Alaska Adventure

Good morning everyone! I have been wanting to share this exciting news with you for a while now, but thought that it would be best to wait until it was 100% for sure happening. I am leaving on Monday to go travel and work with Blake in Alaska for about a month. As you may have noticed, Blake has been gone since May. He is a helicopter pilot and works up in Alaska during the summer time. He was supposed to be home by the end of September, but got scheduled to work through the end of October. We had already given our 30-day notice to move out of the townhouse that we rent and didn’t want for me to have to find a new place to rent and move all of our stuff into a new rental. So, we decided to make October into an “Alaskan Adventure.”

Look who I have waiting for me up in Fairbanks!

I gave my 2-week notice at the health center where I work, packed up our belongings and am moving them into storage tomorrow. This coming Monday, Layla and I are flying up to Fairbanks to be with Blake. I’m super excited about this coming month. Blake’s job allows him to work all over the state of Alaska. He has a few different jobs booked in beautiful locations and I fell very blessed to get to experience a slice of Alaska. Where will we go once we’re back in the lower 48? I don’t know yet! I believe that it will all work out the way that it’s meant to. Therefore, I’m not worried about it.

What does this mean for the blog? It means that I will probably be posting more :) It also means that my content will likely be focused around photos from where we are traveling and lessons that I learn along the way. I have already learned so much over the past year and can’t wait to see what’s in store for me learn next!

I’m creating a 21-day challenge for us to do together. More details will be posted in the coming week. Don’t forget to “like” Whole Nutrition on Facebook and “follow” us on Twitter.

Baked Gluten-Free Falafel Wrap

Hi! I hope that you are having a lovely day so far :) I was able to sneak in a long walk with Layla this morning and one of my favorite workout DVDs, Tone It Up’s Tone & Sculpt. I blended up a cherry lime whey protein smoothie afterwards. It was super refreshing!

I wanted to share one of my favorite lunch recipes with you today. I like to bake a batch of the falafels on Sunday and use them throughout the week.

Baked Gluten-Free Falafel Wrap

Baked Falafels

Life Lessons from Stand Up Paddleboarding

Hi! I hope that you are having a fabulous day so far! I wanted to share some inspiring lessons that I’ve learned from stand up paddleboarding (SUP) over the past few years.

Suzie was recently featured in the July issue of Self magazine.

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I was introduced to SUP by the lovely, Suzie Coney, of Suzie Trains Maui. She was my trainer when I lived on Maui and she taught free women’s SUP workshops on the weekends. All that you had to do was bring your board and paddle and she would instruct us on proper warm-up exercises and SUP techniques. I gained some major confidence and camaraderie with the other women out there on the water. I want to thank Suzie for introducing me to such an exciting and invigorating sport!

Life Lessons I’ve learned from Stand Up Paddleboarding

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1. If you fall off your board, get back on

This is true at every point in your life. We are constantly “falling off our board,” whether it’s not getting the job we applied for, being dumped by our significant other or eating a bag of Oreos after we swore off of junk food. What’s important is that we pick ourselves up and get back on our “board.”

When I first started SUP, I was in the water half of the time that I was out there. Instead of calling it quits and swimming back to shore, I pulled myself out of the water and back onto my board. I continued to work on my balance and learn the best ways to maneuver my board in the choppy waters. The last time that I went SUP on my trip to Maui, I went out for about 30 minutes without falling once!

I know that we all have times when we’re feeling down or have gotten off track. My best advice is to stick with our goal, get back up, and keep working towards it. Our hard work will pay off!

2. Keep your eyes ahead, not beneath you

This one is especially important, both when your on the water and in life, when your striving towards large goals. I realized that when I looked at the ocean beneath my board, I was more likely to be wobbly and lose my balance than when I focused on a point in the distance. I liken this to staying focused on your overall life goals instead of worrying about the issues that arise on a daily basis. There will always be little problems that come up along the way, but if we work through them, everything will all work out.

Next time you find yourself panicked about a current “crisis” remind yourself that “this too shall pass” and that you will eventually achieve your goal.

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3. Go with the flow

This is one that I am constantly working on! When you are out in the choppy ocean waters, your board is continually bobbing up and down with the waves of the ocean. If your legs are locked straight, you are more likely to get tossed off your board. However, if you slightly bend your legs and allow the board to rock beneath you with ease, you are less likely lose your balance.

In life, it is easy to get caught up in the day to day drama, but if you roll with the punches and don’t worry too much about the little things, it will all work out.

There you go. These are my life lessons learned through my experience with stand up paddleboarding. Readers, I have 2 challenges for you: apply one of these lessons to your week this week and if you have the opportunity to try SUP, do it!

Have a great day today!

Much love,

Kilee

Gluten-Free Pasta Primavera

Hi! I’m excited to share a new recipe with you. My dear friend, McKenzie (who also eats gluten-free) came over for dinner, wine and girl talk the other night. I wanted to treat her to a decadent gluten-free meal. I had been dying to try some of the gluten-free Pappardelles pasta that my co-worker had given me for my birthday. This dish is perfect when you’re craving pasta and want a delicious, but not overly-rich creamy pasta. I used lots of fresh vegetables, but feel free to substitute them for vegetables that you have on hand or even toss in some grilled chicken slices or sauteed shrimp. We started out with some honey mustard spinach salad that McKenzie had brought over.

Gluten-Free Pasta Primavera

Serves 4

1 lb. Pappardelle’s Della Terra Trumpet Trio Pasta (or another gluten-free pasta)

2 Tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

3-4 cups fresh vegetables cut into 1″ pieces (I used onion, bella mushrooms, broccoli, grape tomatoes & asparagus)

4 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1 tablespoon organic salted butter

5 oz. log of herbed chèvre

1 cup shredded Pecorino Romano

Sea salt & pepper to taste

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 425°F. In a large bowl, toss your vegetables with the olive oil, seasoning and garlic. Line a baking pan with foil and spread your vegetables in the pan. Bake for 20 minutes, stirring the vegetables once. Once the vegetables are done, set them aside.

While your vegetables are cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta. Cook the pasta according to the directions on the box. Drain your pasta. Melt the butter in the pasta pot. Add the chèvre and Pecorino Romano. Stir the sauce until the cheeses have melted. Add the pasta and vegetables to the pot. Stir until combined. Add sea salt and pepper to taste. Serve with additional Pecorino Romano. Enjoy with a glass of wine (if you are 21 or older) and the company of good friends and family.

I’m off to bed for the night. Let me know if you try out this pasta dish. I promise that it won’t disappoint!

Back From Paradise

Aloha! I’m back from the islands. My sister and I stayed with our friend who lives in Paia for 4 nights this past weekend. We had so much fun hanging out and catching up with our friends back on Maui. Highlights of our trip included:

• Beach days: Sugar Cove, Shark Pit and Kamole 1

• Pregnancy Yoga Class
• Dinner at Milagros 

• Gelato from One Gelato (Lilikoi & Coconut taste amazing together)
• Having Lilikoi for breakfast every morning
• Listening to my “Everything is Energy” podcasts on my morning walks
• Warm weather (75-85 the whole time we were there)
• My new floppy beach hat 

• Nightly barbecues

• Last morning latte at Cafe Des Amis

It was a super fun! I feel very fortunate to have spent time with my friends and relax on the island for awhile. I’ll be back with some lessons and a new recipe. Take care,

Kilee

Maui Bound

Hi everyone! I just wanted to write a quick post to say that I’m leaving to visit my friend on Maui until Monday. I’m not bringing my laptop with me (gasp!) and will try to check me email while I’m there. Have a great rest of the week and I’ll be back blogging on Tuesday or Wednesday. Take care & keep up your healthy habbits! Love,

Kilee

*** Follow me on Twitter here and/or Facebook here for updates!***

My favorite beach near Paia

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How to Start Your Day “Right”

Good morning everyone! Are you enjoying your long weekend? I sure am. Yesterday was a very good “Kilee” day. I took Layla on her morning walk, had my carrot cake protein pancake and coffee while working on the computer.

Check out that cute mug. I got it for Blake because it reminded me of Alaska and Layla. (Sometimes she resembles a bear!)

Then I went to Costco to pick up my toiletries. I find that Costco has the best deal on all of my “necessities” – Cetaphil, Secret Clinical Strength (this is seriously the only deoderant that works for me. I’ve tried all the “natural ones” and they just don’t cut it) Venus disposable razors and pretty pink lip gloss. The only downside to shopping at Costco – opening up their ridiculous cardboard and plastic packaging. I even bought a set of heavy duty scissors yesterday because we didn’t have any at the house.

After my little venture to Costco, I went on an amazing run at a park near our home.

Once I was home, I inhaled an extra large chicken and romaine salad, then picked up the house and finally busted out this Tone It Up workout.

I am rather cheap when it comes to buying most everyday items. I have learned that you should not buy the least expensive exercise ball because it will end up deflating easily and the foot pump that comes with it barely pumps any air when used. With that being said, when this one goes ka-put, I will be buying one that costs more than $9.99!

I went tanning to make up for my lack of being in the sun all day and headed over to my sister’s “PJ” themed birthday party. I even packed my “lean & green” quinoa burger and steamed spinach so I could have it for dinner while at the party. Very exciting, I know :)

While on my run yesterday, I listened to a Everything is Energy podcast with Joan Borysenko. She spoke of the importance of starting our day in the best mindset possible. In order to shift our energy into a positive place, recommends doing something that inspires and invigorates us first thing each morning. What works for one person might not inspire another person, so be authentic to your true self.

Examples of uplifting activities include:

• Taking a walk
• Listening to your favorite music
• Writing in your journal
• Doing a meditation
• Going for a run or bike ride
• Working on a craft project

The key is to start your day doing something you love and create positive energy. I can tell a big difference on the days that I go for a walk with Layla first thing in the morning versus when I have to rush and forgo our morning exercise.

Be sure to sign up for Tone It Up’s Fall Fitness Challenge! I’m going to be participating and strongly encourage you to join in on the fun! You can sign up here.

Whole Nutrition September Special

With the kids going back to school and our Summer fun coming to an end, I am pleased to be offering a special for Whole Nutrition’s diet and lifestyle programs. We all know how much easier it is to stick to a healthy lifestyle with the support of our friends and family. I can offer you as much motivational support as I can. However, creating a healthier lifestyle with the help of a friend or family member is going to give you an extra boost which will help you achieve all of your nutrition and fitness goals.

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For the month of September, Whole Nutrition is running a 2-for-1 special. If you and a friend or family member sign up for a 3-month, 6-month or “Go Gluten-Free” program, you will each receive a personalized program for 1/2 the price! I want for you to have the most support and motivation surrounding you as possible and the best way that I can offer that is to let you and a companion work on your programs simultaneously at a lower cost.

If you are interested in signing up for any of Whole Nutrition’s programs, please email me at kilee@kileejohnson.com. I can go over the program details and answer any questions that you may have. Even if you, personally, are not ready to start on a nutritional program, please pass along this offer to any of your friends or family members who may be interested. The 2-for-1 special will end September 30, 2011. If you wish to take advantage of this offer, you must sign up by September 30th.

Get out there and enjoy this beautiful weather while you can! I suggest a trail run, day at the lake or taking your dog for a long walk. Offer to bring a fresh green salad or healthy fresh fruit dessert to any Labor Day parties that you may be going to.

Take care,

Kilee

“Left-Over Quinoa Salad” Burgers

Hi! How is everyone doing? It’s almost our holiday weekend! I wanted to share my new recipe that I made the other night when I was trying to use up the last of my quinoa salad. I love being resourceful in the kitchen and using whatever is in the fridge instead of heading to the grocery store. I took out some ground organic beef and lamb that I had in the freezer from this dinner and pureed the quinoa salad before mixing them together.

“Left-Over Quinoa Salad” Burgers

Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free

Loosely based off the Garden Beef Burgers in the Better Homes and Garden Cook Book

Makes 4-6 burgers

1 cup quinoa salad (I used this one, but any quinoa/bean/veggie one should work)

1/2 lb. organic ground beef

1/2 lb. ground lamb

1 organic egg or 3 Tablespoons egg whites

1 Tablespoon catsup + more for cooking

1 teaspoon worchestire sauce

1 teaspoon dried onion

1/4 teaspoon garlic salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Preheat your broiler. Position your oven rack so that the burgers will be about 3-4″ from the broiler. Puree the quiona salad in a food processor, blender or magic bullet. Add the egg, catsup, worchestire sauce, dried onion, garlic salt and pepper. Pulse until well combined. In a medium size bowl, mash the ground beef and lamb with a spoon or your hands until fully mixed. Add the quinoa salad mixture to the meat. Mix until well combined.

Spray a roasting rack with cooking spray. (I don’t have a roasting rack, but I placed a cookie rack on top of a baking pan.) Divide your hamburger mixture into 4-6 sections. Using your hands, shape each section into a 1/2″ thick patty. Place on the roasting pan. Broil for 8 minutes. Flip the burgers. Brush with a little catsup. Back an additional 4-6 minutes. Serve on lettuce or with gluten-free buns. I enjoyed mine with a large serving of green beans and extra catsup.

I must be on a burger kick lately because tonight, when I went out to dinner with my cousin and my friend (and his girlfriend) I ordered another burger, sans-bun.

We ate at Noble Rot, which is a rooftop restaurant and wine bar that has their own rooftop garden. It was a spectacular dinner with good food and good friends. There was even a firework show while we were eating our dessert – flowerless chocolate tarte!

Now that I spent the past week celebrating my birthday and eating a little more indulgently than usual, I need to get my rear in gear because I leave for Maui in 1 week! My sister and I are staying with one of my friends that I met when Blake and I lived there. I’m excited because she’s pregnant with a little baby girl and I get to go to one of her ultrasound appointments while I’m there!

My game-plan for the week:

Sticking with my “O-blood type” style of eating

Working out with my favorite “Tone It Up” workouts

A few more HIT cardio sessions

Substituting chocolate and sweets with tea (this one is the hardest for me)

It will all be worth it when I’m in the sun, a week from now. Do you have any fitness goals right now? Mine is to continue my same level of exercise and healthy eating that I have enjoyed this Summer throughout the Fall and Winter. I don’t know about you, but when January hits, my workout motivation drops pretty low. Add my gluten-free sweet tooth to the mix and I have a lot of work to do come Spring Break time – haha!