San Antonio

So I'm in San Antonio!!! I got to come down here for a conference and it's been such a great couple of days. I flew out early Thursday morning and I'm here until Monday! How exciting is that?!

I'm loving the river walk, connecting with old friends and meeting new ones, and (oh!), the food. simply. spectacular. Often on trips I don't much because I get busy and my eating schedule gets all messed up, but I don't really care because it's just for a couple of days and I am doing my best to maximize EVERY opportunity while I'm here! But, at least this time-- I've gotten to experience some amazing dishes. Take a look at these beautiful dishes from a cute little restaurant along the river:

This is made from yellow tomatoes, avocados and bell peppers, and it had a knock-your-socks off cumin dressing. So yummy! I'm going to have to give this one a try at home!!! 

And, then this was some tasty salmon and cornbread. Very good.

Oh, and this picture... well, I just had to throw it in for fun because they're bikers in it! Whoo-hoo!!! Yay for physical exertion!!!

Yeah, it's Saturday!

Normally, weekends are opportunities to catch up on some much needed sleep. This morning, however, I woke up rather early (for a Saturday-- hey, everything's relative right?) with my mind racing. I have so many projects going on in my life, so much I want to do and accomplish and things that I'm involved in that my mind was pumping my body to just jump up and face the day! 

Could my excitement possibly have anything to do with my new running blog and such an overwhelming response in just it's first three days of launching? I think so!

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I made myself a cucumber/tomato drink this morning. A delicious combination that is both hydrating and refreshing, you instantly feel rejuvenated. Cucumbers and tomatoes are also really, really good for your skin-- listen up ladies! Summer is just around the corner and it's a great opportunity to get ready to meet the sun!!!

Recipe: Guilt-Free Brownies! {Flop Story}

So I was in a chocolate mood today and wanted to satisfy my sweet tooth without getting anywhere near  bad ingredients (i.e: white sugar, high fructose corn syrup, etc) that sabotage human bodies and the high-calories that always accompany those really, really good desserts. Brilliant idea, I thought, let's make a healthy version!

As delicious as these may look, they weren't. I'll spare you the recipe. They turned out rather rubbery, and tasting sort of like black beans... I wonder why? LOL So go ahead, indulge in a good hearty laugh-- I have!!!

Sick Day

I woke up last night (about 1am) with the left side of my throat inflamed, making it painful to swallow. "Uh-oh", I thought, "better try to nip this one in the bud" so I pulled my tired body from it's comfy bed and made the trek downstairs to find some medicine. I also gurgled with Bragg's apple cider vinegar to kill any infection-- not fun. After taking a large dose of vitamin C and NyQuil (so grateful for this drug!) I was able to sleep. 

{Fresh carrot juice-- one of the most powerful juices for almost every aliment!}

After getting up this morning, I did some business work from my computer, did a little house cleaning and then went back to bed for another 1 1/2 hrs as I was thoroughly exhausted and could barely keep my eyes open. Rest is the best thing though and I'm grateful the day allowed for this (they'll be some catching up tomorrow!)

I'm doing a partial fast today to assist my body in the healing process. Thus far, I've had wheat grass, carrot and spinach juice. They don't taste that bad, I promise! Part of what helps with the taste is knowing that what your doing is helping, not harming, your body.

One of the benefits of fasting during sickness is it allows your body to put all of it's energy into the healing process instead of digesting the food you just ate. Typically, juice fasting is not a pleasant experience for me but I honestly haven't felt like eating much of anything today. I'll probably continue the juice fast until supper and then eat fresh fruits and vegetables. We'll see what I feel like... 

I was hoping to run today, but had to scratched that plan. On more than several occasions I've made the mistake of working out when I felt sick, thinking I'd be fine, and it only prolonged the "feel bad phase". I know it works for some people to just sweat it out, but not me-- wish it did though. Planning to be back in the game tomorrow! I'm dying to go for a run!!!

A Running Start!

Welcome to my health and fitness blog! I'm a relatively new runner, but a food fanatic! Join the journey as I push my body harder and fuel it with beautiful, yummy and nourishing dishes. After all muscles are made in the kitchen and you can't have one without the other.

I'm dedicating this blog to FOOD and FITNESS.... soooo that's what tha posts will be on--- I do have another life but I'm leaving it off this blog. Thanks for understanding!

I already have two races under my belt and I am hooked. My first was a local 5K and my second just this last weekend -- The Krispy Kreme Challenge! A 5 mile race which I got pretty good time on thanks to some fit friends who pushed me across the finish line. We came in the last 700s to early 800s out of 7,700 runners. I'm looking into what I want to do next... news coming soon!

Okay, so onto today. This was my breakfast this morning... So refreshing and a great way to kick start the day!

I've been making smoothies for so long recipes seem to have gone out the window. I have a morning routine, but we were out my favorite raw protein drink so I got to be creative. It's always fun to switch things up a bit!

Here's what went into this delicious shake:

• 6-8oz water
• 2-3 tablespoons Irish moss (so good for you!)
• teaspoon raw cacao powder 
• scoop of organic raw protein powder 
• 6-8 drops chocolate stevia (yummy! I have a BIG sweet tooth)
• 1/3 cup frozen berry medley
• sprinkle of chia seeds
• and, TONS of ice-- thick and creamy is the my favorite!

A shot of the Irish moss... It a great way to give your smoothie substance (acts as a thickener) if you're trying to cut back on the calories and want to use water instead of milk.

And... the final product!

But, in case your wondering... There was great temptation this morning! I have three sisters who are simply amazing in the kitchen. You say "hungry" and they whip up incredible dishes like this one!

Although these wonderful pancakes are made with whole wheat flour and they're the "best of the better" I still decided to forgo. This is a weekend treat for me-- NOT something I need to let myself have during the week. Once I start making exceptions it's hard for me to stop!

For physical exercise, I did:

• 15 min stretching (ooh, this felt so good!) 
• 20 minute FIRM workout, sculpt
• 10 min upper body free-weight lifting (3, 8 & 12 lb weights)

Working out makes me feel so good, invigorates me and helps with life perspective. I feel that if I can do hard things in my workouts it helps me face the challenges everyday life presents. 

Some sweet friends from church grew these gorgeous root vegetables in their garden! So this morning I got in the kitchen and made a delicious pot of mashed turnips for my family. Since this was fresh on hand, I had a serving for lunch; Coupled this with a large serving of sweet, purple grapes and I was happy! Healthy and low-calories to boot. My style.

Mashed turnips recipe: I lightly salted a pot of water with Himalayan salt and set it to bowl. Chopped up 8-10 large turnips and added to the boiling pot. You'll need to cook the turnips for 15-20 min or until soft. Drain water. Add butter, cream cheese, pepper and parsley to taste, and if extra moisture is needed you can add AlmondMilk (I probably used about a cup). This makes for an awesome dish folks!

Dinner was incredible. I wish I had a picture of the outside of this restaurant to give the feel, but it's a really nice one here in Fayetteville-- one of my favorites! It was a family get-together celebration for my aunt's birthday. I thoroughly enjoyed the meal, and the wonderful fellowship!!! The salad bar came with my entree and I loaded it with boiled eggs and olives, two of my favorites!

The main meal in and of itself was enough to feed me for two meals, and it was only once it was half eaten did I remember to take a picture... so here you are! That's real life, right?

Thank you for reading! And, welcome to the first of many posts!