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Showing posts from April, 2013


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Review: The Paleo Slow Cooker by Arsy Vartanian

If you've read my blog for long you know that I'm absolutely a Paleo cookbook hoarder. Yep, I love them and want to own every. single. one. out there.

Needless to say I was ecstatic to receive a review copy of The Paleo Slow Cooker by fellow blogger Arsy Vartanian.

What I love about this cookbook:
It's a hardback. Silly maybe, but I love that this is a beautiful hardcover cookbook.The Paleo info and tips she weaves throughout the book. From what Paleo is to nutritional info to tips on dining out... I love how much helpful information she includes on top of the amazing recipes.The amazing recipes of course! I love the variety of slow cooker recipes she includes. So much fantastic Paleo food here! There's main dishes, sides, soups, desserts... Some of my favorites so far are the Chicken Breasts Stuffed with Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Paleo Beef Casserole, Beef Brisket in Espresso Bean BBQ Sauce (I just drooled a little), and Paleo Banana Coconut Foster. There will be no room for b…
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Review: Cathe Friedrich's XTRAIN Series

The XTrain Workout Series is a total body fitness program that combines heavy weights with intense cardio. If you've read FitViews for long you can already guess this was a match made in heaven for me.

The XTrain Series comes with: 9 or 10 (deluxe set) calorie crushing workouts142 Premix Workouts2 Bonus Core Workouts5 Bonus One Hundred Rep ChallengesBonus Rear Delts WorkoutBonus Barre WorkoutSTS Full Color User's Guide packed with four rotations and detailed XTrain workout details.Free XTrain Online Tools and Workout CardsMy unboxing video:

As you can also purchase each DVD and the User's Guide individually I'm going to briefly discuss each item. Each DVD includes a brief introduction, several pre-mixes, and the option to play with or without music. 

Disc 1 Chest, Back and Shoulders
Equipment needed: Dumbbells, Stability Ball, Resistance Tubing.
Bonuses: Core #1.
100 Rep Challenges: Lateral Raises.
This workout is an upper body strength training workout with little rest betwee…
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May's #PaleoChat - What Does Paleo Look Like in Real Life?

I can't believe it's already time for May's #PaleoChat! This month's chat will be Wednesday May 1st at 9 PM Eastern time.
We'll be chatting about what Paleo looks like in our lives. 
To me Paleo (or Primal) eating is more of a spectrum than an absolute. Sure, there's strict Paleo a la Robb Wolf's first 30 days or Whole30, but not many of us live that way day in and day out (although some do and that's great too).
While there are those out there that play the Paleo police and insist strict Paleo or nothing, I know that most of us fall somewhere along the Paleo spectrum. Most people I know that "do Paleo" take the framework of Paleo and fit it into their lives. Some do a little dairy, some do 80/20, some believe in cheat meals, and so on. I think supporting and encouraging each other to find what works is so much more important than preaching or policing some standard.
What does Paleo look like in real life? Come share!
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Benefits of a Paleo Pregnancy

In my third trimester I find myself looking back at this pregnancy and marveling at the difference I see between this and my previous pregnancies. I had assumed Paleo would make a difference, but I'm a little shocked at how much of a difference I've seen.
Benefits I've seen with my Paleo pregnancy:
Excellent nutrition. I've tracked my nutrients throughout most of my pregnancy and I've been amazed at just how great my nutrition is without really even trying (other than just sticking to Paleo). My daily values are at or above recommended daily values consistently (before any supplements). 
People have asked if I feel deprived. With eats like this?




Nope, haven't felt deprived!
Less moody. Now, I still get sappy at the silliest things, but I'm not near as moody/emotional as I was in my previous three pregnancies. I was downright... grouchy. My husband has even remarked at how much more like myself I seem this pregnancy (pretty sure that was his nice way of saying I …
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From Dreaming of Boston to Praying for Boston

I had a review post scheduled for today, but pulled it. After yesterday's events at The Boston Marathon I wanted to share my heart.
Like many of my running peers I have the goal of qualifying for Boston. 

In July of 2011 I participated in Jack Sh*t's W.I.D.T.H. series. He asked us to answer on a note card why we were on this healthy living/weight loss journey. I had many reasons: my health, my family... but I chose instead to answer with a goal:


I chose that response because to me that goal embodies the amazing transformation my mind, body, and attitude have underwent on this amazing healthy living/weight loss journey. Even having that goal shows how far I've come and what it's all about for me. This me:



...was barely aware of the Boston Marathon and would have thought it impossible. I didn't set goals, I didn't believe in myself enough. 

But now I hope to check Boston off my bucket list some day. I believe it's possible. I believe in me.

The marathon tends to be…
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April's #PaleoChat: Paleo For Fat Loss

This month's #PaleoChat will be Wednesday April 3rd at 9 PM Eastern. We'll be chatting about Paleo for fat loss. 

There will be structured questions coming from me, but I'd also like to try a bit more of an open format this time. Have questions about paleo for fat loss? Feel free to ask them of the group. Need help troubleshooting Paleo specifically for fat loss? #PaleoChat is a wonderfully helpful group! Have tips, personal stories, etc related to Paleo for fat loss? Please share!

Hope to see you there!

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KETO Cocktails: The Lemon Drop

I love a good glass of red wine now and then, I mean it's practically a health food, right? ;) But sometimes I just want a cocktail. I'm all for moderation and having a drink now and then, but I'm just not down with the calorie, carb, and sugar counts of some of my favorites. Seriously, have you ever looked them up? Eek. So, I've set to work at converting my favorite cocktail recipes to be more keto diet friendly!

The first cocktail recipe I'm tackling is the keto lemon drop. I used to love these, but haven't had one in years because of the sugar in them. In my early twenties I had a friend who used to make them for me all the time. We would have a shaker full of these, a good dinner, and a chick flick on a weeknight, it was kind of bliss. Her recipe called for so. much. SUGAR though! Looking back I think she may have used a wee bit more sugar than most, but they were really good.





I think my keto-ized recipe comes pretty dang close to those delicious memories! It…
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Paleo Peppermint Mocha Coffee Creamer Recipe

It's just not the holidays for me without a Starbucks peppermint mocha (or white chocolate peppermint mocha, mmm). I generally splurge once or twice during the holiday season with the real thing. Since going keto paleo, however, I'm not sure if I will. Sometimes the sugar just isn't worth it!


Problem is I like them, miss them, and would really enjoy them all season long!
So..... I decided I wanted to tackle the peppermint mocha and come up with Paleo-friendly version. With this simple recipe, I can have a peppermint mocha anytime.


Not only is this recipe Paleo, but it's also Whole30, gluten-free, vegan, primal, and 100% junk-free. Paleo Peppermint Mocha RecipeIngredients:
 1 can Organic Canned Coconut Milk(Regular, NOT light. Seriously, ew.)
1/3 cup Organic Cocoa Powder
2 to 3 Tablespoons Organic Grade B Maple Syrup (Optional, leave out for keto or Whole30.)
1/2 to 1 teaspoon Organic Peppermint Extract(Depending how pepperminty you like it. I do 1/2 teaspoon)
1 teaspoon Organic …
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Jillian Michaels BodyShred Full Review

I have to say my two months of BodyShred flew by! It seems like I just started yesterday. Ah, time flies while you're having fun. Right? OK, in this full review post, I hope to give you a good overview of exactly what the BodyShred program is as well as my thoughts and opinions on the program. So, is Jillian Michaels BodyShred hype or help? Let's chat...



Jillian Michaels BODYSHRED is Jillian's latest total-package fitness program. This set includes:


What's in the box:BodyShred Fitness Guide
BodyShred Meal Plan
BodyShred Rotational Calendar
BodyShred "Let Them See You Sweat" Workout Towel
DVDs-
     8 - Shred Style Circuit Workouts
       1. Launch
       2. Rise
       3. Amplify
       4. Escalate
       5. Conquer
       6. Triumph 
       7. Zenith
       8. Apex
     2 - Straight Cardio Workouts
       1. Fire Up
       2. Ignite
    Plus, bonus workout Opus and a disc on the cast and teaching the moves. So, a total of 12 DVDs are included in this set.


The BodyShred Workouts
…
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30 Easy Prep and Pack Whole30 Lunch Recipes

The Whole30Program is amazing. I highly recommend it. Every time I've done a Whole 30 I have felt AMAZING by the end. It's a very empowering experience. It is not however an easy one. Mostly because the food prep can take much more time if you're used to grab and go options. A little planning ahead and you can definitely make it through the 30 days.

When it comes to Whole30 lunches, 3 things worked best for me:


Quick and easy salads.Prepping food on Sunday.Cooking too much at dinner and eating leftovers for lunch the next day.
I thought I'd share 30 of the awesome Whole30 lunch recipes I've found from my favorite bloggers (and a few from me!). I've included all three options I listed above. Some quick and easy salads, some to prep an entire recipe on the weekend and then portion them for lunches that week, and some to be cooked for dinner and the leftovers packed for lunch the next day. Play around and see what works best for you.

This list of 30 Whole30 Lunch Reci…
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KETO Hot Cocoa Pancakes

OK, I know I've been on quite the low carb pancake tangent lately, but THESE! Seriously, these are yummtastic. Yummazing? Ya, they're really good. They just might be my favorite recipe I've ever done. Ever. OK, that might be my paleo apple crisp recipe, but that's not low carb...ooo, I wonder if I could tweak that low carb...

That would be brilliant!

You know, bloggers area always talking seo this and seo that (seo stands for search engine optimization if you're not a blogger) and I'm just over here yammering. I'm pretty sure when google's spider crawlers (anyone shiver at that word picture? eesh) get to FitViews they just think, "Yeesh, move along. Nothing to see here." Ha ha ha!

Anyway, pancakes. KETO Hot Cocoa Low Carb Pancakes no less. So good. 


As I've mentioned before I'm back to low carb (keto actually) and developing new recipes to make it easier to stick with. I find I just plain feel great when I eat ketogenic, and I definitely h…
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Hype or Help: Jillian Michaels Body Revolution Final Program Review

*This post contains affiliate links. I make a small commission if you purchase items by clicking these links. It costs you no more.
Disclaimer: I received Jillian Michaels Body Revolutionfor review purposes. As always opinions are 100% honest and my own.

After three long months of testing this program I'm finally down to the review! I've had so many questions, and I hope to answer them all here.
So, is it hype or help? Have a seat, let's talk about that...

What you will need for these workouts:
A set of light, medium, and heavy hand weights to suit your ability level.


What's Included with Jillian Michaels Body Revolution: 15 Workout DVDsResistance CableFitness Guide BookFat Burning Meal Plan7 Day Kick-Start Your Metabolism Plan90 Day JournalBookmark
What's in the box? My unboxing video if you want to see it all:
The Body Revolution Diet Plan I've had a lot of questions on what exactly the diet plan for Body Revolution is. Let me break it down... The diet for this program…
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KETO Paleo Pumpkin Spice Coffee Creamer Recipe

It's that time of year again. Pumpkin-time that is! Yes, yes, I want all. Things. Pumpkin. Right now. Pumpkin bread, pumpkin muffins, pumpkin spiced everyyyyythingggg.

Sorry, not sorry.

However, I'm currently doing pretty strict Keto Paleo (more on that in another post). So no PSL's for me. Dangit.

Unless....


Paleo Pumpkin Spice Coffee Creamer

Ingredients1 can Organic Classic Coconut Milk - If you do dairy you can use 2 cups of Heavy Whipping Cream here instead. 
1 Tablespoon Organic Pumpkin (YES, it has real pumpkin it it. Seriously, they all should...)
2 teaspoons Organic Cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon Organic Nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon Organic Cloves
1/8 teaspoon Organic Ginger
2 Tablespoons Grade B Organic Maple Syrup (completely optional- leave out for a sweetener-free, strict Paleo, 21 Day Sugar Detox, KETO, low carb, and Whole30 friendly coffee creamer. Or swap for Truvia or Monk Fruit.)


Directions
Add all ingredients into your blender and blend well (about a minute). Store in your refrigerator…
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Easy Paleo Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Growing up the only encounter I had with sweet potatoes was at Thanksgiving dinner. I hesitate to even call them sweet potatoes though. They were more like sugar coated sugar, with a side of sugar. Seriously!
The recipe was to coat a baking dish in margarine, add diced sweet potatoes, top with more margarine and a healthy heaping of brown sugar. Bake. And then? At the end you top the whole thing with a bag of marshmallows and bake again.
Blech! Needless to say I was never fond of sweet potatoes.
When I first went paleo I decided to reacquaint myself with sweet potatoes. They’re a great paleo-friendly carb source. I must confess the thought made me shudder, but I persevered. I tried them simple. Baked. I was so shocked. They're so good!
Now, I love sweet potatoes. They’re a go-to side dish for family dinners. Not only are they delicious, but they’re good for us and easy to make. The funny thing about sweet potatoes is they taste amazing all on their own. When it comes to sweet potato r…
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KETO Pumpkin Pie Cream Cheese Pancakes

I have gone back and forth with low carb since I was 24. I feel better when eating keto and I definitely have good progress with weight loss when I eat that way, but it can be a challenge to stick with. As I get older I find that the feeling better part of being low carb has become my driving motivation for sticking to it. I'm completely committed to keto now and that has me finding new ways to stick with it!

Ways such as keto pancakes. Say what-what? Yes. Low carb pumpkin pancakes no less. And? They're pretty darned yummy...

Whether you're seriously bored with your egg fast or just a low carb or keto style eater these Pumpkin Pie Cream Cheese Pancakes are for you! With only 5 grams of carbs for the ENTIRE RECIPE they'll fit nicely into your plan. They're a quick and super easy breakfast option. Plus, yes, they're delicious! And oh so appropriate for pumpkin spice season. Oh, who am I kidding, I eat them year-round.

This recipe makes 3 or 4 decent sized pancakes a…
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5 Egg Fast Pancake Recipes

I'm completely obsessed with keto egg fast pancakes lately. I've been cycling on and off an egg fast to try and get some traction again with my weight loss and we all know egg fasts can get pretty boring!

I thought I'd compile all of my egg fast pancake recipes into one easy post for my egg fasting brothers and sisters...

5 Keto Egg Fast Pancake Recipes1. First up, these Sweet Cinnamon Egg Fast Pancakes are completely delicious. They're an amazing option if you're tired of traditional low carb ways to have eggs. In describing all of my egg fast pancakes, I'd say they're maybe a tad bit crepe-like in consistency, more eggy. Definitely not the consistency of a traditional wheat flour pancake, but an amazing treat when you're egg-fasting! These Sweet Cinnamon KETO Pancakes are a seriously tasty addition. With only 4 grams of total carbs for the ENTIRE RECIPE, they'll fit nicely into your plan.

This recipe makes 3 or 4 decent sized pancakes and comes in at…
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