health

Acai Smoothie Bowl with ZICO

Zico coconut water is my go-to for hydration needs. I love the flavor of coconut water, especially before or after working out. Zico can also be used in smoothies, baking and protein shakes, among other delicious recipes. Right now I’m really into Acai smoothies bowls. Acai berries are basically THE BEST thing for you (in my opinion, not even kidding!). You can read more about acai here, here, and here.

For my smoothie bowls, I basically throw some fruit, zico water, a frozen acai packet and sometimes greek yogurt or protein powder into a blender then top a few healthy ingredients I have laying around in my kitchen.

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This particular bowl I blended the following ingredients:

  • Zico water
  • Frozen blueberry and strawberry mixture
  • Frozen Acai packet (bought at whole foods)
  • Non fat greek yogurt
  • Protein powder (optional-I used designer whey strawberry flavor)

Then topped with the following:

  • Chia seeds
  • Oats
  • coconut chips
  • Fresh berries

This is perfect for breakfast or really any time of day! (I’ll post some green smoothies soon!)

And here’s another morning smoothie I had the other day using ZICO:

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*Thanks to Zico for sponsoring this post.

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Giant Race Recap

I finally uploaded our pics from the Giant Race from a few weekends ago. We had SO much fun, and if you follow me on Facebook and Instagram you may have noticed that Jeff ran with my mom and I for the very first time!! Let’s start by saying that he HATES running. He is not a fan of cardio, although he lifts with me on a daily basis. He has always sworn he will never run with me…until now. I don’t know what I convinced him, but I did. We were a little nervous for him, as he has not ran in over 10 years up until the day of the race. (Not recommended!) Believe it or not, he did awesome!! I stuck with him throughout and we finished with 9:30 pace. So proud!

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< Starting line selfie >

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 <getting ready to go!>

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 <It was HOT, but such a beautiful day>

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<mother / daughter moment … I love sharing a love of running with my mom :)>

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<and we did it!!>

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<Jeff showing off his very first medal…lol>

Running with family and friends is the absolute best. If you have a family member that isn’t into running, start with a 5k. Make it a family affair. (I actually convinced my Dad to join us in our next 5k!!!)  Encourage your loved ones to get out there with you, its a great environment to be around like minded, active, happy people.

Click here for more info about the Giant Race.

 

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Leg Day + Lunges vs Squats

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Leg workout of the day:

-Front & reverse lunge (one movement, one leg at a time)
superset with jumping lunges 3×15

-Leg press 3×15

-Sprint on treadmill- 10 mins

-Glute kickbacks on cables 3×10

-Standing hip adduction on cables 3×10

-Box step ups- 3×20

-Sprint on treadmill (incline) 10 mins

-Cool down (walking)

REST & STRETCH!

(If you are unsure of what an exercise looks like, search bodybuilding.com for images and how-to’s)

 

Do you prefer squats or lunges?

Personally, I love lunges. You will rarely find me doing squats. Here’s my thought process:

  1. I feel like my muscles are more engaged and I’m getting more effective movement in my glutes.
  2. Lunges are more fun (in my opinion). There’s much more variety with lunges. Where a squats a squat.
  3. Less strain on my back.
  4. It’s easier to get the movement right! Form can’t be sacrificed as easily. It’s not easy getting correct form for a squat.
  5. Unilateral movements (movement on one side of the body) is much easier for me to focus on and feel that mind/body connection.

What do you think? Let me know in the comments! xo

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Massage Envy Spa | Sports Massage Benefits

The following post is sponsored by Massage Envy Spa, but as always all opinions are my own.

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Hope you all had a great long weekend! Our weekend was full of wine tasting and basquing in the sun, but someone has to do it! 😉 I also had the chance to check out the Massage Envy Spa in the Metreon for a 60 minute sports massage. I will start by saying, It was one of the best massages of my life…really!

I was in dire need of a massage and Massage Envy Spa couldn’t have contacted me at a better time. I have been having a lot of neck and shoulder issues, mostly tightness which has been causing lots of headaches. I FINALLY found my lifesaver aka chiropractor (Dr. Buettner), and was very happy to find a massage therapist to help me with my issues as well. After both treatments I feel like a new person! It is SO SO SO important to listen to our bodies. In fact, the therapist suggested with all the lifting and running I do that it is important to get massages at least once a month. Luckily Massage Envy Spa offers affordable options and monthly memberships.

So when I walked into the spa I was instantly greeted by the front desk, who were really sweet and welcoming. My boyfriend and I were then taken into a room to chat about our session and what we would like to focus on. I found this extremely helpful, as we both has specific “problem” areas and requests. We then met our therapists who were both incredible! If you are in the area be sure to go to Kim! She instantly found where I needed the most work, and left me feeling 100 times better. She is strong, but I prefer a much deeper massage to ease the pain and get out all of my nasty knots. She then gave me stretches to do on my own to relieve the headaches.

For me, sports massage therapy is the best soothing relief I need from days of running or lifting. Sports massage therapy focuses on areas of the body that are overused and stressed from repetitive and often aggressive movements.

Many runners and fitness peeps like myself have found sports massage therapy critical to training for the following reasons:

  • Reduced recovery time
  • Increase flexibility
  • Decreased fatigue
  • Improved endurance
  • Fewer injuries
  • Increased relaxation for optimal performance

Do you get massages on a regular basis? If so, how often?

Thank you Kim and Massage Envy Spa for such a great experience! We will be back and seriously considering a monthly membership! If you are in the San Francisco area, be sure to check out Massage Envy Spa in the Metreon! There are also 37 other locations in the San Francisco area  to choose from.

Thanks for reading!

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Nike Favorites for Summer

And my nike obsession continues… you gotta look cute while training right?!

I saw this photo on instagram and I instantly headed straight to the nike website to check out their new summer line. The colors and prints are absolutely gorgeous!! I am so in love with the red, teals and purples. Nike continues to be my favorite brand for workout clothing, events (Nike Marathon), AND training sessions (NTC/Running clubs). I just can’t seem to get enough.

Looking forward to the Union Street store to open this weekend. Although my wallet will not, I can’t wait to browse the store, get a shoe fitting and try some Nike Training clubs, yoga and running clubs. You can sign up for the upcoming events here: gonike.me/unionstreet.

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 Be sure to follow @nikewomen on Instagram for more style inspiration. 🙂

PicMonkey Collage

1. / 2. / 3. / 4. / 5. / 6. / 7. / 8.

Which is your favorite?

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