Wow, I know you are probably surprised to hear from me.  It’s been a while since my last post.  I have really missed blogging over these past few months, but in the meantime, I have found that I need to practice what I preach, specifically when it comes to keeping balance in my life.

It was almost exactly a year ago that I wrote a post on living a balanced life.  I talked about how this blog was my way of maintaining balance, and if I wasn’t blogging then I wasn’t taking time for the things I enjoy.  I still agree with that, but the problem is that I enjoy a lot of things!!  I just don’t know if I can fit all of them in my life right now and stay balanced.  In my opinion, that’s a good problem to have, and I’m totally okay with it!

Now that I am a student at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, my blogging time has now become my study time.  And let me tell you, I’m LOVING what I’m learning!  Along with being a student again, I’m also…

• still loving my career at lululemon athletica
• staying fit by doing CrossFit and all kinds of yoga
• spending time with Sam before he graduates and spends the majority of his time studying for the Bar Exam and then being an attorney (Eeeek!)
• hanging with family
• last but not least, making time for me (still working on this one)

So for now, I’ve decided that I need to take a blog break.  It’s bittersweet because I truly enjoy sharing my journey of health and happiness with you, but I’m also excited to really dive into what I’m learning in hopes to one day bring you an even better blog with better tips, advice, and maybe even health coaching services!  Who knows what the future holds for me, but for now, I plan to keep doing what I enjoy while keeping balance in my life and having FUN!

I think this quote says it best. I’m taking the time to live life a little more instead of filling it with a constant to-do list.  Easier said than done, but I think it will be worth it.

Thank you for being amazing readers.  It’s been a fun ride on this blog, and I’m glad I was able to share it with you.  I still love learning, talking about, and living health and happiness, so please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at anytime if you’d like.  You can still find me on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest(addicting! I have lots of recipes on my pinterest… most healthy, some not so much).

My mission has always been and continues to be to live a life I love and be happy.  So on that note and until next time (whenever that may be), I wish you the same… a life you love filled with happiness.

Cami

I wrote a post for the lululemon blog, and it was published today!  Feel free to check it out to find out the amazing benefits of kale and a few tasty recipes to go with it, like a recipe for green smoothies!  Speaking of green smoothies… I just have to share this video with you.  The yogi in me just loves this… enjoy!

LAUGH. EVERY. TIME.

Cheers & Namaste

Cami

How is the new year starting out for you??  Mine is super so I hope yours is the same!  Busy bee around here but all good things.  So let me fill you in real quick…

CHRISTMAS

It was so great spending time with family.  We enjoyed tasty food including the kale salad in my last post and even some great workouts including the one below.  It’s not all about the gifts, but I won’t lie I was pretty excited about them… cooking tools, Anthropologie, Tory Burch, and all sorts of great things .  Thank you family & friends!  I also LOVE this sign that I’ve wanted for a while, but could never find… and my Mom and Dad found it for me!!  It’s up in the living room, and I laugh every time I read it… never gets old.

DAY AFTER CHRISTMAS WOD (workout of the day) – Thanks to CrossFit Aledo for the idea!  You can do this workout anywhere!

Warm Up – 800 meter run, 5 of each exercise below

5 rounds 
10 inch worms 
10 burpees
20 lunges
30 grasshoppers

NEW YEARS EVE

Fun night!  Sam got dressed up and I got sparkly for a dinner with no limitations.  Pork slider appetizers to start (I know I’ve mentioned my love affair with sliders), then salmon and veggies for me, and cinnamon sugar donut holes with an espresso custard sauce to top off the meal.  A little wine of course too.

2012 GOALS!!!!

I am so grateful that the company that I work for (lululemon athletica shout out) is so passionate about goal setting.  Surprisingly, it’s a really hard thing to do, but it definitely makes you take a step back and examine your life and what you really want.  Goals are NOT New Year’s Resolutions.  Goals stay with you all of your life beyond just that one year.  Let’s chat about the difference:  So your New Year’s Resolution might be to run more.  But what’s your goal behind that??? Do you really just want to run more?  Or do you want to run a 10k by May 2012??  See the difference.  Goals have power behind them.  In a goal, you declare what you want.  You set a date whether it be 1, 5, or 10 years from now.

With that in mind, I wanted to share a few of my goals for this year with you and fill you in on what’s new for me in 2012!

1.  On January 17th, I have started school at the Institute of Integrative Nutrition (IIN) to earn my Holistic Health Coaching Certification.

Yes, after 4 years getting a double major, another year getting my  masters, and 8 more months studying and taking the CPA Exams… I’m going back to school!!  Let me tell you, I don’t think I’ve ever been this excited about school in my life!  I will be at student at The Institute for Integrative Nutrition to earn my Holistic Health Coach Certification!!

It’s a distance learning program.  They send me an iPad (that I get to keep!) that is loaded with all of the lectures and associated reading material.  The day my red box arrived I was so happy… and so was Major!

The program focuses on the concept of bio-individuality meaning “each person is created as a unique individual, nutrition requirements are also highly individualistic.”  In other words, there is no ONE single diet that works for everyone.  Everyone has their own unique dietary needs.  We study all of the different dietary theories from vegan to paleo, vegetarian, atkins, south beach diet, raw diet, and the list goes on.  Not only that, but the program teaches and sets us up for having our own health coaching business whether it’s full or part time.  We get to conduct health histories with individuals looking to improve their health (let me know if you are interested!), and at a certain point in the program we will be released to start advising clients!  I’m really excited, and I’m sure you will be hearing A LOT more about this

2.   I have a consistent workout routine that includes CrossFit at least 3 times a week, yoga twice, and a 3+ mile run once a week by March 2012.

CrossFit, yoga, and running… what more could a girl want!  The trick is finding the time and the balance to make all of this work with other things going on in my life, which is why I’ve made it a 3 month goal.  I’m going to get there, but I don’t feel pressured to make this happen next week, but every week I’m working toward it.

3.  By June 2012, I consistently “power off” for one day a week for me time and family/friends time. 

I’m really good at keeping myself busy whether its working, blogging, tweeting, studying, writing, working out, cooking, cleaning, errands, checking emails, etc.  But, I need to make time for a day without all of that.  Just doing what I want to do, relaxing, and powering off.  I put this goal in June because I recognize that there is a lot going on for me right now, and I may not be able to completely commit to this every week until I get my routine down while trying to pursue my other goals, which will just take some time.  Today the pup, hubs, and I just hung out at the coffee shop, which was so nice!  I enjoyed an almond milk chai tea latte sweetened with honey.

4.  By January 2013, I am in the best shape of my life.  

5.  By January 2013, I have traveled somewhere new.  It doesn’t matter where… but it must be somewhere fun and relaxing.  Possibly to Vancouver to run the first ever lululemon SeaWheeze half marathon!

These are just a few of my goals.  And I’m so excited about them! Being excited about your goals is important… if there isn’t excitement, then it’s probably not something you truly want to accomplish.  So set goals and GET EXCITED!

WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS??????????????????????????? 

Cheers to making life awesome,

Cami

It can be tough to keep it healthy during a week filled with Grandomther’s tasty treats and parties being centered around food and drinks, but it’s not the time to let ALL of your healthy ways go out the window… maybe just some of them.  Here are some tips to keep things balanced…

1. Make the workout a family event.  Go for a run, walk, or bike ride with your family.  Take a stroll after a meal.  Or you can squeeze the workout in before the festivities begin.  Check out Tone It Up and YogaGlo for your online workout resources.  You can get your sweat on wherever you go. No excuses.
2. Keep moving.  Don’t shy away from doing the dishes after dinner or cleaning up.  It will help your food settle.  Maybe even a game of Twister afterwards??? Haha, just kidding… maybe.
3. Don’t forget about water. Eggnog, wine, fun cocktails, are all tasty drinks, but water will do you the most good.  Enjoy a glass between every non-water beverage and try to limit those.
4. Choose only those special treats for your dessert splurge.  Pick that one treat you only get to enjoy this time of year.  Make it worth it. Check out my Thanksgiving post for some holiday eating tips.  The main tip is portion control – try things, enjoy the goodies, but watch your portions.

Along with the turkey and ham, I plan on having these dishes on hand for some healthier options to fill up the majority of my plate:

• this kale salad or this one 
• healthy sweet potato casserole 
• Cauliflower Mash

My final tip:  RELAX!  The holidays are busy with cooking, planning, shopping, packing, traveling, etc. but taking away the list of to-dos and turning them into a list of “get to dos” will make a big difference.  Changing the mindset you have can make a huge difference in your stress levels and will allow you to relax and enjoy time with friends and family.  Your health is more than just exercise and food.

And if you are looking for those last minute gifts, here a few more ideas for you in addition those in my last post, 2011 Holiday Gift Ideas:

Tiny Devotions Mala Beads - Perfect for the yogi.

Sur la Table Cooking Classes - A gift doesn’t have to be a thing, it can be a fun activity too! Find a class in your location.

iPad Case – Tory Burch or Moleskin 

Vitamix - The ultimate blender for both the cook and the non-cook.  Turn almonds into almondbutter instantly!

More for the Ladies:  Check out Outblush – “a blog for girls who love to shop” –  clothes, home, beauty, and more

For the Guys: Check out Uncrate – “the digital magazine for guys who love stuff”

What’s on your workout and food menu this weekend?!? Any exciting gifts you just can’t wait to give?

I hope you have a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy New Year!!  

Cami

It’s that time of year again!! And like last year, I still feel the same way about gift giving…

1. I LOOOOVE giving gifts! I get all giddy inside and can’t wait to give it. It’s the best.

2. This isn’t necessarily my personal gift wish list because, let’s face it, there is nothing that I really “need.” These are simply gift ideas for you to add on to your own wish list or your gift giving list.

3. If you are wanting to go the healthy route with your wants and/or gives this year, then boy do I have a list of ideas for you!  And a couple other random and not necessarily healthy gift ideas, but things I just like.  The more the merrier!

So let’s get to it!  And these are in no specific order, so be sure to check them all out!

FITNESS & FASHION

POLAR FT4 FITNESS & CROSS-TRAINING WATCH  

OAKLEY WOMEN’S SUNGLASSES - can’t decide… thoughts?

 ASICS ONITSUKA TIGER ULTIMATE 81 

LULULEMON ATHLETICA – technically beautiful athletic apparel and accessories  (my fav! of course this goes on the list!)

*Yes, I work for lululemon athletica , but that isn’t the primary reason why this is on my gift guide.  The main reason is because I’ve basically always been obsessed with their products!

FITBOOK - fitness + nutrition journal

BONDI BANDS - function headbands/ear warmers with motivational and fun sayings!

TONE IT UP LONG-SLEEVE TEE  - Who is Tone It Up?  Find out here!

SPIBELT - an easy way to carry your cell phone and other necessities while exercising

VITABAND – identification to wear while you run on the trails or working out. It holds medical information, emergency contact info, and the ability to use your credit all from the band.

UP by JAWBONE - a band and iPhone application that work together to help you live healthier (this is blows my mind!)

EATSMART PRECISION GETFIT DIGITAL BODY FAT SCALE – I’m not a big fan of being obsessed with the scale.  You can really tell by how you feel and how your clothes fit.  BUT the scale is a good tool to track your progress, and I love that this one gives you more info than just weight because weight can only tell so much, especially since muscle weighs more than fat.

CROSSFIT GYM MEMBERSHIP   Go here to find out more about CrossFit. 

YOGA STUDIO MEMBERSHIP 

DOGEARED GOLD DIPPED RISING LOTUS NECKLACE 

DOGEARED CREATE NECKLACES (make the perfect necklace to go with your friends’ style!)

MICHAEL KORS TWO-TONED WATCH

MICHAEL KORS IPHONE ZIP WALLET - when you just don’t need your whole purse… like when you are going to the gym/yoga class/etc.

COOKING ~ FOOD ~ DRINKS

T-FAL ACTIFRY – the healthier way to fry and get crispy sweet potato fries!

YONANAS FROZEN TREAT MAKER - easily make ice cream out of frozen fruits!

TRAVEL THERMO-FRIDGE/WARMER – keep your goods hot or cold while on the go!

ELEVATE UTENSIL SET 

THE KITCHEN YOGI ~ YOGA POSE COOKIE CUTTERS

HAPPY BELLY BAGS ~ SPECIAL DIET, ORGANIC AND ALL-NATURAL FOOD & GIFT BASKETS 

ReBoot Your Body Belly Bag

O OLIVE OILS - citrus flavored olive oils make seasoning much easier!

CHOFFY - chocolatey and healthier alternative to coffee

NOBLE GLASS TRAVEL THERMOS 

SKINNYTINIS - cocktail guide for those girls nights

WINE – TRAX  wine glasses to measure your serving size (for those wine lovers like me!)

STEVE’S ORIGINAL PALEO KITS - grain free granola (so good!), grass fed jerky, and more (Sam is a big fan)

NICOBELLA ORGANIC DARK CHOCOLATES 

COCO-ZEN VEGAN TRUFFLES

 VEGAN HOT CHOCOLATE CUPS - simple, easy way to make vegan hot chocolate

BARNEY BUTTER – Oh my, talk about delicious almond butter.  I’ve tried the smooth and if anyone wants to surprise me with the crunchy, then I would totally be okay with that!

GIFTS FOR THE HOME 

ANTHROPOLOGIE WISH TREE JEWELRY TREE 

“I understand that scissors can beat paper…” QUOTE SIGN (obsessed with this sign!)

Here are some other awesome gift guides!

MINDBODYGREEN 12 GIFT IDEAS FOR THE YOGI IN YOUR LIFE

FABFITFUN HOLIDAY HOSTESS GIFT IDEAS 

THE 2011 INTEGRATIVE NUTRITION HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE  (What’s this Integrative Nutrition you ask?  I will tell you very soon!)

I hope these ideas help you find that perfect something for a special someone (or maybe even yourself)!  What is something that you would like to give/receive??

All in all, the holidays are a lot more about giving gifts and holiday parties.  So let yourself relax and enjoy the season with family and friends.  And treat yourself to a little eggnog too

Wishing you happy & healthy holidays!

Cami

You might be wondering why the title of this post is 2011 Thanksgiving MenuS (yes, more than one menu).  It’s because I have a FOOD MENU and a WORKOUT MENU of course!

Before I get to those details, I have to admit that this year’s menu is VERY different from last years since I was vegan at this time last year.  You can read about why I’m no longer vegan at this post if you’re curious.

However, the menu wasn’t the only thing different last year. Last year was a tough time for my family as we were with my grandpa during his final days, which is why my Thanksgiving post last year was titled, “My Thanksgiving Meal, Workout, & The Most Difficult Post I’ve Ever Written.”   

Last year, Sam and I did a really intense workout together, and I’ve decided that at every Thanksgiving for as long as I am able to do this… I will begin the day with an early morning workout that pushes me to my limits and basically kicks my butt.  Why?  To answer that, here’s a clip from last year’s Thanksgiving post…

“This Thanksgiving was unlike any other because my Grandpa was unable to be his usual, lively, happy self.  My Grandpa had been suffering from cancer for a little over a year.   He was on his last few days, and my whole family was fortunate enough to spend Thanksgiving and some final laughs and memories with him.  During Thanksgiving, he was bedridden, unable to move around, and, if you knew my Grandpa, he was not one to sit still.  He always had to be doing, building, or fixing something, or as we call it down South, he was always “piddlin’.”

So that morning when I woke up to the freezing weather, I was tempted to just cancel the workout. But then I thought about my Grandpa, who loved being active and was, for the first time in his life, no longer able to do so, and I got this instant surge of energy and desire to workout.  But not for me or for my benefit, and not because I knew I was going to eat a ton of food later, but because I knew that he couldn’t… and so for that reason… I was going to do it for him.

 

I wanted to share that story with you because I think it’s important to be appreciative of your health, the ability to walk, talk, and even run or jump because many people don’t have that luxury whether it’s due to illness or disability.  So the next time you workout, consider exercising for someone who can’t.  It’s amazing how different the workout feels when you are doing it for someone else and not for you.  It’s a selfless workout, and after that day, I discovered that those are the best kind.”

So this Thanksgiving and for every future Thanksgiving, I dedicate my workout in loving memory of my Grandpa.  

 

Pic taken at TCU Master of Accounting Graduation 5/7/2010

 

2011 THANKSGIVING WOD (WORKOUT OF THE DAY)

4 ROUNDS

400m run/sprint

5 pullups

10 pushups

15 squats

5 pullups

10 pushups

15 squats

Finish it off with 1 round of  100 sit ups using the ab mat 

Feel free to use this as your Thanksgiving workout and dedicate it to someone you love.  If you do, let me know how the workout goes for you!

 

Now on to how I’m going to refuel my body after that sweat sesh.  Okay, quick side note to share  my Thanksgiving eating strategy with you… PORTION CONTROL.  That’s it.  Eat whatever you want, enjoy the day and the delicious homemade food, but just control your portions. Fill your plate with lots of veggies and some of that tasty turkey and keep the heavy stuff to only a small section on your plate.  And try to decide on how big that small section is going to be BEFORE you start filling your plate.  In other words, go into it with a game plan.  Eating during Thanksgiving but keeping it somewhat “healthy” to the point to where you don’t feel like total crap afterwards is quite an art.. and an art I have to work on every year.

2011 THANKSGIVING GRUB MENU

 

Family Classics

Deviled Eggs

Turkey

Homemade Cornbread Stuffing

Mashed Potatoes

Green Beans

Sweet Potatoes topped with Melted Marshmallows

Rolls

Pecan Pie

Grandmothers “Pink Stuff”

 

Our Contribution 

Sam and I are making these to provide healthier options to go with some of the classics.

Proscuitto Wrapped Pears

Broccoli & Cauliflower Casserole

Thyme & Garlic Pan Grilled Asparagus

Cranberry Sauce

Paleo Pumpkin Pie

Chocolate Paleo Snack Cakes

Whew, that’s a lot of food!   What are you having for Thanksgiving?  Is there a certain dish that you look forward to more than any other?  Are you working out before the feast or taking the day off?  Feel free to share any traditions you may have!

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I also want to let all of you know how thankful I am to have such amazing readers like you.  It’s been a whirlwind and you’ve managed to stick with me.  Life isn’t always peaches and cream, and I don’t want to try to make it seem like it is on this blog.  I try to be open and honest with you.  So thank you for reading and sharing with me.  It means so much!

Stay tuned for Healthy Holiday Gift Ideas!  Here’s last year’s list.  

In Gratitude,

Cami

Happy Thanksgiving!! 

]]> http://fittoflourish.com/2011/11/2011-thanksgiving-menus/feed/ 7 http://fittoflourish.com/2011/11/for-the-love-of-veggies/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=for-the-love-of-veggies http://fittoflourish.com/2011/11/for-the-love-of-veggies/#comments Sun, 13 Nov 2011 19:19:17 +0000 Cami http://fittoflourish.com/?p=926 I’m finally getting caught up on life!  Apartment is clean, caught up on dishes, pantry cleaned out & organized (might be a video coming for you!), emails are under control… life is good.  At this very moment, I’m sitting on the back patio, drinking half caf/half decaf coffee, and writing to you.  I’m not in a rush.  I’m hanging with Mr. Major while he barks at the falling leaves and anything else that moves (we are working on that).

Now on to VEGGIES…

At the end of my day, I do a veggie inventory… Did I get enough veggies today?  I do the same thing with water, and I can always tell when I didn’t get enough water.  At every meal, except breakfast sometimes, I plan to have veggies, and there is always a green veg included in the mix or simply by itself.

The simple reason why you should eat and love veggies is because they are filled with awesome vitamins, minerals, and fiber to keep your gut in check.  If you need further convincing, you can check out this brief article from Livestrong.com.  Even the first lady wants you to eat your veg.

If you eat meat, veggies are even more important!  Why??  By itself, protein takes forever to digest and move through your system.  Proteins needs certain digestive juices in order to be digested, and vegetables provide just that!  If you eat lots of veggies with your meat, then you maximize your ability to effectively break down your food.  On the other hand, if you eat lots of protein and carbohydrates (i.e. a burger or pasta & meatballs) and little veggies, then your food isn’t able to be broken down properly and it basically just rots in your system and gets turned into balls of toxins and fat.  Lovely, right?  Not so much, but it’s the truth.  Bottom line…protein needs veggies to keep your digestive system happy and healthy.

This is my kind of burger!

 

So with all of that, let’s get to the good stuff!  How can I incorporate more veggies into my life?!  Here are some of my favorite ways…

1.  Keep LOTS of frozen organic veggies in your freezer.  

Broccoli, asparagus (my love!), mixed vegetables, spinach, cauliflower, butternut squash, sweet potatoes, diced onions, carrots, mushrooms, mixed bell peppers, etc.

I love having a ton of asparagus as a side.  If I’m ever at a loss for what to have on the side, asparagus is my go-to.

Cauliflower mash!   Goes great on the side of a turkey meatloaf and some asparagus.

Sauté or steam any combinations of veggies in coconut oil.  Season with Mrs. Dash salt free seasoning, and enjoy with any lean protein.  I love doing this with eggs, chicken, and turkey.  Then I top the lean & green mix with either ketchup, dijon mustard, or salsa.  So easy!  I take this to work a lot in a glass tupperware.

2.  Keep fresh greens in your refrigerator.  

I always have either a big thing of organic spinach or two bundles of kale in my fridge.  Kale is the bomb!   If they are fresh and not frozen, then you have to use them before they go bad… another incentive to eat your greens.

In the morning, while I’m making my breakfast, I also sauté or steam up a bunch of kale or spinach in coconut oil with a little salt & pepper.  A big pile of sauteed kale is my favorite, hands down.  I put that in the bottom of my glass tupperware, and then top it with whatever leftover protein I have… fish, chicken, ooooor my favorite tuna salad.

enjoying paleo pancake while packing up lunch. leftover fish on sautéed greens, veggie chips, trail mix, larabar, and water!

 

leftover maple balsamic salmon on top of kale, packed up & ready to go!

 

Mayo-less Tuna Salad

1 can no-salt added tuna in water

1/2 avocado – mashed with a fork until smooth (this is your “mayo”)

1 tbsp-ish dijon mustard

2 dashes Mrs. Dash seasoning

Directions:  Mix the mashed avocado with the dijon mustard to create your tuna salad sauce.  Mix the sauce with the canned tuna and Mrs. Dash seasoning.  There’s your tuna salad!  Put it on top of the sautéed greens and voila! Super easy to take on-the-go lunch packed with nutrition.

Why do I sauté or steam my veggies?  I’ve found that my system can only handle so much raw veggie, which is yet another reason why my body was not happy with the vegan diet because I was having lots of raw veggies.  Our bodies have to do a lot of work to digest raw veggies, so if you have a sensitive digestive system, then consider cooking your veggies.  I have a raw salad usually 1-2 times a week, which works for me.  That salad is usually when we don’t have time to cook, and I get Chipotle on the go.  Here’s my Chipotle order that I get practically every time.

Keeping Chipotle Healthy with this To-Go Order

Chicken salad bowl:  no dressing, no beans or rice, extra veggies, chicken, pico de gallo, guacamole on the side.  The guacamole acts as your dressing, and I use about 3/4 of the side.  So good!  Sometimes I will throw in a tiny bit of rice or beans, but rarely.

3.  When you plan your meals, always ask yourself… what’s my veggie?!?

I don’t usually get my veggie at breakfast, but sometimes I do if I’m having my pumpkin paleo pancakes, eggs mixed with veggies, or egg/veggie cupcakes. As long as I at least get my veggies with lunch and dinner, then I’m happy.

Here are some pics of the many ways I’ve enjoyed my veggies…

eggs, peppers, asparagus, kale, & dijon mustard

bag of mixed veggies sautéed with leftover chicken breast & seasoned with Mrs. Dash

grilling veggies... love the bright green!

Everyday Paleo Pecan Crusted Chicken & Sautéed Kale

leftover pecan crusted chicken but with asparagus

turkey meatloaf with asparagus

leftover turkey meatloaf packed up with sautéed kale for lunch at work

dining out: fresh fish with side of wood fired veggies

hotel room service: chicken breast with side salad

spaghetti squash with bison ragu

 

The options are endless! Before you know it, you will be craving veggies!  I know I do.  How do you like to eat your veg?!  Oh, and how are you squeezing in some healthy veggies into your Thanksgiving meal?!  I can’t believe Thanksgiving is next week. Wow, time flies when you’re having fun!

Be Healthy. Live Happy. Eat your veggies.

Cami

 

 

]]> http://fittoflourish.com/2011/11/for-the-love-of-veggies/feed/ 7 http://fittoflourish.com/2011/10/paleo-the-paleo-pancake/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=paleo-the-paleo-pancake http://fittoflourish.com/2011/10/paleo-the-paleo-pancake/#comments Wed, 26 Oct 2011 16:06:22 +0000 Cami http://fittoflourish.com/?p=934 My favorites are constantly changing, but for right now, this is my go-to breakfast!  It has a solid balance of protein, carbs, and fat, and it satisfies any desire I would every have for a fluffy old-fashioned pancake.  Which, now that I mention it, a processed carb loaded sugary pancake doesn’t even sound good anymore after trying this glorious pancake!

Real quick, I know you might be wondering… have you gone paleo?  To answer your question, no, I have not gone completely paleo, but I continue to incorporate many of the paleo ideals like EAT REAL FOOD, AVOID PROCESSED CRAP, BUY ORGANIC AND GRASS-FED MEATS & EGGS, WATCH YOUR SUGAR INTAKE, etc.

To read more about the Paleo Diet check out this link from FitSugar or you can watch the super interesting videos at the end of this post.  The Paleo Concept in a nutshell:

 

I’ve found that my body/digestive system is not the biggest fan of carby grains, even the good ones sadly like quinoa and brown rice, which is why the vegan diet probably didn’t work as well for me because I ate A LOT of grains and legumes. I still eat those things, but rarely and in moderation.  EVERYTHING IN MODERATION… EVEN MODERATION

I still enjoy dessert and non-paleo snacks like Luna Bars, ThinkThin, and Greens Energy Bars, but I try to keep my main course meals paleo consisting of a high quality protein source, veggies, and good fats.  I don’t eat much red meat though, maybe once a week, if that. I’ve been doing this for the past 3 weeks or so along with more CrossFit (balanced with sweaty yoga of course), and I’ve noticed a big difference in my body and energy levels!

I am very curious to see what it would be like if I were to do paleo 100% of the time, BUT I am choosing not to because I still want to live life and not have it revolve around my diet.  If I’m celebrating something, you bet I’m gunna have a piece of cake.  During Thanksgiving, you bet I’m going to have some stuffing and dessert, but it’s all about PORTION CONTROL!  I don’t want my body and stomach to freak out every time I stray even a little bit off from my regular clean foods.  Which is why I try to keep my main course meals and at least one snack a day completely paleo/clean.  Sometimes I go a whole day on paleo, and I feel great.  But it’s all about balance.

I’m all for eating healthy and finding what that means for your body whether its paleo, vegan, vegetarian, etc., but I’m not going to be obsessive over every little thing I eat all the time.  It’s a give and take.  If you have an off day, then kick some serious butt the next day during your workout and eat clean, and move on!  YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE!

Okay, that’s my little story!  Now onto the recipe I’m loving!!  I found the original recipe at this wonderful blog, Organizing with a Side of Fabulous (shout out to Melinda!).  I’ve played around with the recipe and here is what I’ve come up with…

RIDICULOUSLY EASY PALEO PANCKAKE

You can check out the Original Recipe at Organizing with a Side of Fabulous, and here are a couple of my variations.  Here is the nutritional info for this original version. 

1.  I use frittata pans to make these.  They cook really evenly and it makes it so easy.  I definitely recommend getting a set of frittata pans for easy to flip, evenly cooked pancakes!  This pic was taken while making the pumpkin paleo pancakes!

 

 

2.  Just use two egg whites instead of one whole egg if you are wanting less fat and it makes the pancake more fluffy.  Check out my plate for this pancake’s nutritional information.

3.  Paleo PUMPKIN Pancake

*Instead of using a whole banana in the recipe, use 1/2 cup of organic canned pumpkin puree.

*It isn’t as sweet without the banana, so add 5-15 drops of liquid stevia depending on your taste.

*And add a dash or two of nutmeg.

*And you can choose to do either 2 egg whites or one whole egg.  Here is the nutrition info for this pancake with 2 egg whites.  

This will give you a pancake with more fiber, less sugar, and less carbohydrates.  If I plan on doing or just finished an intense workout, then I usually go for the banana, but this is a delicious fall option!   Here’s a pic of the batter!  Just put a little bit of butter on your pan (or both pans if you are using the frittata pans), and it takes about 5 minutes on each side to cook.

 

CBS San Francisco News did an interesting 5 part segment on the Paleo Diet…

Part I:  HealthWatch: Caveman Diet Trend Starting To Catch Fire

Part II:  HealthWatch: Surprising Results from “Caveman” Diet

Part III: HealthWatch:  Caveman Shows Blood Pressure, Cholesterol Benefits 

Part IV: HealthWatch: How Realistic is the Caveman Diet at Home 

Part V: HealthWatch: For Some the Caveman Lifestyle Goes Beyond Diet (CrossFit)

**Sidenote:  It kinda bugs me that they call it the caveman diet.  I mean I totally get it, but caveman makes me think of The Flintstones.  Well, I guess there’s nothing wrong with that… The Flinstones were cool peeps.

 

What do you love for breakfast?  Any recipes that you are addicted to these days?  Feel free to share!

Be Healthy. Live Happy.

Cami

]]> http://fittoflourish.com/2011/10/paleo-the-paleo-pancake/feed/ 15 http://fittoflourish.com/2011/10/music-im-lovin/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=music-im-lovin http://fittoflourish.com/2011/10/music-im-lovin/#comments Tue, 04 Oct 2011 14:16:19 +0000 Cami http://fittoflourish.com/?p=902 Just wanted share with you the songs that I’m loving these days!  I thought you might enjoy some of these on your drive to work, while you are in the shower (oh ya, shower singing is the best), before a workout to get you pumped up, or during a workout, whenever you are feeling the groove!

Oh yes, and you might notice I am all over the place with my music taste.  I like a variety of music, but you will never see me jammin out to screaming heavy metal (sorry if you are into that).

Every month or so I will download a bunch of new songs and listen to them 24-7.  Then I get tired of them for a little bit and find a new set of songs to listen to over and over again until I’m tired of those.  I have playlists for each year starting when iTunes started to get big back in 2006.  I also have several workout playlists, a happy playlist, yoga playlist and more!  I will be sure to share them all with you eventually.  But for today, let’s go with the songs that I’ve downloaded most recently that I’m totally digging right now.

 

If I were to suggest the TOP 5 SONGS TO DOWNLOAD, I would go with these…

1.  Hell on Heels – Pistol Annies

2.  Super Bass – Nicki Minaj

3.  Brighter than the Sun – Colbie Caillat

4.  Gucci Gucci – Kreayshawn

5.  The Edge of Glory – Lady GaGa

(so hard to pick only five!!)  let’s do TOP 10…

6.  Cheers (Drink to that) – Rihanna

7.  Someone Like You – Adele (love Adele!  Rumor Has It & Rolling in the Deep are amazing too!)

8. Turn Me On (feat. Nicki Minaj) – David Guetta & Nicki Minaj

9.  Moves Like Jagger – Maroon 5 

10.  TIE between My Body – Young the Giant, It Girl – Jason Derulo, & Take  a Back Road – Rodney Atkins (shout out to my country music lovers out there!)

 

What are you jammin out to these days?!  I always love finding new tunes, so feel free to share!  Let me know if you have any favs on this list!

Happy Listening!

Cami

 

 

]]> http://fittoflourish.com/2011/10/music-im-lovin/feed/ 2 http://fittoflourish.com/2011/10/fabfitfun-get-fit-with-crossfit/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=fabfitfun-get-fit-with-crossfit http://fittoflourish.com/2011/10/fabfitfun-get-fit-with-crossfit/#comments Mon, 03 Oct 2011 17:19:58 +0000 Cami http://fittoflourish.com/?p=905 As you all know, one of my favorite ways to sweat is CrossFit.

So I was really excited that my friends at Guiliana Rancic‘s Fat Fit Fun are helping to get the CrossFit word out!

***Check out today’s FabFit Fun, Get Fit with CrossFit.***

I’m starting to get more and more into CrossFit because the more I see myself accomplish things I never thought possible, the more I love it!  Like when finally got down the famous CrossFit kipping pull up after a 6:30am WOD (workout of the day)…

That was a great day!!  Huge shout to my lululemon athletica Fort Worth friends for cheering me on that bright and early morning!

If you would like to see a little taste of CrossFit, then you’ve got to check out this video!!

Happy Sweating!!

Cami

 

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