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  • Sculpt Society Review

    Sculpt Society Review

    Sharing my thoughts on Sculpt Society and if I’d recommend this workout! For today’s post, I’m excited to share an updated review on one of my all-time favorite workouts! I was ad-targeted for this one forever, and since I always love trying new body workouts and absolutely love dance cardio, I figured I’d give it…

    The post Sculpt Society Review appeared first on The Fitnessista.

    Re-sharing this recipe for healthy homemade dog food because both dogs love it so much! I use We Feed Raw as the meat in this recipe, and you can use FITNESSISTA40 for 40% off! It saves me a trip to the farmer’s market, and is an amazing blend of meat and organs with no fillers or preservatives.  

    Hi friends! How are ya? I hope that your day is going well! Today, I have a couple of calls and am looking forward to some time in the sauna blanket after a workout. It should be a pretty low-key day!

    For today’s post, I’m calling on all dog owners. I wanted to share our dogs’ obsession with you: homemade dog food. If you’re looking to upgrade what you feed your dog, this simple recipe is PACKED with nutrients, and both dogs goes crazy with it.

    Healthy homemade dog food recipe

    (See the crazy eyes?? She’s INTO IT. Also Lola patiently waits in the kitchen each morning for her dog food. She loooooves it.)

    TBH, I always felt a little bad giving Maisey packaged dog food because this creature LOVES fresh food. She’s constantly begging for scraps of broccoli and bell pepper (her two faves), has stolen an entire brisket off the counter (and ate it on our new white couch..), a whole chicken breast (bones and all, and thankfully didn’t get sick), as well as ramen and curry. But can you blame her?

    Knowing her flavor profile, I would pour her kibble into her bowl and feel a little bad for the gourmet gal. To spice things up, we would put Fresh Pet on top from Whole Foods (SO expensive and still felt like a block of packaged meat), but I knew there had to be a better way.

    I started researching a ton, and found a vet-approved recipe online that inspired me to finally make our own.

    I’m excited to share all of the details with you! It’s less expensive than Fresh Pet, with certified organic, farm fresh, and wild-caught ingredients, and I love that I know everything that went into it. No preservatives or extra stuff. Friendly reminder: always talk to your vet or veterinary nutritionist before changing your dog’s food.

    While this works for Maisey and Lola, it’s important to note that dogs can have different allergens, or may just be unable to tolerate certain things. It’s also helpful to gradually increase new foods so the transition is more gentle on their stomach.

    *Little note that this post may contain affiliate links. They don’t impact purchase price but enable me to earn a small kickback that I use to keep this lil blog running. On that note, thank you so much to those of you who choose to shop with my affiliate links!

    Healthy homemade dog food recipe

    Healthy homemade dog food recipe

    Benefits of Homemade Dog Food:

    Making your dog’s food at home can have a ton of benefits, including:

    Control Over Ingredients: By preparing your dog’s food from scratch, you have full control over the quality of ingredients used, ensuring that your furry friend gets only the best.

    Avoidance of Sketchy Ingredients: Conventional dog foods often contain questionable ingredients such as fillers, artificial preservatives, and low-quality meats that can be harmful to your dog’s health.

    Tailored Nutrition: Homemade dog food allows you to tailor your dog’s diet to their specific needs, whether they require a certain protein source or have allergies to certain ingredients.

    Increased Digestibility: Whole, fresh ingredients are more easily digestible for dogs, leading to better nutrient absorption and overall health.

    Healthy homemade dog food recipe

    Ingredients and Their Benefits:

    The recipe that inspired this one is Dr. Judy’s Puploaf. She has the full post here, and you can actually order it online! Since this is more of a topper, Maisey still gets some “I and love and you” Nude Super Food kibble (you can order it from Thrive Market) in her bowl—I didn’t have to be as specific with ratios of ingredients.

    I’m also including a few extra ingredients that aren’t in the original recipe, but they’re just as beneficial and yummy for your dogs. Just like humans, dogs thrive on meat and veggies. (Just make sure to avoid garlic and onions.)

    Ground Beef: An excellent source of protein and essential amino acids for muscle health. Bonus points if it’s lean ground beef!

    Ground Turkey: Low-fat lean protein that is packed with essential nutrients. It’s also considered hypoallergenic, making it a great choice for pups with allergies.

    Organ Meats (Heart, Liver, Gizzards, Spleen): Rich in vitamins and minerals, including iron, zinc, and vitamin B12, vital for your dog’s overall health.

    Butternut Squash: Packed with vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants to support immune function and digestion. (Sweet potatoes are a great alternative.)

    Sardines: A great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which promote healthy skin and coat, reduce inflammation, and support joint health. Sardines are one of Maisey’s all-time favorite foods!

    Leafy Greens: Provide essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin K, calcium, and folate, for overall health and vitality.

    Green Beans and carrots: Great for providing vitamins, minerals, and a high dose of fiber. Green beans and carrots help with things like vision, the immune system, and bone health. I was surprised to learn how much Maisey loves certain vegetables!

    Eggs: Rich in choline, protein, and essential nutrients. If you’re using farm-fresh eggs, you can also add the shell. Since I use organic eggs from the grocery store, I use the membrane inside the egg whenever I use this ingredient in my recipe.

    Oysters: High in zinc and selenium, important for immune function and thyroid health.

    Cranberries: Rich in antioxidants and beneficial for urinary tract health.

    Broccoli: Contains fiber, vitamins, and minerals, including vitamin C and calcium, for optimal health.

    Bell Pepper: Provides vitamin A, vitamin C, and antioxidants to support immune function and eye health.

    Flax Oil: A source of omega-3 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat, as well as joint support.

    Ginger: Has anti-inflammatory properties and aids in digestion.

    Brown Rice: A healthy addition to any diet because of its fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

    Healthy homemade dog food recipe

    Healthy homemade dog food recipe

    Directions:

    In a large bowl, combine ground beef, organ meats, butternut squash, sardines, leafy greens, oysters, cranberries, broccoli, bell pepper, and ginger. You may find this easiest to blend in a food processor, but it’s personal preference.

    I keep the flax oil in the fridge and drizzle on a small amount before serving.

    Mix the ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution.

    Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and lightly bake for 20-30 minutes at 325°F.

    Allow the food to cool before serving to your dog. Keeps in the fridge for up to 5 days, and you can freeze the rest in individual portions. I use Souper Cubes to feed our fur babies this super yummy meal until it’s time to make more! I just put them in the freezer.

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    Healthy homemade dog food recipe

    5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

    5 from 1 review

    This healthy homemade dog food recipe is based on Dr. Judy’s pup loaf recipe. It’s a great way to give your dog fresh food with tons of nutrients!

    • Author: Gina Harney // Fitnessista.com

    Ingredients

    2 lbs organic grass-fed ground beef

    1 cup of chicken hearts

    Add in any other organ meats, like spleen, gizzards, or liver – we used a blend from a local farm that contained heart, spleen, and liver

    2 cans of sardines in water

    2 cans of mussels in olive oil

    3 eggs (if farm fresh, use the shell. If from the grocery store, use the egg membrane on the inside of the shell)

    1 cup butternut squash, chopped

    1 cup of broccoli, chopped

    2 bell peppers, seeded and chopped

    a handful of leafy greens (I used chard), chopped

    1 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger

    1/2 c dried cranberries (make sure there is no added sugar, and no extra ingredients)

    cold-pressed flax oil, to serve

    Instructions

    In a large bowl, stir the ground beef, organ meats, chopped butternut squash, sardines, leafy greens, oysters, cranberries, broccoli, bell pepper, and ginger. I keep the flax oil in the fridge and drizzle on a little before serving.

    Mix the ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution.

    Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and lightly bake for 20-30 minutes at 325°F.

    Notes

    Allow the food to cool before serving to your dog. Keeps in the fridge for up to 5 days, and you can freeze the rest in individual portions. I used Souper Cubes.

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    dog food prep

    It feels so good to give our dogs fresh food that’s also packed with nutrients!!

    So, tell me, friends: do you make your dog’s food? Are there any brands you love?

    xo

    Gina

    More:

    If you’d like to outsource the meat of this recipe, I use We Feed Raw + regular ground beef as the meat mixture in this. It’s perfect, and she goes crazy for it. You can check it out here and use FITNESSISTA40

    Homemade dog treats are here

    The post Healthy homemade dog food recipe appeared first on The Fitnessista.

  • 8.7 Friday Faves

    8.7 Friday Faves

    Hiiii! Happy Friday! How are you? What’s going on this weekend? The kids are back in school (WILD) and thankfully had a great week at their new schools. We’re back into the full routine around here and this weekend we have dinner with friends to celebrate the first week of school, two NCL events, and…

    The post 8.7 Friday Faves appeared first on The Fitnessista.

    Re-sharing this recipe for healthy homemade dog food because both dogs love it so much! I use We Feed Raw as the meat in this recipe, and you can use FITNESSISTA40 for 40% off! It saves me a trip to the farmer’s market, and is an amazing blend of meat and organs with no fillers or preservatives.  

    Hi friends! How are ya? I hope that your day is going well! Today, I have a couple of calls and am looking forward to some time in the sauna blanket after a workout. It should be a pretty low-key day!

    For today’s post, I’m calling on all dog owners. I wanted to share our dogs’ obsession with you: homemade dog food. If you’re looking to upgrade what you feed your dog, this simple recipe is PACKED with nutrients, and both dogs goes crazy with it.

    Healthy homemade dog food recipe

    (See the crazy eyes?? She’s INTO IT. Also Lola patiently waits in the kitchen each morning for her dog food. She loooooves it.)

    TBH, I always felt a little bad giving Maisey packaged dog food because this creature LOVES fresh food. She’s constantly begging for scraps of broccoli and bell pepper (her two faves), has stolen an entire brisket off the counter (and ate it on our new white couch..), a whole chicken breast (bones and all, and thankfully didn’t get sick), as well as ramen and curry. But can you blame her?

    Knowing her flavor profile, I would pour her kibble into her bowl and feel a little bad for the gourmet gal. To spice things up, we would put Fresh Pet on top from Whole Foods (SO expensive and still felt like a block of packaged meat), but I knew there had to be a better way.

    I started researching a ton, and found a vet-approved recipe online that inspired me to finally make our own.

    I’m excited to share all of the details with you! It’s less expensive than Fresh Pet, with certified organic, farm fresh, and wild-caught ingredients, and I love that I know everything that went into it. No preservatives or extra stuff. Friendly reminder: always talk to your vet or veterinary nutritionist before changing your dog’s food.

    While this works for Maisey and Lola, it’s important to note that dogs can have different allergens, or may just be unable to tolerate certain things. It’s also helpful to gradually increase new foods so the transition is more gentle on their stomach.

    *Little note that this post may contain affiliate links. They don’t impact purchase price but enable me to earn a small kickback that I use to keep this lil blog running. On that note, thank you so much to those of you who choose to shop with my affiliate links!

    Healthy homemade dog food recipe

    Healthy homemade dog food recipe

    Benefits of Homemade Dog Food:

    Making your dog’s food at home can have a ton of benefits, including:

    Control Over Ingredients: By preparing your dog’s food from scratch, you have full control over the quality of ingredients used, ensuring that your furry friend gets only the best.

    Avoidance of Sketchy Ingredients: Conventional dog foods often contain questionable ingredients such as fillers, artificial preservatives, and low-quality meats that can be harmful to your dog’s health.

    Tailored Nutrition: Homemade dog food allows you to tailor your dog’s diet to their specific needs, whether they require a certain protein source or have allergies to certain ingredients.

    Increased Digestibility: Whole, fresh ingredients are more easily digestible for dogs, leading to better nutrient absorption and overall health.

    Healthy homemade dog food recipe

    Ingredients and Their Benefits:

    The recipe that inspired this one is Dr. Judy’s Puploaf. She has the full post here, and you can actually order it online! Since this is more of a topper, Maisey still gets some “I and love and you” Nude Super Food kibble (you can order it from Thrive Market) in her bowl—I didn’t have to be as specific with ratios of ingredients.

    I’m also including a few extra ingredients that aren’t in the original recipe, but they’re just as beneficial and yummy for your dogs. Just like humans, dogs thrive on meat and veggies. (Just make sure to avoid garlic and onions.)

    Ground Beef: An excellent source of protein and essential amino acids for muscle health. Bonus points if it’s lean ground beef!

    Ground Turkey: Low-fat lean protein that is packed with essential nutrients. It’s also considered hypoallergenic, making it a great choice for pups with allergies.

    Organ Meats (Heart, Liver, Gizzards, Spleen): Rich in vitamins and minerals, including iron, zinc, and vitamin B12, vital for your dog’s overall health.

    Butternut Squash: Packed with vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants to support immune function and digestion. (Sweet potatoes are a great alternative.)

    Sardines: A great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which promote healthy skin and coat, reduce inflammation, and support joint health. Sardines are one of Maisey’s all-time favorite foods!

    Leafy Greens: Provide essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin K, calcium, and folate, for overall health and vitality.

    Green Beans and carrots: Great for providing vitamins, minerals, and a high dose of fiber. Green beans and carrots help with things like vision, the immune system, and bone health. I was surprised to learn how much Maisey loves certain vegetables!

    Eggs: Rich in choline, protein, and essential nutrients. If you’re using farm-fresh eggs, you can also add the shell. Since I use organic eggs from the grocery store, I use the membrane inside the egg whenever I use this ingredient in my recipe.

    Oysters: High in zinc and selenium, important for immune function and thyroid health.

    Cranberries: Rich in antioxidants and beneficial for urinary tract health.

    Broccoli: Contains fiber, vitamins, and minerals, including vitamin C and calcium, for optimal health.

    Bell Pepper: Provides vitamin A, vitamin C, and antioxidants to support immune function and eye health.

    Flax Oil: A source of omega-3 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat, as well as joint support.

    Ginger: Has anti-inflammatory properties and aids in digestion.

    Brown Rice: A healthy addition to any diet because of its fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

    Healthy homemade dog food recipe

    Healthy homemade dog food recipe

    Directions:

    In a large bowl, combine ground beef, organ meats, butternut squash, sardines, leafy greens, oysters, cranberries, broccoli, bell pepper, and ginger. You may find this easiest to blend in a food processor, but it’s personal preference.

    I keep the flax oil in the fridge and drizzle on a small amount before serving.

    Mix the ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution.

    Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and lightly bake for 20-30 minutes at 325°F.

    Allow the food to cool before serving to your dog. Keeps in the fridge for up to 5 days, and you can freeze the rest in individual portions. I use Souper Cubes to feed our fur babies this super yummy meal until it’s time to make more! I just put them in the freezer.

    Print

    Healthy homemade dog food recipe

    5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

    5 from 1 review

    This healthy homemade dog food recipe is based on Dr. Judy’s pup loaf recipe. It’s a great way to give your dog fresh food with tons of nutrients!

    • Author: Gina Harney // Fitnessista.com

    Ingredients

    2 lbs organic grass-fed ground beef

    1 cup of chicken hearts

    Add in any other organ meats, like spleen, gizzards, or liver – we used a blend from a local farm that contained heart, spleen, and liver

    2 cans of sardines in water

    2 cans of mussels in olive oil

    3 eggs (if farm fresh, use the shell. If from the grocery store, use the egg membrane on the inside of the shell)

    1 cup butternut squash, chopped

    1 cup of broccoli, chopped

    2 bell peppers, seeded and chopped

    a handful of leafy greens (I used chard), chopped

    1 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger

    1/2 c dried cranberries (make sure there is no added sugar, and no extra ingredients)

    cold-pressed flax oil, to serve

    Instructions

    In a large bowl, stir the ground beef, organ meats, chopped butternut squash, sardines, leafy greens, oysters, cranberries, broccoli, bell pepper, and ginger. I keep the flax oil in the fridge and drizzle on a little before serving.

    Mix the ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution.

    Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and lightly bake for 20-30 minutes at 325°F.

    Notes

    Allow the food to cool before serving to your dog. Keeps in the fridge for up to 5 days, and you can freeze the rest in individual portions. I used Souper Cubes.

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    dog food prep

    It feels so good to give our dogs fresh food that’s also packed with nutrients!!

    So, tell me, friends: do you make your dog’s food? Are there any brands you love?

    xo

    Gina

    More:

    If you’d like to outsource the meat of this recipe, I use We Feed Raw + regular ground beef as the meat mixture in this. It’s perfect, and she goes crazy for it. You can check it out here and use FITNESSISTA40

    Homemade dog treats are here

    The post Healthy homemade dog food recipe appeared first on The Fitnessista.

  • books from lately

    books from lately

    Sharing a roundup of the books I’ve read lately and if they’re worth adding to your collection.  Hi friends! How are you? I hope you had an amazing weekend! Today, I wanted to share the books I read lately and share my ratings with you. I haven’t made reading as much of a priority lately…

    The post books from lately appeared first on The Fitnessista.

    Re-sharing this recipe for healthy homemade dog food because both dogs love it so much! I use We Feed Raw as the meat in this recipe, and you can use FITNESSISTA40 for 40% off! It saves me a trip to the farmer’s market, and is an amazing blend of meat and organs with no fillers or preservatives.  

    Hi friends! How are ya? I hope that your day is going well! Today, I have a couple of calls and am looking forward to some time in the sauna blanket after a workout. It should be a pretty low-key day!

    For today’s post, I’m calling on all dog owners. I wanted to share our dogs’ obsession with you: homemade dog food. If you’re looking to upgrade what you feed your dog, this simple recipe is PACKED with nutrients, and both dogs goes crazy with it.

    Healthy homemade dog food recipe

    (See the crazy eyes?? She’s INTO IT. Also Lola patiently waits in the kitchen each morning for her dog food. She loooooves it.)

    TBH, I always felt a little bad giving Maisey packaged dog food because this creature LOVES fresh food. She’s constantly begging for scraps of broccoli and bell pepper (her two faves), has stolen an entire brisket off the counter (and ate it on our new white couch..), a whole chicken breast (bones and all, and thankfully didn’t get sick), as well as ramen and curry. But can you blame her?

    Knowing her flavor profile, I would pour her kibble into her bowl and feel a little bad for the gourmet gal. To spice things up, we would put Fresh Pet on top from Whole Foods (SO expensive and still felt like a block of packaged meat), but I knew there had to be a better way.

    I started researching a ton, and found a vet-approved recipe online that inspired me to finally make our own.

    I’m excited to share all of the details with you! It’s less expensive than Fresh Pet, with certified organic, farm fresh, and wild-caught ingredients, and I love that I know everything that went into it. No preservatives or extra stuff. Friendly reminder: always talk to your vet or veterinary nutritionist before changing your dog’s food.

    While this works for Maisey and Lola, it’s important to note that dogs can have different allergens, or may just be unable to tolerate certain things. It’s also helpful to gradually increase new foods so the transition is more gentle on their stomach.

    *Little note that this post may contain affiliate links. They don’t impact purchase price but enable me to earn a small kickback that I use to keep this lil blog running. On that note, thank you so much to those of you who choose to shop with my affiliate links!

    Healthy homemade dog food recipe

    Healthy homemade dog food recipe

    Benefits of Homemade Dog Food:

    Making your dog’s food at home can have a ton of benefits, including:

    Control Over Ingredients: By preparing your dog’s food from scratch, you have full control over the quality of ingredients used, ensuring that your furry friend gets only the best.

    Avoidance of Sketchy Ingredients: Conventional dog foods often contain questionable ingredients such as fillers, artificial preservatives, and low-quality meats that can be harmful to your dog’s health.

    Tailored Nutrition: Homemade dog food allows you to tailor your dog’s diet to their specific needs, whether they require a certain protein source or have allergies to certain ingredients.

    Increased Digestibility: Whole, fresh ingredients are more easily digestible for dogs, leading to better nutrient absorption and overall health.

    Healthy homemade dog food recipe

    Ingredients and Their Benefits:

    The recipe that inspired this one is Dr. Judy’s Puploaf. She has the full post here, and you can actually order it online! Since this is more of a topper, Maisey still gets some “I and love and you” Nude Super Food kibble (you can order it from Thrive Market) in her bowl—I didn’t have to be as specific with ratios of ingredients.

    I’m also including a few extra ingredients that aren’t in the original recipe, but they’re just as beneficial and yummy for your dogs. Just like humans, dogs thrive on meat and veggies. (Just make sure to avoid garlic and onions.)

    Ground Beef: An excellent source of protein and essential amino acids for muscle health. Bonus points if it’s lean ground beef!

    Ground Turkey: Low-fat lean protein that is packed with essential nutrients. It’s also considered hypoallergenic, making it a great choice for pups with allergies.

    Organ Meats (Heart, Liver, Gizzards, Spleen): Rich in vitamins and minerals, including iron, zinc, and vitamin B12, vital for your dog’s overall health.

    Butternut Squash: Packed with vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants to support immune function and digestion. (Sweet potatoes are a great alternative.)

    Sardines: A great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which promote healthy skin and coat, reduce inflammation, and support joint health. Sardines are one of Maisey’s all-time favorite foods!

    Leafy Greens: Provide essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin K, calcium, and folate, for overall health and vitality.

    Green Beans and carrots: Great for providing vitamins, minerals, and a high dose of fiber. Green beans and carrots help with things like vision, the immune system, and bone health. I was surprised to learn how much Maisey loves certain vegetables!

    Eggs: Rich in choline, protein, and essential nutrients. If you’re using farm-fresh eggs, you can also add the shell. Since I use organic eggs from the grocery store, I use the membrane inside the egg whenever I use this ingredient in my recipe.

    Oysters: High in zinc and selenium, important for immune function and thyroid health.

    Cranberries: Rich in antioxidants and beneficial for urinary tract health.

    Broccoli: Contains fiber, vitamins, and minerals, including vitamin C and calcium, for optimal health.

    Bell Pepper: Provides vitamin A, vitamin C, and antioxidants to support immune function and eye health.

    Flax Oil: A source of omega-3 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat, as well as joint support.

    Ginger: Has anti-inflammatory properties and aids in digestion.

    Brown Rice: A healthy addition to any diet because of its fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

    Healthy homemade dog food recipe

    Healthy homemade dog food recipe

    Directions:

    In a large bowl, combine ground beef, organ meats, butternut squash, sardines, leafy greens, oysters, cranberries, broccoli, bell pepper, and ginger. You may find this easiest to blend in a food processor, but it’s personal preference.

    I keep the flax oil in the fridge and drizzle on a small amount before serving.

    Mix the ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution.

    Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and lightly bake for 20-30 minutes at 325°F.

    Allow the food to cool before serving to your dog. Keeps in the fridge for up to 5 days, and you can freeze the rest in individual portions. I use Souper Cubes to feed our fur babies this super yummy meal until it’s time to make more! I just put them in the freezer.

    Print

    Healthy homemade dog food recipe

    5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

    5 from 1 review

    This healthy homemade dog food recipe is based on Dr. Judy’s pup loaf recipe. It’s a great way to give your dog fresh food with tons of nutrients!

    • Author: Gina Harney // Fitnessista.com

    Ingredients

    2 lbs organic grass-fed ground beef

    1 cup of chicken hearts

    Add in any other organ meats, like spleen, gizzards, or liver – we used a blend from a local farm that contained heart, spleen, and liver

    2 cans of sardines in water

    2 cans of mussels in olive oil

    3 eggs (if farm fresh, use the shell. If from the grocery store, use the egg membrane on the inside of the shell)

    1 cup butternut squash, chopped

    1 cup of broccoli, chopped

    2 bell peppers, seeded and chopped

    a handful of leafy greens (I used chard), chopped

    1 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger

    1/2 c dried cranberries (make sure there is no added sugar, and no extra ingredients)

    cold-pressed flax oil, to serve

    Instructions

    In a large bowl, stir the ground beef, organ meats, chopped butternut squash, sardines, leafy greens, oysters, cranberries, broccoli, bell pepper, and ginger. I keep the flax oil in the fridge and drizzle on a little before serving.

    Mix the ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution.

    Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and lightly bake for 20-30 minutes at 325°F.

    Notes

    Allow the food to cool before serving to your dog. Keeps in the fridge for up to 5 days, and you can freeze the rest in individual portions. I used Souper Cubes.

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    dog food prep

    It feels so good to give our dogs fresh food that’s also packed with nutrients!!

    So, tell me, friends: do you make your dog’s food? Are there any brands you love?

    xo

    Gina

    More:

    If you’d like to outsource the meat of this recipe, I use We Feed Raw + regular ground beef as the meat mixture in this. It’s perfect, and she goes crazy for it. You can check it out here and use FITNESSISTA40

    Homemade dog treats are here

    The post Healthy homemade dog food recipe appeared first on The Fitnessista.

  • Healthy homemade dog food recipe

    Healthy homemade dog food recipe

    Re-sharing this recipe for healthy homemade dog food because both dogs love it so much! I use We Feed Raw as the meat in this recipe, and you can use FITNESSISTA40 for 40% off! It saves me a trip to the farmer’s market, and is an amazing blend of meat and organs with no fillers…

    The post Healthy homemade dog food recipe appeared first on The Fitnessista.

    Re-sharing this recipe for healthy homemade dog food because both dogs love it so much! I use We Feed Raw as the meat in this recipe, and you can use FITNESSISTA40 for 40% off! It saves me a trip to the farmer’s market, and is an amazing blend of meat and organs with no fillers or preservatives.  

    Hi friends! How are ya? I hope that your day is going well! Today, I have a couple of calls and am looking forward to some time in the sauna blanket after a workout. It should be a pretty low-key day!

    For today’s post, I’m calling on all dog owners. I wanted to share our dogs’ obsession with you: homemade dog food. If you’re looking to upgrade what you feed your dog, this simple recipe is PACKED with nutrients, and both dogs goes crazy with it.

    Healthy homemade dog food recipe

    (See the crazy eyes?? She’s INTO IT. Also Lola patiently waits in the kitchen each morning for her dog food. She loooooves it.)

    TBH, I always felt a little bad giving Maisey packaged dog food because this creature LOVES fresh food. She’s constantly begging for scraps of broccoli and bell pepper (her two faves), has stolen an entire brisket off the counter (and ate it on our new white couch..), a whole chicken breast (bones and all, and thankfully didn’t get sick), as well as ramen and curry. But can you blame her?

    Knowing her flavor profile, I would pour her kibble into her bowl and feel a little bad for the gourmet gal. To spice things up, we would put Fresh Pet on top from Whole Foods (SO expensive and still felt like a block of packaged meat), but I knew there had to be a better way.

    I started researching a ton, and found a vet-approved recipe online that inspired me to finally make our own.

    I’m excited to share all of the details with you! It’s less expensive than Fresh Pet, with certified organic, farm fresh, and wild-caught ingredients, and I love that I know everything that went into it. No preservatives or extra stuff. Friendly reminder: always talk to your vet or veterinary nutritionist before changing your dog’s food.

    While this works for Maisey and Lola, it’s important to note that dogs can have different allergens, or may just be unable to tolerate certain things. It’s also helpful to gradually increase new foods so the transition is more gentle on their stomach.

    *Little note that this post may contain affiliate links. They don’t impact purchase price but enable me to earn a small kickback that I use to keep this lil blog running. On that note, thank you so much to those of you who choose to shop with my affiliate links!

    Healthy homemade dog food recipe

    Healthy homemade dog food recipe

    Benefits of Homemade Dog Food:

    Making your dog’s food at home can have a ton of benefits, including:

    Control Over Ingredients: By preparing your dog’s food from scratch, you have full control over the quality of ingredients used, ensuring that your furry friend gets only the best.

    Avoidance of Sketchy Ingredients: Conventional dog foods often contain questionable ingredients such as fillers, artificial preservatives, and low-quality meats that can be harmful to your dog’s health.

    Tailored Nutrition: Homemade dog food allows you to tailor your dog’s diet to their specific needs, whether they require a certain protein source or have allergies to certain ingredients.

    Increased Digestibility: Whole, fresh ingredients are more easily digestible for dogs, leading to better nutrient absorption and overall health.

    Healthy homemade dog food recipe

    Ingredients and Their Benefits:

    The recipe that inspired this one is Dr. Judy’s Puploaf. She has the full post here, and you can actually order it online! Since this is more of a topper, Maisey still gets some “I and love and you” Nude Super Food kibble (you can order it from Thrive Market) in her bowl—I didn’t have to be as specific with ratios of ingredients.

    I’m also including a few extra ingredients that aren’t in the original recipe, but they’re just as beneficial and yummy for your dogs. Just like humans, dogs thrive on meat and veggies. (Just make sure to avoid garlic and onions.)

    Ground Beef: An excellent source of protein and essential amino acids for muscle health. Bonus points if it’s lean ground beef!

    Ground Turkey: Low-fat lean protein that is packed with essential nutrients. It’s also considered hypoallergenic, making it a great choice for pups with allergies.

    Organ Meats (Heart, Liver, Gizzards, Spleen): Rich in vitamins and minerals, including iron, zinc, and vitamin B12, vital for your dog’s overall health.

    Butternut Squash: Packed with vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants to support immune function and digestion. (Sweet potatoes are a great alternative.)

    Sardines: A great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which promote healthy skin and coat, reduce inflammation, and support joint health. Sardines are one of Maisey’s all-time favorite foods!

    Leafy Greens: Provide essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin K, calcium, and folate, for overall health and vitality.

    Green Beans and carrots: Great for providing vitamins, minerals, and a high dose of fiber. Green beans and carrots help with things like vision, the immune system, and bone health. I was surprised to learn how much Maisey loves certain vegetables!

    Eggs: Rich in choline, protein, and essential nutrients. If you’re using farm-fresh eggs, you can also add the shell. Since I use organic eggs from the grocery store, I use the membrane inside the egg whenever I use this ingredient in my recipe.

    Oysters: High in zinc and selenium, important for immune function and thyroid health.

    Cranberries: Rich in antioxidants and beneficial for urinary tract health.

    Broccoli: Contains fiber, vitamins, and minerals, including vitamin C and calcium, for optimal health.

    Bell Pepper: Provides vitamin A, vitamin C, and antioxidants to support immune function and eye health.

    Flax Oil: A source of omega-3 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat, as well as joint support.

    Ginger: Has anti-inflammatory properties and aids in digestion.

    Brown Rice: A healthy addition to any diet because of its fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

    Healthy homemade dog food recipe

    Healthy homemade dog food recipe

    Directions:

    In a large bowl, combine ground beef, organ meats, butternut squash, sardines, leafy greens, oysters, cranberries, broccoli, bell pepper, and ginger. You may find this easiest to blend in a food processor, but it’s personal preference.

    I keep the flax oil in the fridge and drizzle on a small amount before serving.

    Mix the ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution.

    Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and lightly bake for 20-30 minutes at 325°F.

    Allow the food to cool before serving to your dog. Keeps in the fridge for up to 5 days, and you can freeze the rest in individual portions. I use Souper Cubes to feed our fur babies this super yummy meal until it’s time to make more! I just put them in the freezer.

    Print

    Healthy homemade dog food recipe

    5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

    5 from 1 review

    This healthy homemade dog food recipe is based on Dr. Judy’s pup loaf recipe. It’s a great way to give your dog fresh food with tons of nutrients!

    • Author: Gina Harney // Fitnessista.com

    Ingredients

    2 lbs organic grass-fed ground beef

    1 cup of chicken hearts

    Add in any other organ meats, like spleen, gizzards, or liver – we used a blend from a local farm that contained heart, spleen, and liver

    2 cans of sardines in water

    2 cans of mussels in olive oil

    3 eggs (if farm fresh, use the shell. If from the grocery store, use the egg membrane on the inside of the shell)

    1 cup butternut squash, chopped

    1 cup of broccoli, chopped

    2 bell peppers, seeded and chopped

    a handful of leafy greens (I used chard), chopped

    1 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger

    1/2 c dried cranberries (make sure there is no added sugar, and no extra ingredients)

    cold-pressed flax oil, to serve

    Instructions

    In a large bowl, stir the ground beef, organ meats, chopped butternut squash, sardines, leafy greens, oysters, cranberries, broccoli, bell pepper, and ginger. I keep the flax oil in the fridge and drizzle on a little before serving.

    Mix the ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution.

    Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and lightly bake for 20-30 minutes at 325°F.

    Notes

    Allow the food to cool before serving to your dog. Keeps in the fridge for up to 5 days, and you can freeze the rest in individual portions. I used Souper Cubes.

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    dog food prep

    It feels so good to give our dogs fresh food that’s also packed with nutrients!!

    So, tell me, friends: do you make your dog’s food? Are there any brands you love?

    xo

    Gina

    More:

    If you’d like to outsource the meat of this recipe, I use We Feed Raw + regular ground beef as the meat mixture in this. It’s perfect, and she goes crazy for it. You can check it out here and use FITNESSISTA40

    Homemade dog treats are here

    The post Healthy homemade dog food recipe appeared first on The Fitnessista.

  • Vivrelle Review: Is It Worth It? (My Honest Thoughts + How It Works)

    Vivrelle Review: Is It Worth It? (My Honest Thoughts + How It Works)

    Sharing a full review of Vivrelle and if I think it’s worth it. If you want to give it a try, you can use my referral code L66PH1ZH70. Hi hi! How are you? I hope you’re having a lovely morning so far! I have a call this morning and then we’re off to the pool…

    The post Vivrelle Review: Is It Worth It? (My Honest Thoughts + How It Works) appeared first on The Fitnessista.

    Hiiii! Happy Friday! What do you have going on?? This week has been packed with back to school events (orientation, meet the teacher, parents’ night) and the kids go back next week. I’m bummed that summer went by so quickly, but have tried to really make the most of it. This week has been filled with swimming, driving teenagers around to the mall, Chick Fil A, and Liv having friends over until bedtime most nights, movies, sleeping in, and being all in my feels that we have a freshman in high school.

    We brought her home from the hospital as a newborn yesterday. High school seemed impossibly far away. It’s here, it’s wild, and I just hope she has a good experience. High school was not my high point in life, but the school that she’s attending has incredible teachers and a great community, so I’m feeling cautiously optimistic.

    P is also starting a new school – the teachers and homework load were a huge source of the anxiety she dealt with a couple of years ago at her previous school- and I’m hopeful that it will be better for her. If it’s not, I mean at this point, we’re just going to pack it up and move lol.

    (Hot yoga wisdom)

    It’s time for the weekly Friday Faves roundup! This is where I share some of my favorite finds from the week and around the web. I always love hearing about your faves, too, so please shout out something you’re loving in the comments section below.

    (Friendly reminder that affiliate links are included in Friday Faves! Thank you so much for supporting the blog)

    7.31 Friday Faves

    Fashion, beauty, random:

    These shoes! I ordered them from the Nordstrom sale when I saw that my favorite flats brand was there. (It honestly it was made me look at the sale in the first place since it was such a disappointment the past couple of years.) I have two pairs from Spain that I got last summer and they still look brand new, they have zero break-in time, they’re supportive, classy, cute.

    These ones are a little bit furry (?) which was a surprise to me, but I love them. They run small, so definitely size up one full size. If you’re in between sizes, size up a size and a half. I’m usually a 38 and wear a 39 in these. All my Nordstrom Sale picks are in this post.

    This dress! The Bettina dress is one of my fave shirtdress styles (and I loooove a shirtdress). The Callahan from Tuckernuck  is my other top fave.

    Olive & June gel manis. I think I finally solved my nail dilemma. I took my dip nails off in early May after having dip consecutively for about 6 years. I just got so sick of the time such – driving to the nail salon, sitting there for an hour, and driving home was about 2 hours out of the day – the toxins, and the cost (around $90-100 every 3 weeks). I figured I’d let my nails breathe for a while, but I’ve tried some options because I still love pretty nails.

    I found press-ons, and while they look cute, they don’t last long, especially if you’re washing dishes often and doing chores. I think they’re good for events!

    Olive & June sent me a gel manicure set and I’m HOOKED.

    This took 20 minutes to do, it has the thick shiny look I adore, it has a peel-off base coat that doesn’t damage your nails, nontoxic, it checks all of the boxes. I’ll report back on how long it lasts but I’m super happy so far!! You can grab a kit here.

    This month’s Vivrelle pick!! It looks brand new and the color is chef’s kiss. I lost my ShopMy link when they deactivted my account, but if you’d like to try it, the link is here and the code is: L66PH1ZH70

     

    Last day for Oliveda BOGO! You can buy one, get one free of their previous label since they’re updating the labeling. I use and love so many of their products. If you need specific recs, please lmk; I’d love to help.

    Read, watch, listen:

    The Pilot was gone this week, so I watched TV downstairs every night in the evening.

    Some of the highlights:

    – Project Hail Mary. This 100% lived up to the hype. I want to read the book now, and definitely would see the movie again.

    – Finally finished Emily in Paris. I started the most recent season over the holidays and it’s taken me 7 months, but it was perfection.

    – The new Dancing with the Stars: the Next Pro. It’s kind of campy and cheesy, but I love it??? I’m cheering so hard for Adele.

    This episode with Alex Hormozi was incredible.

    Fitness, health, and good eats:

    (The usual PEMF, red light, and journaling stack)

    This Mediterranean beef bowl is such a hit. We’ve had it a handful of times.

    Thank you so much for stopping by today, friends! Have an amazing weekend and I’ll see ya soon!

    xoxo

    Gina

    The post 7.31 Friday Faves appeared first on The Fitnessista.

  • Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Picks

    Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Picks

    Sharing my top picks from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. Affiliate links are included below – thank you so much for your support.  Hi friends! How are you? I hope that you’re enjoying the week so far. We’re trying to squeeze out the last bit of summer fun. The kids start school in a couple of…

    The post Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Picks appeared first on The Fitnessista.

    Hiiii! Happy Friday! What do you have going on?? This week has been packed with back to school events (orientation, meet the teacher, parents’ night) and the kids go back next week. I’m bummed that summer went by so quickly, but have tried to really make the most of it. This week has been filled with swimming, driving teenagers around to the mall, Chick Fil A, and Liv having friends over until bedtime most nights, movies, sleeping in, and being all in my feels that we have a freshman in high school.

    We brought her home from the hospital as a newborn yesterday. High school seemed impossibly far away. It’s here, it’s wild, and I just hope she has a good experience. High school was not my high point in life, but the school that she’s attending has incredible teachers and a great community, so I’m feeling cautiously optimistic.

    P is also starting a new school – the teachers and homework load were a huge source of the anxiety she dealt with a couple of years ago at her previous school- and I’m hopeful that it will be better for her. If it’s not, I mean at this point, we’re just going to pack it up and move lol.

    (Hot yoga wisdom)

    It’s time for the weekly Friday Faves roundup! This is where I share some of my favorite finds from the week and around the web. I always love hearing about your faves, too, so please shout out something you’re loving in the comments section below.

    (Friendly reminder that affiliate links are included in Friday Faves! Thank you so much for supporting the blog)

    7.31 Friday Faves

    Fashion, beauty, random:

    These shoes! I ordered them from the Nordstrom sale when I saw that my favorite flats brand was there. (It honestly it was made me look at the sale in the first place since it was such a disappointment the past couple of years.) I have two pairs from Spain that I got last summer and they still look brand new, they have zero break-in time, they’re supportive, classy, cute.

    These ones are a little bit furry (?) which was a surprise to me, but I love them. They run small, so definitely size up one full size. If you’re in between sizes, size up a size and a half. I’m usually a 38 and wear a 39 in these. All my Nordstrom Sale picks are in this post.

    This dress! The Bettina dress is one of my fave shirtdress styles (and I loooove a shirtdress). The Callahan from Tuckernuck  is my other top fave.

    Olive & June gel manis. I think I finally solved my nail dilemma. I took my dip nails off in early May after having dip consecutively for about 6 years. I just got so sick of the time such – driving to the nail salon, sitting there for an hour, and driving home was about 2 hours out of the day – the toxins, and the cost (around $90-100 every 3 weeks). I figured I’d let my nails breathe for a while, but I’ve tried some options because I still love pretty nails.

    I found press-ons, and while they look cute, they don’t last long, especially if you’re washing dishes often and doing chores. I think they’re good for events!

    Olive & June sent me a gel manicure set and I’m HOOKED.

    This took 20 minutes to do, it has the thick shiny look I adore, it has a peel-off base coat that doesn’t damage your nails, nontoxic, it checks all of the boxes. I’ll report back on how long it lasts but I’m super happy so far!! You can grab a kit here.

    This month’s Vivrelle pick!! It looks brand new and the color is chef’s kiss. I lost my ShopMy link when they deactivted my account, but if you’d like to try it, the link is here and the code is: L66PH1ZH70

     

    Last day for Oliveda BOGO! You can buy one, get one free of their previous label since they’re updating the labeling. I use and love so many of their products. If you need specific recs, please lmk; I’d love to help.

    Read, watch, listen:

    The Pilot was gone this week, so I watched TV downstairs every night in the evening.

    Some of the highlights:

    – Project Hail Mary. This 100% lived up to the hype. I want to read the book now, and definitely would see the movie again.

    – Finally finished Emily in Paris. I started the most recent season over the holidays and it’s taken me 7 months, but it was perfection.

    – The new Dancing with the Stars: the Next Pro. It’s kind of campy and cheesy, but I love it??? I’m cheering so hard for Adele.

    This episode with Alex Hormozi was incredible.

    Fitness, health, and good eats:

    (The usual PEMF, red light, and journaling stack)

    This Mediterranean beef bowl is such a hit. We’ve had it a handful of times.

    Thank you so much for stopping by today, friends! Have an amazing weekend and I’ll see ya soon!

    xoxo

    Gina

    The post 7.31 Friday Faves appeared first on The Fitnessista.

  • 7.24 Friday Faves

    7.24 Friday Faves

    Hiiii! Happy Friday! What are you up to this weekend? We’re enjoying some pool time after lots of rain this week, the Pilot is home (wahoo!), and we have an NCL event. I hope that you have a fun and relaxing weekend ahead! When do your kiddos go back to school? We have a little…

    The post 7.24 Friday Faves appeared first on The Fitnessista.

    Hiiii! Happy Friday! What do you have going on?? This week has been packed with back to school events (orientation, meet the teacher, parents’ night) and the kids go back next week. I’m bummed that summer went by so quickly, but have tried to really make the most of it. This week has been filled with swimming, driving teenagers around to the mall, Chick Fil A, and Liv having friends over until bedtime most nights, movies, sleeping in, and being all in my feels that we have a freshman in high school.

    We brought her home from the hospital as a newborn yesterday. High school seemed impossibly far away. It’s here, it’s wild, and I just hope she has a good experience. High school was not my high point in life, but the school that she’s attending has incredible teachers and a great community, so I’m feeling cautiously optimistic.

    P is also starting a new school – the teachers and homework load were a huge source of the anxiety she dealt with a couple of years ago at her previous school- and I’m hopeful that it will be better for her. If it’s not, I mean at this point, we’re just going to pack it up and move lol.

    (Hot yoga wisdom)

    It’s time for the weekly Friday Faves roundup! This is where I share some of my favorite finds from the week and around the web. I always love hearing about your faves, too, so please shout out something you’re loving in the comments section below.

    (Friendly reminder that affiliate links are included in Friday Faves! Thank you so much for supporting the blog)

    7.31 Friday Faves

    Fashion, beauty, random:

    These shoes! I ordered them from the Nordstrom sale when I saw that my favorite flats brand was there. (It honestly it was made me look at the sale in the first place since it was such a disappointment the past couple of years.) I have two pairs from Spain that I got last summer and they still look brand new, they have zero break-in time, they’re supportive, classy, cute.

    These ones are a little bit furry (?) which was a surprise to me, but I love them. They run small, so definitely size up one full size. If you’re in between sizes, size up a size and a half. I’m usually a 38 and wear a 39 in these. All my Nordstrom Sale picks are in this post.

    This dress! The Bettina dress is one of my fave shirtdress styles (and I loooove a shirtdress). The Callahan from Tuckernuck  is my other top fave.

    Olive & June gel manis. I think I finally solved my nail dilemma. I took my dip nails off in early May after having dip consecutively for about 6 years. I just got so sick of the time such – driving to the nail salon, sitting there for an hour, and driving home was about 2 hours out of the day – the toxins, and the cost (around $90-100 every 3 weeks). I figured I’d let my nails breathe for a while, but I’ve tried some options because I still love pretty nails.

    I found press-ons, and while they look cute, they don’t last long, especially if you’re washing dishes often and doing chores. I think they’re good for events!

    Olive & June sent me a gel manicure set and I’m HOOKED.

    This took 20 minutes to do, it has the thick shiny look I adore, it has a peel-off base coat that doesn’t damage your nails, nontoxic, it checks all of the boxes. I’ll report back on how long it lasts but I’m super happy so far!! You can grab a kit here.

    This month’s Vivrelle pick!! It looks brand new and the color is chef’s kiss. I lost my ShopMy link when they deactivted my account, but if you’d like to try it, the link is here and the code is: L66PH1ZH70

     

    Last day for Oliveda BOGO! You can buy one, get one free of their previous label since they’re updating the labeling. I use and love so many of their products. If you need specific recs, please lmk; I’d love to help.

    Read, watch, listen:

    The Pilot was gone this week, so I watched TV downstairs every night in the evening.

    Some of the highlights:

    – Project Hail Mary. This 100% lived up to the hype. I want to read the book now, and definitely would see the movie again.

    – Finally finished Emily in Paris. I started the most recent season over the holidays and it’s taken me 7 months, but it was perfection.

    – The new Dancing with the Stars: the Next Pro. It’s kind of campy and cheesy, but I love it??? I’m cheering so hard for Adele.

    This episode with Alex Hormozi was incredible.

    Fitness, health, and good eats:

    (The usual PEMF, red light, and journaling stack)

    This Mediterranean beef bowl is such a hit. We’ve had it a handful of times.

    Thank you so much for stopping by today, friends! Have an amazing weekend and I’ll see ya soon!

    xoxo

    Gina

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  • 7.31 Friday Faves

    7.31 Friday Faves

    Hiiii! Happy Friday! What do you have going on?? This week has been packed with back to school events (orientation, meet the teacher, parents’ night) and the kids go back next week. I’m bummed that summer went by so quickly, but have tried to really make the most of it. This week has been filled…

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    Hiiii! Happy Friday! What do you have going on?? This week has been packed with back to school events (orientation, meet the teacher, parents’ night) and the kids go back next week. I’m bummed that summer went by so quickly, but have tried to really make the most of it. This week has been filled with swimming, driving teenagers around to the mall, Chick Fil A, and Liv having friends over until bedtime most nights, movies, sleeping in, and being all in my feels that we have a freshman in high school.

    We brought her home from the hospital as a newborn yesterday. High school seemed impossibly far away. It’s here, it’s wild, and I just hope she has a good experience. High school was not my high point in life, but the school that she’s attending has incredible teachers and a great community, so I’m feeling cautiously optimistic.

    P is also starting a new school – the teachers and homework load were a huge source of the anxiety she dealt with a couple of years ago at her previous school- and I’m hopeful that it will be better for her. If it’s not, I mean at this point, we’re just going to pack it up and move lol.

    (Hot yoga wisdom)

    It’s time for the weekly Friday Faves roundup! This is where I share some of my favorite finds from the week and around the web. I always love hearing about your faves, too, so please shout out something you’re loving in the comments section below.

    (Friendly reminder that affiliate links are included in Friday Faves! Thank you so much for supporting the blog)

    7.31 Friday Faves

    Fashion, beauty, random:

    These shoes! I ordered them from the Nordstrom sale when I saw that my favorite flats brand was there. (It honestly it was made me look at the sale in the first place since it was such a disappointment the past couple of years.) I have two pairs from Spain that I got last summer and they still look brand new, they have zero break-in time, they’re supportive, classy, cute.

    These ones are a little bit furry (?) which was a surprise to me, but I love them. They run small, so definitely size up one full size. If you’re in between sizes, size up a size and a half. I’m usually a 38 and wear a 39 in these. All my Nordstrom Sale picks are in this post.

    This dress! The Bettina dress is one of my fave shirtdress styles (and I loooove a shirtdress). The Callahan from Tuckernuck  is my other top fave.

    Olive & June gel manis. I think I finally solved my nail dilemma. I took my dip nails off in early May after having dip consecutively for about 6 years. I just got so sick of the time such – driving to the nail salon, sitting there for an hour, and driving home was about 2 hours out of the day – the toxins, and the cost (around $90-100 every 3 weeks). I figured I’d let my nails breathe for a while, but I’ve tried some options because I still love pretty nails.

    I found press-ons, and while they look cute, they don’t last long, especially if you’re washing dishes often and doing chores. I think they’re good for events!

    Olive & June sent me a gel manicure set and I’m HOOKED.

    This took 20 minutes to do, it has the thick shiny look I adore, it has a peel-off base coat that doesn’t damage your nails, nontoxic, it checks all of the boxes. I’ll report back on how long it lasts but I’m super happy so far!! You can grab a kit here.

    This month’s Vivrelle pick!! It looks brand new and the color is chef’s kiss. I lost my ShopMy link when they deactivted my account, but if you’d like to try it, the link is here and the code is: L66PH1ZH70

     

    Last day for Oliveda BOGO! You can buy one, get one free of their previous label since they’re updating the labeling. I use and love so many of their products. If you need specific recs, please lmk; I’d love to help.

    Read, watch, listen:

    The Pilot was gone this week, so I watched TV downstairs every night in the evening.

    Some of the highlights:

    – Project Hail Mary. This 100% lived up to the hype. I want to read the book now, and definitely would see the movie again.

    – Finally finished Emily in Paris. I started the most recent season over the holidays and it’s taken me 7 months, but it was perfection.

    – The new Dancing with the Stars: the Next Pro. It’s kind of campy and cheesy, but I love it??? I’m cheering so hard for Adele.

    This episode with Alex Hormozi was incredible.

    Fitness, health, and good eats:

    (The usual PEMF, red light, and journaling stack)

    This Mediterranean beef bowl is such a hit. We’ve had it a handful of times.

    Thank you so much for stopping by today, friends! Have an amazing weekend and I’ll see ya soon!

    xoxo

    Gina

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  • Kyoto recap, bamboo forest, and monkey park

    Kyoto recap, bamboo forest, and monkey park

    Sharing the last of my Japan posts! We had the most magical time in Kyoto and I’m excited to share the details with you if you’re considering adding this to your travel list! More posts from our incredible time in Seoul and Tokyo: Seoul recap Korean head spa experience Tokyo recap and why I love…

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    Sharing the last of my Japan posts! We had the most magical time in Kyoto and I’m excited to share the details with you if you’re considering adding this to your travel list!

    More posts from our incredible time in Seoul and Tokyo:

    Seoul recap

    Korean head spa experience

    Tokyo recap and why I love Japan

    and Tokyo eats + gf picks

    Kyoto recap, bamboo forest, and monkey park

    So many of our friends had told us to take a bullet train to explore nearby areas while we were in Tokyo. Okinawa, Nara, Kyoto, and Osaka were highly recommended. I think I mentioned in a previous post that I was intimiated by planning this trip, and adding another travel leg felt like a little too much for my brain. One of my friends told us that we’d regret going to Tokyo and not seeing Kyoto, so we decided to make it happen… and it ended up being my personal highlight of the trip.

    While Tokyo is bustling with bright lights and tall buildings, Kyoto feels like more cinematic, serene Japan. Think lantern-lined streets, temples, and geishas.

    The bullet train was SUCH a cool experience – we were going 200mph and it was so pleasant and way more enjoyable/hassle-free than air travel –

    (Mt Fuji!!)

    and before we knew it, we were checked into our hotel in Kyoto.

    We stayed at the Gion Elite Terrace, which I booked through Amex travel (<— our referral link) and would highly recommend. We will absolutely stay there again. The lobby was stocked with amenities, tea, hot cooca and coffee, and the rooms were super clean and modern. The girls had to flip a coin over who could sleep in the loft area… P won.

    It also had an oxygenated bathtub which infuses the water with tiny oxygen bubbles. They claim to help eliminate free radicals (great for anti-aging), improve skin texture, keep your skin warm after the bath (you don’t feel cold afterwards), and help with sleep. I found all of these things to be true. I looked at purchasing one with the bathroom remodel and mold remediation thing we’re doing but it’s a casual 27k. It’s cheaper for me to fly back to Japan and use it there lol.

    We spent our first night exploring. Gion is absolutely breathtaking and we walked over the bridge and saw TONS of cute shops and restaurants.

    (dress is here!)

    (Saw a nutria in the river which is apparently an invasive species but we all loved him)

    Dinner was at Pontocho Shabushabu Sukiyaki Kiraku, which I found on Tabelog. It’s a restaurant review service used by locals (this was popular in Korea, too) and a friend told us that anything over a 3.0 is going to be excellent. They did not lead us astray.

    Shabu shabu is like Japanese hot pot with a boiling pot of broth on the table and veggies and meat to cook. There are different sauces to dip and multiple courses. We had wagyu and kobe beef, lots of tasty veggies, and afterwards, they made noodles for Liv and the Pilot and egg soup for me and P (gluten-free option) using the broth.

    The next day, we woke up early and headed to the Bamboo Park, which was one of my favorite parts of the entire trip.

    We were surrounded by bamboo. It was just so lush, green, and peaceful. We made the hike up to Arashiyama monkey park, where monkeys roam freely around you. One kept walking inches away from my legs!

    The rest of the day was spent shopping and lunch was at Engine Ramen. They have a gluten-free ramen option and it was everything. SO flavorful and satisfying. I’ll dream about this bowl of ramen until we’re back!

    The next day, we headed back to Ginza, where we spent another night and day before finishing out the trip.

    I still have Japression and am doing what I can to find tiny pieces of Japan here. I think one of the things I love most about trips like this isn’t necessarily the location (even though in this case, the location was truly breathtaking), but the uninterrupted time with family, chance to slow down, more walking and time in nature. Less time scrolling, more time enjoying. I feel like I’m being annoying about how much it changed my life, but this trip really affecting me on a soul level. It was unlike anything I’ve experienced, and it was meaningful to see how traditional and current can coexist, the way everyone in Japan seems to take enormous pride in what they do, the community acting for the good of others instead of selfishness. It was a lot to soak in. We’ve been home a month and I still think about it every day.

    Thank you for reading about our adventures!! What have you been up to this summer? Any fun trips on the horizon?

    xo

    Gina

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  • where we ate in Tokyo (and gluten-free picks!)

    where we ate in Tokyo (and gluten-free picks!)

    Sharing some of the best things we ate in Tokyo and some gluten-free picks!  Hi friends! How are you? I hope you had a wonderful weekend and hope that my US friends had a lovely 4th of July. We went to Mt. Lemmon with friends and it was perfection. Before I head into today’s post,…

    The post where we ate in Tokyo (and gluten-free picks!) appeared first on The Fitnessista.

    Sharing some of the best things we ate in Tokyo and some gluten-free picks! 

    Hi friends! How are you? I hope you had a wonderful weekend and hope that my US friends had a lovely 4th of July. We went to Mt. Lemmon with friends and it was perfection.

    Before I head into today’s post, I wanted to share some amazing 4th of July deals that are still happening if you’re in the shopping mood. (TBR I’m always in the shopping mood)

    Organifi- Hair Launch: Buy 3, Save 30% + 20% off with code FITNESSISTA here! I love their Gold, Green, Red, Shilajit gummies, and lately I’m obsessed with their hydrogen water tablets. Check it all out here.

    EquiLife– up to 30% off sitewide, get a new tote on all orders over $149, and enjoy 25% off community favorites

    My top choices:

    Omega 3

    Full-spectrum magnesium

    Detox

    Daily Detox Support

    Adrenal Energy

    Andrenal Soothe

    Melatonin

    Lumebox– 45% off through tonight! If you don’t have one yet, I LOVE ours and use it every single day. The kids use it, too. Here’s the link.

    Oliveda – huge sitewide discounts and a free F59 (my FAVE!) on orders. Check everything out here! I use the Olive Peeling, F59, Corrective Face Cream, Mint Shower Gel, and Olive Rose Skin Tint.

    Farm Rio!!! 4th of July sale ends toniiiiight. Extra 50% off sale styles with code SALE50. I LOVE this dress.

    Real talk

    TBH it’s been a bit hard for me to blog lately. The nutshell version is that the blog landscape has been extra rough… I’ll share more in an upcoming post. For now, I’m trying to just enjoy a 90s summer with the girls (swimming, roller skating, time with friends, going to the mall) and reminiscing on our AMAZING trip to Japan and Korea.

    We ate SO much delicious food that I still think about daily, and I wanted to share some of the highlights in today’s post

    where we ate in Tokyo (and gluten-free picks!)

    7-11

    We had 7-11 every single day.

    It’s funny because the 7-11 in the US leaves…much to be desired… but the 7-11s in Japan are packed with amazing food, desserts, snacks and drinks. Sushi, onigiri, pasta, fried chicken, sandwiches, smoothies, it was all incredible. Of course, I enjoyed the viral drinks (the C1000 is the best), multiple tuna onigiri, and everything muscat flavored.

    (if you go, find these!! And send me some please lol)

    We fell in love with muscat and of course we stocked up on all of the frozen muscat treats, gummies, and mints.

    We all had so many onigiri 🙂 Tuna and mayo was the best!

    Tsujiki fish market

    The fish market is lined with hundreds of food stands and street vendors. The sashimi is the best I’ve had in my entire life. We also had a container of muscat grapes (so sweet and crunchy) and I also saw people walking around with skewers, crab legs, omelets, caramelized sweet potatoes, and sushi rolls.

    We also stumbled upon a hidden gem that had fluffly gluten-free soufle pancakes.

    They were sweet and light, and somehow not egg-y at all. We wanted to go back but we didn’t end up having time.

    Omakase meal at Gluten-free Kushiage Sû

    This meal was a top five culinary experience for me. I went to book a table in advance when I was looking for gluten-free dinner options, but it was booked out. I sent a message on IG asking to be considered if they had any last-minute cancelations, and they reached out the day before to let us know that spots had become available!

    There were only seven seats in the restaurant, and everything was made fresh in house by chef Sû.

    I started with a crisp and sweet glass of sparkling sake.

    Everything is gluten-free and the kushiage consists of skewers. It’s a popular Japanese dish and everything is coated in Panko breadcrumbs and fried. Each flavor profile was completely different, using various meats, veggies, fish, and seasonal ingredients. This felt like an extra special treat for P and me, because usually we’re not able to eat fried or crispy things because… gluten.

    Even though the skewers were fried, they were light, cripspy, not the least bit greasy, and incredibly flavorful.

    Some of the highlights:

    This braised beef tendon inside deep-fried tofu in dashi broth

    Mackerel marinated in plum vinegar and sabayon sauce

    Gluten-free crab cream croquet

    The meal finished off with homemade apple ginger warabi mochi

    Chef Sû is truly an artist and so incredibly talented. He does not speak English, but we used google translate with no probs at all. I highly highly recommend this experience if you’re going to Tokyo and have gluten-free friends or family members.

    Ginza Senryo

    We went for late-night sushi one evening and shared platters of rolls, sashimi, salad, pickled veggie, and best potato salad I’ve had in my life. I had another sparkling sake just to try the different options, you know? It’s worth mentioning here that all of the restaurant servers we encountered were so lovely; the service was above and beyond, but especially at this restaurant. The server was crouched down talking to the girls and was so sweet and friendly.

    So tell me friend: what are some of your all-time favorite vacation meals?

    My other top meals are:

    Alinea in Chicago

    The beach club in Mykonos

    Zucchini pasta in Sorrento

    – Al pastor taco in Mexico with a Mexican coke

    xo

    Gina

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