Who says that healthy eating has to be boring and bland? I'm a big believer that eating should be fun, and I look at healthy food as both nourishing and delicious. None of us have to sacrifice our love of food because we want to be fit and healthy from the inside out. A common mistake that people make when they're trying to adopt a healthier lifestyle is categorizing foods as "good" and "bad," and completely cutting out all of the bad. This simply doesn't work in the long run. In my experience, if you completely deprive yourself, you wind up fixating on it and eventually falling off the healthy eating bandwagon and pigging out. On the contrary, if you allow yourself moderate splurges to satisfy food cravings, you can have the best of both worlds and find balance in your healthy ... [Read More]
healthy eating
5 Favorite Protein-Rich Snacks that Satisfy My Sweet Tooth
Who else is a snack queen or king? I love me some yummy snacks! I definitely prefer to eat small meals and a few snacks throughout the day. I usually eat something every three hours or so, and when my sweet tooth hits, I have some go-to healthy snacks that satisfy it. I also make sure to have protein-packed snacks around to satiate me, especially since I lead such an active lifestyle. I usually workout six days a week, plus I take my dog for walks every day, and I also squeeze in early morning yoga sessions most days as well. All of that movement depletes my glycogen stores and breaks down my muscle fibers, so I'm mindful about consuming protein post-workout to rebuild my muscles and fuel my body right. Today I'm sharing five of my current favorite healthy, protein-rich snacks ... [Read More]
15 Interesting Food Trends & Finds at Expo West
"People who love to eat are always the best people." - Julia Child Last week I got to attend an expo where healthy food and conscious foodies collide: Natural Products Expo West. It's an awesomely overwhelming show with every kind of food producer you could possibly imagine - from things you'd expect like protein bars, nut butters, and salad, to things you probably have never thought of, like brand new products that have never been sold before. There's no shortage of yumminess, and brands are eager to have you sample their latest products. I sound like Captain Obvious saying this, but I love attending Expo West! Today I thought it'd be fun to dive into 15 things that stood out to me at the show. Let's get to it! 1.) Vegan food has gotten more delicious. Even as a ... [Read More]
Currently Loving: My Top 5 Travel Snacks
Happy Friday! What are your plans for the official first weekend of summer? In thinking about my summer season, the next month or so is going to hopefully include lots of local SoCal fun, and then the month after that will involves lots of travel and time away from home. When I'm on-the-go traveling, especially if there are long car rides and/or long flights involved, one of the things I make sure to do is bring healthy snacks. I just don't think you can ever go wrong with bringing healthy food with you. It usually comes in handy at the times I prep for it - like at lunchtime on a plane - but I also find that it's great to have snacks on hand for random times when hunger strikes. For instance, if I'm going out to dinner later than I normally eat, a snack packed in my bag comes in ... [Read More]
WIAW + Heading South of the Border!
Happy Hump Day! We've made it through half of the work week, woohoo! I'm a bit antsy this week in anticipation of the holiday weekend. Why? Because I'm heading to Mexico for vacation! (source) This summer my hubby is turning 30, so I planned a surprise trip to celebrate the occasion. I had to tell him about it a few weeks ago, since he had to take days off of work. I decided to make a Mexican themed dinner - black bean enchiladas - and put some cute clues around hinting that we're taking a trip south of the border. It was fun and I enjoyed planning out a trip that A was clueless about. :) Now I'm just excited and very much looking forward to lots of relaxation + fun in the sun with A in Cabo San Lucas! Stay tuned for blog trip recaps, and follow me on Instagram to check out some ... [Read More]
The 80/20 Diet Rule + Spring into Shape with My New Health Coaching Program
"Nicole! You're eating French fries?!" "Ice cream?? Wow, there's ice cream in your freezer!!" These are the kind of things I hear from people who are aware of my passion for healthy living and see me eating ______ (insert anything sugary, fried, fattening, etc.). People seem to find it surprising, but yes, I'll eat fries once in awhile. I indulge in dessert sometimes. I drink one too many glasses of wine here and there... and not because I'm diving off the deep end from my healthy diet, but because I embrace balanced eating and the 80/20 principle. {source} What is the 80/20 approach to diet? It's a pretty simple idea: 80% of the time, you fuel your body with healthy, nutrient-dense foods, and then the remaining 20% of the time, you can indulge in treats and less nutritious ... [Read More]