Quinoa Pizza Bites

Here is another recipe I tried. I found this on pinterest so I'm not going to take credit for it. However, I did make minor changes....

This is a great way to prep for the week. Make these bites on Sunday night and you have your meals prepared for the week.(or at least for a few days) I find that if I prepare my meals on Sunday it helps me not cheat. Quinoa has great benefits and what better way then to make little pizza bites out of it. :) The recipe calls for a "mini-cupcake pan" but I used the regular size. I wanted this to be a meal instead of a snack. However, this is a great snack to have if you're having a get together or if you're in the mood for a mini snack :)

If you guys can and don't mind, if you make any of the recipes I post, please posts pics or comments of your thoughts. Or if you did something different to tweak the recipe, please let me know! :)

Recipe:

Quinoa Pizza Bites

Makes ~14 (with a regular size cupcake pan)

• 2 cups cooked quinoa - (If you can try to find the "pre-washed" Quinoa to avoid having to spend the time cleaning it.)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup chopped onion (I used a green onion and chopped it extremely fine)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (I used vegetarian cheese- but the regular kind wont hurt you)
• 2 tsp minced garlic
• 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped (I actually used crushed and it came out the same)
• 1 cup chopped pepperoni slices (~1/2 of a 7 oz bag) (I found turkey pepperoni slices and they were just as great. I chopped these extremely fine as well.)
• 1/2 tsp seasoning salt
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried crushed oregano
• pizza sauce for dipping

1.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2.  Mix together all ingredients, except pizza sauce, in a medium mixing bowl.

3.  Distribute mixture into a greased mini muffin tin, filling each cup to the top (1 heaping Tbs each), and press down gently to compact. 

4.  Bake for 15-20 minutes.

Nutritional Information for 5 bites per My Fitness Pal: Calories - 175, Fat - 10g, Protein - 9g, Fiber - 2g, Calcium - 10mg, Carbs - 12g

Here is a pic of my quinoa pizza bites. .....

Dinner is served!

 

Eggwhites Omelet Muffin

Helloooo! I know, I've been slacking. I'm trying to post something once a week but my schedule is cray! However, I got something for ya'll this week. I recently tried making two things, eggwhites omelet muffins and quinoa pizza bites. I figured I'd find some recipes that are strictly on portion control(which is the key to dieting). Here is what I tried recently...

I cooked these recipes using a cupcake pan. It's a great portion size and you can have up to two. Yay!

Breakfast:
Eggwhite Omelet Muffins:
1 dozen eggs

1 bag of Jimmy Dean (the mix has potatoes, onions, bell peppers and sausage)
1 bag of vegetarian cheese

Cook the Jimmy Dean bag until sausage browns(I cooked mine till the veggies were soft)

In a separate bowl crack the eggs using only the egg whites. (in a previous post I demonstrated how to take the yoke out)- You can buy a bottle of egg whites if you prefer. I just think its pricey and by me manually doing this I know its all egg whites and not some random thing mixed with it....
In the bowl with the eggwhites, pour the Jimmy dean mix and vegetarian cheese. Mix all together.



Spray the cupcake pan with healthy heart canola oil or whatever type of oil you would like to use. I use this brand because its ZERO everything.
Next pour all the ingredients into the cupcake pan. Cook in the oven for about 15 minutes (or when the muffins start to fluff) at 350 degrees.

This is what I prefer to use

Tadaah! Here are the muffins :)

Zumba Sentao Event

Another successful event with the support of all my ladies. I want to thank all the ladies from Curves and Impact for participating so that we could "Sentao" VIP style. I hope everyone enjoyed themselves. I know I had a blast. Thanks to you guys, I was able to win a spot in the Houston Rockets half time show to support Breast Cancer Awareness. If you guys didn't know, my mom is a breast cancer survivor so I support this cause 100%. We did this event last year and it was a blast. We got the opportunity to meet amazing survivors and meet Zumba lovers. I hope that everyone has an opportunity to participate this year. Below is the link to be able to purchase your ticket.

Breast Cancer Awareness Zumba® Master Class & Pre Game Performance

~Due to overwhelming excitement of our past Zumba performances,

the Houston Rockets are proud to announce the FIRST of two Zumba Performances for this season.~

BOTH MASTERCLASS AND PERFORMANCE WILL TAKE PLACE ON SAME DAY

SUNDAY OCTOBER 14TH!

When: 

Master Class and Performance Rehearsal:  October 14^th, 2012 @ 8 am. AND GAME October 14^th, 2012 @ Game Performance 1pm with the Houston Rockets vs. San Antonio Spurs

Where:  Toyota Center; 1510 Polk Street Houston, TX 77002.

Cost: $20 per person. This is a special Zumba group discount. Family members and guests are also invited to attend and support you for the same reduced price. 

Performance: Zumba Fitness has been invited to perform on court for the pre-game show.  you are getting advanced notice to sign up first! (The number of participants for the performance is limited and will be on a first-come, first-served basis).  

Requirements: In order to participate, you must attend the master class and performance rehearsal. You must also send an email with your name and any other participants you have paid for to Ingrid Kessler at the below email address to receive the choreography instructions.

Choreography: will be sent within 48 hours of registration.

Attire: ANY party in Pink Zumbawear tops old or new and black workout pants. You may also purchase party in pink tops at www.zumba.com. If not available a PINK top with black workout pants will be ok.

For Zumba performance and choreography questions, CONTACT:

800x600 Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE Zumba Jammer®  Ingrid Kessler;   ilkessler@peoplepc.com or (281) 660-9142.

TO ORDER:

CLICK ON LINK BELOW OR COPY AND PASTE TO YOUR BROWSER ...USE PROMO CODE  ZUMBA

	http://www.ticketingcentral.com/V2/Home.aspx?&&&I=AQAAAAAAAACBO9KQAQAAAADZ%2fv%2f%2f%2fwD%2f%2f%2f%2f%2fAAD%2f%2f%2f%2f%2f%2f%2f%2f%2f%2fw%3d%3d OR Call:  Josh Randall (Houston Rockets) @ (713) 758-7451 Email: joshr@rocketball.com Once you register Ingrid will email you the choreography and then we will practice in class. I will add it to our Zumba routine until the day of so that we are PERFECT!! Because the ladies I Zumba with are DA BOMB.COM :) Thanks again for all your hard work. For choosing to attend my classes and always being so supportive. I know you can be anywhere else but you chose to be with me. SO THANK YOU, THANK YOU....THANK YOU!!!

ATTENTION! ATTENTION!!!

If you haven't heard, Dalila, Keisha and I will be getting Zumba Sentao certified on September 9th. However, there is a master class on September 8th for all Zumba lovers. You will get to per-experience(not sure if that's a word) what Sentao is all about. Let's make this another party and head out for some Sentao fun.


What is Zumba Sentao? Zumba Sentao, which combines high-energy cardio with strength-training. In addition to the fitness program’s sizzling dance moves, Zumba Sentao incorporates a chair that exercisers can use as a support, a step, and a bench, making it possible to fluidly move from a dance combination into a set of triceps dips. Muscle-toning moves like pushups, squats, lunges, and crunches.
Now how does that sound? FUN?! Most importantly, we will be bringing this new Zumba style to you.  So why not try it out and see what Zumba Sentao is all about. The instructor Marcie Gill is one of my FAVORITE Zumba instructors. She has high energy, she's super talented and she's got lots of awesome moves. Because she's my favorite gal, I want to be able to dance "VIP" STYLE with all my Zumba ladies. Below is a note from the event organizer, please read:

September 8, The first couple rows will be reserved "Instructor/Student Party area" meaning that instructor or two who Preregisters the most students will get to party with them in this area! Make sure you email me who your students are:) Now if you haven't registered, don't wait too long, tickets are selling fast:)) AND the order you register is the order you will be assigned a chair:) 

What do you ladies think? Can we make it a plan? If you pre-register please let me know because I want for us to be able to PARTY in the VIP section. Email me at zumbawithmarysol@gmail.com, once you've registered.  LET'S DO THIS!!! :)

What's up Wednesdays

It's HUMP DAY!! You're almost there ladies. Only two days left until your cheat meal!!..jk No cheating allowed girls!!! However, I do have a great recipe today that will kill that sweet tooth....AND IT'S HEALTHY!! Yes you hear right, it's healthy. I have a few updates before I give ya'll the recipe of the week.If you follow me on facebook then you know about the two events happening June 29th and June 30th. If you don't follow me yet, please like my Zumba page for the latest updates. ( Zumba With Marysol) If you don't have a facebook then here is the update....

June 30th- Zumba to save Jonathan!! This is a Zumbathon event to help raise money for my cousin's husband. He is extremely ill and is in need of a kidney transplant.  He also isn't getting the required treatments(dialysis)as needed. My cousin, Maritza and her husband Jonathan have only been married 2 years and for the last couple of months they have struggled to keep Jonathan healthy. He is only 26 and in bad shape. Being that I'm not rich, the only way I could think of helping them out was to host a ZUMBATHON to help bring Jonathan back to good health. I will have the help of Dalila and Roci. So PLEASE come out and join us.
With God, Prayer, Zumba and your participation we can help save Jonathan's life. Hope ya'll can make it.
Location: CK Ray Recreation Center
1203 Callahan Ave Houston, TX 77301
Time: 3:00pm-5:00pm
Cost: $15.00 pre-sale $20.00 at the door
Hope to see you guys there!!!

June 29th- GLOW IN THE DARK ZUMBA PARTY!!! I am a part of this event and want to extend the invitation to all my ladies. The tickets are $15.00 pre-sale and $20.00 at the door. There will be tons of raffles, food and ZUMBA!! So join the fun and come party with us.
When?: June 29th
Time: 7:00pm-9:00pm
Cost: $15.00 pre-sale or $20.00 at the door
Attire: Anything that glows :)
Location: Impact Martial Arts
17021 FM 529
HOUSTON, TEXAS
Hope you guys can join us!!!

 A lot going on but all for a great cause!!!  Next on the agenda, the RECIPE. Today I have another recipe by my favorite body builder, Jamie Eason. This is her famous Carrot Cake Protein Bars. They have only 120 calories(2 per serving), 6g of carbs(per square)12g of PROTEIN! Protein is important after a HARD work out. So here it goes...

What you need:
1-1 1/2 oat flour
2 scoops vanilla whey protein(try to find low sugar, low EVERYTHING if possible)
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 ground nutmeg
2 tsp cinnamon
3 tbsp baking cocoa
3 egg whites
3/4 splenda
1/2 cup of ricotta cheese
1/2 cup of butter( can't believe its not butter will work)
(2) 4oz carrot baby food (try to find the one that contains the least sugar)
Non-stick pan (I found that using a glass pan didn't work)

In bowl #1: Add..
1-1 1/2 oat flour
2 scoops vanilla whey protein(try to find low sugar, low EVERYTHING if possible)
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp cinnamon
3 tbsp baking cocoa (this is actually an ingredient for the chocolate protein bars but I found it gave the protein bars more flavor. No sugar so no harm)
1/4 ground nutmeg
***mix together***

2nd Bowl:
3 egg whites
3/4 Splenda
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup of butter(melted will work better when mixing everything)
(2) 4 oz carrot baby food
***Mix together***

Pour the ingredients from the 2nd bowl into the 1st bowl, whisk both bowl ingredients together then pour into non-stick baking pan.(22-28 minutes @ 350 degrees)

Here is a picture on how to use a whole egg for egg whites. Crack the egg, switching the yoke back and forth into each side until all the egg white fall into the bowl.

Here is the end results! Carrot Cake Protein Bars. Now cut into little squares and ENJOY!!!

 Have a great night ladies! Please comment and update me with your thoughts. With no feed back I have no clue if these blogs help. Good night xoxo Marysol

Who said eating healthy was easy?

 I've been driving myself crazy trying to figure out healthy ways to cook. I find recipes online but they seem too hard and require too many ingredients. I'm not the most patient person when it comes to cooking so I try to find quick and easy recipes.
While reading my favorite body builder's website(www.jamieeason.com) I came across these great recipes and just had to try them. So here is the first of three recipes I'm obsessed with this week(other two coming soon)...and I tweaked this one.

We'll start with the CHICKEN MEATLOAF MUFFINS. Yes, you read correctly, chicken muffins. I thought the same thing when I read that. When I think of muffins the first thing that comes to mind is blueberry muffins but this recipe isn't all that bad.

What you need:

1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1/2 tsp. dried thyme, crushed
2 tsp. dry yellow mustard
2 tsp. black pepper
2 tsp. McCormick's Chipotle Pepper Spice(spicy, but key to the recipe)- this spice is expensive. It cost $6.59 at Krogers. I'm not sure if you can find an off brand but I didn't. Just a little heads up if you don't already have this spice at home.
1 tsp. salt
1 cup quick cooking oats
2 cloves garlic, minced(or 2 tbsp of garlic powder) -I used minced garlic.
1 small onion, finely chopped(pre-chopped version or even the frozen-thawed) - I bought green onions and chopped it myself.(super fine) and I used the entire bundle.
2 stalks celery, finely chopped (you can find this pre-chopped as well)
3 egg whites
1 1/2-2 lbs. ground chicken breast (I used 2 lbs.)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees

In a large bowl, add cumin, thyme, yellow mustard, black pepper, Chipotle pepper spice, salt, oats, garlic, onions and celery. Mix until well combined. Next add the ground chicken and egg whites and mix with your hands until evenly distributed. Make racquetball size portions and place in muffin tins, sprayed with non-stick spray. Bake for 40 minutes

Makes over 18 muffins

Nutrition: 1 muffin
78 calories
2 g fat
4 g carbs
11 g protein






And WAH-LAH! Here is the end results. As my sides I added fresh veggies and my other obsession....QUINOA :)



So what did it taste like? Honestly?
Even though it contains so many spices, I found it a little bland. It wasn't that bad though and for 78 calories it's worth making.
Not to mention the amount of protein it contains is AWESOME!!!

I decided to share my chicken meatloaf muffins with my business partner today and she kept asking why the muffins were so pale ..blah blah blah! She thought I was trying to trick her into eating fish(she hates seafood). When she said "FISH" , my hamster started working,the wheel started spinning  and making SALMON MEATLOAF MUFFINS sounded like a GREAT IDEA! I know, I know...that sounds even worse than chicken muffins but HOLY SMOKES it was so much better. The flavor was amazing and I added lemon pepper for a little more taste(just incase it turned out bland). I followed the exact recipe but instead of the chicken I bought "chicken of the sea- pink salmon". Make sure it says "wild caught" that's super important. I used about 3 cans and it made 18 muffins.

TIP:Never purchase any fish that is farm
raised.

Now, the problem is I don't know the nutrition facts...lol I'm thinking it can't be much different from the chicken muffins and if anything I would think fish is better than chicken. So I'm going to assume the calorie intake is about the same, if not less/better. Again, I used quinoa (black bean flavor) as my side with carrots, snap peas and new potatoes.(you can find this mix in the frozen section as well to avoid making all these things yourself. It cuts time and the veggies still keep all its nutrients)

I hope you guys enjoy this recipe, if you decide to make it please comment. I want to hear what you thought of this recipe(whether you make the chicken or salmon muffins)

 Moving on...

    I received some comments on the quinoa recipe I posted on last week. I failed to mention that you can purchase the quinoa pre-washed to avoid doing that yourself. That's super time consuming. It doesn't lose any of its nutrients, it's just pre-washed. You should be able to find the pre-washed quinoa in the same aisle as the regular quinoa. A member asked, "how often do you eat it?" I eat it almost everyday as a side with my lunch or dinner. I don't think it does any harm by eating it everyday since it's better than rice or pasta. If anything it would help based on the nutrition facts I posted on the previous blog. However, I'm no NUTRITIONIST or DOCTOR so.... this is all based on my own opinion. If you tried the recipe from last week, please submit photos of your cooking. If you tweaked the recipe, tell me what you did different and I will post pics and comments of changes other members made.

Let's get involved ladies. I try my best to find ways to help us all out. Please participate by commenting or giving tips on things you've tried as well. We can all learn from one another.

      As a bonus, I wanted to share a pic of my favorite body builder. I hope to be like her one day(perhaps just a tad bit less muscular). I guess I would need to start by laying off the desserts :( ..lol It's my weakness. I will take a piece of cake over a steak any day!!! :)

I'm sure Jamie Eason works super hard and probably NEVER cheats. I don't know that I'm ready to give up my cheat days. I'm going to try for the month of June to have only one cheat day. Too many graduations and way too many temptations...lol

Here is Jamie Eason and her fabulous body.....

Then there's your instructor who is so close YET soooooo FAR!!!...LOL














Good night ladies and don't forget,
I LOVE YA'LL LIKE A FAT KID LOVES CAKE (in this case, i'm the fat kid who loves cake)... :)

xoxo
Marysol

Catching up

I'm behind!! I haven't blogged in so long and  yet I have so much to update on. For starters, I want to thank my Curves members for raising 538lb of food(better late than never). It was amazing to see everyone participate in such a great cause. As always, I thank all of you for caring so much about my center and showing me, our staff and the Lillian Beard Deaf Connection Center lots of  L-O-V-E! I'm super lucky to have such great students.


We have lots of new members at Curves and I wanted to welcome you all. It's a great place to start a healthy life. If you haven't yet, please be sure you check out all the great products Curves has to offer or sign up for Curves complete. Remember, its 70% food and 30%exercise..., eating healthy is super important in order to lose weight.Please encourage friends and family to join us and most importantly tell them about all the great things we offer.

 For my members at Impact: We have just started our journey but we have come a long way. Our class is growing and we have new faces each day. Welcome all new members and to my regulars; thank you for attending class each day. I wouldn't be who I am without ya'll :)

I try my best to give all my ladies tips. Here is something I have become obsessed with lately. I discovered it while eating a meal from My Fit Foods. It does have a different texture but its so much better for you than rice or pasta. Perhaps many of you have already tasted this before but for those who haven't...her is a  little history of Quinoa and a recipe to go with it :)

Quinoa- What is that??

Technically, quinoa (KEEN-wah) is classified not as a grain but as a type of seed, that of the goosewort plant, a relative of spinach and chard. Quinoa provides a complete protein, making it especially valuable for those who prefer to reduce or completely eliminate animal protein from their diets. It contains all the essential amino acids, including lysine, which is crucial for growing and repairing body tissues. One cup of quinoa provides 9 grams of protein which is one more gram than a medium chicken egg (and unlike the egg, quinoa is unlikely to come from a factory farm).

Migraine Protection
Its high magnesium and riboflavin (B2) content make quinoa an excellent nutritional ally for migraine sufferers. Magnesium prevents the migraine pattern of constricting and rebound dilating of the blood vessels. Migraine sufferers who consume more magnesium in their diets have reported fewer headaches. Riboflavin's ability to promote cellular energy production has a beneficial effect on energy, brain and muscle cells metabolism, providing further protection against migraine attacks.


Cardiovascular Health
Magnesium's ability to relax blood vessels also means eating foods high in this mineral helps reduce hypertension, heart arrhythmias and ischemic heart disease.

Digestion and Detoxifying
This seed-like grain has prebiotic properties, feeding the beneficial bacteria in your digestive tract. Since it is easily digested, your body can readily access the vitamins and minerals it contains. Quinoa also provides a good source of insoluble fiber, promoting healthy elimination processes, helping maintain colon health and preventing the formation of gallstones. The folate and vitamin B in quinoa also boost the liver's ability to eliminating toxins from the body. People at high risk for cancer, as well as those with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease are often advised to eat more whole grains, yet if they have celiac disease or other forms of gluten sensitivities, they must steer clear of many popular grain products. Quinoa is gluten-free, so those who cannot tolerate gluten can eat it.

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/034110_quinoa_nutrition.html#ixzz1wK5TaCXX

 

 Here is my favorite recipe I use when making Quinoa. (www.allrecipes.com)

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1 3/4 cups water
• 1 cup canned garbanzo beans (chickpeas), drained
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons lime juice
• 4 teaspoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 pinch salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley

Directions

1. Place the quinoa in a fine mesh strainer, and rinse under cold, running water until the water no longer foams. Bring the quinoa, salt, and water to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the quinoa is tender, 20 to 25 minutes.
2. Once done, stir in the garbanzo beans, tomatoes, garlic, lime juice, and olive oil. Season with cumin, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley to serve.

Nutritional Information

Amount Per Serving  Calories: 185 | Total Fat: 5.4g | Cholesterol: 0mg Powered by ESHA Nutrient Databas

Now how often do you find a meal this healthy? Not to mention all the great things it does for your health. Please post comments if you decide to cook this. If you did something different and didn't follow the recipe exact, tell us what you did different. If you didn't like it, tell me why you didn't like it. If you LOVED (as much as I do) tell me why you loved it so much. Or  better yet, email me a picture of your "quinoa" preparation so that I can make a quick collage of all my healthy eaters(include yourself cooking it or eating quinoa).

 

Remember ladies, I blog for you. If you don't participate or give me any feedback I don't ever know what you're feeling or thinking. If you have something you'd like me to blog about please let me know so that I can make it a topic.  I accept any pictures, ideas or comments via email at zumbawithmarysol@gmail.com Please stay active, we have to support one another. I feed off of ya'll...if you don't motivate me, how will I motivate you?? Lets encourage one another to maintain a healthy life :)

With that said.... I'm off to bed to catch some Zzzzz! Hope everyone had a great Memorial Day weekend. Good night :)

xoxox

Marysol

Unsung Heroes & The Rockets performance

 I don't ever do things to be noticed or recognized. I participate in events for the cause. I run 5k,10k...etc to help raise money for the charity hosting the event.(as others around the world do as well) However, my heart is with the Deaf community and I'll do just about anything to help raise money for the The Lillian Beard Deaf Connection Center. With that said, I want to thank Keisha for nominating me as an "unsung hero" with Zumba Fitness. Your instructor was featured on the newsletter for Zin members. Thank you Keisha, I appreciate it so much!!


Here is the link to the newsletter. Nothing big but it's a great feeling. Thanks again Keisha
http://newsletter.zumba.com/?p=6501

Now, on last weekend I announced the Rockets half time show. I'm sorry for such a late update but I finally found all the information.
Please click the link below
http://www.ticketingcentral.com/V2/Home.aspx?&&&I=AQAAAAAAAABN%2fyJtAQAAAACw%2fv%2f%2f%2fwD%2f%2f%2f%2f%2fAAD%2f%2f%2f%2f%2f%2f%2f%2f%2f%2fw%3d%3d

use registration code "zumba12" After you have purchased your ticket, email Ingrid Kessler at ilkessler@peoplepc.com and she will provide you with further information. Hope you guys can make it :)

Happy New Year

Happy New Year!!! I hope everyone had the opportunity to start their year with those you love. I brought in the year with my family and lots of food. I felt I was picking at the food just cause. I wasn't hungry but it was there so why not? The next day I was feeling guilty but not guilty enough because I back doored it with some yummy pastries. I kept telling myself I would go for a run but it never happened. Oh well, I guess we all need a "stuff your face" day. Except as your instructor I should be setting a better example...lol Hey, I'm human and I enjoy to eat as much as the next person. ....

Ok, enough about food. What New Years resolutions did everyone write down this year? Let me guess? Lose weight? Of course, isn't that at the top of our list every year?? Planning to lose weight shouldn't have a "specific" time frame, it should start the minute you decide you want to live healthy. So if you wrote "losing weight" as one of your resolutions, make sure you stick to it. Don't give up because you don't see results in two weeks. Losing weight takes time and dedication. If it were easy we'd all have perfect bodies. I have to work at it everyday. It's never easy.

To make sure you accomplish your resolution this year, make a realistic goal. If you want to lose 10 pounds, give yourself a month to lose it. It can't happen in a week and if it does happen then get ready to bounce back and this time heavier. Tell a friend the goal you're working towards. Telling another person what you are working towards makes you accountable for what you say. Make yourself a note each morning and remind yourself of the goal you have set. Don't let others discourage or tempt you. If a friend invites you out for dinner, stay away from the fatty foods and immediately set your mind to having a salad. If you must "cheat" then share a meal with your friend/family so that you don't indulge. However, I encourage that you stay away from temptation until you're strong enough to say "no." These are just simple tips for you to take in while you're working on that AWESOME body of yours.

What if the people you live with don't want to eat healthy? My suggestion is to ask them to be supportive and try the new things you are cooking. Encourage a healthy life style. Eating healthy will not only improve your way of eating but also those around you. Look up recipes that are appealing to the entire family.
NOT A COOKER, you say?- there are plenty of frozen items which are easy to make. Wal-Mart sells "fully-cooked" chicken breasts/squares/strips that requires 2 minutes in the microwave. Heat some up and put it in a salad or buy some frozen veggies in a bag as a side. Eating healthy isn't as hard as we think.(remember, don't buy veggies in a can, buy the frozen veggie bags) ... these are just some ideas for you to think about.

Next week I will begin posting different recipes that are easy to make. I will also post a picture of the meal for ya'll to see. (if you're anything like me, I have to see it in order to eat it)

Going back to "new years resolutions", here are a few on my list.

1.Lose 15lb by April
2.Be toned by August (I refuse to be the fat girl again at the Zumba Convention)
3.Say NO to ALL pastries and sweets
4.Begin muscle training (hoping for a more muscular yet feminine look)
5.Come up with more creative moves for Zumba

So with that said, now that I've told EVERYONE who follows my blog my goals, I have to keep my word. I will also go ahead and embarrass myself and give you a preview of my BEFORE look. On January 26 I will post an updated picture of my progress.(one month from the day I took these pictures) Anyhow, here they are. Feel free to critic and laugh because my April there will be no more teasing me :)

If anyone is willing to post their before pictures, please feel free to email them to me at zumbawithmarysol@gmail.com Together we can work at meeting our goal.

Stay tuned, more healthy tips to come! Good night everyone :)


xoxo
Marysol