Link Love #79

Today is the last day to enter my MealEnders giveaway!

It’s my favorite day of the [blogging] week. Time for some link love.. catch up on all the goodies you might have missed! Enjoy 🙂

Health

The Perfect Snack When You Are Feeling… – The Nutty Nutritionist

The Perfect Snack When You Are Feeling… – The Nutty Nutritionist
Why Saying No Matter for Your Well-being – Crop Tops & Kale
4 “Healthy” Hidden Sources of Sugar – The Fit Cookie
‘But I Don’t Want to Look Like You’ – Gabby’s Gluten-Free
A Plant-Based Nutrition Q&A – Hummusapien

Fitness

The Gym is Everywhere – FitFluential

The Gym is Everywhere – FitFluential
7-minute barre squat burner – Fitnessista
Move It Monday: 10 Variations Of Kettlebell Squats – Lifting Revolution
5 Side Plank Variations to Try – Pumps & Iron
Another Super Sweaty 7-Minute HIIT Workout Video – To Live & Diet in L.A.

Food

Korean Style Fried Shrimp Rice Bowls with Kimchi + Crunchy Noodles – Half Baked Harvest

Korean Style Fried Shrimp Rice Bowls with Kimchi + Crunchy Noodles – Half Baked Harvest
Beet and Black Rice Seafood Salad with Lemon Lime Vinaigrette – Cotter Crunch
Bacon Asparagus Potato Frittata – Reluctant Entertainer
Fried Avocado Tacos with Creamy Jalapeno Sauce – Avocado a Day Nutrition
Slow Cooker Quinoa Energy Bar Recipe – Food Faith Fitness

Food for Thought

What’s one of your favorite posts from the past week?

Link Love #78

Another day, another giveaway winner. Congrats to Rebecca P. for winning my Manitoba Harvest giveaway! We’re sticking to short and sweet today, friends. Enjoy the love!

Health

5 Foods You Should Be Eating in the Spring – Mommy Run Faster

5 Foods You Should Be Eating in the Spring – Mommy Run Faster
Are Rest Days Necessary Even If I’m Not Sore Or Tired? – Lifting Revolution
Good Fats vs Bad Fats: Which Fats are Good for You – Coconuts & Kettlebells
Guest RD: Overeating – Jessica Penner via Kath Eats Real Food
Achieving a Healthy Balance: Stress Management – The Adventures of MJ and Hungryman via Delights & Delectables

Fitness

Sweat on Road! A Travel Workout You can Do ANYWHERE! – FitAspire via Cotter Crunch

Sweat on Road! A Travel Workout You can Do ANYWHERE! – FitAspire via Cotter Crunch
Naked (Juice) Boot Camp Workout – No Equipment Required – Trainer Paige
Strength Training Workout: Building A Bangin’ Back – FitFluential
30-Minute Abs and Glutes Workout – The Fit Cookie
30-Minute Rowing Workout – Pumps & Iron

Food

Deep Dish Paleo Chocolate Chip Cookies for Two – Food Faith Fitness

Deep Dish Paleo Chocolate Chip Cookies for Two – Food Faith Fitness
Corned Beef Hash Breakfast Sandwich – Running to the Kitchen
Healthy Carrot Cake – Well Plated
Luscious Grain Free Lemon Cake – Fitnessista
Grilled Pineapple Caprese Eggs Benedict with Coconut-Almond Hollandaise – Half Baked Harvest

Food for Thought

What’s one of your favorite posts from the past week?

Link Love #77 + a Super Power Bite Recipe & Giveaway

Today is going to be a really exciting Tuesday. Not only do I have my usual link love below, but I also have a delicious recipe and giveaway!

A couple weeks ago, I received a sample of Manitoba Harvest’s Hemp Hearts. If you’re not familiar with hemp hearts, they are shelled hemp seeds that are considered a “superfood.” They provide 10g of plant-based protein and 10g of Omegas per 30g serving. With a slightly nutty flavor, they are great on salads, smoothies, ice cream, oatmeal, and more. I’m personally a fan of rolling some protein bites in hemp seeds for a nutty, sweet treat!

Chocolate Berry Super Power Bites

Makes 55-60 bites
Adapted from Cotter Crunch’s Gluten Free Triple Berry Chocolate Cake Bites

Ingredients
– 1/3 cup ground Strawberry Power O’s [can sub vanilla protein powder]
– 3/4 cup coconut flour
– 1/4 cup vanilla protein powder
– 1 scoop Healthy Skoop SweetGreens A Game [can sub 1 tbsp protein powder or coconut flour]
– 1/4 cup granola
– 1 cup nut butter [I used Peanut Butter & Co. Dark Chocolate Dreams]
– 2 tbsp honey
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
– 1/4 cup Manitoba Harvest Hemp Hearts

Directions
Grind up the Power O’s and mix in a large bowl with the coconut flour, protein powder, Skoop, & granola.

In a smaller bowl, microwave the nut butter and honey to make mixing easier. Pour over the dry mixture, add in the vanilla extract and mix, allowing the nut butter to cool before adding in the chocolate chips. Mix everything except the hemp hearts until incorporated well.

In a small bowl, measure out the hemp hearts and using a 1/2 tbsp measuring spoon, measure out the bites and roll in the hemp hearts. Store in the freezer for quick and easy snackage!

Nutritional Information
Per 1/2 tbsp bite
45 Calories / 3g Fat / 5g Carbs / 1g Fiber / 3g Sugar / 2g Protein

Want to win your own bag of Manitoba Harvest Hemp Hearts? Click here to enter my giveaway!

Health

Why Eating A Brownie Can Be Good For You – Love & Zest

Why Eating A Brownie Can Be Good For You – Love & Zest
The dark side of wearable fitness trackers – FitKnitChick
What to Do When You Gain Weight – Eating Bird Food
Food with Benefits – Carla Birnberg via EleVen by Venus
The Amazing Benefits of Honey – Organic Runner Mom

Fitness

“Ups” Pyramid Workout with Cardio Intervals – Pumps & Iron

“Ups” Pyramid Workout with Cardio Intervals – Pumps & Iron
Triple Threat Tabata Workout – Fitnessista
1,000 Rep Workout – Lindsay’s List
At Home Bodyweight Workout – Survive & Thrive
Weekend Warrior 3: Reach The Summit Advanced Workout – Lifting Revolution

Food

Grain-Free Chocolate Donuts with Peanut Butter Sprinkles – Yeah…immaeatthat

Grain-Free Chocolate Donuts with Peanut Butter Sprinkles – Yeah…immaeatthat
Double Chocolate Brownie Irish Car Bomb Cheesecakes – Half Baked harvest
Sesame Crusted Salmon with a Zesty Ginger-garlic Drizzle {Gluten Free} – Cara’s Healthy Cravings via Cotter Crunch
Roasted Broccoli with Curry Dipping Sauce – Delish Knowledge
Vegan Peanut Butter Shorties – Radiant Rachels

Food for Thought

Have you ever tried hemp hearts?
What’s one of your favorite posts from the past week?

Link Love #75

With my parents coming out to visit us tomorrow, I’ve been thinking a lot about how different things are this year then when they visited last year. A year ago, we were pretty fresh to the bay area; just about 2 1/2 months in. We took them all over the place touring, tasting, and pretty much making this place our own. I had just gotten my NASM book to start studying and aside from the occasional web design gig, I was completely jobless. It was a strange feeling and it was downright hard. I had Nathan, but good lord it was hard to meet people when I was at home all the time.

One year later, I have 3 jobs—2 of which are personal training at gyms—and a list of clients that thankfully keeps growing. Some friends have quickly come and gone, and others have become good friends. Like a spending-the-Jewish-holidays-with-her-family kind of friend. We’re living in a new area of the east bay and loving how much we have at our fingertips and how easy it is to get around. Things are moving in the right direction and I’ve said it before, the move to California has been such a great learning experience.

Last year, I was psyched to just see my parents again after almost 3 months. This year, while I’m just as psyched to see them again, I feel like we have so much more to show them. And not by showing them around the city, but by showing them what our lives have evolved to since they visited last. Shoot, we’re even giving them a place to stay this year.. it’s like we’re real, live grown ups!

And with that, a few things to share with all of you. Enjoy!

Health

How to Live in Harmony with High-Fiber Foods – Kris Carr

How To Live in Harmony with High-Fiber Foods – Kris Carr
Eating for Health & Eating for Abs. Do you know the difference? – Food & Nonsense
FYI Friday – Nutrients Requirements for Active People – Calcium & Vitamin D – Pretty Little Grub
11 Ways to Manage Stress and Feeling Overwhelmed – Love, Life, Surf
Because Being Healthy Means Not ALWAYS Being Healthy – fannetastic food

Fitness

DOMS: The Truth About Muscle Soreness & How To Recover Faster From Workouts – Lifting Revolution

DOMS: The Truth About Muscle Soreness & How To Recover Faster From Workouts – Lifting Revolution
Body part splits or whole body workouts | the pros and cons – FitKnitChick
30-Minute Jump Rope + Strength Training Workout – Pumps & Iron
Upper Body + Cardio Workout – Peanut Butter Fingers
Fit Tuesday Workout – Fitnessista

Food

Beef Barbacao Bowls – Lexi’s Clean Kitchen

Beef Barbacao Bowls – Lexi’s Clean Kitchen
Gluten Free Breakfast Power Bowls to POWER Your Day – Cotter Crunch
Irresistible Super Fudgy Chocolate Brownie – 1000 Lovely Things
Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies – Running with Spoons
Apple Fritter Bread – Averie Cooks

Food for Thought

What’s one of your favorite posts from the past week?

Link Love #73

I have to admit, I totally expected yesterday to feel like 2 days. And today? Oooh, it’s a doozy! But there were a few things that made the day a little easier. Before I even got out the door, I got a picture of this little cutie.

I can’t believe how big she’s getting! And look at those little curls. Gah she’s the cutest!

And finishing up my shift at my first job, a gym member came in with this guy.

Such a sweet dog. I wish they came in earlier so we could have played more! Sometimes it’s the little things that make the day better. And to make your day a little better..

Health

How Weight Training Can Help You Keep the Weight Off – The New York Times Well

How Weight Training Can Help You Keep the Weight Off – The New York Times Well
Key Nutrients for Marathon Training – Elisa Zied via Carrots ‘N’ Cake
Why You Should Think Twice About Vegetarian and Vegan Diets – Chris Kresser
How to Eat Clean: The Do’s and Don’ts of Healthy Clean Eating – Clean Eating Veggie Girl
Stop Hacking Life – Carla Birnberg

Fitness

5 Ways to POWER UP Your Push Up – Cotter Crunch

5 Ways to POWER UP Your Push Up – Cotter Crunch
Weekend Warrior 2: The Trifecta Workout – Lifting Revolution
Legs + Abs + Arms Boot Camp Workout – Peanut Butter Fingers
Barre Ab Burner {Video} – Fitessista
Build a Better Butt – Pancake Warriors

Food

Paleo Chocolate Coconut Tart – Eating Bird Food

Paleo Chocolate Coconut Tart + Healthy Valentine’s Day Desserts – Eating Bird Food
The Last Chili Recipe You’ll Ever Need – Coconuts & Kettlebells
Paleo Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars – Lexi’s Clean Kitchen
Nutella Oatmeal Cookie Shake – How Sweet It Is
Cuban Fish Tacos with Citrus Mango Slaw + Chipotle Lime Crema – Half Baked Harvest

Food for Thought

What was one of your favorite posts from the past week?

Link Love #68

It’s strange to me to think that last week was 2014. Even more strange that it’s 2015.. I’m still trying to figure out where the year went! Anywho, I went into yesterday being super pumped that I was going to get up for my 6:30 a.m. shift at the store, work 8 hours, and then hit the gym to get in my 30 minutes. I have to tell you, by the time the end of my shift rolled around and I still had more to do, I decided the gym wasn’t happening. That said, there was a lot of lifting boxes and fast-paced moving at work, so I’m going to count that!

I also made a one-pot paprika chicken for dinner that came out really well! It didn’t look as pretty as the pictures from the recipe and it wasn’t anything that was out-of-this-world crazy or fancy, but it was just darn tasty. I did change it up a little by roasting some potatoes on the side instead of adding them into the pot.. crispy is always better, am I right? Welp, onto Tuesday.. 🙂

Health

7 Foods That Will Work Wonders On Your Digestion – MindBodyGreen

7 Foods That Will Work Wonders On Your Digestion – MindBodyGreen
Why I Retired from Being the Fit Girl – Mind Body Musings
Resolutions: Why They Suck & The 5 Rules That Everyone Needs To Know To Make Then Not Suck – Lifting Revolution
Why You Should Eat Omega-3 Fats – Marisa Moore via fannetastic food
4 Things To Know Before You Lose Weight – An Avocado a Day

Fitness

New Year’s At Home Core Workout – Bendiful Blog

New Year’s At Home Core Workout – Bendiful Blog
6 Upper Body Exercises for Runners – Fine Fit Day via Love, Life, Surf
5 Exercise Alternatives to the Bench Press – Your Trainer Paige
Deck of Cards Ab Workout – Pumps & Iron
One song workout: Holiday Fit Frenzy – Fitnessista

Food

Paleo Double Chocolate Dunked Cookies – Peachy Palate

Paleo Double Chocolate Dunked Cookies – Peachy Palate
Apple Spiced Mimosas – The Healthy Maven
One-Pan Baked Champagne Cream Sauce Fettuccine with Truffle Oil – Half Baked Harvest
Salt-Roasted Beets and Carrots – Heartbeet Kitchen
Lucky Black-Eyed Peas Chocolate Chip Blondies – Diary of an Ex Sloth
Spicy Sweet Potato Carbonara – Running to the Kitchen

Food for Thought

What’s one of your favorite posts from the past week?

Link Love #67

With only 2 days left in 2014, I thought I’d share my top 5 posts from the year and, of course, my link love post seemed like the perfect time to do so. Ironically enough, some of them are from years past! Still delicious though 🙂

#5: Foodie Friday: Pancake Variations

#4: Recipe Remix: Carrot Cake Protein Pancakes

#3: Foodie Friday: Apple Pie Protein Bites

#2: Foodie Friday: Dark Chocolate Dreamy Powerballs

#1: Fudge Ems!

Thank you all for making 2014 such a great year of blogging for me!

Health

4 Myths About Eating Gluten Free – RDelicious Kitchen via fannetastic food

4 Myths About Eating Gluten Free – RDelicious Kitchen via fannetastic food
Breaking Plateaus: Confuse your body – Katrina Elle
Blueberry And Green Tea Extract Protects Hard-Training Runners – Runner’s World
The Smother-In-Law: Standing Up for Your Health and Food Choices – Huffington Post
Travel, Work Productively During Holidays – Evernote

Fitness

How Music Can Boost a High-Intensity Workout – The New York Times

How Music Can Boost a High-Intensity Workout – The New York Times
12 Days Of Christmas With The In-Laws Workout (Real Time Video) – Lifting Revolution
HOT Holidays At Home Workout – Peanut Butter Fingers
My Gift To You – The 12 Days of Fitmas Workout! – Thrive Personal Fitness
4 Things You Should be Doing After Your Workout – Your Trainer Paige

Food

Chocolate Cinnamon Babka Muffins – How Sweet It Is

Chocolate Cinnamon Babka Muffins – How Sweet It Is
Double chocolate Paleo gooey cake – Fitnessista
Crispy Kale Caesar Salad Chicken Pizza – Yeah…immaeatthat
Turmeric Persimmon Porridge – Nutrition Stripped
Goat Cheese Stuffed Phyllo Swirls with Pomegranate Honey + Pistachios – Half Baked Harvest

Food for Thought

What’s one of your favorite posts from the past week?

Link Love #66

We had the best dinner last night. For realz. We planned on having a nice roast turkey breast on Sunday for dinner but when I saw the sale on turkey breast ($.99/lb what whaaaattt!), we didn’t realize it was frozen until picking it up at the store.. Sunday afternoon. Whoops! But we brined the turkey overnight, seasoned the crap out of it, and popped it in the oven. It was sooo good!

I also had some sweet potato latkes leftover and we roasted a bunch of carrots. And do you see the sprinkling of salt?

Oh, that’s some special salt. That’s some truffle salt. It made the dish. I don’t think I can top that dinner for the rest of the week now! Good thing there are lots of leftovers 😉

Health

Whole and Healthy: 5 Reasons to Embrace Self-Improvement – Joyce Cherrier

Whole and Healthy: 5 Reasons to Embrace Self-Improvement – Joyce Cherrier
Eating Clean vs. Orthorexia – T-Nation
Why Setting “Just for Today” Goals Might Work for You – Your Trainer Paige
Intuitive Eating – Learning to Love Food Again Love & Zest via Run to the Finish
The Basics | Carbohydrates, part II – Nutrition Stripped

Fitness

Jillian Michaels’ Kettlebell Swing Reminds Us That Trainers Are Like Doctors – Lifting Revolution

Jillian Michaels’ Kettlebell Swing Reminds Us That Trainers Are Like Doctors – Lifting Revolution
15 Minute Arms and Abs Bodyweight Circuit – Peanut Butter Fingers
5-Move Action Core Workout – My Fitness Pal
Holiday Barre Blast Workout – Fitnessista
8 Total-Body Moves that Double Results—in Half the Time! – Shape

Food

Thai Coconut Cabbage Soup {Paleo} – Cotter Crunch

Thai Coconut Cabbage Soup {Paleo} – Cotter Crunch
Chocolate Coconut No-Bake Baklava Bites – Peas and Crayons
3-Ingredient Chocolate Bark (with a bunch of add-ins) – Yeah…immaeatthat
Deep Dish Spinach and Prosciutto Quiche with Toasted Sesame Crust – Half Baked Harvest
Braided Cardamom and Chocolate-Hazelnut Bread – Floating Kitchen

Food for Thought

What’s one of your favorite posts from the past week?

Link Love #65

Can you believe we’re already half way through December? I went to lunch with a friend yesterday and we were talking about our New Years plans; it’s really only 2 weeks away. Wow.. 2014 has been a pretty crazy year for us and I’m doing my best to wrap it up on a high note.

Health

How to eat the gold standard of 7-9 servings of fruits and veggies – Run to the Finish

How to eat the gold standard of 7-9 servings of fruits and veggies – Run to the Finish
5 Ways You Can Restore Balance to Your Busy Weekend – Family Sport Life
What Would Happen if You Focused on THIS and Not That? – Nia Shanks
Why Easy Sessions Make You a Better Athlete – Cotter Crunch
‘Detox’ Diets Are a Scam, According to Report – Food and Wine

Fitness

12 Days Of Christmas Kettlebell Workout – Lifting Revolution via Love, Life, Surf

12 Days Of Christmas Kettlebell Workout – Lifting Revolution via Love Life Surf
At-Home Broomstick Workout – Your Trainer Paige
5 Exercises For Improving Grip Strength – FitKnitChick via Eleven by Venus
Resistance band travel workout – Fitnessista
New Holiday Hunny HIIT Workout – Tone It Up

Food

Peanut Butter Snickerdoodle Tarts with Cinnamon Peanut Crust – Garnish with Lemon

Peanut Butter Snickerdoodle Tarts with Cinnamon Peanut Crust – Garnish with Lemon
Sweet Potato and Apple Latke Cake with Baked Eggs – The Healthy Maven
Triple Chocolate Truffle Cheesecake Cookies – Half Baked Harvest
Peanut Butter Oreo Chocolate Bark – Sally’s Baking Addiction
Sage Kale Pesto with Parmesan Roasted Acorn Squash – Food Faith Fitness

Food for Thought

What’s one of your favorite posts from the past week?
Do you have plans for New Years Eve?

Link Love #63

I feel like I’ve hardly been on the interwebs at all since I got home so this post was a fun one. I usually have a bunch of posts that I share and add to my link love post throughout the week, but this time I had a bit of catching up to do! Apparently I’ve unintentionally decided to take a little social media detox and I think it’s a good thing. I’m loving all of the family time and I’m happy to put my computer and phone down to soak it all in. I hope you’ve had the chance over the holiday to do the same.

Health

3 Things I’ve Learned About Feeling Overwhelmed – Family Sport Life via Cotter Crunch

3 Things I’ve Learned About Feeling Overwhelmed – Family Sport Life via Cotter Crunch
Tips On Staying Healthy This Winter – Hungry Healthy Happy
7 Ways To Bounce Back If You Feel Like You Ate A Bit Too Much – MindBodyGreen
Nutrition Tips and Recipes for Vegan Runners – Running on Real Food
How Journaling Can Help Stop Mindless Eating – Mommy Run Fast

Fitness

How to Modify Exercises (A Beginner’s Guide) – Pumps & Iron

How to Modify Exercises (A Beginner’s Guide) – Pumps & Iron
Pre-Turkey & Pie Burner Workout + Weekly Workout Recap – Peanut Butter Runner
Turkey Day Tabata Workout {No Equipment Required} – Trainer Paige
Give Planks Workout {video} – Fitnessista
Burn Off The Cocktails Workout – Lifting Revolution

Food

White Chocolate-Dipped Brown Butter Ginger Cookies with Pistachios – Ambitious Kitchen

White Chocolate-Dipped Brown Butter Ginger Cookies with Pistachios – Ambitious Kitchen
Healthy Vanilla Almond Milk Latte Rice Pudding – Fit Foodie Finds
Butternut Squash, Brussels Sprouts, and Parsnip Toss with Wild Rice, Cranberries, and Feta – Destination Delish
Salty Maple Squash with Ginger Scallion Rice + Turmeric Brussels Slaw – The First Mess
Fig-Glazed Bacon Sliders with Brussels Sprouts, Grapes, Walnuts and Mint Yogurt Sauce – Iowa Girl Eats

Food for Thought

What is one of your favorite posts from the past week?