Wednesday, August 24, 2011

A New Vail Discovery: Dressing!


I recently spent five gorgeous days in Vail Colorado with my family, and absolutely loved every minute I spent there.

On this visit I discovered the most amazing salad dressing at the Sunday's Farmers market - Alpine Avocado. My parents had told me about the dressing but I really never thought twice about it.

They were not messing around! This stuff is beyond delicious and so healthy for you. At 90 calories for two tablespoons and minimal ingredients, your taste buds will be satisfied and your tummy will be saying thank you. It also is gluten free, vegan, cholesterol free, and very low in sugar.

It's also great that you can order this stuff from the web. I am so excited to get my shipment in the mail.

Get it while you still can!

Monday, August 22, 2011

Bananas For Shakeology Shakes!


Today I drank a milkshake for lunch, and I have to be honest, I never thought those words would come out of my mouth.

But there you have it. I am now bananas for milkshakes and actually drink them every day, thanks to Shakeology shakes. Unsweetened almond milk, half a banana, handful of ice and one serving of Shakeology chocolate flavor is what I put in my Vitamix. Delicious!

Shakeology is an extremely healthy shake that is packed with all-natural, wholesome ingredients that lower cholesterol, improve digestion, promote better regularity, and contribute to increased weight loss and energy levels. Unlike many other meal replacement shakes, Shakeology contains absolutely no artificial sweeteners like aspartame or sucralose. Each packet is 150 calories and my above recipe has 250 calories.

The shakes come in two flavors: Chocolate and Greenberry. I have not had the Greenberry yet but look forward to trying it.

Try them out for yourself and tell me what you think!

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

How To Hydrate In The Summer



We often overlook staying hydrated over being fit and getting our workout done, but it's a really important part of protecting your body in the summer.

Huffington Post reports that 6,000 people will land in the emergency room this summer for heat-related illness. They suggest things like infused water, caffeine drinks (surprisingly!), fruits and chocolate milk to keep healthy and hydrated this summer.

My favorite go-to remedies for hydration are coconut water because the taste just can't be beat, and also "spa water" which comes in many different flavors, like lemon/lime, strawberries and mint.

What's your favorite hydrating tip?

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Grand Canyon Rim To Rim Hike





On October 14-16 there will be a really exciting opportunity to do a special hike in the Grand Canyon. The RIM 2 Trim hike will consist of 2 days and 52 miles going from rim to rim. And if you're not into roughing it, don't fret, there are no cookouts, no camping, and no stuffy boring cargo pants that you'll have to wear. You'll be dining in 4-star restaurants.

This inclusive program costs about $1200, and includes travel, lodging, food, training, tshirts and awards, which is a fantastic price if you think about everything that the package includes. So what are you waiting for? Sign up! Maybe I will see you there!

Visit www.livitadventures.com for more details

Monday, August 1, 2011

Moonshadows: The Perfect Malibu Hangout


I'm a bit of a beach girl, so any restaurant near the ocean is my type of place.

Since two of our studios are out by the beach - one in Santa Monica and one Venice beach, I have pretty much exhausted scouting for any new restaurants out there - because I have probably tried every single one! So I have moved on to trying out new places in Malibu and that part of town.

Lately my favorite is Moonshadows on PCH. It's a beautiful places on the beach, with a spectacular beach front view - and seriously you cannot beat this view.

Moonshadows is great for a fun date or just going out with your best girlfriends for some appetizers and fantastic drinks at the Blue Lounge (the bar portion of this place).

My favorite dish has been the Uni Risotto - sea urchin with Carlani rice that is to die for. Top that off with your favorite Merlot from Santa Barbara, and you have a kick ass Saturday evening agenda.

But take my word for it, and make reservations early on. It's an intimate place with limited seating, and it's super popular with the locals, so make sure you plan ahead. Oh, and eat in the patio! You'll love hearing the waves breaking below while you eat your delicious meal.

Moonshadows
20356 Pacific Coast Hwy
Malibu, CA 90265
(310) 456-3010

Vitamix: The Wonder Machine


After pilates class the other day I overheard someone talking about something called Vitamix. I immediately googled it thinking it was some kind of green supplement, or the latest hot gluten-free cereal mix.

Boy was I was wrong! Turns out it is an amazing blender that can pretty much do it all. Soups, sauces, smoothies, this is truly a wonder machine.

The latest recipe that I found is a delicious dish made up of nonfat plain greek yogurt, strawberries and a banana. It's smooth, creamy and takes care of my sweet tooth. If you need it to be a little sweeter add a few drops of liquid stevia. It's to die for, especially if you're into dessert-type meals.

Check it out here or on Amazon. It runs a few hundred dollars plus shipping.