Farmer's Market Breakfast

After my trip to the Farmer's Market this morning I decided to make myself a healthy breakfast to kickstart the day.

I decided to have:
Green Juice (Kale, Celery, Apples, Cucumbers, Lemons, Ginger) 
1 slice of Organic 9 Grain Bread from Bread Alone 
2 eggs (1 whole, 1 white)
Handful of kale 
Handful cherry tomatoes

This breakfast was simple and easy, made my green juice and tossed the remaining ingredients into a pan until the eggs were cooked and and the tomatoes and kale wilted. Once cooked I placed it on top of the 9 grain bread.

Adventures in Juicing

After weeks of purchasing Blueprint Cleanse and Terri NYC juices I figured it was time to bite the bullet and purchase a juicer. I headed over to Bed Bath & Beyond and picked up the Breville® Juice Fountain® Plus. I had read great reviews online and the woman in the store pointed me in the direction of this juicer so I figured it was the right fit.

Once home with the juicer it was time to hit the gym and head to the Farmer’s Market and Whole Foods. I did not have any set recipes in mind I just wanted to play around and see what combinations I liked together so I grabbed some Kale, Cucumber, Apples, Celery, Parsley, Carrots and Lemons.

Returning home from the supermarket I was so excited to get the juicer out the box and start juicing!!!

Greens with A Hint of Lemon

Ingredients:

-          A few stalks of Kale

-          2 stalks of Celery

-          1 Granny Smith Apple

-          ½ Cucumber

-          ¼ Lemon

I was so pleased with the final product, just like the juices I have been spending $6-$9 dollars on each day. I am looking forward to trying out new recipes. This early birthday present to myself is going to be used for years to come!!!!

What are your favorite juice recipes???

Thank You Equinox

It’s nice to get out of the city from time to time to breathe in fresh air and see some trees!!!! My two main issues I do have though are the limited options for fresh juices and my lacking of a gym membership. So before heading to home I picked up 4 juices at Terri NYC and figured I would somehow get a workout in.

Thursday started by playing catch up on Nutrition School work I had to wrap up Module 3 and get going on Module 4. While doing my work I ate sandwich of High Fiber whole wheat bread, 3oz sliced chicken, 1/4 avocado, cucumber slices and a little grey poupon.

Next it was time to find a workout for the day. Prior to breaking my foot I had been offered a day pass to Equinox, I decided to reach out and see if it was still good to use and I was told it wouldn’t be a problem. So I checked the class schedule settled on 3 classes, yes 3, I am all about getting my 1 day pass worth. With my classes in mind I drank a Live Long & Green juice containing spinach, cucumber, apple, lemon and ginger and headed out to Equinox.

First up was EQ360: ICE (with instructor Dana Mancini) a 30 minute class described as "A new perspective on fitness! EQ 360:ICE (Integrate Core Exercise) uses the unique qualities of the Step360(TM) Pro challenging your body as a whole while chiseling abs and a strong core creating a foundation for all your other workout programs.” This 30 minute class was more than I expected. It started with a lower body workout (think squats, lunges, leg lifts) all on the Step 360 while also incorporating some cardio movements in between to keep the heart rate up. Next we moved onto some movements with the body bar (dead lifts and a few others while on the Step 360) and finally we finished off with an abdominal series. I really enjoyed using the Step360 it is much easier on the knees and joints then a regular step and really activates and engages the muscles. This 30 minute class is a great quick workout if you don’t have a lot of time or a great addition to any workout.

Next up was Arm Candy also taught by Dana described as “One of the best accessories ever is smooth, firm arms, yummy to the eyes and delicious to the touch. Bend, push, pull and twist your way to sexy sculpted shoulders, toned triceps a chiseled back and whittled waist in 30 elegant exercises created by Team Equinox!” This 30 minute class taught back to back with ESQ:ICE is exactly as described. The class used 3 sets of weights (I chose 12 lb, 8lb and 5lb weights) each arm exercise was done in a series of 3 from heavy weight to lightest weight. By the end of class my triceps and shoulders were on fire and my abdominals felt like they were already sore. This class was fantastic for anyone looking to tone their arms in just 30 minutes.

As I mentioned I wanted to make sure I got my 1 day pass worth so I decided to head to SPIN (with instructor Carolyn Mellace). I have noticed that in Manhattan spin classes are 45 minutes and it seems on LI and other places they are 60 minutes… what’s going on Manhattan? The last 15 minutes of the ride are truly the best since you work yourself past a point you didn’t think you could. The instructor was fantastic and created a great interval class, we went from hill to flat road with each song. The playlist was great featuring fast paced songs on the flat roads (think Eminem, Katy Perry, vintage Christina Aguilera) and slower paced songs on the hills (think Counting Crows, Dubie Brothers, and The Doors). After the 60 minutes I had more energy than when I started.

I left the gym feeling better and more energized then when I arrived!!! It was a great experience and I am glad I was able to attend these three classes. Thanks Equinox!!!!

After the gym it was time to eat again so I had a large piece of grilled salmon with sides of sautéed spinach, grilled asparagus, quinoa and some shepherd’s salad (cucumber, tomato, pepper and feta cheese). A great meal to fill me up after my workouts and to end a lovely Thursday.

A Day Full of Liquids and Workouts... and more

I started the day catching up on some Nutrition School work. Last week had been extremely busy and it was time to get back on track. While I was home doing my work I made myself a Boars Head Low Sodium Turkey Sandwich and had it with a BluePrint Red Juice containing Apple, Carrot, Beet, Lemon and Ginger. The flavor of the juice packs a big punch, it is really refreshing and an enjoyable way to add fruits and vegetables into a diet. 

After I finished a good portion of my work I headed to spin class at NYHRC. I had broken my foot back in February and was unable to spin until this past weekend. This was my third class in four days, I am an addict!!!! The class was fantastic I really got in a good burn. There were quite a few hills and the perfect amount of sprints. While there was no jumping today I was glad because I figured both my legs and foot could use the break. 

When spin was over I headed downstairs to the attached to-go Organic and Vegetarian restaurant, Terri. For some reason I had never noticed it before but my friend Nikki mentioned dropping in after a recent workout and walking out with a great juice and some kale chips and mentioned some salads they had on the menu. Since I knew I would be going to Core Fusion at Exhale later in the day I thought it would be good to grab something on the go since I would be running errands for a bit and not home before class.

I decided to order the Brazilian Bombshell Smoothie which contains acai, acerola, blueberry, mango, banana and I replaced soymilk with almond milk, I also got a container of Kale Chips and took a menu to go as I knew this would be the first trip of many to Terri. (PS – they offer a 3 day juice cleanse for $155!!!)  The juice was absolutely fantastic and the chips were the perfect consistency, it was exactly what I needed to take me through the day until Core Fusion.

After some further school work, searching for jobs and running some errands it was time to head to Core Fusion. Thanks to Ruelala.com bought a 10 pack for classes otherwise I would be sticking to the DVD’s right now. Well, I am so glad that I was able to go to class today, the teacher Michael who was a substitute for the day was great and I felt thoroughly challenged throughout the class (and just 4 hours later I am feeling sore.)

I ended the day with a favorite, SUSHI! A brown rice California roll, brown rice Alaska roll and one piece of Ikura sushi followed by a Blueprint Green Juice containing romaine, celery, cucumber, apple, spinach, kale, parsley, lemon and ginger. 

Day’s like today do not happen as often as I would like but I look forward to challenging myself these days more of a common occurrence in my life.  Of course I am headed out of the city for a good portion of the next two weeks and I hope I can find options equally as good for me.

100 Summer Recipes from IIN

Summer is finally here! It’s time for BBQ’s and outdoor dinner parties with friends and family. We want to make it easy for you to make healthy dishes for your family, but still enjoy the cooking activities that define summer. We collected a list of 100 healthy recipes for you to enjoy all summer long!

Appetizers

1. Pizza Caramel by Nourish Nutrition
2. Artichoke Pesto Stuffed Tomato by Making Good Choices
3. Vegan Spring Rolls with Mango Ginger Dipping Sauce by Wholesome Kid Food
4. Easy Hummus by Andrea Beaman
5. Mango Salsa by Terry Walters
6. Spicy Slaw by Elana’s Pantry
7. Peaceful Parsley & Pistachio Pesto by Peacocks and Moonshine
8. Creamy Curry Sauce with Summer Veggies by Collective Nutrition
9. Sesame and Thyme Pancakes by Wholepromise
10. Asparagus Sundried Tomato and Goats Cheese Pizza on Spelt by Wholepromise

Soups

11.  Roasted Tomato Soup by Love, Life and Lollipops
12.  Farmstand Gazpacho by Eat, Live, Run
13.  Really Easy Spice Pumpkin Soup filled with Beta-Carotene by Scott Mathias
14.  Summer Herb Soup by Kath Eats Real Food
15.  Cold Beet and Fennel Soup by Clean and Delicious
16.  Easy Asparagus Soup with Seasoned Dill Yogurt by Cook me Healthy 

Salads

17.  Quinoa Summer Salad by Alicia Somma
18.  Raw-Vegan Som Tum by Tina Leigh
19.  Radish, Celery and Apple Salad by Seven Spoons
20.  Roast Chili Butternut and Fig Salad by Me Organic
21.  Watermelon, Feta and Tomato Salad by Lemons and Loafers
22.  Refreshing Chopped Salad by Miligirl Wellness
23.  Jicama Salad by Raw, Radiant Health
24.  Quinoa Salad for all seasons by Chronic Wellness Coaching
25.  Orzo Super Salad by 101 Cookbooks
26.  Quinoa and Black Bean Salad with Apricot Lime Vinaigrette by Terry Walters
27.  Southern Style Cobb Salad by Find Your Balance Health
28.  Rustic Pesto Potato Salad by Clean and Delicious
29.  Pumpkin Seed Salad by Feed Your Life
30.  Delicious Life Beet and Walnut Salad by Live a Delicious Life
31.  Crunch Salad by Live a Delicious Life
32.  Ribboned Asparagus Salad with Lemon by Smitten Kitchen
33.  Radish, Asparagus and Mint Salad by Coloring the City
  Fresh Corn, Tomato, Avocado and Black Bean Salad by Whole Nutrition
35.  Black Lentil and Quinoa Salad with Citrus Dressing by Infinite You
36.  Green Light Salad by My Healthy Vision
37.  Spicy Curry Kale Salad by Natalie Duhamel
38.  Curried Cauliflower Quinoa Salad by Maureen O’Neal
39.  Roasted Butternut Squash and Wheat Berry Salad with Goat Cheese by Cook me Healthy
40.  Spinach Salad with Mango and Avocado by Linda Poynter
41.  Raw Kale & Beet Salad by Beth’s Botanical Scents

Refreshments

42.  Watermelon Aguas Fresca by Elana’s Pantry
43.  Summertime Blueberry Coconut Smoothie by Frank Giglio
44.  My Green Smoothie by Muscle Chick
45.  Watermelon Lemonade by Smitten Kitchen
46.  Pineapple Ginger Cooler by Maureen O’Neal
47.  Peachy Green Smoothie by Natalie Duhamel
48.  Super Simple Strawberry (Shh, and Spinach) Smoothie by The Nourished Life

Breakfast

49.  Veggie Frittata by Frank Giglio
50.  Sweet Corn Pancakes by Smitten Kitchen  
51.  Japanese Style Breakfast by Integrative Nutrition
52.  Coconut Spelt Pancakes by Wholepromise
53.  Homemade Granola by The Sublet Kitchen
54.  Buckwheat Banana-Walnut Pancakes by Cook Me Healthy
55.  Breakfast Casserole by Integrative Nutrition

Dinner

56.  Sautéed Chicken with Caramelized Onion-Tomato Relish by Cook me Healthy
57.  Mixed Green Salad with Tilapia and Clementine’sby a Hint of Greens 
58.  Coconut breaded Mahi-Mahi Tacos with Mango Salsa by Coloring the City
59.  Grilled Salmon Paprika by Elana’s Pantry
60.  Spiced Turkey Burgers with Green Olives and Feta by Pinch My Salt
61.  Sesame Chicken and Orange Salad by Wholepromise
62.  Sweet and Hot Chicken with Eggplant and Mushrooms by Destiny Kelley
63.  Quinoa and Spinach Burgers by Winspiration Wellness

Vegetarian Dinner 

64.  Thai Coconut Stir Fry by Selkis Whole Foods
65.  Bean Burgers by Kath Eats Real Food
66.  Pasta with Green Beans and Cannelloni Beansby Mary Curran
67.  Cashew and Ginger Stir-fry by Laurel Staples
68.  Sweet Potato Burgers by Making Good Choices
69.  Bean Stir Fry by Making Good Choices
70.  Spicy-Sweet Arugula Sautee by Pure Potential Wellness
71.  Spring Panzanella by 101 Cookbooks
72.   Peanut Soba Noodle Bowls by Eat, Live, Run
73.  TLT Sandwiches by 101 Cookbooks
74.  Gluten Free Veggie Burger by Whole Health Designs
75.  Vegan Pot Pie by Curvy Gals
76.  Brussels Sprout Pizza by Simply Seeking Life
77.  Avocado Pesto Pasta by Landry Fuller
78.  Rice Soba Noodles with Tea Spice Veggies by I Wanna Cookie
79.  Quinoa Grilled Vegetable Salad by Monica Delgado Chaffee

Side Dish

80.  Grilled Summer Vegetables by Your Wellness Tree
81.  Spicy Jicama “Fries” by 2Good2beRaw 
82.  Summer Squash Saute by Integrative Nutrition
83.  Sautéed Summer Squash, Cherry Tomatoes, Fresh Basil by Andrea Beaman
84.  Vegan Stuffed Red Peppers by Becky’s Kitchen
85.  Sweet and Spicy Kale Chips by Get Healthy with Lindsay
86.  Spicy Asian Cabbage Slaw by Chef in my own mind

Dessert

87.  Detox Blonde Macaroons by Healthy Hoggin
88.  Rawberry Rhubarb Pie by Me Amoeba
89.  Banana Peanut Butter “Ice Cream” by Lemons and Loafers
90.  Healthy Jell-O by Becoming Raw
91.  Healthy Popsicle by Becoming Raw
92.  Ricotta Millet Pudding by Lottie and Doof
93.  Blackberry, Honey and Yogurt Pops by Lottie and Doof
94.  Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp by Clean and Delicious
95.  Strawberry Mango sorbet Popsicles by Live a Delicious Life
  96. Coconut Pudding by Edna Michaeli
97.  Awesome Raw Coconut-Almond Fudge by Aamina Barbara Arnoth
98.  Heather’s Maple Squash Muffins by I Wanna Cookie
99.  Coconut Cherry Chia Bomb by Maureen O’Neal
100. Tropical Mango Banana Sherbert by Delicious Nutrition
Need more summer recipe inspiration?

Check out these recipes from IIN!

Superfoods Part VIII

This week I am going to write about three of my favorite foods I can’t believe I have yet to write about. With summer just around the corner these three Superfoods are in full bloom and packed with nutrients, antioxidants and vitamins.

1. Strawberries – Given their unique combination of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrients, it's not surprising to see strong research support for strawberry health benefits in three major areas: first is cardiovascular support and prevention of cardiovascular diseases, second is improved regulation of blood sugar, with decreased risk of type 2 diabetes, and lastly prevention of certain cancer types including breast, cervical, colon, and esophageal cancer. This little fruit is an excellent source of vitamin C, manganese, has a great amount of dietary fiber and iodine, and they are a good source of potassium, folate, vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), omega 3 fatty acids, vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), vitamin K, magnesium, and copper                .

How to Prepare: I add these delicious fruits to smoothies every day, they are a great addition to a salad with grilled chicken and mixed greens and are also just great to snack on alone.

2. Avocados – This high absorbing food has a wide variety of benefits ranging from anti-inflammatory through nutrients such as  phytosterols, carotenoid antioxidants, as well as non-carotenoid antioxidants including vitamins C and E, and the minerals manganese, selenium, and zinc,  omega-3 fatty acids and polyhydroxylated fatty alcohols (PSA)s. The avocado is high in Carotenoids which aid in food absorption. They also aid in promoting a healthy heart, supporting cardiovascular health, promoting blood sugar regulation, and also has cancer prevention benefits.

How to Prepare: I add avocados to all of my salads; it pairs well with chili, what is better than guacamole in the summer? What is your favorite avocado recipe?

3. Peaches – This delicious seasonal fruit is high in fiber and in Vitamins A, C, and E. Unlike most fruits, they contain calcium. They can help ease dry coughs and relieve constipation. One medium peach provides only about 50 calories, less than the 60 calories in a medium apple.

How to Prepare: I enjoy adding these to my smoothies in the summer as well as making salads. One of my personal favorites; Peach, Watermelon, Basil and Feta Cheese

Be sure to check out my past Super Food Entries:

Superfoods Part I / Superfoods Part II / Superfoods Part III / Superfoods Part IV / Superfoods Part V / Superfoods Part VI / Superfoods Part VII