This is a quick and easy refreshing strawberries snack. You can have it between your meals, when you feel hungry or crave for something sweet and sugary. Also, because of the protein rich cottage cheese, it makes a great fulfilling “meal” before you go to bed; although ‘lean & green’ would be my first choice 🙂 Nevertheless, for those who stuff themselves up with junk food before the bed time – this would be a better choice. If you don’t have/like fresh strawberries, replace them with other fruits, or add frozen. I wouldn’t recommend fruits from cans because those usually have added sugar. Also, if you want to modify this recipe and make it a post-workout meal, add a scoop of vanilla protein powder. For breakfast, indulge yourself it with an additional half a cup of cooked oatmeal. Yummy! Try this and see what works for you best.
The Perfect Strawberry Diet Snack ★ Healthy, Fulfilling, Yummy, Low fat, High Protein & Fresh Fruits
Arms & Chest Exercises on a Stability Ball ★ Upper body workout (Chest, Back, Arms & Shoulders)
Really supper easy workout that will help you get your upper body in shape. It will tone your arms, chest, shoulders, etc. If you wish to intensify the workout use heavier weights. It’s ok if you do only a few repetitions; however, try to do at least 8 reps. Eventually you will get stronger and you will be able to do all reps. Exercising on a stability ball engages your other muscles as well (your core & abs, for example) so take advantage of this workout and try it out. Especially ladies who want to look sexy in a tank top 😉
How to Lose Holiday Weight Gain ★Post-Holiday Diet Plan &Tips to Get Back on Track
Did you overindulgence yourself with traditional foods, delicious cakes and your favorite cocktails? I certainly did. What a heck, that’s what’s holiday for, right?! How many of you feel bigger and heavier after holidays? I bet some of you are afraid to step on a scale! 🙂 That’s okay. If you eat clean & healthy everyday and allowed yourself to have a bigger plate for a few days or an extra desert at the family dinner table – don’t panic. You should get back on track in a few days. However, if you started “celebrating” several weeks before the holidays, then you have more work to do. Create a workout plan for this week or maybe for the next month. Exercise 3 to 6 days a week for at least 30 min. a day. Don’t forget to include cardio exercises. Feel free to use my workout videos – there are plenty of choices to help you. 
The sooner you start exercising the better your body will look by the Memorial Day. Normally, I don’t follow any diets. I try to eat everything healthy, prepare it myself and control how much I put on a plate. That’s it. It works for me. It is the best and easiest diet I know. Aim to eat protein in every meal, chose healthy fats and slow digesting carbs. Also, drink a lot of water. Today I was really happy because I went shopping and it looks like the season for fruits and vegetable just started. This will definitely help me get in shape faster. I got super yummy strawberries and lots of fresh veggies. I couldn’t resist to make a veggie sandwich. I suggest next time you shop pack a lot of greens in your cart.
Two Lizards Fighting ★ Street fighter reptile ;)
First I thought the lizards are playing but then I noticed one grabbing & biting anther’s throat. I was on my way hiking so I stopped for a few minutes because it was quite entertaining. I watched for about 15 minutes and couldn’t predict the winner; Although the smaller one looked more aggressive. On my way back both were gone and I didn’t see any dead bodies. I don’t know what kind/species of lizard they are. I have seen them around so I assume they are popular here in Los Angeles, California.
My first real hike this year! Angeles National Forest- Switzer Falls & other trails
It was such a nice weather today! Although I live in Los Angeles, we have cold and rainy days on occasion. I decided to go to nearby mountains in Angeles National Forest located just 30 minutes away. I have to admit that for the first time this year I went on a real hike. Although it wasn’t very long (not even 3 hrs round trip), it was very peaceful, not crowded and away from LA noise! I enjoyed it very much, especially beautiful spring flowers. The campgrounds and the other sections of the park will officially open next week so I can’t wait to go back there. Anyway, I encourage you all to take advantage of the beautiful sunny days of spring and go for walks or hikes as often as you can – wherever you are! 😉
Cardio or Strength: Which exercise do you do First ★ How to Combine Cardio and Strength Training?
How should we exercise? Should we do cardio exercises first or strength training first? Can we combine them? In this video I tried to answer the best I could. I based my opinion on years of training. In short, everything depends on your needs and your training plan. Some people don’t have luxury of working out everyday for an hour or longer so their plan will probably look different from body builders who devote a lot of time to workout. There is one thing I forgot to mention in this video. Longer doesn’t mean better. Plan your workouts in advance. Don’t spend too much time exercising (especially longer than 1 hour on cardio machines) hoping you will burn more fat because you can also burn your muscles. In addition, you shouldn’t exercises to the point of exhaustion. It can be unhealthy and discouraging. Take it easy and get to know your body and its limits before you start more intense workouts and push yourself. Remember, time is everything so allow weeks or months to see results. Don’t forget to eat right and always drink plenty of water.
Summer Bodies are made in the Winter!
If you want to look sexy in your favorite bikini this summer you better start working on it now! No kidding! Seriously, summer bodies are made in the winter!! Don’t wait til May hoping that you’ll have enough time to build a six pack abs. It’s not easy to get in shape. Sorry, it’s true. So if you carry extra pounds that you need to get rid of before summer, the sooner you start working out and dieting, the better you’ll feel and look during sunny days. Here is a picture of me and my dad, who after seeing this picture decided to work on his abs before next vacation 😉 
Good luck dad and everybody!! 🙂
How to improve your posture ★ Simple ways to look better, taller and confident
Many years ago, when I lived on the East Coast I got a chance to work with one of the teachers who was a former dancer. He created his classes based on several elements including yoga, Pilates, dance, ballet, meditation, and many others… He pointed out some of my “imperfections” in my posture – things that I’ve been working on ever since. This short video includes some of the basic techniques I learned there. If you want to improve you posture, look taller and slimmer, then you can find this video useful. I hope it will help you as much (or more) as it helped me. 🙂 When you get a chance, watch dancers – especially those trained in dance schools, and see how they move, walk, etc. They have amazing presence!!
Preparations for the Oscars ceremony ★ Academy Awards 2013 in Hollywood, California
Hollywood will celebrate the annual Academy Awards tonight! I got a chance to go to Hollywood on Friday evening and take a look at the preparation. If you are interested how it looks before the “Big Event” watch this short video. Red carpet was there- just covered 😉
FITAPPY - Lift and Jump 