Fitness Must Have - FlipBelt

I've recently gotten into hiking and walking a lot outside whenever the weather here in Georgia cooperates with my plans. My only issue when I'm walking usually is with the fact that 99% of my workout capris, pants, and shorts do not have pockets. Hello, where am I supposed to put my keys, phone, ID, snacks, etc.? For awhile I would try to slip my iPhone into my pants right at my hip at the top of the band on my workout pants. However doing that usually ended in disaster with my phone crashing to the concrete ground. Thankfully I'm lucky enough to not have broken a phone yet doing that because of my phone case {knock on wood}. Then I randomly saw an add for a FlipBelt and knew I had to have it. I automatically fell in love as soon as I received my FlipBelt. 

Source

Here are the benefits to using a FlipBelt

1. Machine Washable {and dryable in the dryer} - This is amazing because as you all probably know your workout clothes and accessories tend to get sticky when you're working out when they get coated in sweat. The same thing will happen with your FlipBelt so just throw it in the washer after use and presto it's like new.
2. The FlipBelt fits your iPhone 6+, credit card, chapstick, license, cash, keys, protein bars, epipens, etc.. There's even a key fob on it to hook your keys too then slip inside one of the multiple pockets {4 pockets total - 2 in front and 2 in back} on the belt.
3. No chafing - I have worn mine multiple times and have yet to ever have an issue of it riding up and rubbing against my skin and chafing my skin.
4. As soon as you stash all your fitness goodies and necessary essentials in the pockets, flip it inwards to securely lock in your items for some extra security while you train.
5. Available in 10 different colors to match your wardrobe!

This thing will come in handy hiking, biking, walking, running, park time with your kids, dog parks, running errands, heading to the gym, at the airport, rock climbing, etc. Seriously, check out flipbelt.com for this awesome fitness accessory if you don't already have one. You can also find it on Amazon and REI. 

Body Beast Build Phase Workout Samples

These workouts are from Body Beast Build: Back and Biceps. In the top left I am doing a dumb-bell pullover. This one works your lats and you can definitely feel it. In the left middle I am doing a Reverse Fly. I have a love hate relationship with these. My muscles love them because it helps them build, but I hate them. On the bottom left I am doing a close grip pull-up. We have one pull-up bar in our workout room so I modify and use resistance bands. I am increasing the weights on my bands as I get stronger. I'm now using Red + Black which is 40-50 lbs. On the right top I am doing a Bicep Curl. These and Rows are a weight workout that comes easier for me. On the bottom right I am doing a one arm row. This is probably my favorite strength move because I can usually go pretty high compared to the rest of the moves. 

These workout moves are from Body Beast Build: Legs. On the top left I am doing a Regular Weighted Squat. This I tend to go pretty heavy with my weights because my legs are one of my stronger parts. On the left middle I am completing an Alternating Lunge. You switch with stepping forward into a lunge with either your right or left leg while holding two weights in your hands. On the bottom left I am doing a deadlift with dumbbells. If you have limited equipment and don't have a bar you can use dumbbells and get the same results. On the right top you can see me flexing. I wanted to show what my calves flexed looked like during the beginning in Build Phase so we have something to compare to later. On the bottom right I am showing calorie burn between my husband and I. During strength training he seems to burn at least double what I do.

My Thursday Top Ten - Tofu Recipes

As a Vegetarian I have to be really creative with my meals to get enough protein and nutrients in. One of my favorite sources for protein is Tofu. Tofu is also low in fat and gluten free. I like my Tofu extra firm, but you can always try the regular firm, lite firm, tofu plus, cubed, or silken. For the most part in the past I mainly used my Tofu in stir fry, but lately I'm finding all kinds of new tofu recipes to switch things up. Here are 10 of my favorite tofu recipes that are out there.

10. Crunchy and Spicy Baked Tofu Nuggets - These are a great alternative to Chicken Nuggets for the vegetarian or vegan food lover or even a low carb version of tater tots. I'm used to eating my tofu lightly toasted in stir-fries so I love the extra crunch you get with these nuggets. The spices you add in also give you that little kick to make it interesting without needing to guzzle a whole glass of milk to cool off. 

9. Loaded Crispy Tofu Tacos - I love mexican food any night of the week, so when I found this tofu taco recipe I instantly jumped on it. Add to the fact that it's a tofu recipe with Sriracha and I was in total heaven. If you have not tried a recipe with honey, tofu, and Sriracha yet you should probably stop what you are doing and go make something now. It's literally that good. These tacos are so good that even meat eaters who are scared of tofu or think it's "gross" will love them and be asking for seconds.

8. BBQ Tofu - This super easy BBQ Tofu recipe is a great solution when you are craving that sweet BBQ flavor, but don't feel like having to tear up some pork or chicken to make your own BBQ sandwich. I've eaten these as a main dish with broccoli and baked beans or on a whole wheat bun with slaw. They are amazing either way. 

7. General Tso's Tofu - This recipe is a great option when you're craving chinese, but don't want the yucky feeling you get after leaving most chinese restaurants. This recipe turned out mildly spicy so it's another one that won't have sensitive eaters running for the milk jug. Plus this recipe is super easy to make and super cheap. Most of the ingredients are items you probably already have around the house. I only had to buy 3 things which cost me around $5 and left me with enough to make this recipe many, many, many times.

6. Nemo's No Fish Tofu Tacos - I added this recipe for all the families out there that go vegetarian or just want to try out something new. Maybe your kids are super picky about the smell of fish or just like their food with cool shapes, yet you don't want to buy the pre-shaped frozen food full of all kinds of unhealthy crap. This is the perfect solution. They are so cute and easy to make. If you don't already have a fish cookie cutter you can buy one for pretty cheap on Amazon. 

5. Vegan Spinach Artichoke Lasagna Rolls - This is a great healthier alternative to your usual lasagna or lasagna rolls. Here you use tofu instead of ricotta for that smooth creamy center. Once you try it I promise you will never go back. I was shocked at how good it actually tasted and it had way less calories than my normal lasagna. 

4. Chocolate Peanut Butter Mousse - Who knew you could make a dessert as tasty as mousse out of tofu? Not this lady, until recently. I'm here to say that this recipe does not disappoint. It's delicious and only 4 ingredients (1 extra ingredient if you want a peanut garnish). Hello, that's like the easiest dessert ever. I'm thinking the next time I make it I'll also try subbing in PB2 for the creamy peanut butter to make it even more healthy. 

3. Southwestern Tofu Scramble  - This is a great alternative to regular scrambled eggs for any vegans out there or those that just don't like eggs. This is a hearty breakfast that definitely does not leave you wanting. Also with the tofu and black bean mixture you get a major protein boost to start your day off right. 

2. Low Carb Tofu Fries - I just recently found this recipe for Tofu Fries and I almost died from excitement. I love finding new low carb recipes to switch out items that I was previously eating. Who knew you could make french fries out of tofu and it would actually taste good, let alone taste like fries. These are amazing. The Asian Ketchup recipe was a little too spicy for my taste so I ended up using regular ketchup to dip these yummy treats in. I will definitely be making these next summer during our many pool parties. 

1. Sweet and Sour Tofu Stir-Fry - Last but not least is my all time favorite Sweet and Sour Tofu Stir-Fry recipe. This is a definite regular in my house for dinners. We love switching it up to try different veggies with it and even going super low carb and nixing the rice. Whatever way you make it this recipe will never disappoint. It's spicy, sweet, and perfect for a quick and easy dinner recipe. 

Body Beast - Measurements and Pictures

Before starting Body Beast we took our before pictures and measurements. This is smart to do so you know how you've changed and when you finish the workout you can send your pictures in for free gear (Body Beast T-Shirt). You want to take a picture of yourself from the Front, Back, and Side. You can have your arms at your sides or flexing in the position I'm showing above. After taking pictures we did the typical measurements of shoulders, bust, waist, and hips. However with Body Beast it also requests you to measure your right/left biceps, right/left quads, glutes, and right/left calves. My main areas I want to work on with Body Beast are my butt, thighs, calves, biceps, and my abdominal area. If you need help with how to measure your body for you bust, waist, shoulders, and hips here is a guide. 

Source

Now that we had our measurements, weights, and pictures {and a basic idea of our meal plans for the weeks, which will change in the upcoming weeks as my dietary needs change} it was time to start our workouts.

No Cheese Avocado Quesadilla

Are you looking for a healthier version of your favorite mexican dish of quesadillas? Or maybe you're lactose intolerant and can't eat the cheesy quesadillas that so many others love? Well, I have found the perfect solution. These No Cheese Avocado Quesadillas are my new favorite go to for lunch and dinner when I'm craving mexican. I like to pair it with some mexican yellow rice, cauliflower rice, or even a super tasty spinach salad. This recipe is Vegan and gluten-free (with gluten free tortillas). Plus you can add all kinds of different extras with the avocado to make it even tastier. 

No Cheese Avocado Quesadilla

Serves: 1

Ingredients

• 1/2 Avocado (more if you prefer)
• 1 large tortilla or 2 small tortillas
• 1 small roma tomato, diced
• Seasonings of choice: Paprika, Cumin, Garlic Powder, etc.
• Optional Toppings: Spinach, Black Beans, Chicken, Green Chiles, etc.

Instructions

1. Smash avocado and spread out on one half of the tortilla. Sprinkle with any seasonings. {I like a pinch of garlic powder and cumin in mine.} 
2. Add diced tomato and any other desired toppings.
3. Fold over the top half of the tortilla and place on a non-stick skillet over medium heat. 
4. Heat for 1-2 minutes per side until warmed through.
5. Enjoy! I like to dip mine in Salsa.

A Healthier Chunky Monkey

Lately I have been craving the Ben & Jerry's Chunky Monkey ice cream. Even when it's cold and dreary out I seem to still crave ice cream. I am literally obsessed with my ice cream. Sadly though Ben & Jerry's Chunky Monkey is in no way really "good" for you or "healthy". Therefore, I had to figure out a way I could fulfill my cravings while still living a healthier lifestyle. That is where my new recipe for my morning shake came in. I decided I had to try to recreate Chunky Monkey with Chocolate Shakeology. I was very pleased. It was delicious!! I literally felt like I could freeze it a little, throw on a few walnut chunks, and then scoop it out with a spoon for dessert. I love it when healthy food actually taste good. Now I can get my ice cream fix while still getting all my superfoods and nutrients for the day.


Chunky Monkey Shakeology

Ingredients

• 1 scoop/packet of Chocolate Shakeology
• 1 cup of Unsweetened Almond Milk
• 1 banana
• 1 handful of ice
• optional: 1 scoop of Protein Powder (Vanilla or Chocolate)

Instructions

1. Throw ALL ingredients into the blender
2. Blend until smooth
3. Smile with extreme pride and enjoy your healthy copycat chunky monkey protein and superfood filled shake. 

Body Beast for Women - Schedule and Equipment

The hubby and I are finishing up P90X3 this weekend and will be starting a new program Monday. We have decided to complete Body Beast next. After much discussing we've decided it's best to build muscle now while it's cold then switch and blast away fat once it's getting closer to summer with a high intensity cardio program like Insanity Max: 30. P90X3 was a great starter program for us to begin the whole process of losing weight and gaining muscle. I feel like I've built some muscle in my legs and maybe a little in my arms. I want to define my arms more and tighten/tone up my stomach even more. I also want to do this program to help show other women that they too can complete Body Beast. As you look through the catalog or research Body Beast it may intimidate you, so I'm here to help break it down and help make it female friendly. 

Since I mainly want to define my body just a little bit more I'm choosing to do the Lean Beast program within Body Beast. This program is great for building muscle while also losing the extra fat coating my muscles. Block 1 starting out is the Build Phase. This phase focuses on synergistic muscle groups, allowing you to get strong and build a foundation to work on.  This phase continues for 6 weeks long. you workout 6 Days and have 1 day off. The workouts are different for each of the 3 weeks. 

I have different equipment and supplements I'll be using to gain the optimum results. Based on the cost I am going to try going through the 90 Days without getting the extra supplements for Body Beast that are suggested (Hardcore Base Shake, Fuel Shot, M.A.X. Creatine, and Super Suma). 

• On the top left is P90X Results and Recovery. This is an orange creamsicle after workout drink that helps ease soreness and optimize your results. It taste amazing and really helps me not be in agony after waking up the day after a workout. Plus it's all natural with no artificial flavors or sweeteners.
• On the top middle is the Beachbody Jump Mat. I use this since I workout sometimes on hardwood floors. This super shock resistant mat protects your knees, back, and ankles from injury. I also just like the cushy feel of it beneath my feet while working out. 
• On the top right are Resistance Bands. They can provide up to 100 pounds of resistance, and work amazingly well as an inexpensive substitute for dumbbells. I use them with a door attachment to provide a great alternative to regular pull-ups. 
• On the bottom left are Dumbbells. I will be using the massive set that my hubby and I have for the majority of the weight lifting workouts. We got most of our dumbbells through Amazon or from Target. 
• On the bottom right are Stability Balls. We have a weight bench that my husband will be using, but since we can't easily fit 2 into our workout room currently, I'll be using a Stability Ball. I like the fact that while I'm using a stability ball I can also work on training my core and stabilizer muscles. 

• We can't forget my Shakeology that I'll still be using while completing Body Beast. As with P90X3 this will continue to be my breakfast and will therefore be calculated in my calorie count for the day. I love the ease drinking Shakeology gives me since I never have to plan a Breakfast. I just wake up, mix it with whatever I feel like, and I'm ready to go in less than 5 minutes. 

Now it's time to meal plan. As soon as I fully figure out my meal plan for Body Beast I will post that on my blog.