Today, is Melanoma Monday.  What the hec does that mean?! It means that its Melanoma Awareness day.  A very important day to spread awareness about skin cancer, a type of cancer that is close to my heart!  A year and a half ago, my sister was diagnosed with Stage 3 Melanoma…went through a year of Interferon Treatment and is totally going STRONG. She is a TOTAL ROCKSTAR!!!!! She is one strong kickass lady…I tell ya what!

I have become very diligent with sun protection, getting my skin checked every 6 months, and spreading the word and hoping for a cure.  I hope you will join me in this fight for a cure!

• Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States.
• Current estimates are that one in five Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime.
• Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, is the most common cancer for 25- to 29-year-olds.

Today, I want you to be aware. Pay attention to your skin.  Go to the dermatologist for skin checks.  Wear sunscreen, a hat, and protect your skin.  Spread the word. Hope for a cure. And please, for the love of god…DO NOT GO IN THE TANNING BEDS, it’s not worth it!!!!!

I think its time to start working on that core! Tone, tone, and more toning. When I’m working with some of my personal training clients, and they start slacking, I always say…just picture your bathing suit. Works like a charm!

One of the number one exercise/health goals I hear all day long from women and some men is they all want to lose weight in their stomach.  Truth be told…the best workout for losing fat around the stomach is aerobic activity.  Getting that heart rate up, and work up a sweat! But we also need to tone and tighten. I found this basic & advanced AB workout on Women’sHealth.com. It’s a great mix of basic core exercises mixed with heart racing challenging movements that will make your core burn! I switched this up a bit, you can click here for original workout!

Get to work! 

REDPACK reached out to me and sent some of their products (that I already used)for me to try in a healthy recipe. I knew exactly what I had to make with their diced tomatoes, there was no better option. This soup is so incredibly simple, yet so delicious, it seemed like the only choice. This meal is packed with antioxidants, which we know are cancer fighting machines, full of  flavor, and adds loads of color to any meal.  Its a light soup that makes a great addition to any sandwich or salad, perfect for spring! Bring on the power foods!

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1/2 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut in 1 inch chunks
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2-3 large garlic cloves, crushed or minced
• 3/4 Cup sliced carrots
• 1 Cup Cauliflower, chunks
• 2 Cups REDPACK Diced Tomatos with juice
• 4 Cups non-fat chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 Cups spinach, torn in pieces
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. In a large saucepan, heat oil.  Saute chicken until lightly browned. remove chicken.
2. Add onions, garlic, and carrots to pan. stirring until onions begin to soften, about 3 minutes.
3. Return chicken to pan along with cauliflower, tomatoes, and broth.
4. Simmer, partially covered, for 20-25 minutes.
5. Stir in spinach and seasonings and simmer for an additional 5 minutes
6. Enjoy!

Now, this has to be the most versatile snack/dessert of all time.  Honestly, you could make these yogurt bites with just about anything you would like. Any fresh/frozen fruit…nuts…chocolate… any kind of yogurt! I personally like to use Chobani Greek yogurt.  Its PACKED with protein and has awesome flavors.  I am already thinking about my next creation…white chocolate raspberry yogurt bites! But first, let’s discuss these guys.  They are a great grab and go healthy snack OR a nice little “Ice Cream” dessert without all the added fat, calories, and  sugar. My kinda snack!

Ingredients:

• 2 Cups Peach Greek yogurt (I always use Chobani, my favorite!)
• 1/2 Cup Fresh or Canned pineapple in their own juice
• 1/3 Cup Chopped Raw Almonds
• 1/4 Heaping Cup Dark Chocolate Chips

Directions:

1. Chop almonds and pineapple.
2. In large bowl, Mix all ingredients together.
3. Spoon mixture into ice-cube trays OR spread in a freezer safe pan for yogurt bars (YOUR CHOICE)
4. Freeze, relax, enjoy!
5. Once frozen, I always empty ice-cube tray into freezer bag.

There you have it, a guilt free healthy dessert OR snack! It doesn’t get any easier than that! Now, let’s get creative!!

Congratulations to Mrs. Burgher for being the Winner of the E-Copy of Bliss Cleanse!!! Please contact me to receive your prize!

Oh yes! I told you all I would have a great recipe for ya today! Yesterday, I reviewed Bliss Cleanse, a book that will renew your mind, body, and spirit through seasonal cleanses.  This recipe, Dark Chocolate Chip Quinoa Cookies was one of the many recipes in Lorraine Miller and Lindsey Smith’s book, Bliss Cleanse.  Oh yea…Don’t forget to enter for win a chance to win your very own E-Copy of Bliss Cleanse! A winner will be picked tonight at 9:00 PM

Okay, so on to these chewy chocolatey sweet treats. Lets not wait any longer… I’ll just jump right into the recipe!

• 1 1/2-2 cups cooked quinoa
• 3/4 C. quick or rolled oats
• 1/2 tsp. sea salt
• 1 Tbsp Cinnamon
• 2 Tbsp Maple syrup
• 1/2 C. Almond Butter
• 1/2 Chocolate Chips (I used Dark Chocolate)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Cook Quinoa as directed and let cool.
3. In a separate bowl, combine oats, sea salt, and cinnamon.
4. Once Quinoa is cool, add maple syrup, almond butter, and finally, chocolate chips. mix well.
5. Scoop into 1 inch round balls onto non-stick cookie tray. Cook for 20 minutes or until bottom of cookie is brown.
6. Let cool and enjoy!

There ya have it…make these! They are good, different, and healthy!

Don’t forget to enter the giveaway!

Remember Lindsey is the Food Mood girl from Junk foods & Junk moods!
I absolutely LOVED this book. This book was just what I needed. it was so…refreshing! I finished it in one night! It takes you through your own personal journey to BLISS. What is Bliss? I think that everyone has their own personal definitions of bliss… I think bliss is happiness, and to me, happiness is peace, peace of mind, body and soul. Bliss is being grateful for everyday things and life. Something we all strive for, work towards, and thrive off of!

Bliss Cleanse takes us through four seasonal cleanses. Each two-week cleanse is based on of the seasonal veggies and fruits, lessons on how to be grateful for life and the simple things, mantras, and daily checklists. Plus a ton of tips for healthy living. There are several recipes and guides to help you meal plan for those two weeks. I can’t wait to start cooking some of these recipes. I’ll be posting a recipe tomorrow from the book…stay tuned!!!
(while I’m writing this, I am enjoying a coconut milk chamomile tea latte inspired by Bliss Cleanse–I even got Nick to enjoy one! Mmmmm)

I personally cannot wait to do the Spring Cleanse. I always love doing some sort of cleanse when the new season approaches…especially in the spring/summer.
Before the book gets into the details of the seasonal cleanses, it teaches us or reminds us of the importance of cleanses and how to make it our own. How to do a cleanse properly.  They even give us a shopping list for each part, my kinda book!

It is a great read for a spiritual renewal, nutrition re-start, and a reminder of adding movement into our daily lives.   There are several different parts of the book.  It takes us through Mind, Body, and Spirit.  How to cleanse all three.  My favorite section was the Mind and Body. Actually…I really got something from each section. Lorraine and Lindsey talk about meditation, mineral salt baths, and even give us recipes for our very own home remedies!  Do yourself a favor, READ this book.  You will not be sorry. Such a fabulous reminder on some many important things that we tend to put on the back burner.  Our bodies need to be cleansed, use this book as a guide, a guide to a better version of YOU!

Okay friends…that is all for now! Check back tomorrow for an AWESOME recipe of yummy healthy cookies from BLISS CLEANSE!!! Happy Monday! 

The Year We Left Home by Jean Thompson
April 1st will be the discussion day! So head on over to amazon or your local library and pick up this great choice! Let me know by commenting if you are interested in joining! Grab a friend, a cup of coffee… And start reading!!!

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Get health and fitness tips at Greatist.com

By the way…Happy Monday!!!

I hope you are all having a loving and FUN Valentine’s Day. My breakfast this morning…I had a hot pink sugar cookie and TWO cake pops….YUM! okay okay..not the healthiest, but I loved it! I felt like I was back in elementary school with a V-day party!  Whether you have a special someone or not, make it a good night.  Enjoy a glass of wine and some chocolate…have your favorite dinner…sit back and relax.  We all deserve it! Check out my post on Loving Yourself First! 

Have a fabulous day/night with your special someone!