Taste of Summer. Swimsuit Ready Abs, Farm Fresh Recipes, and Summer Workout Playlist!

10527506_10102813777020123_4560687344290384559_n

“There shall be an eternal summer in the grateful heart.”

Just a few things I LOVE about Summer :

  • Fresh workouts
  • Flavorful produce
  • Books
  • Swimsuits

Put them all together poolside and I am one HAPPY Caroline. Since San Francisco is typically freezing cold come June, I drive out of the city in search of sunshine. The Palo Alto Equinox and my family’s home in Davis are two of my favorite easy escapes that satisfy my summer craving. Its true, you don’t know what you’ve got till its gone. And you really start to appreciate the deliciousness of summer when you live in a city of fog full time 😉

San Francisco Summer VS. Palo Alto Summer.
San Francisco Summer VS. Palo Alto Summer. Yes this photo is real.

My family’s home in Davis is the epitome of summer for me. Backyard fruit and vegetable garden. Pool with a little diving board and patio for barbecues. And my favorite, the southern style rocking chairs perfect for getting lost in a book or two. Its the little things that all come together to make you want to kick off your sandals and savor the season without a care in the world. I thought I’d share a little bit of that with you in this newsletter, so no matter when or where this post finds you, you can have a little taste of summer too. Hey, we all need a break every once in a while. Sit back, relax, and enjoy a workout, a playlist, and a few of my favorite backyard treats!

Summer Swimsuit Workout.

One of my favorite things about summer – the abundance of outdoor workout opportunities! From hiking to playing pool basketball, summer tends to motivate people to move more. It also often means people are spending more time in less clothing…. which is why core classes are packed and my YouTube Channel is filled with requests for Ab Workout videos.  To meet the demand, I filmed a little 10 minute core routine to help you look and feel “swimsuit” body ready for your summer activities. This exercise video requires no equipment and can be done at home, in a hotel room, in the gym, or on the beach (anywhere really 🙂 . It includes some of my favorite “beach body” moves to train a strong core and have you feeling confident in all your activities this summer.  The exercises include:

  • Plank mountain climbers
  • Oblique V sits
  • Total Body Crunch
  • Corkscrew leg lift
  • Side plank with twist
  • side crunch with leg lift
  • sit ups

These exercises target your upper and lower abs, obliques, arms, and lower back. Combined with consistent cardio and clean eating, this video will help you on your way to getting lean, toned, and fit. Living a fit, healthy lifestyle will support you in making the most of your summer. Try out this routine and let me know how you feel! And as always please check with your doctor before starting this or any exercise program.

Summer Swimsuit Workout. 10 Minute Core Fitness Video. 

For more swimsuit secrets, check out, “Summer Six Pack Secrets: My No Nonsense Tips to Feeling Strong in Your Swimsuit”.

Summertime Farm Fresh Recipes, from my Home to Yours

I always forget how much better home grown produce is. When summer comes around I am reminded of the incredible flavors of fresh backyard fruit and vegetables.  My family grows a small but plentiful garden and honestly its the most rewarding dining experience to have a plate full of home-grown love. The peach trees are one of the biggest highlights for me. Come july we are swimming in a sea of peach goodies, so much so that all the neighbors tend to “stop by” often. You have to take advantage of the crop when its in full, so we have experimented with many ways to savor the sweetness of the moment. Here are a few of my favorite ways to enjoy ripe summer peaches:

998340_10101929297778613_815512805_n Whole Foods Market Grilled Chicken Salad with Peach-Pecan Vinaigrette

Serves 4

You can use leftover grilled chicken to make this recipe. For extra flavor, grill the peaches and red onions, too. Nobody will guess that the fruity, nutty dressing here is made without added oil.

Ingredients:
  • 1/4 cup toasted pecans, plus more for garnish
  • 2 tablespoons sherry vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon chopped candied ginger (optional)
  • 3 peaches, pitted and sliced
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 red onion, sliced
  • 1 head lettuce, torn into bite-size pieces
  • 10 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breasts and/or thighs, grilled and chopped
Method:

Purée pecans, vinegar, ginger, one-third of the peaches, 2 to 4 tablespoons water, salt and pepper in a food processor until smooth. If desired, press through a fine sieve for a silkier dressing. Transfer to a large bowl. Add remaining peaches, onion, lettuce and chicken and toss to combine; garnish with more pecans.

Nutritional Info:
Per Serving: 200 calories (60 from fat), 7g total fat, 1g saturated fat, 40mg cholesterol, 130mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (5g dietary fiber, 6g sugar), 18g protein. Gluten, Dairy free 🙂
1425743_10102303355129683_887675057_n
Easy Green Peach Smoothies:

Peach Green Smoothie
1 medium peach
1 banana
2 cups fresh baby spinach (or other leafy green)
1/2 cup water or milk of choice (almond, soy, dairy)

Calories: 169 | Fat: 0.6g (grams) | Protein: 4.4g | Carbs: 44.4g | Calcium: 10% | Vitamin A: 88% | Vitamin C: 71%

Peach-Nectarine Smoothie
1 peach
1 nectarine
1 carrot
1/4 avocado
2 cups fresh baby spinach (or other leafy green)
1/2 – 1 cup water or milk of choice (almond, soy, dairy)

Calories: 219 | Fat: 7.8g (grams) | Protein: 6g | Carbs: 38g | Calcium: 14% | Vitamin A: 269% | Vitamin C: 78%

Peach-Banana Smoothie
1 peach
1 banana
½ cup blueberries
2 cups fresh baby spinach (or other leafy green)
1/2 cup water or milk of choice (almond, soy, dairy)

Calories: 200 | Fat: 0.8g (grams) | Protein: 0.5g | Carbs: 54.5g | Calcium: 11% | Vitamin A: 89% | Vitamin C: 82%

Getting my green smoothie fix post summer swim at Equinox!
Getting my green smoothie fix post summer swim at Equinox!
Caroline’s No Cook Peach Blueberry Dessert
An way to enjoy some ripe, juicy peaches without turning on your oven

Serves 4

  • large ripe peaches, diced
  • cup blueberries
  • 1/3 cup raw pecans
  • 1/4 cup pitted dried dates
  • 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
  • pinch cardamom (optional)
  • pinch fine grain sea salt
  1. Divide the peaches  and blueberries evenly among 4 small bowls and set them aside.
  2. In a food processor or blender, pulse the pecans to break them up a bit. Add the dates, sea salt, and spices. Process until the mixture is crumbly and sticking together. If it seems too dry and isn’t sticking together, add another date or two.
  3. Sprinkle the crumble mixture over the peach and berry bowls and enjoy!
And last but not least, nothing says summer like an upbeat music playlist. Whether you are hitting the gym or hosting a barbecue with friends, these tunes will help make memories. Click play and ENJOY. And if you have a favorite youd like to share, send it my way on Spotify!

What does Summer mean to you? What are your favorite things about June through September??? Leave me a comment and let me know if you try out the video, recipes, or playlist above! I hope that no matter where you are, you take a moment to savor the season of summer in a way that is meaningful to you. Kick back, relax, and enjoy your life. Its happening NOW!
If you liked this post, please share it with your friends on Facebooktwitter, or email. More great content is headed your way every week to help you live a happy, healthy life! 

Yours in health and happiness,

Caroline

Other Things To Check Out This Week:

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *