Good morning everyone!

TODAY IS VACATION DAY! I can’t wait. It’s going to be a hot, steamy paradise. I’m not sure if I’ll be able to post today before I leave. Probably not… if I could figure out an easy way to blog from my phone, I would! WordPress can be a pain for posting!

Wednesday

8:00 strawberries

8:30 Step Class

11:30 gluten free tomato/basil grilled cheese + quinoa salad (this recipe will be coming in my July Meal Plan – I’m seriously obsessed!)

By the way, thank you to everyone who bought my last Meal Plan! Such a good outcome. I got a ton of positive feedback from people who tried it

*All you have to do to purchase is email healthyhitsthespot@gmail.com and ask for the password. From there, I’ll email you the PayPal link. I’ll be notified when you make your payment, and send you the password.*

2:30-4 sipped on this delicious PB green smoothie! Holy Moly! Best ever. I think this one is so good that it should also be in the next meal plan. You think?

6:00 pizza night at Dads! He made Calzones, so first, Marco and I split one to try. Soyrizo verrrrrrry little cheese calzones. My Dad is awesome! These were great!

And then the actual dinner. Green salad with italian dressing + cheese-less pizza

I’m telling you. It’s good! Just leave the cheese off your veggie pizza ONCE! You’ll still love it!

9:00 I really wanted something sweet, so I had a Coconut Milk “Yogurt.” Anyone had this from TJ’s yet?

Well, guys! I hope you have a wonderful weekened! Stay updated on my Healthy Hits the Spot page to see posts! I’m sure there will be Havasu Pictures there There MAY be a post here, I’m just not sure what the time will bring. If I don’t see you here this weekend, I’ll see you here Tuesday for sure!

Good morning everyone! Here are my daily eats the past two days.

Monday

6:30a Coffee + Rice Milk

8:00a 1 slice Brown Rice toast with 1/4 avo with pepper

9:00a small bowl of dry PB Puffins

{Girls Only}

I swear, Monday, Mother Nature visited, and all I wanted was sugar sugar sugar… At least I got some healthy foods in the beginning of the day!

9:30-11:30 sipped on my green smoothie throughout the morning

Watchin this little munchkin. She’s wearing brothers hat in this picture. So cute!

12:30 quinoa salad, veggie patty, the inside of a sweet potato (I had to use a microwave and it was so much more dry – sad day!) and a few chippies with homecooked beans.

And here begins the rest of the day wanting only sugar.

1:00 black coffee + 1 biscotti

3:30 cookie with almond milk after a great counseling Session with my Marco ♡

6:40 PB Larabar

7:00 Step Class at the Gym

9:00 Fro-Yo with Marco

So, everything was spaced out, and I took it meal by meal, thinking eventually I’d crave salad or something good for me. But nope. Just sugar! So, I indulged a bit for a day Tuesday I wanted to eat much healthier…. in the beginning

Tuesday

Tuesday morning I Health Coached. My July Schedule is fillin’ up! I’m getting excited to work with all of you new girls! AND to meet some of the girls I’m already working with! Yay!

9:45 green smoothie

11:30 lunch was quinoa salad + green salad with mandarin oranges & balsamic/olive oil

12:30 I snacked on blueberries (didn’t ever eat the strawberries)

2:00 the kido’s I watched wanted to go get smoothies with their grammy, so we did that. I had so much fruit already that I wanted something with more protein. This was the healthiest PB smoothie I’ve ever had. Not sweet at all! It was almond milk, one banana, and one tbsp. of natural just made PB. Yummy PS, that’s not whipped cream on top. If you turn your screen a certain way it totally looks like a milkshake with whipped cream. Ha!

6:00 fish taco’s at my parents house for dinner. We had 2 each. Only one is shown here SO YUM! Spencer McKenzies in Ventura!

At night, I hung out with my niecey Koko bear…. ahhhhh isn’t she so cute? Her name is Klover She helped me with laundry, and I rolled her around the house in my laundry basket

Petite treat 8:00pm! Marco has been craving apple pie and ice cream for forever, so my Mom surprised him last night and baked him a whole pie, went out and bought ice cream, and also made home-popped pop corn for us at night. He was a happy boy. Two of his favorite things.

We had our treats while watching Raising Hope. Has anyone seen it? We love watching TV Series on Netflix. Our last show was Rules of Engagement, but we finished that. We pretty much finished Friends too.

Hope you all have a wonderful day! Only two more days of work for me then I’m off to a 4 day vacation!!! Havasuuuu!!!!

Hi everyone! So, I took many food photos for you this weekend! But, guess what? I have none!

Yesterday, I had to go buy a new phone. My 4S was giving out. It would die, freeze, turn off, not turn back on, miss calls, vibrate uncontrollably without recieving a text… it was cracked, beated, scratched… It was time for the 5, with a lifeproof case, haha! Except, I haven’t decided whether or not to keep the lifeproof… I probably should….

Anyways! I have two human pictures at least.

Marco and I had a fun weekend! Friday night, we went to an Indian Food dinner together.

Saturday, we went to the Gym, shopping, his little cousins grad Party (lost those pics), and my Brothers 35th Movie Night Birthday!

At my brothers Birthday, we made our own waffles, and watched Looper on the big screen (a white wall) with surround sound. It was all set up in the backyard – super fun! Everyone sat in their campin’ chairs with blankets, sweatshirts and beer

Last night, my parents, Marco, and myself went out for Mexican food after spending 3 hours getting my new iPhone. AT&T was packed! I got a Tostada Compuesta with no meat. My mom laughed at me as I ordered this – clearly, I don’t know Spanish. I wish I did! She told me if I would have asked for that in english I basically would have said “Can I have a tostada with two meats with no meat?” Haha, I said back “whoops! What I really should have said is “Can I have a crispy shell cheesy tostada with two meats with no meat, cheese, or tortilla?” Because that’s what I really had! It had yummy beans, lettuce, guac, and tomatoes. I also got a side salad!

PS, the reason I picked that tostada is because I used to order it all the time with Chile Verde – this time I just didn’t want the meat! That’s not so bad…. right?!

Okay, so that’s all I’ve got for you today! Thanks everyone for your soy input! I haven’t been around the computer this weekend, so I haven’t been able to read it yet, but I will this evening when I start work. Love you all!

What do y’all think of the Lifeproof iPhone Case? It was $80! Eeeeeek says my pockets!

Have you ever had a Language slip up?

Thursday Eats

(Questions on soy at the bottom of the post)

breakfast: three gluten free cereals mixed together, sprinkle with granola, and topped with 1 tbsp. PB. Coconut Milk added. Stir. Delish!

Coffee date with Marco + Parents: soy cappucino & apple scone

Oh yes, this was a treat. Mom and I picked on this while enjoying coffee in the sunshine

lunch: vegan quesadilla with a side salad (soy cheese – next time, skipping the cheese – I didn’t like it)

Small deeeeefrigginlicious chocolate bar from Lassens. Okay. Seriously. Such good chocolate!

Dinner: home-made quinoa salad – ahhhhmazzing! More of this will be made next week

SOY -

Okay, so I want to know your thoughts on soy! I hear it’s okay if organic, I hear it’s bad, I hear its dangerous, I hear it’s good for PMS, I hear it delays periods, I hear it makes your boobs/upper body bigger…. I hear it all! What are your thoughts?

I’ve been having more soy as of lately since I’ve cut out most meat + dairy (this makes me feel awesome!). I’ve for sure!!!!!! had less mood swings/emotional PMS since I’ve cut out most meat/dairy…. I’m confused… I don’t feel bad…. but am I doing something yucky to my body by consuming soy? Maybe I should limit it a bit more?

Here’s where I try and limit it:

Only having soy milk when I go out (at home I use coconut, rice, and almond)

Not keeping any fake-meat soy-based products in my house

Usually skipping cheese instead of asking for soy-cheese (except today, of course)

Not keeping fake, soy-cheese in my house

Thoughts?

Hi all! Today, I have a “How-To Series” post for you Nursing students out there. I know Nursing is a tough, and stressful subject to study, so I wanted to support all of you with tips on how to stay healthy through Nursing School. I have my friend Emma on the Blog today. She is the most inspirational healthy student I can think of. She’s amazing! I know you will all appreciate hearing what she has to say.

Emma Poytress

= Tell me about yourself -

I’m like baby spice and sporty spice combined in one, haha. I’m a girly girl with a punk rocker past who has a love for fancy cocktails, healthy cooking, and shoes. I’m also the girl who can flip the switch and punch on a punching bag like a MMA fighter. I have a fiery red headed mother to thank for that . I think mostly I’m passionate about helping people. I can be a people pleaser to a fault. I’m absolutely in love with the career path I’ve chosen and choosing health as a priority in my life has made all my passions come to life.

= When did you begin living a healthy life? What inspired you to change?   

Funny thing is, I wasn’t seeking out to change my lifestyle. It sort of fell upon me. Let me explain: About four years ago, I suffered from pretty bad acne and I tried everything to get rid of it. Finally, my brother had told me about a friend of his who had cleared up his skin by exercising. I had a gym membership (that I never used!) so I figured “what the heck, I’ll try it!” Well, it wasn’t the exercise that cleared up my skin, but I gradually began to see changes in my body. I discovered that I loved to exercise. Who knew that the girl who complained about running once around the soccer field before a game would grow to love exercise so much? Ha! Now, the diet, that took longer to change. Heck, I’m still working on that one.

= Did any of your relationships change once you lost weight?

Yes. You know, many people who knew me when I was heavy set looked at my weight loss as a transformation. I got a lot of positive feedback, for sure, and that felt great. But, my relationship with my Dad probably changed the most. He now saw me as his beautiful daughter, instead of his overweight one. It’s been interesting to say the least to see how people’s perceptions of you change as your appearance does.

= When did you begin Nursing School?

January 2013. Class of ’14

= What was the biggest change in your life as you started?

Two weeks prior to starting the program, I had ended my four year relationship. It was freeing but also scary.

= Have you found yourself being more organized since starting?

Yes and no. In the beginning, everyday I had a new strategy for how best to stay organized. I remember during our orientation, previous nursing students came in to give us suggestions on how they found best to stay organized. I probably tried all of them. Every night I gathered what books/papers I needed, my lunch, clothes, down to my socks and underwear in order to keep my morning rush free! That really helped. Also, making to-do lists really helped. Staying organized is a daily battle for nursing students. The piles of books and scattered papers in my trunk didn’t look very organized, but in my mind it worked! Now, prioritizing… that’s a skill that I’ve mastered.

= Are you working through school?

Yes, but only one serving shift per week. I occasionally picked up shifts where I could. They say you absolutely can’t work through nursing school. It’s not true.

= How do you maintain balance in your life? (Career, Spirituality, Social Life, Physical Activity, Home-cooking, Joy, etc.)

Ah, balance. It’s so essential. I tried extremely hard to be conscious of its importance. Personally, quite time was most important. On hard days, I would set aside 20 minutes and take a bubble bath. Before exams, I listened to classical piano to calm my senses. Working actually became an enjoyment. To be there one day a week was such a relief. It allowed me to escape for a few hours and concentrate my work on something other than nursing. On Sunday nights, it became a tradition that I cook dinner for my Grandma and I. We would sit down with a glass of wine and just talk about the upcoming week. During the week, I was constantly on the go (campus, clinical, study groups, gym, ect.) that we barely saw each other. When I was home, I was often locked up in my room studying. Making time once a week to sit down and chat helped us to maintain a close relationship.

= Do you make time for yourself?

Maybe too much, at times. I can be a recluse, especially in times of stress. Though I’ve been learning that surrounding yourself with people has such a positive effect. I’ve been trying to be conscious of that. Nevertheless, I’ll always cherish my alone time.

= Do you still make time for fun?

I hate to tell people this, but during the semester, I probably went out at least once every weekend. Now, hardly was it ever an up all night, sleep all day type of night. It mostly consisted of catching happy hour or dinner with friends. It seriously helped. As much as you grow to love your nursing buds, you need to escape the nursing mumbo jumbo, and find some normalcy with other friends.

= How often do you workout?

6-7 days a week.

= Did you pick up any habits to avoid studying?

This is where many people snack, deep clean, or jump online. Oh, the internet to be sure. Having to do care plans on the computer is both a blessing and curse. So many times I would zone off and jump onto Shape.com or Perez Hilton (my guilty pressure) he he.

= What healthy snacks do you take to school?

Apples, Bananas, pre-packaged almonds, yogurt, protein bars (ThinkThin- my fave!), Celery+Almond Butter, Carrots+Hummus, Dates, Hard Boiled Eggs, etc.

= Do you eat breakfast?

Always. I’m so obsessed with breakfast, I start planning what I’m going to eat the night before.

= Plan meals?

I’m always mentally planning meals. I’m thinking about the next thing I’m going to have to eat hours before I plan on eating next. That way, when I’m hungry, I don’t just reach for the nearest calorie ridden snack.

= Count Calories?

Never. I found it too difficult and frankly, quite exhausting.

= What do you believe is the biggest factor in weight loss?

Attitude!

= How about keeping it off?

Consistency.

= Encouragement for people in Nursing School trying to stay Healthy?

Nursing school is stressful, no doubt. But, one important thing we learn as nursing students, is we set the example for our patients. In order to teach and promote health, we ourselves have to be knowledgeable and conscious of our own health. After a long day at clinical, exercise can seem like the impossible, but I’m telling you, it’s freeing. Whether you belong to a gym or not, getting out to power walk for 30 minutes, feels so good! Though, who am I kidding? We all know that you never regret working out. Your body craves healthy nutrition and exercise. I know the feeling of being mentally and psychically drained, but when you give the body what it craves, your mental and psychical abiliy heighten. Change comes gradually. For me, it’s been over a four year long journey, but it has been so worth it.

= And just so you can see proof of her dedication -

Before

Now

Good morning everyone!

Wednesday

Breakfast: power oat meal + blueberries & sprinkled pecan praline granola

Morning snack: apple + peanut butter + a little bowl of peanut butter puffins with almond milk – this just sounded too good!

Late afternoon lunch: 2 slices of brown rice bread, half an avo mushed on top (sprinkled with sea-salt and red pepper flakes) + tofu scramble with basil & red pepper flakes

Petite treat: dairy-free gluten-free still-full-of-sugar coconut macaroon from the Farmers Market

Health Coaching in the afternoon

Tea for my sweet friend during our Session

I love my Clients ♡

After Health Coaching, I went to Titus 2, a womens group at my Church. Aubs picked me up, and we got Coffee Bean on the way. Mmmm! I got my old favorite – decaf (because it was night) vanilla latte with soy milk and half the powder

Me & Aubs

Thursday

Breakfast: power oatmeal with sprinkle pecan praline granola + raspberries

Petite treat: dairy-free gluten-free still-full-of-sugar coconut macaroon + 3 organic strawberries

I had the strawberries to “change the flavor in my mouth.” I always tell my clients, instead of going back for more cookies, more cereal, more pizza, more of whatever… Instead, change the flavor in your mouth. Your tastebuds will likely forget about what you were eating before – it’s a wonderful trick!

Lunch: eggs n’ toast from my mama’s house

Eggs n’ toast story -

Yesterday morning, I had two hours off, so I decided to make a HUGE batch of quinoa salad.

It was a FIASCO!!

To save time, I thought to self “oh, don’t dice all the veggies, just put them in the food processor and chop them…”

BAD IDEA.

My veggies turned to soup! Or more like that yucky pulp that comes out of your juicer!

Still, I thought… I don’t want to waste it, I’ll just add it to the Quinoa that I just made…

Taste-test… awful… So, I started adding tons of things to it trying to save it… it was never saved

So, I was add it again. Starting from scratch, this time, using a knife to hand-chop all ingredients. This time it worked, but when I look at the Quinoa salad, I was feelin’ it, at all. I put it away to have the next day (today) and headed over to the Moms house. I needed a good, Mom lovin’ meal- It was perfect

After lunch, I worked for 8.5hours

We went to the Clubhouse Funzone in Ventura. Such a fun place for kids!

In between jobs (yes, I watch multiple families per-day) I had an apple + some dried mangos

Dinner: broccoli & hummus + corn and black bean enchilada

Petite treat: little brownie bite

So… here’s the story on this… so many food stories in my life, right?

I got to this families house and immediately started prepping the girls food for dinner. They were having fajita-chicken/veggies, beans, sour cream, and cheese burritos… Immediately, I had the craving for a bean burrito… I ignored my craving, and ate the dinner I brought. After I ate dinner, still not satisfied, I tried to cure my burrito craving with a brownie (what?). It didn’t work.

Needless to say, an hour n’ a half after dinner, I made myself a little bean burrito anyways.

After the burrito, full satisfied

LISTEN TO YOUR CRAVINGS! <—- Constant reminder to self

Remember the quote I posted on my FB Page a while back?

“People don’t gain weight by eating what they want. They gain weight by eating what they don’t want, followed by eating what they want.” -Geneen Roth

Who can relate to this quote?

Breakfast: non-existant. I do not recommend this! I was running out the door yesterday trying to be on time to pick up my Mom for Church, and I didn’t get breakfast.

After Church, the family and I went to Panera Bread. I got a soy cappucino (so good!) I didn’t get any food, because I’ve been eating out so much this last weekend, and I knew I was going out to dinner too.

After Coffee, Mom and I went shopping and peaked at some apartments in River Park – a newer area right next to Ventura. There’s a Whole Foods going in there! Eek!

Lunch: breakfast for lunch. I had eggs + toast made by my Momma. Ahhhh, breakfast made by Mom is always the best!

My Dad also made homemade pizza, so I had half a slice to try it. So yummy!

The bread above is Dave’s Killer Seed Bread – anyone ever tried it? It’s super good! My parents are obsessed!

Last night for dinner, I met my friend Angela in LA. We went to The Bazaar in Beverly Hills… sooo nice!

(Picture from Website)

I wish I could tell you the names of all the tapa’s we ordered… but I don’t know them!

The above was stuffed with guac

There was bread + bruschetta w/ cheese…. (parmesan?)

Chicken cutlets (yes, I had two… they didn’t have much meat. They really took care of us, so I wanted to try everything – still on the meat-free train, though)

Ceviche wrapped with avocado

These, I really can’t think of the name, or what they were! But they were rich, and tasty!

Sweet potato chips with a black licorice/cream dip – acquired taste for sure

And dessert! Little green tea cookies, pecan pie cookies, and chocolately delish… Don’t know what those are called either

We had a great time!

Good evening (night) everyone! Hope you have all had a great Saturday! Here’s an update on the past two days:

Friday

Breakfast: bran flakes + granola, raisins & rice milk (trying to finish off my everlasting box of bran flakes – it’s the last gluten- containing food in my house)

Snack: cherries at the park

Lunch: picnic at the park with little Kampbell! She got Chipotle, I brought my lunch. This is another repeat of a meal from my Gluten-free Vegan Meal Plan.

Snack: smoothie that I made with Harper – juice plus, kale, banana, coconut milk, and juice plus chocolate powder

Dinner: an amazing salad from Stone Fire with my best friend Kayla! I met her in Westlake after she got off from work

This salad was full of goodness. Quinoa, romaine, chickpeas, artichoke, tomato, red onion, cucumber, kalamata olives, and feta cheese – I’ve indulged a few times on dairy this weekend, and it’s tasted great, but seriously – I’ve had my old stomach aches return that are anything but awesome…. I’m just craving it like crazy – I’ll talk more about that later in the post

After dinner, we did something that neither of us have ever done before. Actually, I’d be shocked if even one of you have done this before! Haha! We definitely made a memory Friday night

We wanted Fro-Yo, and couldn’t decide between Yogurtland (or usual favorite) or Yozen Frogurt (new place in town).

So? We got both! Haha, I tried to get small portions at each place, but I’m just not good at that. I probably had entire container full by the end. Haha! It was all worth the fun though

Saturday

This morning Marco and I went to the Gym. I did a Step Class.

After the Gym, we went downtown Ventura to the Farmer’s Market.

Breakfast: there, we got our favorite tamales for breakfast. Chicken for him, veggie for me!

Snack: after the FM, we went over to Palermo’s, our local coffee shop. I had a small cappuacino and one of my gluten-free, dairy free, still-full-of-sugar-of-course coconut macaroons. Yum!

This is what happens when you go to the Farmer’s Market hungry. We were in line for tamales, I was starving, popped to the next stand over while Marco ordered, tried a piece of the macaroon, and within 6 seconds bought my own pack. Ha!

Lunch: I had a salad from the Royal Bakery. Greek salad! It came with a rosemary bread roll.

Can you see Marco’s delicious chocolate shake from the Habit in the background? Oh yea, I tried it. A-FRIGGIN-MAZING.

After lunch, we went to the movies, and I got a soy latte – Coffee overload today. We saw The Great Gatsby. Really long, but really good!

Snack: when we got home from the movies around 6:30, I had a couple mangos. I was tried to rid my crazy grilled cheese craving, again!!! I thought mangos would help? No way.

I told Marco I wanted Urbane Cafe again, he closed my computer screen, and said “go get it now! You have 30 minutes before you have to work!” So of course, I went!

Dinner: salad with gourmet grilled cheese sandwich. Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!!

Funny thing though. I didn’t eat this until about 9pm, because I stopped craving it after…. drumroll…. I drank water!

I started thinking about it, and I did not have hardly any water today except for the one cup during my Step Class. What? I never do that. What happened, is the cup I usually drink out of cracked, so I threw it away after Step, and forgot to drink water. I had one tiny cup with my Salad at lunch, but that’s it. Plus, I had 3 cups of Coffee today. Whoooopsie. It’s a Saturday thing that happens to me. I just want to be away from home, having fun, and not stepping foot into my Kitchen. Ha! I ate out 3 times today. I don’t ever do that either… what’s with me today?

Crazy, because I’m going out tomorrow too with friends. Well, this weekend will just be full of eating out. I’ll have to make smart choices

Do you ever cure cravings with water?

Anyone see the Great Gatsby? What did you think?

After cooking all week, do you ever have days where you just don’t want to step foot in the Kitchen? (This doesn’t usually happen to me – I think it’s because I’ve been making full recipes lately, so it takes more effort).

Goodmorning everyone! Quick, quick post today!

Breakfast: oatmeal with granola and a tiny bit of maple syrup on top

Hoola-hoop champ!

Between jobs, I went to Coffee Bean and got a tropical passion tea latte with soy, AND took my LAST IIN TEST!

OFFICIALLY GRADUATED!!!!!

Check out my Health Coaching Website at www.healthyhitscoaching.com

I loved my experience at IIN! If you have questions about the school, feel free to email me at healthyhitsthespot@gmail.com. I’d love to answer questions.

Lunch: from Gluten-free Vegan Meal Plan

This is the snack tray I put together for the kids at my next jobs. I had 3 strawberries from here

When the little one was sleeping, I checked emails while the kids finished up their 1 show

Snack: broccoli + hummus. Broccoli has got to be organic!

Dinner: corn and black bean enchiladas + a small salad and a few fish nuggets

The kids were eating fish nuggets for dinner. I tasted a bite of one, and was sure I needed three more. They were sooo good! Not so healthy, but so good

After I was off from my second job, I went home and Health Coached. 3rd job of the day – but, all enjoyable!

I’ve been working lots of 15 hour days lately – it’s crazy, but I know it won’t be like this forever.

To end the day yesterday, Marco and I went for a night walk. So nice. I looove going on a walk at the end of the day. By the time I’m done, my body is so ready for bed.

Today’s post is a one-day Gluten-Free, Vegan Meal Plan that I have provided for my Clients. Pictures are included, and I worked hard to create this, cook the recipes (shared a few from It’s All Good as a bonus), and photograph them.

The post is Password Protected, and costs $3 to view (less than the price of the fancy Starbucks drink you’re probably holding this morning). However, if you are thinking about doing a 6-month Program with me, your $3 will go toward the total Cost of the Program.

I am charging this small fee (less than 1% of the Program) to be fair to my current Clients who have already paid for their Program.

If you would like the password, please email me at healthyhitsthespot@gmail.com and I will send over the PayPal link, and Password once I’ve received your Payment.

Thanks everyone! And I hope you have a wonderful day!