Friday Favorite(s): Fitness Blogs

Last week Jamie shared her favorite foodie blogs; today I am here to share my favorite fitness blogs.  I have been a longtime blog reader and there are two favorites that I have been reading daily for a couple of years: Peanut Butter Fingers, Healthy Tipping Point, and Carrots’N’Cake.

Julie at PBfingers is a full-time blogger, personal trainer and group fitness instructor.  Although she now holds these titles, she worked full-time and blogged on the side.  Her passion for health and fitness led her to get her certifications down the road.  Julie posts workout ideas, quick-easy meals, and about her daily life.  I love that she is very light-hearted and also shares her life.  

(Picture via Julie at Peanut Butter Fingers)

When I started reading blogs, I focused mostly on bloggers who run and Caitlin at Healthy Tipping Point is a runner.  In addition to running and working out, she shares a lot of recipes as well. She and I became first-time mommies just three months a part so I have enjoyed “following” her on her journey.

(Picture via Caitlin at Healthy Tipping Point)

Tina at Carrots’N’ Cake is also a runner and new Mom.  Tina’s fitness passion led her to get her personal training certification as well as her Level 1 Crossfit certification.  Although I am not a “cross fitter”, I do enjoy the occasional crossfit workout and Tina posts crossfit workouts she does at home.

 

(Photo via Tina at Carrots’N’Cake)

The main thing I love and draws me back to these three bloggers is that they are human: they have days where they enjoy treats and skip workouts. They strive to eat well, workout and raise healthy families, but they also live.

Here are some of my other favorites that I check-in with often on my Bloglovin’ feed:

Blonde Ponytail

Run, Eat, Repeat

Running with Diapers

Head on over and check out this awesome blogs!
What are some of your favorite fitness blogs?

Staying Fit While Pregnant

At 37 weeks pregnant tomorrow, I get a lot of crazy looks walking into the gym or running down the street, but I am okay with that.  I also have people who have brought me to tears when they tell me how much I inspire them, or that they didn’t quit their last set because they looked at me and realized they had no excuses, and even one lady took a picture of me to send to her daughter.

During my first pregnancy I worked out for a long time as well, but it wasn’t as often, the intensity lacked and I really just gave up.  I didn’t give up because I had orders from the doctor: I gave up because I got frustrated with what I physically couldn’t do.  I was too focused on the limitations pregnancy was giving me instead of focusing on what my strong, amazing body could do.

Here my list of things that have helped me stay fit this time around:
1. Talk with your doctor and be honest.  First and foremost, ALWAYS make sure your exercise is okay with your doctor and be completely honest with what you are doing and plan on doing.  My doctor is aware that I still jump on boxes and in the air and lift weights.
2. Stop comparing yourself.   Comparing yourself gets you no where.  Don’t do it: not to your non pregnant friends, not to the last pregnancy and not to other pregnant women.
3. Praise your body for what it can do.  There are so many things we feel like we cannot do because we are pregnant- stop worrying about those.  Instead focus on all the great things your body is doing at this point- growing another human being isn’t easy.
4. Surround yourself with positive people.  Being around people who put your changing body down or criticize your efforts to stay fit while pregnant does not do you any good.  Instead, surround yourself with people who lift you up and support your activity lifestyle and hold you accountable.  I am so blessed to have a core group of “fit friends” who meet me for workouts, and encourage me to keep going.
5. Involve your husband.  My husband knows my goals and on days I’m not feeling it he’ll say let’s go for a bike ride, or just a walk- 9 times out of 10 that will get my blood going and I’ll do more.
6. Just move.  A walk is better than nothing, 10 push-ups are better than none, and increasing your heart rate no matter how is the best thing you can do.
7. Don’t give up- modify.  Can’t do a full 45 Minute high intensity workout?  What about 10 minutes in the morning,
10 minutes in the evening.  Don’t allow your pregnancy be an excuse to quit, instead modify your workouts and the exercises you are doing.
8. Set goals.  Set monthly and weekly goals.  For me, I have a fitness journal that I keep track of my goals for the month and the week.  This is where I also “schedule” my workouts.  Some of my recent goals have included drinking 1 gallon of water a day, getting in Piyo two times a week, and walking for at least 20 minutes a day.
9. Get comfortable. Buy some workout clothes that fit you and make you feel comfortable.  Working out in your too tight pre-pregnancy shorts and shirt that barely covers your belly doesn’t make staying fit while pregnant fun.
10.  Remember your why.  Simple as that.

What advice do you have for pregnant woman trying to stay fit?
What has helped YOU stay fit while pregnant?

Workout of the Week #3

At 36 weeks and 4 days pregnant, and an avid runner, I can’t explain to you how excited I was to lace up my running shoes and pound the pavement for this week’s WOW.   Of course I put my little munchkin in the BOB jogging stroller and she tagged along with me.

At about 32 weeks I cut back on my running and have slowed it down to man walk/ run interval sessions.  Tonight was not the “go out and run 3 miles”, but I definitely picked up the running sessions in the WOW and it felt great.  I started my workout with a 1o minute fast-paced walk and then went right into the WOW.

I completed all 5 rounds and man was I sweaty when I was finished.  It felt great!  I finished up the workout with a 15 minute run/ walk back to my house.  The WOW itself took me a little over 16 minutes.  I had to incorporate small walk sessions after each exercise.  For those of you that are looking for a more intense workout, completing this ten times would be a great workout as well.

Do not be turned off by the “sprinting” in this workout.  If you are new to exercise, do what you can and JUST MOVE.  Walking or jogging works too… just increase that heart rate.

How will you fit this WOW into your fitness schedule?
Post your results below.

 

About the Bloggers: Q & A #3

(Did you miss our Q&A #1 & Q&A #2)

Describe your weekly workout routine.

H:  Right now, my workout routine is a little different than normal since I am 36 weeks pregnant.  Currently, I am just trying to make sure I MOVE each and every day.  I am down to about 4 hard workouts a week: mostly lifting and HIIT.  I do a lot of walk/ runs on the other days.

When I am not pregnant, I am usually also training for some sort of race.  I workout about 5-6 times a week.  My workouts vary between running, heavy lifting sessions, and HIIT classes.  Each week is different for me.  I have a hard time mixing in my heavy lift sessions and it is my goal to make them more of a priority after I have the baby.  I teach Group Exercise classes at our local YMCA anywhere from two to three times a week.

 

J:  I try to stick to 6 days / week …off on Sunday’s (my “day of rest”).  I’m at our local YMCA Monday through Friday doing various group fitness classes incorporating both cardio and strength (Turbokick, PiYo, Athletic Conditioning & Strength + Endurance).  I’ve also recently fallen in love with Les Mills Body Pump, so I take that class at another location on Saturday mornings.  I teach a group fitness TRX class at a local martial arts studio 1 night / week.

What is your all-time favorite workout?

H:  I really do not have one favorite workout.  I LOVE running and training for races- working towards a new PR and the competition within myself makes me love it.  I also love a group exercise class that combines HIIT with free weight intervals- it is my favorite type of class to teach too.

J:  That is a REALLY tough question because I really enjoy SO MANY types of workouts.  Group fitness is where it’s at for me, so anytime I’m with my friends sweating – I’m happy!  A few faves are:  Turbokick, PiYo and Les Mills Body Pump.

What motivates you to keep up this lifestyle?

H: Exercise is my anti-depressant… REALLY!  Coming from a family history of mental illness, it truly helps me  physically AND emotionally.  I feel much better about myself and the things around me when I take an hour a day to move and fuel my with clean, whole food.  My family and friends really help me keep up this lifestyle- it really helps to live a healthy lifestyle when you surround yourself with like-minded people.  I am so blessed that I have a husband who also makes exercise a priority and likes to stay active even while on vacation.  Claire (and this baby on the way) is the number one reason I strive to live the healthiest life I can.  I not only want to set a good example for them, but I want to be able to chase them on the playground, run alongside them at their first 5k, and go for bike rides with them on vacation.

J:  I’m SUCH a happier wife, mommy, sister, daughter & friend when I’m working out regularly and fueling my body efficiently.  My husband knows IMMEDIATELY if I missed a workout or haven’t had a chance to workout because I’m GROUCHY!  Also, being healthy for my family is the true “reason” I keep up with this lifestyle.  I want to set a good example for my kids & hang around for as long as possible!

Tell us about your healthy eating philosophy.

H: I believe sticking to a lifestyle that is sustainable for your family, shopping the perimeter, and sticking to whole non-processed foods…. 80% of the time.  There are so many “diets” out there to follow or try, but I believe you have to adopt a healthy lifestyle.  You have to choose something that is sustainable and works for you. I try my best to prepare mostly clean meals, many which fall under the Paleo guidelines.  I would never I am on the “Paleo” diet, but I do use a lot of Paleo meals because they are clean, non processed foods.  For myself, I try my best to limit dairy because I don’t like how it makes me feel.  With all that being said, remember it is all about balance and I do enjoy my fair share of wine, sweets, and popcorn… but I shoot for only 20% of the time.

J:  I try to stick to a clean diet as much as possible – I avoid dairy, as I have a diagnosed sensitivity to lactose, gluten (as much as possible as it just really affects my stomach), and too much sugar.  I’m a salad LOVER and could eat one for lunch and dinner daily!  They can be so versatile!  I also kick off each and every day with Shakeology – – it’s truly my “Mommy Fuel” & I rely on it for my “daily dose of dense nutrition.”  I like to say I’m 90/10 during the week & 80/20 on the weekends – I CERTAINLY believe in living a little!  All that said, I’m a foodie blog LOVER and find tons of inspiration for NEW and healthy recipes via so many great blogs!

Tell us about YOU!
What is your favorite workout?
What motivates you?
How do you eat?

Quick & Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup

One day last week I was in a bind…..my only option, upon looking in my fridge, for dinner was a breakfast at dinner & while my hubby and kids LOVE that option, I just wasn’t in the mood for my house to smell like bacon all night (shhhh….don’t tell them I nixed this!)  I realized that I had some reduced sodium chicken stock…..a can of tomatoes with green chilis and LOTS of taco-ish fixings – – a perfect start to my quick Chicken Tortilla Soup!!  I only need a few inexpensive (and quick) items at the store & I knew I could whip up a pot of this yummy soup in no time!  This is SUCH a great way for me to get veggies into my kiddos since I usually add whatever veggies I can – – red/green peppers, tomatoes, carrots, sometimes even celery!  Here’s my recipe from last night:

1 rotisserie chicken (skin removed & shredded)

1/2 onion, diced

4 carrots peeled & sliced

1/2 each red & green peppers, diced

1 can tomatoes with green chilis

1 can corn, drained (you can obviously use fresh corn – – we just didn’t have any!)

1 carton reduced sodium (organic if possible) chicken broth

cumin, garlic, chili powder, pepper

1 lime

Blue corn chips, jalapeno peppers, cojita cheese, sour cream – – for toppings

(I also made brown rice on the side for my kiddos’ bowls – – they like their soup thick & it helps create less of a mess the less broth they are spooning into their mouths!)

1.  Saute the veggies with 1-2 cloves of garlic & a splash of olive oil until they start to soften.

2.  Add cumin, chili powder, pepper to taste & squeeze 1/2 of lime over veggies.

3.  Add the can of tomatoes, corn &, chicken & chicken broth and bring to a boil.

4.  Let soup simmer for 30-45 minutes.

5.  Top with your fave fixin’s & enjoy!

What is a quick go-to recipe in your house?

Friday Favorite(s): Foodie Blogs

I know that cooking may not be for EVERYONE, but often I get asked things like “How did you come up with that recipe?” and “How did you decide to make that?”, soooooo I’ll share a secret – – I get my inspiration from some favorite and my “go to” foodie blogs!  I can’t take credit for EVERY recipe I make, although I will give the disclaimer that while I DO follow these blogs, I also pretty much NEVER follow the recipes, but rather come up with my own twist on what they’ve used ingredient-wise.  For instance, I try to avoid gluten & dairy as much as possible when I cook, so that means we do ALOT of bun-less burgers and the cheese is always optional in my recreated recipes.  That all said…..are you ready for my list of foodie inspiration?  For starters….here are my 4 favorites:  Skinnytaste, Iowa Girl Eats, Lauren’s Latest and How Sweet It Is

Some others I check in with are:

A Pinch of Yum

Annie’s Eats

Smitten Kitchen

Since I’m always looking for new favorites  – – I’m curious, what foodie blogs do YOU love?

Unplugged: Yes, I survived.

Two weeks ago the family (including my mom) took a blissful 8 day vacation to St. Pete Beach, Florida.  This vacation was a long time coming – life had gotten crazy, we had a very up & down year and I really just hoped and prayed that we’d be able to “get away” this summer as a family.  Needless to say, God was good & we were able to plan this trip.  We were thrilled, too, that my mom was able to join us because let’s face, things are always better when “Mimi” is around!

On our way down to FL we decided to stop and spend the night in Macon, GA & upon getting out of the car I decided to take my beloved (and new) Sony Vaio out of my bag to “check” something online.  (Background – my laptop and I are together constantly – it’s where I do most of my work as a Beachbody coach AND let’s face it, who doesn’t use a laptop or iPad for just about everything anymore?)  I went to turn it on and…..nothing…..no lights, no screen….nothing.  I kept my cool thinking maybe it was just the battery & it needed to be plugged in (still weird because it had been closed up and shut down in my bag for all of those hours).  I didn’t start to really LOSE my cool until plugging the computer IN at our hotel room also resulted in NOTHING.  This is when things started to get REAL and I began to realize the gravity (or so I thought) of the situation.  MY COMPUTER WAS DEAD – I WAS TO HAVE ZERO “REAL” CONNECTION ALL WEEK LONG.  How would I survive?  Could I handle this?  I had to handle it.

And handle it, I certainly did!  While we all know that I could have done a lot of what I thought I needed to do on my phone OR even used my hubby’s laptop, I took this “challenge” to heart and really scaled back my “work-mode” and focused more on being present with my family and truly ENJOYING our vacation together.  Looking back now, I fear that I would have missed the dozens of dolphins that swam by or missed my daughter looking like this:

or this fabulous sunset:

if I had been staring at my computer.  So, stinky as it initially was, my computer breaking was definitely a blessing in disguise.

 While computers and technology are so important in our daily lives….do you “unplug” regularly and “connect” with those in your life who are most important?

Workout Of the Week #2 (WOW)

Most schools are back in session around here and that means a better routine, right?  Unfortunately, sometimes it doesn’t.  New schedules, new activities, and new excuses to not get that time in for yourself.  This week’s WOW (Workout of the Week)  is sure to be a sweaty one that you can do anywhere. You don’t have to do each round at once- split them up if it works for your schedule.

Waiting to pick your son or daughter up for practice?  Hop out of the car and bust out one of these rounds.  You might have some interesting looks, but YOU are getting it done!

Waiting for the bus? Let your child join in with you.  This is a great one to get his/ her blood flowing before school.  Fitness needs to be a family affair.

At almost 36 weeks pregnant, and some major soreness this week I have taken it easy (easier) than normal.  I made no excuses this morning, and busted out a round before I did anything else.  I modified the squat jumps to basic squats and increased my heart rate- you can do it too!

Click here for an example of a low jack.

How will you incorporate “The Sweaty 50” into your day or week?
Comment below and tell us your plan OR share your results.  

About the Bloggers: Q & A #2

(Did you miss our Q&A #1)

What is your professional background?

H: I have my Bachelors degree in elementary and special education from Ball State University and my Masters degree in educational leadership from Butler University.  I spent 7 years in the classroom and as a literacy coach before choosing to be a stay at home mom.  In addition to raising our Claire (and our soon-to-be baby #2) I teach group exercises classes at our local YMCA.  I am also the co-founder of Girls on the Run of Hamilton County which is now Girls on the Run of Central Indiana and still continue to be involved with the organization.

J:  I graduated from Hanover College with a Bachelors degree in Business & went straight to work for an entertainment licensing firm in Indianapolis where I was a marketing manager for 10 years!  My passion for health and fitness lead me to first get my TRX certification (to teach group fitness classes) and then to Beachbody coaching in 2013.  I am part of a fabulous team & blessed to help people reach their health and fitness goals every single day!

What brought you to health & fitness?

H: I like to say health & fitness was engrained in me since I was a little girl.  I used to dress up in leotards, a sweatband, and carry deodorant bottles as weights to my moms 80’s aerobic classes in the church basement.  Growing up, being active and playing sports was a huge part of our lives.  I also always looked up to my Aunt Laura who is a personal trainer and group exercise instructor in Augusta, Georgia- her passion for health and fitness was always an inspiration to me.  Once I got to college and didn’t have 2-hour long practices everyday and gained some weight,  I looked to my Aunt for knowledge and inspiration about ways to stay fit and healthy in an unhealthy environment.

I started running, taking group exercises classes and lifting weights in college.  Once I graduated, I continued and joined the local YMCA where I approached the Group Exercise Coordinator about what it would take to teach some classes.  She asked me if I had any experience and all I could say was, “Well I have been around it all my life.”  Lucky for me, she gave the girl who couldn’t find a 32-count a chance.  Here I am five years later and teach about three to four times a week.  (And yes, I can now find and stay on the 32-count.)

J:  Ever since becoming a middle school cheerleader I’ve been passionate about eating healthy and working out.  YES, I’ve definitely had some times in my life where I’ve fallen off the wagon, but I was always able to quickly get myself back on.  A healthy lifestyle is TRULY that for me……a lifestyle.  I take it seriously!  I was the girl who was up at 5am doing recorded workouts before high school…..and I was also the girl who was on the treadmill as soon as the fitness center would open at college while being elected as my sorority houses’ dietician & I was ALSO that girl who’s first priority after moving across the country to Los Angeles was to join a gym!  I also think it’s so important to set a good example for my kids by teaching them about HOW to be healthy at a young age.  They see mommy go to the gym daily, we talk about what foods are good for your body & they participate in the kitchen with us when we’re making a family meal.

Will you share some of your goals and dreams?

H: My ultimate goal is to raise happy, healthy & confident children.  In raising our children, we would like to give them experiences that create lasting memories.  We love to travel and hope to continue to be able to do so and allow our children to experience the many places this country and world have to offer, while taking in a variety of cultures.

Professionally, I often ask myself, “Why didn’t I just get my degree in exercise science,” but then I realize that my time in education is what really cultivated my true passion: kids fitness.  Our country is in serious trouble with the number of obese children, the decrease in physical activity in a child’s day, and the lack of knowledge there is around what we feed our children.  I have a goal to make a mark advocating for the health and fitness needs of children.

 

(photo courtesy of http://www.stopchildhobesity.com)

J:  Yikes!  Goals & dreams?  Well, considering the most important thing to me in the world is my family and my passion is health & fitness – I just want to continue to live life to the fullest with my cute family – keep focusing on how to inspire others to live healthy and hopefully have a lot of fun on the way!  Our BIG DREAM (being honest) is eventually being able to afford a family vacation home in Florida – my husband is an avid golfer (as I am an avid golf-watcher) and FL-lover & we’ve made so many great memories together as a family in different places in Florida (Sandestin, Longboat Key, St. Pete Beach & Naples), we are working hard to maybe make this a reality for us someday.  Right now – a definite DREAM, but we dream BIG here.

What goals and dreams do you have for yourself and your family?

Grilled Pizza

Going out for pizza or a quick, easy dinner seems to be the weekend ritual for most families.  In both of our houses, grilled pizzas have turned into our weekend ritual.  Just like going out, these are quick and easy.  We know it is not the healthiest meal of the week, but it sure beats the pizza at your favorite joint.  Plus, YOU are in control of the serving sizes of all your toppings and can choose the crust.  It is also a fun way to involve your kids in the kitchen- they will love topping their own pizzas and you may have a better chance of getting them to even sneak some veggies on that pizza.

Directions: 

Simply brush crust of choice with olive oil, place on grill for 3-5 minutes.  Remove from grill & top with your favorite toppings & then place the pizza(s) back on the grill long enough for the cheese to melt.  Enjoy!

Favorite Combinations

• Magherita: olive oil as the sauce, sliced tomatoes, fresh basil & mozzarella
• Pesto as the sauce, sun dried tomato & mozzarella
• Pizza sauce, turkey sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, grilled sweet peppers, fresh basil & fresh mozzarella
• BBQ: BBQ sauce, shredded chicken, red/green peppers & colby jack cheese
• Veggie: pizza sauce & all of your fave veggies (black olives, peppers, tomatoes (seeded), onions, etc.)
• Greek:  pizza sauce, kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts & feta

Crusts

• The Fresh Market Panini Bread: This is Jamie’s family’s choice of bread. You can find it in the bakery section with the fresh baguettes & look like individual pizza’s.  For $2.99 they are a STEAL- head to your local TFM.

• NAAN Panini Bread: Hollie’s family have tried two different bread and this one seems to be the winner.  It can be found at any local grocery store and usually near the deli.

• Flatout Flatbread: Another option that has been tried is the Flatout Flatbread.  This option give you more crusts in a package and also a thinner crust.  I would recommend cooking this for less time as it tends to curl up on the sides.  Can be found at most grocery stores most likely in the deli section.

 

Try out these Grilled Pizzas and tell us what you think!

What is your favorite weekend go-to meal?
What is your favorite pizza combination?