Link Love #57

Today is the kind of day that has become more and more common over the past couple months. I have an early morning at Athleta—6 a.m. to be exact—and whereas I used to be completely bummed that I’d miss my morning workout. These days, if a 6 a.m. shift means that I take an unplanned rest day because I just don’t feel like going to the gym when I get home, well then so be it.

Last week as I walked home from work, I tried bargaining with myself.

It’s not that long of a workout.
If I go to the gym before I sit down at home, I can definitely do it.
No cardio today. Just hit the weights and get it done.

Then I realized how tired my legs really were. Which made me realize how tired my whole body was. And if I just go home, put my feet up, and rest a bit, I’d be able to hit it harder at the gym the next day. And that’s exactly what I did. I’ve said it before, but it really is a hell of an idea to actually listen to your body. Who would have thought that you own body knows what’s best for it? It’s certainly a challenge for me and I know it is for others too, but it’s something that I’m really focusing on, especially with the holiday season coming up. That said, I want to challenge you to focus on listening to your own body more. Deal? Deal.

Health

Got a Nutrition Question 2: Iron. Are You Getting Enough? – Food & Nonsense

Got a Nutrition Question 2: Iron. Are You Getting Enough? – Food & Nonsense
Three New Natural Supplements and How We Use Them – Cotter Crunch
10 Smart Tips for Eating Healthy on a Super Tight Budget – The Kitchn
I’m a Fitness Professional, but I Don’t Think Fitness Should Be Your Life – Trainer Paige
Exercising For Your Health is NOT a Joke – Slim Sanity

Fitness

Back to Basics Arm Workout – Peanut Butter Fingers

Back to Basics Arm Workout – Peanut Butter Fingers
This Exercise Can Give You Kim Kardasian’s Butt & Jessica Biel’s Abs – Lifting Revolution
No-Equipment Tabata HIIT Workout (Lower Body) – Fit Foodie Finds
5 Stretches Every Runner Should Be Doing – Jamie Walker via HuffPost Healthy Living
Med Ball Tabata Workout – Pumps & Iron

Food

Caramelized Sweet Potato and Kale Fried Wild Rice – Iowa Girl Eats

Caramelized Sweet Potato and Kale Fried Wild Rice – Iowa Girl Eats
Healthy Sticky Chocolate Fudge Cake (like, super fudgy no joke) {Gluten, Dairy + Grain Free} – Top With Cinnamon
Baklava Whole Wheat Biscotti – Yeah…immaeatthat
Carrot Noodles with Mushrooms and Sausage in a Cashew Cream Sauce – Inspiralized
Breakfast Baked Acorn Squash with Greek Yogurt, Honey & Pecans – Ambitious Kitchen

Food for Thought

How do you plan on listening to your body more?
What’s one of your favorite posts from the past week?

Link Love #55

Hi friends! I hope your week is going well so far. I was able to have a nice, relaxing Monday without having to run off to work. It was great to take my time at the gym in the morning, eat my breakfast at a reasonable pace, prep some extra food for the week, and get myself ready for a conference call in the afternoon. Quiet weekdays are sometimes a necessary and welcome change of pace.

I’ve had a project in mind over the past couple months and am trying to workout the details, but in the meantime, I’m going to be adding an extra page to the blog [<– accountability!] for personal training. I’m hoping in the coming months to unveil an online training program for purchase! Until then, I want to offer customized personal training plans. If you’re interested, shoot me an email and let’s get chatting! And of course, if you’re in the bay area and are looking for a trainer [or know someone who is!], I’d love to work with you.

Health

Science Proves Gluten Sensitivity Isn’t Real, People Are Just Whiners – Buzzworthy

Science Proves Gluten Sensitivity Isn’t Real, People Are Just Whiners – Buzzworthy [Possibly a little controversial, but an interesting read!]
Foods You Thought Were Bad But Aren’t: Rice – Lifting Revolution
Gluten Free Food Ideas To Eat Before Your Long Run – Cotter Crunch
12 Unexpected Ways to Transform Your Relationship with Food & Yourself – Corinne Dobbas
Taryn Brumfitt’s 10 Tips to Embracing Your Body – To Live & Diet in L.A.

Fitness

Sexy Shoulder Workout – The Almond Eater

Sexy Shoulder Workout – The Almond Eater
4 Exercises You Don’t Expect To Work Your Core – Slim Sanity
Lifting Weights to Failure | Why You Don’t Need To – FitKnitChick
Booty Burner Workout – Fit Foodie Finds
Full Body Cable Workout – Fine Fit Day

Food

Autumn Acai Bowls with Vanilla Bean Cashew Butter – How Sweet It Is

Autumn Acai Bowls with Vanilla Bean Cashew Butter – How Sweet It Is
Baked Apples Stuffed with Spiced Butternut Squash and Gingersnap Crumble – Heart Beet Kitchen
Fudgy Paleo Avocado Brownies – Peachy Palate
Grain Free Almond Butter Pumpkin Bars – The Roasted Root
Balsamic Brussels Sprouts Bacon Feta Pizza – The Law Student’s Wife

Food for Thought

What are your thoughts on the gluten sensitivity post?
What are some of your favorite posts from the past week?

Link Love #45

Don’t forget to enter my Swanson Vitamins giveaway!

This week is crazy nuts! I feel like I’ve been saying that a lot these days but damn if it’s not true. Busy is good though and it definitely makes me appreciate my weekends even more. Because I had my Recipe Redux post on Tuesday, I wanted to make sure I got in a good link love post this week. So it might be a couple days late, but still packed with goodies!

Health

Diet Review: The Alkaline Diet – Food & Nonsense

Diet Review: The Alkaline Diet – Food & Nonsense
It’s Not Okay To Do Things Like A Girl – Lifting Revolution
Make Exercise Fun, Eat Less Afterwards – HealthDay News
For Transforming Your Body or Changing Your Life, Perspective is Your Greatest Tool – JillFit via Nia Shanks
Why Exploring New Trails Helps me to be UNBUSY, Trail Workouts, Plus Mizuno Kazan Shoe Review – Cotter Crunch

Fitness

30 Dumbbell Exercises Missing From Your Routine – Greatist

30 Dumbbell Exercises Missing From Your Routine – Greatist
Benefits of HIIT – Lower Blood Sugar – Slim Sanity
Quick Bodyweight Ab Workout – Pumps & Iron
Hop On, Hop Off Treadmill Workout – Peanut Butter Fingers
Bootcamp WOD – Fit Foodie Finds

Food

Thai Steak Salad with Sweet Spicy Tahini Dressing and Sesame Chili-Lime Cashews – Half Baked Harvest

Thai Steak Salad w/Sweet + Spicy Tahini Dressing and Sesame Chili-Lime Cashews – Half Baked Harvest
Pear and Dark Chocolate Baked Oatmeal – An Avocado a Day
No Bake S’mores Bars – Treats with a Twist
Sweet Corn, Peach, and Cherry Salad with Goat Cheese and a Lime Dressing – Flourishing Foodie
Pistachio Kale Pesto with Zucchini Noodles + Cherries – Edible Perspective

Food for Thought

What was one of your favorite posts from last week?

Link Love #43

In all of my home craziness, I missed the chance to share my favorite posts last week so this week I’m going to share a little extra! And let’s throw a few more pictures in there too, shall we? 🙂

Health

Who Are You To Be Successful And Fabulous? – Lifting Revolution

Who Are You To Be Successful And Fabulous? – Lifting Revolution
Choose FOOD, Not Drugs, For Weight Loss – Slim Sanity
Meal Planning & Intuitive Eating – Mindful Meals
Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle When Life Gets Busy – Perfection Isn’t Happy

The Boxed Lunch, Or You Can’t Have It All – Kath Eats Real Food

The Boxed Lunch, Or You Can’t Have It All – Kath Eats Real Food
Why I’m Transitioning Away From Veganism… – The Blonde Vegan
How to Use Micro-Goals to Blast Away Fat – Workout Nirvana

Fitness

Justin’s Sweaty Workout – Jessie Loves 2 Run

Justin’s Sweaty Workout – Jessie Loves 2 Run
Top 5 Body Weight Workouts – Blonde Ponytail
power of two 18 minute leg burning workout purely training #67 – Purely Twins

Afternoon Energizing Stretch – Fitnessista

Afternoon Energizing Stretch – Fitnessista
1776 Rep Workout – Lifting Revolution
RUNNER’S GUIDE: 8 Tips for Road Runners – PFITblog
Join me for Strength and Sweat! A Plyometric Workout You can Do Anywhere – Cotter Crunch

Food

Spicy Green Harissa Chicken and Golden Beet Noodles – Inspiralized

Spicy Green Harissa Chicken and Golden Beet Noodles – Inspiralized
Blueberry Flax Superfood Smoothie – Fit Foodie Finds
Apricot Strawberry Grilled Crisp – Edible Perspective
Toasted Coconut Cold-Brewed Iced Coffee – Ari’s Menu

Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Brownies – The Lean Green Bean

Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Brownies – The Lean Green Bean
Blissful Blueberry Oat Cobbler Healthy Bites – Cotter Crunch
Quick Honey Ginger Pineapple and Summer Veggie Chicken Stir Fry with Caramelized Cashews – Half Baked Harvest
apple trifle with bourbon whipped cream + caramel drizzle – Climbing Grier Mountain

Food for Thought

What was one of your favorite posts from the past 2 weeks?

Link Love #38

Yesterday was one of those days that I’m not really sure where it went. I know I had a killer workout [partially thanks to 2 days of rest!], delicious breakfast, and went to work. And from there, the rest of the day flew! Work was nuts thanks to a huge Memorial Day sale. But I love that.. keeps me running around and the time flies by like nothing! It was a pretty darn good day and I came home absolutely pooped. And now it’s time to really kick off the week. Happy Tuesday, friends!

Health

We All Need to Rest – The Lyons’ Share

We All Need to Rest! – The Lyons’ Share
Immunity Boosting Recipe:Tangy Broccoli Slaw Salad – Cotter Crunch
Are You Unknowingly Holding Yourself Back? 5 Reasons We Fear Success – JillFit
Why It’s More Than Okay To Have “Fat Days” – Lifting Revolution
Pre-Workout Nutrition: What do we need and why?! – The Little Honey Bee

Fitness

Cardio Core Workout – Pumps & Iron

Cardio Core Workout – Pumps & Iron
Lower Abdominal Workout – Jessie Loves 2 Run
Blast and Burn Circuit – Fitnessista
Pre-Wedding HIIT – Slim Sanity
5 training elements to include in every workout – FitKnitChick

Food

Sweet Tea Oven Fried Chicken Sliders with Jalapeño Cheddar Corn Slaw + Crispy Onions – Half Baked Harvest

Sweet Tea Oven Fried Chicken Sliders with Jalapeno Cheddar Corn Slaw + Crispy Onions – Half Baked Harvest
Almond Butter Cups Revisited – Peachy Palate
Double Chocolate Banana Bread Oat Bars {vegan and gluten free} – Ambitious Kitchen
Asian Lamb and Noodle Toss – Bev Cooks
Red Cabbage Smoothie – According to Elle

Food for Thought

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

Link Love #36

Well, we’re wrapping up our anniversary trip and I’d be lying if I said I was excited to go home. Who actually wants to leave wine country? It’s been a really special few days and I’m so not ready to go back to reality, but I guess that’s just what happens. As always, I’m happy to share some of my faves from the past week. Hope you enjoy!

Health

Why the “No Pain, No Gain” Mentality is Stupid – Lifting Revolution

Why The “No Pain, No Gain” Mentality Is Stupid – Lifting Revolution
Binging Versus Hunger – The Real Life RD
The OVER FIXING Syndrome – Cotter Crunch
Why Registered Dietitians are the best source of nutrition advice – Chelsea’s Healthy Kitchen
Each choice is a step toward feeling well (guest post). – Dr. Samantha via Carla Birnberg

Fitness

The 200 Squat Leg Day – Slim Sanity

The 200 Squat Leg Day – Slim Sanity
Dirty 30 Full Body Circuit – She Rocks Fitness
AMRAP Quickies Workout – Pumps & Iron
5 Metabolic Interval Conditioning Workouts (without Even Stepping on the Treadmill!) – Trainer Paige
HIIT the Hill Workout – Fitnessista

Food

Roasted Carrots with Mint Lemon Dressing – White on Rice Couple

Roasted Carrots with Mint Lemon Dressing – White on Rice Couple
Ginger-Infused Honey Lemonade Cocktails – Lexi’s Clean Kitchen
Chocolate-Covered Raspberry Oatmeal Bars – Running with Spoons
Shrimp Tacos – A Spicy Perspective
Raspberry-Rhubarb Bellini Smoothie w/ Blueberries – Half Baked Harvest

Food for Thought

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

Link Love #34

Hot diggity! Yesterday was a whirlwind with lots of good things coming soon. It looks like things are starting to fall into place around here and I’ll really be getting into a good routine. I’m busy running around like a crazy person getting everything together for visitors this week.. I even hung up a shelf yesterday! Side note: I’m really bad at hanging things. I’m digging it now that Nathan helped me re-hang it in the right spot. Ha!

Welp, in addition to all of my excitement [which I will be sharing more on soon], here are some wonderful posts from the past week. Enjoy!

Health

Fermented Food Facts and Recipe Round Up – Cotter Crunch

Fermented Foods Facts and Recipe Round Up – Cotter Crunch
7 (Simple) Steps to Lose Fat, Without Even Trying – Nia Shanks
7 Things You Had No Idea Gut Bacteria Could Do – Marks Daily Apple
5 Tips to Create a Healthy Relationship with Food – Strong in a Thong
The benefits of active rest | what it is and why you need more of it – FitKnitChick

Fitness

Ultimate Burn Leg Workout – Slim Sanity

Ultimate Burn Leg Workout – Slim Sanity
Kettlebell Training: The Spring “Clean” Workout – Lifting Revolution
Back to MORE Strength Training + NEW Workout – She Rocks Fitness
Speed Workouts: Standing Rest Vs. Jogging Rest – Competitor
Interval Core Balance Workout Purely Training #58 – Purely Twins

Food

Cacao Coconut Plantain Rice Balls with Pepitas – Inspiralized

Cacao Coconut Plantain Rice Balls with Pepitas – Inspiralized
Sriracha Grapefruit Salmon – Sprint 2 the Table
BBQ Margarita Chicken Tostadas with Sweet Jalapeño Margarita Salsa – Half Baked Harvest
Mini Nutella Bacon Banana Shortcakes with Peanut Butter Whipped Cream – Climbing Grier Mountain
Harissa-Spiced Chickpea Avocado Salad Grilled Cheese Sandwiches – Keepin’ It Kind

Food for Thought

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

Favorite Workout Round Up

Have you entered my Bob’s Red Mill giveaway yet? Today is the last day!

Over the past few weeks since Best Body Bootcamp has finished up, I’ve really concentrated on figuring out what is right for my body in terms of food and workouts. I’ve experimented with more intense weeks of workouts and lighter weeks. I realized recently that stress has been tearing me down and the lighter workouts have been my friend [thank you, Lindsay]. That said, I’ve still been killing it at the gym, just at a more relaxed pace. Funny what happens when you actually listen to your body, huh?

Ironically enough, I’ve started incorporating more running into my workouts. It’s also made me realize I have some core work to do.. gotta get that strength!

In looking for inspiration, my ever-growing Pinterest board has been quite helpful. Turns out, I’ve pinned some pretty awesome workouts and I wanted to share some of my favorites that I’ve done with you.

Upper Body

Lower Body

Core

Combo

Full Body

These will all get your heart racing and muscles burning. Hope you enjoy them as much as I did!

Food for Thought

Where do you look for workout inspiration?

Link Love #32

Have you entered my Bob’s Red Mill giveaway yet?

Well, I’m happy to report that last night was fun! I’m so glad I was able to find a seder to go to and this was definitely a family that reminded me of my own. The random breaks for song, a Rabbi rap, lots of laughter, and an extremely full belly. Other than being home with my own family, I couldn’t have asked for more and I’m so thankful to have found such a welcoming group of people. There were quite a few empty wine bottles at the end of the night too 😉

Health

“Stressing Over Stress is What Makes Stress So Stressful” – Cotter Crunch

“Stressing Over Stress is What Makes Stress So Stressful” – Cotter Crunch
Don’t compare you to…YOU. – Carla Birnberg
Is Being Really Lean Really Worth It? – Molly Galbraith
Looking “Fit” Doesn’t Necessarily Mean Being Healthy – Jen Comas Keck
Ask a Yogini: Why Practice Yoga Inversions? – Love Life Surf

Fitness

The Extra Dirty Thirty Full Body Workout – Lifting Revolution

The Extra Dirty Thirty Full Body Workout – Lifting Revolution
Challenge Yourself at the Gym – Slim Sanity
Greatist Workout of the Day: Furious 10 – Greatist
How to Complete a Chin Up: 9 Tips to Pull Yourself Over the Bar – Your Trainer Paige
Post Workout Nutrition: What Do We Need and Why? – The Little Honey Bee

Food

Torched Salmon in Green Juice Sauce – Lady and Pups

Torched Salmon in Green Juice Sauce – Lady and Pups
Red Wine Fig Jam – Food Babbles
Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Eggs – Eating Bird Food
Coconut Banana Oats Bowl with Crunchy Black Sesame Quinoa Cereal + Mango – Half Baked Harvest
Gruyere and Asparagus Potato Noodle Casserole – Inspiralized

Food for Thought

Have you ever spent a holiday with a family you’d never met before?
What was one of your favorite posts from the past week?

Link Love #30

The Orioles won yesterday! And that’s not an April Fools joke 😉 Excuse me while I bask in the glow of of a perfect record right now. I’m also super excited because Nathan decided to surprise me with tickets to the A’s game this Sunday. I think watching the Orioles game yesterday really got us extra pumped for baseball season. We have a couple fun things planned for the weekend so I’m already psyched for the next few days to fly by. In the meantime, let’s play a little catch up.

Health

Benefits of Strength Training – Slim Sanity

Benefits of Strength Training – Slim Sanity
8 Tips to Have a Positive Body Image and Stop Obsessive Eating Habits – Trainer Paige
My Addiction to Exercise Permanently Damaged My Body. But It Also Taught Me How to Love Myself – Tara Fuller via Greatist
Antioxidants 101 – Nutritious Eats
How Rigid Diets Threaten True Digestive Healing – Mind Body Green

Fitness

A Core Workout for Runners – Crazy Running Girl

A Core Workout for Runners – Crazy Running Girl
30-Minute Bodyweight AMRAP Workout – Pumps & Iron
10 Advanced Ab Exercises for the Summer – Lifting Revolution
7 Boredom Busting Treadmill Workouts – Run to the Finish
Leg Burnout Workout – Blonde Ponytail

Food

Sushi Salad with Carrot-Ginger Dressing – The Healthy Maven

Sushi Salad with Carrot-Ginger Dressing – The Healthy Maven
3 Gluten-Free Recovery Snacks for Coffee Lovers – Cotter Crunch
Lemon Vanilla Brown Rice Pudding with Berries – Edible Perspective
Microwave Breakfast Berry Crumble – 24 Carrot Life
Black Pepper Rub Chicken Fingers with Greek Yogurt Ranch – Half Baked Harvest

Food for Thought

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