The PSL You Needed Like, Yesterday.

Hellooooooooo everybody!

I just came back from hot & humid Orlando, to some beautiful autumn weather here in NY. Even though I was in Disney World, aka The Happiest Place On Earth, aka Heaven, aka my crack, I had a little FOMO seeing everyone pumpkin and apple picking on Instagram over the long weekend! I hope you all had a magical time ;) My weekend was surely magical!

This weather is perfect T-shirt weather. And you know what that also means? Perfect Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL) weather. However, this year, I have seen tons of health websites and blogs warning about the ingredients in the Starbucks PSL. See here on FoodBabe.com for yourself. A Grande alone has 50 grams of sugar. (Side note, I chuckled when I wrote A Grande… because Ariana Grande. Get it? A. Grande.?! I digress. I'm not funny). Also, there's NO REAL PUMPKIN in it. Rude. And I can't even pronounce most of the chemicals in it. And that's coming from a speech pathologist. *snaps fingers in S motion*

But when I came home from Disney World, my mother surprised me with this gem she found at Whole Foods. Behold! Califia Farms Pumpkin Spice Latte!

At only 100 calories and 14 grams of sugar per serving, you'll be trying to resist drinking the entire bottle. And I can pronounce the ingredients. Plus… there's actually pumpkin in it. It's also dairy free and soy free. It's made with almond milk! Which is the only milk I've been drinking for the past 2 years.

Does it taste exactly like the most popular drink on the Starbucks menu? No. But I think it tastes better. I get more of a real pumpkin pie taste with this latte!

I often find Califia Farms at Whole Foods or Fairway, but you can go to the Califia Farms website and use the store locator to find their products near you. Sip away!!

Sweet Potato Hash Browns for Autumn!

Breakfast. Hands down, the best meal of the day. Whenever I start my day with a yummy, balanced breakfast, I find myself less hangry throughout the day. 

With this beautiful fall weather, I've been craving sweet flavors of pumpkins, apples, cinnamon and sweet potatoes. Then it hit me: sweet potato hash browns. Yes, please! 

I decided to whip up a stupidly easy recipe for hash browns that will taste great with eggs or pancakes. I made enough to make 2 servings. You can double this for your entire family.

You will need:

1/2 a yellow onion

1 large sweet potato

2 tbsp coconut oil

Salt & pepper to taste

1. Clean your vegetables and boil a medium sized pot of water. Add a little salt to the water.

2. While the water heats up, cube the sweet potato and slice your onions. (I'm terrible at cutting onions because it makes my eyes water every time, no matter what)

3. Gently toss the potato into the boiling water and let cook for about 4 minutes. The potatoes should be soft enough to pierce with a fork, but still have a little toughness.

4. Drain the potatoes and let cool a little before you pat them dry really well.

5. Add 1 tbsp of coconut oil to a medium pan and let heat. Sautée the onions until translucent and slightly golden brown (about 10 minutes).

6. Add the other tbsp of coconut oil and add the potatoes. Cook another 8 minutes or so. Add sea salt & pepper to season. 

7. Serve your potatoes alongside protein pancakes, turkey bacon, or with eggs! I did an olive oil fried egg. I would normally go for my favorite, poached eggs, but I was short on time. 

Enjoy!! 

Hoop, There It Is

This might sound a little egotistical, but I find myself to be a pretty fascinating person. I am a woman of many hobbies. My interests and hobbies change like the seasons. This spring I was completely obsessed with kickboxing, last autumn I took cycle classes every other day. I'll have a month when all I want to do is make arts & crafts. I'll go through a period of binge watching Netflix shows and not give a hoot that I'm laying in bed all day.

I have recently picked up a new hobby for fit & fun reasons: hooping.

I came across hooping on Instagram through all the fitness accounts I follow. I saw girls with hoops as big as their bodies, hoops that were tiny and thin, hoops that were many colors, HOOPS HOOPS HOOPS.

I, being the 1999 block party hula hoop champion, was VERY interested. Hula hooping was one of my favorite ways to play outside as a kid. When I was in elementary school I used to practice hula hooping with two hoops, hooping on my arms, and hooping around my neck (ow, what was wrong with me?). I could hula hoop for 45 minutes straight (we timed it once). I considered ordering my own hoop so I could be like these awesome hoopers I saw on Instagram.

Then about 2 weeks ago I went to the gym around 9 pm. I never go at night because there is a whole 'nother breed of gym rat that creeps the gym at night. After the studio in my gym closed, a girl, with a hoop, walked into the studio, and began practicing her hooping routine.

I stared at this girl intently as I did squats outside that studio. She was probably very afraid of me. I definitely looked like the biggest creep.

I came home and announced to my parents, "I AM ORDERING A HULA HOOP." My parents originally reacted like, "Oh dear Lord" because the rest of my failed hobbies are collecting dust somewhere (i.e., my ukelele named Lola, my scrapbooking kit, my "teach yourself Italian" books).

Then my parents were totally supportive of it because 1) this is a pretty cheap hobby, 2) I was REALLY good at hula hooping back in the day, and 3) at least I'm not doing drugs.

So I did research, lots of research, before I ordered a hoop! You can't just go online and order a hoop or buy a kiddie hoop at Target and expect it to work for you. Also, don't buy a fitness hoop with those "massagers." I had to take my measurements, pick a hoop based on my height, pick a width that had some weight that was good for learning tricks, read the reviews of hoop sellers online, etc.

The best information I have found has come from hooplovers.tv. It is how I learned how to pick a hoop weight and size, and also where I have found hooping tutorials. Right here is where you can learn how to find the right size and weight if you want to hoop.

I then searched customizable hoops on Etsy to create my own hoop. I bought my hoop through Miss Fly Hips and I'm so pleased! The hoop I purchased is here.

Now if you decide to hoop, be prepared to see bruises! I hooped for 45 minutes yesterday and immediately got a bruise on my hip. But the good news is, my abs are on fire today (in the good way) and hooping is addicting! Every chance I get I picked up my hoop and practice.

I'm currently working on moving the hoop up and down my body, maintaining hooping at chest level, bringing my hands in and out of the hoop, and traveling with the hoop. Deanne Love has AMAZING tutorials for hooping that I have been watching and using to teach myself how to hoop. You can view her channel right here!

I knew hooping would be fun for me based on my level of fitness, my ability to waist hoop, and my background in modern dance. If hooping seems realistic for you, try it! If you haven't had much success with basic hooping and you're up for a challenge, then YES, try it!

Happy Hooping!

The good news, the sad news, and a piece of my mind.

Hi everyone!

I know it has been way too long since my last post! This has been a whirlwind of a summer and many things have happened. Let's review:

First of all, the best news. My best friend got married in July and it was the most beautiful wedding! The days and weeks leading up to the wedding were so full of excitement and getting everyone ready, I had no time to blog! Everything was literally perfect and I cried so many times that day, we lost count! I couldn't be happier for my friends Dana and Taylor! I love you both!

But sadly, around the time of Dana's wedding, my grandfather entered the final stages of cancer. For most of July, my family and I spent time being by my grandfather's side. I would leave work and go straight to his apartment to spend time with him, my family, share stories and memories, and look through old family photos. On August 1st, my grandfather, (Papa, as I called him) passed away. Although I had known it was coming, I was still not fully prepared. On the surface, it probably looked like I was handling his passing very well. On the inside, I was screaming. Losing someone you love is never easy and we all grieve differently. I'm still grieving his death. Most days, I forget he's gone, I feel like he's still here. And then it hurts all over again when I realize he's not here. Not physically, at least. When my Nana passed away four years ago, I learned she sends me a butterfly whenever I need her. All of July I looked for the butterflies. I never saw one. The day my grandfather passed away, I was leaving the senior living area in which he had been living in. I walked to my car and as I looked up to unlock it, what do you know? I saw a yellow butterfly. Right above my car. Yellow, Nana's favorite color. FINALLY A BUTTERFLY! All I could do was wail and my sister thought I hurt myself, I wailed so loudly. My sister kept asking, "what's wrong?!" when finally I managed to get out, "it's a butterfly." That's how I knew everything was going to be okay.

Sorry for all the sad news, I just figured I should let you all know where I've been.

More good news though...
I'm OFFICIALLY done with grad school! I'm a little late on the job search because I didn't want to interview or take a new job while my grandfather was so sick, but I've recently started applying and now the waiting game begins.

And even more good news!
Incase you missed it, my story was featured on Tone It Up! You can read it right here!
And if you're on Instagram and want to see my meals, workouts, and want some good ol' inspiration, you can follow me @gabbygettinfit!

I'm getting a larger following now and I'm so grateful! I created my account to help keep myself accountable and to be inspired by others who are doing the same thing. I never expected or wanted any of this. I just wanted to become a better version of me. I know with these things it's easy to think fitness accounts are created for "attention" but I am not about that. Some do that. I don't do that. I don't do "shout outs for shout outs" or "like" your photos that go all the way back to the bowl of oatmeal you ate in December 2012, in hopes that you'll follow me or give me a shout out. If I could have another career on top of the one I already love, it would be in fitness. You cannot judge me, or anyone else, for doing something I love, which is being fit, healthy, and inspiring others and being inspired by the positivity others give back. I am part of a community of women that empower each other, not put each other down. I am part of something special. I would feel lost without the inspiration of the Tone It Up/ fitness community.

Since I've gotten a larger following, and I'm a bit of a perfectionist, I'm currently working on making the switch from Blogger to Wordpress! You will all be reading my blog on a different host soon. I'm working on organizing my blog into different sections for fitness, food, beauty, and lifestyle! I'm so excited to share with all of you!

Let's talk about some more fun things! I'm very sad summer will be ending soon (EVERYONE STOP SAYING IT'S OVER- IT'S NOT OVER!), but I'm also very excited for all things fall! September is wonderful! The weather is warm, but it's perfectly acceptable to put pumpkin spice on everything. I actually picked up some tasty goodies from Whole Foods today that are PUMPKIN FLAVORED! All my suburban girls, lemme hear ya make some NOOOOOOIIISEEEE!!!!! *fog horn goes off*

These pumpkin chips are so savory and delicious! A little bit of salty, a little bit of that pumpkin spice flavor you adore. I am on the hunt for the perfect dip to go with these because this is PERFECT for football season (Go Giants!). And this granola. It really needs no words. I'd prefer a big bowl of this over a venti pumpkin spice latte. Fo. Real. Please get yourself this granola right now.

My goal this fall is to provide you all with more posts, information, and inspiration. Be on the lookout, and let me know if there's anything you want me to talk/write about!

Carbs Are Your Friend

Contrary to popular belief, carbs are not evil. They are, in fact, extremely important for your diet. How important? Ummm... important enough that they may cause you to lose those last few pounds!

Earlier in the year, I was definitely one of those people who believed carbs were the devil. Every time I had a bowl of pasta, even whole grain, I felt what I called "carb guilt." I felt so incredibly guilty every time I ate carbs, that I started avoiding them like the plague.

But then, things changed. Without carbs in my life, I became hangry (OH MY GOD THE NAME OF THE BLOG).  I would get SO crabby and irritable when I didn't have carbs. I even felt more hungry by the end of the day. I realized that carbs make me happy, and that's okay. I am Italian after all and pasta is sorta our THANG.

But like everything in this world, I've learned carbs work best in moderation. While too little carbs make my grumpy, too many carbs make me feel and look puffy!

I became interested in the benefits of carbs and want to share what I've learned with you.

Carbs are our bodies' primary sources of energy. But you need to choose the good carbs over the bad carbs! Which is which? We want to eat carbs that are absorbed into our systems slowly due to high fiber content. This helps us avoid a spike in blood sugar. You can find these carbs in whole grains, vegetables, beans, and fruits. These "good carbs" are FULL of fiber! "Bad carbs" are anything that is processed and takes away the fiber we need, such as white bread, white rice... things like that! Remember FIBER, FIBER, FIBER! Fiber helps promote good digestive health and studies have shown that it can protect us against type 2 diabetes and obesity.

It has also been proven that taking in carbohydrates from whole grains, fruits and vegetables helps you feel fuller longer. Those who eat the good carbs feel fuller on fewer calories and don't over eat! Can you say flat tummy?

The key is balance. Eat your fruits, your vegetables, your whole grains, and your legumes, along with those proteins! You need a little bit of everything to maintain a good diet and feel good. Just avoid those processed foods! Please!

Also, it was not in my head that carbs made me moody! Lack of carbs = lack of energy. Hellooooo Mr. Grumpy Gills. Apparently serotonin is released when you eat carbs, and serotonin makes you HAPPY!

Carbs give you serotonin. Serotonin makes you happy. Happy people just don't shoot their husbands. They just don't.

My 2014 BIKINI SERIES Story

For the completion of the Tone It Up 2014 BIKINI SERIES, I have chosen to submit my story, in 500 words or less (I really needed about 1,000 words- so this was hard), in order to be considered for the grand prize. I'd like to share my story with all of you, so you know why I am the way I am :)

The past two years have been the hardest years of my life. At the end of 2012, I went into what I called my “quarter life crisis.” I just graduated college and had typical “post-grad depression,” my grandmother suddenly passed away, I began graduate school, and I went through an incredibly rough, unexpected breakup. I felt like my life was falling apart and I could no longer feel happy. A typical night consisted of me driving home from school, crying the entire car ride home. I no longer felt like myself; I felt depressed every single day and anxiety attacks were a nightly occurrence.  I knew I had to be the one to take control of the problem and discover what would make me happier.

I thought to myself, “What am I no longer doing that I used to love?” And I realized I was working out significantly less. In college, they called me “Zumba Queen.” I was the fitness queen! I could be seen in the gym everyday and I taught Zumba class twice a week. But in the mess and stress of everything that was going on, I had gained 20 lbs. and saw in pictures that I looked completely different. I decided it was time to lose the weight and feel like me again.

It was during the 2013 Bikini Series that I discovered Tone It Up, dabbled in the workouts, and made an effort to begin running. I had never been a runner, so I started with interval running. By July, I had officially joined the TIU Nutrition Plan and started seeing, and feeling, results immediately.

A year later, I have lost the 20 lbs. I gained my senior year of college, and then some.  I also consider myself a runner now! I have ran four 5Ks and a 5-mile mud run! My goals are now to keep toning up.

I saw the 2014 Bikini Series as a celebration and the release from my quarter life crisis! The series was starting just as grad school was ending. In the past 8 weeks, I have watched my muscles transform and have found muscles in places I didn’t even know had muscles (right now I can’t stop staring at my shoulder muscles- they’re so cute)! I have run, kick boxed, and cycled my way complete 150 miles by summer! Next month, I am signing up for my first half marathon!!! I have gained so much more than a new body. I have gained back my self-confidence, happiness, and a fresh outlook on life. My skin is also clearer and GLOWING! The anxiety attacks and depression have disappeared and I feel like a different person than I was two years ago. It’s crazy to me that people will compliment how my body looks and tell me I’m an inspiration. When anyone asks me how I do it, I proudly say that I’m a TIU Girl! Being fit has made me a healthier, happier person. J

Graze is your new obsession.

We're all familiar with those fun boxes you get in your mail each month, like Birchbox and Barkbox. Now there's a new box that we, the foodies, can enjoy.

Let me introduce you to Graze. Graze gives you the ability to snack on treats that are both tasty and healthy. In one box, you receive four perfectly portioned snacks, and boxes can be delivered weekly or biweekly. It's only $6 a box as well! I'm trying to spend less money on food, and this is actually helping me save money! When I think about it, I probably spend about $40 a week on snacks, either stocking up on granola bars and kale chips, or buying something when I'm on the go (which is always so expensive). These snacks are tiny and are great on the go. In fact, I've had three of these snacks while driving. Perfect on the go snacks! On average, I think, when I buy an "on the go" snack, I spend about $8-$10. I'm getting four snacks for $6! Cool beans. I'm also signed up for biweekly packages to help save a little extra.

Once you get your snacks, you can go online to rate them. Loved it? Tell Graze.com! They'll make sure you get it again in your future. Didn't really like it? Just "trash it" and they'll never send you the snack again.

Here are the snacks that were in my first box:

I haven't had the Smoky Chipotle Dip yet, but it looks amazing! It comes with rosemary breadsticks :)

I just had the Brooklyn Bites today and it was amazing! Poppyseed pretzels, cheesy cashews, and roasted pumpkin seeds. I loved every single morsel.

The Summer Berry Flapjack was my second favorite snack. These were wonderful little granola bars created with rolled oats and berry-infused cranberries.

Strawberry Shortcake was my favorite (I obviously told Graze I love it and want it again). It contains sponge drops (like little cookie pieces!), pistachios, strawberry drops, and strawberry yogurt drops. It tasted like dessert. Twas amazing.

I'm so excited for my next box to come! You can try Graze too and get your first and fifth box free! Use my code when you sign up so you get those free boxes. In return, I'll save $1 on a box. Help me, help you! (Though I wish I got your deal- first and fifth boxes free?!?!) Then you can refer a friend and start saving $1 on a box! My code is:

HQD3N7HJP


Visit Graze.com to register for your boxes. I know you will enjoy your Graze box! Until next time :)

How to Rock The Color Run!

Last July I ran my first 5K, which just so happened to be The Color Run. Doing a "fun run" helped calm my nerves about how I would perform during my first 5K. I realized with these races, it's not about who will have the fastest time, it's about having as much fun as you can.

People of all ages participated in the run- I even spotted some moms pushing their kids in strollers! People walked, ran, or did interval running (which was what I did, since I wasn't quite used to running at the time).

And although I had fun and had done interval training for my race, I was still unprepared for that whirlwind of color. Colored corn starch remained on my car seats until September.

This Saturday, I am running my second Color Run (but fourth 5K!) and I am more than prepared. Here are my tips for rocking The Color Run. These tips are useful for any fun run that you may get dirty on, like Muderrella or Spartan!

1. Make a team. The best part of these races is sharing the fun with others. Gather a few friends and cross the finish line together! You'll have each other to cheer on and party with each other during the wild after party! Yes, there's a crazy after party! You also save money for registration when you sign up as a team :)

2. Wear white. As much white as you can. Or any light color. Leave that black workout gear at home! You want to be COVERED in color! :) Keep in mind they will give you a Color Run shirt, if you don't mind getting covered in color. I wore The Color Run shirt last year, and most of the color came out of it when I washed it. Don't go out of your way to buy white though. Everything is getting dirty!

3. Wear sunglasses or goggles. You will want to protect your pretty eyes while running :) I wore a pair of plastic sunglasses last year. I call them my "Boardy Barn" sunglasses because I don't care about what happens to them (all the Long Island folk get what I mean).

4. Bring Ziploc baggies. And a fanny pack. I brought several baggies to put my phone, money, keys, etc. in. I also borrowed my friend's fannypack to use while running and it was the best idea ever. This year The Color Run banned backpacks, but fanny packs are allowed, so I purchased my own on Amazon to use while running. (This fanny pack is also for Boardy Barn. I really like Boardy Barn and running?)

5. Hold onto the packet of color in your registration pack! A couple of people opened their packets before the race began, but I held onto mine and burst it open during the after party. It was much better that way and it was at the after party where people got really covered in color. Save the packet!

6. Bring a towel. Maybe even two. If you're driving and have people riding in your car, make sure everyone brings a towel to sit on! You may want to pack an extra in your trunk just to wipe yourself off.

7. Clean properly. Bring a tub of baby wipes to help yourself get cleaned off a little before your ride home. There will be people with leaf blowers though to help get all that colored cornstarch off you though. Be prepared to take about 2-3 showers before all the color comes out. Last year I had to wash my body about 3 times, but I learned my usual, moisturizing body wash wouldn't cut it for getting out all the color. I had to use Dawn antibacterial dish soap. Hey- if they can use it to clean the grease off cute penguins, you can use it on your body. I still felt like I had some color deep into my pores, so I also used a face mask after my shower!


If you've never ran a race, I recommend The Color Run as a place to start. Or even if you're a pro at running marathons, The Color Run is a great time for good and not-so-clean fun!

Until next time :) xoxo

Guilt-Free Peanut Butter Fudge Pops!

Tonight was one of those nights where I created a dessert so amazing, I wanted to look in the mirror and say to myself, "Good God, I love you."

Don't worry, I didn't. But wowie kazowie was this dessert amazing.

I often take kickboxing classes at night, so afterwards I usually want something cool and refreshing after I've worked up a sweat. A Ralph's Italian Ice sounds pretty good right now, but I've been working so hard and I just want to keep at it!

A few weeks ago I ordered some ice pop molds from Amazon so I can start making some "Babe Pops" as Karena & Katrina, from Tone It Up, call them. While they have many amazing recipes, I didn't have many of the ingredients that they call for handy. I decided to whip up my own simple concoction for Peanut Butter Fudge Pops.

You will definitely need some ice pop molds for this! However you can definitely make this as "ice cream" if you freeze the bananas first and leave out the almond milk.

Guilt-Free Peanut Butter Fudge Pops

Makes about 4 fudge pops

Ingredients:
- 2 bananas
- 4 tbsp of chocolate PB2
- 1/2 unsweetened vanilla almond milk (but I bet this comes out ultra chocolatey if you use unsweetened chocolate almond milk!)

1. Prepare the PB2 as the directions state.
2. In your blender or food processor (or Nutribullet because that's what I used), blend the bananas, PB2, and almond milk until smooth.
3. Pour into the molds and freeze for about 6 hours or overnight!
4. Run the pop under warm water until it slides out, and enjoy!

*To make this as "ice cream," slice & freeze your bananas for a few hours, then blend with the prepared PB2 and enjoy immediately!

You've been working really hard for that beach body! You deserve a treat :) I promise you that you will be completely satisfied with one of these fudge pops.

Until next time! Xoxo

Calling All Trendy Gym Betches!

Hey you,

You must be a trendy gym betch, welcome.

If you're a super trendy gym betch, you probably already know about my favorite website. If you haven't heard about it yet, no worries, allow me to introduce Fabletics.

As someone who has a shopping problem, Fabletics is dangerous to my health. However it is designed for the fit, fashionable, and frugal.

Fabletics is a brand of fitness clothing co-founded by Kate Hudson (and, like, other people but Kate's name is all over the website). The clothing is great quality and affordable! I feel like I'm cheating on Lululemon (ilsym baby I'm sorry). They should call the leggings "Miracle Leggings" because my tushie looks heaven sent in them.

The best way to get the most of Fabletics is to take the "Get Started" quiz, which helps pick what outfits will be best for you depending on your fitness style, such as running, yoga, and cycling. There's even options for those who like to mix things up, like me! This creates your "Lifestyle Profile." Once you finish the quiz, your top outfit choices are selected. You don't even have to buy those outfits. You can mix and match other pieces! Each month you will receive a list of outfits that are selected for your Lifestyle. You can check out as a regular member and come back as you please, or sign up for the VIP Membership, which is what I recommend. VIP outfits start at $49.50 and are 40% off the price for regular members. Not to mention, your first outfit is 50% off. Chicka chicka yeeaaaaaaah. VIP Members have the opportunity to pick out a new outfit each month. Can't commit to spending $49.50 a month? Neither can I. Netflix is my only monthly commitment (except those bastards just went up $1. CURSE YOU). Even when you're a Fabletics VIP Member, you can choose to "skip" a month. Make sure you select "skip" when you receive your monthly outfits! If you forget, it's okie doke. Your account will be credited $49.50, which you can save for another month. Just make sure you hit skip on that month! Also, some tops are even cute to wear out to the bar. No kiddin'.

So do I recommend Fabletics? Yes! I haven't been disappointed in an outfit yet. Make sure you read their size guides, although I find their outfits to run true to size! Some may think the leggings feel tight, but personally I like my workout leggings snug. The one drawback I've had is with sports bras. I like my sports bras a little padded since I gots no boobs and I like to create the illusion that I do. They're not bad sports bras though, they really do their job and compress. Except in my case I was compressed to the level of "ironing board." Other than that, everything is excellent quality and cute, plus the price is just right. I get about 2-3 pieces in an outfit for at least $50, and I'd definitely spend more than that for a complete outfit at Target. This is great for all gym betches and those looking to get started on creating a new gym wardrobe.

So go ahead, girl, getcha shop on. XO!

Make It Stop.

I'm actually sitting in class right now and writing this post, so shame on me. But this is a quick post. I came across this on Pinterest and wanted to throw my computer across the room.

This is a post in the health & fitness section on Pinterest. This is not Pinterest's fault. Some poor soul who thinks thigh gaps are a sign of beauty pinned this. Actually... some asshole created this. They actually created a workout called "Perfect thigh gap." WHO ARE YOU? Can I hit you in the head with a kettlebell? 

I've written about thigh gaps before, so I don't really have more to add, but with bikini season on its way, lots of people are trying to get into shape. A reminder: thigh gaps are not a sign of beauty, power, health, etc. All that comes from within.

If you missed my post on thigh gaps, you can read it here.

Bikini Series and New Recipe!

Hi all! After my long hiatus, I have returned. My past month has been filled with cracking down on school work and preparing for a very important test. I've barely had a second to breathe. I've been itching to get back into my blog, but I just haven't had time :(

I'm very, very, very excited that tomorrow is the beginning of a brand new Tone It Up challenge: The 2014 Bikini Series!!! The Bikini Series is an 8 week challenge to help you get bikini ready by summer :)

It was during last year's Bikini Series that I learned about TIU and started following along with their workouts. This is my first year doing the Series as an official member, I couldn't be more excited to check in with the rest of my team. You don't have to be an official member to participate in the series... signing up is FREE! Check their website every Sunday for the weekly workout schedule, as well as every day for new updates from Karena and Katrina. Also, make sure you sign up for the email updates from K&K which you can do right here on their website. This link will take you to the first week's schedule and the email sign ups. Today is the last day to sign up! Do it now and get ready to rock a bikini with me!! :) http://toneitup.com/2014/04/the-1st-bikini-series-weekly-schedule-☀/

This is one of my favorite parts of the Series.. #100bySummer or #150bySummer

Your challenge is to complete 100 or 150 miles by June 21st, the first day of summer. You can run, bike, swim, elliptical, or Zumba your way to these miles! If you run or use the elliptical, count those miles. Bike riding or taking a spin class? Take your miles and divide it by 3. Any other form of cardio? 10 minutes of intense cardio = 1 mile. All the details are on the website :)

The challenge is filled with fun workouts and recipes! Join me and challenge yourself! I just received a new bikini for the summer and I can't believe the difference between 2013 and 2014. I can't wait to add a third transformation photo to this group. I'm ready to build some muscle during this challenge!!

And I couldn't return to my blog without a new recipe to share.
Last week my sister was home for Easter and we decided to make cauliflower crust pizza...and it was delicious! I've been wanting to make cauliflower crust pizza for a year and it was so much better than I expected. It's definitely something I will make again.

Cauliflower Crust Pizza

Ingredients

- one head of cauliflower, cleaned and chopped
- 1 cup organic, part-skim, shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup fresh, chopped parsley
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons chopped garlic
- 4 tbsp oat flour (you can also use whole wheat)
- salt and pepper to taste

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Place chopped cauliflower in a food processor and pulse until the cauliflower is shredded and like a "rice" texture.

2. Place cauliflower in a microwave safe container and cover. Place in the microwave and cook for about 8-10 minutes. When done, let it cool completely. I then squeezed out excess moisture with a dish towel.

3. Stir together all the ingredients until it is all evenly incorporated. Pour onto a prepared baking sheet and form into a crust. Bake on the sheet until lightly browned, about 20-30 minutes.

We topped our pizza with Trader Joe's pizza sauce, more mozzarella, and fresh basil :)
Mangia!

Set Your Spring Goals!

Ahhhh, springtime. After what has felt like the coldest, snowiest, and ugliest winter, it feels so good to say, "Spring has sprung." For many, spring signifies a time of change. I mean, I don't think we need spring to make changes, anytime is a good time to start! But you want to make changes this spring, then now is the perfect time to start and set your goals.

Change is great. It's a time to grow and set goals.

I took a Soul Cycle class this afternoon, and the instructor talked about how we are already making the effort to change our bodies by coming to class. He then asked, "what do you want to change about your life? Go make that change."

I like to make goals at the beginning of a new season, the beginning of the month... and not big, huge goals. Usually something that is doable, but something I've struggled with in the past. For example, in January I pledged to drink more water (because I'm always dehydrated), in February I set a goal to focus more on toning, and in March I promised myself I wouldn't get so obsessive compulsive over getting in a workout 6 days a week. School's really tough right now, and that needs to be my priority. If I skip a morning workout because I was up late studying, c'est la vie! I can deal.

Your goals don't have to be fitness related. It could be anything for your well being. Maybe you want to give up something that no longer serves you? Maybe you always wanted to start a blog and haven't yet? Want to learn how to play an instrument? You should go an do all those things you want to do, and start by making small goals.

When I set goals for myself, I first reflect on what I'm happy with and most thankful for in my life. It's important to remember the things you are thankful for! Write them down. You'll smile at your list.

Then I think about the things I want or need to change.  Something I know I can change. What do you need to change about your life?

My goals for spring aren't fitness related. My goal is basically to survive grad school.

For the first time in forever (Frozen reference, whaddup) I'm having difficulty with school. Most of my life, a lot of subjects in school came naturally to me, especially when I dove into speech pathology. Working with kids and all that school-based language stuff just clicks in my head. Except this semester, I'm interning in a hospital. I don't hate it, I don't dislike it... I actually am surprised that I like it.  But it doesn't come naturally to me like working with kids does. I struggle with the fast paced environment, the lack of a regimen and lesson plans, and the fact that the setting is a lot sadder than an elementary school.

This part of speech pathology isn't my calling. But I want to learn! I still find all of it fascinating. So how can I get better at this? Here are my goals:

1) I will be more organized with my data and note taking. I'm fixing this by getting a bigger notebook (I was using a pocket sized one because it fit in my scrubs but now it's just annoying and my notes are EVERYWHERE) and bring my laptop in to type up my evaluations. I'm just more efficient at typing things- my thoughts are clearer and it's easier to make edits than handwriting.

2) I am STUDYING THE CRAP out of my informal evaluations. Any eval that I did in an elementary school, I know like the back of my hand. I figured those tests out right away. But this hospital stuff? Not clicking in my noggin. Why? I don't know. I guess it's just harder for me to get because I don't feel like this is my calling. I know what I need to do, and I need to be more efficient at giving evaluations in the hospital setting.

3) I'll keep being happy Gabby. I've come to realize my personality is a lot different than the doctors, nurses, and staff at the hospital. My "happy teacher voice" comes out all the time and I have to fight the urge to high five patients for swallowing their puree. I JUST WANT TO GIVE OUT STICKERS AGAIN. But I won't change who I am in the hospital. A lot of my patients love me, and I know that because they've told me. I'm gonna toot my own horn for a second and say I'm a breath of fresh air in the hospital.  Sometimes when I do something wrong though, I beat myself up over it. Like how I was saying with the evals. I get so mad at myself when I screw those up. I'm gonna stop getting MAD and start learning from my mistakes! I will not sit and cry. I will just get better.

I'm currently visualizing myself as Elle Woods in that scene in Legally Blonde when she's studying on the treadmill and like being all smart, and raising her hand in class and making Vivian look like a stupid betch. I like it.

Well, Elle... change is gonna be a little hard. But if things weren't hard, they wouldn't matter, right?

And I'm so sorry for getting all "year 2000 Live Journal" on you, but I kinda needed an outlet for how I was feeling about change in myself. It's also helpful to hear someone else is going through something, so if anyone needed someone to relate to, here I am. I'm fighting my own personal battle as well.

Set a small goal... one small goal today... and challenge yourself this spring. You got this :)

The Thigh Gap Debacle

Incase you missed it, a Target photoshop fail went VIRAL this past week, showing a botched photoshop job on a beautiful model's arms and thighs.

The Internet learned of the fail when blogger, Cassey Ho, certified fitness instructor & creator of Blogilates and POP Pilates, posted about the photoshopped model while she was checking out Target's swimsuits. Soon enough, the story was on several other blogs and websites, including the Huffington Post.

Look! What a cute swimsuit! I'm loving the style of this top... but wait, let's zoom in.

I spy three wrong things here. #1... why is one arm drastically skinnier than the other arm?

#2 I don't know what happened to this girl's hoo-ha... but ouch. I didn't know box shaped vaginas were in!

#3 There is a dagger coming out of her armpit. That is... painful.

Why, why, WHY is this beautiful girl's body being decimated?!

Because for a while now, the world has become obsessed with thigh gaps and bikini bridges.

As we white girls in America say... "Staaaahp, I caaaaaaaaaaaaaaan't."

When I saw the blog post on Cassey Ho's website, this was the reaction I posted on my Facebook:

"Having a thigh gap doesn't make you pretty. Having a good heart and self confidence does."

Like, WHAT, TELL ME WHAT, is so desirable about a thigh gap?! Do ya need a breeze between your legs? No. No you don't.

And really, back to Target for a second, WHO THE HECK was hired to do that photoshop job? Lately the Internet has been taking a stand to battle Eating Disorders. It's great to see some companies taking a stand and wanting to make a change. This is what happens when you search "thinspo" on Pinterest.

Heck yeah, Pinterest. Good job!

Everyone in America knows, and loves, Target. I can't go in there without spending an entire paycheck. It's sad to see such a big, influential company using their power to CHANGE a woman's body in such a negative way. This bathing suit was from the Junior's department, meaning young girls were looking at this model thinking, "wow, look at her body. I want to look like that." Notice I'm using past tense? Target removed the model and swimsuit from their website.

Here's the moral of the story:

Box shaped vaginas are painful, so are daggers coming out of your armpits, and thigh gaps are not a sign of beauty. If you do or don't have a gap between your thighs, it doesn't matter. What makes a person beautiful is being caring, loving, and kind. I find girls with self confidence and a kind heart to be the prettiest. It's those girls, in my opinion, that shine.

HEALTHY Protein Shamrock Shake

Valentine's Day is over, February is wrapping up, and the weather is completely bipolar. That could only mean March is on its way. And do you know what March means? SHAMROCK SHAKES.

Shamrock Shakes have always been one of my favorite guilty pleasures during the month of March. However, I recently looked at the ingredients in a Shamrock Shake, and the list made me sick. I couldn't even pronounce half of the ingredients (never a good sign). Shamrock Shakes are loaded with dyes, preservatives, artificial flavors, and carrageenan: a thickener made from seaweed and algae that sounds pretty harmless, but is a possible human carcinogen. Yikes! Oh, and the World Health Organization advises this additive isn't fed to infants. But hey, let's feed it to adults and children. No big. There is a total of 54 ingredients in that 22 oz. plastic cup of green minty "awesomeness." 54?! WHAAAAT?! It's 820 calories with 23 grams of fat.

For girl who loves health and fitness, this simply won't do. So I created a healthy protein Shamrock Shake that was delicious.

I know, I know... I'm a genius.

Just kidding... this has totally been done before, but I chose to make my own recipe based off what I had in my house! And as opposed to 54 ingredients, mine has 6. Booyah.

Ingredients:

- 1 cup vanilla almond milk (my favorite is Califia Farms. This one is sweetened, but only has 3 grams of sugar. Super delicious and creamy)

- 1 scoop whey vanilla protein (whey is preferable as it will give the shake a creamy consistency. I used Optimum Nutrition 100% Whey French Vanilla Creme)

- 1 packet Truvia

- 1 cup ice

- 2 drops peppermint extract

- handful of baby kale leaves (Instead of green dye! You can't even taste it! You could also use spinach)

Blend all the ingredients in a blender until smooth. If you like, top with some organic whipped cream :)

Enjoy!

"I want to lose weight but don't want to lose my boobs."

Since my freshman year of college, one of the top fitness concerns I’ve heard from women is, “I want to lose weight but I don’t want to lose my boobs.” When girls say that to my face, I must resist the urge not to roll my eyes, gaze down at my 32 A chest, and give a stank face.

Do people really want to give up being healthy… for big boobs?

May I educate you on the female anatomy for a hot sec? Boobs are made up of breast tissue and fat. Some women have more breast tissue than others, therefore those women with more breast tissue will maintain a bigger cup size whilst losing weight.

So if your cup size goes down, maybe… just maybe… you weren’t meant to have big boobs. And I feel your pain. I went down two cup sizes since high school, but now I see how healthy and in shape my body is, and I feel proportional to my figure.

And if you have big boobs, like really big boobs, I wouldn’t worry about it. Ya still gonna have some mighty fine knockers after you lose weight.

The same goes for butts! I will admit I was so scared of losing my booty as I lost weight. My badonk-a-donk has always made up for what I lack up top! And while it did get smaller (sad face), it’s gotten perkier, tighter, and rounder. That’s doesn’t sound bad to me! I’m learning there’s a difference between a nice butt and a big butt! And you can also have a little of both.

Basically, I want to see less women being concerned about losing their boobs and butt and more concerned about maintaining a healthy lifestyle. When you live healthy your heart is stronger, your hair is shinier, your skin is clearer, your energy is higher, and you feel happier (endorphins!)… do you really want to trade all that in for some boobs and ass… so some disgusting man can whistle at you on the street?

I hope no one thinks I’m body bashing or thinks I’m speaking out of jealousy. I mean YEAH I’m jealous of all you gals with bigger boobs. That’s why I have this piggy bank…

I just want you to be more mindful about what’s good for you. I think every body is a beautiful body. I just would like to see more women taking care of themselves and caring less about their… assets.  And while there isn’t a workout or a serum to make your boobs larger, there are plenty of exercises you can do for perkier boobs and a rounder booty!

Here are some good ones:

Ta-ta Workouts

-push-ups

-planks

-pectoral flys

-lateral shoulder raises

-chest presses

Donk Workouts

-       --dumbbell dead lifts

-        -lunges/ walking lunges/ side lunges / curtsy lunges

-       -squats/ wide legged squats/ jump squats

-       -Stairmaster (my fav!)

So go workout! And remember that no matter what: you are beautiful :)