Motivation Monday: Strong Women

Today was the first day of my first 30-day challenge hosted by myself and Adie, who is one if the Four Fit Sisters. I have been so blessed to see my own results while participating in 30 day challenges. 

I cannot wait to see the changes that these wonderful women will make during these next 30 days; both physically and mentally. 

What's great about these groups is that there's such a great support system and the women really do lift each other up. I am so excited to be a part of such a wonderful group. 

-Kristin

Fitness Friday: A Simple Reminder

Just a little reminder to make sure that you are competing against yourself and not someone else. Everyone is on different fitness journeys. You can't compare your own success with someone who has been working at this for 5 years. It isn't fair to yourself and it will only put you down. 

Instead, focus on becoming a better version of yourself every single day. Take measurements, take progress pictures. See the progress in yourself. 

It won't be easy. It won't be quick. But it will always be worth it. 

-Kristin. 

Tasty Thursday: Reese's Popcorn

When I'm spending time at my house I always find myself craving something sweet to eat. I usually have only two choices: whip up a baked good that takes longer to bake than it takes for me to scarf down, or to just grab a pre-packaged sweet that is filled with chemicals. 

I'm a girl. I love chocolate. There are some days where you just NEED chocolate. Mixing chocolate and peanut butter together = a genius combination. Adding that combination to freshly popped popcorn? It's like a thousand angels are singing on your taste buds.

To make this magnificent quick snack all you need to do is have popcorn (I prefer air-popped popcorn), dark chocolate chips, and all natural peanut butter.

There are two ways that I pop my air-popped popcorn. One way is using my Presto Poplite Hot Air Popcorn Popper. It costs around $20 and it is a GREAT investment. The directions are easy to follow and this popper is perfect for quick snacks.

The second way I pop my popcorn is using a brown paper bag. All I do is add 3 Tablespoons of popcorn kernels into a brown paper bag, fold over, and pop for 30 seconds-1 minute.

After you prepare your popcorn, melt 1 teaspoon of peanut butter in a small bowl in the microwave. Sprinkle a small handful of dark chocolate chips over your popcorn and drizzle the melted peanut butter on top. The freshly popped popcorn will instantly begin melting the chocolate chips.

Enjoy your delicious, indulgent popcorn creation while watching your favorite movie curled up on the couch.

-Kristin

Workout Wednesday: At Home Workout

One of my favorite accounts on Instagram is Workouts_Daily. They always post the most amazing quick workouts. And the best part is that they're effective! 

The Summer Legs Workout that I posted above is my personal favorite. This is my go-to workout when I don't have enough time to get my regular work-out in. 

What is your go-to workout on busy days?

-Kristin

Thankful Tuesday: Start Your Day with a Grateful Heart

This morning I woke up to rain falling and thinking I would have a terrible day. But then I thought of all the moments that God carried me when I thought I would never make it through. 

I am so grateful that He holds me in my happiest times AND my darkest times. He never let's me go. 

If you are having a bad day, a bad week, a bad month, or a bad year, just remember that He is carrying you through all of it. He's not going to let you fall out of His grasp. You just have to trust Him to do that. Fall into His arms, and just let Him carry you. 

-Kristin

Motivation Monday: Sick Day

Today, I woke up late feeling terribly sick. I decided to suck it up and go to school/work, but I missed my morning workout. I continued to feel worse and worse as the day went on, but I was NOT about to let that get in the way of my nutrition. 

I had the most delicious dinner tonight: a large salad and green beans. 

I feel so much better than I did this morning. I hope it was just a little funk and I won't feel the same way tomorrow and that I can get my workout in. 

What do you do when you're sick? Do you find a way to still get your workout in? Do you stay on track with your nutrition and eating healthy? 

-Kristin

Tasty Thursday: My Favorite Shake

It's Tasty Thursday!
This is my favorite recipe to make with Shakeology:
Choco, PB, and Banana shake

 

It is so simple to make and the clean-up is almost effortless!

 Ingredients: 
1 scoop Vegan Chocolate Shakeology
8 oz. of Almond Milk
1 Tbsp. Peanut Butter
1 Banana, sliced
Handful of ice cubes

Directions:
1.) Add all ingredients in a blender; blend.
2.) Pour shake into a cup and drink away!

This shake is filled with nutrients and is so tasty!

 

Have any of you ever tried Shakeology before? What is your favorite flavor or recipe?

 

-Kristin

Workout Wednesday: Les Mills Pump

Today was day 3 in my 13 week Les Mills Pump challenge.

I never once thought that I would ever consider lifting weights. Ever. I am a full on cardio junky. I love running and biking and that's about it. I knew that I needed to begin weight lifting to get the best results faster, so I decided to look into it. When I found Les Mills Pump I decided to give it a try. It's only been three days, but I absolutely LOVE it! The videos add music to the workouts to help motivate you to push through. I love music so this really helps me.

I'm curious: Have you ever tried Les Mills Pump before? What are your thoughts on it? Did you enjoy the workouts or do you prefer a different type of workout?

-Kristin

Thankful Tuesday: Weightloss

Have you ever stepped on the scale after a long week of working out, see that you have only lost one pound, and just want to give up all together?

I have done this far too often. I found this image showing just how big one pound really is.

Can you believe that? I can't believe that all this time I have been saying "I have been working so hard, why did I only lose 1 pound this week?"

1 POUND IS MASSIVE!

It almost covers your entire hand. That's a pretty great accomplishment in my eyes.

I am so thankful for realizations like this that help me stay on track to reaching my goals. 

If you're stuck in saying that you "only" lost 1 pound, remember this picture. Let it remind you how much of a fighter you are and that you can keep losing pound after pound until you reach your goal.

YOU CAN DO THIS! Even if it is "only" one pound a week. :)

-Kristin

Motivation Monday: Early Morning Workout and Breakfast

This morning I woke up at 5:20 to get in my workout before headed to school and work. It is so hard for me to get motivated to workout in the morning, but I know that I won't do any kind of workout when I get home so late at night.

I am so proud of myself for waking up and pushing through day 1 of the Les Mills Pump workout! I feel great! I never thought that I would be lifting weights, but look at me now!!!

After my workout, I grabbed a quick and healthy recipe. This was my first time trying Shakeology and I absolutely LOVE it! The chocolate taste is delicious and it truly kept me full until lunch. It is full of nutrients in every serving and I feel so good knowing that I am treating my body the way that it deserves to be treated. 

What is your go-to healthy breakfast? I would love to hear about it! 

-Kristin

Fitness Friday: 30 Day Challenge

I am so excited to announce that I will be co-hosting my very first 30 day challenge group! Think of it as a virtual accountability group. The group will be starting up on April 21^st! Join in on the fun with accountability, meal plan tips, nutritional advice, and support from others who want to help you get into the best shape of your life! Sometimes you need a little push and guidance to get you started. Let’s do this! Email me for more details if you’re ready for the challenge! :)

kristinfate11@gmail.com

Tasty Thursday: Spaghetti Squash

Tuesdays are for tasty healthy recipes.

Today's recipe is Spaghetti Squash.

I was a little hesitant to try this dish when I first heard about it, but I decided to give it a go. Result: it's DELICIOUS!

Ingredients:
1 spaghetti squash
1 cup of your favorite pasta sauce
Seasonings

Directions:
1.) Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cut spaghetti squash in half lengthways and deseed.

2.) Lightly grease baking sheet and place spaghetti squash, flat side down, on the baking sheet. 

3.) Bake for 30 minutes.
4.) When spaghetti squash is cool enough to touch, take a fork and scrape out the pulp. It will resemble real pasta. 

5.) Add your pasta sauce and seasonings and enjoy a healthy, gluten free, pasta dish.

I added too much sauce on accident but it was still delicious. 

Comment below with your favorite Spaghetti Squash recipe. I would love to try it out!

-Kristin