Focus T25 – Days 38-40, Plus My Weekend

Y’all I don’t even know what day of the week it is anymore. Thankfully last week went by quick (first full week back since the holidays) because I was so busy, which is good thing. I finished off the week with some great workouts and a girls night on Friday night.

T25 still challenges me on a daily basis. It’s a solid 25 minutes of cardio, with the occasional weight thrown in with circuit training during the Beta phase (month 2). My favorite part is that it’s only 25 minutes and I’m getting in a great workout. I know though that I would have better results if I was eating better. This is something I’m focusing on this week.

Last Tuesday, my workout was Upper Focus – a lot of push ups, upper cuts and vertical jumps. I know that I’ve gotten stronger because I can do all the push ups regular versus bending my knees. It’s a great feeling for sure!

Wednesday’s workout was Speed 2.0. I like 2.0 better than 1.0 because you are challenged to really give it your all. You do one set of moves three times; each time getting faster. You then do another set of moves three times, with each round going a little faster. Finally, you complete the workout with 3 rounds of all the moves combined. This workout goes so fast, and you’re dripping in sweat by the end of the 25 minutes. It’s awesome!

Rip’T Circuit on Thursday brought on the weights & lots of core action. I’ve been using 7.5 pounds, and was thinking about increasing it to 10 pounds this week, but can’t for reasons I’ll explain in a minute. Pretty bummed. Happy I got in a great workout last week though with the weights.

Friday, Friday, never looked so good! Woke up ready to rumble. Today was double workout of Dynamic Core & Speed 2.0. My first workout was great & went so well. I started Speed 2.0 and was not feeling the workout. I have no idea what was wrong, but I just couldn’t get moving. Has that ever happened to you during a workout?

I told myself I was going to do it when I got home, but I didn’t. I won’t make excuses because I could have made those 25 minutes work, but I didn’t. Instead I started cooking dinner for my girlfriend’s that came over for a girls night. I made roasted tomatoes stuffed with gluten-free bread crumbs and blue cheese; green bean, mushroom, kale and onion cassarole; and white fish with sauteed leeks and shallots. For dessert I made a gluten-free raspberry pound cake with homemade whipped cream.

It was a pretty amazing dinner. The dishes were full of flavor and pretty healthy. I was a happy camper 🙂 I think my guests liked it too! We had such a great time. Nothing like a night with good friends!

Saturday the boy and I went and grabbed lunch. I enjoyed this gluten-free open sandwich of fresh mozzarella, prosciutto, and vegan pesto. AMAZING!

On Sunday, I planned out my meals for the week and went to the grocery store. Later that night I decided to prepare what I could for the week and watch the Golden Globes. I prepared three salads, cooked two spaghetti squash and one butternut squash, and made protein pancakes from Tone It Up. I was on such a role until I had a bit of an argument with my immersion blender. I won’t get into details (I still have my whole finger), but I did have to make a visit to the Emergency Room Center on South Lamar. The boy and the staff at this center were my heroes for the night. I’m so crazy that I went home after being at the ER and remade the protein pancakes that were ruined the first time around.

 

Yesterday morning I wasn’t disappointed. I enjoyed protein pancakes with fresh strawberries and a little maple syrup. Last night I needed to eat something in order to take my antibiotics, so I enjoyed a grapefruit and raspberry pound cake mini muffins (I had extra batter on Friday so I made mini muffins).

I didn’t get in a workout yesterday due to doctor instructions, which is probably a good thing because the workout was Rip’T Circuit. Not sure if I should be lifting with my finger situation. I’m going to try and do it tonight and modify the moves (shifting all my workouts this week one day). Here’s to a quick recovery for my finger!!!

Question: In all my years of life I have never had stitches or injured myself in the kitchen until Sunday. I made it 30 years, and killed two birds with one stone. Have you ever injured yourself in the kitchen & how? Also, have you ever had to get stitched & why?

New Year, New Starts

Happy New Year! I know I’m late to the party (a week exactly), and I promise no excuses this year. Life is always going to be crazy and busy, and I just need to learn to make time to check in with all you during the week.

How is your new year going so far? Did you make your new year’s resolution or set goals for yourself? I have decided not set a resolution or goals because the last few years they have been the same; this year would have been no exception. Instead, I’m approaching each day as the new day that it is and setting goals for myself to complete that day. I have however, set some professional goals for myself, as I think this is extremely important to help me grow.

This week marks week 8 of Focus T25. I’m absolutely loving this program. Twenty-five minutes four days a week, and one 50-minute workout 1 day a week (two 25 minute workouts). That’s it! You really can’t go wrong.I’m feeling stronger and getting faster each day. I’ve even been successful with getting up in the morning and doing my workout first thing. Such a wonderful day to start the day. Here are some pictures from Days 22-24, Days 34-36:

Two and a half weeks and I’m done with Focus T25. I can’t believe it! I’ve already started planning ahead for what’s next. On January 27, I’m starting P90X3. It’s another 30 minute program, which is perfect for anyone’s schedule, and will be great while I’m on the road for work. Curious about T25 and P90X3? Send me a message! Currently, these programs Challenge Packs are on sale with over $90’s in savings. Check them out here: http://www.lstern412bbcoach.com and click “Shop”.

This week my focus has been on my eating. Yesterday started out promising with a good morning workout, a productive day at work, and a good plan of clean, healthy meals. The Central Market version of Pirates Booty and dinner were my downfalls. I finished the last third of the bag of “Pirates Booty” at lunch, and then for dinner I ate left over polenta (which had all kinds of cream and cheese in it), a piece of blue cheese, and some of the filling I made for the stuff acorn squash I had planned on eating for dinner. For dessert I had three caramel squares. Ugh, I felt so sick!

Today is a new day! Putting yesterday behind me and refusing to let it bring me down. This morning I did T25 Beta Upper Focus, which went really fast today. Breakfast consisted of 2 eggs, 2 egg whites, and broccoli scramble with 3 pieces of turkey bacon. Morning snack was Chocolate Shakeology with peaches. Lunch was stuffed acorn squash (black beans, quinoa, sweet potatoes, onions, and roasted tomatoes). Afternoon snack is going to be Chocolate Shakeology with cranberries and peaches.

Speaking of Shakeology, Beachbody is releasing a new Shakeology flavor – Strawberry! They currently have Tropical Strawberry, which is vegan. The new strawberry is regular like the Chocolate and Vanilla. I cannot wait to try it!

Cheers to the new year! 2014 will be a great year!

 

Hello, yeah, it’s been a while…

Hello friends! I took a little break from social media to enjoy family and friends this holiday season. It was a much needed break, but I’m happy to be back. How was everyone’s Christmas? Was Santa good to you?

For the 8th year in a row I spent Christmas in New Jersey with two great high school friends of mine. They are a brother and sister (the brother and I were in the same grade), and we started this tradition the year their father passed. I’m thankful for the tradition we start, even under the very terrible circumstance. This family has become like a second family to me, and I’m always grateful for the time I get to spend with them.

It was weird flying to New Jersey for Christmas. The last 7 years I drove because I was just in Maryland. This year was different for a couple reasons – 1) I had been to NJ since March, 2) I was flying home for the holidays, and 3) I brought the boy with me. 🙂 He was definitely more ready for this than I was. I was nervous about him fitting in and about what everyone would think. I should have known better that he would be just fine. He’s a social butterfly and will talk to anyone.

A favorite Christmas tradition of mine is pub caroling the eve before Christmas eve. It’s a time when all their good friends gather together at the local pub drink lots, donate monies to a great cause, and sing lots of carols. It’s a really special time. Here are a few pictures from the evening

Christmas eve’s tradition means lots of kids running around having fun, playing with toys and eating lots of food. This year there were 16 kids and 25 adults…yep you read that correctly. It was pure chaos and everything I love about Christmas and the holidays.

I got these fun new kicks for Christmas

My eating wasn’t the best while I was gone, but I was fairly under control considering I couldn’t eat cookies (none of them were gluten-free) or most of Christmas eve dinner because it was Italian. Don’t get me wrong I did NOT go hungry. I was very fortunate that my friends’ sister and brother-in-law brought the three gluten-free people gluten-free PF Changs. It was delicious and made me chuckle a little – a Jew eating Chinese food on Christmas. Haha! Good times.

I am happy to report that I kept up with my workouts while I was on, and even started phase 2 Beta last week. I’ll fill you in tomorrow on the workouts. Hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas!

Focus T25 – Day 21

Week 5 of Focus T25. I can’t believe I’ve started the last week of phase 1! It’s amazing how time flies when you’re having fun. 🙂 No really, I love this program. I know I have 25 minutes to make it count. Even first thing in the morning, the energy Shaun T exudes gets me excited and motivated to push harder in my workout. It’s ONLY 25 minutes and we all have 25 minutes to give to OURSELVES and our HEALTH!

Yesterday’s workout was Total Body Circuit. Quite the way to start a Monday. it got me motivated and ready for the work week. Seriously, I was so productive all day long.

I felt really strong during the workout, and pushed myself twice as hard during the burnout. Look at my face, I was ready to either pass out or throw up. Good news I didn’t do either.

Yesterday I stuck to the “meatless Monday” fade. I enjoyed Shakeology for breakfast, veggies with hummus and quinoa & black eye pea “salad” for lunch, Shakeology for afternoon snack, and roasted veggies, baked sweet potato and spaghetti squash with pesto for dinner.

All-in-all it was a good day of clean eating. I did enjoy a few gluten-free ginger snap cookies that I made over the weekend. Don’t worry, they’re almost gone. Promise!

After dinner the boy and I went to “Trail of Lights” in Zilker Park. It was really great! So many lights. I wanted to see Santa, but someone didn’t want to wait in line. LAME! Haha, I know I’m Jewish, but I still love Santa 😉

I love where I live; I love this city!!! It’s been an incredible year. If 2013 could be this awesome, I CANNOT wait to see what 2014 brings.

Question: What’s your favorite thing about the holidays?

A Weekend Full of Cheer!

With the hustle and bustle of Thanksgiving and my sister’s wedding and everything happening at work, I hadn’t been much in the holiday spirit until this past weekend. I finally am ready for the holidays and in a cheerful mood. Tis the season!!!

Friday was a nice quiet evening. It was rainy and cold, so dinner out and then a night in was exactly what the doctor ordered. Shortly after the boy and I got back to his place from dinner I crashed on the couch. I forewarned him that I was going to be asleep minutes after getting back, and I stayed true to my word 🙂

Saturday I spent the day running errands and getting in the holiday spirit. Saturday night I accompanied the boy to his office holiday party and then to my friend’s cookie exchange. We decorated cookies at the party. How did we do?

For the cookie exchange I made gluten-free gingersnap cookies with Smart Flour Foods all-purpose flour and they were amazing! I brought some into work this morning and they’re practically gone now.

Sunday I went to the grocery store, spent the day cleaning, decorated the Chrismukkah tree (see above) and made an amazing dinner (simple and yummy) – salmon with acorn squash stuffed with quinoa and black eyed peas.

Wanna make this acorn squash? It clean eating and gluten-free! Here’s the recipe:

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees

Ingredients:

• 4 acorn squash
• 1/2 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 can black eyed peas
• 1 teaspoon fresh Thyme chopped
• 1/8-1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon chipotle smoked seasoning (or other favorite seasonings)
• 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder

Directions:

1. Cut the bottoms of the acorn squash just a little so they lay flat. Cut off the top about 1/4 an inch and remove seeds. Place acorn squash in a cooking pan and add about an inch of water. Season the squash with salt, pepper and Chipotle seasoning. Drizzle a little olive oil on top and place in the oven for 30 minutes.
2. Cook quinoa – Bring 1 cup of broth (I used chicken, but you can use vegetable) to a boil. Turn down heat to low-med and add quinoa. Stir in quinoa and cover. Cook for 15-20 minutes or until liquid is gone.
3. Cook beans – Place beans on stove for about 5 minutes to cook.
4. In a small bowl combine cooked quinoa, beans, Thyme, Parmesan cheese and seasonings.
5. Remove squash from the oven and add the quinoa/bean mixture in each acorn squash. Sprinkle a little Parmesan cheese on top and place it in the oven for another 5 minutes.
6. Turn the oven on broil for 3 minutes or until the stop starts to slightly brown.
7. Remove squash from oven and ENJOY! (Disclaimer: be careful when eating the squash. It stays hot for quite a while, so don’t burn your tongue.)

Hope everyone is having a great Monday!

Focus T25 – Days 18-20

Happy Friday the 13th!!!

I now realize why the day felt sooo off. Haha! Sort of.

After sleeping through my alarm this morning, I got in a great workout. Today was Speed 1.0 and Ab Intervals. The good news is the workouts are only 25 minutes. The bad news, I only had 40 minutes to get in my workout, so I did what I go. I did all of Speed 1.0 and part of Ab Intervals. Don’t worry, I plan on doing the full thing either later today or first thing tomorrow.

I feel stronger and faster than I did four weeks ago. I feel lighter on my feet, and my vertical jumps are better than ever! I can’t believe that I have one more week of Alpha phase. Eek 🙂 So excited!

Wednesday workout was Lower Focus – lots of squats and lunges. Here’s to toners thighs!

It was a great workout. I woke up really focused and was determined to get push harder throughout the entire workout.

My day was made when I came home to these beautiful flowers from two dear friends

The card is an inside joke, but make the flowers that more special. I’m a lucky girl!

Thursday – one day closer to the weekend. I couldn’t wait for the day to be over so that it would be Friday and I could enjoy the weekend. Yesterday’s workout was Total Body Circuit. I was out of breath, sweating, and feeling awesome after the workout.

There are so many push-ups in this workout. I’m happy to report that I’m definitely getting stronger. I was able to do 90% regular push-ups versus the modified push-ups. Every day is a new day to get it right; push a little harder; get a little stronger. I may not be perfect throughout the entire workout, but I give it my all, focus for 25 minutes and then I’m done.

This weekend is full of errands, chores and prepping for the holidays. Who else isn’t 100% ready for the holidays? I’m so excited for them, and can’t wait for them to get here, and after this weekend I’ll be ready. 🙂

HAPPY FRIDAY!!!

 

 

Focus T25 – Day 17

Yesterday when I woke up I still wasn’t feeling well. I decided not to workout until later that evening or push my workouts one day. I know the importance of feeling 100% to get the most out of my workouts. I didn’t want to kind of workout; I want to give it my all if I was going to workout and I knew in that moment I couldn’t give it my best.

Thankfully, I was feeling better throughout the day, and even later that night. When I got home I immediately put on my workout clothes and got to the workout. It still wasn’t my best effort, but it was a lot better than it would have been had I tried to workout that morning.

Total Body Circuit reminds me so much of an Insanity workout. I was EXHAUSTED after the 25 minutes and ready for bed. I slept like a rock, which was even better!

Yesterday I tried to be really good with what I was eating as to not mess up my stomach any further. For breakfast I had an on the go bar, Shakeology for my morning and afternoon snack, gluten-free chicken noodle soup for lunch and Chilean Sea Bass with roasted carrots, beets and sweet potatoes, and green beans for dinner (this was AMAZING!) I’m only sorry I didn’t get a picture of dinner. I’ll have to share with everyone the recipe. It’s super easy.

Hope everyone is have a good week! Happy Hump Daaaaaaaay!

Focus T25 – Days 15 & 16

I don’t want to get too far behind on my week, so I’m doing a double edition Tuesday!

Let me start off by saying I had THE MOST incredible birthday weekend and birthday on Sunday. I was surrounded by three of my favorite things – friends, football and food; sorry I was so busy cooking I didn’t take any pictures. Sorry!

Friday I got my workout in first thing

The hours at the office on Friday seemed to tick slower than normal. I was so excited about dinner that I couldn’t sit still.

Speaking of, I was a lucky girl who got to celebrate my birthday Friday night at one of my favorite restaurants, Uncle Julio’s. I was surrounded by amazing people and had a lot of laughs. One of my closest friends came into town from Houston with his wife. We never took a picture, but I’ll always remember that they were there. Thanks to the boy for the gluten-free carrot cake!

Saturday I enjoyed brunch with friends, went to the grocery store, took a little nap because I wasn’t feeling well, and then spent hours cooking. Saturday night I went to a holiday party. It was so much fun! Lots of laughs, great food, and fun games.

Sunday was my birthday! I woke up to breakfast in bed from the boy. I told him it was the only thing I wanted for my birthday. He said he made my breakfast into a smiley face “because [I] make [him] smile every day.” Super sweet!

The picture of me with “The Dirty 30”  sunglasses is from Friday night. Unfortunately I didn’t take any pictures on Sunday, but it’s because I was cooking, watching football and enjoying my friends who came to hang. It was a great day! Here’s to a great year and some of the best years of my life ahead! Happy birthday to me!

Yesterday morning I was NOT in the mood to get up and workout, BUT I did it anyway! I actually had a great workout and was so glad I got up.

I was ready for what I thought would be a good day. Unfortunately, something at lunch I ate (I’m pretty sure it was the soup) did NOT sit well. I was down for the count the rest of the day, next to no appetite, so I forced myself to eat chicken noodle soup that I made.

Here’s to a better Tuesday!

Focus T25 – Days 12-14

I could have sworn I posted this last week, but to my surprise this morning I did not! Last week was another crazy week at work and outside of work. I had a busy weekend a head of me between birthday celebrations, holiday parties and football/birthday celebrations. So, here’s a quick recap:

Tuesday I was in recovery mode from traveling on Monday and Thanksgiving week and wedding weekend. I was bound and determined though to get up and workout on Tuesday morning, and I did! I love T25 because I know I’m getting a great workout in; it only takes me 25 minutes to workout; and I can workout in the comfort of my own home. It’s a win. win. win.

Day 12 completed! I’m not seeing any physical changes, I blame that on my eating, but I am getting faster during several of the moves.

Wednesday morning – up an at ’em! Got my workout done first thing in the morning, which definitely set my mood for the day. I was stressing out because I hadn’t gone to the grocery store and my to-do list at work keeps growing!

Pushing harder and focusing more during the workouts. I know that it will make me stronger, but if I want to see results it starts in the kitchen with what I’m eating. I NEED/WANT to make this a priority. I’ve got to make better choices.

My friend gave our accountability group an extra challenge for the day – for every text you received you had to do 15 jumping jacks. I had to do 22 sets. After I got into bed I got an additional 10 texts. I didn’t get out of bed, but am thinking that to make up for not doing those that I would do another challenge this week.

Wednesday night marked the last night of Hanukkah. How pretty is the menorah?

As a present to myself I bought 2 tubs of E&E, 90-day supply, when they were on sale. I can’t wait to dig into this and push through my workouts.

Thursday – SO close to the weekend I can smell it. I decided to do my double workout today because I wanted to sleep in on Friday (which didn’t happen). I was moving, grooving and sweating.

I felt amazing after these workouts. Fifty minutes and I was done. Double workout for the week, complete. I was ready for the craziness of the day to begin.

My co-worker brought in the dessert dirt in honor of my dirty 30 on Sunday.

Anyone else remember this dessert from when they were growing up? Like myself, she is gluten-free so she bought gluten-free “oreos”. It was yummy! I didn’t eat the whole thing, but I did indulge a little.

Thursday night I was pumped for The Sound of Music Live! I love this movie, as it reminds me of my grandpa George, and I love Carrie Underwood.

I didn’t love the live version, but I wasn’t made either. I understand what they were trying to do. Unfortunately though, it just didn’t work. Anyone else watch it?

I did semi clean eat this week, but it could have definitely been better. Breakfast was primarily steel oats with 2 eggs and homemade pesto. I had Shakeology for a snack, and lettuce wrap sandwiches (one with meat, one veggie) for lunch on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Thursday I couldn’t decide which soup I wanted, cauliflower or roasted tomato bisque so I got both 🙂

All-in-all it was a good week. My eating could DEFINITELY use some improvement. I need to get back to planning out my meals and sticking with it. It makes the world of difference.

Can’t wait to fill you in on my weekend!

T25 Days 6-11 & Turkey Week Recap

Life has been a little crazy lately 🙂 I was home all last week working remotely, spending time with family, and breaking it down on the dance floor at my sister’s wedding. I had an exceptional week at home!!!

Before I do a “quick” recap I want to wish my incredible parents Happy 35th Anniversary! Thanks to their continuous love, support and guidance, I am the woman I am today. I’m so grateful to call them MY parents.

So, what did I eat last week? I’m proud to say I was good 90% of the week. I enjoyed a burger (no bun) and sweet potato fries one night, and then a lot of popcorn (left over from the wedding) on Sunday. Throughout the week though I had two eggs with an avocado, shakeology, and lentil-lime salad. I also enjoyed a delicata squash and a gluten-free “pizza” made on gluten-free bread (just one slice).

Wednesday night my parents, brother, his girlfriend and I went out for sushi. It was SO good. My brother and dad taught my brother’s girlfriend how to use chopsticks. She’s left-handed and said she’s never been able to really use them properly. It was SUPER entertaining to watch.

On Tuesday morning we woke up to this:

I was happy as a clam; the rest of the family not. so. much. See my sister got married on Saturday and everyone was afraid the snow was going to delay people from getting to Pittsburgh. Thankfully the weather cleared up.

I kept up with my workouts for the week, although I didn’t take any pictures of my double workout on Friday. I was too focused on getting my workouts in and getting ready in time for the rehearsal dinner.

Day 6 of T25

Day 7 of T25

Day 8 T25

Wednesday marked the first night of Hanukkah, which meant that Hanukkah was going to fall on Thanksgiving. This won’t happen for another 70,000+ years. My parents found this Menurkey that marks the occasion. It came plain and my dad decided it needed a little color

Day 9 T25 – Turkey Day! I treated myself to Starbucks to enjoy with breakfast and the Macy’s Parade!

We had 34 people for Thanksgiving dinner. As if planning a wedding for my mom wasn’t enough, she cooked dinner for everyone and had gluten-free options, vegetarian options, and everything was nut free. My mom is SUPER woman. P.S. She found these napkins that said “Gobble Gobble N’at” (Pittsburghese)

Day 10 T25 – Forgot to take pictures

Day 11 T25 – Decided to get my workout in first thing before I headed back to Austin. I knew that I would be too tired from traveling once I got back to Austin. I was SO glad to get it done; it made traveling so much better.

All those workouts kept me sane throughout the week. With all that family around and my sister’s wedding, it was 25 minutes to myself. I must say though I think I burned more calories on the dance floor than I did in all my workouts combined; maybe. My mom KNOWS how to throw a party; I swear she missed her calling as a party planner. My sister looked GORGEOUS and everything about the wedding was fantastic! The ketubah signing & wedding ceremonies were very special and left several of us in happy tears. I was so honored to stand beside my sister and new brother-in-law as they exchanged vows. I’m beyond happy for these two and wish them many, many years of happiness together.

Well, that’s all I have for now. Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving Day!