Healthy Recipe: {Pineapple Protein Smoothie}

Recipe:

1 medium-size banana

1 1/2 cups frozen pineapple

1 scoop vanilla protein powder 

(I used Designer Whey)

vanilla almond milk, unsweetened

(fill to max line) 

Blend and enjoy! 

I use a NutriBullet - my mother gifted one to me and I am in love. I have lost about 8 pounds so far and have been feeling happier and healthier. I highly suggest getting yourself a really nice blender if you can! 

Happy Wednesday! 

xoxo

New Year's {Resolutions}

This year, I have only three resolutions:

1. Lose 40 pounds by eating healthy and exercising 5x/week.

2. Complete at least 30 more items in my 101 in 1,001 challenge.

3. Travel to at least one new place.

I know that I can accomplish these things. I have a few things already planned, but I know that I will find a way to complete all of this. I am filled with hope for 2014, and I am confident in myself and my abilities.

I already began my weight loss journey in 2013, and while I lost only a few pounds (only to regain them over Christmas... whoops) I have been losing again since then. I have been walking at least 10,000 steps per day and plan to continue to do so. I plan on incorporating running, strength training, dance, and hopefully some yoga/pilates in order to achieve my goal and become a healthier, happier person.

I made a list of 101 in 1,001 - 101 things to complete in 1,001 days - last September and I plan to continue working on that list. I have many things that are half-way or almost complete, and many things yet to do. I hope to knock out at least 30 of my goals in the upcoming year.

Lastly, I would like to travel somewhere new. Even if it's in California. I've been itching to travel but not having the time or money, but I will find a way because there is so much that I long to see and do.

I will find my way to happiness in the upcoming year.

What are your resolutions for 2014?

xoxo

Friday Five

ONE | MONTEREY

Seriously though, how beautiful is this place? I think I'm in love. Also, their aquarium and cannery row are so much fun! I bought an annual pass to the aquarium so that I can come all year round! (:

TWO | APPLES TO APPLES

Apples to Apples

This game is so much fun an absolutely addicting! I highly recommend it. 

THREE | EARL GREY TEA

I have had a bit of a cold recently, and honestly, tea and smoothies have gotten me through it (I'm finally on the last few days- I can't wait to feel better!)  Early Grey tea is my second favorite, but I was all out of my "After Seven-Fifty-Nine" tea from Crown & Crumpet in San Francisco. 

FOUR | BIG BOWS

Seriously, though. I am obsessed. 

I bought this bow for my Madeline costume, and I wear it all of the time now! 

I fully intend on purchasing a green or blue velvet bow to wear at Christmas. 

FIVE | ENDORPHINS

I have been wanting to work out every day lately, but I was really sick, so I couldn't muster the energy some days. However, a new leaf is turning as I am starting to feel better, so I am going to work out tonight, and each day this weekend, and every other day next week! On my way to a fitter, healthier me!

Happy Friday!
Have a wonderful weekend!
xoxo

Weigh-In Wednesday: Walking!

Walking on the beach is wonderful exercise! Just make sure you don't get hit by a wave!

Walking is one of the best activities for your body, and it is actually quite an enjoyable form of exercise. Lately, I've taken to the 10,000 steps "diet," which is not really a diet at all! The premise is for you to attempt to walk 10,000 steps every day and eat about 1/4 less than you usually would. It has been working for me, at least, in my legs! I went to visit my hometown and I received several compliments about my legs looking thinner. My arms and abs still need work, however, so I am looking for short workouts that will work my whole body, particularly my arms! I have been told that it isn't possible to spot reduce, but I want to find some full-body workouts. 

I cannot wait to be an even healthier, more active version of me. 

And I'm already pretty active, so it should be interesting!

xoxo

Weigh-In Wednesday

Last Wednesday, I stepped on the scale to find that I had lost two pounds (in one week)! It doesn't seem like a lot, what with shows like the Biggest Loser and such, but I am trying to lose weight slowly and in a way that works for me. 

I used to weigh myself daily but I found myself getting frustrated with the lack of results, and it was driving me nuts! So now I've decided to weigh myself every Wednesday morning!

Most of that was just putting in a little bit more of an effort to eat vegetables and walk an extra 30 minutes every day. This week I found a great app for people with iPhones called Moves, which basically a pedometer. It tells you how many steps you've walked or miles you've run in a day.

My goal is to walk 10,000 steps, drink 8 glasses of water, and eat at least two fruits and two veggies daily, to start. I will most likely become more ambitious with time.
I also really love workout videos by Tiffany Rothe. They're on Youtube for free, the are all about 10 minutes long, and they will kick your butt! Here's my favorite:

Today when I stepped on the scale, I had lost another two pounds! Slowly but surely, I'll reach my goal! 

Weight lost: 4 lbs

Pounds to lose: 55 lbs
Hopefully I continue to lose about 2 pounds a week; it will take me almost a full year to reach my goal. I have faith!

xoxo,
Caryn Elizabeth

Healthy Summer

There's something about summertime that makes me want to eat better, exercise, and become a healthier person. Maybe it's all of that fresh fruit and veggies, or maybe it's something in the air. Either way, I'm doing my best this summer to become a happier, healthier version of me. 

Some of the yummy goodness I've been enjoying is pictured above. Currently, my favorite healthy snack has been hummus with broccoli, tomato, and carrots. However, fruit is what I love most: I am obsessed with pineapple, strawberries, and mango. They're seriously the best. I've been making smoothies to-go and walking on the beach, which should be great for my calves! (The exfoliation of my feet in the sand doesn't hurt, either). 

So this summer will be a new beginning for me: I will eat better. I will exercise more. And I will become the healthy person that I know I can be. 

What are some of your favorite healthy foods/snacks?

Much love, 

Caryn Elizabeth