Berry Good Valentine’s Day

I hope everyone had a nice Valentine’s Day!

This year Ryan and I wanted to keep Valentine’s Day low-key since we just got back from snowboarding & hiking in Aspen and the Mumford & Sons concert.  We were craving a nice relaxing night at home.

We made dinner, drinks, and dessert at home. Ryan was responsible for making the drinks and I was responsible for making the dessert.  We kept what we were making a surprise. When we both began preparing our recipes we laughed when we both pulled out mixed berries & Chambord. What were the chances?  I guess you can say we went a little berry crazy this Valentine’s Day.

Ryan’s Berry Cosmo

• An ice-cold chilled martini glass
• 2 parts Kettle One Vodka
• 1 part Organic Pressed Cranberry juice
• 1 part Black Raspberry Chambord
• Splash of lime juice
• Garnish with Berries

Alison’s No-Bake Fresh Strawberry Pie

I found this recipe in TIME Magazine which I read on the plane to Aspen.  When I saw the photo, I could not resist making it for Valentine’s Day.  I made a few adjustments by replacing cream cheese with Greek yogurt and canola oil with coconut oil.  Although mine was not as pretty as the magazine picture, I am sure it was just as delicious!

• 1/2 cup chocolate wafers
• 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
• 2 teaspoons coconut oil
• 12 oz plain Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup fat-free whipped topping
• 1 tablespoon Strawberry jelly
• 1 tablespoon Black Raspberry Chambord
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 cup cut fresh Strawberries

Chocolate Crust – Place chocolate wafers in a food processor; process until finely ground. Place dark chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on high for 45 seconds, stirring every 15 seconds until chocolate melts. Combine melted chocolate, coconut oil, and wafers; mix well. Gently press mixture into bottom of a 9-inch pie dish and place in freezer for 15 minutes or until set.

Yogurt Filling – Mix together Greek yogurt, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Fold in whipped topping. Spread over bottom of crust.

Berry Topping – Place strawberry jelly in microwave safe bowl and microwave on high for 10 seconds or until soft. Add Chambord and lemon juice and stir until smooth. Add berry halves, toss to combine. Arrange berry halves over pie. Chill 30 minutes before serving.

Lucky for us berries are a heart healthy food low in calories, high in fiber and contain vitamins and minerals your body needs to function normally. Here are the benefits of berries:

1. Mentally Sharp
2. Manage Diabetes
3. Boost Heart Health
4. Manage Weight
5. Lower Blood Pressure
6. Fights Cancer
7. Fights UTIs

How many types of berries can you name?
It seems like the list is endless. Here are a few of my favorites:

1. Strawberries – A childhood favorite, we used to grow our own.  I enjoy them dipped in chocolate or with a tasty dessert.

2. Blueberries – Sweet and juicy I put blueberries in my smoothies, cereal, and baked goods.

3. Acia berries – I discovered in Hawaii with Acia Bowls and have been hooked since. These berries are a Superfood fully of fatty acids, proteins and antioxidants.

4. Blackberries – I great snack on their own.

5. Cranberries – A perfect juicy sweet topping with my Thanksgiving turkey or as a mixer for a delicious cocktail.

6. Goji berries – Another Superfood full of antioxidants. I’ve been adding to dried Goji berries to trail mix.

7. Raspberries – Another delicious berry on its own or as a jam spread.

8. Yogi Berry – Just kidding, my favorite frozen yogurt place. Make sure you top your yogurt with fresh berries next time you go!

So next time you have to make a tasty dish, make sure you add some heart healthy berries to the mix!

The Card Deck Workout

I am not someone who regularly follows the Biggest Loser but if I happen to be channel surfing and it is on, I usually stop to watch.  This Monday’s episode caught my attention as these poor contestants were locked inside a junk room for 4 1/2 hours each day for a week.  The room was filled with televisions, video games and piles and piles of sweets and junk food, all contributors of childhood obesity.  A fat man’s dream unless you are on a weight-loss show, then it becomes your worst nightmare.  I felt so horrible for these contestant.  I know I would be nibbling my way through the Oreos, ice cream, and brownies after 15 minutes.  Well, they did it, fought temptation and avoided every bit of junk food.

Just when you think they beat the “Cut the Junk Challenge”, trainer Bob was dissatisfied they’ve been lying around for the past 4 1/2 hours burning zero calories.  How easy would it have been for them to coordinate some type of workout?  Bob decided to do their last chance workout right there in that junk room, with the same space & items they had available to them for the past 4 1/2 hours.  The workout he came up with, The Card Deck Workout.

The Card Deck Workout

What you need:

• Full deck of cards
• Space to move
• Item to lift, if needed – chair, book, ottoman, weight etc.

How it works:
Each suit represents a particular workout and each number represents the number of repetitions that workout is performed.

Numbered cards = the number listed
Face cards = 10
Ace cards = 11

Assign a workout to each suit.

Spades = Air-Squats
Hearts = Push-ups
Clubs = Burpees
Diamonds = Chair raises (lifting a chair over your head)

*Change up the exercises. Other ideas include –  jogging in place, jumping jacks, tricep dips, lunges, bicep curls, crunches, etc.

Results:
Lots of sweating!  Ultimately you do 95 reps of each workout for a total of 380 reps. WOW!

Message:

You do not need expensive equipment or a gym membership to get a sweaty workout.  This workout can be performed just about anywhere using the resources around you. Most importantly, working out at home can be fun!

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I do not typically workout at home, primarily due to the lack of space in our condo, but this workout looks fun!  You can tailor the workout as you see fit for the space available and your fitness level.  I will save this one for a snow day or power outage.

Do you watch the Biggest Loser? What do you think of the “Cut the Junk Challenge”?
Do you enjoy home workouts? Share your favorite one!