weight loss

Happy Birthday Mom!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOMMY, I LOVE YOU!mom and i

Happy birthday to my best friend, idol, mentor, shopping buddy, pedicure partner, and best of all; my mom! You don’t look a day over 20 and I really hope that I get your genes!

I thought I would check in with you guys so you don’t think I have disappeared again! Things have been going at lightening speed in my life and I’m finally back in my own home for a little while… until the next adventure takes place! I spent the past weekend in Palm springs with my amazing friends for a much needed girls’ weekend. So much fun! Updates coming soon, but for now I have a delish avo snack idea for you guys!

My mom is obsessed with avocados. Literally. She cuts them open and eats them with a spoon! In honor of momma Cathie’s birthday I thought it was totally appropriate to share one of my favorite avocado snacks!

Today’s power snack is a Hass avocado drizzled with honey followed by a sprinkle of crunchy sesame seeds. Avocados provide nearly 20 essential nutrients, including fiber, potassium, Vitamin E, B-vitamins and folic acid. This will satiate your sweet tooth, give you a little bit on crunch to nibble on, and keep you full in between meals! Win win… win!

Avocado Honey Snack
Avocado Honey Snack
serves 2

1 avocado
1 Tbsp honey – divided
1/2 Tbsp sesame seeds or sunflower seeds – divided

Cut the avocado in half and remove pit. Drizzle each half with honey and sprinkle with seeds. Eat right out of the shell with a  spoon!

All Green Everything

Hi loverbuns!

Just incase you were wondering, yes the title of this post was inspired by Young Jeezy’s song “All White Everything.” I couldn’t resist.

I’m writing to you from San Francisco, CA! I’m here speaking at Produce for Better Health’s Annual Conference 2013: The Consumer Connection! I’ve been enjoying the past few days in the city trying some fun restaurants, meeting new friends, and walking up lots and lots of hills! My gluteus and calves are going to look superb when I get home. My stay in San Francisco have been incredible and I feel so lucky to be a part of DOLE and work alongside such talented bloggers like Kathy Patalsky of Healthy. Happy. Life. I will get into more detail and post photos from the conference when I get back!

Ok I don’t know what it is, but recently I have been absolutely obsessed with all things green. Maybe because it’s March and St. Patrick’s day is on Sunday? Oh, and I’m not just talking about the color. I’m talking about micronutrient rich green veggies my friends.

For the past week, I have been living off of clean green meals. I’m pretty sure this obsession is all thanks to Suja Juice (ummm how cute is their packaging?), who sent me a shipment of their finest USDA certified organic cold pressed juices. Which ones do I go for first? The vibrant emerald green juices!

Some of you have been asking on Instagram, Twitter, and FacebookWhere do I find Suja Juice?” Suja informed me of their awesome Suja Locator feature on their website! Just type in your zipcode and it will show you where it’s carried!

Here’s a look at my recent green rabbit food addiction:

All Green Everything
All Green Everything
All Green Everything
All Green Everything
All Green Everything
All Green Everything
All Green Everything
All Green Everything
All Green Everything
Kale Chips

And in the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day, I have to leave you guys with an awesome green monster smoothie recipe! This is one of my absolute favorite green smoothies, and it totally deserves some love. So I’m bringing this recipe back out of the archive! This was created by the incredible Chef AJ, and I have been hooked ever since she first made it for me. This smoothie is an excellent “first green smoothie” for anyone who is hesitant to try them.

green smoothie

It’s Easy Being Green Smoothie
Recipe by Chef AJ
serves 3

1 cup fresh orange juice
1 cup almond milk
1 bunch kale
2 frozen ripe bananas (peel and freeze beforehand)
2 cups frozen mango
about 1 cup of mint leaves (start with less and add to taste)

Start off by combing orange juice and almond milk with kale and blend until smooth. Then add the frozen banana, mango, and mint leaves.
Blend until thick and smooth, pour into 3 glass jars and enjoy. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days.

All Green Everything
Have a happy St. Patricks Day!
EAT YOUR GREENS! xo

Girl Scout Cookie Smoothie

Motivation Monday: “Suck it up now and make healthy choices so you don’t have to suck it in later.”

The other day, I was organizing files on my computer and came across this photo. I was speechless to say the least. Although I strongly dislike seeing photos of myself at my heaviest, I cannot hide what I looked like for many years of my life. This is what shaped me and my character, and gave me a completely different outlook and goal in life. I thought I would share this photo as a reminder of all of my accomplishments. Even if I fell off that wagon a few times, I have come such a far way and love my new lifestyle! Take a moment to acknowledge all of your healthy accomplishments, whether it’s taking the stairs instead of elevators, switching from refined grains to whole grains, or hitting a milestone on your weight loss journey. You should be so very proud of yourself. As I always say, all of the little things help you reach your goal!
Before & After

With that being said, it’s time for a healthy version of a not-so healthy favorite! Ahhhh yes. ‘Tis the season of Girl Scout Cookies. It seems as though this year those adorable little ladies have made it even easier to find those scrumptious cookies with their cookie finder iPhone app and “find cookies” locator on their official website. Refrain!
PUT DOWN THE THIN MINTS!
Coookies. why. must. you. be. so. addicting?

I thought I would bring back one of my favorite smoothie recipes to help you guys get through this cookie season sans weight gain! As usual, this one has an extra special ingredient: spinach! A tasty take on the green monster!

Thin Mint Protein Smoothie
Girl Scout Cookie Smoothie: Thin Mint
Serves 1

1 cup frozen spinach (or 2 cups fresh)
1 cup almond milk
2 scoops chocolate protein powder
1/4 cup rolled oats
1/8 tsp peppermint extract

Toppings:
1 Tbsp walnuts
1 Tbsp 70% dark chocolate chips

Combine the almond milk, spinach, protein powder, rolled oats, and peppermint extract in a high powered blender and blend until smooth. Transfer to a glass and top with walnuts and chocolate chips and enjoy with a spoon!
Note: If your blender has a hard time blending certain things, start by blending the milk and frozen spinach first and then add in the oats, followed by protein powder and peppermint extract.

Thin Mint Protein Smoothie
The Rabbit Food Pyramid Breakdown
Produce: spinach
Whole Grain: rolled oats
Protein: protein powder
Plant Based Fat: walnuts and dark chocolate chips

What healthy accomplishments have you made? Let me know in the comments! xo
Thank you so much for all of your awesome veggie restaurant suggestions for me while I’m here in Denver! I am so excited to try them!

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

Get Fit With Kayleigh and Herbalife

Right after I launched my blog in March, my friend Kayleigh emailed me and shared a story about her health and struggles with her weight. Kayleigh has always been fit and healthy, but a couple of years ago struggled with a failing thyroid and adrenal glands which led to a 30lb weight gain. She was eating healthy and still exercising, and did not understand why she was gaining weight so rapidly. After finding out the root of her problem, she started looking for a way to get back on track. Instead of getting discouraged, Kayleigh turned to Herbalife as a solution to feel better and get back to her regular weight. After starting to use Herbalife shakes in her daily routine, she saw the weight melt off and noticed how much better she physically felt. She loved the results so much that she still uses Herbalife today to maintain her weight, and has become a distributor to help others feel great too!

I thought that sharing Kayleigh’s story and solution was appropriate, because I am struggling with some health issues as well. I have been feeling particularly off lately and have noticed severe changes in my mood and energy, as well as physical changes with my skin, hair, and weight. I went to my doctor and through a round of blood tests discovered that a precursor to my thyroid is elevated. My sister has Graves disease and had her thyroid removed due to its overactivity, and the process of her diagnose was long and very stressful. Some people choose to go for Delta 8 THC vape pens from OCN to deal with stress, It may take some time to get everything figured out and leveled, but I am so glad that I have my sister and Kayleigh who have both overcome their health hiccups. Like Kayleigh, I know how awful it is to be on your A game, and not see any results and just feel crappy overall. Our health has a huge impact in the way we feel, and I know I am not the only one who is dealing with these issues. I love that Kayleigh found a way to feel better and get back to her healthy self with Herbalife, and am so inspired by her positive attitude and story. I hope that Kayleigh’s story can help other’s who are struggling with health issues and are not feeling their absolute best.


I adore Kayleigh because she is honest with her health and weight struggles and always wants to help others to feel and be the best they possibly can. When I was frustrated with my weight back in April, Kayleigh sent me some samples of Herbalife to try. She was so excited to share Herbalife with me since it made such a positive impact on her health and weight loss. She is such a sincere and honest girl and wants everyone to reach their health & fitness goals whether it be with Herbalife or another regimen.

I know that like everything else in life, weight loss is not one size fits all. What works for me may not be what works for everyone else, but I want to inspire others to make healthier choices and provide motivation for others to reach their goals. This is exactly why I wanted to share Kayleigh’s story with you guys. Maybe you don’t have the time to make the meals I make every single day, and need something else to replace meals that fits into your daily routine. Or maybe you have the motivation, but need another option to help you lose weight or get healthy. I think that Herbalife is a great option for someone who is on the go and needs a portable option that still has excellent nutritional value.


I tried the chocolate and vanilla shakes, and was pleasantly surprised. Most nutritional/weight loss shakes taste like same watery fake flavors, but Herbalife did not. My favorite was the chocolate. It actually tasted like a malt from a diner! I mixed my shake with unsweetened almond milk, which gave it a super thick and creamy texture that I absolutely loved. I really enjoyed the natural cocoa flavor, but more than that, I loved how full it kept me until dinner. Call me crazy, but I would throw in some coffee and make it a protein mocha for breakfast! I just told Kayleigh that I want to order a tub of Chocolate Herbalife Nutritional Shake Mix. This is a great post workout shake for busy days when I am short on time. I can’t wait to make some chocolate Protein Pancakes too!

I asked Kayleigh a few questions to give you guys a glimpse inside her HerbaLIFE!

1. Why did you start using Herbalife?
I was struggling with weight gain from a failing thyroid and adrenal gland and my regular healthy lifestyle wasn’t working the way it used to. I needed a jumpstart

2. How did you hear Herbalife?
I actually heard about it on the radio. I listen to Dr. Laura obsessively and she is does advertisements for Herbalife. After she had multiple coworkers loose upwards of 40 pounds using the shake, I decided I had to give it a try.

3. How long have you been using Herbalife?
I have been using it on and off for the past 9 months.

4. How many Herbalife shakes do you have per day? What do you usually eat in a day?
I vary between one and two shakes a day. It depends on how quickly you want to loose the weight. For the quickest easiest results its two shakes a day, but sometimes it doesn’t fit it my schedule or I don’t feel like eating two shakes.

Breakfast:
I almost always have a shake (the green one on my blog). That shake is a banana, Herbalife Forumla 1 Weight Loss Chocolate Powder, chia seeds, spinach, and a scoop of peanut butter.

Lunch:
I’ll normally make something. Maybe a big salad with all my favorites, a soup, a sandwich, a wrap or even leftovers. Pretty much anything that I can scrounge up quickly on my way to work or the night before if I have time. When I do have time I love to try new recipes and check out different ideas – I love RFFMBT for that. It has given me some wonderful lunches that have kept me full till dinner time!

Dinner:
This is normally when I will have the second shake. I work out at night so this is my post workout shake. Either I’ll make the same shake I made in the morning (but nix the chia seeds – they give you a ton of energy that have the potential of keeping you up later than you want to be up) or I’ll get a juice (Naked Juice Superfood is great or if you have a juicer that is awesome also) and mix it in with my Herbalife Formula 1 Vanilla flavored shake with some Glutacor to help with muscle re-growth.

Snacks:
I generally pack and bring with me wherever I am going that day. I’ll bring veggies, fruit and a protein. Everything varies based on the day but for proteins I either bring a bag of mixed nuts or an Herbalife Snack Bar (the lemon one is my favorite) I suggest getting creative with your fruits and veggies. You can eat as many as you want a day because they are just great for your system and you are supposed to have 8 servings a day anyhow so mix and match and use the veggies fill up if your having a mid meal craving or need for a munch fest!

5. How is Herbalife different from other nutrition/diet shakes?
I find that other shakes are either extremely expensive to purchase, not very good tasting, or had to work into your daily life. For me Herbalife is simple. It tastes delicious, it works wonderfully and I can add it to pretty much anything. I go and buy single small bottles of Naked Superfood Juice in bulk and then will bring it with me for the day if I’m out and about. It’s easy to shake up and drink. It doesn’t need a blender, it doesn’t need its own can. Got a craving for something sweet? Throw the chocolate flavored one in milk and drink up and you have a full meal of chocolate milk that will keep you full and energized all morning or afternoon! Its so simple and their are so many options and flavors.

6. How do you make your shake?
Depends on what kind of time I have. I’ll make the chocolate one with milk or water if I’m in a hurry. Or the vanilla with natural juice. When I’m home and I have my Magic Bullet Blender I will blend with ice and other yummy mix-ins. Sometimes fruits and veggies, sometimes peanut butter. Depends on my mood and day of the week, but your options are endless.

7. What is your favorite shake flavor?
Well, I love the chocolate because it fills my sweet tooth, but the vanilla is wonderful for adding to anything. Can I say there is a tie?

8. What is the average price of Herbalife? Where can I get it?
The price of the Formula 1 shake with shipping and handling and tax comes out to just a little over $48. It varies slightly on where it is being shipped to. Depending on the supplements you add, or if you want a workout protein powder as well (Herbalife 24 which is also great) those things vary. You can find all that information as well as the full catalog on my Herbalife sales page.

If you’re interested in Herbalife, or want to connect with Kayleigh, you can follow her Twitter, Tumblr blog, and purchase Herbalife from her sales page!

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