Friday Sunshine

​It's funny... I started "Friday Sunshine" as a way to lift moods during the last big snowstorm of the season (fingers crossed).  As I sit down each week to write it... some weeks I think... hmmm this week was pretty average... worked out, worked, same old routine.  Then, I look through my phone to see some images I've snapped during the week and find all of the best moments.  I challenge you to do the same.  Especially during weeks that might have been just average or even a little rough.  I'm sure you'll find a little sunshine :).

Last Saturday felt like the first Spring day in Boston.  So fittingly, Matt and I headed to Seaport, parked ourselves at the Bar at Del Frisco's and got drinks and apps while the sun went down.  Below is my Bellini, the perfect little Spring cocktail (they even made it with my favorite Prosecco, La Marca). 

Easter morning, I got up to go for a quick run around Castle Island before the festivities started.  It has been super windy lately, but, the bay was like glass that morning.​

​My parents set up an Easter Egg Hunt in the back yard for my nieces and nephew.  They had a blast... it was so fun to watch them hunt all of their eggs down. They were so excited. (I know, I know... they are the most adorable children you have ever seen.)

​Kite surfers on Castle Island means that Spring really is upon us! I always stop and stare for a bit... then think, why haven't I tried this yet? I NEED to kite surf this year.  It looks like SO much fun.  I'd love to hear if anyone has done it or if they are up to try a another challenge this year?

​And finally, as I mentioned in an earlier post this week... I'm taking part in a 'detox'.  Two days were prettttty intense and therefore, apologies to any I may have gotten 'hangry' with.  Weds and Thurs are a bit of a blur. (I think I remained pretty under control though haha). That being said, I have more great detox meals to share. Stay tuned.

​Have a sunny, relaxing, and fun weekend. xo.

Detox Dinner: Balsamic Chicken & Asparagus

I'm currently taking part in a 'detox'.  Eleven days of super clean eating, vitamin filled shakes, detox drinks, and lots of water.  I usually don't partake in such extremes, but, I want to both challenge myself and give my liver a much needed break.  The fun part of this detox (for me) is creating meals that are detox-approved and taste yummy! 

I've mastered a few solid dinners this week so I think I will make these 'detox meals' a series in my blog.  Here's the deal... I'm not going to preach to do or not do a detox, but, I do firmly believe that eating super clean a few days a week is very beneficial to your body.  I also believe that giving your liver a break and following a detox plan that works for you, once or twice a year, can also be beneficial to your health.  If you want to try a detox, I recommend starting with the one I posted last year... here and here. If you're interested in what I'm doing now... shoot me a note on my contact page or below :) 

1. The following ingredients are all you need: 

- Organic Chicken Breast

- 10 Asparagus Spears

-Balsamic Vinegar

- A couple spritz's of Extra Virgin Olive Oil (or 1/2 tsp) 

- 1-2 Garlic Cloves

- 1 Shallot

- Herbs de Provence

- Half a teaspoon of Sea Salt

2. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Then, marinate a split organic chicken breast in a few dashes of balsamic vinegar, herbs de provence, and chopped garlic. 

3. Chop shallot

4. Arrange chicken and asparagus on a baking sheet.  Spritz the asparagus with a 1/2 tsp of extra virgin olive oil and a dash of sea salt. 

5. While they are cooking, put the shallot over low heat in a saute pan with a spritz of extra virgin olive oil.  Keep moving them around until they are brown and then turn off heat. 

6. Once the chicken is cooked through. Remove both from the oven and arrange the shallots on top of the chicken. 173 calories later and you're done! (Chicken, 120 calories for a normal sized breast, 10 asparagus spears, 33 calories, 1/2 tsp of extra virgin o/o, 20 calories.  During a normal week, I would add a baked sweet potato to this meal.  Either bake whole or... chop into chunks, drizzle with extra virgin o/o, salt & pepper, baked on 400 until tender (they are SO GOOD that way). Honestly, this meal was super delicious. Herbs de Provence making pretty much any protein taste good and the balsamic and garlic really give the chicken a ton of flavor. 

Hope you're all having a healthy and happy week! xo.

Every day health tips part 2

Last August, I posted "7 Quick, Everyday, Easy Health Tips".  I promised I would make it a series. That was my last post of 2012. Whooops! You all know I'm officially back now and I am one to keep my promises so here is PART TWO!​

1. Get up, stand up. ​  So, you've probably heard me preach about standing during the day.  I've been doing this for about two years now. At my former job, I decoupaged a box and put my keyboard on it. At my current job, I ordered these simple monitor risers.  There are now five of us that stand in our office.  There are multiple studies that prove sitting during the day is extremely hazardous to your health. (read rockcenter story here, nbcnews here, womens health here, huffington post here)... have I convinced you yet? These studies all confirm that sitting all day is basically killing us.  You won't look like an idiot if you stand, you'll look smart. And, your energy will be increased, you'll be less fatigued, and you'll burn more calories!  If you can't stand... then make sure you're moving, tapping your leg, etc.

2. Water & Healthy Snacks. Another thing you'll notice in these pictures is my nalgene, green apple, and almonds.  In my last post I said "always eat healthy at work".  This just adds to that. Drink plenty of water and have only healthy snacks available. Green apples are loaded with antioxidants and are filling.  Almonds have healthy fats to keep you sharp and are also filling.

​(not my best look today, I blame the freezing weather... big thanks to Krista, fellow blogger, stander, and work-wife for the pics!)

3. A Balanced Breakfast.  I talk about "balance" a lot. Breakfast really is the most important meal of the day.  I aim for all of my meals to be balanced carb/protein/​fats, but, breakfast is where it's most crucial. Below you'll see fruits and rye toast for my carbs, cottage cheese and almond butter for protein, and almond butter for healthy fats.  Delicious, filling, and kept me full until lunch.

4. Stop the Glorification of Busy. It speaks for itself, but really, we are all BUSY. We all have our things. Stop talking about it and start making time for those you love, listen when people speak to you, take care of yourself, get some rest, and slow.... down.....​

5. Make Fitness Goals. Last year when I tore my hamstring. I found a few images on pinterest of moves I wanted to be able to do once I was healed. Well guess what? This isn't me in the pic but I can do this again.  Constantly having a fitness goal will keep your mind and your body challenged and fit.​ (BTW I know I haven't posted a lot of workouts lately, I promise they are coming back... stay tuned :)

Have a wonderful week, my friends! xo.​