Happy Friday!

TGIF! Happy Friday everyone. It's time for another installment of Friday Favorites.

Peanut Butter Buckeye Balls 

First up, you have to try these Peanut Butter Chocolate Balls of deliciousness! They are similar to a Buckeye peanut butter ball, minus all of the butter and extra sugar. The filling consists of crunchy peanut butter, honey, and coconut flour. The chocolate coating is basic dark chocolate chips and coconut oil. They are seriously that easy! Check out the original recipe by The Detoxinista here.

I made these little beauties for our all girls Christmas party on Wednesday night, and it was hard for me to resist eating them all before the party. I will definitely be making these again very soon!


Four Simple Rules

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Howdy Friends,

Today, I want to talk about healthy snacking on the go! I try to incorporate as many whole foods into my snacks as possible (boiled eggs, fruit with nut butter, veggies and hummus, etc.), but sometimes you just need to grab something quick on the go. When it comes to snacking, I am a huge fan of trying new things especially from brands I know and love (and trust)! Recently, I have come across three new healthy snacks that are worth blogging about.

First up, Kind Healthy Grains Peanut Butter Protein Granola (wow, that's quite the descriptive name). This stuff is out of this world delicious! If you are a peanut butter lover, buy this stuff immediately and then hide it from yourself so you don't eat it all at once.

I usually stay away from granola because the calories per serving can get a little bit hairy, but this one isn't too bad. The nutrition facts list two serving sizes - "a snack" at 1/3 cup (which has 120 calories, 3.5g of fat, 17g of carbs, 2g of fiber, 5g of sugar, and 6g of protein), or "a bowl" at 1/2 cup (which has 210 calories, 6g of fat, 29g of carbs, 3g of fiber 8g of sugar, and 10g of protein). I like that they are realistic about their serving sizes. We all know we probably down a 1/2 a cup at a time. :) Ok, maybe that's just me. But even at 1/2 a cup, 210 calories and 10g of protein is great for granola. In order to keep myself in check, I scoop out a serving size with a measuring cup and put the package back in the pantry (at the very back where I can't see it and will hopefully forget about it until the following day). :)

Next up is the new Oatmega Chocolate Peanut Crisp Bar. These babies are gluten free, non GMO, and made with gress-fed whey. And oh yeah, they taste amazing as well!


 At 190 calories per bar, 7g of fiber, and 14g of protein, these bad boys pack a healthy punch! Check out the vitamin and mineral row - 40% of your daily vitamin C and 20% of your daily calcium in a bar is wonderful. The taste and texture of this bar is what really sold me. It was delicious, slightly crunchy, and really left me filling full. I hate it when a bar has 150-200 calories and is the size of an oreo. Wait a minute, did I just eat anything or was I imagining it all? If you haven't given these guys a try, I would totally suggest it. I found them at HEB in the health food section here in Austin.

Finally, I want to talk about the bar that has captured my hear and my sweet tooth for some time now. The Quest Cookies & Cream Bar is oh so delicious and really makes me feel like I'm getting to eat dessert without doing damage to my healthy eating plan! I have tried several of the Quest bars, but these are far and above my favorite.


This bar has only 180 calories, 7g of fat, 22g carbohydrate, 17g of fiber, and 21g of protein. It is by far my go to snack whenever I need something to fill me up and keep me going between teaching classes, work, and taking care of the tiny human. The only downside to this bar is that it is hard to find. I can usually find it at Sprouts but it never seems to be in stock at our local HEB. Good thing it's worth the hunt. I also order them online by the box through Iherb.com. Iherb has great prices and sometimes you can score free shipping (always a bonus)!

So those are the three on the go snacks I simply can't live without right now! I send out a big thank you to these three companies for making healthy snacking possible. P.S. this was not a sponsored post and I purchased these products on my own. They are just too fabulous not to share.

Now, for the big announcement of the FREE SPARTAN RACE ENTRY winner. Drum roll please........


Seth you are our lucky winner! I will email you with the information you need to register for your FREE race! Congratulations!

Be on the lookout for a new video addition of Workout Wednesday tomorrow. Annabelle and I whipped up a kick butt kettlebell workout for your viewing pleasure. It only takes 20 minutes, 1 piece of equipment, and 4 exercises to work the entire body. I got winded just demonstrating the exercises for you so you know it's going to be a good one. My production assistant wasn't too sure about all of my hopping around, but she approved of the final cut before publication.


See you tomorrow! Have a wonderful tasty tuesday!

What are your favorite on the go snacks?

In health,

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Happy Monday!

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend! We actually got to stay here and relax this weekend! It was wonderful.

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Happy Friday Everyone!



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I hope you are all having a great Friday so far. My morning started bright and early for no reason at all. :) Little Miss woke me up kicking at 5 AM, and I couldn't go back to sleep. I read up on some baby articles, caught up on the news, and then got ready for my 8:15 AM meeting at the studio. After my meeting, it was time to get my sweat on. I stuck with the cardio and strength interval theme that I shared yesterday. Today, I used the TRX, kettlebell, and treadmill, but you could definitely sub your favorite cardio for the time on the treadmill. Here is what the workout looked like.


The TRX is a great tool for prenatal workouts because you have complete control over your level of resistance by how you position your body. It is also a great way to strengthen your core without lying on your back. As always, be sure to check with your physician before doing this or any workout while pregnant.

After my sweat session, I headed to meet my friend, Whitney, for lunch at a cool salad joint called Leaf. You can build your own salad with all the healthy and delicious toppings of your choosing. The two glowing white orbs are boiled eggs.


This morning, I noticed that I had some pretty ripe bananas hanging out in the fruit stand so I figured I better use them. I have been wanting to try out a Paleo banana bread recipe I found!


I actually had all of the ingredients on hand minus carob chips so I ran into Whole Foods and grabbed some on my way to lunch. The banana bread is currently in the oven and smells delicious! If it turns out yummy, I will be sure to share the recipe with you.



I hope you have a great rest of your Friday!!

What do you like to make with your over ripe  bananas?

In health,

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Happy Hump Day!

I hope your hump day is rolling along nicely so far! Mine started off with a kick butt 6 AM Barre class at ToddPilates. I am always so impressed by all the people who get up bright and early to work out week after week. They never cease to amaze me.

After class, I headed home and tried to wake the beast (E is not a morning person). As I sat down to enjoy a cup of hot water with lemon, I saw one of the books I am currently reading sitting on the coffee table and thought I would share. I am actually reading three different great books right now on various subjects. I am usually not a person that reads multiple books at one time, but these three were just too good to wait on.

First up, is Chia Vitality by Janie Hoffman. I was sent this book by the wonderful people over at Mamma Chia. In Chia Vitality, the author, Janie Hoffman, describes her struggles with an autoimmune disease and how incorporating chia seeds into her life helped her overcome it. She discusses in detail how chia seeds can help boost your stamina, help you lose weight, and feel more alive. It is also packed with delicious healthy recipes. I just started reading yesterday, so I promise to report back with a full review and GIVEAWAY soon!

Next up on my reading (well, really listening) list is The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin.

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I actually downloaded this book using Audible so I could listen to it while I drove to and from Houston this weekend. If you have never listened to a book on tape while driving, I would highly suggest it. Having something interesting to listen to made the trip fly by. I've also been listening to it while taking my daily walks which is nice as well. Plus, I am in love with this book!



This is so not your typical self help book. The story begins with Gretchen riding a bus and thinking about why she isn't happier with her life. She has a loving marriage, two great kiddos, she loves her job, lives in New York City, and just generally has a wonderful life. She decides that there is so much in her life to be thankful for and happy about that it's a shame to let all of that go to waste. As a writer and avid reader, she sets out on a quest to read as much about happiness as she possibly can.

After gathering all of her resources and information, she decides to dedicate a year to finding more happiness in her already great life. Each month she focuses on a different area such as her marriage, parenting, or her job, and sets resolutions to work on for the month. The book tells the story of this year from her point of view. Gretchen actually reads the book herself and her sarcastic, witty personality makes it all that much more entertaining.

I consider myself, like Gretchen, to be blessed with a wonderful life; however, I all to often dwell on what I could be doing better or worry about things that are out of my control. I am only to the month of May in her journey, but I have definitely had a couple of revelations so far and picked up many helpful tips to help me keep in perspective what truly is important. I would highly suggest this book to everyone!

Now what kind of pregnant lady would I be if I wasn't reading some kind of baby book right? Well have no fear! Book #3 on my reading list is The Happiest Baby On The Block by Dr. Harvey Karp, M.D
This book discusses how the 5 S's can help your baby sleep better, be happier, and avoid colic. It actually goes into a lot of great detail on what different doctors theorize cause colic and why they are incorrect. Additionally, it discusses how other cultures have soothed their babies for centuries and why westerners may be missing the mark when it comes to helping our little ones find comfort.

The overall premise of the books is that babies need 5 things to be comforted when they are first born.....
1) Swaddling - They need to be swaddled to feel safe and protected.
2) Side/Stomach Position - They prefer to be on their side or stomach which can aid in digestion.
3) Shushing - A shushing sound imitates what they were used to hearing in the womb and is therefor very comforting.
4) Swinging - Babies are used to constant motion when they are in their mothers womb, so a swinging motion helps to soothe them.
5) Sucking - Sucking actually triggers the calming reflex in babies.

Dr. Harvey Karp describes in detail how each one of these helps to soothe babies in it's own way, but also why doing them all together is the most important (and often most missed) step. It is totally worth the read if you are a mommy-to-be or have a fussy baby at home. Of course, I haven't actually put any of this to use on Annabelle yet, but it's fascinating none the less!

So there you have, the three books that are currently occupying my brain space! Now, it's time for some breakfast.

What are you currently reading?

In health,

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Howdy Howdy!

It's been a busy busy day. I taught a Mat class this morning at 7 AM, worked at the studio until 12:15 PM, and then headed to the doctor for my 24 week appointment. We got to hear Annabelle's heartbeat and the doctor said she looked like she was right on track size wise! Always good to hear. I made it back home in time to grab a quick snack and get a few things done before heading back up to the studio for my 5:00 PM class.

I have some extremely exciting news!! I had the honor of filming a Cardio Barre Fusion class for DestinationFit.com last week. DestinationFit.com is all about helping people find workouts they love and can do in the comfort of their own home. You can view any of the workouts for free as many times as you'd like and even vote for your favorite!



Check out Whitney's great form!

The one picture of me not talking up a storm!

Baby bump alert!

Bloopers!

I was lucky enough to have three of my wonderful girlfriends shoot with me, so it was an absolute blast!  Cardio Barre Fusion is designed to increase your cardiovascular strength while helping you to tone, sculpt, and lengthen your muscles from head to toe. We began with a 40 minute barre portion that focuses on toning the arms and sculpting long lean legs. Next, we moved to the mat to challenge our core in a way that only traditional Pilates mat work can do. We wrapped up our workout with a flowing yoga sequence to further challenge our bodies while stretching and lengthening our muscles. Don't worry, no prior dance experience is required for this workout! Just grab your equipment, be prepared to sweat, and get ready for a great time!



I hope you'll check it out! If you're not into Barre or Pilates, there are tons of other workouts for your sweating pleasure!

Today's IdeaFit word of the day was Inspiration, and my friend Alison, from Fierlessly Fierce, is a huge inspiration to me. She always has the most amazing attitude, is an incredible fitness instructor, and one of the best friends a girl could ask for! She wrote a great post today about how her pups inspire her to stay fit and included some fun workouts you can do with your dogs. Go check it out!


It looks like her workout definitely wore out the pups! I'm off to finish cooking dinner. Crock pot Mexican Chicken is on the menu for tonight!

Do you like to do workout videos at home?

If so, what is your favorite video?

In health,

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Howdy!

How was your weekend? Mine was pretty wonderful. We got to spend time with the in-laws Friday evening and Saturday morning. It was so nice to be able to catch up with them and show them some of our favorite places in Austin.

Saturday night we tried out a new restaurant call Jack Allen's. I had the most amazing salad with achiote chicken, pears, figs, walnuts, and a champagne vinaigrette dressing. We also had a gorgeous view of a little river right by our table. I'm sure it's breathtaking in the Spring when everything is green.

After dinner, we headed up to campus to watch UT play Texas Tech. It was a pretty good game and Texas ended up winning by 3 points!



Sunday morning I woke up and dove head first into my workout. I did a TRX strength and Tabata workout. It was killer! I'll have to full workout up for you tomorrow. After my workout, I did a quick grocery store run to pick up the essentials for the week. On Saturday, our neighbor told us about a place about an hour south of Austin called Pedernales Falls State Park and we we so excited to check it out we had to go the very next day. We packed up our lunches and headed that way around 11 AM. The drive wasn't too bad and it was definitely worth it!

First, we drove up to Pedernales Falls overlook. It was absolutely gorgeous and fun to get to climb on all of the rocks.







Next, we headed back down the hill to start our 5.5 mile hike through the park. The trail was a good mix of up hill climbs and walking trails so it was a great workout. We actually had to take off our shoes a wade across a river at one point. The water wasn't very high but it was FREEZING! The trail took you up one of the large hills to a beautiful overlook of the hill country.







It was so much fun and a must see if you live in the Austin/San Antonio area! All in all, we hiked about 6+ miles at the park. When you throw in my morning strength workout and the 2 mile walk I did with the pup when we got home, I have some pooped out legs to say the least. It was all totally worth it for a fun day of hiking and quality time with the hubs!

Now, I'm refreshed and ready to tackle another week!

Are there any good hiking trails in your area?

In health,

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