Hummus Recipe (plus a mini workout!)

What do you get when you host a party and prefer healthy foods and all you have on hand are jalapenos, garbanzo beans, and cilantro?

You get Jalapeno Hummus of course!

Jalapeno Hummus
Ingredients
1 can (15oz) garbanzo beans
1/4 cup of reserved garbanzo bean juice
3 garlic cloves
1 lime, juiced
2 Tbsp Tahini
2 jalapenos
Pinch cumin
Pinch pink Himalayan salt

Directions
-Before rinsing and draining beans, reserve 1/4 cup of the liquid.
-Put all ingredients in a food processor, blend, and enjoy!
-Serve with cut up raw veggies for maximum tastiness 

Jalapeno Hummus

To kick it up a notch I drizzled Sriracha over it! Totally tasty! 

And as promised here is a quick morning workout routine that I found from none other than Pinterest!

Question of the Day
What is one area on your body that you struggle with?

Mine is hands down my thighs. It takes everything that I can to keep them toned!
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Skinny Buffalo Chicken Tenders

Happy Hump Day y'all!

Just a quick and healthy recipe to pick you up midweek that I adapted from Skinnytaste!

Skinny Buffalo Chicken Tenders
1 package boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins
1/4 cup Frank's Red Hot Sauce
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/8 tsp black pepper

Directions
-Combine all spices in a medium bowl, stir to combine.
-Coat chicken evenly with spices on both sides.
-Heat a pan with 1/2 tsp oil and once hot, saute chicken for 3-4 minutes until golden and then flip it over and cook until no longer pink in the center.
-Dip chicken in a bowl with the hot sauce in it.
-Serve with celery sticks and carrots!

Question of the Day
Do you like spicy foods?

I cannot express enough how much I love spicy foods! The spicier the better!

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Superbowl Sunday

Sunday, February 2, 2014 was a holiday. The Superbowl obviously!!! Not only do I love watching football on TV, but I also love the commercials. My favorite this year had to be the Doberwauwau commercial oh and of course the David Beckham one as well.

However this year I was even more excited since I made lots of tasty treats that were not only delicious, but also nutritious! I will be posting the recipes in the next few weeks so no fears!

Aged Gouda, Rosemary and Pecan Raincoast Crisps, and Cranberry Cheese 

Jalapeno Hummus 

Baked Buffalo Chicken Tenders

Baked Spaghetti Squash and Cheese

IPA

Question of the Day

Who did you want to win?

I was rooting for the Broncos but they obviously did not know how to play a decent game of football that evening. Oh well. Maybe next year the Cleveland Browns will make it! Hey a girl can dream right?
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Creamy Garlic Spaghetti Squash

I love taking on challenges every day. I live for it. I love it. So when a few friends wanted to know about spaghetti squash and tasty recipes, I decided to take on the challenge.

First off you may be wondering what in the world is spaghetti squash? Well a quick little biography of the squash is that it is an oblong seed-bearing variety of winter squash. It can range either from ivory to yellow or orange in color. The orange varieties have a higher carotene content. One cup equals only 40 calories!

To prepare this little gem simply use a knife to create a few slashes all around. Place it on a plate, pop it in the microwave for 12 minutes, cut it in half, scoop out the seeds, and then scrape the 'spaghetti' out with a fork. VOILA!

As previously mentioned above, I love challenges. So I posted a poll and had people vote between three options:

-Creamy Garlic Spaghetti Squash
-Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin
-Baked Spaghetti Squash and Cheese

Let me tell you, it was a nail biter with how close the results were! Creamy Garlic beat out the baked by one single vote! After reviewing the recipe and tweeking it quite a bit, I was off to the store I went to grab all the needed ingredients and I set myself to work.

Creamy Garlic Spaghetti Squash
1 medium spaghetti squash
2 shallots
1/4 cup chopped onions
1 red pepper, chopped
2 handfuls spinach
1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp red pepper flakes
1/2 tsp black pepper
Pinch of salt
1 cup low sodium chicken broth (can use vegetable broth)
1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
1/2 cup reduced fat parmesan cheese
3 Tbsp fresh parsley, roughly chopped

Directions
-Slash spaghetti squash, place on plate, and microwave for 12 minutes.
-Once finished, cut in half, remove seeds.
-With a fork, scrape out 'spaghetti' and set aside.
-Add oil to a large wok and heat it up.
-Add shallots, onions, red pepper, garlic cloves, red pepper flakes, black pepper, salt, and garlic powder. Saute for 5 minutes.
-Add spinach to wok. Let it wilt down.
-Add spaghetti squash. Stir.
-Add chicken broth and milk. Stir.
-Add parmesan cheese. Stir until combined.
-Add parsley after heated through and stir until combined.
-Enjoy!

This recipe is so simple to make and is ridiculously low in calories and high in nutrients! A single cup comes to around 100 calories! Cha-ching!!! I love this recipe which has an amazing garlic flavor with a bit of heat due to the red pepper flakes. It has a creamy feel in the mouth due to the almond milk. This recipe is definitely a keeper in my books.

Question of the Day

What is a challenge that you will be participating in soon?

I'm going to run in the Tough Mudder at the end of May! I am beyond ecstatic!


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Skinny Broccoli Cheddar Soup

It's been cold here in Columbus, OH. Actually, not just cold, but walk-outside-and-you-turn-straight-into-a-popsicle cold. Ya...that type of bitter cold. I even know people who went outside with boiling water, threw it up in the air, and it turned straight to powder! Craziness I tell ya.

Note the windchill

Naturally in subzero temperatures I want need to warm up with something hot, something comforting, something delicious. Oh and I definitely do not want to fuss whatsoever over the meal, so the crockpot is called into action to report for duty!

What can be more comforting than broccoli cheddar soup to warm a person up on a frigid day?! As you have probably caught on, I love creating healthy recipes. So of course I am not about to make an exact replica of Panera's Cheesy Broccoli Soup which clocks in at 300 calories per small serving! Yet my scrumptious version only has 70 calories!

Panera's Broccoli Cheese Soup in a Sourdough Bread Bowl clocks in at a whopping 900 calories!

I found this recipe at Dashing Dish and decided to give it a whirl!

Skinny Broccoli Cheddar Soup
2 12oz packages frozen broccoli in cheddar sauce (I used the bags by Green Giant)
3 cups frozen broccoli
1 cup frozen chopped onion
1 14oz can reduced sodium chicken broth (use vegetable broth for vegetarian version)
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp ground red pepper
Dash of salt
Optional: can use 1 packet of sweetener of choice to bring out natural sweetness of broccoli

Directions
-Line crockpot with slow cooker liner for easy cleanup and spritz with cooking spray.
-Place all ingredients in the crockpot and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours. You may also place in a large sauce pan on medium-low heat on your stove for around 30-45 minutes, or until the broccoli is soft.
-Before serving, scoop out a little more than half of the broccoli florets along with a little bit of liquid and place it in a blender. This will give the soup a creamy texture.
-Puree broccoli in blender and pour back into crockpot. Stir until combined.
-Top with reduced fat cheddar cheese if desired!
-Enjoy!

Skinny Broccoli Cheddar Soup!

Question of the Day

What is your favorite soup?

I love Tuscan vegetable soup. Words cannot describe the amazing taste with all the various veggies let alone jam packed with vitamins and minerals!


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New Year Challenge

A new year means new challenges. Over the next few days I will be declaring what my goals are for the year 2014. But until then wake up every morning on the right foot by doing these simple exercises! You'll be stronger in no time!

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Southwestern Quinoa Bites

I am back and ready to rumble!

 Halloween 2013 Where's Waldo!

So many things have occurred over the past few months that I cannot wait to talk about! First off I teamed up with Beachbody and became a Health and Fitness Coach with them. I want to help others become the best and healthiest beings that they can possibly be. This has always been a passion of mine! I also started T25 upon joining as well as creating virtual challenge groups via Facebook to keep others as well as myself accountable! I am always looking to assist others so just let me know if this interests you!

Ryder has been getting so big as well! I cannot believe he is about a year and a half already!

Cannot believe my nephew is getting so old!

Now on to the meat and potatoes of this post: Southwestern Quinoa Bites.

These little gems are perfect to bring as an appetizer to a party or just to snack on throughout the week! This recipe was inspired by So Very Blessed.

Southwestern Quinoa Bites 
1/2 cup raw quinoa
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/4 cup water
1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 1/2 cups frozen corn
1/2 cup diced yellow onion
1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles, drained
1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
6 Tbsp liquid egg whites (or 2 large eggs)
1/2 cup reduced fat fiesta blend shredded cheese
2 Tbs chopped fresh cilantro
1 packet reduced sodium taco seasoning
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp chili powder

Directions
-Preheat oven to 350F.
-Rinse quinoa and add to pot with water and salt.
-Bring pot to a boil then cover and reduce to simmer for 20 minutes.
-Once quinoa is cooked, combine all ingredients together and mix well.
-Place about a tablespoon of mixture into greased mini muffin tins until it is even with the top.
-Press down gently so they combine well.
-Bake for 20 minutes.
-Let cool for about 5 minutes before removing from tin.
-Enjoy with salsa!

These little gems clock in around 120 calories per 5 bites! Talk about a nutritious little treat and not to mention extremely packed with protein!

Question of the Day

What are you health and fitness goals?

I want to complete T25 from start to finish as well as start training for my half marathon that is in Charlotte in April!


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Personal Record

So I did it! With strength training and perseverance I was able to achieve a personal record in the half marathon!

I mentioned back in May that I wanted to run another 13.1 miles and obtain a PR as well. I decided to run the Ultrafit Half Marathon in Canal Winchester, OH at the last minute. I was debating whether or not to run it since my aunt was not able to partake in all the fun. Five days before the run I signed up and boy oh boy was I glad that I did!

Even though I ran so well on this course I do not think I would choose this one ever again. The course was a straight shot 6.55 miles one way and then a turnaround to 6.55 miles back. Yes, the scenery was beautiful and very shaded since it was at Three Creeks Metroparks. But being the loud woman that I am, I need noise and excitement! So I hope to be able to run the Country Half Marathon in Nashville next year! I love country music and I feel this would be an amazingly fun race.

Oh my goodness. I almost forgot to mention what my time in this race was! I ran 13.1 miles in 1:54:26. This was a whopping 6:08 faster! I am still stoked needless to say.

PR 1:54:26

If you have a goal in mind, do not put it on the back burner! Just get up and get going! Never put your dreams on hold! With strive and positivity, anything is possible.

Question of the Day

What is on your bucket list?

My bucket list is endless. I want to do everything from drinking wine in Italy, to going on a food adventure in Paris, to riding on a dolphin, to trying a Butter Beer in Harry Potter World! But the next on the list that I want to put checkmark next to would to go on a run at Central Park in NYC.

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Blueberry Maple Overnight Oats in a Jar

It's getting hot out and I simply cannot fathom cooking hot oats over a stove in the morning. I also really am too sleep to before I have my morning cup of Joe. Time to introduce to you these blueberry oats that I found here. So good.

Blueberry Maple Overnight Oats 

Blueberry Maple Overnight Oats in a Jar  

1/4 cup uncooked old fashioned oats 

1/3 cup light soy milk 

1/4 cup low-fat Greek yogurt 

1 teaspoon dried chia seeds 

2 teaspoons sugar free syrup (more or less to taste)  

1/4 cup blueberries cut in half (or enough to fill jar)  

Optional: chopped nuts

The ingredients!

Directions 

-In a half pint (1 cup) jar, add oats, milk, yogurt, and 1 tsp syrup.

-Put lid on jar and shake until well combined.

-Remove lid, add blueberries and stir until mixed throughout.

-Return lid to jar and refrigerate overnight.

-In the morning add 1 tsp maple syrup, chia seeds, and the optional chopped nuts.

Quick and easy not to mention exceptionally delicious!

Question of the Day

What are some of your favorite quick and easy recipes?

I truly believe that the simplest of recipes turn out the best. Anything that can be thrown into a crockpot is my favorite. A one pot meal that I don't need to watch! Turn it on in the morning and in a few hours...Voila!

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Flexitarian

Do you eat a mostly vegetarian diet but occasionally consume meat? Well, then you are just like me and follow a flexitarian or semi-vegetarian diet. Whether it is for health reasons or environmental issues, following this eating regimen is extremely beneficial.

The benefits of following this way of life are endless. Not only will you save money in the long run since meat tends to be more expensive on the grocery bill, but studies have shown that while eating a plant-based diet one can live an average of 3.5 years longer and weigh approximately 15% less than those who eat meat more regularly. Thinking of switching to this way of eating due to environmental issues? Eating an earth-friendly diet can be a way to reduce greenhouse gases. Even following the Meatless Mondays trend can help reduce our carbon footprint!

Now, I did not even realize that I was a flexi until a few months ago. The epiphany occurred when I was talking with a friend and she was talking about it. She was describing me to the tee! Over the past year I have cut out red meat from my diet drastically. I honestly may only consume it a handful of times per year. I just do not crave it anymore. And lately, I cannot fathom eating these animals for environmental issues. I care about those creatures!

Veggies are our friends.

I would not doubt for a second that I will eventually become a full blown vegetarian over the next few years. It is a personal choice and I will never criticize those that eat carnivorously. They choose their own way of living and that is completely fine by me.

Now all this veggie talk has made me hungry! Time to whip up some of my Aunt Sandie's yummy garlic vegetables!

Garlic Vegetable Medley
2 medium sized red potatoes, cut into chunks
2 medium sized carrots, sliced about ¼ inch thick
1 zucchini, sliced about ¼ inch thick
1 red pepper, cut into 1 inch pieces
½ white onion cut into ½-1 inch pieces
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 tsp basil
1 tsp oregano
2 garlic cloves, minced
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp pepper
Cooking spray

The ingredients!

Directions
-Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
-Combine olive oil, basil, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper in a small dish.
-Spray a 13x9 inch dish with cooking spray.
-Add potatoes and carrots and toss well with ½ of the basil mixture.
-Bake for 18 minutes.
-Meanwhile, toss the zucchini, peppers, and onion with the other ½ of the basil mixture.
-Stir into the potatoes and carrots and bake for another 18 minutes.
-Enjoy!

The healthy!

Question of the Day?

What is your favorite vegetarian dish?

I love grilled veggies! It must be something with the way the grill brings out an amazing flavor in these beauties. 

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Keep Going!

When the going gets tough just keep on swimming.

I've been itching badly. As badly as a thousand mosquito bites to run another 1/2 marathon. I don't know whether it's the beautiful weather or the fact that summer is right around the corner. Either way, all I know is that I need to run those 13.1 miles.

I signed up to run the Presque Isle 1/2 Marathon in Erie, PA with my aunt in July. As soon as I signed up, I realized that it is my sweet little nephew's first birthday party that same weekend.

Check out those shoes! He's sure to be a runner someday!

Luckily, my aunt understood and the race search resumed once again. I could have given up... but then I would not have accomplished one of my New Year's resolutions! We narrowed the choices down to three:

Ultrafit Columbus Half Marathon in Canal Winchester, OH on August 11
Little Miami Half Marathon in Morrow, OH on August 18
Emerald City Half Marathon in Dublin, OH on August 25

Now that the choices have been narrowed down I can't wait to finally choose and start my 10 week training program!

First 1/2 marathon in Columbus! Finished in 2:04:38!

Question of the Day
What has been your favorite race or event that you have participated in?

My favorite event by far would have to be the Columbus Full Marathon back in 2011. I cannot possibly think of any greater accomplishment than that.

Finished in 4:15:48!

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Cheesecake Greek Yogurt

I am sure you have all caught on by now that I have a minor sweet tooth that is out of this world...

Post-marathon and NO I did not eat this all by myself!

I also love a scrumptious breakfast in the morning. I have written about easy breakfast ideas and this one is another great one to add to the list! The flavors of cheesecake and fresh berries all wrapped up in a blanket of Greek yogurt.

Cheesecake Greek Yogurt
1/2 cup fat-free plain Greek yogurt
1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 tsp instant sugar-free cheesecake pudding mix
1/2 cup mixed berries

The ingredients!

Directions
-Combine the yogurt, vanilla extract, and pudding mix in a bowl. Stir.
-Fold in mixed berries.
-Voila! Berry cheesecake for breakfast!

Warning! This dish will make you want to instantly devour. Be sure to savor each bite before scarfing down!

Question of the Day
What is your favorite cheesecake?

Whenever I go to The Cheesecake Factory and am handed the cheesecake menu I am always extremely overwhelmed with all of the choices! They have everything from Oreo to Reese Peanut Butter to Apple Pie and so much more! However, I always tend to gravitate towards the ones that are mainly fruit based. Nothing can beat the taste of good ol' fashioned strawberry cheesecake...well maybe this Greek yogurt dish can!


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