Re-use!

Having oatmeal every morning can get quite monotonous so why not spice it up and re-use (reduce, recycle!) while we're at it!?

Oh yeah guys, that's my usual morning oats in an almond butter jar! I had SOME almond butter left in the jar but it was too tedious of a task to scrape out [ and it's too good to throw out] so why not let it MELT into my morning oats, right? and then of course, your re-using the jar one last time!

In the jar:

1/3 cup oats
Splash of H2O and skim

Sliced strawberries and blueberries

Sprinkle of flaxseed

Drizzle of agave

Remnants of Justin's maple almond butter

...mmhmm is your mouth watering, yet?!

Complex carbohydrates, satisfying fiber, sweet berries and stick to your ribs-delicious almond butter filled with healthy fats!

National Culinary Day!

What a better way to celebrate today's, National Culinary Day but to get in the kitchen and start cookin'!? What chef inspired dish will have you baking, broiling, sauteeing or steaming?

Having trouble finding a recipe to start with? Real Simple is my usual "go-to" source for recipes! They are healthy, quick and have all different difficulties from the at-home chef to the top chef in all of us.

Well, get in the kitchen already and let's get cookin'!

Free Fitness

Hey guys! So as promised...but a little late (better than never), I must share my State Park adventures. It was an eventful trip I had, over the 4th of July weekend. I ventured out to the park stretching out into the chesapeake bay with one thing in mind...time to explore! I am all a new adventure, especially one that may incorporate some exercise. In all of my excitement, I failed to plan!

I set out to the state park in flip flops, no bug spray, snacks or H2O. Big mistake but seeing views like this made up for it...

I even made the two mile hike to the lighthouse...

We heard there was a beach on the otherside so we took the challenge.
After walking a combined total of 5 miles we found it...

Needless to say, I was exhausted, famished and my ankles hurt by the time we made it back to the car.

Noteworthy: Although I was anything but prepared for my 5 mile hike it was a great way to get in some unexpected physical activity, connect with nature and the best part, enjoy some Free Fitness.

I am not going to lie, I have always been a gym rat! I am totally guilty...but I tell you what! I felt just as good if not better leaving that park with 5 miles behind me as oppose to walking out of a gym. I may not have been sweating as much as I would in my usual spin class, but it was a change in routine and fun Free Fitness. On your next vacation scope out the local parks and walking trails, and get out there! Just be sure to plan!

What's your favorite way to stay in shape on vacation?

My Take on Toast

Hey guys! Hope you had a wonderful week and are gearing up for a fun-filled weekend! I don't have much planned but it sounds just about as good as it gets, after the week I had!

So, I wanted to share my new, go-to breakfast. I got into a slump with my oats; I was feeling bored and unsatisfied. I decided to try My [new] Take on Toast.
It's a well-rounded meal; complete with a little taste from every macronutrient group (a little carbohydrate, fat and protein) for complete satiety, satisfaction and ultimately, it's something that holds me 'til lunch!

My Take on Toast is a spin-off your always faithful [open-faced] PB&J and PB&Banana Sandwiches. This is SO simple and can be made in 5 minutes flat!

My Take on Toast:
- Your favorite bread...toasted (I use a whole wheat or sprouted grain toast, depending on what I bought that week)
- Your favorite nut butter (I am using Justin's Maple Almond Butter)
- Fresh Strawberries

Toast your bread. Smear your nut butter. Strategically place your strawberries. Well, what are you waiting for? ENJOY!

I like this combination of flavors. It's like PB&J but the fresh strawberries reap the nutritional benefits (vitamins and minerals) that the sugar-loaded jelly doesn't. It's sweet and salty while offering energy filled complex carbohydrates and fiber from your toast, heart healthy fats and protein from your nut butter and additional flavor and nutrients from the fresh fruit! Great start to a summer morning!

Try it tomorrow morning : ) Let me know what you think?!...

Holiday Destination

Happy 4th o'July to all my SS bloggies! This is where I am spending my 4th...beautiful, isn't it?!

Where is your holiday destination?