Thursday, May 29, 2014

strawberry banana dreamy creamy shake

When I make smoothies, I tend to always use the same combination because I just love everything about it!

But today, I ventured out to make something a little different and it most certainly paid off!

I present, the most delicious/healthy Strawberry Banana Protein Shake you'll ever sip on!

Ingredients:
- 1/2 banana (usually it works better if it's frozen)
- 1/2 cup strawberries, sliced
- 1/4 cup almond milk
- 1/4 cup coconut water
- 1 Tablespoon of coconut flour or ground flax seed
- 1/2 scoop of vanilla protein powder
- Sprinkle of coconut chips of shredded coconut on top (optional, but basically necessary!)



Calories: 190
Fat: 4 grams
Carbs: 33 grams
Fiber: 8 grams
Protein: 8 grams


Tofu Stir Fry Meal Preppinnnnn'

I definitely don't meal prep enough anymore. Last summer, I did it at least twice a week and now I'm getting a little lazy. Being a grown up does that to ya I guess.

Anyway, today I got off my lazy butt and meal prepped an old fav or mine - tofu stir fry. I know what you're thinking...."tofu looks like slime. I don't eat slime" or "tofu tastes nasty". The latter is a favorite of mine since tofu takes the taste of whatever it is cooked/seasoned with, therefore, tofu itself doesn't "taste bad" but what it was cooked with did.

Tofu is a great food to incorporate into your diet. It is low calorie, low fat, and chock full of plant-based protein. Plus it can pretty much be cooked with anything!

But I understand the concerns. Honestly, the first time I ever bought tofu, I was so scared to try it that it ended up expiring in my fridge.

However, this recipe is not only my favorite way to eat tofu, it is also one of my favorite recipes EVER. & you can quote me on that.

I present Anna's Spicy Tofu Stir Fry:

ingredients:

  • 1 pound of organic extra firm tofu (the firmer you get, the less calories/fat it will have)
  • 1 frozen bag of mixed vegetables (I used a stir-fry blend)
  • garlic salt
  • parsley
  • cayenne pepper
  • cumin
  • tumeric
  • sesame oil
Step 1) Open tofu, chop it up (this can be done in the container), and throw it in the skillet.

Step 2) Add about 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of tumeric and cumin

Step 3) Add a dash of cayenne pepper and garlic salt

Step 4) Add a few pinches or so of parsley and a teaspoon of sesame oil


Step 5) Add the vegetables and cover it.

Step 6) Let it cook until the vegetables are no longer frozen, stirring occasionally.


While that is simmering, you can start on the sweet potatoes! 

First, preheat the oven to 350 degrees. 

Second, chop the potato into cubes.


Third, sprinkle the cubes with cinnamon and place into the oven. 


They should take about 15-20 minutes but keep checking on them!

At that point, the stir fry should be about done!
I made enough for three meals so I divided the stir fry evenly into 3 containers for the weekend.
Once the 'taters were done, I divided the cubes as well. 


&& Voila! I now have 3 full meals ready to go. 

Calories: 200
Fat: 5
Carbs: 23
Fiber: 7
Protein: 14

Because this dish is so low in calories, I usually add a side of brown rice or a salad! Or I have a dessert after :]]




Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Have Your Pie & Eat It Too

When I woke up this morning, I was craving something sweet, go figure. But for once, I wanted something that wasn't chocolate (WHAAAAT). For some reason, I was craving a huge piece of apple pie. I blame it on the time of month (TMI??)

Anyways, instead of baking a pie for breakfast, I whipped up a random combination into a protein shake to make a delicious Apple Pie Shake! And it definitely hit the spot!

Ingredients:
- 1/2 chopped apple (you can also buy the frozen, pre-chopped apple slices)
- 1/2 scoop of vanilla protein powder
- shake of nutmeg
- shake of cinnamon
- 1/2 tablespoon of chia seeds
- 2 tablespoons of plain Greek yogurt

Blend all together, adding as much water you need to get it the right consistency!


  • Calories: 160 
  • Fat: 3 grams
  • Carbs: 18 grams
  • Fiber: 5 grams
  • Protein: 17 grams
Not too shabby for a slice (or cup) of pie!

Friday, May 23, 2014

healthy traveling

as most people find, it's pretty hard to stay healthy while traveling or going on vacation. While I do believe in indulging while on vacation and not worrying too much about it, I feel much better when my unhealthy treats are accompanied by some healthier foods; I feel, think, and look so much better. 

This past week, I went with two of my best friends to Carillon Beach, Florida and had a blast! The beach was pretty scarce, the water looked like a swimming pool, and the sky was cloud-free every single day - my perfect little getaway! 


One problem I have with traveling is the drive....I get so bored and therefore SO HUNGRY!
So I packed a little ice chest of a full days worth of food. My friend and I left at 5:00 Monday morning so I knew I'd be hungry all day. 

My bag contained:
- breakfast: ATKINS Cafe Mocha protein shake and half of a bagel
- snack: a cup of celery and carrots & a cup of mixed strawberries, blackberries, and grapes
- lunch: a low carb tortilla with some sliced turkey, cheese, lettuce, and sriacha sauce
- snack: Trader Joe's blueberry yogurt 
- dinner: a grilled chicken/pepper/beef/onion stir fry with steamed asparagus, 
sweet potatoes, & a salad!

I didn't take too many pictures of food, seeing as I was on vacation and was trying to stay away from technology (which I actually didn't do too well with). 

Tuesday morning we woke up, enjoyed our coffee, and then ate some delicious baked biscuits with honey ham and cheddar cheese...with a side of strawberries - combo of healthy and not-so-healthy. 

After laying out all day, we were STARVING for dinner. For dinner that night, we went to a restaurant about 30 minutes away called Schooners! It was very beachy and even had a live, acoustic band playing! 

Don't have a picture but I split the seared tuna steak (yummmmmmy!!!!) & the crabcakes (even better!) with one of my friends. I also ordered a side of steamed vegetables. And of course we had to get ice-cream after :)
I repeat: a healthy & unhealthy balance was my game plan. 

Wednesday morning, I actually peeled myself out of bed for a 40 minute run/walk on the beach. It was so peaceful and relaxing. I mean just look at that view!


After my run, I ate a delicious blueberry waffle, which I topped with half of a sliced banana & then my friends and I walked with her dad around the Carillon neighborhood and lemme just say... this little town is just so stinking adorable and I can't wait to come back!


For dinner Wednesday, we had two types of stuffed chicken: one stuffed with crawfish etoufee and one stuffed with an undone baked potato! + + asparagus and salad on the side! Again, AMAZING!

Later that night we went out to La Vela, the biggest bar in the country. Not going to lie, it was pretty cool to go to such a place. It was huge and had like 8 different themed bars. Let's just say not much sleep was had that night :]
On our last day, Thursday, we woke up kind of early (considering our late night) and had breakfast casserole! It consisted of eggs, crumbled sausage, sliced honey ham, and cheese; all baked into one dish. I am actually slightly allergic to egg yolks & if I eat too much I get really bad stomach aches. BOOO!

So I cut a small piece of casserole and ate a Greek yogurt on the side. 

Since it was our last day, we decided to lay out on the beach until 3:00, pack the car, and then leave. On our ride home, we decided to stop at Panera (because how can you not?!) and get dinner!
I wasn't feeling too well & I wanted to eat a lot of nutrient-dense foods yet still indulge a little. I ordered the choose 2, with the new strawberry lemon poppy seed salad (lettuce, grilled chicken, strawberries, blueberries, mandarin oranges, and pecans!) and the Mediterranean veggie sandwich (cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, lettuce, and hummus on tomato basil bread!)

Both were ridiculously amazing! The three of us also split a double chocolate walnut cookie for dessert. 

See? Healthy + Unhealthy. It works!



Hope the warm(er) weather is treating everyone well!

Saturday, May 17, 2014

Coffee && Catching Up

I finally feel like I'm getting back on track after having a month of bad health decisions... but that's okay, slip-ups are not a sign of failure! (note to self: remember this mantra)
And apparently CHAARG (one of my favorite health/wellness companies) wanted to convey the same message!
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    Enjoyed this wonderful breakfast today - grapefruit with cinnamon, egg whites + mozzarella, turkey slices, avocado, salsa, and a drizzle of siracha sauce! With a side of green tea :]




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  • Later in the afternoon, I enjoyed an iced coffee with a splash of almond milk and a little stevia at a cute little coffee shop with my froomies (roommate friends). Definitely a great afternoon pick-me-up!


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    Made this DELICIOUS parfait for a sweet afternoon pick-me-up when I got home!
    It consisted of:
    - 1 Trader Joe's Strawberry Greek yogurt
    - 1/2 scoop Lean1 vanilla protein powder
    - 1/2 banana 
    - Bear Naked granola
    - Little Drizzle of peanut butter on top
     + what was left of an avocado, sprinkled with cayenne pepper

Hope everyone is having a fantastic and healthy week!


Thursday, May 15, 2014

CLEANSING + GOALS

so, with summer beginning and my eating/workout habits not being too good these last two weeks, I've decided to do a week of cleansing and continuous workouts.

& today started it!

I started my day with a protein pancake. See recipe here
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I paired it with half of a grapefruit and coffee. Mmmm, tasty!

Later I went to the gym & ran 3 miles, did a 30 minute HIIT class, and then a 30 minute cycling class!

After that, a friend and me decided to sit in the steam room to sweat out the toxins in our system. We were so caught up in talking while we were in there that we walked out drenched! Haha, probably just what my body needed!

When I returned home, I made an awesome protein shake of:

  • frozen raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries
  • chocolate protein powder
  • spinach leaves
  • chia seeds
  • coconut water
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enjoyed that with a sliced apple with cinnamon and ginger sprinkled on top + a few raw almonds

later on, I snacked on a blueberry yogurt & then for dinner, I had a salad consisting of lettuce, cabbage, corn, beans, and tuna!


Sunday, May 11, 2014

new ends and new beginnings

well, I'm officially moved back home and done with my first year of college. Though it is a sad ending and I wish I could go back in time, I'm looking forward to the new beginnings that await me.

After my 7:30 a.m. exam Friday morning, I packed the rest of my dorm and said goodbye.


After, two of my best friends (and future roommates!) went to the most adorable cafe, called Magpie, for brunch.
 
I ordered a Greek yogurt and blueberry parfait, topped with their homemade granola and a cup (or two) of coffee. 
The three of us also decided to split a wheat blackberry scone and almond biscotti to dip in our coffee!

After that, I drove home, unpacked for 4 hours (SUPER FUN!!!!) and got ready for my younger sister's confirmation. I was honored to be her sponsor and the night was just fabulous!

After the mass, my family went eat at our Italian restaurant. And for dessert, we had my absolute favorite cake in the whole world, a red velvet dobage cake from a local bakery. If you've never had a dobage cake, please do yourself a favor and get one ASAP. They are literally the best cakes around, no matter what bakery they come from.

 

What a wonderful way to start my summer!

Saturday, May 10, 2014

farewell freshman year

Thursday was technically my last "day" as a freshman since I had to be completely moved out of my dorm by 9:30 Friday morning. Like they were kicking me out! NO! I just wanna be a freshman forever :(

Can you tell I'm not a big fan of change?

I continued on with my Thursday with a huge salad from the student union while I studied. 
My delicious salad of mixed greens with cucumbers, tomatoes, grilled chicken,
baby carrots, and raw broccoli....yum!
After that, I basically went to my sorority house to "study" and basically hang out with friends for the rest of the night. I ate my last ever dinner at the Chi Omega house too....tear. But on a positive note, it was amazing!
Parmesan grilled chicken, grilled squash and zucchini, wheat roll, garden salad, and
corn souffle (aka the BEST side dish ever)


Thursday, May 8, 2014

Never Thought I'd be Posting this....

Never thought I would be sad to leave college for the summer. Honestly, I hated it 3/4 of the year. It wasn't until about a month ago that I truly fell in love with my school, sorority, new friends, and even myself. 

That being said, I embraced my last week of school with spunk and enthusiasm, trying to make it the best I possibly could. 

I started my day yesterday with a 3 mile run. I hadn't done that in about a week and I was a little nervous but I sucked it up and pushed through because my body and my mind definitely needed it. 

I tend to follow the same intervals when I run 3 miles and it looks a little some thing like this:

  • Mile 1:
    • 0.25 mile at 5.5 speed
    • 0.25 mile at 5.8 speed
    • 0.25 mile at 6.0 speed
    • 0.25 mile at 5.8 speed
  • Mile 2:
    • 0.15 of a mile at 6.0
    • 0.15 mile at 5.8
    • 0.15 mile at 6.0
    • 0.15 mile at 6.2
    • 0.15 mile at 6.0 
    • 0.25 mile at 5.8
  • Mile 3:
    • 1 minute at 6.0
    • 1 minute at 5.8
    • 1 minute at 6.0
    • 1 minute at 5.8
    • 1 minute at 6.0
    • 30 seconds at 5.8
    • 30 seconds at 6.0
    • 30 seconds at 6.5
    • 30 seconds at 7.0
    • 30 seconds at 7.5
    • 30 seconds at 7.0
    • 30 seconds at 6.5
    • 30 seconds at 6.0
    • 30 seconds at 5.8
    • 5.5 speed until 3 miles is reached
okay yeah I'm not OCD at all.... but this is the only thing that keeps me from getting bored and jumping off of the treadmill. And it's simpler when you actually do it, I promise!


sometimes I like to add inclines on the second mile but I've been having trouble with my achilles tendons and didn't want to overdo it.

I did a couple random weight machines and walked on the track for about 10 minutes after that to cool down!



Later on, two of my new friends and I ventured to a sandy area near a campus lake to tan for a couple of hours and just chill. It was very spur of the moment and super relaxing! It made me sad to have to say goodbye to all of it in just 2 short days. 


My dad drove in later to pack up my dorm. Now it's pretty depressing to be in there because it basically consists of just my comforter-less bed, a desk and chair, and a filing cabinet. No decorations or nutthhingg. I'm very sad to leave my new home, but I know I'll be back in a few short months permanently so that's what I keep telling myself!

This morning, my roommate and I ran 4 miles around the campus lakes and then went to coffee and breakfast together. Oh how I'll miss that next year!

After, I went to study near one of my classes and discovered a free coffee bar with muffins and cookies. Not that my body needed a third cup of coffee but I really just couldn't pass it up!

I fixed a small cup of vanilla-creamed coffee and dipped half of a peanut butter cookie (umm hello heaven!) into it. Perfect little study snack if I do say so myself! 


One more finally tomorrow and then I move back home....Happy studying ya'll!


Sunday, May 4, 2014

And as finals week begins....

As most people begin panic-studying and stressing over finals, I do not. Partially because I like to think I have good time management and partially because I only have two finals (sorry not sorry). And actually I had 6 tests last week so I deserve this week to be a little less stressful. 

After a not-so-healthy trip to get ice cream at Coldstone Friday afternoon(again, sorry not sorry because it is 100% worth it), I was ready to get in a good workout Saturday morning. 

Before I met up with a couple friends to go run, I started my morning with coffee in bed. And for breakfast I had sliced fruit, half of a vitatop muffin, and half of a banana with almond butter, chia seeds, and coconut flakes on top. The banana was AMAZING! Definitely eating that combo more often. 

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About an hour after I ate, we made our way to the gym. We started by doing a few weights, focusing mainly on arms:
  • 2 x 18 bicep curls
  • 2 x 18 French presses
  • 2 x 18 upright rows
  • 2 x 18 deadrows
  • 2 x 18 shoulder presses
  • 2 x 18 tricep extensions
  • 20 lunges, each side
  • 20 squats
  • 10 curtsy lunges, each side
  • 20 plie squats
We finished with a 4 miles run around the campus lakes. Even though we went around noon, the bright sun and wind from the water made for a cool and peaceful run. 

I like to do abs and stretching after running for my cool down. I did:
2 x 30 seconds of each:
  • crunches
  • bicycles
  • left side oblique crunch
  • right side oblique crunch
  • leg lifts
  • plank
  • sit ups
  • Russian twists
and then I finished with about 8-10 minutes of various stretching. 
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Nice calorie burn to start my weekend!

Spent most of the rest of the day studying away and drinking coffee (as if I need more). 
And later that evening, me and a huge group of sorority sisters went eat at the steakhouse on our campus! It works with out meal plan so basically we're eating for free...which is why our bill came out to over $700. Whoops. I wish I was kidding. But it was totally worth it and an awesome way to ring in finals week. 

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We ordered every appetizer on the menu and so I munched on a little bit of each. For my entree, I ordered zucchini wrapped scallops and grilled shrimp on top of brown rice....yummmm! 
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Finished it off with coffee and sharing a piece of cheesecake and creme brulee with my friends!
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ONLY 5 MORE DAYS TILL SUMMER!

Thursday, May 1, 2014

as I blog this, I just completed all of my classes this semester before finals!
& after having three tests today, I am happy that the end is near. 

After one of my classes today, I got in a killer workout before tackling my tests. 

This is a little what my workout looked like:
Treadmill workout:

  • 5 minute warm up slow job
  • 3x - 1 minute each at speeds 6.0, 6.4, 6.8, 7.4, 7.8
  • 4 minute cool down walk
Elliptical Workout:
  • 3 minute warm up at level 15
  • 4x: 1 minutes at level 20, 1 minute at level 28
  • 4x: 30 seconds at level 24, 1 minute at level 20
  • 2 minute cool down
Finished with a weight lifting workout from the Nike Training App. This app is AMAZING! You literally pick the type of workout you want, your fitness level, and how much time you have. PLUS ITS FREE. Download now!

After my workout, I refueled with a pear, green tea, and a heated quest bar. 
If you've never had a quest bar before, you are SERIOUSLY missing out. Quest bars basically taste like heaven, are clean, and have awesome nutritional facts! And if you heat them up, they taste like a real dessert. 

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Really, I buy them in bulk and have to contain myself from eating them all in one sitting. 

Today, I heated the newest flavor, cookies and creme, and it TASTED LIKE A WARM & CREAMY OREO!


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