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Foodie Loves Fitness

Sharing my passion for living a healthy & happy life

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#Gratefulin2016 {Weekend Recap}

If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.” – Martin Luther King, Jr. 


Hi friends!

I’m coming at ya a day later than my usual Monday post due to my being (mostly) off of work for yesterday’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Day holiday.

After I wrote my post on 10 techniques to develop a positive attitude a few weeks ago, I started thinking about how I could share more positivity on social media this year. I like to post positive quotes and thoughts here and there, but I decided that in 2016, I will consciously spread positivity online each and every week using one of the techniques I mentioned: Take a few moments to count your blessings daily. 

Gratitude-Deepak Chopra

(source)

And just how am I planning on doing that? Introducing #Gratefulin2016! 

It’s a social media movement of sorts that I’m starting to focus on what I’m thankful for. Every Monday (and whenever else the mood strikes me) on my Twitter and Instagram, I’ll share something that I’m feeling grateful for…and I’d love for you all to participate too!

It’s a way for us to share what’s going well in our lives, instead of harping what we’re dissatisfied with. A grateful heart is thankful for things big and small, so some weeks I’ll be sharing something BIG in my life, like my health, and some weeks I’ll be sharing something of less importance, like…. chocolate! And in the spirit of being grateful in 2016, today I’m sharing some things I felt grateful for last weekend:

La Jolla day date-2

My man. I got to spend the long weekend with my hubby – who I am so thankful to get to spend my life with. I was feeling especially grateful that we got to spend three days together since he was out in the field for the Marine Corps last week.

Harley-Jan 16

My pup. My goofball dingo often makes me laugh with her crazy antics, and I’m so thankful that I rescued her 5 years ago when she was an adorable little puppy looking for her forever home. She’s a total nut that entertains my hubby & me every day!

Elfin Forest hike-Jan 16

Hiking trails. On Saturday, my little family headed to Elfin Forest for a hike together. Breathing in the crisp air and pretty views as my heart pumped, I looked around and felt grateful to live near hiking trails like these.

trunk of fire wood

Cozy fires. On the ride back from said hike, we stumbled upon a resident selling firewood, so we loaded my car up with as much firewood as my Hybrid trunk would allow. I just love cozy fires in my living room on chilly winter nights.

fruit & cashew butter bowl

Fruit. You knew that food would be somewhere on this list, right?! I enjoyed the above pictured fruit bowl for breakfast over the weekend. I’m thankful to have the access and means to real, healthy food to nourish my body every day. I also was feeling thankful for my orange tree….

Orange tree-Jan 16…which clearly loved the recent rain! It’s crazy how much fruit has appeared in the past week or so. I picked some fruit over the weekend to eat and share with friends.

Angle Eight Pose-5

A healthy, strong body. I spent Monday feeling pretty sore from a fitness test I did at The Fit Mill (more on the blog about the gym here) the day before. I’ll explain more about it later, but we basically maxed out on a variety of exercises, and had 90 seconds to do as many reps of other moves. My body carried me through 40-something pushups, a 3+ minute wall-sit, 30-something box jumps, a 3+ minute plank, 25 pull-ups on the gravity machine and more. Flaws and all, I’m thankful for a body that is healthy, strong and capable!

La Jolla-Jan 16

La Jolla. I spent my Monday afternoon in the gorgeous beach town of La Jolla with my hubby for a day date. We walked around, watched the seals and grabbed some lunch. Even on a cloudy day, it was so nice to be back there for the first time since late last summer. It’s such a pretty area that I’m thankful to live nearby!

La Jolla seals

I’m also thankful for the weather of the area I’m living in. Southern Cali has awesome weather, and even on a “chilly” day for the area like today, temperatures were in the low 60s. I certainly take advantage of it as much and as often as I can!

In the spirit of positivity and gratitude, I’ll leave you with this awesome “I am” mantra card that I spotted on a baby Buddha while grabbing a drink at a juice bar the other day…

I Am Mantras

Tell me… What are you feeling grateful for today? 

Spread the love

January 19, 2016 5:00 am foodielovesfitness 8 Comments Filed Under: Harley, Health, San Diego

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Comments

  1. Britt@MyOwnBalance says

    January 19, 2016 at 10:51 am

    I love this idea Nicole!! I’m thankful for my little guy and my hubby. I am also so grateful for all the opportunities I’ve had in life!

    Reply
  2. Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says

    January 19, 2016 at 6:52 pm

    Looks like such a fun weekend! I need to write Elfin down to check out too. La Jolla and Torrey Pines are maybe favorite places in SD.

    Reply
  3. Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy says

    January 20, 2016 at 4:59 am

    You certainly have lots to be grateful for! Every time I am having a bad day or something goes wrong, I try to counteract it with telling myself one that I am grateful for.

    Reply
  4. Calista says

    January 20, 2016 at 10:07 am

    Today I am grateful that the sun is shining after some significant rainfall, which I’m also grateful for. I’m grateful for my health and I’m grateful that my body can do a myriad of different things {flaws and all!}. I’m grateful for the cup of hot tea I have with me at my desk and I’m grateful that I have a job and the means to pay my bills and live comfortably. I’m grateful for avocados and salad and leftovers from yesterday so I don’t have to go out for lunch.

    Reply
  5. Cailee says

    January 20, 2016 at 2:10 pm

    YES!!! I love this post. An attitude of gratitude is SO important. Love all the things that you’re thankful for! Also, I too am thankful for fruit! <3 and being able to have access to all the nourishing foods that I do. Thanks for the positivity my friend! High fives for high vibes 🙂

    Reply
  6. Ashley says

    January 20, 2016 at 2:27 pm

    I just love this idea. And you are really inspiring me!! I am definitely most thankful for my husband and crazy beagle!! And lots of other things too 🙂

    Reply
  7. Brittany says

    January 20, 2016 at 5:11 pm

    I love this!! Your fruit bowl looks AMAZING, and that side crow is on point!! On the grass too!

    Reply
  8. Sarah @ Making Thyme for Health says

    January 20, 2016 at 6:15 pm

    I love this movement you are starting, Nicole! I agree, there is so much to be thankful for and it’s good to stop and take the time to recognize it.

    I am also grateful for my husband and Coco. They bring me so much happiness every day! 🙂

    Reply

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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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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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Who else is pumped for the Olympics to start?! 🇺🇸

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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 

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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
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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. 

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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
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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 🏄‍♀️
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🍷 Wine sipping in Temecula

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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
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📍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
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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. 

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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
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