Fitness with No Excuses

Happy Friday guys!

Since I’ve been rather busy with job searching and applying, I haven’t been able to tackle some of the details for the wedding.  Well, I’ve been trying but not with much success.  But finally, some things are getting finalized.

By the way, I am so grateful this morning for God’s blessing!  I have been scheduled to go in for an interview come Monday morning!  Ahhh thank you Jesus!!!  Alright I may be excited, but to be frank with you, I get very nervous during interviews and I’m already starting to feel the “butterflies in my stomach” effect.  Keep me in prayer and wish me luck.

So about the wedding details…

Yesterday Greg and I met up with a DJ and we both couldn’t deny the fact that this company is truly legit!  The head honcho of this little company made everything so simple for the both of us.  I tell you the truth–the key to looking for a great DJ is going to The Knot site or something of that sort.

Second, it really helps if the minute you sit down with your vendor, he/she offers you a form filled with organized bullet points.  Basically, Don (head honcho) laid all the details out for us and gave us an outline of how he would maneuver the music and activities all throughout the wedding reception.  In my opinion, this shows professionalism as well as great organization from the vendor’s part.  It wasn’t long before we decided that this DJ was the one.  Also, it didn’t hurt that he hooked us up with some complimentary lights!

Word to the wise:  Try to book your DJ about 4-5 months ahead of time.  We kind of lagged in this department, but hey, we got it done!

Break the Fast

Breakfast today featured a healthy oat pancake with a side of Melitta Hazelnut Creme Brulee coffee.  I love this coffee because it has a bold, yet smooth taste!  It’s not overpowering.

Healthy Protein Oat Pancake

Serves 2

Ingredients:

• 1/2 C rolled oats
• 2 TBSP raw buckwheat groats
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 2 TBSP protein powder
• cinnamon to taste
• 2 tsp chia seeds
• 1/4 C pumpkin puree
• 2 TBSP egg whites (or 1 whole egg)
• 2 TBSP milk
• 6 drops vanilla Stevia (optional)

Directions:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk all of the dry ingredients first.  Then add liquids and mix it well.
2. Spray a skillet and heat it up on medium heat.  When it’s warm, spread the batter into two pancakes.  When it’s slightly brown on the bottom you can flip it.  And voila! 

This healthy pancake was topped with Cocoa-Nut PB, fruit, coconut butter, cottage cheese, honey, and one itty bitty piece of Lindt’s orange dark chocolate.  I seriously have always loved the taste of chocolate paired with a hint of orange.

One of these pancakes was for my mom to take to work.  I’m not sure if I’ve mentioned this yet, but I am in awe of my mom and her recent changes!

She has been loving oatmeal, pancakes, and any healthified American dish for breakfast–whereas just last month, she was still eating only Korean food.  It seems to be really difficult for some people to break out of their shells in regards to trying new foods.  My parents have been like that most of their lives, but now they’re kind of tired of the same old thing.  To my surprise and delight, they want me to make them my “weird” dishes, and they actually enjoy them.  Cool huh?!

Lunch

You may or may not know this already, but I am a serious mustard lover.  Whether it be mustard dressing or mustard colored outfits, I love them all! What’s not to like about mustard?  (Excuse me for my redundancy with the word ‘mustard’).

A bagel thin sandwich with dill Havarti cheese.  Delicious and packed with protein!

A delicious egg salad sandwich it was! Pair that up with dill and mustard, and I’m good to go.

Healthy Mustard Egg Salad with Dill

Ingredients:

• 1 hard boiled egg
• 2 TBSP Greek Yogurt
• 1 tsp mustard (I used coarse ground)
• 1/2 tsp lemon juice
• black pepper to taste
• 1 tsp chopped dill
• 1 tsp honey

Directions:

1. In a medium bowl, slightly mash the hard boiled egg with a fork.  Add all of the ingredients and mix thoroughly.  You may add salt to taste, if preferred.

No Excuses Fitness

We all have days when we just can’t seem to make it to the gym, let alone crank out a 30-40 minute home workout.  Like I always say though, some exercise is better than no exercise at all.  I know that it may be hard to get rid of the all-or-nothing mentality.  Believe me, I’ve been there!  And in actuality, there are days when I still have a tough time pushing those thoughts aside.

You’ve heard it said that a workout is something you never regret. (Unless you injure yourself, that is)

And I fully believe that!  Just the fact that I have a healthy body that can pump some blood and oxygen into my brain is beautiful in itself.   (Because believe me, I have my air-head moments *ahem*)

I was inspired today by Lena’s “Meals with No Excuses” post.  She reminds us that one doesn’t have to break the bank or spend hours on end in order to eat healthfully.  So in honor of complementing that post, I would like to share a “Fitness with No Excuses” routine with you.  I hope you don’t mind, Lena!

This routine will take anywhere from 12-18 minutes depending on one’s fitness level.  It is a tough but effective workout for when you are short on time.  In addition, it will not only provide great cardio, but also muscle toning.  Make sure that you move through it quickly so that your heart rate stays way up up up!

PS:  Remember the DIY gift for Greg that I was talking about?

Got the idea from Allie!  Photo coasters–so easy to make, and so fun even for a 24 year old!

May you have a blessed and fun weekend!

If you’ve had to hire a DJ for your wedding, how was your experience?

Favorite chocolate or chocolate flavor?

Any tips for going to a job interview?

How did YOU break out of food and fitness ruts?  Was there an ah-ha moment?

Grace & Peace,

Ellie <33

Tagged as: Artisana Coconut Butter, DIY projects, DJ, egg salad, fitness, healthy oat protein pancake, HIIT circuit workout, wedding preparations, Wild Squirrel peanut butter