10 Little Things We Forget to Take Time For

We’ve all been there. We get so busy that we tend to forget the really little things in life, the things that if we took a little time to do, we’d be much happier…or healthier. So, I put together a little list to remind you of the things you may want to remind yourself to live a more peaceful, wholesome life.

1. Take Your Vitamins. Even though they don’t taste like grape and resemble Flinstone characters anymore, they are still super important to our health and all it takes is a few seconds to gulp one down. Try One a Day Women’s, which has calcium for bone strength and loads of Vitamin D. 
2. Say “I Love You” at least once a day to someone, whether that be your mom, your boyfriend or even your best friend.
3. Say “thank you” when someone compliments you once in a while, rather than brushing them off. C’mon, sometime it feels good to get a little confidence boost, so eat it up for once! You deserve it.
4. Turn off your phone, computer, Blackberry, ipod, or whatever piece of technology you have with you 24/7. Even just turning it off for a … Read More!

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Guilt-Free Tuna Melt

Here’s a recipe I made up that was posted a couple months ago in my “Healthy Chicks” blog. But, I just love it that much that I simply had to post it again here…enjoy! This tuna melt is no sinful indulgence. Rather, it’s guilt-free and yummy. What more could you ask for?

-1 small can tuna
-1 TB olive oil
-Oregano(or herb of choice) to taste
-Dill to taste
-dash of salt and pepper
-1/2 apple (chopped)
-5-10 raisins
-1 piece Ezekiel bread (or whole wheat if you like) *I like Ezekiel because it’s gluten free/wheat free and organic
-1 piece soy cheese (cheddar/jack/mozzarella, etc)
-few pieces arugula or spinach to top
1. Toast the bread with slice of cheese
2. In the meanwhile, mix together the other ingredients well
3. Spread the tuna on the bread and top with arugula
4. Eat the extras as a delicious side!
Mmmm : )



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Superfood of the Week: Almonds


Why They are Good for You:
  • Helps lower chance of developing Osteoporosis
  • Helps with bone growth 
  • Contains calcium (Hey, maybe we don’t need THAT much milk after all…), protein, potassium, and iron 
  • Perfect fill me-up snack to tide you over for a few hours 
What They Taste Great In:
  • Sprinkle slivered almonds on your favorite yogurt for an extra crunch!
  • Add a few to your oatmeal or cereal in the morning for the perfect protein-enhanced breakfast.
  • Make your own trail mix with almonds, dried fruit and dark chocolate chips or try my “Delightful Trail Mix” recipe.
  • Add sliced almonds to rice, quinoa or other hot pasta dishes.
      

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Weird Body Quirks: Why does the size on the tag matter so much?

           A few weeks ago, a friend of mine came home from a long day at the mall.  Excited to hear about her new buys, I asked in anticipation what clothing items she had bought, only to find myself shocked by her answer. “I didn’t buy anything,” she replied. “WHAT?! Nothing? Not even one dress? One shirt? WHY?” I asked, confused. (Yes, I admit when I go to the mall I come home with 5 bags but that’s besides the point.)  “’Cause nothing fit me in my size,” she responded. “And there is no way I was buying clothes in the next size up!”

            After that day, I really started thinking about size and how today’s society today defines everything by size. It’s as if size defines the person, or brands them in a way. There are the tiny size “0” model-like types, the petites, the “average size 8s” and the “plus-size” crew.

It’s funny how that tiny little number on the tag holds such a great amount of meaning to some people. After all, it’s a measly strip of nylon! And, yes, I’ll admit that I myself have been a culprit of this ridiculous thinking. I once refused to buy Read More!

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6 Ways to Slim Up Your Summer Salad


      Salads don’t always have to be a boring “diet food” with just iceberg lettuce, a tomato and a few cucumber slices thrown onto a plate. However, on the other hand, some salads (especially at popular chain restaurants) can pack on thousands of calories. But don’t fear: here are some tips to keep you salad delicious and healthy at the same time.

1.    Make Your Own Dressing:

Instead of pouring on fatty store-bought ranch dressing, try making your own dressing using an olive oil base.  

Whisk the oil with your favorite all natural 100% juice, like pear, pineapple, or raspberry to create a thick, delicious salad dressing in minutes. If you’re not a fan of the fruity flavors, simply top your salad with olive oil, lemon and a dash of salt and pepper.

2.    Pack on the Nuts

Ditch the fattening croutons for a variety of nutritious nuts. Nuts are packed with good fats and are a great source of Omega 3’s, which contribute to heart health and overall nutrition.

Be creative with your choice of nuts, changing it up from pine nuts, slivered almonds and chopped walnuts. They’ll add an extra crunch to your salad, and you won’t even miss … Read More!

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Mind Over Matter: How Your Mind Can Affect Your Body


             I used to be one of those people who, like many others, were obsessed with losing weight. My mind was consumed with thoughts of looking “perfect” and fitting into that dress hanging in my closet that I hadn’t worn in five years.

 I’d let my compulsive, negative thoughts take over and get to me so much that I’d weigh myself three, four, or sometimes even five times a day. My behavior was crazy. It was unhealthy.

 That’s when I recently realized that being healthy doesn’t have to be so stressful and difficult to achieve. Sustaining a healthy body shouldn’t feel like a never-ending, horrifying chore. It shouldn’t feel like work… it should feel good, shouldn’t it?

That’s when it hit me. So I made a vow to myself to try to stop all those “bad” thoughts and habits, and began treating my body a little more nicely, a little more positively. And that’s exactly when I finally started seeing some real results that I-and all of you-deserve.

Here are 4 simple steps to help you use the power of your mind to get the body (and positive body image) you’ve always dreamed of!

1.   Reward Yourself:

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Melt in Your Mouth Banana Nut Muffins

I made up this recipe this evening, since I had a sweet tooth but didn’t want anything too heavy. Bake this seemingly sinful (but oh-so not) dessert whenever you need a little comfort food. These melt in your mouth muffins are perfect for any time–and the ingredients are simple and light.


Recipe:
-1 cup corn flour* (or whole wheat flower) *I use corn because I’m sensitive to wheat
-3 ripe bananas (small to medium size)
-1 tsp. baking soda
-1/4 cup soy milk
-2 TB apple sauce (unsweetened)
-1/4 cup Ghiradelli 60% Cacao chocolate chips
-1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
-1/4 cup organic sugar
-1 small egg (or equivalent in egg whites/beaters)
Mix well and bake on 350 for 12-14 minutes.Read More!

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A (More)Heathy S’more

Want to make your favorite childhood campfire treat just a tad more healthy? Try this recipe for a more guilt-free treat…and embrace your inner-child!

-1 low fat honey graham cracker
-8 Ghiradelli 60% Cacao chocolate chips
-1 TB light cool whip 
1. Place 1/2 the graham cracker in the microwave for about 20 seconds, or until the chocolate melts. Add the cool whip and top with the other half of the cracker, creating  a delicious “sandwich.”
2. Enjoy : )
Estimated Calories: About 90 … Read More!

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Put Leftovers to Use: Hawaiian Quinoa

So today I had leftover pineapple chunks from my afternoon salad. Instead of just throwing them out or eating them plain, I decided to use them to snaz up my dinner–and created a lovely recipe while doing so!

-1/2 cup quinoa
-1 cup water
-1 zucchini 
-1/2 small can pineapple chunks (drain the juice)
-1-2 TB olive oil
-cajun seasoning
-drizzle of soy sauce or hawaiian seasoning to taste 
1. Boil quinoa then let simmer for about 10 minutes covered (or until water is drained)
2. In the meantime, stir fry the zucchini and pineapple with olive oil
3. Add in the quinoa and top with the cajun seasoning and soy sauce 
Enjoy : )… Read More!

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Rachel’s Berry Blast Banana Smoothie

Looking for a lift to get you going in the morning? Power up your morning routine with this berry-licious protein smoothie recipe. It’s dairy free, high in protein and fiber (which keeps you full longer), and is filled with natural antioxidants! One more plus? It’s super easy to make.

Recipe:
-1 cup organic almond milk or coconut milk (I LOVE Califia)
-1/2 cup frozen or fresh blueberries
-1 medium banana
-1 TB flax oil
-1/2 scoop high quality plant-based protein powder (look for pea, hemp or rice like Sun Warrior’s vanilla protein powder)

Blend together in a blender for about 30 seconds and enjoy. Click here for more healthy recipes!Read More!

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