Sunday, June 30, 2013

Try yo best!

I KILLED my workouts today. I didn't do everything perfect- but I took quick breathers when needed and hopped back in....and I TRIED MY BEST...YO!

This morning, I walked 2 miles to the studio (due to Pride parade and my parking fiasco yesterday-walking was the best idea) and then took barre ..followed by Spin Shred.

Barre is getting better and better. It isn't easier- but I'm able to do more skills and push myself harder.
two wins:

  • I held a tabletop plank for the first time ever
  • I finally got strength to do tricep dips (not the modified version)


Before Spin Shred started, we were all sitting on our cycles talking about our love/hate relationship with various moves in cardio barre and ballet body. In particular, we discussed Michelle and Gina and how they have you doing moves that make you say, "SAY WHAT?!?!" Someone explained that Gina has an infectious personality and, "Even when you are dying with whatever move you're doing, she makes you think you're loving it!" I <3 my instructors!

Spin Shred had a really challenging shred portion. But, it felt really nice to get back on the cycle. I've been missing spin lately.

What did you do to sweat it out today?

Saturday, June 29, 2013

Bacon wrapped asparagus and peppers

Ingredients:

  • Asparagus
  • Red pepper (yellow or orange would work as well)
  • Bacon (or prosciutto )
  • balsamic vinegar
  • salt
  • pepper
  • optional:goat cheese

Directions:

  1. Wash and cut the asparagus
  2. Wash and cut the pepper into strips
  3. Make a "bundle" of 3-4 asparagus spears, 2 pepper slices and (optional) goat cheese
  4. Wrap a piece of bacon around the bundles
  5. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar
  6. Top with salt and pepper to taste
  7. Bake at 400 degrees for 30 minutes- turn over after the first 15 minutes.


Super foods for Fit Girls

Many of us have heard about these "super foods" but what are SUPERFOODS anyway?

Superfoods are foods that gained the term SUPER because of their amazing nutritional benefits. Many of these fruits and vegetables can bring you nutritional power and vitamins even in small amounts. These foods are best consumed in their natural state. Ignore the food companies who are trying to jump on the bandwagon by adding these super foods to their already processed items- that shortcut won't get you the health benefits that eating these foods will in their clean state.

Below are a list of easy to find, affordable and delicious SUPERFOODS that you can add into your daily diet.

Spinach

These beautiful leaves carry protein, vitamin K, folate/folic acid and a decent amount of fiber. Spinach is all-around nutritious. Spinach is said to be the ultimate pregnancy food for the folate/folic acid inside of the delicious leaves. In addition, spinach helps fight eye disease, helps with constipation and heart disease.

Get it in: I add spinach to all of my shakes and smoothies. I have a salad at least once a day filled with spinach and or kale. I, personally, try to get in about 3 cups of spinach a day.  (Try to buy organic leafy greens due to pesticide use).

Kale

Kale is a beautiful leaf that is a cousin to cauliflower and broccoli.  Kale contains more tun 45 flavonoids, which help with inflammation. On the national ranking system for food nutrients kale ranks among the top in nutrient dense foods . Many researchers believe that kale can significantly reduce cholesterol. 

Get it in: Kale Chips are the easiest way for me to get my kale in. I do not love the taste, unless it's in marinated salad. So, I have a bit of a hard time adding it to my shakes. There are many delicious recipes for kale salads, though. I just have a hard time perfecting them! (Try to buy organic leafy greens due to pesticide use).


Blueberries

-They're packed with vitamin C, high in potassium and have anti-inflaitory properties. Many doctors believe that these blue gems can reduce your risk of heart disease.  Blueberries carry the same health benefits frozen as they do fresh. 

Get it in: Frozen blueberries are perfect to add to a morning shake, pancakes (paleo pancake recipe) or all by themselves. I can gobble them up quickly, they're so delicious! (Always buy organic berries due to their soft skin and the use of pestesides)

Beets

I was always turned off to beets as a child. They just looked…gross. However, they're on of my favorite foods now! I can never pass up a salad with beets. Beets contain a high amount of vitamin C, folate, potassium, fiber (4g per cup) and antioxidants. The antioxidant acids found in beets are said to be great for  those with Diabetes or high blood pressure.

Get it in: shredded beets are easy to add to salads. I find myself getting a large container from my local Whole Foods and that lasts me a few days. Beets are also delicious steamed and sliced, marinated in balsamic and even shredded and added into a berry smoothie.

Quinoa

Quinoa (Keen-Wah) is technically a seed but many refer to it as a grain. Quinoa has a nutty taste and is found in many South American countries. This superfood is about 20% protein and a great source of protein for those who are gluten free. It also contains a large amount of fiber, iron and manganese (an antioxidant that helps with anti-aging by protecting your body from free radicals). Quinoa is also one of the only foods that contains all 9 essential amino acids (which are used in helping your body build muscle and body tissue)- which makes this food GREAT for athletes, seniors and everyone in-between. 

Get it in: I use quinoa in everything. I don't eat many grains, but this is one that is easy to make an exception for. I posted my recipe for quinoa stuffing on FGIP ( now make it with black rice and quinoa). I also make quinoa and add it to my meal as a side dish or an addition to my salads. 

Black Rice

I wasn't familiar with black rice until my dietician, Kelly at Paleo Infused Nutrition, mentioned it to me! I've come to learn why she recommends it to clients who are looking for a grain with many health benefits. Black rice boasts more antioxidants per tablespoon than blueberries (which we all know are an antioxidant superfood). That in itself is enough to sell these beauties to you. In addition, black rice bring you a high amount of vitamin E. Black rice is sometimes called the "forbidden rice" because it was once kept for the nobles in China while commoners could not harvest and eat this rice 

Get it in: Black rice is the perfect side dish. I enjoy adding it to my lettuce wraps for "tacos" or mixing in grilled vegetables. Keep an eye out for my Sage Roasted Sweet Potato and Black Rice recipe: coming soon.

Paleo egg soufflé


Ingredients:
  • 12 large eggs
  • 1 cup of coconut milk
  • 1 tsp of baking powder
  • 1 1/2 tbsp of almond flour
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • 1/2 tbsp minced garlic
  • Optional: Asparagus, caramelized onions, spinach, mushrooms
Directions:
  1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees 
  2. Crack your eggs into a soufflé dish
  3. add coconut milk
  4. Add garlic, salt, pepper (to taste)
  5. Add baking powder and almond flour and mix well
  6. Add your vegetables (make sure to add caramelized onions (I made these prior) right before you bake as they can cook the eggs if they're still hot
  7. Bake for 40-50 minutes or until a knife runs dry and the top is golden brown.




Frustration

This morning- I feel like the world is against me. Okay, that's a bit dramatic but...this morning sucks.

I woke up early to go to spin and barre. I didn't leave myself enough time to walk to spin (8am) so I decided to just go to barre and drive there instead (the weather is super iffy). I got dressed, sat down and read some fitness articles and then headed to the studio. I got there at 8:40 and got a prime parking spot. When I walked to the meter to pay I realized that I didn't have my debit card. Fabulous. So, I circled around my old neighborhood to find free street parking. FAIL. I got stuck behind a garbage struck on a side street for 15 minutes. It was 9:02 by the time I got off that street. As I drove by the studio, I saw everyone in their beautiful chair sits. I drove down another street hoping that if I found parking right away I could run into class late. FAIL. FAIL. EPIC FAIL. I couldn't find parking. I drove back home VERY FRUSTRATED.

This was a LONG week. I am trying to dedicate myself to living healthy and making it part of my life. I did well on the eating front. I ate clean, minus some frozen yogurt...summertime weakness. But, as far as getting to the studio- my schedule would only allow for mornings (6am) and after working late and long days I just couldn't do it every morning. I went to class Mon, Wed and planned on Sat and Sun. Now that Saturday is out- I won't even reach my minimum goal of getting to barre 4 times (which I prematurely posted on Facebook about my pride in doing so!) this week. Not to mention that there's a new$5 cancelation (within 2 hours of class)/missed class fee- so that's a bummer. I even drove in the monsoon storms on Wednesday so that I didn't have to miss a class ha

Okay- annoying, whiney, complainy and crying post can now come to an end. It was a bad morning and it'll be over soon. I just need to remember to check for my card now that I'm driving to the studio. Lesson learned, I guess.

Monday, June 24, 2013

Gettin' my strength back- yo

I took my first barre class, in way too long, on Saturday. I am determined to get my strength back and so I made it a priority to get to class this morning with Elena. My goal is to get to the barre 4+ times this week.

Well, today felt like it was my first barre class...ever. I had to stop so many times and give my thighs or glutes a rest. I had to shake it out and during our final abs section...I know you're so surprise...I even cried a bit. I just felt weak and upset at myself for losing my strength. But, I am being pro-active and workin' on it. I just need to KEEP with it. Right?

I did have another victory today- I wanted ice cream SO bad this afternoon. But, I ran into Trader Joes to get blueberries instead ;) WooHoo- trying to stay dedicated!

Tomorrow, I'm doing to be a little bit better at the barre than I was today. Only up from here!

xo


Sunday, June 23, 2013

Taking Control

In my life, my weight has been a never ending struggle. I have been super heavy, I've been comfortable, I've lost it the unhealthy way and the healthy way. I've been obsessed and given healthy living my all and I've given up more times than I can count. Weight to me, isn't about a number. Most of the time now, I don't even use my scale.  Weight is about a feeling. I FEEL confident and more comfortable when I'm thinner and more fit looking.

Over the past few months, I've lost that feeling. I started losing my confidence and feeling very uncomfortable and I couldn't find the motivation that I once had to stick to my healthy-living ways. And, that...scared me. I have spent so much time over the past year trying to live my life the "right" way. I wanted eat perfectly (Paleo-which started mostly because of my food allergies) and workout religiously. I did it, for many months. I saw results. I stayed positive- and somewhere along the way I let go. I don't want to give up again. This isn't some fad diet and weight loss competition I'm in. It's about fitness, health and living happily. I don't want to give up on THAT.

So, I'm taking control. I need to remind myself that it's not about what you do occasionally- it's about what you do most of the time. It started to become that I was working out and eating balanced ocassionally and eating sugar and junk with little working out MOST of the time...the EXACT OPPOSITE of how I WANT to live my life!

With summer break officially here, I've begun my clean (balanced) eating and workouts again. I'm taking control in order to gain what I had started losing: myself. 

Happy Sunday, all! Thanks for the never ending support for my fellow Fit Girls. If I can do this, you can too! xo


Saturday, June 15, 2013

Hiatus

Hi fellow fit girls!

Just wanted to drop a note by to say HELLO! I've kind of been on a hiatus. I moved over the past two weeks and i've had some personal schtuffff to take care of. I have THREE more school days with students left and then it's SWEET SUMMER TIME! I'm ready to have an amazing 8 weeks of health driven relaxation and fitness! Stay tuned to follow me on the summer version of Fit Girl in Progress!

Thanks for always staying loyal,





Sunday, June 9, 2013

It's okay - but it's time to prioritize ...

I've realized that I can't NOT workout. I can't NOT eat healthy. Every time i slide off of my path and gain weight I realize that I'm just NOT a happy person in this state. I've slacked off for a long time for various reasons. AND IT'S OKAY- but, IT'S TIME TO PRIORITIZE!

It's time to stay focused on remember why I'm are doing this in the first place. I want to feel good. I want to be happy and I want to look my best.

This week, I'm going to take it DAY by DAY to get myself back on track. HEALTH is a huge priority and this week- each day..I need to prove/remind myself of that.

This is me, taking a deep breath and realizing that it's all going to be okay. It's OKAY to be a work in progress. I'm okay :) sigh...

Sunday Start-up with SpinShred

This morning I woke up earlier than expected and headed to Spin Shred. 8am class on a Sunday isn't everyone's cup-o'-tea (there were only 4 of us) but I LOVE taking early classes! I was able to get my workout in before I headed to brunch with family. And, I was able to start my day off feeling good about my choices!

What's your favorite time of the day to workout?


Monday, June 3, 2013

It was all because of the SUN!

Last night before bed I thought to myself, "You know what? I will cancel spin in the morning and just take a class in the evening." so, I got on my FG app and canceled my spin class with Sarah.

But, mother nature had other plans- at 5:30 a.m. the sun was lighting up my entire bedroom and woke me up! I looked at the clock and realized, "What a nice surprise! I CAN make it to spin!"

I got up, threw clothes on and headed to the elevator. When I got to the elevator I saw a fellow fit girl heading to spin. I was half asleep and looked like a hot mess but the point is...I got up and got myself to spin!

It was a good thing I DID get up this morning because I had zero energy tonight to head to the studio for a class. Everything happens for a reason ;)

Saturday, June 1, 2013

Sprint to summer! 20 more days!

My SPRINT to SUMMER started this morning at 8:00 am. at Fit Girl! I RAN over to the studio and hopped on a cycle ready for SPIN SHRED with the fabulous, Michelle! When I was grabbing my water I even heard a fellow Fit Girl tell Michelle, "I'm addicted to Spin Shred- going to both Evanston and here!" That about sums it up- SPIN SHRED is AMAZING. Mostly because it marries cardio and toning together so perfectly. 20 minutes of grueling cycling, 20 minutes of strength and toning intervals and 20 minutes back on the cycle to get another burst of heart-pumping cardio. LOVE IT!


I spent the rest of my life pretending like Summer in Chicago had already started. My husband and I dined al fresco for brunch at Wishbone. Then, we headed to Mai Fest (which ended up being a stroll around Lincoln Square and then off to the park with my niece) for some city-fun. I'd say that I had a very successful Saturday!

What did you do today to get your sprint to summer going strong?!