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Guest Blogger: Selena {Nom Nom Crunch}

Hi my little bunnies!
I am still on vacation, so while I’m exploring the Netherlands I have some fabulous guest bloggers for you to meet! Thank you so much to everyone who submitted to be a guest blogger! I had no idea that I would have such a huge response from readers and bloggers, and I was so excited to hear from you guys! If you weren’t selected this time, don’t worry because I am keeping  everyone’s submissions in mind for my next vacay!

Today, I’d like to introduce you to Selena from Nom Nom Crunch! Not only is Selena gorgeous and a fabulous foodie, but she is also a friend and sorority sister of mine! I die over her recipes. I mean seriously, can you come and cook for me everyday Selena?!
A fun little fact: Nom Nom Crunch was started on my couch! What can I say, my house is blog central!

Hello from NomNomCrunch.com

Hi Bunnies!

I’m Selena and I blog over at NomNomCrunch.com.

Since I was little, I always struggled with weight. I was always trying new diets, everything from the cabbage soup diet (which I swear forever scarred my taste buds for any soup with cabbage in it) to Weight Watchers to Paleo. I have probably tried them all.

Well my weight loss journey is far from over but I have definitely learned a thing or two. But the most important thing I have learned after trying diet after diet is that there isn’t a diet in the world out there that’s one-size-fits-all. I learned more about myself and my own habits when I stopped playing with yo-yos and just ate better, as a lifestyle.

I struggle with portion control. I like to making excuses. I am a social eater. I like to enjoy a Slurpee or Starbucks just because it seems like a good day for one. People say that recognizing your weaknesses is the hardest part, but I think the day-to-day struggle to fight these old habits and make a change is where your determination and strength are really put to the test.

So my blog is all about my journey to lose weight. I like to share my healthy recipes and fitness endeavors. If you want to know more about me, check out the “About Me” section on my blog.

in progress

For now, I’m going to tell you a little secret: I never liked oats.

Recently I started working out with a new trainer and she asked me if I liked oats because that’s what she was planning for my daily breakfast. I told her, “of course I like oats!” But the truth is, I only WANT to like oats. I never actually made it to the point of actually liking them yet…. until I got creative. I have a sweet tooth so you’ll notice I added stevia in EVERYTHING!

For my oat customization recipes, use Catherine’s Fluffy Oats Recipe as the base.

Fluffy Oats
Serves 1

1/4 cup whole rolled oats
1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
1/4 cup water
1 egg white (1 egg white = 2 tbs if you’re using it from a carton)

Whisk the egg until it gets a little fluffy/foamy. Combine with oats, water, and almond milk in a saucepan and bring heat to medium. Whisk the mixture until it starts to simmer. Raise the heat to high and continue whisking for a couple of minutes until it starts to thicken. Reduce heat back to medium and whisk until most of the liquid is soaked. Transfer to a bowl and enjoy with toppings!
Note: Be sure to whisk the egg before combining with other ingredients!

Now for the customizing…

Customize Your Oats via NomNomCrunch.com

Berry Bliss

When you are combining the oats, water and almond milk together:
+ 2 tsp of vanilla extract
+ 2 tsp of stevia

Top it off with a berry reduction:
Put a handful of mixed berries into a food processor or blender. (I used raspberries and strawberries.) Then pour into a sauce pan, add 1 tsp of stevia and bring your stove to high heat, slowly stirring the mixture consistently. When the sauce begins to bubble and the color darkens, reduce to medium heat and continue to stir to prevent burning. After about 2-3 minutes, it’s ready to pour onto your oats. The sauce will be the consistency of olive oil.

Berry Bliss Oats via NomNomCrunch.com

Berry Bliss Oats via NomNomCrunch.com

Berry Bliss Oats via NomNomCrunch.com

PB&J

When you are combining the oats, water and almond milk together:
+ 3 tsp of PB2 or another powdered peanut butter alternative
+ 2 tsp of stevia

Top it off with a spoonful of your fav jam or jelly. I used a natural huckleberry jam I got from while on vacation in Yellowstone. Just keep in mind when adding your jam/jelly, many of them have added sugars so you don’t want to go crazy with it.

PB&J Oats via NomNomCrunch.com

PB&J Oats via NomNomCrunch.com

Choconut

When you are combining the oats, water and almond milk together:
+ 1 tbs of unsweetened coco powder
+ 3 tsp of stevia
SWAP the water for coconut water

Top it off with some coconut shreds and almonds.

Choconut Oats via NomNomCrunch.com

Choconut Oats via NomNomCrunch.com

Apple Pie

When you are combining the oats, water and almond milk together:
+ 1 tsp cinnamon
+1 tsp vanilla extract
+ 3 tsp of stevia

Top it off with caramelized apples:
Heat up 1/2 tsp of coconut oil and 1 tsp of honey in a small skillet on high heat. Once the oil and honey are warm, add half of an apple to the skillet, chopped or sliced. Any type of apple will do. Traditionally apple pie is made with McIntosh apples (according to Eating Well), but I just like to use whatever is on hand. I used HoneyCrisp. With a wooden spoon, stir the apples around until they are completely coated in the oil and honey. Continue to stir until the apple begins to soften and turns to a golden brown. Then pour onto your oats.

Note: Because this recipe has real sugar (honey) in the mix, it will burn a lot easier than the berry recipe. Keep an eye on your apples and keep stirring. Burned honey on your pan can mean death to your pan.

Apple Pie Oats via NomNomCrunch.com

Apple Pie Oats via NomNomCrunch.com

 

Follow Selena on:

Back From Hibernation!

Guess who’s back, back again.
Catherine’s back, tell a friend.

Catherine

I have always told myself that I would be completely honest on my blog, so here it goes… Shortly after my surgeries I got completely overwhelmed with a series of events in my personal life, gained 20 pounds, and as a result I ended up completely relapsing into my eating disorder. But you know what, I’m human, I’m not perfect, and that’s life. We always get through it! During this time dark I felt that it was necessary to remove myself from social media and take some time for myself to get better. It took months of therapy, and it wasn’t easy, but I feel that I am in a much better place now. I’ve always stayed true to my word about practicing what I peach, so there is absolutely no way I could’ve been blogging and giving advice during that time, I wouldn’t have been right. I’m so happy to be more relaxed, healthy, and back blogging! I really appreciate your kind words and positive thoughts throughout my hibernation! You guys are the reason that I have been able to turn my blog into a professional career, and you have no idea how grateful I am for each and every one of you who reads RFFMBT. I’m sorry I didn’t give an update on what was going on sooner, but I didn’t have the strength at that time. The most important things… I’m healthy & RFFMBT is back!

You guys totally made me blush on Saturday when I announced that I was coming out of hibernation! Thank you so much for your hilarious comments, tweets, and hundreds of likes! I was worried I would’ve lost all of my readers after being gone for so long!

hibernation

Now for the good stuff
Here are some updates from while I was away:

I was finally able to get my thyroid levels regulated with Synthroid.
The tootsies are all healed.
I’m going to a specialist to do further testing for PCOS… rrr
I caught the bouquet at my friend’s wedding in Texas.
My dog turned 11.
I found the best sushi restaurant in CA.
I reunited with old friends.
I ate my weight in Christmas cookies.
I went lawn bowling.
I watched “Fat, Sick, & Nearly Dead.” Again.
I made two amazing new friends Jacquie and Robyn.
I moved.
I was initiated as a member of Kappa Alpha Theta, Beta Xi (UCLA).
I started to like cats.
I realized I’m allergic to everything.
I missed my little bunnies a ton.
I wished upon a shooting star.
I did a lot of cleaning and organizing.
I got unmotivated… and then motivated again!
I watched every episode of Downton Abbey seasons 1 & 2 (no spoilers please!).
I worked on some graphic design jobs.
I laughed a lot, I cried a lot.
I wrote down tons of new recipes to share with you guys.
I was recognized by a reader in public!
I will be making more shirts in the near future.
I found out that you can actually call Hogwarts (781) 452-4077.

And the best news yet: I was asked to speak on a panel at the Produce for Better Health – Consumer Connection Conference in San Francisco! AHHH! SO EXCITED!!!

Don’t even think I forgot what day it is!
MOTIVATION MONDAY!

“Eat clean
Train Mean
Get Lean
In 2013”

I know how addicting the couch potato lifestyle is (trust me, it happened recently), but a healthy lifestyle can be just as addicting! It’s a new year and it’s time to get healthy together!

Get pumped for new healthy recipes, motivation, support, long rants, giveaways, and fun DIY projects!
Health & Happiness xo
Catherine

Now it’s time for some rabbit food. Raw green beans and sugar snap peas.
Two of my favorites & the reason my nickname is green bean!
Fresh, crunchy, sweet, and oh so healthy!

Green Beans and Sugar Snap Peas