INTENSE workout!

Standard

So i was once again wasting my afternoon in geology class (worse/most boring class everrr!) searching away on pinterest and came across this intense workout! When I say Intense i mean INTENSE!

Before spring break i was doing awesome sticking to my working out and running everyday and eating healthier… but since i have gotten back i just haven’t worked out as hard or had that push. So I went straight to pinterest for that special work out to GET ME GOING!… and here it is!

It is called the thousand rep work out!

1000 Rep Workout:

  • 10 Burpees
  • 10 Squat Jumps with the Sandbag.
  • 10 Push Ups
  • 10 Toe Touch Sit Ups
  • 10 Dips using the Dip Station (or Bodyweight alternative – see the video)
  • 10 Tuck Jumps
  • 10 Plank Jax
  • 10 Split Lunges
  • 10 Leg Drops
  • 10 Squat Thrusts
    ****Move through this circuit 10 times at your max effort

http://ahref=

 

Most intense work out for me ever! Definitely kicked my butt!

FESTIVAL TIME!

Standard

Sooo I am truely honored to live in southern Louisiana, a place where we have the largest free musical festival in the world…Festival Internationale de Louisiane. Knowing I would be at the Festival for hours on end ( and knowing i am suppose to be sticking to eating better) I got to pinterest for some great ideas of diet festival food.
Let’s just say I came up short…not many festival foods are “healthy!” So i just used my already some what health knowledge I have gained and created a quick tip list.

FESTIVAL TIPS FOR EATING HEALTHIER:

  • Stay away from sweets!
  • They have boiled seafood right at your fingertips downtown…gravitate towards that, its healthier!
  • Stay away from premade drinks- they contain tons of sugars!
  • Stay away from all the hotdog and hamburger and greasy food stands…loaded in unhealthy calories!
            –Added bonuses:
                    *you’re going to be doing a TON of walking from stage to stage- great extra exercise
                    *join in on the dancing! you can always use some extra cardio!

I hope this helps some! and hope everyone gets to get out there and enjoy the festival!

Here’s a pic of the festival, as well as me and my friend in VIP standing on the stage listening to a zydeco band!

SPRING BREAK!

Standard

That dreaded word we here every spring! In January we think we have months to plan, exercise, and eat healthy to be in our best Bikini body tip top shape…but she (Spring Break) always seems to creep up on us without us even knowing!
And while we are at it let’s be honest, Spring Break for the majority of college kids means fattening easy meals, alcohol, and sun burns! But this year I aimed at making sure it was different!
It was my senior year in college…meaning my last spring break ever– but by far one of the funnest as well as one i ate the healthiest for!

SPRING BREAK TIPS:

  • Bring premade meals. Try and make majority of your meals at home, that way you wont cheat and you will save money!
  • My go to lunch was lettuce wraps- i replaced the old refreashing beach sandwhich and used organic turkey meat with “the works” (tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, cheese) wrapped them up and brought them to the beach.
  • My snacks were carrots and Celery and Walden Farms CALORIE/CARB free dressing (can I get a halleljia?) and fresh cut fruit– my favorite’s pineapple, grapes, and honey dew!
  • My pre dinner snack– Nuts and Almonds…I was in a house full of 15 girls, let’s just say it took us a while to get ready so i definitely needed a snack!
  • My new obsession lately is Jose Cuervo Margarita LIGHT! It taste even better then the regular, has less surgar, and less calories!
  • I opted out and did the NO BEER this trip– way too bloated, but mixing your drinks with Diet Orange Juice, or water and fresh squized lemon and limes definietly cuts back the calories in each drink!

Exercises:

  • Though its vacations, thats no reason to slack– you’re at the beach for goodness sake, to this opportunity to run on the beach! The most stress relieving run of my life as well as best work out for your legs!
  • Try alternating between running and 50 yard dashes!
  • After your run plunge into the ocean or pool and try to swim laps- great way to cool off and get a great arm and leg work out in! * If you want a more extensive arm work out, try swimming laps without kicking!

I have to say I was one of the only girsl there doing workouts in the morning and eating healthy… but it didnt take long for the other girls to want to join in! By day 3 i had a few running with me as well as girls wanting to eat what i was cooking! Health is contagious!

Here’s a few pics from my trip in Destin, Florida:

The water was GORGEOUS! Not one ounce of seaweed and no jelly fish! It was by far the prettiest Destin water i had ever seen, it definitely was competition with Caribbean water!

DAY SEVEN!

Standard

Hello and GOOD BYE to our first week of “Pinning our self thin”!
Sundays are always my rest day, a day for my muscles and body to relax and repair itself from the hectic week!
My family eats brunch together every Sunday, so I allow myself a little cheat– i try and eat as remotely healthy as i can, but everyone needs a little indulgance every now and then!
So take a load off and relax!

Steps to Avoiding Gym Rage

Day Six… i can taste sunday!

Standard

Last day before our day off! Totally got to sleep in, and luckily weather is amazing! Definitely going to do all my workouts outside!

The Power of A Fat Busting Food Diary

Tip:

Don’t skip breakfast Some people skip breakfast because they think it will help them lose weight. In fact, research shows that eating breakfast can help people control their weight. A healthy breakfast is an important part of a balanced diet, and provides some of the vitamins and minerals we need for good health. Wholemeal cereal, with fruit sliced over the top is a tasty and nutritious breakfast.
 
Meals:
BREAKFAST
Think Thin Protein Bar
http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=lifplufit-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=B000CRHQN0&ref=tf_til&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=2D2D48&bc1=FFFFFF&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr

SNACK
Avocado & Turkey SandwichIngredients
2 slices of bread
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 slices turkey
1/2 large avocados, peeled and sliced
1 tablespoon safflower mayonnaise
Directions
Spread on both sides of the bread Dijon mustard, safflower mayonnaise and avocado. Layer with the turkey. Wrap the sandwiches with parchment, and tie with a string to secure. Keep chilled.

LUNCH
Banana Split Shake
 1/2 frozen banana
 2 Scoops Chocolate Whey Powder
 10-12 oz water
 4-6 ice cubes
Blend together and serve.

SNACK
Think Thin Protein Bar from Above

DINNER
Chicken Cordon Blue
2 servings
Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (10-12 ounces), trimmed and tenders removed
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper, divided
1/8 teaspoon herbamare
3 tablespoons shredded Swiss cheese
1 tablespoon reduced-fat cream cheese
2 tablespoons coarse dry whole-wheat breadcrumbs (see Tip)
1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
2 tablespoons chopped turkey bacon
Preparation
Preheat oven to 400°F. Sprinkle chicken with 1/8 teaspoon pepper and herbamare. Combine cheese and cream cheese in a bowl. Combine the remaining 1/8 teaspoon pepper with breadcrumbs, parsley and 1 teaspoon oil in another bowl.
Heat the remaining 1 teaspoon oil in a medium, ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken until browned on both sides, about 2 minutes per side. Move the chicken to the center so the pieces are touching. Spread with the cheese mixture, sprinkle with ham, then top with the breadcrumb mixture.
Bake until the chicken is no longer pink in the center and an instant-read thermometer registers 165°F, 5 to 7 minutes.

SNACK
Coconut Yogurt

Exercise: I have a 5k to run this Saturday so I am using that as my warm up!
TOOLS: free weights
Don’t chicken out and use a weight!

STRENGTH CIRCUIT 1

Perform one set of each exercise without resting. For example, you’ll do the prescribed number of repetitions of the first exercise, and immediately do the second exercise and so on. Once you have finished going through the first circuit rest 1 minute repeat circuit 1 one more time before moving on to circuit 2.

  • Jump Squats 20 reps
  • Walking Lunges 36 reps
  • Wide Calf Raise Squat 12 reps
  • Cursy Squats 24 reps

STRENGTH CIRCUIT 1
Jump Squats 20 reps
Stand with feet shoulder-width apart. Do a regular squat with 3 pulse up and down moves. Then jump up as explosively. When you land, lower your body back into the squat position to complete one rep. Repeat

Walking Lunges 36 reps
Stand with dumbbells grasped to sides. Step forward with first leg. Land on heel then forefoot. Lower body by flexing knee and hip of front leg until knee of rear leg is almost in contact with floor. Stand on forward leg with assistance of rear leg. Lunge forward with opposite leg. Repeat by alternating lunge with opposite legs.

Wide Calf Raise Squat 12 reps
Stand with feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart and knees slightly bent. Turn your toes outward, but in alignment with your knees. Shift your weight to your heels and maintain an upright position. Squat until your thighs are parallel to the floor. Repeat

Cursy Squats 24 reps
Stand with feet shoulder-width apart. Step your right leg behind your left as if you are about to curtsy. Bend both knees to curtsy while keeping your chest up. Step to the side and step your left leg behind your right. Ben both knees to curtsy and repeat.

Rest 1 minute and REPEAT Jump Squats, Walking Lunges, Wide Calf Raise Squat, and Cursy Squats once more.

STRENGTH CIRCUIT  2

Perform one set of each exercise without resting. For example, you’ll do the prescribed number of repetitions of the first exercise, and immediately do the second exercise and so on. Once you have finished going through the first circuit rest 1 minute repeat circuit 2 one more time before moving on to DOUBLE DOG DARE.

  • Squat Hold with 15 second switch
  • Skater Lunge 12 reps
  • One Legged Deadlift 20 reps

STRENGTH CIRCUIT 2
Squat Hold with 15 second switch
Squat down to above parellel and hold for 15 seconds. Then squat down till thighs are below parellel and hold 15 seconds. Repeat one more time.

Skater Lunge 12 reps
Stand with feet hip-width apart. Lunge left leg out to side, keeping right leg straight. With back flat, hinge forward from hips, reaching left toes. Step to the side and repeat on the right leg. Keep repeating left and right until you can’t do anymore.

One Legged Deadlift 20 reps
Stand on one leg, on the same side that you hold a weight. Keeping that knee slightly bent, perform a stiff legged deadlift by bending at the hip, extending your free leg behind you for balance. Continue lowering the weight until you are parallel to the ground, and then return to the upright position.

Rest 1 minute and REPEAT Squat Hold with 15 second switch, Skater Lunge, and One Legged Deadlift once more.

Double dog dare you! Once you have finished the last repeat I dare you to try this workout all the way through again!  This time without the repeats.

This work out definitely is a BUTT kicker! but trust me tomorrow you will love being sore!

 

Day FIVE!

Standard

So besides the week long hiatus, and me getting pneumonia…. i have ever so slightly tried to stay on track… let’s all face it bikini season is upon us and we need to remotely look decent and less like beach whales as much as possible!

Stand Up For Your Feet

 

Tip: No More Soda’s! cut them out of your diet and it is insane how you’ll feel less bloated and how the pounds come off!
* and for a drinkers out there mix your drinks with water or crystal light packets!
Meals:
Breakfast: Stuffed French Toast

Ingredients
 2 slices flaxseed bread
 1 egg, slightly beaten
 1/2 cup coconut milk
 sprinkle of apple pie spice
 Nonstick coconut cooking spray
Directions

I use a little honey or agave on my toast.

SNACK
Apple and Peanut Butter
1 medium apple, sliced, with 1 tablespoon peanut butter

LUNCH
Greek Chopped Salad
Ingredients
 2 cups romaine lettuce
 2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese
 1/2 cup canned garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
 1/2 cup cucumber, sliced
 2 tablespoons low-fat vinaigrette

Make it: Combine all salad ingredients in a bowl and toss thoroughly.

SNACK
Coconut Yogurt

DINNER
Lemon Dijon Chicken
Servings 2
Ingredients
 2 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves – cut into 2 inch pieces
 1/4 lime, juiced
 1/2 lemon, juiced
 4 tablespoons Dijon mustard
 freshly ground black pepper
 Herbemare to taste
 Directions
Place chicken in a skillet over medium heat. Pour in lime and lemon juices, and stir in Dijon, black pepper, and Creole-seasoning. Cook, turning chicken occasionally, until the chicken pieces are done, about 15 minutes.
Great over brown rice and served with steamed broccoli

Exercise:
WARM UP:
Don’t forget to do a good 20 min warm up of your choice- running, eleptical, or stair stepper.
Write down your weights, reps, and sets. This way you can see your progress!
Remember: Do what you can and what you can’t do try again next time to finish. You move at your own pace and make it work for you.

STRENGTH CIRCUIT 1

Perform one set of each exercise without resting. For example, you’ll do the prescribed number of repetitions of the first exercise, and immediately do the second exercise and so on. Once you have finished going through the first circuit repeat it one more time before move on to the second circuit.

  • Shoulder Press
  • In & Out Bicep Curl
  • Legs Up Triceps Extension

STRENGTH CIRCUIT 2

Perform one set of each exercise without resting. For example, you’ll do the prescribed number of repetitions of the first exercise, and immediately do the second exercise and so on. Once you have finished going through the first circuit repeat it one more time before move on to the second circuit.

  • Deep Swimmer Press
  • Hammer Curl
  • Weighted Chair/Bench Dip

STRENGTH CIRCUIT 3

Perform one set of each exercise without resting. For example, you’ll do the prescribed number of repetitions of the first exercise, and immediately do the second exercise and so on. Once you have finished going through the first circuit repeat it one more time before move on to the second circuit.

  • Upright Row
  • Static Arm Curl
  • Triceps Kickback

STRENGTH CIRCUIT 4
Perform one set of each exercise without resting. For example, you’ll do the prescribed number of repetitions of the first exercise, and immediately do the second exercise and so on. Once you have finished going through the forth circuit repeat all ciruits 1 more time without breaks.

  • Reverse Fly
  • Biceps Curl
  • Flip Grip Twist Triceps Kickback

STRENGTH CIRCUIT 1

Shoulder Press

Press dumbbells upward until arms are extended overhead. Lower to sides of shoulders and repeat.

In & Out Bicep Curl

Standard curl with palms up grip. Bring weights back down and turn forearms out to side for side curls. Bring weights back down. Rotate back and forth.

Legs Up Triceps Extension

Lie on your back with knees bent at 45 degree angel, hold a weight in each hand with arms extended toward the ceiling. Bend elbows and lower weights until they’re alongside your ears. Return to starting position and repeat.

STRENGTH CIRCUIT 2

Deep Swimmer Press

 

Press dumbbells overhead in modified corkscrew motion. Start with palms in. While raising dumbbells overhead, turn wrists so palms face out at top of move. Mimic move in reverse on way down.

Hammer Curl

With elbows to sides, raise one dumbbell until forearm is vertical and thumb faces shoulder. Lower to original position and repeat with alternative arm.

Weighted Chair/Bench Dip

With a pair of flat benches or chairs positioned about 3 feet apart and a plate or weight on your lap, slide your glutes off the bench and lower yourself by bending your arms. Stop with your elbows are bent about 90 degrees, the press back up to full arm extension.

STRENGTH CIRCUIT 3

Upright Row

Pull dumbbells to front of shoulder with elbows leading out to sides. Allow wrists to flex as dumbbells rises upward. Lower and repeat.

Static Arm Curl

One arm held static at 90 degrees, while other arm does 4 reps. Alternate arms and repeat sequence.

Triceps Kickback

Hold a medium weight in both hands and bend over until your torso is at a 45-degree angle or parallel to the floor (more advanced). Bend the knees if needed and keep the abs engaged to protect the lower back. Begin the movement by bending the arms and pulling the elbows up to torso level. Holding that position, straighten the arms out behind you, squeezing the triceps muscles. Bend the arms back to starting position and repeat

STRENGTH CIRCUIT 4

Reverse Fly

Use light-medium dumbbells and begin in a seated position, bent over with arms hanging down and weights under the knees. Try not to collapse on the legs but, instead, keep the back straight and the abs engaged. Lift the arms out to the sides, up to shoulder level, squeezing shoulder blades together. Keep the elbows slightly bent and only lift to shoulders. Return to start and repeat.

Biceps Curl

 Start in a standing position with your feet shoulder width apart and your knees relaxed. Grasp a barbell with your hands also shoulder width apart. Your grip should be underhand (palms facing upwards) . Stand upright and let the bar hang in front of your thighs. Bend at your elbows to curl the bar to shoulder level. Pause momentarily at this top position. Slowly lower the bar back to the starting position.

Flip Grip Twist Triceps Kickback

Stand leaning forward and perform standard triceps kickbacks, changing wrist position from palms-up to palms down while hands are closest to shoulder. Alternate write position between each rep.

Once you have done all the once repeats for an extra bonus repeat the whole workout one more time without the extra repeats.

ROCK IT!

Great job!! Alright don’t forget the COOL DOWN!

Day FIVE!

Standard

So besides the week long hiatus, and me getting pneumonia…. i have ever so slightly tried to stay on track… let’s all face it bikini season is upon us and we need to remotely look decent and less like beach whales as much as possible!

Stand Up For Your Feet

 

Tip: No More Soda’s! cut them out of your diet and it is insane how you’ll feel less bloated and how the pounds come off!
* and for a drinkers out there mix your drinks with water or crystal light packets!
Meals:
Breakfast: Stuffed French Toast

Ingredients
 2 slices flaxseed bread
 1 egg, slightly beaten
 1/2 cup coconut milk
 sprinkle of apple pie spice
 Nonstick coconut cooking spray
Directions

I use a little honey or agave on my toast.

SNACK
Apple and Peanut Butter
1 medium apple, sliced, with 1 tablespoon peanut butter

LUNCH
Greek Chopped Salad
Ingredients
 2 cups romaine lettuce
 2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese
 1/2 cup canned garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
 1/2 cup cucumber, sliced
 2 tablespoons low-fat vinaigrette

Make it: Combine all salad ingredients in a bowl and toss thoroughly.

SNACK
Coconut Yogurt

DINNER
Lemon Dijon Chicken
Servings 2
Ingredients
 2 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves – cut into 2 inch pieces
 1/4 lime, juiced
 1/2 lemon, juiced
 4 tablespoons Dijon mustard
 freshly ground black pepper
 Herbemare to taste
 Directions
Place chicken in a skillet over medium heat. Pour in lime and lemon juices, and stir in Dijon, black pepper, and Creole-seasoning. Cook, turning chicken occasionally, until the chicken pieces are done, about 15 minutes.
Great over brown rice and served with steamed broccoli

Exercise:
WARM UP:
Don’t forget to do a good 20 min warm up of your choice- running, eleptical, or stair stepper.
Write down your weights, reps, and sets. This way you can see your progress!
Remember: Do what you can and what you can’t do try again next time to finish. You move at your own pace and make it work for you.

STRENGTH CIRCUIT 1

Perform one set of each exercise without resting. For example, you’ll do the prescribed number of repetitions of the first exercise, and immediately do the second exercise and so on. Once you have finished going through the first circuit repeat it one more time before move on to the second circuit.

  • Shoulder Press
  • In & Out Bicep Curl
  • Legs Up Triceps Extension

STRENGTH CIRCUIT 2

Perform one set of each exercise without resting. For example, you’ll do the prescribed number of repetitions of the first exercise, and immediately do the second exercise and so on. Once you have finished going through the first circuit repeat it one more time before move on to the second circuit.

  • Deep Swimmer Press
  • Hammer Curl
  • Weighted Chair/Bench Dip

STRENGTH CIRCUIT 3

Perform one set of each exercise without resting. For example, you’ll do the prescribed number of repetitions of the first exercise, and immediately do the second exercise and so on. Once you have finished going through the first circuit repeat it one more time before move on to the second circuit.

  • Upright Row
  • Static Arm Curl
  • Triceps Kickback

STRENGTH CIRCUIT 4
Perform one set of each exercise without resting. For example, you’ll do the prescribed number of repetitions of the first exercise, and immediately do the second exercise and so on. Once you have finished going through the forth circuit repeat all ciruits 1 more time without breaks.

  • Reverse Fly
  • Biceps Curl
  • Flip Grip Twist Triceps Kickback

STRENGTH CIRCUIT 1

Shoulder Press

Press dumbbells upward until arms are extended overhead. Lower to sides of shoulders and repeat.

In & Out Bicep Curl

Standard curl with palms up grip. Bring weights back down and turn forearms out to side for side curls. Bring weights back down. Rotate back and forth.

Legs Up Triceps Extension

Lie on your back with knees bent at 45 degree angel, hold a weight in each hand with arms extended toward the ceiling. Bend elbows and lower weights until they’re alongside your ears. Return to starting position and repeat.

STRENGTH CIRCUIT 2

Deep Swimmer Press

 

Press dumbbells overhead in modified corkscrew motion. Start with palms in. While raising dumbbells overhead, turn wrists so palms face out at top of move. Mimic move in reverse on way down.

Hammer Curl

With elbows to sides, raise one dumbbell until forearm is vertical and thumb faces shoulder. Lower to original position and repeat with alternative arm.

Weighted Chair/Bench Dip

With a pair of flat benches or chairs positioned about 3 feet apart and a plate or weight on your lap, slide your glutes off the bench and lower yourself by bending your arms. Stop with your elbows are bent about 90 degrees, the press back up to full arm extension.

STRENGTH CIRCUIT 3

Upright Row

Pull dumbbells to front of shoulder with elbows leading out to sides. Allow wrists to flex as dumbbells rises upward. Lower and repeat.

Static Arm Curl

One arm held static at 90 degrees, while other arm does 4 reps. Alternate arms and repeat sequence.

Triceps Kickback

Hold a medium weight in both hands and bend over until your torso is at a 45-degree angle or parallel to the floor (more advanced). Bend the knees if needed and keep the abs engaged to protect the lower back. Begin the movement by bending the arms and pulling the elbows up to torso level. Holding that position, straighten the arms out behind you, squeezing the triceps muscles. Bend the arms back to starting position and repeat

STRENGTH CIRCUIT 4

Reverse Fly

Use light-medium dumbbells and begin in a seated position, bent over with arms hanging down and weights under the knees. Try not to collapse on the legs but, instead, keep the back straight and the abs engaged. Lift the arms out to the sides, up to shoulder level, squeezing shoulder blades together. Keep the elbows slightly bent and only lift to shoulders. Return to start and repeat.

Biceps Curl

 Start in a standing position with your feet shoulder width apart and your knees relaxed. Grasp a barbell with your hands also shoulder width apart. Your grip should be underhand (palms facing upwards) . Stand upright and let the bar hang in front of your thighs. Bend at your elbows to curl the bar to shoulder level. Pause momentarily at this top position. Slowly lower the bar back to the starting position.

Flip Grip Twist Triceps Kickback

Stand leaning forward and perform standard triceps kickbacks, changing wrist position from palms-up to palms down while hands are closest to shoulder. Alternate write position between each rep.

Once you have done all the once repeats for an extra bonus repeat the whole workout one more time without the extra repeats.

ROCK IT!

Great job!! Alright don’t forget the COOL DOWN!

DAY four ;)

Standard

It’s getting harder….but if i just take a moment and look at my pinterest inspiration pictures it snaps me right back to reality…STAY on DIET!

  • Tip for today: Smaller portions! You should try to eat smaller portions with every meal and remember to next supersize ANYTHING! Believe it or not in the 1950’s a 20 oz cup (that is a “regular or medium” sized cup in today’s standards) was considered an extra large!
  • Meals: Thursdays are test days for me, so that usually means no sleep on Wednesday nights and rushed mornings, so my meal for this day is usually a lot lighter:
    Breakfast: Berry Smoothie
    1 1/4 cups fresh or frozen berries
    3/4 cup  low-fat plain yogurt
    1/2 cup orange juice
    1 scoop protein powder
    1 tablespoon honey (optional)
    1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
    *orange juice adds some much-needed vitamin C to wake me up and keep me going!Snack: Pretest Protein Bar
    You can get these anywhere, my favorite i get from my nutritionist called Chewy peanut Butter by Healthwise, i try to choose the ones that are 150 calories with 15 grams of protein and less than 12 grams of carbs!

    Lunch: Turkey Breast Salad on the go!
    3 cups mixed, salad
    1/2 cup shredded carrots
    1 tablespoons green onion, chopped
    1 tablespoon dressing
    5 cherry tomatoes
    2 slices roast turkey breast, cut up (3 ounces)
    1 slices reduced-fat Swiss cheese, cut up (2 ounces)

    Snack: Protein shake
    On the run, so Planet Nutrition it is…Strawberry Cheesecake (under 300 calories of yummyness!)

    Dinner: Chicken Breasts with Mushroom Cream Sauce
    2 5-ounce boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed and tenders removed
    1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
    1/4 teaspoon salt
    1 tablespoon safflower oil
    1 medium onion, minced
    1 cup thinly sliced mushrooms
    1/4 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
    2 tablespoons heavy cream
    2 tablespoons green onion
    Preparation
    Season chicken with pepper and herbamare on both sides. Heat oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook, turning once or twice and adjusting the heat to prevent burning, until brown and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 165°F, 12 to 16 minutes.
    Add onion to the pan and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add mushrooms; cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 2 minutes. Pour in broth and cook until reduced by half, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in cream and green onions; return to a simmer. Return the chicken to the pan, turn to coat with sauce and cook until heated through, about 1 minute.

  • Exercise: Being in college does have some of its perks – intramurals! Thursdays are softball games for me, so I suggest everyone to get involved in at least one extracurricular activity where you’re getting in some form of exercise! But after the game I keep my body going, you know the weekend is coming tomorrow and that you will want to splurge!
    First a 3 mile jog/run! This should be feeling easier and your time slowly should be decreasing! Then follow up with this:

     

    This is a fat routine. It takes no time at all to do but gets your heart rate up there. Here’s how I did it. I did each exercise for 1 minute and when finishing my first set of this routine I ran a mile. I repeated this same routine and mile run for 3 times. WOW! Let me tell you. I felt done, done, done but very good about what I had done! ROCK IT!
    Star Squat


    Targets: Arms, abs, and legs

     

    • Stand with feet together, arms by sides. Squat low, placing palms on floor in front of feet, directly under shoulders.
    • Kick feet straight behind you, landing in push-up position (balancing on palms and toes, back flat, abs engaged).
    • Jump feet forward to squat.
    • Immediately jump straight up, bringing arms and legs up and out to sides (like a star). Land in starting position.
      Do 10 reps.

    Speed Skater
    Speed Skater
    Targets: Shoulders, back, abs, butt, and legs

     

    • Stand with feet hip-width apart, arms by sides. Lunge left leg out to side, keeping right leg straight. With back flat, hinge forward from hips, reaching right arm to left toes, extending left arm behind you.
    • Staying crouched, hop left foot next to right, then switch sides, lunging right as you sweep left arm toward right foot and right arm behind you to complete one rep.
    • Do 20 reps.
    Lunge Kick



    Targets: Abs, butt, and legs

     

    • Stand with feet hip-width apart, arms by sides, elbows bent. Lunge forward with left leg while swinging right arm forward and left arm back.
    • As you rise, kick right leg straight up and swing arms in opposite directions.
    • Lunge forward with right leg as foot lands on floor.
    • Continue lunge kicking forward 10 steps, alternating legs. Turn around and lunge kick back to start.

    Knee-Up Jump Lunge

    Targets: Abs, butt, and legs

    Stand with feet hip-width apart, arms by sides, elbows bent. Lunge back with right leg while swinging right arm forward and left arm back (like a runner).
    Press off left foot and jump straight up (as high as possible), bringing bent right knee toward chest and swinging arms in opposite directions.

    • Return to lunge as you land.
    • Do 10 reps, then switch legs and repeat.
      Sumo Kick

       

      Targets: Abs, butt, and legs

      • Stand with feet hip-width apart, toes turned out slightly and elbows bent by sides, fists in front of chest. Take a large step out to left with left foot and sink into a wide squat.
      • Stand up, placing weight on left leg, leaning slightly to left, and kick right leg out to side with foot flexed.
      • Lower right leg, bringing right foot beside left.
      • Do 10 sumo kicks across floor; switch directions, kicking with left leg back to start.

*Grab some water and feel good about things because tomorrow is FRIDAY 😉

 

Day 3!

Standard

Hump days here!

wear in public

Day Three:

  • Tip: No closet snacking. Just because no one saw you eat it, doesnt mean your body will hide it too! If it helps write down in a journal everything you eat and keep track!
  • Meals:
    Breakfast: Breakfast Muffin Only eat one muffin and have a glass of almond milk. 🙂

    Ingredients
    1 cup All Purpose Baking Flour
    1 ¼ cups oatmeal ( whole grain)
    2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
    ½ teaspoon sea salt
    1 teaspoon cinnamon
    ½ teaspoon nutmeg
    1 teaspoon ginger ( fresh or powdered)
    2 cups bananas, ripe & mashed ( about 4 medium)
    2⁄3; cup applesauce
    1⁄3; cup carrots, shredded
    1 large eggs
    2 tablespoons safflower oil

    Directions
    Preheat oven to 375.

    Combine first 7 ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Stir until well blended.
    In a separate smaller bowl combine all other ingredients (bananas – butter), stir until well blended.
    Add banana mixture to the flour mixture along with the raisins, if you desire.
    Fill muffin cups 2/3 way full.

    Bake at 375 for about 20 minutes, until the muffin springs back when lightly touched.
    Makes 16 small muffins, or 8 giant-sized muffins.

    Snack: Berry Yogurt Parfaits
    This makes extra. Just have one bowl full.

    Ingredients
     1 containers yogurt vanilla flavor
     1 cup frozen or fresh black berries or raspberries
     1/2 cup granola

    Directions
    In a small bowl combine yogurt, berries, and granola and top with yogurt.

    Lunch: Berry Boost Protein Shake
    Ingredients:
    1 scoops Vanilla Protein Powder
    1/2 cup raspberries
    1/2 strawberries
    8 oz ounces almond or coconut milk
    1/2 cup ice cubes
    * if you’re on campus and its to hard to run home and make this, you can make it the night before and freeze into a water bottle and by lunch time it will be nice and slushy.

    Directions
    Blend all ingredients together and yummy. 🙂

    Snack: Muffin from Breakfast

    Dinner: Herb Infused Chicken with Tomato & Wine Sauce.
    10 servings
    Active Time: 45 minutes
    Total Time: 3 3/4-6 3/4 hours
    Ingredients
    4 slices turkey bacon
    1 large onion, thinly sliced
    4 cloves garlic, minced
    1 teaspoon dried thyme
    1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
    1 cup dry white wine (see Tip)
    1 28-ounce can tomatoes, with juice, coarsely chopped
    1 teaspoon salt
    10 bone-in chicken thighs (about 3 3/4 pounds), skin removed, trimmed
    1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
    Direction
    Cook turkey bacon in a large skillet with a little safflower oil over medium heat until crisp. Transfer to paper towels to drain. Crumble when cool. Add onion and cook over medium heat, stirring, until softened, 3 to 6 minutes. Add garlic, thyme, pepper and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add wine, bring to a boil and boil for 2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits. Add tomatoes and their juice and salt; stir well.
    Place chicken thighs in a 4-quart (or larger) slow cooker. Sprinkle the bacon over the chicken. Pour the tomato mixture over the chicken. Cover and cook until the chicken is very tender, about 3 hours on High or 6 hours on Low.

  • Exercise: Try 30 minutes on the eleptical with alternating intervals between resistence 4 and resistence 8 every 4 minutes. Then try these exercises to strengthen your back:
    Upright row

    Do three sets of 12 to 15 reps

    Target Muscles: trapezius, lateral and front deltoids

    Set Up: Stand on the middle of a band with your feet shoulder-width apart. Cross the band in front of you and hold one handle in each hand [A].

    Action: Leading with your elbows, pull the band upward until the handles reach your shoulders [B]. Extend your arms back to the starting position to complete one rep. Repeat for your set.

     Seated row

    Do three sets of 15 reps

    Target Muscles: latissimus dorsi, rhomboids, trapezius

    Set Up: Sit on the floor with your legs extended in front of you. Loop a band around the soles of your feet, cross it in the center and hold one handle in each hand, arms straight.

    Action: Bend your arms to pull the handles toward your sides as shown. Slowly extend your arms to finish one rep.

    TIP: If this move feels too easy, gather some of the band’s slack in the palm of your hands.

    Straight-arm pullover

    Do three sets of 10 to 12 reps

    Target Muscles: latissimus dorsi, hamstrings, erector spinae, gluteus maximus

    Set Up: Anchor a band to a low, secure object in front of you. Hold a handle in each hand, step back from the anchor point and bend forward from the hips as shown [A].

    Action: Straighten your knees and hips to stand, while simultaneously lifting your arms overhead [B]. Slowly reverse to return to the start.

    Rear delt flye

    Do three sets of 10 to 12 reps

    Target muscles: posterior deltoids

    Set Up: Stand with your feet hip-width apart holding a dumbbell in each hand. Hinge forward from your hips and bend your knees slightly until your wrists are below your shoulders [A].

    Action: Open your arms out and up until they form a straight line with your shoulders [B]. Reverse slowly to return to the starting position.

     Lat pulldown

    Do three sets of 15 reps (each side)

    Target Muscles: latissimus dorsi

    Set Up: Stand with your feet hip-with apart. Grasp the center of a resistance band with both hands, about a foot apart, and extend your arms overhead [A].

    Action: Bend your left arm, drawing your elbow down to the side; stop when you feel a stretch in the left side of your back [B]. Slowly extend your arm back overhead and repeat. When your set is through, repeat with your right arm.