Link Love #80

Just like that our quiet couple of weeks without company is about to end. My college roommate and her husband are getting in late Wednesday night and staying with us for a week! They’ve never been out to San Francisco before so they’re definitely in for a treat. Do you remember how crazy we went when my parents came out last year? Yea.. there will be plenty of eating, drinking, and hiking! Get ready for some more delicious pictures 😉

Health

The Naked Truth: When Is Our Body Finally Good Enough? – Lifting Revolution

The Naked Truth: When Is Our Body Finally Good Enough? – Lifting Revolution
Why it is okay to gain a few happiness lbs – Darwinian Fail
So you want to study nutrition? Dietitian, Nutritionist, or Nutritional Therapist? – Gluten Free Rosie
Eat to Beat the Common Cold? Part One: Review of Vitamin C – Food & Nonsense
Using the stages of change model to adopt new fitness and nutrition habits – FitKnitChick

Fitness

Rock Your Body Workout – Fit Foodie Finds & Ambitious Kitchen

Rock Your Body Workout – Fit Foodie Finds & Ambitious Kitchen
Why Kettlebell Swings Aren’t a Good Exercise for Cardio – Trainer Paige
Don’t Skip a Beat: How To Train Using Heart Rate Monitoring – FitFluential
3 Creative Core Moves that Work Balance and Strength – Cotter Crunch
Stay on Track Workout – Coconuts & Kettlebells

Food

Green Goddess Hummus – Cookie + Kate

Green Goddess Hummus – Cookie + Kate
Microwave Peanut Protein Pancakes with Chocolate Chips {Gluten/Grain Free, Super Simple, Low Fat + Low Calorie} – Food Faith Fitness
Bahn Mi Spring Rolls – Minimalist Baker
Healthy Bananas Foster Donuts – The Almond Eater
Meyer Lemon Poppy Seed Morning Buns with Blueberry Passionfruit Glaze – Half Baked Harvest
Almond Butter Fudgy Chocolate Eggs – Peachy Palate

Food for Thought

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

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 #76

Another quick pop-in to say hi! Yesterday we pigged out on some dim sum and went over to Baker Beach. Nathan and I had never been there before and it was beautiful! Except for the naked man walking around trying to get into everyone’s pictures.. Luckily mine made it out crack free 😉

I’ve had some catching up to do of my own on all of the great blog posts around the interwebs from last week and in case you missed some too, here ya go!

Health

How Many Calories do Runners Really Need – Run to the Finish

How Many Calories do Runners Really Need? – Run to the Finish
5 Red Flags That Show You’re Taking Healthy Eating Too Far – MindBodyGreen
Understanding Fasted Cardio and Fat Loss – Born Fitness
3 Tips to Restore Balance in Your Life – FitAspire
How to Know When You Need a Rest Day (or Week!) – Lifting Revolution via fANNEtastic food

Fitness

5 Reasons You Should Try Bodyweight Training + A New WAHM Workout – Mussel FIT

5 Reasons You Should Try Bodyweight Training + A New WAHM Workout – Mussel FIT
You, Too, Can Pushup! – Katrina Elle
Four 30-Minute Workouts – Peanut Butter Fingers
You Only Get Better By Doing: The Mastery Kettlebell Workout – Lifting Revolution
6 Exercises for a Strong Back – Happy Fit Mama

Food

Short Rib Pho French Dip Banh Mi with Thai Basil Chimichurri – Half Baked Harvest

Short Rib Pho French Dip Banh Mi with Thai Basil Chimichurri – Half Baked Harvest
Bacon Gouda Chive Dip with Secret SUPERFOOD Ingredient! – Cotter Crunch
Fried Chicken and Waffle-Tots with Honey – Climbing Grier Mountain
Deep Dish Dark Chocolate Cake with Almond Butter Swirl – A Clean Bake
PB&J Grain-Free Breakfast Cake – Yeah…immaeatthat

Food for Thought

What’s one of your favorite posts from last 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 #74

Holy cannoli! I don’t know where all the time has gone but this is my 500th post! I never thought when I started this blog 3 years ago that it would become what it is today. I love having it as an outlet, creative or otherwise, and a way to share some wonderful information I find from across the web. I’m also so grateful for all of you readers that come back day after day to read, comment, and share. So a huge thank you to all of you!

Health

Is it possible to eat too clean? – Love & Zest

Is it possible to eat too clean? – Love & Zest
What Does It Take To Live a Balanced Life? – Cotter Crunch
Can Sweet Potatoes Help You Lose Weight? – PopSugar
Where Dietary-Fat Guidelines Went Wrong – Time
Mega Omegas – The Muffin Myth
Five Things Beginners Need to Know About Getting Lean – Eat to Perform

Fitness

12 minute workout to tone you up – Purely Twins

12 minute workout to tone you up – Purely Twins
Cupid’s Shuffle Partner Workout Challenge – Lifting Revolution
10 Workouts You Can Do in a Hotel Room – Pumps & Iron
10 ‘crunch-free’ exercises for a stronger core – FitKnitChick
18 Partner Workouts – Diary of an Ex Sloth

Food

Roasted Blood Orange Oatmeal – Kara Lydon The Foodie Dietitian

Roasted Blood Orange Oatmeal – Kara Lydon The Foodie Dietitian
Jamaican Jerk Veggie Burgers – Oh My Veggies
Homemade Dark Chocolate Almond Butter Cups – Mommy Run Fast
Idiot Proof Creamy Tomato and Curry Butter Lobster Pasta – Half Baked Harvest
PB&J Granola Cookie Clusters – The Nutritious Kitchen

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 #72

Good news! Last night I met with a new personal training client who ended up signing up for a bunch of sessions AND I’m meeting with another new client this morning! Between not working in a traditional gym where I would be handed clients and not having much of a network in California, it’s taken a bit longer than I expected to grow my clientele but I’m feeling like we’re actually getting somewhere these days. It’s pretty darn exciting and I’m really hoping things are going to be picking up even more in the near future. Woo!

Health

5 Popular Pieces of Nutrition Advice that Fall Short – Raise Healthy Eaters

5 Popular Pieces of Nutrition Advice that Fall Short – Raise Healthy Eaters
Why Bad Workouts Aren’t So Bad – Lifting Revolution
FYI Friday – Nutrient Requirements for Active People – Protein – Pretty Little Grub
Questioning the Idea of Good Carbs, Bad Carbs – The New York Times Well
The psychology of eating | small behavioural changes add up to big results – FitKnitChick

Fitness

5 Exercises to Strengthen Your Knees – Love, Life, Surf

5 Exercises to Strengthen Your Knees – Love, Life, Surf
CrossFit Inspired Running Workout – Blonde Ponytail
Full-Body Chair Workout + 5 Ways to Inspire Your Active Life in 2015 – Fit Foodie Finds
Sweaty Elliptical Workout – Pancake Warriors
Fit Bit Friday 177: The All Push-Ups and Squats Workout – Eat Spin Run Repeat

Food

Winter Chopped Salad with Roasted Sweet Potato and Blood Orange Vinaigrette – How Sweet It is

Winter Chopped Salad with Roasted Sweet Potato and Blood Orange Vinaigrette – How Sweet It Is
One Dish Fish and Veggie Bake {Paleo Friendly} – Cotter Crunch
The Very Best Peanut Butter Cup Fudge Brownies – Half Baked Harvest
Chopped Carrot Citrus Salad – Running to the Kitchen
Harissa Carrot Salad with Feta Cheese – Simply Delicious Food

Food for Thought

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

Link Love #71

I deem this week hell week. I’ve recently started working at a new gym on top of Athleta and my existing gym. My schedule is pretty nutso but I at least made it through Monday which was the longest one. Success! There is, however, a light at the end of the tunnel. Next week, we’ll be all moved into our new place and I’ll hopefully iron out some crazy schedule kinks. Not to mention, once we move, we’ll have a whole slew of visitors! It’s going to be an exciting 6 months 🙂

Health

2 Steps to Make Healthy Eating a Reality – Love, Life, Surf

2 Steps to Make Healthy Eating a Reality – Love, Life, Surf
Making Fitness News: Which Is Best Cardio Or Strength Training For Decreasing Your Waist? – Lifting Revolution
20 Post-Workout Food Options – Coconuts & Kettlebells
Stop Being Disappointed With Your Body and Start Making Changes – Greatist
A Guide to FAT: Healthy Fats vs. Unhealthy Fats – The Little Honey Bee
FYI Friday – Nutrient Requirements for Active People – Iron – Pretty Little Grub

Fitness

Cardio Tabata Superset Workout – Pumps & Iron

Cardio Tabata Superset Workout – Pumps & Iron
4 Compound Exercises Great for Tabatas {And a Workout to Try} – Cotter Crunch
Make Your Move with Weight Training – Hungry Healthy Girl
Developing Upper Body Muscles – Blonde Ponytail
What’s Your Fitness Missing? – Mark Crabtree via FitFluential

Food

Chewy Chocolate Crunch Hemp Protein Bars – Peachy Palate

Chewy Chocolate Crunch Hemp Protein Bars – Peachy Palate
Paleo Cashew Coconut Protein Fudge – The Big Man’s World
Short Rib Black Bean Beer Chili – The Beeroness
Spinach, Prosciutto and Butternut Squash Pizza – A Zesty Bite
Savory Oatmeal with Soft-Cooked Egg + Bacon – According to Elle

Food for Thought

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