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5.15 Friday Faves – The Fitnessista

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Hiiii! Happy Friday! How are you?? I hope that you’ve had a wonderful week.

There’s been a lot going on around here! We had three weeks of travel – Las Vegas, El Paso for the BTS concert and I went to NYC for our mastermind last week – and Liv graduated from 8th grade! P still has one week left of school (poor thing lol) but then were in summer mode and I can’t wait. Sharing some pics from the recent adventures below!

Lola wanted to show you her ponytail and tell you she tried to eat our guinea pig this week.

It’s time for the weekly Friday Faves roundup! This is where I share some of my favorite finds from the week and around the web. I always love hearing about your faves, too, so please shout out something you’re loving in the comments section below.

5.15 Friday Faves

Fashion, beauty, random:

NYC! This is one of my favorite places in the world and I was so pumped when I found out our mastermind would be meeting there for the spring events and brainstroming. (I’ve worked with Jill as one my business coaches and have been in her mastermind for years.)

Some highlights from the trip:

Business besties! I got to see some of my longtime friends and business besties, Giselle, Amber and Tina. In between sessions, we had so much fun and got to enjoy shopping, delicious food, and late night snacks and Pretty Woman in the hotel room.

The days were full of brainstorming and hot seats, and it was interesting to hear what everyone else is going in this rapidly-changing space. AI has changed the online space in many ways (some great, some devastating cough ad revenue cough), and it was helpful for me to get some new tips on ads, launch strategy, systems, and funnels.

MJ the Musical.

This wasn’t one that I would pick to see on my own (I like MJ but I’m not like OMG MICHAEL JACKSON if that makes sense) but it blew me away. The dancing and singing were incredible, and we have to admit that Michael Jackson has some BANGERS. It was amazing. Afterwards, we caught a rickshaw back to the hotel and were singing and dancing to Michael Jackson while people on the street were vibing with us. It was everything haha.

Amber and I stayed an extra night and saw Moulin Rouge! I *tried* to see it when it came to Tucson – I left during intermission because it was a mess haha – but wanted to give it another chance because one of my faaaves, Kelsie Watts, is the lead. It was INCREDIBLE. Her voice is a dream, the actor who played Christian was wonderful, the sets, dancing, production value, it was all amazing.

We also had the best gluten-free pizza and spent all day Saturday shopping on 5th ave before heading to the airport.

I was home just in time for Mother’s Day!

We had the best brunch at La Paloma with friends,

and met up with some other friends at their cabana at the pool.

That evening, we celebrated with my mom and nana at the park with takeout, drinks, and the kids could all run around and play.

Some purchases from lately:

these wrinkle patches. I like them even more than Frownies. I have a hard time peeling Frownies off my skin and these are lighter but seem to work just as well. They have a tiny bit of copper peptide, too, which is well-absorbed through the skin.

These jean shorts from Aritzia. Perfect length, not too expensive and fit TTS.

This book was highly recommend in our mastermind, so I ordered it.

I also ordered this book at the recommendation of a mentorship client who loves it.

More of my favorite CBD gummies. I had to re-audition for the symphony chorus this week and half of one of these helped my nerves immensely. It’s like instant calm. You can use GINAH here.

I LOVE linen for summer but don’t always love the prices. I ordered some pieces from Quince and will report back!

Dazzle Dry. After about five solid years of having dip nails, I’m giving them a break for summer and letting them breathe. They’re already driving me crazy so let’s see how long I last.

This had great review and while it’s ok, I don’t love it. I just love the thick and shiny look of dip but am trying to decrease toxins while I get my autoimmune stuff under control again.

Read, watch, listen:

FINALLY finished this book and while I think it dragged on a bit longer than it needed to, it was worth sticking with it. I definitely shed a tear or two at the last page. It was beautiful and definitely lived up to the hype.

Already excited for the next season of DWTS.

Fitness, health, and good eats:

Excited for new recipe inspo.

Healthy summer party and grilling recipes.

Thank you so much for stopping by the blog today! Have an amazing weekend and I’ll see ya soon!

xoxo

Gina



Sandwiches Don’t Have to Be Boring


Sandwiches Don’t Have to Be Boring

These sandwich recipes are satisfying, full of BIG flavors, and perfect for lunch and dinner. No boring sandwiches here!

spicy chicken sandwich with spicy sauce on a plate

Sandwiches that are worthy of a (real) meal!

cookbook author erin clarke of well plated

If sandwiches are what you turn to when you’re in a time crunch or don’t feel like cooking, it’s time to rethink that.

These sandwich recipes are anything but boring—and they’re not the kind of thing you throw together and eat on the run. Nope, you’re going to have to sit down for these sandwiches!

To me, one of the best things about sandwiches is how flexible they are. You can put leftovers to use (hello, meatloaf sandwich!), swap one topping for another, and you can pair them with anything from a handful of store-bought potato chips, to Homemade Fries or Healthy Potato Salad.

gourmet steak sandwich on ciabatta with red onions

Steak Sandwich

Juicy steak paired with crusty bread and flavorful toppings turns a simple sandwich into a dinner you actually look forward to.

Check out this recipe

Raspberry Chipotle Bacon Grilled Cheese

Raspberry Chipotle Bacon Grilled Cheese

Sweet, smoky, crispy, melty, this sandwich has a LOT going on. Make sure you have a napkin on hand for this one!

Check out this recipe

A grilled cheese sandwich filled with slices of meatloaf, stacked in two halves on a wooden surface.

Meatloaf Sandwich

Cold meatloaf becomes something completely different once layered onto toasted bread with sauce and crunchy toppings. YUM!

Check out this recipe

crock pot bbq chicken sandwiches with slaw on top

Pulled Chicken Sandwich

Tender BBQ chicken, crunchy slaw, soft buns come together in this delightfully messy and seriously delicious sandwich.

Check out this recipe

the best baked spicy chicken sandwich

Spicy Chicken Sandwich

Crispy, spicy, crunchy, and cooling toppings, this recipe has everything you love about a restaurant chicken sandwich, made at home.

Check out this recipe

Turkey Cheddar Apple Grilled Cheese Sandwich. The best flavors of fall! Melty cheddar, sweet apple butter, granny smith apples, and healthy turkey make an amazing sweet and savory flavor combination that tastes like fall! Healthy comfort food that’s perfect for fast lunches and easy family meals. Recipe at wellplated.com

Apple Grilled Cheese with Turkey

Sweet apple butter with sharp cheddar and savory turkey is the coziest combination for fall. (But you can totally eat it year-round too!)

Check out this recipe

Caprese sandwiches with pesto

Caprese Sandwich

Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and good bread are all you need for this iconic summer sandwich.

Check out this recipe

Related Recipes

two chickpea salad sandwich halves stacked on plate

Chickpea Salad Sandwich

Save Recipe Saved
A close-up of a hand holding a thick sandwich filled with layers of tomatoes, lettuce, sprouts, avocado, cheese, and whole grain bread, with visible seeds and a colorful, fresh appearance.

Turkey Artichoke Pesto Sandwich

Save Recipe Saved
shredded chicken sandwich with Greek yogurt

Shredded Chicken Sandwich

Save Recipe Saved

Air Fryer Mediterranean Chicken Bites (Ready in 25 Minutes!)


These air fryer Mediterranean chicken bites use ground chicken with feta, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs for a delicious twist on kofta that’s packed with Mediterranean flavor.

Kofta is a beloved Middle Eastern dish made with seasoned ground meat that’s traditionally grilled on skewers or shaped into patties. I used it as my inspiration for this recipe — I love using the air fryer to make these Mediterranean chicken bites because they cook up golden and crispy on the outside while staying incredibly juicy on the inside. Plus, the whole thing comes together in just 25 minutes!

Recipe Highlights

  • Ready in 25 minutes: With just 10 minutes of prep and 15 minutes in the air fryer, this is a true weeknight dinner hero.
  • Packed with Mediterranean flavor: Feta, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh mint, and parsley give these chicken bites serious depth without a long ingredient list.
  • No skewers needed: Instead of fussing with skewers, you simply press the mixture into the air fryer basket and score it into pieces — so easy!
  • Lighter than traditional chicken patties: Ground chicken keeps things lean while the feta and sun-dried tomatoes add plenty of moisture and richness.
  • Meal-prep friendly: Make a batch on Sunday and enjoy it all week long over rice, in wraps, or on salads.

Ingredients Needed

  • Ground chicken — the base of these bites. You can also use ground turkey, or mix in some ground beef or pork for extra richness.
  • Feta crumbles — adds a salty, tangy kick that melts into the meat as it cooks.
  • Sun-dried tomatoes in oil — these bring a concentrated, sweet-savory tomato flavor and help keep the chicken moist.
  • Red onion — finely minced for a subtle bite and crunch.
  • Sea salt & Italian seasoning — simple seasonings that let the other flavors shine.
  • Fresh parsley & mint — a classic Mediterranean herb duo! They add brightness and that unmistakable Mediterranean freshness.

How to Make Air Fryer Mediterranean Chicken Bites

Preheat: Start by preheating your air fryer to 350°F.

Mix: Add the ground chicken, feta crumbles, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, minced red onion, sea salt, Italian seasoning, parsley, and mint to a large bowl. Use a silicone spatula to stir everything together until well combined.

Shape: Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper and transfer the chicken mixture into the basket. Press it down so it’s flat and even across the surface.

Score: Using the spatula, separate the mixture into three columns with vertical lines, breaking the sections apart so they don’t touch. Then make horizontal lines about 2 inches apart down each column to create individual pieces.

Air fry: Drizzle the chicken with a little olive oil, then air fry for 10–15 minutes until the chicken is golden brown on the outside and cooked through. Remove from the air fryer and serve over rice!

Serving Suggestions

These air fryer Mediterranean chicken bites are incredibly versatile! Here are some of my favorite ways to serve it:

  • Over rice: White rice, basmati, or even cauliflower rice with a big dollop of yogurt on top.
  • In a pita wrap: Stuff the chicken pieces into warm pita with cucumber, tomatoes, pickled onions, and tahini sauce.
  • On a mezze plate: Serve alongside hummus, tabbouleh, pickles, and warm flatbread for a spread.
  • As a salad topper: Chop up the pieces and serve over a big Mediterranean salad with lemon vinaigrette.
  • With roasted veggies: Pair with roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant for a complete meal.

Storing & Freezing Leftovers

A plate of rice topped with grilled chicken kebabs, chopped red onion, red bell pepper, cucumber, and a dollop of yogurt, garnished with a mint leaf.

More of My Favorite Air Fryer Dinner Recipes

  • Preheat the air fryer to 350℉.

  • Add all of the ingredients to a large bowl. Using a silicone spatula, stir to combine.

    A glass bowl with a gray spoon contains a mixture of mashed white beans, chopped herbs, red onion, and sun-dried tomatoes on a light-colored surface.
  • Line the basket of the air fryer with parchment paper and fill with the ground chicken mixture. Press the mixture down so it is flat and even.

    Uncooked mixture of herbs, vegetables, and cheese pressed into a round baking dish lined with parchment paper inside an air fryer basket.
  • Use the spatula to separate the chicken into three sections with a vertical line, breaking the sections apart so they don’t touch (creating columns). Then, create little horizontal lines, about 2 inches apart, all the way down the columns.

    Square pieces of uncooked, herb-filled dough arranged in an air fryer basket lined with parchment paper.
  • Drizzle the chicken with olive oil and air fry for 10-15 minutes or until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the air fryer and serve over rice.

    A round air fryer basket containing sliced, baked bread or dough with herbs, lined with parchment paper, on a light gray surface.

You can use ground turkey instead of ground chicken.
Feel free to add flavor and fat by adding some ground pork or ground beef to the ground chicken.
If you would like to add spice, add red pepper flakes.

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Do This Every Morning 20 min (low impact) full-body workout

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Start your day with a smile on your face and by putting your health first! This will set the tone for your day and you will get your workout done first thing!

When I asked my community on Instagram (@growwithjo) what the most difficult part of their days were, there was a huge response saying “WAKING UP”, “STARTING MY DAY RIGHT”, “BEING IN A GOOD MOOD WHEN I WAKE UP”.

I totally get this. Especially if you are waking up early and just not feeling like getting yourself to move out of your bed.

This is why I created this workout; to help you feel energized when you wake up, to boost your metabolism and for you to lose weight faster!

Remember that exercise is only part of the journey. If your goal is to see a physical change, you will also have to take into consideration the amount and quality of the food that you are eating!

If your goal is not to lose weight, that’s okay! This workout is great for all (especially beginners) – the entire workout is all standing, no equipment is needed, and you can even do this workout in a small space.

If any of the exercises are too challenging for you or too fast, slow it down, go at your own pace and if you cant continue to do the exercise, just walk in place. The goal is to keep your heart rate elevated so you get that metabolism boost and see RESULTS from this workout!

I know you’ve got this- there is nothing that can stop you if you put your mind to it!

0:00 Intro
2:10 Workout
21:54 Ending Notes

_________________________________________________________________
DISCLAIMER:
All information provided by growwithjo is of a general nature and is furnished only for educational/entertainment purposes only. No information is to be taken as medical or other health advice pertaining to any individual specific health or medical condition. You agree that use of this information is at your own risk and hold growwithjo harmless from any and all losses, liabilities, injuries or damages resulting from any and all claims.

growwithjo beginner workouts abs workout walking all standing low impact fun fitness videos

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Healthy | 15 Minutes | Weightloss Friendly MASALA PANEER BOWL🥰

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15 minute – Summer Special Healthy, Quick & Delicious
MASALA PANEER BOWL 🥰

If you are looking for healthy meals that hardly takes any time to prep, looks fancy and tastes absolutely amazing – try this recipe !!
It’s a perfect lunch option for days when you don’t feel like cooking.

RECIPE –
Creamy Salad-
1/2 cup carrots julienne
1/2 cup cucumber julienne
1 cup hung curd
1 clove garlic, grated
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp black salt
Grilled Paneer –
Low fat , thin paneer slices
2 tbsp mustard oil
1 tsp degi mirch powder
1/4 tsp haldi powder
1 tbsp kasuri methi
salt to taste
a pinch of garam masala

Cook till charred . Assemble and enjoy !!

#foodshorts #foodlover #foodies #masterchef #kritidhiman #masterchefkritidhiman #healthyfood #recipe #shorts #reels #foodinfluencer #punjabifood #indianfoodrecipe #sweetrecipe #breakfastrecipe #receipes #vegetarian #cakes #shortsreels #youtubereels #food #paneerrecipes

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HOW TO GAIN WEIGHT FAST FOR SKINNY WOMEN! FAST METABOLISM, NO APETAMIN!! | My Weight Gain Journey

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Sis, I HAVE FINALLY STARTED GAINING ACTUAL WEIGHT!! 20 LBS to be exact! If you are anything like me, you have tried to gain weight for YEARS and nothing works! In today’s video I am sharing what has been working for me and and my progress thus far. Hopefully this video helps you and is relatable. Make sure to subscribe to stay caught up with my journey!

I purchase Serious Mass Protein Powder from Academy Sports $35.99 per container. 17 servings per container

New Videos Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 3PM CST!
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TWISTOUT 201 Series https://rb.gy/o16p5a

I am CurlieCrys (Crystal) and I decided to take a risk with my hair by becoming natural four years ago! Since then, I have had the opportunity to help my audience learn more about their natural hair by inspiring, educating, entertaining, and guiding them down the road to a healthier hair journey! My journey hasn’t been easy but it is worthwhile!

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WANNA SEND ME SOMETHING??!
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Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE!
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Intro Song: Emmy Trish – Damn, He Compelling

FTC: Not Sponsored

#WeightGain #FastMetabolism #WeightGainJourney

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How Prebiotic Foods Keep Your Microbiome Healthy

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We co-evolved a symbiosis with our good gut bacteria, but we aren’t holding up our end of the bargain.

If you look at the classics—the most frequently cited articles in the scientific nutrition literature—the original glycemic index paper ranks tenth, cited more than a thousand times. Learning about fruits, vegetables, and cancer prevention comes in seventh. But hitting the top four, cited more than 2,000 times: “Dietary Modulation of the Human Colonic Microbiota: Introducing the Concept of Prebiotics.”

As I discuss in my video How to Keep Your Microbiome Healthy with Prebiotic Foods, prebiotics are the food components that nourish and feed the good bacteria in our gut, like fiber and resistant starch. Eating high-fiber plant foods is generally “a good foundation for a prebiotic-rich diet.”

Once upon a time, fiber was thought of as just the undigested part of food, known only for bulking up stools and keeping bowels regular. Then researchers discovered an array of receptors in the body that fiber-breakdown products fit into like a lock and key. We feed our good bacteria with fiber, and they feed us right back, munching the fiber and creating short-chain fatty acids. These fatty acids get absorbed into our bloodstream and fit into these receptors that are expressed on immune cells, generally having a direct anti-inflammatory effect.

So, the reason behind lower systemic inflammation in plant-based eaters may not just be due to the abundance of anti-inflammatory molecules in plant foods or the avoidance of proinflammatory molecules in animal foods, but from the production of anti-inflammatory molecules from scratch by our good gut bugs when we feed them fiber. Just to give you an idea of how protective fiber-rich foods can be, those randomized to get advice on eating fiber-rich plant foods during radiation therapy for cancer didn’t just experience reduced toxicity during the treatments—the benefit persisted even a full year later.

Indeed, the benefits of fiber are supported by more than a century of research. Prospective studies show “striking reductions” in death from all causes put together, including “total cancer deaths, total cardiovascular disease deaths and incidence, stroke incidence, and incidence of colorectal, breast, and oesophageal cancer.” And, in terms of protecting against heart attacks and stroke, type 2 diabetes, and cancer, dose-response relationships suggest that the more fiber, the better. So, at a minimum, fiber intake should be no less than 25 to 29 grams per day; higher intake may provide additional benefits. Yet, the average American only consumes about 16 grams of fiber each day.

We have coevolved with gut bacteria over millennia, becoming reliant on our good gut bugs in a kind of symbiosis for fiber digestion and the production of short-chain fatty acids and even certain vitamins. Yet we’re not holding up our end of the bargain. We’re supposed to be providing up to 100 or so grams of fiber a day, and we are barely passing along a measly 16 grams. The simplest solution to remedy this lack of dietary fiber is to encourage eating plant-based diets rich in fiber.

Doctor’s Note

A hundred grams of fiber a day?! Check out Paleopoo: What We Can Learn from Fossilized Feces.

And, for more on prebiotics, see Prebiotics: Tending Our Inner Garden.



Keto & Intermittent Fasting While Pregnant or Breastfeeding

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If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, should you do keto or intermittent fasting? Find out from Dr. Berg.

Just so you know, my full line of high-quality supplements is available on Amazon — search Dr. Berg Supplements.

#shorts #keto #intermittentfasting #breastfeed

ADD YOUR SUCCESS STORY HERE:
https://www.drberg.com/add-client-success-story?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=description

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Talk to a Dr. Berg Keto Consultant today and get the help you need on your journey. Call 1-540-299-1556 with your questions about Keto, Intermittent Fasting or the use of Dr. Berg products. Consultants are available Monday through Friday from 8 am to 10 pm EST. Saturday & Sunday from 9 am to 6 pm EST. USA Only.

Dr. Eric Berg DC Bio:
Dr. Berg, age 56, is a chiropractor who specializes in Healthy Ketosis & Intermittent Fasting. He is the author of the best-selling book The Healthy Keto Plan, and is the Director of Dr. Berg Nutritionals. He no longer practices, but focuses on health education through social media.

DR. BERG’S SHOP: http://shop.drberg.com/

Follow us on FACEBOOK: https://fb.me/DrEricBerg

ABOUT DR. BERG: https://www.drberg.com/dr-eric-berg/bio

Disclaimer:
Dr. Eric Berg received his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic in 1988. His use of “doctor” or “Dr.” in relation to himself solely refers to that degree. Dr. Berg is a licensed chiropractor in Virginia, California, and Louisiana, but he no longer practices chiropractic in any state and does not see patients so he can focus on educating people as a full time activity, yet he maintains an active license. This video is for general informational purposes only. It should not be used to self-diagnose and it is not a substitute for a medical exam, cure, treatment, diagnosis, and prescription or recommendation. It does not create a doctor-patient relationship between Dr. Berg and you. You should not make any change in your health regimen or diet before first consulting a physician and obtaining a medical exam, diagnosis, and recommendation. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

#keto #ketodiet #weightloss #ketolifestyle

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Doctor VS Nutritionists 🔥🔥 || #shorts #trending #doctor #vs #nutritionist #hardwork

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Doctor VS Nutritionists 🔥🔥 || #shorts #trending #doctor #vs #nutritionist #hardwork
#my_neet_journey_0807 #neet_wali_0807

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