My First Self-Instructed Yoga Flow

Though I have been doing yoga for many years and am planning on obtaining my teaching certification after I raise enough funds, never had I strayed away from the instruction of another teacher during my practice. Always, I either have gone to a studio and enjoyed a live class, or used videos or pod-casts online or on DVDs.

I think it was the inner perfectionist inside that prevented me from ever taking the initiative to guide MYSELF during a practice, instead of listening to someone else. What if I did the asanas in the wrong order? What if I left something out, I didn't take enough breaths in a pose, or rushed the pose... pretty much any excuse that I could come up with to satisfy my nervous self, I used. 

I also think that a reason I couldn't even fathom the idea of not using an actual class as guidance, is because I felt that if I relied on myself... it wouldn't "really" count as being a "real" yoga flow. After all, who am I to feel out the sequence, when there are teachers who are experienced to do that? 

I know this goes against everything yoga is about. Yoga is NOT about relying on an outside source for guidance. Yoga is NOT about judging yourself, and your ability to feel and understand your body. Yoga IS about listening to your body. It IS about relishing in the moment, not being judgmental in any way, and taking life as it comes, being sure to enjoy the process of ups and downs and trust in the universe and it's constant stream of energy.  

Me thinking that I couldn't go without a video or classroom to embrace a flow of yoga is not only incredibly shallow minded, but also untrue. What makes me unable to put together a vinyasa for myself? Granted, things would be different if I no clue what I was doing, but I have been doing this sport for a while and am familiar with the usual sequence of things, and which poses I like to see in a class, ext. Yoga is not about being perfect. I am not perfect. So what is stopping me other than myself? 

This is what went down. 

By the way, this flow is NOT the flow I did on my recent Power Yoga workout video on Youtube. This happened before that.

I schedule my weight training workouts and yoga days in alignment with each other so that my yoga days act as active rest. While I was out of town visiting my grandmother and camping, I had it planned so that I would be doing yoga the day before we left for the camp grounds. In other words, we would still be located at my grandmothers house, therefor I expected to have internet connection and the ability to look up a yoga video.

This didn't happen. While my grandmother doesn't live in the woods or anything, she still lives in the country. Her computer doesn't work well, and even though my phone's wifi also messes up more than it works in this area, I rely on it for any videos I need. It's always a 50/50 chance if they're going to work. When I am doing weight training and a video decides to not load, I can always put together my own workout without thinking twice.I never had to do this with a yoga video, luckily.

However, come that morning, I pulled up the video on my phone and it failed to load. At first I panicked, as the thought of not having a voice of instruction scared me. But then, after thinking a bit and confiding in my family of the dilemma, I was convinced that I would be able to lead myself perfectly fine. So... I did! 

No music, no video, no pod cast. I took my mat outside, rolled it out, and started my Power Yoga sequence in the pure bliss of nature. I did not speak. I heard no other human voices. The only noise in my ears was the sounds of birds chirping, the breeze of the wind, and the pounding of my heart of depth of my breathing. It was beautiful. 

What was first a sequence I was nervous about, turned into a 75 minute flow that was invigorating, fast paced, challenging... and utterly produced from my own being. No teacher, no one to rely on to know when to move on to the next move... just me. 

The feeling I had after the flow was similar to pride, but very much different. It was not pride. I think it was the feeling of pure happiness, shock, and bliss. I was ECSTATIC about what I had just done. I was thrilled that I was able to conduct a flow all by myself. I was not prideful, exactly... I was just very, very grateful.

This experience has strengthened my belief that I want to become a yoga instructor. I felt the flow came so naturally, with such power and grace, that I can not wait to share this great joy with others. I know for sure that this is not the only time in which I will have a great realization, but it is definitely a start, and makes me excited to see what else is in store for me. 

From this, I came to a better understanding of what it means to trust in yourself. Yoga can be difficult at times, because it causes you to come face to face with your greatest fears and irrational thoughts. However, with dedication and time, these things can be overcome, and a new perspective is grown and adapted. This is what I love about yoga-it's never ending ability to be so personal to each individual and their needs at a specific time.  

For all the yoga instructors out there, or other practitioners, when was your first major realization of something? 

When was the first time you led your own sequence, or class, and how did it feel?

Any tips or words of wisdom that I, or other readers could benefit from are gladly appreciated! 

Natalie 

  

WIAW #7

I'm not going to make excuses for not posting WIAW for a while 

With all the craziness of school starting back up, it's been hard to remember to snap pictures of anything I have been eating. However, I remembered pictures (mostly) this time! Nothing TOO different. I did switch up the timing of my meals (like, I had lettuce wraps for breakfast. What?).

Breakfast:

On Monday morning, the first day of school, I had some oatmeal with an apple and peanut butter. If only I took a picture of THAT, something new! Sheesh. But no... Tuesday I had some lettuce wraps, with avocado, hummus and veggies. I also had some baby carrots and peanut butter on the side.

I really don't see any reason why I have to limit my morning meals to typical "breakfast" items... I mean, hey, as long as it is healthy right?

Lunch:

Something light and quick, because my school seriously is OVER CROWDED and I'm lucky if I have 15 minutes to eat by time I sit down, even though I never buy. Lettuce wraps with leftover turkey meat and baby carrots with some homemade basil curry hummus!

Dinner:


A meatless version of my Summer Squash Lentil Stew. SO GOOD, JUST. Just try it.

This honestly should probably have a different recipe all together, because it does have some changes from the other recipe. So maybe I will post one soon?

What have you been eating?
How are you managing school starting back up?

Natalie

Chile Basil Cauliflower and Chicken

Hey guys! I wanted to share this yummy- and pretty- recipe with you that I made the other day.

I say it is pretty, because I have always loved bright contrasts in food colors. In this recipe, this is done by pairing Chile powder with cauliflower. The brightness spreads throughout the florets and dulls a bit as you cook it, obviously, but when you first add it to the vegetables in the pan, the colors are shocking and very much appealing to the eye.

I also did this when I sprinkled a bit of Chile powder on some avocado, as shown in my Facebook background picture.

Chile Basil Cauliflower and Chicken 
Yields 2 servings 

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast (about 2 chicken breasts)
1 TSP+ 1/2 TBSP Chile powder (separated)
1/4 cup unsalted chicken or vegetable stock
1 TSP garlic powder
2 TBSP fresh chopped basil + 1 TSP (separated)
1 TSP ground black pepper
1/4 small onion, diced
1/2 head cauliflower (or about 1 frozen package, thawed)
1/2 head broccoli (or about 1 frozen package, thawed)
1 TBSP coconut oil

1) Gather your chicken and prepare your marinade. For the marinade, combine 2 TBSP fresh basil, chicken stock, 1 TSP Chile powder, and garlic powder together. Cover, and let sit in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight.

2) Melt your coconut oil over medium high heat. Add the onion and saute for about 3 minutes.

3) Add the cauliflower and saute for about 4 minutes. Then, add the 1/2 TBSP of Chile powder and mix. (My crummy photography skills don't show the beauty of the colors!)

4) Add the broccoli and saute for another 4 minutes or so.

5) At this point, made room for your chicken and put it in the pan, along with any marinade. you may also need to add around 1/4 cup of water.

6) Cook meat about 3 minutes on each side, or until somewhat cooked.

7) Reduce heat to medium, cover, and cook another 5 minutes on each side, or until thoroughly cooked and vegetables are tender.

 8) Add the rest of the fresh basil and black pepper, mix in and allow a few minutes for the flavors to come out. Enjoy!

What color combinations are prettiest to you in foods ?

Natalie

My First YOGA VIDEO! On Youtube!

For years, I've been following fitness gurus and figures on Youtube. They often post workouts, and really these videos were where I started my fitness journey. They made it so simple: I didn't have to put together my own routine, I just needed to follow along with them!

I honestly have to say that the first few workouts I discovered online were from Cassey, from Blogilates. I started with her beginner workouts and they kicked my butt! Now I can do her advanced workouts and still enjoy the burn. What really got me loving her channel in general was her cute, bubbly personality... she never made me feel dumb or uncoordinated, like so many trainers will. It was like I had made a new best friend, and she was right there next to me working out!

So, for a while now I have really been wanting to start a Youtube channel of my own. I wanted to post videos in a nice, fun way, so that I can also help people start (or continue) their fitness journey through online workouts! This is exactly what I did yesterday...

Along with fitness workouts, I also use online yoga videos. Yesterday I had planned to use one of these videos... but then I thought, why not create one of my own? I had done it before (More on the details of my first ever self-instructed yoga flow are coming later!), so why not do it again, and this time film myself?

My sister helped to set up my lap top, and off I went. This is definitely a video from a amateur recorder... seriously. Besides the fact I'm really awkward, the lighting is a bit odd and the background not the best. BUT... overall, for my first video, I am proud. It could have been lots worse!

Anyway, here is my FIRST EVER fitness video!! A full 75 minute Intermediate-Advanced Power Yoga Vinyasa Flow. By me, the Clean Eating Teen!

Ahhh! Check it out! Share it, like it, love it, laugh at me.  It's all okay!

Baked Salmon Croquettes (made with QUINOA POWDER? + PALEO OPTION)

Growing up in the south, it was typical to have a dinner of mashed potatoes, black eyed peas, and my FAVORITE... salmon croquettes.

These tasty, fried critters were PERFECT smothered in ketchup. Honestly, I would load my fork up with potatoes, peas, salmon, and ketchup, just for the fun of it. My mouth is watering just thinking of the memories.

Another great thing I remember from this meal is the fun-yet EASY- prep. I would help my mom or grandmother form the patties, and be super excited when I could smell them cooking at dinner time a few hours later.

Of course, those days are long gone... I no longer eat salmon patties fried in grease (or anything fried, for that matter), and would definitely opt out on the poor quality bread crumbs used traditionally to hold these together. Heck, even the ketchup I ate back then I wouldn't now... talk about high fructose corn syrup.

Anyways, the other day my mom brought home some big cans on salmon and really wanted me to try and come up with a healthy way to make croquettes. She gave me some ideas, and I thought about some healthy options as well... and poof! These babies popped out. I'm really glad I could find a way to reinvent one of my FAVORITE meals, and these are SOOOOO going to be in the dinner rotations from now on.

Also, a note on the quinoa powder I used...
In the classic recipes, the binding agent for the salmon is egg and bread crumbs. I considered trying oat powder, and I still think that would work. But I wanted a bit more protein this round, and thought quinoa would do the trick. I'm not sure if you can buy "quinoa powder", but you don't really have to... I just grind my own up in the blender.

If you want to make this recipe Paleo, replace the quinoa powder with almond flour.

Im sure you could "fry" these up too, if wanted, with coconut oil in a skillet.

And now... TO THE RECIPE.

Baked Salmon Croquettes 
Yields 7 Patties 

(1) 15 oz can quality salmon
1 egg
1/5 cup quinoa, grounded into a fine powder (or almond flour)
1/2 cup diced onion
1/2 cup diced bell pepper
1/3 cup diced celery
1/2 TBSP garlic powder
1 TSP black pepper
dash of cayenne
pinch of sea salt, optional

1) Chop up your veggies!

2) Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl and mix well. A note on bones and "skin" found in the canned salmon... KEEP IT!! I was grossed out and confused at first too... but from years of learning cooking tips from my grandmomma, she taught me that they easily turn into mush (read: you ain't gonna feel or taste nothin'), plus are a good source of minerals. Just make sure you pinch the bones with your fingers as you come across them, and you will find they easily mix into the meat.

3) Once mixed well, form into patties. You will notice they do not hold incredibly well at first, but once refrigerated they will be firmer. Just squeeze well in your hands and do as best you can... they will hold well enough!

4) Cover and refrigerate for a few hours AT LEAST, or overnight. This step is REALLY important... do not skip!! Getting the patties cold helps make them firmer, holds them together better and makes them more easily manageable. Plus, it gives it some time to allow the flavors to bloom.

5) Preheat your oven to 400. Place your patties a few inches apart on a lined baking sheet and bake in the oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until cooked as desired.


And then... voila. Pure deliciousness.

Whats your favorite childhood meal?
What foods have you healthified, or would like me to try to?

Natalie

Healthy Camping 2.0: Food

If you have not already read my first installment of healthy camping, Healthy Camping 1.0: Working Out, check it out!

This is part two, about how to eat correctly while out on your trip. So many people relate camping to unhealthy snacks, prepackaged items, and overall eating complete junk. But honestly, why is this? I know that buying quick, ready to go foods seems the easiest route... after all, you're out in the WILDERNESS, what else is there to eat when you can't cook on a stove?

Uh... who needs a stove?! Camping is honestly the IDEAL environment (no pun intended) to prepare EASY food in a nutritious way. How do you think the caveman cooked their food? Or those surviving in the wild? They certainly could not have access to a Walmart for a Twinkie or Cheeto run, or have the ability to use a stove top. What did they use? A fire... something that you most likely have as well when camping!

A fire is your best friend when preparing healthy camping food. Most camp grounds will offer a fire pit at your location, and often times even have a wire or metal tool that can be placed over it. This can be used not only to keep the fire down, but also to hold foods as they are being cooked! If your camp ground does not offer this tool, you can bring one yourself (such as a wire rack).
With the fire, you can easily cook raw meats. You can cook vegetables kabob style, or wrap them in foil and let them "steam" a bit (if you do this, I suggest adding some liquid in the form of chopped tomatoes or perhaps a bit of broth or water). Also, potatoes are easily cooked if put in a fire pit and wrapped in foil. 


Image via Google Images

Also, try cooking over the fire using pots or pans. Instead of roasting marshmallows on a stick, stab on meat and roast them the same way!


Image via Google Images



Image via Google Images

Try bringing your own grill, either charcoal or electrical powdered. On my recent trip, my godparents brought their grill and we used this each night instead of the fire. It works just as well!

If you have access to an electrical output at your site, you could bring a small toaster oven. We did this as well, and we cooked potatoes this way. It takes a while, yes, but how much easier does it get to throw some food in there in the morning, and when you return in the afternoon or evening, it is done?

Make sure to bring basic utensils. Forks, spoons, and napkins can be throw away if wanted, but I suggest you make sure and bring at least two quality knifes with you to ensure you can chop your meats and vegetables.

Don't forget seasonings too! You can do alot with the basic salt and pepper, but I am also talking about simple, not always "ground" seasoning. Cooking your meat in foil alongside an onion creates tons of flavor, and you can try adding some tomato paste in with a soup, meat, or vegetable mix to add a bit of tang.

Now, some might be wondering how you safely bring raw meats and vegetables to a camp site without them spoiling first. If you choose to buy them before you arrive, pack them in a cooler. If you know your camp site is within realistic, drive-able range of a grocery store, try settling yourselves in the site and then make a quick trip to the store. Or you know, you could be really awesome and hunt your own meat... but that is only optional. ;) (However, any fish you catch really can-and should- be eaten!)

As far as storing meats and veggies go... again, stick with a cooler. Some people have mini fridges (if you are in a camper like I was, or you are staying in a cabin)... but otherwise, just make sure you have access to fresh ice daily, and you will be fine.

Most of all... BE PREPARED!! PLAN AHEAD!! Don't go out to the site without knowing what you are going to be doing. You have already planned and packed your clothes and such, so why not also be ready when it comes to food? Perhaps the week you are leaving, write down what you plan for doing at meal time, and make a list. That way grocery shopping and cooking will be easy.

Here is a view of my campsite. You can see the fire pit (which we did not use this time), and the grill my god parents brought in the back there!

Now, I am not saying that all pre packed snacks are bad. I utilized a few of these things when I was camping, and highly suggest you do so as well. Some healthy, ideal meal or snack items would be:

- Hummus
- Baby cheese rounds or sticks
- Sliced up fruits or vegetables
-Unsweetened fruit or applesauce cups 
-Small packets of peanut butter  
- Packaged, unsalted nuts 

I know there are more, but these are just some off the top of my head. Let me know if you have other suggestions for this list!

I was lucky enough to also have access to a gas powered stove (yes, I know this sounds so hypocritical of me! But USUALLY I don't have a stove what so ever.) That being said....

I made makeshift Paleo Pancakes. I didn't have a pan so they were more like... sweet, scrambled fruit eggs with peanut butter? Weird, but oh well. It worked!

These are just some basic guidelines on how to stay on track with your food while camping. With proper preparation, there is no reason ANY traveling should ever be used as an excuse to slack on your diet.

When you go camping, what do you eat?

This post is linked to Unprocessed Fridays 

Natalie

WIAW #6

Scratch Wednesday. I'm bad at this... forgive me for forgetting to snap pictures of my food Tuesday!

Anyways, I totally made up for it come Wednesday. In between a few visits with some family, I managed to snap some pictures! Woohoo!

Nothing to much from the usual. Wednesday was a yoga day, so no pre workout snack.

Breakfast:

Paleo Pancakes  (looking more and more like scrambled eggs each time?!) with blueberries with time, and of course da peanut butta. 

Lunch:

Some romaine lettuce wraps. When I make these, I usually just throw in whatever I can find around. This concoction had some hummus, avocado, a hard boiled egg... plus veggies like jicama, some home grown cucumber (from a friend!), tomato and a drizzle of mustard.

You know, its a wonder I have any friends. I eat weird combinations, sheesh. 

Dinner:

No recipe needed here. Sauteed chicken and vegetables with a baked sweet potato! It could have been baked longer...but, in this hot Texas heat, I've been trying to use the oven as little as possible (and I am really against microwaves), so I use the toaster oven. Potatoes take almost 2 hours in mine, and I grew impatient!

My normal, but whats not to love? It's always easy and yummy. Score!

Whats your favorite easy meals?
What have YOU been eating lately?!

Natalie

Blackberry Paleo Pancakes: Paleo, Gluten Free, Sugar Free

My last go around at a Paleo pancake recipe didn't go so great. I mean, they tasted yummy as ever, but the picture... not so much. I got quiet a few comments saying how it looked like doggy doo... and yes, I actually agree there.

So... time for PANCAKE ROUND DOS!

I'm still new to the blogging world, and slowly am improving (I hope!). So I figured now that I am working on better pictures, I would give these babies another go. Plus, at the time I made these, I was at my grandmothers house and her nonstick pans work like you wouldn't believe...

There were plenty of fresh blackberries from my grandmothers garden, so I was really in luck!

Blackberry Paleo Pancakes 

Yields 1 serving 

2 eggs

1 banana 

1/2 cup blackberries

1/4 cup crushed walnuts

1 TSP allspice 

1/2 TBSP coconut oil 

1) In a medium sized bowl, place all your ingredients, besides the coconut oil.

2) Melt your oil in a large nonstick skillet on medium high heat.

3) Mash up the banana and egg mixture until it looks like a massive case of the runs forms a thick paste like substance.

4) Either all at once (like I did), or in small batches forming smaller pancakes, pour your mix into the skillet. Cook about 2 minutes on each side, and flip with a large spatula.

5) Serve with peanut butter, extra berries, or a drizzle of raw local honey or pure maple syrup.

Yummy!!

What is your favorite Paleo breakfast?

Natalie

Healthy Camping 1.0: Working Out

I was MIA for a few days recently due to a camping trip! It was TONS of fun, and I got to visit with my godparents and their children (well, not really children any more... the youngest is 22!) whom I grew up with.

Many of my family and friends live out in the country, and I was raised with frequent trips out to the lake and barn. Going camping was something that was simply excepted every year, usually multiple times. However, as I've gotten older, and many family has either moved, became sick, or passed away... our trips have died down.

I am blessed my godparents recently bought a camper (their old one broke years ago), so we can start going again! I will be sure to do a recap soon. ;)

Anyways, I thought that it would be a good idea to do a post about how to stay healthy when camping. Everyone I was with out there knows that I strive for a healthy diet and lifestyle, so they were understanding when I didn't snack of the loads of chips, pre packaged sweets, and cola, or when I chose to pre make and bring my own food so I had something for meals when they were eating hamburgers with refined breads and high fructose corn syrup infused sauces.

I decided to make the first post about how I kept up with my workout schedule while away.

I know what many of you are thinking, "It's vacation, just skip a few workout days, relax...". However, this is simply not how I think. If I decided to do this, my body would be restless all day long, and I would honestly be VERY grumpy. That hour of working out is ME time. I challenge myself, let out frustration, and in turn feel FANTASTIC afterwards.

Plus, you only ever get what you put into something. Just because I'm not at home doesn't give me an excuse to not work out. I'm responsible for my own body, and my goal is to build muscle, and get stronger. That isn't going to happen on it's own! So, I took initiative, and planned my workouts with what I knew I would have available, and with what I brought.

Me planking on top of a bench. I know I look like... well, I look like a dirty old camper.

Know The Area You Will Be Staying
Not the entire camp, just your site. Is there a trail near you where you can go jogging? Are there benches, or a park you can utilize? Where is the smoothest ground surface, and where is the shade going to be when you work out? Knowing these things will help you plan your workout details.

Be Prepared...
Don't leave the house without packing your tennis shoes, socks, and a pair of workout clothes (I also brought my lifting gloves). I suggest pants that are tight and go to about your knees (think yoga capris), and a tank that has a built in bra. You don't want to be packing your entire workout wardrobe, only what you need.

This goes for any equipment, too. You always are going to want to have a mat, or a towel at least. You can use your own body weight in stead of actual weights, of course, but I always like the added resistance. I packed a pair of 5lbs and 10lbs. If I had a kettle bell I would have packed that instead. You can also take a medicine ball, hand or ankle weights, really anything you would like and have room for.

The simplest, easiest form of resistance would be a resistance band. You can use this multiple ways, either hold it or tying it to a chair, bench, or tree.

Time Wisely 
Typically, you will find yourself camping in the warmer parts of the year. This being said, it is not the best idea to start your workout in the middle of the afternoon, when things are the hottest (unless, of course, you're staying in an air conditioned cabin...but that is a different story!).

I always work out in the morning. I naturally was woken up by the sun around 7, so that's when I did my workout. You could also do it in the evening, however I think you may find yourself too tired after a fun filled day of fishing, swimming, kayaking, or just being in the heat.

Utilize Your Own Body Weight
I know I said I brought dumb bells with me, but I also made sure I used my own body weight to the best of my ability. Lots of people will find themselves with no equipment what so ever, so this is really important for them.

If you have a bench or chair, try things like step-ups, box jumps, and Bulgarian Split Squats for the legs. For arms, you can do incline or decline push ups as well as tricep dips.

Other body weight movements include lunges, squats, regular push ups, pull ups (on trees, poles, ext), planks, burpees, squat jacks... there is a long list of things you can do!

Utilize Natural Equipment
You may find that you have plenty of "weights" all around you. Rocks, chunks of wood, containers of water, bags of charcoal... anything that you can safely handle that adds resistance, use!

Have Water at The Ready!
Make sure you have WATER!! You are going to be outside, with no air conditioning. Be sure to put tons in the cooler not only for during your workout, but for after too.

Make Sure You Have Music, or Use Nature as Your Song
Lots of people listen music while they work out. This is great! However, I am just pointing this fact out because you may be relying on the gym's radio station, or some other form of tune that you won't have here. Your phone may not access Pandora or any other app that requires internet connection, or wifi, due to your location. So please plan accordingly! Create a playlist that doesn't need internet, or bring CD's and a radio.

This being said, you may NOT be able to use a radio. The people in your own camp, or any neighbors you have, might not want to listen to your head banging Metallica, or the brand new Beyonce song. Just in case, bring a pair of ear buds.

If you don't have any music, and do not have anyone else who will work out with you to keep you company, use nature as your stereo. Listen to the birds or crickets chirp, the sound of the trees in the wind, and the lake washing up on the beach. It may not be the best thing to pump you up, but sometimes it is alright to just get away from technology.


I stayed at my grandmothers house for a few days before camping, and then headed out to the camp site. I was camping for about 2 and a half days (I was there two mornings, so I worked out twice on site.) Here is what my workouts looked like:

Day 1: Upper Body

I used my dumb bells and did my Upper Body Explosion workout, found here.  

Day 2: Lower Body

I created this lower body workout using my location and equipment. I used: a bench (as pictured above), a mat, and 10 lb dumbbells.

 *Cardio= 1 minute jumping lunges, 1 minute jumping jacks, 1 minute jump squats

Cardio
15 Bulgarian Split Squats with DBs/leg, 15 Plie squats  X3
Cardio
15 Step Ups with DBs/leg, 15 Squat X3
Cardio
10 laying leg lifts (Pilates style)+10 leg circles each way/leg, 10 back lenges/leg X3
Cardio
15 donkey kick/leg, 15 Fire hydrant/leg, 15 knee circles/leg X3
Cardio

ABS:
12 leg drops, 12 Bicycles, 1 min plank hold X3


Each of these workouts took me about an hour to complete.

These are just a few tips to help keep you on track during your camping trip. Of course, it is also important to keep active outside of your workout! Enjoy a trail hike, go fishing or swimming, take a kayaking or canoeing trip!

What are some ways you keep active while camping, or traveling in general?

I will blog about how to go about food while camping soon!

Natalie

Rosemary Balsamic Chicken with Sauteed Melody

In this EXTREME Texas heat, it is really difficult to keep anything planted alive outside. At the beginning of summer, my family and I planted vegetables (squash, jalapeno, bell pepper, tomato and eggplant) as well as some herbs (rosemary, basil, and mint).

All the vegetables looked really promising, and I thought for sure they would do well. Haha, oh the deception... the squash and eggplant didn't make squat, and the pepper plant has so far given us a single, wimpy baby. The jalapeno plant did alright, and the tomatoes too. But other than that, no produce for us!

The herbs are what really has thrived, honestly.  I try to use them as much as possible to thank the garden spirits, or whatever else is letting them live. I used some basil in this recipe!

Rosemary Balsamic Chicken with Sauteed Melody 

Serves 2 

2 chicken breasts

2 rosemary twigs, chopped

1 TSP garlic powder

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar 

1/3 onion, chopped 

1 cup large chopped colored bell pepper

2 tomatoes, diced 

1 (thawed) package frozen green beans 

1 TBSP coconut oil 

1) Combine your chicken with the marinade ingredients: the garlic powder, the rosemary, and the vinegar. Cover and let sit in the fridge for at least 2 hours.

2) In a large pan, melt the coconut oil over medium high heat. Saute the onion for about 3 minutes, until soft.

3) Add the bell pepper and saute another 3 minutes. 

4) Toss in the tomato and mix around. Let the tomato get soft, about 3-5 minutes. 

5) At this point, add your chicken breasts, with any marinade. There should be some liquid from the vegetables, but also add 1/2 cup water. 

6) Cook about 5 minutes on each side before progressing. 

7) Add your thawed green beans. If most of your water has cooked out, you may want to add a bit more, just make sure it is not too much. You don't want this all liquidy!

8) Cover the pan, and again, cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until done.

Serve and enjoy!

So tell me... what is your favorite ways to use your garden?
Has your garden actually survived this year?!

Natalie

My Life Lately: "I'm a Blogger" + Dynamite Peanut Butter?!

I really enjoyed posting my first "My Life Lately" a while back. Perhaps because it made me feel like other bloggers I read, whom I actually enjoy hearing about the regular things that happen to them on a daily bases. It's almost like you've got a weird, friendship-like bond that is developed over the interwebs? I am not sure how to explain it, but if you are also a blogger or an avid reader of some, i'm sure you know what I mean.

Or perhaps it just gives me an excuse to snap pictures every few seconds?

 "Excuse me mam, but there are no cameras allowed in the museum." 

"Oh no, trust me. I'm a blogger."  

I tried to explain the reasoning on posting things like this on Clean Eating Teen to my mother. She was confused, asking "why are you talking about going to a pool party when you're website is about fitness and health...", and I tried to point out that it helps improve the quality and diversity of content, plus it is fun for your audience, and fun to write... She still did not get it. Oh well, maybe some day momma! ;)   

Let's start with the ending of Vacation Bible School. I talked about this last "My Life"... I was a crew leader for a group of first graders, and boy, were they something to talk about! I was really blessed with a wonderful batch of kiddos, and for the most part things sailed smoothly. This picture was taken the last day. I'm standing next to my momma, and two of our best friends who also took part in helping out. 

They told the kids (and leaders, if they wanted!) to dress up like knights, kings, and queens for the last night, to end the week and the Kingdom theme with a bang! That's why I am wearing a crown in my hair. Actually, its just a necklace, but it worked... so no need to talk specifics. ;)

My sister often goes to a horse barn with her best friend, who actually owns one of the horses. My sister has been learning to ride herself, and my mom and I came out to watch one day. It was smelly, dusty, and HOT! I REALLY respect the owner of the place, as well as my sister and other riders, so taking so much time and effort out to take care of the horses. It is a TON of work, but they love every moment of it. 

Up top is me (please excuse my face) with a horse. Below is a picture of my sis riding! 

While out at the barn I found these... my sisters friend brought them as a snack. Not the healthiest of choices, but definitely something...uh, creative? 

I mean, REALLY Lays? I am not sure to be in awe of this creation, or in total disgust. Sure, the concept is really neat, but one look on the back of this... how in the world do they obtain "chicken flavoring" ? "Waffle seasoning"? Sigh. 

I also did my fair share in peeling and de-veining some shrimp for my last seafood recipe. Goodness, I know they taste good, but multiple times during this procedure I felt as if it wasn't worth it. Those little critters smell NASTY! 

My best friend Taylor, whom I've written about before, is just a big of a health nut as me. She LOVES to lift heavy, and boy... can she EVER! We went to the gym together (her local gym, I just got a 7 day free pass), and I was SHOCKED by how much stronger this girl is than me. My workout literally IS her warm up! 

She can leg press 200 lbs, people. With proper form. She's hardly 15 and does 1/3 the weight her dad can! 

I am in such awe... and yes, jealousy. Not only because she is a BEAST, but also because she has access to the gym and heavier weights than I do. I can only use what I have at home. 

So after one of our workouts, we walked back to her place (the gym is close) and made ourselves something to eat.

She also is a peanut butter freak. They just ran out of a jar, so there was an un-open one in need of being stirred. Oh man... the job of stirring the peanut butter. 

We both are aware of the mess it can cause (hence the reason for the massive wad of paper towels under the jar!). So we braced ourselves, got out a spoon, and got to work. And WHAT IN THE WORLD?! The peanut butter seemed to have fought us back! 

I am not joking. At all. The bent spoon in the picture is COMPLETELY done by the peanut butter. We shoved the spoon around, back and forth, and uh... yeah. This happened! Talk about some DYNAMITE PEANUT BUTTER. 

And now, ladies and gentlemen, I will end with this. 

A car in my neighborhood. 

Yep. That's Jackie Chan airbrushed on the back of that sucka'. Why? Don't ask me. 

So... whats been up in your life lately? 

Natalie