Monday, March 18, 2013

Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is delicious. You can eat it plain or with jelly, but new ideas are sometimes more fun. Because of its gooey, oily nature it is easy to add to your favorite recipes.

The nutritious facts:
Peanut butter has a high level of monounsaturated fats. (like our friend the avocado)
It also contains protein, fiber, and magnesium.
Magnesium is an important mineral -- but sadly, many diets lack magnesium.
Magnesium works to eliminate the negative effects of drinking soda. It is a vital mineral for the reduction of headaches.

My favorite (right now) recipe with peanut butter is...

Peanut Butter Frosting (eat sparingly... but so good)
















MMM.. it looks so tasty. Click here make this treat.

Word of caution::: Peanut butter bought from the store contains other ingredients that are not healthy. (as does the above recipe, but this is a treat!)
I try to buy the peanut butter that lists peanuts as the ONLY ingredient.

If you prefer, (and have the time and equipment) you can make your own homemade peanut butter here. If you are in need of a good mixing device, check out the one below.



Have fun!

Friday, March 8, 2013

The Amazing Avocado

Today it is snowing and I am craving a salad with avocado.



Recently, the popularity of the avocado has been rising. It is now included on every Friday's, Red Robin, and more menus.

Avocados are great. They are native to Central Mexico. Dark green on the outside and light green on the inside. The texture of the fruit is a bit soft and creamy feeling, like solid butter. Avocados do more than look good in our food.

They are high in monounsaturated fat. This is a good fat. Avocados are great for vegetarians or people who eat little meat. For those who don't know -- avocado is the main ingredient in guacamole. Delicioso!

Avocados have more potassium than bananas. They are great for regulating metabolism and high blood pressure. Because the fat content is so high, avocados should not be eaten daily. This is especially true if you are watching your weight. But one avocado split into smaller servings throughout the week will help to control and maintain your metabolism.


Keep up with your before shower exercises. I got bored with it, so I switched a few of the moves for a little variety. If it is difficult to do each day, take it down to every other day... but don't stop. Let's keep it movin'!

Thursday, January 17, 2013

Smoothies part 2

So I am loving this smoothie kick. Every day I make myself a delicious spinach, water, and berry smoothie.

BUT.... yesterday my fiance was eating some goooood looking cookies and I thought "I wish my smoothie tasted a little more like cookies"

I found an amazing blog that has smoothie recipes that tell you what they're good for. For instance.. one is for working out, one for weight loss, muscle building. And they sound much better tasting than my spinach and berry.

I will start sneaking some of these as treat smoothies.

I am still doing the pre-shower workout. I love it. It is quick and easy and I feel like I am sticking to my goals by doing it each day. I also do other exercises on days when I'm a little MORE motivated.

Smoothies from Super Skinny Me


Thursday, January 10, 2013

Smoothies: Healthy or Not?

How are you doing with last week's "Before Every Shower" exercise?

I have been doing it every day and I feel great. My muscles feel a little tighter and not as flabby. I really enjoy doing this work out before every shower because it is so quick! It's not much but it's a start at being more healthy and it is SO EASY to do every day.

Today I am starting my day off right with a smoothie. Not your typical milk, yogurt, fruit smoothie... don't get me wrong - those are delicious. The kind I'm having is way more nutritious, however.

Start with a cup of fresh cool water. Add about 2 handfuls of fresh greens: spinach, arugula, spring mix, any kind of lettuce you have. The greener the better. REMEMEBR: Iceberg is just water and fiber. Add 2 handfuls of berries: raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, etc. Blend and drink.



Limiting the ingredients helps your body to digest easier, giving you more ability to absorb those awesome nutrients. I know that it sounds gross, but it really doesn't taste bad!

Try this smoothie first thing in the morning every other day and let me know how it works for you. 

Thursday, January 3, 2013

Happy Holidays!

I hope your holidays were as wonderful as mine. I just got engaged! I am overjoyed. But now I have to start thinking about a wedding, and keeping myself in shape for the wedding.

I will post a few healthy eating tips and stories each Thursday.

Today I want to talk about holiday eating. As the holidays have just passed I'm sure many people are hating themselves and their waistlines. I recently found a tip on pinterest that sparked an idea. Working out is hard. We often can't make time. This is the perfect solution.


Before every shower do this small workout. I promise it does not take more than 5 minutes.

-50 jumping jacks
-5 pushups
-20 crunches
-20 mountain climbers
-one 30 second plank

Seems easy enough. Try to stick to it. I will be too. Let me know how you're doing!! See you next Thursday!