Healthy Lifestyle Challenge

Everyone knows about the dreaded "freshman fifteen" when they go off to college. And let me tell you what, there's a reason they call it that. My first month at the University of Alabama I gained about 10 pounds....no joke. And I didn't even feel like I was eating that much. But what I realized was it wasn't how much I was eating, it was what I was eating, and also the times I was eating. I would come home at 8:30 at night and throw a hot pocket in the microwave cause I was too tired to make anything that was better for me. And it was just a cycle. Sooner or later I looked in the mirror and and thought to myself "What the hell happened here!? I couldn't have gained that much in just 5 weeks!" And then I made a choice. To be healthy. And I started yesterday! Here's the game plan:

Phase 1: The Diet

Drinks:

Tea

Water

Rice Milk

Orange Juice

Coconut Water or Milk

Grains:

Whole Grain Breads

Brown Rice

Quinoa

Granola Cereal

Steel Cut Oatmeal

Whole Wheat Flour

Pita Bread

Corn Tortilla

http://www.ideafit.com/fitfeed/object/2059302

Dairy:

Greek Yogurt

Mozzarella Cheese

Feta Cheese

Cottage Cheese

Parmesan Cheese

Proteins:

Lean Ground Beef (grass fed)

Lean Beef (grass fed)

Bone-In Pork Chop

Turkey (cage free)

Chicken (cage free)

Salmon (wild caught)

Albacore Tuna (wild caught)

Rainbow Trout (wild caught)

Beans (black, red, etc.)

Lentils

Eggs

Peanut Butter

http://www.millerranchenterprises.com

Fruits:

Apples

Mangos

Bananas

Strawberries

Oranges

Lemons

Dragon Fruit

Acai

Blueberries

Avocados

Pomegranate 

Kiwis

Red Grapes

Papaya 

Watermelon

Raspberries

Figs

Asian Pears

Guava

Red Grapes

Grapefruit

http://www.pinterest.com

Veggies:

Carrots

Spinach

Cucumber

Tomatoes

Broccoli

Asparagus

Brussels sprouts

Eggplant

Squash

Sweet Potatoes

Onions

Garlic

Bell Peppers

Celery

Cauliflower

Kale

Zucchini 

Edamame

Ginger

Nuts:

Walnuts

Almonds

Pistachios

Hazelnut 

http://www.dreamstime.com

Seeds:

Flaxseed

Sunflower Seeds

Chia Seeds

Oils & Vinegars:

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Balsamic Vinegar

Sweets & Misc:

Dark Chocolate

Low Sugar Ice Cream (occasionally)

Apple Sauce (low sugar)

Popcorn

Humus

Smoothies


Spices:
Cinnamon
Cayenne Pepper
Black Pepper
Mustard Seed
Ginger
Garlic Powder

Water:
Drink LOTS
At least 8 glasses
1 glass after waking up
2 glasses before exercise
2 glasses during exercise
2 glasses after exercise
1 glass before bed

I also researched a list of healthy fast food restaurants here in Tuscaloosa:


Pita Pit
Zoe's Kitchen
Blimp
Panera
Jason’s Deli
Au Bon Pain
Noodles & Company
Corner Bakery
Chipotle
Atlanta Bread
Einstein Bros Bagels

While eating is a huge part of being healthy you also need to exercise, and being that most of my classes are about health and fitness we do a lot of research with exercise. So using what I've learned in school I've put together an exercise plan for myself! Here it is:

Phase 2: The Exercise

Yoga in mornings
Stretch everyday
Run (min. 3 hours a week; Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays)
Arms (Tuesdays)
Legs (Mondays & Thursdays)
Core (Wednesdays)
Full Body (Fridays)

Phase 3: The Habits

I've also added a section for some general health habits I need to start getting into. For example taking care of my skin. I already cleanse my face twice a day and moisturize it but I'm also adding "1. Wear sunscreen everyday" to my list. People don't realize that even in the winter or on cloudy days your skin is still exposed to those harmful UV rays. Protect it by wearing sunscreen everyday. Soon it will become habit! Sleep is also a big factor in being healthy. Everyone needs about 8 hours of sleep a day and when we don't get those 8 hours we don't realize how much it affects our bodies. So from here on out sleep is one of my top priorities (which let me tell you is not easy while being a college student). Also if you're feeling tired in the day take a power nap (20-30 minutes max) and you'll wake up rejuvenated and ready to go! Sleep longer than that and you will end up more tired than you were before and groggy. I've also decided that stress is another thing that's bringing me down. To combat stress I've found that meditating is the ultimate stress reliever. After my morning yoga I sit and meditate for a good 10 minutes at least (sometimes longer) and it makes such a huge difference in how I feel the rest of the day! I'll be sure to keep y'all updated in how it goes! Wish me luck!

Cupcakes!

Okay everyone loves cupcakes...I don't care who you are. They are like a small piece of heaven that you can eat! I've made all kinds of crazy flavors like strawberry cheesecake, Reese's peanut butter cup, and even apple pie! (which happens to be one of my favorites)

Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes

I can't explain how I feel when I'm baking cupcakes, I don't make cupcakes from a box (no offense to anyone that does) so starting with nothing and ending up with a beautiful cupcake is so rewarding. It calms me down and I get to throw myself into the creation of something not only delicious by beautiful too. Decorating them has to be my favorite part though! It's like a blank canvas, and you can make it into anything you want....and it doesn't hurt that you can eat too!

Pumpkin Cupcakes

Chocolate Garden Cupcakes (Took 6 hours!)

And since it's Fall (one of my favorite seasons) I'm going to put up my famous Apple Pie Cupcake Recipe so everyone can enjoy them!

Apple Pie Cupcakes:

Ingredients

Cupcakes:

1 cup milk

1 stick unsalted butter

2 cups flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

4 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 3/4 cups sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon cinnamon

Filling:

5 granny smith apples (peeled, cored, and diced)

1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon

dash of nutmeg

1/8 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons butter

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/4 cup sugar

Frosting:

5 cups powdered sugar

1 tablespoon vanilla

Milk (add 1 teaspoon at a time until you reach the consistency you want)

2/3 cup butter softened 

1 vanilla bean

Granny Smith Apples

Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Line muffin pan with paper liners. 

Heat milk and butter in a small saucepan over medium heat until melted, set aside. Whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon, set aside.

Beat eggs and sugar for 5 minutes with electric mixer. Add flour mixture and beat on low just until blended. 

Add milk and vanilla until blended.

Divide evenly in tins. Bake for 16-18 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes and transfer to cooling racks. Cut centers out of cupcakes.

For filling mix all ingredients except butter in a medium bowl. 

Put mixture over medium-low heat in a saucepan with butter. Toss, and stir occasionally. After about 2 minutes cover and let cook for about 2-3 minutes or until tender. (It's ok for filling to be gooey)

Set aside to cool. Spoon filling into center of cupcakes.

For frosting beat butter and sugar together. Add vanilla, vanilla bean, and milk.

Tip: When using whole vanilla beans cut bean in half lengthwise and use knife to scrape seeds out.

Frost cupcakes once cupcakes are cooled. Sprinkle with cinnamon.

It's Fall Y'all!

I'm so excited it's finally Fall! It's one of my favorite seasons! Sweaters, boots, scarves, bonfires, and hot cocoa. The beautiful changing colors of the leaves and the crisp air,  it's my favorite! Now that the weather is starting to change I'm so excited I finally get to wear my boots and knit sweaters. These are just a few of my favorite must haves for Fall from Pinterest!....and my personal wish list.

Super Cozy Sweater
http://www.shepiner.com/?via=HardPin&m=HardPin&u=type16

I absolutely love this sweater! It's perfect for getting cozy by a fire or just sitting hot cocoa at home. I'm all about being comfy and cozy this is a definite Fall staple.

Perfect Fall Outfit
http://www.polyvore.com/fall_outfit/set?.embedder=856964&.svc=pinterest&id=61678017

The combo of plaid and a puffy vest is probably one of my favorite Fall looks, not to mention how cute the boots are!

Loving the Fur Scarf
http://www.shepiner.com/?via=HardPin&u=type416

Anyone who knows me knows I have a love affair with white and this white cozy sweater looks amazing with the faux fur scarf....yes please!

Love This!
http://www.jcrew.com/index.jsp

I want this sweater! It's perfect for Fall. Layer it up or wear it around the house. I love pieces that can go either way, plus it looks super soft!

Love the Color
http://www.laposhstyle.com/these-boots-are-made-for-walking-9731.html

These boots are super cute and the color goes with pretty much everything. Every girl needs a good pair of boots in the Fall.

Love Everything About This!
http://www.polyvore.com/puffer_vest_boots/set?.embedder=3958219&.svc=pinterest&id=62370374

Being a southern belle I love the pearls paired with this NorthFace jacket and puffy vest!

Monogramed? Yes Please!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/127542185/monogrammed-quarter-zip-sweatshirt?utm

I have an obsession with monogrammed things and this quarter zip sweatshirt is perfect for Fall!

For Rainy Days

Can I have these all? I love love love Hunter rain boots!

Love This Look
http://www.thebluedoorboutique.com/The-Sierra-Sweater.html

Love the pattern on this sweater, super cozy and definitely reminds me of Fall and Winter! The thing I love about this sweater is you can dress it up or down. Wear it with some leggings and a tank top (like to the left) or some nice jeans, scarf, and heels.

http://www.jcrew.com/index.jsp

Puffy Vests are perfect for the Fall and Winter season, not only do they keep you warm but they're cute too!

http://www.polyvore.com/elbow_patches/set?.svc=copypaste&embedder=3590605&id=65414147

I love how effortless and simple this is but it's still really cute and comfy!

The Beginning

Well, here it goes. To start I guess I should tell y'all a little bit about myself. My name is Dakota and I go to the University of Alabama, Roll Tide Roll! I love to write (obviously) and I like to help people whether it's with advice or moving boxes, which is why I guess I decided to start this. I have LOADS of makeup and hair secrets (thanks in part to my very talented momma who has been a hairstylist and makeup artist for about 25 years). I've also picked up some really helpful fitness and health tips from my major, which is General Health Studies, and from my Pinterest addiction. Really though..it's bad. I've planned everything from my dream wedding to my dream closet on Pinterest. Anyways enough about me lets get started!