Snickerdoodle Milkshake: the cookie-inspired treat that's both healthy and refreshing

For those hot summer days when you're craving freshly-baked cookies but dealing with a heated oven is too much to handle, a cooling, cookie-themed milkshake is a prime stand-in! And you've got to love the minimal time that goes into making blended treats (hello there, instant-gratification). So, how does a snickerdoodle shake sound?

If you think that sounds great, how does a healthy snickerdoodle shake sound?! This creamy beverage is loaded with potassium, magnesium, and natural sweetness. Plus, depending on the type of milk used, you can get in a healthy dose of protein, as well!

To make this Snickerdoodle Milkshake by Chocolate Covered Katie, you'll need: (serves 1)

- 2/3 cup milk of choice (I used unsweetend soy)
- 1 frozen over-ripe banana (I didn't have any over-ripe bananas at the time I made the shake, so I used a normally-ripe frozen banana)
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (no exact amount was called for in CCK's recipe, so feel free to add more or omit entirely for a Sugar Cookie Milkshake)

Blend all ingredients together until smooth. Pour into a glass and enjoy your sippable cookie!

~P.S.~

Come next Friday, I will be on a much anticipated mini-vacation (cheers to finally being done with summer school!), so I will not be posting. Be sure to check back in on August 8th!

Pool Exercises: aqua running

Too hot for a run outside? If you can't bear the thought of exercising in the heat, throw on your swimsuit and take your run to the pool! Aqua running is an awesome way to mix up the usual bout around the block by providing a new challenge for your muscles while keeping cool. You can run in shallow or deep water, so whether you have a full-on lap pool or a 4 foot-deep backyard pool at your disposal, you're good to go!

Aqua Running in the Shallow-End: How-To

Run as you would on land, with your chest lifted and abs tight. Your arms should be bent in a 90 degree angle as you pump them back and forth at your sides. Be sure not to over-extend your legs and work to maintain a fast pace. Don't expect to run at the same speed you'd go at on land, but don't allow yourself to slack because of the water's resistance.

By going from one end of the pool and back in a straight path, you'll create a wake and thus increase resistance as you run through it. Your muscles will have to work harder to push through while maintaining proper form, translating into increased calorie burn. The video below will give you a good idea of what proper form should look like, but be aware that you don't have to raise your knees up quite as high as the swimmer pictured does.

Aqua Running in the Deep-End: How-To

Running in deep water is a bit different— lean forward slightly and stretch your legs out a bit more than you would running normally (closer to cross-country style). Yes, it will feel pretty awkward at first (at least it did for me), but that doesn't mean you're doing it wrong. Just be cognizant of your form and keep your abs engaged while maintaing a quickened pace.

Now, if you have an AquaJogger at your disposal, it's another story: you'll run as you would in the shallow end, maintaining proper form by keeping your back upright and arms bent at a 90 degree angle, moving them back and forth at your sides. With your legs unable to touch ground, you'll likely feel inclined to pump them up and down with little extension (in a high-knee fashion, as demonstrated in the video above), and that's totally fine!

Even if running isn't your thing, consider giving its water-based counterpart a try! I've never been much of a runner myself, but aqua running is a form of cardio I can get behind!

Cellulite: why we need to accept it

Listen up, lady friends—I have some news to deliver about cellulite, and you probably won't like what I have to say. Contrary to the cellulite-obliterating claims made by marketers of workout regimens and beauty products alike, those areas of dimpled skin aren't under our control. No amount of squats or miles of running (or applications of firming cream, for that matter) is going to completely rid of the bumps. Put plain and simple, your cellulite isn't going anywhere. Now you may be wondering, how exactly does one get cellulite, why can't we rid of it, and is there anything at all we can do to manage it?

Let's start with the basics: connective fibers keep our skin attached to our muscles, and lurking between those fibers are deposits of fat. As these fibers weaken and become less elastic, the fat deposits cause the skin to protrude outward, creating that uneven surface known as cellulite. A common analogy used to explain this skin condition refers to a quilted mattress: the dimpled areas that keep the mattress top attached to the springs resemble our connective fibers, and the fluff that puffs up in-between acts as deposits of fat. 

Women are largely prone to cellulite while men aren't due to the way female connective tissue is structured—women's connective tissues go in a vertical direction (making for pockets of fat) whereas men's bands are crisscrossed (allowing fat to spread outward and inward instead of upward). Aging, hormones, genetics, and poor circulation are additional factors that may contribute to cellulite.

As DermTV's Dr. Neil Schultz makes clear, the formation of cellulite is not caused by body fat, but from the way the body's tissues are structured (making thin people just as susceptible to cellulite as anyone else). Carrying excess fat, though, plays a large role in its visibility. Since inflexible fibers won't expand as fat accumulates, an increase in body fat will cause bumps to protrude further.

While we can't abolish cellulite, there are ways to improve its appearance. Such methods include staying hydrated (via water and water-based fruits and veggies) to promote circulation and plump the skin (and thus create a more even surface), eating a healthy diet and partaking in regular, heart-pumping exercise to reduce excess body fat, and by incorporating strength-training into your fitness regimen to build muscle, which will help tighten and smooth the skin.

All of those creams and treatments on the market promising to rid of cellulite may provide temporary improvement, but in my opinion, they're not worth the price tag or time. Unfortunate as it may be, we might as well get over it and move on with our lives; there's no sense in dwelling over something we can't prevent. I'm not saying that I enjoy seeing the cellulite on my legs while out shopping for shorts and bikinis (and I can only assume that the other women making up the 85% of those effected don't either), but there's not much that can be done about it. I've pulled out my little white flag and I'm slowly waving it in the air. I know I haven't been kind to you in the past, dear cellulite, but I'm ready to turn over a new leaf. We don't have to love each other, but it's about time we live in harmony.

Truce!

Fourth of July: spicing up the classics

Since July 4th falls on my usual posting day, I had to get this week's holiday-related post up early! Tomorrow marks the USA's 238th birthday, and where there's an all-American shindig, hot dogs, cheese burgers, and beer are sure to follow. There's no tiring of the foods that have come to characterize the nation's cuisine, but wouldn't it be fun to spice up the usual fare with a unique and healthy twist?

I'm not talking about anything too crazy, but something along the lines of adding grilled pineapple to your burgers or serving up your veggie side in pie form. These adjustments can add some fresh and exciting flavor to the spread without forgoing any star spangled staples. For some delicious inspiration, check out the recipes below and make this year's Fourth of July one that your tastebuds won't forget!

Avocado-Stuffed Veggie Explosion Turkey Burgers

Spicy Sweet Potato Salad

Fajita Turkey Burgers

Zucchini Pie

Peach Salsa Dog

Spicy Hawaiian Burgers

Creamy Kale Salad with Cracked Pepper Polenta Croutons 

Jalapeño Chickpea Lentil Burgers with Sweet Mango Avocado Pico

Guacamole Dog

Spicy-Sweet Slaw

Vegan Macaroni and Cheese

Greek Feta Beef Burger

Grilled Romaine with Lemon-Pepper Yogurt Dressing

Portobello Mushroom Cashew Cheese Burgers

California Hot Dog

Caprese Skewers

Tilapia Burgers with Watermelon Salsa and Avocado

Grilled Corn on the Cob with Basil, Olive Oil, and Sea Salt

Pineapple Flurry and Coconut Chia Seed Pudding

Cara's Healthy Ice Cream Sandwiches (as an alternative to making the cookie, you could opt for whole grain graham crackers, such as Back to Nature Golden Honey Oat Grahams)

Mango Chocolate Sparklers

Frozen Watermelon Popsicles

Barbecued Bloody Mary

If you're interested in some whole grain buns to up the health ante of your hot dogs and burgers, consider picking up some of Rudi's 100% Whole Wheat Buns or Trader Joe's 100% Stone Ground Whole Wheat Hot Dog Buns!