Swimsuit Slim Down

The Early Bird Gets the Worm  Bikini-Body
At this very moment, it is snowing... and I am freezing! But, that doesn't mean that my mind isn't focused on getting a beach-ready body! Starting a healthy eating and exercise regimen well before the summer months gives me a little breathing room - which I love! I hate the "pressure" that swim suit season brings, and I certainly don't want to embrace crash dieting just to shed a couple of pounds before a day by the pool. So, I'm starting now - you should too!

Dr. Oz Swimsuit Slimdown Drink

Your Secret Swimsuit Weapon
I don't know about you guys, but I love Dr. Oz. His show is so informative, and is always packed with healthy little tips and tricks! I feel like his advice is my secret fitness weapon - I take it and run with it! 

Unlike other "detox" drinks, the Dr. Oz Swimsuit Slimdown Drink is tasty, awesome, and actually works. Plus, you can whip it up using ingredients that you probably already have laying around your kitchen!

Here's What You'll Need:

• 1 Cup Grapefruit Juice
• 2 Tsp. Apple Cider Vinegar
• 1 Tsp. honey

How it Works
Apple cider vinegar is a known fat-burner - it helps to break down fat cells, and encourages proper digestion. Just drink it three times per day before every meal, and watch as the fat melts off!  

Follow my Nutrish & Delish Board on Pinterest to get access to all of my favorite recipes, health tips, and fitness tricks!

Think Salad Bars are Always Healthy? Think Again...

Just because you opted for the salad bar, rather than the double bacon cheddar burger, doesn't mean you're doing yourself any favors! Contrary to popular belief, the salad bar is packed full of unnecessary calories, carbs, and fat; who knew?!

Today is your lucky day, because I've found an awesome guide that outlines the best and worst options! With this handy guide on your side, you can enjoy a guilt-free indulgence, and still look like a million bucks in your skinny jeans! Score!

Click on this link to check out the awesome salad bar guide for yourself!

Be a Follower
Want the latest and greatest recipes, health trends, and fitness tips at your fingertips? Follow my Nutrish & Delish board on Pinterest - that's where all of my blogging inspiration comes from!

Strawberry Banana Creams

I love, love, LOVE strawberry cheesecake, but I do NOT love what it does to my thighs! So, I've found a way to make my not-so-healthy indulgences completely guilt-free: strawberry banana creams. At less than 150 calories per serving (8 strawberries), you can afford to splurge whenever the craving strikes! 

The best part? These tasty little numbers are quick to whip up and made with a bunch of stuff that you probably already have laying around the kitchen, which means you don't even have to make a special trip to the grocery store!

Here's What You'll Need

• 8 strawberries
• 2 oz. Vanilla Greek Yogurt
• 1/2 Banana
• 1 Tbs. Sliced Almonds (See Additional Topping Options Below)

Let's Get Cookin'

1. Use a fork to mash the banana in a medium sized bowl.
2. Once the banana is mashed, mix in the yogurt.
3. Using a knife, carefully remove the middle of each strawberry.
4. Fill the center of the strawberries with your freshly-made banana yogurt mixture, and top with sliced almonds.
5. Chow Down!

Additional Topping Options
If you're feeling creative, you can modify your toppings however you wish! Some of my favorite substitutions include:

• Blueberries & Dried Cherries
• Chopped Cashews
• Crystallized Ginger
• Granola
• Raisins

 















Find all of these recipes, and all of my favorite recipes, on my Nutrish & Delish Board on Pinterest!

Healthy Fall Favorites

In light of the Fall season, which just so happens to be my absolute favorite, I've decided to compile a little nook of healthy and delicious fall recipes for you to "fall" in love with! Bursting with rich flavor, but still mind-blowingly low in calories, these tasty treats will leave you satisfied, yet slim! Enjoy :)

1. First of all, this incredible website features a ton of mouth watering fall desserts, done healthy! No joke, guys! You'll find everything from pumpkin pies and mousses to chocolate cookies and apple crisps. Bookmark this one for all of your healthy holiday cooking needs!

2. Pumpkin Muffins - This low calorie treat is perfect for breakfast, snacking, or anytime! With only two ingredients, you'll find that you whip them up at every chance you get - I know I do!

3. Sweet & Salty Pumpkin Seeds - While this recipe traditionally calls for two tablespoons of unsalted butter, I substituted I Can't Believe it's Not Butter Spray (a lifesaver), and they turned out amazing! Keep them in your purse, car, or on your desk for a light and healthy snack, anytime!

4. Orange Sherbert Cake - Whether you're making a pumpkin shaped cake or little mini pumpkin colored cupcakes, you'll love this low-sugar recipe! Featuring a bright orange color, this dessert is just as festive as it is delicious, and one of my very favorites!

5. Fat-Burning Candied Sweet Potatoes - I know, I know, the name of this recipe sounds like an oxymoron; but it's not! Surprise your family with something deliciously sweet and healthy this Thanksgiving :)

Find all of these recipes, and all of my favorite recipes, on my Nutrish & Delish Board on Pinterest!

Cheesy Zucchini Bake

I've been all about zucchini these days. I put it on the side of everything, and I'm always looking for new ways to incorporate it into a dish! It's great! Here's one of my newest favorites that I am totally in love with: The Cheesy Zucchini Bake. You're probably thinking I'm off my rocker if I'm going to call this dish a healthy one, but I kid you not, folks: this dish is as healthy as it gets! You'll love it :)

Here's What You'll Need to Get Cooking:
3 Medium Zucchinis
3 Medium Squash
2 Tablespoons of Olive Oil
2 Tablespoons of Minced Garlic
1 Tablespoon of Dried Minced Onion
1 Teaspoon of Onion Powder
1 Teaspoon of Garlic Powder
1 Teaspoon of Garlic Salt
2 Teaspoons of Dried Thyme
4 Eggs (Substitute Egg Beaters for a lighter option)
2/3 Cups of Light Sour Cream
1 Cup of Crumbled Feta Cheese
1/2 Cup Fresh Parmesan Cheese
2 Tablespoons of Lemon Juice
Salt & Pepper to Taste

Let's Get Cookin'
1. Preheat the oven to 375. Spray a large casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Slice zucchini and squash into 1/4" slices (if spears are too large, cut them down the middle first).
3. Heat oil in a large, nonstick frying pan.
4. Saute and stir squash, zucchini, garlic, onion, onion powder, garlic powder, garlic salt, and thyme until squash softens slightly. Remove from heat. Be sure not too cook it too long, or the veggies will become mushy when baking in the oven.
5. Beat together eggs (or Egg Beaters), sour cream, cheeses, and lemon juice in a medium sized bowl.
6. Place half of the sauteed squash and zucchini mixture into the bottom of a large casserole dish. Sprinkle on salt and pepper to taste.
7. Spread half of egg mixture over top of sauteed zucchini and squash in casserole dish.
8. Repeat steps 6 and 7 for the remaining ingredients.
9. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the mixture is bubbling. Serve hot!
10. Enjoy!

 Find this recipe, and all of my favorite recipes, on my Nutrish & Delish board on Pinterest! Happy Cooking :)

85 Calorie Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes

I don't know about you guys, but there is nothing that I love more than cruising Pinterest for a delicious recipe that I can make healthy. Well, last week, I found one that takes the cake (no pun intented). I found a way to make strawberry cheesecake cupcakes that have no butter, eggs, oil, or any of that other celulite enhancing garbage! All you'll need to whip up these tasty treats is 4 things:

1 box of Pillsbury Strawberry Cake Mix
1 tub of Fat Free Cool Whip
1 box of Instant Sugar Free Cheesecake Pudding
12 ounces of Diet Cherry 7-Up

Now, Here's What You Do:
1. Empty contents of cake mix into large mixing bowl. Add 12 ounces of Diet Cherry 7-Up, and mix well with electric mixer.

2. Once everything is mixed, resist all temptation to eat the batter. This is, without a doubt, the toughest part of the entire process. However, licking the spoon is highly encouraged. :)

3. Place cupcake liners in a cupcake pan, and fill approximately 5/8 full of batter.

4. Bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes, and let them cool for at least 30-45 minutes before adding the icing.

5. While you're waiting for those puppies to cool, start whipping up your cheesecake icing!

6. Empty contents of Fat Free Cool Whip and Instant Sugar Free Pudding mix into a medium sized mixing bowl, and stir until everything is well blended. There should be no powder left over from the pudding mix.

7. Once your cupcakes are compeltely cooled, you may add the icing. When making them for Daniel and I to eat at home, I just used a spoon to add the icing. But, when taking them to a BBQ last weekend, I put the icing in zip-lock bag and snipped the bottom corner so that the icing would look a bit prettier.

Gettin' Cutesy
For an added touch of cuteness, I sprinkled on some chocolate sprinkles, and handmade some chocolate designs to place on top of the cupcakes. They looked great! You can skip them, but they only add about 15 extra calories, so I figured, why not?!

As you can see, my soon-to-be Nephew was REALLY enjoying the cupcakes ;)

A Crowd Pleaser!
Here's the best part: nobody knows they are healthy! People were going to town on them, and then confessing to me that they felt guilty about how they are going to have to do double time at the gym to burn them off. When I told them that each cupcake is less than 100 calories, they couldn't believe it! They were so moist and delicious, I even had my future Father-in-Law impressed :)

Find this recipe, and all of my favorite healthy recipes, on my Nutrish & Delish board on Pinterest!

A New Way to Inspire

As if sharing my weight loss journey with you all wasn't rewarding enough, the amazing people at Transformationpics.com, got in touch with me asking if they could share my story with their readers as an inspiration to reach their health goals. Of course, I was honored to do so. Check out the page that they dedicated just to me :)

While you're there be sure to browse through the other inspirational people who have lost an amazing amount of weight! They are truly an inspiration, and I feel so humbled to even share the same title as them. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you all for your support, kind words, and encouragement.