Purely Fit Video Nutrition video 3

Healthy Vanilla Cupcake Recipe

This recipe is from one of my vegetarian magazines. It's one of the better cupcake recipes I've tried. Now, I don't really like cupcakes. I'm just not a fan of cakey-stuff, I prefer brownies or just plain chocolate bars! My son and husband however, are experts! This recipe has passed the guys seal of approval.

Join me tomorrow for De-Stress Wednesday!

Stay Purely Fit and enjoy a cupcake!

Shannon

Yield: 12 cupcakes

Ingredients

Frosting

• 2 large egg whites
• 1/2 cup sugar
• Pinch salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Finely grated zest of 1/2 lemon
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, chilled and cut into cubes

Cupcakes

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups coarsely shredded, peeled zucchini (about 2 small)

Instructions

Frosting

1. Combine the egg whites, sugar, salt and vanilla extract in a heatproof bowl.
2. Set over (not in) a pan of simmering water.
3. Stir continuously over heat until the mixture is warm and the sugar is completely dissolved, 1 to 2 minutes.
4. Remove the bowl from the heat.
5. Using a handheld electric or standing mixer, set on high beat until the mixture is entirely cooled, glossy and stiff, about 7 minutes.
6. Beat in the lemon zest, and add the butter cubes, a few at a time, beating until the butter is almost fully incorporated after each addition.
7. Beat until smooth – once smooth, take care not to over beat, or the mixture will get lumpy.
8. Let frosting set and cool in the refrigerator (at least 30 minutes) while making the cupcakes.

Cupcakes

1. Preheat the oven to 350˚F.
2. Arrange a rack in the center of the oven. Line a 12-muffin pan with cupcake liners.
3. In a bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder; set aside.
4. In another bowl, beat the eggs, sugar, salt and vanilla with a handheld electric or standing mixer until thick and light colored, about 4 minutes.
5. Beat in the zucchini on medium speed until fully incorporated.
6. Add the dry ingredients and beat on low speed until fully incorporated, scraping down the bowl once with a spatula during beating.
7. Use a 1/3 cup measure to spoon into the muffin cups.
8. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 20-25 minutes, turning the pans midway through baking.
9. Transfer cupcakes onto a wire rack, and cool completely before icing with the chilled frosting.

Purely Fit Video Monday Energize lesson2

Monday's Mishap, Energize, Nutrition and More!

Well yesterday's video in the Purely Fit video series didn't get uploaded because of a technical glitch. The glitch is being fixed right now and both Mondays video and today (Tues) will be posted by this evening.

Mondays are dedicated to Energy, how to stay energized naturally, tips and info on cardiovascular exercise and fat-burning. Yesterday's video shows how to incorporate a little cardio into your daily routine without leaving your chair. Cardio-Chair exercising is a great way to get your heart pumping at the office for a midday pick-up, or in the evening while watching you favorite TV show. In yesterdays video I also show you a quick 5 minute breathing-stretch exercise that helps ward off midday fatigue! It's way better than grabbing a sugary snack or high caffeine drink that will have you crashing a few hours later.

Today is Tuesday. Tuesdays are dedicated to Nutrition. I will be exploring the soul-mind-body connection to food, how we feel about food determines how it assimilates in your body, and giving you healthy recipes!

Get up and move today, say ONE nice thing about your body today and eat something that makes you feel good body, mind and soul today!

Until tomorrow - Stay Purely Fit!

Shannon

Purely Fit Video Series, vid.1

Comfort Food Recipe to warm up those winter days!

It's 85 degrees here in sunny Southern California today, a heat wave even for us! So it's kind of hard to talk about comfort food that warms you in this kind of weather. I know there are many places right now that are knee deep in snow and sub-zero weather, so I'm posting the comfort food recipe just for you!

This first recipe is great by itself or as a side dish.

I LOVE potatoes! I love them baked, fried and mashed. What I don't love is grease, fat and extra calories that turn a healthy vitamin packed food into a heart-attack waiting to happen.

The potato has received some bad press, with many avoiding the potato or sweet potato completely. In actuality the potato is a healthy complex carbohydrate that is low in calories, high in fiber and vital nutrients.

This recipe is for healthy mashed-potatoes. Serve them with a main dish, or eat them as a main dish!

MASHED RED POTATOES

*1 lb small red potatoes, unpeeled an scrubbed
*1 tbsp olive oil
*1 medium leek, white and light green parts only, thinly sliced
*1 tsp minced fresh rosemary leaves
*1/4 cup low-fat sour cream
*1/4 cup skim milk
*Fresh ground black pepper (to taste)

Step One:
Cut potatoes in half and place in a medium saucepan. Fill pan with enough cold water to cover potatoes by at least 1 inch. Bring water to a boil, reduce heat to medium and cook for 15 minutes or until fork-tender.

Step Two:
At the same time, heat oil on medium-low in a small skillet. Add leek and cook, stirring occasionally, until very soft, about 8 minutes. Add rosemary and stir for 30 seconds. Remove pan from heat.

Step Three:
In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream and milk; set aside.

Step Four: When potatoes are tender, drain well then return to pot. Lightly mash potatoes using a potato masher or large fork. Add leeks, sour cream mixture, salt and pepper, then stir until creamy but still slightly chunky.
Serve immediately.

Serves: 4
Total time: 30 minutes

Calories: 154
Fat: 5 grams
Carbs: 23 grams
Fiber: 2 grams
Sugars: 4 grams
Protein: 4 grams
Sodium: 148 mg
Cholesterol: 8 mg

Friday Fitness

Fantastic Friday everyone!

After a long year off from blogging, focusing on writing and my SUP Shape-Up class, it's now time to get back to it! Purely Fit is officially launching our daily online Positive Self-Image Fitness and Nutritional Training tips, February 2011! I will also be blogging weekly and sharing fitness tips, healthy recipes and positive self-esteem tips for your best body ever!


Today is a great day to think about your fitness goals for the weekend. Although the weekends are well needed for rest and relaxation, it's also a good time to add a little extra movement to your week. Assess your movement and eating for this past week and determine what your fitness and nutrition goals should be for the next few days.

Tomorrow I'll be sharing a great winter recipe that soothes and comforts, but is low-calorie, vegetarian and good fuel for your body!

~Shannon