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Foodie Loves Fitness

Sharing my passion for living a healthy & happy life

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featured adventure post

10 Memorable Experiences in Kauai {sun, sand, trails, eats, drinks & more!}

While I was planning a recent getaway to Kauai, I was envisioning a relaxing escape with beautiful beaches, awesome outdoor activities and friendly Hawaiian people. Kauai was exactly what I had hoped it would be, and once we arrived, I quickly fell in love with the island! Nicknamed "the Garden Isle" due to the majority of it being covered with tropical rainforest, Kauai has a population of just 65,000 people (and many more wild roosters roaming everywhere you turn!). I really got the sense that the people from there are proud of their island, and I love how connected they are to the land that they call home. That respect for the earth, love for the ocean, and pride in eating local food and supporting local business is something that I think is missing from much of mainland America ... [Read More]

July 23, 2018 12:03 pm foodielovesfitness 4 Comments Filed Under: Travel

Hiking in Kauai: Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge’s Okolehao Trail Recap

The view from Kauai's Okolehao Trail at 1.5 miles up

"Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt." - John Muir Aloha friends! Two weeks ago, my husband and I jetted off to Hawaii for a getaway. Having only been to Oahu before, I had been wanting to explore a more remote island in Hawaii for awhile now. After doing some research, Kauai seemed like a perfect paradise to visit for an adventurous and relaxing trip. Naturally, we planned on spending our days outdoors doing active things. Surfing was on the top of his list, and hiking was on the top of mine. I'm going to share my favorite parts of the trip overall in another post soon, but today I want to recap one of the hikes that we had a chance to do in Kauai. We stayed on the eastern side of the island in Kapaa, and rented a car so that we could ... [Read More]

July 10, 2018 5:00 am foodielovesfitness 8 Comments Filed Under: Hiking, Travel

3 Ways I Save Money on Airfare

Hi friends! I just got back from Kauai, where I had an amazing getaway with my husband. We hiked, zip lined in the tropical forest, relaxed on the beach, went swimming in the ocean, ate good food, enjoyed some drinks, and explored the beautiful island together. I didn't want to leave, though we really packed a lot in in the short time we were there. I will be sharing more about my trip soon, but today I want to talk about another travel topic: my favorite ways to save money on airfare. I travel often and love getting a good deal on flights. In recent years, I feel like I've become pretty good at planning travel (and I really enjoy it!), so I thought I'd share a few of my favorite ways to save money on airfare. Use Hopper to monitor flights. One of my favorite travel ... [Read More]

June 27, 2018 8:29 pm foodielovesfitness 12 Comments Filed Under: Travel

How I Avoid Getting Sick While Traveling 

I used to get sick all the time when I traveled, particularly when going to a place with a different climate. Actually, the only times I've gotten sick in recent memory is when I'm on the road or just got back from being away. I wound up with a nasty cold a bunch of Christmases in a row after traveling from California to the northeast to be with family. And because I have allergies and my sinuses can get funky with the altitude of flying, I've even wound up getting ear infections a few times when I'm far from home. Because sick at home is annoying enough, but being sick when you're out of town exploring a new area, or trying to get some relaxation in and spend quality time with family? It's no fun my friends! But the good news is that I haven't gotten sick during/after travels ... [Read More]

May 28, 2018 9:55 am foodielovesfitness 4 Comments Filed Under: Health, Travel

5 States in 8 Days: A Whirlwind East Coast Trip

Hi friends! I'm fresh off of a whirlwind trip to the northeast that included everything from a graduation celebration and playing with my nephews to boating excursions. We were there for eight days and spent time in five states! I know the states are small in the northeast, but it still felt like one big blur because we spent time with so many people and had so much going on. Since I haven't done any fun weekend recaps lately, I thought I'd share with you guys some trip highlights. Let's chat about what I've been up to! My hubby's MBA graduation festivities. The primary reason why Adam and I flew cross country was for his MBA graduation ceremony from Temple University in Philly. He's been a student in their online MBA program for almost two years, and since he's worked so hard ... [Read More]

May 15, 2018 1:19 pm foodielovesfitness 12 Comments Filed Under: Northeast travel, Travel

My Favorite Vegetarian Eats in Malaga, Spain

Hi friends! Who is looking forward to Easter weekend? Growing up we always did a big family gathering, but I haven't really made a big thing of Easter since I've been living far away from my family. I'm excited for a long weekend though, since work has been crazy busy and after I hit publish on this post I'm planning on doing little to no work. I'm staying local and will hopefully be doing some fun new San Diego area things! But today, I want to look back a few months and share a recap from my vacation in the Southern Spanish area of Malaga. I feel like I've shared so many recaps of this trip because it was such an amazing time packed with lots of adventure. Today is my last post about the trip, and we're talking about my favorite vegetarian eats around Malaga! While we ... [Read More]

March 30, 2018 10:50 am foodielovesfitness 7 Comments Filed Under: Travel

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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

Dancing my way into summer matching with my mini in @patpat_clothing dresses as per usual! We had tooooo much fun making this video (pre-haircuts…usually takes me awhile to get around to editing a video 😌)! 

Shop PatPat matching dresses via Amazon in my stories today or comment DRESSES for links to shop. 

#girlmom #matchymatchy #summertime #5yearsold #momsofinstagram #minime  #loveher #momanddaughter #dresses
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Dancing my way into summer matching with my mini in @patpat_clothing dresses as per usual! We had tooooo much fun making this video (pre-haircuts…usually takes me awhile to get around to editing a video 😌)! Shop PatPat matching dresses via Amazon in my stories today or comment DRESSES for links to shop. #girlmom #matchymatchy #summertime #5yearsold #momsofinstagram #minime #loveher #momanddaughter #dresses
6 days ago
View on Instagram |
1/9
Dreamy plant-based brunchin’ 😋

The stars of the show: 

⭐️ @eatjust frittata with potatoes, asparagus, pepper & zucchini
⭐️ sweet potato biscuits a la @cooknourishbliss 
⭐️ chocolate chip banana bread 

Recipe links in my stories today, or comment BRUNCH & I’ll DM the links to you! 

#plantbased #healthyfoodie #veganfood #justegg #sweetpotato #bananabread #healthyeating #brunch
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Dreamy plant-based brunchin’ 😋 The stars of the show: ⭐️ @eatjust frittata with potatoes, asparagus, pepper & zucchini ⭐️ sweet potato biscuits a la @cooknourishbliss ⭐️ chocolate chip banana bread Recipe links in my stories today, or comment BRUNCH & I’ll DM the links to you! #plantbased #healthyfoodie #veganfood #justegg #sweetpotato #bananabread #healthyeating #brunch
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
San Diego Nighttime Zoo runs now through August 10th! 🦁

🕗 Zoo is open until 8 pm
🎶 Live music & entertainment 
🦒Wildlife characters & performers 
🌎 Celebrates African animals & Tanzanian culture 
🦩 Nightly parade, Jumbo Dunia! 

#sandiego #zoo #sandiegoevents #weekendfun #animallovers #socal #momsofinstagram #livemusic
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San Diego Nighttime Zoo runs now through August 10th! 🦁 🕗 Zoo is open until 8 pm 🎶 Live music & entertainment 🦒Wildlife characters & performers 🌎 Celebrates African animals & Tanzanian culture 🦩 Nightly parade, Jumbo Dunia! #sandiego #zoo #sandiegoevents #weekendfun #animallovers #socal #momsofinstagram #livemusic
3 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
3/9
Backyard movie nights >> core memories 

Moana is Cammie’s all-time favorite character 🧡 Comfy seating c/o our @avkaralounger — perfect for movie nights & beach days! Sharing the Amazon link to it in stories today. 

#moana #movienight #familytime #makingmemories #corememory #momsofinstagram #girlmom #5yearsold #funathome #backyardmovie #outdoorliving
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Backyard movie nights >> core memories Moana is Cammie’s all-time favorite character 🧡 Comfy seating c/o our @avkaralounger — perfect for movie nights & beach days! Sharing the Amazon link to it in stories today. #moana #movienight #familytime #makingmemories #corememory #momsofinstagram #girlmom #5yearsold #funathome #backyardmovie #outdoorliving
3 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
4/9
My little sister, THE DOCTOR!!! @kelseyhansen8 has been our resident animal expert for many years… but now she’s officially a veterinarian! Kelsey has worked so hard to get here & I can’t wait to see all of the amazing work she continues to do in helping animals in need. 

I’m so glad I was able to travel to Miami this week to celebrate her awesome accomplishment! 

#doctorinthehouse #veterinarian #miami #getaway #family #makingmemories #travelgram #sisters
My little sister, THE DOCTOR!!! @kelseyhansen8 has been our resident animal expert for many years… but now she’s officially a veterinarian! Kelsey has worked so hard to get here & I can’t wait to see all of the amazing work she continues to do in helping animals in need. 

I’m so glad I was able to travel to Miami this week to celebrate her awesome accomplishment! 

#doctorinthehouse #veterinarian #miami #getaway #family #makingmemories #travelgram #sisters
My little sister, THE DOCTOR!!! @kelseyhansen8 has been our resident animal expert for many years… but now she’s officially a veterinarian! Kelsey has worked so hard to get here & I can’t wait to see all of the amazing work she continues to do in helping animals in need. 

I’m so glad I was able to travel to Miami this week to celebrate her awesome accomplishment! 

#doctorinthehouse #veterinarian #miami #getaway #family #makingmemories #travelgram #sisters
My little sister, THE DOCTOR!!! @kelseyhansen8 has been our resident animal expert for many years… but now she’s officially a veterinarian! Kelsey has worked so hard to get here & I can’t wait to see all of the amazing work she continues to do in helping animals in need. 

I’m so glad I was able to travel to Miami this week to celebrate her awesome accomplishment! 

#doctorinthehouse #veterinarian #miami #getaway #family #makingmemories #travelgram #sisters
My little sister, THE DOCTOR!!! @kelseyhansen8 has been our resident animal expert for many years… but now she’s officially a veterinarian! Kelsey has worked so hard to get here & I can’t wait to see all of the amazing work she continues to do in helping animals in need. 

I’m so glad I was able to travel to Miami this week to celebrate her awesome accomplishment! 

#doctorinthehouse #veterinarian #miami #getaway #family #makingmemories #travelgram #sisters
My little sister, THE DOCTOR!!! @kelseyhansen8 has been our resident animal expert for many years… but now she’s officially a veterinarian! Kelsey has worked so hard to get here & I can’t wait to see all of the amazing work she continues to do in helping animals in need. 

I’m so glad I was able to travel to Miami this week to celebrate her awesome accomplishment! 

#doctorinthehouse #veterinarian #miami #getaway #family #makingmemories #travelgram #sisters
foodielovesfitness
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My little sister, THE DOCTOR!!! @kelseyhansen8 has been our resident animal expert for many years… but now she’s officially a veterinarian! Kelsey has worked so hard to get here & I can’t wait to see all of the amazing work she continues to do in helping animals in need. I’m so glad I was able to travel to Miami this week to celebrate her awesome accomplishment! #doctorinthehouse #veterinarian #miami #getaway #family #makingmemories #travelgram #sisters
4 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
Confession: I’m not at all a big meal prepper❗️But, there are a few things I make most weeks that help make healthy eating simple: 

1️⃣ I bake a bunch of sweet potatoes. Then, I can easily use them for a veggie side, make sweet potato pancakes, or to incorporate into a healthy dinner - plus, sweet potatoes are always a winner with my 5 year old, so they’re a “safe” veggie I like to have around. 

2️⃣ Two, I whip up a batch of energy bites. I pack them with ingredients like hemp seeds, nut butters, and oats, and they’re great for both a grab and go snack for everyone in the house + a homemade kindergarten snack instead of packing a packaged bar. 

3️⃣I make a few cups of brown rice. Rice is so versatile, and I’ll use it for a few weeknight dinners, such as rice and beans, in burritos & with sautéed veggies and chickpeas. 

Who else is NOT a big meal prepper?! 

PS - Check out my new blueberry energy bite recipe in my stories today! It’s also my first #linkinbio. 

#healthyeating #mealprep #healthylifestyle #veggies #eatrealfood #energybites #myhealthylife #healthyfoodie #plantbasedfood #healthysnacking
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Confession: I’m not at all a big meal prepper❗️But, there are a few things I make most weeks that help make healthy eating simple: 1️⃣ I bake a bunch of sweet potatoes. Then, I can easily use them for a veggie side, make sweet potato pancakes, or to incorporate into a healthy dinner - plus, sweet potatoes are always a winner with my 5 year old, so they’re a “safe” veggie I like to have around. 2️⃣ Two, I whip up a batch of energy bites. I pack them with ingredients like hemp seeds, nut butters, and oats, and they’re great for both a grab and go snack for everyone in the house + a homemade kindergarten snack instead of packing a packaged bar. 3️⃣I make a few cups of brown rice. Rice is so versatile, and I’ll use it for a few weeknight dinners, such as rice and beans, in burritos & with sautéed veggies and chickpeas. Who else is NOT a big meal prepper?! PS - Check out my new blueberry energy bite recipe in my stories today! It’s also my first #linkinbio. #healthyeating #mealprep #healthylifestyle #veggies #eatrealfood #energybites #myhealthylife #healthyfoodie #plantbasedfood #healthysnacking
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
Unpopular opinion: We put too much pressure on Mother’s Day.

Sure, it’s a day when moms can be pampered, choose what they want to do, and kick back a little bit more than usual…

..but if your kid throws a tantrum or your husband forgets to get you a gift or everything doesn’t go according to plan, in reality, it’s just another day. 

Moms should be thanked by their families any day of the week. 
Moms should feel “free” to not do it all any day of the month. 
Moms should be able to practice self-care, guilt-free, any day of the year. 

Leave a ‘❤️’ if you’re all about dropping the unrealistic expectations & just having a fun family day on Mother’s Day! 

#mothersday #momsofinstagram #unpopularopinion #sandiego #beach #views #encinitasca #motherhood
foodielovesfitness
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Unpopular opinion: We put too much pressure on Mother’s Day. Sure, it’s a day when moms can be pampered, choose what they want to do, and kick back a little bit more than usual… ..but if your kid throws a tantrum or your husband forgets to get you a gift or everything doesn’t go according to plan, in reality, it’s just another day. Moms should be thanked by their families any day of the week. Moms should feel “free” to not do it all any day of the month. Moms should be able to practice self-care, guilt-free, any day of the year. Leave a ‘❤️’ if you’re all about dropping the unrealistic expectations & just having a fun family day on Mother’s Day! #mothersday #momsofinstagram #unpopularopinion #sandiego #beach #views #encinitasca #motherhood
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
I’ve really been enjoying wine country living over the past 1.5 years! 🥂☀️So far I’ve tasted at almost half of the nearly 50 wineries, & here are the stand outs for me thus far: 

MY FAVORITES — 
-Monte de Oro ~ Joined their wine club & have hung out here countless times 🙌🏼 Their wines are awesome, the staff is friendly & they have an expansive patio. Bonus: they decorate so wonderfully for Christmas! @montedeoro
-Leoness ~ Yummy reds, the views here are lovely & they usually have live music Fri-Sun, + their beautifully curated store is my favorite in the valley for grabbing wine country gifts. Also joined the wine club @leonesscellars 

GREAT FOR PICNICKING — 
-Masia de La Vinya ~ Offering Spanish style wines & lots of outdoor seating on their patio, patrons are free to bring food to this boutique winery Sun-Fri @masiadelavinyawinery (note: children are not allowed on Saturdays) 

MY TOP PICK FOR A DATE — 
-Europa ~ Offering not one, not two, but THREE tasting rooms (Italian, Spanish & French styles), Europa has picturesque grounds, a resort & Spanish restaurant, making it a perfect pick to relax at & stay awhile! @europavillage

FUN WITH KIDS — 
-Peltzer ~ @peltzerwinery has some great kid-friendly events, including a fall pumpkin patch, winter skating rink & movie nights. Note: Most of the time they’re only kid-friendly Sun-Thurs.
-Longshadow Ranch ~ @longshadowranchwinery is a Temecula winery with a western flair that has animals to visit with, regular family-friendly events & a small playground to entertain kiddos while the adults try the wines. Also nice for picnicking! Try their port in a chocolate boot 🍫 I’ve also heard they regularly have bonfire nights, which are on my bucket list to make it to soon. 

#temeculaca #wineoclock #winecountry #socal #californialiving #exploremore #winelovers #home #familyfriendly #weekendvibes
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I’ve really been enjoying wine country living over the past 1.5 years! 🥂☀️So far I’ve tasted at almost half of the nearly 50 wineries, & here are the stand outs for me thus far: MY FAVORITES — -Monte de Oro ~ Joined their wine club & have hung out here countless times 🙌🏼 Their wines are awesome, the staff is friendly & they have an expansive patio. Bonus: they decorate so wonderfully for Christmas! @montedeoro -Leoness ~ Yummy reds, the views here are lovely & they usually have live music Fri-Sun, + their beautifully curated store is my favorite in the valley for grabbing wine country gifts. Also joined the wine club @leonesscellars GREAT FOR PICNICKING — -Masia de La Vinya ~ Offering Spanish style wines & lots of outdoor seating on their patio, patrons are free to bring food to this boutique winery Sun-Fri @masiadelavinyawinery (note: children are not allowed on Saturdays) MY TOP PICK FOR A DATE — -Europa ~ Offering not one, not two, but THREE tasting rooms (Italian, Spanish & French styles), Europa has picturesque grounds, a resort & Spanish restaurant, making it a perfect pick to relax at & stay awhile! @europavillage FUN WITH KIDS — -Peltzer ~ @peltzerwinery has some great kid-friendly events, including a fall pumpkin patch, winter skating rink & movie nights. Note: Most of the time they’re only kid-friendly Sun-Thurs. -Longshadow Ranch ~ @longshadowranchwinery is a Temecula winery with a western flair that has animals to visit with, regular family-friendly events & a small playground to entertain kiddos while the adults try the wines. Also nice for picnicking! Try their port in a chocolate boot 🍫 I’ve also heard they regularly have bonfire nights, which are on my bucket list to make it to soon. #temeculaca #wineoclock #winecountry #socal #californialiving #exploremore #winelovers #home #familyfriendly #weekendvibes
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
Come with me to try the vegetarian sandwiches @capriottis Sandwich Shop! Which sandwich would you like to try most? 

#ad #foodiesofinstagram #vegetarian #sandwiches #eeeeats #capriottis
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Come with me to try the vegetarian sandwiches @capriottis Sandwich Shop! Which sandwich would you like to try most? #ad #foodiesofinstagram #vegetarian #sandwiches #eeeeats #capriottis
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
9/9
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