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Foodie Loves Fitness

Sharing my passion for living a healthy & happy life

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Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Weekend 2016: Hiking Iron Mt, Relaxing & Feeling Grateful!

"Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace and gratitude." - D. Waitley If you're in America or Canada, I hope that you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I also hope that your weekends were full of fun and relaxation like mine was! Today I'm backing it up to the start of my glorious 4-day weekend. We decided to stay in town for the long weekend. My hubby had off for the week from his MBA schooling, so with little work on our agendas, we were free to do whatever we wanted! On Thanksgiving I love to do an outdoor workout with my little family before the holiday festivities. By going hiking, we all get a workout in and get to enjoy the outdoors together! This year we elected to head to ... [Read More]

November 28, 2016 12:28 pm foodielovesfitness 11 Comments Filed Under: Harley, Hiking, Holidays, San Diego, Weekend Recaps

20 Vegetarian Thanksgiving Recipe Ideas

I can't believe how fast 2015 is speeding by! Can you believe that we're only a few weeks away from December? Before we know it everything will be decked out for the holidays, and I can't wait! I love Christmastime so much. But us Americans can't get all excited about the upcoming December holiday festivities before first celebrating Thanksgiving. I know that some people are completely on top of it when it comes to recipe planning for holidays, while others wait until the last minute. I'm somewhere in between the two, and I usually start seriously planning dishes for a holiday a week or two before it happens. So, today seems like the perfect timing to share some vegetarian Thanksgiving recipe ideas for those of you who fall into the latter categories of holiday meal planners. ... [Read More]

November 18, 2015 5:30 am foodielovesfitness 10 Comments Filed Under: Holidays, Recipes

Currently Loving | Thanksgiving Edition

Hi friends! Are my American readers excited for Thanksgiving? I have some fun plans lined up and am very much looking forward to them! And a 4-day weekend?! Weeeee! I have a few things on my to-do list, including studying for and taking my final exam for my nutrition school and painting my backyard fence with my hubby, and I'm definitely happy that I don't have to cram things into 2 days. Instead I have 4 glorious days to both relax & enjoy life and be productive! In the spirit of Thanksgiving and acknowledging the things big and small that we're grateful for, today I'm doing a post about stuff I'm currently loving. Let's get to it: Pumpkin Pancakes - Naturally I'm starting off with food! Autumn is the time for all things pumpkin, and lately I've been into pumpkin pancakes - ... [Read More]

November 26, 2014 8:27 am foodielovesfitness 14 Comments Filed Under: Harley, San Diego

Thanksgiving in San Diego

Hi friends! I hope that all of you in the U.S. had a great Thanksgiving! I got back from San Diego late last night and had an awesome trip. I took a hiatus from my computer pretty much the whole time I was there, which was a nice change since I'm on my computer so much between work, blogging and personal use. But I missed you all! Let's recap my Thanksgiving weekend highlights and how it all reminded me of how blessed I am: There was a big hair change.... I chopped it off the first night I was in SoCal! My hair had gotten too long and I wanted to get a cut, so I decided that I mine as well really cut it and donate it to a good cause. I chopped it off a few years ago and donated it, and my hair tends to grow back quickly -- I thank all of the fruits and veggies I eat for ... [Read More]

December 1, 2013 11:53 am foodielovesfitness 10 Comments Filed Under: Holidays, San Diego, Travel

Camping in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, Julian

This long weekend has been so much fun thus far, and it's only Saturday evening! Let's rewind: I knew I wanted to get some exercise in on Thursday before all of the holiday excitement, so Adam and I took Harley for a hike in the morning. I also did some strength training and yoga, then got ready for ''Friendsgiving" at our friends Tiffany and Jeff's house. I brought these goodies to the party with me... (recipe here) Usually on Thanksgiving Adam and I do our own thing since we live so far away from our families. It was really nice to go to our friends' house for a big celebration. Once we got there, I was in a total relaxed holiday mode. I pretty much forgot to snap any pictures, except for the shots I got of the adorable table setup. Tiffany did a great job of putting ... [Read More]

November 24, 2012 6:19 pm foodielovesfitness 2 Comments Filed Under: Dogs, Harley, Holidays, Travel

Let Us Be Thankful: Thanksgiving Quotes

I hope that you all have kicked off your (hopefully long) Thanksgiving weekend well and are looking forward to the next couple of days -- I know I have & I am! Thanksgiving really kicks off the holiday season, propelling me into a December delirium of happiness and busyness. Amidst all of the parties, presents, tree lightings, endless sounds of Christmas music and holiday shopping commercials, and everything that comes along with the holiday season, I think it's important to remember the true meaning of it all. Thanksgiving typically centers around lots of food, football, drinks, and fun with loved ones, but celebrating the holiday is really about acknowledging all of the things in your life that you're thankful for. I have a laundry list of wonderful people and things to be grateful ... [Read More]

November 21, 2012 10:03 pm foodielovesfitness 1 Comment Filed Under: Holidays, Quotes

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Welcome to my blog!

I'm Nicole, and I’m passionate about all things food, fitness and healthy living. I'm a toddler mom, certified health coach, freelance writer, and long-time health nut. Here I share my vegetarian recipes, workouts, fitness trends, travel adventures, and motherhood & health musings. Read more about me…

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The Latest on Instagram

What can I say, my girl likes her elbow room! 😂

The backstory to this is that my daughter and I flew cross-country last week, and when a stranger sat down next to her in our row, she stared her down and genuinely whispered to me, “Why is that woman in our seat??” My husband usually travels with us, so she’s not used to random people in her space on planes… 😆

On the way home we got lucky when our random row mate moving to an empty row! 

#relatable #kidswhotravel #travelgram #momlife #girlmom #travelwithkids #airplanemode
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What can I say, my girl likes her elbow room! 😂 The backstory to this is that my daughter and I flew cross-country last week, and when a stranger sat down next to her in our row, she stared her down and genuinely whispered to me, “Why is that woman in our seat??” My husband usually travels with us, so she’s not used to random people in her space on planes… 😆 On the way home we got lucky when our random row mate moving to an empty row! #relatable #kidswhotravel #travelgram #momlife #girlmom #travelwithkids #airplanemode
4 days ago
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1/9
📍The Living Desert Zoo in Palm Springs is such a charming place to spend an afternoon! At this conservation-focused zoo, we loved all of their animatronic displays & children’s play + learning spaces — and a highlight of the day was definitely getting to feed the giraffes! 🦒

#palmsprings #animallovers #giraffes #kidswhoexplore #familytravel #roadtrip #californiatravel
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📍The Living Desert Zoo in Palm Springs is such a charming place to spend an afternoon! At this conservation-focused zoo, we loved all of their animatronic displays & children’s play + learning spaces — and a highlight of the day was definitely getting to feed the giraffes! 🦒 #palmsprings #animallovers #giraffes #kidswhoexplore #familytravel #roadtrip #californiatravel
3 weeks ago
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2/9
La Jolla is an ever popular area, but for good reason… It’s one of the most beautiful areas in San Diego ☀️ & my favorite time of year to visit is NOW when it’s Harbor Seals Pupping Season! 🦭

📍Casa Beach is closed off from humans from mid-December through mid-May for birthing & bonding, and most of the seal pups are born in February & March. They are so much fun to watch! 

#sandiego #animallovers #exploremore #lajolla #familyfun #sealsofinstagram #californiawinter
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La Jolla is an ever popular area, but for good reason… It’s one of the most beautiful areas in San Diego ☀️ & my favorite time of year to visit is NOW when it’s Harbor Seals Pupping Season! 🦭 📍Casa Beach is closed off from humans from mid-December through mid-May for birthing & bonding, and most of the seal pups are born in February & March. They are so much fun to watch! #sandiego #animallovers #exploremore #lajolla #familyfun #sealsofinstagram #californiawinter
3 weeks ago
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3/9
Last weekend we got to ride on the world’s largest rotating aerial tram car, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway 🌴⛰️ Guests travel 6,000 feet up in just 10 minutes! 

Once we reached the top, we hiked a couple miles of trails in Mount San Jacinto State Park - where it was only 37 degrees and windy, brr! - and took in the beautiful views. 

Here are a few tips for optimizing a Palm Springs Aerial Tramway adventure: 

✨Show up early. We didn’t realize how big of a production this excursion would be, and when we arrived at 11 am, the wait time was 2 hours to ride the tramway. If I could do it over, I would show up at opening time. 

✨Bring breakfast. While they do have food options while you wait for your tram ride, it’s stereotypical not very healthy American food. Pick up food at a local cafe and bring it with you to enjoy outside. We love @palmgreenscafe!

✨ Bring extra clothes. The temperature at 8,500 ft elevation varies from 20-40 degrees colder, so make sure to pack a jacket, sweatshirt, hat, even gloves.

#californiatravel #palmsprings #makingmemories #familytravel #roadtrip #adventure #kidswhoexplore #views #desert
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Last weekend we got to ride on the world’s largest rotating aerial tram car, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway 🌴⛰️ Guests travel 6,000 feet up in just 10 minutes! Once we reached the top, we hiked a couple miles of trails in Mount San Jacinto State Park - where it was only 37 degrees and windy, brr! - and took in the beautiful views. Here are a few tips for optimizing a Palm Springs Aerial Tramway adventure: ✨Show up early. We didn’t realize how big of a production this excursion would be, and when we arrived at 11 am, the wait time was 2 hours to ride the tramway. If I could do it over, I would show up at opening time. ✨Bring breakfast. While they do have food options while you wait for your tram ride, it’s stereotypical not very healthy American food. Pick up food at a local cafe and bring it with you to enjoy outside. We love @palmgreenscafe! ✨ Bring extra clothes. The temperature at 8,500 ft elevation varies from 20-40 degrees colder, so make sure to pack a jacket, sweatshirt, hat, even gloves. #californiatravel #palmsprings #makingmemories #familytravel #roadtrip #adventure #kidswhoexplore #views #desert
4 weeks ago
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4/9
And I’d add, the more you like the person you’ve become, the less stock you put into others liking you. 

#sunset #reflections #worrylesslivemore #sandiego #momsofinstagram #beachday #quotestoliveby #createalifeyoulove
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And I’d add, the more you like the person you’ve become, the less stock you put into others liking you. #sunset #reflections #worrylesslivemore #sandiego #momsofinstagram #beachday #quotestoliveby #createalifeyoulove
1 month ago
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5/9
Who else is pumped for the Olympics to start?! 🇺🇸

This curling competition experiment is a hit with my kiddo! Here’s how to make it: 

You’ll need: 
✨A rimmed baking sheet
✨Aluminum foil 
✨Permanent markers (we used black + red) 
✨A variety of pebbles 
✨Optional: buttons, craft pom-poms and other objects to experiment playing with 

1️⃣ Spread foil across your baking sheet. Draw the starting line on 1 side and a small circle inside a large circle on the other side. 

2️⃣ Place your “rink” in the freezer, then fill it with water halfway up the sides. Chill until it’s totally frozen. 

3️⃣ Time to play! Each player picks 3 pebbles. Take turns using a finger to push your pebble towards the target. 

🥌 Pebbles that land in the inner circle = 3 points each 
🥌 Pebbles that land in the outer circle = 1 point each
🥌 3 rounds = 1 game 

❗️Players can hit other pebbles & knock them out of the circles, which is fun! 

❗️Once all players use their pebbles, that’s the end of round 1. Tally the scores as you go! 

✨Idea from @kiwico_inc’s Winter Wonders experiment book 

#kidactivities #olympics #funathome #momsofinstagram #curling #letkidsbekids
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Who else is pumped for the Olympics to start?! 🇺🇸 This curling competition experiment is a hit with my kiddo! Here’s how to make it: You’ll need: ✨A rimmed baking sheet ✨Aluminum foil ✨Permanent markers (we used black + red) ✨A variety of pebbles ✨Optional: buttons, craft pom-poms and other objects to experiment playing with 1️⃣ Spread foil across your baking sheet. Draw the starting line on 1 side and a small circle inside a large circle on the other side. 2️⃣ Place your “rink” in the freezer, then fill it with water halfway up the sides. Chill until it’s totally frozen. 3️⃣ Time to play! Each player picks 3 pebbles. Take turns using a finger to push your pebble towards the target. 🥌 Pebbles that land in the inner circle = 3 points each 🥌 Pebbles that land in the outer circle = 1 point each 🥌 3 rounds = 1 game ❗️Players can hit other pebbles & knock them out of the circles, which is fun! ❗️Once all players use their pebbles, that’s the end of round 1. Tally the scores as you go! ✨Idea from @kiwico_inc’s Winter Wonders experiment book #kidactivities #olympics #funathome #momsofinstagram #curling #letkidsbekids
1 month ago
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6/9
Welcome to my new series, Easy Plant-Based Meals, where I share simple, nutritious meals that I make for my family on the regular. 🥦🥕🥬🧅🧄🫘🫑
 
Today I’m making Garlic Pearled Couscous with Roasted Chickpeas & Veggies. 

Here are the ingredients you need to serve 4: 

1️⃣ 2-3 boxes of Near East Pearled Couscous with Roasted Garlic & Olive Oil (I find that 3 boxes yield about 4.5 cups; you can also use a plain pearled couscous)
2️⃣ 1 can garbanzo beans 
3️⃣ 4 TSP avocado oil 
4️⃣ 1 zucchini 
5️⃣ 1 bell pepper
6️⃣ 2T-1/4 cup pine nuts, optional but I like the added heart-healthy crunch
7️⃣ Salt, pepper & paprika to taste 

Directions:
1️⃣ Preheat oven to 375. Drain & rinse chickpeas, then add to a baking dish. Add 2 TSP of avocado oil, and a nice sprinkle of salt, pepper, and paprika to taste. Mix it up, then cook for 25 minutes, stirring halfway through. 

2️⃣ Cook the couscous according to the box directions. 

3️⃣ Heat 2 tsp avocado oil in a sauté pan over medium-low heat. Chop the zucchini and bell pepper, add a sprinkle of salt & pepper, then cook until tender. 

4️⃣ Lightly toast the pine nuts. 

5️⃣ Plate the couscous, add the roasted chickpeas & veggies on top, & sprinkles pine nuts onto each plate. Enjoy! 

Get a printable version of the recipe on foodielovesfitness.com #linkinbio or comment RECIPE for a direct link. 

If you like this new Easy Plant-Based Meals series, let me know what kind of recipe you’d like to see next 👩‍🍳

#healthyeating #easyrecipes #eatrealfood #veganfood #plantbased #healthylifestyle #recipereel
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Welcome to my new series, Easy Plant-Based Meals, where I share simple, nutritious meals that I make for my family on the regular. 🥦🥕🥬🧅🧄🫘🫑 Today I’m making Garlic Pearled Couscous with Roasted Chickpeas & Veggies. Here are the ingredients you need to serve 4: 1️⃣ 2-3 boxes of Near East Pearled Couscous with Roasted Garlic & Olive Oil (I find that 3 boxes yield about 4.5 cups; you can also use a plain pearled couscous) 2️⃣ 1 can garbanzo beans 3️⃣ 4 TSP avocado oil 4️⃣ 1 zucchini 5️⃣ 1 bell pepper 6️⃣ 2T-1/4 cup pine nuts, optional but I like the added heart-healthy crunch 7️⃣ Salt, pepper & paprika to taste Directions: 1️⃣ Preheat oven to 375. Drain & rinse chickpeas, then add to a baking dish. Add 2 TSP of avocado oil, and a nice sprinkle of salt, pepper, and paprika to taste. Mix it up, then cook for 25 minutes, stirring halfway through. 2️⃣ Cook the couscous according to the box directions. 3️⃣ Heat 2 tsp avocado oil in a sauté pan over medium-low heat. Chop the zucchini and bell pepper, add a sprinkle of salt & pepper, then cook until tender. 4️⃣ Lightly toast the pine nuts. 5️⃣ Plate the couscous, add the roasted chickpeas & veggies on top, & sprinkles pine nuts onto each plate. Enjoy! Get a printable version of the recipe on foodielovesfitness.com #linkinbio or comment RECIPE for a direct link. If you like this new Easy Plant-Based Meals series, let me know what kind of recipe you’d like to see next 👩‍🍳 #healthyeating #easyrecipes #eatrealfood #veganfood #plantbased #healthylifestyle #recipereel
2 months ago
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7/9
California has it all, & I love this area that I get to call home! Last weekend’s fun included: 

🌊 Soaking up the sun at Carlsbad State Beach, where my daughter tried surfing for the first time 🏄‍♀️
🥾 Hiking in Wildomar
🍷 Wine sipping in Temecula

#californialove #weekendfun #sandiego #temeculaca #hiking #getoutside #mywinter #adventure #socal
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California has it all, & I love this area that I get to call home! Last weekend’s fun included: 🌊 Soaking up the sun at Carlsbad State Beach, where my daughter tried surfing for the first time 🏄‍♀️ 🥾 Hiking in Wildomar 🍷 Wine sipping in Temecula #californialove #weekendfun #sandiego #temeculaca #hiking #getoutside #mywinter #adventure #socal
2 months ago
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8/9
🌎 The largest National Park in the contiguous U.S. - 3.4 million acres! - did not disappoint 🔥 Here’s what we had on our agenda for Day 2️⃣ of exploring Death Valley National Park: 

📍Explore the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes
🛷Go sledding down the dunes! 
🥾Hike Mosaic Canyon Trail ~ a 3.5-mile out & back trail with 974 ft elevation gain. This trail was so much fun & the rock formations are gorgeous! My daughter loved climbing & bouldering around. It features some cool slot canyons and difficult rock scrambling - our kinda speed! 
🚰 Refuel at Stovepipe Wells Village ~ Nearby pitstop within the park for gas, restrooms, a general store & restaurants 

#roadtrip #california #travelgram #familytravel #kidswhoexplore #momsofinstagram #hikingadventures #deathvalleynationalpark #nationalparks #wanderlust #adventureseekers #hikingtrails
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🌎 The largest National Park in the contiguous U.S. - 3.4 million acres! - did not disappoint 🔥 Here’s what we had on our agenda for Day 2️⃣ of exploring Death Valley National Park: 📍Explore the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes 🛷Go sledding down the dunes! 🥾Hike Mosaic Canyon Trail ~ a 3.5-mile out & back trail with 974 ft elevation gain. This trail was so much fun & the rock formations are gorgeous! My daughter loved climbing & bouldering around. It features some cool slot canyons and difficult rock scrambling - our kinda speed! 🚰 Refuel at Stovepipe Wells Village ~ Nearby pitstop within the park for gas, restrooms, a general store & restaurants #roadtrip #california #travelgram #familytravel #kidswhoexplore #momsofinstagram #hikingadventures #deathvalleynationalpark #nationalparks #wanderlust #adventureseekers #hikingtrails
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
9/9
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