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Sunday Snapshot

22 Apr

Hey guys, I’m busily studying my little brain out today for all my exams this week.  My life has been pretty routine: eat, study, workout, sleep, repeat.  But instead of just blabing about it…I thought you could see for yourself.  Here is a mostly wordless recap of the past few days!

Breakfast

Breakfast: Pomegranate Power Porridge

Biomechanics: like ten pounds of fun in a five pound bag!

Biomechanics practice exam

Or NOT!

Refuel

Protein Smoothie: 1 scoop vanilla sunwarrior, 1 large slice cantaloupe, handful of strawberries, chopped cucumber, and ice.

So refreshing!!!

Get distracted when these guys land on the terrace

Get some fresh air and chill out for a minute

Back to work!!!

Several hours later when brain is completely fried it’s time to workout…

Leg Circuit: 5 exercises, 30 reps each, 4 rounds. Definitely worked up a sweat!

Come home a ravenous monster and get stuck into making dinner

Greek Lamburgers

Served up with brown rice, salad and veggie sticks.

Then MORE STUDYING…followed by some rest and relaxation…

Love this show!

Accompanied by a few of these…

Don’t worry I’ll post the recipe soon :)

Now it’s your turn…

What’s your daily ‘snapshot’ look like?

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Adventurous April Goes for a Spin!

18 Apr

Today’s adventurous april post is brought to you by the letter S.

Sydney Writers Centre

So before I get started talking about this weeks adventures I wanted to do a little shameless self-promotion.  I’ve entered this little blog of mine into a competition! At the beginning of the year I did a writing course at the Sydney Writers Centre and absolutely loved it! I met some great people, learned some valuable writing skills, and as a result am even getting my articles published. I really love writing and so when they announced their Best Blog Awards I jumped at the chance to take part.  So if you enjoy reading these posts as much as I enjoy writing them, why not click the link below and vote for me! Your support is truly appreciated.

People's Choice Award

Adventurous April Take 2

adventurous april

Last week I decided to put my adventurous april pants on and try some new things.  And this week was no different. This week I challenged myself to continue to try new foods, but also mix things up in my fitness routine. I try and workout 3 – 4 times a week, and usually stick to weight training to keep building up my muscles.  And while there is nothing wrong with that, I find that I really neglect any form of cardio.  Other than like 5 – 10 minutes warming up on the treadmill…but that doesn’t count.  So I challenged myself to try a cardio class that I haven’t done in forever: Spin. 

I looked up the timetable at my local Fitness First, and settled for an early evening class on Tuesday figuring it wouldn’t be too crowded.  So yesterday after I got home from Uni I changed my clothes, put my adventurous pants on and headed out the door…

And then something truly unexpected happened…

I took a spill….

Not just a little trip and tumble either.  This was a full fledged feet slipping out from underneath you and sliding for several feet kinda spill.  It had been raining all day and our steep driveway was super slick.  When I went to walk down to the car I must have hit a particularly wet/mossy patch and I went splat.

It hurt.

Swear words may have even escaped from this Diva’s lips.

And tears definitely started to well up.  I quietly picked myself up, got in the car, and cried.  I thought about going right back upstairs and calling it a day.  I was nervous about doing this spin class and almost used my spill as an excuse to just give up.

But I didn’t.

I had my adventurous pants on (now slightly dirty and damp, but whatever) and I wasn’t about to let anything stop me.  So off I went.

The Spin

I got to the gym nice and early to set up my bike and do a quick warm-up on the treadmill before the class started.

I was nervous as anything, but I knew I could do it.  At 4:45pm sharp our instructor, Jackie, turned up the music and got our class underway.  For 45 minutes we sprinted, climbed hills, and practiced some speed work.  Jackie was a speed demon, and I did my best to keep up with the pace she set.

I’m not gonna lie, this class was hard.  I kind of felt like this:

But afterwards I was really proud of myself and felt a great sense of accomplishment.

Until I got home and collapsed in a heap.

The Skip

After picking myself up (for the second time that day) I got started on making dinner using an ingredient I enjoy but don’t buy very often: Kangaroo. The stats on this meat are pretty spectacular.  It’s 98% fat free, is high in protein, and contains iron and zinc as well as omega-3 fatty acids!

Continuing with the S theme I decided to use this skip in a stir-fry, and throw in some sesame seeds for good measure.  It turned out better than good. Some may even call it scrumptious.

Orange Sesame Stir-Fry

Prep Time: 10 mins               Cooking Time: 10 mins

Serves 4

Ingredients:

  • Olive oil cooking spray
  • 2 oranges
  • 2 tbsp gluten free tamari (reduced salt variety)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • ½ tsp gluten free corn starch mixed with 1 tbsp water
  • Cracked pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds
  • 500g lean meat of choice (kangaroo, beef or chicken would work best), cut into strips
  • ¼ cup coriander leaves to garnish (optional)
  • Steamed broccoli and brown rice to serve

Method:

  1. Finely grate the zest of one orange into a measuring cup.  Cut both oranges in half and squeeze the juice into the measuring cup.  Add the lemon juice, maple syrup, sesame oil, apple cider vinegar, cornstarch mixture and pepper.  Stir to combine and set aside.
  2. Place a non-stick fry pan or wok over medium heat.  Add sesame seeds and toast for several minutes, stirring often, until they turn a light golden colour.  Remove from pan and set aside.
  3. Spray pan with cooking oil and return to heat.  Add meat and cook for several minutes until browned on both sides.  (Tip: Work in batches to prevent meat from stewing in its own juices; this ensures even browning.) Remove meat from pan and set aside.
  4. Reduce flame to low and add sauce to pan, scraping up any bits of meat that may have stuck. When sauce starts to simmer, add meat back to pan.  Cook for 2 – 3 more minutes, stirring to coat.
  5. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over meat, and garnish with coriander. Serve with steamed broccoli and brown rice. Enjoy!
To download a printable version click here: Orange Sesame Stir-Fry

 

After dinner I decided it was probably time to have a shower, do a bit of study, and go to sleep.  Even though I took a nasty spill, all in all it was a swell day.  Ok enough with the S’s!

Now it’s you turn!
What adventures, great or small, have you been getting up to?
Can’t wait to hear about them!

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Getting to know me: A to Z

24 Mar

A few weeks ago Janetha from Meals and Moves posted an A to Z survey to help us get to know her a bit better.  And as an added bonus she created a template so we could all play along too.  So who is this gal in the bright red top anyway?  Well let’s find out. Here’s my A to Z:

A is for age: I’m 23 years old, will be 24 this year.  I’m still at uni though. Lot of my classmates are like ‘Oh my goodness I’ll be turning 20 this year…that’s so old!’ which makes me feel even more like a grandma.

B is for breakfast today: I had 1/2 cup of gluten free oats with berries, sultanas, and chopped nuts.  At the end I whisked in 1 whole egg, 1 egg white and 1tsp of sunwarrior vanilla protein.  All topped off with a bit of maple syrup.  It was divine.

C is for currently craving: Something lemony.  There is not a day that goes by that I don’t have something with lemon.  I have it with hot water and fresh ginger, squeezed over a salad, or add some zest to my dinners.  I’m in love with lemons.

D is for dinner tonight: I’m making these hamburgers with corn, salad and some raw veggies.  I make double batches of these patties and freeze them for quick dinners during the week.

E is for favorite type of exercise: My favourite type of exercise is weight training, but I also like walking (I’m not talking about a lazy saunter either…I mean a walk with purpose that makes you huff and puff) and Pilates (I’m actually a qualified instructor…how could I not love it!).

F is for an irrational fear: Bugs! Anything that creeps and crawls just gives me the jitters. I can’t go to bed if I know there is one in my room for fear it might ‘attack’ me in my sleep.  But my dad always rescues the critters and puts them back outside.  He’s pretty awesome like that!

G is for gross food: Brussel sprouts.  I’ve tried to like them, really I have, but I just can’t get over the bitter flavour.  In general, food that grosses me out has more to do with the texture than the actual flavour.  For example, I’m not a fan of oysters due to the slime factor.  I also don’t like mushy things such as mashed potatoes.  It’s weird I know.

H is for hometown: Sunny San Diego, California.  Miss that place!  I lived in pacific beach until I was 14 when we moved to Australia.  My extended family still live in the US and I always look forward to going back for visits. (Fingers crossed it will be sometime this year!)

Back in San Diego for my cousin's wedding. Miss these guys!

I is for something important: Take time out for yourself.  By looking after yourself better, you will be more equipped to take care of others around you.  You are worth your time!

J is for current favorite jam: When I first read this I thought it meant favourite jam as in food (mine is strawberry), but it’s about music (doh!).  So my favourite song of late is In the Air (feat. Angela McCluskey) by Morgan Page, Sultan, Ned Shephard & BT.  I always blast it on my ipod when I’m at the gym.

K is for kids: Not anytime soon.  I love hanging out with other people’s kids, but I’m not sure if I want my own.  Plenty of time so just wait and see.

L is for current location: Sydney, Australia.  We’ve lived in a few different places in Australia, but have ended back where we started.  It really is a special place.

M is for the most recent way you spent money: At officeworks shopping for back to school stationary.  I get all excited when i get to buy new notebooks, binders, and pens.  I like to colour coordinate everything as well.  This year the theme seemed to be purple!

N is for something you need: Pants.  Don’t worry I have some on now, I just need more for the upcoming cold months.  Oh and a new pair of running shoes as well. I have really narrow feet so it’s hard to find a pair that fits well. I might just end up ordering these online.

O is for occupation: Current occupation is a student.  But hopefully in a few years time it will be exercise physiologist, and dietitian.  So I’ll pretty much be graduating in 2000 and never…

P is for pet peeve: People who eat desserts really daintily.  Nibbling away like a mouse on a cupcake is just not acceptable.  You need to mong into that thing to really appreciate all the flavours.

Gracefully unhinging my jaw to enjoy the full flavour of these cupcakes from Magnolia Bakery in NYC

Q is for a quote: I have lots of different quotes that I like, but this is a current favourite.

R is for random fact about you: I have really crappy vision and used to be extremely cross eyed.  I started wearing glasses when I was 18 months old.  You know how mothers tend to keep something like a baby’s first pair of shoes? Well my mom kept my first pair of glasses.  I went through multiple surgeries to try and straighten my vision, and the last one finally worked.  Now people are aware that yes I AM talking to them, not some imaginary person to their left or right.

S is for favorite healthy snack: That’s a hard one!  Lately I’ve been eating more savoury snacks: Hardboiled eggs, raw nuts, or a small piece of my salmon slice.  If I want something sweet I opt for a piece of fruit (bananas are my favourite) or a healthy baked treat (these muffins are to die for!)

T is for favorite treat: I.love.hot.chocolate! I have one every night and find that it really helps me sleep.  It might just be the sugar crash which causes me to nod off, but I’m ok with that.

U is for something that makes you unique: My accent.  It’s really mixed up. Sometimes I sound really American and other times I roll with an Aussie twang.

V is for favorite vegetable: Broccoli!!!!!!!!!!!!! I really love all vegetables though.  But I hold a special place in my heart stomach, for broccoli.

W is for today’s workout: Didn’t do one.  I attribute this to lazziness and lack of sleep.  Tomorrow I start day 1 of phase 3 of Jamie Eason’s LiveFit Trainer.  I can’t believe I’m up to phase 3 already! I actually am quite proud of myself for sticking with it.

X is for X-rays you’ve had: Lots!!! Growing up I was quite accident prone.  It’s not a good thing when staff start to recognise you at the hospital.  Luckily none of my injuries were too serious.  The worst was probably my broken leg.

Y is for yesterday’s highlight: Receiving my copy of Oxygen magazine in the mail (I still subscribe to the US version) and watching the first episode of Jersey Shore season 5.  Watching reality TV is one of life’s greatest guilty pleasures.

Z is for your time zone: GMT + 11 hours.  Living in Australia means I’m a day ahead of all my US buddies.  When I fly back to california I always arrive before I’ve technically even left.

Now it’s your turn! Pick a letter and give me your answer. I’d love to get to know you better too!

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11 Things

26 Feb

I’ve been tagged!!! While reading a few interesting facts from the 11 things survey on Samantha Cangelosi’s blog, I realised she’d tagged me to do this next.  So here goes:

Rules:

  1. List 11 random things about myself
  2. Answer the 11 questions she asked me
  3. Come up with 11 questions to ask other bloggers
  4. Tag 11 bloggers to do this next
11 Things About Me:
  1. I’m a dual citizen of both Australia and the USA.  I was born in California and moved to Australia when I was 14.  Last year I made the leap and became an Australian! I feel blessed to be a part of two magnificent countries
  2. I’m a leo
  3. Broccoli is one of my favourite foods, and I probably eat it almost every day.  I actually get cravings for it!
  4. I was involved in equestrian sports for over 12 years.  I competed in show jumping in America and in Australia at quite an elite level.  It was my true passion growing up, and definitely kept me out of trouble.  I hope I can return to the sport one day.
  5. Pink is my favourite colour.  But that wasn’t always the case.  Growing up I was a massive tomboy and preferred blues and greens.  How I’ve changed
  6. I still live in the dark ages because I don’t own a smartphone.  I’m sure it’s just a matter of time before I cave and get one.
  7. I love animals.  At one point our family had 2 dogs, a cat, a rabbit, and a horse.
  8. I’m still old-fashion when it comes to some things.  I like hand-writing birthday cards and letters to send to friends that live far away.  Some people may think this is outdated, but I love to do it.
  9. Reality TV is my guilty pleasure. I love to unwind with a bit of Jersey Shore or Real Housewives.  Don’t judge me.
  10. I’m a total morning person.  I get a lot accomplished in the morning and enjoy the peace and quiet while everybody is still sleeping.
  11. I have a memory like an elephant.  I’m really good at remembering facts and numbers in particular.

Her Questions

What is your dream job?
  • To work as an editor at a fitness magazine. I love writing, reading, researching and teaching others about fitness.  This would be my ultimate dream job!!!!

Why’d you decide to start blogging?

  • I started blogging as an outlet to help myself on this journey of self-discovery.  But I also wanted to inspire, motivate and connect with others.  I have found blogging to be extremely fulfilling and have met so many wonderful supportive people along the way!

Who’s your favorite music artist(s) right now?

  • That’s a tough one! I love all kinds of music so don’t have one favourite in particular.  At the moment I’m listening to Adele when I’m in the mood for something soulful.  But when I need something more upbeat it’s a mix of pop and dance music like David Guetta, Nicki Minaj, or Madonna.

If you had three wishes, what would they be? And no wishing for more wishes!

  1. I wish that they could find a cure for cancer
  2. I wish that people could teleport (I’m not a fan of travelling on planes)
  3. I wish that discrimination didn’t exist
Cooking or baking?

School or work?

  • School – I love learning.

What is the best thing that has happened to you this week?

  • So many good things.  Seeing my friends and realising how blessed I am to have these people in my life would have to be a highlight.


Where is one place you are dying to go?

  • Home – I’m dying to go back to the US and see my family

Does Toddlers and Tiaras creep you out?

  • Never watched it, but it does look really creepy!

What’s your go to comfort food?

  • Chicken & vegetable noodle soup!  It cures everything.

Warm weather or cold weather?

  • Warm weather for sure.  Spring and summer are my favourite seasons!
My 11 questions for you:
  • What is your dream car?
  • What are some of your quirky qualities?
  • What is your favourite ice cream?
  • Sweet or savoury?
  • Cardio or weight training?
  • Favourite book or magazine?
  • How do you like to relax and unwind?
  • What’s your fondest childhood memory?
  • Who is your celebrity crush?
  • Coffee or Tea?
  • What are your 3 biggest goals you hope to achieve this year?

People I’m tagging:

Happy Dietitian

Fueled by Salad

Ola Fitness

Frugal Feeding

Our Life in 3D

Andrea Drugay

madisoncary

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Take a Chance

20 Jan

On Monday, I wrote about trying something new for 30 days, and it’s been going well so far!  I’ve kept up to date with doing the LiveFit Trainer, have been eating better breakfasts everyday (I had a hamburger for breakfast this morning….weird I know, but damn tasty), and most importantly growing my circle of friends.

Everybody eats beef for breakfast, right?

My circle of friends has now increased by 8. I met these amazing people while taking a course in Magazine and Newspaper writing at the Sydney Writers’ Centre. We were an intimate group, each with a slightly different story that had led us to taking the course.  A few finance guys, a horticulturist, and a school teacher were a few of the professions.  But we all had one thing in common, we love to write.

Course complete and certificate in hand

 

Writing is a passion of mine, but one that I wasn’t fully aware of until December last year.  I had always contemplated starting a blog, but it took me a while to just do it.  Once I started though, I was amazed at how fulfilled I felt.  I realized that writing was something I wanted to pursue further.

It has always been a dream of mine to get an article published in a glossy magazine or newspaper, but I questioned how to get started.

Well this week many of my questions have been answered!  The course has taught me a lot of what I need to know, and now it’s time to begin.  I am excited to chase this dream, but I also have some doubts in the back of my mind.  When starting anything new our fear can kick in and hold us back from our true potential.

But you should never let fear hold you back.  Simply ask yourself ‘What’s the worse that could happen in this situation?’  The answer is usually tame, and nothing to fear or stress over.  For example, a few of my classmates and I are nervous about pitching our ideas to editors.  But the worst thing that could happen is that they say no to the idea.  However, they could also say YES!  So you must also ask yourself ‘What is the best possible outcome if I put myself out there?’  You need to take the risks to be rewarded.

Excited to tackle the media market

Step out of your comfort zone and take a chance.  In the words of H. Jackson Brown, Jr. “Never let the odds keep you from doing what you know in your heart you were meant to do.” So pursue your dreams with enthusiasm, and don’t give in if things become difficult.  Live your most passionate life and be free from regrets.

Questions:

  • What would you do in life if your knew you could not fail?
  • What good things could happen if you step out of your comfort zone?

 

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Life’s a beach

4 Jan

Sometimes life throws a curveball in your direction. And it’s usually when you least expect it.  We received some family news that was quite upsetting. While I tried to maintain a positive attitude on the outside, inside I was hurting.  You never want the ones you love to be in pain.  So if my family is reading this, please know that I love you all very much.  My thoughts are with you and I’m always around to lend an ear if you want to talk.

On top of that I had a day of medical appointments and testing yesterday.  These check ups are not something I look forward to but know that they are completely necessary.  Health-wise the last few years have been particularly challenging for me.  I won’t go into details, but lets just say there have been lots of GI issues.  And there’s also the eating disorder stuff that still hangs over my head.  It’s 100 times better than it used to be, but still there.

Because of said eating disorder, I tend not to track my weight often.  I don’t like scales. Never have never will.  Why should a number dictate how I feel about myself???

But the good doctor always puts me on the scale to see where I’m at.  It’s her job, I understand, but I don’t have to like it. Turns out I’ve lost weight!!! I can’t even begin to describe how devastated I am with myself. Mostly because there is nobody to blame but me.  I am the one who is responsible for feeding myself, and I obviously haven’t been doing a good enough job.  I was crushed.

So the combination of family news and my medical setbacks pushed me over the edge today.  And I cried.  I used to think that I needed to be strong and contain all my emotions, but I know now that isn’t healthy.  So I just let the tears flow.  Sometimes life’s a b**ch.

But then you get over it.  Push forward. Realize that some things are in your control and you have the power to change them.  I don’t like to wallow in self pity.  Especially when it’s a gorgeous day outside and the beach is calling.

So the family gathered up our gear, packed a picnic, and headed to the northern beaches!!! It was just what I needed.

We drove a fair way up the coast to Palm Beach, as we were hoping it would be less crowded.  After setting up shop on the sand, the parents hit the water, while I soaked up the rays, read my magazine, and noshed on our picnic.

A few hours of romping in the ocean and we decided to head home.  But made an essential pit stop for tea, coffee and cake.  If you are ever in Avalon you must head over to The Healthy Chef café.

It has amazing healthy wholesome food.  Not only that, but it caters for people with special dietary needs (like moi).

Like this gluten free carrot cake muffin

All in all today ended on a good note.  I got to enjoy the sun, and spend time with my family.  It made me realize how important they are to me.  And if I were with my family back in the US, I would give everyone a big hug and tell them I love them.  Because like I said, sometimes life’s a b**ch.  Then you go to the beach and realize that no matter what happens, there will be people who will love and support you through it.

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Be Thankful for What You have…

24 Dec

“Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.” – Oprah Winfrey

It’s Christmas eve and you are frantically wrapping those last minute gifts and thinking about the million and one things you need to get done for tomorrow’s feast.

Stop.

Take a deep breath and count to ten.

Now I want you to take a step back and look at the bigger picture.  Look beyond the presents, Christmas ham, caroling and eggnog.  What makes Christmas truly special for you?

What I find truly magical about Christmas is how it transforms people to be more caring, selfless, and have more hope for the new year that is about to arrive.

In all honesty I don’t much care for the gift giving side of things.  I think it creates too much pressure and stress than is necessary.  For me it is the traditions that I get to share with my family that is more fulfilling.

Baking cookies and making the candied orange peel with mom.

Writing Christmas cards and letters to send to friends.

Spending time with family.

Being thankful for the roof over my head, the food in my belly, and the good health of those I care about.

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas!

Questions: What are your plans for the Christmas Weekend?

What are you thankful for this year?

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Howdy!

21 Dec

Hi There and Welcome to The Healthy Fit Diva.  My name is Sarah and I’ll be your guide along this journey.  I’m starting this blog to chronicle my thoughts (well maybe more like rants at times) on all things health and fitness related.  Seeing as we don’t know each other too well yet I thought I’d intro myself with a few random facts:

Age: 23

Occupation: Student (exercise & sports science), Pilates instructor and PT

Exercise: Love it all!!! Actually I’m not very good at sitting still for too long (i just get BORED).  I do something physical like walking pretty much everyday and go to the gym about 4 times a week.

Cardio or Weights?: Definitely weights cuz I feel so strong after. I used to loooooove doing spin but seem to have lost enthusiasm in recent years. Who knows maybe I’ll take it up again.

Pilates or Yoga?: Both, but i have more practice in Pilates.  I find they are both very calming and great for flexibility.

Foods I love: Oatmeal (well more of an obsession really!), carrots, peanut butter, and hot chocolate

Foods I loathe: Brussel sprouts, and oysters (seriously who wants to eat a big ball of slime…just saying)

Vice: I’m a magazine whore (my family can vouch for this…I have a bookcase full of them).  My favourites are Oxygen, Clean Eating, HFG, and of course some fashion or cheesy gossip mags (after all a girl does have to keep up with ‘current affairs’)

TV: Jersey shore – I used to hate it but now I can’t miss an episode.  I think reality TV is a lot like a watching a train wreck in slow motion….you know it’s bad and you shouldn’t watch, but you just can’t help yourself.

Movies: If I had to pick a favourite it would probably be Forest Gump.  I like watching movies but have a really hard time staying awake (I put this down to the dim lights and comfortable chairs).

Clothes: I’m usually hanging out in my favourite workout gear (Lululemon) and sneakers.  But if it’s for a night on the town I’m all about donning some ridiculous high heels and a sexy dress.

Quotes: ‘If it were easy, everyone would do it!’

‘As we think, so we become’

‘No matter what the past, the present offers a new beginning’

‘Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice’

So there you go…a little about my merry self.  Over time I hope I get to know some of you lovely people as well.  I’m off to attack a snack so take care until next time!

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