Afternoon Workout

21 May

Yesterday when I left work I stopped to grab a green juice for the ride home. IMG_1739I attempted to make my own flavor by requesting kale, celery, lemon and ginger. I wasn’t as good as the cool cucumber, but it was very refreshing on such a warm day!IMG_1737My morning workout was light and got cut short so I made sure to pack a gym bag so I could get in a nice workout before heading home. Thanks goodness for the energy I got from the green juice! I got in an awesome 35 minute workout

This was another early evening workout. I definitely prefer morning workouts, but I did like the extra energy I had in the afternoon.

The gym was packed so I quickly tried to create my own little station where I could complete:

  • Weighted Lunges
  • Curtsey Lunges
  • One-armed DB Snatches
  • Burpee to Pull-ups
  • Overhead Plate Lunges
  • Floor to Overhead Press w/ plate

And a few other exercises that I didn’t have much time for. These moves got my heart rate up and I didn’t take many breaks.

IMG_1771The gym continued to fill and my stomach started to growl so I headed home to make a loaded salad.IMG_1748I started with a base of my favorite green – spinach!IMG_1740Then I added some steamed carrotsIMG_1741A tablespoon or two of my mom’s quinoa salad (quinoa, black beans, corn, red peppers) along with a crumbled veggie burger.IMG_1747Finally I topped this masterpiece with some sriracha sauce to heat things up!IMG_1749It was delicious and came together in a flash!

Perfect post-workout dinner. Super satisfying and filled with different textures. Happy Tuesday!

 

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

What I’ve Been Eating

20 May

It’s hard to focus now that I’ve hung my June calendar up above my desk.IMG_1670I like to have the current month and the upcoming month hanging together so can I get a sense of how my schedule will play out.

As you can see, next month is going to be awesome! I can’t believe we are leaving for our honeymoon in 11 days!

I didn’t post at all over the weekend and I wanted to fill you in on some of my favorite foods over the past couple of days.IMG_1558Veggie burger and roasted vegetables. This picture just reminded me that I’m out of broccoli slaw. I better get to the grocery store sometime today!

Zucchini and hummus had been my go-to snack.

IMG_1663I bought two Guava Goddess flavored kombuchas. This is my favorite flavor and I think I have tried them all!

IMG_1710Still attempting to make the perfect green juice!IMG_1732They’ve been more like smoothies but I don’t mind that at all.

My mom made a delicious vegetable stir fry this weekend with pineapple. I asses some sriracha to spice it up!

IMG_1718

More chocolate shakes. (Protein shakes, to be more specific!) This one was topped with coconut.IMG_1720

And I will be returning to this health food store near my work for another juice today. IMG_1709Not sure what flavor to order yet but I will let you know ;)

 

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

Juicing

17 May

Fresh juices are quickly becoming my new favorite drink. Yesterday I left work to get a green juice. There is a local food store that makes them to order and you can combine any fruits and vegetable to creat your very own drink.

I went with the “Cool Cucumber” …one of their basic flavors.BKay6Q2CUAAJBmp.jpg-largeIt was made with cucumber, apple, lemon, and ginger. The taste was perfectly refreshing and I can’t wait to try a different flavor next week.

This morning I wanted another green juice but I wasn’t near the same store so I had to make my own. This always gets a little tricky because I don’t own a juicer.

I do however, have a magic bullet. I combined fresh cut pineapple, cucumber, spinach, coconut flakes & water and blended until smooth.BKela8iCYAE_hy1.jpg-large

This drink was delicious! The pineapple and coconut made for a very tropical taste. I’m considering purchasing a juicer but I’m not sure if it’s worth it. They can be expensive and you have to use a lot of fruit & vegetables.

But I plan on making this juice at home again. I didn’t measure anything but that’s part of the fun ;)

Tags: , , , , , ,

Heavy Weights & Chocolate Shakes

16 May

Let’s get right to business!
Last night I had a veggie burger with a veggie wrap similar to the ones I’ve been eating recently but no hummus.IMG_1672This morning I had a great workout.IMG_1676It was 5 stations, 8 minutes at each station. (40 minutes total, no breaks!)
Complete as many rounds as possible at one station in 8 minutes before moving to the next station.

Station 1
10 Ring Rows
1 Wall Climb

Station 2
10 Deadlifts
2 Burpees w/ lateral jump

Station 3
10 Thrusters
3 Pull ups (I did kipping pull ups)

Station 4
10 Push ups
4 KB Clean & Presses

Station 5
10 Mountain Climber
5 Weighted V-ups

IMG_1689IMG_1682As you can tell by the smile on  my face I fully enjoyed this workout! I’ve really been enjoying lifting heavier weights. It keeps my heart rate up and build strong muscles!

I followed up the MaxTraxx workout with a 10 minute HIIT on the stairmill and a 15 minute run outside. (Not sure how far I got, my Garmin was on indoor mode.)IMG_1675I made the same protein shake as yesterday but I mixed it up with a floral cup! IMG_1700IMG_1693Mmmm, so chocolatey! You just can’t beat it.

So I decided last night that I wasn’t going to pack my lunch today. I wanted to make a tasty salad at a local health food store. They always have new, exciting toppings and I was looking forward to switching up my usual lunch and maybe grabbing a green juice.

What are the chances that the one day I don’t pack my lunch, my company planned a surprise wedding celebration for me?!IMG_1706We went to a local Thai restaurant and I ordered a Veggie & Tofu dish with some edamame. I feel very blessed to have such thoughtful coworkers!

Well I’m off to get that green juice I’ve been craving and run some errands! Have a great afternoon!

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Double Chocolate Protein Shake

15 May

Yesterday flew by and I didn’t have a spare second to write a quick post! Today has been pretty much the same but I wanted to make sure to do a quick check in!

My lunches have been delicious since I started adding broccoli slaw to them! IMG_1642I have been snacking on different fruits like watermelon, cantaloupe & honeydew melon. Switching things up has been nice but I miss my apples!
IMG_1641

My evenings have been packed with phone calls regarding wedding plans and house hunting. Luckily I have the help of this man:

complete focus

complete focus

We also had to bring his truck to the dealership to get a part replaced. For dinner I’ve been making one of my specialties:

IMG_1633

Zucchini & Summer Squash

IMG_1628

Mixed Greens with cucumber, tomatoes, radishes, black beans, carrots, celery, avocado & corn

With a side of …..more vegetables

Zucchini & Summer Squash

Zucchini & Summer Squash

Veggies, veggies, and more veggies! Sauteing and roasting vegetables is my go-to when it come to quick dinners.

This morning I finished off a tub of Vega Sport Chocolate Performance Protein.IMG_1647

Don’t worry I have more! I stopped at Whole Foods this weekend and my favorite kind was on sale so I’m all stocked up :)

I used the last scoop from this tub to make a double chocolate protein shake this morning.IMG_1648

Double Chocolate Protein Shake:

1 scoop Chocolate Vega Sport Protein
2 TB Cocoa powder
1 packet Truvia (Optional)
1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract
1/2 tsp Maca powder
2 TB Hemp seeds
1/2 banana
1-2 cups of water
Ice

Combine ingredients and blend until smooth! I typically use almond milk but I was out of it this morning. It was just as creamy when I made it with water. And of course I had to bring it in a to-go cup! Busy girl over here ;) IMG_1651

Mmmm chocolate ;)

My days are becoming more hectic as my wedding approaches but I will keep checking in as much as possible!

 

 

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Lunchtime Catch Up

13 May

I have been completely missing in action this weekend but I’m not apologizing because I have been finalizing wedding plans and celebrating with family.

IMG_1608I’m typing this post as I finish up my lunch. Today I packed myself a spinach salad with cucumbers, tomato, brussle sprouts, and broccoli slaw! I purchased a package of broccoli slaw last week and I have been adding it to my salads and wraps. It saves time because I don’t have to chop extra veggies and it adds a little crunch. I also added some mixed nuts to get those healthy fats!

Over the weekend I had this wrap for lunch more than once:

Collard green wrap, hummus, cucumbers, tomatoes & broccoli slaw

Collard green wrap, hummus, cucumbers, tomatoes & broccoli slaw

Before wrapping it up, I added a handful of spinach.

I also had some juicy grape fruit once or twice. Grapefruit is always so refreshing and I love having them on these warm sunny days!IMG_1599cupAnd I bought this pretty little mug when I was out shopping for wedding shoes. Couldn’t find the perfect shoes but I was more than happy when I found this mug!

I had another great MaxTraxx workout on Saturday that required no equipment. It’s one of those you-can-do-anywhere workouts that I will have to hang on to!

On Saturday I spent a few hours with my wedding photographer going over photo locations and ideas. It was also my sister’s birthday so we celebrated at lunch with our family.

The rest of the weekend was filled with errands and more family time when we took my mom out to brunch for Mother’s Day.

Mom-osa's ;)

Mom-osa’s ;)

There was an awesome fruit bar and I really appreciated the starfruit garnish on these drinks! How often do you see that?!

Sorry for the lack of pictures from this weekend. Sometimes it’s nice to completely unplug and relax with your family.

Hope everyone’s week is off to a great start!

 

 

 

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

21-Rep Workout

9 May

Where did the morning go? I have to head out soon for my first dress fitting! Cutting it pretty close on time huh? I ordered my dress in December but it had to get re-made in March when it came in wrong.

I wanted to quickly share my workout from this morning. I didn’t make this one up so there won’t be 90 burpees ;)

The workout was 5 stations. Complete 21 reps at a station, then run a lap around the exterior of the building (.3 miles) As fast as possible.

  • 21 Deadlifts
    -run a lap
  • 21 Rope Climbs
    -run a lap
  • 21 Wall Climbs
    -run a lap
  • 21 KB Thrusters
    -run a lap
  • 21 Pullups
    -run a lap

Try to use weights that are challenging enough that you can’t do the full 21 reps without a break.  For the pull ups I used a band. (They were strict so no kipping/butterfly kipping!)

I refueled with a Vega One shake mixed with ice, water & almond milk. Keepin’ it simple!PicMonkey CollageNow off to my dress fitting! Should I do a pic slip?

 

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

Burpee-Based HIIT

8 May

I woke up this morning feeling pretty tired but I was determined to have a great workout. After talking about new workout ideas with my old roommate (who is now a personal trainer!) I decided to make up a new HIIT routine.
*HIIT stands for High Intensity Interval Training*

We are supposed to be getting quite a bit of rain over the next couple of days so when I saw the sun rising this morning I took advantage of the nice weather and started with a morning run.

Sunrise

Sunrise

I was getting impatient when my Garmin could not locate satellites immediately and decided to just start running.IMG_1526I had run about half a mile before it noticed I was actually moving. I ended up running a little closer to 4 miles but this is what my Garmin recorded:IMG_1529I drove over to the gym and headed in for a brand new workout!

IMG_1532Burpee-based HIIT

  • 90 second Tricep Pull Downs
    -10 Burpees
  • 90 second Lateral Raises
    -10 Burpees
  • 90 second Bicep Curls
    -10 Burpees
  • 90 second Alternating Lunges
    -10 Burpees
  • 90 second TRX Push Ups
    -10 Burpees
  • 90 second KB Swings
    -10 Burpees
  • 90 second Squats
    -10 Burpees
  • 90 second Core Crawl Push Ups
    -10 Burpees
  • 90 second Ball Slams
    -10 Burpees

Complete as many reps as possible in 90 seconds then immediately begin the 10 burpees. I rested for about 30 seconds after each set of burpees. Not a fan of burpees?! Try doing 20 squat jumps, plyo lunges, mountain climbers, or a sprint instead!IMG_1537I really enjoyed this workout. Yes, burpees can be evil. But my body was craving some intensity and my heart rate stayed elevated. I think I got some extra energy from last night’s workout.

IMG_1539Can you guess what I had for breakfast? Just another amazing Vega protein shake. (Minus the usual 1/2 banana)IMG_1540I ended up drinking this on my way to work because I was busy packing my meals for today:

1/4 cup mixed nuts, apple, salad & asparagus

1/4 cup mixed nuts, apple, salad & asparagus

And now I’m sipping on my Gingerberry Kombucha which is extra berry-tasting today!IMG_1555

Super refreshing! Hope you’re having a great day!

 

 

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Early Evening Workouts

7 May

Well hello!

Today I woke up with a queazy stomach so I decided to get some extra rest and hit the gym later. I worked from home, so I was able to do a late morning workout. My stomach was still a bit queazy but I felt like I needed to move! So I decided to do the Tone It Up bikini series workout from last Tuesday.

Screen shot 2013-05-07 at 6.49.05 PMThe low-intensity moves were easy to complete and didn’t upset my belly. I completed the workout 3 times through using 5lb weights.

After getting some work done, I made myself a Bikini wrap from the Tone It Up nutrition plan. You can read more about the plan on their website.BJrrWK7CIAA_jO5.jpg-large

My stomach was finally feeling better so I headed to the gym to catch the 4:30pm MaxTraxx class. I knew what the workout was (I was supposed to be at the 5:30am class) and I was really excited to try it out.

Pre-workout

Pre-workout

I did my own warm up of 10 minutes on the arc trainer, dips & some abs before class. Today’s class was a timed workout. Complete the following as fast as you can!

“The Filthy 50″

  • 50 Push Presses
  • 50 Good Mornings
  • 50 Wall Balls
  • 50 Jumping Pullups
  • 50 Box Jumps
  • 50 KettleBall Swings
  • 50 Sit Ups
  • 50 Lunges
  • 50 Burpees
  • 2 laps around the building (.6 miles)

My stomach felt a little queazy during the workout but I tried not to focus on it- mind over matter! I finished in around 34 minutes. It was quite the workout! I also practiced some butterfly pull ups and stretched before heading home.PicMonkey Collage3I had a lot more energy than I usually have for my early morning workouts, but I still prefer working out first thing when I wake up.

Do you like to workout in the evening? I found myself thinking about this workout all day and it was almost stressful. I like to get it out of the way first thing! But I did enjoy the extra energy I had.

 

Tags: , , , , , ,

Frozen Strawberry Lemonade

6 May

Sunshine and warm weather makes me crave cold, refreshing beverages. When I found a packet of Bodacious Berry Vega energizing smoothie in my kitchen cabinet, I wanted to see if I could put a spring-time twist on my breakfast smoothie!IMG_1341

I forgot I had purchased the new energizing smoothie a few weeks ago and it was a pleasant surprise finding it in my kitchen. I have to admit, chocolate is definitely my go-to flavored protein! But I had to try this flavor because I love Vega products and this was a new one to me.IMG_1335Before I blended the smoothie mix with ice and almond milk like I usually do, I searched through the fridge for fresh fruit. We had fresh strawberries, so I immediately started chopping them when the thought of lemons came to me!

I love the fresh taste of lemons and knew this would be a great combination. Instead of simply squeezing the lemon juice into the blender, I decided to add peeled lemon slices to get the full effect ;)

Lemons are alkaline-forming! They help reduce inflammation and balance your pH levels. Brendan Brazier talks about the benefits of adding lemon to your water (or in this case smoothies) in this Thrive Forward  video. If you haven’t signed up and made a profile yet, it’s not too late!

IMG_1336

Frozen Strawberry Lemonade
1 packet Vega Energizing Smoothie (Bodacious Berry flavor)http://bit.ly/VESmooth
1/2 cup sliced Strawberries
1/2 Lemon (peeled)
1/2 Lemon Juiced
1 cup Water
Ice

Combine ingredients and blend until smooth!

IMG_1349I ended up adding more lemon because the berry flavor was very bodacious! This smoothie was very refreshing. The protein provided me with extra energy and kept me full. I would love to make this again this summer when my friend’s and I are sitting by the pool. It’s nice to have a protein-packed drink that leaves you feeling light and satisfied! Especially in the warmer months!IMG_1347

You could also use this recipe idea without protein powder to make a simple frozen strawberry lemonade, but flavor would not be as strong and you might want to add the juice of an additional lemon.

Enjoy!

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

← Older Entries

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 53 other followers