Monday, October 31, 2011

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween!! I hope your day has been full of good scary times!
 Today on fitsugar I saw this article on what happens in your body after you eat sugar. Very interesting...take a look at it.

Have a great night full of lots and tricks and maybe not...so many treats...

Sunday, October 30, 2011

A Halloween Flashback & Some Holiday Survival

I LOVE Halloween. Ok, I love all holidays. To determine which holiday is my favorite at the moment, I usually just say the holiday that is coming up next. SB and I have been planning our Halloween party for the year for the past month and a half. We decided we wanted to do a WWII themed party at SB's cabin, and the only requirement was that you HAD to dress up. It was a lot of work! However, it was SO much fun! I dressed up as a nurse.
I was SO impressed with how much effort everyone put into their costumes. Dressing up makes everything so much more fun.
We had quite a spread of food. There was a good combo of healthy food and Halloween sweets.
The main dish was chili and corn bread, with a side salad.
 
Like I said...so many great costumes...



 A necessary photo shoot...


 And a murder mystery of epic proportions.
I have decided that Halloween parties should always involve men in uniforms. It just feels right. ;)

On a healthier note; let's talk about Halloween.
Tomorrow is the big day...A client of mine and I discussed how Halloween really sets the tone for the whole holiday season as far as eating healthy and getting into a good routine goes. Many people feel as if they struggle with eating well during Halloween they can't get themselves back in line by Thanksgiving and then they just give up altogether before Christmas. Don't let this be your fate!! Think of the progress you could make in the matter of two months, and even if you have a set back here or there giving up altogether is NOT the way to go.

Set some goals for yourself for the holiday season. Instead of thinking that you will just start over come January, don't lose two months when you could be making progress or even just maintaining a healthy lifestyle instead of packing on the holiday pounds.

Read HERE for last year's post on surviving Halloween.
Have a GREAT and SPOOKY Halloween, and don't eat too much candy! ;)

What are your Halloween plans? What is your goal going to be for the Holiday Season?

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Turn Your Food Fest Into a Fit Fest

I think MOST of our parties tend to be planned around food. So, why not mix it up by doing something active instead. That is what we did. Last night we had a big ole Halloween shindig at Classic Skating. Yep, I felt like I was in the 6th grade again. I even snowballed.
 SB and I were Beiber fans...or13 year olds...whichever you'd like.
 Some people got REAL creative. It's not often that a bobsled team, a homeless man, a tooth fairy, and a sheep get together and skate it out.


 You better believe I got my sweat on dancing up a storm. I ditched the skates 1/2 way through and decided I was better off dancing my heart out in the center of the rink!
Side note: There are very few times that a song comes along that gets my heart rate going every time I hear it...this song is one of those. If you're in need of a new AMAZING jam to pump you up whilst working out. Look no further.

It speaks to my soul. I hope you have some incredible Halloween plans this weekend. I know I do. I can't wait to share em! I challenge you to add something active to your Festivities. The chances of you eating your way through the dessert table are a lot less likely if you are occupied with something active. Throw in a potato sac race, involve some musical chairs, or my personal fave...turn your night into a dance party!

Do you have any active traditions that are a part of your festive events?

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Homemade Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce

Remember how I told you my client brought me a zillion fresh apples? Well, I still have a TON. I want to be sure to put them all to good use, so I decided to make some fresh homemade applesauce. The recipe comes from skinnytaste.com you can view the original recipe HERE. I made some slight adaptations.

First, take 8 medium apples and peel them. I just used a vegetable peeler.
 Next, core them and slice them.
 Throw the slices in the crock pot.
 Add to that 1 tsp of lemon juice, 5 tsp of brown sugar, and 1 tsp of cinnamon and cook on low for 6-8 hours until the apples turn to applesauce! 
 I don't even really love applesauce, and this stuff is so good!
This recipe makes 3 cups of applesauce. A great and healthy dessert or side dish for your family. Added bonus? It makes your house smell absolutely amazing. I plan on throwing this in some of my healthy recipes as well! Remember that applesauce can be used in place of butter or oil, and it takes out a ton of the fat and calories. It makes it really moist as well.


Do you ever cook with applesauce? Have you ever made your own fresh applesauce? You should try it. It is so incredibly easy and when you make it at home you get rid of all the extra added gunk!

P.S. I have to say thanks to my darling Janae!! She came and brought me a gift certificate to my favorite restaurant The Pizza Factory. Oh I just love her! Thanks girlie!! xoxoxo

Monday, October 24, 2011

Birthday Rehash - part dos

The first half of my birthday was fabulous. The second half of my birthday did not disappoint either. After lunch with my dad, I went to the gym to do some cardio. I was going to give myself the, "birthday out," but decided I'd be happier with myself if I did something. 60 mins on the elliptical was my cardio of choice for the day, and then it was home to get ready...and put on real clothes. Crazy huh?

My friends and I went to my fave, Pizza Factory, for dinner.
 I wish I would have been able to get a shot of the whole group, but I was glad to get the pics I have!



 And then it was home to carve pumpkins...

 We started drying off the seeds, and I still need to roast them!


 Can you guess which one is mine?
 I'll give you a hint...it's not that one.
After we carved pumpkins then the group headed off to Yogurtland, and then back home to watch a movie. I opt for frozen yogurt instead of birthday cake...every time! :)
It was an awesome day and such a fun night! I have some great family members and friends. THAT is for dang sure!

Do you save your pumpkin seeds to roast? They are a great and healthy snack! Try it this year.

Mixing Things Up with a Kettlebell Workout

If you have heard the word, "kettlebell," over and over and you are curious as to why people are working out with something that goes on the stove or a noise making device, this may help clear things up a little. A kettle bell is a weighted device that is similar to dumbbell as far as usage goes, but has a handle on top. This picture might help...

Saturday I was absolutely exhausted. After all the birthday festivities. I didn't get to bed until after 3AM, which if you know me is WAAAAY out of my usual bedtime region. I woke up with very little energy, and so when I finally drug myself to the gym I didn't know what I was going to get. I decided I could muster up a little bit of cardio, and then mixing it up with a kettle bell workout. It was a great change.

Cardio:
30 minute intervals on the elliptical

Strength Training:
Kettle Bell workout

*3 sets of each alternating between exercises*

SET #1
20 kettlebell swings w/a squat (w/one 20 lb kettlebell)
alt
15 kettlebell pushups (push ups on top of two kettlebells)
alt
20 alternating lunges (holding a 15 lb kettlebell in each hand)

SET #2
12 single right arm rows in a deep lunge (w/one 20 lb kettlebell)
alt with
12 single left arm rows in a deep lunge (w/one 20 lb kettlebell)
alt with
15 squats with a bicep curl on bosu ball (holding a 15 lb kettlebell in each hand)

Done. This entire kettlebell workout took me about 35-40 mins and my heart rate stayed elevated the whole time. If you don't have a kettle bell at home you can actually just hold a single dumbbell with both hands for the swings, or like normal for everything else and you will get the exact same results.

Have you ever worked out with kettlebells?

Sunday, October 23, 2011

The Birthday Rehash - Part 1

I did it. I turned 27. Thanks for all the b-day wishes! I think birthdays are great because they remind you of all the great and thoughtful people in your life. I started my morning off working. I only had a couple clients, so it was easy peasy. My first client had three of her sisters coming into town so we set up a special group session to work with all four of them at once. It was SO fun! They brought me some beautiful flowers and some homemade sugar free applesauce. Yesssah.
 It was SO fun working with all the sisters. It made me miss my own! While we were finishing up their session two of my friends, Ryan and Benita surprised me with flowers, a diet coke, and balloons! I was SO surprised. I get really thrown off when I see people out of context. It was so sweet of them!I wish that I had a pic with them, but I wasn't planning on needing my camera! Oh well...it was an awesome surprise.
 I then met up with my daddy-o for lunch at Jason's Deli. He's THE BEST. Jason's is one of my FAVORITE places for a healthy meal when you are eating out. They list all their nutrition facts online which makes me love them even more. He might kill me for posting this pic...but the girl I asked to take it was NOT happy about it. So, I didn't dare ask for a retake. Sorry pops....love you.
To be continued!

Do you get thrown off or awkward when you see people out of context? I totally do... What is your favorite place to eat a healthy meal out?

Thursday, October 20, 2011

26 Things I learned in Year 26

Twenty-Six was a good year from me. I guess I learned some stuff...
1. Being injured is not fun...(torn tendons, hip issues, stress fractures...)
2. Eggs are delicious and so are egg whites
3. You actually won't die from eating tuna
4. Water + Electronics don't mix (Macbook/Ipod incident)
5. Duck Beach is the coolest place EVER
6. My family and friends are pretty amazing. I already knew that, but it's a good thing to relearn year after year.
7. Pinterest is the best creation in the world.
8. Having the people you love move away isn't so great, but it always makes you realize how great they are...(The Fitchies, Benita, Roxies)
9. The Kardashians are fabulously entertaining. I don't know why it took me so long to jump on this bandwagon, but they have single handedly helped with my cardiovascular endurance.
10. I love lifting the most and cardio the least, and yet it is the cardio that mentally makes me feel better. Go figure.
11. Having new people enter your life is always a great blessing and there is always a lot to be learned from others experiences...(SB, Whitters, & insert ALL awesome blogger friends here)
12. I can still be easily pleased with diet dr pepper, frozen yogurt, and a pizza factory salad bar. Some things never change.
13. I need to work on my patience...I'm trying...but can't I just figure that out faster?
14. I wish it was summer all year round
15. I HATE winter. I have always known this, but it was reconfirmed when I got snowed in this past year. 
16. It is possible to drive to AZ and back 8 bajillion times in a year. My dad and I are phenomenal road trip partners.
17. I am reminded every day how great my job is, how amazing some of the people I work with are, and how blessed I am to do something I LOVE to do.
18. I do not like mice, and i do not like them in my house.
19. I love my new camera so much I can hardly stand it.
20. There are some things that I will never be able to do without. I think oatmeal, peanut butter, and La Tortilla Factory wraps will forever be on that list.
21. Naps are great.
22. Exercise will always make me feel better. Always.
23. I still love to bake.
24. I am still an all or nothing girl.
25. I will go to Yogurtland or Maverick anytime. Seriously...let's go.
26. Some days are hard, some days are AWESOME, and some days are just normal...but I am a blessed girl with soooooOOOO many things to be grateful for.

Here's to year #27. I feel like good things are in store.
 This is it. Don't get scared now.

Do you have any advice for me on how to be a 27 year old? Let's be honest...I still feel like I'm 21.

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

An Attitude Adjustment

Today started early.
I woke up tired. 
I had a hour and a half break in between clients in which I fully planned to work out.
I didn't.
Instead I worked on a talk I have to give in church on Sunday and some of my free-lance writing.
Both great things, and I needed to work on both of them, but it didn't burn any calories...
I had a client cancel and I could have slipped in some cardio.
I didn't.
I chatted with one of my awesome coworkers instead.
I meant to end up at the gym on my way home from work.
I didn't.
Wednesdays are long days for me, and by the time I was close to home I knew I needed to take a nap if I wanted to do anything else of worth today.
I was supposed to go back in for an evening client, and she ended up cancelling...so i got to take like a 40 min nap.
Nap = attitude adjustment
AWESOME.
I woke up and decided I needed to go workout. I knew I'd feel better if I did.
Guess what? I was right.
I had one of the best workouts I've had in a while. It felt great.
It might have had something to do with the fact that Kim Kardashian's wedding was on E while I was doing cardio...

Wednesday Workout:

Cardio:
5 min warm up on the elliptical (While I eyed the 1 stair machine at our gym that was in use. The guy got off right in time. Wahoo!)
30 Mins of Stair intervals
1 min @ level 8
2 min @ level 12
2 min @ level 16
repeat 6 times! so schweaty. If this isn't difficult enough for you, simply ramp up the levels! 

Lifting: Back and Biceps
3 sets of each exercise alternating between exercises

Set #1
12 Rear Rows on the cables w/55 lbs
alt with
1 min rest...I actually wanted to do curls here but there were some vultures waiting for me to get off the machine so I decided to park it

Set #2
12 lat pull downs w/60 lbs
alt with
12 single leg balancing circular bicep curls w/15 lb db's

Set #3
12 Regular bicep curls w/20 lb db's
alt with
12 Rear delt flies with 10 lb db's

Set #4
15 Rear Rows with the TRX
alt with
15 Resistant Bicep curls with TRX

Set #5
15 Core Row outs on knees with TRX
alt with
30 seconds of rest

Finished up with 35 more mins on the elliptical whilst watching Kim K get wed.

I left the gym feeling AWESOME. So much better. I can't even tell you. It is amazing what some exercise can do for a tired/gross mood. Sometimes all we need is a little cat nap. Oh...and I wasn't mad about finishing off my evening with one of these...helloooo pumpkin flavored fro yo. DE-LISH.
Does exercise make you feel better when you are having a bad day or feeling extra tired? It always does for me if I can get myself going!

Speaking of frozen yogurt...don't forget about the contest to win a twenty dollar gift card to Yogurtland and two movie tickets to the Twilight premiere. Read about it HERE. You have until Sunday night at midnight!

This day a year ago: Get out of that rut! 

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Whole Wheat Pumpkin Apple Streusel Muffins

One of my darling clients brought me the equivalent of a half of an apple tree's worth of fresh apples this week. I LOVE apples, but I knew there was no way I was going to be able to barrel through that many!
Naturally, I looked to find a recipe that would let me bake some of those delicious beauties. I couldn't find anything that I loved, so I did what I usually do...created my own.

Whole Wheat Pumpkin Apple Streusel Muffins

Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups of Whole Wheat Flour
1 cup of splenda (you could use agave/stevia or honey if you'd like)
1/2 cup of white sugar
1/2 cup of brown sugar
1 TBS of pumpkin pie spice
1/2 tsp of salt
2 eggs (or you could use 4 egg whites)
1 cup of pumpkin puree
1/2 cup of applesauce
2 cups of apples peeled, cored, and chopped (this was 2 apples for me)

Streusel Topping
Combine:
2 TBS whole wheat flour
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon

Directions:
Preheat your oven to 350. Mix together eggs, pumpkin, applesauce, Splenda, and sugars. In a separate bowl combine flour, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Slowly combine dry mixture with wet mixture. Once combined fold in chopped apples. Divide into muffin tins sprayed with non-stick spray or lined with liners. My batch made 18. Once divided sprinkle with streusel topping.
Bake for 35-40 mins or until they pass the toothpick test!
The stats:

These muffins are SO. Dang. Good. Confession: I don't even like baked fruit. But these...moist and delicious. The streusel topping makes it. They would be a great side to a warm soup, perfect for a breakfast, tasty for a snack, or even a good item to throw in the freezer and have to take with you on the go.

Do you like baked fruit? I usually don't. I think it's a weird texture thing for me, and isn't fruit supposed to be cold? Not warm?

P.S. Don't forget to check out (and enter) the Yogurtland/Twilight Premier Ticket giveaway!

Monday, October 17, 2011

Yogurtland & Twilight Contest Giveaway!!

You know my affection for frozen yogurt. It is no secret. I actually would go as far as to say I consider myself a connoisseur of frozen yogurt. Which is why you also may remember how excited I was when Yogurtland came to town.
 
It is MY FAVORITE kind of frozen yogurt. I think they have the consistency down to a science. They always have awesome flavors, a million toppings, and they let you sample to your heart's delight before you make your final decision. You can't go wrong.
Well...good news folks. I know that many of my Utah peeps love Yogurtland as much as I do which is why I'm so excited about this contest/giveaway.

SO...
The fabulous people of Yogurtland are offering a twenty dollar gift certificate to Yogurtland, and two tickets to the Twilight premiere in November that Yogurtland is hosting for customer appreciation. AWESOME huh? Going to the movies and eating frozen yogurt are probably two of my favorite things in life. Put them together and you have just about the greatest night out you can get!


To win this amazing prize...
You must go into Yogurtland and take a picture of you eating your frozen yogurt making the best vampire face you can. Yep...You, your yogurt, and the best scary face you can muster. You'll then send me those pics to be posted on my blog, and you'll be entered into the drawing for the prize.
Email your photo entries to me at megolina21 at gmail.com. 
You can only enter once per person, however feel free to enter every single member of your family. 
Please leave a comment on this post once you have emailed me. 
The contest starts NOW and will go until this Sunday the 23nd of October 2011 at midnight.
Your photos will be numbered in the order that I receive them, and I will choose the winner using random.org. The winner will be announced Monday October 24th! 

Good luck!!