Saturday, September 22, 2012

Making a Habit




      My parents run every day. Rain or shine, 100 degrees or negative twelve, they are out there every morning. By the time I’m rolling out of bed, they’ve already finished their workout for the day. I’m a fan of running too, but doing it every day? Kind of a struggle… But for them, it's just a habit.
     I decided that it's time for me to make some better habits. That’s why this week I’m going to try running every day. 7 days in a row? I think I can handle that.  I may not be rising with the sun to get in my run before speeding off to classes, but I’ll do it, one way or another. I like a challenge. Maybe by challenging myself to run more often, I’ll actually get out there and do it. 
     So starting tomorrow morning, I'll be up with the sun (meaning I'll be up at some point when the sun's out) and I'll be running. Maybe by forcing myself to do it every day for seven days will motivate me to be like my parents. At least, for a little while.

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Tuesday Treats

     I don't know about you, but I am a huge fan of sugar. I don't mean to consume as many sweets as I do, but sometimes, I have those days when I have to dig myself out of the pile of chocolate wrappers that has accumulated on my desk. This week's Tuesday Treat is made for someone just like me who needs to take a break from the refined sugar, but still satisfy a sweet tooth.


Banana Ice Cream

Ingredients:
1 frozen banana
1/2 cup walnuts
1/4 cup chocolate chips
1/4 cup soy milk

Method
Firstly, make sure you freeze the banana far enough in advance and put it in the freezer without the peel! You'll never be able to peel it once it's frozen...
Throw all of the ingredients into a food processor or, my favorite, a Vitamixer. Blend the ingredients until they are smooth in consistency and there are no more chunks. Then, scoop out and enjoy! It's as simple as that.

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Tuesday Treats


            This week, I’ve decided to start something new: Tuesday Treats. Every Tuesday, I will be bringing to you a healthy (well, more or less healthy), delicious dessert option to help push you through to the end of the week. Whether you end up cooking it or just salivating at your desk is up to you. But either way, who doesn’t like a little sweetness in their day.

Cookie Dough Truffles (via friskylemon.com)


Ingredients
·      2 ½ cups flour
·      3 Tbsp coconut flour
·      8 Tbsp butter, softened
·      1/3 cup maple syrup
·      1 Tbsp vanilla
·      ¼ tsp sea salt
·      1 cup mini chocolate chips



Instructions
1.     In a medium-sized bowl, combine butter, maple syrup, and vanilla. Cream these ingredients together.
2.     Stir in the flour one cup at a time.
3.     Add salt and chocolate chips
4.     Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Form dough into balls about a spoonful big. Let chill in fridge for 30 minutes.
5.     Dip in chocolate and return to fridge.
6.     ENJOY!

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Stock Up



     If you're like me, at the end of a long day, the last thing you want to do is slave away in front of a stove cooking a healthy meal. While delivery and microwavable meals are certainly enticing options, your waistline will not be thanking you later.
     So here's the dilemma: to stay healthy and energized, you need good food. But because you actually have a life, you don't have time to make it. That's why your freezer is about to become your new best friend.
     On Sunday afternoon, cook as many meals as you can. Make lasagna, soup, or a casserole. Be creative! Then, divide it into single-serving portions, put it in a plastic container, and stick it in the freezer. That's it. Most meals will keep for almost a month in the freezer. They're super easy to pull out and heat up in the microwave. When it's time for dinner, make a quick side salad or cut up fresh fruit while the food is heating.
    I will say, though, I cannot take the credit for such a genius idea. That would have to go to my mom. Thanks for making me so many awesome meals, Mom!