Guest Blogger: Lauryn {The Skinny Confidential}

Today I am so so so excited to introduce you to my final guest blogger: Lauryn Evarts from The Skinny Confidential! She’s a super gorg San Diego girl, model, Proformer Pilates instructor, and future nutritionist with a passion for healthy eats.  Her blog: The Skinny Confidential is all about fitness, diet modifications/substitutions, fashion, creating, photography, blogging, beauty, & clean living. She’s always trying to help others make healthy decisions when it comes to food & exercise, what’s not to love?

RFFMBT Guest Blogger The Skinny ConfidentialHi guys! I’m Lauryn from The Skinny Confidential : ).
Today I’m talking BREAKY!Start Your Day Off Healthy: Coconut Blueberry Oatmeal

Get rid of the “I’m running late excuses” and make time for your health, diet, and figure. Fueling your bod with oatmeal in the AM allows you to feel full for hours. Instead of opting for boring, predictable oats, add a few blueberries, banana slices, almond milk, some unsweetened coconut shavings, a dash of cinnamon, and a sprinkle of nutmeg. My favie oatmeal benefits? It’s low on the cals, rids cravings, and contains tons of protein, antioxidants, & fiber.

Be careful when selecting a oatmeal brand at the market. Don’t let the low-sugar kind fool you: it’s filled with Aspartame and crap. Look for words like “steel cut” and/or “whole grain.” As far as milk goes, I prefer almond, flaxseed, or rice milk. Besides being easier on the stomach than typical hormone-filled milk, they’re all dairy-free!

And plus, who doesn’t anything with coconut?!

Recipe: Coconut Blueberry Oatmeal 
 ** Serves two
2 cups of Quaker oatmeal
1 handful of blueberries
1 sliced banana
1 cup almond milk
2 sprinkles of unsweetened coconut shavings
1 dash cinnamon
1 dash nutmeg

Slice banana & clean blueberries. Cook oats on the stove for about five minutes. Drain oats and add blueberries and bananas. Sprinkle coconut shavings, cinnamon and nutmeg over fruit. I like to let it sit for 2 minutes so fruit dissolves into the oats. Add 1/2 cup of dairy-free milk. Enjoy with fresh orange juice!

The Skinny Confidential's Blueberry Coconut Oatmeal 1
The Skinny Confidential's Blueberry Coconut Oatmeal 2
The Skinny Confidential's Blueberry Coconut Oatmeal 3
The Skinny Confidential's Blueberry Coconut Oatmeal 4
The Skinny Confidential's Blueberry Coconut Oatmeal 5Follow Lauryn on:

Guest Blogger: Kelly {Running Blonde}

Today’s recipe comes from guest blogger Kelly of Running Blonde! She’s created a protein packed granola filled with chia seeds, pecans, almonds, coconut, and dried fruit! She even broke down her recipe with the Rabbit Food Pyramid for you guys! I cannot wait to give this recipe a try! xo

Running Blonde

Hi! I’m Kelly. I’m a physician, athlete and blogger living in San Francisco, CA. On my blog I share recipes, DIY’s and travel stories. To learn more about me and what my life is like when I’m not wearing my white coat, check out Running Blonde.

chia pecan shredded coconut granola

Today I want to share a recipe for homemade granola with you. You’ve probably heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It’s true! An important part of your important breakfast is getting healthy protein so your body has energy to do everything you demand of it. Thanks to the pecans and almonds, this granola is protein packed. Plus, it features one of my favorite superfoods – chia seeds. These little wonders are rich in omega-3’s and fiber. This means they will help your heart and keep you feeling full all morning long.

Every time I share a granola recipe on Running Blonde, I give a little homemade granola spiel. It goes something like this – granola is one of the most flexible and most forgiving recipes ever. It’s easy to make substitutions based on your dietary needs and what you have around the home. If you are gluten intolerant, make sure you buy gluten free oats. If you are vegan, use maple syrup instead of honey. You can use any type of nut from pepitas to walnuts and any type of dried fruit. There are a few secrets to perfectly toasted granola – make sure you spread the granola out on your baking sheet evenly and not too thick. To get clusters of granola, after removing it from the oven when it is still warm, use your hands to press it gently into clumps.

chia pecan shredded coconut granola
chia pecan shredded coconut granola

Protein Packed Chia Granola
Makes about 6 cups

3 cups old fashioned oats
1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup chopped almonds
3 Tbsp chia seeds
1 Tbsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup dried fruit (I used cranberries)
1/4 cup honey
3 Tbsp melted coconut oil
3/4 tsp vanilla
1 cup shredded coconut

Instructions

1. Combine the oats, pecans, chia seeds, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a large mixing bowl.

2. Stir in the dried fruit

3. Stir in the honey, coconut oil and vanilla

4. Spread evenly on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper and bake at 300F for 30 minutes, stirring halfway. Toss, sprinkle with the shredded coconut and bake another 5 minutes.

chia pecan shredded coconut granola

The Rabbit Food Pyramid Breakdown
Produce: dried fruit
Whole Grain: oatmeal
Protein: pecans, almonds, chia seeds
Plant Based Fat: coconut oil, chia seeds

Note from Catherine: Although I would usually put nuts and seeds in the “plant based fat” category, they are an excellent combined source of plant protein in this recipe!

Follow Kelly on:
Twitter: @RunBlonde
Pinterest: pinterest.com/runblonde/

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:

RFFMBT Goes to Holland!

Hi bunnies!
I have two little announcements:

1. Today is my birthday! YAYYY!

2. Sooooo, some of you may have noticed that my RFFMBT store is completely empty. Welllll that’s because I’m in Holland visiting one of my best friends, Tammy! I had been planning a surprise trip (with the help of her fiancé Luc) for months and couldn’t say anything on my blog in fear of her finding out! Since I will be here until the 27th, I decided it would be best to put my store on hold until I’m home. I would feel terrible if anyone placed an order and I couldn’t ship it for weeks. The shop will resume when I return to the US around August 27th!

I also wanted to say thank you to everyone who purchased RFFMBT shirts! I shipped out hundreds of shirts to bunnies all over the world. I was so excited to see shirts going to Australia, UK, France, Germany, Turkey, Portugal, Canada, and all over the states! You guys are amazing! Huge thank you to my mom and Brett for helping me pack and ship everything!

Screen Shot 2013-08-15 at 2.17.52 PMFirst day of orders!

Screen Shot 2013-08-15 at 2.18.02 PMDay two of orders!

I had to completely refrain from Instagramming photos during my travel day, so I would’t give the surprise away to Tammy! Here is a photo update on my birthday and trip to Holland!

photo 1After I landed, Luc picked me up at the airport and we took the train home to surprise Tammy. I wish we filmed her reaction, it was priceless and something I will never forget! I walked into her house and she was photographing her sugar flowers and started SCREAMING! It was sooooo cute. I totally bawled my eyes out since I hadn’t seen her for an entire year!Reunited and it feels so goooood!

Screen Shot 2013-08-15 at 2.18.16 PMI woke up in Holland to flowers and a gift from Tammy!

photo 5About 5 lbs of Haribo gummies from The Netherlands! The flavors are sooo much better than the American Haribo bears! Trust me, I’m a gummy expert haha.

photo 2This morning, Tammy and I walked to breakfast in Breda, Holland.

photo 4
Birthday massage from a Dutch stranger! There was a group of students from a Physical Therapy school who were offering shoulder massages for practice hours. I suggest they do this everyday!

photo 3
photo 3 copyI thought this was hilarious! Luckily Tammy can translate menus for me!

photo 4 copyBirthday matcha green tea latte with soy milk!

photo 5 copyBirthday bagel: Sun dried tomato bagel with pesto and sun dried tomato cream cheese. omg. I. love. tomatoes. Favorite fruitveggie! I have to learn how to make this spread!

photo copyOn our way home from breakfast, Tammy and I stopped by the grocery store and guess what? I found Dutch almond milk! SCORE!

photo 2 copyTammy is the owner of Sugarlips Cakes, so she is busy building cakes and custom sugar flowers for a wedding this weekend! I’m the taste tester. Such a bummer. ha!

More updates to come from my trip! I’m so excited I could finally update you guys on what I’m doing!

Since I wasn’t able to say anything until now, I wanted to let you guys know that I will be taking a few guest blog submissions during my vacation.
If you are interested, please contact me using the “advertise” tab at the top of my blog!

For guest post submissions please include:
1. Your name
2. Blog URL
3. A little bit about yourself & your blog
4. Post subject/idea
5. How long you have been blogging

Polar RC3 GPS Review

The following post is sponsored by Fitfluential LLC on behalf of Polar.

A short while ago, I asked my Facebook fans what kind of heart rate monitor they would suggest. Literally seconds later, a huge rush of comments suggested “POLAR!”

I had never used any type of heart rate monitor before. Only the unreliable ones on the treadmill or elliptical at the gym. Being the luckiest girl in the world, Polar contacted me to try out their new Polar RC3 GPS heart rate watch!

I have literally never been so excited to exercise in my life until I met my Polar RC3 GPS! As you guys know, I’m not a huge fan of working out, I more of a walker/barre class-er, but being on #TeamPolar has pretty much changed my life! It has been so much fun to take my Polar with me to spin class and on runs and actually see the hard work that  have accomplished. With the RC3 GPS, not only does it track your calorie burn with the heart rate sensor, but it also uses Integrated GPS to track your route, distance, and speed. It’s so rewarding and exciting to checkout all of your stats after a workout. Another feature that I love about the Polar RC3 GPS is that you can sync all data from your watch and upload it to your free Polar Personal Trainer account and compare workouts to improve your performance and endurance. This is also where you can see your runs on the map!

Polar RC3 GPS Review

Essential features in one compact package:

  • Tracks your route, speed and distance using built-in GPS
  • Shows GPS based altitude during and after training
  • Training Benefit gives you instant feedback after your session
  • Running Index scores your performance
  • Improves performance with endurance training programs, downloadable for free from polarpersonaltrainer.com
  • Compatible with Polar running and cycling sensors
  • Rechargeable battery, 12h in continuous use with GPS on

Polar RC3 GPS Review

What’s in the box when you purchase a Polar RC3 GPS with heart rate?

  • Polar RC3 GPS training computer
  • Polar H3 heart rate sensor
  • USB cable
  • RC3 GPS Getting Started Guide

The Look: because I’m a girl and I like pretty things!

  • Comfortable watch band with endless sizing options
  • Super slim design as compared to other HRM (heart rate monitor) watches with integrated GPS
  • Large display for easy viewing
  • On the Polar website, this particular watch color is listed as “orange” but I would like to tell you that it’s definitely a bight red-orange! Similar to Pantone: 1797C if you want to get specific!

Polar RC3 GPS Review
Polar RC3 GPS Review
Polar RC3 GPS Review

The pros:

  • Easy to setup and use
  • Comfortable watch band with endless sizing options
  • Trusted ECG-accurate heart rate monitor
  • Integrated GPS. No need for an extra device or arm unit
  • Accurate GPS and map viewable online
  • All data can be synced to your free online Polar Personal Trainer account
  • Super slim design as compared to other HRM watches with integrated GPS
  • Large display
  • Holds data for various workouts
  • Heat rate sensor allows you to view your average, maximum, and minimum heart rate
  • Records calorie burn and fat burn %
  • GPS feature records altitude (maximum, ascent, and decent)
  • Records average and maximum speed
  • Charges via USB which makes it easy for me to charge through my computer, iPhone charger base, or even my interchangeable USB car charger
  • Can set to do interval training
  • Really motivated you to do your best and improve your performance every time!

Polar RC3 GPS Review
Polar RC3 GPS Review
Polar RC3 GPS Review

The Cons:

  • Hard to hear the watch beep for interval training, I wish it was louder or had a vibrate function!
  • You cannot forget to charge the watch. Even if it has about 1/4 battery life, it may not let you start recording a workout.
  • Only IPX 7 waterproof, which means its safe in a rainstorm, but not safe for swimming.
  • I wish this particular heart rate sensor had bluetooth so I could sync it to my iPhone as well
  • Also wish that the watch could sync wirelessly to my computer to download data, but now Im just being picky! hahaPolar RC3 GPS Review

The Battery:

  • A fully charged battery gives 12 hours in continuous use with GPS on, and up to 1700 training hours with the GPS off.
  • I quickly learned the hard way that the GPS feature is pretty draining. I wasn’t expecting to charge my watch every 3-4 days after taking it to 45 minute spin classes, but then found out that it was because GPS was enabled. Since I don’t need GPS to route my stationary bike, I solved that problem and the battery life has been excellent.

Polar RC3 GPS Review

PolarPersonalTrainer.com website:

  • Accounts on PolarPersonalTrainer.com are free
  • Data is easily synced via USB
  • Extremely easy and flawless download system
  • Logs all of your training files
  • Compares training files to help you improve performance and endurance
  • Shows your GPS recorded route on a map
  • Provides printable training programs

Polar Personal Trainer
If you love exercising outdoors, the integrated GPS on the Polar RC3 GPS with be your new best friend. If you’re more into workout classes at the gym, there are other excellent heart rate monitor watch options on Polar’s online shop for you to checkout.

If you’re tight on cash or simply not a fan of watches, Polar also has a free iphone appPolar Beat” that is compatible with their H7 Bluetooth Heart Rate Sensor Strap ($79.95 on shoppolar.com and often less on websites like amazon.com)! Just strap on the heart rate sensor, connect with bluetooth on your iPhone, and your heart rate and calorie burn will be visible on your phone!

Having a Polar RC3 GPS has been so motivating for me! I can’t imagine workout without it now!

Show Polar some love:
Facebook.com/polarusa
Twitter.com/polarglobal
Instagram.com/polarusa
Youtube.com/polar

Do you have a heart rate monitor? If so which one do you have and what do you think of it?

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