Author Archives for Kelsey Finkle

Coconut Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry

I haven’t made stir-fry in ages!  I don’t even know how that’s possible but when my roommate made it last week for dinner it’s been on my mind ever since.  I was excited to saute the chicken in coconut oil too.  I’ve really only used coconut oil in some paleo / gluten – free treats so was interested to see how it would come out using it in place of olive oil, etc.  Well it came out delicious!  And now I have lunch for the rest of the week.

Coconut Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry

  • 3 Organic Chicken Breasts
  • 1lb Fresh Mixed Stir Fry Veggies (Whole Foods has a great bin of them in their produce section)
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp Coconut Oil
  • 1/2 Cup Organic Gluten Free Teriyaki Sauce
  • Salt
  • Pepper

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  • Cut the chicken into cubes (or strips) and turn the stove on medium heat.
  • Put the coconut oil in the pan once it gets hot and then throw in the chicken.
  • Throw in the onions from the veggie mix at this point.
  • Saute the chicken until there is no more pink, approximately for 5 minutes.
  • Sprinkle some salt and pepper on the chicken and mix.
  • Add the teriyaki sauce and let simmer on medium heat for a couple of minutes.
  • Add the stir fry vegetables and cover the pan.
  • Turn the burner on low and let cook for about 10 – 15 minutes or until the vegetables are soft.

I put my stir-fry over some quinoa.  It made a great dinner and lunches for the rest of the week!

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Monday’s Workout

Tonight’s workout felt great but it definitely winded me!  I swear every time I look at a Crossfit work out and think “oh that might be a little bit easier” it ends up being such a tough one.  Those tricky Crossfit WOD creators I tell ya!

This is how I chose my workout today.  I went to Crossfit.com.  After not seeing any recent ones that I was feeling I decided to go back a bit further into the archives.  I went to November, 2012 and decided to look at November 3rd because that’s the day that me and Andy went on our first date. Yes, this is how my weird brain works.  I wrote that work-out down along with two others.

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I then texted this exact picture to Andy and asked him which workout I should do.  He really helps with my indecisiveness a lot!  He also knows what my body can and can’t handle and what will challenge me.  It’s nice having a sort-of personal trainer for free! He suggested the first or last one.  I went for the last one:

Three Rounds for Time: I did mine in about 23 minutes

  • Row 500 meters
  • 21 Burpees (I just realized I did 25 for all 3 rounds!)
  • Run 400 meters

How I Started Eating Primal

About two years ago my now boyfriend introduced me to a book that little did I know, would have a big impact on my lifestyle.  That book was “The Primal Blueprint” by Mark Sisson.  I also started reading his blog at http://www.marksdailyapple.com.

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I am not a dietitian or nutritionist so I am not going to get all scientific on you.  Eating primal (very closely related to paleo) is based on eating and moving the way our ancestors did….yes cavemen.  Which is why this is often called “The Caveman Diet.”  After reading the book I decided to give it a try and started eating a new diet that consisted of mainly:

  • Meat, Fish, Poultry
  • Eggs
  • Nuts
  • Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
  • Minimal Dairy

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I removed from my diet the following:

  • Simple Carbs (White bread, flour, rice, etc)
  • Processed Foods

I began to see improvements within just the first month.  I lost some weight, nothing drastic, but it felt great.  I definitely gained more energy too which of course helped me want to stay active most days of the week.  This new diet combined with new activities including yoga and crossfit have put me in the best shape I’ve ever been in.

Humps to get over

When I tell people about my diet they are often pretty skeptical.  When I first started eating primal the hardest part was that I was starting to eat FAT.  Yes animal fat…from steak, from chicken, and from a lot of BACON!  I thought “no way.” If I was eating all of this FAT then I was going to gain weight, right?  Wrong.  Cutting out carbs and processed foods re-programs your body.  It will start to burn the fat you are introducing.  Think of the fat as your fuel.  This is the fuel humans were created to run on and burn.  Okay, that’s about as scientific I’ll get!

2010

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2013

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The pictures above may not even look that different but all I know is adopting a primal lifestyle has made me the strongest and healthiest I have ever felt!

Take Me Back Tuesday – Aruba!

If you take a look through my passport you might find an Aruba stamp on every page.  My parents have had a time share there for about 10 years now so I have been quite a few times.  It is an absolutely beautiful island!  The locals are friendly, there are a ton of activities to do, and beautiful places to see.  Aruba has something for everyone from families to couples to friends!  I have always gone during the month of January which has always had perfect weather.  Although I hear it’s pretty much perfect year round.

Accommodation

The La Cabana

The La Cabana is an awesome resort off of the hi-rise strip and right across from the beach.  I haven’t been there in a few years but my parents said that they have been doing a ton of renovations recently so it just keeps getting better and better!

Pool

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Pool Bar

They have great happy hours with live music!

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My Favorite Things To Do

Kukoo Kunuku (Pronounced koo-koo koo-noo-koo)!

This has always been one of my favorite things to do in Aruba.  This crazy and fun school bus picks you up at your hotel.  You first stop for a champagne toast at sunset up on a hill.  It’s gorgeous!  Then they take you to a local residence to have dinner.  The night really gets started with stops at three different local bars around the island.  It’s a blast!

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The Jolly Pirate Snorkeling Tour

This snorkeling tour is so much more than that!  The snorkeling is really cool and takes you around a ship-wreck but on top of that you get open bar, snacks, and the chance to jump off the rope swing!  Or hop on the “captains” back and flip into the water.  You also get to see an amazing sunset!

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The Tattoo Booze Cruise

This one is for the party people!  I went on this with my friend when we were about 20 years old.  It goes out at night and is a lot of fun with a ton of music and dancing.  They also have a 3 story enclosed water slide that empties into the Caribbean sea….can’t believe I did that!

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Four Wheeling to the other side of the island

There are a bunch of different companies that do these tours.  I’ve done a couple but they all pretty much go to the other side of the island to show you some gorgeous uninhabited beached and cliffs.

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Restaurants / Bars

  • The Sopranos Piano Bar – A super fun and intimate piano bar.  You can stand right next to the piano and request songs!
  • The Flying Fishbone Restaurant – An absolutely gorgeous sunset with tables are in the sand right on the water.  Great for a special night!
  • Texas de Brazil – A Brazilian Steakhouse.  You just can’t go wrong at a Brazilian Steakhouse.

You really can’t go wrong in Aruba.  It’s an awesome place to get away to a beautiful place, relax, and have some fun!

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