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Category Archives: Health & Fitness
Summer Eats
{pasta caprese, recipe here} {roasted asparagus with sea salt, source} {pita pizza, source} {creamless tomato soup, recipe here} {lemon orzo salad with tomato and asparagus, recipe here} {tomato basil, recipe here} The minute the weather begins to warm up I instantly think to stock up on fruit and veggies. Knowing I’ll be in a bikini and short shorts means lighter and fresher eating! These recipes scream summer don’t they? So pretty, so fresh, and so perfect for those warm nights. Think I might try the orzo recipe first! What are your favs for summer?
Workout Update
I was supposed to post pictures a while ago, but never got around to it (I know, boo!). After almost 3 months of training hard, my body is slowly but surely changing. By centering our workouts around gaining the energy systems (strength, speed, power, endurance), I’ve noticed a huge change in my energy throughout the day =) We’ve recently incorporated weekly track days to our workout regimen and while on our staycation we did a bit of improvising and took it to a dog park/school down the street. Track Days: Doing the following in 100 meter increments: jumping, sprinting, lunging, and what I like to call, walking like a dinosaur (getting really low, with chest out).- if you ever want to lift your tush, these are the exercises, so sore! The bf has been a bit obsessed with headstands and handstands, so, we’ve also incorporated the practice of our yoga moves. p.s. having a partner truly takes your workout up a notch!
Spring into the Gym
Now that spring is here, I’m sure we’re all cleaning out our wardrobes to make space for the more floral, lace, bright, white pieces. As I’m throwing my coats and boots into bins to make room for my wedges and light cardigans, I’m also making way for spring-like workout attire. Of all things in my wardrobe, my workout clothes definitely take a back seat (which I’m not proud of). With that being said, I’ve compiled some workout items I’ve been craving; (I clearly have a theme here) the color is perfect for the nicer weather, obsessed with the striped reversible hoodie from lulu and my love affair with the Nike capris go on; they give you room to breathe but are thick enough for those cold morning runs. Does your workout wardrobe go through spring cleaning? Nike Featherlight hat Lululemon Aura Jacket Nike Lunar Eclipse running shoes Lululemon Align Ultra mat Athleta Switch Back Tank Athleta Braided Headband Nike Tech running capris Shape Magazine Old Navy yoga capris Old Navy print running tank
Posted in Fashion, Health & Fitness
Tagged fitness, gym clothes, lululemon, workout clothes
2 Comments
Wheat-Free all Week
Did you know we can become sensitive to foods we’ve been eating since the age of 5? Not to get too technical, but yes, we can develop intolerances to foods we consume too often. When we become intolerant to certain foods, a delayed immune response occurs in the the body; a slowdown to the metabolism, interference with the absorption of nutrients, and a negative effect on our digestive organs, booooo! I developed a wheat allergy back in 2006. Let’s face it, wheat is in everything we eat. And before I became a vegetarian and then vegan, my diet was horrible, I ate everything processed (read more here). My intolerance is not as severe as celiacs or a gluten free diet, but it develops when I consume too much wheat in my normal everyday life… it comes and goes. Being a vegan I eat a ton of veggies and try to stay away from processed foods, but sometimes I catch myself eating way too much wheat; bagels, and pizza, etc. So this brings me to this week: I ate way too much wheat in the last couple of weeks and now I have skin irritation along my torso, blah. I caught it early, so to help subside the effects, I’ve been eating wheat-free all week. Other than the fact I crave bread always, eating wheat free isn’t too hard and is very similar to my vegan diet. Here are some of the things I’ve been consuming… {sauteed broccolini with garlic, chili flakes, salt, pepper} {strawberry banana smoothie} {brown rice pomodora with veggies. recipe to come} {peanut butter with celery for an afternoon snack} Have a wheat allergy? What are your go-to staples?
Posted in Health & Fitness, Vegan
Tagged gluten intolerant, vegan, vegan foods, wheat-free
3 Comments
Workout Update
{via: thingsorganizedneatly} Fitness weekly yoga classes lots of strength and endurance exercises (power and speed exercises will be incorporated later). For strength think slowing down and flexing your whole body throughout the whole rep and for endurance think normal/rhythmic pace and snapping or pushing out at the end of the rep. soccer starts in the next couple of weeks still trying to get to the lap pool went on a 17-22 mile bike ride working on my tennis game… hoping to start doubles soon. What am I eating? I haven’t really made any huge changes – still eating vegan and real foods. Weekly Staples: lots of brown rice and veggies tacos- black beans, veggies, guacamole sautéed broccolini (garlic, olive oil, red peppers, salt, pepper) trying to pack in as much fruit as possible… it’s a huge staple during the summer when everything is readily available, but tougher for me during the winter months. Snacks: apples and peanut butter pumpkin seeds/nuts dried fruit bars (unsweetened) Nature’s Path Organic Peanut Choco granola bars baked chips or corn chips vegan cookies from Whole Foods or Peete’s Coffee (once a week) Overall, I feel great. My flexibility and balance has improved tremendously, my legs are gaining strength (they feel so much better when I run), and my core is getting stronger! I will post a picture at week 6, stay tuned =) p.s. having a workout partner makes a huge difference. Yay, it’s Thursday ♥
Working it Out
Just signed up with dailymile to help keep me motivated, to share my workouts, and be among a community that is dedicated to fitness! Dailymile is a social training log for athletes, runners cyclist, and triathletes; think Facebook for training. My lastest workout will be featured in the widget to the right (follow the arrow) and if you click on the link you can view my workouts for the week. Feel free to leave me comments, questions, or any motivating notes Find training partners in your area and learn about local events, routes, and groups. Whether you love to workout or just started a new year’s resolution, come join the community, “add” me as a friend, and let’s keep each other up-to-date! p.s. There’s an “app for that.” Electric Mile is the app version of dailymile and allows you to keep up on-the-go, heeyyyoooo! To find me, search my name, Crystalin An.
New Kind of Workout
Nike Urban Yogi Knit Women’s Yoga Pants $50, Lululemon Wunder Under Crop Organic $68, Nike Free Run Minimal Running Shoe $85. I’m never one to make new year’s resolutions, however, I did mention here I would make some adjustments to my workout routine. I’ve been working out ever since my soccer days came to a halt circa 2005, so that makes it about 6 years now. During these 6 years I’ve altered my workout regiment twice, yup, only TWICE! I’ve definitely been at a stand still with my results, but never had the motivation to take the next step… Until now! New year, new workouts. I will be incorporating more teams sports and activities, while also getting one-on-one assistance from former trainer and live in bf! My goal: buff arms à la Kelly Ripa! I’ll be doing exercises based on Homeostatic Dynamic Augmentation (HDA). This type of training founded here uses the concept of energy systems that the human body naturally possesses; Strength, Speed, Power, and Endurance. .. it’s the type of training where the sorest day is the 2nd or 3rd day. My body is already in complete shock, I haven’t been this sore since double days in college! I will keep you posted on what I’m eating, what I’m doing, and my results. Stay tuned… ♥ Are you doing any fun new workouts for the new year?
Happy Earth Day!
Come one, come all. Today we are celebrating the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, a day sought out and designed to inspire awareness and appreciation of the Earth’s environment. Although we should be conserving and taking care of our planet everyday, sometimes we fall of the wagon… and by we I can definitely speak for myself. Today is the perfect day to stop and think… smell the roses, breathe in the air, and see this earth as a living creature rather than just somewhere we live. For me this day is just a reminder of the contributions I’ve been making to help keep this planet alive and well; a reminder of what this planet is and what it provides for us : water, shelter, food, homes, pictures, family, life… I can’t tell you how much we (I) take this planet earth for granted. Today, I will rededicate myself to improving this planet, that I’ve been so graciously placed, and do my part to take of her. I will: 1. Stop and think about where I’m throwing my garbage. 2. Recycle more often (create cute bins during craft time). 3. Completely do away with plastic bottles and actually buy a water bottle (this has been on my to-do list for a year now). 4. Use less paper napkins. 5. Walk more, drive less (No excuse now that I live in a city). 6. Eat more locally grown meals, shop farmer’s markets, and BYOB. 7. Live.learn.eat.breathe. sustainability. Happy Earth Day! Do your part folks. Us together can make a difference.
Posted in Health & Fitness
Tagged 40th anniversary of Earth Day, conserve, Earth day, earth day 2010
2 Comments
Food Revolution
“I believe that every child in America has the right to fresh, nutritious school meals, and that every family deserves real, honest, wholesome food. Too many people are being affected by what they eat. It’s time for a national revolution. America needs to stand up for better food!”- Jamie Oliver If you own a TV, you probably have seen commercials about Jamie Oliver’s new TV series, Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution. The season premiere will air tonight at 9pm EST on ABC and continue on until April 23rd.. (I hope it’s set to record). I truly believe everyone should catch a glimpse of this “shocking” realization that Mr. Oliver is about to unfold. The series was filmed in Huntington, West Virginia, and documents how families eat, what kids are offered at school and why, and how these processed foods and snacks are causing many health and obesity problems. Jamie’s challenge was to see if he could get a whole community cooking again, reconnect with their food, and change the way they eat. Click here to watch Food Revolution trailer. I am so grateful that people like Jamie Oliver are in this world! Here is one of the few brave soles willing to take on all the doubters (almost everyone) and demonstrate on a national level the reality of the American food system. Obviously, I wouldn’t pass up the opportunity to step-up on my soap box and say a little of my peace. Any time the issue of food and health get national air time, I’m all about it! I have been in many debates and conversations about the relationship between food and your health and we all know how I feel, but it’s a huge step to see this issue be tackled on a larger scale. The American food systems needs change and this is another example of how we can get there; thank you Jamie! I just signed Jamie Oliver’s Petition to save cooking skills and improve school food. Jamie would like to take his Petition to The White House after the TV series airs, to show The President and First Lady how many people across the country really care about this and ask for their support. Right now we are at 62,099 signed petitions! Click here to make a difference! What are your thoughts?
Posted in Health & Fitness
Tagged Jamie Oliver, Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution, Jamie Oliver's Petition
2 Comments
Gym Time
So, when you move to a new city, your most likely going to join a new gym… well at least not if your a member at 24 Hour Fitness (apparently they have 100 in every town). Me, I’ve been a member at Bally’s Total Fitness for about 4 years now and have been pretty pleased with my whole experience (with an exception of one minor/major mishap). So, as I made the move up to the City, I was hoping I could keep my membership and simply make the transition to a new facility. Well, there’s no such thing as Bally’s San Francisco… well I think there may be, but its super far. This brings me to this past Monday; my first trip to a 24 Hour Fitness. Yes, I am becoming a member of this so called dreaded gym… I headed down to the one on Buchanan which is a small one, but decided smaller is better when getting situated. Not too sure how I felt about my experience… Good thing was that it was pretty clean, bad thing, everyone is so young and male. I guess I’m not used to working out around mid 20′s early 30 year old men. It’s hard to go from a comfortable setting in an uncomfortable situation of sweat, spandex, and basketball shorts, to an even more awkward setting of being unfamiliar with the set up, being a new face, and having everyone stare at you as the sales rep takes you on a “tour.” AAAAHHH I guess I’ll just have to deal. The one positive is that, since there are a lot of cute, in shape mid 20′s female and males, I can push myself a little harder and pick up some new workout gear Good place for cheap work out duds: Old Navy- really love their fleeces and great deals on tanks. Nordstrom Rack- great for nike shorts, sports bras, and yoga pants. Gap- Go through the sales rack, you can find great deals on yoga pants, and tanks.
Posted in Health & Fitness
Tagged 24 hour fitness, bally total fitness, gym, sports bra, workout, workout gear, yoga pants
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