healthy

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!

Listening to Your Bod Read More »

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!

TGIF: 5 Things I'm Pumped About! Read More »

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!

Apps-Solutely Fabulous “Apple Crisp” Read More »

Managing Overeating & Finding a Healthy Balance

1 Comment / Health & Wellness /

[source]

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!

Managing Overeating & Finding a Healthy Balance Read More »

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!

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

Impatience is Not Pretty

3 Comments / Health & Wellness /

[source]

This morning a side of me I don’t like came out: impatience. Blah. Impatience. It’s both unnecessary and unhealthy. It even sounds unhealthy. I would say in the grand scheme of life I’m a pretty patient girl, but this morning I was far from patient, and I don’t like to be that way. I don’t know if I woke up on the wrong side of the bed or what, but something was up. It may have been the fact that my mother woke me up at 7:30 a.m. and tried to have a conversation with me while I was half asleep (sorry mom, it wasn’t really me). Anyway, my not-so-patient mood increased when I was informed that UPS was indeed not going to redeliver my package I missed on Saturday, and that I had to go pick it up. Grrr, I don’t have a car. They expect me to walk? Why can’t they just bring it to me? (impatience getting the best of me in my head. They are busy too. I’m not entitled for royal treatment). 

Once I realized that I was not going to win this battle and that the package was not … Read More!

Impatience is Not Pretty Read More »

There is More to Life Than Calories & Weight

3 Comments / Health & Wellness /

[source]

Do you know that there was a time when all I thought about was calories and my weight? It was downright tiring but I simply couldn’t get it out of my mind. I’d count calories in everything I ate, even if it was just a tiny yogurt, an apple or a small salad. I’d weigh myself every day (sometimes five times a day) and beat myself up if the number on the scale went up at all (even .5 pounds). I’d exercise obnoxious amounts in order to burn off everything I ate and so I’d feel “skinny.” It was downright self-sabotaging and every time I look back on my former self, I can’t believe that this negative inner “weight talk” consumed an entire 4+ years of my life. There is so much more to life than that. 

While it’s sad to realize that’s how low I used to think about myself, I couldn’t be happier about the person I am today. Four years later, I’m now a happy, confident, determined young woman who doesn’t think an ounce about calories or stress about weight gain. I’ve finally come to the realization that there is so much more to … Read More!

There is More to Life Than Calories & Weight Read More »

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Sunflower Muffins

3 Comments / Food & Recipes /

Now that it’s officially fall, one thing in particular has been on my mind: pumpkin. Pumpkin picking, pumpkin pie, pumpkin spiced lattes, pumpkin carving, pumpkin everything. But since I can’t have everything all at once, I decided to make do with what I could and bake some pumpkin muffins. But this isn’t just your ordinary recipe; these babies are unique, perfectly soft ‘n’ fluffy and delightfully tasty. Enjoy with a glass of milk or hot cup of tea!

*Makes approximately 12 large muffins

-1 c. canned pumpkin puree

1/8 c. chocolate soy milk 

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

1/4 c. plain greek yogurt 

1/3 c. applesauce or vegetable oil 

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1  c. whole wheat flour* 

1/2 c. all purpose flour* (*substitute 1 1/2 c. gluten free flour for regular flour for those with wheat sensitivities) 

1/3 c. agave syrup 

1 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. baking soda

1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon

½ tsp. salt

1/4 to 1/2 c. Ghirardelli Semi Sweet chocolate chips 

½ c. sunflower seeds 

1. Preheat over to 375. Mix dry ingredients together, then adding in all the wet ingredients slowly. Mix well, being sure all the flour has dissolved but do not … Read More!

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Sunflower Muffins Read More »

Gimme S'more Nella: Fresh, Local, Wholesome Pasta (Did I say Tasty too?)

3 Comments / Health & Wellness /

As you know, I’m a huge fan of all-natural, fresh ingredients…especially ingredients that you can pronounce.  Yes, it’s true that I used to be a calorie-counter and low in calories meant it was good for me. But that all changed when I went to Italy four summer’s ago. I remember before I embarked on my journey I was SO nervous I was going to gain tons of weight while abroad: loads of pasta, pizza and bread, what am I going to do? Needless to say, I had a minor panic attack. However, when I got back from my two month trip and stepped on the scale, the exact opposite was true: I had lost five pounds. Yup, that’s right. I lost five pounds with my only exercise being walking to school and the local markets every day, and  while eating lots of fresh pasta, breads, cheeses, fruits, veggies and even a serving of gelato daily. 

It’s no miracle as to why I lost the weight. You see, what they serve in Italy is completely different than the “Italian” food you see here. It’s unbelievably fresh (god take me back there now), local (I bought everything I ate from markets on … Read More!

Gimme S'more Nella: Fresh, Local, Wholesome Pasta (Did I say Tasty too?) Read More »

10 Kitchen Staples for the Healthy Chick

3 Comments / Health & Wellness /

Tonight for dinner I made one of my favorite quick and easy dishes:  Light ‘n’ Healthy Summer Pasta (or shall I call it Fall pasta?) Really, a dish like this can be made every season, with minor veggie variations of course. Anyway, back to the point: as I was running around boiling the water and sautéing my veggies, I thought about how terrible it’d be if I didn’t have some extremely vital kitchen staples. You know, the things you take for granted when cooking but it’d be a complete kitchen nightmare if suddenly you were all out. Yes, those lovely lifesavers. Anyway, I put a quick list together of my personal gotta-have-it supplies and thought I’d share with you fine ladies!

1. Extra Virgin Olive Oil- The perfect “dressing” for a salad, the best and only way to cook veggies, and the most wonderful combination with pasta. EVOO is definitely a MUST in my book (er…kitchen). 

2. Fresh herbs: I always like to have a few fresh herbs around the house. Right now I have basil and dill, but I like to change it up depending on what I’m cooking that week. Other faves are cilantro, parsley, mint leaves, and … Read More!

10 Kitchen Staples for the Healthy Chick Read More »