Good morning! I hope everyone remembered to put their clocks ahead 1 hour! Luckily I use my cell phone as an alarm so it's all automatic. I hope you are all keeping up with your New Year's goals and monthly challenges! I've been sticking to the ab challenge I created, though sometimes it's rough to fit in with my regular workouts so I'll wind up doing it in the evening or doubling up on a day... but it gets done! Today is Day 42 of Brazil Butt Lift! I highly recommend this program to anyone that wants to tone up their lower body, but it's also a great full-body workout! The sculpt class works the whole body, and boy are my triceps growing! It's unreal how sore I get from the workouts... and this is coming from someone that did Insanity! It's an excellent program, it's fun and challenging! I'm up to 4 pounds on my ankle weights for the High & Tight workout and that was killer!
So, the first day of Spring is in 10 days! Who's ready?!? That means summer is in a little over 3 months! [Don't get frustrated, most of the programs I did were 60-90 days!] Warmer weather means less clothing... have you been working on that summer body? My body wasn't 100% ready for summer last year, but i'm in much better shape this year and ready! While I still need improving and toning, I think i'm finally ready for some real shorts! I always wore guys shorts or shorts that went to my knees because I absolutely hated my legs... i tried on last summer's shorts and they fell to the ground! So I really have no choice but to buy some new ones! I'm still leery on wearing shorts, but i'm hoping I can find some that make me feel good about myself!
I'm very excited that spring break is this week. While I have nothing exciting planned, I will be getting caught up on laundry and reading and doing some baking! I've been finding such great recipes that I want to try and freeze up so I can have some fun pre-workout treats! I'm so obsessed with finding recipes! I just wish I had the time and money to make all of them! lol Here is one that I've been crazy obsessed over this week!
I'm very excited that spring break is this week. While I have nothing exciting planned, I will be getting caught up on laundry and reading and doing some baking! I've been finding such great recipes that I want to try and freeze up so I can have some fun pre-workout treats! I'm so obsessed with finding recipes! I just wish I had the time and money to make all of them! lol Here is one that I've been crazy obsessed over this week!
This is from Chocolate-covered Katie: Cake Batter Energy Bars
- 1 cup rice crispies (brown or white, or certified gf) (30g)
- packed 1/2 cup oat flour (70g) (Or make your own by grinding rolled oats in the food processor until they turn into a fine powder. Measure after blending.)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp roasted cashew butter (see nutrition link below, for all substitution notes)
- 5 tbsp agave (Honey will work, but is not for strict vegans.) (See nutrition link for substitutions)
- optional: a handful of sprinkles
- optional: replace up to half of the oat flour with your favorite protein powder
Combine all dry ingredients and stir well. In a separate (large) bowl, combine wet and stir to form a thin paste. (If your cashew butter is cold, warm it a little for easier mixing.) Pour dry into wet (not the other way around), and stir until evenly coated. Line a baking dish or tupperware container with a large piece of wax paper and pour the mixture into the dish. Fold the extra paper over the mixture and squish down as hard as you possibly can! Use a heavy object to really press it down. (The mixture will fill a 7×5, or about 2/3 of an 8×8.) Stick in the fridge or freezer to harden before cutting into bars. Store in the fridge or freezer. Makes 6 bars.
I changed mine up a bit... I did split the flour and protein powder. I did 1/4 cup coconut flour and 1/4 cup french vanilla Designer Whey protein. I also cut the salt to 1/8 tsp., cut the agave syrup to 3 tbsp., and sprinkled in some cinnamon... they are amazing!!! As most people know I have a ridiculous sweet tooth so I'm always looking for delicious protein treats! The ones I made wound up being 137 calories and 7 g of protein... and 100% worth it! (oh and I of course added the sprinkles!) Check out her website for more delicious treats! I'm making her homemade luna bars next!
My Insanity t-shirt arrived! It feels good to get something for completing a program! [well, besides a more fit body ;) ]. I received an e-mail yesterday saying my TurboFire tank top is in the mail! I've been very delayed in entering the BeachBody challenges... I'm supposed to be receiving some booty shorts at the end of my 60 day BBL challenge!!
So I got to thinking yesterday... I've pretty much hit my goal weight. My original goal when I started this journey was 135 pounds... with 130 as an ultimate goal weight (for now)... lately I've been weighing in between 131-135. So I was figuring, since I'm around my goal weight, it's time to work on other aspects of my journey, like what I eat. Remember: abs are made in the kitchen! Over the course of the year I have drastically decreased processed items from my diet, however, there is always room for improvement. I'm not the type that will live a 100% clean life. I love candy, Little Debbie cakes, chocolates, cupcakes, pizza... etc =P but there are some things I can improve upon. I decided a monthly goal is going to be to improve upon one thing in my diet... whether it be to make it a "cleaner" option or at least slightly better... this month it is popcorn. Sometimes I work until 10pm... other days I just crave a salty, crunchy snack at night (and sorry but being on this journey, i'm starting to get really sick of almonds lol)... so I've turned to popcorn... 5/$5 at Kroger, pop the bag in the microwave and in under 2 minutes I've got a bowl of deliciousness! Recently I had changed over to the Orville Redenbacher Naturals that are whole-grain and made with real butter. It had fewer ingredients than the Kroger brand and seemed like a healthier option... then I noticed how much saturated fat was in it due to the butter. Now I have switched to JollyTime kernels, pop them in my air popper, and purchased some spray butter to toss it in. I plan on trying it with some coconut oil or butter soon too. I understand, the spray butter is crap, but baby steps! Right?! =) I also would like to move onto organic corn kernels but right now the JollyTime is under $2 for a bag that gives about 27 servings!
Some possible other options for future months are:
This is something I'm going to continue thinking about... there honestly are not a whole lot of processed items in my life, but i'm always looking for ways to improve!
I'm still going strong with my ab challenge and BBL... moving onto Body Beast on the 25th! SO pumped! I hope everyone has a great Sunday and an awesome Spring Break (for those in school)!! =)
Be sure to check out my FaceBook page for news, tips, pics, and updates!!
<3 Crystal
Some possible other options for future months are:
- coffee creamer
- hummus
- cool whip
- brownies
- chips
- pancake mix
- bread
- butter
- bacon
This is something I'm going to continue thinking about... there honestly are not a whole lot of processed items in my life, but i'm always looking for ways to improve!
I'm still going strong with my ab challenge and BBL... moving onto Body Beast on the 25th! SO pumped! I hope everyone has a great Sunday and an awesome Spring Break (for those in school)!! =)
Be sure to check out my FaceBook page for news, tips, pics, and updates!!
<3 Crystal