Wednesday, February 8, 2012

February 20 Day Challenge...

In my class this morning I don't know how, but I started day-dreaming about the 30 day Challenge I had set up for myself last month. Basically I started feeling guilty because I haven't been able to think of a good challenge for February... Or I guess truthfully, there is nothing I wanted to restrict myself in. Every time I came up with an idea, I shut it down because I really didn't feel committed to doing it.


I'm only human afterall.


As it is already Feb. 8th, I figured that doing something is still better than nothing, so I decided that a good challenge sometimes means adding something in, rather than taking away.


This applies further if you are the type of person who tries to diet, but finds that restricting chocolate/carbs/sugar etc, only makes you crave more chocolate/carbs/sugar etc... Adding something healthy to your diet can simply be the first step.


So my "add in" is to drink a full glass of water every morning and start my day out with some much needed hydration. Nothing major, or even life changing, but just one more thing to keep the bod at it's BEST!



On that note... here is what I probably should have been focusing on this morning.. I don't think my class noticed...



Round 1 of our workout:

1-High Knees

2-Heavy Weight Squat and Press

(Hold the weight in front of your chest with both hands... As you squat keep the weight in close, as you stand press it up overhead)

3- 3 Split Jumps with 1 Kick

(Perform 3 splits jumps starting with your right leg in front. On your third jump your left leg will be behind you, kick that leg straight in front and then step back into your split squat... Repeat on other side)

4- Explosive Jumping Jacks

(Start with your feet together and jump out like you are about to do a jumping jack- open your feet wider than normal and sink down low. Jump feet back together in standing)



Complete 5 Rounds of these 4 Exercises @ 30 seconds each= 10 Minutes



Sunday, February 5, 2012

Protein Power Cookies


Since reading Brendan Brazier's book, The Thrive Diet, I have been kind of obsessed with packing as much nutrient dense food into my life as possible. That being said however, I am still learning my way around the kitchen, and so when my Protein Power Cookies turned out to be a hit, not only last night, but on today's 1.5 hour bike ride to UBC, I am literally chomping at the bit to whip up the next batch.
They are all natural and will provide you with just the right amount of proteins, fats, carbs, and sweetness to curb a sugar craving, or power you up for a training session.


Here's what you need:
3 T flax seeds (ground into meal)
3/4 c almond milk
2 c old fashioned oats
1/4 c sunflower seeds, chopped almonds & chocolate chips
1/2 c raisins
1/2 c protein powder (i use Vega Vanilla Chai)
3 T honey
3/4 t salt
1/4 t vanilla

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease a cookie sheet with small amount of oil... Mix flax seeds into almond milk and set aside... Combine all other ingredients in a bowl and then add milk... Stir it up good- you may feel like it's a little dry- it's not... Form into 8-12 balls and place in oven for 6-8 minutes... Remove from oven and let them cool completely.