Instagram @fitnfreekate

*Non-fat plain Greek yogurt, mangos, blueberries, blackberries, bee pollen, granola, raw honey. Amazing breakfast*

A few of my favorite foods

I am one of those people that likes pretty much anything when it comes to food. I'm not picky at all. However, that being said, I am very selective with what I allow myself to eat. They are two completely different things. Really. 

Although I include a lot of variety in my day to day meals, there are a few foods I am obsessed with. In fact, anything I like tends to turn into me being "obsessed" with it. I'm just weird like that. However, despite this fun fact I just shared with you, don't discount the validity of these things I'm obsessed with because they are all truly amazing in their own way. Kicker? They are all healthy, tasty and have amazing nutritious benefits. 

*Berries: promote cell health and protect against disease AND they are super delish and refreshing. I have them for breakfast, snacks, dessert and throw them in my water*

*Avocados: an excellent source of vitamin E, potassium and antioxidants. You can eat avocados with absolutely anything and everything. I eat them a la carte all the time. I just add salt, pepper, red pepper flakes and some lemon juice*

*Quinoa: a great source of protein and fiber. Can't get enough of this stuff. I literally eat it TO DEATH. I always make it with chicken broth for more flavor and like to add diced veggies, greens or shredded meat to it to spruce it up*

*Sweet potaotes: High in fiber, antioxidants and vitamins. I think at this point my obsession can definitely be characterized as a bit worrisome. Translation- I LOVE them* 

*Hummus: Chickpeas, the main ingredient in hummus, are rich in fiber and protein. They also contain vitamins and minerals such as folic acid. I put hummus on everything. Toast, crackers, celery, you name it. Such a nice addition to veggies*

*Lemons: I have warm lemon water every morning. It's a great way to wake up the ole bod. I also put lemon in my water throughout the day, on veggies, seafood and will pretty much add it to anything I can. As an alkaline food, lemons help balance out your pH levels which is SO important to your health. Lemon juice also helps flush out toxins and aids in digestion*

*Nuts: loaded with protein, vitamin E and calcium. Nuts are one of my favorite snacks. They are filling and the crunch factor makes them really satisfying!*

What are some of your favorite foods?

Acai Bowls

A few days ago, I woke up with this incredibly intense desire for an acai bowl. A big one. 

I rarely eat acai bowls but in sticking with my theme of "mixing it up" I was really craving one and thought it may just kill me if I don't have one. 

It was a holiday, however, so nothing was open. I had a small but very real panic attack. I felt I MUST have one. So my friend and I decided to take matters into our own hands and make them ourselves. 

We were very successful. 

Homemade Acai Bowls:

2 Sambazon packets

1/4 cup of organic apple juice 

2 mangos 

1 banana

1 cup of blueberries

1 cup of strawberries

2-3 kiwis

1/2 cup granola of your choice

1 tsp bee pollen

1 tsp raw honey

*Serves 2

Put the Sambazon packets in a blender with the apple juice and lightly blend on low for only about 10 seconds. Throw it in a pretty bowl. Then cut up all the fruit ( you can add in whatever fruit you want) and add into the mix, followed by the granola, honey and bee pollen. Such a treat!

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Eat Breakfast!

I'm a huge breakfast advocate. Meaning, I never skip it. Ever. I think it's the most important meal of the day. I believe whatever you choose to eat for breakfast sets the tone for the entire day. 

I have also found that changing it up and not having the same thing every single morning makes a huge difference. It's important to trick your body. If you have the same thing every morning, your body gets used to digesting it and almost expects it. 

I've had many conversations with people that want nothing to do with breakfast. And although I can see other viewpoints, this is one I just don't get. The excuse I hear the most is "I don't have time" which is confusing to me because how long does it take to throw a banana in your purse?! It doesn't have to be a huge cooking session. As long as you are putting some nutrients in your body it doesn't matter. It comes down to this: When you first wake up, your body is still in sleep mode. If you don't put anything in your system until lunch, your metabolism never really "wakes up"…Your body has been fasting all night long so until you break that fast (Hence, break-fast), you will not be burning calories as efficiently and really your metabolism will not be working as it should!

Eating breakfast has many benefits and will prevent you from overeating not only at lunch but throughout the entire day. It jump starts your metabolism and gets your brain functioning. So…theme of the day? Whatever it takes, get something in your mouth in the a.m! Your life depends on it. Dramatic? NO. 

 I will be featuring some fun and easy breakfast recipes soon so stay tuned! 

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-Kate

Veggie scramble to die for

The key to sticking to a healthy lifestyle is variety, variety, variety. Check out this amazing scrumptious (favorite word as of late) scramble filled with veggies and love. It only takes about 15 minutes max and will leave you filling satisfied and smiling from ear to ear. 

Veggie Scramble

1/2 orange bell pepper

1/2 cup diced mushrooms

1 cup spinach

1/4 cup chopped onions

1/4 cup cilantro

2 eggs

1/2 avocado

1 tbsp Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

Fresh ground pepper - lots

1/2 tsp Himalayan Pink Salt

Cut up all the veggies

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Saute the veggies in coconut oil

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Throw the two eggs in 

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Once it's done, add some avo to the top and maybe some Sriracha

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Perfect start to your morning! Protein-packed goodness with veggies. Can't beat it. 

-Kate

That's what friends are for

Everyone has days where the last thing you want to do work out. I get it. I have those days too. There are many different ways to get yourself motivated to hit the gym, make it to your yoga class or get that run in. However, what I have found works the best for me is having someone to workout with. It not only prevents you from "canceling" a class you were going to go to but it actually makes you excited to go. It's also accountability. If you tell your friend you are going to meet her at 5:15am for a run, you damn well better be there! You get off of work and are supposed to head to the yoga studio for an hour of ass kicking sweaty yoga but as you near your exit your mind starts to whisper "just get off the exit, a chilled glass of white wine, comfy clothes and a few episodes of your favorite show awaits you"… Sound familiar? I have those voices all the time and I constantly tell them to eff off. If you are meeting a friend at this dreaded yoga class, you are far less likely to bail. 

It's so important to surround yourself with like-minded people that are positive influences in your life and that share some of the same goals as you do. That way your Saturday mornings won't be repeatedly filled with pub crawls but instead long hikes, morning jogs instead of all you can eat breakfast buffets. If you are struggling with keeping yourself active and getting your weekly workouts in- phone a friend. Having the support of friends is vital and can help you change your life AND meet your goals! It's also a great excuse to have some one on one with a friend you maybe wouldn't otherwise see. We are all busy and it's hard to find free time. What a better way to get some quality time in with your friend then to combine it with a workout?! Everyone wins. 

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*My friend and I after running the half-marathon. So many times I wanted to quit, she helped me stay on track and get my best time ever!*

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*Hiking with some friends. Changing it up is KEY. Once boredom or too much consistency hits- you set yourself up to quit*

*Lucy and Ethel- fitness first*

*2014 is THE year. Make it count!*

-Kate

A few of my favorite things

I go through stages of being completely "obsessed" with certain things and I wanted to share a few of the things that are currently rocking my world. 

My Fitbit that I adore and can't live without! It tracks your steps, calories, etc. Accountability times ten. 

I am VERY picky about mascara. I found my true love. Benefit "they're Real" mascara kicks serious ass. 

Beaming juices are by far my favorite. The mint, jalapeño and cucumber juice does it for me. Google em and you'll be hooked. This is a fact. 

My Aqua Zinger. Add any fruit you want to it and infuse it into your water. I drink waaay more water this way. Everyone needs to have one.

My Macbook Air. Love. It. 

Elizabeth Grady Almond toner. I keep it in my fridge so it's cold when I put it on my face. Killer. Such a treat. 

Lavender essential oils for your bath or pretty much whateva you want. 

Lululemon yoga mat for hot yoga. No slipping n sliding for this gal. 

French tip toes. No other way to do it. 

Viva la Juicy perfume. Nothin better. 

Sweet potatoes. Not sure what it is but I love them. A lot. And they are good for you- bonus. 

If you haven't read this book you are missing out. It's so inspiring and has the most incredible recipes. Amazon for $12, worth every freaking cent. 

Deep sea Alba face mask. Perfect for an at-home spa night when you don't have the mula for a real facial. Works wonders!

My most favorite addition to my room. Adds a little somethin somethin and makes me happy. So, why not?

I got these as a gift from a good friend and they are cool as hell. Red wine drinker? Not too keen on the red stained teeth look? Not to worry. Wine wipes "wipe" away the red tint AND doesn't alter the taste of the wine in case you want to continue your wine drinking after wiping away the red. Uh. huh. 

I'm going to end with my most favorite product from Philosophy- Unconditional love. It smells amazing and I can't get enough of it. 

-Kate