Boost your immune system avoid the dreaded cold!

 

Unfortunately I've been battling a case of the sniffles with a sore throat, congestion, and overall fatigue. What started as a tingling in my throat has gotten worse by the day. I've always been sort of opposed to medications and Tylenol so here are some of the natural ways to feel better soon! I've been doing everything I can to try and recover quickly!

 

As for working out while sick, well it depends on how severe your symptoms are. A general rule is to avoid exercise when you have any symptoms below the neck such as chest pains as increased fatigue could prolong your recover. However if you feel up to it, a runny nose shouldn't stop you from a light workout. Make sure you tone it down a level compared to your regular routine. Stop if you feel light headed or dizzy and get lots of water post-workout.

I was able to do about an hour on the elliptical but I kept the resistance low and just thought of it a some light cardio and I also caught up on the latest episode of my favorite TV shows!

 

Tips for Getting Better Fast

• Lots of sleep and rest
• Hydrate! Drink lots of fluids!
• Stay away from junk food
• Get lots of nutrients
• Drink hot tea
• Green Tea (lots of antioxidants)
• Echinacea tea(an immune boosting herb)
• Chamomile with lemon and honey-great for sore throats and helps me relax and sleep
• Eat immune boosting foods!



 

Recipes to beat that cold fast!

 

 

Healthy Strawberry Shortcake Pancakes

Strawberry Shortcake Pancakes

Happy Saturday morning!

 

 Hope everyone is getting a good start to their weekend. I had some time to whip up an extra delicious breakfast today! As a kid strawberry shortcake was one of my favorite desserts and I loved new york cheesecake pancakes at IHOP with berries but these are much better for you! After I went on a run I came back and made some pancakes on the griddle and enjoyed a decadent Saturday breakfast of pancakes, Greek yogurt, and berries. It's a great combo of protein and carbs so it makes a pretty good post-workout meal plus it's delicious and super easy! 

Guilt-Free Strawberry Shortcake Pancakes

Ingredients (one-serving): 

• Chopped strawberries
• Greek Yogurt 
• 1/3 cup flour (whole wheat, spelt, coconut)
• 2 tbsp rolled oats
• 2/3 tsp baking powder
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup milk of choice
• Optional: sugar or sweetener of your choice

Directions: 

1. Combine flour, oats, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. 
2. Add in vanilla extract and milk.
3. Throw in some chopped strawberries and mix together. 
4. Cook on a pan or griddle and flip once. 
5. Set on a plate and top with more strawberries and Greek Yogurt. 

Healthy Halloween Treats!

Stick a green straw in a clementine!

Peanut Butter on celery sticks!

Banana Ghosts with Chocolate Chip Eyes

 

Dried Apricots with dark chocolate syrup!

 

Apple Monsters! Cut two apple slices and stick pine nuts or almonds in peanut putter for teeth!

 

Skeleton Vegetable Plate!

Carrots, celery, cucumbers, bell pepper strips, broccoli and mushrooms

Greek yogurt dip wit cherry tomato eyes and a mushroom mouth!

 

Friday-Fitness Fashion Faves

Free to Be Bra-Lululemon



I adore this lightweight bra and it's perfect for yoga, a light cardio session, or weight training. The front is relatively plain but I love the cute back design and criss-cross straps!



Nike Dri-Fit Long Sleeve
 

Fall brings pumpkins and festive holidays but also colder weather. I really like this top and the cute mesh V-style in the front makes it better! It comes in mint, light blue, neon, black, and pink! It's $70 but I justify getting this by telling myself staying warm is important!

Blogilates Backless Tank

 

Love backless tanks! This one is actually quite affordable at just $18.50 and comes in coral (my favorite color), sea foam, and gray. 

Refreshing Detox Water

Cucumber Lemon Mint Water



Infused Water with Cucumber, Lemon, and Ginger

• Put slices of cucumber, lemon, and slivers of ginger with mint in a glass or pitcher
• Let it sit overnight and infuse for a refreshing drink!

Sunday First Post

This is my first post on Living Fit and Happy and I'm going to dedicate this blog to posts about all of my favorite things in life including fitness, healthy, wholesome yummy food, and easy DIY projects and beauty treatments! I want to connect with everyone and share my story and successful creations in the kitchen and my favorite workout routines.

 

I'm a college student in Georgia and this is my last year (kind of scary). I'm prepping to enter the real world and find a job-hopefully in public relations but we'll see where I get hired. Until then, I'm trying not to worry about it too much and I'm trying to enjoy my last year of college.

 

I've had my fair share of issues in the past few years and I've struggled with slight depression and anxiety, orthorexia symptoms, and major lifestyles shifts. I am now on the track back to balance and happiness and rediscovering my passion for life. Join me on my journey to live my life happy, carefree, and healthy!

Feel free to follow me on Pinterest or my tumblr for inspiration!

Carb Free Tomato Basil Pasta

Microwave Spaghetti made with Enoki Mushrooms!

This recipe is for all you Italian food lovers! You can eat a giant plate and not feel guilty at all! Enoki mushrooms are easy to cook and you can find them at a local Asian store such as H-Mart or an ethnic store. You can cook up your pasta in just 5 minutes with this easy recipe! 

Ingredients: 

2 tbsp Marinara Sauce

1 package enoki mushrooms

1/2 Tomato

1/4 cup Greek Yogurt

Seasonings: black pepper, basil, garlic powder, oregano (anything else you like, I add chili powder!)

Directions: 

1. Wash mushrooms and microwave in a bowl for 2 minutes, take out and drain. 
2. In a separate bowl microwave sliced tomatoes for 1 min. Stir in pasta sauce and Greek Yogurt. 
3. Now combine your sauce mixture with the enoki and top with your seasonings. 

Ta-Da! A bowl of pasta! Enjoy!