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Friday, August 30, 2013

Free Chik-Fil-A Breakfast!

Right now, when you make a reservation at your nearest Chik fil a, using their online reservation system, you get to choose from one of 5 free breakfast entrees! To reserve your free breakfast, visit http://www.chick-fil-aforbreakfast.com/SearchByLocation?SelectedLocation=Fort%20Walton%20Beach%2C%20FL&SelectedRadius=25

Spicy Tuna Sushi Roll

Ingredients
2 cups uncooked glutinous white rice
2 1/2 cups water
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 (6 ounce) can solid white tuna in water, drained
1 tablespoon mayonnaise
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon wasabi paste
4 sheets nori (dry seaweed)
1/2 cucumber, finely diced
1 carrot, finely diced
1 avocado - peeled, pitted and diced

Directions
Bring the rice, water, and vinegar to a boil in a saucepan over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the rice is tender, and the liquid has been absorbed, 20 to 25 minutes. Let stand, covered, for about 10 minutes to absorb any excess water. Set rice aside to cool.
Lightly mix together the tuna, mayonnaise, chili powder, and wasabi paste in a bowl, breaking the tuna apart but not mashing it into a paste.
To roll the sushi, cover a bamboo sushi rolling mat with plastic wrap. Lay a sheet of nori, rough side up, on the plastic wrap. With wet fingers, firmly pat a thick, even layer of prepared rice over the nori, covering it completely. Place about 1 tablespoon each of diced cucumber, carrot, and avocado in a line along the bottom edge of the sheet, and spread a line of tuna mixture alongside the vegetables.

Pick up the edge of the bamboo rolling sheet, fold the bottom edge of the sheet up, enclosing the filling, and tightly roll the sushi into a thick cylinder. Once the sushi is rolled, wrap it in the mat and gently squeeze to compact it tightly. Cut each roll into 6 pieces, and refrigerate until served.

How to Bounce Back After Pregnancy


Awesome article from www.bodybuilding.com

Diet

Good pregnancy nutrition is vital to delivering a healthy baby. Your child is totally dependent on you for nourishment, so eating well for two is of utmost importance. It is worth the time and effort to plan a well rounded, balanced diet, which will help insure that your baby is getting adequate nutrients during pregnancy, and which will also provide you the needed energy to get you through the day.

Try not to worry about gaining weight. Pregnancy isn't the time to be cutting back on calories. In fact, a gradual, steady weight gain is a good sign, in making sure your baby is gaining the necessary weight. Cutting calories not only robs your baby's delicate growing organs, but it robs your body of needed nutrition, and has the potential to slow your metabolism, the very thing you do not want.



Remember when choosing your diet, quality is more important than quantity. Most pregnant women need about 300 additional calories per day. Daily calories should consist of grains, fruits, veggies, meat, poultry, fish, nuts and dairy products.

Serving size recommendations for the average, healthy pregnant woman include 6-11 servings of breads and grains, two-four servings of fruit, four or more servings of vegetables, four servings of dairy products, and three servings of protein sources (meat, poultry, fish, eggs or nuts)
.
There is no reason to avoid foods you crave as long as you eat in moderation to avoid excessive weight gain, so limit saturated fats and sweets. Eat 5-6 small meals every two to three hours. Even if you're not hungry, your developing baby needs regular sustenance, and high frequency eating ensures proper blood glucose levels inhibiting the dreaded insulin spike, which causes that afternoon energy crash

.As a pregnant mom, you don't need anything else to rob yourself of energy, so avoid skipping meals.Prenatal vitamins and mineral supplements are usually recommended by most prenatal care providers, but should not be used in place of eating a balanced diet, however.
Always consult with your health care provider before taking vitamins or supplements. Most importantly, avoid alcohol, smoking and harmful drugs. Try to avoid caffeine as much as possible. If you need a cup, go decaffeinated. Always keep it safe for baby.


Exercise



Exercise is also very important, despite the changes in your growing belly. It may seem like a perfect time to sit back and relax, but in fact, pregnancy can be a great time to stay active.
A good pregnancy workout has several benefits for the mom-to-be. It will help increase circulation, improve your posture, help with sleeplessness and help to control your weight while toning your muscles, making it easier to get back into shape after you deliver.



Exercise also helps you stay flexible, which will benefit you during labor and delivery. Make sure you do not over do it. Hormones occur during pregnancy, which soften ligaments and connective tissues to prepare your body for labor. Stay away from fast, jerky movements at all costs because it could easily lead to injury.

Focus on moving at a slow and controlled rate. Moderate repetition incorporating low weight or light resistance during this time in your life, will insure an injury-free and healthy pregnancy. Remember, this is not the time to train, but to maintain.

First, be sure to talk with your doctor to make sure it is safe to continue your exercise routine, to identify such conditions as preeclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy). This time spent with the doctor can help identify any specific risk factors to your individual situation.





An excellent form of cardiovascular exercise for moms-to-be, is low-impact aerobics. This involves no jumping or hopping movements, or stepping upon any type of platform, putting you at risk of jarred joints, but includes rhythmic movements that keep one foot on the floor at all times. You can find these kinds of classes at your local gym or YMCA. If you prefer working out in the privacy of your own home, pregnancy DVDs/videos are available at most stores.
An ideal aerobic exercise for pregnant women is swimming. Due to the buoyancy of the water it eliminates any stress on your joints and provides gentle resistance for maintaining muscle tone. The same goes for pool walking or a water aerobics class, typically done waist deep.
Walking is one of the best and safest ways to get exercise and is easily worked into almost any daily routine. Taking a brisk walk through the mall, around a neighborhood park with a friend, or an after dinner, sunset stroll with your husband, can be a fun and convenient way to stay in shape with little or no cost to you.
Stretching is just as important as exercises because it helps you maintain flexibility. Your joints become very loose during pregnancy, due to hormonal changes, so make sure you stretch before and after your workouts, moving slowly and gently without any bouncy, jerky movements.

Dont Forget Your Kegels!
Kegel exercises help to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles that support the bladder, uterus and bowels. You have the ability to relax and control these muscles in preparation for labor and birth. They are also encouraged during the postpartum period to promote healing of perineal tissues, increase urinary control and help these muscles return to their healthy state after giving birth.
Kegels should be done every day, by imagining you are trying to stop the flow of urine or trying not to pass gas. Contract and hold for a count of five and then relax. Repeat this contraction ten times each set, for about five sets. At first, it may be difficult to do, so start out with a couple of sets and work your way up.
Sleep is very important for the mom-to-be. During the first trimester, your body works to protect and nurture the developing baby. Your body makes more blood for the forming placenta (the organ that nourishes the fetus until birth), making your heart pump faster. As the baby grows, you may find it difficult or uncomfortable to lie down as before. Taking catnaps throughout the day can be a great way to get that extra needed sleep, you may be lacking during the night. Once the baby comes, it will be very difficult to even find time to rest, so get it in while you can

Thursday, August 29, 2013

Chicken, Feta Cheese, & Sun Dried Tomato Wraps

Ingredients
2 (4 ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1/4 cup sun-dried tomato dressing
8 sun-dried tomatoes (not oil packed)
1 cup boiling water
1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
4 cups loosely packed torn fresh spinach
4 (10 inch) whole wheat tortillas
1/4 cup sun-dried tomato dressing

Directions
In a large resealable plastic bag, combine chicken breasts and 1/4 cup dressing. Seal, and refrigerate for several hours.
Preheat grill for high heat. Combine sun-dried tomatoes and hot water in a small bowl. Set aside for 10 minutes, drain, and cut tomatoes into thin slices.
Lightly oil grill grate. Discard marinade, and place chicken on grill. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, turning once, or until done.

Cut chicken into strips, and place in a medium bowl with sliced tomatoes, feta, and spinach. Toss with remaining 1/4 cup dressing. Distribute mixture between the four tortillas, and wrap. Either cut in half and enjoy cold, or place briefly back on grill until the tortilla turns warm and crispy.

Two Ingredient Pumpkin Spice Cookie


Mix one can of Pumpkin Puree and one box of Spice Cake mix thoroughly until formed into a batter like consistency.

Bake at 350 degrees until slightly firm to touch.


Feel free to top cookies with whipped cream or cream cheese frosting, dusted with a little pumpkin spice on top.

Halloween Themed Weddings

Here's some pictures I found on Halloween themed weddings since thats the next holiday around the corner! So fun!










How to Lose Weight Quickly for an Event


So you have a wedding or beach party or formal pictures that you have to do in a day or so. You want to look as best as you can and drop any unnecessary poundage. People also use this method as a detox or fast prior to starting a healthy eating diet.

 First of all, I dont believe in fast weightloss because its NEVER sticks-the weight comes back just as fast as you lose it, once you start eating normal again. Also, its sooo unhealthy and considerably dangerous if you do it for longer than 3 days. BUT if theres something you need to lose weight quick for, then here is what to do.

One or Two days before the event:

Drink water w/lemon and fruit juice-NO SOLID FOOD
Eat Soup. Soup with fragments such as veggie soup or chicken noodle is ok.
DONT workout. You will have no energy and you might faint. You might can do something light like crunches or brisk walking, but once you start feeling sick, STOP.
As soon as your event is over, go back to normal eating patterns, slowly.. If you start back eating like you were, you might experience some diarrhea.
There are these "Hollywood Miracle Juice Lose 10 lbs in One Day" blah blah garbage. You are just wasting your money. Dont buy that crap. Water with lemon will do the trick. Water is one of the best detoxes out there.

You should lose anywhere from 5-7lbs. It depends on your body weight already. Obviously if you are 5'6 and 115 lbs you might not lose much as compared to someone who is 5'2 and 150 lbs. People who weigh more lose pounds faster than a skinny person.

Starbucks Peppermint Mocha Recipe

DIY Peppermint Mocha

Makes 1 drink

1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup water
1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
3 tablespoons powdered cocoa - run it through a sifter or fine wire strainer to remove lumps
3 tablespoons warm water
1/2 cup hot espresso
1 1/2 cups hot milk or soy milk (you can microwave it or heat it on the stovetop.)
Whipped cream (optional)

In a small saucepan, stir together the water and sugar, bringing to a soft boil, stirring frequently, until the sugar dissolves. Reduce heat to a low simmer and add the peppermint extract, and simmer for 20 minutes.

In a large mug add the cocoa and water and mix together until a creamy paste forms. Add the espresso on top, then 1 1/2 teaspoon of the peppermint simple syrup, and stir to mix. Top the mug off with the hot milk and stir. If desired, add whipped cream. Enjoy!

DIY Scarf Organization


Use shower rings on a clothes hanger to hold your scarves. Easiest DIY fix ever!

Baby Shower Punch Recipe


Ingredients
·                     1 (0.13 ounce) package blue, berry flavored unsweetened drink mix
·                     1 (2 liter) bottle lemon-lime flavored carbonated beverage
·                     1 (64 fluid ounce) bottle white cranberry juice
·                     8 scoops vanilla ice cream
·                     1 cup white sugar, or to taste
Directions
1.      In a large punch bowl, stir together the drink mix, lemon-lime soda, and white cranberry juice. Taste, and stir in sugar to your liking. (I like to add the whole cup.) Float scoops of ice cream on the top. The ice cream melts somewhat and turns the punch a beautiful baby blue color with frothy white clouds floating on the top.

OR... If you are having a girl, use the same ingredients, but pink drink mix or red drink mix.

Like this!


Healthy Pregnancy Diet

17 weeks preggers

From before the time I found out I was pregnant, I have been eating a healthy diet-even till now! Sure, I get cravings like everyone else. I usually allow myself a cheat meal or two per week, however most of my meals are lean, green, and clean!

I am currently 17 weeks pregnant and so far my weight gain has only been a pound. My plan is to gain the weight slowly to avoid stretch marks and to make it easier to bounce back into shape later.

This is my healthy pregnancy diet plan.

Breakfast Options: 
2 eggs with 2 slices turkey bacon
1/2 cup oats with a banana
Yogurt with fruit
1 cup Special K Protein cereal with almond or coconut milk

Snack Options:
Green grapes
Half a grapefruit
Homemade juice
Banana oat cookies homemade: 
Mash one banana, one cup of oats, 1/2 cup applesauce, and a dash of cinnamon. Bake at 350 till golden!


Lunch Options:
Healthy Choice Steamer meals.
Soup (homemade)
Tuna salad sandwich
Fresh salad with lean mean or fish
Fruit

Snacks:
Fruit smoothie homemade
Hummus with veggies or pretzels
Boiled eggs

Dinner:
Tilapia with broccoli and sweet potato slices
Chicken breasts with brown rice and squash slices
Sushi!

Before dinner snack:
Yogurt
Fruit
Hummus







My Postpartum Fitness & Diet Plan



Transformation is a word I know all too well. After all, 3 years ago I managed to lose 45lbs through a healthy diet alone. 

Now, I am 4 months pregnant. And I am already working and planning my postpartum comeback. I am not sure how easy it will be, but I am super excited to try to get my pre-pregnancy body back! Here is my plan:



  • Stay healthy through pregnancy. So far so good, weight gain has only been one pound at 17 weeks. I am eating a well balanced diet and have my cheat day once a week. I am going to the gym 5 times a week now, focusing most on cardio-about 30 minutes exact. 
  • After baby, I plan on going on a 7 dayjuice cleanse! I have lost weight through juicing (you can read here: http://fitmommydiaries.blogspot.com/2013/05/how-i-lost-weight-with-juicing.html) and am a huge fan! I have been juicing regularly through my pregnancy as a supplement with my breakfast in the morning.
  • I also plan on using my favorite diet pill-OxyElite Pro-from GNC to help boost my metabolism. Its the pill that helped me lose my 45lbs before.
  • I plan on working out at least 5-6 times a week. Focusing on cardio again for fat loss. Then when baby weight is off, I plan on doing weights. I also want to incorporate something I can do at home with baby, as like yoga or pilates. I just bought a jogging stroller so I do plan on jogging frequently!
  • I plan on eating 6 small meals a day-with protein at every meal. I will stay away from alcohol, white or refined carbs, sweets, and sodas. I will also not eat past 7pm. NO CHEAT DAYS!
I am giving myself 3 months to lose the weight! If I dont make that goal, I will give myself 6.
Im very excited to show my transformation and to share my tips! 
It is possible to get back into shape and get the body you love back.



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