Time For You

February 26, 2013 by

Morning friends, and happy Tuesday to you all!

How was your Monday? I feel like the day just flew on by. If this is how the rest of the week will go, I will happily accept that fact.

Today, I want to chat busyness. There seems to be a “busy epidemic” going on, where we all feel the need to put too much on our plates, stress ourselves out until we are living completely unbalanced lives. Therefore, we are experiencing far more than a healthy level of stress.

banana oat bran

{ A stress free Breakfast is my favorite way to start the day… Oat bran, sun warrior, banana, cinnamon, and coconut butter }

[Read more...]

{45 Comments }

Moving Forward

February 12, 2013 by

Coffee was much needed again today.

Seriously, I think this was the only thing keeping me alive and productive, and by productive I mean not falling asleep during the day. I’m determined to be more proactive with things that I want to start happening in my life, I think I was creating too much anxiety over these thoughts. You know the usual over-thinking things I put myself up to.

spaghetti marinara

{ This bowl for Dinner last night had spaghetti squash, broccoli slaw, homemade marinara, and chicken }

For the longest time, I put an enormous amount of pressure on myself to pick the “perfect” job, where I’d make lots of money, and not necessarily be happy on. I’ve come to realize that money is not the most important thing, and that my happiness comes first. Feeling like I have to do something because of money is just adding unnecessary pressure to my life. [Read more...]

{27 Comments }

Delights + Good Stuff

January 21, 2013 by

Good Morning! Happy Monday and hope you all had a great weekend.

Do you get annoyed when people are cheerful on Monday’s? I used to find those people so obnoxious, but now I’ve become one of those people. Ha.

Things change when you have a different outlook on life. It’s all about perspective.

I never mind Monday’s, but Tuesday’s seem to be the day that completely drags on.

sunny

It makes Monday easier to enjoy when our weekend had weather like this.

Clear skys and sunny. That always helps to improve the mood.

Even though it was sunny, it’s still painfully cold out, but that fact doesn’t make me want to switch up my Breakfasts at all…

buckwheat cocoa breakfast
I settled in with the same old bowl of buckwheat, coffee, and caught up on the Lance Armstrong interview.

What did you all think of it?

This breakfast totally takes the cake for my new favorite thing.

I jazzed it up a little by adding a tablespoons of raw cacao powder. Yum.

This weekend, I had plans to do some fun things, but I kind of have the feeling I’m catching the beginnings of a cold.  I’m trying my best to avoid that from happening.

tea + reading

{ ahem, my new favorite tea + Gabrielle’s amazing book }

This meant the weekend was kept low key. It also made it the perfect opportunity to cuddle up under the blanket and read with a warm cup of tea by my side.

I decided I should probably be a bit more productive with life and made myself some nourishment before I had to head out and meet a friend for coffee.

spaghetti squash bowl

Perfect fuel for those days where you want to hide and curl up in bed. It’s okay if you’re totally jealous with the above dish.

It was my new favorite creamy nutritional yeast sauce, spaghetti squash, and zucchini.

I don’t know how people could not like this delicious squash. It’s the perfect blank canvas for anything. You can make it sweet, spicy, savory, whatever you’re in the mood for really!

After, I managed to get myself out of my lazy clothes into something more appropriate for public.

coffee

Surprisingly, I ordered a tea. Coffee, a sore throat, and upset stomach didn’t sound like the best combo at all.

Later on, I decided I should probably move a little since I had basically sat around all day. I went on a nice walk before coming home to spend the evening relaxing.

In favor of spending the night out with my friends, I opted to hang out with my Sister for some bonding time.

Sam and I{ this picture took about 21 years to actually convince my Sister to take a photo with me…she’s too cool apparently }

We decided on a scary movie. Nothing says sisterly bonding more than watching a terrifying movie together.

It was called the House Next Door or something, we kept on forgetting the name of it which clearly tells you a lot about it.

To top off the night, I snacked on a bowl of ice cream before bed.

coconut ice cream

{ My favorite coconut ice cream }

Clearly the best choice to soothe a sore throat.

Well, I’m calling it a night over here.

Did you watch the Lance Armstrong interview? What did you think?

Favorite ice cream flavor?

What’s your best tip to curing a sore throat?

Have a marvelous Monday all!

{40 Comments }

Holiday Rush

December 24, 2012 by

Happy Christmas Eve! If you don’t celebrate, happy Monday!

I hope everyone enjoyed their weekends. I sure did. I got some (sad) news that I have to share for you all tomorrow…it’s not actually that sad, but for me it was.

I still can’t believe how fast Christmas approached this year, honestly, I can’t. I still haven’t finished Christmas shopping that’s how much it snuck up on me! I should really get on that.

*****

I found a lovely spaghetti squash at the market after not seeing them for a few weeks, it was a much appreciated return!

spagh1

 In the bowl was spaghetti squash, a little roasted broccoli slaw, marinara, nutritional yeast and a homemade turkey burger.

It made a delicious meal.

Obviously lots of coffee was consumed this weekend.

coffee

 I went into Starbucks the other day and it was kind of the best thing….they gave me a Christmas card, I guess since I go so often.

It was so sweet, but also embarrassing because this clearly means I have a coffee problem.

I desperately need to go grocery shopping.

I didn’t get the chance to hit up the store so my supplies are seriously dwindling now.

greek yogurt

I finished off the last of my greek yogurt blended with about 1/2 a frozen banana and topped it with a smidgen of cashew butter.

I’ve been avoiding dairy for a while and after eating this it’s clear why. More on that later…

Family and friends celebrations finally happened this weekend.

DSC03417

{ My wonderful Aunt and I }

It’s really nice that my Aunt and Grandma made there way on over for the holidays! I never get to see them as often as I’d like, so I appreciate that they’re here for this wonderful time of year!  
grandma and me

{ do you like how my Grandma and I match in red? }

We went out for Dinner on Thursday night and I parted ways with them to enjoy a few drinks with some friends.

This weekend I did some new awesome workouts. I’ve been way to obsessed with Cassey’s Blogilates workouts.

I’ve been mixing them all up for a longer workout and have been totally cheating on HIIT workouts with pilates.

It’s my new favorite thing.

Don’t get me wrong, I love HIIT and tabata a lot, but I need to make a few changes with my current routine health wise still. I’ll be able to reintroduce them, just not right now.

thehealthydiva

With that I’m off to spend some time with the family!

What was something marvelous about your weekend?

What’s your favorite thing about the holidays?

Do you like pilates?

Have a fabulous Monday!

{17 Comments }

Confessions

December 14, 2012 by

Hope everyone had a fulfilling week and have some fun plans coming up for the weekend!

This morning, I started the day off with a wonderful spin class, but I probably should’ve skipped it. I’m so tired, I can’t even think straight.

I think I say this each week, but holy my sleep is just out of control.

Tonight I swear I’m going to bed early and won’t wake up earlier than 6. That’s sad that that is my goal for tomorrow.

1. This cold weather has got me craving cozy and warm beverages every hour on the hour.

teas

If I don’t have a cup of something warm in my hands at all time, I end up shaking like a hairless cat.

Coffee is my all time favorite, but since I can’t drink that much coffee without succumbing to a heart attack, I’ve been warming up with cups of hot water with liquid stevia, lemon juice, and a sprinkling of cinnamon.

Sometimes, in the morning for an added kick, I’ll even add a little apple cider vinegar to really wake myself up. I also drink copious amount of my favorite teas throughout the day.

2. You know how much I love my pumpkin fudge, right?

fudge pudding

Well, I made a deconstructed individual portion for when I’m too lazy to make a big batch. Which is a lot of the time.

I just combined

  • 1/4 cup pumpkin
  • 1/2 tablespoon protein powder (you could use cocoa powder instead)
  • 1 tablespoon raw cashew butter (you could use another nut butter)
  • 1 teaspoon coconut oil
  • a little stevia

I just melted the cashew butter and coconut oil for about 30 seconds, stirred in the pumpkin and stevia and lastly added in the protein powder, before I popped it into the freezer for about 10 minutes.

Oh my goshhhh. I ate it like a pudding. It’s so delicious.

3. I had a good leg workout on Monday and the only thing I could think of was that if someone were to break into my house, I wouldn’t be able to run away from them and it would really suck.

panic 911

 This may have occurred because I was home alone and watching Panic 911.

Not a good show to watch by yourself.

4. This weekend, this design needs to be on my nails.


festive nail polish

That is just the cutest thing ever for the holiday times!

5. I made a vlog yesterday, but don’t know if I should publish it…

It is kind of rambly and talks a lot about my recovery and the journey I have endured so far, maybe I’m nervous to post it because it’s more personal. Hm…

6. Spaghetti squash has made a full comeback.

spaghetti squash

I’ve been completely too obsessed with kabocha and forgot about my beloved spaghetti squash for a while.

It’s no kabocha (not even close), but it’s good to switch it up every now and again.

I love that you can basically add anything to spaghetti squash and it will taste good, since it’s sort of a “blank canvas” food.

7. Currently reading…

gifts of imperfection

 The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown.

Thanks to the recommendation from my wonderful friend Gillian, I’m absolutely loving this book.

I highly suggest reading it, it’s so empowering to read through! I think it would be a beneficial read for anyone.

What’s your favorite warm beverage?

Do you prefer your nails polished or with no polish?

Any confessions you’d like to share from the week?

Have a wonderful weekend!

{45 Comments }

Easing Into December

December 3, 2012 by

Good Morning friends! Happy Monday!

I missed posting this weekend and instead enjoyed the weekend off working on some upcoming things, just get ready for better things happening over here:)

Can you even believe December is already here?! Insane. I’ll have my November favorite things post up tomorrow, so stay tuned for that.

I excitedly welcome this Monday, since I have a few plans for this week that I’m quite looking forward to. It’s also fresh start Monday, so leave those troubles in the past and focus on all the positive happening right now!

I started the weekend with one of my favorite fresh juices.

Into the vitamix went spinach, a little kale, cucumber, 1/2 an avocado, a splash of fresh orange juice, apple cider vinegar, water and 1/2 an apple.

I love apples this time of year, but since finding out I have a mild allergy to them, I’ve had to ease up on my intake.

The only way I seem to be able to tolerate them thus far is blended.

Dinner on Saturday. Ugly, yes. Delicious, yes. Spaghetti squash, and roasted broccoli slaw in my vegan cheese sauce.

It’s so easy to make and fantastic for a vegan meal option.

Vegan Cheese Sauce (one serving)

  • 1/2 tablespoon coconut oil
  • 2 teaspoons cashew butter
  • 1.5 tablespoons nutritional yeast
  • a little pinch of paprika
  • 1 tablespoon water

First, combine the coconut oil, cashew butter and water in a bowl and microwave for about 20 seconds (until slightly melted). Next, combine the rest of the ingredients until a thick sauce is formed. Once your vegetables are done cooking, add them into the finished sauce.

How cute is my cat?

I found her huddled up in a random blanket on the floor. I heart her.

*******

In honour of cleansing my mind from negativity, I happily got my meditation on. As much as I don’t always have the motivation to meditate when I’m in that headspace, I come out feeling a bazillion times better. For real.

I was feeling very anxious about some upcoming things; instead of sitting in that negativity, I connected with my inner self, slowed my mind, relaxed and flowed in the positive energy for the rest of the day!

Just like my beautiful friend Heather would say, “stop, drop and meditate.” Love that girl to pieces.

* this has nothing to do with meditation, I’m just trying to fill the picture-less void *

The whole idea of meditation can be intimidating if you haven’t practiced before, but I promise it gets better everytime you engage with your authentic self.

I mean, let’s face it the holidays can be stressful, so it really is the perfect time to introduce some yoga or meditation into your lifestyle!

Speaking of Christmas time, we finally finished decorating around the house.

Now we just have the outside to decorate.

I also posed with my Starbucks coffee cup in front of the tree, because we all know I’m really awesome. And obsessed with Starbucks.

Maybe I need some sort of coffee intervention. And yikes, I need my roots done.

My sister wouldn’t be in the photo with me, because she’s too cool for that.

On Sunday, after easing into December with decorations and a bit of holiday baking (stay tuned for more on that). I let myself get totally emerged in the holiday spirit by watching my all time favorite Christmas movie, Elf.

Let’s be honest, anything with Will Ferrell is instantly hilarious. I swear even just seeing his face makes me laugh because he is just so darn funny.

You better bet I’ll be watching this movie more than once before Christmas.

*******

On another tangent, for Christmas I really want to ask for a better camera. You know, so I can stop using my i-phone/digital camera. And so that my picture quality can improve, plus you can enjoy my blog and pictures more this way!

Does anyone have any good camera recommendations? Also be in mind I’m not really camera smart. So a “professional camera” that’s easy enough to use for someone completely camera dumb would be amazing;) Let me know!

What were some happenings about your weekend?

Favorite eats?

Do you practice meditation?

Check out my lovely friend Katie’s blog for more marvelous happenings!

Have a beautiful day!

{42 Comments }

What I Ate Wednesday

November 21, 2012 by

Hey all! Thanks to Jenn for hosting another round of What I Ate Wednesday!

Somehow the day has flown by even though I wasn’t expecting that at all.

I ended up finally getting into bed at 10 PM. For the first time in like a year and was pumped that I’d end up getting an awesome night sleep before spin in the morning. Well, low and behold I managed to wake up at 2:30 and didn’t fall asleep again until 4:30 which was pretty pointless, since my alarm goes off at 5.

Now, I’m crazy tired, but somehow managed not to nap at all.

We had the best spin class this morning, super challenging but went by crazy fast, which is just how I like them. I finished my workout craving eggs and almond butter. Random, but I went with it.

Breakfast -

2 slices ezekiel, almond butter, an egg cooked in a touch of coconut oil, and a carrot, yes a carrot on the side.

It feels weird not having a fruit or veggie with breakfast, so I always include one.

Even if it sounds odd.

I went to grab a coffee, since I was dying of tiredness at this point.

After I got my coffee, I filmed a vlog that I may or may not post tomorrow. It’s that accent one, but I always feel odd on camera. We’ll see if that gets up;)

Lunch ended up being leftovers from the other night. Today was clearly a lazy day in the kitchen.

Lunch -

 I simply reheated some leftover spaghetti squash I had from the other night, marinara, and a piece of baked local organic chicken. With a side of avocado.

Delicious.

I keep on going through periods of dealing with intense stomach pain and I’m having a hard time diagnosing what is actually causing it.

I went and got an allergy test, so hopefully that will shine a light on anything that I may be having issues with.

Snack -

 I didn’t want to overload my stomach with too much, so I just ate a pumpkin protein bar.

Then it started poring outside, I mean I shouldn’t be surprised, I live in the rainiest city ever, but I still would totally prefer snow to rain!

Nothing like a little rain to put some pep in your step. I actually hate to drive in the rain so I almost didn’t go grocery shopping, but decided I should just suck it up.

I ended up going and scored because there was no line at all.

When Dinner rolled around and the rain was still going, it seemed like the perfect weather to enjoy a nice bowl of soup.

Dinner -

 Enter parsnip and sweet potato soup.

Yum.

I could eat this all day. Root vegetables are the greatest!

Now if you excuse me, Dexter is calling my name. When that stud muffin calls, I go. Got to catch up on my favorite show!

And I’ll enjoy it alongside a cup of Banana Nut Bread Tea! With another snack later obviously.

I actually usually end up eating my biggest meal at night. I know a lot of programs, plans, people say not to eat at night.

It works for me though, especially since I workout first thing in the morning, on an empty stomach.

Do you eat before your workouts?

Do you prefer morning or evening workouts?

Do you ever get weird cravings after exercise?

Have a great Wednesday!

{41 Comments }

What I Ate Wednesday

November 14, 2012 by

Hi there! How are you all doing on this lovely what I ate Wednesday morning?

It’s pretty rainy over here, which isn’t that exciting. I’d much rather be hanging out indoors than doing anything slightly productive during these times.

Waking up was no joke this morning, I had a massive headache but decided to power on through to spin. I felt much better after. And it was an awesome class, we got some new music which included more tunes that I like. So, I was pretty happy getting my spin on this morning.

Today doesn’t include too many veggies, since I’m in serious stomach distress from a few days ago. Although, light on the veggies it was a winner on taste.

Breakfast – overnight oat bran.

In the bowl:

  • 1/3 cup oat bran
  • 1/3 cup egg whites
  • 1/3 cup pumpkin
  • 1/2 banana
  • cinnamon, stevia
  • 1/2 tablespoon each flax and chia seeds
  • topped with cashew butter

I had an appointment to get to after, so I quickly made my way out and ended up spending a total of 2 hours at the Doctor. Yikes.

When I returned home I was starving.

Since I didn’t want to wait long, I made a simple sandwich.

I didn’t take a photo, but it was basically this (minus the strawberries)

Lunch -

2 slices ezekiel bread, an egg, spinach, goat cheese, homemade strawberry jam.

It was pretty the jam. I haven’t had bread in a while, so it was a nice change.

To treat myself for heading to spin this morning, I stopped by Starbucks to get caffeinated.

The line was super long, so I did what any ordinary girl would do; have a photo shoot in the car.

I’m sure the people walking past me were super jealous of this. I’m so normal.

I had a few more errands to get to so threw together a snack after I was back at home.

Snack -

A piece of gingerbread I baked yesterday.

The flavor is a hit, but unfortunately is a little too moist (sorry for the word) in the middle.

Will work on fixing that so I can share it with you all soon!

Oh man, I was excited for Dinner this evening. I haven’t had spaghetti squash in far too long!

Dinner -

I roasted that squash up, and loaded on some homemade marinara sauce, homemade turkey burger, and the last of my broccoli slaw.

I think squash should be its own food group. I love each and every one I try.

I guess this was my only meal that was really veggie filled, but that’s okay. Not everyday is going to be filled with tons of veggies and fruits.

I was going to finish the night with some coconut ice cream, but realized I was out.

Snack – sorry for the awful picture

Instead, I made a protein muffin with coconut cream and peanut flour paste.

The coconut and peanut flour together is basically heaven.

Now it’s time to catch up on Dexter from Sunday night, read a little, and get into bed at a decent hour! I’ve got to stop procrastinating on that front.

What’s your favorite squash? 

Do you tend to avoid veggies when your stomach feels off?

Favorite ice cream flavour?

Hope you all have a fantastic day!

{53 Comments }

Protein Pudding and Food Phases

October 10, 2012 by

Happy Wednesday all!

Let’s get the foodie fun started.

This morning started bright and early, I woke up at 5 to attend spin class. When I arrived no employees showed up at the gym to open up. There were about 20 of us just waiting outside for an employee to show up. A little frustrating, but at 6 someone finally came in.

I tried not getting too annoyed, but its hard not to when you are up at 5… and technically you didn’t have to be;)

Even though it was a late start, spin was still awesome! I’ve been using spin as my second “therapy” these days.

I came home and was super hungry so made my way right to my bowl of overnight pumpkin buckwheat.

Breakfast - 

1/3 cup buckwheat cereal, 1/2 cup pumpkin, 1/2 cup egg whites, 2 teaspoons chia seeds, 1 teaspoon hemp seeds, stevia, cinnamon, topped with a few blueberries and cashew butter.

Delicious.

Drinks happened a little while later. If only it was a glass of wine, however it only seemed appropriate that at 10 in the morning it was coffee instead.

Starbucks once again, with a little sprinkling of pumpkin pie spice for a Fall touch.

I don’t know what has happened, but I’m starting to really hate the taste of eggs again. I love my egg whites, but for some reason the yolk thing is really starting to creep my taste buds out.

This seems to happen time and time again. I love eggs, then I get burnt out and hate them. I guess I’m in the hate phase now! Too bad.

Lunch included my last attempt to re-like eggs. Major fail.

Lunch - 

2 pieces toasted ezekiel, half topped with sunflower butter, the other half with an egg. And a side of roasted zucchini slices and broccoli slaw with avocado in a shot glass.

After a [finally] successful grocery store trip (things were sold old like crazy last time I attempted to grocery shop), I came home and assembled a delicious snack.

I topped this concoction with a little cinnamon “sugar” (made with a pinch of cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice and stevia), which made it extra special.

Snack - 

Coconut Protein Pudding was on the menu.

  • 3/4 cup pumpkin puree
  • stevia
  • 3 tablespoons peanut flour
  • 2 tablespoons coconut flour
  • 1/2 tablespoon coconut oil
  • a dash of almond milk (if needed)

I’ve been trying to catch up on e-mails and some work from home today. Also some must needed laundry. When are they going to come along with an invention that can do all that folding for me?

Then maybe I’d actually like doing laundry a little more. Everyone agreed?

Later, I remembered I was supposed to get my blood taken, so had to do that. Ick, okay this might actually be worse than laundry. Not fun at all.

I got home and was pretty hungry, so just heated up some leftovers I had in the fridge.

Dinner -

Almond-coconut crusted tempeh, marinara, along with the rest of my roasted veggies that didn’t make it into lunch, all topped with a massive amount of cooked spaghetti squash.

I’m now sipping on some pumpkin chai tea, while awaiting New Girl and the Mindy Project to come on.

Then have plans to dig into my late night snack.

Has anyone seen the Mindy Project yet? I love it so far.

Have you found any new excellent foodie items recently?

Do you go through periods where you love a food, then hate it?

Happy Wednesday!

{58 Comments }

WIAW #18

August 8, 2012 by


Happy What I Ate Wednesday!

Let’s get right to it!

I woke up this morning with a huge craving for almond butter. I hardly ever get cravings for this particular nut butter, so I went for it.

Breakfast – 7:30:

Overnight oats.

This included:

  • 1/2 cup oats (cooked in 1 cup water before hand)
  • 1/2 cup 2% greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon coconut flour
  • 1/4 cup coconut milk
  •  1/4 cup almond milk
  • mashed banana
  • stevia
  • blueberries
  • almond butter

 

With breakfast finished, I put on my workout gear and got my pilates on. I usually workout first thing in the morning, before breakfast because I get far too lazy later in the day. This worked out fine though. Its not the end of the world if I don’t get my workout in first thing.

After some pilates-ing, I went on a little car ride to get my toes done all nicely. What a tough life…I chose a bright purple for my nail colour. Wahoo for brights! I won’t show you a picture of my toes, because I’m sure you couldn’t care less what they look like.

I also picked up a coffee on the way home, I always need my coffee! (as if you didn’t know this already).

I was talking with the esthetician, who was super sweet, and we got to talking about blogging. She said she had a client who was also a blogger. The girl was previously a figure skater and her partner ended up dropping her.

Unfortunately, it led to her being declared paralyzed from the waist down, which made her begin a blog while in bed.

In the end, she wanted to live her dreams of photography and was eventually able to walk again (although doctors said she never would) and went on to travel the world and become an amazing photagrapher. Talk about inspiration to start out the day!

Lunch – 12:

I came home from my appointment and made a spaghetti squash bowl.

It included roasted broccoli slaw, tempeh, spaghetti squash, marinara, nutritional yeast, and avocado. Mmm.

After lunch, I did a little reading and some grocery shopping.

Snack – 3:

Snack was a bowl of strawberries with cashew butter and protein frosting, made with my beloved sun warrior.

I then chatted a bit with my sister, but she clearly got bored with me and went to hang out with her friends instead. How rude. I mean, I’m pretty cool, who wouldn’t want to hang with me.

Dinner featured my new lover, eggs. I’ve just been really digging the breakfast for dinner type meals.

Dinner – 5:30:

A bed of steamed spinach topped with two eggs. I ate this on top of a bowl of savoury oat bran. Inspired by the wonderful Lindsay!

I made the oat bran with just water and added nutritional yeast and coconut oil to it, and then put the eggs and spinach on top. I didn’t picture it, because quite frankly it looked super ugly at this point. But, oh so tasty!

I’ve fallen a bit off track a bit with keeping my calories up, so its time to get over that worry I’m experiencing and just do it…again. I need to remember it takes consistent time and energy to recover from what I’m going through at the moment.

With that being said, I’m going to take some time and relax for the rest of the day.

There is currently a huge thunder storm happening right and I love storms; I am nutty.

It’s hailing like crazy too, the weather is an odd thing.

Dessert – 8:

I was in a little chocolate-y mood, so for dessert I made a protein muffin and jazzed it up with a little cacoa powder. On the side I had coconut frosting and peanut flour paste.

What’s your favourite way to eat eggs?

Have you ever had savoury oats?

Do you like thunderstorms?

Have a delightful day!!

{41 Comments }
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