Thursday, May 31, 2012

May Foodie Penpal Reveal!



It's that time again! Come see what Jessica from Jessica is Baking sent me for the month of May! I am super excited to try the healthy fruit strip...I remember diving into a box of Fruit Roll-Ups as a kid and now I can enjoy one of my favorite past times in a healthy way!


Look at the cute card she sent me along with all these goodies!

It's like she knows me or something!! ;)


Who knew Kashi made healthy cookies?!


Is it bad that I jumped right into these??


My favorite item in my package!

I love my new "on the go" snack!

Thank you so much Jessica! You gave me some favorites and some new things to try and I loved everything! Two thumbs up!


This month, I sent Kimberly her foodie penpals package and I let her have a FIESTA!! Check it out!



Sign Me Up!

Want to be a part of this awesome monthly group?? It is a great way to meet new friends and try some new favorites! Head on over to Lindsay's blog to fill out a participation form! Here are some general details on the Foodie Penpals program!


On the 5th of every month, you will receive your penpal pairing via email. It will be your responsibility to contact your penpal and get their mailing address and any other information you might need like allergies or dietary restrictions.
  • You will have until the 15th of the month to put your box of goodies in the mail. On the last day of the month, you will post about the goodies you received from your penpal!
  • The boxes are to be filled with fun foodie things, local food items or even homemade treats! The spending limit is $15. The box must also include something written. This can be anything from a note explaining what’s in the box, to a fun recipe…use your imagination!
  • You are responsible for figuring out the best way to ship your items depending on their size and how fragile they are. (Don’t forget about flat rate boxes!)
  • Foodie Penpals is open to blog readers as well as bloggers. If you’re a reader and you get paired with a blogger, you are to write a short guest post for your penpal to post on their blog about what you received. If two readers are paired together, neither needs to worry about writing a post for that month.
  • Foodie Penpals is open to US & Canadian residents. Please note, Canadian Residents will be paired with other Canadians only. We’ve determined things might get too slow and backed up if we’re trying to send foods through customs across the border from US to Canada and vice versa. So, I’m going to keep two separate lists and match US w/ US and Canada w/ Canada!

There you have it folks. Another great FPP month in the books! Each month just gets better and better and the group keeps growing! I hope everyone is having a great week and ready to take on the weekend ahead...on your own two feet...








Until the next step bloggers...

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Then and Now!

Don't you hate it when your favorite food goes on a "blacklist" for weight loss or it gets bashed in the news for having a salmonella outbreak?? Well, low and behold, many of our favorite foods are making a comeback and are just waiting to be consumed!

Eggs

Then: The yolks were considered to skyrocket your cholesterol.
Now: Although a single yolk contains nearly the recommended daily limit for cholesterol, it is the most nutrient-rich part of the egg! It is packed with zinc, iron, vitamins A and D, and choline (which help you ladies reduce your chances of breast cancer!) In addition, the yolk contains almost half of an egg's protein, which is why whites-only omelets are not quite as satisfying!
Bring it Back: Hard boiled eggs make great go-to snacks with staying power- and at only 70 calories, who can beat that?? Just be sure to be conscious of companions that cause that caloric intake to increase such as cheese, bacon, and butter.




Peanut Butter

Then: Some people saw this glory food as being high in fat and calories.
Now: Sure, PB contains 16g of fat per 2 Tbl serving, but it is the heart-healthy, monounsaturated kind. It helps appetite regulation without a question about it! A recent study found that people who remained on a diet that included this amazing staple for 18 months lost an average of 9 lbs!
Bring it Back: Don't go for the "reduced-fat" selections at your grocery store- they are often heavily sweetened to replace the lost flavor. Stick with the "au-natural" and watch the portion control. Have a hard time with portion control? Buy the individual packets (like Justin's) for 200 or fewer calories!




Red Meat

Then: This food has a bad rep for heart disease and wide waistlines.
Now: New research suggests that "sat fat" (saturated fat) within moderation, may not be as evil as we make it out to be. We all know it is full of protein but it can also help you gain metabolically active muscles, which burn more calories at rest than fat.
Bring it Back: The cut of beef is key. Extra lean choices, such as sirloin, filet, and eye of round roast have fewer than 5 grams of total fat and 2 grams of "sat fat" per 3oz. serving. Avoid anything labeled "prime" as these cuts tend to be fatty. Go for 3 or 4oz. portions and then grill, roast, or bake it!




Bananas

Then: Bananas used to be carbs that were considered to pack on the pounds and be higher in calories than most fruits.
Now: These delicious treats contain a type of fiber known as resistant starch that your body cannot absorb so it fills you up temporarily without the risk of filling you out. Also, research has linked the resistant starch to an increase in post meal fat burning!
Bring it Back: Choose a greener banana; once it turns yellow, the starch inside has broken down and is no longer resistant to digestion. If you don't like firm bananas, toss it in a blender to make your favorite smoothie! Make sure to take a big whiff before sipping though; research shows that the smell helps reduce appetite!




Coconut Oil

Then: It is high in saturated fat, therefore it was banished by dieters!
Now: It is actually infested with medium-chain triglycerides, fats that can be metabolized faster than the long-chain ones found in others like sunflower oil. The body prefers to use them for energy so it rarely gets stored. Two tablespoons a day can fuel a reduction in abdominal obesity while helping to elevate HDL (good cholesterol)!
Bring it Back: Because it is calorie dense (about 120 calories per tablespoon) you still want to watch your intake. Swap other oils you may use daily- like corn or vegetable- for virgin or extra virgin coconut oil!




Bananas, eggs, and peanut butter are some of my favorite foods. I probably consume them almost every day. The great thing about it is, if you throw them all in a blender (smaller portions) you can have a protein-packed smoothie in the morning and you will be full until lunch and ready to work out those muscles!

So there you have it...our favorite foods are making their comeback into our kitchens and back into our hearts. I am excited to bring these staple items back into my diet and back into my daily living...on my own two feet...






Until the next step bloggers...

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Upper Body Day!

Ok so if you checked out my latest check-in video yesterday, you would know that I am back in the gym (finally!) after 7 weeks of recovering after surgery. Even though I can only do the elliptical bike as far as my foot is concerned, that doesn't stop me from doing upper body!



So today, I thought I would share with you all my workout for today:

  • Seated DB shoulder press (works shoulders and triceps)- 3 sets of 10 reps
  • Skull-crushers, which I will superset with narrow grip bench press (works chest and triceps)- 3 sets of 10 reps for each exercise)
  • DB lateral raises (works shoulders)- 3 sets of 10 reps each
  • Cable chest flyes (works the chest)- 3 sets of 10 reps each
  • Rear delt cable flyes (works the shoulders and back)- 3 sets of 10 reps each
  • Wide-grip lat pulldown (works the back)- 3 sets of 10 reps each
  • Reverse grip pull down (works back and biceps)- 3 sets of 10 reps each
  • Alternating DB curls (works biceps)- 3 sets of 10 reps each
  • Bicycle crunches-3 sets of 25 reps each
  • Basic crunches- 3 sets of 25 reps each

Make sure when you work out a specific part of your body (upper body or lower body) you work all the muscles! Superset your workouts to get more of a calorie burn and toning!



Hope everyone has a great Hump Day...on your own two feet...




Until the next step bloggers...

Saturday, May 12, 2012

Tone It Up Meet Up!!...Literally!

Ok so let me back-track a bit and start from the beginning...

For those of you who don't know, some local ladies and I found each other on Twitter through Tone It Up, two trainers based out of the L.A. area that work hard to promote health and beauty towards women! We called our group BmoreToned just for kicks and just between us but the name stuck and spread, as well as our group!

If you look back on previous blog posts, you will find we have social nights, run races together, workouts every Friday morning (among other times during the week), and just generally motivate and inspire each other to live active, healthy lifestyles.

Much to our surprise was on Thursday afternoon when an email came out to the group which was titled, "EXCITING NEWS!! " What did the email say? Kate and Jami were informing us that the lovely ladies of Tone It Up, Karena and Katrina, would be in Baltimore the next afternoon and wanted to meet all of us! I may have screamed out a little, others wrote back in all caps with an infinite number of exclamation points, smiling from ear to ear, etc. Bottom line? We could not contain our excitement to meet the reason we all became friends!

Friday afternoon- THE TIME HAS COME!!! Meeting at a central location, we met two of the sweetest (and GORGEOUS!!) women ever. We were so giddy, we probably said some weird or crazy things...I know I did. After a small photo shoot, which included some casual planking, lots of chit-chatting, and hugs, our dreams were made complete!

We hope you Tone It Up ladies come back to Baltimore with more time to enjoy the city and hopefully we can all get a workout in! It was so amazing to meet you both and we can't wait to see what the future holds for us as a group together! Can't wait to see you all again! Thank you for all that you do!

Thanks Kate and Jami for the pictures!



Hope you all have a great (and healthy!) weekend...on your own two feet...




Until the next step bloggers...

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Playing Catch Up, an Apology, and Foodie Penpal Reveal!

Wow. I have been a terrible blogger. Words cannot describe how emotionally, mentally, and physically drained I have been over the past month. I am here to play a quick catch up...

For those of you who don't know, on March 26th I went under the knife to remove an accessory navicular bone in my foot that was severely detached and to have my tendon screwed back onto my ankle bone. I also had a procedure done on my toe so I had a double whammy of recovery and pain. It has NOT been easy. At all. (Sorry in advance for the small pictures-they are all from my phone :(  )


Ready for surgery!
My mom wishing me luck!
Two bones to the right of my ankle/foot...You're only supposed to have one protruding...
Home after surgery... This was about 15 pounds of cotton and ace bandage alone. Yikes!


Not only has the pain been hard to manage, but I will JUST begin walking on my foot tomorrow. That's right. No running, no biking, no walking, no treadmill, no swimming, nothing. I can't even drive since my car is a 5-speed manual. Though I am anxious, nervous, and excited to enter this new phase of my recovery, it is not a speedy one at all. This is very frustrating, especially for someone who has a loving relationship with the gym.

I have been off of work since my surgery day and am not expected to return until the middle of June. Literally, I have had nothing to do for weeks! People say I am lucky and to enjoy it while I can...For the first two weeks, it was great. I was waited on by family and close friends since I felt like I was going to die and I caught up on much needed sleep and even was able to read a book or two, something I haven't done for leisure in a long time. Now, I am antsy and frustrated though. I don't want to be a Debbie Downer, but it's tough!


First day out after surgery. Felt so good to simply go to the movies!
Thanks to some girlfriends for putting together a goodie basket (actually bucket) for me :)



Stuck my dog in my knee scooter basket with my new handicap sticker!



WARNING! These next few pictures are from post-op appointments and may not be for those with weak stomachs!



Only one bump out of my foot/ankle!
10 days post-operation!
Taken today- 5 weeks post-operation...Still lots of swelling but incision looks beautiful!


With not being able to do anything or go anywhere, my mood has really been down in the dumps. That may be putting it lightly. I have been in a slump for about 2 1/2 weeks or so and am not really sure when I will emerge. One thing that has brought a smile to my face, however, is knowing I am still a part of the Foodie Penpal program thanks to Lindsay over at The Lean Green Bean.

Before I get to my reveal, let me say that I have a HUGE apology to send out. For the month of March, I typed up my penpal reveal, and apparently it never posted and has been sitting as a draft ever since. I apologize, sincerely and profoundly to Mallory from The Original Plastic California . Your package did not go unnoticed and I shall put you in the spotlight with this post as well.

For the month of March, Mallory must have been my best friend in a previous life. Her mind-reading skills were amazing and on point for this package. First of all, she sent me Nutella To Go, the delicious hazelnut, chocolate spread with cracker sticks for dipping... Um where has this been all my life?! I didn't even know they made these! Let's just say I couldn't even take a picture of me eating it because it was gone that fast! The next thing I noticed were the multiple snack/granola bars. Apparently Mallory sensed that I love to snack throughout the day and she was kind enough to send me healthy alternatives! (The Larabar Uber Apple Turnover one was my favorite!)



I started laughing as I dug my way deeper into the box because I was JUST mentioning to my mom that I wanted to make homemade pizza with sun-dried tomatoes, yet it was the only ingredient I did not have and thus could not bask in the glory that is homemade pizza. Low and behold, I pull out a bag of tasty Trader Joe's Sun Dried Tomatoes!

Mallory has great taste in treats and even got me hooked on the tomatoes, the dark chocolate bar, and Nutella to go...I went out and got some more for myself! Guilty! Thank you so much Mallory for your wonderful package for the month of March...I got to enjoy everything before my surgery and I loved each and every item!



As for the month of April, like I said, my package could not have come at a better time. I was really not feeling well and feeling pretty "blue" when a pretty white USPS box came from Brittney (@HerleanFitness). Woohoo! Instant smile on my face...the first one in a while :) Of course I do the best that I can trying to carry the package in with one hand yet maintain my crutches. I immediately rip the box open to a note with some of the neatest handwriting I have ever seen on top of, what else? Foodie Goodies!


I got mail! Yay!


First thing I saw...Justin's Natural Nut Butters... Maple Almond and Chocolate Hazelnut to be exact. Breakfast was served my friends! I love putting these spreads on whole wheat toast with banana slices on top for breakfast. Quick, easy and that's speaking highly given I could do it on one leg :) I used some of her Gluten Free Rice Thin crackers as bread crumbs for a homemade Mac & Cheese I made (healthy options, of course!). I still have a handful of them that will be gone soon, I am sure! She even sent me a little container of Mentos gum...she must LOVE me! I ran out of gum and threw this little baby right into my purse! Among other things, this foodie penpal was once again a success. Thank you, Brittney for putting a much needed smile on my face in a time of need!

Want to find out how you can join the club and become a Foodie Penpal yourself??

Here’s a detailed explanation of the program:

-On the 5th of the month, you will receive your penpal pairing via email. It will be your responsibility to contact your penpal and get their mailing address and any other information you might need like allergies or dietary restrictions.
-You will have until the 15th of the month to put your box of goodies in the mail. On the last day of the month, you will post about the goodies you received from your penpal!
-The boxes are to be filled with fun foodie things, local food items or even homemade treats! The spending limit is $15. The box must also include something written. This can be anything from a note explaining what’s in the box, to a fun recipe…use your imagination!
-You are responsible for figuring out the best way to ship your items depending on their size and how fragile they are. (Don’t forget about flat rate boxes!)
-Foodie Penpals is open to blog readers as well as bloggers. If you’re a reader and you get paired with a blogger, you can choose to write a short guest post for your penpal to post on their blog about what you received. If two readers are paired together, neither needs to worry about writing a post for that month.
- Foodie Penpals is open to US, Canadian residents & UK residents. Please note, Canadian Residents will be paired with other Canadians only. We’ve determined things might get too slow and backed up if we’re trying to send foods through customs across the border from US to Canada and vice versa. So, I’m going to keep two separate lists and match US w/ US and Canada w/ Canada!
***If you’re in the UK, please contact Carol Anne from This Is Rock Salt at rocksalt@thisisrocksalt.com to get involved!

If you need any more information, check out Lindsay's awesome blog to find out more or contact her with any questions. :)




So thank you for allowing me to vent a little bit. I forgot how easy it is to just type feelings out and that blogging can actually make me feel better. I have wanted to write updated posts but didn't really know what to say. The Foodie Penpal Rveal may just be the jump start back to my old habits that I intend to keep...on my own two feet...




Until the next step bloggers...