Happy Memorial Day!

I think it is so important to remember that today isn’t a day off to have BBQ’s and go to the beach. It is about taking a moment to thank and give respect to the brave men and women who have fought for our country.

There are so many people who have lost loved ones due to war. Please, take a moment to recognize their sacrifices as well.

So, things have been a bit hectic around my neck of the woods. My Fiance and I MOVED!!! We are loving our new place, and have finally settled in. Best of all, I have a new AWESOME kitchen which means more experimenting in the kitchen!!

Tonight I whipped out my handy-dandy spiralizer to make some zucchini Pasta.

Here is what it became: CAPRESE “Pasta”!!!

Caprese “Pasta”

serves 1

• 1/2 Zucchini Spiralized (check out the link on how to do this)
• 4 mushrooms sliced
• 1 sliced green onion
• 1/2 cup spinach
• 5 uncooked shrimp (or frozen)
• basil leaves ripped (i used about 5 large leaves)
• 2 tbs parm. cheese
• 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1 string cheese (sliced)
• 1/4 avocado
• 5 frozen basil cubes (this is optional but adds so much flavor!!!)
• 2 frozen garlic cubes (or 1 clove chopped garlic)
• 1/2 tbs olive oil
• 1 TBS balsamic vinegar
• salt and pepper to taste
• 2 TBS water

 

Spray a pan with cooking spray. Add Mushroom, green onion, shrimp, garlic and basil cubes and about 2 tbs of water, cover and cook through. Add spiralized zucchini, olive oil, balsamic, spinach, parm cheese, and basil leaves. Stir until the ingredients are evenly mixed together, and the “Pasta” is coated with the balsamic/oil/parm cheese.

Next, slice avocado, tomato, and cheese stick. Transfer the contents of the pan to a plate, and top with the cold ingredients.

ENJOY!!!!

I enjoyed this with a giant mason jar of seltzer with frozen pineapple pieces in it :)

 

xoxoSYN

My fiance and I were just watching John Stewart-Daily Show, and he interviewed Katie Couric. She was on the show promoting her new documentary “Fed Up” (by the same creators of “An Inconvenient Truth”.)  I havent seen it yet, but I absolutely plan on it. It is about how the obesity epidemic is quickly taking over America, and fast food, processed food, and sugar companies are to blame. I’m super passionate about childhood obesity. It is something that is absolutely no fault of their own, and something serious needs to be done.

Check out this documentary. I was most struck by “This is the first generation that won’t live as long as their parents.” That bit of information is terrifying and tragic.

 

short post today :)

 

xoxoSYN

So many people use Cinco De Mayo as an excuse to get really drunk and eat lots of mexican food. Let be real, who doesn’t love margaritas with a side of bottomless chips and salsa!?

Mexican food can be really unhealthy. Typically, it is loaded with salt, cheese, white carbs, and is often fried. Although delicious, it’s probably not the best choice to make when you are watching your waist line.

Well, I am here to tell you that you can still celebrate Cinco De Mayo while making smart choices!!!

Chipotle Salad Bowl

1) Sliced Peppers and Onions-> (Spices: dash of Cumin, Chilli powder, garlic powder)

Spray a pan with cooking spray, add a clove of garlic, and spices. Cook until soft.

2) Pico de Gallo

Chopped Tomato, onion, 1 garlic clove, cilantro, 1/2 of a limes juice (Spices-> 1/2 tsp Cumin, dash garlic powder, dash salt and pepper)

Combine all ingredients!

3) Mahi Mahi

4oz filet of mahi mahi (or other white fish) Spices-> Garlic powder, cumin, chilli powder, pepper, dash of salt

Spray pan with cooking spray. Put entire filet in the pan. Once it starts to cook through, take the spatula and begin breaking apart the fish into “shreds”. Add spices. Make sure it is cooked through!

Add sides!!!:  black beans (I use 1/4 cup), 1/4 avocado, Sliced mango, extra cilantro, salsa, hot sauce, 1/4 cup cooked quinoa and some greek yogurt (1 TBS)

FINISHED PRODUCT…

 

 

This is seriously one of my favorite dinners ever. It is super satisfying, full of flavor, and just YUMMY (I like to mix everything together to make a deliciously sloppy mess!!)

 

happy 5/5!!!!

 

xoxoSYN

This made me LAUGH. Why is it so funny??? Well, because it’s TRUE!!! As a self proclaimed health nut, I can attest to the fact that I LOVE food. Initially, I began my discovery of healthy food in order to lose unwanted weight. Then I began to understand the importance of healthy foods for…well, for my HEALTH. I love healthy food because of the way it makes me feel. I love the way I can enjoy a guilt free snack, all the while saving myself the eaters remorse. I love being in control of my body and what I put into it. That being said, I LOVE “UNHEALTHY” food too.

We can’t help it! Sometimes when those sweet, salty, fatty, creamy, delicious foods call to us, we can not ignore them. I mean honestly, it takes some serious will power to say “NO” to fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies, or a bowl full of decadent ice cream every time.

So, 90% of the time, it is important to turn the other cheek, and make the smart choice… but sometimes… you have to just eat the cookie. 

:)

Lately I have been taking LOTS of spin classes at FLYwheel. You burn upwards of 700 calories in a 45 minute workout!!!! It is insanely fun, exhausting, and rewarding (If you haven’t tried a class there, check it out, they have tons of studios!)

After a serious “Sweat sesh” it is crucial to re-hydrate, and replace electrolytes in your body. It is also important to give your body the proper protein and healthy carbs in order to repair muscle. I wanted to share some of my favorite post work out snacks!!!!

Coconut Water: Helps to re-hydrate and replace lost electrolytes. Make sure you are enjoying a good brand. I love raw/organic coconut water since it preserves nutrients (lost are lost in pasteurization of some brands)

FRUIT: Fruit is a great post work out snack. It’s easy to throw a piece in your bag and eat it on your walk home. Fruit is hydrating, low in calories, high in water, and is a natural sugar that your body knows exactly what to do with.

Greek Yogurt: I’m a little obsessed with greek yogurt. It is really high in protein and has virtually no added sugar (Stick to the 0% plain). My Favorite way to enjoy it is:

• 6 oz greek yogurt
• 1 tbs pistachios
• 1 tbs uncooked oatmeal
• 1 tbs cooked quinoa
• 1 tbs gojii berries
• 1 tbs cacao nibs
• strawberries and black berries

OATMEAL

Oatmeal is  amazing. It’s a slow release carb. That means that your body breaks it down slowly, uses it as sufficient energy, and you don’t get that crash after you eat it. It’s also got a good amount of protein. Add some berries, Chia seeds, and cinnamon and you’ve got one hell of a meal :)

Well, on the note

HAPPY SUNDAY!!!!

xoxoSYN