Join Team Fit Foodies! The Color Run 5K - Houston

heeeeey!  do you see the upcoming race over there in the side bar??? ------> it's the The Color Run 5K Houston!

how would YOU like to be apart of Team Fit Foodies and get your run on with me!?  i'll provide more notice on the next run, but if you're primed and ready, let's hit the streets of Houston together this weekend, March 24th, 2013!

i'm looking to fill 8 spots on the Fit Foodies team and the only requirement for this race is to FINISH. and of course to have major fun doing it ;)  if you are interested and local, email me ASAP: le@fitfoodiele.com and i'll send you the invite/link to join our team.  you've got 6 days!

from the novice or 1st time 5k runner to the olympian, let's make this happen and achieve our goals, together!  come for the camaraderie, motivation, inspiration, some exercise, and to support our veterans with PTSD.

come rep for the Fit Foodies with me!!

le

sundayeth-fundayeth

 a few people on Instagram thought i was referring to almond milk at first i'm sure, LOL. but nope, good ol' breastfeeding.  i.... miss it.  i went for 19 months with Chiso and i plan to go just as long if not longer with the rest of the Egwuatu clan (when He says it's time).

so it's sunday, which means it was sunday-family-fun-day for us!  you can make ANY day  family fun day, of course.  just as long as you make it a point to spend time together as a family doing whatever makes you guys happy.

my bro-in-law treated us and some more fam to Great Kahn for dinner today- it's been a while!  forgot how awesome this place is.

so it's like a big salad bar. first you pick your carbs ( i chose brown rice and tortillas as you can see),

then you pick your veggies. i went crazy and stuffed that bowl to the max.  spinach, tomatoes, baby corn, zucchini, pineapple, green onion, bok choy, onions, bean sprouts, mushrooms, bell peppers, carrots.....

then you pick a seasoning. or two. or all.  i took a spoonful of every. single. one.  so serious.

then the proteins!  which are of course, yes, raw.  when we visited for the very first time, i thought this was super unsanitary;( but i got over it. shrimp, Alaskan cod,  and sliced chicken breast tenderloin.

finally, you choose a sauce!  you should know by now how i ate mine! on tha siiiiiiiide! i trust no sauce.

what a beautiful stir-fried master piece!  they throw it all on the grill and cook it up.  it was so tasty, and the price is right @ 8.99 for the lunch special.

Sonny's bowl was FULL of jalapeños unsurprisingly.

this was the bro-in-laws bowl.

then this happened afterwards as it often does. fro-yoooo!  i went light because dairy's aftermath on my body is not something i look forward to the next day:( so i got a little bit of no sugar added chocolate and vanilla fro yo, some crushed Oreos, slices almonds, sprinkles, and mini chocolate chips.

Sonny got no sugar added vanilla, crushed Oreos, peanut m&m's, and..... gummy bears? oh, ok :shock:"

new flavors up in Swirll - iced mocha and creme brulee!  Chiso loved them both.  he's a sampler, just like his mama.

Q: what are your favorite fro-yo toppings and flavors??!? birthday cake is still #1 in my book.

on a sugar high!!

speaking of sugar, here are those instructions for the homemade dark chocolate PB2 cups:

• melt 8 tbsp dark chocolate (i used malt sweetened dark chocolate from the bulk bins of HEB).

• spoon 1 tbsp of melted chocolate into the bottom of 4 different empty muffin cups (you can use liners if ya want).

• pop into the freezer for 15 minutes.

• fill with whatever your little heart desires!  a tsp of PB2 mixed with unsweetened vanilla almond milk went on top of my frozen dark chocolate bottom layer.

• top your filling (make sure it's completely covered around those edges) with another tbsp of melted chocolate.

• freeze for 25-30 more minutes

• SWALLOW!

i only left mine in for 15 minutes the second time and it exploded when i tried to make a clean center cut lol! leave it in for the full 25-30 so the filling can harden too.

who needs some monday motivation? *raises hand*. have you been tested lately?  every day, huh!  whether it be something or someone, expect it.  how you handle it is what's most important... and that's what God is waiting and watching for.  before you let your flesh try to battle these minute annoyances on its own, hold that thought, hold those words, and go to God with it first.  He will set everything up for you to overcome it- the place, the time, your surroundings,  your words... He'll not only fix it, but He'll give you complete peace about it afterwards.  our mouths and actions can get us in trouble when we do or say things that are not of Him.  i don't know about you, but i need to be reminded of that CONSTANTLY cause my flesh has a whole heck of a lot to say these days!  can you relate to that quote^ up there?  only to an extent, right?  cause some things NEED to be vocalized.  but before you unload on somebody,  let Him decide the when, where, what, how, why, and who!  put your pride aside and do it His way, first.

nite!

le

sunday dinner

my 'rents came over to love on their grand baby this past weekend! so of course i whipped up a few things.

i started with a HUUUGE salad complete with romaine mix, fat-free feta, black olives, red, yellow, and orange bell peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, and carrots all drizzled with Braggs liquid aminos, Braggs apple cidar vinegar + a little agave nectar,

and i used up the rest of a papaya to make some papaya-lime salsa.

here's the original recipe again, but i added strawberries and avocado this time and it was SO much creamier.  i highly suggest adding them every time!

this stuff is fabulous paired with seafood!  and if you make enough of it, whip out some multi-grain chips or make your own by slicing up a whole wheat tortilla and baking it in the oven until crispy.

 roasted, whipped sweet potaters topped with pecans and cinnamon (recipe will be in the ebookie)

and finally, baked, garlic & herb tilapia.

family and food together makes me one happier woman!  i sincerely cherish being able to cook for my parents.

 then....

for dessert, cinnamon.... apple.... almond cake!  the stuff on top is apple whipped cream.  it's sugar-free, fat-free cool whip, diced red delicious apple, and greek yogurt) all blended into a sweet, light, heavenly topping.  oh AND, i grinded on some of Trader Joe's cinnamon sugar ;)

cinnamon apple almond cake

the stuff:

• 4 tbsp diced apple
• 3 tbsp whole wheat flour
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp almond extract
• 1 tsp coconut oil
• 1 tbsp applesauce
• 1/2 tsp apple pie spice
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 2 tbsp unsweetened vanilla almond milk
• 1 tsp coconut crystals

do this:

set 1 tbsp of the diced or sliced apples aside along with the coconut crystals, and set your oven to 325 degrees.

mix the wet with the wet and the dry with the dry, then combine.  (i made two cakes using my cupcake pan.)

distribute the coconut crystals evenly in the bottom of the two empty cupcake slots, as well as 2 tbsp of the diced/sliced apples (1 tbsp in each slot).

pour the batter on top!

cook for 12-15 minutes, but watch it closely.

take the cakes out, let them cool slightly, then flip them over onto a plate, pineapple upside down cake style.  yummmmmmmy!

top with the apple whip, or eat it plain.

2 'cup'cakes or 1 big one

**you DON'T have to use the coconut oil if you don't want to!**  i included the nutritional adjustments just in case you omit it, but it does enhance the flavor and texture of the cake a lil bit.  your call.

so i was thinking... you wont know what going on over here unless i tell you, duh! i'm working on two books right now which is what's taking so long. the first will be for our 6 Pack USA clients and is almost complete, then i can really focus on the Fit Foodie Le book!  both of them will be available for purchase- you don't have to be a 6 Pack USA client to access the book and get the recipes though.  the Fit Foodie Le book will be a combo of cleaner, healthier, classics like some of the recipes i've already shared with you, and tons of new recipes for snacks, dips, dressings, soups, stews, pastas, aaaaagggh!!!!!

i am TOO excited about it and i hope you are too! please be patient though and keep counting down with me.

before i let you go, pleeeease go check out my feature on Fitness, Food, and Style!! i met Dani via Instagram and she is one amazing woman, my goodness. i'm over here struggling to keep my blog alive with one kiddo and she has FOUR!!! what!? she was in the IT industry for a while and became a full-time SAHM (stay at home mom) after the birth of her second child.  her blog is super informative for mothers or for anyone striving to just living a healthier life overall.  show her some love, please!

BUCKLE UP!!!!!

le

run ON! Bayou City Classic 10k '13

pre-race breakfast was 2 egg whites and a big bowl of expanding oats (1/2 cup rolled oats cooked in 1 cup water and 1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk) topped with frozen blueberries, banana chunks and cinnamon!  i normally don't eat THAT much before a long run, but i woke up so hungry that i had to put something in my system that would stick.

walking to the start line  with no rain this time!  last year it rained the entire race AND during the post-race party, boooo.

 traditional feet pic :lol:

52-53 min and some change later,

DONEZO! the route was a tad bit different this year and there were hills, hill, and mo hills, whew.  that Allen Parkway is a beast.

oh how i wish i could have taken pics of all the inspirational and funny things i saw:

1. i had just made it to the halfway point when a woman on a bike heading the opposite way yelled out 'it's fit foodie!!!' are you kidding me!? if you could have SEEN my face light the heck UP as i cheesed, waved, and yelled hello back! i could not see you very well at ALL but THANK YOU FOR MAKING MY YEAR, LADY!!  XOXO!

2.  spectator sign: 'don't stop! ain't nobody got time fo dat!'

3.  people often run in teams or 'centipedes' and are linked together by a rope of some sort so that they can finish together. teamwork at its finest!   i passed a team with a gentleman running alongside his IV.  i did a double take for sure!  yes, the stand with the wheels, the fluid bag, the WHOLE NINE.  he was out there doing his thing.  if he can....

4. one thing i did NOT witness was someone biting the dust, hard.  happens every year.  people, you gotta watch where you are going, especially running in the streets of downtown Houston. *knocks on wood*

ran into a college buddy of mine just before hitting up the post-race party.  amazing run, Warren!

first things first, had to get my t-shirt before the line got too crazy. this was nothin.

i tucked it away in my bag cause i needed two free hands for all the samples i was about to acquire!! here we go:

could it be?  yep, Blue Bell ice cream sandwiches and fruit pops.

stopped by the Clif Bar sample station,

peanut butter chocolate something!

the My Fit Foods associate called this mixture 'Morning Glory'.  it's brown rice, eggs, lean ground turkey, and cheese all mixed together. it was good and something i'd throw together at home for sure.

fresh fruit (bananas and oranges), cereal bars, and scones were provided by Whole Foods,

and Fuel Kitchen supplied the breakfast tacos this year, not HEB.  they were delicious though- i had eggs and chorizo in mine.  a friend has been raving about the Philadelphia location to me and i can finally go experience the food for myself, sweet! great turn out again this year!  always a pleasure and honor to participate in helping preserve Houston's bayous, trees, and the environment :)

goodie bag, food, coupons, t-shirt. it's a wrap. time for a nap.

there were tons more sponsors there, check out the ones i didn't mention.

4 years running and counting!

Q: have you eaten at Fuel Kitchen & Health Bar? is there one in your city?

le

savory protein-packed albacore tuna cakes....and stuff

it is NOT tuesday already!!! seriously?  please, come back with me to the weekend for a sec.

it started with this awesome quote above by Jim Rohn. when a quote hits home and find myself reading it over and over again, i GOTTA share it.

if you're satisfied with being unsatisfied, stop complaining and UPROOT YOURSELF.   take comfort in knowing that you have the power to change your situation for the better, especially if you are unhappy  with the way things are.  less talking, more action!!

we met up with a few of our 6 Pack USA clients that morning for body fat testing and progress checks, then hit the gym, together! we make the effort to work out together at least once a week, minimum.  it's our kinda date.  this man pushes me like NO OTHER.  buttons and all :lol:  but it brings out the best in me as well as fantastic results.  i always see more progress in my body working out with Sonny vs. solo.  working out with a partner (or sig. other) provides:

*support

*encouragement

*partnership

*motivation

*accountability

*companionship

*friendly competition

choose a workout partner that truly pushes and inspires you to do better and go harder.  friends don't let friends SLACK!

also, being able to see Sonny across the (weight ) room  is....nice.  even if we are both doing our own thing on opposite ends of the gym, i take comfort in knowing he is simply there.

afterwards, we went on another date.

a lunch date.

to my fave Greek spot in Houston, Niko Nikos!  peak or off-peak hour, it don't matter.  they stay busy because the food is that good.

i started with the greek salad- it's automatic.  it was topped with a block of salty feta, calamata olives, tomato, red onion, peppers, and a splash of their famous vinaigrette dressing.  i usually get my dressing on the side, but they never load it on ridiculously and i have always appreciated that.  their salads are always cold, fresh, and crisp.

the salad was followed by a spinach & chicken pita loaded with lots of feta and melted mozzarella.

ok....as much as i LOVE me some cheese, it was too much.  i watch my sodium intake and because i had just murdered that block of feta on my salad, i was good in that department already.  soooo, i definitely took some off before i dove in.

this one's at the top of his list...the massive, impressive, Hercules Plate.

like mother like son! i'm always reaching over my own plate for Sonny's food too.

i sure wish i had read this statement straight from their menu while we were there:

'We challenge you to finish it: Gyros, Souvlaki, Chicken kebob served with tomato, cooked onions, bell pepper, mushrooms, tzatziki, yalandji dolma and two pita breads.'

cause Sonny KILLED IT.  maybe we could have gotten free dessert or something!? i'll ask next time.

after church and teaching my gym class on Sunday, we sped over to a kiddie b-day party for Titus, the Engineer!  he turned the ripe ol' ago of TWO. happy birthday big boy!

Chiso will be two in May, and i plan to do a similar type of party, meaning, somebody else will be doing all the work this time!  nothin like last year's 1st birthday party at all!

Chi chowing down on cheese pizza.

once home again, meal prep sunday was in full effect.

i did a combo of grilling and roasting for my vegetables this week.

even had some egg-plant up in the mix!

i also made egg-plant 'fries' by slicing the starchy veggie into fry sized stalks, seasoning them with Mrs. Dash no-salt garlic & herb, and placing them flat on a baking sheet, 7 minutes each side. different and tasty!

roasting and grilling over steaming, ANYDAY.  brussels sprouts, multi-color bell peppers, and egg-plant for the next few days.

last nights dinner:

savory, protein-packed albacore tuna cakes

the stuff:

• 2 cans albacore tuna, drained
• 2 egg whites
• 1 heaping tbsp 0% greek yogurt
• 1 heaping tbsp course ground mustard
• 2 tbsp red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 tbsp yellow, orange, or green bell pepper
• 1 tbsp cilantro, chopped
• juice of half a lemon
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tbsp Mrs. Dash no-salt garlic & herb seasoning ( i like lots!)
• 1 tbsp green onion, chopped
• 1/2 tsp cracked black pepper

do this: * in a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients and mix very well.

* coat a medium heated pan with no-stick cooking spray

* scoop out some of the mixture and place it in the hot pan, pressing it down flat, like a pancake.

*cook 4-5 minutes on each side or until done and cooked through!

that topping is just 0% greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic powder, and sriracha.  i didn't measure, but play around with these components to make a dipping sauce to your liking!

i made 8 cakes, and these are the stats for 1:

if you hadn't noticed yet, 

SO,  i started a new section up there titled FFL approved!  but you noticed already, right!  that page will be filled with all things health and fitness that i have either eaten, worn, or used myself!  e.g. good ol' PRODUCT REVIEWS!!!  i mean i've really been doing them all along, but this time the products will be mostly complimentary which i appreciate TREMENDOUSLY.  sooo, head on over there if you haven't already... there's more to come. way mo!

**p.s. if you make ANY of my recipes, i'd LOVE to see them! how? take a pic and post them to the Fit Foodie Le Facebook Fan Page, or Instagram it and tag me to it -----> #fitfoodiele. **

le