Fit Friday

Finishing off this week with a Zombie Agility workout.  That's right!!  When you are dodging those zombies on the street during beggars night in your Jane Fonda and Richard Simmons costumes you might as well get your workout in too!  Otherwise you can do this at home to prepare yourself!!

Topic Thursday

Who needs a fit Halloween costume idea??  Jane Fonda or Richard Simmons anybody???  I just find the baby versions of these costumes absolutely adorable!!! 

Wellness Wednesday

On this Wellness Wednesday, I want to introduce you to the Candy Fairy!  In our house, we use the Candy Fairy for any major event that include a TON of candy---Halloween, Easter, 4th of July parades, etc...this is a great way for your kiddos to still have some candy but not have SO much candy in the house to temp them and YOU...my boys LOVE this and don't complain about not keeping all of their candy!
*We leave the candy to give to the Candy Fairy in a bag by the front door, the Candy Fairy comes and 'takes it' in exchange for a gift...we either throw the candy away or donate it.*

Tasty Tuesday

With all of the candy that will be given out on Halloween, why not try a different kind of treat.  This Pumpkin-Apple Smoothie is a great option to satisfy a sweet-tooth and get away from the Halloween candy!

Miscellaneous Monday

This week is all about Halloween and why not start it off with a good laugh!! 

Fit Friday

It's Friday!  Do you have time to get your workout in today?  If you just can't get yourself out of your office, don't worry!  Here is a workout just for you. 

Topic Thursday

Since October is breast cancer awareness month I thought it would be appropriate to give you some information about breast cancer that you may not have known about.

Wellness Wednesday

Let's face it, simple-less healthy carbs are everywhere!  Here are 15 swaps you can make to lower your carbohydrate consumption.  Most of the swaps you will hardly notice the difference! 

Tasty Tuesday

It's time to take out those crockpots and make a warm and delicious meal!  This Quinoa Tex Mex recipe is a vegetarian dish but it does not have to be.  Chicken, ground turkey, or lean ground beef can be added to the recipe for a little extra protein punch!

 

Ingredients:

• 1 and 1/2 cups quinoa, well rinse (red or white is fine, the taste does not change)
• 1 can (15oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (14.5oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 cups frozen or fresh corn
• 1 cup sweet peppers, chopped
• 1 poblano chili pepper (~3/4 cup) chopped
• 1/2 tsp. minced garlic
• 1/2 cup yellow onion, chopped
• 2 tbsp. chili powder
• 1 and 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
• 3 cups water (or chicken/vegetable broth)
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• 1 tbsp. lime juice
• 2-4 tbsp. taco seasoning (Don't buy packaged, you can easily find a spice mix online!)
• Optional:  mozzarella cheese, green onions, etc.

Directions:

1. Rinse the quinoa well.  I rinse my quinoa in a mesh strainer under hot water.
2. Place the washed quinoa, drained and rinsed black beans, diced tomatoes, and corn in the slow cooker.
3. Chop the sweet peppers and poblano chili pepper (remove seeds if desired).  Ad the chopped peppers, minced garlic, and chopped onion to the slow cooker.  Stir everything together. 
4. Add in the chili powder, ground cumin, and water.  Stir again and cook for 3-4 hours on high or until the water is completely absorbed and the quinoa is cooked through.  All slow cookers cook a little differently so make sure to occasionally check the dish to make sure the quinoa isn't burning or sticking all to the sides.
5. Remove from heat and stir in chopped cilantro, fresh lime juice, and taco seasoning.
6. Top with mozzarella cheese, green onions, or whatever toppings you choose!

*Note - This recipe is best cooked for 3-4 hours on high.  Cooking it on low for more hours may cause the quinoa to be mushy.

Motivation Monday

Tell yourself this everyday and watch how it changes your mood!  It really can make a difference when you start thinking more positively!

Fit Friday

No equipment, no problem!  You don't need a bunch of fancy equipment to get an awesome workout in.  Give this a try over the weekend or when you don't have time to make it to the gym!

Topic Thursday

If you thought exercise was only to help you lose and maintain your weight, think again!  Here are 12 mental benefits that are associated with exercising!

Wellness Wednesday

Would you be surprised if I told you that some of the exercise information you think is true might actually be a myth?  Read the following list of exercise myths below and see how many you already knew!

Tasty Tuesday

Looking for something fun and healthy to bring to a Halloween party, or maybe something fun to make with the kids that is not candy or sweets!  You can find tons of different Halloween themed veggie tray ideas on Pinterest or you can be creative and make up your own design!  The skeleton and candy corn are perfect for October! 

If you are looking for a healthier vegetable dip don't look any further!   All you need to do is grab any plain Greek yogurt (about 17.6oz) and a dry seasoning packet like Hidden Valley Ranch and combine.  It's that simple, and healthier than the traditional sour cream and seasoning packet combo.  Although vegetables are just as delicious without the dip!!

Motivation Monday

Don't be afraid to take chances, otherwise you will never know what could have been!

Fit Friday

We all know that abs are made in the kitchen but who doesn't like a good abdominal workout!  If your looking for a workout this weekend or a little addition to your normal routine give this one a try.  You can do this 1 time through or even 5 times through, it's really up to you!!

Topic Thursday

Headaches can be annoying but also very painful.  If you have ever had a headache you know how frustrating they can be.  Listed below are the different types of headaches that will help you figure out what type of headache you might have from time to time.  What's even better are the remedies listed at the bottom!  Give these remedies a try the next time you have a headache to help manage the pain!

Wellness Wednesday

It's getting to be that time of year again.  The flu will be spreading like wildfire!  Make sure you do all that you can to keep your family safe from the flu.  Here are 5 simple but helpful tips to follow in order to avoid the flu this season!

Tasty Tuesday

It's time to say goodbye to September and hello to October.  That means recipes that are centered around Halloween!!  This recipe, however, gives you the best of both worlds, a pumpkin dish with a Halloween theme!  Give this Black Bean Pumpkin Soup a try on a cold October day. 

Ingredients:

• 2 (15oz) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
• 3 cups low sodium broth (chicken, turkey, or vegetable)
• 1 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2-3 tsp. ground cumin
• 1-2 tsp. smoked paprika (or regular)
• 1/2 tsp. smoked black pepper (or regular)
• 1/4 tsp. ground chipotle pepper, or more for more heat
• salt to taste
• 1 (15oz) can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie mix)
• 2 tbsp. dry sherry (optional)
• 2-3 tsp. balsamic vinegar

Directions:

1. Puree beans and tomatoes with half of the broth in a large capacity blender.  If you have a smaller capacity blender you may need to do it in two batches.
2. In a large saucepan heat olive oil over medium low heat.  Add onion and garlic and cook until soft, translucent, and fragrant.
3. Add spices, stir and cook for a minute or two.
4. Stir in black bean-tomato puree, pumpkin, the rest of the broth and sherry (if using).  Simmer uncovered until blended and thickened, about 15-20 minutes.  Add vinegar and serve.  Top with garnishes of choice.  For an extra smooth soup, give it one more whirl in the blender.

If you want to make the cute spider web look in the picture click on the link below where it gives you full directions on how to do it!!

http://afoodcentriclife.com/black-bean-and-pumpkin-soup/

Motivation Monday

Remember that you can choose your attitude in any given situation.  It can guide you in the direction that your life goes.  Have you thought about your attitude today?

Fit Friday

Have you been busy all week at work and haven't had time to get your regular workout in?  No problem, we have the solution for you!  Get your sweat on this weekend with this full body 30 minute cardio workout!  This workout can be done anywhere for your convenience!!

Topic Thursday

Have you ever thought about doing yoga?  Do you think it's a waste of time and won't benefit you??  Here are 20 reasons that may make you give yoga a second chance!  If you are a regular yoga participant, you will be happy to read what you are doing for yourself!