Day 11: Cardio Sweat

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Hi Everyone!

I absolutely had to go running for my Day 11 workout. After a freezing winter it was 70 degrees and sunny! Today 2-4 inches of snow is expected. It felt amazing to be outside, and I wasn’t going to pass up on the weather. Jesse and I ran together (he started out his run earlier and I joined him half way through). You can choose to do 30-45 minutes of cardio of your choice, or go through this cardio burn workout for Day 11. 


The workout below is a major fat burner, that also focuses on creating lean muscle.

I did one round for reps (20 reps per exercise, 100 High knees, 60 Mountain climbers), and then filmed the video interval style. It was challenging, and I loved every second of it. 

I hope you all enjoy the workout,
Melissa


Max Reps 50 seconds, 10 seconds rest between exercises
Equipment: Equipment: Gymboss Interval Timer  set for 10 rounds of 10/50

1. Mountain Climbers
2. Jump Squats
3. High Knees
4. Lunge Jumps
5. Russians
6. High Knees
7. Frogger
8. Plie Jumps
9. High Knees
10. Hip Thrust (right)
11. Hip Thrust (left)
12. High Knees
13. Pendulum Hop
14. Burpee
15. High Knees

Day 12: Cardio Burst, Fat Blast

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Hi Everyone!

Tonight’s workout is a tough one! It’s an intense workout that alternates cardio burst moves with repetition based exercises. This is a great, and effective way, to build lean muscle while also burning fat. I love workouts like this because they boost your metabolism, and even if you are worn out, you also feel great when you are done. 

I am still catching up with the new uploads so this is the alternate workout for Day 12. I will be all caught up by this weekend (hopefully earlier!)

I hope that you all have a great day and enjoy the workout! 
Melissa

Beginner: 10 reps, 30 second timed intervals
Intermediate: 15 reps, 45 second intervals
Advanced: 20 reps, 30 second intervals

*High Knees and Mountain Climbers are timed intervals
Equipment: Equipment: Gymboss Interval Timer  set for 10 rounds of 10/50

1. High Knees
2. 1 Leg Lifted Bridge (right)
3. Mountain Climber
4. 1 Leg Lifted Bridge (left)
5. High Knees
6. 1 Leg Jumping Pushup (alternating legs)
7. Mountain Climbers
8. Heel Tap Abs
9. High Knees
10. Supergirl
11. Mountain Climber
12. Lunge to Warrior III (right)
13. High Knees
14. Lunge to Warrior III (left)

Follow with 30 Minutes cardio of choice (running, walking, jump rope) or Repeat

30 Day Challenge: Day 8: Lower Body Shaper

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Hi Everyone!

This is Day 8 of the 30 Day Workout Challenge! As I am posting this it is currently Day 10, so I am still a few workout posts behind but I am catching up! You guys are doing great with the alternative workouts I have posted. 

One round of this workout only takes 10 minutes, and it can be repeated up to 3X. You can also choose to pair this workout with cardio. 

I used to rock out pistol squats and they gave me a lot of trouble tonight so I know I have to start working on them again. They are one of the best moves for shaping your thighs and glutes. 

I hope you enjoy this workout! I will try to catch up with the rest of my posting tomorrow. 🙂

Melissa

PS Don’t forget to check-in on FacebookInstagram or Twitter after you have completed the workout!

Equipment: Gymboss Interval Timer  set for 10 rounds of 10/50
Sturdy Chair (or other object you can step up on). 

*This workout can be repeated up to 3X. I paired it with a 3 mile easy paced run, and 10 minutes of gentle walking. 

1. Side Step Up (right)
2. Side Step Up (left)
3. Single Leg Squat (right)
4. Single Leg Squat (left)
5. Overhead Reach Squat
6. Twisted Sumo
7. Pendulum Squat
8. Warrior Lunge (right)
9. Warrior Lunge (left)
10. Sit to Stand Switch


Day 10: Sculpt Your Body Home Workout

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Hi Everyone,

I am still catching up on the New 30 Day Challenge workouts. This is the alternate workout for Day 10. There will be a new workout posted, and both links will be available here. You can choose to do one or both of the workouts. 

I am hoping to catch up with all of the new workouts tomorrow evening when I get home from work. 

In the mean time I really enjoyed this workout. When I filmed this workout I repeated it 3X for time. You can find the original link  here

Melissa

PS Don’t forget to check-in after your workout on FacebookInstagram orTwitter!

Beginner: 10 reps
Intermediate: 15 reps
Advanced: 20 reps

Repeat 1-3X

1. Table Crunch (right)
2. Table Crunch (left)
3. Lunge Lift (right)
4. Lunge Lift (left)
5. Frog Pushup
6. Leg Lift/Hip Lift/V-Up
7. Super Swim
8. Side Plank Drop (right)
9. Side Plank Drop (left)
10. Squat Jump

30 Day Challenge: Day 7: HIIT It, Full Body Workout

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Hi Everyone!

Here is the new Day 7 workout for the 30 Day Challenge! My sister’s bridal shower was this weekend, and I hosted family at my house so I got way behind, but I am catching up now. I apologize if the numbering throws you off, but I want to make sure all of the new workouts are included as planned in the challenge. 

Thank you guys for being patient and supportive. I really appreciate it. My sister’s bridal shower was beautiful. After I catch up I will share some of the recipes we used. I learned some new ones from the other bridesmaids! 



Have fun with this workout! If you’re up for it go for another round. 🙂
Melissa

PS Don’t forget to check-in on FacebookInstagram or Twitter after you have completed the workout! 

Equipment: Gymboss Interval Timer

1. High Knees
2. Speed Skater
3. Sumo Pushup
4. Three-way Frogger
5. Squat Jump
6. Hip Thrust (right)
7. Hip Thrust (left)
8. Dive Bomber
9. Leg/Hip Lift
10. Mountain Climber
11. Lunge Jump
12. Down Dog Plank Press
13. Angel Abs
14. Cross Donkey Kick
15. Burpee


30 Day Challenge: Better Buns: Jump and Burn & 10 Minute Sweat Not Tears (Day 8 and 9)

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Hi Everyone!

It is a crazy weekend for me (my sister’s bridal shower is tomorrow and I have family staying at my house). That means I am behind on filming and posting my workouts. I plan on catching up tomorrow night, so the new Day 9 workout will be posted late. 

In the meantime for Day 8 we have “Better Buns: Jump and Burn Workout.” For Day 9 scroll to the bottom of the page for the “10 Minute Sweat Not Tears” workout. 

Each workout can be repeated up to 3X. As always listen to your body. If you need an active rest day do some walking, light jogging, hiking or other fun activity to get in some movement and allow your body some rest. 

Good job sticking to the 30 Day Challenge and don’t forget to check-in on FacebookInstagram or Twitter after you have completed the workout! 

There are more new workouts coming! See you tomorrow. 🙂 
Melissa

Max Reps Jump Roping during each 30 second interval.
Max Reps during each 50 second interval. 
Total Workout Time: 20 Minutes

*High Knees can be substituted for Jumping Rope. 

1. Squat Jump
-Jump Rope
2. Side Lunge Punch
-Jump Rope
3. Single Leg Hip Thrust (right)
-Jump Rope
4. Single Leg Hip Thrust (left)
-Jump Rope
5. Monkey Tuck Jump
-Jump Rope
6. Plie Jump
-Jump Rope
7. Romanian Deadlift
-Jump Rope
8. Chair Lunge
-Jump Rope
9. Sit to Stand (right)
-Jump Rope
10. Sit to Stand (left)
-Jump Rope
11. Curtsy Lunge Kick (right)
-Jump Rope
12. Curtsy Lunge Kick (left)
-Jump Rope
13. Step Up (right)
-Jump Rope
14. Step Up (left)
-Jump Rope
15. Burpee



10 seconds Rest, 50 seconds Max Effort

1. High Knees or Jump Rope
2. Surfer Burpee
3. Side Kick Hop (right)
4. Side Kick Hop (left)
5. Mountain Climber
6. Lunge Jump
7. Squat Jump
8. Russian 
9. Frogger
10. High Knees

30 Day Challenge: Day 7: 15 Minute HIIT Interval Fat Blaster

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Hi Everyone!

Today is Day 7 of the New 30 Day Challenge! The new Day 7 workout will be posted tonight, but for all you early birds here is an alternative workout you can get in if you can’t wait until that goes up! 

This is a quick 15 Minute HIIT workout. Interval training has repeatedly proved to be top of the line training for fat burning and building lean muscle. These quick, intense workouts are great for shaping your body and improving your metabolism. 

Later tonight there will be a brand new workout. You can either substitute this workout for your Day 7, or do a round of each workout. 

Have fun!
Melissa

PS Don’t forget to check-in after your workout on FacebookInstagram orTwitter!

Intervals:
50 Seconds Max Reps
10 Seconds Rest

Repeat 1-3X
Equipment: Gymboss Interval Timer

*Push as hard as you can, but listen to your body. If you need to: decrease the interval, and increase the rest as you build up to 50/10 seconds.

1. Push-up Jacks
2. Jump Squat
3. High Knees
4. Plank Tap (right)
5. Plank Tap (left)
6. High Knees
7. Hip Thrust (right)
8. Hip Thrust (left)
9. High Knees
10. Lunge Jump
11. Burpee
12. High Knees
13. Super Taps
14. Leg Circles
15. High Knees

(Description of exercises below)

Push-up Jacks:

Start in Plank Position with your feet together. Jump your feet out in a “jumping jack” motion. From this position do one push-up. 

Modification: Complete Plank Jacks, omitting the push-up until you build enough strength. If this is to intense, hold plank position, until you build up to 60 seconds, and then try the more difficult variation. 

Jump Squat: 
Stand with feet slightly more than hip distance apart. Push your hips toward the wall behind you and lower into a squat position, with thighs parallel (or slightly below parallel) to the floor. From this position jump up into the air, straightening your body. Land with knees slightly bent and immediately return to the squating position. 

High Knees:
Run in place, focusing on keeping the core activated/tightened. Pump arms, and raise knees to hip height. 

Plank Tap:

Start in a forearm plank with hands clasped, elbows below your shoulders. Lift the right leg, and bring it in over your left heel, squeezing the thighs together. Extend the leg out to the side, and tap the floor. Repeat to the left. 












Hip Thrust:

 Place hands directly beneath your shoulders, fingers pointing toward your toes. Bring the left heel in toward your glutes, extend the right leg and lift your hips from the ground. 

Thrust the hips into the air, while pressing through the standing heel. Extend the right leg toward the ceiling as you lift your hips. Repeat on the opposite side. 







Lunge Jump:

Start in a Lunge Position. Both knees bend at 90 degree angles, front thigh should eb parallel to the floor, knee over ankle. Jump into the air and reverse the position. 












Burpee:
Squat down, place both hands on the floor in front of you and jump out to a plank position. Do one pushup, jump feet forward toward the hands. Lift the hands and jump toward the ceiling. Return immediately to the starting position and repeat. 

Super Taps:

Lie face down on your stomach. Extend your legs backward, slightly lifting so that your knees are off the floor. Cross the heels, alternating sides, and squeezing the glutes throughout the movements. 






Leg Circles:
Lie face up, with arms extended next to your, or stretched overhead. Keeping your hips as still as possible, with low back on the floor circle your feet. Reverse directions of your circle every 5 reps. 

30 Day Challenge: Day 6: 16 Minute HIIT for a Tighter Core

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Hi Everyone!

Earlier today I posted another Core Workout because I knew today’s workout wouldn’t be posted until late. If you’re up for another one here is the new one! Core workouts are an important foundation for all of your other workouts. A strong core will help you maintain proper form for every exercise you do. Your core is also a huge determining factor in your body’s biomechanics. The position of your pelvis directly impacts the amount of pressure on your hips, knees, ankles and back during all exercise. Appropriately strengthening your core can keep you safe, healthy and injury free. 

One round of this workout takes 16 minutes. This routine can be repeated between 1-3X. Today I went through the workout one time, and I followed it up with a treadmill 5K. I was originally planning on running outside with Jesse, but I have an eye infection so I decided to stay inside. I don’t like running in my glasses, but I didn’t want to run around outside with blurry vision. It’s important to be fully aware of your surroundings when you are running outdoors. 

I hope you enjoy today’s workout! See you tomorrow for Day 7! Don’t forget to check in: on FacebookInstagram orTwitter!

Melissa

PS You can find the full list of 30 Day Workouts HERE!

Equipment: 
Gymboss Interval Timer: 16 Rounds 10/50 Intervals

1. Mountain Climber
2. Bicycle
3. Tricep Leg Lift
4. Snow Angel V-Up
5. Mountain Climber
6. Bicycle
7. Heel Tap Abs
8. Extended Crunch
9. Mountain Climber
10. Bicycle
11. Oblique Plank
12. Superman Heel Touch
13. Mountain Climber
14. Bicycle
15. Side Plank Reach (right)
16. Side Plank Reach (left)

Mountain Climber: Plank Position, Pull Core Tight, Drive the Nose Toward Your Knee
Bicycle: Opposite Elbow to Opposite Knee,
Core Tight, Elbow Wide
Shoulder Blades Lifted 
Side Plank Reach
Hand or Elbow beneath your Shoulder
Shoulders Stacked (like you can press both shoulders to the wall behind you)
Reach Up and Look towards the Thumb
Reach Down with the Top Arm
Tap the top of your Hand to the Mat Under/Behind You


30 Day Challenge: Day 6: On the Mat: Core Training for a tighter Midsection

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Hi Everyone!

Welcome to Day 6 of the 30 Day Challenge! I had a very busy night so I behind on posting. The new workout for day 6 won’t be up until sometime after I get home from work tonight. 

I know many of you are getting up and doing the challenge before work so this is an alternate workout (or a bonus workout if you want to combine it with the new one this evening!)

This workout doesn’t require any equipment, one round takes about 10 minutes, and it can be repeated up to 3X or combined with 20-30 minutes of cardio of your choice. 

Have fun, and don’t forget to check back for a brand new workout video tonight!
Melissa

PS I love feedback on how the challenge is going for you so be sure to let me know or share your photos with me on FacebookInstagram orTwitter

Beginner: 10 reps
Intermediate: 15 reps
Advanced: 20 reps

or

HIIT: 50 seconds max reps, 10 seconds of rest between exercises. 

1. Leg Circle (right)
2. Leg Circle (left)
3. Rock the Boat
4. Side Crunch Toe Touch (right)
5. Side Crunch Toe Touch (left)
6. 3 Part Abs
7. Bicycle
8. Boat Scissor Twist
9. Super Swimmer
10. Tick Tock Abs

30 Day Challenge: Day 5: Yoga Stretch and Recover

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Hi Everyone!

Welcome to Day 5 of the 30 Day Challenge! It’s a yoga day! Time to stretch out all of those muscles and get rid of any soreness and lactic acid build up in your body. 

In addition to this workout I taught a longer variation of my Day 2 Cardio HIIT workout. We added 30 seconds of jump roping or high knees in place of the 10 seconds of rest, and we repeated the workout twice (for a total of 40 minutes) plus warm-up and cool-down. I definitely needed the yoga after that! 

Don’t forget to check-in on FacebookInstagram or Twitter once you have completed your workout! 

I hope you enjoy the workout today!
Melissa

New 30 Day Challenge Workouts

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Hi Everyone! 

This is a quick link to the New 30 Day Challenge workouts. I will update them throughout the month so they are easy to bookmark. You can find the original 30 Day Challenge workouts HERE

I love feedback on how the challenge is going for you so be sure to let me know or share your photos with me on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter

Thanks for joining the challenge!
Melissa

Day 1: Full Body

Day 2: Cardio HIIT

Day 3: 20 Minute Arms and Abs HIIT

Day 4: Legs and Glutes

Day 5: Yoga Stretch and Recover

Day 6: On the Mat Training for a Tighter Core and/or 16 Minute HIIT for a Tighter Core

Day 7: 15 Minute HIIT and/or HIIT It, Full Body Workout

Day 8: Better Buns Jump and Burn and/or Lower Body Shaper

Day 9: 10 Minute HIIT Cardio Interval: Sweat Not Tears

Day 10: Sculpt Your Body Home Workout

Day 11: Cardio Sweat

Day 12: Cardio Burst, Fat Blast

Day 13: Weighted Sweat and Sculpt

Day 14: HIIT To Sweat

Day 15: Full Body Fat Burn

Day 16: Power Yoga Sun Salutations

Day 17: Shape It Workout

Day 18: Exercise Tummy Tuck (No Surgery Required) and/or Core/Ab Burn

Day 19: Thigh Thinner Workout

Day 20: Cardio Challenge: Mile Repeats or Cardio HIIT

Day 21: Active Rest Day

Day 22: Double Birthday Challenge and/or Kick It Up a Notch!

Day 23: Core Galore

Day 24: 15 Minute Cardio HIIT

Day 25: Improve Your Rear View and/or 15 Minute Dumbbell Sculpt

Day 26: 23 Minute Full Body HIIT

Day 27: Yoga Flow and Stretch (20 Minutes)

Day 28: All Around Fit-Running Cross Trainer

Day 29: Active Rest Day: 15 Ideas for Active Rest DaysCardio and Core/Plank and Burn

Day 30: 15 Minute HIIT



30 Day Challenge: Day 4: Legs and Glutes

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Hi Everyone! 

Welcome to Day 4 of the 30 Day Challenge! Today’s workout is all about the lower body. I did this workout for reps and one round took me about 30 minutes. I followed it up with a 2 mile walk on the treadmill. 

In this workout I use dumbbells, but I also demonstrate body weight variations for each exercise. If you’re ready to increase the challenge try adding some weight. Always choose a weight that you can use while maintaining good form. 

If you don’t have weights it’s okay! You can still get in a great workout! 

I hope you enjoy Day 4! Don’t forget to check in! The daily check-ins are a great way to stay motivated and accountable for your workout. You can check in on FacebookInstagram or Twitter. All you have to do is comment, like the post, or tag in in a picture of you (or your weights, etc) once you have completed the workout!

Have fun!
Melissa

10-20 Reps Each Exercise

1. Squat or Deadlift
2. Split Squat (right)
3. Split Squat (left)
4. Burpee Tuck Jump or Bear Complex
5. Side Lunge Lift (right)
6. Side Lunge Lift (left)
7. Chair Lunge Twist
8. Burpee Tuck Jump or Bear Complex
9. Curtsy Lunge Twist (right)
10. Curtsy Lunge Twist (left)
11. Deadlift or Flat Back Lift
12. Burpee Tuck Jump or Bear Complex
13. Flying Seagull (right)
14. Flying Seagull (left)
15. Dancing Goddess

30 Day Challenge: Day 3: 20 Minute Arms & Abs HIIT

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Hi Everyone!

Welcome to day 3 of the New 30 Day Challenge! Today’s workout is focused on strengthening and toning your abs and arms, while incorporating fat burning cardiovascular movements. 

It’s a fun and challenging workout, and it only takes 20 minutes. I went through this workout 1X and paired it with a 3 mile run, but it can be done on it’s own and repeated up to 3X. 

I am off to work so I have to keep this short!

Don’t forget to check-in: on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter after you have completed the workout! 

Melissa

30/50 Second Intervals

*Eqiupment:
-Weights are optional. I use two dumbbells in this workout. I also use a jump rope, but rope less jumping or high knees can be substituted. 
Gymboss Interval Timer 

1. X-Plank (right)
2. X-Plank (left)
3. Boat with Tricep Extension
4. Plank Jack
5. Leg Lift/Bicep Curl (right)
6. Leg Lift/Bicep Curl (left)
7. Eagle Reach
8. Ground Push-up
9. Reverse Forearm Plank
10. Hip Lift
11. Side Plank Hip Lift (right)
12. Side Plank Hip Lift (left)
13. Boat Press and Kick
14. Temp Tap Abs
15. Russian Twist

Repeat 1-3X

30 Day Challenge: Day 2: Cardio HIIT 15 Minute Body Weight Fat Burn

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Hi Everyone! 

Welcome to Day 2 of the 30 Day Challenge! Today’s workout is an intense 15 Minute Cardio HIIT Fat Burn. This is a great workout for sculpting the thighs, legs and glutes, while burning fat all over. If you are up for a more intense challenge you can repeat this workout up to 3X. 

For today’s workout I also filmed a tutorial video (which you can find below). In the tutorial I demonstrate proper form for each exercise, as well as modifications. Always focus on form. If you aren’t ready for the harder variations (yet!) work your way up to them. You will get more out of the workout by performing each exercise correctly. 

Today I got to use my new Gymboss Interval Timer. I loved it! It was convenient, simple, and I didn’t have to worry about accidentally stepping on my phone. Plus I like the color. 🙂 


Don’t forget to Check In after you complete the workout. The daily check-ins are a great way to stay motivated and accountable for your workout. You can check in on FacebookInstagram or Twitter

Have fun and don’t be afraid to work up a sweat!
Melissa

PS If you are following along on Facebook I posted a link to my Burpee Burn Workout for anyone who couldn’t wait for this workout to be uploaded. 


Tutorial:

Full Length Workout:
10/50 Second Intervals

1. Frogger
2. Lunge Jump
3. Mountain Climber
4. Squat Jump
5. High Knee Kicks
6. Plie Jump
7. Burpee
8. Jump Kick (right)
9. Jump Kick (left)
10. Frogger Pushup
11. X-Jump (Cheer Jump)
12. Surfer
13. Pendulum Hop
14. Warrior 3 Kick (right)
15. Warrior 3 Kick (left)

Plie Jump: Knees Stay Open, Back/Chest Stay Lifted.
Land Toe to Heel. 


30 Day Challenge: Day 1-Full Body

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Hi Everyone!


Welcome to Day 1 of the New 30 Day Challenge! I loved the last 30 Day Challenge so much that I had to do another one. 

Workout Number 1 is a full body workout that incorporates plenty of cardio. One round takes 20 minutes. The exercises in this routine combine body shaping movements, with fat burning cardio. 

Remember to always work to your own level. If you can’t complete the entire 50 second interval (yet!) you can work your way up to it. Do as much as you can, rest, and then keep going. If the workout is challenging you it is working. Learning how far you can push yourself, and how to listen to your body is an important part of working out. With practice you will grow stronger and more fit. You may even be surprised by how quickly it happens! The more you put into the workout, the more you will get out of it. 

I will also be posting nutrition tips throughout the month. You can find the first tip here: 5 Rules to Improve Your Nutrition and Diet. Nutrition is a key step to achieving your personal best in health and fitness. If you want to track your results I recommend taking photos and/or measurements. I am always thrilled to see the changes people are able to achieve. 

Don’t forget to Check In after you complete the workout. The daily check-ins are a great way to stay motivated and accountable for your workout. You can check in on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter


Have fun! 
Melissa


Click the link to get your own Gymboss Interval Timer
Set your timer for 15 Rounds of 30/50. (One Round takes 20 Minutes)

Equipment (optional): Jump Rope


  *Cardio
1. In/Out Squat
  *Cardio
2. Plank
  *Cardio
3. Lateral Bridge (right)
  *Cardio
4. Lateral Bridge (left)
  *Cardio
5. Plank Crunch Twist
  *Cardio
6. Burpee
  *Cardio
7. Chair Pose
  *Cardio
8. Elbow Tap Side Plank (right)
  *Cardio
9. Elbow Tap Side Plank (left)
  *Cardio
10. Sprinter Situp
  *Cardio
11. Mountain Climber
  *Cardio
12. Prone Heel Squeeze
  *Cardio
13. Lunge Reach (right)
  *Cardio
14. Lunge Reach (left)
  *Cardio
15. Side Lunge Punch

*Repeat 1-3X*

5 Rules to Improve Your Nutrition and Diet

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Hi Everyone, 

The new 30 Day Challenge starts tomorrow. We are going to be doing some awesome workouts! To get the best results from your workout program it’s important to pair them with a good nutritional plan. 

So what does a good nutritional plan look like? It varies a bit from person to person. Your nutritional plan should include foods that you enjoy. 

That said, there are some aspects that should be included in your diet. Don’t be afraid to explore and figure out what works best for you.  Here are some rules that I try to stick to when deciding what to eat. 

1. Learn to Recognize Portion Sizes: This is by far the one I have the hardest time sticking to! I eat several meals (5-6) throughout the day, so it is especially important to be aware of portion sizes when you do this. Otherwise you end up with 5-6 huge meals and an excess of calories. 

If you aren’t sure what a portion size looks like measure it. Three foods that I find shocking when measured are cereal, granola and trail mix. I keep a little sandwich baggie with a 1/4 cup portion size inside my bag of trail mix and granola. It’s an easy visual cue to show me what a portion size is with these foods (otherwise I might eat them 3-4 handfuls at a time). You don’t have to do this with every food, but if there is something you know you tend to overeat measure it out until you learn to recognize the portion size. 

Remember, you don’t have to limit yourself to just one serving with every food, but being aware can help you make healthy choices throughout the day. 

Spinach salad with Fish and Cherry Tomatoes, Sweet Potatoes, Eggplant and Zucchini, Apple


2. Eat Vegetables: Incorporate them into all of your meals. When you fill your plate, aim to make half of that vegetables. I start almost every day with an egg sandwich with fresh baby spinach on 100% whole wheat bread. Sometimes I add hummus or peanut butter (yes, I do love PB with a lot of strange things), sometimes I skip the bread and have eggs with fresh spinach.

Vegetables are full of nutrition and fiber, and most of them are naturally low in calories. The more colors you incorporate into your day the bigger the variety of nutrients you are consuming. Vegetables will help keep you full longer, and help prevent overeating. An added bonus of crunchy vegetables (carrots, celery, etc) is that they take longer to chew, which can help your body recognize satiety (fullness) signals more quickly. 

Egg, Spinach and Bacon

Some Recipe Ideas: Apple OmeletVegetable Grilled Cheese, Chicken Vegetable SoupVeggie Wrap, Green Smoothie, Chicken Vegetable Rice SoupGrilled Eggplant Sandwich, Filling Green Endurance Smoothie

3. Eat Protein: Protein will help your muscles grow stronger and repair more quickly. It also helps keep you full and satisfied throughout the day. Research is variable on the amount of protein you should consume per day. However, most people trying to build lean muscle aim for 1 gram per pound of desired body weight. 

 
One serving of meat should be approximately the size of your palm or a deck of cards. Leaner cuts of meat are typically lower in saturated fat. 
Baked Fish and Vegetables

 
4. Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth: Whoa! Did I really just say that? I sure did. I keep dark chocolate chips in my freezer at all times. If I have a major sweets craving I have a few chocolate chips (remember rule #1 about portion sizes!) 

Remember, you can satisfy your sweet tooth while eating clean. Get creative, and try to steer yourself closer to fruits and away from overly processed sugars. 

If you let the cravings build without ever appeasing them it can lead to binge eating of very unhealthy items. Also, a “diet” will only work if it is a lifestyle change that you are able to stick to. For most of us that means we need to incorporate in some sweets. Don’t be afraid to try some healthy versions of your favorite dessert. You just might like it!

I’m a big fan of Sincerely Yogurt. I stick to the Original Flavor, which is refreshing and delicious, and I top it with fresh fruit. Jesse usually gets the chocolate. 

 


Some Recipe Ideas: Peanut Butter Oat Stuffed Baked ApplesProtein Chocolate Frappucino, Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes, Frozen Banana Bites

5. Log Your Food: Try keeping a written or photographic log of your food. Snapping photos of everything you eat, or writing it down can help you be aware of what you are putting into your body. It can also help you identify if there are certain foods that trigger you to over eat. On the flip side, it can be a great tool to tell you when you aren’t eating enough. Eating to much and eating to little are BOTH detrimental to your health and fitness. Food is fuel for your body. To little food and you catabolize your muscle, which increases your body fat percentage. To much food and you become sluggish and consume extra calories which can lead to weight gain. 

Remember, contrary to what you can find on Pinterest, Calories are NOT little creatures that sew your clothes tighter in the night. Calories are simply a measure of energy. 1 Calorie = 4.184 Joules. Calories measure the amount of potential energy that a food item has. It takes your body a certain amount of energy just to pump your blood! One gallon of gasoline has about 31,000,000 calories. You wouldn’t fill up your gas tank with gasoline, and then start pouring the gas into the back seat. You also wouldn’t be able to drive your car on an empty tank. Fuel your body with what it needs. 

This doesn’t have to mean counting calories! Many people find counting calories useful, but it can become something that people get hung up on or start doing compulsively. If you are one of those people it’s probably better to just skip number 5. Having a healthy approach toward food will get you results faster, and keep you saner than counting calories. I log my food at the end of the day when I am done eating. That helps me keep the log as a tool for learning, and not something to get fixated on. 

I hope you find these tips helpful! See you tomorrow for Day 1 of the new 30 Day Challenge!

Melissa