Listening to Your Bod

6 Comments / Health & Wellness /

Yesterday my sister called me complaining that she had a stomach ache because she overdid it this weekend. “I ate way too much this weekend,” she moaned. You see, she wasn’t upset over the fact that she over-ate (I’ve always admired my sister because she’s never let food make her feel guilty by any means), but rather she was upset by the way it made her feel...physically. It was family weekend at her school which meant parties and endless meals out. Between an entire chicken parmesan entrée to chips, dips and beer, she was definitely feeling it come Sunday night. Maybe a year ago, this kind of eating wouldn’t have made a difference on how she felt, but ever since she’s developed a healthier diet, she can no longer handle loads of grease, cheese ‘n’ fatty appetizers all in one weekend (and frankly, neither can I). 

This brings up my point that I-among many people who I know-choose to follow a healthy lifestyle and diet not because it’ll make us “skinny,” “healthy” or “heros” in any way but because it makes our bodies feel good. It’s funny because when I was a little kid (yes, I was a … Read More!

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Vegetarian Farmer’s Omelet

3 Comments / Food & Recipes /

This is one of my favorite go-to breakfasts because it’s quick, tasty and oh so filling! Enjoy with a piece of Ezekiel or whole grain toast and half a grapefruit! 

-1 whole egg plus 1 egg white, whisked with fork 

-1/4 c. sliced portobella mushrooms

-1/4 c. chopped zucchini 

-1/4 c. spinach

-1/4 c. chopped red onion 

-2 TB feta cheese

-1 tsp. oregano 

-1 tsp. parsley

-s & p to taste 

1. Cook the veggies in olive oil on medium heat, adding in spinach last (because it cooks faster and we don’t want to burn it!) 

2. Move veggies to one side, and add in the egg mixture. Cook on medium heat. 

3. Once it starts to bubble, add in the feta cheese and herbs. Flip the plain side over the veggie side to form the “omelet shape.” Enjoy : )… Read More!

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More Protein, Please: Keep These Nifty 9 in Your House!

3 Comments / Uncategorized /

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Now that I’m a “runner girl” (so my dad calls me), it’s even more important than normal to ensure I’m getting my daily protein fix for the day. Women, and especially women who exercise, need protein to build and repair muscles and bones, provide energy, and control the body’s metabolism. And what better way to repair your bod post-workout than the perfect protein snack. No, I’m not talking about muscle milk or scary protein-enhanced high-cal bars. I’m taking healthy, tasty bites for you to enjoy! Here, my top 9 protein picks: 

1. Hard boiled eggs: Or even just the whites! For the perfect hard boiled egg, bring egg to a boil, remove from heat and cover for 14 minutes. It’s a fail-proof method. Make lots in bulk so you always have one to snack on when you’re in a pickle!

2. All Natural Nut Butters: My faves are almond butter and peanut butter, but I’ve even experimented with sunflower butter. Today I purchased Whole Food’s all natural nut butter where you actually get to grind it yourself. Nothing more fresh and natural than that! 

3. Cheese: I love string cheese with rice crackers or an apple for … Read More!

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TGIF: 5 Things I'm Pumped About!

6 Comments / Health & Wellness /

1. I’m leaving in FIVE minutes to take a Power Yoga class at the gym. I haven’t taken yoga in a gym-setting in ages so this makes me super giddy. Power Yoga is especially exciting, because it’s a fitness based yoga, with emphasis on strength and flexibility while holding challenging poses. I love challenging my body!

2. The yummy gluten free waffles from Trader Joe’s that I just had for breakfast…topped with agave and Smart Balance Butter…with a little Teddie’s PB on the side. Do I even need to explain this one? I was in heaven. Oh and I paired it with cinnamon hazelnut coffee with vanilla soy. YUM!

3. I’m going to see The Social Network tonight with my roommates. I’m not only excited to see the move, but I’m thrilled for a night of relaxation & non-drinking. 

4. Boston Local Food Festival is finally here…TOMORROW! I can’t wait to volunteer and then spend the day tasting delicious, local food! A plus? It’s supposed to be a crisp 66 degrees and sunny tomorrow : ) 

5. I’ve been focusing lately on strength training and I’m feeling wonderful. Yes, strength training is possible to do WITHOUT a gym ladies! The … Read More!

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Apps-Solutely Fabulous “Apple Crisp”

1 Comment / Food & Recipes /

This is a perfect quickie substitution for fall-favorite Apple Crisp, and you  barely have to do any work! Now doesn’t that sound nice? Enjoy as a light dessert on a cool fall evening, and feel app-solutely guilt-free about it! 

*serves 2

-1 large apple, cored (I like Macintosh) 

-4 TB Light Cool Whip

-2 TB honey or agave syrup

-2 tsp. cinnamon

-2 TB low fat granola of choice 

1. Preheat oven to 350. Core the apple, then cut in half, making 2 halves. 

2. Sprinkle granola onto each half, then drizzle honey or agave, and top each with a tsp. of cinnamon. 

3. Bake for about 15 minutes on baking sheet. Top each apple half with 2 TB Cool Whip and enjoy as a yummy, cozy treat on a chilly fall evening with your hunny!… Read More!

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Managing Overeating & Finding a Healthy Balance

1 Comment / Health & Wellness /

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It’s fall and while the weather’s getting a little cooler ‘n’ the leaves are a-changin’ colors, you’d rather your body not change as well (for the worse). But we’ve all been there. When it’s colder outside and sweatpants become your go-to get-home-from-work outfit, it’s so much easier to finish off that leftover pasta or have just one more slice of pizza or only a bite of the melt-in-your-mouth cookie (which quickly turns into eating 4). Trust me, I know how hard it is, and how easy it is to get a little off track when you no longer have to worry about public trips to the beach in you teeny-weeny bikini. You find yourself letting go and giving up on your exercise routine because it’s just soooo much easier (and more fun) to cuddle up on the couch with a good movie and some sweet treats. 

My good friend came to me with such problem the other day. Being a nanny by day (God help her, she’s a champ), she’s constantly surrounded by “kid food” i.e. frozen pizza, leftover birthday cake, extra-frosting cupcakes, and chicken nuggets. Thankfully for her, the mother of the family is rather … Read More!

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Super-Stuffed Red Bell Peppers

2 Comments / Food & Recipes /

I went home to Connecticut for the day to celebrate my mom’s birthday. We headed to the grocery store after some fabulous apple-picking and what do you know: she was picking up ingredients to make one of my very own recipes. Wow I’m famous (or just let me think that for a day). My mom making one of my recipes? Wow, that feels good. Anyway, these stuffed peppers suffice for a meal on their own or can be served with a side salad or extra veggies. Enjoy…it’s definitely a fall favorite!

*serves 2

-2 red bell peppers

-6 oz. lean ground turkey

-1 c. cooked quinoa (may substitute brown rice)

-1/2 c. yellow onion, chopped

-1/2 c. black beans (optional)

-2 small Roma tomatoes, diced

-1 c. spinach

-1/2 c. organic Marinara sauce

-1 clove garlic, crushed

-1 tsp. basil

-1 tsp. parsley

-1/4 c fresh mozzarella cheese, shredded

-2 TB Extra Virgin Olive Oil (for cooking)

1. Preheat oven to 350. Coat  a medium skillet with olive oil, and cook turkey burger until lightly browned. Add in your vegetables (aside from the peppers and black beans if you choose to use them), and cook on medium heat.

2. In … Read More!

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Happy National Coffee Day: Embrace Your Coffee Addiction!

7 Comments / Health & Wellness /

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Happy National Coffee Day! Yes, today is indeed a day devoted to the drink we all know and love–the one that cures a bad hangover, gets us out of bed in the morning, and gives you that afternoon kick when you’re having one of those days at work! Why yes, it’s a day dedicated to coffee. Ahhh…coffee. Just the sound of it makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. It’s funny because when I was a little kid I used to yell at my dad when he drank coffee; I thought that it was some kind of terrible drug or poisonous substance like-god for bid-beer. What was I thinking? 

Now, a decade or so later, I am the absolute coffee queen. I love everything about it. I love it hot, I love it iced, I love it creamy with soy milk and I love it black when I need extra energy. It got me through college exams, lazy days at work and afternoon slumps. It’s there for me no matter what, through thick and thin, whether I make it at home with my high-tech coffee-maker, grab it on the go at Starbucks or DD, … Read More!

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Boston Local Food Festival THIS Weekend: Beer, Healthy Eats 'n' Fun!

8 Comments / Health & Wellness /

Calling all local-lovers, environmental enthusiasts, health freaks, foodies and hungry people alike. This Saturday, Oct. 2nd is the First Annual Boston Local Food Festival.  No, this isn’t just your everyday Farmer’s Market or rinky-dink fair; this is a one-of-a-kind festival to remember! The delicious outdoor festival will take place at Boston’s Fort Point Channel from Congress St. Bridge, the Boston Children’s Museum up to the Moakley Bridge at Northern Avenue. Did I mention that there’s FREE admission? Yup, not cost to come!

Still not convinced? Well I’ll let you in on some insider highlights that’ll have you drop your Saturday cartoons and lazy couch potato lounging in a jiffy. Not to mention, I am one of their featured bloggers (take a peak) and am also volunteering on the day of the event, so you should definitely come say hi! 

Some hot highlights of the event: 

1. Prime location: Yes, you saw the directions. That means a whole afternoon filled with waterfront fun…can’t beat that. Shop, eat, and laugh the day away with your friends and family in the midst of the lovely Boston fall scenery! 

2. Budget-Friendly: You heard that right. Not only do you get to sample delectable food … Read More!

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Autumn Chicken Veggie Soup

2 Comments / Food & Recipes /

Yesterday was totally one of those soup days; it was dark, rainy and chilly outside. That to me calls for a soup day, particularly a yummy chicken ‘n’ veggie creation. I whipped up a large pot of this warm fall soup, went for a long run and came back to find my apartment smelling of fall (and my soup ready to eat). Enjoy with a piece of toast or side salad! 

-1 container low sodium chicken broth

-1 c. water

2 TB olive oil 

-1 sweet onion, chopped

-2 cloves garlic, crushed

-1 large zucchinni, chopped 

-1 large sweet potato, chopped

-1/4 to 1/2 c. baby portobella mushrooms 

-large handful baby carrots (10-15)

-4 medium skinless boneless chicken breasts 

-2 TB parsley

-1 TB oregeno 

-1 1/2 TB dill 

-salt to taste 

1. Sauté the onion and the garlic in olive oil over medium-low heat in a large soup pot for about two minutes. Add in the chicken broth and water, and stir. 

2. Add in the rest of the veggies, and bring to a boil. In the meantime, boil the chicken in a separate pot for about 5 minutes. Drain chicken and add it into the large pot with … Read More!

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