Choco Butter Smoothie Bowl

Say goodbye to straws and sip cups and say hello to the smoothie bowl. Yes, not only does eating a smoothie from a bowl make for better presentation but it tricks your brain into thinking you're actually eating more. Preparation is super quick and easy, which makes it perfect for a quick snack and even a meal replacement.

Blend the following ingredients:

• 1 frozen banana
• 4 tbsp greek yoghurt 
• 1 tbsp cacao powder 
• 1 tbsp natural peanut butter
• 1 oz milk (I use fat free organic milk but you can use almond, soy or whatever you prefer)
• Toppings of your choice (blackberries and almonds pictured above)

Whole Wheat Grilled Chicken Pizza

In my opinion, a healthier lifestyle does not mean eating boiled chicken and broccoli every night. It's about moderation and injecting wholesome ingredients into the things we already love. This is another one of my kitchen experiments that is not only a healthier alternative to ordering out, but I promise you it's delicious as well.

Pre-heat oven to 425 degrees

Pizza Dough

• 2.5 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp dried oregano
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup cold water

Toppings

• 4 oz grilled chicken chopped
• 4 oz tomato sauce
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese
• 4 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
• 1 handful fresh spinach
• fresh basil
• sun dried tomatoes

Mix dry ingredients together in a mixing bowl. Add olive oil, water and knead dough together. Roll dough to desired size and density w/ a rolling pin. Place dough in pizza pan or baking sheet. Take a fork and poke holes into dough to ensure food is cooked. Add desired toppings.

Spinach Blueberry Salad with Quinoa, Cottage Cheese and Honey

Attempt this salad with caution as it is wildly delicious. It is packed with protein, fiber and vitamins and is a perfect snack to satisfy your sweet tooth. Did I mention that it includes THREE super foods (spinach, blueberries and honey)?

Ingredients

• 1-2 cups Organic Baby Spinach
• 1 cup Fresh Blueberries
• 1/3 cup Quinoa (cooked)
• 1/3 cup of Fat-free Cottage Cheese
• 1 Tbsp. Honey

Homemade Banana Oatmeal Pancakes

Ingredients (Yields 6-8 pancakes)

• 4 Bananas
• 2 Egg Whites (raw)
• 2 Cups Quaker Old Fashioned Oatmeal (dry measure)
• 1 Tbsp. Coconut Oil (optional but adds noticeable flavor)
• 1 Tsp. Vanilla Extract
• 1 Tsp. Cinnamon

Directions

In a mixing bowl, mash bananas until slightly liquid. Add egg whites, coconut oil and vanilla extract to banana mixture. Add Quaker oats and cinnamon to mixture. The batter should be slightly firm but not liquid. Cook pancakes in a nonstick skillet on low heat until pancakes are golden brown. Serve with 100 percent maple syrup of fruit compote.

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Go Ham on Antioxidants

Besides being absolutely delicious,  Antioxidant rich foods boost your immune system,  prevent inflammation and keep you looking young and fabulous. We are what we eat. Make sure to add these yummies to your daily diet. Afterall, Gladiators need fuel!!!

*Photo credit to @fitness-fitsme on tumblr.com

Walk Tall!!! Go the Distance!!!

Don't sabotage yourself by giving up. When things get tough, dig deep and find the strength within you to go the distance. Remember victory can be yours but you have to want it! You have to earn it!

Gladiators Rise!!!

Gladiators Rise!!!

Say goodbye to New Year's resolutions, fad diets and all the shortcuts to weight loss out there. The journey to a healthier mind, body and spirit begins within each of us. It's that desire to be something greater than we are… to be limitless.  It's listening and embracing that little voice inside of us that says "Yes I can!"

Let's take this journey together by transforming our minds and our bodies thru clean eating and exercise. Look out for recipes that fuel; workouts that burn and sculpt; photos that inspire; and other useful information to help you awaken the GLADIATOR inside of you.

Gladiators Rise!!!