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Foodie Loves Fitness

Sharing my passion for living a healthy & happy life

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goat cheese

Herbed Pomegranate Goat Cheese Crostini

Have you been getting a chance to soak up all of the in-season produce yet this autumn? Lately my cooking and baking has been limited because I moved cross country, and then I was staying in an Airbnb without a legit kitchen for over a month. Plus, I've been pre-occupied with trying to find a new home in Connecticut... BUT I have news to share! After much time and effort spent into looking to buy a place here, my husband and I decided to put our buying plans on hold and to rent a townhouse for 6 months. This move has been incredibly stressful, and sometimes when nothing is going according to plan, you have to recalibrate. We moved into the townhouse last weekend, and I will be spending the next couple of days unpacking and getting settled in... and I am so excited to have all of ... [Read More]

October 8, 2018 11:08 am foodielovesfitness 14 Comments Filed Under: Dinner, Recipes, Snacks

Baked Sun-Dried Tomato & Artichoke Goat Cheese Dip

Meet my new favorite kitchen gadget: my brand new Kitchen Aid food processor. You know when something happens and you're initially bummed about it, but then everything turns out well in the end? This was the case with my food processor a couple of weeks ago. I was happily making these date truffles in it, and when I went to scoop out the dough, my blade was stuck on the processor base. Superglued on there. Unfortunately, this was a dejavu scenario because it happened once before to me with the same gadget a couple of years ago. I took it this old fix-it man who took forever to get it back to me, but I was happy because he fixed it. However, when I went to call the same man this time, I found that he had retired. And there are no other Kitchen Aid support people in my area. Noooo. ... [Read More]

August 3, 2015 6:00 am foodielovesfitness 15 Comments Filed Under: BlogHer Ad-Free, Recipes

Mediterranean Goat Cheese Crostini

Hello friends! Ever have days when you feel like you're going a mile a minute from the minute you wake up until the minute you go to sleep? That has been me for the past couple of days. At the moment I'm procrastinating packing for my trip to San Diego tomorrow. Packing is the worst but I'm excited for my trip! In the spirit of hectic days, I thought it'd be fitting to share a recipe I whipped up last week during a busy day. I was starving for dinner and all I felt like eating was the loaf of fresh bread I had picked up at the grocery store earlier. What resulted was an easy appetizer recipe that can also be your meal if you're like me and love to make appetizers your main dish. Mediterranean Goat Cheese Crostini Crostini creations are perfect for get togethers and quick ... [Read More]

March 27, 2014 8:53 pm foodielovesfitness 4 Comments Filed Under: Recipes

Five Random Things This Friday

Happy Friday! I'm in a sort of random mood, so I figured I'd do a random kind of post today - so here we go, five facts Friday! #1 - I am currently munching on a slightly unusual but definitely delicious sandwich for lunch: Granny Smith apple + creamy goat cheese + raw honey + cinnamon on toasted whole wheat bread. Such a good combo! #2 -  Remember how in this post the other day I was talking about the perks of working from home? Well I've thought of another one that's a biggie for a total messy eater like myself. When you work from home and you get chocolate from a protein bar smudged on your cheek or an (almond) milk moustache from your smoothie, the only other being who sees it is your dog. I was reminded of this one the other day when my landlord stopped by. We chatted for ... [Read More]

July 26, 2013 12:58 pm foodielovesfitness 8 Comments Filed Under: Bay Area, Lunch

Keepin’ it Simple & Delicious: Arugula Goat Cheese Crostini

Hi there! My Sunday morning has definitely started off on the right foot: I awoke to a message from my best friend saying that her and another girlfriend of mine are coming to visit me next month (YAY!), decided to have a living room yoga/stretching session in my PJs while my hubby and puppy still snoozed, and then I made a nice green monster smoothie to get my veggies & fruit in. Now I'm sitting here blogging to you in quite a fabulous mood. :) This weekend has been a nice low-key one for me thus far. That should continue throughout today, as my only Sunday plans are cleaning and errands, exercising crazy Harley girl, and perhaps a mountain biking trip with Adam (I know I know, I was just talking about my foot injury in the last post - but I'm feeling out what workouts I can and ... [Read More]

July 21, 2013 10:51 am foodielovesfitness 2 Comments Filed Under: Recipes

Goddess Kale Salad

Happy first day of summer! Summery things I did today include: Going hiking with Harley... ...and thoroughly enjoying this dinner on my patio this evening... Lightly fried zucchini + beefsteak tomato + cheddar + horseradish mustard = one bangin' grilled cheese. I was craving grilled cheese all day, and this guy totally hit the spot. I refrained from eating a second one... though I easily could have! And now onto more yummy eats... Recently I had a blogger date with Gina, the chick behind Health, Love and Chocolate. We met for lunch, and while we were both enjoying kale caesar salads, I started talking about how I'm a pretty new kale eater. I told her I feel confident that I can whip up a yummy kale salad now, but that I like the kale super tender and never seem to get it quite that way ... [Read More]

June 21, 2013 9:04 pm foodielovesfitness 2 Comments Filed Under: Recipes

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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
3 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
1 week 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
2 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
2 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
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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
3 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
4 weeks 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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