summer vibes

I am back in Colorado for the summer and feelin’ the summertime love!  Everything is so green and sunny and hot and I am in my element.  So far my summer has consisted of training, fresh meals, pool time, good friends, BBQs, 4-square, long bike rides, nights out in the town and even summer school is more enjoyable.  It is crazy to think that July will be here next week–my summer bucket list is still so long!  I am on a good pace however, and I am enjoying every moment in the mean time.

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.  

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.

hiking the summer away

On to the finale of my summer “vacation.”  I say “vacation” because I was vacationing in the colorful state in which I attend school, Colorado.  I am so blessed to call this amazing place my home away from home.  The beauty and wonder never ceases to captivate me.  On the final day in Glenwood Springs, my family and I went off the beaten path to a more than less popular hiking trail, but it did not disappoint by any means!  It was full of gorgeous views of the river and falls and if it were not for the Grizzly Bear encounter (yes, GRIZZLY BEAR!!!), then we would have kept hiking the afternoon.

portobello mushroom salad

As a pescatarian, I revel in the beauty that is the Portobello Mushroom.  It is such a good vegetarian replacement for a burger patty or steak, and they are also great for stuffing or grilling!  Last week, I had an amazing salad with roasted Portobello mushrooms, summer squash, and peppers at a restaurant. I wanted to try to recreate this salad, but my fridge was lacking in the vegetable department.  The result though, was a Portobello Mushroom Salad, and it was delicious!

season switch up

I absolutely love summer and everything about it, right down to the +100° and humid Texas weather.  Summer just makes me crave healthy and fresh foods like infused water (above: cucumber, ginger & lime), raw produce, and salads.  Can you say light and fit foods?  Yummy!  I am such a visual eater, and that aids in “eating the rainbow” to reap all the health benefits from a variety of fruits and veggies.

the big salad

Happy Monday y’all!  What a great Fourth of July weekend!  If you are like me though, you may be feeling a bit sluggish as your “cheat meal” at your 4th BBQ rapidly escalated into a weekend free-for-all… but never fear!  I have several tips to kick it back into bikini bod mode, starting with last night’s dinner– “the BIG salad.”  “Big salads” are a staple in my family’s diet.  We love them because you can make them however you want!

kick-start circuit series: rotation five

I have almost given you all of my morning wake-up workouts!  After this one, just one more to go!  If you happened to miss the the other four, check them out!  

Notice that this rotation is repeated four times (the others were usually three).  This is because when I did this circuit only three times, it took me six minutes and burnt 20 calories (*based on my body and level of exertion).  Maybe I just was not feeling “it” this morning, but my heart rate stayed pretty low.  If this is the case with you as well, do my recommended four repetitions.  As always though, listen to your body.  You know it best.

detoxify

My detox yesterday helped immensely.  My stomach has returned to normal today after loading it with a mish-mosh of foods on Father’s Day.  It all started with breakfast.  I woke up and immediately began drinking water.  This is extremely important when trying to flush out your body.  I filled up my water bottle about three times yesterday morning. It is also important to start your day off on the right note—meaning breakfast.  I needed fuel for my day, but something that would not upset my already-bloated stomach.  I decided on a Green Detox Smoothie.