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Sunshine and Summertime

After much groaning and internal conflict I, against my will, laced up my shoes and went for a run.  I chose to run along a path that ran along side the Intercoastal Waterway, and only about 2 miles from my house.  The views instantly improved my mood and I am glad that I went.  After an unhealthy breakfast of a bagel and coffee at Dunkin Donuts, this run was what I needed to get me back on track for the day!  I followed it up with some sun, a swim, and a good book (The Girl Who Played with Fire).  

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Monthly Madness- Evening 1

After this mornings activities I chilled out for a little and got some work done.  This evening I attended a yogalaties class, which sadly is only held every Monday.  If I could, I would go to the class everyday!  It is relaxing and puts me into my zen mode.  

Starting today I also began the 30 day push-up and squat challenge, and so far so good!  We will see if that leads to any results.

I then ended the night with sugar free Chai Tea, some fresh berries, and the bachelorette.  An overall great start to the first week of Monthly Madness, and an awesome kick start to the month of July!

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Monthly Madness- Morning 1

I have decided to try something new with my workouts.  In order to jump start the month in a healthy and positive way, I am going to make the first week of every month my "Monthly Madness".  I am going to eat extra clean, absolutely no fast food and I'm buy passing my "cheat day" for the week.  I plan on working out more than usual every day of this week, and focusing on a variety of exercises during the day.

That being said, I started the first day of the month with a fasted 30 minute morning run, and ended with some stretching.  Naturally, my cats followed suit.

I followed this up with a post workout breakfast smoothie!

It's going to be a great day, and an awesome week!

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Summer Lovin'

During the summer months I try and eat as much seasonal fruit as I can, because honestly can you get much better than strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries?   Didn't think so!  So this afternoon I ate a light lunch following a heavier breakfast.  

My lunch included 1 cup of strawberries, 1/3 cup of raspberries, and 1/3 cup of blueberries.  I also ate a Chobani Champions yogurt, because I couldn't find my usually Chobani Bite's at the grocery store this week.  I  love to dip fresh fruit in my yogurt for a sweet treat that won't ruin your day!

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Healthier Chai Tea!

From previous posts I'm sure you can tell that I have a love for Chai.  I recently have had the urge to try and make a healthier version because I'm tired of paying around 5 dollars for one at local coffee chains, and then still having to give up around 200 calories to enjoy my favorite drink.  Therefore I went on this mission, and the results were satisfying.

I picked up a sugar free version of Oregon Chai concentrate at the local grocery store, and decided to pair it with Silk Unsweetened Vanilla.  Of course if you are a strict milk drinker I'm sure it would taste amazing with any kind of milk or milk substitute but this was my choice because of the low calorie count, the vanilla flavor, and because it is vegan.

It was extremely easy to make, with just 1:1 ratios of each ingredient, and I decided to heat mine over the stove for a few minutes.  For a little decadence I chose to put a pinch of cinnamon on the top!  Overall this was a delicious treat, and only 15 calories and a worth while adventure.

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Saturday and Strawberries

This morning I made breakfast for my boyfriend and myself, and apparently my cat Sebastian also.

                            His breakfast included three eggs, 2 pieces of toast, half a cup of strawberries, a 1/4 cup of blueberries, and half a cup of grapes.  

                             I had a similar breakfast but with only one egg, 2 pieces of toast, a cup of strawberries, and a fourth cup of blueberries.  I topped off my breakfast with a warm mug of homemade Chai Tea.  The total calorie count for my breakfast was 393.  I typically try to stay within 300 calorie breakfast, however this was later in the morning so I am satisfied with going over a bit.

                                                Someone appreciates my efforts:)

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Summer of Rhinos

This summer I am interning at the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens, where I work in the Hoofstock department.  Two days a week I help out the zoo keepers with basic husbandry, animal care, and training.  I am lucky enough that I also get to work with the two Indian Rhinos!  PJ and Jahi recently came to the zoo and it has been so amazing to work with integrating them into daily zoo life!  Besides the fact that his post is obviously related to my career choice field and my love of animals, I would also like to high light the exhausting work that goes into life at the zoo.

Keeping up with the keepers is more than a workout!  Especially working in Florida heat in the middle of summer for around 8 hours a day.  It is a lot of yard work, raking, heavy lifting, and of course shoveling manure:)  ( it's not as bad as it seems).  Anyway, I consider these days at the zoo a part of my daily exercise routine because of the intensive labor it commands.  It is a great feelings to work your body, mind, and soul in such an enriching way!  

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Simple Smoothie

After a fasted workout this morning I wanted something to cool me down from the Florida heat and to energize me for a busy day ahead.  Being a vegetarian and always watching my protein intake I like to add protein powder to my smoothie, especially after working out.

Recipe

1/2 Banana

1 Cup Strawberries

1/4 Cup Frozen Blueberries

1/4 Cup Kale

1/2 Scoop Vega One Protein in Vanilla Chai

1 Cup Ice

1 Cup Cold Water

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I just wanted to share this with you guys, because she really is my inspiration and I truley believe in everything she says in this video.  Not to be all corny or sappy or anything, but at some point I was almost moved to tears because I identified really closely with what this video is about.  Hope you enjoy!

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Happy Fathers Day

This morning I went out to breakfast at a local breakfast place called Hi Tulip Cafe.  I was excited to find out that it had a variety of vegetarian omelets, specialty teas, and an espresso bar!  Since it was a special day I splurged and ordered the Multigrain Chocolate Chip Pancake, and a Chai Tea.  I'm a sucker for a good Chai Tea.  My mom however, ordered the Greek Omelet which contained red peppers, spinach, and feta.  IT WAS AMAZING.  Next time I will be definitely ordering that.

Excuse my early morning expression.

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The Vegetarian Chicken

Tonight's dinner consisted of vegetarian orange "Chick'n" and some freshly steamed broccoli.  I made up the whole batch so that it was ready to eat tomorrow, but tonight I had about 1 1/2 servings.  This was my first time trying it and it was surprisingly good!  I'm a major texture person, and you honestly couldn't tell this wasn't chicken.  As a whole I try to avoid meat substitutes as much as I can, but I had a hard long day of work today and I wanted something filling.  I highly recommend this product to all vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike.  It is protein rich and healthy, as far as frozen food goes, and is can be a good substitute for high calories orange chicken dishes.  A single serving of Panda's Orange Chicken runs around 400 calories, where Gardein's version was only 225 calories for 1 1/2 servings.  The only thing that Panda's version comes with that Gardeins doesn't is a side of guilt!

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Today was a very active day for me.  I started the morning attempting to catch a few waves surfing (I'm an amateur), but unfortunately the surf was just flat as can be.  So I came back and hung by the pool, swimming a few laps.  I'm currently "babysitting" my neighbors plants and garden so I headed out to take care of that before...I attended my first ever yoga class!  I've been wanting to try yoga for a long time, but I've always assumed it wasn't my kind of exercise.  I typically like running and anaerobic workouts, but I was pleasantly surprised! I'll post a separate post on my yoga opinions later on.

After leaving the class feeling rejuvenated and fresh, I didn't want to ruin my mood by eating a bad dinner.  I opted for what I like to think of as a "garbage bowl" salad.  I know, not appetizing sounding, but hey, it's what comes to mind.  I through in anything I can find in my fridge, and this time that happened to be onions, cucumber, carrots and sauteed asparagus, mushrooms, and red peppers from last night.  I finished it off with balsamic dressing and a beautiful view!

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Adding Sunshine to my Workouts

Today I decided to wake up early and take my workout outdoors.  Living in such a beautiful place it would be such a waste not to utilize all the great opportunities I have around me!

I started my workout with a bike ride to a nearby park, about two miles away, so a relatively quick ride.  I followed that up with a 30 minute interval walk/run over our bridge.  Getting to enjoy this stunning view makes working out a lot more enjoyable!

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Conservation Comes First

After some thought I've decided to make my first post on something dear to my heart, instead of on food and fitness.  Last night I got the opportunity to attend the premier of Guy Harvey's documentary "Tiger Shark Express" and to here him speak and answer questions.  It was an eye opening experience on the importance of tiger shark conservation efforts and the research that is currently going on.  It was definitely inspiring and encourages me to keep on toward my goals!