Last But Not Least

PSA: If you read this, I have a special bonus for you at the end!

During this semester, I got the change to blog for the first time. I’ve enjoyed sharing little pieces of myself with everyone. I have received positive feedback from many people, making me feel like I’m helping someone one way or another.

Although, I will say that it would be nice if WordPress incorporated a way to personally design your own page. Kind of like coding a website, but blog style. One of my favorite tools in WordPress is the photo slideshow. It gives our posts an interactive and creative feel that’s different from basic options, such as external links or font styles.

WordPress has showed me that blogging is something I surprisingly love. In the future, I plan to utilize the tools I learned to promote my wedding planning career. I could use photo slideshow to showcase my style boards, or connect with other wedding bloggers through social media promotions.

On a different note, let’s talk about how my individual posts have done. My most popular week was the week of Nov. 13, receiving nine views total. The post with the overall most views was Feed Your Soul: The Rest Will Follow. I think this post received the most views because, well, introductory posts are somewhat of a guaranteed read.

Then again, I was pretty bubbly in that post: hard to miss! Additionally, this post got attention on twitter as opposed to others.

I was surprised that I received feedback on my posts from viewers. Not only did this make me feel good, but it made me realize that someone is listening to me. YEEHAW!

SPECIAL BONUS TIME! Who bet on me keeping my promise?

Below is a slideshow consisting of a few skin care products I swear by. This entire semester I’ve stressed healthy eating, which is still important. However, the overall message I want to get across is that everyone should strive to live a healthy lifestyle. Yes, that includes skin!

These products are amazing for all skin types, including sensitive skin. My skin is highly irritable, so believe me when I say THESE ACTUALLY WORK! Check it out, loves!

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Taco Bout’ That Vitamin C

Let’s be real. Who doesn’t love tacos? Tacos are that one food you can entirely make your own. Your taco might not even look like a taco, and it could still classify as a taco.

When you think of a taco, most would probably think of meat, cheese and maybe some sour cream or lettuce. While that tastes fantastic, I guarantee you won’t feel fantastic after downing a couple of those bad boys.  I want to share my easy, filling and super nutritious taco recipe with y’all!

Let’s break it down. Include the following in your skillet:

• 2 cups of chopped broccoli
• 2 cups of chopped peppers (onions optional)
• 1 cup water
• 1 to 2 tablespoons of sesame oil (based on preference)
• 1 chopped red potato

You will steam these together for 15 minutes. Stir twice.

Lastly, scoop the mixture on a gluten-free, Mission Tostada rich and crunchy tortilla. I promise this pairing is amazing! My taco contains extremely high levels of Vitamin C. Additionally, veggies burn fat.

Vitamin C is vital. It keeps your skin, blood and bones super healthy! Orange juice is great and all, but don’t you want something with substance? Yeah you do!

Taco bout’ a great taco. Enjoy!

You Busy, Busy Bee

Everyone is busy in their own way. Whether it’s your job, school, social life or the whole shebang, our lives can get a little crazy. Do you ever miss breakfast? What about lunch or dinner? It’s almost inevitable that, at some point in your life, you’ve either missed or forgotten a meal.

I’m here to fill you in on my favorite meal replacement shake. Boring? No. Cliché? Maybe. Delicious? Absolutely! Whey Protein Isolate is a protein powder containing numerous vitamins along with 30 grams of protein. Just so I make things clear: that’s a lot.

My favorite flavor is strawberry, but you can always pick one of their other flavors: vanilla, chocolate or fruit punch. Inside the jar is a spoon that has already been measured for one serving. Grab a blender and follow me!

In your blender, include the following:

• 1 serving of Whey Protein Isolate (servings can vary per person)
• 2 cups of any non-dairy milk
• 1 cup of any fruit
• dairy-free silk yogurt (optional)

This is a great meal replacement for anyone who doesn’t have time to cook a hearty meal. It’s quick, easy and always satisfying.

The world today is so busy. We are consumed with every day deadlines that leave us stressed, tired and without proper nutrition. Life is hard, but don’t worry. You don’t have to go through it alone.

Make your whey-shake today!

P.S. Shakes always taste better when they’re chilled and extra thick. Yum!

The Healthy Pop

Peanut butter has a taste that is both overwhelming and delicious. Its presence is dramatic. You can spread it on bagels, toast, chocolate, nuts and my personal favorite: bananas. Today we look at peanut butter banana pops, a healthy and fulfilling snack for anyone to enjoy.

This frozen treat is versatile, allowing it to have multiple add-in’s for your perfect creation! My recipe is stated below.

• Cut a banana into individual, reasonably think slices.
• Cover the slice in melted organic peanut butter.
• Stick a small lollipop stick (or cut straw) into the slice. The look should mimic a cake pop.
• Freeze overnight.

Are you looking to get creative? Here are some more options!

• Make your pop into a kabob. Add strawberries, blueberries or raspberries between the peanut-buttery layers.
• Cover the peanut butter with your choice of nuts.
• Drizzle dark chocolate on your pop – YUM!
• Sprinkle some cinnamon!

Peanut butter is a great source of protein, and it reduces the risk of having high blood pressure. Additionally, bananas have loads of potassium. This helps with anemia, cramping, weight loss and more. Just think, there are so many health benefits in one little peanut butter banana pop!

Remember: A pop a day keeps the doctor away! Enjoy, loves!

 

A Cliché That Lives On

Avocadoes are found in numerous dishes. What are some you can think of? They’re on salads, sandwiches and even chili. The fruit has several pairings, but the most basic and delicious of them all: toast. Yes! I am talking about avocado toast everyone. The dish can be breakfast, lunch, dinner and a snack.

Avocado toast is a universal language. It satisfies the vegans, the clean eaters, the Twinkie bingers and the burger addicts. The avocado (which yes, I use to think it was a vegetable too) is fueled with vitamins, especially potassium and magnesium. Additionally, it’s super high in fat. Plot twist: the GOOD kind of fat. Unbelievably, there is a type of fat that your body needs called monosaturated fat.

I think you all will like my avocado recipe. It’s quick, easy and delicious. Here it goes!

• 1 large avocado, sliced into small individual pieces. Some people like to mash it up to give it a guacamole look.
• 2 pieces of Rudi’s gluten, soy and dairy free bread (found in the freezer isle). Toast those bad boys for one minute!
• When finished, top the toast with you avocado. Add salt, pepper and a tiny drizzle of olive oil.

Simple, right? In the mornings, I always pick a glass of orange juice as my beverage – YUM!

Do you want to know a fun fact? Avocados have high levels of zeaxanthin and lutein. Translation: this fruit protects your eyes! How crazy! Not only are you benefiting your body, but your sight as well.

Finally, I’ll explain the annoyingly-labeled bread. Gluten is that one thing some people are allergic too, you know? Well it is also that thing that bloats you. Getting gluten-free bread will save you the “thinking you’re pregnant” phase. I choose to get dairy-free bread as well because dairy is never good when excessively consumed. Dairy actually inhibits your body from absorbing vital minerals. My advice? I would save your dairy for a rainy day.

You can top your avocado toast with additional items such as egg, tomatoes, peppers and/or onions! The list is endless!

 

Organic and Proud

Howdy! Today I am reviewing my loves that enjoy clean eating and an organic lifestyle as much as I do. GREYRESTY’S blog is perfect for tips on food selections and reasons to go organic and/or vegan-friendly. Oh, and did I mention he talks about saving money? Yes! I knew y’all would like that one.

What’s unique about this blog is his abundant knowledge about the dynamics of food. There are facts about produce (such as potatoes and strawberries) that retain more pesticides than others. It’s crucial to look for, and extremely helpful for your grocery list!

In addition, there are several benefits to going organic listed throughout his blog: Fresher breath, healthier skin and a faster recovery from injuries. A vegan-friendly diet is about more than just looking good. It’s about feeling better and living longer. Come on, we all could see the doctor a little less, right?

For my San Marcos residents, The Cornucopia is a natural foods market that’s right at your finger tips. Take a quick drive toward a better lifestyle!

There are many elements to a healthier lifestyle, but like I always say: Eat first, think later.

Hurry before you miss his next post! Follow Resty on Twitter: @restygrey.

Snack Time, Best Time

Let’s get real: snack time is necessary. Whether you subconsciously snack or you’re just never full, snacking is in our blood. There are people that eat three meals a day, and there are people that eat five or six smaller meals a day. However, if you or anyone can look someone in the eye and say “I don’t snack,” I hope you don’t mind the Pinocchio look.

I am proud to say that I am an Olympic snacker. Most of the time I enjoy snack foods more than an entrée. You could (and should) label me as that girl that orders three appetizers at dinner instead of a regular meal. All things aside, the point I want to stress is you don’t have to feel guilty about snacking. Snack once, twice or seven times a day! With my help, you’ll consistently look forward to your “meal in-between the meals.”

One of my favorite and easy recipes: Cranberry Turkey Salad.

• ½ cup sliced almonds; cashews are an alternative option
• ¾ cup dried cranberries
• 2 stalks of chopped celery
• 3 to 4 cups of chopped cooked turkey
• 2 tablespoons of Spectrum organic mayonnaise
• Mix together in a bowl

This snack is great because it is light, easy and very versatile. I enjoy using this salad as a topping, putting it on top of a cracker (whole-wheat soy crackers of course) of my choice. Not only is it a salad and topping, but it’s also a dip, spread or filling. It all depends on the desired amount of each ingredient for the individual. Get creative, people!

The ingredients in this dish are natural. Mayonnaise can be healthy too, it just needs to be the right kind. I know, Doritos and fruit snacks are delicious and satisfying. I find myself reaching for the Cheetos every now and then. However, my Cranberry Turkey Salad has less fat, sugar and no artificial flavorings. You’ll be left wondering why you ever bought that bag of Chex Mix

Dark Chocolate: So Simple, So Universal

Finally! Today we get to talk about something sweet. Did you ever think sweets could fit into the “healthy and beneficial” category? Some sweets might be difficult to turn clean, but I’ve got a simple way for us to create alternatives. Ladies and gentlemen, today we discuss chocolate. Dark chocolate, that is.

This post will be a little different. I will be talking about a variety of ways you can incorporate dark chocolate into your late-night cravings. But first, let’s talk health.

Dark chocolate is great for your heart. It should at least 70% cacao, so that means no KitKats or Snickers! Eating a small amount of dark chocolate per day can reduce your blood pressure and prevent blood clots.

Additionally, dark chocolate releases those endorphins that make your brain switch from nay to yay (you know, super happy and stuff). It is the same feeling that is read by the brain when you are falling in love. Who wouldn’t want to fall in love every single day?

Finally, dark chocolate is full of minerals and vitamins that combat fatigue, aging and certain types of cancer. Considering we should want to look and feel our best forever, I think we’ve found our chocolatey cure!
A few ways to treat your sweet tooth:

• Dark chocolate dipped or drizzled on any fruit
• Dark chocolate chips on top of mashed coconut and almonds
• Dark chocolate mousse; use tofu
• Dark chocolate and caramel toffee
• Dark chocolate drizzled on a whole-wheat crepe; add optional fruit topping

Chocolate is meant to be enjoyed, and sweets exist for us to momentarily forget about our troubles. You can still get the same satisfaction as eating a fudge sundae without the tomorrow guilt. Go on, enjoy yourself! Also, make sure to thank your dark chocolate treat for promoting good health.

XOXO, Kisses!

P.S. Make no mistake, those kisses were dark chocolate kisses.

 

Keep Calm, Eat More Italian

When you think of Italian food, what comes to mind? Maybe it’s those thick sauces, endless noodles or baskets of garlic bread being passed around the table. The Pasta Museum in Rome, Italy, is always first on my mind. It is high up there on my bucket list!

Anyways, whether it’s an intimate gathering or a full-blown family reunion, you can never go wrong with Italian. Lasagna, pasta and chicken parmesan are just a few of the dishes that you ask yourself “I could go for another round, right?”

Well, what if you could? What if we didn’t need to feel guilty about those second helpings? That’s right, folks. I am introducing one of my favorite meals: Pesto Pasta with Sautéed Mushrooms. Not only does it taste amazing, but the product itself will leave you full and satisfied without the post alfredo guilt.

Let me explain. The ingredients are simple.

• 1 box veggie pasta thin spaghetti boiled for 7 to 9 minutes
• sliced baby bellas sautéed in soy sauce in a skillet for 5 to 7 minutes
• soy sauce (optional)
• 3 tablespoons pesto sauce mixed with finished pasta

This dish is one of my dearest because I don’t have to give up my love for Italian to look and feel better. Veggie noodles have less carbs, fats and sugars than regular noodles, making the weight you normally feel after eating Italian lighter. They also are made from real (yes, real) vegetables. Additionally, pesto sauce is plant-based, leaving out excess heavy cream and fats that are in traditional sauces.

In all understanding, humans need fats and sugars every now and then. I get it. Who doesn’t want to stuff their face with 10 pounds of pizza? Have a cookie or two! However, less is more. Clean ingredients will lead to clean lifestyles, and that is something we can all get second helpings of.

So please, keep calm. Eat more Italian!

 

Feed Your Soul: The Rest Will Follow

Dear lovers of clean eating and a healthy lifestyle, howdy!

My name is Blair Bardwell. You guessed it, I am from Texas (hence the howdy). Specifically, I am from Houston, Texas. Having been a nutrition nut for a while now, Whole Foods Market is my sanctuary. I am here to broaden your horizons to some exciting recipes that are as nutritional as a nectarine, and as delicious as a donut.

The terms “clean” and “healthy” when they are associated with food rarely sound the most saucy, sweet or spicy. In fact, it sounds just plain boring. Finding a way to make a lettuce scrumptious has hardly been easy. Continuous cooking experiments and going from gym to gym, all to get an “eh” result. Although, what if it was easy? What if all we had to change was the food we eat?

I have always been a very athletic and active person, but I have never truly felt as amazing mentally, spiritually and physically as I did when I switched from ordering McDonald’s Happy Meals to making my own vegan pizza. Of course, I realize that is a huge contradiction. Instead, what if I told you that eating that entire pizza was better for you than eating one Happy Meal?

Oh, and it tastes better too.

Believing me will be difficult at first. Just like all Totino’s Pizza Rolls addicts, I myself had a hard time breaking the cycle of cutting out processed foods. Clean eating is something that has changed my life for the better. By bringing you all inside my kitchen, I am thrilled to show you all some of my favorite meals. Additionally, I will be exploring new recipes along the way.

Cook along with me as we relax, eat and enjoy!