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Spotlight Interview: Rita Habib

Name: Rita Habib Hometown: Washington, DC Age: 26 Occupation: Contract Specialist for DHS-FEMA(full-time), Personal Trainer & Bartender(part-time) Instagram: @Ritaboo9 “I just wanted others to know that even if they felt like they hit rock bottom, there was a way to get that feeling back again. You know, that fire that gets you up in the morning. The fire that has you dreaming again and pursues…

8 Way to Keep Your New Years Resolutions

The month is winding down until 2016 and as much as you are stressing out about what you didn’t do this year or what to wear for next week.. Here are a few things to self reflect to get your spirit in the right state of mind. 1. Be specific.“To be effective, resolutions and goals need to be pretty specific,” says O’Connor. Jettison the amorphous “exercise more,” in favor of “I’m working out at…

6 Mocktail Recipes You’ll Put Down Your Martini to Make

  Grapefruit Spritz This fizzy sip’s warm, sunny hue and tart citrus edge are reminiscent of an Aperol spritz—minus the booze, of course. Pair one with a leisurely brunch or sip as a gentle aperitif. And don’t worry: if you don’t have Angostura bitters on hand, any citrus bitter will make a fine substitute. Get the recipe.

  Pineapple Ginger CoolerEscape to the islands with this alcohol-free…

INGREDIENTS

4 skin-on, boneless chicken breasts, trimmed, tenderloins removed

1 clove garlic, split lengthwise

1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

4 1/3-in. thick slices mozzarella

8 large, fresh basil leaves

2 medium firm-ripe tomatoes (on-the-vine style), sliced 1/3 in. thick (at least 8 slices)

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Meanwhile, place chicken breasts skin side up on a clean work surface and rub all sides with cut garlic clove. Starting about 1/3 inch beneath skin and using sharp knife, carefully make slice parallel to skin down length of breast, without cutting all the way through breast (flap should open a book). Season all sides (including interior) of breast with salt and pepper.

In large stainless steel or cast iron skillet, add 1 tbsp. olive oil over medium-high heat. When oil is hot but not yet smoking, add chicken breasts skin side down, leaving as much space between them as possible (work in batches of two if needed to keep pan from crowding). Cook until skin is golden brown and releases easily when moved, 4 to 5 minutes. Flip and repeat on remaining side. Turn off heat and let cool for few minutes.

Once cool enough to handle, stuff cavities of each chicken breast with one slice of tomato, one slice cheese, and leaf of basil on bottom and top. If needed, cut away one edge of tomato and cheese slice to help them better fit into pocket. Bake until chicken is cooked through and cheese is melted; 8 to 10 minutes.

5 Ways To Love Yourself More

There’s a lot of talk about love at this time of year. And there’s no loving relationship more important than the one you have with yourself. However going into the new year there are many things we focus on but how much time do you spend working on you? Meaning working on the interior, like self worth, confidence and character.

As part of her #whatslovely social media campaign, fitness blogger…

5 Hacks For A Healthier Week

Don’t do one more crunch until you read this. Shape has rounded up 15 common exercises that most trainers would actually advise against — luckily, the publication has also provided 15 additional, more effective alternatives.

With less than a week to go before Christmas, now’s a great time to check out Self‘s healthy holiday eating tips. Our favorite bit of advice? “Lose the guilt,” obviously.

Spe…

3 Matcha Drinks you MUST TRY

MATCHA KALE & PEACH SMOOTHIE

                Full recipe here. 

MATCHA MINT ICED TEA

                Full recipe here. 

MATCHA MILKSHAKE

              Full recipe here. 

    Courtesy of Love & Lemons 

4 Standing Moves for a Super Flat Stomach

You can get a stronger center without unfurling an exercise mat. In fact, the standing abdominals routine below hits all of the muscles that make up your core, from your abs to your hips, your pelvis to your lower back. Check out the four exercises in our handy video and pin-able graphic. You can also find how-tos for each move here. Just complete three or four sets of each exercise as…