Saturday, June 28, 2014

10 Quick Healthy Snack Ideas

Are you STUCK in the RUT???  
Need ideas for snacks??? 

Sometimes you have to think outside the box when it comes to snacks.  Don't be scared to mix items.  All of these suggestions I have for you are items that I have found from other smart people.  YOU DON'T HAVE TO RE-INVENT TO WHEEL!!  Some of the best ideas I get are kids snack ideas with a twist.  Remember to read labels & all ingredients when purchasing food.  Items Listed below that have chocolate chips are used with ENJOY LIFE brand which are Gluten Free, Dairy Free, & Soy Free.  Many snacks I give options of Almond Butter or Peanut Butter (I can not have peanut's... so I use almond butter). 


ENJOY:



SNACK ONE

Cored apple slices with almond butter, oats, nuts and chocolate chips (enjoy life brand)



SNACK TWO
Banana, almond butter (or peanut butter), strawberry sandwiches.



SNACK THREE
Gluten Free Pretzels dipped in almond butter or peanut butter!  Easy and yummy!! 




SNACK FOUR
 Rice cake, peanut butter or almond butter, sliced bananas, topped with cinnamon.



SNACK FIVE
 Graham crackers, Nutella, & sliced banana sandwiches.



SNACK SIX
Peanut butter or Almond butter, chocolate chips (enjoy life brand), sliced strawberries, &  sliced almonds. You can change this up by adding blueberries, dried cranberries, yogurt covered pretzels, etc.  Have fun with it! Mix & enjoy! 



SNACK SEVEN
 Cottage cheese, nuts, berries, cane sugar/coconut sugar (if needed).  




SNACK EIGHT
Need a great idea for "on the go"... Add some hummus in a small plastic container & stick carrots in!! OR Almond Butter & Celery.  SIMPE & YUMMY!!! 



SNACK NINE
GoGo Squeeze's (they have multiple blends of fruits & veggies) are some of my FAVORITE quick & easy snacks to put in my purse.  They can be cold or room temp.  They are inexpensive & great for kids & adults.  



SNACK TEN
 Treat Snack... Trader Joe's Cinnamon Almonds.  
However, DO NOT open the bag and eat directly out of it.  Most grocery stores sell ziplocks that have measurements marked on them... Measure yourself out the proper serving size and have a SNACK!!!   






A FEW OTHER IDEAS: 
fruit, veggies, hard boiled eggs, avocados, nuts, Larabars,  freeze dried fruit (with no added ANYTHING),  coconut milk yogurt, & smoothie. 




Drinking plenty of water is the smartest thing you can do for your body through out the day.  This helps your metabolisms & digestion.  Drinking water before meal time also helps with not over eating.  There are many pinterest & facebook articles going around about detox & metabolism booster water drinks.  Adding things like cucumber, lemon, strawberry, mint, lime, mango, etc to your water & drinking a certain amount throughout the day.  Is this true...? I'm not sure.  I think this can be beneficial for anyone who thinks is works and helps them increase their water intake to a healthy amount.  I know that the cucumber & lemons, mint, strawberry, mangos, etc all have benefits to our bodies... so adding them to the water are smart.  So its a WIN - WIN!!! 




WATER DETOX RECIPES: 





THIS NEXT ONE JUST SOUNDS YUMMY.....

Drinking water is a natural way to clear out our bodies, but adding in a few more ingredients can turn it into a powerful detox drink that can flush away all unwanted toxins. I tried a refreshing combination of strawberries, lemon and mint. Lemon juice cleanses, alkalizes, and boosts the immune system, while mint leaves a cool flavor and helps to settle the stomach. Strawberries will add in flavor, antioxidants and skin enhancing nutrients. All you need is a handful of sliced up strawberries, a few lemon wedges, and a couple sprigs of mint. Add all the ingredients to a pitcher of water and set aside in the fridge while the flavors build up.




1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NIV)
"Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 
you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies."


As I read the word this passage from the bible I am reminded that the Lord has blessed me with many things.  Things like: wonderful husband, 2 amazing children, fun extended  family, & a church family.  As I enjoy these blessings I have responsibility to God & to honor the body he has blessed me with.  Not in a prideful, selfish or lustful manner.  In a way that nourishes & energizes physically & spiritually.  





I hope that some of these snack ideas & water ideas were helpful... Have a wonderful day!! 



Blessings








Wednesday, June 25, 2014

ABS - LOW BACK - HAMSTRINGS Workout

Are you weak in your Core?

I have learned these last few months I have a VERY weak core.  So... I have been doing some research on programs & exercises that help build a strong core.  
Let me make this VERY CLEAR.... Building a strong core DOES NOT mean ONLY doing sit-ups. You must put in equal time building strength in 3 main areas:  
  
ABS - BACK - HAMSTRINGS

And along with building these 3 areas you MUST be stretching!  I will be the first to admit I am horrible at stretching.  It is the #1 area that i left out of a workout program.  Unfortunately this is a huge factor to why people get hurt.  I suffer from and IT Band issue... I promise you that this is my own fault.  WHY?  I never took the time to stretch, warm, up, or cool down my body properly.  You don't need a huge amount of time for warm-up/cool down and stretching.  But I promise you your body will thank you in the years to come!! 


Ok back to the Abs/Back/Hamstring topic:  When you only do abs day after day, and ignore the back/hamstrings you are causing major issues for your core.  The Core is not just the front side... See the back muscles are included in the CORE area of the body.  Some may be asking why I included hamstrings in my bolded trio above.  Here is why... Back muscles and hamstrings go hand in hand. While having strong hamstrings does have its advantages, hamstrings have a tendency to become short and tight when not maintained. This can result in pain in the lower back. It can also restrict your stride length, making walking and running harder/painful. Over time this will make the core less effective and weaker.  Incorporate hamstring stretches at the end of your workouts to balance the strength and flexibility of these muscles.  

The beauty of ABS is that we have so many options out there for us to pick from.  You can take classes at the local gym, buy videos & do workouts in the privacy of your home.  Youtube has thousands of awesome FREE short or long programs.  
However, the MOST important thing you must do is start small and build.  DO NOT OVER DO IT.  So many push themselves the first week and then they can't even laugh for 3 days.  



I spent days... many many hours (don't tell my hubby).  I was up until 2 or 3:00 in the morning watching different videos of abs/back/ham videos of ladies.  ALL FOR YOU!! 
But I found some great resources that I honestly feel are AWESOME!!! 


This gal Clare is amazing... I found her and was amazed with her blog & video.  Not only was her stuff GOOD.... but she had a GREAT focus on Jesus.  I was impressed her smile and joy during it all.  I fond myself excited about working out.  

Below is the link to her Abs & Lower back.  What you will see is videos with & without explanation.  Printouts and workout plans. It truly is amazing.  If you are a tech savy person you can explore her website and see many other body areas she has posted about.  



I have a friend from college who is a personal trainer.  She is amazing!  She has worked REALLY hard & I am SO PROUD of her.  She also has created many videos for ladies... I have linked her gallery of ALL her workout videos.  She has LOADS of the them!! I want to highlight one set that she calls 'Teeny Tiny Waist Challenge'.  Day #1-10  I encourage you all to try them!! 




Just remember we ALL had a day one... I am not an expert at anything.  I LOVE researching new things.  I love getting out in the water to swim and train for a race.  I LOVE the wind in my face during a long bike ride.  I dread putting on my running shoes.  The pounding beneath my feet is NOT the feeling I look forward to... but I make myself do it.  I know that I need to miles to train.  I know I need to build the strength to make it across the next finish line.    







HAVE A GREAT DAY!!





Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Real Cocktails.... Not Skinny Cocktails

REAL COCKTAILS  Not those Skinny Cocktails

YAY.... I found a few more possibilities of cocktails I can drink.  It's hard to find tasty cocktails that I can actually drink and enjoy.  I can have dark rum... but I really don't want to just drink straight rum.  I mean... some of my readers may enjoy that!!  But, this girl doesn't care for the taste.  

Prior to my hashimoto's diagnosis I was introduced to Moscow Mull's.  There are a few variations to this drink, however I found a way to make one that I can drink!!!  

Meg's Moscow Mull
2 ounces of (grape distilled) Vodka
6 ounces ginger beer
1 lime, jucied
1 tablespoon agave nectar
fresh mint

How to make Cocktail Meg's way: 
add Agave Nectar in a glass with fresh mint.... smash mint leaves with the agave to blend the flavors. Add the 2 ounces of Vodka to the mix.  Place a few ice cubes in the Copper Mug and place a strainer over the mug.  Pour the vodka, agave & mint mix over the strainer (so the small mint pieces so fall in the copper mug).  Add the ginger beer & 1 lime to the mug.  Stir & garnish with lime wedge & mint sprig if you wish!! 

(if using this copper mug you will need to double it... the mug is pretty big)



Best when you drink in a Copper Mug, but not necessary!! 

I found Bombora Vodka at Total Wine.  The bottle was about $16.99-$19.99, but I was able to get it on sale for 14$. If you are a berry person you can make this drink the same way and add a few fresh raspberries to the glass when smashing mint.  This adds a great berry flavor to the drink.  



Organic Sangria

I was so excited when I found this company that makes and bottles a sangria I can drink.  



This is what you see when you go to their website.  And guess what??  It tastes SO YUMMY!!!  The website is: http://eppasangria.com/

A few weekends ago we had a BBQ and I got 4 bottles thinking I would put 2 out for the BBQ and keep 2 for me.  LOL... we drank all 4 bottles that weekend with friends.  IT WAS THAT GOOD!!!  

INGREDIENTS OF THE SANGRIA:
Premium Varietals:
Eppa SupraFruta Sangria is crafted in Mendocino with premium varietal wines that create the basis for an unequaled sangria.
Real SuperFruit Juices:
The fruit flavors in Eppa SupraFruta Sangria come from real, organic fruit juices, drawn from antioxidant-rich superfruits, including:  Pomegranate, Blueberry, Mediterranean Blood Orange, Acai.
Antioxidant Rich:
Premium wine varietals and real, organic fruit juices make Eppa SupraFruta Sangria antioxidant-rich.  Boasting nearly twice the antioxidants as a glass of red wine.

CERTIFIED ORGANIC


Meg's Awesome Sangria
1 bottle Eppa Sangria
1 Cup Dark Rum
1 apple sliced
1 orange sliced
1 lemon slice
(add sparking ginger ale or water if needed for taste, but not necessary)

Freeze lots of red grapes
let set for a few hours.  When you serve use the frozen grapes as the ice!! 




THE BEST PART... I PAID $10.00 FOR THIS BOTTLE 




ENJOY.... 



Friday, June 6, 2014

From the Heart...

Kinda Sad...


I wasn't sure if I should actually write this blog.  I have struggled with how to approach this topic.  I am extremely happy with the  new me... I feel amazing and have SO much energy.  However, not everyone responds kind or positive when they haven't seen me in sometime, and yes it may be a shock to see me 70 lbs smaller.  In all honesty majority of the people ARE supportive, happy, encouraging, and have nice things to say.  A little bit of me wants to clear the air & a little bit of me wants to address this because it makes me sad that some people actually respond this way.  I have been 100% transparent in my journey I have been open about the process, struggles & the transformation.  The hardest part is when I hear about when I am the topic of peoples conversations and they assume "HOW" I have lost the weight!  They speculate... by making comments like " she's not eating enough", or "maybe she's taking something?" 

SO HERE IT IS:
What medications am I currently taking?  I take a anticonvulsant medication because I was diagnosed 7 years ago with a seizure disorder.  The main reason I take this medication is for my migraines.  This medication is called Topamax.  I have been taking this medication for 7 years.  Some say it can help with weight loss.  Guess what folks... I was talking this medication prior to ALL my weight loss and NOPE!!  It did't help then!  I was even on a larger does prior.  The doctor's even said before, "you must be one of those who it doesn't help with weight loss."  LOL 

I also take a thyroid medication called Nature-Throid.  Since my thyroid was basically killed by my autoimmune disease.  This medication helps my body to function normally.  No more sluggish days, and my metabolism has been jump started back to working normally.  

I also take a few supplements daily.   After having my blood work done I was able to see how low I am in some area.  I take daily: Vit B12, Vit D3, and iodine with kelp.  

These are the Rx's & supplements I take daily.  I just found pictures of the supplements on the left and downloaded.  There are a variety of brands available for purchase over the counter.  Ask your doctor what daily amount you should be taking before starting.  Topmax is a prescribed pill that I get from my doctor.  Nature-Throid I also get prescribed from my doctor.  


 THAT'S ALL!!! Really... I don't owe anyone an explanation or details about my personal medical side of this journey.  However,  if I am going to be transparent with my journey... I felt I wanted to CLEAR the air.  


SO... The NEXT thing on my mind!  
Someone said to me, "You are TO SKINNY."  
This actually hurt my feelings.  I am going to give you the numbers for you to see for yourself.  I started my journey at 209 lbs. And today I woke up and got on the scale and weighted in at 138 lbs. 

BMI Calculator: 
209 lbs = 32.7 which was considered Obesity.
138 lbs = 21.6  and I am considered Normal.

BMI categories are as follows:
Underweight = 0-18.5
Normal weight = 18.5–24.9
Overweight = 25–29.9
Obesity = 30 or greater 


This may be a lot of information that you may not care about... but let me say this.  I have worked very hard to change from the INSIDE out.  Not just for me.   This lifestyle change was done 'yes' for my health, however, I did this for my family.  I wanted to set an example for my children.  I want them to learn 'HOW' to take care of their bodies  & health.  

We as a family have had a few health hurdles over the past 4-5 years.  We have learned about lifelong fitness & health.  I have a Master's Degree in Physical Education & Health Science.  I am happy to finally be putting this education to it's full potential. 

I have felt that this journey has been more than a health transformation.  I truly feel that God has been teaching me and calling me in the area of health & fitness on a teaching platform.  Sharing with people about our bodies.  Growing up we have always read and been taught, feed our soul... be strong in the Lord.   The Bible tells us to think on things that are "noble, pure, lovely, admirable, and praiseworthy" (Phil. 4:8).  Watch our attitudes, minds, spirits... whatever goes in comes out!  

What happened to 'FEED THE BODY' that houses the Holy Spirit? I want to teach people how to properly feed our bodies that the Lord has blessed us with.  If we don't give our bodies the proper food to function, we shouldn't be shocked when they malfunction. 

1 Corinthians 6:12 says: 
“I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but I will not be mastered by anything. 
God expects us to manage our bodies. Our bodies are a gift from God. He loans it to us and it’s our responsibility to manage it well. 

What are you doing with what He’s given you?  

My diagnosis was a SHOCK to me... I went cold turkey on all the 'CRAP' food and made a lifestyle change for ME!!!  This change was the BEST thing that happened to me.  I can honestly say that I am not perfect... but I have not cheated on my nutrition.  I don't call this a diet (because it's not a diet).  It's not hard to say NO to the food's I can't have!!  I have made the choice to say NO to that lifestyle.  

On October 16th 2013 I said YES to my NEW lifestyle.  


I have a strong support crew!!  I love my husband and kids!  They make this ALL worth it!  Ryan has been 100% on board from day One.  He cooks for me... & knows HOW to cook for me.  I love that he learned from day one how to cook the special way I need.  My kids even know I can't eat some things & are very protective when we go out to eat!  

Thank you to all my friends & family who have been on this journey with me.  I love you all.  Thanks for always reading my lovely blogs that are special (& horrible writing skills)!!! 
But that's why you all love me!!  It wouldn't be a Megan blog without a misspelled word or a funky sentence!! :-)


I have some really fun blog topics coming soon.... 

Until Next Time...