Friday, October 11, 2013

UnitedLuv and Interview with Hello Healthy Eating

I know that you all have heard me talk about the company UnitedLuv but I wanted to do a post about them today. This company has such a touching story and I am proud to support it!
 
If you are not familiar with UnitedLuv here is how it all began....
 
United Luv is a business created by two brothers, one a graphic design artist (Ryan), and the other a business major (Dallas). The mission of United Luv came into effect when Ryan was diagnosed with Synovial Sarcoma in 2011.

Having spent a great deal of time in hospitals and cancer treatment centers, Ryan quickly learned that there were limited options to pass the time.
Ryan wanted to give back to others fighting cancer by providing a distraction to what was going on around them. United Luv’s first mission is to provide iPads and tablets to the Oncology floors in the community.

In order to put the United Luv Project into action, the brothers decided to give 10% of the proceeds back into the medical community.

On February 9, 2013, Ryan lost his battle with cancer. Although Ryan was not able to see the dream come to fruition, his partner Dallas is going to continue their mission.
 
So today on casual Friday at work I will show my support!!!

 
So check out their website today!!


Next I got the chance to interview the writer of the blog Hello Healthy Eating. I love finding new blogs and when I stumbled across hers I loved it because she is such a Godly woman it is inspiring. In today's world it is sometimes hard to stay on track with your believes with so many distractions but I love when I find something that will help you grow closer with God rather than draw you away. I can relate to her story in many ways and I think that is why I was so interested in learning more.
 
So here we go....

Everyone meet Cailee, she is a college girl who loves life! She loves Jesus, her family and friends, and her dog Jess. She is a hard-core thrift shopper and  seriously obsessed with scarves and hair bows! Her blog is all about healthy eating and nutrition; which is a passion of hers! She  lost 35lbs. and  follows a new lifestyle to maintain the weight loss!

 

1. What made you to decide to become a healthier version of yourself and how is it different from before?

Well, to be quite honest, I used to really struggle with binge eating and under eating. It was a vicious cycle for me and it was really frustrating. I felt like I had no control over this area of my life. I knew I wanted to 'eat healthy' but I didn't even really know what that meant! I began reading blogs, books, and magazines about making healthy choices and I started praying about it. A huge part of my weight loss journey is tied to my relationship with Jesus Christ. I realize that 'binge eating' is me trying to satisfy the desires of my heart with something other than Christ. I now view how I eat as a physical discipline as well as a spiritual one. Food was an idol to me! But God used something I struggled with so deeply for good. Now I want to help others learn the importance of eating right and honoring God. I want them to know that there is HOPE!


2. What is your favorite go to meal and what are you favorite snacks?

Since I'm in college, my 'go to' meal is usually something from the cafeteria, not something from my own kitchen. Also, I have a sensitivity to gluten and lactose, so that limits my options even more. I usually have fresh fruit and nuts, hard boiled eggs, or oatmeal for breakfast. For lunch and dinner, I head to the salad bar, deli bar and fruit stand. I always have a massive garden salad loaded with fresh greens, tomatoes, onions, mushrooms and carrots, quinoa and a drizzle of dressing. I throw on a bit of sliced turkey breast, steamed veggies and sometimes a slice of gluten free toast. I always grab a piece of fresh fruit for later. When it comes to snack time, LUNA bars and Lara Uber bars really satisfy my sweet cravings. I enjoy avocado, flax seed crackers, salsa, carrots, nuts, and popcorn. And if the cafeteria closes before I get there, I can always combine a few of these snacks together to make a 'mini-meal.'


3. How do you keep your healthy lifestyle with parties, holidays, weddings and any get together with tempting treats?

Everyone who knows me knows I eat really healthy, so they don't expect anything less, regardless of the occasion! Eating healthy makes me happy and eating junky makes me sad! People seem to enjoy my company more when I'm happy! :) And honestly, when you cut out the junk food in your life, you really don't crave it, and you don't miss it too much when you pass it up. I would choose fresh fruit over ice cream... just because it makes my body happy! Ultimately, being able to resist junk food takes time, but the less you eat it, the less you'll want it!


4. How often do you exercise and what is your favorite?

Since I'm in college, I do a fair amount of walking from class to class and from dorm to dining hall. I also love yoga and Pilates. I don't do these as much as I should… but a friend and I are planing to start working out on Tuesday and Thursday mornings!


5. What is typically in your grocery cart?

Even though I have a full meal plan at school, I still spend a fair amount on groceries. I usually buy LUNA bars, avocados, plums, rice bars, raw nuts, nut butter, frozen mango for smoothies and lots of carrots! Carrots are my favorite food and I eat them multiple times a day! I'm like a little rabbit :)

6.Everyone has to treat themselves every once in a while. What is your go to treat?

Well, one of my best friends is a vegan and we usually have a 'snack and chat' time at night--after studying and before bedtime. One of my new favorite treats (thanks, Leanne) is organic powdered chocolate peanut butter. The powder is basically peanuts that have been 'pressed' to remove some of the fat and calories. I love that with a frozen banana! We also treat ourselves to gluten-free, vegan cookies that are sweetened with stevia! And I can't forget to mention Caramel Nut Brownie Luna bars… yum! You've got to try them!


7. How has changing your lifestyle changed your life?

My life is completely changed! In fact, whenever people see old pictures of me, they're kind of shocked! I look different on the outside, but I'm also different on the inside. My mood has become level, my skin has cleared up, my hair and nails are healthy, and I feel so much more in control! I enjoy life much more because I know that I am honoring God with my body. I also love it when people ask for help in regards to eating right! They see the change in me and know it's possible! ALL things are possible with God!


8. Why did you decide to start a blog?

Well, I've been reading other health and nutrition blogs for a few years. Bloggers were there for me when I was heavier and they still keep me motivated now. I also plan to become a Registered Dietician and a Motivational Speaker for health and nutrition. I figured a blog is a good way for me to express my knowledge, my passion, and my faith in Christ with everyone I can! Thanks so much for this opportunity to introduce myself to your readers. Hello Healthy Eating!
 
 
I hope you all really enjoyed getting to know Cailee, I know I have. She is an inspiration and her blog is somewhat new. So make sure you check it out!!
 
 
Week 1 Day 4 of Training:
2 Miles & Strength
After my run I worked my arms with various workouts
 
 

Day 12 recommit:
Breakfast: 2 eggs with hot sauce
Snack: 25 almonds and fruit
Lunch: leftover healthy Japanese dish
Snack: protein bar
Dinner: skip

Day 13 recommit:
Brunch: egg sub omelet with onion and peppers with 2 pieces turkey bacon
Dinner: Chinese buffet: broccoli, bourbon chicken, cabbage.

Day 14 recommit:
Breakfast: skip
Lunch: skip ( I slept super late so I never got really hungry)
Dinner: spaghetti squash with ground chicken and low sugar marinara with 100% whole wheat cheese toast (with skim mozz)
 
 
188 days no diet mountain dew
Next 5k Oct 12th or 19th
33 days till (new) ultimate goal-
April 4th 1st 10k- 174 days

 

Thursday, October 10, 2013

Yet Another Healthy Mexican Dish

If you haven't figured out by now, I basically  could eat Mexican food daily. It is just so tasty and you can easily change it up. So last Sunday I came up with this new delicious dish!

What you will need
quinoa
ground chicken
corn
organic (they were on sale) black beans
verde enchilada sauce
low sodium taco seasoning (not pictured)
 
 
This is so easy!
 
Start by cooking your ground chicken and quinoa separate.
Once they cooked, mix together and add black beans, cor, enchilada sauce, taco seasoning and water.
Let cook on high for about 5 minutes while stirring and then put on medium.
Let cook until everything is completely mixed with seasonings.

 
Then enjoy!
I tell you this might be the easiest dish I have ever made. And it is so inexpensive!!

 
Week 1 day 4 training:
Rest day
 
Sneak peek for tomorrow's post!

 
 
Day 11 recommit:
Breakfast: 2 eggs with hot sauce
Snack: 20 almonds
Lunch: leftover healthy Japanese dish
Snack: protein bar
Dinner: leftover mexcian dish
187 days no diet mountain dew

Next 5k Oct 12th or 19th
34 days till (new) ultimate goal
April 4th 1st 10k- 176 days

 


Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Light & Filling Stir -Fry

Today I am going to be sharing my healthy version of Japanese food. I have been craving it lately and have come so close to picking up my favorite teriyaki chicken on the way home from work. But then I think to myself is it really worth it and I think about how hard I have worked to get where I am right now and how far I still want to go. So I keep on driving. So last night I got to thinking, (I know sometimes that is dangerous for me ha) why not make a healthy version. So I stopped by the grocery store and picked up all the goods.
 
What you will need
rotisserie chicken
squash
zucchini
veggie quinoa
onion
low sodium, sugar free stir fry mix
chili paste (I am a little ridiculous I think I could eat this stuff out if the jar, gross I know ha)

 
Start by chopping up all your veggies

 
Then begin cooking your quinoa (it cooks just like rice) and your veggies

 
While they are cooking shred off all the white meat on the chicken.

 
Once the veggies are tender add your chicken, seasoning,chili paste and water. (I also added low sodium soy sauce).
Then mix.

 
Once the quinoa is fully cooked add to main dish. Let cook on high for about 5 minutes while stirring and then turn down to medium and let cook until everything is mixed well with the seasonings,

 
Then get your chopsticks out and enjoy your homemade healthy Japanese dish in the privacy of your own home. :)

 
It was so tasty and filling!

 
Make sure you check out tomorrow for yet another healthy Mexican dish!!
 
Week 1 Day 3 Training:
 
30 minutes cross training:
10 minutes bike: fat burning level 5
10 minutes elliptical: fat burning level 5
10 minutes treadmill: 4.5 mph incline 15
 
 
Day 10 recommit:
Breakfast: cup of fruit with a tbsp of granola
Snack: 25 almonds
Lunch: grilled chicken salad with BV
Snack: protein bar
Dinner: leftover mexican dish
186 days no diet mountain dew

Next 5k Oct 12th or 19th

35 days till (new) ultimate goal

April 4th 1st 10k- 177 days
 


Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Pumpkins, Pumpkins & More Pumpkins

So as you can tell I am pretty obsessed with anything pumpkin. And if you didn't know that, last night will prove it. I started the evening off with making some healthy pumpkin pancakes.

What you will need
pure pumpkin
1 tbsp pumpkin pecan butter
1 packet of splenda
1 egg
handful of oats

 
Start by mixing all ingredients together.

 
Then get to cooking! I love using my omelet maker because it helps keep them together.

 
And there you go! A yummy pumpkin pancake without all the fat.

 
Nowww to some crafts!
 
Pumpkin Candle holders!!

 
Start by cutting out a circle at the top of the pumpkin. I used the candle to measure it.

 
Then scoop out all the seeds (this is when it hit me that I could roast pumpkin seeds next)

 
Then you just have to set the candle inside and light! Easy, fun and so cute!


I am probably going to make some more of these and take them for Thanksgiving. They would be perfect to arrange on the dinner table!
 

 
Roasted Spicy Italian Pumpkin Seeds
 
 
Mix together the seeds, extra virgin olive oil, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper.

 
Bake in the oven on 375' for about 15 minutes or until golden brown!

 
So now I am sure you can tell. This girl is pumpkin crazy!!
 
 
Week 1 Day 2 Training
Run 2.5 miles

Day 9 recommit:
Breakfast: 2 eggs with spinach, sugar free syrup and skim mozz cheese
Snack: 20 almonds
Lunch: Skinny Me Mexican (recipe either tomorrow or Wednesday)
Snack: steamed broccoli and I sprinkled a little bit of skim mozz cheese on top. with hot sauce
Dinner: light and filling stir -fry

 Next 5k Oct 12th or 19th

36 days till (new) ultimate goal

April 4th 1st 10k- 178 days

Monday, October 7, 2013

International Festival 2013

Well it is that time of the year!
 
FESTIVAL SEASON!!!

First one up.....
 
International Festival 2013
 
 
When we walked up to the festival we had to go to the currency exchange to get tickets.

 
Then we set out to travel to all the different countries to see all the different tasty foods they had.
 
 
France was mainly treats.


 
This little guy was so cute, he was having a blast handing out all the food.
 

 
We definitely had to check out Mexico. (come on ya'll know I love Mexican food)

 
Then we found this booth. This booth was trouble. I couldn't look long or I would have had to buy a piece of them all. Cheesecake is possibly my favorite thing in the world. ( I think sometime soon I am going to have to create a healthy version)


 
The bf's sister ended up getting this one for her hubby.

 
After we checked out all the booths, we finally made a decision on what we wanted to try.

 
She went with a fajita from Mexico and some noodles from the Philippines. (she wasn't a fan of the noodles) 

 
I went with grilled BBQ chicken from the Philippines. YUM!
 
 
After we couldn't handle the heat anymore we decided to say farewell.

 
 
Bring on the next!!
 
 
Today I start my 10k training and I am super excited about having a new challenge.
 
With my training schedule today is Strength and Stretch. So I found a great workout that I can do this evening when I get home and I will finish it off with some stretching.
 
 
 

Day 8 recommit:
Breakfast: 2 eggs with spinach, sugar free syrup and skim mozz cheese
Snack: 20 almonds
Lunch: Skinny Me Mexican (recipe either tomorrow or Wednesday)
Snack: sweet potato
Dinner: Pumpkin Pancakes (recipe either tomorrow or Wednesday) and a few bites leftover lunch
Day 1 new training
 
Next 5k Oct 12th or 19th

37 days till (new) ultimate goal

April 4th 1st 10k- 179 days