Restaurant Review: Chickpea (NYC)

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Sara Smiles wrote a nice little review on ‘Chickpea’, here

Traveling and healthy food never really go together. However, while waiting to catch the train in Penn Station Friday night, I was tasked to find some sort of healthy food.

This is really a feat – especially in a train station. I passed Dunkin’ Donuts, Fridays – and many more tempting options. However, my eye was caught by a restaurant named, “Chickpea.”

I automatically thought of hummus and was snagged. Upon looking over the menu, I realized they provided a lot of gluten free options! Hallelujah! Seriously – look at the menu here.

Ended up ordering a hummus plate with chicken – it was delicious. They give you a choice of having pita with it (passed on this because I am GF). But, it is just as tasty when you eat it with just a work. You cannot go wrong with a mixture of hummus, chicken and mixed vegetables. Also, this Texas girl added extra jalapenos for that little spice kick.

If you ever find yourself in New York (even Penn Station) and you love Mediterranean food, eat here. You will not be disappointed. And big bonus – you don’t break your healthy diet or infuse your body with traces of gluten! Check out the locations in NYC.

Now, how can I start an effort to bring this to the Washington, DC area?

Sweet Deviled Eggs

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ImageWant to make the perfect deviled egg for Thanksgiving, Christmas or Easter? Or maybe just as a post workout snack? Well, you are in luck; this recipe will make you look like a cooking star!

You will need: ¼ cup Hellmann’s Olive Oil Mayonnaise, ¼ cup yellow traditional mustard, 2 tbsp. pickle relish (sweet or dill), 6 eggs

First – boil a pot of water on the stove. Wait until you see the water bubbling. Then use a spoon (you don’t want them to crack!) to carefully place all 6 eggs in the pot. Let them boil for about 20 minutes – or until they can float on the top of the water!

Once your eggs have cooled, shell them – and cut them half in two. Carefully spoon out the yolks and place all the yellow into a soup bowl. Put eggs white on a plate or a cool egg platter.

In the soup bowl with the egg yolks, add your mayo, mustard and pickle relish (pick sweet or dill depending on if you like them with more of a sugar taste or pickle!) Use a fork and mash all the ingredients together!

Take a spoon and fill each egg white pocket with the yolk mixture. Sprinkle with paprika or add a sprig of parsley for decoration! You are done – you just made fabulous deviled eggs.

Enjoy – this is a gluten-free meal. What a bonus.

Chocolate Banana Gluten Free, Flourless Muffins

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ImageIn the mood for a little chocolate, but you don’t want all the fat and carbs that come along with it? Well, I have the just the muffin for you! It has the creaminess of bananas, as well, as that richness of your favorite chocolate treat.

Not to mention, it is loaded with flax and chia seeds! This will make you feel full longer. The simple addition of flax and chia will add fiber, fight belly fat and stabilize your blood sugar. Check out some awesome health benefits of chia seeds here.

Now, let’s getting baking this scrumptious, low-fat, high protein dessert or even chocolate breakfast treat! I really like eliminating flour (even gluten free flour) from recipes. I feel better substituting whey protein powder – for energy!

You will need: 2 bananas (I used 2 really ripe ones – that I was about to throw away), 1 cap full vanilla extract, 2 scoops whey protein powder, 2 cage free eggs, 1 tbsp. ground flax seed, 1 tbsp. chia seeds, 1 heaping tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 tbsp. baking powder, 1 tbsp. baking soda.

I put the 2 bananas in the food processor just to make them like a paste – then poured this mixture into a bowl. Add in the eggs, flax, chia seeds, baking soda, baking and cocoa powder and that cap full of vanilla. Mix up this yummy chocolate paste. Taste for perfection.

Preheat the oven to 350 and line a cupcake tin with liners. Fill the liners with your good mixture and bake for 20-25 minutes. Enjoy!

10 Positive Things to Say to Yourself Every Morning

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postiveYou look in the mirror every morning – and you don’t just stare blankly at your reflection. You say words, whether in your head or aloud to yourself. These words are either positive or negative, and they really set the tone on how you are going to feel the rest of the day.

A Glamour issue notes, “…on average, women have 13 negative body thoughts daily—nearly one for every waking hour. And a disturbing number of women confess to having 35, 50 or even 100 hateful thoughts about their own shapes each day.” What? This is awful.

The average woman is not a super model. I can’t say this more plainly – we (yes, I am including myself) need to change the negative, harsh thoughts we think about our body/being. You are beautiful – because you are YOU (and there is no one else like you in the world!) Obviously, there is need to be healthy – for medical reasons. But, you should not desire to be that toothpick model or hardcore ripped athlete. That is not realistic.

I am a Christian – this should be apparent from my blog. I happen to believe that God crafted us with a heavenly paintbrush and created us all in his image. Don’t you think God is beautiful? Then, you are as well, dear one!

Let’s practice celebrating our beauty every morning! My mother always used to tell me, ‘God does not make junk!’ That is so true!

Here are some uplifting things to say to yourself in the mirror each morning. Say them aloud or in your head. It will make a difference. This is a challenge to myself as well. Let’s get started.

  • I am BEAUTIFUL.

Behold, you are beautiful, my love, behold, you are beautiful! Your eyes are doves behind your veil. Your hair is like a flock of goats leaping down the slopes of Gilead. – Song of Solomon 4:1

  • I am the APPLE OF GOD’S EYE. 

Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings. – Psalm 17:8

  • I am RADIANT. 

Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces. – Psalm 34:5

  • I am a CROWN OF SPLENDOR in God’s Hand  

You will be a crown of splendor in the LORD’s hand, a royal diadem in the hand of your God. – Isaiah 62:3

  • I am DEARLY LOVED. 

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. – Colossians 3:12

  • I LACK NO GOOD THING.

For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. – Psalm 84:11

  • I Am So BLESSED. 

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. – Jeremiah 29:11

  • I Was FORMED By The Hand of God

Your hands made me and formed me; give me understanding to learn your commands. – Psalm 119: 73

  • I am SMART. 

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. – James 1:5

  • I am a PRINCESS, Loved By The King

The King’s daughter is all glorious within; her clothing is interwoven with gold. – Psalm 45:3

Guiltless, Gluten Free & Low-Fat Ice Cream

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HEALTHY ICE CREAMYou scream. I scream. We all scream for ice cream – but the healthy kind of course. This ice cream treat has zero milk in it – and is way low-fat.

I know, almost too good to be true. But, it’s true. So, now you can sit on your couch, in your pajamas, and watch a Lifetime movie with a bowl of ice cream and not feel like a glutton.

This is easy as pie to make. All you will need is: 3 frozen bananas (chopped in pieces), 1 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder and 1 cap full of vanilla extract.

Pull out the food processor – and add in those 3 frozen bananas. I would only freeze them for about a day – you really don’t want them too hard.

Blend in these bananas – it will take a while – until you form a paste. [Taste this – it is so good!] Add in your honey, vanilla and cocoa powder – then blend again. Make sure the paste is creamy.

You are done. It was that simple. Then serve in a cute, little bowl. It tastes really good. You will want to make a bowl every night.

5 Cute Animals That Will Enhance Your Work – and Relieve Stress

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Sometimes just looking at cute animals can cut stress. Don’t believe me? Tell you what, if after looking at these cute fuzzy ones – you don’t feel more relaxed – comment and tell me what’s up!  Complain. I can take it. However, I think these happy little cuties will turn your cloudy day into sky of sunlight. And maybe they can teach you a few pointers for work too!

1.  Tune Out Your Annoying Audience

Listen, if you sit in a cubicle for work, you will have people who want to talk your ear off. If you have this type of co-workers around you all day – it can do a number on your stress level. Put on some headphones to drain out the noise. Listen to classical music or jam out to some hit pop songs. It just might enhance your creativity. This cute little golden retriever has the right idea.

headphone dog

2.  Dress For Success

If you dress better, you will feel better. You don’t have to wear Ann Taylor or Calvin Klein – but seriously, don’t wear jeans and a t-shirt to work. You won’t respect yourself neither will your co-workers or superiors. This little dog has the right idea – dress nicely. Look put together. You will gain more respect that way and feel better too.

bowtie dog

3. Stop And Smell the Roses

Never get too boggled down with work – that you forget to stop and smell the roses. When the pressure is mounting or a deadline is setting in, take a walk – smell some flowers. This will clear your head and dissipate all that stress that builds day upon day. This kitty is doing just that – smelling the sweet flowers of life [because there is more to life than just work].

cat flowers

4. Take a Vacation

You do not have to work all the time to get ahead. Take a vacation. Put your feet in the sand from time to time. The office will not burn down without you [they can manage for 5 days]. Even if you think you can’t get away for a whole week (gasp!) take a long weekend. Go to a winery with your loved ones. Breaks are actually beneficial to your productivity.

vaca dog

5. Don’t Take Yourself Too Seriously

No one, and I repeat, no one likes a self-righteous person. Learn to laugh at yourself and listen to other people’s ideas. Remember, it takes a entire team to run an office or organization – and that means tons of ideas not just one. Be goofy sometimes – life is not meant to be just serious.

goofy dog

Grab-in-Go Gluten Free Breakfast Muffins

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grab in goI made these sweet little pumpkin protein muffins for breakfasts this week. They are gluten free and packed with fiber and protein.

Not to mention, pumpkins keep eyesight sharp, aid in weight loss, may reduce cancer risks, protects the skin, boots your mood and helps beef up your immune system.

This is a neat side show of the health benefits of pumpkins!

Breakfast is an easy meal to skip. However, it’s actually detrimental to skip it. Make about 10 of these little muffins and set them in the fridge. In the morning, grab 2 – and eat them on your morning commute with to-go coffee. Yum.

You will need: ½ regular sized can pumpkin puree, 3 tbsp. ground flax seed, 3 tbsp. chia seeds, 2 tbsps. sweet leaf (or any natural sweetener), 1/2 tbsp. baking powder, 1/2 tbsp. baking soda, 2 scoops whey protein powder, & 1 cap full vanilla extract.

Preheat the oven to 350 and bake these in muffin tins for about 20 – 25 minutes. My recipe yielded about 8 muffins. I would suggest using muffin liners as well. Easy to store and easy to grab in the morning.

Only A Prayer Away

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ImageI love having a friendship with my Maker. He is the friend that sticks closer than a brother. He is the fan that always cheers you on – even if you think no one cares. He is the silent observer and your greatest advocate. When you think you are alone, He is there – you are never alone. He’ll be by you through think and thin.

Just like a teacher, he does not kick you when you are down; but, simply instructs you in the direction of his path of righteousness. He points out your faults and weaknesses and says, “Child, I desire better for you!” However, like a friend – he is there to hold your hand in the trials and difficulties of life – emphasizing with your pain and fragility. He knows – remember, he hung on that rugged cross for you!

In this world you will have troubles – but your Father and [your friend] has overcome the world! (John 16:33) It is more than amazing that we can have this type of relationship with our Savior and the Redeemer of our souls.

I am truly humbled by the way he loves us. To take from a David Crowder song, “He is jealous from me, loves like a hurricane, I am a tree –bending beneath the weight of His wind and mercy. When all of a sudden, I am unaware of these afflictions –eclipsed by glory. And I realize just how beautiful You are and how great Your affections are for me. “

God is only a prayer away. Breathe in this truth. Know it. Talk aloud to him – every day. He is there to listen and he cares. He hears every utterance and longs to help you and build you up in his steadfast love!

The Working Woman’s 20 Minute Workouts

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I try and do a yoga video in the morning – it’s just 20 minutes. This is one of my favorites, here.

It’s 5:30am and your alarm clock hums – you press the snooze button trying to get at least 30 more minutes of shut eye. It’s 7pm and you get home exhausted. Time to pour yourself a glass of wine and watch House Hunters on HGTV – you deserve to unwind.

You complain that you never get a chance to work out. You are working woman – and office hours wreak havoc on this routine. But, really are you cheating yourself out of a simple 20 minute workout in the morning or a night?

I believe you can do it. You can fit that simple routine in a tight schedule. It takes disciple and willpower. However, 20 minutes every day can add up and keep your body tone and lean for those pencil skirts, little black dresses and heels.

Make it priority to hit the gym before or after work – just 20 minutes, seriously. Do the bike.

Take a 20 minute walk with your dog – he has to go out anyway. Just extend the walk or pop in a 20 minute yoga video (you will work up a morning sweat and feel better all day long!)

Below are a few suggestions for the ‘Working Woman’s Workout Schedule’ – (websites, routines that I have found) you can take it or leave it.

For the Yoga Lovers: Do this simple 20 minute routine in the morning or at night. It’s on YouTube. It’s free. There is no excuse here. This workout is a Vinyassa flow routine that is designed to get your heart pumping, and it really does. You will feel strong, less stressed and healthy after doing this routine. I guarantee it.

For the Challenge Junkie: Try an online challenge. One of my co-workers shared this one with me. It’s called the 30 Day Squat Challenge. Push yourself to complete a goal like this. Make a chart. Cross off each day – for a month. It takes no time in the morning or night. It builds dedication. Do it.

For the Runners: Don’t think I can say this more clearly – go for a 20 minute jog or treadmill run. Don’t feel like you need to do more. If 20 minutes is all you have, it’s all you have. Believe me, it is better than nothing. Pbfingers.com has a great 20 minute treadmill workout.

For the Cardio Circuit Addicts: I found this awesome ‘Indoor Cardio Crusher Workout’ that you can do in your apartment. Set your iphone to 20 minutes – and do this routine until time is up. You’ll feel it.

For the Delightful Dancers: This is a pretty basic workout. It is free – on YouTube once again. Sometimes you just need to have fun. This is a fun dance workout routine. Good for your heart and wellbeing! DANCE off the stress!

Homemade Fruit Snacks

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ImageI love gummy bears. Yet, those sweet little treats come with a lot of sugar. And have you looked at the back of the packet at the ingredients?

Yeah, I can’t pronounce nearly half of what is in there. I mean, they taste good. But, are they really good for your body? Most likely not.

Here is a fantastic recipe for homemade healthy fruit snacks. They may not be in the shape of a cute little bear; but, boy—are they tasty.

With every bite – you know these little snacks are good for you and way better for your little ones (kid friendly, they will love these just as much as those little prepackaged lunch treats). Another bonus for kids and adults – there is no artificial color in these treats. Hooray. Put these in your kids lunch boxes. They will thank you.

You will need: 1 cup of strawberries (any type of fruit you want really), 1 box of unflavored gelatin, ¼ cup honey, 1 cup orange juice and 1 cap full vanilla extract.

First cut up the strawberries and place them in blender or food processor. You want to make a little puree. Add in the honey and vanilla extract. Stir these ingredients in – until it is all smooth. Place this strawberry mix into a pot on the stove. Heat up the mixture on medium. You just want it to get warmed up.

In another bowl, add in the orange juice and slowly stir in the whole box of unflavored gelatin (there should be 4 packages – put all 4 in the bowl). Make sure there are no clumps. Then, take the hot strawberries on the stove and slowly add these to the gelatin mixture. Mix together.

Pour your fruit snack paste into a square pan. Cover and let cool in the refrigerator for a couple hours. When they have cooled, cut these cute little fruit snacks into tiny squares and serve! Enjoy.