Workout of the Day: Killer Plyometric Leg/Cardio Workout

I love changing up my workouts between circuits, different types of cardio, old school strength training, even crossfit style workouts. I do so to keep my body from becoming too familiar with one style and hitting a plateau. Today, I decided to get my cardio and leg workout in at the same time. This workout isn't too long, but let me tell you it is NOT EASY (In a pool of sweat afterward). Plyometric workouts are AMAZING for power development, burning calories, increase your jumping ability, and sprint performance!

I used an 18' box- (boys if this is too easy use 24' OR MORE:D)

Warm up: Jump rope 500
(Do each circuit of exercises back to back then take 1 min rest and start again.)
Circuit 1:
4x12 Box jumps (up and down as fast as possible then immediately...
4x12 jumping alternating lunges (then immediately perform..
100 jump rope

Circuit 2:
4x12 Alternating jumping step-up (jump up with power and switch legs in the air...
4x12 1 leg side lateral jumps (skaters)
100 jump rope

Circuit 3:
4x12 Depth Jump into a squat jump w/ hamstring curl in the air then immediately..
4x12 each leg 1 leg deadlift (I used 15lb dumbbells)..
100 jump rope

Circuit 4:
4x12 Alternating Box step-ups (I used 15lb)
4x12 Each leg- 1 leg squats- standing on box (touch foot to floor and back up)
100 jumping jacks

Finished with
4x 20 double jump ropes


This can be a bit confusing so you can email or Facebook me to if you would like me to explain things more in depth (if you get confused)

KILL YOUR WORKOUT!

High Intensity Interval Training Workout

I have already posted a little on H.I.I.T., which as a reminder is sprint interval training consisting of sprinting and a slower short rest. This method burns a ton of calories, and unlike regular steady cardio burns calories even after your workout by raising your metabolic rate. I want you to all remember that is important to constantly change and alter your workouts to keep your body guessing and not hitting any plateaus. Variation is a key component to training!

Today's H.I.I.T. Workout

5 min warm up level 5
2 min fast (I used 10mph)
2 min slow/recover (I used 5mph)
1 min fast
2 min slow
2 min fast
2 min slow
1 min fast
2 min slow
2 min fast
2 min slow
1 min fast
2 min slow

If this doesn't tire you out, I don't know what will!!!
BUT if it doesn't (not likely) just alter and increase either the speed or the incline you are running at!

Rock today!

Workout of the Day: Arms Chest and Abs

Guys and gals, it's not too late to get to working on these body parts. Arms are more noticeable than we like to admit, AND they are my favorite to workout... I think I love to work them out because I see big improvements in both my arm strength, and the shape! Specifically to the ladies, PLEASE start working out your chest, I promise you will NOT bulk up! You will get better posture and have a more balanced figure. ALSO, it's summer time... can't forget those abdominals.

Today, I was having fun just messing around with different exercises at the gym, since it was empty (oh how I love Sunday afternoons!)

I did three tri-sets to work my chest, biceps, triceps.
-Perform tri-set changing exercise without rest, and after completing all exercises rest.
-Repeat that for a total of 3 sets,rest, then switch to the next tri-set.
- I am showing you the weight used, but REMEMBER this is just to gauge where I am at, make sure to start off light in order to keep proper form, prevent injury, and to get used to the movements.

TRI-SET 1-
3x12 Incline Dumbbell flys (20lb dumbbells)
Dumbbell Bicep curl (20lb dumbbells)
Dumbbell tricep extension (27.5 lb)

TRI-SET 2-
3x12 Dumbbell bench press (30lb dumbbells)
Barbell Bicep curl (40 lb barbell)
Bench dips with feet elevated on box

TRI-SET 3-
3x12 Pushups
Cable bicep curl (50lb)
Cable Tricep push-down (50lb)

ABS-
3x 12 Hanging leg raises
Hanging knee tucks
Decline bench crunches
Toe touchers (with legs in air)
Sprinters

Cardio-
Today was more of a rest day cardio was nice and easy, I GOT TO WATCH FOOD NETWORK WHILE WALKING ON THE TREADMILL :)

Pace- 3.5
Incline-8.5
Time-45 minutes

Hope you work up a little sweat, and feel a pump in your arms:)

Workout of The Day: Shoulders + HIIT

Time to head to the gym, and kick your own booty:)
There is no better feeling, in my opinion, than getting empowered by pushing yourself extremely hard. Today, I decided to get to the gym and have a quick/intense workout.

Before starting this workout you should remember I am listing the weights I use, but we are all at different levels and it takes time to build strength. Start off light, and work your way up!

I did some jumping jacks, and stretched my arms then....

Quick Shoulder workout:
3x12 Shoulder press (50 lb barbell)
3x10 Seated Arnold press (27.5 lb dumbbells)
3x12 Lateral raises (15 lb dumbbell)
3xShoulder circuit-arms lifted (like a T)
50 push forward-palms facing towards the front then immediately...
50 push back- palms facing towards the rear then immediately...
50 small arm circles towards the front then immediately...
50 small arm circles towards the back then immediately...
50 big arm circles towards the front then immediately...
50 big arm circles towards the back then immediately...
15 front raises (15 lb dumbbell) then 1 min rest and begin circuit again!

With the HIIT, remember go at your own pace! Don't start off at level 10 if it is too fast! We don't want to be that person who falls of the treadmill, do we?

HIIT- Treadmill incline 1
5 min jog level 5
3x
1 min level 10
1 min level 5
50 seconds level 11
1 min 10 seconds level 5
40 seconds level 12
1 min 20 seconds level 5
repeat
5 min jog level 5

Hope you get the good sweat like I did:) Huffing and puffing!

Summer Bronze Makeup

I have had a few requests on sharing my make-up secrets. NOW I AM NO MAKE-UP ARTIST! My friend Tammy Taylor could work magic with her skills, but over the years I have found a love for an easy "summery" bronzed look. The products can be found mostly at Sephora, but you can also buy the "off" brand and make things work! Sometimes it's just all about mixin' it up!

First, I start off with my face;I use Laura Mercier ILLUMINATING tinted moisturizer w spf 20 (color:natural radiance). This is GREAT for summer, it gives you a bronzed look, moisturizes, and protects you from sun damage! Then I use cover up under my eyes which I frequently switch products, but as of now I am using Makeup Forever's Anticernes Tenseur Lift Concealer. After that I like to set the makeup with Laura Mercier's Mineral Powder with spf 15 (color: Real Sand). At this point I feel like my face has the fresh clean glow I LOVE!
You can finish there if you are just headed to the beach, but it takes just 2 minutes to finish the look I love.
Next, I like to highlight my cheekbone (up and around my eyebrow), down the center of my nose, a little in the center of my forehead, and chin there are many good highlighters I know Benefit has one but I splurged on a YSL highlighter called HOLIDAY.
Then, I take my bronzer that has no shimmer (Bobbi Brown: Bronzing powder golden light) and contour under my cheekbone, and my temples.
Next, I lightly bronze my cheeks (apples of cheeks) with NARS Laguna bronzer.
To finish the look I put on some mascara (I like the cheap stuff! Covergirl lash blast in Very Black).
BAM! Your summer bronze look is finished:) This is quick, easy, and can be worn everyday!

Thea's Clean Eating Quinoa Bison Meatballs

I am a sucker for quick bites. Since I eat about every three hours, if I am out running errands sometimes I get frustrated that it is time to eat when I am busy. Even when I'm at work I get so busy that I need to make sure I remember to eat, because I get starving but busy. I was thinking of making something with carbs, protein, and veggies so it is balanced; at the same time something you don't necessarily have to eat with utensils. I decided to make meatloaf, but thought it would be even more CONVENIENT to make meatballs. I just grab some and throw them in a little container and I am out the door! Easy peasy!
-

Thea's Clean Eating Quinoa Bison Meatballs

Ingredients:
1 lb grass fed organic bison (this is buffalo, but you can use extra lean turkey)
3 egg whites
1 1/2 c. cooked quinoa (I used red quinoa)
1 chopped and diced red bell pepper
1/4 chopped and diced onion
Pinch cumin
Pinch pepper
Pinch

1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl
3. Use non-stick spray on pan.
4. Roll mixture in to little balls

5. Cook for 20 mins, or until cooked through

You can serve this over spaghetti squash, with mixed sauteed veggies, or even on a salad. Get creative!

Thea's Clean Eating Chunky Monkey Cupcakes

Don't we all love chocolate? Oh man, I know I do! I am not going to lie, and mix that with peanut butter and some banana and I'm in heaven. I rarely indulge in cake-y things because I literally will eat it all if it's in front of me! Let's be real it's hard to feel good about yourself after eating a big piece of chocolate cake. Now, after making this recipe, I have a guilt-free delicious and rich dessert! This week I decided to make my friend Maggie some birthday cupcakes. I searched high and low for recipes that are clean and healthy. I couldn't find any that were chocolate-y (most were like apple or carrot). We all need dessert every once in a while, and I prefer mine rich and YUMMY. I made up this recipe, and kinda just was adding things here and there to make the consistency seem right. It turned out DELICIOUS I am so happy with it! I hope some of you get the chance to make it <3 Ingredients: v 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (I used Ghiradelli) v 1 1/4 c. stevia v 1/4 c. whole wheat flour v 1 c. fat free greek yogurt v 1/2 c. unsalted natural peanut butter v 3/4 c. almond milk v cinnamon to taste (I like a lotJ) v 1/2 tsp. Vanilla extract v 1 egg plus 2 egg whites v 1/4 tsp. Salt v 1/4 tsp. Baking soda 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners. 2. In large bowl, mix dry ingredients (cocoa, stevia, flour, salt, and baking soda_ 3. in a medium bowl mix moist/wet ingredients (peanut butter, almond milk, greek yogurt, vanilla, eggs) 4. combine both dry and wet ingredients and mix together. 5. fill cupcake liners 3/4 full. 6. bake in over for 40-45 min. 7. let cool 8. When completely cool, frost!

Frosting:
1/2 mashed banana
1/4 c. peanut butter
1/4 c. unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 c. greek yogurt
6 packets truvia

Just mix the ingredients and add some almond milk if needed to thin out.

Top the cupcakes with a piece of dark chocolate and your ready to enjoy a little piece of heaven!

The Skinny on Your Favorite Fried Foods- Did You Even Know They Were Fried?

We all LOVE our fried food. I mean it tastes so delicious why wouldn't we? Well before you pick up your next piece of fried chicken, french fry,or even banana chip think about what it exactly is. I am going to remind you that frying consists of submerging food in either hot oil, fat, or lard (these are trans fats we are supposed to stay away from). On top of that the calories added during frying are astonishing (A 7 oz. baked potato contains about 220 calories and 0.2 gram of fat. That same baked potato turned into French fries contains 697 calories and 34 grams of fat).Many foods we don't even realize are fried can sneak up on us. Be careful to not eat these too often and only on certain occasions or a "treat" or "cheat" meal. I definitely enjoy some of these from time to time, but realize I said from time to time:)

List of fried foods
- Refried Beans (Yes, they are deep fried in LARD)
- Chips
- Fries (even sweet potato fries are FRIED)
- Banana chips/ veggie chips
- Calamari
- Bacon
- Chicken
- Potato Skins (Yes they are fried)
- Chinese food chicken (lemon chicken, orange chicken, kung pao chicken, etc.)
- Onion rings
- Tacos
The list goes on...

The best thing about seeing this list, is that after writing it I realized each and every one of these things can be enjoyed just as much in a healthier way.

- Beans (if you like the texture of refried, take a potato masher and mash cooked whole beans)
- Chips ( buy corn tortilla chips baked, or cut up your own whole wheat tortillas and bake in oven)
- Fries ( cut up sweet potatoes, yams, or red potatoes add olive oil and herbs and bake in oven)
- Banana/ veggie chips ( bake in oven)
- Calamari (dip in egg whites, then dip in a mixture of cornmeal, flaxseed meal, and wheat germ then bake)
- Chicken ( dip in egg whites, then dip in a mixture of cornmeal, flaxseed meal, and wheat germ then bake)
- Bacon (get turkey bacon instead and bake)
- Potato skins (simply bake, they taste the same!)
- Chinese food (just grill or bake chicken, it is the sauce that makes it tasty anyways)
- Onion rings (dip in egg whites, then dip in bowl of crushed fiber one cereal then bake)
- Tacos (take whole wheat tortilla or corn tortilla and bake)

Hope you enjoy the healthy substitution as much as I do! I make chicken strips all the time with sugar free ketchup and it honestly tastes better than fried chicken strips (also without the guilt and calories).

So You Want To Gain Weight?

A lot of my posts are on how to stay lean and toned. This post is no different, but for some the lean part is the problem. Being too lean, and not feeding your muscles properly may keep you feeling a little skinny and almost fragile. That is OK, some of us simply have quicker metabolisms than others (but the good thing is this can be altered with diet and exercise). We want our metabolism on our side, but some people with extra-speedy metabolisms have to work really hard to put on size.If you need to gain mass I would suggest adding at least one extra meal a day increase your caloric intake by 300 calories per day. If after 1-2 weeks there is no noticeable weight gain, increase by another 300 calorie per day increments. Continue this process until you start to gain at least 1 pound every 1-2 weeks.

What you need to do to gain weight is not just eat more, but eat the right things. SO MANY GUYS I know who lift regularly have fast metabolisms because they work out; their misconception is they can eat whatever they want to get bigger. WRONG! You have to eat the right amount of protein, carbohydrates, fat, etc.(from the right sources) Consume a higher ratio of protein, and carbohydrates. You need to consume 1.5-2g of protein per lb of body weight (if you weigh 130 you should consume 195-260 g of protein). If it is hard for you to get this protein in your diet you should supplement it with protein powder. You can drink a protein drink upon waking, between meals, before the gym, after the gym, and before bed if you aren't necessarily hungry for a full meal. You should also consume 2.5 lb of carbohydrate per lb of body weight ( if you weight 130 you should consume about 325g). You may be thinking wow this is a lot of food, but if you are consuming healthy balanced meals (carbohydrates, protein, fat) and making sure you eat every 2 hours I know you will gain the weight you want and be happy.

Healthy weight gain and working out is also extremely important. If you are consuming more calories you will gain weight. Since the food you are going to be eating is healthy, you won't get fat. You will be a new sexy lean and toned version of yourself. The thing is you MUST workout. You should be lifting weights about 5 times a week. Cardio is not as important, because you don't want to burn too many of those calories you are eating to put on size. If you love cardio, I would suggest making your weight routine a circuit with jump rope, jumping jacks, mountain climbers, etc. If you like running, keep it to HIIT on the treadmill (sprints) for no longer than 20 minutes. Cardio shouldn't exceed 20 minutes if you want to put on muscle.

I hope this helps those who struggle with keeping up weight and muscle. It can be hard for some but a balanced diet and regular strength training program can keep you toned and happy with your physique.

Thea's Clean Eating Banana Pear Baked Oatmeal

Thea's Clean Eating Banana Pear Baked Oatmeal

2 C. Oats
2 C. Almond Milk
2 Tbsp. Sugar-free Vanilla (or 1/2 tsp vanilla extract)
3 Tbsp. Sugar-free syrup (or maple syrup)
1/2 Tbsp. cinnamon
Pinch of nutmeg
Pinch of allspice
1 sliced pear
1 sliced banana

And a handful of some crunch (I used almonds, walnuts, pepitas, and sunflower seeds)
1.Preheat oven to 400 degrees
2. I just added all the ingredients (minus the pear and banana) in a big bowl and stirred.
3. Coat pyrex with non-stick spray.
4. Layer pears on bottom of pyrex.

5. Add mixture to pyrex.

6. Add sliced banana.

7. Bake for 40-45 minutes.

8. Serve and enjoy.

Tip:
I personally like to store the oatmeal in plastic containers in the fridge, so when I wake up in the A.M. my breakfast is ready to go!

This makes about 4 servings estimated about 250 calories/ serving.
You can enjoy as is or as I like to top with a little fat free greek yogurt:)
This recipe is so delicious I think everyone who tries it will enojoy! Hearty, comforting, sweet, light, and healthy all in one (who knew it was possible?)!!

Yoga- Mind and Body

Yoga is a discipline I have been practicing for quite a while now. I have been going on and off for about 6 years or so and feel it is important for me to address my reasoning behind going, and why you should think about trying out a class. Yoga involves exercise, breathing, and meditation. Yoga helps with flexibility, with posture, it also stresses your muscles/tissues/ligaments to build strength. One misconception I believe many people have when starting yoga, is that they can do yoga a couple times a week and that's it for exercise. Cardiovascular exercise as well as resistance training should also be incorporated. I find yoga helps me stay "one" with my body, and helps me more with my mental health. Yoga continues to keep challenging my mind, no matter how often I have gone. I realize when I am going to yoga more often, that I am way less stressed and tense. I look at life more optimistically, and feel more confident in myself to achieve my goals. I can make this post incredibly long and go on for days expressing why you should do yoga, but I'm not going to. I challenge you to go to a yoga class this week. Try a simple Hatha or beginner yoga class, and keep your mind open to new things and try to really calm your thoughts. It will be a challenge, and almost frustrating at times but remember this is different than being good at sports or other recreational activities. Try it out and let me know what you think!

Fit tip:
Make a date out of it:
-I usually go Wednesday mornings with my friend Maggie, we get coffee after and we feel it starts off our mornings right!
-My parents go together Friday nights. After yoga they go out and pick up their favorite treat meal (Chinese food).

What Are YOU Going To Make of Your Summer?

AHHHHHH, school's out and we are are going to have a little more free time on our hands. Today I went to work, came home and realized wow I have no studying or homework (this is an amazing feeling). Then the list of things I should do came in to my head starting with thank you cards, laundry, dishes, cleaning my room/the apt, getting gas, washing my car, going to the gym, the grocery store, the mall to return something, and the list goes on. At this point I noticed that no matter how busy we are or aren't, there are always things to fill up our time. This is one reason it is hard for me to listen to people say they don't have time for the gym. It is probably because on that list of things we need to do, it isn't one of their top priorities. For me it is high up on that list, because knowing myself I truly wouldn't be motivated to do any of the other things without it. Going to the gym gets me going and keeps my days on a little schedule which I love. Now, this brings up the topic of summer and what YOU are going to make of yours.
Take time to yourself, alone. It may be uncomfortable at first, but take time to just chill and ponder. Go on a walk or grab a coffee and really decide what you want your summer to be like and more importantly why. You can make it whatever you want it to be, if you want to feel healthier and change your life. YOU CAN. If you want to let loose because you haven't had a true break, YOU SHOULD. Everyone needs different things at different times to feel the best about themselves. This summer take time for yourself, and get done the things that make you feel amazing!

Thea's Tips on Getting and Staying Motivated

I think everyone I have ever spoken to has wanted to start something, and they go in to it full force. They are so motivated to succeed, that they don't look back. Day by day things begin to get a little harder, and you have to jump over some unpredicted obstacles. This is where many lose sight of their goal and lack motivation to keep pushing forward. Sometimes this can set us back, and for some this can REALLY set us back and we give up.
I see fitness/eating clean as a lifestyle. Of course it sounds amazing to lose 10 pounds in 4 weeks, but is that always realistic? Beginning to feel amazing about yourself starts with simply being in touch with your body. Having a mind/body connection is EXTREMELY important. If you are in touch with yourself, which DOESN'T HAPPEN OVERNIGHT (takes lots of time alone with yourself and exploring your fears, doubts, insecurities, wants, needs, desires) you should be able to know when you need to turn your motivation up a notch or two.
I personally go up and down on a regular basis with motivation. I will be extremely motivated to reach a specific goal, say eating clean and not having a treat for two weeks (just to see if I can). I have done this before and failed, but what I have learned is to CHANGE the goal I had. Don't get rid of a goal, because you are disappointed you didn't reach it. Simply change it and continue trekking. In that specific situation I had my treat (wasn't listening to my mind body connection, as it was probably an emotional or stress treat) and I decided to go until the end of the week without another.
My treats are now planned, and I don't like setting myself up for failure with goals like these. NOW I simply try to stay on track with my goals, but if I slip up it's not a big deal because this is a life journey. One treat won't kill me. Numerous treats on a regular basis will.
Getting to the gym is another thing tough for many. Some people literally need to wake up and get it out of the way or else they will find other things to do, be too tired, or just get lazy. This is great to get it done in the am. I personally go after class or work. I have my gym bag packed so I can't go home and be comfortable. It works for me.
Some other tips for motivation is reading motivational articles. I like Oxygen magazine, M&F magazine, and Clean Eating Magazine. These keep me excited and eager to keep doing the things that make me feel good.
At the end of the day I am motivated to simply be happy. I am most happy when I am in touch with my emotions, body, my food, and always working to be better.
I hope this helps<3 Now, go do the things that make you feel great, I promise you will NEVER regret it.

Thea's Roasted Pepper and Artichoke Hummus

Thea's Roasted Pepper and Artichoke Hummus

1 Can unsalted garbonzo beans (rinsed and drained)
2 Tbsp. Tahini
1/2 Can artichoke hearts in water (rinsed and drained)
1/2 Jar roasted red pepper in water (rinsed and drained)
1 1/2 tbsp olive oil
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Pepper

Educate Yourself

I was in the car talking with my great friend Maggie today, and we started talking about clean eating. We both enjoy being active whether it be going to yoga, hiking, the gym, running, or even something as simple as walk. Both of us really enjoy cooking at the same time and send each other picture messages of our creations(she takes some BOMB pics). As we were hanging out and talking today, we began talking about how so many girls we know are on fad diets. I know I have ranted and blogged about this before, but the topic keeps coming up. Paleo, low-carb, no-carb, liquid, quick-trim, slim-fast, low-calorie, protein only, juice only.... etc. These are all portrayed by the media to the MASSES so we fall for their tricks and give them our $$$. The thing is they don't deserve it, and they are the people I blame for our society having body issues and disordered eating. It is time to stop asking around, wondering, and stop thinking you are making a healthier choice when ordering a salad at a fast food restaurant. IT IS TIME TO WAKE UP. I lost weight ALL ON MY OWN. I am not going to sugar coat it (no pun intended), but it was FRIGGIN HARD! People gave me a hard time for not wanting to drink as often as they (oh wait they still do give me a hard time), people want you to eat what they are eating so they don't feel as guilty about eating it, people don't want you to be interested in different things, because they don't want you to stop hanging out with them. NEWSFLASH you will be a better person and more fun person to be around if you are happy and confident.
Take the time to go online and seriously RESEARCH the sh** out of living a healthier lifestyle. KNOW WHERE YOUR FOOD IS COMING FROM. Shop locally, food tastes AMAZING fresh! Realize that a bean and cheese burrito is still bad for you even if its low in calories. (UNLESS YOU MADE IT AT HOME WITH A CORN OR WHOLE WHEAT TORTILLA, UNSALTED WHOLE BLACK OR PINTO BEANS, AND LOW FAT CHEESE). Also realize 100 calorie packs, are BAD for you the only difference is you are only eating 100 empty calories with no nutritional value rather than what would be in a bigger package. Some more things to educate yourself on is INGREDIENTS. If you can't pronounce what's in your food, do you think your body will recognize it and use it as fuel; doubt it! Time to stop making excuses for ourselves to eat bad and be unhappy.

Take your life in to your own hands, there aren't quick fixes. Time to educate yourself, and change your lifestyle.

THE BEST PART IS, I KNOW YOU HAVE IT IN YOU TO DO IT:)

Thea's Tips to Switch Up Your Salad

I love salad! I just realized I haven't been eating it lately, because I got bored with my regular old salad. Today I changed it up.
Instead of romaine lettuce (delicious) I decided to try kale, and spinach leaves. I chopped them up finely so they would be easier to nom on! I threw in some grilled chicken breast, some carrots, avocado, red onion, tomato, and last but not least today I added.....DRUMROLLLLLLLLLLL........... a broken up unsalted RICE CAKE!!! Mmmmm top that with some balsamic vinegar and I was in heaven. The rice cake made it sort of like croutons on my salad (without the guilt and excess empty calories).

Some other tips to change up your salad.
-Add sliced fruit
-Add some unsalted nuts or seeds ( I like pepitas, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, sliced almonds, or walnuts)
-Add salsa or lemon juice instead of dressing
-Add chickpeas, or black beans for some added energy
-I love the mixture of chopped dates and avocado (no dressing needed)
-Fat free feta cheese (if you must add cheese, but not necessary at all)

Hope these tips help:) Now feast away on a BIG healthy salad!

Thea's Cinco De Mayo Mexican Style Hummus Dip

I am someone who loves salsa! BUT usually I don't want to fill myself up on chips before I eat a meal (because when it comes to chips I won't stop eating them, so I try to ignore them all together). I usually find veggies to dip in salsa, but the salsa doesn't stick to the veggies:( I decided to make a hummus, with the mexican inspired flavors.

Thea's Cinco De Mayo Mexican Style Hummus Dip
Ingredients:
1 Can garbonzo beans (rinsed and drained)
1 1/2 Tbsp. Organic Tahini
Juice of one lime
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1 tsp. cumin
1/5 Red onion
1 Jalapeno
1 Tbsp. Olive oil

1. In a food processor or blender add garbonzo beans, chopped and diced onion, chopped and diced jalapeno, juice of lime and lemon, olive oil, tahini, and cumin.
2. I blended it on puree. It took about 4 minutes.
3. Put in dipping bowl and serve with fresh veggies.

You can even spread this on toast, sandwiches, tortillas, rice cakes, on your chicken, egg whites; whatever your little heart desires!

Thea's Clean Eating Cinco De Mayo Shrimp Ceviche

AIIIAIIIAIIIAIIII! Time to celebrate! Cinco de mayo is here, and I think we should all enjoy some yummy nom nom's! I made a SUPER healthy ceviche that took literally less than 4 minutes. Time to let loose a little, have a skinny margarita and enjoy your friends!

Thea's Clean Eating Cinco De Mayo Shrimp Ceviche

Ingredients:
1 lb cooked shrimp
1 avocado
1/4 large red onion
1 jalapeno
bunch of cilantro
Fresh cut lime(use juice)

Chop up all the ingredients and mix in a bowl! BINGO!

I eat this just as is with a fork, but you can eat it with some baked unsalted blue corn tortilla chips. You can even throw it on a whole wheat low carb tortilla (la tortilla factory), or or fresh corn tortillas.

"Weight loss should be the result of a goal, not the goal itself"

"Weight loss should be the result of a goal, not the goal itself"

I read this quote today, and it really hit a spot for me. After I lost weight, people began coming up to me all the time and asked what kind of diet I was on or what fad helped me lose the weight. I intended to lose weight, but my ultimate goal was to live a healthier lifestyle and to be happy. When I was carrying extra weight, I wasn't happy with myself, or the way my life was headed. I made it a goal to get my life back on track and "do me". Not worry about what other people think, and put myself first for once. I lost weight as a result of changing my habits. Less drinking, more working out, and clean eating. I started reading more, doing yoga from time to time, cooking up a storm in the kitchen, and doing other things that make me feel good about myself.
On a regular basis I hear both men and women throw out the word diet. Diet with weight loss in mind. The thing about the word diet is there are so many, and people throw the word around too lightly.
I am a server at a restaurant, and I can't tell you how many people say "well i shouldn't I am on a diet" or " I can't have that I'm on a diet". These choices shouldn't be because you are on some diet. These should just be the healthy choices you like making. Who needs tons of cheese and tortilla chips on your salad anyways?
Going on a diet to lose weight won't make you happy. What is your goal? Weight loss.. Why? AND what will you do once you hit that goal. If you are on a diet to lose 5 lbs and you lose it, most likely you will go back to your old habits and gain it back.
Instead set goals that are for the long run ie. being more active, living a healthier lifestyle, or building muscle. These goals never have an end point. They are constantly there throughout your life. If you continue to work towards them, you will probably be at a comfortable weight and feel AMAZING.
I have found that people who constantly diet, or try different fads don't last. These should be lifestyle changes and I promise you if you switch to a healthier lifestyle you will feel amazing in your skin!

What I Ate Today

I get questions on what I eat each day, so I decided it could be useful to see an example day. If you follow my blog, you know that I eat 5-6 meals a day and eat every 2 1/2-3 hours. When you take a look, I hope you notice a few things. Heavier carbohydrates (oatmeal, banana) were eaten earlier in the day because they are slower burning and don't spike your blood sugar. This regulates your metabolism and keeps you in the "fat burning" zone throughout the day. Also notice I eat protein with every meal. As much as I am working out, I am breaking down muscle tissue and need to repair it with eating a lot of protein. I also am getting in healthy fats each day (nuts, seeds, etc.). Vegetables need to be eaten at least 3 times a day in my opinion. I also try to not use too many heavy sauces, and if things taste bland I will add balsamic vinegar or mustard.
Today I had very limited options (I am moving this week and all of my food is in a mini fridge shared with my roommate). I am stuck with little options, but made it work and still packed all my meals for when I was out and about today. If I can do this YOU CAN TOO! It takes prep time, but when you have food packed and don't have to go on the hunt for something healthy it just feels great! Everyday working towards my goals. Eating like this is a part of my lifestyle, and I enjoy the way I feel when I am living it like this:)

Sample Day
What I ate Thursday April 28, 2011

Meal 1: 6am
Cup of COFFEE!!!!!!!!!!!
1/2 C. oats
5 Egg whites
6 Strawberries
1 Tbsp flaxseed meal
Cinnamon

Meal 2:
Protein drink with water
Banana

Meal 3:
Big salad-
Romaine lettuce
Sliced tomato
Green bell pepper
4 oz. Extra lean ground turkey
1.5 Tbsp balsamic vinegar

Meal 4: 3:00pm
5 egg whites
Kale
Asparagus spears

Meal 5: 6:00 pm
4 oz. extra lean ground turkey
Steamed broccoli (about 1 1/2 c.)
Some walnuts and almonds (small handful)
Some mustard (maybe 1/2 tbsp)

Meal 6: 9:00 pm
Protein drink with water

ALSO: I make sure to drink about a gallon of water a day!