HEALTHY LIVING: FUN FOODIE FINDS

Being healthy conscious, and having a little one running around has me constantly on the lookout for delicious healthy goodies to fill our pantry and fridge. There have been some fantastic entries to the market lately, and I thought I'd share a few of my faves with you!

Over the last few years, I discovered I was largely intolerant to dairy products. I didn't really have a single outstanding symptom, I simply noticed that my skin and my tummy both felt better when I avoided most milk and milk products. I still enjoy some cheese every now and then, but tend to stick to goat cheese, feta, or sheep's milk ricotta, or a touch of traditional shredded cheese here or there.

Luckily for me, there are a TON of new dairy-free products out there. Hands down, my all-around favorite milk replacement is unsweetened vanilla almond milk. I just really enjoy the flavor and texture. Plus it has a ton of calcium and is very low in calories, only 35 calories per cup, which makes it a great base for smoothies or to splash on cereal. A newer addition are all of the coconut milk products. An excellent source of MCFA's {thats medium-chain fatty acids, which are a great heart healthy fat}, and also high in calcium, I've discovered some new favorites thanks to So Delicious!

I love their creamers. Just a touch adds such great flavor and creaminess to my morning coffee! Definite two thumbs up!

I also have really enjoyed their Kefir. An excellent source of probiotics, this dairy-version is outstanding. And it is not overly sweetened, which I enjoy. So delicious has also started making a greek yogurt which I love, but it can be hard to find.

For my snack-fiend of a daughter, I tend to rely on Trader Joe's for healthier versions of chips and cookies and such, but I've come across a few great finds at my local store lately. Late July Organics is a new favorite, and their sandwich cookies are also delightful, as well as free from synthetic ingredients and high fructose corn syrup..

Also a new favorite are Mary's Gone Organic Original Crackers. Perfect with some carrots and hummus for a mid-day snack, they are full of healthy fiber and omega-3's. 

And in the cereal aisle, I came across Cascadian Farms Organic, who make some great, healthier alternatives to traditional kids cereals. No synthetic colors or flavors, and low on sugar. They also make fantastic granola, which is perfect for sprinkling on your yogurt. My favorites are the french vanilla almond and dark chocolate. Fantastic for those chocolate cravings, simply add a packet of stevia to plain greek yogurt. Yum.

In the snack/granola bar department, Kind bars have come out with a much more waistline friendly "snack size," each bar has 3g of tummy-filling fiber and only 110 calories. Great to keep in your purse for a quick, healthy snack on the go. 

If you are a Costco member, keep an eye out in their aisles for "Coach's Oats Multigrain Pancake Mix" {amazing! Try it with bananas or blueberries!} and "Made in Nature Organics" unsulphured, unsweetened dried fruits. Their antioxidant fusion blend, apricots, and figs are favorites to have around the house. Great to add to homemade cookies, or to toss in oatmeal. 

So there you have it! A quick round-up of my families favorites for snacking and beyond. Here's to happy, healthy tummies all around!

♥ Jen

Healthy Living: My Favorite at Home Workout DVD's

I am soooo not a gym person. I don't like the general atmosphere, nor do I like to "glisten" in public. As working out has become an essential to me, this has led me on a never ending search for good workout DVD's. I've pretty much done them all, PX90, Hip Hop Whatever, Zumba, and many, many others. I get bored easily, and find myself annoyed quickly by the quirks of most "trainers" or "DVD personalities" as I like to think of them. It is really quite rare to come across a workout that is both effective and non-boring. With that in mind, I thought I would share a few of my favorites for all of my fellow gym-a-phobes out there! 

Barre3 Total Body Lift Workout

An excellent 40 minute strength workout combining techniques from yoga, ballet, and Pilates. The creator and instructor of this program, Sadie Lincoln, has a great {not annoying!} presence and exudes positivity in every second of this workout. Her goal is firm, long, lean muscles, with no bulk, and I can definitely support that goal! Throughout the workout she reasserts her focus on proper form, giving pointers on how to ensure you remain in proper alignment during the moves. This DVD has an excellent core segment that is challenging, yet puts no strain on your back thanks to the unique placement of a soft exercise ball or towel under your tailbone. I love the leg/back body segment, and always feel it the next day. The arm segment is a bit brief, but can made made more challenging with a slight weight increase (Sadie uses 2lb hand weights) for those more experienced. With its moderate length and nice flow, its easy to fit into any time of the day, and simple modifications can make it easier for beginners, or more challenging for those who are more experienced. This one is a definite favorite, that I look forward to doing, and I usually fit it in at least a few days a week.

Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred & Ripped in 30

Both of these workout are excellent, quick, but high intensity interval training workouts. Honestly, no matter what level I'm doing, I am usually pretty well exhausted by the end of a 30 minute period, and I think thats a good thing. Jillian uses a 3-2-1 circuit method, with 3 minutes of active strength training using weights, 2 minutes of high intensity cardio, and one minute of ab work for both programs. 30 day shred has 3 different workouts ranging from "beginner" level one to "advanced" level 3. Ripped in 30 has four different workouts, and is intended to progress weekly from the beginners to the most advanced workout. 

Shaun T's Rockin' Body

The "Rock it Out" workout is another great cardio workout, which also incorporates weights (can you tell I like to multitask in my workouts?) Its a pretty intense 46 minutes, but it  is choreographed well to the music and is dance oriented, so it's "fun." While I can't say I love Shaun T, he isn't bad...at his best he is unintentionally funny and at his worst is repetitive. The "hard-core abs" and "booty time" segments are intense targeted strength workouts, don't be fooled by the 10 minute time frame- you will be working! Bottom line, this is a good, intense workout with a dance theme, which well knock out your strength and cardio training for the day in under an hour. 

Xtend Barre Lean & Chisled

This is another great workout combining ballet, Pilates, and dance. A little longer than Barre3 at close to 60 minutes, this workout has a much longer Barre segment focusing on strength, grace, and balance in the body. It is also a fairly high tempo workout, so you will be getting some light cardio throughout, and should definitely work up a sweat. The trainer is easy to follow, and the set is light and bright... and the use Louis Ghost Chairs for their Barre work, so I have to give them some style points for that! I can not say enough about how much I have enjoyed incorporating this style of workout into my regime. While Pilates and Ballet are great on their own, I enjoy the variety of moves incorporated into these combined styles. They are fun, effective, and I feel like my overall posture and balance has improved since beginning them. 

Amy Dixon Breathless Body

You need a solid cardio workout? This is it. Hands down this is the best cardio workout I've done. A lot of classic moves like jumping jacks, burpees, mountain climbers, ect. incorporated with strength moves and plyometrics {read: explosive jumping} which those of you who have done the P90 series will be very familiar with. While this workout is INTENSE, and fairly high impact, Amy is personable, and there are very clear modifiers offered for those of us who need them. My knees can't handle a ton of jumping or direct strain (Can't do lunges or side squats. Boo) so I have to follow the less intense modifiers for a portion of this workout, but I can tell you I am definitely still breathless! This workout follows the Tabata style of interval training with 20 seconds of intense cardio followed by 10 seconds of "rest" repeated multiple times to create a circuit. You will sweat. You will want to scream at the TV. But you also will get results! Isn't that the point after all?

Element: Yoga for Weight Loss

I've got quite a few yoga DVD's and this is one of the only ones that I regularly use. Along the lines of "power yoga" this workout incorporates a relatively fast paced Vinyasa flow, along with strength and core moves. The instructor Ashley definitely proves her point that yoga can increase self-confidence, as this is definitely not an area in which she is lacking, but all of her training enables her to communicate exceptionally well throughout the workout. A nice addition to the standard cardio and strength training workouts in regular rotation.

So there you have it...A thorough round-up of my current faves for at home workouts. Do you have any tips to share for a gym-a-phobe? What are your favorite at home workouts?

♥Jen

photo credits: 1, 2, 3-7

Healthy Living: Surprisingly Awesome Snacks

I love food. I try to eat conscientiously and healthily. I have moments of weakness when I want nothing more than something ridiculously bad for me. Sometimes I cave. Then I feel bad about. Thankfully, most of the time, I'm prepared and rely on a healthy alternative snack to kill the craving. Since the weather is shifting to gloomy and gray, and that tends to lead to more time indoors... which leads to more opportunities for snack time, I thought I'd share some of the best healthy snacks I've come across over the last few years. 

Craving Creamy?

♦ Sophisticated Strawberries: Halve strawberries and smear with soft chevre {goat cheese}. Drizzle with Balsamic vinegar and a bit of honey.

♦ Banana Softserve: Freeze some banana slices, then pulse in a food processor with some toasted cashews and a splash of almond milk

♦ Make your own Edamame Hummus: Combine 1/2 cup cooked edamame, 1/2 tsp olive oil, 1 tsp tahini, and a squeeze of lemon juice in a food processor, pulsing until smooth. Serve with mini carrots.

♦ Mini Polenta Melts: Slice a few thin slices of store bought polenta. Top with each with 1/2 a slice roasted red pepper and a bit of italian cheese blend. Microwave about 20 seconds, until warm.

♦ Radiccio Wraps: Mash 1/2 cup canned white beans with 1/2 tsp olive oil, a bit of chopped rosemary and a dash of salt and pepper. Pile onto radiccio leaves. 

♦Easy Cali Rolls: Nuke a package of pre-cooked brown rice. Drizzle 1/2 cup rice with 1 Tsp rice wine vinegar. Combine 1/4 ripe chopped avocado, 1/4 cup chopped cucumber, and 1/4 cup chopped imitation crab with 1 Tsp grapeseed veganaise. Scoop rice and a bit of filling onto a nori sheet and roll up. Looks are not the goal here. Enjoy.
♦Simple Classic: Enjoy 1/2 cup cottage cheese or low-fat yogurt with fresh berries or other fruit of choice.

Craving Sweet?

♦ Chocolate Pudding: Combine 114 Oz Package Soft Silken Tofu, 1/3 Cup Pure Cocoa Powder, 1/3 Cup Agave Nectar, and 1 Tbsp Vanilla Extract in blender or food processor. Pulse until smooth. Serve chilled.

♦ Almond Coconut Bars: Combine 3 Cups puffed brown rice cereal with 1/2-3/4 {just enough to hold together} cups almond butter, 4 Tbs honey, 1 cup dried coconut, and  1 cup dried fruit/nuts of choice or mini chocolate chips. Press into a pan and chill. Cut into small bars and enjoy.

♦ No Bake Fruit "Crisp": Sprinkle fresh berries of choice with your favorite type of granola. Microwave until warm.

♦ Banana Cream Crackers: Top organic graham crackers with a bit of vanilla greek yogurt and banana slices. 

♦ "Caramel" Walnut Apples: Boil one cup of organic apple cider until it become thick and syrupy. Add some chopped walnuts. Drizzle over fresh apple slices.

♦ Chocolate Goodness: Combine 1/4 cup Pam's Gluten Free Baking Mix {or whole wheat flour}, 1/8 Tsp Baking Powder, 2 Tbs Baking Cocoa, 1 Packet Stevia or 2 Tbs palm sugar,1/4 cup water, 1/8 Tsp Vanilla extract and a small handful of chocolate chips in small microwavable bowl. You can also use 1/2 cup of your favorite chocolate cake mix with 1/8 cup water. Microwave for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes. Enjoy warm. If you're craving extra decadence, top with a scoop of natural vanilla ice cream or froyo. Yum.

Craving Crunchy?

♦ Grown Up Ants on a Log: Stuff celery sticks with your favorite nut butter and top with dried goji berries or currants.

♦ Chickpea Poppers: Thoroughly dry canned chickpeas. Toss with a small amount of olive oil and season with dried oregano and garlic salt. Roast at 400 until crispy.

♦ Veggie Chips and Dip: Dip Terra Chips in a bit of sour cream seasoned with a dash of garlic salt.

♦Thai Slaw Roll-Ups: Fill rice wrappers with thai slaw. Combine 1/2 package store bought coleslaw mix with  a bit of toasted sesame oil, lime juice, honey, and a dash of cayenne pepper. Toss in some chopped peanuts. 

♦Fruit & Nuts: Spread crisp, thinly sliced pears or apples with crunchy cashew or almond butter.  Top with sesame seeds. Or, layer the fruit and nut butter onto a thin cracker, such as a rye crisp.

♦Indian Spiced Cashews: Toss raw cashews in curry powder and a bit of melted coconut oil. Roast at 400 until golden. 

Craving Salty?

♦Quick Antipasto Plate: Wrap a part skim cheese stick in a slice of prosciutto. Enjoy with a handful of olives and some cherry tomatoes.

♦Smoked Salmon Wraps: Combine a bit of chopped smoked salmon with light cream cheese. Mound onto large lettuce leaves. Top with dill.

♦Chessy Kale Chips: Tear kale leaves into large pieces and arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet. Spritz with olive oil and bake at 350 until crisp. While warm, sprinkle with parmesan cheese.

♦Tuna Salad Rounds: Combine a bit of tuna with a small amount of veganaise and lemon juice. Mound onto rice chips.

♦Turkey Roll Ups: Spread a bit of softned light cream cheese on sliced turkey breast and top with thinly sliced tomato. Roll up.

Hungry Yet?

♥Jen


photo credit: Ann Straton for Real Simple

Healthy Living: Amazing Apricot Energy Bites

Have you ever had an Aussie Bite? Well, chances are if you've got a Costco membership, you have. They are dense little mini-muffins loaded with nuts and seeds, but also unfortunately loaded with unhealthy fats and processed sugars. Well, we were wandering through Costco with our cart full of goodies over the weekend, when my husband and little one both grabbed an Aussie Bite sample from one of the available trays. Both of them loved them. I was shocked. I quickly told them both we wouldn't be getting a package, and explained why. But... I told them... I could make these at home, and make them healthier. So, I did. And they are awesome. Grab two as a pre-workout snack, or with your morning cup of coffee if you don't have time for breakfast. They are packed full of fiber and healthy fats, so though my bet is you'll want to eat as many of these little energy superstars as you can grab, you wont be able to manage more than a few at once {which is a good thing. Even a healthy snack can be bad for you if you eat 20 at a sitting!} 

Little one and husband pronounced their approval. So try them yourself, and Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS


2 cups rolled oats
1 cup blanched almond flour
1 cup spelt flour (or whole wheat flour)
1/2 cup flax meal
1/4 cup salba (or wheat germ)
1 1/4 cups flaked coconut
1/2 cup palm sugar (or agave nectar)
1/4 cup baking stevia
1/2 Tsp sea salt
1 Tsp baking soda
1 cup finely chopped dried apricots (or other dried fruits)
1/2 cup raw sunflower seeds
1/2 cup raw almonds, chopped
1 cup palm shortening (or organic unsalted butter)
2 Tbs raw honey
2/3 cup organic unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup light coconut milk

DIRECTIONS {makes 48 mini muffins}


Preheat oven to 350. Combine first 13 ingredients in a large bowl. Melt shortening or butter in microwave. Add remaining ingredients to melted shortening and stir to combine. Add to dry ingredients and stir until well mixed. Fill mini-muffin cups 2/3 full with batter, smoothing tops to create a flat surface. Cook 15 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or one week refrigerated. Enjoy!

♥ Jen

Breakfast Quinoa with toasted coconut, almonds, and fresh mango

I had to repost this. One, because I love Joy the Baker, and two, because I think Quinoa is awesome and everyone should have it in their pantry! Click on the link below for the full recipie!

Breakfast Quinoa with toasted coconut, almonds, and fresh mango

♥

Jen

photo and recipie via Joy the Baker