Half Marathon Training & My Running Playlist

1 Comment / Health & Wellness /

Ever since I started training for my first half marathon in NYC about a year and a half ago, I’ve become somewhat obsessed with running. It’s hard to believe that I am now just 13 days away from my third half marathon in Newport, Rhode Island. As much as I love running, one thing is certain: it’s all about the music for me. While some enjoy running with nature, I need an iPod to get me through my runs, especially those longer training runs. Fortunately, there’s dozens of great songs out there to make for an extra sweaty workout.

Here’s a look of some of my top running songs right now. Please add your own in the comment section below!

XoXo,



… Read More!

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5K PR & An Apple (Fritter) A Day…

3 Comments / Health & Wellness, Lifestyle /

This morning, my family head down to Niantic, CT to run the Half Marathon/5K road race. Since I will be running a half marathon in three weeks from today, I decided to take it easy by doing the 5K this time around.

Well, I guess I didn’t really take it easy after all; I ended up crushing my 5k PR by over a minute at a brisk 25:37. It’s hard to believe that I completed my first 5K just about fives years ago in over 33 minutes!

Someone on twitter had asked me how I knocked over a minute off my time, or what I was doing differently. Honestly, it’s all mental for me. These past couple months of half marathon training have taught me that I can push myself in ways I never thought I could. I can do it. I can run faster. I also give props to the amazing community online, including all the fellow Fitfluential ambassadors. Seriously, can you get more inspired than that?

I was super proud of my PR, but even more proud of my mom who ran her very first 5K for the entire distance. My dad, sister, cousin and her husband … Read More!

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Healthy Meals, Four Ways

2 Comments / Food & Recipes /

Since moving in with The Boy two weeks ago, we’ve quickly become much more…domestic (well, at least in the kitchen). While I do enjoy cooking homemade meals, when I lived with my sister I frequently settled for salads, signature pasta dishes or breakfast for dinner. Since our schedules were so different, I would often cook for myself and therefore resorted to something easy.

However, living with a man is a completely different beast. Soups, salad, and what I consider “leftovers” simply don’t suffice for a Real Meal. Men need hearty, wholesome, grandiose dishes and thus we’ve become quite familiar with our teeny tiny Cambridge kitchen.

Thankfully, we both like to cook and we both enjoy eating well. I lucked out that my guy doesn’t eat processed food, soda, take-out pizza or boxed meals, but rather enjoys organic meats, high-quality cooking oils and most importantly: real food.

Here’s what’s been on our dinner menu lately:

–Homemade Gluten Free pizza with spinach, broccoli, ricotta, fresh mozzarella, mushroom, onion, garlic and Italian seasoning (crust mix from Bob’s Red Mill)

–Mexican Stuffed Bell Peppers (inspired by Simply Life blog)

–Green Quinoa & Rice Bowl (Inspired by Life … Read More!

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Healthy Breakfasts for Busy & Active Professionals

2 Comments / Health & Wellness /

Last week, I hosted my first workshop at Fitness Together North End for my  health counseling business Zesty Living. On the second Wednesday of every month, I will be leading a wellness workshop on various topics, ranging from healthy snacks to a green smoothie demo. This month’s topic was Healthy Breakfasts for Busy & Active Professionals.

For those who missed out, I wrote a blog post highlighting the discussion:

You know what they say: “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.” While you may have heard this over and over again, it’s about time you listen up.

Not only is breakfast a great way to start the day off on the right (healthy) foot, but it’s essentially “breaking the fast” from not eating for 8 to 10 hours throughout the night. Therefore, when we awake, our bodies are screaming for food and nourishment, so the first meal we put into them—breakfast, that is—is extremely important.

Studies have shown that eating a healthy breakfast can increase the metabolism, promote clear, focused thinking, curb cravings, decrease mood swings, and potentially lower our LDL (bad cholesterol).

If that’s not enough reason to squeeze in some breakfast, I don’t know what … Read More!

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3 All Natural Mood Boosters

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You’re fighting with your boyfriend. Your PMS level is off the charts. Work is unbearable. Your kids are driving you insane. You’re simply in a funk. Sound familiar? We all have those weeks where we’d much rather crawl in a cave and hideout, but unfortunately that’s now how it works. So, instead, why not make the best of a less-than-perfect day with these all-natural mood boosters that can help turn your day around.

1. Infuse Your Mood Tea*: While many of us drink tea to unwind after a long day or settle our stomach, it can also be used to infuse your mood – literally. Sun Chlorella USA recently came out with their newest “Infuse Your Mood” tea to balance the mind, body and spirit. Made with 100% natural Eleutherococcus senticosus leaf, the tea is crafted to create a natural state of comfort during our far too common hectic lifestyles. As an adaptogen, Infuse Your Mood is meant to reduce stress and improve mental altertness. Enjoy a fresh cup of this earthy-tasting tea anytime you’re feeling sluggish for an instant mood boost.

2. De-Clutter: Every once in a while, all we need is a big dose of de-cluttering. … Read More!

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Healthy Skin Food: Energizing Tomato Acovado Salad

3 Comments / Food & Recipes /

As you know, I enjoy healthy eating for my mind and body, but I also like loading up on foods that are good for my skin. Unfortunately, I didn’t really get the best luck when it comes to naturally, flawless skin, so I do whatever I can to treat my skin with kindness. And for me, that starts with my diet.

This salad is packed with good-for-your-skin eats like Omega-3 rich avocados, olive oil and walnuts, while providing a great source of energy to get you through that mid day slump. It also works wonderfully as a post-workout recovery meal.

Omega Avocado & Tomato Salad

  • 1/2 avocado, sliced
  • 1 small Roma tomato, diced
  • 1/4 c. cucumber, chopped
  • 1 cage free egg
  • 1 TB cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil
  • about 1 TB balsamic vinegar
  • small handful walnuts
  • dash of Parmesan cheese, fresh (optional)
  1. Whisk together the balsamic and olive oil to create a delicious dressing. Mix together with veggies and greens.
  2. In the meantime, fry an egg over medium heat to your liking (I like to leave it a little bit runny).
  3. Top with walnuts and Parmesan.

Do you take your diet into consideration when it comes to your skin? … Read More!

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FALLing in Love with Gevalia Coffee & Teas {Review}

Leave a Comment / Health & Wellness /

Last week, the wonderful folks at Gevalia sent me a complimentary package of up to $30 worth of hand-picked gourmet coffee and teas. Naturally, I took my time because if you know me well I am sort of a coffee and tea fanatic. (Really, you should see the entire corner of our new kitchen dedicated solely to coffee and tea!) Plus, nothing says fall like cozying up with a hot cup of tea or coffee.

After browsing through their website, I decided on four delectable blends and I must say, I am falling in love already (shhh don’t tell The Boy!).

Ancient Cherry Tea: I had never tried cherry tea before, so I was especially excited about this one. Plus, The Boy is a big cherry lover, so I figured this would be a good match. Combining sweet cherry infusions with notes of green tea, this blend is perfectly sweet as it. Enjoy with some apple slices or grapes for an afternoon treat.

Honey Ginseng Mint Tea: This herbal tea is the perfect post-dinner tummy tamer. Cooling ginseng and peppermint combine with warming ginger and honey to relax the mind and soothe the soul. Add a dash … Read More!

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Just…Run!

3 Comments / Health & Wellness /

This morning, I set my alarm clock for 6:15 a.m. so that I could squeeze in a training run before work/the Big Move.

As usual, I was inclined to hit “snooze” and simply go back to bed. However, I decided to call The Boy for a second opinion. He had been up since 5:30 a.m. to pick up the Uhaul for our move, so I knew he’d pick up.

Our convo went a bit like this:

Me: Hi Jay, I woke up to run but I kind of want to go back to bed. I’m beat. (groggy, manly half asleep voice)

The Boy: Well, you know you won’t want to run tomorrow, especially after moving all day. Right?

Me: Hmm…yea I guess you’re right.

The Boy: Plus, you always feel better after you run. Why don’t you just do it?

That right there was all I needed to hear. He was right. I do always feel better after a run, no matter how I’m feeling at the time. Running makes me feel empowered, energized, alive. It allows me to think, breathe and spend some quality time alone with my thoughts.

After I hung up the phone, I immediately threw on … Read More!

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Be Imperfect: Stop, Slow Down & Breathe

3 Comments / Health & Wellness, Lifestyle /

You know when you get so caught up in life that you forget to just pause and breathe? Well, I was having one of those weeks. In between training for a half marathon, working, starting my own business, planning for my event tonight and MOVING (tomorrow!) things got a little crazy, needless to say.

So yesterday I decided to break my perfect go-go-go routine and simply be, imperfect that is.

Instead of forcing myself to go a training run when my body was saying “please, no!”I packed. A lot. I cleaned the entire kitchen, put stuff into storage and got my room ready for the move out. Cleaning and packing felt surprisingly refreshing.

Instead of working another three hours on blog/business stuff, I treated myself to a massage from Exhale Spa. I don’t remember the last time I felt so relaxed. I literally melted into the massage table.

Instead of rehearsing for my event (even when I know I do best when I act naturally and don’t plan), I decided to be BAD and go shopping for a dress for a friend’s wedding this weekend. I got the most adorable purple dress that I feel like a Pretty Princess … Read More!

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Cleansing Eats: Foods to Increase During a Detox

2 Comments / Health & Wellness /

I get a lot of questions about dieting, cleansing and detoxing. While I think it’s important to cleanse your system out once in a while with a planned detox diet, you can incorporate cleansing foods every day of the week, no matter what type of diet you’re following.

Here are some of my favorite cleansing foods. Get ready to stock your fridge and cabinets!

Garlic: Garlic has natural antibiotic properties, making the perfect solution for pesty colds and allergies. Go with fresh garlic, and crush it into your salad dressings, pasta dishes, sauteed veggies and more.

Leafy Greens: Leafy greens like kale, spinach and collards are packed with antioxidants that help cleanse the body of harmful toxins.

Beans and Legumes: These protein-packed babies are loaded with fiber to keep you fuller, longer. They can also aid in lowering cholesterol and maintaining proper blood sugar levels.

Citrus: Lemons, limes and grapefruit boost the immune system with their high content of Vitamin C. They also aid in the detoxification process! Try squeezing fresh juice into your water, or incorporating into your homemade salad dressings.

Seaweed: Seaweed aids in removing toxins from the body like heavy metals. They’re also packed with beneficial minerals.  … Read More!

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