Happy New Year!! ~2013~

I hope everyone had a wonderful New Year!!  I know I sure had a blast in 2012 and cannot wait for all that 2013 has to bring :)  As usual I have been juicing up to 2 times a day because I just can't get away from all of the health benefits.  I have had so much more energy and that is exactly what I need for my New Year's Goal for 2013. 

I really tried hard to stay away from making resolutions like "Losing weight" and really want to focus on staying active this year.  Whether going to the gym, running on the beach, taking a hike, or paddle boarding, I am making a goal to do something active everyday in this new year.  Now some may say that isn't realistic but I love pushing myself and proving that I "CAN" do it.  I am not expecting myself to run 2 miles everday.  That would be unrealistic.  However I am going to be thinking about what I can do Active tomorrow before going to bed the night before.  If the day gets crazy I plan to do a workout in my bedroom.  You know some crunches, lifting some weights, and using my bands to strengthen and tone my legs. 

So far this year my husband and I have been hitting the gym during the week while our kids are in school.  We even tried Raquetball the one day.  That was so much fun and something completely out of the norm for us.  We can't wait for Monday so we can play again.  We even took the kids on a hike at one of our local state parks.  My youngest is 5 years old and kept up the whole time on the 4 mile hike. 

We made smart choices and packed a healthy lunch full of fruit choices and Avocado Turkey Wraps.  Things are really going smooth and I couldn't be happier about that.  We have also recently watched the documentary "Hungry For Change" which is made by the same producers of "Food Matters" two very powerful documentaries about food and our health.  I highly reccomend them and of course if you are just finding this blog and starting on your journey and you haven't watched "Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead"  that is also a must watch documentary. 

I am going to be posting alot of recipes this year so stay tuned :)  Don't forget to "Like" Skinny Jeans Amy on Facebook too.  I would love to hear about your journey too!

Healthy Entertaining Recipes - Baked Potato Bites

I Love entertaining and am always looking for little finger foods while trying to keep it somewhat healthy.  Most things are dips which are heavy on Fatty cheeses and meats or things like Ranch dressing.  So I have been trying to incorporate veggies with low fat options.  These particular little baked potato bites are made with Reduced Fat Sour Cream and topped with Chives.  First I scooped a little out of the tops to make a well for the sour cream to sit in.  Then I lightly applied Olive Oil to the potatoes and baked them for 10-15 minutes.  I let the potatoes cool slightly so the sour cream wouldn't melt.  Added the sour cream to a piping bag and added a Wilton #1 decorating tip to make them look extra purrty :) 

Skinny Jeans Amy Juice at Juicy Lucy's Juice Bar in NYC

I am so thrilled to be typing this right now and it's a little over due.  But sometimes life carries us away, right??  Well I wanted to post about a message I received on Facebook in the beginning of August from Juicy Lucy's a cold pressed juice bar with two locations in NYC.  She found my Pineapple, Cilantro, Jalapeno Juice Recipe and wanted to put it on her shelves :)  I know, so exciting!!  So here it is, all bottled up and ready to go!  I can't wait to go to NYC in December and try it, I will be posting pictures about that trip too.  If you live in or near NYC stop in and give it a try and then tell me what you think ;)  Check out her locations here!  Jucy Lucy's NYC
~Amy

Tuna Fish Triangles - Low Fat Healthy Recipe

How Delish are these Yummy Tuna Fish Triangles!!  Made with a Low-Fat Mayo and Spicy Brown Mustard, Yum!!  Add some chopped Spinach and Diced Tomatoes for a yummy healthy snack.  Scoop onto a Whole Wheat Pita Triangle and Enjoy!

Yummy Tuna Triangles - Low Fat Healthy Recipe

1 Can Tuna in Water drained
1 Tbsp Low Fat Mayo
1 tsp Spicy Brown Mustard
2 Tbsp Chopped Spinach
2 Tbsp Chopped Tomato
1 Whole Wheat Pita cut into Triangles

Mix everything together, starting with the Mayo and Mustard, scoop onto triangles and enjoy!!

Optimum Nutrition - 100% Whey Gold Standard - Protein Shake

My go to for a before workout breakfast is definitely this Whey Protein from Optimum Nutrition!  It mixes well and isn't really thick so it goes down easy and keeps me feeling full and satisfied which prevents my over snacking on unhealthy foods because I am starving.  I am sure you know what I am talking about :)   It's not fun once it gets to that point because there goes all your hard work right out the window! 

I buy it in bulk because my husband uses it too :)  I am including a link to  the actual product on Amazon.   I find the more I study and read the more focused I stay on healthy weight loss and just eating healthy in general.  So I Follow Optimum Nutrition on Facebook.  Along with a few others, I will be mentioning in my next couple of posts.  Don't forget to "Like" Skinny Jeans Amy on Facebook! 

Healthy Yummy Low Carb Recipe - Asparagus Salad

This Yummy Asparagus Salad was actually brought over by my neighbor.  She is so sweet!!  And who doesn't love a neighbor that brings you Healthy Food :)  This Salad looks super easy to make and is one that when it sets it gets better and better. 

What you need for this Recipe:

• 1 bunch of Asparagus
• a handful of Roma Tomatoes, not too many if going for low carb
• Kalamata Olives
• Red Onion sliced really thin, this was pretty light in the salad I'd say maybe two slices cut small
• Crumbled Feta Cheese
• Balsamic Vinegar

Combine all ingredients, the feta was crumbled all over the top, I did mix it in before eating it though, and didn't think to take the picture until I had mixed it in.  Measurements don't have to be exact which makes this such a nice recipe.  Perfect for a hot summer day!

My Gym Routine - Favorite Kindle Fire Read

My new favorite thing is my Kindle Fire!!  My husband bought it for me this past Christmas and it has been a huge part of my weight loss journey.  I take it to the gym alot, usually to read a good book while I am on the Elliptical, or sometimes I Facebook on it too, the screen is larger than my phone, so it works great for propping on the Eliptical's dashboard.  

I am currently reading "The Everything Juicing Book" By Carole Jacobs and I had an epiphany.  Many people ask me why I juice?  As in why not drink a smoothie, or just eat the vegetables.  While reading "The Everything Juicing Book" I wasn't even two pages into it and this what I read "Although most people understand the importance of eating more fruits and vegetables, they often lack the time, energy, and motivation to make it happen.  For such people, juicing can be the difference between great health and chronic illness". - The Everything Juicing Book

Juicing is the easiest and quickest way for me to get my daily intake of fruits and vegetables.  Am I lazy, do I lack energy, and motivation??  I don't think I am but maybe, that isn't really the point though.  This is what works for me :)  You know that saying "if it isn't broke don't fix it".  Well Juicing isn't broke for me so I am going to continue doing it.  I haven't felt or looked this good in a long time and so thankful to have me back!