Friday, September 27, 2013

The AudFit blog is moving!

Hello to everyone who has read my first shot as a blogger with the AudFit blog!

I have decided to revamp my writing and blog and start fresh! Please check out www.audwrong.wordpress.com for my new blog....The Aud Life! I will be blogging on the same topics of clean, healthy living made simple and fun and will be looking to expand, connect and improve my skills and knowledge as a writer.

So, please check me out on wordpress and ALSO follow me on....
Twitter: @audreywrong
Instagram: @audwrong
Linked In: Audrey Wright
Google+: Audrey Wright

Thanks you guys! I look forward to MANY more recipes, tips, research and more to share with you!

Friday, September 6, 2013

Honey ginger soy salmon, caramelized onions and delicious salad!

So it's Friday night here in Orlando, FL and it's storming like CRAZY! Decided I would change it up and prepare a nice and delicious meal on my day off! This only ended up taking about 15 minutes to prepare, which means that I will be making this again to take to work. Quick, easy, delicious and healthy? Sign me up!

Honey, ginger, soy salmon and strawberry, tomato and avocado spinach salad

Salmon ingredients:
1 Salmon fillet
1 Tsp honey (I use raw honey)
1 Tsp soy sauce or substitute (I use liquid aminos)
1/2 Tsp ground ginger
S&P

Salad ingredients:
Spinach
Fresh strawberries
Tomato
1/2 Avocado
Balsamic vinegar
S&P

Onions:
Sliced onion (I used about 2 slices)
Spray cooking oil of your choice (I used coconut oil)

Directions:

Get your onions going in a small pan on the stove. I sliced them up and used a few sprays of coconut oil. Really simple and delicious! Turn your heat on med-low and stir occasionally as you prepare the rest of your meal to soften them up evenly.

Prepare your salmon with salt, pepper and ground ginger on each side and let it sit in a bowl to marinate for a few minutes.
While your salmon marinates, make a little foil "dish" that you'll broil your salmon on. I took a piece of foil, folded it in half and bent up the edges.
In a small bowl, mix your honey, soy sauce and more ginger to taste.
Turn your broiler on HI, place your salmon on the foil sheet and pop in the oven for 5 minutes.

While your salmon broils, place your spinach on a plate and garnish with fresh chopped tomato, sliced strawberries and a cubed avocado half. I had some extra alfalfa sprouts and placed that on top as well.

After the 5 minutes, pull your salmon out and drizzle your honey/soy/ginger mixture evenly over the fish. Pop back in the oven and broil for another 2 minutes.

By this time your onions should be ready to plate! If not, crank your heat up and give them a few stirs and shakes in the pan. Pull your salmon out and plate! (I placed the salmon on top of my onions - some of the honey/soy drizzled down to give the onions that nice flavor!) I drizzled my salad with a little balsamic vinegar and voila! A delicious meal for a Friday evening indoors! Hope you enjoy!


Thursday, August 8, 2013

Ground Flax and Teff Mug Brownie

I just don't know what it is! For some reason, I have been craving healthy brownies. I had one recently made by a paleo kitchen near where I live made with cocoa powder, a ton of vegetables and a little coconut flour and oil. SO delicious! I've been wanting to find my own version that was quick, easy and still healthy for you with no butter, sugar, oil and very little flour. So I give you...the flax/teff brownie!

Now, this is a bit of an acquired taste, but I LOVE them! They're not dense, fudgy and heavy like your typical brownie, which I no longer care for. This is light, cakey and goes amazingly well with a cup of tea or glass of almond milk. It's just a hint of sweet because it's NATURALLY sweetened - nothing overwhelming or in your face. Try this next time you get a hankering for a warm baked good!

Ingredients: 
1 Large mug (the larger the better, like a soup mug - flax and baking powder RISE!)
Spray coconut oil or other light spray to grease your mug
2 T Ground flax
2 T Teff flour (Here's why I prefer teff: The health benefits of teff are something of a wonder, and if I'm going to use flour in anything, it's going to be this one! It's one of the highest protein containing grains, is packed with calcium, thiamin (aids in healthy nervous and cardiovascular health) and iron that is easily absorbed by the body with teff. It also aids in controlling blood sugar levels! So no glucose crashes!! I LOVE TEFF!!!)
1 T of a rich, high % cocoa powder
1/4 c Unsweetened all natural applesauce
2 T egg whites
1 t Maple extract (This was somewhat of a random addition if you have it. You can use a tsp of molasses or another rich extract. It gives a nice depth to the cocoa flavor and adds a richness to the brownie.)
1 t Baking powder
1 t Unsweetened almond milk (may need more depending on the thickness of the brownie when mixing - just add a splash at a time - your brownie should be a thick, "brownie-like" consistency)
1 t Earth balance if you prefer a little buttery flavor (DO NOT OVERDO THIS. A little goes a long way and don't forget our purpose here is a healthy treat or breakfast!)

Directions: 
Mix all of your ingredients in your mug and pop in the microwave for 1 min 15 sec. Feel free to experiment with the time going 15-30 seconds at a time because every microwave is different. I removed mine when it was still a little wet on the top and it finished cooking on it's own as I let it sit on the counter for a couple of minutes. That way you're left with a slightly moist and fluffy cake - you do NOT want this to get dried out or you will be disappointed.

I wish I had pictures for you today! I ate my brownie too fast and realized that I had not taken any pictures! It was too delicious! Hope you enjoy!

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Get Moving!

It's funny how easy it is to view summer as this time where all you do is lay around on the couch beating the heat watching movies, going on vacation and just "getting some rest". Why on earth do we need 3 1/2 months of rest?! The bottom line is, we don't, and it's all in your attitude and your approach to life of how you treat your summer and yourself. YOU are worth more than a bag of potato chips with a movie. YOU are worth more than pigging out at the summer family bbq 'because you only do it once a year'.

Being physically active is important for you mentally and physically like we've read over and over again, and the important thing is to just Get Moving. We all have different fitness goals and below I posted some ways that you can get up, moving and active based on where you currently are in your level of fitness or where you want to be. A little bit of time spent up and around can change your attitude for the day, the manner in which you treat others, and give you a refreshed energy like you've never known before! Just find what works for you and roll with it! Soon you'll be begging others to join you and then the rest, as they say, is history!

Beginner Fitness (you're out of shape, never worked out or done much before, injured or wanting to take it easy)
Light swimming: Walk some laps, grab a pool noodle/kick board and push it back and forth as you walk
A walk around the neighborhood: Take the dog and kids! Even they want to stay fit!
Gentle yoga: There are plenty of ways to do this for free. Find a local free yoga class, youtube or google! Check out http://www.lululemon.com/giftofyoga if you have a lululemon store near you or visit http://www.doyogawithme.com/ for some great instructors and easy to follow practices.
Be a kid again!: Pick up a jump rope, hula hoop or other fun outdoor toy and get busy!
Dance around your house or clean: Let's face it. Something ALWAYS has to be done around the house. The oven needs to be cleaned, laundry needs to be done, those vents are starting to look a little dusty...and so much more! Why not get up and do it?! You'd be amazed at how you can wear yourself out just doing things around the house!

Intermediate Fitness (you work out fairly regularly, are more in shape, like more sports and "gym-like" activities)
Join your gym or local rec center: If you're not quite sure what you're doing in an open gym, or that comfortable, join some group classes or hire a personal trainer! USE YOUR RESOURCES! Hiring a personal trainer (your local rec center should always have a deal on this - it is affordable I promise!) allows you to ask questions and get a fitness program tailored to your every workout desire. Group classes are fun to just jump in and have FUN while getting in shape!
Go for a hike: Find some nearby trails and explore. Take the kids, your friend, husband, etc and throw on some tennis shoes and sunscreen and sweat for a couple of miles.
Begin biking: I have a new-found passion for mountain-biking and love the low-impact it has on my knees while still getting one of the best workouts I can get.
Horseback-riding: I've ridden since I was 8 years old, and you'd be surprised at the workout you can get from the back of an animal!

Advanced Fitness (you've been working out for a while, like to challenge yourself and work hard)
Two-a-days: Like to workout and work hard? Try a two-a-day every once in a while! It doesn't even necessarily have to be two hard workouts a day. Complete your scheduled workout in the morning and then try an intermediate fitness activity in the afternoon!
Advanced classes: Attend a more difficult, upper level exercise class at a local studio or gym. Barre classes, kickboxing, core power and bikram yoga, cross-fit, etc...your options are endless!
Train for a 5k or higher: Ever watch those color run videos? Why not go be apart of one?? Whether you're a seasoned veteran or just getting into running, setting a goal of your next race can motivate you to keep going with your fitness goals. I swear they are coming up with new 5k ideas every day!
Start a neighborhood fitness group: Know some moms who would really like to start getting active and look to you for help? Help them! Get a morning group together to lead them in a quick pilates class at your home, follow a cool workout DVD, go for a jog or hike together and help others reach their fitness goals like you have! This will keep you motivated to always keep going.

Whether it takes you a million different try's or you find what you love to do to stay active at the first shot, all that matters is that you get up and GET MOVING! You will be happier and healthier because of it and thank your body and mind for giving you the courage to try something new, the motivation to set goals and the power to attack it and go for it! You are worth it!

Comment below and let me know what you think and what you would like to see on the blog next! This is designed with YOU in mind to answer any food, fitness and lifestyle questions!

Sunday, August 4, 2013

Stuffed mushroom kick!

So recently I've been on this whole "stuffed portobello" kick and have been having fun with combinations! As I'm going about my day, an idea of "I could stuff this in a mushroom..." will pop into my head, and I write it down to try! A few days ago I tried a delicious version that's topped off with a poached egg! See the recipe below, comment with what you think and get cooking!


Poached Vegetable Stuffed Mushroom (DF, GF)

Ingredients:
Portobello mushroom caps
4 Eggs
Fresh or dried basil leaves (for garnish - I LOVE fresh basil)
S&P (for garnish and seasoning in your stuffing)
Extra virgin olive oil
Cooking stock of your choice (I had all-natural chicken stock)

Stuffing:
1/2 c. Cherry tomatoes
3 c. Spinach (I LOVE spinach! The more, the better!)
1 bag of vegan cheese (I used a new three-cheese blend by Go Veggie) (approx. 1 c. of cheese)
1/2 c. Chopped onion (I had white onion on hand and just used that up)
1/2 c. Bell pepper (whatever you have on hand! I used green for the color - single color food is boring!)

Directions:
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees.
Prep your veggies for your stuffing - chop, slice and measure out everything!
Heat a LARGE skillet with a splash of oil and about 1/2-3/4 c. of stock.
Rinse your mushroom caps and brush them top and bottom with EVOO. Place them face down on a baking sheet and bake for 7-8 minutes.
I start sauteing my onion, bell pepper and tomatoes while the caps are baking in the oven on medium-high heat with some salt and pepper.
Prep your egg poacher (I have a simple stove-top poaching pan) and get your eggs cooking on low-med heat. The slower the better if you want that nice, yolky center to stay runny. If you do not have a poacher, fry your eggs in a splash of oil or stock at the same time your caps are baking with the stuffing in them.
Once your veggies cook to a nice softness with a little brown on the edges, throw in your spinach to cook down. Once spinach is cooked down, turn off your heat.
Once you pull your caps, turn them face up on the baking sheet.
Pour your cheese into your stuffing and let the residual heat from the veggies slowly melt the cheese - we do not like burnt cheese! Stuff your mushrooms when your cheese has melted enough. Bake in the oven for 10-12 minutes.
Once you remove your mushrooms, top with a fresh poached/fried egg and garnish with S&P and a basil sprig!


**I also made these SUPER simple cinnamon sweet potato chunks to go with the stuffed caps. I got them roasting about 10 minutes before I started on the caps so it all finished together.**

Roasted Cinnamon Sweet Potato Chunks

Ingredients:
2 Medium Sweet potatoes (Cut however you prefer! I cubed mine.)
Cinnamon
Spray coconut oil (I love the flavor of coconut oil on sweet potatoes, but you can use whatever oil you prefer!)

Directions:
Preheat your oven to 450 degrees.
Place your cut sweet potato on a baking sheet and spray/drizzle enough oil to give each piece a thing coating. Sprinkle cinnamon. Roast for 40-45 minutes - every 10 minutes or so I go in and give mine a little shake and rotation so that all sides are equally browned.

Now...DIG IN! I hope you guys enjoy!


Sunday, July 14, 2013

Welp, there goes that!

Well, obviously I only lasted a day with my "blog everyday this week" challenge, but who cares! Every day is a new day and every day brings new bits of info, learning experiences and things I want to share with the internet! ;) 

Today I want to open the door a crack into my personal world of food allergies, that I hope to expand and open as I add to my blog. It's something I feel like writing out will not only help others wanting more information on food and intolerances, but will help me with my frustrations, trial and error, experimentation, successes and more!

I discovered my intolerances to dairy and gluten about two years ago when my acne had reached an absolutely unmanageable point. I was self-concious, wore tons of makeup to hide it and didn't understand why I was plagued with these "things" all over my face. A friend of my mom's had mentioned to look into my diet and that she had been reading a lot about the connection between the two, but being 17, I didn't care. About a year after that, I made the decision to go on accutane, but suddenly started thinking about what my mom's friend had said regarding diet.I hit 'Google' and began to read every little bit of information I could. I read and read and then read some more, until I was almost sure that this was a cause of my acne. Even though I was on accutane, I cut out all gluten and dairy products anyways to see if it would make me feel any different.


IT CHANGED MY LIFE.


It's been about two years now, and I haven't looked back. I continue to learn more, experiment more and notice something new about my body every single day. It's incredible at the lifestyle change I've undergone with going G-free and dairy free. I feel better, my skin is completely clear (not just my face), my mood is much happier and I have discovered a new PASSION I have for food, food allergies and fitness. It's very motivating and I want to use my experiences and knowledge to help others (hence starting this blog!).


SO. For today, I have a yummy recipe for you all! I've started collecting pictures of my experiments, and can't wait to share with the blog world!


I think I'll start with something sweet since I seem to have a very aggressive sweet tooth that rears it's head every once in a while, so why not begin with something I love! I will get more into day-to-day diet and special recipes down the road. 


This 'dessert', if you will, is SO easy, delicious and will curb any nasty attack you have for a big old piece of cake or cookie. Enjoy! I look forward to getting this journey going with YOU all! :) Post any comments below!




PB&C Microwave Apple Bake


1 Small apple cut into slices

1-2 tbsp all natural peanut butter
1 piece of 85% cocoa dark chocolate
Cinnamon

kCal w/ 1 tbsp PB: 203   kCal w/ 2 tbsp PB: 298

Arrange your apple slices in any cool design you want in a bowl. Sprinkle cinnamon all over the slices. I drizzle the peanut butter over the slices or pour it in the middle to make a warm little dipping area. Chop or break apart your chocolate and sprinkle all over your apple slices. Pop in the microwave for 30 - 60 seconds depending on how 'baked' or mushy you want your apple. I usually do about 45 seconds so they still have a little crunch to them. 



Dig into this bowl of deliciousness with a glass of unsweetened almond milk and you'll soon be in sweet tooth heaven! I promise! :D

Saturday, July 6, 2013

Time for a fresh post!

There's absolutely no excuse to be made for not keeping up with blogging, because I love to write! It's just so easy to get swept up in your world of work, friends and family, that you find it increasingly difficult to take time for yourself.

Therefore, I'm starting a blog challenge for myself.

I'm going to post a blog, even if it's a short one, every day this week. It may be about what I ate that day, a fitness tip, a new blog or website I found or some healthy tips for how to enjoy life! I hope this instills some blog discipline in me, and gets some cool information out for people to read!

SO, for today's post, I want to share my new take on "Friday Pizza Night". My family has done this for a while now because Friday's for me and now for my sister were filled with football game performances, competitions, sleepovers, etc. It was easy to order a few pizzas, make a big salad and hang out with whoever was over at the house.

Pizza is just bad news.

You can never have just ONE slice, right? (Or is that just me?) By the time you've had your two slices of pizza, a salad and a glass of soda, you've eaten half of your calories for the day. Trust me, having a salad on the side does not counteract the processed meat, cheese and dough you just indulged on.

So this past Friday I was browsing old Pinterest Pins of mine and stumbled across Bodyrock.tv's recipe for Portobello Mushroom Pizzas and became very, very excited. They looked sooo delicious in the picture and would be a great alternative to a big ole', greasy pizza! The link for the recipe is posted below, but I made a few additions for the family.

We found Applegate Farms Uncured Pepperoni at the store and sliced that up for my dad, brother and sister to make their pizzas a little more traditional. My mom and I just had ours topped with cheese (mine with vegan cheese (I prefer Go Veggie! Mozzarella and Cheddar blended together - loooove this shredded cheese) - will do a post on food allergies in the VERY near future!). I was going to toss together the traditional pizza salad, but discovered the massive amounts of carrots and zucchini still left from our garden upon opening the refrigerator. So, I sliced them up into strips, tossed with some olive oil, garlic powder, fresh parsley, salt and pepper and popped them in the oven to roast and made veggie fries! (Confession: I filled small cups with 1 tbsp of ketchup for everyone to dip - it was delicious! Just don't overdo the ketchup and you can still watch your calories and splurge on a little processed food on a Friday  night.) They were so good, and my family and I wiped out the entire pan.

So have fun with your portobello pizzas, post any additions you made to yours and let me know how it goes! The link to the recipe is posted below - the fries I made up (toss veggies with whatever and pop in the oven on 400 degrees for 30 minutes give or take)

http://www.bodyrock.tv/2011/06/25/delicious-healthy-pizza-recipe/




(Sorry some of the pics are sideways - getting the hang of how to fix that!)

Post any comments or questions below!