..6 years..

Hey friends! Hope your all having a relaxing Sunday! It's been pretty chill around here.
First I'll recap the weekend cause its been fun!
On Friday, I took the twins to the pool for yet another attempt to get them to like it! We had a little luck.. T actually sat IN the pool. (this is big deal.)

..BFF's..

B on the other hand..

"get me away from the water!!"

We met up with my friend Jacquelyn who has the most adorable little girl! T's future wife.
They had fun and B warmed up a little bit..
Saturday, I taught Pump in the am and headed out afterwards to do a 7 mile training run. I strapped on the garmin, tied up my shoes, took two steps and decided I didn't want to run.. WHO am I? I know... but hey, it was just one of those days.. I had no desire to run, no drive, no motivation.  I could of done it, nothing was stopping me. Besides myself. I actually fought with myself in my head for awhile to just get it done. But that is exactly what I would of done- fight. It would of been the longest 7 miles of my life and I prefer to run when I want to not just when I should.  Maybe, it was the fact I was just excited to get to the lake.. either way, my body was not craving the run.
I headed home because we had to get to the lake for the GPP beach party.
We even got a little boating in. Wakeboarding > Running. The water was super choppy! So today, I kind of feel like I ran a marathon yesterday.. Does that count toward my TRI training that just happens to be in 27 days?

"I just got used to the pool.. NOT the lake!"

Today Brent woke up not feeling so well, :( sick hubby's are no fun.
I got up and started got some things done around the house before the twins woke up. Feeling accomplished I turned on the new Body Attack release to learn it. It's so fun and I can't wait to teach it!

Breakfast went undocumented.. but it was a banana with almond butter and handful of this and handful of that and a half of this...3 boiled eggs.  seriously random. Lunch was worthy though.

{Salad beast of all salad beast.}

• Romaine lettuce
• Spinach
• Brussels sprouts
• Red Peppers 
• Chicken

I was indecisive on my dressing.. so I just rolled with them all..

a little olive oil, a little (last of) TJ's Raspberry Vinaigrette and some mustard! Not just any mustard & passion fruit habanero mustard 

Mustard lovah!

We picked up this perfect mustard while we were in Hawaii! It is so good! The habanero part scared me off a little since I am not a fan of spiiiiiiiicy things. But after a little sample it proved to be worth the purchase! This mustard has a happy medium, spicy yet sweet. I love it! I have been using it on top of my grilled chicken and even my veggies! 

Today actually marks 6 years since my mother passed away


















                   I love you mom!

 Reflecting on her passing kind of just puts me in a funk all day. Hence my handful of this and that kind of day. Whenever this day passes I tend to really reflect on her and her memory. It has been 6 years but yet it feels as if it was yesterday. My mother was the most giving, kindest, and beautiful mother I knew. I strive to be a great example to those around me as she was.
She passed away on July 31, 2005 due to health complications. Every year at 5pm we meet up at her graveside to show our respect. As hard as it is to visit her, this time the babies made me smile.

Hi Grandma!

I promise this week will good one! I am completely recommiting to my diet, training, and having a good time with these two munchkins along the way.
I have my meal plan, & new recipes to blog! One is in progress on its way to perfection.

I haven't really decided whats for dinner yet.. but with Brent being sick and me in my little funk, I think I'll just make a chocolaty shake, with a side of dark chocolate chips and probably a couple more.. (Chocolate makes things better!) I told you- I recommit tomorrow:) Sometimes a girl just needs her mom & when you can't have that, chocolate works wonders. ;)

Q. How do you get out of your funk?
Whether it be in fitness or emotionally I just take a step back and take time to re-focus! I make a plan, and I roll with the punches.

Q. Have you ever just stop running because you simply didn't feel like it?
Usually, I can get over it if I just start running. My mind was telling me to go for it but some days you just have to listen to your body. 

And the WINNER is....

Drum roll please....

Random.org was used to select the winner! 

True Random Number GeneratorMin: Max: Result:10Powered by RANDOM.ORG

Jenny said...

In my next life I hope to be a coconut. :)
What could be better... Growing somewhere tropical and warm, and delicious of course! (I could do without the whole hacking-open-with-a-machete thing.)
I like my coconut a little savory and have a great coconut- curry chicken soup recipe.
Mmmmmm... Endless possibilities!
P.S. Was with Sid at GPP this morning :)

CONGRATS JENNY!!! Please email me your contact info! ;)

Shopping for shoes!

Tonight I will be announcing the winner to the GIVEAWAY! So don't forget to go enter! 

Today started out with a early morning workout! With my pre-workout fuel I headed to the gym.
After completing this workout, I completed 100 situps and went for 1.5 mile run. WOW, running after thrusters and burpees makes you feel like your running with 100 pounds dragging behind you! Lets just say it was one of those days I was happy my run was cut short because I had to get to work.
Breakfast

I was craving one thing..

Strawberry-Coconut Protein Shake

This hit the spot! It was so sweet!!!

• 1.5 C. Almond Milk Unsweetnened
• 5-6 Ice cubes
• 1 scoop of Vanilla Protein by Elite
• 4 Frozen Strawberries
• 1 tbs  Coconut syrup
• 1 tbs  Chia seeds
• 2 handfuls of spinach (doesn't alter the flavor AT ALL)

Today at work went by quick! I love busy days! I snacked on some trail mix throughout the day.

I may or may not of selectively picked out each handful :) cashews, m&m's, and raisins.

After my long work day.. (4 whole hours) I snagged some chocolate for some shopping fuel.

dark chocolate + almonds = winner!!

Remember these shoes? I wore them a few times and then Liz informed me that I should probably get a half size bigger and of course I head to every piece of advice and she was able to take them off my hands so I went back to the mall and found a better fit and a comfy fit..

While I was shopping I ran into a blog reader! (Hi Cindy!!) We had a good time chatting about our need for new shoes and both ended up purchasing 2 pair!

Don't you just love them!?

Coral is one of my favorite colors and it makes them just pop out! They are the new balance vibrams.

 I have been researching vibrams for awhile now but just couldn't wrap my head around the separate toes thing. They have the same bottom of the vibrams with all the benefits, but you don't have the toe separation! I can't wait to test them out!

Comfy fit?

 I couldn't resist TOMS! I tried them on and had to have them! Bonus: They are Brents favorite color so I knew he would be totally okay with the purchase.. oh and I had a gift card.. Double bonus!


After shopping I headed home to the babes and of course for lunch, I was actually really wanting another strawberry coconut shake because it was SOO good but figured a veggie full salad would satisfy! I had some salmon in the fridge and tossed it on top of some fresh romaine lettuce from the garden (Thanks Judy!) Along with some red pepper and baked sweet potato! Drizzled with a little olive oil and sea salt.

And of course a crunchy Gala Apple!

Perfect lunch!

Its a hot day today! I'm whipping up a perfect post workout treat.. but I think we need to go swim first. Someone is getting ancy.

Even though they hate the pool I am determined to get them to like it. 

See you TONIGHT to announce the winner!! 

GoOd LuCk!

Q. I know TOMS aren't the cutest shoe but they are comfy! Do you buy for the cute factor or the comfy?

Q. Do you have vibrams? Whats your opinion?

Almond butter vs. Peanut butter

Thanks for all your feedback on my computer dilemma, I would love a mac but the price tag on one of those suckers is a little much. I will accept donations :) Haha!
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Some days I feel super productive and some days I have a little harder time. This morning was one of those mornings! I was tired from a late night out, eating to much and a little sugar overload ;) Although, I was still full  from the night before I was able to cook up a healthy breakfast.

4 Egg white scramble with onion, red pepper, spinach, avocados, and a little chicken for even more protein. 

Last night, Brent and I went out on a date to TUCANOS.

Tucanos is a local restaurant in SLC that pretty much is a Brazilian meat fest. Beef, Pork, Chicken.. more pork and of course all you can eat salad bar!
I started off with a plate full of some goods from the salad bar!

Lots of veggies, marinated tomatoes, cucumbers, tomato and mozzarella balls along on top of a bed of romaine lettuce and spinach. Oh, and lets not forget the shrimp... I totally overloaded on them! I LOVE shrimp! The only downfall was I had to peel them myself and that kind of creeps me out a little.. But I still completely over indulged.

The waiter comes by often and offers you a piece of meat, it felt like him or another one was there every 20 seconds... My favorite was a teriyaki steak and the roasted veggies that had a little bit of Parmesan cheese on them. 

After our bellies were stuffed we decided to do a little shopping because I had purchased a groupon that was expiring soon and wanted to use it! We headed to Old Navy right before they closed! I was able to find a workout skirt and some shorts. 

On our way back to the car I begged Brent to head into Juicy Berry (yogurt shop) Although I was still stuffed I always like something sweet to just top me off ;) We went in and took full advantage of their sample cups. 

Sometimes a sample will suffice;)

Peanut Butter VS. Almond Butter

I received an e-mail wondering why I prefer Almond Butter over Peanut Butter and decided it would make a great post! First off I have a love of both butters. Both go well with chocolate and bananas. 

If I have a choice I choose Almond Butter for a few reasons. 

Here are some nutritional facts. 

okay, you can't really read it unless you blow it up but here is the breakdown

PB is on the right, almond butter on the left.

PB                                                             Almond Butter

200 Cal                                                         180 Cal

16 g. fat                                                         16 g. fat

2.5g saturated fat                                           1 g. saturated fat

4.5g polyunsaturated fat                                 4g polyunsaturated fat

8g monounsaturated fat                                  10g monounsaturated fat

105g sodium                                                  0g. sodium

6g carbs                                                        6g. carbs

2g fiber                                                          4g fiber

1g sugar                                                         2g  sugar

7g protein                                                      7g protein 

Both being pretty similar nutrient wise, But the difference is in the micro nutrients!!

• Almonds are known as a "super food" and peanuts aren't actually even considered a nut! They are actually classified as legumes!! 
• Almond butter contains 40% of our daily need of Vitamin E, 25% magnesium, 8% iron & calcium
• Almonds help to prevent heart disease, support a healthy immune system and regulate your blood sugar and blood pressure! 
• Higher amount of "Healthy fats" which are good for fat burning and satiety. 

How to buy your butters? 

Popular Peanut Butter such as Skippy or Jif contain extra sugar and added oils! Candy in a jar. Avoid them and go for all natural peanut butter! I like "Adams" or I grind it myself. Some grocery stores have nut grinders that are accessible to you to do so! A natural PB can take a little getting use to, after a few weeks you will taste some of the "other" PB and it will taste oober salty and sugary! 

Almond Butter same as above can include added sugars and oils. I prefer to grind my own, for baking and for a more creamy butter I buy the roasted almond butter from Costco (the one shown above) It does settle and oil can appear at the top, know that, that certain brand does not have "added" oils and it is just natural oils that have settled on top. I just dump the oil out and stir it up and keep it refrigerated after opening. Its kind of soupy. You can also make your OWN! Which I don't mind doing because its so simple!!  

You can even do it with peanuts! 

I love it chunky. 

I chunky dunk a banana quite frequently! Its my favorite snack pre-workout, first thing in the morning.. and even at night with a little frozen banana to satisfy my evening sweet tooth! 

So to actually answer the question, I prefer AB over PB because of the benefits of the micro nutrients and I love the natural taste of almond butter over PB. But that doesn't mean I don't enjoy a finger dip of PB here or there. :) Vanilla Ice cream + melted PB = Heaven. 

 A Con?- Almond Butter is a bit more expensive. But you do get a little more bang for your buck!

Q. Which do you prefer? AB or PB? 

Q. After overindulging does it take you awhile to get going again? Even the next day? 

Productivity

hey guys!! I'm back!! After a little hiatus... I have been having computer issues :/  We have 2 laptops. His/Hers. "Hers",  bit the dust a while ago.. so I've been using "his" for the past months to blog. Then, it bit the dust. So we ordered a new power cable and "hers" works again! Bad news.. All my pictures are on "his". Hawaii pictures included.. we ordered a new cable for that one hoping that is what the problem is.. Why can't everything just work all the time?! Sigh.. so we are negotiating getting a desktop computer or a new lap top. Thoughts? Desktops last longer & hold a lot more.. but I just love the convenience of a laptop for travel posts etc.
Alright enough of that jazz..

**If you haven't yet! Enter THE GIVEAWAY!! 

WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED FRIDAY!

The last few days have been full of fun! Monday we hit the lake!
It was so nice to be up on the board and hang out in the sun! I have been missing it since our Hawaii trip!

That night we headed out to watch fireworks in celebration of PIONEER DAY here in UT. We had a little BBQ with the fam and hung out with Great Grandpa!

g-pa with some of the grandkids!

Today I woke up early to teach pump!
Pre-workout I had a half of banana with some almond butter, I'm the type of person that has to have a little bit of fuel to get going but not to much or I can get cramps while I tough out a workout.

Banana Sandwich!

 I love the early morning workouts--Just get up & get it done! Brent usually takes the morning gym shift at 6 am and since we have been home from Hawaii.. my 5 AM training time hasn't happened.. So this morning when I was back on schedule to teach I was actually excited to get there and get movin!
After pump, I headed over to GPP and did this workout! I added a hop at the top of the inchworm. Love it!

I have a pretty good feeling my hamstrings are going to be sore..

Post-Workout Shake/Breakfast

Chocolatey- Green smoothie

IN the mix:

1/2 banana

1.5 C. Almond Breeze unsweetened 

1 tbs of cocoa

1 scoop of Elite Dymatize protein

6-7 Ice Cubes

2 handfuls of spinach

Topped it off with a straw and slurped it down! 

Now I'm snackin' on some almonds I roasted yesterday! They are ADDICTING! So good! 

For lunch?

I'm grillin' up some protein for the week! I like to grill more and then I have some good protein for quick future meals! 

Some salmon given to me from a friend (fresh from Alaska!) and Mahi Mahi with a little lemon squeezed on top!

Don't forget the chicken! 

I'm thinking I'll mix up a salad with some of that salmon! 

That's if I can get this little man away from the pool.. (notice he sits on the outside and splashes and not in the pool.. silly boy!)

Workout done, the babies and I were ready for the day before 8:45 AM! I love days like this! I already got so much done and have the whole day! I even have a hot date tonight :)

I got some things to do on my To-Do list! Lets see how productive today can be!

Q. Desktop or Laptop? PC or Mac? Decisions.. decisions?
Help!!


Q. Would you rather wake up early and get the workout done or wait till night?
I love my early mornings but due to compromise I don't mind waiting till early afternoonish. 

Chocolate-Coconut Pancakes + a GIVEAWAY!

Hey guys! Apparently, I need chocolate in my life. Its a staple. I even eat it for breakfast. The two best things combined besides chocolate and peanut butter has to be chocolate and coconut! Today is Sunday and its the one day of the week I really get out of "my box." per say. I hate the word "diet" because I honestly believe healthy eating should be your lifestyle. On Sunday's I tend to eat a little more, not necessarily unhealthy foods, just more quantity of the good stuff ;) along with tasty treats and yummy breakfast..like pancakes.. Chocolate-Coconut Pancakes!

While we were in Hawaii (p.s sorry about the hiatus of recap post of our Hawaii trip, there comin' back..) We stopped by a local farmers market and I was able to browse through locally made and produced food. Its where we picked up that gross guava.. but all week I have been dying to whip up this coconut syrup!

I was able to meet the sweet lady that made this heaven in a bag! Barbara Oki

You can use it for smoothies, pies, curry, pudding, pancakes! Honestly, this would be fabulous on top of anything! Its all natural and homemade. Barbara Oki designed this coconut powder to perfection and as I was talking with her she is very proud and you can really tell how much work and love she puts into it.

I was craving chocolate this morning and I figured this coconut syrup would go perfect with some pancakes.

Chocolate-Coconut Pancakes 

1/2 C. Coconut flour
2 1/4 C. Almond milk vanilla unsweetened
2 scoops Chocolate Elite protein
1 Tbs Cocoa powder
1/3 C. Agave nectar
1 egg
2 egg whites
1/4 tsp baking powder
Unsweetened shredded coconut for garnish

yields about 10 pancakes

Directions:

Throw all the ingredients into your blender (except the shredded coconut)
Blend until smooth.
Pour onto hot griddle (I was lazy and just used a skillet pan cause its easier to clean.)

Bubbles will form, when they start to pop, flip the pancake over and cook for about a minute or so.

Easy!

Oki's Coconut Syrup

Now this is the magic of this stuff! Its SOO easy to make!

Coconut powder as pictured.
1 1/2 cups Water

Bring water to a boil and add the packet stirring until thickened

These were divine

Do YOU want some of this syrup? Yes, I'm pretty sure you need it in your life.

I have one bag to GIVEAWAY to a lucky winner! All you have to do is..

#1 Email Oki Aka Barbara.. and tell her you saw the syrup on my blog! @

#2 You must be a follower of bodyofamother.com

#3 Leave a comment telling me what you would whip up if you won the powder!

You can visit HER website for more recipes and if you don't want to wait or take the chance on the giveaway you can purchase it there.