weight loss blog

Light Vegan Apple Crumble for One

I hope you guys had a wonderful Thanksgiving!
I am so very thankful for all of my readers.
You make me so happy and inspire me every single day.
Thank you for allowing me to do what I love for a job.
It’s incredibly rewarding and I love hearing your success stories!

Thank you so much for being patient with me the past few weeks! A lot has been going on recently.
Now that the cat’s out of the bag, I can finally tell you guys why I have been so MIA!
I’ve been traveling a ton meeting with RFFMBT brand sponsors,
buttttt the big news is: my sister got engaged!
And of course amidst the chaos along came Thanksgiving and tons of family events!

This was seriously the cutest proposal in the world! I’ve had to keep my mouth closed for a month and it has been the hardest thing in the world! Patrick had asked my dad for his blessing, and then told my mom and I that he wanted to propose. Patrick actually asked me to be a part of the proposal which was so sweet! My sister is a photographer, and since photography is obviously very important to her, Patrick asked if I would hide and capture the proposal on camera (um duhhh this is every girl’s dream!). Of course I was all over it! I ended up hiding in a bush at the beach for 3 hours in the rain while Jess was “photographing” the beach and sunset until they made their way to the proposal sight where Patrick had written “Jessica will you marry me?” in shells and rocks! Both families were waiting at our house with champagne when they got back! It was too cute and I am soooooo happy that I was a part of it! My sister was beyond surprised, she had NO clue it was happening : ).

Of course for me, this means bridesmaid bootcamp! I’m ready to get those arms and shoulders toned for the wedding! I’m patiently waiting for the fiancés to set a date!

Proposal1
proposalGreetings from my hobbit hole!

Since the holidays are here and dessert is essential at every gathering in my family, I have been inventing some new healthy single serving sweets for you guys. This recipe is the ultimate quick and easy dessert. Serve with nostalgia and the warm cozy feeling of fall!

Healthy-Apple-Crumble-for-One-1
Healthy-Apple-Crumble-for-One-2
Healthy-Apple-Crumble-for-One-3
Healthy-Apple-Crumble-for-One-4
Healthy-Apple-Crumble-for-One-5

Light Vegan Apple Crumble
Serves 1

For the Apple Filling
1 medium fuji or gala apple
2 Tbsp almond milk
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/8 tsp salt

For the crumble
1/4 up rolled oats
1 Tbsp whole wheat flour
1/2 Tbsp maple syrup or 1 packet stevia
1 tbsp Earth Balance Buttery Spread with Olive Oil or coconut oil

Optional: Top with 1 cup of Chobani 0% Vanilla Greek Yogurt as a light & healthy ice cream replacement.

Chop apple into small pieces and combine with almond milk, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Microwave for 4-5 minutes until apple becomes soft. In a separate bowl, combine oats, flour, maple syrup, and earth balance. microwave for 1 minute and stir. Place cooked apples in a bowl and top with the crumble mixture.

The Rabbit Food Pyramid Breakdown
Produce: apple
Whole Grain: rolled oats & whole wheat flour
Protein: Greek yogurt
Plant Based Fat: Earth Balance Buttery Spread
Free Extras: salt, cinnamon, nutmeg

Mango Avo Smoothie

Motivation Monday: “I can & I will.”

Ok soooo shirts are still not up in the store guys! I thought I could get it done last week, but I’ve been so busy! Five days in, and August has already been a crazy month!

I haven’t done a smoothie recipe for quite some time and sine the weather is heating up here in Southern California, I thought it was about time. Have you ever tried avocado in a smoothie? Not only does it add a dose of healthy fats, omega-3, vitamins A, C, E, K and B6, along with an enormous amount of potassium, but it adds the perfect creaminess to your morning schmoozie. If you aren’t a fan of avocados, this is a great place to start since the flavor is very mild and almost unrecognizable in this mix of mango and yogurt.

Add some healthy plant-based fats to your morning smoothie with a little dose of avo!

Mango Avo Smoothie
Mango Avo Smoothie
Mango Avo Smoothie
Mango Avo Smoothie
Serves 1

1 cup chopped frozen mango
6 oz Plain nonfat Greek yogurt
1/4 medium avocado
1/4 tsp cinnamon
2-3 Tbsp water

Combine all ingredients in a high powered blender and blend until smooth. Add water as needed to get the blender going.

The Rabbit Food Pyramid Breakdown
Produce: mango
Whole Grain: enjoy with 1 slice of whole grain toast. I love Ezekiel 4:9 Sprouted Grain Low Sodium Bread
Protein: Greek yogurt
Plant Based Fat: avocado

Rustic Ricotta & Peach Pizza

Everyone loves pizza, right?
And homemade pizza? Even better!
What if I told you that you could have this entire pizza, for yourself?
That’s right, this homemade pizza is personal sized!
Dough and all, from scratch – following The Rabbit Food Pyramid!

Grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready for the best pizza of the summer!
My Italian side is very happy with this little creation!

Rustic Ricotta & Pear pizza
Rustic Ricotta & Pear pizza
Rustic Ricotta & Pear pizza
Rustic Ricotta & Pear pizza
Rustic Ricotta & Pear pizza
Rustic Ricotta & Pear pizza
Rustic Ricotta & Pear pizza
Rustic Ricotta & Pear pizza
Rustic Ricotta & Pear pizza
Rustic Ricotta & Pear pizza
Rustic Ricotta & Pear pizza

Rustic Ricotta & Peach Pizza
Serves 1

Dough:
¼ cup whole-wheat flour
1 egg white
1 Tbsp almond milk
½ tsp oregano
pinch of salt
pinch of pepper

Ricotta mixture:
1/4 cup nonfat or lowfat ricotta cheese
1 Tbsp scallions (or chives), chopped
1/2 Tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp olive oil

Toppings:
1/2 peach, thinly slices
1 tsp balsamic glaze

Preheat oven to 450. Combine all of the dough ingredients and mix well. Generously spray a baking sheet with nonstick or olive oil cooking spray. Thinly spread the dough on the baking sheet. In a new bowl, combine the ricotta ingredients and mix well. Spread the ricotta over the uncooked dough, leaving 1/2 inch of the outer edge for crust. Thinly slice 1/2 of a peach and place slices over the ricotta. Transfer the pizza to oven and bake for 12-13 minutes or until edges become golden brown. Remove from oven and drizzle with balsamic glaze. Cut and serve hot.

The Rabbit Food Pyramid Breakdown
Produce: scallions and 1/2 peach
Whole Grain: whole grain flower in the pizza dough
Protein: ricotta cheese and egg white
Plant Based Fat: olive oil

Easy Peasy Mushroom Crostini

Hi everybunny!
Sorry for the lack of post yesterday… but I have good news: New RFFMBT shirts are almost here! Keep checking back because I am hoping to have them listed in the shop later this week! I will make an announcement via my blog, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter when they are ready for purchase! I have a couple of new designs that I’m really excited for you guys to see as well as my famous “Eat More Rabbit Food” shirts!

Oh My Goji Shirt
Remember when I used to do Toast Tuesdays?! Today’s recipe kind of brings that back to the blog… in a super sophisticated toast way haha. Here’s to this small bite for Toast Tuesday!

Whether you’re entertaining guests, in need of a quick snack, or looking for a simple appetizer for dinner with your family, these Mushroom Crostini are easy peasy to make! I find myself loving the most simple of recipes because you get to experience so much of one flavor in a single bite. These minimal ingredient mushroom crostini were inspired by my trip to the Mycopia Mushroom Farm and are full of earthy flavor and the perfect amount of crunch and chewiness. The flavor of mushrooms cooked in olive oil, salt, and pepper is like no other. Simple, and delicious.

Easy Peasy Mushroom Crostini
Easy Peasy Mushroom Crostini
Easy Peasy Mushroom Crostini
Easy Peasy Mushroom Crostini

Easy Peasy Mushroom Crostini
Serves 1 – when making this recipe for guests, the more mushrooms the merrier!

4 slices of whole grain baguette, 1/2 inch thick slices
1 cup chopped baby bella mushrooms
1 Tbps olive oil
Pinch of salt & pepper

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lay sliced bread on a baking sheet and spray each piece with olive oil cooking spray. Bake for about 15 minutes or until they begin to turn golden brown. While the crostini cook in the oven, heat olive oil in a skillet. Add the mushrooms and cook for about five minutes until they become soft. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and toss well. Transfer the mushrooms and top on the whole grain crostini. Serve.
Note: I like to use olive oil spray to lighten up my crostini bread. Especially since there is already a serving of olive oil mixed in with the mushrooms! It’s a lighter way to get your bread crispy.

The Rabbit Food Pyramid Breakdown
Produce: mushrooms
Whole Grain: baguette slices
Protein: suggestion – complete this meal with a side of 1/2 cup cooked lentils, chickpeas, or beans!
Plant Based Fat: olive oil

Tips For Your First Spin Class

Spinning is definitely no ride in the park but all that pedaling will work the quads, hamstrings, glutes, calves, and core and give you a total calorie burn anywhere from 400 calories and up! Good news for anyone with joint issues, indoor cycling keeps impact on the joints to a minimum.

I’ve been totally addicted to spin class at Full Psycle recently! Once I powered myself through my first class I was absolutely hooked. Since some of you guys have been asking me questions about spin class on Instagram, I thought I would share what I’ve learned so far. I’m no expert, but I hope that these tips will make spinning seem a little less intimidating and maybe inspire you to try a class! I mean, it’s just a stationary bike… how terrible could it be?! haha.

CATHERINE’S QUICK TIPS
Reserve a bike before class:
Spin class popularity is on the rise, so make sure to call or reserve a bike online beforehand if your studio requires it.
Don’t sit in the very back row:
I know, we’re all tempted to snag a bike in the very back row our first time, but if you sit towards the front (second row) you will be able to watch the instructor and veterans. Its often helpful to watch a pro and use them as a guide.
Don’t go faster than the veterans: If your legs are going faster than the veterans or instructor, you probably don’t have enough intensity and you’re not doing yourself any favors. When your instructor says “give it your all” or “go go go” think of it as intensity, not leg speed.
Kick your heals out with some force to unclip from the pedals: I saw a girl a few days ago take her feet out of the shoes and leave them on the pedals after class! No need to do that haha, unclipping is easy!
Bring water: Seriously, I drank an entire 1 liter bottle of Smart Water my first class!
If you have a Heart Rate Monitor Watch: BRING IT! You will be so motivated and inspired by your endurance and the amount of calories you burn!


Full Psycle(source: Full Psycle)


What to expect:
Expect a vigorous workout! You will burn upward of 400 or more calories per 45 minute class. Every class is different, but you’re going to get a hardcore workout no matter what. For those of you who say “I never sweat,” you will!

Don’t be intimidated: Yes, there will probably be some seasoned pros in your class, but there will also be some newbies and people of all different ages, sizes, and level! Spinning is less intimidating than you may think. 
Don’t let the fear of the unknown stop you from trying an awesome workout! Remember that anything new is always scary. It’s just spinning!

Polar RC3 GPS 1My new PR calorie burn from Spin class at Full Psycle!

Polar RC3 GPS 2Polar sent me their new Polar RC3 GPS to review, and I am so obsessed with it. Aside from the clips I have been wearing to class, this is one of the biggest reasons I am so addicted to spin. You can watch your progress and see your exact calorie burn, minimum, average, and maximum heart rate, distance, and more! I’ve been wearing the heart rate monitor to class and it has been life changing you guys! I will be doing a full review on this watch and it’s functions in a couple of weeks!

THE ATTIRE:
Suit up: You will definitely work up a sweat, so throw on some moisture-wicking clothes to keep cool and dry.

Girls: I recommend crops and a fitted tank that’s tight so you don’t have a lot of extra fabric. Oh, and it can’t hurt your ride to put on something you feel confident in!

Guys: Shorts and a tank. A lot of guys end up without shirts by the end of class because it can get pretty hot in the studio.

Thoughts on padded bike shorts: The saddle can be an issue for some people and I’ll admit, the seats can definitely take some getting used to, but my advice would be to take the class in your normal workout gear and see what you think before buying cycling shorts. I don’t think padded cycling shorts are 100% necessary since you do spend a good amount of time out of the saddle, but it’s all about preference. If it makes you more comfortable, go for it!

Shoes matter: Make sure to call ahead or look at the FAQ online to see if your shoes are okay for class. In most cycling classes normal athletic kicks are just fine, but in others, cycling shoes are required.

My two cents on cycling shoes: I suggest finding a studio that has cycling shoes to rent, because with cycling shoes the feet are connected to the pedals much more securely. “Clips” as they’re called, can also make you more comfortable on the bike, give you more power, and allow you to get more integration of muscles in the legs for an overall better workout.

Full Psycle 3
WHAT TO BRING
Towel: Bring a towel if your studio doesn’t provide them and keep it draped over the handlebars for easy access.

Water Bottle: You are definitely going to want a big bottle of water nearby! Swigging water is encouraged mid-ride to stay hydrated, although the spin n’ sip may take some coordination haha. Sport cap bottles are suggested.

Full Psycle 1

BEFORE YOU ARRIVE
Eats: It’s important to feel like Goldilocks before class. You know… not to be too full and not too hungry.

Hydration: Stay well hydrated before, during and after class! You know you are properly hydrated if you are not feeling thirsty. Probably a good idea to use the restroom before class too!

Arrive 15 minutes before class begins, especially if it’s your first time. You will probably have to sing a waiver and it takes a few minutes to get properly situated on your bike.

Full Psycle 2
IN CLASS

Bike setup is key to a great ride: Don’t be afraid to ask your instructor for help setting you up on the bike. It’s the best way to prevent unnecessary discomfort and injuries!

Resistance: There are no real gears to change, but there is a resistance knob (or computer screen in some cases). There should always be some resistance on the pedals. It takes a few classes to get familiar with the right amount of resistance for you, but you’ll get the hang of it.

Don’t give up: If you start to feel exhausted or overwhelmed, just sit down in the saddle, take the tension down, and continue to peddle through the end of the class if you can. You’ll be prouder of yourself for enduring the class than walking out! Give yourself permission to build into this activity and you’ll find that you enjoy it more each time.


AFTER CLASS

Stretch: Take full advantage of stretching those legs to keep tightness and injuries to a minimum.

Eat: It may seem a little counterintuitive, but immediately after your workout is the best time of day to eat. Try to eat a high protein meal right away, because your body’s ability to refill muscle energy stores decreases by 50 percent if you wait to eat just 2 hours after your workout! Everyone loves an incentive to eat, right?!

Hydrate: Drink plenty of water and stay well hydrated following your workout.


Indoor cycling puts things in full gear with its awesome tunes, control over resistance and speed, and overall intensity. Hop on to the nearest bike and give this class a go!

Do you have any additional tips for first time spinners or a story about your first class? I would love to hear about it!

1 2 3 4