM/Tw-iQXcRUjI/AAAAAAAABAg/xO5-H81GRKw/s320/IMG_1049.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1LAabbBcvQY/Tw-iXE3BjdI/AAAAAAAABAo/dtZfYzD69gU/s1600/IMG_1051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1LAabbBcvQY/Tw-iXE3BjdI/AAAAAAAABAo/dtZfYzD69gU/s320/IMG_1051.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Top with Kale </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Enjoy with crackers and Earth Balance!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qyEEsI-B6B0/Tw-i2NeaDzI/AAAAAAAABBQ/aCr4DZzQMFY/s1600/IMG_1058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qyEEsI-B6B0/Tw-i2NeaDzI/AAAAAAAABBQ/aCr4DZzQMFY/s320/IMG_1058.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(Almost)Fat-Free Single-Serving CUPcake </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Carrot Soup Ingredients</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Half bag of baby Carrots</li>
<li>2 Green onion stalks</li>
<li>4 cloves garlic</li>
<li>1/3 cup silken tofu </li>
<li>2 cups veggie broth </li>
<li>1/2 tsp salt</li>
<li>1/2 tsp pepper</li>
</ul>
Single Serving Cake Ingredients<br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have to give credit to Vegan <a href="http://www.vegan-heartland.com/2011/12/5-minute-vanilla-cake.html">Heartland</a> for making up this recipe, but I changed it up today to fit my tastes and diet. :) </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.5em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 2.5em; padding-right: 2.5em; padding-top: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">6 tbsp all purpose flour</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">2 tbsp sugar</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1/4 tsp baking powder</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">4 tbsp apple sauce</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">3 tbsp non-dairy milk (I used unsweetened almond milk)</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1/2 tsp vanilla extract</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Half handful of chocolate chips (about 10, leave these out if you want to keep it fat-free)</li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 15px;">Mix everything in a coffee mug and microwave for 3 minutes. </span></span><br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 15px;"><br />I love frosting on my cake and, well, can't really eat it without it so I made this: </span></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.5em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 2.5em; padding-right: 2.5em; padding-top: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1 tbsp Whipped Earth Balance Spread </li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">3 tbsp powdered sugar</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1/8 tsp vanilla </li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 15px;"></span></span><br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 15px;">
If you don't want it to melt on your cake like you see above, wait for it to cool. If you're like me and want it NOW, then dollop it on and dig in. Beware though! It will burn your tongue if you don't blow on it! </span></span><br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 15px;">So what do vegans eat? This is my diet for the past two days. Easy, healthy, meals. I forgot to throw in a Luna Bar I had while out shopping yesterday, so count that in too. Taking pictures of my food not only documents what I'm eating, but shows other people that vegans eat yummy stuff too</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 15px;">.</span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 15px;">As you can see above, I don't really eat Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. More like a brunch, linner, and dessert...or a pre-workout shake and a meal later. Today I had the carrot soup, crackers, and cake. I may snack on some sugar snap peas later, but that will be the end of my meals today. Hope you are enjoying this as much as I am! </span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
Edit: Jan.22.2012: I made the mug cake again today. I used a half packet of stevia instead of the sugar, 2 Tbsp apple sauce, and a 1/4 of a banana. I sprinkled 1 Tbsp of chocolate chips on top after it was done and put the frosting on top of that. So yummy! Chocolate-banana flavor mmm! </div>Nixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382066304502542030noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9064242605314243111.post-91048962440816313252012-01-10T17:48:00.000-08:002012-01-10T17:48:53.315-08:00What Do You Eat?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
When I tell a friend or family member that I am vegan I usually get the question, "What do you eat then?" It amazes me how little the general population knows about food and exactly how much of it is in fact vegan. I say I eat everything the earth makes, everything grown from the ground. All the un-boxed, unprocessed, fresh produce, whole grains, nut milks and cheeses; some special products like Daiya cheese and Gardein meats, if I'm ever in the mood. Most don't understand this and will ask things like, so do you eat bread? Do you eat peanut butter? What do you have for dinner.<br />
<br />
These questions have inspired me to take photos of my daily meals and drinks/shakes to show exactly what a vegan noshes on. This will be a series of unprofessional, non-set up meals that I eat everyday. So don't mind the pictures, as they will not be food-styled, correct lighting, or edited. Just straight up, the answer to your question of, "What do you eat?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L2vDhCW17gs/Twznv3WssCI/AAAAAAAAA8g/0akjmklz7t8/s1600/IMG_1020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L2vDhCW17gs/Twznv3WssCI/AAAAAAAAA8g/0akjmklz7t8/s320/IMG_1020.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Quinoa- Whole Wheat Apple Cinnamon Pancakes</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Etjk1kJWZ90/Twzn2xJqLaI/AAAAAAAAA8o/5YRxJWVy45U/s1600/IMG_1019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Etjk1kJWZ90/Twzn2xJqLaI/AAAAAAAAA8o/5YRxJWVy45U/s320/IMG_1019.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Maple Drizzled Tempeh (Tastes like bacon bits!) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RFGcIww9P3g/TwzorCuSozI/AAAAAAAAA9o/0MY_gz0rUJU/s1600/IMG_1006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RFGcIww9P3g/TwzorCuSozI/AAAAAAAAA9o/0MY_gz0rUJU/s320/IMG_1006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Frozen banana, mango, pineapple, strawberries + Can of coconut milk =</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T7vituC1bdk/Twzoi646STI/AAAAAAAAA9g/4cdD8Y2Vq7M/s1600/IMG_1007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T7vituC1bdk/Twzoi646STI/AAAAAAAAA9g/4cdD8Y2Vq7M/s320/IMG_1007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HJukttXf4S8/Twzn90xtQ6I/AAAAAAAAA8w/YBXZFI1hL_s/s1600/IMG_1018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HJukttXf4S8/Twzn90xtQ6I/AAAAAAAAA8w/YBXZFI1hL_s/s320/IMG_1018.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Good enough for breakfast, Sweet enough for dessert</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F6zjBb_Tw5w/TwzoEZh3H8I/AAAAAAAAA84/pkSqLNMWjWE/s1600/IMG_1014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F6zjBb_Tw5w/TwzoEZh3H8I/AAAAAAAAA84/pkSqLNMWjWE/s320/IMG_1014.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NERa_iKX0fA/TwzoKlZiIhI/AAAAAAAAA9A/0VqTCaL0d4Q/s1600/IMG_1011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NERa_iKX0fA/TwzoKlZiIhI/AAAAAAAAA9A/0VqTCaL0d4Q/s320/IMG_1011.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Silken tofu, Kale, Green Onions, Daiya Cheddar= Scrambled Cheezy "Eggs"</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jqHT-7z41CY/TwzoRepdNNI/AAAAAAAAA9I/EFL_yUoEk8g/s1600/IMG_1010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jqHT-7z41CY/TwzoRepdNNI/AAAAAAAAA9I/EFL_yUoEk8g/s320/IMG_1010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QmKYaaXfTVo/TwzodlXvq_I/AAAAAAAAA9Y/4puc9W6f_Zc/s1600/IMG_1008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QmKYaaXfTVo/TwzodlXvq_I/AAAAAAAAA9Y/4puc9W6f_Zc/s320/IMG_1008.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jrxnC2ZMWX8/TwzoylKjT5I/AAAAAAAAA9w/2Xw4IXvi5zY/s1600/IMG_1004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jrxnC2ZMWX8/TwzoylKjT5I/AAAAAAAAA9w/2Xw4IXvi5zY/s320/IMG_1004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Yellow Miso, Silken Tofu, Green Onions, Soy Wrap</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w3eUFE0YlOQ/Twzo5g0_FhI/AAAAAAAAA94/4coYtmlVKno/s1600/IMG_1003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w3eUFE0YlOQ/Twzo5g0_FhI/AAAAAAAAA94/4coYtmlVKno/s320/IMG_1003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dRm1g4FzDcY/Twzo_-o5fPI/AAAAAAAAA-A/QzFPJgyz36M/s1600/IMG_1002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dRm1g4FzDcY/Twzo_-o5fPI/AAAAAAAAA-A/QzFPJgyz36M/s320/IMG_1002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s_4lrTHgNZk/TwzpFpIcccI/AAAAAAAAA-I/urf0HrfGPrM/s1600/IMG_1001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s_4lrTHgNZk/TwzpFpIcccI/AAAAAAAAA-I/urf0HrfGPrM/s320/IMG_1001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It was so good for breakfast, I made more for dinner!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tOBRNXrfrtg/TwzpL7QJZeI/AAAAAAAAA-Q/0PVGh4KlYpA/s1600/IMG_1000.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tOBRNXrfrtg/TwzpL7QJZeI/AAAAAAAAA-Q/0PVGh4KlYpA/s320/IMG_1000.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6Vnd5cCv4Hw/TwzpTOQ70JI/AAAAAAAAA-Y/i-RPA6BZkS4/s1600/IMG_0999.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6Vnd5cCv4Hw/TwzpTOQ70JI/AAAAAAAAA-Y/i-RPA6BZkS4/s320/IMG_0999.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span id="goog_1177497225"></span><span id="goog_1177497226"></span></div>Nixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382066304502542030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9064242605314243111.post-27071999370523241652012-01-03T14:14:00.000-08:002012-01-03T14:14:18.514-08:00Pre-Workout Shakes<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I know that eating "real food" is way better for you than shakes, but before and after workouts are an excuse to Vitamix it up. When I wake up, I want to workout as soon as I can, to then shower and get on with my day. So instead of cooking french toast, enjoying a hot bowl of miso, or toasting some whole grain waffles, I throw a bunch of stuff in my Vitamix and get going.<br />
<br />
Todays shake includes:<br />
4 Tbsp Vanilla Hemp Protein<br />
1 Scoop <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003O1I0WC/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=nix2n-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003O1I0WC%22%3EJuvo%20Inc.%20-%20Slim%20Natural%20Raw%20Meal%20Whole%20Food%20-%2021.2%20oz.%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=nix2n-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B003O1I0WC%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E">Juvo</a> Slim (Raw whole foods shake)<br />
1 Scoop Amazing Grass Orange Dreamsicle <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004TJD6MC/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=nix2n-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004TJD6MC%22%3EAmazing%20Grass%20Orange%20Dreamsicle%20Green%20SuperFood%20-%2030%20Servings,%208.5-Ounce%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=nix2n-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B004TJD6MC%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E">Greens</a><br />
1 Banana<br />
1/2 cup frozen pineapple tidbits<br />
1 cup almond milk, soaked with <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvia_hispanica#Nutrient_content_and_potential_health_benefits">chia </a>seeds<br />
Water, enough to make it drinkable and not scoopable<br />
<br />
This makes about 3 cups total.<br />
<br />
I have one before the workout and the rest after. Since I'm drinking the nutrients and not chewing them, they are delivered to my body faster as I exercise. And I don't get side cramps from eating and then working out, or as most people know the rule "Wait 30 minutes after you eat to swim." It works for any exercise.<br />
<br />
The contents of my shakes daily will always have:<br />
1 part Juvo-carbs for cardio<br />
1 part protein-for strength training<br />
1 part amazing grass-for high energy<br />
1 part milk<br />
1 part water<br />
1 part juice or fruit-more carbs for cardio and flavor<br />
<br />
I used to think that people who drank protein shakes were gym rats and all those stereotypes that you think of when you say protein shake. But after I started drinking them for this past week, I remembered how I got so fit before. I would drink this Green Drink by Paradise Greens (It's not as tasty as what I have above) and use it to replace 1-2 meals a day. Add an hour of P90x to that, and you'll lose fat faster than you can count while building muscle.<br />
<br />
Last year I only did P90x and then Insanity. Now I am combining them into a hybrid workout. P90x is mostly strength training videos at a slower pace. It's weights, reps, and a little bit of kickboxing. Insanity is an intense cardiovascular program that shapes up your heart and body by slimming it down and burning tons of calories. When paired together, every part of your body is being challenged, from your heart to your toes. (Talk about X Yoga! That is hard work!)<br />
<br />
So I'm building muscles with P90x, and losing lots of calories and fats with Insanity. If I'm brave enough I'll post a picture sometime of my results. Feel free to comment with any questions below!<br />
<br /></div>Nixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382066304502542030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9064242605314243111.post-37607176996025834622012-01-03T03:11:00.000-08:002012-01-03T03:14:15.185-08:00Miso Yummy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4XwWmA-m2i0/TwLap1r8tmI/AAAAAAAAA8Y/GUYzBRjSzCA/s1600/miso.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4XwWmA-m2i0/TwLap1r8tmI/AAAAAAAAA8Y/GUYzBRjSzCA/s1600/miso.jpg" /></a></div>
Classic Comfort. A warm bowl of soup on a cold wintery day always hits the spot. Or even on a sunny day, it still hits the spot. Miso soup is not only yummy, it is great for you. It's loaded with health <a href="http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=114">benefits</a>, low in calories, and can replace butter in certain recipes. I topped my brown rice with some miso paste the other day and was in heaven. It has this creamy feeling in your mouth like butter, but is low in fat and full of flavor.<br />
<br />
I was craving miso soup the other week and bought a tub of mellow-yellow miso paste. (It's the flavor you get at most sushi places; AKA my favorite.) Ever since I bought it, I've had miso every day. My saying of late has been, "A bowl of miso a day keeps the doctor away." When you read the link of benefits I gave up above, you will agree.<br />
<br />
<b>Why Blog It?</b><br />
I wanted to blog about miso soup because it is incredibly easy and quick to make, fills me up, and tastes delicious. I thought others could benefit by knowing it is amazing <i>anytime</i> of the day, breakfast, lunch, and dinner. If you're trying to lose weight, definitely pick up a daily habit of a bowl of miso. Replace a meal with it to cut down total daily calories. Since it is soup (water) you will feel full and the miso paste satisfies your salty-fatty cravings.<br />
<br />
<b>Versatile</b><br />
You can put anything you want into it! I put firm tofu because I like the bite, but most recipes call for soft/silken tofu. I put whatever veggies I have on hand in it, but keep it simple by only choosing one. Right now in my fridge, I have leftover miso soup of white onions, garbanzo beans, and firm tofu.<br />
I like it with thinly sliced zucchini, green onions, and my soy nori sheets. I may spice it up with some dried fenugreek or any other herb I'm in the mood for. Best of all recipes is just miso paste, nori, and green onions. Simple is always best.<br />
<br />
Pair miso soup with brown rice, a half sandwich, or a side of steamed veggies. Yum!<br />
<br />
<b>Things I've Paired Up With Miso Soup</b><br />
Daiya Cheese Pita- I used my George Foreman to heat a 90calorie pita up, put some cheese and avocado in the middle, sandwiched it in half, and closed the grill. Five minutes later I have a delicious sandwich to go with my soup. I dipped it in smoked chipotle hot sauce.<br />
<br />
Brown Rice Pilaf- Simply steam some brown rice, add minced carrots and peas, and top with a teaspoon of miso.<br />
<br />
<b>Other Things To Try With Miso </b><br />
Miso Sandwich- Top toast, pita, or tortilla with miso and tahini. (Saw this on Whfoods.com) I'm trying this tomorrow!<br />
<br />
Miso Dressing- Add miso, rice vinegar, olive oil, and spices to make a salad dressing.<br />
<br />
Miso Dip- Combine with your favorite vegan cream cheese for a tasty cracker dip.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>Nixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382066304502542030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9064242605314243111.post-60460858394791318252011-12-31T03:25:00.000-08:002012-01-02T00:41:46.895-08:00Happy New Years!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jFi-nFHTD9E/Tv7xDEdsIoI/AAAAAAAAA8M/VoDUpZ8ZYsY/s1600/Happy+New+Year+2012+%252828%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jFi-nFHTD9E/Tv7xDEdsIoI/AAAAAAAAA8M/VoDUpZ8ZYsY/s320/Happy+New+Year+2012+%252828%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
It's been a great year. As most do on the last day, I'm going to make a couple lists to review the past year. I may cheat a little bit and you'll see why, but I'm going back to the end of December 2010 and wrapping up to now, December 2011. Here we go!<br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Dec.2010- I had the most amazing encounter with the love of my life, and fell deeply head over heels for him...after being friends for months.</li>
<li>Jan. 2011- I decided to start opening my mind to new things and started having less anxiety. </li>
<li>Mar. 2011- I turned 21. </li>
<li>Apr. 2011- I started two internships that gave me a keen insight into a 9-5 kind of job. </li>
<li>June 2011- I graduated UC Irvine with a bachelors degree in psychology and social behavior.</li>
<li>July 2011- I started this blog and my search for my true passion. </li>
<li>August 2011-I visited NY and NH, for a wonderfully fun summer trip. I saw my first broadway show, thanks to my amazing b.f. who gave me tickets for my graduation gift. <span style="color: #38761d;">Wicked was amazing!!! </span>I experienced my first hurricane, which was both exciting and scary as heck. The aftermath was the coolest part to see, yet sad for the shop owners and basements. </li>
<li>Sept. 2011- I got really into cooking and working out and that's about all I did for this whole month. It helped me get closer to myself and my passions.</li>
<li>October. 2011- This still feels like yesterday. Seriously? It's already the end of the year? Once Halloween passes (aka Mr.Organnix's bday) everything<i> flies</i> by. We had a great time at the Ritz Carlton and dressing up for the bar, which happened to be way emptier than we thought it would. It was a party for two and lots of fun. I also loved searching for the best gifts for my love. :) </li>
<li>Nov. 2011- Thanksgiving was nice to see my family and show them I actually knew a thing or two about cooking, all from experience of course. I've never taken a class (even though one time during this year I thought I was going to do that very thing and go to a whole school in NYC for it. i.e. Natural Gourmet Institute, but I changed my mind as I learned more about my passions.) </li>
<li>Dec. 2011- I've celebrated my one year in LOVE with the Mr. <3 And...have <u>decided on my true passion!</u> This is HUGE for me. </li>
</ul>
I searched my soul since graduation, dwindling away in the kitchen, exercising to Insanity, and checking out different graduate programs, until FINALLY I found out what I was meant to do. And I kept saying this all year, which was quite frustrating to Mr.Organnix. Thanks so much for supporting me throughout all my crazy "aha" moments, which only lasted two weeks long. Finally, I've got it. I'm committed to it. And I'm loving every minute of it. I'm 4 weeks in and still excited- so far so good! Read on for all my exciting plans for the new year! Here I come baby!<br />
<br />
<div>
What is it you ask? Cooking? Yes. Exercising? Yes. Vegan food? Yes. Psychology? Yes. Yes. Yes! I am combining everything I love and am talented at (or so I have been told) and making it my career. I've been studying for my Certified Personal Training certificate since December 1st, which will be accompanied by a Fitness Nutrition Specialist certificate. I have five more months to complete my studying, take the test, and start a job at a health club. But that's not all.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I love health. I'm obsessed with every aspect of it. The mind and body are connected as one, and I believe, no wait, I <i>know </i>I can help people live a healthier, happier life through my services. We will talk out mental barriers, work through them with cooking and exercise, and even have fun shopping the outskirts of grocery stores. Have you ever watched Biggest Loser and thought, "I wish I could be that trainer?" Well, I have. But I want to be completely involved in someones life. My service doesn't stop at the free weights, it goes deep, where most people need help. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
When someone is unhealthy, it's not just that they don't have time or motivation to go to the gym. There <i>are</i> other barriers out there and I'm preparing myself now to help break those walls down, and create happier lives for many people. When asked, "What do you want to do when you grow up?" My answer has always been, "Help people be happier and healthier." Now I can do that, and I'm stoked. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So out of all the months this year, December has been the biggest bench mark. I've celebrated my one year in love with the Mr. and have decided on my true passion. I'm super happy right now in life and things are only looking up. It will be a battle to start getting my own clients, but I know they will see my passion and join right in with me. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Happy New Years Everyone! </b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Ps: If you haven't noticed, this isn't just a recipe blog. You will see more fitness, health, and psychology related posts this year. I want it to be as well-rounded as my soon-to-be career. I hope you stick around for the fun! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>Nixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382066304502542030noreply@blogger.com1