Make It Fit 30 Day REAL life Challenge...Pre Challenge Homework

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhaNVcjng90&context=C42bd778ADvjVQa1PpcFNgCYYMuB9z72GgGZGzHPFyyXrgPovvSKQ=

click on link to watch my video journal!

Intro to Make It Fit's 30 Day Real Life Challenge

If you want to see my video blog on what this challenge is all about, click on the link below.  I hope it works...

http://www.facebook.com/v/3698771630857" /><embed src="http://www.facebook.com/v/3698771630857

Having a problem getting your veggies in?

Hello all!  It's that time again!  Time for the recipe of the week!  I don't know about you, but I have been having a hard time getting my veggies in during the long, cold, winter months.  Salads are just not as appealing to me this time of year.  One way to mix comfort with health is do make a delicious veggie soup!  NOT canned soup....way too much sodium.  make your own so you can cut the sodium.  Boot Camper Alicia gave me this one.  My mom and I made it the other night and it was delish!  For lunch today I had it again and added a little left over brown rice to it.  Make a HUGE pot, freeze it, and you have dinner at the drop of a hat!

Veggie Soup (This recipe reflects it being doubled)

1 bag of matchstick carrots

1 cup diced onion

Garlic (I use a lot because I love it!)

48 oz of Beef Broth (low sodium)

2 cups of diced cabbage (I just got a small head and used the whole thing)

2 cups fresh spinach

2 TBS tomato paste

¼ TBS basil

½ TBS Oregano    *I just used Italian seasoning instead of these two

1 cup zucchini

-Spray large pan with Pam

-Sautee carrots, onion, and garlic over low heat – about 5 min

-Add broth, cabbage, spinach, tomato paste, seasonings

-Bring to a boil

-Reduce heat simmer covered for 15 min

-Stir in zucchini and cook about 3-4 min

ENJOY!

Superbowl HANGOVER

So, how is everyone feeling today?  A little hungover from an overindulgence of alcohol AND food yesterday?  I must admit...I didn't exactly eat "normally" yesterday.  Too much cheese and white carbs.  I also drank 2 beers, which i don't usually do and it left me feeling a little bloated and sluggish this morning.  You enjoyed yourself yesterday, but today is a NEW DAY!  Time to get right back on the band wagon!  Get some exercise in and go back to eating a balanced, healthy diet. Remember....it's not Superbowl Sunday that fattens you up....it's that many of us give up when we "fall off the food wagon" for a day and then it just leads us on a downward spiral.  Fight it....exercise EVERY day this week and eat your fruits and veggies.  You can do it! 

Recipe of the Week: Popcorn Cauliflower

Oh...this is another great one from Boot Camper Linda.  I made it last weekend.  I was a little nervous when it started to char, but THAT is what makes it taste superb.  Also, because it's called "popcorn", I expected it to be crunchy.  It is not. It's delicious to snack on or to have as a side dish.  Enjoy those veggies!

Health & Nutrition Benefits of Eating Cauliflower

• Cauliflower contains selenium and vitamin C, both of which work together to strengthen the immune system.
• Cauliflower has been associated with the maintenance of a healthy cholesterol level.
• Being rich in folate, cauliflower is known to help improve cell growth and replication.

Popcorn Cauliflower

 

1 Head Cauliflower cut into florets

Olive Oil

Sea Salt or Kosher Salt

Place florets in a large bowl and drizzle with Olive Oil. (4-5 Tablespoons). Transfer to a large cookie sheet (I put a thin layer of Olive Oil on the cookie sheet).

Bake in a 450 degree oven for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

Sprinkle with Sea Salt (or Kosher Salt).

ENJOY!

 

Switch It Up!

Many of us stop exercising for one HUGE reason....boredom....Get up, go to the gym...get on the elliptical and watch reruns of the Sopranos....wait....that's what I do.  However, how can ANYONE get bored of Tony Soprano...I look forward to that part of my workout.  However,  I do not watch Tony 5 days per week.  I need to switch it up every single day.  All of us need a change. Not to mention, when we switch up our workout routines, our body keeps burning fat efficiently because it is constantly challenged.  My workout routine consists of the following (right now...i change it up every 6-8 weeks).

Sun:  One hour spin with Nancy at The Rev
Mon:  Upper body circuit training and 30 minutes of elliptical, bike, run or a mix off all three
Tues:  Lower body circuit training and 3 laps of walk lunges along with 20-30 of elliptical, bike or run
Wed:  OFF
Thurs:  100 toe push ups and upper body circuit (different exercises then Mon)
Fri:     Lower body circuit and 3 laps of lunges along with 20-30 of cardio mix
Sat:    OFF

I rarely get bored because every day is a challenge and is different.  I also make sure that I listen to some good tunes.  Once in a while I bring my Kindl if I'm in the midst of a really good book and I'm guilty as charged...I never workout as hard if I'm reading.  Therefore, I try to save my Kindl for the stationary bike as an EXTRA treat when my workout is complete or I leave it at home. 

Remember to respect your limitations, listen to your body, but PUSH out of your comfort zone!  When you feel completely burnt out, take a few days off from exercise to refresh and replenish! Enjoy!

www.makeitfittraining.com

Recipe of the Week

Hey gang!  So here is one that i'm excited to try!!!  I got this from Boot Camper Linda...Please try this and let me know what you think.  I haven't tried it yet, but I intend to this weekend. Fresh and packed with antioxidants.  Please let me know what you think....

Linda’s Cranberry Salsa

12 oz. package Cranberries (fresh or frozen)

1 bunch Cilantro, chopped

1  bunch green onions (chopped into 3 inch lengths) (I use 3-5)

1 jalapeno pepper (seeded) (I use the jarred slices)

Juice of 2 Limes (or 4 Tablespoons lime juice)

½ cup Agave nectar

Pinch of sea salt (optional)

Combine all ingredients in a food processor. Chop to medium consistency.

Enjoy with veggies, crackers, bread, chips,  mix/serve with cream cheese or serve with turkey, chicken, salmon.