Showing posts with label healthy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label healthy. Show all posts

Thursday, January 24, 2013

4 Steps To Controlling Your Period Cravings!


When that lovely time of the month comes, and mother nature lands the 5-7 days of death on me... my daily healthy eating habits fly out the window, and I say HELLO TO ALL THE CHOCOLATE I CAN GET MY HANDS ON!

As you know, I eat really healthy on a daily basis packing in the protein and getting a balanced diet of fruit and veggies.

BUT when the 5-7 days of deadly pain come, my cravings go out of control. 

I kid you not, a few months ago I remember eating:

A chocolate brownie with raw doughboy chocolate chip cookie dough on top, crumbled Oreos sprinkled on top of that, a side of chocolate fudge Ben and Jerry's ice cream topped with caramel sauce... for lunch. I won't even mention what I had for dinner!
Needless to say, during that time of the month our hormones go out of control we kick the words "fruit, veggies and salad" out of our dictionaries for a few days.

SO, I've decided to do a bit of research to see if there are any ways to CONTROL OUR CRAVINGS!
Here's what I found :)

1.) Drink Water First

If you CAN'T live with out chocolate everything like me, drink an ENTIRE glass of water before you eat it. Drinking water will not only hydrate you, it will also fill you up a bit so that you won't consume as many sweets as you would have otherwise.

2.) Exercise! 

Girls Girls Girls... you don't have to tell me about your cramps. I am the QUEEN of cramps, my grandma had really bad cramps, my mom had really bad cramps, and now I have REALLY BAD CRAMPS. It's hereditary, but I'll live. So trust me when I say I know what it feels like to not want to exercise on your period. 
BUT, I also know that if you pull yourself together and do even a mini-workout it will cause your body to not crave the sweets as much! Even a brisk jog around your neighbor hood will do the trick :)
Staying active during your period will undoubtably curve the cravings!

3.) Fill yourself up with other foods!

Obviously you won't JUST be eating chocolate for 5-7 days straight, so for your other meals eat a bit more (especially since you're more hungry than usual) to fill you up. This will leave less space for the unhealthy foods that you would normally be craving!

4.) Substitute out the sweets!
Yes, I know you naturally crave chocolate as your "go-to" sweets, but try substituting out a healthier sweet!
Try eating:
  • Chocolate covered strawberries
  • Nutella and bananas on whole wheat toast
  • Apples dipped in a bit of caramel
  • Sorbet or Frozen yogurt instead of Ice Cream
Don't give up, don't give in!!! 

If you even try just ONE of these 4 steps, that will be better than before! Baby steps :)

Remember, if you're eating healthy the other 24 days of the month, those 5-7 days won't kill you :)

Xox Brittany,

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

For all my followers with any Nut, or Gluten Allergies!


I just received a wonderful question from a follower who was allergic to nuts, which inspired me to do a bit of research to find some healthy and delicious food substitutes! 

If you have a Nut or Gluten allergy, eating healthy (or eating at all) sometimes can be a bit more challenging.

However, it is NOT impossible.

When it comes to Peanut Butter, there are a wide variety of brands that specialize in making peanut butter sensitive to your needs!


All of these pictured above are:

Peanut Free, Tree Nut Free, Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Egg Free, Soy Free  
Kosher

There is even CHUNKY (nut free) Peanut butter! 


I went a bit further than just peanut butter, and found Nut Free, egg free, and tree nut free CUPCAKES! (Not gluten free though)


Sweet Alexis Chocolate Cupcakes are always peanut free, tree nut free, dairy free and egg free! Enjoy the delicious chocolate cupcakes with icing on the side for your next allergy friendly event.

Check out the website if you have allergies, are looking to try out the Vegan life, or just want a healthy substitute to your favorite sweets!


SHARE this with your followers, you might just really make someones day a whole lot easier :)

Xox Brittany,

The Fitspirational Blonde

Friday, January 11, 2013

Healthy foods that KEEP YOU FULL:

When you're working out (I'm doing the 30 Day Shred & Zumba), it is important that you increase the foods that you eat to fulfill your new energy requirements! The more you workout, the more food you need to intake to support yourself.

I'm not talking about chips and hot pockets. Increasing UNhealthy foods will not only NOT help you, it will hurt you and cause you to have LESS energy!

Make sure you are packing in the amount of protein you intake. The foods that you eat should be foods that won't just go right through you, but will keep your tummy satisfied.

Healthy foods that KEEP YOU FULL:

Eggs- For just 70 calories, an egg delivers more than 6 grams of protein. That keeps you full, not to mention energized as well!

Avocados- *yay!!* They’re loaded with folate, potassium and vitamin E, and early research suggests that foods containing these nutrients may be more satiating than others.

Greek yogurt- Seventeen grams of protein in a 6-ounce container (that’s more than you get in four slices of turkey!) means major hunger control.

Oatmeal- All that filling fiber (4 grams per half-cup serving) helps breakfast stick to your ribs. It also provides a surprising 4 to 7 grams of protein! For extra staying power, toss in blueberries, which have 4 grams of fiber per cup.

Apples- Only 80 calories, but one can be as filling as a meal because of the 4 grams of fiber and high water content

Nuts- They have the perfect combination of fiber, protein and fat

I LOVE TO EAT!

Click to see my health vegetarian Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner ideas that I eat everyday!

Xox Brittany,
The Fitspirational Blonde

Thursday, January 10, 2013

8 Ways to get your health back on track!


Hey you! Yes YOU:
  • Have you slipped out of your healthy ways?
  • Forgotten how to eat healthy and let your body get used to eating sugary processed foods?
  • Even if you're NEW to the health lifestyle, ever wondered how and where to begin?

IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO GET BACK ON TRACK, OR START YOUR FITSPIRATIONAL JOURNEY!!



Here's some really great ways that I've PERSONALLY found to get back on track :)

  1. START NOW- I don't care what time it is, I don't care what day it is, make the decision to start now.
  2. PLAN YOUR MEALS OUT- Eating is step one of getting your healthy self on track. If you PLAN out your meals for the rest of the week, you won't be tempted to eat something unhealthy just because it's there. You'll have a plan. 
  3. FITNESS JOURNAL- Make your very own fitness journal! This is the single BEST place to plan out your weeks meals. See my "Fitness Journal" for my fabulous method on food planning!
  4. GO INTO THE KITCHEN WITH A MISSION- After you've made your week's food plan, go into the kitchen and ONLY prepare what you PLANNED to eat for that meal. Use "healthy tunnel vision" and pretend everything else in your fridge isn't there. 
  5. GET YOUR BUTT UP- Having trouble getting motivated to exercise? Take a class! All you have to do is put on your fitness clothes and get yourself there. Once you've completed a class, your motivation to continue exercising will increase immensely!
  6. DON'T LET ONE BAD DAY TURN INTO A BAD MONTH- Just because you've had one bad day, whether it be eating donuts and ice cream for breakfast and watching sex and the city all day, or just not having time to exercise that day. Don't let that un-motivate you. Realize you've come so far, and USE that bad day as motivation to do better tomorrow!
  7. WATER- Drink it. I'm not kidding. If you've been eating unhealthy lately, a GREAT way to naturally detox your body is to flush it out and drink a LOT of water.
  8. WRITE- Take time out of every day to write down how you're feeling? Are you feeling motivated and happy about your progress? Write about it. Are you feeling lazy and bloated? Write about it! Every day will be different, but it will really help you later on to go back and look at all the good days you've had, and all the bad days you've over come!





Everything I've written on my list is from personal experience. I'm a real girl with real challenges. I've had bad days, weeks, and even months too! This list has literally kept me going, and helped me come as far as I have to be the Real Fitspirational Brittany that I am today.

*Bookmark this list.* -Come back to it when you're feeling like you've gotten off track and need that extra push to keep going.

Need a little more motivation? Just ask :) I don't bite I promise!



Xox Brittany,

The Fitspirational Blonde

Stop buying unhealthy snacks! "Go-To" quick fruit-





Cutie tangerines are seriously my “go-to” quick fruit.

I used to be so used to opening the cabinet and grabbing a bag of Cheetos or a bowl of ice cream from the freezer, but since I stopped buying ice cream and started buying cutie tangerines, now I go for cuties!

They’re a great purse snack too… (as long as you don’t forget to take them out of your purse and eat them… which I learned the hard way.)

*RIP my stinky old orange smelling purse, I miss you.*

Purse snacks are great to take with you to snack on while you’re out. They will stop you from driving through a fast food restaurant.

SO: If you fill your cabinets and fridge/freezer with foods that are good for your body, you won’t even have the option to eat unhealthy foods!

Your body will grow used to eating healthy foods and soon, you will no longer crave the sugar and salt.

Xox Brittany,

The Fitspirational Blonde

Easy- Pesto Sauce!

Pesto has become one of my absolute FAVORITE sauces on earth.

After tasting Pesto FRESH from an Italian restaurant, I couldn't believe how gross the grocery store pesto tasted that I had been buying for all these years. Now that I compared it to fresh home-made pesto I am spoiled!

I found out pesto can be made with many different types of herbs, but after doing a bit of research I discovered that Parsley is healthier than the traditional basil.

So after my trip to Trader Joes (aka my second home) I picked up all the necessary ingredients, and didn't spend that much at all!

It was so incredibly easy to make, and I even had enough left over for a few days after :) Over all, it is DEFINITELY cheaper to make it yourself with fresh ingredients at home then buying it pre-packaged and processed at the store.






What you need:


  • 1 1/2 cup Parsley (or whichever herb you'd like to use)
  • 1.4 oz Pine Nuts (you can also substitute walnuts)
  • 1 Table spoon of Almonds
  • 14/cup of Fresh grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves of freshly chopped garlic
  • A pinch pf Black pepper
  • 1 Tablespoon of Olive oil

What to do:

  • Blend it.
Literally that is it, it doesn't get easier than that!



This is what it should look like after you're done blending it all together. 

If your consistency comes out too thick, add water! If it comes out too watery, add more nuts!



**Note** It was a bit hard to get my blender to blend all the ingredients together (this is my boyfriend Bryan squishing everything with a masher in there.) 

We have started to LOVE cooking together as a couple!

Be patient! Don't stick your hands in there. Add a bit of water if you're having trouble blending it, and mash it around with a spoon :)







^Finished Pesto Spaghetti!^

My best friend Allie came over and we all 3 had pesto pasta for dinner and it ended up turning out SO delicious!

I definitely recommend impressing your friends and family with some home made pesto of your own :)

Have a fabulous and healthy day <3


Xox Brittany,

The Fitspirational Blonde

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

5 minute (at home) Parfait!

Parfaits are a fabulous way to get some fruit and protein in after a workout!

They’re also good if you’re trying to impress guests, since they look so classy in these high stem glasses.

I used Greek Yogurt which is PACKED with protein and nutrition that your body needs after an intense workout at the gym.

These two parfaits took me less than 5 minutes to make!



What You Need:

  • Strawberries
  • Blueberries
  • Raspberries
  • Greek Yogurt (any kind, I used honey and pomegranate) 
  • Granola
  • A classy glass of your choice



These were my very own creative parfait creations that I made at home this morning, but you can layer them however you want!

Great for breakfast :)

This is also a FAST FOOD. No one said that fast food has to be unhealthy!


Xox Brittany


The Fitspirational Blonde

It's Zumba Time!



One of my goals this winter break was to get my blonde butt back into Zumba shape and I’m SO excited because tonight I’m going to take my first Zumba class in over 2 months!!

If you’ve been following me for a while you know that I signed up to get “Zumba certified” to be an actual Zumba Teacher this summer, but decided to post pone it to focus on getting good grades in college. I’m not giving up though, this summer I WILL BE ZUMBA TEACHER CERTIFIED!

MY Zumba break is officially over and as of tonight BRITTANY AND ZUMBA are officially BFFs again!







Why I love Zumba:

  1. You get a GREAT workout in just an hour
  2. It gets your endorphin going and you feel “high on life” after you finish
  3. It gets you to drink a lot of water since you sweat a mini-ocean during class
  4. The music! I prefer the Zumba that is more “hip hop” rather than “Latin samba” 
  5. YOU GET TO DANCE!!! I have a huge background in dance, so getting to shake my little booty is one of the most amazing feelings imaginable.

Off to go get Zumba-ready and fill up my pink water bottle :)

If you’ve never tried Zumba before, I highly recommend you do! It is a GREAT way to get in your weekly cardio *Ahem* which you should be getting in 3-5 times a week *Ahem*

Xox Brittany

The Fitspirational Blonde

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Healthy Breakfast Ideas

Good morning everyone!
As you know I always push having a big healthy breakfast. This handout has some wonderful examples and ideas on what you can eat!
If you usually have a hard time trying to decide what to eat in the mornings, make your own list and PUT IT ON THE FRIDGE! 
I'm serious about this, it will keep you from grabbing the high sugar Trix cereal just because it's easy and you forgot you have fresh eggs and veggies to make an omelette in the fridge.
Have a fabulous rest of the day <3

Xox Brittany
The Fitspirational Blonde

Sunday, January 6, 2013

10 Grocery Shopping Tips!



Good morning Lovelies!


It's a bright and beautiful Sunday morning and I like to get my grocery shopping for the week done on Sundays after Church! That way, when Monday comes my fridge is nice and stalked up and I'm ready for my healthy week :)

I decided to share my wonderful "grocery shopping tip list" with you, because it's easy to walk in the grocery store and feel like you're lost and have just entered a grocery Wonderland labyrinth.




Brittany's Grocery Shopping Tips:

  1. Always go with a list!
  2. Shop the perimeter! This typically contains the produce, dairy, meat, deli, and frozen section.
  3. Inside the “perimeter” you are more likely to stray: the candy aisle, the juice/drinks aisle, and the snacks aisle are all bad places to buy the majority of your groceries
  4. Look for what is on sale & stock up if it’s non-perishable. This will SAVE YOU MONEY!
  5. When choosing packaged produce, look at the “Use by” date and choose the longest. Fresher items tend to get put in the back of shelves so customers buy the oldest items first. For example, when I'm buying milk, I always take the milk in the back because it has the newest expiration date.
  6. Check all fruits & veggies for bruises, scratches, & mold. Yuck!
  7. If you buy in bulk or have a big family, buy frozen petite peas, berries (for smoothies or baking), and bell peppers. They’re always cheaper & there isn’t much difference. I personally like to have fresh fruit in the house at all times, but when I'm a bit busy and haven't had time to the grocery store, I always have those frozen fruits and veggies to fall back on :)
  8. Try to not over-buy, know how long each fruit/veggie will last & don’t waste it! Every time one of my avocado's goes bad, I feel like a pet died and I didn't have time to say goodbye (As you can tell, I'm very passionate about my avocados.)
  9. Because produce goes off so quickly I try my best to go grocery shopping 1-2 times a week. This is usually what it takes to maintain a healthy lifestyle!
  10. Shop at stores that are known for healthy living! My favorite's are Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, Fresh and Easy, and as I said before your local Farmers Market.


Now it's up to you, these will REALLY help you if you actually APPLY them next time you're at the store!


Xox Brittany,

The Fitspirational Blonde

Saturday, January 5, 2013

Cupcake Attack!

I don’t want you to have a heart attack every time you pass a Sprinkles Cupcake… But I also don’t want you to get a heart attack from eating at Sprinkles Cupcakes like 5X’s a week!

We all have our guilty pleasures (Chocolate, Cupcakes and Starbucks are mine) and just because we’re living healthy lifestyles DOESN'T mean that we have to cut them all out!

Just eat in moderation.

Split a cupcake with a friend, grab some tea at Starbucks (I am an Earl Grey Tea lover) instead of a sugar packed Frap.

Balance out the non-healthy foods with healthy foods. For every cupcake you eat, try eating 2 pieces of fruit :)


Xox Brittany,

The Fitspirational Blonde

Keep a Fitness Journal!


Keeping a Fitness journal is a FABULOUS way to keep track of your progress, and make sure you are getting closer to those fabulous goals you've made for yourself.

I think we all have at least 1-2 two of those empty notebooks that we don’t know what to do with (who are we kidding I have like 8 of them, I buy them because they’re SO cute and then i get home, put them on the shelf and never use them!)

This is the beginning of a brand new year. Why not take notes, and set goals NOW, so at the end of 2013 you'll remember why it was such a great year. On December 31st, 2013 how awesome would it be to look back and reflect on exactly HOW you EARNED your way to the new healthy you for 2014 :)

Xox Brittany

The Fitspirational Blonde

Friday, January 4, 2013

The best prescription for the future you.



I went out to dinner last night with one of my uncle's who is a geriatric Doctor.
(geriatric physician provides medical care, counseling, and treatment to elderly and aging adults) He said the better that we can take care of ourselves when we’re young, the healthier we’ll be when we get older. We’ll have LESS need for prescription medication and will be prone to less diseases.

So when you’re eating healthy and exercising now, not only are you doing it to look good and feel good now, you’re also planning for the YOU... 50 years from now!

Your future is in your hands, what will you do with it?
(There better be fruit involved!)
Xox Brittany
The Fitspirational Blonde

Surround Yourself With Things That Motivate You.


I don’t know what it is about PINK fitness gear and clothes that just makes me want to JUMP up and start running around the block with a smile on my face.
This may explain the fact that:
  • I own 6 PINK sports bras 
  • My running shoes are PINK 
  • My weights are PINK
  • My water bottle is PINK
  • ...and I’m not even going to talk about my underwear collection on here (but it’s Pink too.)


What can I say, I like to surround myself with things that motivate me to do what I love!!

Xox Brittany
The Fitspirational Blonde

Fruit IS Fast Food

Since when did the words "Fast Food" get categorized as meaning McDonalds?

I don't think it get's faster than picking up an apple, and putting it in your mouth.

Opening a bag of mini carrots and dipping them in some hummus takes just as long as opening a bag of chips and dip.

Eating healthy IS fast, you just have to make the choice.

Xox Brittany

The Fitspirational Blonde

25 ways to get yourself motivated to be healthy


  1. Try a workout video.
  2. Take a fitness class.
  3. Get outdoors.
  4. Do something different.
  5. Do something with a friend.
  6. Reward yourself.
  7. Create some accountability (blog, facebook, or call a friend).
  8. Get a new workout outfit.
  9. Play the “get dressed” trick – tell yourself you just have to get dressed in your workout clothe and shoes. You’ll be more likely to work out once your ready.
  10. Tell yourself you just have to work for ten minutes. By that point you’ll likely keep going.
  11. Picture how you’ll feel when you’re done.
  12. Read motivational blogs (in moderation, not so much that you don’t have time to apply it.)
  13. Search for motivation on Pinterest or any other websites
  14. Set a specific goal.
  15. Sign up for an event.
  16. Create a physical board of quotes that inspire you and put it in a prominent place where you can see it.
  17. Put on some upbeat music .
  18. Play an active game.
  19. Let yourself dial back the exercise intensity for your next session.
  20. Log your exercise so you can visually see progress.
  21. Just do it!
  22. Hire a trainer.
  23. Create a list of the benefits of working out (or losing weight) and review that. There are so many benefits. List the ones that are most pertinent to you.
  24. Use new fitness gadgets. I love fitness gadgets and think they are so motivating! 
  25. Use fitness apps for for your phone. There’s also lots of free fitness apps for your smartphone or ipod touch. 


I refer back to this list whenever I'm feeling unmotivated and need that extra kick to get myself back on track!
It's a BRAND NEW BEAUTIFUL YEAR so now is the absolute perfect time to start.



Xox Brittany

The Fitspirational Blonde

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

FITSPIRATIONAL PROTEIN PANCAKES!! (Eggless)





I woke up this morning craving pancakes… only to go downstairs and find out we have no eggs! Rather then get in my Mustang and drive ALL the way to the store, I decided to get creative :) 

I came up with a delicious and healthy spin to the average pancake and it contains absolutely no eggs!

Adding the banana, pecans, and protein powder makes it packed with protein and potassium! Plus some chopped up strawberries for a fruity spin (As you can see, Locket LOVES strawberries and cooking with me in the kitchen haha.)
Ingredients:
  • 1 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoon butter
  • 1 banana
  • 1 cup of pecans
  • 2 table spoons of protein powder
Combine dry ingredients and mix slightly. Add milk, oil, water, and vanilla. Whisk together until just combined. Be careful not to over mix - it should still be slightly lumpy. Set aside to rest for a few minutes.Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. While pan is heating, add butter. As soon as the butter is melted, add melted butter to pancake batter.Return pan to stove and stir butter into batter.When pan is hot, with a measuring cup or ladle, pour 1/4 cup of batter into the skillet for each pancake.
Cook until bubbles form on the surface. Carefully flip pancakes with turner/spatula and cook until golden brown.
So if you ever want to get creative in your kitchen and put a healthy spin on the boring average pancake, whip these up!


Xox Brittany
The Fitspirational Blonde

A+ Grocery List


Hi Guys!

This is my very basic grocery list.
This list is infinitely ever-changing, and I add and take away foods depending on the meals that I plan on creating that particular week.
On average, I spend about $100-200/ week on groceries (keep in mind I am feeding a family of 3.) 
The reason that I am sharing my personal list is to HELP YOU CREATE YOUR OWN. 
Get inspired, take action and take the future of your health into your own hands.

Stores I shop at:
  • Trader Joes
  • Whole Foods
  • Sprouts
  • Local farmers market
  • Walmart (if they’re having a special on fruits/veggies.)


Grocery List

Veggies
  • AVOCADO (Yes, I have a passionate affair with a vegetable)
  • Asparagus
  • Red Bell Peppers
  • Artichoke
  • Carrots
  • Cucumber
  • Spinach
  • Celery
  • Cherry Tomatoes (technically a fruit, but I consider it a vegetable because of the taste)
  • Dark Leafy Lettuce
  • Onions
  • Green Beans
  • Potatoes
  • Spaghetti Squash (on special occasions)
Fruits
  • Mangoes
  • Pineapple
  • Apples (Green, red)
  • Bananas
  • Raspberries
  • Strawberries
  • Blueberries
  • Oranges
  • Cuties(If they’re in season, they make a great “on the go” snack)
  • Pomegranate
Nuts
  • Almonds
  • Brazilian Nuts (fabulous “purse snack” instead of chips)
  • Pecans
  • Pine nuts (forfresh pesto)
Beverages
  • Milk (2%)
  • Soy
  • Orange Juice (natural, no preservatives)
  • Cranberry Juice (NOT from concentrate)
Condiments
  • Olive Oil
  • Cayenne Pepper
  • Cinnamon
  • Garlic Powder
  • Peanut Butter
Other
  • Greek Yogurt
  • Penne Pasta
  • Oatnut Bread
  • Pita
  • Hummus
I find it REALLY helpful to lay out the foods that I get on a weekly/monthly basis. Keep in mind this is MY personal list of groceries. Yours will differ. 

As a long time health blogger, I highly recommend to you to take the time to sit down and make your own one of these. It will really help to get organized and realize the healthy foods that you need to replenish on a weekly or monthly basis.
Don’t be scared to re-evaluate your list frequently!

Get creative, get healthy.

Xox Brittany

The Fitspirational Blonde

The future of your body




Fill your body with foods that you want to support you when you’re 70.
Imagine how you’ll look and feel if you’ve spent a lifetime filling your body with pringles and jolly ranchers.
Xox Brittany
The Fitspirational Blonde

The BEST vegetarian healthy panini you'll EVER eat!


I finally purchased my very own PINK panini maker, and I have been COMPLETELY obsessed with it since the moment it arrived at my house!

I've made a plethora of delicious panini's already, but this is BY FAR the healthiest most delicious panini I have ever made/tasted in all of my 24 years of life!

SO, I present to you "THE OFFICIAL FITSPIRATIONAL BLONDE PANINI"!

It's easy, vegetarian, healthy, and it guaranteed to impress ANYONE you make it for.

What you need:
  • Avocado
  • Fresh Spinach
  • Red Bell Pepper
  • Pesto
  • Cayenne Pepper
  • Black Pepper
  • Olive Oil
  • Your favorite Panini bread (I used Sour dough)
  • Pepper Jack and Parmesan Cheese
My fabulous PINK Panini Maker!!!
Her name is Polly, she is pretty hot. (Yes, I name everything)
What you need to do:
Preheat your oven to 325
Place 2 pieces of sourdough on some tinfoil and spread each evenly with pesto. Put your cheese on top of the pesto and put in the oven for 5 minutes. This melts the cheese and lets the pesto be absorbed into it, while making the edges of your bread perfectly crispy.

While you're waiting for that to bake, slice your red bell pepper into relatively thin pieces. Marinate the bell pepper in a cup by mixing olive oil, cayenne pepper and a pinch of black pepper. Make sure the red bell pepper is evenly marinated with the mix of spices.
Take the bread out of the oven, and replace it with the red bell pepper on the tin foil. Let the bell pepper get crispy in the oven for another 5 minutes.



Start to layer your veggies!
  1. Spinach
  2. Avocado
  3. Marinated Red Bell Peppers
  4. For a little extra flavor, grate some fresh parmesan to top it off!

Pop it in your Panini maker until it gets perfectly crispy on both sides

There you have it, a PERFECT healthy and delicious panini.
Try it out, tell me what you think!!
Xox Brittany 
The Fitspirational Blonde