Tip of The Day: Go Green!

Okay, so we all know about Naked Juice and their benefits. But while they are natural, they still contain sugars. So, be wary of the one you pick up at the grocery store. While Naked Juices are definitely contain more natural sugars, they still contain sugars that can stunt weight loss. So, want to know which one I drink on a weekly basis? Vegetable juice!

1. Pick out juices that have "Veggies" on the top of the label. Green juice will help you out more than the frothy pink ones. They are chock full of antioxidants from BOTH fruits and vegetables. By adding elements of veggies, you'll be slashing calories and adding energy.

2. Another tip to sipping on juices: space out a bottle throughout the day. Perhaps drink 8 oz. before a workout. Then drink the other 8 oz. as a mid-afternoon snack. Spread out servings throughout your day, and you will burn calories as needed rather than holding onto excess calories.


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Healthy Flatbread Recipe

Pizza! Ah! My favorite food! But, cheese and bread has a bad rep for being heavy on the calories. So, why not try a lighter flat-bread that I recently came up with?

Ingredients:

-1 whole wheat flat-bread
-1/2 cup ricotta cheese
-2 oz. part skim shredded mozzarella
-1 slice of turkey bacon cooked and chopped
-1/4 cup of mango in big chunks
-1 tbs. chives chopped

Optional garnish:

-1 tbs. garlic minced
-2 tbs. olive oil


Fierce calorie count: 482 calories!

Instructions:

Take the whole wheat flat-bread and scatter the part skim shredded mozz all over the top! Remember to leave an outer crust.

Next, dabble 5-6 ricotta spoonfuls from the 1/2 cup you sectioned off.

Scatter the turkey bacon bits, mango chunks, and chives all over your flat-bread.

Pop this pizza in a preheated oven for 15-20 minutes on 375 degrees.

Take it out when finished and drizzle optional olive oil and minced garlic on top!

Enjoy!

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THE SIMPLEST PANCAKE RECIPE EVER

Okay, pancakes have carbs. And, that sucks. But, let's say it didn't have to be that way. Let's say you could substitute for a dramatically healthier option. BAM.

1 banana

+

1 egg

=

Gluten-free, low calorie pancakes!

Simply mash 1 ripe banana into a bowl until smooth. Then, mix in one egg. Pour into 4 small circles on a non-stick pan. After 1 minute, check to see if edges are golden brown with a spatula. Flip when ready, and cook the other side.

Feel free to include some topping within your batter like I did here! (Cinnamon Pancakes) Additionally, I added 1 teaspoon of baking powder to add fluffiness.

Toppings can include: Fresh fruit, cinnamon, dark chocolate chips, peanut butter, honey, natural maple syrup, etc.

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Sun Salutations: Surya Namaskar

Want to lose weight? Increase your flexibility? Challenge your body? Reduce stress? Well, take up yoga! As I am studying to become a certified yoga instructor, I recently started practicing Sun Salutations daily. The results have been a more toned body and a calmer mind. Who wouldn't want that?

Besides the physical benefits, Sun Salutations, or Surya Namaskar, also provide an opportunity to express gratitude to the sun for sustaining life on this planet. That is a beautiful message! And, one that will get you out of bed and up practicing Sun Salutations every day.

For the best results, try and follow the above video every morning. Take breaks accordingly.

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American University - Frederick Douglass Distinguished Scholars Video

I got through to the second phase of the Frederick Douglass Distinguished Scholars, and I am beyond excited. Check out my video submission. Keep your fingers crossed for your girl as she awaits to hear if she made it to phase 3!

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Pesto Hummus, Tomato, and Mozz Panini (Get the Recipe for Pesto Hummus!)

Hot Panini

Cold Sandwich

Chef Turo, the awesome head chef at my school and my awesome Culinary Arts III teacher, said make a panini. He told his students that we could use ham, pork, ground beef, american cheese, steak. We could use the grill and the deep fryer. We could use anything we could find.

So, I decided to use hummus, a healthy spread made from ground chickpeas and sesame seeds, olive oil, lemon, and garlic. And, in a spontaneous decision, I chose to combine the hummus with a pesto sauce. After spreading my creation onto a long slice of rye bread, I topped off my pesto hummus with fresh tomato and a handful of shredded, part-skim mozzarella. I proceeded to press the completed sandwich in the panini machine, and it came out looking ultra fierce. It was possibly the best tasting sandwich I have made thus far. I have my pesto hummus recipe from beginning to end below so you can try it on your next sandwich, too!

Hope you enjoy it!

Fierce Ingredients:
-16 ounces of garbanzo beans (chickpeas), drained and rinsed

-1/2 cup basil leaves

-1 clove garlic

-1 tablespoon olive oil

-salt and ground black pepper to taste

The Simple Rundown:

1. Combine the garbanzo beans, basil, and garlic in a food processor, and pulse the combined ingredients several times. You may also choose to chop ingredients by hand, although this may take more time.

2. Use a spoon or spatula to push the mixture from sides of processor bowl. 

3. Pulse the mixture again while drizzling in the olive oil. Sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste, mixing along the way.

4. Spread pesto hummus on your sandwiches and wraps. You can even mix it with some quinoa, like I did with the leftovers the next day! Ultra yummy! Ultra fierce! Enjoy!

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