Herbed Kohlrabi Chicken

This is a super simple recipe using kohlrabi that I bought from a local farm. This was my first experience using kohlrabi and I enjoyed it very much. Although I didn't enjoy cutting it as it is so hard to cut! This recipe also features one of my favorite ingredients:Kerrygold Butter. Yes, I know...OMG What?!? Butter!!?? Haha. Anyhow. This butter is imported and comes from grass fed cows so it is a natural source of CLA. Many people take CLA as a fat loss supplement but I would much rather get it from delicious creamy Kerrygold :)

Local Eats...Local Treats

So, I have been trying to make a conscientious effort to live a bit more of an environmentally friendly lifestyle. Part of this effort includes trying to buy local foods more often. I have been trying to go to more farmers markets but was having a difficult time since many of the weekend markets in my area do not operate at this time of year. Luckily, I was able to find a really amazing local farm in the area through Groupon called The Urban Farmer. I was so excited! And with good reason. I don't know how but their veggies are soooo good! Every time I have gotten tomatoes they taste so sweet like candy and I can't stop eating them. I used to hate tomatoes! 
Another great think is that I have been able to find some really interesting veggies that I had never tried before. Some of the veggies I have tried from The Urban Farmer that were new to me included long beans, pattypan squash, kholrabi, and tongue of fire beans. Hopefully I will soon be able to share with you some of the things I come up with using the more interesting fruits and veggies that I find.
If anyone knows of other farms or places that local foods can be purchased in the South Florida area don't hesitate to share!!

Caramelized Onions....

WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN ALL MY LIFE!!! So I recently stumbled upon a recipe in Clean Eating Magazine for sliders withe caramelized onions inside. The recipe was done by Candice Kumai and was super amazing :) happy tummy. I made mine into full sized burgers instead of sliders and had them on Ezekiel bread with spinach tomatoes and provolone. I added the half devoured pic to show the caramelized goodness inside. I didn't post the recipes since it isn't mine and it can probably be located on the Clean Eating website

Been away...Tea Time Togetherness??

I haven't blogged basically since this semester started. I just started going back to school after some time off. I'm a nutrition major so I have been learning a lot more about nutrition and it has been great. Anyhow, I have been drinking this tea before school a lot as it really helps wake me up in the mornings.
It's basically just Chai Yerba Mate with some sliced ginger...super yum!
To make the tea I used Guayaki Chai Spiced Mate.
Excuse any typos...this is my first time using the Blogger App on my phone

Fast Food

As I mentioned in my Fast Style post I have been pretty busy. I haven't really made any interesting food lately and have actually been eating insane amounts of stir fry.

Stir fry has pretty much become my go to meal on busy days. I usually just buy sliced meat (either steak, pork, or chicken) so I don't have to cut it myself. Then I throw in whatever frozen stir fry blend I have in the freezer as I always have some sort of stir fry blend. I then put in whatever seasonings I am in the mood for and a low calorie sauce (usually chili garlic sauce or ginger dressing...yum).

I like doing this because I usually have to make multiple meals all at once so it is really easy this way because I can just make a HUGE batch.


Also you can make it different every time to keep it interesting. If you can find sauces made by Walden Farms they are really great for this. Oh, and shrimp and tofu stir fry are great too!!

Workout Song of the Week!!

Haven't posed a song in a few weeks but I haven't really been listening to anything new. I do love this song by Dev that I recently downloaded but I love Dev in general. Anyhow, since sharing is caring here go's....

 

Fast Style

So I have been crazy busy lately. I recently started a new job and will be transferring to a different university in the fall (majoring in nutrition). Hence, I have been away from the blog for a bit. I thought I would share my favorite quick hair/makeup for those of you that are busy bee's like me.

Usually when I don't have time to do a lot of makeup I just choose like three things to focus on (not including foundation). Lately it has been just liner, lipstick, and lashes. It's simple and fast so it works for me.

With my hair I usually sleep with it in bantu knots then do some sort of quick style (usually involving tons of pins). Above I basically just pinned up one side all the way to the opposite ear. So pretty much just the front of one side is left out.

I am not really big on braid-outs just because they take too much time to take out so I never really do them. I do my bantu knots without doing two strand twists first since I know some people do theirs that way. That is also too time consuming for me and I like them just fine without doing the two strand twists.

I had used Pravana Smoothing Shampoo & Conditioner beforehand and I used Jane Carter Nourish & Shine wen I did the bantu knots.

What do you (naturals) prefer? Bantu knots, braid outs, or twist outs?

Alternative: Pasta!

So....I like pasta. Way more then I probably should so I try not to really eat it too often because I can get a bit out of control. Whenever I crave pasta I usually turn to one of these alternatives. Unless I have been good that day, then I just go ahead and eat the pasta but sometimes I will have half a serving of pasta mixed in with one of these alternative choices.

Broccoli Slaw (pictured above)
Tofu Noodles (shirataki)
Zucchini or Yellow Squash sliced thin using a vegetable peeler (pictured below)
Spaghetti Squash (my favorite, yum!)

The great thing about these alternatives is you can sneak in some extra veggies. If you aren't a huge veggie fan I would suggest a mixture of whole wheat or brown rice spaghetti with baked spaghetti squash and of course delicious toppings, as always.

Avocado Shake

YUMM! I used to make these constantly but I didn't for a long time. Mainly because I go through these food obsessions then I forget all about them for a while. I had completely forgotten how creamy and yummy avocado shakes were. I don't use ice but you can if you like, I hate ice :-|


Ingredients:
1/2 an avocado
1/2 cup fat free cottage cheese
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
sweetener (optional)
ice (optional)

Directions:
Chop the avocado in small pieces. Put all ingredients into the blender and blend until creamy.

Stats: 280 calories, 18g fat, 15g carbs, 18g protein, 4.5g sugar

All gone :(

Fun with BSN

 Got samples of a few BSN Products I have been wanting to try. I got Amino X, Syntha-6, and two different flavors of N.O-Xplode 2.0. I will write a review most likely only for the N.O-Xplode. This is just because with BCAA's I probably wouldn't be able to give a good opinion on Amino X until I had been using it for awhile. I did use that sample already and what I can say about it is that I definitely noticed a difference as far as strength and endurance when I used it. It also tasted really good although I didn't notice much of the effervescence for some reason.   

Also, I would write a full review for the Syntha-6 but I already used that sample to make this yummyness.
<< Frosted Sweet Potato Pancake :)
I found this recipe here on the Oxygen website.
The Syntha-6 tasted really good in this recipe. The sample I had was Vanilla Ice Cream.



Anyhow, just thought I would share. I should be trying the N.O-Xplode sometime this week but it may be later.







Do you use/like pre-workout supplements?
If so, which ones?

Workout Songs of the Week!

I usually post the workout song for the week on the weekend but I am so obsessed with this song I couldn't wait! My sis also made an awesome suggestion and she knows how much I love LMFAO so I included that also. So extra musical goodies :) ENJOY!

Better Brownies

YES...I am very obsessed with protein brownies! A few days ago I decided to tweak the brownie recipe that I posted here a while back and this is what I came up with. This brownie was more moist then the last one and has frosting!! In my book frosting > no frosting...always.

 

Ingredients

1 scoop chocolate protein powder

1/2 cup oats

1/4 cup pumpkin puree

1 tbsp cocoa powder

1 egg white

3 tbsp almond milk (or any milk you like to use)

1-2 packets stevia or other sweetener

pinch of baking powder

splash of vanilla

Directions

Put 3/4 of the protein powder in the blender along with all other ingredients and blend. Pour mixture into a square container and microwave for about 2 minutes on high (or until middle is set). Meanwhile, put remaining 1/4 scoop of protein powder in a small container. Add a small amount of water and stir. Continue adding water until you get a consistency similar to frosting. When brownie is cooked top with frosting!! Yum

Stats: 340 calories, 35g protein, 36g carbs, 6g fat, 5g sugar

The stats may seem high but the brownie is HUGE. You could always cut it in half or adjust the recipe if you wish.

Fall Facial

This is my first SPA:D.I.Y post and I wanted to just share a super simple pumpkin facial recipe that is great on it's own or as a base that you can add to.

You only need one thing...
Pumpkin Puree!!

Pumpkin is high in vitamins A, C, Zinc, and Beta-carotene all of which are great for the skin.

This facial is also suitable for all skin types.

I usually do a quick steam facial before applying any sort of mask as it helps to open up the pores.








Directions: Wash face or wash then do a steam facial. Apply pumpkin to the skin. Leave on for at least 10 minutes then rinse off.

Additional Add-ins (optional)
Moisturizing: mashed banana, olive oil, or honey
Exfoliating: green tea leaves, ground oats, or ground almonds

Workout Song of the Week!

So I promised you a song for weight training. This was a bit difficult for me as I don't really like music while weight training. I can't get through cardio without a good playlist though. Anyhow, this song is off the most recent Disturbed album and is good for any workout that requires more intensity, like weight training. I tend to like more intense type music for weight training because is makes me feel like a beast. Although I am far from it haha. Enjoy!

Midnight Snack Attack

I just wanted to write up a quick post about one of my new favorite pre bed snacks...Chocolate Pudding!! I have seen a similar product in GNC and Vitamin Shoppe but I can make my own and it is super easy!

Ingredients:

1 scoop chocolate protein powder (or any other flavor you like)

water or milk (I use almond milk sometimes)

Directions:

Put a scoop of protein powder into a small bowl or cup and slowly add water while you stir until it starts to look like pudding. Add water until it is the consistency you want.

NOTE: This works best with casein protein or a protein powder that contains casein protein. I am using Gaspari Nutrition Myofusion.

Stats: Same calories, protein, and fat as whatever protein powder you are using

I love anything chocolate (or peanut butter) at night...it's my weakness and I am not afraid to admit it!!
What is your favorite midnight snack?

Alternative: Tuna Salad

I tend to eat quite a bit of tuna. Mainly because it has a lot of protein, very little fat, and is super convenient. Sometimes I'll stick a can or two in my purse or car if I am on the go. This being said, I hate plain tuna. Makes me feel like I am eating dry cat food...unpleasant. 
Lately, I have been trying a few different mix ins for my tuna instead of using store bought mayo. A few good one's include:

Hummus (pictured above! Very yummy and adds way more flavor then mayo)
Olive Oil & Spices
Mixture of Greek Yogurt, Mustard, and a bit of Vinegar
Laughing Cow Cheese Wedges (would be a good alternative to a tuna melt if you heat it up and put it on some toast)
Homemade Mayo made with Olive Oil

Do you like tuna? What is your favorite tuna mix in?

Sales = Splurge

Recently I took a little trip back to Orlando, where I lived for about three years. I went to visit my sister and my super adorable 3 month old niece. Of course while I was there I had to stop by the mall (3 malls to be exact). There was some AWESOME sales going on which meant both bad and good news for my wallet.
I went to Premium outlet with my mom because I wanted to check out the Coach Outlet. When we got outside I noticed there was a long line outside and was a little confused at first. Then the light bulb in my head of course goes off long lines=MASSIVE CRAZY SALE!!! So I immediately got in the line which is naturally what any real shopaholic would do.
The wait wasn't too bad but boy was it worth it! I got the two purses and key chain pictured above for just under $200!! Score!!

Flaxseed Funk

If anyone out there read my previous post Analyzing & Adjusting I mentioned that I have not been feeling quite right for a while. Most of the issues I was having have basically been resolved since I increased my calories. Woohoo for that! Unfortunately, I have still been in this weird mood funk that I couldn't quite figure out until now. Then, it hit me...FLAX SEEDS!!!!

I used to eat ground flax seed everyday, sometimes multiple times. I always would have some in my oatmeal in the mornings. Then, a few weeks ago I just stopped eating it completely for some odd reason. I didn't really attribute it to my mood funk until I was reading an article on flaxseeds about two days ago.
The article stated the health benefits of ALA (an omega-3 fatty acid) and the lignans found in flax seeds. These benefits include:

• High in fiber/relieves constipation
• Contains compounds that are cancer-protective 
• Reduces cholesterol levels
• Helps stabilize estrogen levels
• Fights inflammation
• Boosts immunity
• Improves brain cell function/boosts mood

The list goes on and on but those are just a few of the benefits. Another great thing about they make your hair, skin, and nails look better. Also, they work great in homemade face/body scrubs!!
So, I am back to making sure to get in some flax every day because for me there is a noticeable difference in my moods when I do have them. They are pretty easy to find now that they are so popular. I get mine from Publix and they cost me less then $2 so they are also budget friendly!

Workout Song of the Week!!

Soo...another song for cardio. Next week I will try to put up one that is good for weight training, I promise. I just tend to put more fast songs for cardio workouts because I don't really like to listen to music during weight training. I find it a bit too distracting then but anyhow here's your musical goodie...Sorry this is not the clean version of the song as I could not find it on grooveshark :/

Tutorial: Metallic Sparkle/Egyptian Eyes

This started out as a tutorial for a sparkly metallic look. As I started going crazier and crazier with my eyeliner I realized this would work well for a Halloween Egyptian type look. So for the Egyptian look stick with the triple liner but if you want something more subtle then just do your liner as you would regularly. This look can also easily be done with other colors.