One Word…..

Honeylicious!! :)

 

 

Get moving with my fav all natural energy booster…..Honey!

Have a  Sweet One! :)

Besos y Abrazos…xoxo  ”…..Barbara por Atras, Barbara por Adelante, y Siempre Barbara por Adentro!”

Forever Young…..

I want to be forever young….

This weekend I will be celebrating another birthday and so blessed to be doing so. Age…why are so many people afraid of aging? I so strongly believe it is only a number and for me turning 42… well I say bring it! :)

I can honestly tell you I am in better shape and feel so much better in my own skin then when I was 24. I can also out run my 24 self!  I attribute the way I feel to many things. Experience, knowledge, all the wonderful things growing older gives us. However one big contributor is my health & fitness level.  Yes, I am what I eat and the way I feel and look is due to that. You know I have said it before, now I will say it again. Food isn’t only fuel to keep us full & our taste buds satisfied, it is also the foundation for EVERYTHING! The way we look, feel, think, act. It enables our moods, our health, our physical being, our pant size :)

Age is only a number, however its up to YOU what you will do with that number! Forever Young…… :)

Have a wonderful day! Make it great….Mind, Body, & Soul.

Besos y Abrazos…xoxo  ”….Barbara por Atras, Barbara por Adelante, y Siempre Barbara por Adentro!”

PS Happy Birthday to Me! :) xoxoxoxoxo………

Quick & Easy Salmon Salad

No time to cook? LatelyI haven’t even had time to blog much. Precisly why I grilled 4 salmon filtes last night and mad my YUMMO Salmon Salad. Now I have a go to ultimate healthy & nutritious meal on hand in the fridge that the whole family can enjoy. Add it to your greens or as a sandwich/crackers. I enjoy it alone. Either way its Delish!! No matter what the occasion, party, holiday, tailgating :) Its a must make and fav to anyone who tries it!

Enjoy~ Salmon Salad a la Barbara



  • 4 Salmon Fillets
  • 2 Tbsp Light Mayo
  • 2 Tbsp Pickle Relish
  • 2 finely chopped celery stick
  • 1 red onion finely chopped
  • 1 tomato chopped
  • 2 Tsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 Tsp Dijon grain mustard
  • 1  Tsp lemon juice
  • Dash of Kosher Salt
  • Dash of Garlic powder
  • Dash of Worcestershire sauce~ Thank goodness you can’t hear me say that one :)
  • Dash of Ground Pepper

The Preparation~

  1. Season Salmon fillets w/salt, pepper, & garlic powder and broil or grill until thoroughly cooked~ about 10 minutes or until it looks crispy on top.
  2. Once cooked remove from the oven/grill and let it cool for a few minutes.
  3. Place salmon in a large bowl and flake it with a fork until it falls apart and is ready to mix.
  4. Add all the remaining ingredients and stir well.  Mix thoroughly until everything is nice and blended.
  5. Place in the fridge and chill for a few minutes before serving.

Buen Aprovecho!

Make it a great one! Why not??

Besos y Abrazos….xoxo   “…..Barbara por Atras, Barbara por Adelante, y Siempre Barbara por Adentro!”

 

 

The New Year Plan!

Yes it’s that time of year when we are ready to make those changes that have been haunting us all year. Its resolution time! The time of year when we have the ability to start over with a clean slate.  For me I feel as if we should always be practicing positive things in our lives and the New Year is just a way to have the good fortune of experiencing life and its wonders once again. However, I understand that many like to say, “This is it! I am going to do it this year!”   “It” being lose weight.

Healthy living is a challenge to many, frankly to the majority. So for those of you who are looking to join me on the journey of living a healthier life this New Year, here are a few tips that have helped my clients and I achieve success!

~Make a REALISTIC plan! Baby steps…yes, slow and steady does win the race.  Don’t say you are going to hit the gym every day if you really cant. Besides, working out everyday isn’t good for your body. Aim at 3 days at first, and gradually work your way to 5. Allow yourself 2 days of recovery and then get back on your schedule.  If you can give it 30 minutes great! Remember even 10 minutes is better than no minutes.

~Set REALITIC goals! If you’ve never been a size 2 and always a 12 chances are you are not going to be.  Especially if you’re giving yourself 6 months to do it!  The numbers you should be focusing on are your internal numbers not your pant size.  See your medical practitioner and get a check up first. How is your cholesterol? Your blood pressure? Make those numbers your objective. Eventually your pant size will follow.

~Find something you love~ Zumba, cycling, yoga, walking, running, dancing.  Allow yourself to have fun while your are working out. One of the biggest reasons people give up is due to boredom. Be consistently inconsistent. Shake this up and find something that keeps you wanting to do it! Wanting more!Partner up~ find someone that will workout with you. A friend, partner, your kids! A buddy system is very important for motivation and support.  Call me! :) Surround yourself with people that are looking to achieve the same health & fitness goals you are. There is nothing worse than negative peer pressure!

~Keep a journal~ I love to write so this is easy for me. Not only is it therapeutic but it also reminds me of things I did or need to do. However, be sure you are honest! If you ate a piece of cake, write down that you ate a piece of cake! Be true to yourself….always!

~Make a meal plan~ Aim at every Sunday writing your menu for the week. Not only will your weight benefit but so will your wallet.  Visualize the market you are going to and write your shopping list accordingly. Stick to the ingredients you need for you meals and nothing extra.Make healthy choices when eating & snacking.  Always keep healthy snacks on hand in single portions. This will help you avoid attacking the fridge/pantry when starved.

~Eat balanced meals~ Three main meals & two healthy snacks. Get that metabolism going by eating every 3 hours.

~ALWAYS practice portion control!Eat breakfast like a King, lunch like a Prince, & dinner like a Pauper…no, not my quote but love it nonetheless!

~Drink plenty of water, meditate regularly, breathe, & enjoy the Journey!

Have a great one! Make today & everyday count….why sell yourself short?!?!

Besos y Abrazos..xoxo  ”….Barbara por Atras, Barbara por Adelante, y Siempre Barbara por Adentro!”

 

Go For IT!!

A simple Thought for Tuesday.  As we are running around last minute shopping and reflecting on the year that has passed us by all to quickly. Remember these very important & wise words~

“Life is Short….BUY the Shoes!!” :)

Make it a Great one….Today & Everyday!! Have fun & Enjoy the Journey!

Besos y Abrazos….xoxo  ”…..Barbara por Atras, Barbara por Adelante, y Siempre Barbara por Adentro!”

PS. Thank you D :) xoxo….

‘Tis the Season to Stay Warm

I’m cold  so something nice and warm is calling my name. I think a nice healthy hot home cooked oatmeal, NOT instant baggy style,  is the right breakfast choice for today, sprinkled with a little cinnamon. Yummy!

Oatmeal is so good for you loaded with dietary fiber and a great source of good carbs. Starting your day with a healthy breakfast such as this one will put you on the right path for the rest of your day. Add a nice small side of berries and you are set with the necessary antioxidants to fight off the colds this season brings. Yes, V already has the sniffles so she is loading up on blueberries today! :)

My body calls for warm dishes this time of year and soups are my fav. Today I’m sharing a Butternut Squash recipe I love courtesy of Whole Foods Market.

Staying true to myself and my playing with recipes there are times I’ve enhanced this recipe to give the soup a nice yummy metabolism kick. Simply  add 2tsp chopped fresh ginger & 1 tbsp red curry paste into the carrot, celery, and onion mix! Either way it is absolutely delicioso! :)

Classic Butternut Squash Soup

  • 2 tbsp EVOO
  • 2/3 cup diced carrot
  • 1/2 cup diced celery
  • 2/3 cup diced onion
  • 4 cups cubed butternut squash
  • 1/2 tsp chopped fresh thyme
  • 4 to 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • Sea Salt & ground pepper to taste

Heat EVOO in a large soup pot add carrot, celery, & onion. Cook until veggies have begun to soften and onion turns translucent, about 3-4 minutes.  Add squash and thyme. Stir to combine all and add broth, S&P. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer until squash is fork-tender, about 30 minutes. Let the soup cool slightly and puree in batches in a blender.  Makes 6 servings~ 140 calories per serving, 6g total fat, 6g protein, 20g total carbs, 5g dietary fiber, 0mg cholesterol, 180mg sodium. Told you it was great for you! Enjoy! :)

Have a Great One! Get Moving and Make it Yours!

Besos y Abrazos…xoxo  ”….Barbara por Atras, Barbara por Adelante, y Siempre Barbara por Adentro!” :)

 

15 yrs & I Still Want to Marry You….

A Special Anniversary Post~

Enjoy a little bit of what has made my life complete :)

xoxo…..B

Coquito Time!!

And yes Low Fat too!

Its that time of year when I get to make my fav, My Low Fat Coquito! Que Rico! Our rendition of the traditional Egg Nog….but better :) Easy to whip up and not too bad for the waistline.  A win win in my book!

“…Barbara por Atras” Low Fat Coquito~

  • 1 12 oz can Fat Free Evaporated Milk
  • 1 14oz Fat Free Condensed Milk
  • 15oz Coconut Milk (buy the carton fresh in the dairy section of your market, its better for you than canned)
  • 1/2 cup of Egg Beater
  • 1/4 tsp Ground Cinnamon
  • 1 cup Dark Rum

Blend all together & process for about 3 minutes or until it gets frothy. Serve with a little cinnamon sprinkled on top. Store in the fridge & Enjoy!  Like my dad would say “Pascua!!”

Have a Fabulous one! Get Moving & Make it Great!

Besos y Abrazos…xoxo   “….Barbara por Atras, por Adelante, y Siempre por Adentro!”

 

 

Still…

Miss you…..

8 yrs ago today I hugged you and said goodbye. Never in a million years did I think it were to be the last time I saw those proud eyes or felt those strong arms of love.

“I love you man…..”

Always y Siempre….xoxo…B

Thankful…

I went back to last years Thanksgiving blog and what I found was quite interesting. The only thing that changed was that a full year had passed. Well, maybe an i Phone…Enjoy the read & Happy Thanksgiving! :)

Posted on November 22, 2010 by Barbara

Gathering my recipes and gathering my thoughts, that is what today has been like for me. Most of the time I am on auto pilot with breaks in between for battery recharging aka yoga/meditation :) Although I aimed for much of the same, today has been a little different.  What am I thankful for? I’ve been asking my kids this question so why not ask myself.  I am thankful for my family, my husband, my kids, my sister, my mom, my brother, my niece, and my nephews. My friends, my home, and my clothes :) My shoes, my wine, my Mac.  My new snazzy Flip video camera, my Jets when they win :) and my Yankees even when they lose. I am thankful for the sun that shines and the rain that falls. For the arguments that open my mind and my ability to do so. For Barklow even though he makes me vacuum twice a day :( and for the fact that I can burn some calories while doing so :)  For the memories that tug my heart and for that hole that will never be replaced.  For the eyes I will never forget and for the touch I so long for. I guess the bottom line is I am thankful for everything my life is about and everyone that has touched it. Many of you know what Thanksgiving day is to my family. For those that don’t, 7 yrs ago the day after Thanksgiving was the last time I hugged and kissed my dad goodbye. Although I am writing with tears in my eyes and much of my being just wants to scream, I don’t. I smile and am so thankful for feeling this pain. The pain is only as great as the love. For that I am thankful :)

Enjoy this beautufl time of year my friends. Be thankful even when you don’t want to be. No matter how hard it seams, it is a beautiful life one that we ought to be Thankful for :)

Now, do enjoy the yummy’s!  I know that even though I tell you not to overdue it you probably will. After all what kind of Thanksgiving would it be if we are not stuffed! :) However, remember, the traditional Thanksgiving feast can be very healthy. Load up on the veggies and turkey. Stick to sweet potato and a small portion of stuffing :) and DO NOT forget to save some room for the pumpkin pie, apple pie, and all the other pies, my fav!! :)

Have a Great Holiday!  Happy Thanksgiving!! Que la pacen de maravilla! :)

Besos y Abrazos….xoxo    ”….Barbara por Atras, Barbara por Adelante, y Siempre Barbara por Adentro!” :)