Did I ever tell you about the time I ate 3 zucchinis in one sitting because I wanted a snack and was trying to be healthy? I called up one of my best friends and said “I think I just over ate zucchinis. Is that even a thing?” I love them. Sauteed, roasted, grilled, BAKED!

Okay, these muffins taste nothing like zucchinis. Just like carrot cake doesn’t actually taste like carrots. But the zucchinis add some extra veggie goodness, and also produce some of the softest, (insert gross word) and tender muffins I have ever tasted.

As soon as I decided I wanted to make zucchini almond meal muffins, I hit up my girl Gina’s blog for some inspiration. She has the best paleo recipes, and although I don’t eat paleo, I love baking with nut flours, and her blog is always a great place to start. She made some ridiculously good looking zucchini bread that I used as a guideline, but ended up with muffins with chocolate chips inside. Shocking, right?

The muffins tasted EXACTLY like I wanted–lightly sweet, hearty and filling without being heavy. They didn’t last long, and whether you normally use grain-free flours or not, you will absolutely love them!

The following post is sponsored by FitFluential LLC on behalf of Soldier of Steel™. All opinions are my own.

Have you guys seen the new Superman movie MAN OF STEEL™??? I haven’t gone yet, but I’m actually really looking forward to seeing it. I don’t always love super hero movies, but you know, I made Steve go see Fame in theaters, so sometimes I have to take one for the team and go see a boy movie, and the super hero ones I’ve actually been really enjoying lately!

Not only does the movie look entertaining, but ummm…those men look GOOD. There have been so many times where I’ve looked at celebrities and said things like “Oh I could look that great too if I had a fancy celebrity trainer”, so of course I was so excited when I saw that celebrity trainer Mark Twight was offering a one month training plan! Not only did he train those muscly men of steel, but he has also trained National Guard Citizen-Soldiers!!

I’ve actually been really worried about sticking with my strength training while I’m away for the summer with no gym. I was thrilled to see that 80% of the workouts require absolutely no equipment, and the ones that do are easy to modify. This plan could not have come at a more perfect time! I started off this morning by heading to the park with Mac and Amber to try out day 1.

You guys. It was no joke. My legs were total jello by the end, but it was a lot of fun! It was a quick and challenging full body workout that got my heart rate going, and I definitely plan to continue through this first month plan! Mac asked me how I felt the second we finished, and it was kinda like this…

I’m tiiiiiired.

But then I decided to climb a tree because I was feeling like a total champ.

Want to check out the workouts for yourself? Visit the Soldier of Steel™ website! There is an entire month long plan developed by Mark Twight with really great explanations and photo tutorials of all of the movements here. There are even fitness training webisodes! Also, make sure to check out this teaser video to get a sense of what it’s all about.

In the summertime, the only things I crave other than burgers (and grilled food in general) are big, delicious, cool and refreshing salads. I’m not talking the kind of “salad” that is some lettuce thrown on a plate and then drowned with ranch dressing. My salads need to be loaded with flavor, and they have to have a little something special to keep me interested.

I also always love a new way to eat one of my favorite foods. I fell head over heels for these black bean burgers at first bite, and since I almost never make the same meal twice, I wanted a new way to enjoy them. I have to say, I like them even better this way!

The bold, spicy burgers balance perfectly with the fresh, crisp lettuce and cucumber, and the sweet tomatoes, peppers, roasted corn and dried cranberries. And that tangy, creamy goat cheese on top? Flavor heaven. Not to mention the sweet and spicy cilantro lime vinaigrette. It is legit the best salad dressing I have ever tasted.

If you don’t do dairy, you could leave the goat cheese off and replace it with avocado. I mean, you should probably just add avocado anyway to all things, but especially if you leave the cheese off. This salad is perfect for summer (or any time), and I even continued to make it with my left over black bean burgers for the entire rest of the week! You can also easily double or triple it if you’re serving a bigger group!

Helllloooo sandwich. Do you guys ever go to Schlotsky’s? When I was in high school, I would always drive over to my best friend’s house and pick up Schlotsky’s sandwiches for us. My staple? White bread, pastrami, swiss and thousand island. Kinda like a rueben, but with only the good parts.

I have missed that sandwich. These days, I’m much more of a hummus, veggies and goat cheese sandwich girl, but every once in a while I crave that salty pastrami, melty cheese, and sweet and creamy thousand island. It’s like sandwich heaven.

It’s one of those things that I just can’t seem to justify at a restaurant when I know I can make it 10x healthier myself. Not to mention, it takes about 15 minutes, including the time it took to make the dressing.

I definitely don’t have the patience for anything time consuming around lunch time. I just want the quickest and most delicious way to get a sandwich to my face, and this baby tastes like the real deal–just like that big, juicy sandwich I remember, but with a list of healthy, protein-packed ingredients that will keep you full until dinner time!

Does anyone actually eat thousand island on a salad? I mean, don’t get me wrong, I find it delicious, and I absolutely love it on sandwiches, burgers, and as a dipping sauce, but on a salad? I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone eat it like that.

I told Hermano I made my own thousand island, and he told me I needed to recreate the big mac. I had totally forgotten that thing even exists, but I feel like now I have to tackle it. Especially since I’m apparently obsessed with burgers lately.

I used to get thousand island on my sandwiches all the time, but I kicked the habit to the curb when I started my weight loss journey. There aren’t a lot of options at the store if you want a healthier version, and most of them are filled with ingredients I don’t want to go anywhere near, so I figured I’d try my hand at my own version.

You guys…making your own salad dressing (or sandwich dressing, or dipping sauce) is SO EASY. Seriously. There is no reason to buy this stuff. It only requires a handful of ingredients, and about 5 minutes of your time.

Nonfat plain Greek yogurt is the secret to making it thick and creamy without any fat. From there, I just added a little bit of reduced sugar ketchup (available at most grocery stores), some sweet relish, honey for added sweetness, vinegar, and some seasonings. Aside from the relish, I had all of the ingredients in my house already! And with hardly any added time, I had a delicious sandwich with sweet and creamy thousand island in minutes *hint hint*.

You can take a moment and judge my insanely long title, per usual. Okay, now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, I’m sure you think I’ve gone off the deep end. When I told my husband what I was making for dinner last week, he raised an eyebrow, and gave me a look that can only be described as “WTF”, then he said “You’re really on a burger kick, aren’t you?”

Guilty. And I guess after making countless burgers, you have to do something a little weird and put fruit inside. Or at least I do.

I’m pretty much obsessed with anything sweet and savory. I used to think it was weird, but ever since people starting salting things (I soooo judged that salted caramel hot chocolate at the bux for a good 2 weeks), I haven’t tired of the depth of flavor adding an unexpected taste or ingredient can bring to your dish.

Did anyone watch that season of Top Chef with the watermelon gorgonzola salad? I don’t remember who made it, but I remember that he tried something unique, something most people would never do. I remember Tom Colicchio hated it, and said it was totally wrong, but Chef Tom ain’t got nothin’ on these burgers.

I’ve always loved the fig/gorgonzola combo, so I stuffed them inside my burger, then I wrapped that sucker in center cut bacon to add smokiness and some extra bold, salty flavor–wrapped around where it can stand out and be an attention whore, not tucked inside with the lesser-known ingredients. Then to bring it all together, and add an extra hint of sweetness, I reduced some balsamic vinegar on the stove until it was thick, syrupy and sweet. Careful, the fumes are INTENSE (think vinegar straight up your nose), but the end result is totally worth it. A unique burger that you won’t find at you local burger joint, with rich depth of flavor, yet still deceptively simple and easy to put together. There is nothing like it.

Looking for some other burger recipes for summer? Like I said, I’ve been on a bit of a kick…

Buffalo Turkey Burgers

Spicy Chipotle Cheeseburgers

Thai Peanut Turkey Burgers

BBQ Bacon Ranch Burgers

Or if you don’t eat meat, I have a few veggie options too!

Sun-dried Tomato & Basil White Bean Burgers (vegan + gluten-free)

Chipotle Black Bean Burgers (vegan + gluten-free)

1. I am 90% sure I haven’t told you this already (if I’m wrong, I’m sorry and it won’t be the last time it happens…), but I am thrilled to announce I will be speaking at Healthy Living Summit with my fellow D&D host Nicole on video content! I am over the moon. I applied thinking it was a long shot, and I was shocked when I found out we were chosen! It’s going to be my first blogging conference, and I am stoked. Are you going? You should be!

2. So you know how cilantro and goat cheese are my favorite foods? Well, the other day, I tried to make a cilantro goat cheese pesto. It was disgusting. I kept trying to add and change things, but it was just gross, and the texture was, like…butter. Not in a good way. Ew. I can’t even explain it. Then I tried to make rosemary pesto which was also a horrific failure. I guess I should have just made this.

3. I’m on a break from teaching right now, so I’ve been home a lot more which makes Winston super happy. Clementine couldn’t care less, but Winston follows my every step. Every single day when I’ve gotten out of the shower, he’s been laying on the tile in front of the door waiting for me. Then he gets excited and acts like we haven’t seen each other in years. I wonder what it’s like to be a dog.

4. I made a press page! I don’t have any idea if I did it “right”. In fact, I had no idea what I was doing, so I looked at Sally’s and Nicole’s. I figured they did it right. Also, do people really keep track of all of their features and things like that? Am I just super disorganized?? It was cool to see a list of the things I’ve done and the places that thought I was cool enough to share. Seriously, every time someone shares one of my recipes, whether it’s a big publication or an other blogger, it makes my heart so happy. I never actually thought anyone would read this thing.

5. This video. I can’t stop watching it. I may even love it as much as Beauty and the Beat? I always drag my heels about watching youtube videos that people tell me are funny, because most of them….aren’t. But this. Just watch it. Actually, watch like the first minute of Taylor Swift’s 22 video, then watch it. You’re welcome.

6. Last weekend I played Rockband at Nicole’s house. The only song I actually knew the words to? Wannabe. I sang the crap out of that song. I got a 95% which in case you didn’t know is a solid A. Except, did you know they say “slam your body down and wind it all around”? I’ve been singing “slam your body down and party all around” since about 1996.

7. I really hate that stupid eagle pose in yoga. BTW, I love yoga now. Like, actually love, and I want to do a real post explaining my change in tune, but right now I just want to complain about stupid eagle pose because I SUCK at it. The only good thing about it is getting to go into star pose after. That one’s fun. Also, I’m working on my headstands. I can get to it, but then it’s so hard to get my legs in the air. I tried today and they made it up for about .5 seconds. HOW DO YOU GET THEM TO STAY???

8. I recently (I know so late to the party) started watching Dexter. To say I’m obsessed would be an understatement. Like, I can’t go to sleep because I want to watch “just 1 more” episode. About 7 times. I’m really into anything psychological, and I have a huge fascination with mental illness (freak?) and all of the psychology of a serial killer, and the backstory along with ideas of why we become “what we are” is totally up my alley. I’m only at the beginning of season 2, so if you give me any spoilers, I swear our friendship will be over. I’m already too good at guessing and I hate it.

9. I spent all this time cleaning out my office so that I could actually use it to do work from home, but I can’t seem to make myself work anywhere other than my couch, standing at the kitchen counter (weirdo…not comfortable) or my dining room table. I think it’s the idea of a smaller room getting me down? I don’t know. I’m a freak.

10. Please tell me I’m not the only one with powdered sugar all over my DLSR? This is a common issue, right? My photographer husband doesn’t seem to find it common. Or cute. Or endearing. Or amusing.

11. I discovered the countdown app. I’d been meaning to get it for a while, but now I think I may have a problem…

What’s on your mind? Tell me awesome things.

Growing up, I always wondered “Why is my dad SO weird????” He wore two different color socks, he was never on time, he listened to weird music, and he didn’t dress like any of the other dads.

But let’s be honest here…I am totally weird, and nothing like other humans, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. My dad taught me to be myself, the importance of birthdays, and how to be the most sentimental human on the planet. I’m not entirely sure I’m grateful for that last one…

My dad doesn’t eat meat, so he would actually hate this recipe (sorry dad…), but I figured I’d pick a Father’s Day dish that most dads would appreciate, and most guys I know love a good burger. Maybe I was a man in a former life?

Anyway, these would be perfect for (almost) any man in your life, and ummm you MUST go immediately over to Nicole’s blog to check out her BACON BROWN SUGAR OLD FASHIONED. Yes, I DID just say that. Best.Drink.Ever. Check out the latest episode of Drink & Dish to see the secret to making a perfectly cooked burger, and how Nicole makes the world’s best drink!

You guys…it is HOT here. Have I mentioned that? Complained about highs of 110*?? Wahhhh, I live in Arizona and 5 months out of the year, I strongly question my life choices.

It’s okay though, because I’ve only got an other 10 days of this madness before I head to the northwest for SIX WEEKS!!! I’m starting with a little vacation in San Francisco to visit my friend Karisa with my New York Husband, then working at a theatre camp in Portland for 5 weeks. I went last summer, and this actually marks my 11th summer between my time as a first student, then counselor and now teacher. I love it. It’s my happy place, and this time of year I always need the recharge of a new environment to remind me why I love what I do.

Anyway, I guess you were maybe here to read about food? Well, I swear the heat relates to the food. You see….it’s hot (redundant, part of 1), and I don’t want to eat anything that doesn’t taste like summer. You know what is, like, the most summeriest food??? CORN!!!!

I just used the words “most summeriest”. Honestly, sometimes I’m not sure why you guys read a word a say. Oh yeah….the food.

This salad is light, refreshing and filled with “most summeriest” flavor. Fresh roasted corn, cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumber, sweet red peppers, spicy jalapeno and protein-packed black beans come together with just a little olive oil, vinegar, some honey or agave (I love honey, but my bee loving friends are free to use agave!), fresh lime juice, and of course, my favorite food–cilantro! So many of my favorite things in one summer salad. I also love that with all the protein, it can be used as a meal, or a side dish–your choice. I’ve been eating it on the side with my 5 billion different burgers, but I also like it for lunch. However you eat it, you will love the light, fresh taste and bold flavor profile!

Have we ever discussed my coffee habit? It’s pretty embarrassing the amount of money I have spent on going out to coffee in my life. I just never got into the habit of making my own in the morning, but I did fall very easily into the habit of going to Dutch Bros TWICE a day. Somehow my bank account and I cannot seem to agree on this habit. Shocking, right?

Anyway, I don’t remember exactly when it was that I discovered toddy–probably a little over a year ago. Toddy is basically the best, smoothest, and most caffeinated way to drink coffee. Pretty much, it wins in every coffee contest ever.

And did I mention it is ridiculously easy to make? It does take just over 24 start to finish, but really most of that time you are sleeping, baking, and eating fro yo. Or…at least that’s what I was doing…

This is literally the best coffee I have ever tasted. Better than any coffee shop, better than any latte. It comes out so smooth with next to no bitterness, and full of bold flavor. It doesn’t need a whole lot–a little sweetener and some almond milk will do ya, but if you like sweeter, creamier coffee, it’s your cup o’ jo! You can make it however you want. Add chocolate syrup and make an iced mocha, blend it up into a homemade frappe, or put some in your brownies!

Okay, let’s get started. The first thing you need is a 2.5 gallon airtight container (or 1.75 for a half batch), and 1 lb of coarsely ground coffee. I like a strong, bold coffee, but use whatever you like. Pour that coffee right into your container.

Then top it with 2 gallons of purified water. If you want, you can also stick a vanilla bean in there to add some flavor. I do sometimes, and I love it!

Give it a little pat down at the top to make sure all of the coffee is incorporated into the water, and not just floating at the top. I don’t mess around with the possibility of losing coffee flavor!

Cover and store for 24 (or up to 36) hours. You can let this happen in the fridge, or at room temperature. It is completely up to you. I usually don’t have room in the fridge, so I stick to room temperature. Once your 24-36 are up, take a fine mesh strainer to scoop out as much of the coffee grounds as possible.

Rinse our your strainer, then set it on top of a 1 gallon jug–you will need two of these because you end up with about 1.75 gallons of coffee when all is said and done. Top the strainer with a double layer of cheesecloth. Use a measuring cup to pour coffee over the strainer. You may just pour from your container if you wish, but that sounds like a coffee disaster for an accident prone gal like yours truly. You might be better at that sort of thing than me, however…

Once you’ve filtered all of the coffee, you are DONE! Store your coffee jugs in the fridge. It is important to note, this recipe creates a coffee CONCENTRATE. When you make your coffee, add an inch or 2 of water to your cup to dilute it a bit. Trust me, I love strong coffee as much as anyway, but it does need to be diluted a bit. Do some trial and error to figure out the best balance for you. Serve it over ice with whatever cream and sweetener you like.

I have officially kicked my coffee shop habit to the curb (with the exception of going with friends on occasion–just like eating out is fun occasionally!) with this stuff. I am in love, obsessed, over the moon for it. It’s super easy, full proof, and super budget friendly. It’s about a $30 investment for all the storage initially, but that’s a one time deal, and then you’re set! Not to mention, there is nothing to brew in the morning! I wake up, poor myself a glass, and go about my breakfasting/blog reading. You will love it!