The Active Habitat

Health Enthusiasts | Career Women | Coffee Addicts | Explorers

How to Start 2017 New Year Goals

Lifestyle Self Improvement
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“Most people overestimate what they can do in one year and underestimate what they can do in ten years.” – Bill Gates

It’s this time of year again to think of what new year goals to accomplish for 2017. But it is important to remember that even if you don’t accomplish your 2017 goals it’s working towards the goals that matter. Because taking steps towards what you want is better than not moving forward at all.

All goals should be measurable rather with numbers or results. Here is our 2017 goals, we didn’t add our measurable to this post because the numbers are a bit personal for us. My sister and I have own separate goals, but we do share a few.
1. Take online classes to improve the blog
2. Complete a Spartan Race or all three.
3. Join a volunteer organization and give back.
4. Increase muscle mass and loose fat.
5. Read more books on a variety of subjects, from business to autobiographies, etc.

10 minute Fasted Morning Workout

Cardio Circuit Training Exercises
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Looking to burn calories without taking too much time out of our busy schedule. I wanted to share a 10 minute fasted morning workout that has started help me drop a few pounds before my engagement shoot. This workout can be done right by your bed side…given that there is space. Also doing the morning workout fasted is a great way to get metabolism revved up and burn stubborn fat (explanation).

One of the hardest things to doing morning workouts, besides waking up early, is that the body feels cold and stiff. Therefore, I wanted to make sure that these moves start to warm up the body, while getting the heart pumping.

2-3 rounds of these 5 exercises, and only take a break after finishing a complete round. First one may be slower, but for the second try going as fast as possible. Lets GO!!

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10 Stand walk to a plank– Stand tall and bend at the hip, hands on floor, and walk to a plank and reverse till you’re standing tall again. Keep the core tight, bellybutton push to spine and at the plank position hand underneath shoulder.
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20 Individual high knee jumps– Jump bring one knee to chest and drop the knee, and again with the opposite knee. Perform 20 jumps total, 10 each leg.

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20 Push-up with shoulder taps– Perform a regular push-up and as the body is going up tap the right shoulder, down again, up tab the left shoulder. 10 taps each shoulder and keep the core tight.
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20 Lunge forward and backwards– Lunge forward (90 degree to ground both knees) and lunge backwards with one leg and then repeat with the opposite leg. Perform 20 total, 10 each leg.
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20 Plank with Rotating Twist: Start in a plank position, with the right arm reach to left leg, underneath the body and raise the arm as the body twist to face the right side. Repeat for 10, and then 10 more on left side of the body.- 10 minute Fasted Morning Workout
There you go a 10 minute fasted home morning workout. that not only got your heart rate up, but also worked out the bum and abs.-Danni

3 Lessons Learned in 2016

Lifestyle Self Improvement
- 3 Lessons Learned in 2016
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As we prepare for New Years, it’s important to take time to ask yourself what lessons learned this past year. These lessons change your perspective on how you approach the up coming year and years to come. My sister and I had 3 “aha moments” which changed the way we looked at life.

 Everything is relative. No one person will have the same opinion on what is beautiful, wealthy, skinny, style, etc. Everyone has their own perspective, so trying to meet everyone else ideals are impossible. Once I fully understood this it freed me from so many expectations.
What are we doing about it? There are times where we complain about something, yet never think of solutions or think of a new goal. Therefore we never move forward with it. When I begin to complain, I stop and ask myself  “what am I doing about it?” If you don’t have a plan, either don’t talk about it anymore or start working on one. It’s important to be a person of action.
Be happy with what you can’t change and change what you can. We heard this in yoga class and it stayed with us. There are a lot of things we can’t change, like our body type, but there are several things we can improve on. The things we can control are where we should put our focus on. Learn to let go of what we can’t.

If you have any lessons you learned this year I would love to hear about them.

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Low Carb Apple Cinnamon Pancakes

Breakfast Low Carb Paleo Recipes

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Looking for a healthy breakfast to offset this season over indulgence and put you back on track. Try these low carb apple cinnamon pancakes for a healthy breakfast option. I love making pancakes with coconut flour, because not only is it low on carbs, but they come out fluffy too. The key is to add enough eggs and other liquids for the flour to absorb. Also great recipe for the season since it will make your house smell of cinnamon. Please enjoy!
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Ingredients:
1/2 cup of coconut flour
6 eggs
3 tbsp of brown sugar or other sweetener
2 tbsp of coconut oil
1/2 tsp of baking soda
1/2 tsp of salt
150 oz apple (approx. 1 apple)
1 tsp of cinnamon
1/2 cup of water
Instructions:
1. Peel and dice the apple and place in a pot
2. Add cinnamon, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and water
3. Cook for 5 mins till boiling and foaming, stirring occasionally
5. Set apples side to cool off
6. While the apples are boiling, mix all the remaining ingredients in a bowl till there are no lumps
7. Once cool, strain the apples over a bowl to separate the liquids; do not throw away the water
8. Add apples to the mixture and 1/4 of the apple water (may add more if needed)
8. Pour 1/4 cup of batter to a hot skillet and turn over once the pancake has began to bubble
9. Then cook the other side.10 serving; 1 serving: 130 cal, 6.5 fat, 14 carbs, 5 protein
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Low Carb Apple Cinnamon Pancakes

DSC 1268 - Low Carb Apple Cinnamon Pancakes

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup of coconut flour
  • 6 eggs
  • 3 tbsp of brown sugar or other sweetener
  • 2 tbsp of coconut oil
  • 1/2 tsp of baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp of salt
  • 150 oz apple (approx. 1 apple)
  • 1 tsp of cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup of water
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5 Secrets on Making Exercising a Habit

Lifestyle Self Improvement

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Not having enough time is many people top excuse for not exercising. It’s a challenge after long hours at work, in classes or even at home with the kids, to spare time to workout. How do we get to the point where working out is a habit?For someone who works a full time, planning a wedding, blogs full-time, I have manage to continuously workout an average 5 days a week. By now working out is like washing ones hair (for girls) or shaving (for guys). You may want to go a few days not doing it, but after a couple days, you WANT to do it. That’s how one should feel about working out.

These are 5 secrets that keeps me and other fitness lovers on making exercising a habit.

1. Plan ahead
Plan out the week for best time to workout and type workout. On Sunday night, look through the week agenda, schedule any errands, as well as the type of workouts. For instance, on days you’ll be going out at night, schedule an intense morning workout. On lazier days, such as Sundays, plan a lighter workout like yoga class. Fit exercising into the rest of your priorities and make it a non-negotiable.

2. Getting There
Whenever you are not in the “mood” to go to workout, just put on your workout clothes, and get there. “There” being the gym, the class, outdoor, etc. If  you are not in the mood once you have arrive, just leave. But guarantee, most times you’ll just start working out. Showing up is half the battle. By just showing up, you’ll learn how to cut out time for exercise rather or not you did it.

3. It’s Flexible
Take advantage of downtime to get a quick workout in. If your watching TV or during lunch, use that time to move. View exercising as something that can be molded into your life as you see fit. Which means going up and down stairs in the office, walks, or in quick workouts during commercials. Just get it done.

4. Excited
Find a workout that excites you. If it’s running to your favorite coffee shop in the morning or a zumba class to dance off the calories, whatever gets you moving. Keep trying different workout style till you find the one that makes you happy.

5. Connect
Use that time to share with your friend or partner. Not only will you kill two birds with one stone, but  it will keep you accountable. Or if you don’t have anyone, use as a way of meeting people. Find a community of people who love the same workout as you do. Try a boot camp class, running clubs, or yoga classes, rock climbing club, the options are endless.

How we do Christmas in LA

California Holiday Lifestyle Travel
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Christmas in LA usually consist of warm weather, which lets be honest, doesn’t have the same Christmas feeling as as areas colder with weather. There are times I do wish we had snow to make it feel more like Christmas. If you live in LA or are just visiting this month and want the holiday spirit here are my top recommendations.

ONE: Go to the Chill Event at Queen Mary for ice skating, sledding, and holiday festivities. If you have never been to the Queen Mary ship this is a great excuse to go.

TWO: Pack the family or friends in a car and drive down Christmas Tree Lane in Altadena, CA. Watching all the Christmas lights as you listen to holiday music is the best way to spend a night.

THREE: Stroll down the Venice canals with hot coco to look at the beautiful homes all lit up. Or visit the less popular Nepal’s canals in Long Beach (which I personally prefer).

FOUR: Although Disneyland is of course is a must see, Knott’s Berry Farm is another great theme park. Majority of the park resembles an old mining town and during the holiday season there’s a Christmas market in the middle of the park.

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FIVE: Go to the Walt Disney Concert Hall for the LA Philharmonic Holiday Sing-Along or to the several Nutcracker performances going on in LA (LINK).

SIX: Take a day trip to either Lake Arrowhead or Big Bear for a day in the mountains. If your lucky, the snow. Nothing says holiday season then drinking hot coco and feeling the cold mountain air.

SEVEN: Grab some blankets and go watch the Christmas boat parades in either Marina Del Rey or Newport Beach.

EIGHT: Visit Solvang,CA for the weekend and enjoy the Dutch style city in its holiday glory.

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Three Creative Holiday Decorations that are Budget Friendly

Holiday Lifestyle
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Christmas decorating is the kick off to the holiday season. The Christmas tree goes up and the holiday décor makes your home feel festive and cozy. To help with your wallet this season, I have 3 ideas for creative holiday decorations.

Upgrade your Store Bought Christmas Wreath

This is something I did last year. After a long search for the perfect Christmas wreath on a budget we finally bought one at Target. Since it wasn’t exactly what we wanted we add a ribbon and mini tree ornaments until it was perfect. For 10 ways on how to customize your store-bought wreath click on this (Link).

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Find or create your own Christmas ornaments 

Trying to find the right ornaments for your tree theme can get daunting.  One easy solution is to create your own ornaments. Since we couldn’t find mini pine cone ornaments, we found some in a potpourri package at TJ Maxx. We just added a ribbon to hang them on the tree. Here is a link for more ideas on how to create your own (Link).
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 Christmas Tree Ornaments for Home Decor

During the holidays it feels like money just goes out the windows so using what you already have is always a bonus. Put your left over Christmas tree ornaments into a clear vase, like we did, or in a bowl for a table centerpiece.  Here are 3 more ideas Link, Link, and Link.

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Healthy Slow Cook Mexican Bean Soup

Main Meals Recipes
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This healthy Mexican bean soup is perfect comfort food for lazy days this winter. Because 1. it has a 15 minute prep time and 2. it’s filled with nutrients and vitamins.

 My soon-to-be mother in law gave the recipe when she wanted to whipped something up quickly. She is actually the reason why I started cooking. She told me that she never learned to cook until she got married and that her husband was patient with her. And now she is an AMAZING cook. This gave me the confidence to start. And that fact she gave me easy recipes to start with.
So I share this Mexican bean soup recipe from my Mexican and lovely future mother-in-law.

Ingredients:

1/2 lb beans
6 cups of vegetable broth
14.5 oz organic diced tomato
12 oz turkey/chicken sausage
1 chopped celery stalk
1 chopped bell pepper
1 diced jalapeno
1/2 diced onion
2 tbsp of garlic powder
2 cups shredded cheese

Instructions: Add all the ingredients in a slow cooker. Set the slow cooker on low and cook for 8 hours. Stir occasionally and when done season with salt and pepper. Add the cheese on top of each serving. Done and Bon Appetite!

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Healthy Slow Cook Mexican Bean Soup

FullSizeRender 2 - Healthy Slow Cook Mexican Bean Soup

Ingredients

  • 1/2 lb beans
  • 6 cups of vegetable broth
  • 14.5 oz organic diced tomato
  • 12 oz turkey/chicken sausage
  • 1 chopped celery stalk
  • 1 chopped bell pepper
  • 1 diced jalapeno
  • 1/2 diced onion
  • 2 tbsp of garlic powder
  • 2 cups shredded cheese
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November Fitness Favorites

Fitness Favorites Lifestyle

 

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Like always this month flew by fine. In November, we just made made sure to catch up on work and get ready for a busy December. Here are four things we got excited about this month. 

This month I tried to cut back on caffeine intake, at least at the office, by trading in my coffee for Bigelow Vanilla Chai tea. I like to drink my tea with cream which tricks me in thinking it’s coffee. 
I have followed Modern Fit blog & instagram for a long time now, but recently I’ve become obsessed with Michelle Carigma approach to workout fashion. I love her minimalist sleek approach to fitness apparel. 
We have been trying to practice rope-climbing technique. Although my sister has already been able to climb the rope a few times, she still struggles to be consistent. As for me I’m still working on it. As frustrating as it is, rope climbing has been a great workout, since it requires biceps, forearms, back, and abdominals. Here is a great video on how to do it (LINK).
Every Thanksgiving I look forward to one particular dish, my mom’s sweet smashed yams. Since my mom put’s mini marshmallows on top it’s more of a dessert than a savory dish.  It’s worth the extra calories!

How to Avoid Weight Room Intimidation

Exercises Training Tips

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There are simple ways to avoid weight room intimidation for those new to lifting weights. When I first started working out three years ago, I too was intimidated. I was embarrassed that I was doing the exercises wrong, sneaking “how-to” videos between sets, and figure out how much weight to use.

However most go through similar fears when they begin. Beginners tend to stick to cardio and strength machines, to avoid looking “dumb.” If you’re lucky, you have someone to show you the ropes. But if you do not have someone, it doesn’t matter, because I will share 5 tips to avoid the weight room intimidation.

  1. No one cares. Remember no one cares how you look, everyone there for their own reason. When I notice someone new to weight lifting, I applaud them for getting started. Everyone was a beginner at one point.
  2. People want to help. If your unsure of an exercise, ask others. Most gym addicts want to share their expertise. I know this is true for myself.  Just avoid asking in the middle of someone’s sets or if someone too engaged in the workout.
  3. Great Workout Routines– Find a great workout routine for beginners. Look up exercise routines that are simple enough, but challenging. Look for full body workouts or basic split workout routine, that incorporate compound exercises.  Check out our upper body, lower body workout, or bodybuilding.com female training bible. And remember, it’s fine to look up “how to” videos mid-workout. It’s better to learn then continuing doing it wrong.
  4. It takes time. Like with everything in life, the more you do it , the faster you become comfortable. Therefore just start and in no time you will feel comfortable with lifting.
  5. Become part of the community. Introduce yourself and talk to those around you. This way you have friends around you and not strangers. By befriending other, you will have more accountability and the gym will seem less intimidating.
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