>Vege-rita

Posted on May 23, 2011 by sethlapierre

>Last weekend I travelled home to New Hampshire to celebrate my future sister-in-law’s graduation from UNH Nursing School! I am beyond proud of her for a couple of reasons..

1) She graduated with honors
2) UNH nursing program is very hard to get accepted into
3) She has a great job lined up

and most importantly….

4) She did it all while raising my beautiful niece. For those of you that don’t know, I have a 5-year-old sunshine in my life, Morgan Therese. My bother and his fiance got pregnant very young (17 and 18) and stayed together, went to college, and now that Morgan is 5, they are engaged! They are fantastic parents and I couldn’t be more proud of my future sister-in-law! At her celebration lunch, it was so cute to hear Morgan walk around to random people saying “My mommy is so smart she is now a nurse and going to take care of sick people”. Adorable!!!

The weekend was amazing and this little man also flew home for the celebration…

(awwwww.)

I didn’t take too many pictures, sorry. Somehow only pics of salads and tequila seemed worthy.

Summer mix salad with grilled chicken from the Silver Diner (Baltimore airport).

If you ever end up at that airport, eat there!!!! Most foods are all-natural and all of their meat is antibiotic-free.

And a Whole Foods salad beast…

Oh, our flight was delayed 1.5 hours. Therefore, [a couple of] Skinny Margaritas were in order!

Patron silver, tiiiiny splash of triple sec, juice from 3-4 lime wedges, and a teeny tiny splash of OJ

How did you spend your weekend?

Do you have a certain family member that you are exceptionally proud of?

>Health & happiness

Posted on May 18, 2011 by sethlapierre

>“Don’t let you get in your own way”. I heard this quote the other day (sorry I can’t remember where!) and it stuck with me. So much of what we strive for in life – whether it pertains to career, relationship, or health – is in fact hindered by us!

Why do you stay in that job you hate?

Why haven’t you applied to that dream grad program?

Why aren’t you maintaining a healthy weight?

Why haven’t you been exercising regularly?

Why are you letting him/her walk all over you?

Outside factors surely influence but the only person to change these things is you. Life is busy and hectic and will probably always be. So if you’re putting off what you really want in life, what are you waiting for? I am continuously reminded of this working at a hospital. Life is precious and it can it’s not a given. Life is a privilege. Run with it .

* * *

In thinking about life, love and what makes me at peace, I couldn’t help but think about what about this little blog and leading a healthy lifestyle in general, truly makes me happy. I’m not talking the number on a scale or how I feel in a bathing suit, but what about being healthy makes me truly smile.

The first thing that came to mind was running. In all honesty, if I had one week to live I would spend my last days running. And I would run and run and run the most in pleasurable way I know how – with no watch and lots of scenery!

When you’re not crunched for time try going for a leisurely jog without your Garmin (GPS) watch and no set course or plan. Jam out to soul-sooothing music (think Jack Johnson-ish) and let your mind go free. It’s liberating.

I next thought about how eating healthy makes me happy. Besides fitting into my jeans and rarely getting sick, I thought about how I feel after eating a clean meal and how it fuels me with nutrients. When I eat clean and nutrient dense I leave the meal feeling clean, and nutrient dense but unlike many chemical-filled meals, I could get up and head out for a run if I wanted to! No post-meal nap required, just pure fuel!

And of course, a few items came to mind…

Green juice. From what I’ve read, drinking green juice on an empty stomach (especially first thing in the morning) is like a surge of vitamins throughout your body. An empty tummy and little fiber (lost in the pulp) allows for speedy digestion and quick absorption of nutrients.

Kombucha juice. Supports a healthy digestive system and metabolism. Organic and raw. I swear I can feel an energy buzz after guzzling one of these babies.

Green Monster smoothies. Add fresh spinach to your favorite smoothie. I swear you can’t taste it!

Hot/cold salad bowls. Mix of roasted veggies (here, sweet potatoes) and chilled veggies. Top with a serving of hummus and it becomes a savory meal.

Summer salads. Add diced mangoes, strawberries, or apples to your favorite traditional salads for a refreshing twist.

Sweet potato fries. 4 ingredients (potatoes, sea salt, pepper, and olive oil spray), quick and an uber comfort food. Puts MickyD’s to shame. Recipe here

Garbanzo bean pancakes. Yes, pancakes that taste like traditional restaurant quality (in my opinion, even better!) but don’t leave you feeling like you ate a brick. Recipe here.

Pancakes topped with coconut milk yogurt. I’ve gone to heaven.

Fresh produce. Something about a fridge full of fresh fruit and veggies makes me giddy.

And, coffee. What? I’m being honest. You can read about my quest to quit consume less here, here and here.

If you can define what about a healthy lifestyle makes you genuinely happy (or what will) beyond the vanity reasons, you’re much more likely to stick with one.

What are your reasons for maintaining or beginning a healthy lifestyle?

What recipes are mainstream in your diet for good reason?

>Short but sweet

Posted on February 10, 2011 by sethlapierre

>Hey guys, this is going to be a quick one because I’m working again tomorrow 7am – 7pm. I promised myself I’d be in bed by 10pm (it’s 10:12pm) now so I’m shooting for 10:45 😛

Here are some snacks, combos, and meals I’ve been enjoying over the last few days..

Peanut Butter & Pumpkin Roll-ups (warmed)