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Foodie Loves Fitness

Sharing my passion for living a healthy & happy life

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Archives for December 2016

17 Life Mottos to Inspire You

There's something about having a new year on the horizon that makes me feel excited, reinvigorated and motivated - but not in a New Year's resolution kind of way, more of in an enthusiastic for what's to come and what I want to do sorta way. In the spirit of making 2017 a wonderful a year, today I'm sharing 17 inspiring life mottos. I'll be coming back to them throughout the year as reminders of how I want to live my life, and I hope that they serve as inspiration as you crush your 2017 goals! #1 -   #2 -  ...because mindfulness is an important piece of the happiness puzzle! #3 - Let your light shine is one of my favorite mantras. #4 -  #5 -  #6 -  ...because I firmly believe that the law of attraction is a powerful thing. Optimism has always been ... [Read More]

December 26, 2016 9:00 am foodielovesfitness 12 Comments Filed Under: Holidays, Quotes

Dark Chocolate Cherry Sunflower Butter Cups [vegan + gf]

Hello, hello from the east coast! I flew in via a red eye this morning, and am looking forward to lots of holiday  fun in Jersey. Bring on the relaxing family time! I have one last holiday dessert recipe to share today... and this will also be the last Foodie Loves Fitness recipe of 2016! We all have our favorite traditional holiday dessert recipes, but sometimes I think it's nice to switch things up and add in new ones. Truth be told, I get a little tired of seeing the same cookies all around every December... so  today's recipe is a bit of an unconventional holiday dessert, but trust me, it's oh so good! These sea salt dark chocolate cherry sunflower seed butter cups are a mouthful - to both eat & say out loud! We've got the richness of dark chocolate, ... [Read More]

December 22, 2016 5:00 am foodielovesfitness 6 Comments Filed Under: Dessert, Holidays, Recipes, Snacks

Unwinding This Holiday Season with Zeel Massage on Demand

Has December been a whirlwind for everyone else too? I feel like this month has been flying by, and in just a few days, I'll be flying to the east coast for holiday vacation with my family! Luckily last week, I had a chance to stop and unwind a bit with one of my favorite means of de-stressing: a massage. It's no secret that I love a good massage.... and I've gotten a number of massages this year since part of my calf & foot injury rehab/maintenance plan has been getting massages every 4-6 weeks. Being such an active person, getting a massage makes a big difference in smoothing out those knots in my injury spots. While the deep tissue rubdowns on my calf and other tight spots are usually more painful than relaxing, it's a good kind of pain knowing that I'll feel better in the ... [Read More]

December 18, 2016 12:00 pm foodielovesfitness 10 Comments Filed Under: Uncategorized

Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies {vegan}

Have you gotten bit by the holiday baking bug? I definitely have! Last weekend I baked up a storm making treats to give to my San Diego friends and neighbors this week to spread some holiday cheer. It was quite a festive weekend for me, because I also watched Elf and visited a neighborhood in a town called Poway nicknamed Candy Cane Lane. My friend Tiffany had told me about it, and while she probably knows about it because she's a mom, I'm a little kid myself when it comes to the holidays...so I was thoroughly intrigued! Naturally, my hubby and I headed to Candy Cane Lane on Saturday night to check it out. You guys, it was amazing - so many gorgeous houses decorated so beautifully for the holidays! Some houses even were showing movies on projector screens and giving out ... [Read More]

December 14, 2016 4:30 am foodielovesfitness 13 Comments Filed Under: Dessert, Holidays, Recipes, Snacks

Three Workouts to Try This Holiday Season

Between holiday shopping, parties, travel, and family traditions on top of the usual busyness, most of us are pressed for time at the end of the year. But don't let that stop you from fitting in exercise! Today I'm sharing 3 workout ideas to try over your holiday season. The first routine is a 30-minute HIIT (high intensity interval training) workout that consists of 5 circuits, with 3 exercises in each circuit: a cardio move, a bodyweight strength move, and an abdominal exercise. For each exercise, it's 30 seconds on / 10 seconds off, and once you complete the three exercises, you repeat it for 3 rounds, then move onto the next circuit. This one can be done anywhere, and chances are I'll be doing this one when I'm staying at my parents' house over Christmas! Tip: I use a free ... [Read More]

December 12, 2016 4:00 am foodielovesfitness 3 Comments Filed Under: Arm Workouts, Holidays, Leg Workouts, Workouts

Peppermint Chocolate Chip Snack Bites {vegan + gluten free}

Earlier this week, I sent out a health coaching newsletter with tips to avoid holiday weight gain (you can subscribe via the signup form on the right sidebar! -->), and one of my guidelines is to implement an 80/20 diet balance. I've talked about this concept before, but it's the idea that 80% of your calories are from nutritious, healthy choices, and for the other 20%, you enjoy whatever indulgences you're in the mood for. I apply this to my diet not only during the holiday season but year-round, because I believe that moderation is what works in the long haul for a healthy, sustainable relationship with food... which brings me to today's recipe! We all know that December is ripe with food and drink indulgences. I adore baking Christmas cookies and drinking seasonal drinks like ... [Read More]

December 7, 2016 9:59 am foodielovesfitness 11 Comments Filed Under: Dessert, Holidays, Recipes, Snacks

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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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Do you remember when you truly realized that the world is wide and you’ve only experienced a speck of it? 🌎

For me, it was the eye-opening opportunity of a college study abroad program in amazing Sicily. I fell in love with Italy, and the experience made me realize that I wanted to prioritize traveling and living in different places when I became a “real adult” (or in other words, when I graduated the following year). 

Getting to return to the charming town of Taormina nearly two decades later with my family was a dream. 

I returned to Sicily in a different phase of life: Older — I’ve almost doubled in age! Wiser. A mom. A wife. 

Yet, still wide-eyed, always up for an adventure, and filled with wonder at the beauty of this world. 

Different, but the same. 

Taormina is still stunning, bustling with more tourists and more fame than I remembered thanks to things like “White Lotus” and Dolce & Gabbana fashion shows (one was happening while we were in town). 

And so, I found Taormina herself to also be different, but the same — and definitely still a magical place ✨

#sicily #mytinyatlas #travelgram #familytravel #italygram
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Do you remember when you truly realized that the world is wide and you’ve only experienced a speck of it? 🌎 For me, it was the eye-opening opportunity of a college study abroad program in amazing Sicily. I fell in love with Italy, and the experience made me realize that I wanted to prioritize traveling and living in different places when I became a “real adult” (or in other words, when I graduated the following year). Getting to return to the charming town of Taormina nearly two decades later with my family was a dream. I returned to Sicily in a different phase of life: Older — I’ve almost doubled in age! Wiser. A mom. A wife. Yet, still wide-eyed, always up for an adventure, and filled with wonder at the beauty of this world. Different, but the same. Taormina is still stunning, bustling with more tourists and more fame than I remembered thanks to things like “White Lotus” and Dolce & Gabbana fashion shows (one was happening while we were in town). And so, I found Taormina herself to also be different, but the same — and definitely still a magical place ✨ #sicily #mytinyatlas #travelgram #familytravel #italygram
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
1/9
Obsessed with my @airbnb view of both the sea & Mount Etna 😍 10/10 even though every walk home is a sweaty glute workout! 

📍Taormina, Sicily 

#myview #travelgram #wanderlust #sicily #italy
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Obsessed with my @airbnb view of both the sea & Mount Etna 😍 10/10 even though every walk home is a sweaty glute workout! 📍Taormina, Sicily #myview #travelgram #wanderlust #sicily #italy
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
Got to bake up some delicious macarons in the beautiful city of Paris! 💕 

Macarons are high on my daughter’s list of favorite desserts, and it was lovely learning how to make them from a Parisian pastry chef! The macaron ingredient list is short, but making them is an art ✨

#paris #familytravel #macarons #baking #wanderlust
Got to bake up some delicious macarons in the beautiful city of Paris! 💕 

Macarons are high on my daughter’s list of favorite desserts, and it was lovely learning how to make them from a Parisian pastry chef! The macaron ingredient list is short, but making them is an art ✨

#paris #familytravel #macarons #baking #wanderlust
Got to bake up some delicious macarons in the beautiful city of Paris! 💕 

Macarons are high on my daughter’s list of favorite desserts, and it was lovely learning how to make them from a Parisian pastry chef! The macaron ingredient list is short, but making them is an art ✨

#paris #familytravel #macarons #baking #wanderlust
Got to bake up some delicious macarons in the beautiful city of Paris! 💕 

Macarons are high on my daughter’s list of favorite desserts, and it was lovely learning how to make them from a Parisian pastry chef! The macaron ingredient list is short, but making them is an art ✨

#paris #familytravel #macarons #baking #wanderlust
Got to bake up some delicious macarons in the beautiful city of Paris! 💕 

Macarons are high on my daughter’s list of favorite desserts, and it was lovely learning how to make them from a Parisian pastry chef! The macaron ingredient list is short, but making them is an art ✨

#paris #familytravel #macarons #baking #wanderlust
Got to bake up some delicious macarons in the beautiful city of Paris! 💕 

Macarons are high on my daughter’s list of favorite desserts, and it was lovely learning how to make them from a Parisian pastry chef! The macaron ingredient list is short, but making them is an art ✨

#paris #familytravel #macarons #baking #wanderlust
Got to bake up some delicious macarons in the beautiful city of Paris! 💕 

Macarons are high on my daughter’s list of favorite desserts, and it was lovely learning how to make them from a Parisian pastry chef! The macaron ingredient list is short, but making them is an art ✨

#paris #familytravel #macarons #baking #wanderlust
foodielovesfitness
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Got to bake up some delicious macarons in the beautiful city of Paris! 💕 Macarons are high on my daughter’s list of favorite desserts, and it was lovely learning how to make them from a Parisian pastry chef! The macaron ingredient list is short, but making them is an art ✨ #paris #familytravel #macarons #baking #wanderlust
2 weeks ago
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3/9
Happy 250th Birthday America 🇺🇸

#4thofjuly #boatday #thislandisyourland #america250 #brucespringsteen
foodielovesfitness
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Happy 250th Birthday America 🇺🇸 #4thofjuly #boatday #thislandisyourland #america250 #brucespringsteen
3 weeks ago
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4/9
Packed with fruit… but my kid calls it ice cream🍦We love breaking out our @yonanas gadget all summer long! 

My favorite way to make fruit soft serve 👇🏼

INGREDIENTS
1 sliced ripe banana, frozen
2/3 cup strawberries, frozen
favorite toppings: sprinkles, nuts, nut butter, etc

INSTRUCTIONS
Remove your fruit from the freezer. Allow it to thaw for about 10 minutes, until it starts to slightly soften.
Place the frozen fruit into the Yonanas maker, a handful at a time. I like to run about 1/2 the banana, then the strawberries, and then the rest of the banana through the machine straight into a bowl. I then use a spoon to swirl the fruit together, and immediately place the soft serve into cones if using.
Add in your favorite toppings and enjoy before it melts!
Serves 1 - scale up as desired! 

#healthyeating #eatrealfood #fruit #healthydessert #yonanas
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Packed with fruit… but my kid calls it ice cream🍦We love breaking out our @yonanas gadget all summer long! My favorite way to make fruit soft serve 👇🏼 INGREDIENTS 1 sliced ripe banana, frozen 2/3 cup strawberries, frozen favorite toppings: sprinkles, nuts, nut butter, etc INSTRUCTIONS Remove your fruit from the freezer. Allow it to thaw for about 10 minutes, until it starts to slightly soften. Place the frozen fruit into the Yonanas maker, a handful at a time. I like to run about 1/2 the banana, then the strawberries, and then the rest of the banana through the machine straight into a bowl. I then use a spoon to swirl the fruit together, and immediately place the soft serve into cones if using. Add in your favorite toppings and enjoy before it melts! Serves 1 - scale up as desired! #healthyeating #eatrealfood #fruit #healthydessert #yonanas
4 weeks ago
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5/9
Palm Springs snapshots 🌴☀️😎

#californiatravel #palmsprings #exploremore #familytravel #roadtrip
Palm Springs snapshots 🌴☀️😎

#californiatravel #palmsprings #exploremore #familytravel #roadtrip
Palm Springs snapshots 🌴☀️😎

#californiatravel #palmsprings #exploremore #familytravel #roadtrip
Palm Springs snapshots 🌴☀️😎

#californiatravel #palmsprings #exploremore #familytravel #roadtrip
Palm Springs snapshots 🌴☀️😎

#californiatravel #palmsprings #exploremore #familytravel #roadtrip
Palm Springs snapshots 🌴☀️😎

#californiatravel #palmsprings #exploremore #familytravel #roadtrip
Palm Springs snapshots 🌴☀️😎

#californiatravel #palmsprings #exploremore #familytravel #roadtrip
Palm Springs snapshots 🌴☀️😎

#californiatravel #palmsprings #exploremore #familytravel #roadtrip
Palm Springs snapshots 🌴☀️😎

#californiatravel #palmsprings #exploremore #familytravel #roadtrip
Palm Springs snapshots 🌴☀️😎

#californiatravel #palmsprings #exploremore #familytravel #roadtrip
Palm Springs snapshots 🌴☀️😎

#californiatravel #palmsprings #exploremore #familytravel #roadtrip
Palm Springs snapshots 🌴☀️😎

#californiatravel #palmsprings #exploremore #familytravel #roadtrip
Palm Springs snapshots 🌴☀️😎

#californiatravel #palmsprings #exploremore #familytravel #roadtrip
Palm Springs snapshots 🌴☀️😎

#californiatravel #palmsprings #exploremore #familytravel #roadtrip
Palm Springs snapshots 🌴☀️😎

#californiatravel #palmsprings #exploremore #familytravel #roadtrip
Palm Springs snapshots 🌴☀️😎

#californiatravel #palmsprings #exploremore #familytravel #roadtrip
Palm Springs snapshots 🌴☀️😎

#californiatravel #palmsprings #exploremore #familytravel #roadtrip
Palm Springs snapshots 🌴☀️😎

#californiatravel #palmsprings #exploremore #familytravel #roadtrip
Palm Springs snapshots 🌴☀️😎

#californiatravel #palmsprings #exploremore #familytravel #roadtrip
Palm Springs snapshots 🌴☀️😎

#californiatravel #palmsprings #exploremore #familytravel #roadtrip
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Palm Springs snapshots 🌴☀️😎 #californiatravel #palmsprings #exploremore #familytravel #roadtrip
1 month ago
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6/9
Drop a comment if you consider yourself a scrunchy mom too 🤎 #momsofinstagram #mindset #momlife #scrunchymom
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Drop a comment if you consider yourself a scrunchy mom too 🤎 #momsofinstagram #mindset #momlife #scrunchymom
1 month ago
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7/9
School’s out for my little girl ☀️& here are 4️⃣ screen-free tools that I’m using to keep my 6 year old busy and learning when we’re home this summer: 

1️⃣ @mondaymandala’s awesome array of free digital printables on just about anything you can think of 🖍️

2️⃣ @youngwildandfriedman’s amazing sensory kits that are high-quality and last forever. I have purchased a serious amount of these play dough and sensory sand kits over the years & they are worth every penny! My kiddo will spend hours setting up all of the little trinkets and building little play dough towns.

3️⃣ @Canva’s printable educational worksheets ✏️ For instance, I printed out money worksheets & am planning on doing a money lesson that includes us emptying out her piggy bank to delve deeper into currency & paying for something she wants at the store with her own 💵

4️⃣ A @brain_quest workbook — I bought one last summer as well & we love incorporating it into little lessons at home! 

#kidactivities #summerbreak #screenfreeparenting #momsofinstagram #learningathome
foodielovesfitness
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School’s out for my little girl ☀️& here are 4️⃣ screen-free tools that I’m using to keep my 6 year old busy and learning when we’re home this summer: 1️⃣ @mondaymandala’s awesome array of free digital printables on just about anything you can think of 🖍️ 2️⃣ @youngwildandfriedman’s amazing sensory kits that are high-quality and last forever. I have purchased a serious amount of these play dough and sensory sand kits over the years & they are worth every penny! My kiddo will spend hours setting up all of the little trinkets and building little play dough towns. 3️⃣ @Canva’s printable educational worksheets ✏️ For instance, I printed out money worksheets & am planning on doing a money lesson that includes us emptying out her piggy bank to delve deeper into currency & paying for something she wants at the store with her own 💵 4️⃣ A @brain_quest workbook — I bought one last summer as well & we love incorporating it into little lessons at home! #kidactivities #summerbreak #screenfreeparenting #momsofinstagram #learningathome
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
Spent the day at 📍Murrieta Hot Springs & thoroughly enjoyed it there! 

While we have visited numerous fun hot springs with our daughter, it was definitely nice to be out of mom mode & experience our local hot springs while our little one was in school. From hot tubs and cold plunges to saunas & clay mud, we got to kick back & enjoy it all! 

#daydate #hotsprings #californialiving #relaxation #playinghooky
Spent the day at 📍Murrieta Hot Springs & thoroughly enjoyed it there! 

While we have visited numerous fun hot springs with our daughter, it was definitely nice to be out of mom mode & experience our local hot springs while our little one was in school. From hot tubs and cold plunges to saunas & clay mud, we got to kick back & enjoy it all! 

#daydate #hotsprings #californialiving #relaxation #playinghooky
Spent the day at 📍Murrieta Hot Springs & thoroughly enjoyed it there! 

While we have visited numerous fun hot springs with our daughter, it was definitely nice to be out of mom mode & experience our local hot springs while our little one was in school. From hot tubs and cold plunges to saunas & clay mud, we got to kick back & enjoy it all! 

#daydate #hotsprings #californialiving #relaxation #playinghooky
Spent the day at 📍Murrieta Hot Springs & thoroughly enjoyed it there! 

While we have visited numerous fun hot springs with our daughter, it was definitely nice to be out of mom mode & experience our local hot springs while our little one was in school. From hot tubs and cold plunges to saunas & clay mud, we got to kick back & enjoy it all! 

#daydate #hotsprings #californialiving #relaxation #playinghooky
Spent the day at 📍Murrieta Hot Springs & thoroughly enjoyed it there! 

While we have visited numerous fun hot springs with our daughter, it was definitely nice to be out of mom mode & experience our local hot springs while our little one was in school. From hot tubs and cold plunges to saunas & clay mud, we got to kick back & enjoy it all! 

#daydate #hotsprings #californialiving #relaxation #playinghooky
Spent the day at 📍Murrieta Hot Springs & thoroughly enjoyed it there! 

While we have visited numerous fun hot springs with our daughter, it was definitely nice to be out of mom mode & experience our local hot springs while our little one was in school. From hot tubs and cold plunges to saunas & clay mud, we got to kick back & enjoy it all! 

#daydate #hotsprings #californialiving #relaxation #playinghooky
foodielovesfitness
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Spent the day at 📍Murrieta Hot Springs & thoroughly enjoyed it there! While we have visited numerous fun hot springs with our daughter, it was definitely nice to be out of mom mode & experience our local hot springs while our little one was in school. From hot tubs and cold plunges to saunas & clay mud, we got to kick back & enjoy it all! #daydate #hotsprings #californialiving #relaxation #playinghooky
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
9/9
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