Clean Eating After a Weekend of “Too Much Fun”

[we had a blast at the wedding this weekend, but now it’s time to get back to reality (and clean eating)]

Good afternoon ladies ‘n’ those few ‘gents who read my blog! Sorry I’ve been missing for a few days, although I promise you I have a good excuse. I’ve been road tripping the past few days with The Boy visiting grandparents, mini golfing and attending a friend’s wedding up in upstate New York. Needless to say, we had a blast enjoying one another’s company, dancing the night away laughing our faces off, and um, eating our faces off. Correction: eating and drinking our faces off.

Yes, I consider myself a healthy gal 90% of the time, but if you think I’m the type of girl who’s going to pass up a good weekend for iceberg lettuce and sugar-free, calorie-free cocktails, think again. That’s where the other 10% comes in, the “leeway” or wiggle room if you will. And let me tell you, that 10% is pretty generous. It lets me indulge in one too many glasses of wine, 10 too many slices of cheese, and an extra chocolate truffle. It allows me to savor my delicious chicken, potatoes and … Read More!

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Open Faced Tuna Melt with Dill Havarti & Apple

There is nothing like a tuna melt that brings that warm, fuzzy feeling to my soul (and my taste buds). The best part about tuna melts is you really can do so much with them. Gone are the days of bland tuna, mayo & American cheese, as there are now so many endless combos. Tonight I put together what I had left in the fridge to create this killer tuna melt combination. The best part? It contains absolutely NO mayo, yet still tastes just as decadent. Enjoy!

Open Faced Tuna Melt with Dill Havarti & Apple

What Ya Need:

  • 1 can low sodium solid tuna in water, drained
  • 1 slice plain Ezekiel bread
  • 1/2 TB garlic Dijon mustard, or flavored mustard of choice
  • about 1 oz. dill havarti cheese, sliced
  • 1/2 granny smith apple, sliced thin
  • 1/4 c. cucumber, sliced thin
  • few shakes of dill, dried

1. Combine tuna with mustard and mix well. Spread onto bread, and top with sliced dill havarti cheese. Toast until cheese is melted, and bread is crispy.

2. Top with apple and cucumber slices, and season with dill to taste.

~Serve with low-sodium tortilla chips and leftover apple slices.

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Tuesday Talk: Now Stretch it Out

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I have a confession: I don’t stretch nearly as much as I need to. Scratch that. I barely stretch at all. Sometimes I’ll go for my long runs, and hit the shower before I even think to stretch out my hamstrings. Not good, not good at all. I know we hear this all of the time, but stretching is vital, especially for those who are physically active.

Not only does does stretching help prevent injuries, but if often improves our athletic performance along with many other benefits such as flexibility. Maybe that’s why I can barely touch my toes without bending my knees, and to think I used to be The Queen of sit-and-reach in gym class when I was younger. Hm, maybe it has a little something to do with the lack of stretching, don’t ya think?

The other day my hamstrings were so tight from running that I could barely lift my legs up during Core Fusion class, when the rest of the class made it seem like a piece of cake. I was ashamed, but tried not to get too down on myself. It’s simply a matter of fact: I need to stretch more. … Read More!

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Finding Your Place of Zen

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According to Urban Dictionary, zen is “a total state of focus that incorporates a total togetherness of body and mind. Zen is a way of being. It also is a state of mind. Zen involves dropping illusion and seeing things without distortion created by your own thoughts.”

Zen sounds pretty darn good, now doesn’t it?

To me, that means shutting down, unplugging, relaxing, and finding time to breathe. It’s letting go of the hectic-ness of reality and simply being. It’s finding that balance, and feeling of “OK.”

For me, there is nothing as zen-ful than a relaxing night in with me, myself and I. All I need is dimmed lights with a delicious smelling candle lit, a good book or magazine, a cup of herbal peppermint tea with some lemon and Ingrid Michaelson playing in the background.

Internally, it’s feeling calm, collected and at peace with my mind, body and soul. It’s having no worries, or choosing to let go of those worries. It’s that feeling you get during Shavasana in a yoga practice. That is the utter definition of zen to me.

What does zen mean to you? How do you find that place of Read More!

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Tuesday Talk: Operation Tone That Tush

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Good morning ladies! So, yesterday was my first day working as a receptionist at Exhale Spa Battery Wharf. Let me just tell you, I’ve never wanted to live at a job more so than this one; the place is absolutely beautiful and oh so serene. And that’s not all. All of the Core Fusion and Yoga instructors are absolutely ripped.

While some may complain about the mandatory classes staff must be a part of, I was jumping up and down in excitement. Required exercise? Being forced to tone my bod? A workout challenge? I AM IN.

I’m mostly excited for toning my tush. Yes, I said it. I mean, will you look at that butt on the cover of Exhale’s Core Fusion Body Sculpt DVD? I gotta say that’s one fine butt, and I definitely wouldn’t mind if mine looked half as good as that. Plus, as you already know I am absolutely obsessed with Core Fusion workout DVDs, and I figured it’s time to take it to the studio. Hence Operation Tone That Tush here I come!

One of my coworkers aims to take at least three Core Fusion classes a week, and … Read More!

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Friday Favorites: Chipotle, Quick Oats, A Dollar & A Dream

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Why goodmorning, ladies! I know this post is a day late, but Friday kind of got away from me between meetings, going out for sushi, and watching The Boy’s last softball game. Anywho, even though we’re a lil delayed, here are this week’s Friday favorites:

Chipotle: I can’t believe that I had never been to Chipoltle before last night. This place is genious! Not only does this Mexican food haven have the BIGGEST burritos you’ll ever see, but they have every. single. topping. & hot sauce you can possible think of. I opted for a healthier option, and went for a salad topped with grilled chicken, pico de gallo, salsa, roasted vegetables, brown rice, shredded cheese and a touch of sour cream. It was heavenly, and you bet I slurped up every last bite of it. The ingredients tasted ultra fresh, and the meal was filling without being too heavy.

Quick Oats: I know, I know, oatmeal talk, again? But it’s so…boring, you think to yourself. Not so much! This morning I made two bowls of Organic Quick Rolled Oats for The Boy and I in just a few minutes. Yes, it’s true: eating healthy doesn’t have … Read More!

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Homemade Dinners Taste Better: A Healthy Chicken, Broccoli & Spinach Alfredo for You

Picture this scenario: You go to a restaurant with high expectations, and immediately order your favorite thing on the menu be it a large spinach salad with feta and chicken or your go-to Chicken Parmesan. Hunger fills your mind, as you fiddle your fork and sip on your water in anticipation for your meal to arrive. Then it comes and, well, it’s just not that good. It’s mediocre at best. There’s either too much sauce, or not enough sauce, or lacking any “zest.” You immediately think to yourself, “I could have made this dish a heck of a lot better myself, and saved a couple bucks too.”

Sound familiar?

I’m sure it does.

Don’t get me wrong. I adore wining and dining, when it’s done right. I’ll never attempt to make my own sushi, because I could never compete with the hole-in-the-wall place down the street from me that makes it perfectly every single time. And there’s nothing like a superb Italian restaurant, or eating at a 5-star seafood joint. There’s a time and a place for everything.

However, sometimes it’s nice – and much more practical – to just do it yourself, the way you want it.

In fact, … Read More!

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Tuesday Talk: It’s All About the Condiments & Accessorizing Your Food the Healthy Way

They say it’s all about the accessories when it comes to making (or breaking) an outfit. The perfect pair of heels can instantly dress up the jeans & a tee look, and the right necklace can can make a plain old outfit go from “blah” to bangin’ in seconds.

Well ladies, the power of accessorizing goes much farther than your closet. In fact, the same rules apply to our everyday meals and that my friends is taking advantage of CONDIMENTS. I 100% believe that condiments can make a bland meal go from zero to five stars in a second, that is if you pick the right ones. The best part? The opportunities and combinations are endless!

Today I played around with this Aioli Garlic Mustard Sauce I picked up from Trader Joe’s. I thought, “Ah-hah, the perfect way to dress up a plain old turkey sandwich.” And that it did. The mustard was delectable, at only 10 calories per teaspoon. With no sugar, fatty mayo or other added crap, this light ‘n’ zesty sauce makes for the perfect sandwich accessory.

Since I have been going carb-crazy lately, I decided to make Turkey Lettuce Wraps instead with:

  • 2 large Romaine
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