Now Offering Personal Training services!

Check out my website at:  www.simpsonfit.com

I am so excited to share my passion with others!  There is no better feeling than feeling healthy and strong!

Exciting News in the Works!

In pursuit of happiness, I am excited to share that beginning January 1st, I will be taking on personal training clients in a studio here in Brownsburg!  I have had the privilege of working out with Kattie Fleece for years, and I am so excited for the opportunity to work alongside her!

Spots will be pretty limited in the beginning.  I am willing to take up to 10-15 clients at most. The first 5 that sign up will receive an additional session for free.  Every referral you send me will earn you free sessions as well!

Stay tuned!  

A Minor Set Back and Healthy Lunch Ideas

Just when you think you've found the perfect balance, the perfect splits for workouts, to finally be in YOUR groove, and BAM.  You have a setback.  It can stop you in your tracks, discourage you or even give you a reason to make excuses not to workout.  This very thing happened to me a couple of weeks ago, hence the partial reason I haven't written a post lately!  I somehow tweaked my left wrist to the point I almost dropped a 60 lb weighted barbell on my head while doing behind the head presses.  This has greatly limited my ability to do any upper body workouts.  (You don't realize what an important role your wrists play!)

So, I have resorted to lower body workouts, lots of HIIT, plyometrics, and even some steady state cardio.  I could have easily taken the high road and used my injury to neglect my workouts.  But, I've kept on truckin'.  Killing these stems! 

I am hoping I am able to start upper body lifting sometime this week.  I initially took 4 days off, tried to lift with wrist straps and pain returned.  I am now on day 4 again of no upper body, so we will see where I am pain wise next week.

Moral of story.....LISTEN to your body.  If you experience a new "pain" stop whatever it is you are doing and rest.  Permanent injury can result if you keep on keepin' on. 

Oh, and here are a couple of my current lunch time favorites!

Shoulder Workout

It's no secret that upper body will always be my favorite workout.  Shoulders being my very favorite.
In my opinion, well defined shoulders, specifically the delts, is a great measure of strength and fitness.  This area is a particularly difficult area for me to build, as my arms are long.  I envy all of the short women with shorter arms.  Short arms = shorter muscles = easier to bulk.  That's no lie. 

Anyway, here is the workout I did yesterday morning. 

Dumbbell shoulder press drop sets 25 -20 - 15 - 12
4 sets (8 - 10 - 12 - 15 reps)

Shoulder press on smith machine with 2 pulses at bottom  45 lb
Reverse Delt Flyes - 12 lb
Bent over delt raises - drop sets - (15 - 12 - 10)
4 sets

Strict Press on smith machine - 45 lb
Bar shrugs - 75 lb
Seated delt (lat) raises - 15 lb
4 sets

Cable lat raises - 10 lb
Cable Front raises with shrug - 7.5 lb
3 sets

Alt. arm lat raises - 8 - 10 - 12
DB shrugs - 25, 30 lb
3 sets

I have been making it a point to incorporate shoulder and glutes twice a week.  One isolation day, and then I do a shoulder/glute day.  Determined to shape up my slow-to-make-progress areas!

Homemade Granola Bars

Over the weekend I whipped up a batch of homemade granola bars for the kiddos. It's Tuesday and they are almost GONE. I'd call that a win for mom!  I'm not real good at measuring ingredients precisely, so you may have to make a few adjustments.  Here is an approximation of what I used.

1.5 cups gluten free oats

1/3 cup honey

2 T coconut oil - melted

1/4 c milled flax seed

1 tsp vanilla

3 T PB2 (you can also use all natural nut butter)

1/4 c unsweetened coconut

Mix it all together and spread in a 9x9 parchment paper lined dish. Chill in refrigerator for about 30 minutes and then cut into bars.  Store in air tight container in fridge.

Clean Eating Grocery List

I get asked a lot about what I eat.  I would love to tell you that I eat clean ALL the time, but I'm human, and I do like pizza, wine and chocolate.  So, my eating is about 80/20.  Clean 80% of the time with the other 20% being treat meals.  (Usually 1-2 per week).  I honestly don't think you should have to give up indulgent foods all together.  Moderation is key, and just remember to make your treat meals just that.  Don't let a meal turn into a day or weekend.  Enjoy it and then move on.

So, here is a basic list of things that I consistently eat. 

Protein:  lean beef, chicken, eggs, lean turkey, fish (tilapia is my go to), protein powder (occasionally post workout)

Oils:  (sparingly)  coconut, EVOO

Healthy fats/proteins:  avocado, cashews, almonds, natural PB, salmon

Fruits:  apples, blackberries, blueberries, mango, tangerines, tomatoes, bananas

Veggies:  broccoli, asparagus, brussel sprouts, peppers, romaine, spinach, carrots, cucumbers, green beans, zucchini/squash, spaghetti squash

Dairy:  greek yogurt, cottage cheese, reduced fat and skim milk cheeses (sparingly)

Sweeteners:  stevia, apple sauce, honey, maple syrup (occasionally)

Condiments:  red/white wine vinegars, reduced sugar ketchup, coconut aminos, low sugar salsa, sriracha, yellow mustard, honey, chili paste, tomato paste, tomato sauce, low sodium stocks/broth

Other:  unsweetened almond milk, vanilla extract, herbs and low sodium spices

Carbs:  beans, oats, whole wheat pasta (occasionally), peas, brown rice, rice cakes--lightly salted, low carb, whole wheat tortillas (occasionally), low carb-whole wheat-low sugar bread (occasionally), sweet potatoes and occasionally red potatoes

There you have it!  You can find most all of these foods in my pantry and fridge at any given time! 

A Valentine Treat

Delicious.  Grain free, gluten free, dairy free, refined sugar free.  (Yes, they are paleo.  No, I am not following a paleo diet, but these are SO good.) 

Almond Butter Chocolate Chip Blondies
Ingredients:
1/4 cup coconut oil
 1/3 cup honey
1/4 cup almond butter
1 egg
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1 1/4 cups almond flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/8 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 – 1/2 cup chocolate chips (dairy free if you are concerned with dairy)
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 8×8 pan or line with parchment paper.
2. Combine wet ingredients in a large bowl. Mix well with an electric mixer.
3. Combine almond flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl and whisk to combine.
4. Pour dry ingredients into wet ingredients and mix well with mixer.
5. Mix in chocolate chips and spread batter in greased 8×8 pan.
6. Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Reality Check

You know the one thing that gripes me the most?  Fad diets and supplements that claim to make you skinny and have abs in 21 days.  Come on people.  It's not rocket science.  There is NO magic pill, shake or fad diet that is going to make you "skinny" and fit over night, or in 21 days for that matter. Besides, most claims are to make you "skinny."  Who wants to be "skinny"?  Give me strong!

I get approached more often than I'd like about the newest trends out there.  Approached from people that I don't know from Adam.  They want me to promote this garb as I like to call it.  Ingredients I can't pronounce, and wouldn't dare put in MY body.  So why would I promote something that I would never use?  Most times they are a pyramid money making scheme. There, I said it.  I guess some folks will do anything for a dollar these days, but if it is not FDA approved, it's probably for a reason.

I rarely supplement my diet with anything other than a multi vitamin and high quality, natural protein shakes if I'm really trying to add muscle mass.  If I am extremely sore from a workout, I occasionally use BCAA's to help speed up the repair process, but that's it!  I certainly don't need a detox tea or a "cleanse."  I will admit to trying an herbal cleanse in the past, but I don't really feel as though it did a thing for me. It was the "clean" foods that the cleanse recommended that made me feel better!  If you are consuming a balanced diet of clean foods, that is your cleanse!  The supplement in my opinion is just a money maker.

So where am I going with this?  Save your money.  Join a gym.  Hire a trainer.  Eat a clean balanced diet.  Drink your water.  Get your zzzz's.  That's it!  That's the secret!  True progress takes time.  Don't give up and I promise you will see results. 

Good Leg Burn

My legs are most definitely my weak area.  It's the are I have always hated in the past.  I was always sore immediately after my leg workout, and by the time the soreness dissipated, it was time for leg day again.  Since I have not been doing as much steady state cardio, I have increased my leg workouts to twice a week and I have to admit, I actually enjoy a good leg day now.

Here is a workout I completed last week.  I did heavy weight and little to no rest to keep my heart a pounding.

-Barbell squats - I started with the olympic bar (45 lb) and did one set of 15 to warm up.
     -10 total sets of 10, increasing weight each time for sets 1-5, decreasing weight back down for sets     6 - 10  
-Rack Pulls - 5x10 - I increased weight each set
-Deadlifts - 5x10 - I increased weight each set

-Leg extensions - 100 lb - 5x10
-Cable squats - high rope extension, heavy weigh, hold rope and squat LOW 5x10

-Leg extensions - 85 lb - 3x10
-Hip adductor

-25 air squats
-25 jumping squats
-25 squat jacks

Feel the burn!

Who Has Time?

In the grand scheme of life, who has time to be healthy?  I mean, there are only 24 hours in a day.  Kids, work, errands, kids' activities, dinner, homework, sleep.....who really "has" time to workout?  I've discovered the magic answer.  The ones who "have" time are the ones who "make" time.  All excuses aside.

I've been approached more than once by moms who have the general excuse of, "I don't know how you do it.  I wish I had time to go to the gym.  I'm just so busy with the kids."  Guess what folks, I'm no different than the next person, except I make time.  That time is usually in the wee hours of the morning.  I'm not talking about sunrise-time, I'm talking 4:30 - 5 a.m. while my family is still in a deep slumber.  I choose to not sleep in until the absolute latest I can to make it to work on time.  I rise early and start my day with "ME" time.  (Cause Lord knows, that's the only "ME" time I have for the day!  Showers are not even sacred in my house!)

You see, most kids mock what they see.  They mock what they hear.  They mock US.  When I get home from the gym, my oldest is up and moving around to start her day.  She always asks, "How was your workout, mom?"  They pick up on what we do, say, eat, etc.  To me, being healthy and active are two of the most important things I can offer my children. 

Make time to be healthy!  Your family will respect and admire you for your efforts.  The other day my husband told me I was one of the hardest working and driven people he knew.  Now, normally I would probably laugh and ask him what he wanted, but this day was an extremely busy and stressful day, so I knew he meant exactly what he said.  What drives me the most?  My family.  

The Fear of the Big Bulk

HIIT, (high intensity interval training),  has been proven to burn more calories and blast more fat than your traditional steady state cardio.  I used to run, and run and run.  Then I realized I was skinny fat.  Not an ounce of muscle in my entire body.  (Ok, maybe a little muscle, but not much!)  When I started to lift weights I noticed small changes.  When I started lifting heavy weights, I noticed big changes.  I weigh more than I ever have, (other than pregnancy).  However, I am also in the smallest size I have ever been in.

It's funny when I look around the gym.  I usually see the same faces, doing the same things.  Day after day.  The same women on the same cardio equipment, moving at the same snail pace as yesterday.  I commend them for doing something, but change is good.  And without it, they will probably never achieve the goals they have.  I can't stress enough how important I think strength training is.  I hear so many women say, "I just want to tone up.  I don't want to get all big and bulky."  Really?  What do you think "toning up" is?  It's adding muscle!  And the more you have, the more "tone" you will have.  As far as getting "all big and bulky,"  PUH - LEASE.  It's not easy for women to "tone up" or build muscle.  We don't have the genetic makeup, aka testosterone, to achieve the big bulky look.  And those who are able to get there do it by eating a crap ton of clean foods and YEARS of consistent heavy lifting.  (And yes, some use supplements that help gain mass as well.)  But rest assured, lifting weights will not get you there alone. 

Don't be scared!  "I lifted weights and hate my toned body," said NO ONE ever!  So cut back on the steady state cardio and hit the weight room! Mix that with some weekly HIIT cardio and watch the transformation begin!  Let's make it a revolution of ladies in the weight room!  Perhaps force some of the men on over to the cardio section!

My Favorite 5

When it comes to total body strengthening, I believe there are 5 basic moves that EVERY woman should be doing.  Most you can do right at home, and most have several variations.  These are my favorite 5.

1.)  Squats.  Basic enough, right?  These work basically every muscle in your legs, and when engaged in proper form, they will strengthen your core as well.  They really make for nice quads and a booty.  No one wants a pancake butt, right?

Lots of variations:  Barbell squat, front squat, plie or sumo, split or bulgarian, dumbbell, pistol, prisoner, goblet, etc.

2.)  Push ups.  Another really basic move.  Good form is key.  If that means dropping to your knees until you build strength to do them on your toes, go for it.  These are great work for chest muscles, triceps and delts.  Once again, proper form = engaging the core = tighter abs.  Win, win.

Variations:  Regular, modified, Tricep or diamond push ups, bench or chair, one arm, etc.

3.)  Deadlifts.  Strengthens the hamstrings, booty and back. 

Variations:  Barbell, dumbbell, kettlebell, Sumo, Romanian, side, Back or "rack" pulls

4.)  Bench Press.  Works the chest muscles, delts, and triceps.

Variations:  Flat bench, incline, decline, alternating arms, machine, etc.

5.)  Pull Ups.  This basic move targets your entire upper body.  Lats, shoulders, arms, abs, etc.

Variations:  standard, supinated grip, pronated grip, neutral grip, weighted, behind the neck, mixed grip, one arm, climber's pull, chin up, kipping, muscle up, etc. You can also do assisted pull ups using the assisted machine or bands.

There you have it.  My favorite 5.  These are the exercises I repeat week, after week, after week.  I never get bored with all of the variations!  Mix it up and remember, form is key.  It's okay to start out at a lower weight.  Once you perfect the proper form, you can gradually add in more weight.

 

Quick and Easy Energy Snack Mix

I am a big time snacker.  At my desk, in the car, on-the-go.  It's no joke.  I mostly reach for the sweet and salty mixes.  As time has evolved, I am proud to say I no longer depend on store bought, pre-packaged snacks.  You know, the trail mixes, chex mixes, and bags of all things mixed together to create utter goodness. They are usually high in sodium and processed "stuff."  So, I scoured Pinterest and tried several recipes and then kind of created my own. 

Here's the link to the recipe that I based it off of:
http://cookeatpaleo.com/chili-spiced-mixed-nuts/

I made a few "tweaks," such as leaving out the cumin, and adding in banana chips and pumpkin seeds.  (And honestly, I don't measure a thing when I cook.  This leads to trouble when kind folks ask me for the recipe.  Apparently not everyone knows or understands my lingo..... a dash of this, a squirt of this, a dollop of that....)  You could also add dried cranberries or raisins, wasabi peas, etc.

The honey and coconut oil create a glaze that I cannot even describe.  That, mixed with the spices, make a great sweet and salty snack.

The one thing I will say is smoked paprika ROCKS, however too much might be overpowering.  Taste as you go, and add more if necessary!

Temptations and Willpower

How do you deal with temptation?  Have you tested your willpower to see just how strong it is? They say it's like a muscle -- the more you use it the stronger it gets. Unfortunately willpower is not my strong suit.  (I suppose I've never used that muscle enough!)  I've always been good about putting in the work at the gym, and for the most part my diet is clean.  BUT, there are always those few things that I struggle with giving up.  Ahem....pizza.

Today at work we were "treated" with pizza. I've had a great week of eating and workouts. I knew today would be the true test. Could I resist one of my very favorite foods?  Of course I could. But would I have the willpower?  It's pretty simple folks. To get results you've never gotten, you have to do something you've never done. Today it was about giving up pizza. 

Sometimes you just have to give up the goods, and by goods I mean those foods that tempt you most, to reach your goal. Besides, today is National Peanut Butter day.  And that's another favorite. 

Un -Ordinary Salad

Who gets bored with the same old salad week after week?  ME, ME, ME!  I love salads because they are quick to throw together and a great way to get multiple veggies in throughout the day.  But, I get bored with the basic lettuce, spinach, blah, blah, blah.  Here are some variations that I like to change things up.

Diced Tomatoes
Avocado
Cucumer

Toss in a basic oil / vinegar / lemon juice dressing with fresh cracked pepper.  YUM.

Chopped broccoli
Chopped bell peppers
Chopped cucumbers
Chopped snow peas
Chopped tomatoes

Toss in a basic oil / vinegar dressing with a couple of drops of sesame oil.

Chopped romaine
Chopped tomatoes
Chopped cucumbers
Chopped pepperocinni's
Chopped turkey pepperoni
Chopped black olives

Sprinkle with Mrs. Dash tomato basil seasoning and drizzle with olive oil and vinegar.

I don't do bottled dressings.  They are packed with junk.  Low fat is usually high in sodium and sugar.  Low sodium is higher fat. Low sugar means artificial sweetener.  And most are filled with preservatives.  Make your own!  It's so simple.  I use a basic oil / vinegar and either fresh or dried herbs or Mrs. Dash.  You can also change out your oils, ie - olive oil, sesame oil, infused olive oil etc. for different flavors.  Balsamic vinegar is a great option as well.

 

At Home HIIT Workout

Here is a quick HIIT workout you can do right in the comfort of your home with NO equipment!


It's tabata style, so 20 seconds of all out intensity, followed by 10 seconds rest.  You can download a FREE tabata timer on most smartphones.

-Air squats (intervals 1, 3)
-Jumping Jacks (intervals 2,4)
-Mountain Climbers (intervals 5,7)
-Sprint in place (intervals 6,8)

This is a 4 minute workout.  If you aren't dying at the end of those 4 minutes you need to up the intensity!

 

This is How You Do It....Meal Prep That Is

When trying to manage a family and full  time job, eating on  the go is often easy.  I know my family eats out way too much when I don't plan ahead.  So Sundays I spend a good 2-3 hours in the kitchen prepping meals for the week.  As the old saying says, "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail."  So true.

Here is a quick run down of my meals planned and prepped for this week:

Breakfast:
Boiled 18 eggs
Baggies of pre - measured protein powder for shakes
Oatmeal scooped in containers with cinnamon and stevia
fruit sliced and diced for kiddos

Lunch:
lettuce, green peppers, cucumbers and tomatoes chopped for salad
Chicken diced, cooked and divided into containers
oil and vinegar for salad measured into containers
mango diced and divided into baggies
roasted sweet potatoes 

Snacks:
carrots and snap peas washed and sliced
hummus measured into containers
apples sliced and soaked in salt water (keeps them from turning brown)
almonds divided out into baggies or container

Dinner:
turkey chili made
pre-made turkey meatloaf
pre washed and diced veggies for roasting
chicken thawed to throw in crockpot one day
will also thaw tilapia for one night this week

And that my friends, is how you meal prep.  Those 2 -3 hours on a Sunday afternoon will save you tons of calories at the drive thru window, and it will leave you feeling healthy and accomplished!

My Favorites!

Here are a few of my favorites in the fitness world:

1. Oxygen magazine - This magazine is packed with creative workouts, clean recipes and tips from the pros!

2. Opti Women Supplement - a great supplement for women; full of daily vitamins and minerals that WE need

3. UMP protein powder - BEST protein powder out there! Great for shakes, baking and I love it in my coffee!



4. Quest Bars - delicious protein bars that are LOW in sugar



5. Saucony Kinvara running shoe - lightweight semi-minimalist shoe. MY FAVORITE. On my 3rd pair. If you are a neutral runner and don't require support and stability in your shoe, get yourself a pair. Thank me later.

6. Femme Fitale lifting gloves - save yourself from callused hands AND look sassy

7. Nike Pro Fit capris - don't ride up, hugs your body in all the right spots



8. Blue Diamond BBQ Habanero Almonds - Delicious.

9. PB 2 - If you love PB as much as me, run and get this stuff. Seriously.

10. Carbmaster yogurt - Low fat, low carb, low sugar.
 

That Time I Ran a Sub - 2 Half

Years ago I used to be the non-athletic girl. The girl who never gave fitness a second thought. The girl who dreaded PE. The girl who would get sick when we had to run the mile for time. Because I. Was. Slow.

Something clicked when I started having babies. I was responsible for raising these little beings. It was me that they would look up to. I can't remember the very moment that I decided I wanted to be healthy. And fit. I wanted to be what I always had feared. But I do remember my babies were my inspiration. 

Rewind 8-9 years. I started my fitness journey at a local women's gym. I quickly lost interest due to not being challenged. So, I did some research and decided I would join a real gym, with real weights and real equipment. I quickly learned I didn't know where to start or how to use half of the equipment.  So, I hired a trainer.  She quickly changed my life.

Through peer pressure, I also started to run.  The one thing I had always feared the most.  I was always self conscious about the way I looked when I ran. Pretty sure my form was much like Phoebe's from Friends.  But I didn't let that stop me.  My husband was a runner, my friends ran, so why shouldn't I?  If they could do it, I could too.

A few 5k's turned into a 10k, which led to a 15k and then a half marathon. I ran a half marathon.  The girl who used to get nauseous at the thought of running a MILE.  That half led to another, and then another.  Faster each time, but never the time I had in mind.  My super secret desire to run 13.1 miles in less than 2 hours.  Could I do it?  Mind you, when I started out running, I was a 10:30 - 11 minute mile.  Could I really shave that much time off?

Fast forward to April of 2013.  Just weeks after the Boston Marathon tragedy.  And I was signed up for my 4th half marathon.  I listened to my body more when training for this race.  I only ran 3-4 times a week.  But I cross trained.  And I sprinted my butt off.  I still didn't feel "ready" when race day came.  I was still sure that my dream of running a sub 2 half was just that.  A dream.

I'm not sure what happened that day.  I remember being very emotional at the start line.  I always get choked up before I run a race.  I have no idea why, other than emotions are very HIGH for me.  Accomplishing something I always feared.  Crossing the line.  It's such an exhilarating feeling.  Back to the start line.  I remember the moment of silence for Boston.  The National Anthem.  And then the gun to start the race.  I started out with a good friend I had trained with.  She was sub 2 half runner and I aspired to be like her.  So we started out together.  Her pace was quickly uncomfortable for me around the 3 mile mark, so I insisted she go ahead.  I didn't want to exert too much energy at the start of the race, and then crash at mile 10, which was always the case for me.  She took off ahead and I kept a comfortable pace.  I could see the 2 hour pace group and I caught up with them around mile 8 - 9.  I let that group lead me.  I wasn't sure we would finish in under 2, but the course was rolling and I was tired.

I kept going.  And going.  And going.  I never stopped.  Never walked.  Just. Kept. Running.  I remember glancing down at my garmin around mile 12.  I was on target to finish in under 2.  Something kicked in and took over.  Almost like the song "Jesus Take the Wheel."  I just remember zoning out.  I was tired.  So tired.  But my legs kept moving.  I crossed the line at 1:59:07.  I did it.  I ran a sub 2 half.

Long story short, YOU can do anything you set out to do.  When you overcome those negative thoughts, your body is capable of doing whatever you want it to.  You just have to believe.  :)

Online and In Home Personal Training

Moving forward with chasing my dream of becoming a full time personal trainer and fitness coach, I have decided to take on a limited number of online clients as well as in home clients.

Details:

Online Training

For $75 /month you will receive 3 workouts a week via email.  The workouts will be tailored according  to what equipment you have access to, and will include video links for demonstration of those exercises.

In Home Training

Individual sessions:
$30 / 30 minute session

Packages:
10 sessions / $270
15 sessions / $382
20 sessions / $480

Payment for packages may be broken up into 2-3 payments if needed.  All packages expire 6 months from date of purchase.

In home plans will include a fitness evaluation and assessment to determine your current skill level, abilities and weight / body measurements. Progress will be monitored monthly via weigh ins, measurements and progress pics.  Sessions will take place at my house in Brownsburg.

There are LIMITED spots available for both online and in home training.  First come, first serve!

Make time for your health!

For availability and inquiries, please contact me via email:  shae_simpson@yahoo.com

Accountability

How do you hold yourself accountable when it comes to resolutions and goals?  Like many others, I always have a goal.  Whether it be a personal goal or a fitness goal, I am always striving to do better.  Along the way, I have found the following things helpful when it comes to staying on track.

1.)  Spread the word!  Don't keep your resolutions a secret.  Tell everyone you know!  The more people who know your goals, the more people you have on your team!  It's so easy to give up when no one knows your goals.
2.)  Keep a journal.  So cliche, but it helps to write your goals down.  If it's a weight loss goal, track your food.  Track your workouts.  Track your weight and measurements.  Take progress pictures.  Trust me, pictures DON'T lie!
3.)  Set small goals and rewards for meeting those goals.  Often times the goals we set seem so far away.  If we set smaller goals, and accomplish them, we are more motivated to keep going!  Work towards the "big picture."
4.)  Use the buddy system.  Sometimes it's easier to accomplish our goals when we have a buddy striving towards the same goal.
5.)  Never give up!  So what if you mess up.  Pick yourself up, and KEEP ON GOING.

I'm BACKKKK!

It's a new year!  Has anyone noticed I've been MIA for the last 10 months or so?  Along with everyone else in the world, I have been busy making excuses.  Yes, I'm married, work full time and have 3 kiddos, but this blog helped me be accountable when I was keeping up with it.  SO, one of my resolutions is to try and make weekly entries. Surely I can find the time to make a mere 52 entries!

Not much has changed in my world.  Still working out and still striving for progress.  Remember, "progress, NOT perfection."  I am seeing gains in the strength department, and this makes me smile.  Some days I think I can lift heavier, but without a spotter I get nervous.  My hubby has committed to lifting a couple of days a week again, so I might get a little crazy when he's with me!

I haven't really ran since July.  I always break from the pavement in the summer months.  The heat and humidity really mess with my allergies.  Normally, I am back at it by now, but have procrastinated due to the bitter cold and snow.  I have convinced some of the teachers I work with to sign up for a 1/2 marathon with me.  It looks like we will run the Women's half here in Indy in June.  Training will not have to officially start until March, but I plan to pick up my runs in February.  This excites me.  I have always had a time goal in the past, and my only goal this time is to get all of my friends across that finish line!

In other news, my little ol' blog had 1600 hits last year! That's not a lot to some, but to me it's great!  Especially since I haven't made an entry in almost 10 months!  So, for those of you who do read, leave me a comment and let me know what you'd like to see me post.  More workouts?  Recipes? 

I'll leave you with a recipe that is a staple in our house.  Actually one of the hubby's favorites.


Paleo Orange Chicken
courtesy of Health-Bent

1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite size pieces)

3 T fat (coconut oil works well here)

juice of 2 oranges*

zest from 1 orange

1 t fresh ginger

3 T coconut aminos or wheat-free soy sauce

1 t chili garlic sauce or sriracha

3 green onions, chopped

 

In a medium size sauce pot, add the orange juice, zest, ginger, coconut aminos and chili garlic sauce or sriracha. Set over medium heat and let simmer to reduce and thicken while the chicken cooks. In a saute pan, heat 3 T of the fat of your choice, over medium high heat. Add the chopped chicken thighs and cook until a nice brown crust has developed on the chicken pieces, about 6 minutes. Add the chicken to the sauce pot and stir to coat with the orange sauce. Serve topped with sliced green onions. *Taste your oranges. If they don’t taste orange-y, then neither will this dish. Use tangerines if you gotta or add a teaspoon of sweetener until you’re satisfied with the flavor.

This is super easy and SO good.  Since we don't follow the paleo lifestyle, we usually serve this with a side of whole grain basmati rice and a veggie or side salad.  We have also used chicken breast, and it is equally as tasty!

Enjoy!