16-Minute Core Workout

Happy Workout Wednesday! As many of you know, I love “timed abs.” What are timed abs? It’s basically core exercises non-stop, so that your core muscles are seizing up and burning to oblivion. I usually do them 30 seconds each. Here is an awesome workout I did this week and my core is still sore from top to bottom and all around. My favorite kind of burn! There really are no excuses–especially when a workout only takes 16 minutes. And if you don’t even have that–try 8 minutes!

So repeat the above workout twice if you can. Rest in between sets, but when you’re in the middle of these exercises, try not to take a break. It will burn, it will scream, but push on. It’s an easy workout to throw in your day that you will be feeling for a few days after. Use a timer of some sort to count each 30 seconds–I used my phone timer. Please comment below if you have any questions about the exercises above.

There are always ways to pull out excuses, but this is a workout that can combat that ugly voice in your head trying to sucker you out of exercising today. Fight it! And fight on! Use this workout to stay hungry and fit!

*Question of the Day: What’s your favorite core exercise?

BONUS KITTY PIC

Sleepy babies

Aug152014

What Makes You Great?

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Post Great Grains Cereal for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

A big part of being healthy is having a healthy mind. In this context, I’m talking about being positive. Having a positive attitude and outlook is an important part of keeping your health in tip-top shape. It’s important to have a positive attitude regarding others, but even more important regarding yourself. We are always our own worst critic and have an easy time getting down on ourselves. However, negative energy is a serious drain on your mental, emotional, and physical health. It kills motivation, self-respect, self-esteem, and the ability to be kind to others. Positive energy is a lot more important than people think. It can lift us up and keep us high as we reach for our goals in life.

In light of this, Hungry and I made a list of why we’re great. It’s always important to keep a positive attitude about yourself, and making a list of things you love about yourself is a great way to do that. Let’s do it:

What makes Hungry and Fit great…

Our motivation to become better at everything we do
Our undying love for animals
Our love for the outdoors: especially beaches to swim at and forests and mountains to hike through
Our want to help others in their health journey and more
Our desire and willingness to make everybody be healthier–not just a certain population
Our acceptance for our weird selves
Our nerdy side
Our ability to adapt to new surroundings
Our support of one another
Our ability to laugh…a lot
Our independence and being who we are in the face of judgment
Our honesty

Those are just a few of the things that we think make us great. And it makes me feel great to write these down and appreciate us. Post Great Grains Cereal Survey displayed tons of reasons why women all over the country are feeling great. Some of these results included:

“83 percent of women think the greatest obstacle to reaching their full potential is what they think of themselves, rather than what others think of them”
“When women pick the best part of getting older, being comfortable in their skin tops the list, followed by gaining perspective, and feeling a sense of security”

Post Great Grains Cereal also put out a “What Makes You Great?” commercial, urging people to recognize and speak about the factors that make them great. I love that they did this because far too often people wallow in their own self-contempt rather than highlighting their own positive features.

We had the chance to experience some of Post Great Grains new products. We sampled lots of the cerals, including the “Protein” blend and “Digestive” blend. We especially liked the Protein blend. With me being a vegetarian, it’s always important for me to make sure I get a good protein intake. Plus, they are yummy. Our favorite is the Great Grains Protein Blend Cinnamon Crunch. I’m in love with cinnamon flavors and the good fiber and protein makes it a guilt-free way to start the day. That’s something that helps me stay “great.”

Great Grains has an enormous variety of cereals out there right now such as Berry Medley, Vanilla Graham, Banana Nut Crunch, Crunchy Pecans, and more. There’s really a flavor for everyone. And if you’re looking for more fiber or protein, you can grab the Digestive or Protein blends respectively. Great Grains has nutrition you can see with at least 7g of fiber in their Digestive blends and at least 8g of protein in their Protein blends.

It’s important to feed your body nutritiously and stay positive about yourself which is why we love to support the Great Grains Cereal campaign. We will continue nourishing ourselves with their yummy cereal while remembering to stay positive in what makes us great. Check out Great Grains on Facebook. As always, stay hungry and fit!

*Question of the Day: What makes YOU great? Comment below!

Aug112014

The Importance of Non-GMOs

Here at Hungry and Fit, we aren’t just concerned with our fitness and how we can lift heavy things or look good in a speedo. We also care about the internal health of our body because–let’s face it–that’s the “Fit” that really matters. Our “true” health is what is going to make the difference on the inside with the big problems–cancer, heart disease, and the other big ones. That’s why we don’t smoke, we exercise every day, stay away from trans fats, and avoid GMOs.

What are GMOs? GMOs are genetically modified organisms. If you aren’t sure you’re eating them, you probably are. Approximately 70% of processed foods in the U.S. contain genetically modified food products. Agh, scary! But why is it scary? Why are GMOs bad? Brace yourselves, because this is all based in science. These plants are genetically modified in order to be more herbicide-resistant but also to produce pesticides. Yes, it’s not that they’re being sprayed with pesticides, it’s that they’re genetically modified to have pesticides in them. They have been transplanted with genes from a pesticide-producing organism, so that farmers don’t need to spray pesticides. But, this is bad. Now you can’t even “wash” off your pesticides because they are within every cell of that plant. They get these genes from Bacillus thuringiensis, but we will just call it the Bt toxin.

And finally, why is the Bt toxin bad? Once inside your body, the Bt-toxin disrupts your cell membrane in just 24 hours which causes fluid inside to leak out. To put it simply, it is creating small holes in human cells just like it kills insects. This is from the Journal of Applied Toxicology published in 2011. In addition, a 2011 Canadian study (because you will be sued if you try to do these kind of studies in the U.S.) found that “93% of the pregnant women they tested had Bt-toxin…And so did 80% of their unborn fetuses” (State of the Science on the Health Risks of GM Foods). It’s terrifying! And GMOs continue to take over America.

With Monsanto (the big corporation behind GMOs) in bed with the government, it’s hard to find non-GMO products. That’s why I really and truly appreciate Silk. Despite 93% of soybean crops being genetically modified, they are steadfast in their mission to only use non-GMO to avoid health risks and environmental harm. That means they use non-GMOs in every one of their products from their yogurt to their dark chocolate Almondmilk. It also means taking extra time and resources to research their suppliers to bring the best for those who consume their products. How many companies care that much? It’s comforting in a country where money is more important than health, that there are at least a few companies that take a stand against that. That is why I am so happy to partner with Silk and consume their products without the threat of Bt toxin invading my cells.

If you think it’s best to let nature do her thing and not mess with plants which will in turn mess with our bodies, then sign up for Silk’s newsletter. You can get coupons, sweepstakes, and a monthly chance to win a year’s supply of Silk! In addition, like their Facebook page to find tons of cool recipes, fitness hacks, and ways to stay healthy. I hope you appreciate Silk’s commitment to non-GMOs now that you know what harm they are avoiding. I appreciate it so my internal and long-term fitness stays on a good track. Using Silk products is good for a healthy lifestyle and an excellent “life hack.” Drink Silk to stay hungry and fit!

This is a sponsored conversation written by us on behalf of Silk. The opinions and text are all ours.

Jul302014

Parmesan Zucchini Rounds

We are on our last leg here in Colorado as we get ready to move to California. Which means we have bits and scraps of odd food items we are trying to get rid of. One of the surplus foods we have are zucchini! Summer time always yields tons of zucchini, so we always need to find use for them. I wanted a quick side to our dinner before we went and saw Hercules (review coming) and realized we had Parmesan too. Perfect! Parmesan Zucchini Rounds— delicious bites of vegetable and cheese, yum! The recipe is ridiculously easy and tasty.

Parmesan Zucchini Rounds

2014-07-30 07:58:15

An easy cheesy, healthy snack

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Prep Time

6 min

Cook Time

25 min

Prep Time

6 min

Cook Time

25 min

Ingredients

1 zucchini
Parmesan
Salt

Instructions

Set oven to 425 degrees F
Peel your zucchini
Cut into quarter inch rounds
Place rounds on parchment paper or a greased baking sheet
Put a sprinkle of salt on each one
Put a small spoonful of grated Parmesan on each one
Bake in oven for 20-30 minutes
Serve immediately

Notes

Feel free to put garlic on as well!

By Hungry and Fit

hungry and fit https://hungryandfit.com/

They may not look purdy, but they are yummy. I could literally eat a whole zucchini by myself if I cook them this way. It’s my new go-to snack. Cheesy bites while getting your fill of veggies! You can use any size zucchini, and it’s a crowd pleaser (even the kids). Use this recipe to stay hungry and fit!

Jul252014

Best Cafe in Longmont: Cafe Luna

There is a wonderful cafe on a street in Longmont that not many pass through. It looks like a house and when you enter, it feels like you are home as well. This cafe is Cafe Luna. With a sign that says “Friends don’t let friends drink Starbucks,” you know you’re in for some personality here. It’s a wonderful cozy atmosphere with local artwork on the wall and a room chock full of books to read. It’s my favorite place to get breakfast and it always puts me in a good mood.

If you couldn’t tell already, this is a local business. They have tons of different drinks, but I usually always get the Chai. And alongside my Chai, I get “Oatmeal w/ the fixings.” It’s my favoritest favorite thing. One of my favorite things about this is that everyone who works here (I’ve seen four people so far) makes it different. It’s never the same. However, you are always in for a treat. They cook the old-fashioned oats, use steamed milk, cinnamon, sometimes sugar, some kind of nut and fruit. With each bite, your mood rises.

It’s a cafe to relax in, to be content in, to read in, to study in, to meet with friends in, to start your day right in. I love cafes like this–cozy, comfortable, home-y, and unique. They don’t take themselves too seriously, their prices are low, and they make sure to have you feel at home. It’s hard to leave without a smile. There’s also WiFi!

Their baked goods are also excellent. When I come here just to get my oatmeal, I almost always get a muffin too. They prepare and bake these things in between orders from people. Hungry loves their cookies and also enjoys that they have Mexican Coke. Everything has that homemade feeling, it’s almost as if you’re in a Bed and Breakfast or something similar to that nature. I’m thankful someone introduced me to this place. Although we are leaving, I hope this review helps more people enjoy the splendor that is Cafe Luna. As always, stay hungry and fit!

Jul212014

Motivation Monday: Why Do I?

In the slew of life, it’s easy to lose motivation. Hungry and I know that very well recently, as we’ve been caught in the whirlwind of the move. We’ve been pulled this way and that to try to get everything in order before we leave for California in 11 days. We haven’t been as set on our fitness regimen as we usually are. Some days, you can’t even find us at the gym! That always stresses both of us out as fitness is a huge part of our life. Motivation can dwindle when life gets busy, but we can always find a way to see the light.

Even when life catches up with you, the power is always within you to beat it back down. We have tons of pathways for motivation and sometimes you have to search all of them to really draw that inspiration to keep going and get back on that horse. You’ve seen our previous Motivation Mondays, so I want to bring you in a different direction and ask you to ask yourself a question.

Why do I?

Why do I what? I want you to ask yourself, why do you exercise? And be honest! Write down all the reasons. Is it to get strong? Is it to get thin? Is it to keep off that heart attack that lies in your genetics? Is it to be the best in your sport? Is it to put off that extra weight? It is to balance your wine indulgence? Is it to stay mobile? Is it to be an example to your kids? Is it the ticket to winning your crush? It could be anything. We all have tons of reasons–some vain and some rooted deep.

Take out a piece of paper and pen, your laptop, your phone–something that you can write this list down. I want you to read it over and make sure you get it all out. Then print it if necessary and put it up where you will see it every day. It could be the fridge, the mirror, the dresser, and so forth. Put it in a stand-out place. Remember, this is for you to take back your fitness and ride that motivation wave.

Let us know how that works out for you. I know I will be doing this list as well. It’s important to stay connected to the roots of our fitness. Why we started this journey and why we never want it to end. Motivation can be drawn from many places, but a big source is yourself. I hope you enjoy making this list. Keep on it to stay hungry and fit!

*Question of the Day: What’s one reason on your list for why you exercise?

BONUS PUPPY PIC

Jul162014

3 Foods to Supplement Your Supplements

If you’re a weird one like me, I don’t take many supplements. Sure, I take multivitamins and sometimes a Cytosport electrolyte drinks and also some protein powder. However, it’s not an everyday thing. Hungry, on the other hand, lives in the world of supplements. Everyone has their own way of doing things. This specifically addresses pre-workouts. I have a sensitive body to things like caffeine and other stimulants. I have not found a pre-workout that doesn’t send my body through the ringer. This is why I present to you a list of foods that often serve me well as pre-workouts.

1. Kombucha with chia seeds. I know, I know–“so Boulder.” But really, this stuff gets my energy up and my muscles ready to pump! My favorite is the Raspberry one, enough sour to sweet ratio. There are tons of Omega-3s, Probiotics, and antioxidants. You also have a few grams of carbohydrates, to give you some energy. Those chia seeds just get me going without making me full.

2. Grapefruit. Pure and simple–a wonderful easy snack to get ready for your workout. Lately, I like to put cinnamon on top as well. With an entire grapefruit boasting about 100 calories with 26g of carbohydrates, this tasty yet tart fruit will be sure to get your energy going. It’s the perfect amount of food to keep you from being hungry during your workout, but won’t weigh you down.

3. Peanut butter and jelly on matzo. Don’t look at me like that! Seriously, this is an amazing combination. We always have matzo in the house. By using matzo instead of traditional bread for this “sandwich,” you are taking out some of the filler that could make you feel heavy and full during your workout. This cracker-like substance is the perfect medium for peanut butter and jelly to do their thing. Now, this is a light layer of both peanut butter and jelly (or jam, as we use). I promise you this one-of-a-kind snack will not dissapoint. The matzo and jelly give you some carbs for energy while the peanut butter will give more sustained energy for long-term and keep you from feeling hungry.

Those are my top 3 for pre-workouts. Try them out and let me know what you think! I have no hate towards supplements, but sometimes it’s fun to try regular old food products. Try these “pre-workouts” to stay hungry and fit!

*Question of the Day: What’s your favorite “pre-workout”–supplement or not?

Jul092014

Deliciously Easy Sundae Crumble Topping

Here is a super simple recipe for a somewhat natural/healthier but still insanely delicious topping for your ice cream sundaes. (Because we all know how much Hungry & Fit love their ice cream sundaes.)

Ingredients

We always buy clearance…

Before

and after!

yum

Delicious Cinnamon Sundae Crumble

2014-07-08 21:08:56

A healthier way to spruce up your sundae without sacrificing taste

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Prep Time

5 min

Cook Time

10 min

Prep Time

5 min

Cook Time

10 min

Ingredients

Cereal - you see that we used a healthier cinnamon crunch cereal. Chex would be great because they taste amazing and would absorb the flavor of the other ingredients well.
Cinnamon - Whatever kind you like.
Honey - High quality honey!
Maple Syrup - REAL, dark maple syrup. The good stuff.
Sesame Seeds - any color that you want.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to bake at 350 degrees.
Crush the cereal in its original bag.
Pour it into a large mixing bowl. Preferably glass.
Add the maple syrup for an initial coating.
Now coat with the honey as well.
Add the cinnamon while folding together gently.
Spread the mixture across a baking sheet. (You may treat it with oil or butter to prevent sticking. I did not and had no problem with sticking.)
Add the sesame seeds over the spread out mixture and place in the oven.
Bake until golden brown or your kitchen smells amazing
Stir and top on your ice cream

Notes

I did not use brown sugar but that would taste amazing. It would just be a little more difficult to evenly spread in this mixture because of it's tendency to stick together, even with a nice little moisture bear in your jar

By Hungry and Fit

hungry and fit https://hungryandfit.com/

I hope you enjoy this homemade sundae topping. Feel free to add fresh fruits, especially berries or bananas on top. As always, stay hungry and fit!

*Question of the Day: What are your favorite toppings for ice cream sundaes?

Jul032014

Stuffed Strawberries (4th of July Recipe)

This is a re-post of a recipe made last year, but it was so good, I had to bring it up again! It’s a perfect 4th of July recipe and it’s healthy and delicious. Sure, pie and such are popular on Independence Day, but you can’t beat this. You get your sweet fix without the heaviness of the usual foods. This special dish involves fruit, dairy, and happiness and doesn’t take longer than 15-20 minutes to make! I got it from here and added a bit of lemon into it and took out some sugar.

Beautiful sight

Hard not to eat it all

Yum yum yum

Stuffed Strawberries

2014-07-03 07:31:43

A healthy treat for the 4th of July

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Prep Time

15 min

Prep Time

15 min

Ingredients

a tin of strawberries (I just usually get the regular pound at the grocery)
a tin of blueberries (same thing)
5 oz marscapone
juice of a lemon
lemon zest
2 tbsp powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Wash the fruit and pat dry all of it
Take the strawberries and cut the green ends off and also a little portion of the tip so they can stand upright on a platter
Take a melon baller and ball out of the bottom, creating a crevasse.
Once your strawberries are all "pitted" and plated, let's turn to the filling. Put 5 ounces of marscapone cheese and put it in a small-medium bowl
I would next do the lemon juice. Cut the lemon in half and squeeeeeze all that juice out.
Next, grind the lemon on a grater and get a good amount of zest (people say 1 tsp, but I eyeball it)
Then, throw the powdered sugar and vanilla in and stir! Mix it all up really well
Now comes the most difficult part: take the marscapone mixture and put it into a re-sealable bag and snip a corner off. Use this contraption to fill the pits in the strawberries up with the mixture
Once all the strawberries are filled to perfection, place the blueberries on top of the cream in the strawberries. And that's it!

By Hungry and Fit

Adapted from Gina Marie's Kitchen

hungry and fit https://hungryandfit.com/

This is an easy, healthy treat you can substitute for pie or something else you’d like to stay away from on those holiday food feasts. How could you do wrong with this one? It’s easy to do, pretty to the eye, and delicious enough to impress. I’m sure whoever you are celebrating with this year will enjoy this special, healthy treat. Make this recipe if you’re looking to stay hungry and fit!

Jun272014

A Yummy Way to Eat Your Vegetables

Easy as…garlic…lemon…and salt! But really, I know many people our age and even beyond who still don’t like their vegetables. Although this is baffling to me, I still want to help them out. And my way of doing it is also easy for people who aren’t natural cooks or don’t have the time! It’s a simple, yummy way to cook your vegetables in a way that doesn’t require much skill or effort. And it might even introduce a love for cooking and vegetables! Well, at least the house will smell nice afterwards. This is the simplest recipe of them all, let’s get started!

Sautéed Mushrooms and Broccoli

2014-06-26 19:06:57

Serves 3

A yummy way to eat your vegetables

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Prep Time

5 min

Cook Time

10 min

Prep Time

5 min

Cook Time

10 min

Ingredients

Box of mushrooms
Head of broccoli
1 lemon
Garlic pepper & salt (can use regular)
4 cloves garlic
1 tbsp oil

Instructions

Chop up the mushrooms and broccoli into bite-sized pieces
Salt and pepper the veggies
Heat up a pan with the oil in it (medium heat)
Cut up the garlic or crush it. Put it in the heated pan with oil
Put the mushrooms and broccoli into the pan
Cut the lemon in half and squeeze the juice into the pan while stirring
After 5 minutes, put a lid over and let it steam
When vegetables are tender, take out and serve immediately

By Hungry and Fit

hungry and fit https://hungryandfit.com/

You can really serve this with ANYTHING! I chose to serve it with penne, red sauce, and morningstar. You can eat it with other grains, meats, whatever you fancy. It’s so delicious I couldn’t stop eating it out of the pan. And hey guess what–it’s CHEAP and easy to make. There you have it…a yummy way to eat your vegetables. As always…stay hungry and fit!

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