A morning walk will do you good....

I love to exercise. I am that girl on vacation that wakes up everyday and goes for a run. I am that friend at Girls Weekend at the beach, that makes someone else come with me for a walk to enjoy the ocean. I believe in exercise as a religion, an escape, something to do everyday that is good for me and makes me feel good.

I know most of America does not share this same excitement for exercise. The look on my girlfriends faces when I ask who is joining me for a walk after a long night out, tells me so. However, exercise does not have to be punishment, it does not have to be hard. You just need to move your body for 30-45 minutes.

Walking is the easiest way to exercise. All you need is sneakers on your feet. I walk a few times a week and make it fun by talking to family or friends on the East Coast, listening to music, or simply knowing a Cappuccino is waiting for me after the 45 minutes.

So, if you have made up your mind that you hate exercise. I recommend finding something you enjoy, walking, dancing, tennis, swimming. Find something where your body is moving that you don't consider exercise.

Ways to make exercise FUN!

Ways to make exercise FUN!

1. Walk with a friend to catch up and then have a healthy lunch. 
2. Grab your coffee and stroll the neighborhood or at the local park in the fresh air of the morning. 
3. Take a dance class or lesson with your significant other. 
4. Go swimming with your kids in the pool. 
5. Get a group of friends together and sign up for a Pilates class. 

Life is too short, but exercise will make it longer!
In Health,
Tricia

Give me a Key West Address!

In 26 days I will be enjoying the sights and sounds of Duval Street in Key West, Florida. The yearly trip has become something I look forward to. I can't wait for the heat, the food, and the smell of the warm air!
If you ever get a chance to check out this amazing part of the USA here are a few of my favorites:

Tranquility Bay (http://www.tranquilitybay.com)- This resort is actually in Marathon, about an hour or so drive North from Key West. It's the first place I ever stayed in the keys and it has everything you need! Beautifully decorated condos with a kitchen and porches with lovely views, 2 pools, a fabulous restaurant, and a tiki bar that serves lunch and has a pretty great Rum Punch!


Stuffed Pig (http://www.thestuffedpig.com/)- A local breakfast spot that serves Mimosas in plastic champagne flutes among trailers, yard art, and knick knacks. It's how breakfast in the Keys should be done! After you fill up on their World Famous Pig Breakfast head to the 7 mile bridge for a walk to burn it off! The bridge is a little piece of history with amazing views of the ocean and if you get luck you'll see a turtle or two!


Orchid Key Inn (http://orchidkeyinn.com/)- We stayed here for the first time last year and liked it so much that we are staying again. It's hip, retro, and stylish. Right on Duval Street but quiet with a fabulous pool, and a bar run by a very interesting woman who has great stories to tell. Have a margarita by the pool and literally waste the day away!


Bistro 245 (http://www.starwoodhotels.com/pub/media/1780/bistrobreakfast_copy1.pdf) - Breakfast with a view! The restaurant is connected to the Westin on the on the waterfront of "old Key West". A healthy menu, mimosas, and ocean views is a fabulous way to start the day. Before breakfast my favorite thing to do is take a run through Key West, its quiet, still somewhat cool, and burns off all the calories and alcohol from the day before. Its a great way to wake up and rejuvenate. 

Yoga on the Beach (http://yogaonbeach.com/)- This year will be the first time I take a Yoga on the Beach class. I have high hopes and will keep you posted!


Hog Breath (http://www.hogsbreath.com/key-west/)- Do not leave Key West without going to Hog's Breath. It's a must do. I love their veggie burger and margaritas. They have live music everyday and even a webcam that you can say hi to family back home!

Louie's Backyard (http://louiesbackyard.com/)- When the sun is starting to go down find yourself on Louie's back deck and you won't regret it. Great cocktails, ocean breezes, and a little bit of classy in the Florida Keys. 

Kelly's (http://www.kellyskeywest.com/)- This place is so fabulous that we aren't allowed to go without JB's parents or we get in trouble! Margaritas, micro brews, and try the soft pretzel appetizer (I ate the whole thing myself one night) among the gum trees and happy people of the keys. It's owned by Kelly McGillis of Top Gun and is the birth place of Pan American airlines which first flight was to Havana, Cuba.


Doin' the Duval crawl
And Hog's Breath is better, yes
Than no breath at all
All the blenders and the vendors
In the town we love the best
And there's nothing like her island beauty
DOWN IN OL' KEY WEST
- Ol' Key West song lyrics

BBQ Wraps

Spring is in the air and Summer is not too far away! This recipe is a light, healthy meal for lunch or dinner as the days get warmer.

BBQ Wraps

Ingredients: (Serves 4)
4 Whole Wheat Tortillas
Olive Oil
BBQ Sauce (Sugar Free is you can find it!)
1 cup of Broccoli with stems cut off
1 cup of Red Onions cut in half moon
1 cup of Carrots sliced small
1 cup of Zucchini sliced into a half moon shape
Low Fat shredded Mexican or Cheddar Cheese
* Optional Chicken in small chunks
*Optional Tofu of Sietan cut small

Cook Chicken, Tofu, or Sietan. Saute Onions in 1 tablespoon of Olive Oil. Add Zucchini and saute till slightly tan color, add Carrots and Broccoli. Stir until Broccoli is bright green and then remove from heat. Stir in BBQ sauce to coat veggies. Add Chicken, Tofu, and Sietan and stir.
Warm tortilla and fill with veggie and protein mixture. Top with a sprinkle of cheese.
Enjoy!