Tips for Morning Workouts

March 10, 2014March 10, 2014Leave a comment

Let’s face it – dieting is B-O-R-I-N-G. I mean, I do not look forward to limiting portion sizes and forsaking that lovely glass of red wine after work. It stinks. But, you know – the results truly makes you happy and healthier.

So, I have a little more than 6 months until my wedding day. Yikes. The time has flown by so fast. And, what girl doesn’t want to look good on that special day? Looking good = discipline. Ugh, I hate that part.

I work at a desk. Yep, it’s a 9am-7pm – sometimes later job. That’s a problem. Like when do I workout? The hard truth is – I need to workout in the mornings. Yuck. Habit – I need to get into the habit of making this a priority.

So, I put together a little list of tips (in the infographic on this post) that should help ‘us’ get to moving in the morning. When that alarm clock rings, you’ll be ready to conquer that early morning cardio.

Now, I am not perfect – so will be attempting the early morning workout with you. And, will report on my progress.

To start, I am going to attempt to do this 3 days a week. I am going to try these tips – so I can look great for that wedding day, and of course, nurture this body God has given me.

Maybe this little chart will make the tips look more fun! Fingers crossed.

New Testament Bible Reading Plan: Giving & Gaining for Lent

March 5, 2014March 5, 20141 Comment

Lent. I hate to admit this; but, I’ve never really stuck to my lent promises. I have lofty goals and ambitions. Like last year, I wanted to give up Facebook {epic fail} and the year before, I think it was coffee. Yeah right, I gave in.

The practice of giving something up for God was not commonly talked about in my southern Baptist church in Texas – especially during this season.

We talked about fasting and other things like that. But taking these 40 days between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday never resonated with me until now. The meaning really did not set in my spirit until this moment.

This year – I feel like it’s time to stick to my promises to understand the true meaning of lent. It’s time to meditate on what Christ suffered and endured for me. It’s time to think about his sacrificial death and glorious resurrection. I can lay aside one of my world indulgences for the one who bled for me.

That should not be hard. Yet, it is- because we are human.

So, my mind is made. I am giving up something for my King and reading through the New Testament these next 40 days. My church passed out a reading plan last week that will be extremely helpful in accomplishing this goal.

It takes 30 minutes a day. I should spend that time already in prayer. But, God’s still working on me. Childhood anyone?

{You can check out the awesome reading plan here.}

And a big shout out to NCC for putting this together. The goal is this – to give something up and replace it with the Word of God. He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less. –John 3:30

So, what are you giving up in order to come closer to the throne room of grace this year?

Homemade Ranch Dressing {Dairy Free, Gluten Free}

March 4, 20142 Comments

So you love ranch, but you are trying to eliminate dairy from your diet?

Yikes – how can you eat salad and your veggies without this delicious nectar from the ranch gods!?

Don’t freak out. You can make a copycat ranch that is yes, dairy free. It’s almost too good to be true. But, it is.

And, to add the little cherry on top – it’s gluten free too! Rejoice.

You will need: 1 cup almond milk, ¼ cup cashews, 1 clove garlic, ¼ tsp. black pepper, ¼ tsp. dill and a couple pieces of chopped onion {this really depends on how potent you want it!}

In a food processor, add all the ingredients and pulse until the cashews are chopped up and in liquid form.

Empty into a cute little jar or spread it over your mixed salad. Yum. Now, you have some amazing copycat ranch. And, there is no dairy present in this little dressing.

Make it. You’ll love it and your body will thank you. Promise.

Zucchini Fries {Gluten Free}

March 3, 2014March 3, 2014Leave a comment

So these fries were an experiment. I have never fried anything before, can you believe it? My mom taught me to cook healthy. So pretty much everything was baked or sautéed with olive oil or chicken broth.

However, these fries are way healthier than the fast food version you are going to get. They are also gluten free. I know – so awesome. You get the crunch and that fried taste.

But, I would not make frying a daily routine. However, when you get that craving – do this instead of driving to your favorite golden arches.

You will need: 2 zucchinis, ½ cup of coconut flour, 1 cup of almond meal, 2 cage-free eggs, 1 cup of oil {I used canola- do not use olive oil}, 1 tbsp. garlic powder, 1 tbsp. paprika.

First of all, chop your zucchini up into little fry strips. I may have cheated a tad because I used this little contraption I got for Christmas. Here is it – As Seen on TV Perfect Fries. This comes in handy.

Pull out three bowls. In one bowl, pour your coconut flour. In another, your almond meal – and in the last one whisk your two eggs.

You may want to add a few spices to your almond meal. I added 1 tbsp of garlic and 1 tbsp of paprika.

In a pot on the stove – pour in your oil (like 2 inches full) and set it to high heat. Let this simmer for about 5 minutes.

While it’s simmering, coat your veggie fries in the above ingredients. So, first dip one fry into the coconut flour. You want to lightly dust it. Then coat it in the egg mixture. Lastly, roll it in the almond meal. Just lay out your coated fries on a paper towel – the next step is frying.

Use metal tongs to help you in the frying process. Drop 1-5 fries in the boiling pot for not very long. You want to keep them in the pot until they are golden brown. Mine browned in like 30 seconds.

Repeat this process until all your fries are toasty. There you go – a healthier French fry.

Chia Banana Pudding {Gluten Free, Dairy Free}

March 1, 2014March 1, 2014Leave a comment

Holy cow, this is easy to make! It’s seriously a 3 ingredient process and super, super yummy.

Move over banana pudding with loads of milk and fat. This is the skinny girl version.

Take this to parties. It’s that good, and I am being honest with you. Or just enjoy this at home as a guilt free dessert. I had it as a little breakfast treat. Yum.

You will need: ¼ cup almond milk (you can also use coconut), 2 tbsp. chia seeds, 1 ripe banana.

Yep. That’s all folks.

Place the milk, seeds and banana in a food processor and blend it up. After this process is complete, pour the yumminess into a bowl and set in the fridge for about 30 minutes.

This allows the chia seeds to expand (so they won’t be crunchy). And also for the milk and banana to gel.

Try this – and have fun with it. This will be your favorite dessert, if you love banana pudding like me. And – score its gluten free! Awesome.

Dogs Make Life Better

February 28, 2014February 28, 2014Leave a comment

Dallas – my lovebug.

I’m a dog lover. Plain and simple. My cocker spaniel snuggles up next to me at night. He lies across my lap in the evening. And, I kiss his sweet head often. Animals can bring us so much joy and security.

They are that little silent {sometimes not so silent presence} that looks up to you and loves you without limits. When you get home, they wiggle their bodies with joy. They wag their tails with severity just to be in your presence. They follow you around – just to be near you.

Animals heal emotional pains and unbearable, invisible scars. I stand by that comment.

They are steadfast companions until the end. Animals are not for the lonely. They are for everyone – kids, business executives, military men and women, the elderly…etc.

Did you know that dogs help overcome depression?

Web MD reports that dogs offer: uncomplicated love, responsibility, activity, routine, companionship, social interaction, touch and better health.

It has also been reported that dog owners tend to have lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, possibly thanks to regular walks with their four-legged friends.

If you don’t think you can handle the responsibility of a pet at this point in your life, visit places where dogs are present. Visit a close friend who has pets, offer to walk them. Visit a pound or humane society – and pet the sweet animals. They need your love too.

Surround yourself with this unconditional love. You won’t regret it.

Once you have had a wonderful dog, a life without one, is a life diminished.” Dean Koontz, A Big Little Life: A Memoir of a Joyful Dog

Broccoli Avocado Salad {Raw, Gluten Free}

February 25, 2014February 25, 2014Leave a comment

This is a wonderfully fast and delightful lunch. In keeping the broccoli raw – you keep in lots more nutrients and you give that salad the necessary crunch that is needed.

This is sure to fill up your tummy and satisfy those cravings. Throw this together before you walk out the door in the morning, and you are set for a low-fat, highly nutritious lunch.

You will need: 1 head of broccoli (chopped into small pieces), 1 handful of almonds, ½ large avocado (cubed), 1 tbsp. Dijon mustard, 1 cap full of olive oil and 1 cap full of apple cider vinegar.

First, chop up your broccoli into tiny little pieces. Remember you are eating this as a salad – so keep that in mind while dicing these green baby trees.

Next cut open an avocado and use half of it {preferably the side without the seed}. Use the seed side tomorrow for lunch {keeping the seed in helps the flesh stay fresh an additional day!}

Add your Dijon mustard to the broccoli bowl and stir. Then dump in those avocado pieces. Splash in the oil and vinegar and mix again. Lastly, add your handful of almonds to the top of your salad.

Enjoy this refreshing raw salad! Your body will thank you.

I Love the Person I’ve Become, Because I Fought to Become Her

February 21, 2014Leave a comment

I love the person that I’ve become, because I fought to become her.

There is something about this quote that resonates within my soul. It incites pictures of war, battle, scars, flaming arrows – but also peace, healing and strength.

The battle of life is not for the faint of heart, that’s for sure. Every day, we need to suit up in our battle armor to face the day, darts and push backs of the world. As Ephesians 6 says, we need to put on the ‘full armor of God.’

It is a common concept to say – God will fight for me. And, he will – that’s for sure. But, we need to take the first step, pick up the sword and lace up our sandals. The battle is already won in Christ Jesus; but we need to be willing to trust his way and his guidance.

Abraham picked up the knife to sacrifice his son – Isaac, in obedience, and God sent a lamb instead. Joshua led his troops to encircle Jericho and march, and God gave them victory. Esther approached her husband, the King, in desperation, and he listened to her.

These people were led by God; but, they had to be willing to move their physical self forward.

What if these mighty ones had chosen not to take the first step? What if they were paralyzed with fear? Would God have been glorified so greatly?

Have you truly fought to become the person that you are today? You may actually have to move to become her.

Of course, God is the wind in your sails; but, have you let him fill your sails with his goodness? Do you have the faith to fly? You may have to flap your wings in order to soar on the heights.

Sweet Child of God, fight with God, by your side, to become the beautiful person he has destined you to be. We are called soldiers of God for a reason. March on – don’t let battle wounds scar you. Allow them to mold you into a vessel of strength and promise. They make you who you are.

Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. – Ephesians 6:11

Quinoa Burgers {Gluten Free, Vegetarian}

February 20, 2014February 20, 2014Leave a comment

Hello meat alternative to a burger! Oh my goodness, this fake burger is delicious. Seriously, move over store bought veggie burgers even.

These tasty gluten free quinoa burgers were so simple to make. I doubted their incredible flavor; yet – there was no reason at all to doubt.

Dallas, my sweet puppy, even liked them. Dropped one on the floor. Yikes. And my furry fellow gobbled it up. No worries; and, hey – he’s a picky eater.

You will make this over and over again. It will be a staple to your gluten free diet!

You will need: 2 cups cooked quinoa, ¾ cup parmesan cheese, 1 carrot – grated, 3 cage free eggs, 3 tablespoons gluten free flour, ¼ yellow onion – chopped, ½ tsp. stevia, ¼ tsp. black pepper, ¼ tsp. cumin, a pinch of salt and ¼ tsp. garlic powder.

This is simple to make. Add the cooked quinoa into a large mixing bowl. Dump in all your dry ingredients. Then stir them all together.

Add the eggs in last – and make your burger mixture into a nice, wet little blend. You will be able to smell the richness – before cooking.

On the stove, put two tsp. of olive oil in to a frying pan. Let it heat up.

Make your quinoa burger mixture into little patties with your hands. I made all the mixture into patties first before frying. Because these little suckers cook fast!

Set patties one at a time into the frying pan. Let each burger sit for about 3 minutes on each side. You be the judge, the hotter the pan is – the faster it will cook. Cook all patties like this.

Yay – this is all you need to do to make fabulous gluten free, vegetarian burgers!

VIDEO: I AM, Holding on to You

February 19, 20141 Comment

There is nothing like being at the feet of Jesus. You feel humble, broken, grateful, lifted high and complete. So many emotions – redemption, hope, acceptance, joy – I could continue on and on.

I wonder to myself – why do I not take time to do this more often? To be still, meditate and worship the man who died for me – for my ugly sins. I am a broken vessel – He made me whole.

It takes dedication to enter into the throne room of Christ. It takes release – to truly let go of your fear, to live in the moment, to throw away regret and shame and just breathe in the presence of the Living Lord.

I did that today, and it was grand.

There I sat, in my apartment sauna – in tears. Not because I was sad; but, because I was experiencing the presence of my Christ. I envisioned his face. I pictured his love – and it made me weep tears of joy.

I worshipped, lifted my voice and sang to the heavens:

There’s no space that His love can’t reach. There’s no place that we can’t find peace. There’s no end to Amazing Grace. Take me in with your arms spread wide. Take me in like an orphan child. Never let go, never leave my side. I am, Holding on to You. I am, Holding on to You. In the middle of the storm, I am Holding on, I am! – David Crowder

There is nothing like shedding tears out of love. They are watery conduits of thankful expressions. They are waterfalls of gratitude for unending grace and mercy.

What love is this that the Father has lavished upon us! There in that steam room alone, I felt honored to be in his presence. I felt blessed to sing from my gut – not worrying about if others in the gym could hear me. What a moment that was with my King!

Take time Dear One – to sit alone and worship God. You will enter his illuminate presence when you let go of all that burdens you. Your God will take your load – so you can fall on your face in the glorious presence of Jesus Christ. He’s holding on to you. Reach out for Him.

Listen to this song – and really envision the lyrics. Enter into God’s throne room of grace, Dear Child of God: