Summer is here! Yes, time to get officially  excited! Ok, so even though your days and nights are surrounded by warm weather and fun times, don’t forget about your health! Take advantage of the days where you do not have to stand in the cafe line at school. This does no mean gobble down every fast food place you see either. Check out how simple choices can change your entire of day of how you feel and act! Trust me, you’ll thank us later!

Check out a couple healthy snack to keep your mind sharp for….dun dun dun summer school! You may be surprised of what’s number 1

Need an energy boosts to overcome your Final Exams and Projects??? Time to hit the kitchen and whip up these easy and fun ENERGY BOOSTING recipes!!!

PEACH YOGURT POPS

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Servings: eight 4 oz. pops

For a quick energy pick-me-up anytime, make these frozen yogurt pops and leave them in the freezer. Then, before a long afternoon or workout, pop one out and get the fuel you need.

Ingredients

• 1 can (15 oz.)  Lite Yellow Cling Sliced Peaches or Peach Halves

• 1 carton (8 oz.) lowfat fruit flavored yogurt

• 8 4 oz. plastic or paper drink cups

• 8 wooden sticks or plastic spoons

Instructions

1) Pour undrained fruit into food processor or blender container. Cover and pureé.
2) Add yogurt; blend until smooth.
3) Pour into cups; freeze until partially frozen.
4) Place stick in center of each cup.
5) Return to freezer and freeze until firm. (several hours/overnight)

OATMEAL BREAKFAST SQUARES

Ingredients

• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1 1/2 cups quick-cooking oats
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instrctions

1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Pour into a greased 8-in. square baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees F for 25 minutes. Cut into squares.

POTATO CAESAR CHICKEN SALAD

Ingredients

• 12 oz. skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size strips

• 1 Tablespoon oil

• 1 can   Whole New Potatoes, drained and halved

• 1 package  torn mixed salad greens

• 1 small red onion, sliced

• 3/4 cup bottled Caesar salad dressing

• 1/3 cup croutons

• 2 Tablespoons finely shredded Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1) Cook and stir chicken in hot oil in large skillet over medium-high heat 3 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink.
2) Add potatoes, cover and cook 2 to 3 minutes or until potatoes are heated through.
3) Arrange greens and onion on serving platter. Top with chicken mixture. Drizzle with dressing. Sprinkle with croutons and Parmesan cheese.

Wake up, Class, Practice, Homework, Facebook,  Bed. How many of you know this common routine?  The truth is we all can be sucked into a daily routine that can make our days go by quickly instead of enjoying them. It’s pretty scary on how you can easily get pulled in to your day to day responsibilities and forget that you’re still suppose to enjoy life as well. Making sure that you still have your peace of mind in a world full of assignments, teachers , boyfriends and parents is very important. Check out different ways how to remix your daily routine!

New Environment??- So you always leave school, jump in your car, go home, grab something to eat and then get started on your homework. Well, why don’t you change up your environment?? Instead of rushing home tell the parentals that you’ll do your home work at a local café or library. Sometimes homework doesn’t feel so much like work when you’re surrounded by others who are focused too. Think about it,  it’s less likely the at you’ll be distracted by the TV or your comfy bed. And who doesn’t love a tastey lemonade or passion tea while doing algebra homework??

Make Yourself Smile- Ok so I know this may sound a tad bit corny but think about it…How often do you take yourself too seriously?? Sometimes the best way to shake up your routine is to simply loosen up. So if it’s cracking up at a joke you  remembered that your friend told your or doing a random dance break in the middle of your pile of homework, laughter is the best medicine in breaking up your routine. It serves as a reminder to simply have fun in life!

A Gift for Me!- Yes! You! You sometimes deserve to treat yourself. Even though parents don’t always admit how difficult it is to balance classes, extra-curricular activities, chores and a part time job, they do realize it! So yes, you deserve to give yourself a pat on the back for keeping your head above water during your busy days. So if it’s taking a walk at your fave park or grabbing your special treat at your local bakery, sometimes you just need to treat yourself!

-C.O.R.E Fam

Hi Fit Ladies!

From tests to parents to boyfriends, everything and everyone you deal with on a daily basis can have you completely stressed out. Even though you know working out is a huge stress reliever, you just always don’t have the time to squeeze in an hour workout. How about if I told you that all you needed was 5 minutes to relax your entire body?? Well I have the answer…it’s all in your breathing! The phrase “just take a couple deep breaths” is a true statement when it comes to calming down.

Check out these vids on how deep breathing can have you super relaxed before that 2 hour exam…….

-C.O.R.E Fam

Hey Fit Ladies!

So you’re looking outside and it’s snow, sleet and just plain cold out side. The first thing that pops in your head is that it’s too cold to even attempt to workout. Well, no more excuses! Check out a couple of workout tips that you can do in the comfort of your own room! Even though I’m sure motivation is a little hard but just trust me you’ll thank us when Spring arrives. Oh and trust me it’s going to be here sooner thank you think!

check out celeb trainer Jeanette Jenkins

Tips for Terrific Thighs!

So you know the term “Beauty Begins Within?” Well it’s no longer a dead statement. It’s time for you to  shape up! Being young  has its perks! For example unhealthy habits takes time to creep up on you so you don’t always see the effects its has on your body right away. But don’t get it twisted, just because your unhealthy habits have not crept up on you does not mean they never will. I know the cafeteria special of burger and cheese fries sounds quite tempting but just make sure you balance out your diet. Hmmm still don’t believe me? Ok, Let’s do like Beyonce and give that good ol “Countdown” and prove it!

Here are 5 reasons Fruits & Veggies Keep You Fly!

5. Pretty Plate- Yes, as girls we love to have beautiful scene in front of us. As corny as this may seem chowing down on fruits & veggies makes your entire spread looks so much better! If the fresh taste doesn’t sway you to munch down own these fruits and veggies, their natural colors and shades should definitely give you a nudge to enjoy them one by one. Think about it? We try to imitate these colors on a day to day basis and they have these vibrant colors naturally! Enjoy them!

4. Convenience- “Always on-the-go” should just be stamped on your forehead. You’re forever getting pulled in 86 different directions from everyone around you. Well, do you know what’s even quicker than “Fast Food?’ Yep, you got it ….“Fresh Food!” Instead of waiting in  the drive thru for a McChicken you can snag a tasty plum and carrots out of your fridge in 2 seconds! Hmmm, I’m slowly breaking you down…aren’t I?

3. Skin Care- Prom, First Date, Homecoming, Bon Fire, what do they all have in common?? Let me give you hint…it has to do with being you are what you eat. Well if you were leaning towards having beautiful & acne free skin you were….RIGHT! Ok, yes your parents have not been lying to you this whole time, eating your fruits & veggies does improve your skin.

2.Calorie Count/Energy- Now I am not by any means encouraging to jump on one of these fly by night diets or start counting calories like you’re taking the SAT math portion of the exam. But I am just saying that fruits and veggies are low in calories and gives you a boatload energy! So it’s time to knock the redbull to the side and go for the fresh fruit smoothie instead!

1.Reduce Disease/Dazzling Digestive- Yes! Last but CERTAINLY not least as much as clear skin and a pretty plate may  attract you, knowing that fruits and veggies helps you prevent disease and allows you to have a dazzling digestive system will keep you here! It helps reduce risk to your heart disease, high blood pressures and some cancers.

“One who has health, has hope. One who has hope, has a life.” -Proverb

Miracles & Blessings!

-C.O.R.E Family