Circle of Healthy, Happy Friends

Every year, our circle of friends venture to Higgins Lake, Michigan to celebrate Labor Day weekend.  More so this year than any other, I was moved by how much we have grown over the years to become the people we are today.  While so much has changed since college, our values remain the foundation, and from that, we have each in our own right built what stands a unique individual. Even with life's changes and our individual molding, it amazes me that we still fit rather perfectly - together. 

There are without a doubt many traits that make our group of friends great.  However, during this most recent gathering, I was awestruck in our shared belief to actively pursue a healthy lifestyle.  While we each have our own definition as to what living a healthy lifestyle looks like, we seem to naturally respect each others' beliefs as it's all towards the same end goal.   Even more so, we support each other - and that support was reflected time and time again during our weekend together.

I was overcome with so many moments of pride - here we are a group of twenty-something year-olds (okay, okay, all closer to thirty) away together for "vacation", yet we all packed food and ate as if we were at a "Get My Body Back" Bootcamp Retreat.  Other than alcohol consumption, we were all pretty much clean eating saints.  Especially us girls.  Not only did we eat clean, the entire time, we moved our butts.  We got in our morning runs and made for an upper body adventure with the kayaks! Us girls made the kitchen a creative cooking studio - and with contribution from the guys - we whipped up some amazingly fresh, mouthwatering meals.   

It was the ultimate weekend away; satisfied bellies, achy muscles, loads of laughs, a little gossip, blue skies, bluer water, sun-kissed faces, and a bottle of memories to remind us just how blessed we are to have so many like-minded souls in our corner. 

Mr & Mrs. soaking in the sun's rays and enjoying the beauties of Pure Michigan.

The girls. Without any prior arrangement, we all packed food that made for the perfect combination. It was pretty impressive!

Below is just a sampling of our many tastings! Fresh was the underlying theme! 

 

Us Girls venturing out on the kayaks while the guys sailed... 

Does it get any better than this? Soaking it all in!

"It was the ultimate weekend away; satisfied bellies, achy muscles, loads of laughs, a little gossip, blue skies, bluer water, sun-kissed faces, and a bottle of memories to remind us just how blessed we are to have so many like-minded souls in our corner." -  MSF 

Keep it Clean & Enjoy the Ride,
Mrs. Skinny Fat

Running in the Rain

There are some days when I only have a short time frame to get my workouts in.  This occurred again over the weekend, and during this same window of opportunity, a moderate to a heavy rainstorm was moving its way in.  Typically, this would be no issue as I have my treadmill to rely on - but being out of town as I was my options were rather limited; go outside and run in the rain or miss a work out.  I chose to run.

No more than five minutes into my five mile route, the rain picked up from a light drizzle to near downpour.  With each step I was treated with a splash in return.  My shoes were soggy, my clothes drenched and I still had four miles left to go.  To my sincere surprise, I was loving every "soaking" minute of it.  It felt unbelievably refreshing!  Not just physically, but something deep within was ignited...I kind of felt like a kid again.  There was smile on my face, a softness in my step, and a quickness in my pace.  I felt good...light...happy. 

I will forever have a different outlook when the clouds darken a bit on run days.  In fact, I might even prefer the rainy days as it's not nearly often enough that the kid in you has a chance to come out and play.  

Soaked from head to toe and loving every minute of it!

Of course the kid in me demands to wear these
rain boots for the rest of the rainy day!

Keep it Clean & ENJOY the Ride,
Mrs. Skinny Fat

Photos courtesy of my gal pal, Dia, who was a true champ in bearing the rain with me to snap some pics!

Great Time Guac - Made with Love

It is without a doubt that I am blessed with the greatest of friends.  Whenever we gather, great times are sure to be had.  Over the past couple of years, I have created the perfect guacamole to compliment these gatherings - it has come to be expected that everyone will be treated at some point during the night with this ideal combination of freshness.  We decided this weekend that guacamole this good deserves a name of its own.  In true group fashion, we determined that  “Great Time Guac” says it best. 

It truly is an amazing dish to share with the greatest of friends.  When it comes to hanging out with the people that you love most, you’re always guaranteed to have a great time!

Enjoy!

Great Time Guac Ingredients – Serves 10 Hungry Pals

7 Ripe Avocados
1 Bunch Cilantro – chopped
2 Jalapeños – include 1 with seeds and 1 without – all diced
2 Handfuls of Cherry Tomatoes - diced
1 Red Onion - diced
5 Ears of Sweet Corn - cooked and sliced off the cob - OR 1 can of sweet corn
1 Can of Organic Black Beans – rinsed and drained
1 Lime
Sea Salt and Garlic Powder to Taste
--
1 Bag of Organic Tortilla Chips

--
Mix avocados, jalapenos, cilantro, cherry tomatoes, spices, and lime together.  Top with black beans, followed by sweet corn, followed by red onions - it's the perfect tier!  

Gathering all the goodies for preparation...

All coming together!

Mmm the perfect combination! 

Just as delicious as it is impressive!

And the feast begins...

About 10 minutes later... enjoyed by all! Great Time Guac wins again! 

Keep it Clean & Enjoy the Ride,

Mrs. Skinny Fat 

Hands Down Best Salmon Ever

Last night, we had hands down the best salmon ever.  Two key factors contributed to this:  extremely fresh fish (Lake Michigan at its Best!) and a complimentary recipe.  My gal pal, Lindsey, introduced me to this recipe a couple of years ago, and ever since it's been a go-to in my household when it comes to making white fish, especially rainbow trout.  This is my first time ever trying it with salmon...so good!  Thanks Lindsey! 

Ingredients

Wild Caught Salmon Fillets

White Wine
Yellow Onion

Scallions

Red Pepper

Yellow Pepper

A little olive oil, garlic, ground pepper, and sea salt.  

Take a little olive oil and coat the bottom of the aluminum foil, place fish on top, add some white wine (maybe a 1/3 cup total), then top the fish with your peppers, onions, and your spices - in this case, ground pepper, sea salt, and garlic powder. 

I used an Apple Wine called "Eve" created by Ciccone Vineyards in Suttons Bay, MI. 

Covered with aluminum foil and placed it on the grill.  Let it cook until you can flake it with a fork.  I honestly didn't pay attention to the clock - just checked on it every so often. 

Chopped up Avocado, Cherry Tomatoes, and Cilantro makes for a perfect pairing with the fish - and is also really pretty on the plate!  

Impress your guests tonight with this gourmet, yet super easy, recipe!    

Keep it Clean & Enjoy the Ride,

Mrs. Skinny Fat

First Lunch on the Go: Total Success!

My first opportunity to show off my skills in successfully packing the cooler came at lunch time.  In a matter of minutes, I whipped up a delicious, perfectly paired, lunch for two.  Not as fast as Jimmy Johns but it was definitely WAY tastier and healthier! 

Here's what I did:

• 2 Chicken Breasts (clean & loved) - seasoned with ground pepper, sea salt (just a dash), a poultry blend and onion flakes.  I pulled out some aluminum foil, added just a touch of olive oil to the bottom and maybe an 1/4 cup of water, put the chicken on top and made a pouch with the foil. Once ready, I walked it out the grill - which the Mr. had already graciously fired up.  This took about four minutes to complete...

I then grabbed from my handy cooler the following:

• Leftover Brown Rice, Quinoa, Chia Seed Mix - plus black beans and sweet corn thrown in
• 2 Handfuls of Green Beans 
• 3 Handfuls of Fresh Spinach

I took more foil, lightly coated the bottom with olive oil, and put the leftover grain concoction on top.  On top of those I put the handfuls of green beans, and on top of those the handfuls of spinach.  I made the same pouch with the foil and walked it out to the grill. 

Let everything cook for 15 minutes or so...and tah dah!

Open your mind to simple options...and you'll be amazed with how creative simplicity can truly be!

Keep it Clean & Enjoy the Ride,
Mrs. Skinny Fat

Eating Clean Over the Holiday Weekend - It Can Be Done!

It's the Friday before the Labor Day weekend, which in my world means planning menus,  making lists, gathering goodies, and finally packing it up all!  I am well aware that it's 10x  easier to simply pack your clothes, hop in the car, and hit the road for your weekend adventure.  Trust me, my husband reminds me this all the time! However, us clean eaters need to be able to select our meals from a healthy menu five to six times a day - I promise that you will not find what you need at the convenience store along the way! So while I endure moments of complaints from you know, the Mr. in all of this...typically along the lines of "You really have to bring all of this?!?" - at the end of the day I come out to be a hero as when hunger cries, I always have a wealth of goodies to choose from.  Okay, "hero" may be a bit extreme...luxury of being the writer in all this!

My List

My "To Pack" items are broken down into six basic categories including lean proteins, starchy complex carbohydrates, complex carbohydrates from fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, herbs & spices, and lastly, misc. & kitchen gadgets.  
 
Note:  For my Michigan friends, I have ** all of those items that I have picked up locally.

1.  Lean Proteins 

• Super Fresh, Salmon Fillets - caught just last weekend off Lake Michigan**
• Chicken Breasts - Raised with Love**
• Eggs (will need to attempt to pick these up along the way, then once reach destination will boil some for a healthy, go to snack)
• Hummus (also a healthy fat)
• Black Beans (also a starchy complex carb)
• Protein Power

2.  Starchy Complex Carbohydrates

• Red Skin Potatoes**
• Bananas
• Leftover Brown Rice, Quinoa (also a protein) & Chia Seed (also a healthy fat) Mix
• Oatmeal (both dry & pre-made)
• Carrots**
• Green Beans**
• Sweet Corn**
• Organic Tortilla Chips (blend of yellow & white corn)

3.  Complex Carbohydrates from Fruits & Vegetables

• Watermelon**
• Muskmelon**
• Pears**
• Apples**
• Blueberries**
• Pineapple
• Lemons
• Limes
• Spinach
• Tomatoes**
• Onions (Red & Yellow)**
• Scallions**
• Zucchini**
• Peppers (Red, Yellow, Green & Jalapenos)**
• Mushrooms

4.  Healthy Fats

• Avacados
• Raw Cashews
• Natural Peanut Butter
• Olive Oil

5.  Herbs & Spices

• 1 Bunch of Cilantro
• Garlic (also a complex carb)
• Handful of spices including, red pepper flakes, all-purpose, pepper, sea salt, parsley, onion flakes, cinnamon, dill, poultry blend, and a seafood blend.

6.  Misc. & Kitchen Stuff

• Green Tea
• Unsweetened Soy Milk
• Plain Greek Yogurt (also great source of protein)
• 2 Whole Food Bars
• Supplements (active multi, bone strength, and omegas 3, 6 & 9)
• Magic Bullet
• Grill Baskets (Pamperedchef style!)
• Water Bottles (2)
• Wine (1 White & 2 Reds - all from Traverse City, Michigan)
• Wine Glasses (when you splurge, do it right!)

Pulling it all together...Love seeing all the colors!

My favorite whole food bar "EcoTrek Fitness Whole Food Bar" -
made locally and designed by my personal trainer, Cari Draft.

One cooler complete! Filled to the brim just the way I like it!

And...getting closer! So many fresh goodies ready for a weekend adventure!

Don't let a long weekend impact your eating gains!  If you plan and pack, you'll be able to avoid those "lurking around every corner" temptations.  Stick to your menu and try and treat a Saturday no different from your Monday routine. Your body will reward you for doing so!  

Keep it Clean & Enjoy the Ride,
Mrs. Skinny Fat

P.S.  Don't forget the running shoes!  

Smoothie with Substance!

Today's mid-day pick me up was tasty, nutritrious, and had a great grainy texture!

Ingrediants

1/2 Frozen Banana
1/2 Red Haven Peach
1/4 Cup Organic Wheat Flakes
1 Serving of Naturally Flavored Vanilla Protein

Equal Parts of Unsweetened Soy Milk & Water
3 Cubes of Ice

Blend well and enjoy!

Wheat Flakes are made from kernels of wheat that have been steamed to soften, then passed through steel rollers to flatten them into flakes.  They are firmer than oats, thus it gives the smoothie a nice, hearty bite! 

All blended using the Magic Bullet & Ready to Enjoy!

This photo does a great job at capturing the blended grains...so good!

Keep it Clean & Enjoy the Ride!
MSF