Asparagus and Lemon Refreshing Gluten Free Pasta Salad

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group®, Barilla®, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #GlutenFreeBarilla http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV 

I am so excited to be teaming up with Gluten Free Barilla Pasta today to bring you a healthy and refreshing pasta salad that is perfect for lunch or dinner. As you all know I am the queen of pasta salads, and this recipe is a little different, but still delicious! If you haven't checked out my other recipes with Barilla, you can see my strawberry basil pasta salad here, and my meditteranean pasta salad, here. This recipe is a little different for a few reasons. The main reason is because I am using Barilla's new Gluten Free pasta for this recipe. It's also a dish that you want to serve warm due to the ingredients, and olive oil drizzle. 

I really love preparing different dishes around the holidays. My family always chooses me to make any of the pasta dishes, and I try to focus on staying healthy, and preparing a delicious meal that everyone will love. Gluten free pasta is great because it has non GMO ingredients, it's healthier and tastes just like regular pasta!

For my Gluten Free pasta I shopped at BJ's wholesale club and got a 4 pack of pasta for a very reasonable price. Since I come from a big family, this is perfect for the parties to come in the next few weeks. You can also visit BJ’s Wholesale Clubs on December 22nd and 23rd to see an in-store Barilla Gluten Free pasta demo at select clubs. You can also visit Pinterest to see other delicious Barilla  Gluten Free pasta recipes!

Making this pasta is very easy! Here is how to make your own at home.

First, start by bringing a pot of water to a boil.  

Once the water is boiling , salt the water and add your Gluten Free pasta. 

While your pasta is cooking, you'll want to sautee your asparagus and brussels sprouts. 

Add a few tablespoons of olive oil to a pan, cut up your asparagus, and sprouts and then squeeze a full lemon on top, and season with salt and pepper.

You'll want to cook your asparagus for about 10 minutes on the skillet. When that's finished, add the cooked asparagus and sprouts, and squeeze half a lemon into the pasta. You'll also want to drizze olive oil on top to avoid a dry pasta.

Enjoy!

Healthy Living Recipes: Mediterranean Pasta Salad

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Barilla®, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #OnePotPasta http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

Spring and summer are the perfect seasons for pasta salad! I love pairing a good pasta salad with some chicken or steak at a BBQ. I also love having it in the fridge as a little snack during the day. Since my family is Greek I try to add a mediterranean twist to everything! I basically picked my top favorite things and added them to this salad. 

Today I teamed up with Barilla Pronto pasta to bring you a quick and easy mediterranean pasta salad.  This is my first experience using their Pronto line, and I picked my box up at Shoprite. They also have spaghetti, penne, elbows and linguini. (Right now you can buy any FOUR (4) Barilla® Pronto™ pasta products for $5.00 or $1.25 each available until 5/16/15 while supplies last.) I picked the rotini for this specific recipe because I love the spirals for a pasta salad. Since I love meal prepping, this is perfect for those of you who are on the go, or like to plan their meals for the week. This pasta tastes the best, the longer it sits! The flavors really soak up in the pasta once its made, and the italian flavors really come out! 

What you'll need:

• Barilla Pronto - Rotini
• Olive Oil
• Italian Salami
• Feta Cheese 
• Cucumber
• Tomatoes
• Diced Olives 
• Pepper & Salt

This pasta is amazing! Not only do you not have to wait for it to boil, but you also don't have to drain the water. It's awesome, and saves so much time. Here's how I made my pasta salad, and I hope you enjoy it!

Instructions:

1. Cook the barilla pronto pasta according to the box, and once it's finished put into a bowl and pour over your olive oil. Use as much or as little as you'd like, it's all about personal preference.

2. Chop your ingredients on the side and add your feta crumbles and then place in the refrigerator for approximately 4-6 hours. (The longer the better)

3. Serve cold. 

Asian Cashew Chicken Salad

Usually the words fast food and healthy don't go together. What if I told you that there was a way you could get both? I've always been a huge fan of Wendy's and when they introduced their core salads I knew I had to try them. What is important to me is feeling good about what I am eating and making sure that I give myself time to work out every week. Constantly being on the go makes it very difficult sometimes to find healthy menu items if you decide to eat out.        

This is the Asian Cashew Chicken Salad from Wendy's.  It's a twist on your typical Asian salad with yummy edamame, red peppers, roasted cashews and grilled chicken breast with a light spicy vinaigrette. The chicken was so tender and flavorful, I couldn't believe it was a simple to-go salad. It really tasted like I was eating out somewhere fancy. The cool thing about Wendy's is that they have fresh salads, not "premade" sit in the freezer salads. The lettuce isn't frozen and chopped up, it's cut daily with fresh vegetables in that restaurant. If you want to see the full process watch their "Romaine Lettuce Journey" video here.

I know how important good food is when you're trying to maintain a healthy diet, and I always make sure I have a list of a few places in my mind to go when I want something healthy after my workout. I am so excited to be able to add Wendy's to this list and try a few of their other salads next. My diet is high in protein and fats, but also low in carbs and this salad is perfect for that. The chicken and cashews provide the perfect amount of protein and healthy fat while the rest of the salad is low in carbohydrates.

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own. Thank you for supporting companies that support Little Tree!

               

Little Tree's Favorite Healthy Snacks

I usually get a lot of questions on what my favorite snacks are, so I figured I would do a little round up on the blog to share with you guys. I kinda fell off the wagon with posting healthy recipes (been so busy!) but I plan on starting to share more recipes starting next week, so stay tuned for that! When sticking to a healthy snack I try to choose something that is healthy, but also satisfies a craving. Before starting my working regiment I used to be crazy about carbs. I still do love carbs, but now I moderate carbs into my diet as opposed to overloading on them. Hope this gives you guys a little more info on my daily eating habits, what are some healthy things you guys like to snack on?

Quest Protein Chips & Quest Bars- As you guys know I have always loved Quest bars, and just recently tried their protein chips. Being an avid chip lover I am excited to have a healthier chip option, and happy that they have so many flavors to choose from. The chips have 21g of protein in each bag with only 5g of carbs which is awesome. My favorite bags are sea salt, sour cream and onion and of course salt and vinegar. The only downside to these chips is that they leave your mouth a little dry- but just make sure you keep water on hand and you'll be good to go. As far as the quest bars go, you guys can read my previous post about my favorites. I've tried almost every flavor they have and I love them for an on-the-go snack or quick meal.

Bare Chips- {Apple & Coconut}- These yummy chips are a new find for me and I am hooked! They come in all different flavors but my favorites are their apple and coconut chips. They're baked, gluten free and 100% natural. They're a really good source of fiber too, which makes them even better for a healthier diet. These come in handy for me when I am having a specific chocolate craving. I love the chocolate bliss chips and even tried adding some of the chips to my yogurt and fruit parfaits. I really love anything that promotes a healthy lifestyle while still maintaining flavor, and these chips do just that. They're good for you, and taste delicious too!

Cucumber & Goat Cheese Crumbles- This combo is perfect for those days when all I want to do is snack! My mom started cutting up whole cucumbers for Ryan and I to snack on and we just got hooked. We drizzle a little bit of olive oil on top and crumble feta and it's the perfect healthy combo that keeps our hungry tummies at bay while we wait to eat our main meal. We also use this as our version of a salad since we're both not crazy about tomatoes. Two of a kind, right? ;)

Pasta Chips- I've talked about pasta chips in the past, and they are still one of my favorite go-to snacks. I made a spinach and cilantro dip that paired perfectly with them last year. (read that here) These are delicious chips that are made with italian herbs and are inspired by italian dishes. They have everything from alfredo to garlic olive oil, and my personal favorite sea salt. It really tastes like you're eating a delicious plate of pasta with homemade sauce! They have 60% less fat than regular chips and are really good to add to a cheese platter or to any homemade dip.

Yogurt & Granola- I used to hate yogurt and now it's one of my daily snacks. Although I can't really eat it plain, I love finding good granola to mix in with it. I found my favorite granola and I have been finding it in select grocery stores in my area and literally buying about 7 bags at a time!My favorite yogurt is Chobani (obviously it's greek haha) and my favorite granola is . It has dark chocolate chunks in it and cinammon with oats.

Work It Out

If any of you follow me on instagram, you know that I am taking part in a workout challenge for the next two months. I worked really hard on building a healthy lifestyle, and at this point, I don't think it would ever change. This challenge is a two month workout routine that changes weekly and utilizes different exercises daily. 

So far I have seen a significant difference in my waistline, as well as my energy levels and overall mood. I have been waking up with a different attitude, and my healthy eating has been on point. What motivates me daily is the changes I am seeing, as well as the strength I am gaining. 

Nothing is better than feeling good in your own skin, and every person (male or female) deserves to feel good about themselves. The first few weeks were tough, and now as I near week 3 it's becoming more of a daily routine. I feel healthier than I have in over a year, and I am starting to see changes in my body.

I love to spice up my workout outfits, and again if you follow me on instagram, you'll see a glimpse of that here and there. My pants are usually all kinds of crazy patterns, paired with my Nike Air Max 90's (working on getting my third pair!). I have built my collection of workout clothes because I spend almost every day at the gym, so my attire is important. I want to feel motivated & confident in what I wear, and gym wear is no different.

People usually ask me where I get most of my gym clothes from, so I decided to pick some of my favorite items at the moment. My go-to brands are Lululemon & Nike, but sometimes I will find a random shirt that is low cut on the sides to fit comfortably with a sports bra. This shirt is from Buy Me Brunch, and it is one of my favorites. I love the material, and it's perfect for leg day! :)

Here are some of my favorite picks from Nike & Lululemon below!

What are your favorite brands?

Update To My Workout Story & My Fitness Fanatic Gift Guide

This post is part gift guide part update on my workout story. I started fully working out 4-5 days a week approximately a year and a half ago. In my progress I lost 13 pounds, as well as gained a great deal of muscle in various parts of my body. Besides the obvious body changes, I feel so different. Mentally I am more at ease when I know I can make it to the gym. Physically I feel stronger and more motivated. As a whole I have found myself being extremely motivated to become stronger and work harder towards my goals.

Although I have had great progress so far, I have had my highs and lows. Some weeks I have no energy, and on the busier weeks sometimes I don't get into the gym as often as I would like. Throw in the holidays and I find myself smuggling cookies and sweets here and there. I am not sharing these stories for pity, but more to show that sometimes life happens. Sometimes you eat cheat meals more than twice a week, sometimes you want to eat a french fry, or a whole plate of them. And sometimes, your body needs a break. I gave myself a week break because I could tell my body needed it. I was feeling weak, and tired, and close to exhaustion. I was forcing myself to go, and then I realized maybe my body was trying to tell me something. The break I took, was exactly what I needed. I came back stronger and more motivated than before, and I am so happy I did. We all fall off kilter sometimes, but the important thing is to motivate yourself even when things seem hard or you're having a hard day.

Shop the perfect workout outfit!

Since this post is focusing on working out , I also wanted to incorporate a little gift guide for those who are looking for new workout clothes/accessories. Here are my PERSONAL choices. I have a full workout wardrobe since I spend a lot of time in the gym, and I picked my favorite pieces to share with you guys. I really love all of these brands & clothing options, and they make my gym experience a better one. Plus, the new year is on the way and we all need a pick me up, so what's better than working out with some new gear? The confidence and comfort will go hand in hand.

Some favorites!

Apricot & Brie Grilled Cheese

Hey guys! Happy Thursday. Today I am so excited to team up with I Can't Believe It's Not Butter!® and give you my spin on the classic grilled cheese. This sandwich and I have a longstanding history together. One of my favorite breweries in New Jersey (Triumph Brewery in Princeton) used to make this sandwich and keep it on their menu. It was slightly different than how I made it, but the main ingredients were the same. I used to visit this brewery constantly, just because of this sandwich. Unfortunately the grilled cheese was taken off the menu, so I had to figure out a way to make it myself.

Using I Can't Believe It's Not Butter!® brings a whole new flavor into this grilled cheese, and the best part is? It's good for you too! Their new recipe is offered in light, and olive oil varieties too. They use NON-GMO sourced ingredients that are all simple and plant based. If you try it out for yourself, make sure you visit their website (TheNewICB.com) and leave your own personal review. I actually really enjoy making this spin on the classic grilled cheese, and I know you will too!

Here's what you'll need: 

Apricot Spread or Preserves

Brie Cheese

Marble Rye Bread

I Can't Believe It's Not Butter!®

I was lucky enough to have access to a panini press while making this grilled cheese, but any simple stove top pan will do. 

First, you'll want to used the I Can't Believe It's Not Butter spread and butter up your bread! 

Then, spread your apricot preserves on top of the butter spread.

Next, you'll want to cut your cheese up in slices and place it all on top.

Finally, either press, or place into a pan that's coated with non stick spray. 

 Easy peasy right? 

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Healthy Cake Pops

Hey guys!  Do you love cake pops as much as I do? If you answered yes, then you're at the right place today! I love cake pops and really wanted to come up with a recipe that allows me to enjoy them, without feeling disgustingly full afterwards. I looked up some recipes online just to get an idea, and most called for boxed yellow cake, so that's what I started with. I changed some of the ingredients and substituted vegetable oil for coconut oil, and also left out the yolks in the eggs and only used egg whites for this recipe. They came out great, and I really hope you try making them, they are super easy and fun!

Also, for those wondering, I purchased the sprinkles & cake pop pan at Marshalls!

So the first part of the recipe is simple because you're going to be following the directions on the box. I used a whisk instead of a mixer because I personally don't have one, but either way it comes out just fine. You're going to be mixing your cake mix, coconut oil, water and egg whites into a big bowl, and whisk until everything is combined and easily poured.

You're going to fill your cake pan half way with the batter to avoid making the pops too big. I had to make two rounds of these because the first batch was a little too large! Cook for about 11 minutes (or until a clean toothpick can be pulled through) and take out to cool. Once you pop them out of the pan, put them in the fridge for about 15-20 minutes to harden. You also want them to be harder for the icing process. Once they seem pretty put together, stick your lollipop sticks in them before the icing process begins.

Once they are hard and have been in the fridge for at least 30 minutes you can dip them in yogurt (I used chobani greek yogurt) and then cover in sprinkles of your choice. I really love these fall inspired sprinkles because they really set the tone of the season! Plus they're all such beautiful colors and shapes, how could you not love them? Throw them back in the fridge for another 30-40 minutes, and voila! You're ready to enjoy these treats!

What are some fall recipes you are loving ?

5 Tips To Start A New Workout!

 

Jumping right back into fitness or any kind of workout can be intimidating. I remember starting a workout after not working out for almost two years and feeling unsure of what I should be doing or how to start. I think it's important to set up a good mind frame when starting a workout, and that makes a huge difference in the long run. Here are some of my tips on starting and maintaining a new workout!

1. Make a schedule: Okay, so this is usually the hardest for most people. Where can I fit in time to workout? That's a common thing that most people struggle with and individually it needs to work for you. I suggest writing in a calendar and starting off small. Work from 3 days a week up. You need to give your body time to adjust so time off is imperative. You're going to have to adjust your schedule in order to fit in some workout time, but in the long run, you'll feel better.

2. DUMP THE JUNK!: No one can really fight the urges to snack, especially when you're surrounded by it. For me personally, I can't have junk/snack foods in my house because they will get eaten when I am h-a-n-g-r-y. Best thing to do? Go food shopping and leave yourself healthy options. If you look in the cabinet and everything is healthier, guaranteed you make a better choice for yourself on that day, and in future choices! If you find yourself running around most of the day I suggest packing lunch/dinner in advance and a healthy bunch of snacks to choose from. Fail to plan, plan to fail! That's how the cookie crumbles...literally. As I have mentioned before there are healthy options that actually taste good too, do some research, or try some protein bars, they're delicious and some even taste like your favorite snack! (Ie. Cookies & Cream Quest Bars)

3. Make a good playlist: Imagine working out in silence, or even worse...imagine working out to someone's awful music playlist. Sometimes at the gym, this happens. If you load some music that pumps you up onto your phone or i-pod, you will be motivated to keep going, and it will distract you from staring at the clock. Get some decent headphones, and keep your phone charged, guarantee you stay in the gym longer if your music is on point, and so is your attitude!

4. Inspiration: Instagram has become a place where you can get a view into other people's lives. It's a way to connect with others who share the same passions, but also can inspire you to be better. Instagram has become huge for the fitness community because there is so much information at your finger tips. By this I mean fitness advice, HIIT workouts (high intensity interval training), recipes, inspiration for workout clothes, different exercises and more. I follow a lot of different people on instagram who provide me a lot of inspiration. I love getting inspired to try new things and push myself in the gym, so what better way to do so than by connecting with others. 

Some of my favorites : Katy Hearn // Tanaashleee // FitHealthyRecipes // FitMenCook

5. Gym Buddy: Finding someone you can work out with is HUGE. When you're feeling super lazy you need someone who is going to help you get back on track. Sometimes just having someone there who is just as motivated as you are is enough to get you going. Make plans with people or family members who go to your gym, and see if you guys can work out together. My sister and I just started going together and I love having someone to talk to in between sets. Time flies by, and it's a great way to keep myself going when I am tempted to stop.

All in all just remind yourself that you're doing awesome. Don't compare your journey with anyone else and make sure you always stay focused. If you take a few days off, just jump right back into it when you're ready! It's like riding a bike, you can always get back on!

Shop this post!

Pineapple Love

You know when you get a bathing suit and you just wish that you could wear it all the time as a shirt? Yeah, that's happening right now for me. I am IN LOVE with this pineapple print top from Aerie.As I mentioned in my previous post with Aerie, I really love how they promote real women in their website and their photos. Self image is so important to women and young girls nowadays, so it's amazing to see a company who represents such a great moral standpoint.

Swim // Bras // Undies // Clothing

One of my favorite parts of being a blogger is definitely being able to work with brands I truly stand by and believe in. It's really cool when you've been a fan and customer of a certain company for a long time and you actually get the chance to work with them in promoting something you truly believe in. I really think that Aerie stands for many things I believe in myself, and I am proud to wear their items because they represent confident young women! We are all different shapes and sizes and there is nothing more beautiful than accepting your own perfect imperfections.

I received an Aerie gift card as part of my relationship with the Quality Blue Community. All opinions expressed are my own.