..memorial weekend..

Happy Memorial Day. 

shattered.

The best way to wake up on a Friday..

Clumsy me... Don't even act surprised.. I was going to happen sooner or later.. It works.. sort of. I can text not talk? weird.. I had to cover it with scotch tape because shards of glass kept getting in my thumb.. fabulous.. 

Okay that's not really the best way to start a Friday.. I woke up bright and early this morning, okay that's a lie to.. it wasn't bright but I was ready to workout! 

I had a great workout this morning at GPP doing this workout 

followed by a 3 mile run and it was off to work I go! ( I work in a Pediatric dental office on Fridays)

Chocolate spinach shake-- Love them right now. Chocolate > Vanilla/fruity.

1 1/2 C. almond milk

5-7 cubes of ice (depending how thick you like it.)

1 scoop of chocolate elite whey by dymatize

1 tbs unsweetened cocoa

pinch of xanthan gum 

handful of spinach

For lunch I went with a classic salad.

3/4 C. Green beans

Handful Spinach

1/2 red pepper

1/2 sweet potato

purple onion

4 oz Grilled chicken 

Balsamic Vinaigrette 

Favorite Thing Friday

Freshly cut lawn!!!

There is something about the smell of grass that I love. Gap used to have a lotion called "grass".. (seriously, it was secretly my favorite..) weird I know. I love it because its a summer thing.. 

 Babies are napping and I'm supposed to be packing to go and I'm blogging..  priorities people. 

Have a safe and happy looooong weekend!

WE are OFF!!

peace. 

Q. Any fun and exciting plans?!!

Cheating what is it good for?

Yay!!! For FRIDAY!!! So excited that the weekend is finally here! I'am more then excited for a little vaca. But lets get down to some hard core facts.

Today, lets chat for a minute about CHEATING..




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I'm not talking about the days when you had your little sister do your math homework or secretly write the answers under your sleeve. This kind of cheating is in your daily diet. First off. I really hate the word diet. Why? because your so called "diet" should probably be how you should eat all the time. right?
Going from eating the way america does.. (fast food, processed & packaged goods) To eating clean, whole, natural foods... it can get a little rough.. First off.. cause all you have in your head is that you are on a swear word.. diet..  You make yourself a deal.. I'm not going to eat this or that or this.. etc.. then one day, (sometimes even the next) you cave and you share a ginormous slice of cheesecake with friends..

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It doesn't stop there, you already messed up the diet that day so why not dig into the large popcorn bowl and 64 oz DP during a movie.
Sound familar?
Everyone is tempted at some point, after all you worked out hard all week, eating dessert is kind of like a reward right?
What kind of reward sends you right back to where you started? I'm not saying you can never eat dessert, just be picky. Its kinda cool to pull out your apple and healthy trail mix at the movies. Most likely others will want some of your treats to.
When you "cheat" on your diet.. you actually learn. Cheating actually serves a purpose. It happens. Put it behind you and move on. Make a plan, check out your schedule-- family party? Birthday? Showers? Decide if and when you will allow yourself a little somethin somethin. Ask yourself how much you really want it. Don't forget your goal and all the hard work your putting into your training. The answer depends on you-- pick your limits.

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Whenever you start on a weight loss/fitness adventure, you will be challenged. Look it straight on and decide what you really want. Make a plan and plan on making  mistakes. They happen and are expected but if you really want to make a difference you have to make the smart choice.

"Nobody can go back and start a new beginning but anyone can start today and make a new ending."

-Maria Robinson

Q. Whats your favorite "cheat"? 

Brownies. yep, love them.   

thursday.

I honestly have no creative name for today. Besides its thursday.. which means its almost the beginning of a LONG weekend.. YESSSSSS!!!
Thanks for everyone and the response in the the "things nobody mentions" pregnancy post! If you haven't read it yet, You really should go glance through the post and read the comments. The more info you know. The better. Maybe... 


I can't get enough of these.

Deb, You are a genius.

I left this one in the bowl.. I'm don't want to do more dishes then required.

• In this muffin bowl I had
• 3 Egg whites 
• 1/4 + 1 TB cup pumpkin 
• 2 T coconut flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 T. Agave Nectar
• 1/2 C. Blueberries.
• 1/2 C sliced Strawberries

Post Workout Today I was craving a little pumpkin pie.. in shake form of course. 

(re-used picture) It was a pack and go go go kind of day..

Anybody have any fun memorial day plans? We are headed to my most favorite place on earth.. 

Even if the weather shows just more rain.. I don't even care because I'll be with my family. Does it get any better?

Q. What are your plans for memorial weekend?

Q. Another one of my favorite shows starts tonight.. SO you THINK you CAN DANCE!! (SYTYCD) Its about 500x better then dancing with the stars and american idol...  Do you watch it?

Readers Request: Post Pregnancy truths.

Hey everyone! Hope you had a fabulous day! Today I'm going to share my thoughts about the things that go on during/after you have the baby.. You know, the things nobody likes to talk about or totally avoids telling you...
I'm totally rating this PG-13 to.

Are you ready for the gruesome truth?...Here we go!

So your in labor.

Your water broke and you have to put a maxi pad on and pray it absorbs enough for you to make it to the hospital in time-- wear black pants!

The nurse takes you back and will check to see if or how much your dilated. Not so comfy.

You are exposed. yep. Spread eagle. Thats hot.

They give you a stool softening pill... Not sure if it was effective or not. If I had to chose, I would say not so much.--OUCH.

You can't wipe. You must squirt.

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You will still look pregnant. Don't stress.

They recommend 6 weeks to workout, I say, go with how you feel. Walking, light weights, lunges, squating.. etc.. I waited 5 weeks before I went back to teaching.. But took it slow and really listened to my body.

They also recommend waiting 6 weeks before sex. (yep, I said it) I say.. wait about 10. Double OUCH! (& I even had a C-section)

Mesh panties are fabulous.

Your milk comes in.. You can take out anything with your chest.

You also pump and lean to reach for something and you spill--- don't cry over spilled milk. (you finally learn the real meaning of that saying).....& you will probably still cry.

The BEST thing in the whole world is holding your new baby until they fall asleep on your chest and you can just lay back and relax knowing your whole world has changed for the better.

The first time you see your baby face to face was the single moment I realized how amazing the woman body is and how blessed you are to create such a perfect little body. 

Your relationship with your spouse or significant other is strengthened and challenged at times. But you two are stronger and more understanding then ever before.

worth every second. 

Q. If you are pregnant or have had a baby what was something you discovered post baby or pre pregnancy that nobody seemed to mention?

Sun, Swim & Rain.

Hey Everyone! Hope you had a great weekend!! We had a busy one! Full of 2  Baby Showers,  1 Wedding Shower and 2 Birthdays!! Leaving no time to blog.. Somebody thinks that they can handle the job...

This weekend the Twinners went swimming for the first time! 

Did they like it?

 No. But I blame the craziness earlier in the day that left them tired and hungry... We will try again. If it ever decides to stop raining for more then 1 day in Utah. 

I also made these pancakes and this lasagna.. Both very much enjoyed and completely devoured!!

Today we did this workout!! I love partner workouts! I find them to be very motivating, especially when your partner has to sit in a below parallel squat! So I made sure to push myself hard to get through the reps to get my partner out of the misery. Good workout!

Some of todays eats, besides the normal egg scramble

I was craving some veggies! This salad hit the spot.

 Throwing veggies in my egg scrambles and salad is a sure fire way to make sure you get your required veggies in for the day

• Spinach
• 1/2 red pepper
• brussel sprouts
• green beans
• purple onions
• sliced mushrooms
• 4 oz of chicken

It rained again today.. I needed another muffin!

This time I used 

3 egg whites + a little extra pumpkin. 

Rasberries & blueberries with a strawberry for a little garnish.

Drizzeled with Agave Nectar..

Really how can you even resist?

Post Body Attack and Dinner I wanted one thing.. Smoothie Bowl!!

1 Cup of Chocolate almond milk

1 Scoop of  chocolate elite protein 

Handful of spinach

pinch of Xanthan gum

7 or so ice cubes

Now who is going to watch the Bachelorette?!!!!!

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Love HER! I think she is so cute! 

Have a good night!!

oh yes.

Blogger is down again rejecting pictures :( So today, I'm going to share a quote that I love and live by. 

If you always do 

what you have always done, 

then you will always get 

what you have always got.

boom. 

No - grain Chia Banana Bread!

I have made some pretty good banana bread.. really.. have you tried it? You should. 
Then I made it again. I sort of have a problem.. you see, I hardly ever use the same recipe again. I know. Even it was good the first time I make it better the 2nd, 3rd and then the 4th time. 

..Banana Chia Bread..

This banana bread is different because I didn't use any flour, or butter, or sugar. 
 But I used 

• 4 eggs
• 2 Large Bananas (or 3 small)
• 3/4 C. Coconut flour
• 1/2 tsp Baking Powder
• 1/4c Coconut oil melted
• 1/2tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbs Cinnamon
• 3 tbs Agave Nectar
• 1/2 Cup of Chia seeds

Directions:

Blend eggs, bananas, agave, vanilla extract & coconut oil together

In a bowl mix coconut flour, baking powder, chia seeds and cinnamon

Combine the wet and dry ingredients 

Stir

Pour into glass baking dish and bake for 45 minutes. 

Then set broil on low for 5 minutes--watch it  close 


Remove and let cool for about ten minutes before transferring out of pan onto paper towel.--- did I mention I'm a little impatient?? I didn't wait.. and it fell apart.. no worries I put it back together..

Slice and Serve!

I got the final squirts of my agave on before I inhaled them.

No worries.. I got a picture of the last bite. 

Since I had dessert first.. Its time for dinner!

Since I admitted that I'm impatient.... I didn't take a picture of mine before I ate it.. so this was Brents.. oh & I don't like pasta. 

So go make that chia banana bread and let me know how you liked it! 

Off to hang out with the hubster and watch modern family on hulu. 

Do you watch modern family? If not you should. And laugh along with some banana bread :)

Goodnight Y'all. 

Bruschetta

RAIN RAIN GO AWAY... It seriously has been raining for 3 days straight! We now have a snow storm advisory..isn't that just fabulous.. ? (insert sarcasm here.)

One of my favorite appetizers is bruschetta! This is my friend Courtney, recipe. She blogs here! 

Who doesn't love a little Italian treat? This recipe is simple, delicious and healthy and takes about 10 minutes to whip up! 

Ingredients:

• 1 whole wheat baguette
• 2 tomato
• 1 clove garlic
• 5 fresh basil leaves chopped
• 1/4 C  toasted Pinenuts ( I used walnuts because I didn't have any pinenuts:(
• sea salt to taste
• pepper to taste
• fresh grated Parmesan cheese to taste
• 1/4 C balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 C extra virgin olive oil

To make:

Dice tomatoes, chop garlic and basil and place in bowl. 

Add sea salt and add the vinegar and let it marinate for a minute. 

Add other ingredients and combine. 

Slice your baguette into 1/3 inch slices and brush olive oil over the tops. 

 Toast your bread until it's golden in color.  I sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top and broil in the oven for just a minute or two. 

 Top your bread with  the mix and enjoy!  

Q. How is the weather where you are? 

Q. What is your favorite appetizer?

Rev up your metabolism!

Everybody is different in this department. Genetically some people have a faster metabolism.I have talked with several people who explain their frustrations because they cannot lose weight. Some say its because they think they were born with a slow metabolism. Is that a valid excuse? Just give up because you were "born this way" ? {lady gaga}.. I don't think so. What it means is that you are just going to have to put in a little extra effort to lose it.YOU can still SUCCEED!!
I think everyone can speed up their metabolism by jumping on the right track. Slowing metabolisms can be caused by a number of things.

• Lack of sleep
• Little or no exercise
• Thyroid problems
• Yo-yo dieting
• Poor diet in general. 
• Cheating
• Even your attitude
• Stress

Can you pick out any of these? Here are some of my tips for revving up your metabolism!

1. DRINK WATER!!!!! Shoot for 1 Gallon each day! You need to properly hydrate yourself to encourage optimal bodily function
2. ADD FAT. To put it simply, Eat fat --> Burn fat: by adding essential fatty acids such as olive oil, coconut oil, flaxseeds etc. will assist with speeding up that metabolism.

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3. Don't Starve- When you go past the point of hunger it triggers a starvation response. Causing you to over eat. Keep fruits/veggies on hand for a quick  re-charge when needed

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4.Eat often- When you eat your meals {5-6 each day} eat at least a palm-sized serving of protein along with a complex carb.

5. Protein- Each meal should have some sort of protein. It helps sustain fullness and gives you energy to keep going.

6. AVOID SUGAR! Simple & refined sugars send the metabolism into a slow downward tailspin.

7. Complex Carbohydrates- Fruits and vegetables satisfy the needs of an active body.

8. Work Out-- Yep, you need to do it. Their are no excuses. Face reality and get to work. love you.

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9. Get to bed on time-- Turn of the TV and close your eyes. 

10. DIET? no. make it a lifestyle. Some people say moderation is key. I hate to be blunt here.. but no it isn't. How often do we find the excuse to celebrate with a treat? End of a long day? Sunday treats? Birthdays? Girls Night outs? Pick your poison. ;) 

11. Add a little Spice- Spices such as cinnamon and cayenne are amazing spices to assist with speeding up your metabolism.  

Don't ever feel discouraged  & tackle each day with a positive attitude. Take control of you. 

I hope some of these tips help! 

snow.

Seriously. its MAY... & yes, it snowed!! Actually.. it rained.. then snowed. then the sun finally came out. But it was still cold...  I'm more than ready for a little summer fun! Instead I'm drinking hot pro-co and snuggling running around inside dreaming of summer. Which actually you would think would give me more time to be creative in the kitchen.. But its been quite the opposite..  I have hardly been in my kitchen.. why you ask? I have one baby over here....

and one baby over here.....

But being 10 months old.. We love them more then anything.. 

Crawling, busy, & happy babies lead to eating the same breakfast...

                                                       egg scramble- 5 egg whites, spinach, broccoli, & red peppers. 


and the same lunch...

 Spinach salad: IN the mix, spinach, chicken, 1/2 sliced apple, brussel sprouts, green beans, drizzeled with balsamic dressing. 


and same dinner...

Protein shake: 1 scoop vanilla elite protein, 1 Cup Almond milk, ice, pinch of xanthan gum & handful of spinach with some almonds


and even dessert.. 

Brownies (boxed gluten free) with some fro-yo. 


What? You know you want some to.  Guaranteed I have burned off the additional calories chasing my little bundles around. :)
Please note: this is not ALL that I consumed.. I'm not counting the banana with almond butter, multiple handfuls of almonds, peach, and the significant amount of  chocolate chips  and whatever else that made their way to my mouth today ;)
this girl has got to eat.. 


New Recipe tomorrow though! Promise! 


Tonight I went to a dance concert at a local high school with my sister..

 It was amazing, I love the talent, choreography and strength of the dancers. It made me miss dance and reminded me of my high school days. 


Sorry high school friends who read this blog and are in these following photos.. do I have your permission to post them??  okay thanks. 
ps. pictures of pictures that loaded sideways?!.. not awesome.. but see if you can spot me. 

Going to dance concerts really makes me want to bust out my splits when I get home.. Can I still do them. h to the no. But now I have a new goal to stretch till I can. 

Have a good night!! 

Q. Do moments like that ever just make you miss high school? 

call me crazy.. but yes.