Blogs are pretty much my main source of information for recipes, workouts, and overall knowledge of ideas to make leading a healthy lifestyle fun. Without them I'd be in the dark about two ingredient pancakes, substituting mayonnaise for Greek yogurt, or the idea that working out on a regular basis isn't crazy but actually kind of normal :)
I really do love decompressing at the end of the day and catching up on some of my favorite blogs. Here's a short list of a couple posts that stood out to me. Hope you enjoy them as much as I do!
Blog Posts That Caught My Attention This Week:
Taking Responsibility - Ali's blog is one of my favorites. She's so down to earth and witty in a way that I wish I could be. This post really resonated with me because she addresses the issue of comparing ourselves to others.
Fail Better - The above blog mentioned this post, and I related instantly. Lauren, the blogger of Health on the Run, brings perspective to seeing failure as a blessing. Something we've all heard before; however, she lists what she thought were failures and how they actually translated into becoming life successes down the road. Her list will make you want to reflect on your own.
My Favorite TJ's Items Along With a Giveway - If you love Trader Joe's then this post will make you want to run to your nearest location and pick up all these goodies. I'm saving these ideas for the next time I'm near a Trader Joe's, and I'm going to stock up!
Articles:
60 Must-Read Health & Fitness Blogs for 2013 - I always love finding a new blog that I can connect with and learn from.
Friday, January 25, 2013
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Healthy Pancake: Only 2 Ingredients
1 banana + 2 eggs = 1 pancake
Who knew?
It is so, so, SO yummy! Even my fiance asks me to make him one.
Two Ingredient Pancake Recipe
Serves 1
Ingredients:
1 banana
2 eggs
Directions:
- Mash banana in bowl
- Add two eggs and mix together
- Heat skillet over medium low heat
- Spray pan with oil or melt coconut oil to coat
- Pour mixture into pan and let cook on this side for ~10 minutes (don't cook on high or else it will burn!)
- Flip pancake and let cook for another minute or two
- Serve pancake on plate and add fruit or Greek yogurt
Additonal Ideas:
- I like to spread Greek yogurt on top with either nuts or fruit
- Spread peanut butter on top instead of syrup or Greek yogurt
- I also like to mix a little cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice into my banana/egg mixture and on top of Greek yogurt
- This can also be made with one egg
---
This reciepe is popular all over the blog world and I originally found it on Carrots 'N' Cake. Check out her secret tips for the recipe! Here's another version by Anne from Fannetastic Food with pictures.
I've been wanting to share this recipe for so long and finally got around to it. Hope you love it as much as me!
Who knew?
It is so, so, SO yummy! Even my fiance asks me to make him one.
Two Ingredient Pancake Recipe
Serves 1
Ingredients:
1 banana
2 eggs
Directions:
- Mash banana in bowl
- Add two eggs and mix together
- Heat skillet over medium low heat
- Spray pan with oil or melt coconut oil to coat
- Pour mixture into pan and let cook on this side for ~10 minutes (don't cook on high or else it will burn!)
- Flip pancake and let cook for another minute or two
- Serve pancake on plate and add fruit or Greek yogurt
Additonal Ideas:
- I like to spread Greek yogurt on top with either nuts or fruit
- Spread peanut butter on top instead of syrup or Greek yogurt
- I also like to mix a little cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice into my banana/egg mixture and on top of Greek yogurt
- This can also be made with one egg
---
This reciepe is popular all over the blog world and I originally found it on Carrots 'N' Cake. Check out her secret tips for the recipe! Here's another version by Anne from Fannetastic Food with pictures.
I've been wanting to share this recipe for so long and finally got around to it. Hope you love it as much as me!
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
A New Me
You have exactly one life in which to do everything you'll ever do. Act accordingly.
- Colin Wright
I stumbled upon this quote amongst one of my Pinterest boards. It captured my attention and at that moment I felt compelled to reflect on it and now act on it.
I have one life. I have so many dreams and aspirations. So many things I want to be. Many of those would be best accomplished now before life includes more responsibilities.
I want to volunteer. I want to make a difference in a child's life. I want to become an active member of a church. I want to grow a stronger relationship with my faith. I want to live a balanced lifestyle.
I want to be the best person that I can be; however, I feel like I have all these ideas but don't act on them. Why have I not volunteered yet? Why have I not formed a greater relationship with my faith? What am I waiting for?
I made a list on Sunday of what I wanted to act on this week. There is an online community called "She Reads Truth". I've downloaded the app on my phone and will now receive daily Bible verses to reflect on privately and then engage with together on the online community. Right now there is a Soul Detox plan, and I am in desperate need of it. I feel relatively at peace with myself, but when my mind is quite I always find it drifting toward one issue that still needs to be resolved. I've been trying to handle it for too long on my own and have realized I need help from someone greater than myself.
Also on my list for the week was to commit to being a volunteer. A couple months ago I found a nonprofit, Communities in Schools, whose mission is to lower the dropout rate and increase on-time graduation rates. My local branch has a mentor program that will assign me to a student. I'll meet with them once a week during their lunch break. I am so excited for this. This nonprofit stands for everything that I've wanted to do in terms of making a difference in a child's life. I can't wait to be a part of it.
I'm so happy to have begun putting these goals/dreams/wishes into motion. It feels good to take control of who I wish to be as opposed to coaxing through the ins and outs of life. I do have a few smaller fun goals too. Justin proposed the idea of doing 30 day challenges each month instead of one daunting New Years resolution. We have so many ideas of how we want to improve ourselves and this way we can devote ourselves to one thing at a time. For example, this month our challenge is to workout every day for 30 days. It's a typical January resolution but it's been so much fun to plan workouts together. We come up with ideas of things we typically wouldn't do alone or together such as rock climbing, going for a walk, and taking a yoga class.
We have some other challenge ideas for the following months such as write a chapter in a novel, read a book every day, or eat a serving of vegetables every day. They're such fun ideas and I'm so excited to accomplish some together!
Overall, I'm looking forward to challenging myself to becoming the well-rounded person I've always wanted to be. I know that I'm capable of more than who I am today, and hope to never look back and wish I could have achieved more. Making a difference in a child, my faith, my relationships, and myself as a whole makes 2013 sound so exciting!
- Colin Wright
I stumbled upon this quote amongst one of my Pinterest boards. It captured my attention and at that moment I felt compelled to reflect on it and now act on it.
I have one life. I have so many dreams and aspirations. So many things I want to be. Many of those would be best accomplished now before life includes more responsibilities.
I want to volunteer. I want to make a difference in a child's life. I want to become an active member of a church. I want to grow a stronger relationship with my faith. I want to live a balanced lifestyle.
I want to be the best person that I can be; however, I feel like I have all these ideas but don't act on them. Why have I not volunteered yet? Why have I not formed a greater relationship with my faith? What am I waiting for?
I made a list on Sunday of what I wanted to act on this week. There is an online community called "She Reads Truth". I've downloaded the app on my phone and will now receive daily Bible verses to reflect on privately and then engage with together on the online community. Right now there is a Soul Detox plan, and I am in desperate need of it. I feel relatively at peace with myself, but when my mind is quite I always find it drifting toward one issue that still needs to be resolved. I've been trying to handle it for too long on my own and have realized I need help from someone greater than myself.
Also on my list for the week was to commit to being a volunteer. A couple months ago I found a nonprofit, Communities in Schools, whose mission is to lower the dropout rate and increase on-time graduation rates. My local branch has a mentor program that will assign me to a student. I'll meet with them once a week during their lunch break. I am so excited for this. This nonprofit stands for everything that I've wanted to do in terms of making a difference in a child's life. I can't wait to be a part of it.
I'm so happy to have begun putting these goals/dreams/wishes into motion. It feels good to take control of who I wish to be as opposed to coaxing through the ins and outs of life. I do have a few smaller fun goals too. Justin proposed the idea of doing 30 day challenges each month instead of one daunting New Years resolution. We have so many ideas of how we want to improve ourselves and this way we can devote ourselves to one thing at a time. For example, this month our challenge is to workout every day for 30 days. It's a typical January resolution but it's been so much fun to plan workouts together. We come up with ideas of things we typically wouldn't do alone or together such as rock climbing, going for a walk, and taking a yoga class.
We have some other challenge ideas for the following months such as write a chapter in a novel, read a book every day, or eat a serving of vegetables every day. They're such fun ideas and I'm so excited to accomplish some together!
Overall, I'm looking forward to challenging myself to becoming the well-rounded person I've always wanted to be. I know that I'm capable of more than who I am today, and hope to never look back and wish I could have achieved more. Making a difference in a child, my faith, my relationships, and myself as a whole makes 2013 sound so exciting!
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
The Past Few Months in Photos!
I have so many things I want to share - life updates, new recipes, new workouts - but for now I'll post some photos. Pictures are always my favorite part about blogs other than the ideas/thoughts I take away from them. Hope you enjoy!
Friday, April 13, 2012
What I'm sMiling About Today
Life is amazing. I love the fresh, bright green leaves. I love living in Chapel Hill. I love myself more everyday. I love those around me more every day. I love the feeling of happiness. I love spring - it's my favorite season! I love Earth Day because it's my birthday!!! April 22!
I clearly have lots that I'm loving and smiling about. I just want to scream these from the mountain tops! Hopefully they'll make you smile too :)
1. I had a 3 day weekend! Three days should be mandatory. Two days is such a tease. It was so nice to sleep in Friday, Saturday and Sunday. My body needed it so bad!
2. This song. So good!
3. Being super lazy on Friday morning. I had to remind myself that it's ok not to do anything and that this is what I've been wanting. I tend to be a little high-strung when it comes to doing all that I want to do and forget to relax and just be.
4. Finished reading The Fault in Our Stars by John Green. Please read this now. Warning - I spent the last third of it sobbing into my pillow making funny noises, but the first two-thirds I spent laughing out loud. I was also head over heels for Augustus Waters because he reminds me of Justin :)
5. Going shopping for real clothes not workout clothes. Finally bought a couple spring items to add to my wardrobe since my racer back tank tops are are stocked up for a while.
6. Getting to spend Easter with Justin...our first holiday together!
7. Two of my amazing friends are getting married this weekend!! April 21st!
8. I'm beginning to appreciate yoga. Add it to my list of fitness loves. I'm having a hard time fitting in all the running, spinning, strength training, yogaing, ellipticalling, walking, and more into my schedule. I guess it keeps me from getting bored! For the longest time I felt like yoga was just a bunch silly moves that people did because they thought it was cool. I'm really beginning to love focusing on every move, learning its name, and improving my form each time. Hopefully I'll be doing this one day...
She's simply amazing. She's also my new blogger crush - Peanut Butter Runner.
9. I'll be in my mid-20s this Sunday! I don't know if this is really something I'm smiling about. I love birthdays because its a day that people shower you with love and act like you're this wonderful blessing :) but I don't want to get old! I wish I would have listened to my mom when she told me to quit wishing I was older...now I miss my childhood days. However, the future will be amazing. I need to remind myself to slow down and quit wishing all these big moments would get here already because honestly they'll only happen once and then you'll be on to the next one...time to start living in the moment.
10. Sunday dinners. I love it when Justin and I cook together. It's so much fun having a partner help you chop, read ingredients and just have fun together. This past Sunday we made beef and broccoli stir-fry. We went all out in our attempt to be authentic and purchased a wok from a Korean grocery store and then went American by buying frozen dumplings...yum! Dumplings will be our next recipe adventure :)
So that is life. It's wonderful. It has its stressful times, but when I reflect on the people and moments that truly matter, I am a happy girl. :)
I clearly have lots that I'm loving and smiling about. I just want to scream these from the mountain tops! Hopefully they'll make you smile too :)
1. I had a 3 day weekend! Three days should be mandatory. Two days is such a tease. It was so nice to sleep in Friday, Saturday and Sunday. My body needed it so bad!
2. This song. So good!
3. Being super lazy on Friday morning. I had to remind myself that it's ok not to do anything and that this is what I've been wanting. I tend to be a little high-strung when it comes to doing all that I want to do and forget to relax and just be.
4. Finished reading The Fault in Our Stars by John Green. Please read this now. Warning - I spent the last third of it sobbing into my pillow making funny noises, but the first two-thirds I spent laughing out loud. I was also head over heels for Augustus Waters because he reminds me of Justin :)
5. Going shopping for real clothes not workout clothes. Finally bought a couple spring items to add to my wardrobe since my racer back tank tops are are stocked up for a while.
6. Getting to spend Easter with Justin...our first holiday together!
7. Two of my amazing friends are getting married this weekend!! April 21st!
8. I'm beginning to appreciate yoga. Add it to my list of fitness loves. I'm having a hard time fitting in all the running, spinning, strength training, yogaing, ellipticalling, walking, and more into my schedule. I guess it keeps me from getting bored! For the longest time I felt like yoga was just a bunch silly moves that people did because they thought it was cool. I'm really beginning to love focusing on every move, learning its name, and improving my form each time. Hopefully I'll be doing this one day...
She's simply amazing. She's also my new blogger crush - Peanut Butter Runner.
9. I'll be in my mid-20s this Sunday! I don't know if this is really something I'm smiling about. I love birthdays because its a day that people shower you with love and act like you're this wonderful blessing :) but I don't want to get old! I wish I would have listened to my mom when she told me to quit wishing I was older...now I miss my childhood days. However, the future will be amazing. I need to remind myself to slow down and quit wishing all these big moments would get here already because honestly they'll only happen once and then you'll be on to the next one...time to start living in the moment.
10. Sunday dinners. I love it when Justin and I cook together. It's so much fun having a partner help you chop, read ingredients and just have fun together. This past Sunday we made beef and broccoli stir-fry. We went all out in our attempt to be authentic and purchased a wok from a Korean grocery store and then went American by buying frozen dumplings...yum! Dumplings will be our next recipe adventure :)
So that is life. It's wonderful. It has its stressful times, but when I reflect on the people and moments that truly matter, I am a happy girl. :)
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
A New Person
This has been the first season I've watched of The Biggest Loser, and I am OBSESSED.
I'm beyond inspired by the contestants' motivation and their journey to not only lose weight, but to evolve into their best selves inside and out. It's amazing to see what has brought them all to their original weight and then watch each episode and see how they're challenging their own fears. Losing weight for them creates a belief that they're worth it and that they CAN do it.
I can highly relate to this feeling to my longest training run for my first half marathon. I used to be dying after running 2.5 miles at a high 9 minute pace. I slowly become faster, not too much faster, but after my 11 mile run, I felt confident and proud of what I did and the person I had become. I stopped waiting for other people to want to run with me. I stopped eating just to eat, but learned what I'm putting in my body is fuel. I would ask myself, how can I maximize each meal? I've become a different person, and I know that was the day I changed - the day I set out to run that 11 miles for the first time.
Some people may think eating a salad is "being healthy" or "being good", but I see it as what my natural body needs to be its best. It doesn't phase me to have the best body in the room. I DO care about having the strength to run for 2 hours. I care about not giving my body more food than it needs. I care about taking care of it. I'm still learning, and I'm constantly challenging myself internally and externally.
This whole self reflection actually started after watching 2 minutes of Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition. I was crying after 30 seconds. One time I called Justin crying after a contestant was voted off The Biggest Loser because I was so proud of him and beyond sad to see him go. I'm pretty sure it was one of those cries when you have a hard time breathing. Can you tell I'm highly emotional? (Side note - working out has helped with that too! Now I feel more in control as opposed to out of control with my life, and have learned that I chose how I want to feel.)
Anywho, I'm off to continue watching Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition, but I wanted to share the link via Hulu in case you want to watch too! PS - you can also watch The Biggest Loser on Hulu too with limited commercials ;)
I'm beyond inspired by the contestants' motivation and their journey to not only lose weight, but to evolve into their best selves inside and out. It's amazing to see what has brought them all to their original weight and then watch each episode and see how they're challenging their own fears. Losing weight for them creates a belief that they're worth it and that they CAN do it.
I can highly relate to this feeling to my longest training run for my first half marathon. I used to be dying after running 2.5 miles at a high 9 minute pace. I slowly become faster, not too much faster, but after my 11 mile run, I felt confident and proud of what I did and the person I had become. I stopped waiting for other people to want to run with me. I stopped eating just to eat, but learned what I'm putting in my body is fuel. I would ask myself, how can I maximize each meal? I've become a different person, and I know that was the day I changed - the day I set out to run that 11 miles for the first time.
Some people may think eating a salad is "being healthy" or "being good", but I see it as what my natural body needs to be its best. It doesn't phase me to have the best body in the room. I DO care about having the strength to run for 2 hours. I care about not giving my body more food than it needs. I care about taking care of it. I'm still learning, and I'm constantly challenging myself internally and externally.
This whole self reflection actually started after watching 2 minutes of Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition. I was crying after 30 seconds. One time I called Justin crying after a contestant was voted off The Biggest Loser because I was so proud of him and beyond sad to see him go. I'm pretty sure it was one of those cries when you have a hard time breathing. Can you tell I'm highly emotional? (Side note - working out has helped with that too! Now I feel more in control as opposed to out of control with my life, and have learned that I chose how I want to feel.)
Anywho, I'm off to continue watching Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition, but I wanted to share the link via Hulu in case you want to watch too! PS - you can also watch The Biggest Loser on Hulu too with limited commercials ;)
Thursday, December 15, 2011
The Runner
“The runner does not know how or why he runs. He only knows that he must run, and in so doing he expresses himself as he can in no other way. He creates out of instability and conflict something that gives pleasure to himself and others, because it releases feelings of beauty and power latent within us all.” Roger Bannister, The Four Minute Mile.
(Picture Source)
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