It's All Good

"It's All Good" has been the latest inspirational read/go-to recipe book. This is NOT your average cookbook. My favorite thing is that it includes a list of what you should have in your refrigerator and pantry at all times, AND it includes a variety of weekly menu suggestions based on your lifestyle! She couldn't have made it any easier for us!  The book tells Gweneth Paltrow's road to finding nutrition and includes tons of amazing recipes. "It's All Good" also provides amazing insight on the benefits of eating well and taking care of your body. I was suprised to find a cookbook that included such a great mix of out of the box recipe ideas along with comfort foods with a unique twist. There are so many fresh ideas. This is perfect if you have gotten bored with what you've been cooking! 

Favorite things made so far:

• Cold avocado & cucumber soup 
• sweet potato and five spice muffins 

and much more on the list to try..just could not wait to share this amazing book! 

Mmmmm Zoodles

Currently loving this quick and nutritious Zucchini noodle recipe!

INGREDIENTS:
Two Zucchinis
One Chicken Breast
Minced Garlic
Olive Oil
Seasoning of Choice [[or any pasta sauce]]

HOW TO:
First put the chicken breast in the oven to bake while you prepare the noodles.

For the noodles there are a variety of different tools you can use to make the zucchini into noodle form. I use a "Veggetti" that I got from bath and body works. (one of those "as seen on TV" products) It works great though!

Put some olive oil and a pinch of minced garlic in a pan and sauté until the noodles are soft. **It cooks pretty quick!

Cut the chicken and put it over the pasta.

Add seasoning or pasta sauce and enjoy!

Spaghetti Squash and Turkey Meat Sauce

Here's your answer for guilt free comfot food! We altered this italian favorite and packed it with lean protein and veggies! Mmmm Mmmm so good!! 

Sauce Ingredients:  

• 1 lb 99% lean ground turkey
• 1 pinch of minced garlic
• 1/2 chopped and diced onion
• 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil

Directions: 

Brown the turkey in a pan. When the turkey is cooked add in the the onion and garlic and continue to cook on low. Add in the can of crushed tomatoes and the basil last and let simmer.

Spaghetti: 

• 1 spaghetti squash
• olive oil

Directions: 

Bake the spaghetti squash in the oven at 375 for an hour and a half. 

Cut the squash in half; scoop out the seeds and pulp and throw away. 

The remainder should be ready to scoop out and eat just like noodles! 

The Importance of Stretching

Stretching can be just as important as the body of the workout. Stop thinking of stretching as the optional ending to a workout! It should be included every single time you work up a sweat. 

Here are a few reasons why you should be stretching: 

• Lengthen your muscles-During a workout your muscles contract. Stretching helps to elongate those muscles to prevent them from shortening or bulking up. 
• Increase flexibility-Flexibility can help you perform better during your workout. Having a bigger range of motion can help you push a little harder, and it is also safer for your joints. 
• Get happy-Stretching gets your blood flowing and increases circulation, which causes more oxygen to go to your brain. More oxygen in your brain can lead to a happier mood and a sharper mind. 
• Stay balanced-Good balance can improve posture and core strength. 
• Relieve tension- Stretching can help with muscle tightness. Relieving tightness and tensions can also help to ease stress. 

Some tips while stretching:

• Don't forget to breathe! If you are trying to get deeper into a stretch take an inhale through your nose and on the exhale push into the stretch. 
• If a stretch hurts then back off a little- stretching should not be painful. You can't achieve flexibility over night, so just take your time and ease into stretches. 

Happy Wednesday, and Namaste Y'all!