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 #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 #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 #64

Have you entered my Peanut Butter & Co. giveaway?

After staying with my parents for 2 weeks in Baltimore, it feels downright strange to be back in California. I’m a little confused as to where I actually live and why my parents aren’t around watching tv at night. Ha! Of course, Nathan and I made sure to get a little pick-me-up after we landed.

Well, that pick-me-up really ended up making us even more tired after a 3 a.m. wake up call so we just made our way to the grocery store and then back to the apartment to unpack. Just in case we didn’t have enough beer in our lives, we successfully hauled about 12 more beers back from Baltimore! Do you know how hard it is to find Bourbon County Stout?!

It was a long, tiring day so I was more than thankful for a delicious bibimbop carryout dinner from around the corner. Success!

I knew it was necessary when the thought of even microwaving the meatballs in the freezer seemed like too much. Yep. But now we’re back to the daily grind.

Health

10 Tips for Stay Healthy During the Holiday Season – Eating Bird Food

10 Tips for Stay Healthy During the Holiday Season – Eating Bird Food
All About Cider Vinegar – The Lean Green Bean
Mindful Monday: Herbs for Winter Wellness and Immunity – The Foodie Dietitien
The One Thing Top Nutrition Experts Do to Stay Healthy During the Holidays – Greatist
6 Ways Perfectionism is Sabotaging You – Too Much On Her Plate

Fitness

Fast Paced Upper Body Workout – Peanut Butter Fingers

Fast Paced Upper Body Workout – Peanut Butter Fingers
The 25 Reps Of Christmas Workout {Bodyweight} – Lifting Revolution
Why I love Drop Sets & Why They Are Effective – Powercakes
30-Minute At-Home Workout – Pumps & Iron
My Top 3 Exercises to Build the Glutes – and Why Squatting isn’t One of Them – Trainer Paige

Food

Pomegranate Sesame Chicken with Ginger Rice Pilaf – Half Baked Harvest

Pomegranate Sesame Chicken with Ginger Rice Pilaf – Half Baked harvest
Bourbon Peanut Butter Gingerbread Healthy Bites {Cyber Monday Giveaway} – Cotter Crunch
Crepe Cake with Pistachios And Coconut Cream Cheese Frosting – Food Faith Fitness
Roasted Butternut Squash and Goat Cheese Farro Salad – Fit Foodie Finds
Peppermint Pretzel Marshmallow Fudge – Joy the Baker

Food for Thought

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

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?

Link Love #62

Yesterday. Was. Great. I slept like a freaking rock and had a nice, relaxing morning.. didn’t even eat breakfast until 11! I also took a trip to Wegmans with my parents. We bought almost the entire store haha! And the best part of my day was going to visit my grandparents and my little Jilly bean. They were quick visits but it was so nice to see them all again and I’m looking forward to getting to spend more time with everyone over the next couple of weeks. Unfortunately, I didn’t get any pictures, but I’m hoping to have plenty after Thanksgiving! And with that, back to family time.. enjoy the links!

Health

The Basics Carbohydrates | Part I Nutrition Stripped

The Basics | Carbohydrates, part I – Nutrition Stripped
Cheat Meals: Should You Cheat? If So, How? – Wildly Fit
4 Health & Fitness Habits You Should Give Up – MindBodyGreen
The cost of getting lean: Is it really worth the trade-off? – Precision Nutrition
Are Your Beliefs What’s Really Keeping You Stuck in Dieting Craziness? – Corinne Dobbas

Fitness

Arm Smoker Workout + Our Holiday Cards – Carrots ‘N’ Cake

Arm Smoker Workout + Our Holiday Cards – Carrots ‘N’ Cake
The 4-Course Kettlebell Pre Thanksgiving Workout Challenge – Lifting Revolution
The Most Efficient Way to Strength Train – Mommy Run Fast
Getting my Bosu On! – Bendiful Blog
Why You Shouldn’t Hold a Plank for Longer than :30 Seconds – Trainer Paige

Food

Prosciutto-Wrapped Pork Loin with Roasted Apples – Art de Fete

Prosciutto-wrapped Pork Loin with Roasted Apples – Art de Fete
Carrot Butternut Whole Grain Muffins – Peas & Crayons
Gluten Free Shrimp Pho with Miso – Cotter Crunch
Savory Waffle Eggs Benedict – FITaspire
Manchego Brussels Sprout + Prosciutto Spaghetti w/Brown Butter Pistachio Pangrattato – Half Baked Harvest

Food for Thought

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

Link Love #60

As I was walking to work yesterday, I was thinking about how chilly it was. It was like, 58 degrees, you know. Freaking cold! Ha! In just 1 short year, I’ve gone from laughing at people bundled up when it was almost 60 to wishing I had bundled up more. In just 2 short weeks, Nathan and I are going to be back home in Baltimore [for 2 weeks!!] and I can’t help but laugh about how cold we’re going to be.. and when I say laugh, I really mean cry. Oooh boy, we’re going to be in for it. That said, I’ll put up with the cold weather to see this..

Come on, is that not one of the sweetest things you’ve ever seen?! It’s going to be a good time and I’m looking forward to getting some of those snuggles for myself. Just 2 more weeks. Powering through! And to help you power through your week, enjoy the posts, friends.

Health

Wellness Wednesday: Perfectionism + 8 Things To Help You Relax & Stress Less – Ambitious Kitchen

Wellness Wednesday: Perfectionism + 8 Things To Help You Relax & Stress Less – Ambitious Kitchen
How to See Results From Working Out – Running on Real Food
How To Survive A Level 5 Meltdown of Epic Proportions When Your Pants Don’t Fit – Beauty and the Box
The 5 Ways We Burn Calories Every Day – Your Trainer Paige
56 Reasons to Lose Weight BEFORE the End of the Year – Workout Nirvana

Fitness

Core Couch Workout – Pumps & Iron

Core Couch Workout – Pumps & Iron
Barre/HIIT Combo {video} – Fitnessista
Step-By-Step Guide To Master The Kettlebell Turkish Get Up – Lifting Revolution
Work Out Wednesday: 3 Not Your Average Ab Workouts – She’s Wicked Healthy
Should You Focus on BIG Muscle Groups in a Workout? – Cotter Crunch

Food

Warm Toasted Caramel Coconut Gooey Chocolate Crunch Bars – Half Baked Harvest

Warm Toasted “Caramel” Coconut Gooey Chocolate Crunch Bars – Half Baked Harvest
Homemade Paleo Almond Joys – Fed + Fit
Brussels Slaw with Tahini Dressing and Za’atar Crostini – The Lemon Bowl
Pumpkin Beer Cheese Soup with Maple Chili-Spiced Popcorn – Destination Delish
Chocolate Chip Pear Blondie Bites – Hummusapien

Food for Thought

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

Link Love #59

Whoooaaa baby, what a Monday! Sunday night I was asked to come into work at 7:30 instead of 10 a.m. No problem, just put a little damper on my workout plans. I’ve said it before, but I swear, I don’t know how I used to keep up with my old workout schedule. Every morning was 45 minutes of cardio and twice a week I went back to the gym after work for 20 more minutes of cardio + strength work. Now I’m lucky if I get in 20 minutes of cardio.. ever. Ha!

I’m also such a morning workout-er. That said, because I give myself 3 hours to get through my workout, get myself ready, and sit down to eat breakfast, if I have to get into work earlier than 8, there’s a good chance I won’t get a workout in that day. I consider 6-7 hours on my feet tiring enough. And a mid-week rest day is fine and dandy, but I have another early one today at work and I was not about to take 2 days off.. I need the workout release and I’m so glad I pushed myself to go after work yesterday. Not to mention it wore me out even more. Just what we need for a great night’s rest, yes?

And speaking of great, this list of posts came together in absolutely no time at all. There were so many amazing posts last week so I know you’ll like what I have for you today. Enjoy!

Health

How in the Heck Do I Listen to My Body – Your Trainer Paige

How in the Heck Do I Listen to My Body?! – Trainer Paige
5 Ways to Stay Active Outdoors in the Winter – Running to the Kitchen
Should You Eat Organic? – Food & Nonsense
Post-Marathon: A Guide to Physical and Mental Recovery – Run to the Finish
Are You a Slave to Striving? – Cotter Crunch
The One About the Baby Weight – Meals & Moves [Added by popular demand.. and for good reason!]

Fitness

The “I Dont Want to Workout” Workout – Fitnessista

The “I Don’t Want to Workout” Workout – Fitnessista
How to Workout With Kettlebells – Lifting Revolution via The Lean Green Bean
5 Kettlebell Workouts for Outdoor Athletes – Onnit
It’s Time to Break Up with Sugar + A New WAHM Workout – MusselFIT
30 Minute Lower Body Dumbbell Tabata – The Almond Eater

Food

Skinny Tandoori Butter Sweet Potato Fries with Creamy Baked Harissa Feta – Half Baked Harvest

Skinny Tandoori Butter Sweet Potato Fries with Creamy Baked Harissa Feta – Half Baked Harvest
White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookie Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting – Peas & Crayons
Layered Peanut Butter Chocolate Banana Bread – Yeah…immaeatthat
Fall Veg + Lentil Bowl with Goji Ginger Tahini Cream – The First Mess
Curried Brussels Sprouts Salad – The Hummusapien

Food for Thought

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

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 #56

Sometimes when you have big plans for the weekend, it makes the week go slower. I’m really hoping that’s not the case for me! This Saturday, Nathan and I will be celebrating 11 years together; we’ve only been married for a year and a half but having been together for so long before being married, we just can’t give up the celebrations.

We started talking the other day about what we were going to do, which of course leads to where we’re going to have dinner. Because really, good food and drink? What else is important? Oh right.. the company. Well, low and behold, Nathan had a little trick up his sleeve! I got an email invite for dinner Saturday but with no location; I spent quite a bit of time guessing but after a few dropped hints, I figured it out. Gather is on the docket and I can’t wait! Everything looks and sounds incredible. I’m going to have a really hard time figured out what to order and I can’t wait to share the pictures!

Until then, you know the dealio.. enjoy!

Health

“Eat Less, Exercise More” Isn’t The Answer For Weight Loss – Time Health

“Eat Less, Exercise More” Isn’t The Answer For Weight Loss – Time
How to Stop at Just One Cookie – Greatist
‘Calorie counting is crazy-making’ – The Hamilton Spectator
Training Tip of the Week: Take it out on the workout – Katrina Elle
6 Reasons You’re Not Seeing Results Despite Doing “Everything Right” – Trainer Paige

Fitness

The Spartan 300 Workout Challenge – Lifting Revolution

The Spartan 300 Workout Challenge – Lifting Revolution
Functional Fitness Focus and Routines – Cotter Crunch
30 Minute Tabata Workout – The Almond Eater
5 Dynamic Stretches (and when to use them) – Mommy Run Fast
5 Reasons to Do Burpees Everyday – Mind Body Green

Food

Spanakopita Stuffed Spaghetti Squash Bowls – Half Baked Harvest

Spanakopita Stuffed Spaghetti Squash Bowls – Half Baked Harvest
Butternut Squash Pasta with Spicy Garlicky Broccoli Rabe and White Beans – Inspiralized
Vegan Hot Pretzel Challah Bread – Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
Harvest Apple Sangria with Bourbon and Thyme – A Farmgirl’s Dabbles
Maple Sea Salt Sweet Potato Pancakes – The Nutritious Kitchen

Food for Thought

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