Current Favorites September 2015 Edition

Sometimes I get obsessed with certain things; a food, a workout, a piece of clothing, a show. There are so many things out there that turn on our attention and grab it so much that we want to share it with the world. Well, here is my list of things I am currently crushing on big time. Beware because it is quite random. It ranges from food stuff, to make up stuff to other stuff. ENJOY!

CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE DOUGH LARA BARS

I meannnn….how could these NOT be good. I am not here telling you that they are the most healthy thing in the world, but they are so fantastic (to me) They are sweet but not too sweet and perfect for a little treat to cure that sweet craving. I love Larabars because they contain ingredients I can pronounce with no fake crap. My body doesn’t do well with any article sweeteners so its hard for me to have the processed protein bars too often. This flavor along with the cashew cookie and coconut are my favorites right now!

PULL UPS:

After attending the elite coaching seminar  I have a whole new appreciation, brainful of knowledge and love for the pull up. This coaching seminar brought together some amazing coaches in the industry (personal training, physical therapy, strength and conditioning, business) with a hands on and lecture component to further our base of what we do; coach clients. 

 I have always been scared of it.; probably because I have never been good at it. What makes a good coach great is being able to teach someone how to do something they suck at. Its about providing the necessary tools to enable them to feel empowered and knowledgeable about trying something they probably have been shying away from because it doesn’t fit the realm of their comfort zone. Not only did I walk away with a motivation for myself to perfect the pull up, but I also made a promise to myself to share these tools with my clients (especially female)

I have been obsessed with everything pull up. The lats, the regressions, the core component, band assisted, you name it-I have been incorporating something pull up related almost every single day.  In order to get better at something you must practice all of the time. “I can’t do a pull up” is something I hear every single day from my female clients. I don’t like the word “can’t” it means that one will never be able to; and the pull up is certainly something that most people can do if trained properly. In order to do a pull up, you must train to do a pull up. 

TROPICAL HOUSE PLAYLIST

I am currently obsessed with this playlist on spotify. There are few playlists that I find that are transitional for me meaning; I can get pumped and workout to it, I can do with it on in the background and I can do really anything and I will enjoy pretty much every single song. I discovered this playlist from a client and I am always listening to it, or an identical playlist. Its chill yet upbeat, relaxed yet invigorating.  The difference between tropical house and deep house is that this music has way more uplifting beats and often more pleasant than the darkness of deep or underground house.  I realize that music is extremely personal and thats what makes the world go round! You may check out this playlist on spotify after you read this post and think I’m nuts. Im okay with that. Its my list 

SALMON SKILLET COOKED SKIN ON

I absolutely love salmon! If you follow me on Instagram or Facebook, you know that I post recipes and my food and lots of it includes fish like salmon, tuna, shrimp. You name it. I get bored with salmon and was interested in trying to cook it in a ‘new to me’ way. I looked up this recipe for cooking it in the skillet, with the skin on and it was SO fantastic. I fancied it up to make it my own, but followed the guidelines as to how to cook it properly with the skin on. 

I have a small obsession with eye brightener. If you look in my small makeup bag, I have about 4 different ones right now. This right now, is by far my favorite. It was ALWAYS out when I went to Sephora and then one day, it was stocked and I grabbed it because I heard amazing things about it. The BECCA Eye Brightener It has a bit of a shimmer to it and a light pink tint that really brightens up the under eye area. If you have bags; GONE! It is a creamy consistency and a little goes a long way! I have had mine for about 4 months and only about half way through it (And I apply it everyday) I also love it because it lasts ALL DAY. Literally, even through my workout when I’m covered in sweat. Its small and easy to throw in your make up bag and runs about $29 but totally worth it!

SHELLAC

My vice. I always have my nails done. its something I love and something I don’t think I will ever give up. No matter what time of year or whats going on, you will probably always see me with something on my nails. Recently, I have been into the shellac manicure because they last longer especially when I’m grappling weights and kettlebells all day. This color is one of my recent favorites; its called “Suzi shops and island hops” Its OPI and its a nice summery pink! Something to note if you do decide to get shellac and a little tip as to how my nails stay strong and healthy throughout is I never peel it off myself. I always let them take it off the proper way. 

POTATOES

Especially eating them as my carb post workout. Tough workouts induce the breakdown of muscle tissue which is repaired through post workout nutrition. I make it a priority to put adequate and delicious food into my system after a tough workout and always choose some sort of starchy carb post strength workout (potatoes-white or sweet, squash, quinoa) and lately I have been all about cooking potatoes this way! I slice a whole white and whole sweet potato realllllly thin and then spread it out on a cookie sheet at 450 degrees for about 20 minutes (sprayed with olive oil and sea salt)

MACA POWDER

I have been using 1 teaspoon of Maca powder in my morning smoothies every morning and just love it. Maca has been known to be somewhat of an aphrodisiac boosting sex drive and overall health. It is also great for boosting fertility in women, increased stamina, energy and daily functioning. Maca definitely provides a bit of an energy boost and that feeling of ‘IM UPPPPP’ which is just what I need in the morning most of the time. Another benefit of maca is its relatively high amount of absorbable plant-based nutrients, including protein, fiber, calcium and magnesium, among others. It is chalky and pretty terrible tasting on its own, but you can’t even taste it in a smoothie! I just use 1 teaspoon a day!

DIGESTIVE ENZYME

I have some major (diagnosed) food intolerances that force me to stay away from certain foods/food groups. I can eat these foods that I know I shouldn’t, however I know that I won’t feel too hot afterwards. I was told about taking a digestive enzyme from a co worker of mine to alleviate any symptoms I may experience after eating a meal where some of the ingredients normally wouldn’t sit too well.  (namely; onion, garlic, leeks, apples, pears, snap peas, processed breads) When we eat food, our bodies absorb nutrients, not food and in order for our bodies to absorb these nutrients, the food we eat has to be broken down into proteins (amino acids) If we don’t have enough digestive enzymes in our bodies, they have a hard time breaking down food and thus absorbing it and/or digesting it. This brand of Digestive Enzyme has helped me tremendously when it comes to gas/bloating and overall digestion of food. I take it right before I eat, although you could take it around 30 minutes of eating before or after and should be good to go!

PARKS AND RECREATION

You guys. My favorite TV show right now. I have taken improv classes and if you know me, you KNOW that this show is my kind of humor. I can watch this show and laugh out loud (alone) and there has only been one other show that has happened with; FRIENDS. I would be Amy Phoeler in a second life so if you want to laugh and watch some mindless Netflix, get on this train.

SHRIMP CEVICHE

I have posted about my shrimp ceviche before and ever since I made it that one time, I have craved it…soooo I made it again. and again. Just a couple more times