Tasty Tuesday Treat #66

Walking around a farmer's market can be similar to that of navigating the halls of a high school.  In addition to having a cool canvas produce tote, being part of the in-crowd requires a solid understanding of shopkeeper slang and an ability to walk away with the "latest and greatest" fruit or vegetable.  

This past week, the cool kids were all about garlic scapes.  Garlic scapes are "soft, lime green colored stems and unopened flower buds or hard-neck garlic varieties.  Scapes have a mild garlic flavor and a slight sweetness"  which is ideal in recipes like pesto, hummus and compound butter.  

Rather than "fitting in", I decided to be a trendsetter by using my garlic scapes in a Mexican rice bake last week and in my stuffed squash dinner tonight.  Both meals were SOOOOO FETCH!  

((Photo Source:  http://amazingheartfarm.com/2011/06/))

Mindful Monday Inspiration #66

Happy 1st FULL DAY of Summer!

((Photo Source:  http://seattlestravels.com/travel-quote-phone-cases/))

Fitness Friday Fact #66

Similar to seasonal eating, which provides fresh and flavorful nutrients to the body, seasonal sweats sessions deliver added benefits to typical toning routines.  By diving into the pool to do abdominal exercises rather than performing typical crunches or planks forces the core to experience muscle confusion. Muscle confusion is the practice of changing elements of a training program.  Such changes include different modes of activity and exercises.

With warm weather blanketing the Northeast this weekend, look no further than a pool to get lean, increase stability and build functional strength!  

((Photo Source:  http://www.popsugar.com/fitness/Pool-Workout-Abs-Core-31029282))

Thursday's Trend Alert Dirt Report #65

As a marketing student, I learned a great deal about making products seem more attractive to buyers.  From subliminal product placement to celebrity endorsements, it was no surprise that even the most unlikely item became a top seller!  Interestingly enough, the theories that I memorized for my midterms and finals, held true in my health psyche studies.

According to a  Cornell University report, "a healthy diet can be as easy as making the healthiest choice the most CONVENIENT, ATTRACTIVE and NORMAL."  For example, placing bananas in a decorative bowl next to car keys makes that fruit a more convenient, attractive and normal choice than the tub of chocolate ice cream in the far back of the freezer!

Such swaps and switches C.A.N. make your life a more healthy one!

Wednesday What Not #64

At this time last year, my husband and I were in the process of moving from our city apartment to our new shoreside residence.  While completing my final tasks at my previous job, I remained in our barebones apartment while my husband began making our new place a "home."  Lacking many of my kitchen essentials, I found it incredibly difficult to make most of my favorite meals.  One meal that I was unable to give up on, however, was my morning smoothie.  

With my cravings leading the search, I found a cheap emersion blender that aided in my breakfast blending.  I was able to make Almond Butter Protein Shakes, as well as Cocoa-Green Juices.  Although my final 30 mornings in Hoboken were nutrient packed and delicious, this kitchen hack would have made things a lot simpler ;)

((Photo Source:  http://www.purewow.com/food/How-To-Make-a-Smoothie-Without-a-Blender?utm_source=shape&utm_medium=syndication))