A Review..

Hope you all have had a great weekend..we woke up to snow here in Wichita this morning. I will say I'm over winter. Honestly, I actually don't think it has been as cold and snowy of a winter that it typically is. I am however looking forward to daylight past 6pm, evening walks with Pat and Buddy, sunshine, dinner on the deck, working in the yard, etc. Ahhhh....only a few more months!

As I mentioned HERE I was invited to a Sneak Peek Open House this morning for the new Natural Grocers opening this week in west Wichita. I was so excited for this event! I also could not be more excited that we finally have some organic/natural food options in west Wichita. Even more exciting is that it is literally seconds away from my house. I know this will be my new go-to for essentials. 

We started off with a store tour which I loved. After this we got to sit in on a presentation about the background and beliefs/values of Natural Grocers as well as sample a Paleo lunch (which was very tasty I might add). One of the things I love about Natural Grocers is that they do not carry anything that has artificial sweeteners or flavorings, which is awesome. This saves you the step to even have to search the nutrition label for these things. I also just so happened to sit right next to the owner of Lotus Leaf (one of my top five places to eat in Wichita). I loved getting to chat with her for a bit. If you haven't been to Lotus Leaf, I highly recommend it. Not only is the food super tasty, but they also serve natural/organic homemade meals with the best high quality ingredients. 

All that were in attendance received a packet of great information including: a list of ingredients that Natural Grocers does not carry in any of their products (and reasons why), background on the company, coupons, event list, calendar, and a giftcard. After learning a bit more about the company I am even more inclined to shop there and will encourage others to also. I am looking forward to taking part of many of their upcoming events, particularly the event this Saturday, The Organic Fair from 12pm-4pm, check it out!

It was great meeting others in the community as well. I did meet another blogger who was extremely inspiring. She not only runs, but competes in ultra marathons, yes you ready that correctly, ultra marathons. She has even done a 100 mile race. I was in total disbelief. I have a teeny tiny inkling to want to attempt a full marathon (ran my one and only 1/2 in 2012). After talking with her it gives me encouragement and reminds me that you can do anything you set your mind to. Check out Jennifer's blog over at http://youknowyoulovemexoxojennifer.tumblr.com/. 

Happy Friday!

Happy Friday All! I don't know about you but I am looking forward to the weekend! I wanted to share a site I recently came across and have become slightly addicted too, Food Babe. Beware, this site is a bit information overload, but oh so interesting. I don't necessarily agree with 100% of all of her opinions, but it sure makes you think about the foods you are putting into your body a bit more. I understand eating healthy can sometimes be a bit more expensive, but when you see all of the MANY benefits, the fact that you are lowering so many health risks, and overall just plain and simple taking the best care of the one body God gave you, why not invest in it a little more?

I love this video she shares on her site as well. You can find several other videos, as well as great recipe ideas, and many other tips and tricks. The list of the many company's ingredients that she has worked so hard to change is truly amazing!

I also read recently a great blog post about how one Mom spends $100 a week on groceries at Whole Foods for her family. Pretty impressive if you ask me. You can read her post here. It does take a bit more planning and efforts, but is also worth the savings. Just goes to show it can be done.

I personally have found it hard sometimes to buy organic in Wichita, we have several organic grocery stores but on the opposite side of town, so it just hasn't been that convenient. So when I can't, I always ensure I am reading nutrition labels to look and see what ingredients are in the food I'm buying. Recently however, construction started on a Natural Grocers literally right around the corner from us. I am pumped! I actually got invited to their Sneak Peek open house this Sunday and am more than thrilled to check it out! I have been to the east side Natural Grocers several times, but am excited to learn a bit more about the company and get a tour of the store. I will post a review on it next week and let you all know how it goes!

Travel Snacks

My body loves routine and schedules, so whenever I travel it slightly stresses me out because my body feels "out of whack." I also have to eat every 3-4 hours or you will find Ms. Grumpy -sluggish, hungry, and tired....soo this has made me learn how to travel with some great healthy snack options to keep me energized AND prepared throughout my trip!

 

1. One of the easiest snacks to bring along are almonds. I love almonds and they definitely leave you feeling satisfied. Grab a handful and divide into multiple baggies for easy grab and go snacks. Raw almonds are of course the best for you, but I absolutely love these cocoa roasted almonds, delish. We buy a big container of these from Sams!

2. Next up would be homemade beef jerky. Beef jerky is a great source of protein but almost all of the store bought jerky is processed and is filled with unnecessary ingredients. I have found a recipe I love and this has now become a weekly staple in our household. We usually buy 1 1/2 - 2 lbs. of eye of round steak from Yoder Meats. They will then slice the beef, jerky style for us which is perfect. We then mix this recipe together and let the jerky marinade over night. The next day we pop on the dehydrator for a few hours and voila - delicious jerky!

1/4 c. tamari (we sometimes use liquid aminos instead)
Juice of one lemon
1/2 tsp. onion salt
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp. black pepper
1/8 tsp. sea salt
1/8 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

How easy is this??

3. Then there are Quest bars, my new found love. These actually contain legit good for you ingredients and have a ton of nutrients, you would never imagine them to taste so good! Pack a few of these instead of stopping for chex mix or other processed and sodium loaded snacks. My favorite flavors are cookie dough, cinnamon roll, and apple pie!

 

 

4. I have also recently stumbled upon these which I am getting ready to order, so I have yet to try them but will post a review once I do. I have a good feeling that I will fall in love though:)

 Biotrust Protein Cookies which come in oatmeal raisin and chocolate chip.

5. Next up are another snack I have recently come across which is delish. I'm totally not an edamame fan, that was until I tried these. These things are so yummy and are loaded with 14g. of protein in only a 1/4 cup plus low in fat and calories.

 

 

 



6. Okay last one I promise...can you tell I like my snacks?! Who doesn't like corn nuts? Well I recently saw a recipe for Roasted Chickpeas that was supposed to be very similar to corn nuts so I thought I'd give it a try. Much to my surprise I loved them, they are addicting!

 



2 Tblsp. EVOO
1 Tblsp. Cumin
1 tsp. Garlic Powder
1/2 tsp. Chili Powder
A pinch of sea salt and ground pepper
A dash of crushed red pepper
1 can of Chickpeas, rinsed and drained.

Mix dressing and then toss chickpeas to coat thoroughly. Lay on a baking sheet on a single layer and bake at 350 for about 45 minutes tossing occasionally until slightly crispy. I also think these would be great by just tossing with a dry Ranch seasoning packet, I'll have to give that a try next time!

So these are my top picks for easy travel snacks, but you could also make homemade trail mix or granola to take along, energy balls, or even protein powder that could easily be mixed with water if needed.

 

Enjoy!

A little fitness survey...

Happy Friday Folks!

I couldn't be more excited for a weekend at home. Last weekend was almost like a blur it happened so fast, Pat and I headed to Nebraska for his cousin Mandy's wedding bright and early Saturday morning. It was a beautiful wedding and great to see a lot of his family that we don't get to see very much. We had to leave early Sunday morning since it was Father's Day, we hurried home to make lunch at my parent's house with my whole side of the family. And then it was Monday again..

 

Me and Lover Boy

Pat and his Aunt Beth

The beautiful ceremony and couple

 

So needless to say I'm looking forward to a semi-relaxing weekend, hopefully will get some stuff done around the house before we head to Beaver Lake next Thursday with some of our great friends- Nick & Ashley! Can't wait to sit on a boat and enjoy the sun for a few days!

 

As I was reading one of my favorite blogs today, Peanut Butter Fingers, I came across this POST  thought I'd repeat, 1. Because I love surveys (weird I know) and 2. Because I love fitness:)

 

 

1. What did you eat for breakfast?
A piece of toasted Ezekiel bread topped with some avocado and one fried egg with a side of fresh strawberries.

2. How much water do you drink a day?
I drink at least a gallon of water a day. People think I'm crazy... but water does a body good:)

3. What is your current favorite workout?
Currently I love Title Boxing's Power Hour Class. Pat and I became members a few months ago, and it is such an AWESOME workout, plus I get board with the same ole' cardio so it's nice to mix things up!

4. How many calories do you eat a day?
Most days I'm not sure, but when I'm counting I try to stick around 1200-1500

5. What are your favorite healthy snacks?
Oh goodness- I love my snacks! Here are my most favs: beef jerky, celery with almond butter, string cheese with some turkey breast, hummus with carrots and cucumber (I make my own sweet potato hummus and it is fabulous!), almonds (raw, cocoa, smoky flavors), protein shakes, homemade energy balls, quest protein bars

6. What do you usually eat for lunch?
I pack my lunch and snacks every day. For lunch I try to stick with a big salad with either tuna, steak, or chicken. I make my own salad dressing as well or even just use some lemon juice. I may top it with some fresh fruit and nuts or dried cranberries.

7. What is your favorite body part to strength train?
Shoulders!

8. What is your least favorite body part to strength train?
Chest (probably because this is my weakest area)

9. What are your “bad” food cravings?
I have a major sweet tooth, so it definitely takes major discipline, but when I do "splurge" my picks would definitely be cake, especially the frosting:) or ice cream and anything with chocolate!

10. Do you take vitamins or supplements?
Yes! Multivitamin, Calcium, Vitamin B, Fish Oil, L-Carnatin, CLA, Probiotics

11. How often do you eat out?
Usually only on the weekends, 1 to 2 times a week

12. Do you eat fast food?
I hate fast food. But if its my only option I try to shoot for a salad if possible and nothing fried, ever.

13. Who is your biggest supporter?
Patty boy and my Mom and Dad, hands down.

14. Do you have a gym membership?
Yes- we have memberships to both the YMCA, Title Boxing Club, as well as a Yoga studio

15. How many hours of sleep do you get a night?
8- and its so important!

16. Do you have a “cheat” day?
No I don't have cheat days, but I will "splurge" a little more on the weekends, I try to keep it really clean during the week.

17. Do you drink alcohol?
Honestly since college I really don't. These days one drink will give me a headache and alcohol just does bad, bad things to my body, so it's just not worth it to me, I feel so much better without it.

18. Do you have a workout buddy?
My Momma:) or my good friend RaeAnn, we share a lot of the same fitness passions! Most of the time I'm solo though, which is totally cool with me, its my "me" time.

19. What is the best thing that has changed about your life since committing to a healthy lifestyle?
I've always enjoyed fitness and nutrition. But over the last few years I have grown an even stronger love for not only fitness but living a healthy lifestyle. I'm blessed with umm... probably the worst metabolism ever. I've always had to watch what I eat, but over the last few years have noticed it has gotten even harder. So you have to make a choice. And I can truly tell a difference in what "clean, whole" foods do for your body. It's definitely a lifestyle you have to choose to live, and in my mind is worth it in the long run without a doubt.

20. What was the last healthy thing you did?
Went to Title Boxing after work tonight, great way to end a long week!



What I ate Wednesday

Boy, is it only Wednesday? I feel like it should be Friday tomorrow. We have a busy weekend ahead of us, moving my little sis home from college and then celebrating Mother's Day, but it will be nice to spend some good time with the fam. Lately, I feel like I have realized much more- family is such a blessing, a blessing that is so easily taken for granted. They are really the only ones who will always have your back, be there for you at absolutely any second, the good and the bad, be honest when you need to hear the truth, support anything you do, and continually give you the confidence and courage to persevere! And that is what truly matters...unconditional love.

I haven't gotten much sleep the last few nights, I'm usually out once I hit the bed and never budge until the alarm goes off, but for some reason I've tossed and turned all week, finding it impossible to sleep. It's finally catching up with me, I could literally fall asleep as I'm typing this. I pray for a good nights' rest!

So here's what I ate today on this Wednesday--

Breakfast- Easy Delicious Breakfast Hash courtesy of one of my fav food blogs, love this girl and the blog. It never disappoints.

Via PaleOMG

Snack- protein shake with unsweetened almond milk


Lunch- I made a yummy salad with spinach leaves, some turkey bacon, feta cheese, sliced turkey, and some pumpkin seeds, topped with a little EVOO and vinegar. This held me over until my preworkout snack.


Snack- celery with natural almond butter, lowfat string cheese with a few slices of organic turkey breast


I got out of work on time to make my 5:30pm title boxing class, my tiredness was catching up with me and I was honestly dreading the class, but once I got going I felt great, and was SO happy that I didn't skip, its just what I needed after a day/week like I've had. However, my body is now completely exhausted- I did some intense strength training last night- shoulders, biceps, and back, and after punching a bag for an hour tonight, holy cow-- I can barely lift my arms.


Dinner- I came home to dinner on the table- I love these kind of meals:) Patty boy through together some chicken fajita meat (we buy our chicken from Yoder meats- you can find pastured and cage free chicken there) and sauteed peppers/onions, topped with some salsa verde.

I then threw together a quick side of some yummy coleslaw, this is my new favorite go-to side dish. It's delish and dairy free, you would never know! You can find the recipe HERE. Another blog favorite. Why can't I spend my day reading blogs??

Via Detoxinita

That's it for today, its time for some shut-eye.