spring flings

As I have probably mentioned before, Spring is my favorite season.  I love Easter, getting outdoors, the sunshine, the flowers, etc.  This post is just my ode to Spring and what I do to get out and enjoy it.  When I moved to Colorado a few years ago, my outlook on Spring shifted slightly–snow?? Really??  Oh well, even random snow storms can’t dull my Spring spirit.

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snacking on the go

Yesterday was busy, busy for me.  I woke up at 5:30am to get to my cycling class at 6:30am (it is 100% worth it to me), and I did not get home until 7:30 PM!  Eep!  Thankfully, I am such a planner and I knew it was going to be a looong day on campus, so I was able to pack accordingly.  When I say “pack,”  I, of course, mean food and snacks to keep me going.  I usually like to sit down and enjoy my food without distractions, but sometimes, a girl has to multi-task.  

cheat days don’t make you fat

Yes.  I see you glorious plate of homemade Mary’s Mountain Cookies… Yes.  You did overcome my will power tonight.  Yes.  I am talking to cookies.  So I had an off day today–a “cheat day” if you please.  I am human after all.  A human living in a society filled with yummy goodies and sweets that seem to be at the center of every social event.  Even if that event is a Saturday night at home with the roommates and a friend brings over famously good treats.  This cheat day of mine involved a bite of each type of treat (plus a brownie and cookie quarter), 2 processed protein bars, and milk chocolate (with almonds if that makes it better?)  My cheat day won’t make me “fat,” however unhealthy these items are.  I won’t wake up tomorrow with my 7 pounds of fat back on my body.  It will make me stronger, though.  

sweat and sweet

Yesterday was just one of the many weekend days I spend just hanging out and doing whatever comes to mind.  No schedule, no limiting obligations, no commitments… it is so nice to have days and weekends like that.  This is my last weekend to have such an agenda–rather lack of agenda since classes resume on Tuesday to kick off the spring semester.  As my last free weekend, I decided to do a home workout and make sweet potato chips to enjoy.

choose health

Have a sweet tooth?  A sugary craving sets in and you start to worry your self-control is waning… Trust me, I know this feel allllll too well.  That is why I learned to start snacking smart and choosing healthier options when it comes to my sweet tooth.  So, what do I do when it comes to smart, healthy snacking?  

easy healthy tortilla chips

Cooking dinner during the week (especially a week during exams) can sometimes get pushed on the back burner.  That is why it is nice to have quick, simple, and healthy recipes to make for dinner.  One of my go-to’s is a Dairy-Free Avocado Quesadilla complete with salsa and Blue Corn Tortilla Chips.

healthy and smart

College is back in full swing–meaning, that it is more difficult to keep up my healthy intentions when I have other things like studying, group projects, and club meetings to focus on.  I admit, lately my health and fitness has been put on the back burner, but I am back in action.  Here are some things I have learned over the years about staying healthy, both mentally and physically, in college without sacrificing my studies.

healthy hydration

The summer heat can seriously dehydrate you, especially in Houston, Texas.  Sure the air may be fully quenched at 99.9% humidity, but that does not mean your body is.  I have never had the problem of disliking the “taste” of water as some people do.  If you ever see me, I always have my water by my side.  It can be plain, with lemon, or a creative infusion of sorts.  Infusing water has been the latest trend it seems, and I have happily hopped on board.  For my birthday, I was gifted a water bottle with an infusion chamber that I have been having much fun with.  I really get creative with the natural flavor pairings I come up with. (See my Raspberry Lemon Water here.)

cherry vanilla smoothie

I made this smoothie a couple of days ago for my post-run pick-me-up.  If you did not already know, I am a smoothie addict!  This smoothie was inspired by the fresh organic cherries I bought at the store the other day. Cherries always remind me of summer, probably because they are in season now.  If you say you do not like cherries and the only cherries you have had are those neon red Maraschino cherries… shame on you… I love cherries, but I loathe those fake ones.  I suggest you give real cherries another shot.  Why not begin with my Cherry Vanilla Smoothie?

kick-start circuit series: rotation three

Good afternoon everyone!  Here is day three of my morning Circuit Series (if you missed day one or two find them here and here).  This one took about 10 minutes and burnt 50 calories!  The highest yet! (*calories burnt based on my body and exertion level)