A Breakfast Fit For A Queen

 Breakfast by Mix

Cut up fruit of choice (I like a gala apple)

1/4 c walnut pieces

6 almonds

6 cashews

1 Tbsp crushed flax seeds

1 tsp chia seeds

1/4 c Greek yogurt (plain)

1 tsp maple syrup

1 tsp cinnamon

I eat this every single day for breakfast. It is super filling and you feel great all morning. It is filled with fibre, omega 3, antioxidants, vitamins and protein. And an added bonus, it is delicious. I switch up the fruit--some days it's mango or strawberry or blueberry. 
* interesting note: the gala apple is a variety created in the Okanagan Valley (where I live).

I have had a few requests from readers to share my diet and exercise regime. I have a really high metabolism. I believe this is because of how I eat and how I work out. I have a few secrets to being super fit, lean and strong.

I lift weights 3 times a week, plus I do a killer abdominal work out 5 times a week. I also run for about 25 minutes one morning a week (up serious mountain hills). Though, the real killer is that I dance, serious hard core cardio, for an hour straight at least 5 days a week. This boosts my metabolism so high, I am never cold and I can get overheated easily in a hot room. If you don't like to dance I recommend spinning classes as an alternative for the hard cardio. But I believe dancing is the very best for mind, body and soul. Also, I believe in longevity. I'd never do extreme sports that wear out joints prematurely. I am opposed to the 'marathon running' trend. I advise that no one run for more than 3x a week max and for no more than 1/2 h at a stretch. I want to be able to dance and run at ninety so there is no way I'm grinding my joints to a pulp early. I do stretch out after dance. I feel I have no time for yoga, but ideally, I think a yoga class a week would be good for me--flexibility is so important!

As for how I eat, well, my breakfast is above. I don't eat wheat and avoid refined sugar. I use maple syrup for sweetener as it is high in antioxidants. I am almost never hungry for lunch so it is usually a small salad, a cheese stick and a fruit. If I'm hungry I snack on almonds and cashews or another cheese stick. I eat as much fruit and veggies as I want, any time of the day. As for supper, I eat vegetarian when I can or I'll have white chicken or turkey meat (I am allergic to fish). I eat brown rice, brown rice pasta or quinoa for grains. My suppers are full of veggies.  I eat with a conscious effort to never give my body simple carbs and thus my body never produces big insulin surges. I am never hungry and I am super lean with energy to burn. 

And the biggest secret is that I have XXdark chocolate for a treat mid morning. That means one square of 80-90% dark chocolate along with a tiny square of 99% chocolate. Basically it is like eating protein. Often I'll have 2 chocolate breaks a day.

I do have a little ice cream on occasion--I only eat the very best, real ice cream like Haagen Dazs. Also, I drink tea all day long: hot and cold; real tea, never herbal. I like black, green, oolong and white. I usually drink a blend I make myself (loose leaf) Japanese sencha mixed with organic black tea from India. And I do treat myself to a small glass of organic wine once to three times a week.

This is my basic way of eating but I'll have a couple slices of pizza some nights and other treats on occasion. My metabolism is very high so I burn what I eat.
*Once you are lean, with a high metabolism, you actually can eat very well because you will burn what you eat.

I guess there really isn't anything new about my secret for fitness, health and leanness. It involves serious workouts (I do these in the mornings) and healthy eating. But the secret is that it works and it is enjoyable. I deny myself nothing because I love dancing and I love good, healthy food.

I am over forty years old, have given birth to 3 children and I have had no cosmetic surgery. If I can be lean and fit, anyone can. My dear readers,  I hope you find one or two tips towards maintaining a super healthy and strong body :)

That's it for the body. Stay tuned on my prescription for a strong, balanced mind ;0