The Active Habitat

Health Enthusiasts | Career Women | Coffee Addicts | Explorers

An LA Summer Bucket List

California Lifestyle Travel United States
 
venice4 - An LA Summer Bucket List

Every summer we make it a point to enjoy our weekends like mini vacation days, especially since the weather is begging you to go out and play. There are always new places or activities we haven’t tried yet, so of course this is the best time of year to check them off our list. Here is our LA Summer bucket list:

1. Take a tour around Frank Lloyd first LA project, Hollyhock House

2. Go for a hike in the Santa Monica Mountains

3. Eat ice-cream at Sweet Rose Creamery at the historical Brentwood Country Market

4. Have a girlfriends brunch with bottomless mimosas at Sonoma Wine Gardens

5. Bike ride along the beach from Venice to Santa Monica pier to eat lunch

6. Have a picnic at Zuma Beach in Malibu

7. Explore new foods at the 626 Night Market

8. Eat at the new spot on Abbot Kenny street, The Butcher Daughter

9. Summer is never complete without a BBQ with friends and family

10. Attend the Lantern Fest in Reno, NV (I know this is not in LA but it’s still on my bucket list)

– Denise

Zero Calorie BCAA Gummy Bears Recipe + What are BCAA?

Dessert Diet Talk Lifestyle Recipes
Gummy - Zero Calorie BCAA Gummy Bears Recipe + What are BCAA?
BCAA supplement have become more popular as fitness market boomed. But you may be asking, what are BCAA and are they safe? BCAA are branch chain amino acids, 3 of your 9 essential amino acids, called are leucine, isoleucine and valine.  Amino acids are the building block of protein. These three amino acids help promote muscle protein synthesis and increase muscle growth as well as:
  • Increase workout intensity
  • Prevent fatigue during workout
  • Helps boost immune system
  • Protects against amino acid deficiencies in your diet

BCAA are found in many protein sources, such as meat and eggs. Therefore, are BCAA supplements critical to take? The answer is no, they are not critical if you are consuming a well balanced diet. However if you are an athlete, trying to put on muscle, or trying to retain muscles while dieting, it can be helpful. 

BCAA Gummy Bears Recipe

  1. 4 packets of gelatin
  2. 1 scoop of BCAA
  3. 1/2 cup of warm water
  4. Optional: Add 1 tbsp of zero calorie sweeteners

Start my mixing all ingredients in a saucepan until it is dissolved. Heat on a low/medium setting and stir occasionally for about 5 minutes until the water begins to thicken and has turn to a gel. Then place the gel into the mold and freeze for 15-20 minutes. I bought these bear molds on Amazon and it came with a droppper too.

For more information on BCAA read here

Print
Zero Calorie BCAA Gummy Bears Recipe + What are BCAA?

Gummy - Zero Calorie BCAA Gummy Bears Recipe + What are BCAA?

Ingredients

  • 4 packets of gelatin
  • 1 scoop of BCAA
  • 1/2 cup of warm water
  • Optional: Add 1 tbsp of zero calorie sweetener
Schema/Recipe SEO Data Markup by Yummly Rich Recipes
https://www.theactivehabitat.com/2016/04/zero-calorie-bcaa-gummy-bears-recipe-what-are-bcaa/
wordpress plugin.png?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theactivehabitat - Zero Calorie BCAA Gummy Bears Recipe + What are BCAA?

Why People in LA Love Hiking + Trail Mix Recipes

Diet Talk Lifestyle
IMG 0472 - Why People in LA Love Hiking + Trail Mix Recipes

As you can read from our previous March post (Link) my sister and I love hiking, like any true LA natives. Hiking has become synonymous to LA lifestyle and places like Runyon Canyon have even become popular tourist attractions.

 So why is it that we Angelenos love hiking? No, the answer is not photo worth instagram shots (good guess though). Hiking is one of the best aerobic activities to do, especially on a lazy weekend morning. Steady incline walk provides extra oxygen to your muscles and lungs, increasing your endurance and energy levels. Of course it also burns more calories than sleeping in.

IMG 0482 - Why People in LA Love Hiking + Trail Mix Recipes
Pants and Top from Target
Me14 - Why People in LA Love Hiking + Trail Mix Recipes
Pants and Top from Target
Dan13 - Why People in LA Love Hiking + Trail Mix Recipes

When doing a slow pace workout for long period of time it is important to fuel up to sustain the higher level of physical activity. Trail mix is the great choice of snack. It provides the right amount of protein, fats, and carbohydrates to keep your energy levels high. Also easy to carry around.

IMG 0511 - Why People in LA Love Hiking + Trail Mix Recipes

Since there are tons of great “How to make trail mix recipes” on Pinterest I thought I would share 4 of my favorites.

Toasted Coconut and Goji Berry Trail Mix

A great superfood combo.

Naked Raw Trail Mix 

Simple and easy to make.

Valentine’s Day Superfood Trail Mix

Dark chocolate…need I same more.

Roasted Chickpea Trail Mix.

This one takes more prep time but it’s worth it!

Raw Honey Benefits for Skin and Hair

Beauty Lifestyle

Untitled2 - Raw Honey Benefits for Skin and Hair
In my last beauty post (Link) I mentioned the fantastic qualities that avocado contains, so this time I wanted to write the raw honey benefits for hair and skin. The nutrients work wonders for your skin and hair.

Raw honey is beneficial to our skin by:

  • Anti Aging: honey is full of anti-oxidants and has a neutral PH of 4.5, which helps with slowing down aging. Honey also contains vitamin C which helps with elastin and collagen.
  • Brightening: raw honey has gluconic acid which give skin a glow and moisturizes.
  • Acne Prevention: not only does honey have natural anti-fungal and antiviral properties, but it also helps with diminish swelling of pimples by being an anti-inflammatory. Honey also clarifies pores by opening them up to unclog them.

Here are 4 great DIY beauty products that will help you feel great without spending tons of money.

Banana & Honey Face Mask

Banana is another anti-ageing and anti-blemishing ingredient, so combining this with honey will make your skin feel radiant.

Honey Face Wash

Just like I mention above, honey does a great job at clarifying skin. This is a great alternative than using harsh face soups.

Milk & Honey Body Wash

Your face isn’t the only skin you need to take care of, so this body wash can help give your whole body a natural skin boost. Milk also has fatty acids that help moisturize.

Coconut & Honey Face Mask

At this point we have all heard of how great coconut oil is for your skin and hair, so by combining it with honey will only make you feel like million dollars.

Make sure to purchase the least processed honey in the store. Since store bought honey can be full of sugar and all the rich vitamins have been extracted.

A Toning Upper Body Workout

Arm Exercises Back Exercises Chest Exercises Exercises Resistance Training Shoulder Exercises
- A Toning Upper Body Workout

back 300x250 - A Toning Upper Body Workout

Our workouts these days consist of 4 days of resistant training. Either a lower body or upper body workout. We wanted to share our upper body workout to build muscle while shedding weight. Because the focus is losing weight, we increased reps and added super-sets (exercise done back to back with minimal rest) to keep our heart rate up.

Also something new we have been trying is to start each workout with compound exercises (an exercise that uses multiple muscle groups) and then follow-up with super-sets.

Dumbbell Bench Press: 2 warm-up sets, 5 set for 10-12 reps

Smith Machine Overhead Press:  2 warm-up sets, 5 set for 10-12 reps

Super-set #1: Bent Over Barbell Rows: 4 sets for 12-15 reps
Reverse Dumbbell Flyes: 4 sets for 12-15 reps

Super-set #2: Wide Grip Lat Pulldown: 4 sets for 10-12 reps
Bicep Curls: 4 sets for 8 reps bicep curls & 8 reps hammer curls

Super-set #3: Dumbbell Side Lateral Raise: 4 sets for 10-12 rep
Triceps Push-downs with Rope: 4 sets for 12-15 reps

Finisher Super-set: Dips (Assisted or Unassisted) 3 sets to failure
Pull-ups (Assisted or Unassisted) 3 sets to failure

Our Weight Loss Story

Lifestyle Self Improvement

FullSizeRender 2 1 300x225 - Our Weight Loss Story- Our Weight Loss Story

My sister and I wanted to share our weight loss story, so our readers can get to know us a better. Like most women, we have struggled with our body image as long as I can remember. We have never been extremely over weight, but since we carry our fat in our torso, we have never had an ideal body. Although this might not seem terrible to many, it’s been hard for  us to accept. 

In high school and into college, we saw biggest weight gain during those years. This was hard on our self-esteem. Between our college years and mid twenties our weight fluctuated as we experimented with different types of workouts, like boot camps and P90X. Our diets consisted of any normal twenty year old diets, and eating healthier meant more salads and lean cuisines. As hard as we worked for a great body, we never saw any real results.

Three years ago when my sister started weight training and learning nutrition. This changed her habits and off course once I saw my sister’s lifestyle change, I followed suit like most twins do.

 

IMG 4266 1 300x240 - Our Weight Loss Story

Left 2010 and Right 2015

I wish I could say we transformed over night, like most Instagram before and after photos, but for us it’s been a long journey. Last three years we have progressively learned what eating healthy really means and how to properly lift weights to see results. Most importantly we’ve learned to take time to learn our bodies and see what works for us. Not all diets and workouts are meant for everyone, but a fitness routine and proper nutrition will get you to a healthier life. We are still working hard to hit our goal weight and maybe one-day show off nice chiseled abs. Even if we don’t ever have them, we grown to love the healthier lifestyle and how it makes us feel.

IMG 4265 1 300x240 - Our Weight Loss Story

Left 2010 and Right 2015

We hope through this blog to build a community of girls who aim to be healthy and inspire others. And to always try to be the best version of us.

bld 1 300x300 - Our Weight Loss Story

Left 2011 and Right 2015

LA Guide to Outdoor Workouts

California Lifestyle Travel
FullSizeRender 6 300x229 - LA Guide to Outdoor Workouts- LA Guide to Outdoor Workouts

As somebody who was born and raised in Los Angeles, we do have a tendency to brag about how great the weather is. Which is why we take advantage of the good weather by doing our physical activities outside all year-round. If your ever visiting LA and want to take advantage of all the sunshine, here is a list of outdoor workouts. If you are from LA, we also included items that are not as well known.

1. Riding Bikes by the Beach– Ride bikes or run the 2-mile stretch from Venice to Santa Monica. Not only can you enjoy a view of the beach, but the bike rentals are only $20 for the entire day.

2. Baldwin Hill Steps– This long and windy walk up the hill and what may seem like a never ending stair cases is well worth the exercise for an amazing view of LA.

1280px CulverCityStairs 2013 05 28 1 300x195 - LA Guide to Outdoor Workouts
3. NTC Club Classes– Looking for a boot camp class that is both free and have amazing instructors? Check out the Nike NTC classes that located at several Nike Shops in LA, such as the one in Santa Monica Promenade or The Grove. After your work out, you can reward yourself with some shopping.
4. Hikes with Views of LA– Probably the most famous hike is Runyon Canyon. This hike is also known for celebrity sighting and a great view of LA. Another less crowded spot is the Wattles hike, which is the twin peak of Runyon.
IMG 7811 1 300x232 - LA Guide to Outdoor Workouts
5. Muscle Beach– Muscle beach has been known to build and strut your muscles since the 1930’s. This area of Venice beach has an outdoor gym (day pass is $10), and another area of beach with gymnastic bars and rope climbing. So get a workout in one of the most iconic gyms in the world.
6. Dance Downtown LA– If dancing is your preferred cardio, then attend the LA Music Center dance party. It is every other weekend in the summer. Each week is new dance style and they bring instructors to teach each style. You can even bring your own food and drinks, so have a party and a workout.

dancedowntown660 1 300x200 - LA Guide to Outdoor Workouts- LA Guide to Outdoor Workouts
7. Yoga Outdoors– What sounds better than practicing yoga under warmth of the sun? If this sounds good to you, try a yoga class outside at Runyon Canyon, Downtown Grand Park, or on a helipad of a rooftop. But our top choice is Yogaulation on Bluff Park. Who wouldn’t love to have a free yoga class with an ocean view?

8. Manhattan Beach Sand Dunes– Try changing up the typical cardio choices, and run up the Manhattan Beach sand dunes. This 100 feet high sand dunes is harder than it looks, so prepare to feel the burn!

sand dune park manhattanbeach 4 1 300x215 - LA Guide to Outdoor Workouts- LA Guide to Outdoor Workouts
  1. Surf, Kayak, or Paddle Board– These three options are great ways to enjoy the ocean and get a workout in. Of course we have plenty of beaches to choice from, the most popular being Malibu and for good reasons. If you want to be different, try kayaking down the LA river for a different perspective of the city.
  1. Hikes with Ocean Views– If you prefer a hike with ocean views, the best are Corral Canyon and Parker Mesa. For myself, I love Palos Verdestrails because they are not as popular. It is just you and the ocean.
palos20verdes beach20hikes los20angeles california 300x200 - LA Guide to Outdoor Workouts

Superfood Breakfast Cake Recipe

Breakfast Dessert Paleo Recipes
FullSizeRender 4 300x222 - Superfood Breakfast Cake Recipe

What better way to start the morning then to have a breakfast full of antioxidants, fiber, vitamins,and omega-3 fats. This superfood breakfast cake recipe is all natural and delicious with no added sugar.

IMG 0055 1 300x200 - Superfood Breakfast Cake Recipe- Superfood Breakfast Cake Recipe
Ingredients
– 2 cups of oats (gluten free if preferred)
– 2 tbsp of flax meal
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1 tsp cinnamon
– 2 eggs
– 2 tbsp lemon juice
– 1 cups of smashed banana  (approx 2 medium bananas)
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 2 tbsp honey

Toppings
– 1/4 cups of crushed almonds
– 1/8 cups sunflower seeds
– 1/8 cups flax seeds
– 1/4 pistachios
– 1/2 gogi berries
– 1/2 cups of blueberries

FullSizeRender 2 2 300x224 - Superfood Breakfast Cake Recipe- Superfood Breakfast Cake Recipe
Instructions:
Mix all ingredients into a bowl and whisk evenly
Fold the toppings into the batter
Pour the batter into pan and smooth with spatula
Bake for 15 minutes at 350 degree
Remove and let it cool for 10 minutes- Superfood Breakfast Cake RecipeFullSizeRender 5 300x225 - Superfood Breakfast Cake RecipeIMG 0057 1 300x200 - Superfood Breakfast Cake Recipe

Nutritional Facts
Serving Size: 8 pieces. Each piece is approx 178 calories, 7g fat, 6g of protein and 26g carbs.

-Danni

Print
Superfood Breakfast Cake

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Yield: 8

Serving Size: 1 piece

Calories per serving: 178

FullSizeRender 4 - Superfood Breakfast Cake Recipe

Ingredients

    Ingredients:
  • 2 cups of oats (gluten free if preferred)
  • 2 tbsp of flax meal
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 cups of smashed banana (approx 2 medium bananas)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp honey
    • Toppings:
  • 1/4 cups of crushed almonds
  • 1/8 cups sunflower seeds
  • 1/8 cups flax seeds
  • 1/4 pistachios
  • 1/2 gogi berries
  • 1/2 cups of blueberries

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients into a bowl and whisk evenly
  2. Fold the toppings into the batter
  3. Pour the batter into pan and smooth with spatula
  4. Bake for 15 minutes at 350 degree
  5. Remove and let it cool for 10 minutes

Notes

7g fat, 6g of protein and 26g carbs

Schema/Recipe SEO Data Markup by Yummly Rich Recipes
https://www.theactivehabitat.com/2016/03/superfood-breakfast-cake-recipe/
wordpress plugin.png?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theactivehabitat - Superfood Breakfast Cake Recipe

Avocado Mask For Face and Hair

Beauty Lifestyle
Avaca2 1 300x225 - Avocado Mask For Face and Hair
- Avocado Mask For Face and Hair

There is a reason why avocado’s are in the category of “super foods”. Not only are they great for our personal health, but they also amazing beauty products.

Avocado’s contains these vitamins and nutrients plus more that are beneficial to our skin and hair:

  • Vitamin E: Is a fat soluble which means it prevents free radical damage oxidizing fats from your skill cells that cause aging. For hair, it repairs damage scalp that causes slow hair growth and hair loss.
  • Vitamin B: Another great vitamin for hair growth.
  • Vitamin C: Helps with elastin and collagen by binding the cells together.
  • Antioxidants Carotenoids: this helps your skin protect it self from environmental damage, which causes visible signs of aging.
  • Omega 9 fatty acids: moisturizer for both skin and hair.

Here are some great avocado mask for both your hair and face. The best thing about these masks that they require ingredients that are probably already in your fridge.

Hair Masks: 
This mask to packed with oils that will leave your hair nice and shiny, and it prevents breakage.
For those who want thick hair, this is the mask for you. Not only do you get the benefits of the avocado, but eggs contain tons of protein to help create lushes hair.
Face Mask:
Honey is a natural antibacterial and can help reduce acne. Combine this with an avocado it become a great mask to help nourish the skin, reduce redness, and moisturize the face.
Unlike the mask above this mask contains carrots which have antioxidants and betacarotene that softens the skin. This mask will leave your face nice and smooth.

The Importance of Foam Rolling

Exercises Warm-up

With all the daily stress we put on our body and constant moving around, it’s no wonder our bodies have aches and pains. Especially when we are regularly working out or just as we get older. So what is self-myofascial release (SMR), other wise known as foam rolling and how is it beneficial?

SMR helps with breaking up fascial adhesion (aka knots) that are caused by stressed being placed on muscles. By foam rolling our knots, we are not only relieving those aches and pains, it also:

  • allows muscles to perform at the optimal range of motion.
  • provides better mobility for tight muscles and restricted joints
  • corrects any muscle imbalance
  • increases flexibility
  • reduces soreness for faster recovery time

Foam rolling should be done before and end of workouts for about 5-10 minutes. Here is some common and larger muscles groups to get started on:

Hamstring
Place hamstrings (back of the leg, above the knee) on the foam roll with hips unsupported. Roll from the knee to the hip while keeping quadriceps tightened.

IMG 1861 1 300x225 - The Importance of Foam Rolling

Quadriceps
Place the quadriceps (front of the leg, above the knee) on the foam roll. Roll from pelvic bone to knee, emphasizing on the outside thigh. Keep the core tight to prevent low back compensations.

IMG 1862 1 300x225 - The Importance of Foam Rolling

Latissimus
Lay on one side placing the foam roller beneath the one side of the latissimus (aka lats) closer to the arm pit. Roll up and down your back, closer to spine (but not directly on the spine) or rock back and forth facing the ceiling. Movement should be minimal in order to keep the foam roll on the lats.

IMG 1863 1 300x225 - The Importance of Foam Rolling

Erector Spiae
Pace your lower back, just above the hips, onto the foam roll. Lean on side of the muscle, so that your spine is not directly placed on the foam roll. With slight movements roll back and forth or up and down. Hold for 30 seconds if feeling tension in one spot.

IMG 1864 1 300x225 - The Importance of Foam Rolling

If your looking for an awesome foam rolling routine, here are some videos from the Tone It Up girls (link).

Back to top

  • Instagram Slider

    Stylin theme by LucaLogos  |  
    Copryright Rico Twins