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Foodie Loves Fitness

Sharing my passion for living a healthy & happy life

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Foodie Loves Fitness Turns TWO!

Hello, hello!

First thing’s first: Using a random number generator… Jordan Lynn at Life Between Lattes is the winner of my giveaway for Chef Del’s Better Than Vegan cookbook! I’ll be emailing you for your address shortly. 🙂

Book-Winner

In other fun news, Foodie Loves Fitness turned two today!

It’s amazing to think about all that has happened in my life since this blog started. When I began the blog, my hubby had just deployed and I thought it was a good time to start a cool project. I loved food, cooking, and staying active, and had been reading health blogs for awhile. I didn’t know what the hell I was doing (which is very evident if you read my posts at the beginning!), but I am so happy that I went for it and delved into this big yet somehow small world of healthy living bloggers.

Happy Birthday FLF-2

Starting Foodie Loves Fitness ignited a passion inside of me. I had grown up always being active and exercising, had become a vegetarian at the age of 10, and was always into health, but I hadn’t realized just how much I loved it all until I began blogging. With the creation of my little space here on the Internet, it became very evident to me that creating recipes and workouts, talking about health, and writing were giant callings in my life.

Okay, that’s not entirely true. I always knew that I loved writing. I’ve been writing my whole life – for fun, for school, for work. But starting the blog made me realize that I wanted creative writing to become an even bigger part of my life, and so I began freelance writing.

Blogging has also allowed me to make so many great connections with awesome, like-
minded people and companies – whether through the brands that I’m an ambassador for, the random comments and emails I get from readers, the products I’ve gotten to review,
heart fruitevents I’ve been fortunate enough to attend, or the people I may or may not have actually “met” who I feel like I know from reading their blogs all the time. It’s a never-ending cycle of having fun creating recipes and workouts, documenting my life, learning from other bloggers’ opinions and healthy living ideas, and just growing in my knowledge and experience as a healthy living enthusiast.

Starting Foodie Loves Fitness also made me realize that I want to make a difference in this
world by helping others to lead healthier, happier lives, whether through my recipes, workout ideas, random healthy living talk, or in a more direct one-on-one way — which is why I just began school at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition to be a certified health coach. I am so excited to learn as much as I can about living healthily and helping others to do so, especially at a time when America is in such a health crisis that’s only worsening.

Lastly, there are the life lessons I’ve learned from having my blog and all that comes with it.be fearless My blog is a constant reminder to be fearless and do things your own way. If you want to do something, GO FOR IT! You never know where it might lead you. I only have this one life to live (Side note: Hey, I mean, I think reincarnation is a possibility…. in which case, I’m hoping I’ll come back as a lion next!), and I want to be my happiest, healthiest, most fulfilled version of myself. I thank you all for stopping by to read my little piece of the Web and for being on this journey with me. I’m so excited to see how Foodie Loves Fitness evolves and grows in the next year!

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January 16, 2014 7:46 pm foodielovesfitness 21 Comments Filed Under: Holidays

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sarah @ Making Thyme for Health says

    January 16, 2014 at 9:16 pm

    Happy Blogiversary! Two years just flies by, huh? You have done such a great job with your blog and I love that you can always feel your real voice coming through. Keep up the good work girly! 🙂

    Reply
    • foodielovesfitness says

      January 18, 2014 at 1:30 pm

      Thanks so much Sarah! I really appreciate the compliment.

      Reply
  2. Ali says

    January 16, 2014 at 9:43 pm

    Happyyyyy happy birthday Foodie loves Fitness! I love your blog Nicole! 🙂

    Reply
    • foodielovesfitness says

      January 18, 2014 at 1:30 pm

      Thank you, Ali!

      Reply
  3. Amy says

    January 17, 2014 at 3:28 am

    Happy Birthday FLF! I love your blog!

    Reply
    • foodielovesfitness says

      January 18, 2014 at 1:30 pm

      Thanks for reading, Amy!

      Reply
  4. Davida @ The Healthy Maven says

    January 17, 2014 at 5:23 am

    “Be fearless and do it your own way” <–Amen to this sista! Now that we've gotten my stalkerish ways out of the way I think I can safely wish you a HAPPY BIRTHDAY/BLOGIVERSARY with no judgment 🙂 Love coming here and getting to know you better and being inspired by your delicious recipes. I WILL come to the Bay Area this year and hang out with you and Sarah 🙂

    Reply
    • foodielovesfitness says

      January 18, 2014 at 1:31 pm

      Haha…thank ya friend! Oh my gosh, YES that would be awesome if us ladies all got together!

      Reply
  5. Tara says

    January 17, 2014 at 9:40 am

    Happy blog birthday to you too! Wow, there are a lot of anniversaries today, I love reading your blog and here’s to many more!

    Reply
    • foodielovesfitness says

      January 18, 2014 at 1:32 pm

      Funny that we almost share a blogiversary. Back at you!

      Reply
  6. Jennifer says

    January 17, 2014 at 9:56 am

    Congratulations! I read your blog all the time and find you to have the same sort of quirkiness that I do. Hope you take that as a compliment, because I think it’s great!

    Reply
    • foodielovesfitness says

      January 18, 2014 at 1:33 pm

      Oh yeah, I’m quirky all right. I mean I just referenced being reincarnated as a lion ha! 😉

      Reply
  7. FitBritt@MyOwnBalance says

    January 17, 2014 at 10:19 am

    Happy Blogiversary!!! Yay for two whole years! I love that blogging has made you fearless! So glad we have been able to connect via the blogging world! 🙂

    Reply
    • foodielovesfitness says

      January 18, 2014 at 1:34 pm

      Me too, Britt! We MUST meet up in person one of these days. I would like to get to one of these healthy living summits this year!

      Reply
  8. Gina @ Health, Love, and Chocolate says

    January 17, 2014 at 11:08 pm

    Happy Blogiversary! I am so happy we connected through the blogosphere, and I definitely agree about how great the connections have been since starting blogging. 🙂

    Reply
    • foodielovesfitness says

      January 18, 2014 at 1:34 pm

      So am I, Gina! Thanks girl.

      Reply
  9. Paige@FitNotFad says

    January 18, 2014 at 9:52 am

    Happy blog birthday! So glad I’ve had the chance to discover your blog…I always look forward to reading your posts.

    Reply
    • foodielovesfitness says

      January 18, 2014 at 1:34 pm

      Thanks so much Paige!

      Reply
  10. Paula says

    January 18, 2014 at 10:03 am

    Happy happy!! Have a nice weekend.

    Reply
    • foodielovesfitness says

      January 18, 2014 at 1:35 pm

      You too, Paula!!

      Reply

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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 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
1 week ago
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1/9
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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
1 month ago
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6/9
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
1 month ago
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7/9
🌎 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
foodielovesfitness
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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
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8/9
That thing you always talk about & think about doing but haven’t gotten the guts/energy/time to do? Make 2026 the year you freaking GO FOR IT. 

#livemoreworryless #2026goals #goalgetters #entreprenuermindset #sunset #chasingsunsets #viewoftheday #windowseatview
foodielovesfitness
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That thing you always talk about & think about doing but haven’t gotten the guts/energy/time to do? Make 2026 the year you freaking GO FOR IT. #livemoreworryless #2026goals #goalgetters #entreprenuermindset #sunset #chasingsunsets #viewoftheday #windowseatview
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
9/9
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