Tag Archives: vegetarian

Pink Running Kicks Vegan Journey Post #1

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Well, I’ve finally decided to follow a vegan diet and I’m super excited to journal my new journey.  I started this journey on April 1, 2015 and I’ve since started making new recipes.  Here are a few of my meals.

Nicecream = fruit and ice blended to a creamy “ice-cream”like consistency.  Here I blended strawberries, bananas, vanilla powder and coconut nectar (sweetener).  I love to add flax seeds, chia seeds and extra fruit.

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Vegan Tacos are a special treat.  I either fill them with vegan crumbles, black beans, brown rice or mushrooms.

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There are so many products available to help any one beginning a vegan diet.  I enjoy searching Facebook, Instagram and other social media to find recipes and others on this journey.

My transition was fairly easy since I was a vegetarian for 2 1/2 years.  Get ready for new posts on this new lifestyle adventure.

Peace and Love,

Pink Running Kicks

Checkout my other social media sites:

Facebook:  Pink Running Kicks

Instagram:  pinkrunningkicks

Twitter:  Copperlady2009

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The FitExpo – Los Angeles

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I had a blast attending the Los Angeles FitExpo this past week, Feb. 7-8, 2015.  I was able to meet a lot of fun and exciting fitness experts who shared some of their top secrets to success.

I spent the first day, Saturday, Feb. 7, 2015, improving my culinary skills.  I participated in cooking classes taught by celebrity chefs, athletes and fitness experts/models.  They took me step-by-step through some tasty and healthy recipes.  Their main focus was “how to include 50+ grams of protein in a meal.  It smelled delightful in this chef’s kitchen and the samples tasted outstanding.

Chef Patrick Stark 

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Chef Stark prepared a delicious Vegan Curried Vegetable meal that contained 50+ grams of protein.  His secret to adding 50+ grams of protein involved adding vanilla whey protein to his curry milk sauce  and pouring it over his veggies and brown rice.  This was a spicy and delightfully seasoned vegan/vegetarian meal.
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Dymatize Protein Athletes were hosting and preparing delicious 50+grams of protein meals as well.  They prepared a curry chicken meal and protein pancakes.

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What a delight to see handsome and fit men cooking in the kitchen ;).

I also received a ton of free samples to try out.  All were very good. One of my favs was Oxygen magazine.  The fitness models of Oxygen were handing out free issues (Score!).   I received lots of backpacks and T-shirts as well.

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On Sunday, Feb. 8, 2015, I had the pleasure of meeting the beautiful and oh so sweet Follow the Lita!  Lita is a Physical and Spiritual Motivator Ambassador/fitness expert/trainer/fitness model and my daily inspiration.  She is such a happy and friendly person.  She prepared Turkey Burger Patties.  She included olives and sun dried tomatoes.  I’ll have to try that with my TVP mix (texturized vegetable protein) the next time I make homemade veggie patties.

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I’m such a fan of Lita! Isn’t she gorgeous? Her figure is to die for as well.

I also attended an amazing presentation by Dr. Levi Harrison, M.D.  I cannot begin to tell you how much I learned from this man.  I will be dedicating an entire blog to review his book, “The Art of Fitness” and his DVD, “The Art of Fitness (Cardio Core Workout).  So look out for this blog post because the book and DVD are phenomenal!  He is a dynamic speaker, caring motivator and incredibly cute!

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I so enjoyed my time at the LA FitExpo.  I will be attending another in August 2015.  I’m so excited.

Peace and Love

 

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PACt Cranberry Extract Water- A Delicious New Hydrating Drink

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I’ve been searching for a drink that would instantly hydrate me after a long day at work or through the night.  As I was flipping through SHAPE magazine, I ran across an ad for Ocean Spray PACt Cranberry Extract Water and decided to give it a try.  I normally enjoy all flavors of Ocean Spray Cranberry Juices so I decided to get all of the PACt flavors:  Cranberry Blood Orange, Cranberry Pomegranate, Cranberry Raspberry and Cranberry Mango Passion Fruit

I enjoyed every flavor that I purchased.  Each were mildly sweet and definitely flavorful.  There was no weird after taste and  they were not too watered down like other flavored waters I’ve tasted in the past.

Ocean spray has also created a fabulous PACt Cranberry Extract Water website (www.pact.oceanspray.com) that details all of the nutritional benefits.  I’m especially grateful for the many health benefits described on the website including the following:

  • Only 10 calories per serving
  • No genetically engineered ingredients
  • Color straight from cranberries

I really enjoyed all of the information provided by the website.  There is a section called #evenbetter that features motivational quotes, articles, lifestyle and health tips.  There are also numerous recipes for preparing healthy meals.  I’ll definitely be creating the Wild Rice with Cranberries and Caramelized Onions this weekend.

Overall, I really enjoyed the new PACt Cranberry Extract Waters.   I think that this would be a nice drink to enjoy before, during, or after a workout.  You could even enjoy it with lunch, dinner or to supplement a snack. Drinking it before you go to bed would aid in restoring your body’s nutrients and muscle regeneration throughout the night.  I will definitely be purchasing more PACt waters in the future.

Peace and Love ♥

Pink Running Kicks

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Instagram:  pinkrunningkicks

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The DASH DIET Weight Loss Solution Book Review

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I just finished reading the book entitled, “The DASH DIET Weight Loss Solution” by Marla Heller, MS, RD  and I must say that I’m absolutely impressed.  The author, Martha Heller, a registered dietician in private practice and at a naval hospital outpatient nutrition clinic, provides a simple step-by-step 2 week plan for losing 10 lbs.  She ensures that you will not only reduce your weight, but improve your overall health.

 

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My interest was spurred to read this book after my mother challenged me to start adding book reviews to my blog.  I’m grateful for her suggestion because I thoroughly enjoyed this book.  Furthermore, my interest was sparked because the author stated, “You can lose 10 lbs in 2 weeks.”  She provided valuable research based findings on combating heart disease and diabetes as well.  The DASH DIET Weight Loss Solution will ultimately help reduce your weight, lower your blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels and reduce risks of developing diabetes or kidney stones.

As I paged through the 2 week plan and recipes that the author included, I realized that this was something that I could do successfully.  Mostly because it includes meals and snacks that I normally eat on a regular basis.  It doesn’t list those foods that I normally will not enjoy eating and leave me feeling like I’m starving.

There are 2 phases to the diet.  Phase 1 reboots your body and appetite.  You phase out starchy foods and concentrate on protein and veggies.  No fruit in this phase as well.  Phase 2 then slowly incorporates items back into your meal plan in a healthy and sustainable way.  The diet involves “preparing meals and snacks that are satisfying and actually help to curb hunger.”

Candidates for the DASH DIET Weight Loss Solution include the following:

  • individuals who carry excess weight around the middle
  • individuals diagnosed with high blood pressure (see your physician for assistance)
  • individuals diagnosed with diabetes (see your physician for assistance)
  • individuals who are sick and tired of yo-you dieting
  • individuals who desire to take preventive measures to reduce risks of developing high blood pressure and diabetes

So, forget about the junk food, refined grains and overeating.  These will just make you stay hungry, crave the unhealthy foods and keep excess weight on your body.

List of things to avoid:

  • refined grains
  • junk food
  • skipping meals

List of things to enjoy:

  • healthy fats (e.g. nuts) they help keep you sustained especially in the late afternoons right before dinner.
  • fruits and veggies
  • cooking new recipes
  • meal planning
  • meal prepping

I now enjoy grocery shopping, reading labels and of course my all time favorite thing to do, COOKING!

I enjoy planning my meals followed by meal preparation for the entire week.

I recommend that you download this book or purchase it at your local bookstore.  You won’t be disappointed!  I finished reading this book in 2 days so that’s an indication that you won’t be able to put it down once you pick it up.

Peace and Love

 

 

 

Let’s Get Acquainted- My Other Hobby

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Those who know me personally know that I enjoy purchasing makeup.  I love to buy the newest items that hit the makeup aisles or counters in any drugstore, Target or department store.  Why do I love makeup so much?  I really just love everything in the world of beauty.  If I had another career it may have been Makeup Artistry.  Here are a few of my most recent purchases and everyday must-haves.

I normally use the BB Kiss BB cream in medium.  It is lightweight, but gives full coverage.  As you can see I use this quite often it’s one of my favs.

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Since my skin can sometimes be oily I have to wear a mattifying base underneath the BB Cream.  I love this one that I picked up from Targets.

 

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I recently purchased several press powders from Nigel’s Beauty Emporium in Hollywood.  I’ve yet to try them, but I will let you know how they turn out in a future blog.

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I splurged on two eyeshadow palettes that I can’t  wait to experiment with them soon!

 

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New brushes that I picked up, pink of course.

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Keep those brushes clean to prevent breakouts.  Here are my current brush and beauty blender cleaners.  I already tried the brush cleaner and it’s amazing.  A little goes a long way.

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My everyday fragrances.  I love, love, love these two in combination.

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A few more facts about me…..

l.  My favorite color is pink (any shade)

2.  I love to workout outdoors (walking/running on the beach is my fav.)

3.  Favorite running shoes:  Asics and Nikes (pink has to be present somewhere on the shoes of course!)

4.  Favorite fruit:  Blueberries

5.  Favorite Music:  R & B

6.  Favorite Comedian:  Richard Pryor (who else?)

7.  Favorite Shows:  (Scandal and How to Get Away with Murder -Go Kerry and Viola)

8.  Favorite Meal:  Pescatarian or Vegetarian

9.  Favorite Thing to Do:  Watch YouTube Videos, Blog

10:  Next Major Purchase:  I need another camera because I’m using my iPhone for pics.  I won’t purchase one unless I consistently blog for the next two weeks though.

If you have any other questions please feel free to ask in comments below.

Peace and Love

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Saves the Day!

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I thought all was lost tonight when I tried to find an open Starbucks.  My usual tradition is to order my White Chocolate Peppermint Mocha and drive around the neighborhood to look at the Christmas Lights.  So, to go to three different Starbucks and find out they were all closed early put a slight damper on my cheery Christmas mood.

But lo and behold, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf was OPEN!!!! I was so excited.  I ordered my festive drink and went on my merry way.

 

Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Saves the Day!

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As I cruised the streets tonight, I reflected on how happy and blessed I am in my life.  I have great friends, my parents are healthy, I love my job and God is the center of my joy.

Earlier today, I managed to get all of my grocery shopping done.  As I stated in a previous blog, my love of cooking is being rekindled.  I picked up a new item today that the grocery clerk was telling me was quite delicious.

 

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I will be preparing a Pescatarian Christmas lunch tomorrow.  Pics will be up on the blog tomorrow!  My evening will be spent with loved ones who are very dear to me.

I’ll leave you with the festive sounds of the Whispers tonight.  Merry Christmas to all and to all a goodnight!

Peace and Love

 

 

 

 

1st Day Of Winter Break

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Sooooooo! I had planned to do some semi exciting activities today. However, I ended up watching YouTube videos and Netflix movies pretty much all day.  Yep! I have started my vacation as a couch potato.  Some of the reasons for my lack of activity may be due to a sudden little bug that I seem to have caught since the light showers over the past week here in sunny California.  I have been trying to treat this little affliction with the following items, but I don’t think they are working very well.

 

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Speaking of You Tube videos.  I’ve been catching up on watching some of the Makeup Gurus on Youtube.  Some of my favorites are:

l.  GlamTwinz234

2.  C Key

3.  SunKissAlba

4.  ItsJudyTime

5.  MsLizHeart

6. BeautybyLee

I have many more which I may mention in another blog.  My latest task will be to master contouring.  I picked up a couple of contouring pallets this Christmas.

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It should be a lot of phone trying out new looks.  I’ll post the new makeup items that I haul in future blogs.  I have a huge haul from Nigel’s Emporium that I need to tell you about.  I will also start adding in My Bucketlist which I am creating.  One item is to complete a Makeup Artistry Workshop and receive my Pro Card.  I love makeup!!!!!!

I’ve completed some Christmas Shopping.  I sent my parents their gifts.  I will not post a pic because they may read the blog and spoil the surprise.  However, I’ve purchased a few new perfumes for myself.

 

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I’ve decided to cook everyday for the next 3 weeks of my Winter vacation.  I will have to grocery shop tomorrow.  But, first I need to make room in my refrigerator.  I will need to make room for fresh fruits and vegetables.  A more recent bit of news is that I am now a pescatarian.  I recently added seafood to my diet.  I think it helps me with balancing my meals a little better.  I will take pics of the new recipes that I will be preparing.  Pinterest is my new best friend.  I love to try the recipes that I see on there.

 

I do have a few YouTube Chefs that I follow religiously.

l.  Cooking with April

2.  Laura Vitale

3.  Divas Can Cook

 

My running routine needs severe help.  I was doing great over the summer.  As soon as my new job started my running ended (sob).  I will have to reinvent myself once again.

My plan is to blog everyday so see you tomorrow!

Peace and Love!

 

 

 

 

 

Long Beach, CA Excursions

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This past Saturday, August 3, 2013 started out with a very healthy breakfast.  I had to fuel up for my beach workout: Scambled eggs (easy), Ezekiel Bread Cinnamon and Raisin English Muffins, Almond Butter, Strawberry and Spinach Salad with Chia Seeds and Flax Seed.

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I walked for a total of 3 miles and attacked the stairs as usual.

The rest of the day involved shopping and browsing stores.

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Another great lunch in the afternoon.  I enjoyed this 1/2 green 1/2 oriental salad with the sweetest vinegarette.  Really yummy!

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Nothing beats a healthy snack:  Dried blueberries and unsalted roasted cashews

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I’m excited about changing up my workout a bit.  I’ll be running again in no time.  I can feel myself getting stronger with every workout.

How was your weekend?

Grocery Shopping

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I ended a long day at work by shopping at Ralphs for a few items. I stocked up on oranges and vegetables. I’m really loving corn on the cob right now.

I’ve been eating a lot of laughing cow cheese. I scored this new flavor today:

I can’t wait to slather it on a toasted whole wheat bagel.

I picked up some POM Cranberry Juice. It tasted pretty good! I know it’s super healthy for me. Chalk full of antioxidants.

I’ve been indulging in the breakfast of the champions lately, greek yogurt and whole grain snacks.

Healthy dinner choice tonight! Loved it. Oven roasted corn and a garden salad (romaine lettuce, tomatoes, green onion, cucumbers, cilantro) and oil and vinegar dressing.

Questions:

l. What do you love to pick up at the grocery store?

2. What did you have for dinner?