Get Fit Tip: Surviving the Gym

The dreaded day has come, as I knew it was going to, when I had to join the gym. I have never been a fan of the gym. I feel that the people who I would see at the gym were judgmental, extremely fit, and attractive. When I go to the gym, I look a hot mess. But because of what I'm going through health wise, it was a mutual decision between my doctor and I that I join a gym. For this post, I wanted to share with you guys my tips on surviving the gym! 

What's your best tip for surviving the gym? 

Get Fit Workout: Take a Hike!

Going to the gym everyday or working out at home can become boring, even if you switch up your routine. The best thing you can do to get out of this workout funk is to go outside! Wouldn't it be wonderful if we all had gorgeous hills and continuous views of nature to hike around? Yes, yes it would be. But sadly, we all don't have that. I've put together some outdoor workout spots that still work great, even if you don't have lush amounts of nature where you live.  

At a Park

On the Beach

In an Open Field

On the Bridge

What's your favorite place to workout outdoors?

What kind of workout do you do outside?

Get Fit Recipe: Easy Chik'n Sandwich

Need a quick meal for lunch or dinner? Then try this super yummy chik'n sandwich! I'm going to be honest here, I enjoy veggie chicken much more than I regular chicken. I had this sandwich for lunch today and it was so filling! But you could easily serve it with some fruit or your favorite snack! B and I actually had this the other night as well, when I had to stay late at work and wasn't really in the mood for cooking a big meal. This recipe takes maybe 5-7 minutes total. Quick, easy, and delicious! 

Ingredients:

2 Slices of Ezekiel Bread

1 Chik'n Patty 

1 Small Handful of Organic Arugula 

1 Small Handful of Organic Baby Spinach

1 TBSP of Go Veggie! Cheddar Cheese

1 TBSP of Sweet Chili Sauce 

Quick Note: You can substitute in any healthy bread of your choice. Also, you can use any brand patty for this sandwich. My favorite is Morning Star. Feel free to add more veggies, use different cheese, or even use a different sauce! It's super easy! 

1. Heat chik'n patty according to directions on box. I also warm up my bread because it has to be kept frozen. 

2. Top bread with arugula and spinach. Add patty. Then the cheese. 

3. Top with sweet chili sauce and the other slice of bread. 

4. Enjoy! 

Would you try this recipe?

What other recipes have you tried using a veggie chik'n patty? 

Get Fit Recipe: Mexican Spaghetti

The idea behind this recipe was that I was going to make pasta free spaghetti. You know, like the spaghetti you would get at a restaurant. But no, I made a mistake that turned this from an Italian dish to a Mexican dish over night. I though I would be smart and chop the veggies the day before and let the sit together in a zip lock bag in the fridge. Jokes. By combining bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes, I made salsa. In the end, it tasted great and B liked it too. But I really wish I had some spaghetti. 

Ingredients:

1/2 of an Onion, chopped

1/4 C of Bell Peppers, chopped

1/2 of a can of Tomatoes, crushed

1 Zucchini, peeled and julienned

1 C of Organic White Rice, cooked 

1/4 C of Veggie Parmesan Cheese 

Tools:

A normal potato peeler 

A julienne peeler 

1. In a large skillet, on medium high heat, combine the onion, bell peppers and tomatoes.

2. While that heats up, peel and julienne the zucchini. Add to veggie mix. 

3. During this time, go ahead and cook the rice according to the packaging. 

4. Once the veggie mix has been cooking for about 15 - 20 minutes, taste to see if any salt or pepper is needed. Add the veggie parmesan cheese. 

5. Put 1/2 C of the rice into a bowl, and place one big scoop of the veggie mix on top. 

6. Sprinkle with a little more cheese, and enjoy!  

*Please pretend there is a picture here. I just noticed that the picture didn't save on my phone. I'm a pretty sad foodie right now*

Would you try this recipe?

Have you tried using a julienne peeler before?

Get Fit Recipe: BBQ Tofu Sandwiches

When I was browsing through the vegetarian dinner recipes on EatingWell.com I cam across this interesting bit! I was so excited to try this, even B was excited! I'm a huge fan of coleslaw on burgers, so of course I had to try this! In my attempt to eat more veggies and healthier protein, this sandwich now has a permanent place in my recipe book! I've linked the original recipe from EatingWell.com down below! This recipe is B approved, and picky eater approved! It tasted just like a BBQ burger! Maybe not as meaty and greasy, but definitely a good substitute! 

Ingredients:

1 14oz Package of Extra Firm (or Firm) Water-Packed Tofu, Drained
1/4 C of Onions, Thinly Sliced
1/8 tsp of Salt
1 TBSP of Canola Oil

1/2 C of Prepared BBQ Sauce
1 1/2 C of Coleslaw Mix
2 TBSP of Low Fat Mayonnaise
2 tsp of Red Wine Vinegar
1/4 tsp of Garlic Powder
Pepper to Taste
4 Whole Wheat Hamburger Buns, Toasted
4 Dill Pickle Slices

Quick Note: I switched out the canola oil for olive oil, the mayonnaise for greek yogurt, and the garlic powder for onion powder. It all still tasted wonderful!

1. Place onion in small bowl and cover with cold water , set aside.

2. Stand tofu on its long narrow side. Cut lengthwise into 4 rectangular slabs. Sprinkle with salt.

3. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add tofu. Cook until browned on both sides. About 4 minutes per side.

4. Reduce the that to low. Add BBQ sauce and carefully turn the tofu to coat with sauce. Cover and cook for another 3 minutes.

5. meanwhile, combine coleslaw, mayonnaise, vinegar, garlic powder, and pepper in a medium bowl. Drain the onions.

6. To assemble the sandwiches, place about 1/3 C of the coleslaw mix on each bun. Top with tofu salt, a pickle and a few onion slices.

7. Drizzle any remaining sauce over the onions before topping with the bun. Enjoy!

Have you tried tofu before?

If you try this recipe, tell me how you like it!

What other recipes do you make that use tofu?

Original Recipe on EatingWell.com 

Health Update: 6 Weeks

It's been six weeks! I've be able to integrate certain vegetables, dairy, and most grains back into my diet. Everyone was very shocked to hear me say "I'm so excited to eat veggies!" There are still certain foods that I'm "allowed" to have, but I'm still allergic to. Obviously I shouldn't be eating those foods, but it's hard to know which ones are causing my delayed reactions. When I make a recipe that has 10 ingredients, and only 1 is causing the problem, it's tough. 

I ending up loosing another 7.2 pounds, making that 20 pounds down. But sadly, I've gained 5.6 of those pounds back. All because of these mystery foods, dang. So my weight loss has come to 14.4 pounds, which is still good, and I'm still happy. 

My energy levels continue to rise, despite everything that I've been through in the past two weeks with school, work, and these darn foods. B has definitely been enjoying some of my recipes! All of the recipes posted in my "Get Fit Recipes" are all man approved. B was thinking about joining a gym. Apparently Planet Fitness is open 24hrs during the week here. Cardio run at 2 am! I'm still exercising at home, but it has seriously decreased. I try to squeeze in a workout between midterms, papers, homework, blog posts, and my real job. Finally though, midterms have passed, I'm all caught up on my blog posts, and no more work trips until later this year! Time to get back into my fitness routine! 

Be sure to check out my Get Fit Recipes and let me know some of your healthy recipes! 

Basic Fruit Salad

Pineapple Chicken with Quinoa

Baked Apples

Gnocchi and Veggie Skillet

Take a look at all of my Get Fit Workouts!
Beginners Yoga
Kickboxing
Ballet
POP Pilates

Need some Get Fit Tips? Check them out here!
Alternate Your Workouts
Motivational Music 

What other Get Fit posts would you like to see?

How are you doing on your health goals? 

Get Fit Workout: Pilates

Pilates is by far one of the best workouts I have ever done! Pilates, to me, is a cross between yoga and a hard core ab workout. The goal at the end of each of my pilates workouts is to feel long, lean, and strong. What I love most about pilates is the abilty to strengthen and tone muslces without using added weight. I don't want to be bulky. I know that lifting light weights won't necssarily make me huge, but I'm already that. I was blessed with an average stature of 5'6, the shoulders of a linebacker, and the hips of a woman who has, or should have, 10 kids. God bless genetics. 

I love this workout from POP Pilates, blogilates, that I found on YouTube. They have so many different pilates workouts! All varying in length and need. 

This video is the POP Pilates for Beginners - Total Body Workout. It's almost 30 minutes long, which is perfect if you need to squeeze a quick but effective workout into your schedule!

Have you tried pilates before?

What workout is best for your body type?

Side note: I am not endorsed, sponsored, or paid by any of the companies mentioned above. 

Get Fit Recipe: Gnocchi and Veggie Skillet

Now that I'm allowed to have vegetables, grains, and dairy again (YAY!), I've been coming up with a ton of healthy recipes that allow me to enjoy my favorite foods, without over doing it! This turned out so good! The amount it made could easily feed 4, served with a side salad. B ate half, and I split the remainder for my dinner and for lunch today. This meal is super easy and quick too! All together in prep and cook time, it maybe took 25 minutes. 

Ingredients:

1 Package of Gnocchi

1/2 of an OrganicYellow Onion (chopped)

2 C of Organic Baby Spinach

1/2 of a can of Organic Crushed Tomatoes 

1 TSBP of Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1/4 C of Vegan Parmesan Cheese 

Salt and Pepper to taste 

Quick note: You don't have to use organic produce. According to the "Dirty Dozen", which I will show at the end of the post, the only ingredient that is highly recommend to be organic is the spinach. I used regular gnocchi, but you could always substitute in whole wheat gnocchi if you prefer it. 

1. Heat the EVOO in a large skillet on medium-high heat. Chop your onion while you wait for it to heat up. 

2. Toss in your chopped onions and stir the around until completed coated with the EVOO. In a smaller pot, start to boil a fair amount of water, just enough to cover the gnocchi. Be sure to add just a pinch of salt to the water, this will flavor the gnocchi. 

3. Once the water has begun to boil, add in the gnocchi and cook according to the package. Cook times vary depending on which type of gnocchi you're using. Mine took about 6-7 minutes to cook. 

4. Add the spinach to the skillet and let wilt while stirring the spinach into the onions. 

5. Once the spinach has wilted, add in the half can of crushed tomatoes. Mixing into the spinach and onions completely. Add in the parmesan cheese and stir. 

6. This step is optional, but I added two full ladles of gnocchi water to my veggie sauce to help thicken it up. 

7. Once the gnocchi is ready, when it starts to float, drain and stir into the veggie sauce. 

8. Add salt and pepper to taste and enjoy! 

Do you like gnocchi?

What recipes do you use it in? 

As promised, the "Dirty Dozen" and the "Clean Fifteen"

What do you think about these lists?

Get Fit Tip: Motivational Music

I'm one who loves to listen to music while I workout. I find that it really helps to keep me going and keep track of my time. When I go for a run, I have a playlist that is exactly 1 hour long. This allows my workout to fit perfectly in my schedule. 

Having music that fits your taste is a must. I've tried listening to pre-made playlists, and they just don't work for me. I always find myself skipping tracks and not focusing on my workout. The playlist I'm going to share with you has 15 songs, and is 1 hour long, the playlist I mentioned earlier. 

I love all types of music. My iTunes account could easily be compared to that of a DJ's. I really like having my first two songs as rap. I find that the powerful beat and lyrics pushes me to have a strong start in my run. Following that I have a mix of pop, hip hop, and of course some Swedish House Mafia!  I begin my cool down with Drake and end with Jeremih, both making me feel like i kicked some major ass during my run.

Sorry if the explicitness of any of the songs offends anyone. I like it. I swear like a sailor.

What do you listen to when you workout?

Get Fit Workout: Ballet

I love ballet. Even though I danced for almost 11 years, I never got a chance to do ballet! I was always into jazz and then competition teams doing jazz, kick, hip hop, and pom. Ballet is such an intense workout for such a beautiful art form! I found this Ballet workout on youtube that shows you the workout done by Victoria's Secret model Miranda Kerr. Of course I'm going to do this if it does that to her body! 

I suggest watching the video in its entirety first. They show you the moves, but the video is only 4.5 minutes long, so it's not a full workout. This one takes self-discipline and motivation to continue the workout on your own. But trust me, you will feel the burn!

Do you do Ballet? Do you use it as a workout?

What other workouts do you do?

Side note: I am not endorsed, sponsored, or paid by any of the brands or companies mentioned above. 

Get Fit Recipes: Baked Apples

I love apples. I love apple pie even more. But alas, I cannot have apple pie. I've been wanting to come up with a recipe that allows me to enjoy my apples in a way that would remind me of pie, but obviously wouldn't be pie. I wanted to keep it simple, but still hold plenty of flavor. This recipe is delicious and perfect for yourself or for two! It's also been boyfriend approved! 

Ingredients:

2 Royal Gala apples 

4 tsp of cinnamon (to be split)
Light Agave Nectar

Quick notes: You can use any apple of your choosing. Just pick your favorite apple and go with it! My favorite apples are the Envy apples. But Publix didn't have any yesterday, so I went with the gala apples. Also, I prefer the taste of the light agave nectar to the darker ones, but this again is up to you, which ever one you like better!

1. Pre-heat the oven to 350
1. After removing the stems from the two apples, cut them in half and remove the cores. Place in a glass baking dish. (or what ever you have on hand!)
2. Sprinkle 1 tsp of cinnamon on each apple half.
3. Drizzle the agave nectar over each apple.
4. Let bake in the oven for about 45 minutes or until apples are slightly golden on the top.
5. Let cool for 5-8 minutes and enjoy!

What's your favorite healthy dessert?

Have you tried baked apples before?

Get Fit Workout: Kickboxing

As I mentioned in my "Get Fit Tip: Alternate Your Workouts" post, kickboxing is one of my favorite workouts! I love to do a good round of this when I'm stressed. Kickboxing is such a good cardio workout and is great for toning your muscles too! Although my favorite kickboxing workout is Kickboxing for Dummies, (more info in the post above) I found this great beginners workout on Youtube! This low impact workout out by FitnessBlender is a great way to test the waters of kickboxing! They also have a great printable routine link to the video as well!

This video is less than 10 minutes, so it's perfect for a quick workout in the morning or at night! If you go to the FitnessBlender website, there are many more workouts, exercises, and articles that are all very helpful to creating a workout routine! Working out and exercising, regardless of what type you do, does wonders for the body. Remember to never over exert yourself. Always work at a pace that your comfortable with, but try to push yourself in a way that will only make you stronger, not hurt.

Do you do kickboxing? What's your favorite kickboxing workout?

What other workout routines do you do?

Side note: I am not endorsed, sponsored, or paid by any of the companies or brands mentioned above. 

Get Fit Tip: Alternate Your Workouts

One of the best tips I've ever gotten in regards to keeping my motivation to workout is to alternate your workouts! When you go to the gym ever day or workout to the same DVD, doing the same tedious workout, it gets boring. When something gets boring, you stop doing it. You want exercising to be fun! Because I don't have a gym membership, I workout in my office. I have four different workout DVDs that I like to rotate through to keep me excited about exercising! 

When I'm feeling stressed, this workout has proven to be the best for me, kickboxing! Kickboxing is by far one of the best stress busters I've come across. During the workout, I envision what is stressing me out, and it becomes my target for the remainder of the workout. I have Fat-Burning Kickboxing Workout for Dummies. It is crazy good! The DVD has a warm up, three workouts, and a cool down. It also has a step-by-step tutorial on how to correctly execute the moves in each workout!

If I'm not in the mood for a hard cardio workout, I like to do pilates! To me, pilates is a cross between weight lifting and yoga. You're continually strengthening your body, but with your own weight, and you're stretching out your muscles. Once the workout is over, I feel like a powerhouse! I feel empowered knowing that I don't need anything but my own body to strengthen myself! The pilates DVD that I'm currently loving right now is Element: Pilates Weight Loss for Beginners. 

When I know I need to get my butt in gear and do a hard workout, I pop in Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred. OMGoodness this thing is hard! I feel like I'm in bootcamp every time I do this workout! She's no joke. Although it's definitely a great workout, you have to be prepared for the craziness of this. I suggest watching the DVD before you try it, just so you know what to expect. 

My last workout that has, lately, been my go-to routine is Rodney Yee's Yoga for Beginners. This DVD has two separate routines, which concentrate on separate needs. I like to do the energizing routine in the morning to get me stretched and ready for the day! If I've had a long day or my body is sore, i like to do the rejuvenating routine. It's perfect before bedtime. It helps me find my center and feel peaceful before resting. I also like to do quick yoga routine that target certain muscles groups like more, which I talked about last Friday! 

All of these DVDs can be purchased on Amazon for a great price! I checked around my local stores, and Amazon just couldn't be beat! 

Side note: I am affiliated with Amazon, being that I am a part of the Amazon Associates program.

Get Fit Workout: Beginner Yoga for the Core

Following along with two of my New Year's resolutions, I've been looking for a few good yoga videos on YouTube. I don't have the best attention span. If the video is the slightest bit boring, I'm zoned out. When I came across the Beginner Yoga with Tara Stiles videos, I was so amazed! These videos are straight to the point and are entertaining. Each move is explained thoroughly and the video is less than 10 minutes, great for a quick workout! Also, because the videos are nice and quick, I like to watch them first before I try. This way, I have somewhat of an idea of what I'm supposed to be doing! 

I find yoga to be such an empowering workout. Being able to use my body to build strength all while finding my center and peace is incredible. Every time I finish a yoga routine, I always come out refreshed an ready to get work done! I like to do yoga in the morning to wake me up and help get my day started. B and I, every now and then, will do some yoga stretches at night if we've had a rough day. 
Do you do yoga? What's your favorite yoga video?
Don't do yoga? What's your favorite workout routine? 
Side note: I am not endorsed, sponsored, or paid by any of the brands or companies mentioned above. 

Get Fit Recipes: Pineapple Chicken with Quinoa

You have to understand, I'm not the biggest fan of chicken. I LOVE steak. I was raised on it. And although on my IgG chart, I can have beef, I was instructed to limit my red meat consumption. So to do what's best for my body and health, I'm sticking with chicken and turkey. Also, even though quinoa wasn't on the food list, Dr. Leo said I was cleared to eat it!

Ingredients:
1 package of boneless, skinless chicken breast
1 C of freshly diced pineapple
1/2 C of Sugar Free Orange Marmalade
1/2 C of dry quinoa, to be prepared
1 tsp of salt
1 tsp of pepper

Quick notes: I used organic chicken breast. I had to dice my pineapple fresh because the prepackaged pineapple was prepared in factories with food that I cannot eat. I'm not 100% sure if I can have the marmalade. I read all the ingredients and there's nothing that I can't have specifically. All the ingredients were purchased at Publix.

1. In a gallon zip lock bag, mix the diced pineapple with the orange marmalade.
2. Trim any fat off the chicken breast and cut into 1" chunks.
3. Add the chicken to the pineapple/marmalade mixture and let sit for at least 1 hour.
4. In a large skillet, set to medium-high heat, add the bag of chicken, pineapple, and marmalade. Add salt and pepper.
5. Cook for about 15 - 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked thoroughly.
6. While the chicken is cooking, in a small saucepan, bring 1 C of water to boil, add the quinoa.
7. Allow the quinoa to cook for 10-15 minutes until all the water is absorb and the quinoa has become transparent.
8. In a bowl, smooth out 1/2 of the cooked quinoa. With a large spoon, add 1/3 of the chicken mixture to the quinoa.
9. Enjoy!

To me, it kinda looks like a curry in some way, but not spicy!
(I got my bowls from Home Goods when I went to FSU!)

B had teriyaki rice with his chicken, he loved it! I saved the other half of the quinoa and the remaining chicken mixture for the next day's lunch!

If you have any recipes that you think would work for me or you would just like to share, email me or leave a comment!!

Side note: I am not endorsed, sponsored, or paid by Publix. I just like to shop there.