I have seen these at most athletic shoe stores like Finish Line, Champs, Sports Authority, Famous Brand Shoes, and Shoe Carnival. I found mine for under $75 at Kohl's.
BOTTOM LINE: I love these shoes!
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Reebok Shoe Review
At the start of school this year I received a pair of Reebok EasyTone tennis shoes (thanks, Mom!). I have been eying them for awhile now. I liked the idea of toning shoes but I was never into the bulky rubber sole of the Sketchers shape-ups. The Reebok EasyTone shoes are so comfortable and cushy. They have padding inside the shoe (yet they still breath) and great arch support. The shapers on the bottom of the shoe are really discrete so you can't really see them unless you are looking for them. In walking across campus yesterday I could really feel them working! With the shape-ups if I felt anything, it was the feeling I was about to fall flat on my face! By the time I got home from one day of wearing the Reebok EasyTones my thighs were actually sore! I definitely recommend these shoes to anyone who does a lot of walking during the day, or is just looking for a great supportive walking shoe. In addition to their added function, the Reebok EasyTones also come in a cute "low-top" tennis shoe style and come in awesome colors! Mine are pictured below!
I have seen these at most athletic shoe stores like Finish Line, Champs, Sports Authority, Famous Brand Shoes, and Shoe Carnival. I found mine for under $75 at Kohl's.
BOTTOM LINE: I love these shoes!
I have seen these at most athletic shoe stores like Finish Line, Champs, Sports Authority, Famous Brand Shoes, and Shoe Carnival. I found mine for under $75 at Kohl's.
BOTTOM LINE: I love these shoes!
New Workout Idea
I tried something new today and I think it just may be a new addition to my daily workout routine during the week. I parked in the farthest possible parking lot from my class this morning and fit in about a half mile walk before my 9am class! Seems like a easy no-brainier workout, until you try adding 65 pounds of textbooks and a laptop! By the time I got to my class I felt like I had just completed a pretty good workout!!!
Detox and Cleansing
Over the summer, I did quite a bit of partying, traveling, eating out, and like most college students my age, drinking. So I figure a good way to rid my system of all the junk I put into it over summer break would be a little detox. I found a recipe for a detox drink from The Biggest Loser's Jillian Michaels on Pinterest and it actually doesn't taste bad at all! The original pinner said she lost nearly 5 pounds from sipping on this for a week in addition to eating a healthy, balanced diet. She said she had never felt less bloated and it was a great way to kick start her diet again after her vacation. Here's the recipe...
60 ounces of distilled water
1 tbsp pure cranberry juice (no cocktail or added sugars)
2 tbsp of real lemon juice
1 Dandelion root tea bag
Mix everything together and chill with the tea bag still diffusing. Drink 60 ounces of this drink each day for 7 days and the claim is you can drop 5 pounds of excess water weight. You are allowed to drink additional water after you've consumed the 60 ounces of detox water. I have read comments, however, that say the dandelion tea can cause upset stomach in some people because some are allergic to the plant but other than that, no major side effects have been reported. The author of the Pinterest article (who happens to be a nurse) says you should not do this for more than seven days at a time. She recommends going back to water after the seven days and reserve the detox water if you need a quick slim down for a special occasion or a detox after eating out on vacation. She also says although her stomach is not as flat now as it was after the seven days of detox water, she has been able to keep off the 5 pounds she lost. I will definitely be doing this again the week before my sisters wedding so I can look awesome in that bridesmaids dress!
60 ounces of distilled water
1 tbsp pure cranberry juice (no cocktail or added sugars)
2 tbsp of real lemon juice
1 Dandelion root tea bag
Mix everything together and chill with the tea bag still diffusing. Drink 60 ounces of this drink each day for 7 days and the claim is you can drop 5 pounds of excess water weight. You are allowed to drink additional water after you've consumed the 60 ounces of detox water. I have read comments, however, that say the dandelion tea can cause upset stomach in some people because some are allergic to the plant but other than that, no major side effects have been reported. The author of the Pinterest article (who happens to be a nurse) says you should not do this for more than seven days at a time. She recommends going back to water after the seven days and reserve the detox water if you need a quick slim down for a special occasion or a detox after eating out on vacation. She also says although her stomach is not as flat now as it was after the seven days of detox water, she has been able to keep off the 5 pounds she lost. I will definitely be doing this again the week before my sisters wedding so I can look awesome in that bridesmaids dress!
UPDATE!!!
I am very proud to announce that my weight loss blog is already starting to yield progress!!!! I went back to school shopping for jeans and was able to buy my jeans one size smaller than I normally would, no muffin top or tight fits either!!!!! Thanks to all that have been reading and good luck to you on your journey!
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Healthy Chicken Jambalaya
You've heard me say it before in other posts...I love the south, especially for the food. But its not always the healthiest cuisine. Here is a recipe I came across for lightened chicken jambalaya for all you southern bells out there (or wannabe's like me).
- 8 ounces skinless, boneless chicken-breast halves
- 16 ounce package frozen bell peppers and onions
- 8 ounces smoked turkey sausage, halved lengthwise and cut into 1/2-inch slices
- 2 cups water
- 1 14 1/2 ounce can diced tomatoes with jalapeno peppers, undrained
- 8 ounce package jambalaya rice mix (I like using Zataran's lower sodium mix)
- Cut chicken into 1/2-inch strips. Place frozen vegetables in a 3-1/2- or 4-quart slow cooker and top with chicken strips and turkey sausage. Add water, undrained tomatoes, and seasoning packet from rice. Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 5 to 6 hours or on high-heat setting for 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Stir in rice. Cover and cook about 45 minutes more (if using low-heat setting, turn to high-heat setting), or until most of the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Serves 6 with 256 calories each
10 Cocktails with 150 Calories or Less
Here is a list I found (courtesy of SparkPeople) of 10 cocktail recipes that contain 150 calories or less each. I will definitely be replacing the drink menu at my next party with these skinny versions! Happy drinking (but please drink responsibly)!
1. Cosmopolitan- 75 calories 0g fat:
Squeeze one wedge of lime and one wedge of orange into 1 ounces of cranberry flavored vodka. Shake with ice and strain into a martini glass. Top with club soda and serve.
1 ounce of orange juice and three ounces of chilled champagne served in a champagne flute.
Squeeze a couple of lime and orange wedged into a margarita glass. Add one ounce of tequila and a splash of sweet and sour mix. Either serve on the rocks or blend.
Lighten up your next cocktail order by asking for a flavored vodka or rum on the rocks with club soda and a twist of lime.
5. Poinsettia- 90 calories, 0g fat:
1/4 shot of triple sec, a dash of cranberry juice, and 3 ounces of champagne. Shake with ice and strain. Garnish with cranberries if desired.
Blend 2 ounces of white peach puree with 4 ounces of Prosecco.
7. Strawberry Daiquiri- 130 calories, 0g fat:
Puree 1 cup of frozen strawberries in a blender (be sure to get real strawberries with no sugar added) with 1 ounces of light rum and a handful of ice cubes.
8. Nada Colada- 140 calories, 0g fat:
Mix 1 ounce of coconut rum with 4 ounces of pineapple juice and top with club soda. Serve over ice. You could also blend the ice, run, and pineapple juice then top with club soda if you'd rather have the frozen version.
4 ounces of cranberry juice, 1 ounce vodka, splash of orange juice, and a squeeze of lime juice topped with club soda.
Heat 6 ounces of apple cider with a whole clove, dash of nutmeg, and a cinnamon stick on medium-high heat. Reduce to low and simmer for 10 minutes. Strain and remove cinnamon stick and clove. Pour 1 ounce of rum into a mug and top with cider.
Healthy School Lunches
Busy schedules...we all have them and mine seems to be the downfall of my fitness plan. Homework piles up, class schedules and work schedules conflict with workout times, and before I know it the clock reads 11:00. With the start of school just a week away, I've decided to compile a list of healthy lunch options to help keep us on track. Whether you're heading to class or heading to the office, try brown bagging an idea or two from this list to not only save you money, but save your waistline as well.
Buffalo Chicken Wrap
Southwestern Cheese Panini
BBQ Chicken Sandwich
Pizza Burger
Mexican Taco Salad
3 ounces chunk light tuna packed in water, drained
2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley
1/2 lemon juiced
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup diced tomatoes
dash of salt and pepper
2 whole grain tortillas
1/2 cup baby spinach
Combine all ingredients and spread over tortillas. Roll up and enjoy.
***This recipe contains less than 400 calories.
Chili and Chips
1 cup canned turkey or veggie chili (I like to use Hormel)
1 1/2 cups frozen broccoli
3 tbsp shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup crushed corn chips
Mix the broccoli and the chili together and microwave for about 5 minutes, until broccoli is tender. Top chili with shredded cheese and crushed chips. Enjoy.
***This recipe has under 400 calories
Chicken Parmesan Sandwich
1 whole wheat sandwich thin
3 ounces of grilled chicken
1 slice of Mozzarella cheese
2 tbsp marinara sauce
Lettuce
Tomato
Place cheese slice on chicken and microwave for 45 seconds. Top with sauce and microwave another 30 seconds. Place chicken on sandwich thin and top with lettuce and tomato.
***This would be a great way to use left over spaghetti sauce and chicken.
Chicken Salad
1 whole wheat sandwich thin
3 ounces grilled chicken, cubed
1/4 cup fat-free plain Greek yogurt
Garlic salt
Cayenne pepper
1 celery stalk, sliced
Lettuce
Tomato
Mix cubed chicken, yogurt, and celery together. Season with garlic salt and cayenne pepper to taste. Spread on a sandwich thin and top with lettuce and tomato. Enjoy.
***You could also forgo the sandwich thin for whole grain crackers or make a lettuce wrap. This is a great way to use leftover chicken. For an added crunch, add a couple rings of red onion. For a sweeter chicken salad, try adding 1/4 cup of purple grapes cut in half.
Buffalo Chicken Wrap
2
tablespoons
hot pepper sauce, such as Frank's RedHot
3
tablespoons
white vinegar, divided
1/4
teaspoon
cayenne pepper
2
teaspoons
extra-virgin olive oil
1
pound
chicken tenders
2
tablespoons
reduced-fat mayonnaise
2
tablespoons
nonfat plain yogurt
Freshly ground pepper, to taste
1/4
cup
crumbled blue cheese
4
8-inch whole-wheat tortillas
1
cup
shredded romaine lettuce
1
cup
sliced celery
1
large tomato, diced
Whisk hot pepper sauce, 2 tablespoons vinegar and cayenne pepper in a medium bowl. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over
medium-high heat. Add chicken tenders; cook until cooked through and no
longer pink in the middle, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Add to the bowl with
the hot sauce; toss to coat well. Whisk mayonnaise, yogurt, pepper and the
remaining 1 tablespoon vinegar in a small bowl. Stir in blue cheese. To assemble wraps: Lay a tortilla on a work
surface or plate. Spread with 1 tablespoon blue cheese sauce and top
with one-fourth of the chicken, lettuce, celery and tomato. Drizzle with
some of the hot sauce remaining in the bowl and roll into a wrap
sandwich. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
275 calories 8g fat 24g protein 3g fiber
4
ounces
shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
1
cup
shredded zucchini
1/2
cup
shredded carrot
1/4
cup
finely chopped red onion
1/4
cup
prepared salsa
1
tablespoon
chopped pickled jalapeno pepper, (optional)
8
slices
whole-wheat bread
2
teaspoons
canola oil
Have four 15-ounce cans and a medium skillet (not nonstick) ready by the stove. Combine Cheddar, zucchini, carrot, onion,
salsa and jalapeno (if using) in a medium bowl. Divide among 4 slices of
bread and top with the remaining bread. Heat 1 teaspoon canola oil in a large
nonstick skillet over medium heat. Place 2 panini in the pan. Place the
medium skillet on top of the panini, then weigh it down with the cans.
Cook the panini until golden on one side, about 2 minutes. Reduce the
heat to medium-low, flip the panini, replace the top skillet and cans,
and cook until the second side is golden, 1 to 3 minutes more. Repeat
with another 1 teaspoon oil and the remaining panini.
331 calories 14g fat 16g protein 5g fiber
1/2
cup
shredded cooked chicken
1/4
cup
shredded carrots
2
tablespoons
barbecue sauce
2
teaspoons
light ranch dressing
1
small whole-wheat sandwich bun
1
leaf
romaine lettuce
Combine chicken, carrots and barbecue sauce
in a bowl. Spread ranch dressing on the bun. Top with the chicken
mixture and lettuce.
323 calories 8g fat 26g protein 4g fiber
1 veggie burger
1 whole grain hamburger bun
2 tbsp pizza sauce
1 slice of part-skim Mozzarella
Fresh basil
Warm burger and place on bun; top with pizza sauce and cheese. Microwave
sandwich for 20 to 30 seconds to melt cheese; add fresh basil.
Serve with an apple instead of fries.
Southwestern Grilled Chicken Salad
dressing:
2 tbsp fresh cilantro chopped
salad:
To make the dressing: In a small bowl, mix the ranch dressing, salsa, and cilantro until blended. Cover and refrigerate. To
make the salad: Coat a barbecue grill or ridged grill pan with olive
oil spray, and heat to medium-hot. In a cup, mix the chili powder,
cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Rub evenly on both
sides of the chicken. Grill
the chicken, turning once, for 3 to 4 minutes, or until it is no longer
pink and the juices run clear. Transfer to a plate. Squeeze the lime
over the cooked chicken. In a large bowl, toss the romaine with half the dressing. Divide among 4 plates. Sprinkle
the beans, corn, tomato, and red onion equally over each serving and
top with the grilled chicken. Serve the remaining dressing on the side.
295 calories 6g fat 34g protein 10g fiber
1/4 cup water
Coat
a large, nonstick skillet with cooking spray and place it over
medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook for 5 minutes, or until it's
browned. Drain any accumulated fat and add the taco seasoning and water.
Stir until the mixture begins to thicken. Remove from the heat.In
a large bowl, combine the lettuce, corn, tomatoes, and dressing. Toss
gently to coat. Top with the meat and the chips just before serving.
Greek Chopped Pita Salad
2 cups Romaine lettuce
2 tbsp crumbled Feta
1/2 of garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup cucumber slices
1 whole wheat pita, chopped
2 tbsp low fat vinaigrette dressing
Toss all ingredients together and drizzle with dressing just before serving.
***Add lean grilled chicken for an added punch of protein. This salad contains less than 400 calories.
Tuscan Tuna Wrap
2 cups Romaine lettuce
2 tbsp crumbled Feta
1/2 of garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup cucumber slices
1 whole wheat pita, chopped
2 tbsp low fat vinaigrette dressing
Toss all ingredients together and drizzle with dressing just before serving.
***Add lean grilled chicken for an added punch of protein. This salad contains less than 400 calories.
3 ounces chunk light tuna packed in water, drained
2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley
1/2 lemon juiced
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup diced tomatoes
dash of salt and pepper
2 whole grain tortillas
1/2 cup baby spinach
Combine all ingredients and spread over tortillas. Roll up and enjoy.
***This recipe contains less than 400 calories.
1 cup canned turkey or veggie chili (I like to use Hormel)
1 1/2 cups frozen broccoli
3 tbsp shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup crushed corn chips
Mix the broccoli and the chili together and microwave for about 5 minutes, until broccoli is tender. Top chili with shredded cheese and crushed chips. Enjoy.
***This recipe has under 400 calories
1 whole wheat sandwich thin
3 ounces of grilled chicken
1 slice of Mozzarella cheese
2 tbsp marinara sauce
Lettuce
Tomato
Place cheese slice on chicken and microwave for 45 seconds. Top with sauce and microwave another 30 seconds. Place chicken on sandwich thin and top with lettuce and tomato.
***This would be a great way to use left over spaghetti sauce and chicken.
Chicken Salad
1 whole wheat sandwich thin
3 ounces grilled chicken, cubed
1/4 cup fat-free plain Greek yogurt
Garlic salt
Cayenne pepper
1 celery stalk, sliced
Lettuce
Tomato
Mix cubed chicken, yogurt, and celery together. Season with garlic salt and cayenne pepper to taste. Spread on a sandwich thin and top with lettuce and tomato. Enjoy.
***You could also forgo the sandwich thin for whole grain crackers or make a lettuce wrap. This is a great way to use leftover chicken. For an added crunch, add a couple rings of red onion. For a sweeter chicken salad, try adding 1/4 cup of purple grapes cut in half.
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