http://healthysandiegoliving.com/

 It’s still under major construction but I’ll be updating on this site from now on!

COME VISIT!

I got a great package the other day! Why was it great you might ask??? 2 reasons:

1. It was FILLED with Chocolate
2. It represents a GREAT cause!

Endangered Species Chocolate Foundation’s mission is empowering individuals to create solutions that sustain species, habit and humanity.

They make charitable donations in 3 ways:

1. Providing Grants to nonprofits that fulfill the requirements of the Endangered Species Chocolate 10% Give Back application process
2. Funding and providing volunteers for on-the-ground projects focused on creating solutions that sustain species, habitat and humanity in the areas where Endangered Species Chocolate cacao is grown.
3. Aiding cacao farmers in the company’s farming communities intimes of crisis.

Endangered Species Chocolate has committed to donating 10% of net profits to help support species, habitat and humanity. PLEASE check them out and help support!

Sooo delicious! All of the 3 oz. milk and dark chocolate bars are made with ethically traded, shade-grown cacao and all-natural ingredients.

Their All-Natural bars are certified Gluten-Free and they have a huge selection of Vegan bars as well–the one I ate was one of them!

I’m cutting it short tonight. I met a great  friend for coffee after work today and we ended up talking for hours–so much fun! But now it is time for BED!

Hope everyone had a great day! The week is ALMOST over!

Preheat oven to 425

I peeled them as I would a potato and made my best attempt at cutting them into FRIES–some steak fries, some shoestring fries I’m working at my fry cutting skills for sure!

I spread them out on a pan then; added a bit of EVOO, salt, nutmeg, and basil–all spices I like, so I  figured they’d go great all together (I’m such a professional, I know!)

I let them cook for about 14 minutes…they made the house smell amazing! When I took them out of the oven I threw on a bit more seasoning and let them sit for a few before I dove in!

Well…..I loooooved them!

They had a spice to them that I really enjoyed and the mix that I threw on top wasn’t bad at all, infact I’ll definitely use it again next time.

I really am a HUGE french fry fan and am always looking for healthy variations, so the fact that this one has fewer calories AND carbs than an actual potato is awesome, especially since I’ll be making them again.

I know, I know! So not appetizing…The Boo loves them though and apparently it’s getting sweeter and sweeter by the day!  You can see in my other post why I have, what looks like a rotten banana, sitting on my counter.

Did you know that bananas and plantains have been used by many people around the world as anti-wrinkle cream? Yep, it’s true! You’re supposed to mash about 1/4 of the fruit until it become a sort of paste, rub it on your face and leave it on for 15-20 minutes.

Hmm…I guess you learn something new everyday!

Whipped up some quick veggies today after work

• Zucchini
• Squash
• Onion
• Mushroom
• Shrimp (new additions)
• Water Chestnuts (another new addition)

I’m really excited–tomorrow night I’m going to attempt to make FRIES out of a Rutabaga! I don’t think I’ve actually every tried one before, so this should interesting…

I’m headed to the gym now to work it out and try to do some running! I’ve been thinking about setting a goal for myself…maybe a marathon or something to push me a little?!

Every Sunday from 9-2pm RAIN or SHINE

Today was my VERY first Farmers Market experience and I’m hooked—it’s such a great weekend GOTO whether it is for the organic, locally grown fruits & veggies or the delicious food from around the county.

I was amazed at the variety that was there

I have to be honest, one of my favorite parts of the market was the numerous amounts of samples that were offered—not only for the obvious reasons, but I got to try so many things that I would NEVER ever think to buy, or even think I would like.

When is the last time you went to the grocery store and sought out a jelly that would set your mouth on FIRE?!

I’m a huge spice fan so this was right up my alley–I had a taste of the HOT watermelon and the mix of sweet and spicy was incredible!

We saw some strawberries that were the size of my head

Gorgeous fresh flowers

They have live entertainment

I came across this great stand

All of their items are made from scratch with local and organic ingredients! The first thing I tried was a sample of Strawberry Horchata–it was delicious so I couldn’t resist buying a whole drink

How cute is that? A pleasure for the mouth and the eyes!

Next thing I tried was the Vegan Chocolate Mousse

As I was devouring every last drop of my sample, the man at the stand asked me to guess what the “secret” ingredient was–I had no clue but it turned out to be…..AVOCADO! Hmm I would never think to put avocado in chocolate mousse but he said it made a thicker consistency, which it did, and offcially made it healthy, which I guess it did as well! Loved them and I’m defiitely making my way over there again the next time I’m there–I think I may have found my signature Hillcrest FM drink!

How good does THAT look? Vegan Cashew Cheese Pizza! One of our good friends that also came to the market had this and said it was DELICIOUS!

It really did look as good as she said it was, in fact, I wish I would have gotten a piece as well–Luckily I snapped this photo and can try to recreate it myself!

The Boo also got a plate of amazingness

A Beef Sandwich on Pita Bread–I guess it was a Gyro…

I didn’t make a Green Smoothie today

Soooo I was super excited to see they had some samples of a delicious green mix–it definitely made me rethink what I’ve been using and you may be seeing some new ingredients very soon!

I’ve lived in San Diego for most of my life and now after experiencing my first trip to a FM, I’m sad it took so long for me to get there. I highly recommend a trip to one of SD’s best, whether it be for the great local produce, or the fun atmosphere–Hillcrest Farmer’s Market is definitely not something you want to miss out on!

It was such a Beautiful day–I can’t wait to go back and to try more of San Diego’s Farmers Markets.

Goat Cheese Spread, Marinated Tomatoes, Caramelized Onions, Spinach, Toasted Pine Nuts

I’m not a HUGE cheese fan; however, I have recently discovered the deliciousness that is  Goat Cheese, and this for sure confirmed my recent obsession—the appetizer definitely set my expectations high for what was to come.

After a glass of wine I got the

HUMMUS PLATE
Cilantro-Jalapeno Hummus with Pita Chips & Fresh Veggies and another side of the sautéed fresh veggies.

When it all came out I asked for another side of raw veggies to dip in the hummus since I was way more excited about those than the pita chips (which ended up being delicious as well.)

Everything was delicious! The Boo had a Turkey Club on Whole Wheat—I snuck a taste and it was seriously SO good—the perfect amount of turkey, bacon and avocado in one bite. YUM!

We’re already looking forward to going back as we enjoyed not only the food, but the beachy, laid back atmosphere as well (I’m a sucker for that)—it’s definitely a new Del Mar GOTO for us.

Sunset Bar & Grill Check it out!

On the agenda today–HILLCREST FARMERS MARKET!

• 10 min Evil Stair Master
• 3×10 Bicep Curls
• 3×10 Leg Press
• 3×10 Tricep Kickbacks

I didn’t get through much cardio today—so tired and taking it easy on the weekend!

After we got showered up and ready for the day, we decided to head to the movies to see Inglorious Bastards. SO SO good, just a little hard to watch at times due to the intense amount of violence, gore and blood. I didn’t mind the AC either though–it was a hot one!

I pretty much refuse to buy snacks at the movies for 2 reasons…

• #1. WAY too expensive
• #2.  Not too many healthy choices

So luckily The Boo stashed one of Betty Lou’s Nut Butter Balls in my purse in case I got the munchies

Aaaand it wasn’t long before I had a taste. It was the Almond Nut Butter Ball with 12 g. of Protein and ehh, I wasn’t crazy about it—only ate about half and put it away. I definitely preferred the Cashew flavor over the Almond.

I hope everyone had a fantastic week!

 I came home today to an amazing package from the Sunbutter Gods!

I’ve been dying to try this stuff for so long

I obviously went straight for the CRUNCH….my fave! I couldn’t resist, I dove right in…

It’s wonderful! SO hard for me to not devour this by the spoonful–I can’t wait to try it with some actual food and not just by finger! hehe

Look what I bought The Boo today

Pretty huh? lol I think it’s so funny that the more black a plantain gets, the more sweet and  ripe it actually is–so you basically buy a yellow one and wait for it to look rotten! So I think this one actually has a fewww more days to look even more disgusting, YUM!

I had a Green Smoothie that totally hit the spot today before the gym–here’s a little pre-blend, pre-banana shot and the yummy result

I love going to the gym on Friday…it’s completely dead, so I love trying new things and I pretty much just goof off the whole time. I did get in 10 min. on the EVIL Stair Master and another 10 on a 7.5 Treadmill Incline. After that I tried some new machines and then headed down to the weight room with all the muscle men and tried to do some curls with 15 lbs…..

Ummmm not sure that was a great idea, I see soreness in my future, but you have to start somewhere right? Right! We’ll see how I feel tomorrow.

For Dessert I made a little yummy mix

Newman’s Own Organics Mixed Berries, 2 Spelt Pretzels and a few Almonds

Now I think it’s time to celebrate the weekend with some wine!

I seriously don’t know what I ever did before I discovered Hummus–I mean I really only started eating it a few months ago. Before that I had tried it a few times but since I was too busy eating other things (junk), I didn’t give hummus a second thought. NOW I have to have it in my fridge at all times because I’ve learned that you can put it on juuuuust about anything–OK maybe not everything ,but pretty close!

Lunch today was something I just threw together since I’m running low on groceries–but I had turkey and I had hummus, so I put them together for a simple but oh so delicious lunch! I had an amazingly juicy peach with it but it didn’t make the picture!  Another one of my GO TOS!

OMG has anyone ever tried Betty Lou’s Nut Butter Balls? If you haven’t then you MUST try them!

This is the Cashew Pecan flavor w/ Beta Glucan which gives a major boost to the immune system, helps the digestive system and has many other health benefits as well. It was deeeeeeeelicious!

They have everything from Vegan, Organic, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Kosher snacks, all loaded with protein, energy and phytosterols–you’ll definitely be seeing more of these from me, it was the perfect pre-workout snack! Aside from their yummy bites, Betty Lou’s also has some low glycemic designer protein shakes that I had The Boo try out tonight.

He mixed it with 10 ounces of Skim Milk and loved it because he said it reminded him of chocolate milk–what could be better than that?

This was before he shook it up so it kind of looks scary and bubbly but according to him it was very tasty! The cool part is that it’s Lactose, Gluten, Sugar, and Hormone Free before you add the milk so you could mix it with water, which the package says is preferred, and you’re good to go!

Today at the gym I did

• 20 min Treadmill Incline
• 10 min Eliptical w/Resistance
• Legs
• Abs
• 3×10 Bicep Curls
• 3×10 Tricep Kickbacks

Quick and easy trip!

Definitelytime for bed! Gooooooooodnight!

I’ve been in a bit of a food slump lately. I wake up every morning at 4:30, eat a quick breakfast, get ready and I’m at work for 9 hours–not to mention the 30-45 minute commute I make. By the time I get home I don’t have much time to prepare food so I can digest in time to go to the gym, so I find myself making a lot of the same things, hence the constant Veggie repeat. It’s quick…it’s easy…and once again it was my dinner

Gotta love em! Since I’ve officially made summer squash and zucchini a staple in my diet, I looked up a few assuring facts about them-

• Great source of Vitamin C & Potassium
• Full of anti-oxidants
• Promote Good Heart Health

The list goes on and on! I was definitely surprised and happy to read that research shows zucchini’s improve metabolism and help in preventing lung cancer. Ummm WOW! I have no idea if this is true or not but being an ex-smoker and all, I’ve decided that the zucchini is here to STAY!

I made a lovely Green Smoothie today

• Spinach
• Oats
• Almond Milk
• Frozen Banana
• White Chocolate Peanut Butter (yumm)

Before we went to the gym tonight I did about 10 minutes of abs and did tricep kickbacks with my 8 weights.  At the gym I did:

• 10 min. Eliptical w/Resisitance
• 20 min Treadmill Incline 7 (ouch)
• 3×10 Bicep Curls 10 LBS
• 3×10 Triceps 10 LBS
• 3×10 Deadlifts w/10 LB Bicep Curl

I’ve never done an incline of 7 on the treadmill before–it was kinda fun being up that high, but I could definitely feel the difference and I worked up a good sweat!

When I got home I was feeling a little creative and happened to have a Red Bell Pepper that I didn’t want to go to waste so I created a little snack

I don’t quite know what to call it yet so it is what it is…Spinach, Red Bell Pepper & hummus! It was delicious AND nutrtious as the peppers are another veggie full of disease fighting anti-oxidants and a bunch of vitamins and minerals! Plus I thought it looked pretty!

After my little snack I had a great cookie for dessert from Country Choice Organic. They’re made from pure organic ingredients! Ugh, it was so soft and melted in my mouth–I’m not a fan of had cookies, this was perfect!

Is there anyone else that has a weird schedule and a difficult time fitting everything in? What are some quick meals you like to whip up? Do you also have a GO TO like my quick & easy veggies?