Crockpot Spinach Chicken

I love this recipe from the Gracious Pantry website (www.thegraciouspantry.com).  It is so simple, easy, and tasty.  The rest of the family is not on board with me for this one.  My husband is not a huge spinach fan and says the recipe is too "slimy" for him.  That's ok by me though because I make this in the crockpot on Sunday night and have lunches for most of the week.  I like it with a little shaved parmesan cheese on top.  If your family likes spinach, you could serve this with some brown rice or whole wheat pasta and have a nice meal that will be almost done when you walk in the door. 

Ingredients:

• 4 large chicken breasts
• 1 lb. frozen spinach
• 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (18oz) jar marinara (I use Muir Glen Organic)

Directions:

• Place all ingredients in a 5 quart crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours. It's done when the chicken easily falls apart. 

How easy is that??

Pumpkin Granola Bars

I love fall and I love pumpkin!  I love pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread, pumpkin muffins, pumpkin mousse, pumpkin pie Blizzards, pumpkin ice cream, pumpkin cheesecake...... Oh, I could go on.  Since most of those pumpkin items are reserved for an occasional treat, I decided to find something made with pumpkin that was fairly healthy and I could eat on a regular basis.  Enter pumpkin granola bars.  I found this particular recipe from the "Girl makes Food" blog: http://www.girlmakesfood.com.  

Ingredients

1 cup pumpkin

2 tablespoons Maple Syrup

1 teaspoon Cinnamon

¼ teaspoon Nutmeg (I didn't have nutmeg so I used Allspice)

1 ½ cups Rolled Oats

½ cup Walnuts (I didn't have walnust so I used sliced almonds)

¼ cup Cranberries (I used Craisins)

¼ cup Chocolate Chips (optional - I used semi sweet mini chips)

1. Mix together the pumpkin, maple, cinnamon, nutmeg (allspice)

2. Add the oats, walnuts (almonds), cranberries, and chocolate

3. Mix well and tip the whole lot into a greased 9×9 pan (I used an 8x8)

4. Use a spatula to press down the granola into the pan

5. Bake at 375 for 35 minutes

6. Allow to cool then cut into bars

7. Store in an airtight container in the fridge

These came out soft and a little chewy except the corner pieces which had some crunch to them.  I cut mine into 8 bars which makes the calories a little high - right around 160 per bar.  You could omit the chocolate chips and get it closer to 125 per bar.  I really liked these bars and will be using them for a mid morning or mid afternoon snack.  I think these can definitely be added into the rotation and I'm sure you can change up the bar to suit your taste by using different dried fruits, nuts, and flavored chips.  Happy Fall!

2013 To Do List

At the beginning of the year I made a "to do" list for 2013.  I called it "52 To Do's for 2013".  I thought I would try something a little different than making New Year's resolutions.  I figured there are 52 weeks in a year and I should be able to accomplish 52 things by the end of the year.  Some things are big and might take more than a week to accomplish, some are small and might only take an afternoon.  Let me tell you, coming up with those 52 items was a lot harder than I expected.  As a matter of fact, I still don't have 52 things to do yet.  Anyway, it has been a long time since I cracked open that list so I thought I would look over it since we are in the last quarter of the year.  I better check those things off that I completed, and see what I still have left to do.

Here is my list - it is only 21 things.....like I said, 52 things is hard to come up with.

1) Complete a full round of Chalean Extreme

I tried last year to do a full round of Chalean Extreme, but never actually finished it.  I wanted to be sure this year I would actually do it, and do the whole thing.  I joined a Beachbody Challenge group in January and that accountability made all the difference.  Not only did I finish 1 round of the program, I actually did it twice!  I spent the summer trying out a few other workout programs including Brazil Butt Lift and Turbo Fire, but when August rolled around and school started up again I couldn't resist trying the Focus T25 program (see my review and results from phase 1 here).  I wanted to see if only 25 minutes a day could get results.  I signed up as a Beachbody coach to keep me accountable and I am getting ready to start week 9 of 10.  So before the end of 2013 I will actually have completed 3 rounds of workout programs.  I think this is one thing I can definitely mark as successful on my list!

2) Make a wedding photo album

Well, this is still a work in progress.  We got married in 2010 and never really did anything with our wedding picture CDs.  At least now I have gone through the pictures and printed out most of the ones I want to use and I have the front of the album done.  I still have time to get this done.  I was planning to ask my mom for some help with this too.  I think it is ok to incorporate help to get your list done....

3) Make a Christmas gift for my mother in law
4) Make a Christmas gift for my sister in law
5) Make a Christmas gift for my other sister in law

4-6 are also in progress, I had to get some help from my mom with these too.  I won't post a picture because I am pretty sure my in laws read the blog from time to time!

6) Run a 5K

I remembered this was on my list about a month ago and figured I better hop to it.  It has been years since I have run so I joined the training group they offered in conjunction with this program.  I am so glad I did because I really don't think I would be doing very well without it.  I have also really enjoyed getting to know all the ladies and gentlemen that are training with me.  I am the type of person that does much better if running includes some type of social interaction.  It takes my mind off the terrible burning in my chest and legs!

7) Organize my bathroom cabinet - done earlier this year, could probably be done again.  This is one of those to do's that I knew wouldn't take much time but that I figured I would never get around to it if it wasn't on the list.

8) Attend my 20 year college reunion

This is coming the first weekend of November.  I can't believe it has been 20 years.  That sounds like a really long time ago and seriously, I don't feel that old!





9) Try 1 new recipe per month

This has been another item I would consider a success.  Even though I only started blogging and sharing some of the recipes I have been making a few months ago, I have been trying at least 1 or more new recipes each month.  I need to go back and add them all to the blog.  Maybe that will be item #22 I can add to the list.

10) Ride stationary bike once per month - umm no comment, I actually forgot this was even on the list.....

11) Learn how to use the grill - Still a work in progress.  I have become grill shy since I singed all the hair off my right arm the last time I tried to learn to use it.....

12) Make my grandfather's english muffin recipe - I actually forgot this one was on the list too.  Definitely want to get this done before the end of the year though.  I have some great memories of those english muffins.

13) Pick an Angel Tree Child

This will have to wait until closer to the holidays.  One of my favorite traditions.  We have been picking an Angel Tree Child since Benjamin was old enough to understand and pick out the child he wanted to help.  I have taken Josh and Jacob to do this recently as well.  I think understanding the importance of giving rather than just receiving is a good lesson for us all.



14) Bless one person per month - I started out with specific ideas in mind for this and tried to make sure I found ways to bless someone.  I haven't been doing as well on this lately and just hope that I am able to bless someone in some way each month without consciously thinking about it.

15) Lose 10 pounds - I am happy to report I have lost 15 pounds thanks to the workout programs I have been doing.  Also thanks to taking the time to actually plan meals out for the week and making an effort to eat healthier every day.  I would like to lose another 10 pounds, but maybe that can be added to my 2014 list.  Right now I am focused on maintaining that weight loss especially through the tough upcoming holiday season.

16) Pray weekly to be a better mother and stepmother

Should be easy with this good looking bunch.  Love these boys and I try to be a good mom/stepmom.  My hope is they don't end up on some doctor's couch lamenting about all the awful things they had to endure under my tyranny!  Maybe I should stop making them do push ups to have dinner.....

17) Read one book from the nightstand - done, actually got two done.

18) Read a book on raising boys - this one I haven't gotten to yet.  I better get on it though because these boys are growing up way too fast.  It might help with my concerns from #16 too.

19) Reorganize the garage to make space for our new freezer - this actually was done by my husband and the boys.  I didn't have to do a thing!  Nice to mark this off - I'll consider it a freebie.

20) Connect with friends once per month - I feel I have been pretty successful with this.  I may not always get to see them in person, but a phone call or an email just to check in and see how they are doing always lifts my spirits.

21) Date night with my husband once per month - oh goodness.  Where to begin, I feel like I have pretty much failed miserably at this one.  We do rent a movie on occasion that just the two of us watch.  But, most of our "date time" involves the boys' activities.  We do a lot more together as a family than we do just as a couple.  Nothing wrong with family time, but we should probably spend some more couple time too.  We did take a short vacation together this summer to Montreal.  We had a great time.  We spent a few days alone and a few days with our good friends (and some good food!)

 

So, 2013 to do list is coming along.  I really enjoyed going back through the items and checking my progress.  It gives me an idea of how far I have come and what I still have left to do.  I think I will keep this up and maybe try and get closer to 52 actual items next year!

What have you accomplished this year so far?  What do you still have left to do?

Why Shakeology?

What is Shakeology?
Shakeology is your daily dose of dense nutrition.  It is a nutritionally dense shake that provides a wide spectrum of healthy nutrients in a low-calorie formula.  Whether you use it as a meal replacement, for weight loss, or simply to ensure your body gets all the nutrients it needs for optimal health, Shakeology takes the guesswork out of nutrition.

What's in it?
Shakeology contains over 70 ultra high-quality ingredients conveniently located in one glass, to deliver nearly all the nutrients you need to maintain a healthy diet.  It's good for you, and good for everyone, because everyone's diet is deficient in some of the key nutrient groups packed into just one Shakeology serving.

Protein from whey, which is highly absorbable, gives you 8 essential amino acids that help you build muscle, lose weight, support brain function, and keep your skin and bones healthy.

Vitamins and minerals support optimum health.

Antioxidants boost the immune system and help reduce free radical damage that can lead to heart disease, heart attacks, blood pressure, and stroke.

Phytonutrients support immune function and have anit-inflammatory properties.

Prebiotics support digestive and immune health.

Digestive enzymes help in the digestion of foods and increase the absorption rate of those foods for optimum health.

See what doctors are saying about Shakeology.


What can Shakeology do for you?
It is an effective way to help you lose weight, increase your energy and be the healthiest you can possibly be.  Shakeology can help you reduce cravings and promote healthy digestion and regularity. Shakeology recomends that you replace one meal or snack per day with a shake along with regular exercise and a balanced diet.  Participants who did this experienced remarkable health improvements.  It can reduce your total cholesterol, reduce LDL cholesterol, reduce cardiovascular risk, and reduce oxidative damage caused by free radicals.

Why Shakeology?
For me, Shakeology is a quick, convenient, delicious breakfast on the go.  I exercise in the morning and  getting all the boys up and ready to go leaves little time for breakfast for me.  I can blend my shake in 3 minutes and be out the door.  I drink my shake on the way in to work in the mornings and it sets me up for success each day.  It supplies me with the energy I need to help keep up with my work responsibilities, a family of 5, and all the laundry that goes with them!  It is also easier to make and tastier than a salad, and it is an excellent way to eat healthy when eating a full meal is not possible.  If you don't like eating fruits and vegetables then this is a great way to get all the benefits of eating a full bowl of fruits and vegetables without having to actually eat them.  If you have high cholesterol then this will help you lower total and LDL as well.

Ways to try Shakeology:
1. Message me for a sample of Shakeology either Vanilla or Chocolate.
2. You can purchase a sample pack if I am your coach – 2 chocolate, 1 vanilla, and 1 greenberry to try all the flavors before committing to one.
3. You can purchase a week's worth of samples from me to try out Shakeology and see if its the right fit for you for $35.
4. You can purchase a Shakeology cleanse for $55 to jump start your weight loss program or break a plateau.
5. You can sign up for Shakeology HD (home direct) which gives you free shipping and automatically ships your Shakes to you each month.  You can cancel at any time with no questions asked.  There is also a 30 day money back bottom of the bag guarantee.  If for any reason you do not like the shake you can return the empty bag for a full refund.  Flavors available are Chocolate, Vanilla, Greenberry, Vegan Chocolate, and Vegan Tropical Strawberry.
6. You can purchase Shakeology in the bag or 24 individual serving sizes, both are the same price.  With individual serving sizes you can have an assortment of Greenberry and Chocolate or Chocolate and Vanilla.

Check out my Shakeology website for more information and to purchase Shakeology.

Happy, Happy, Happy!

This week has been a whirlwind!  We have had football games, soccer games, play rehearsals, and a birthday celebration.  My dad is a huge fan of Duck Dynasty so this year's birthday cake theme was based on the show.  The boys like the show too so the cake was definitely a hit.  I didn't make it, a good family friend made it for us.  She is so creative and talented!  Even though we attempt to make healthy choices and work towards a healthy lifestyle, there still needs to be a balance.  Celebrating as a family and enjoying a piece of cake together makes life that much sweeter!

The weekend also had the Woodlawn Colts football team traveling to Lindsay Wilson College for their game against the Jets from Somerset.  The Colts pulled out the win and Jacob played defensive and and kicked for an extra point.

Another day during the week had Josh and the Boyle JV soccer team in Jessamine County for a game.  They weren't able to pull out the win this time but the season isn't over yet.  Benjamin has been rehearsing for weeks for the upcoming play "Aladdin Jr."  The show will be at the end of the month.  With all of the craziness over the week and especially this weekend I didn't have the time to do my usual meal planning.  Instead I picked one of my meal plans that I had created over the last seven weeks while doing T25 and used that to do my planning for the upcoming week.  It is so helpful to have a "library" of meal plans that I can use for weeks just like this.

If you would like help with meal planning and reaching your weight loss or healthy eating goals, I will be starting my next challenge group September 23rd, contact me at fitfamilyrobbins@beachbodycoach.com

Cranberry Chicken

Well, this looks like the week of saucy dishes.  A few weeks ago was the week of quinoa, last week was the week of stuffed recipes....I am sensing a weekly theme here.  Now, before we get too far into this I must give a disclaimer.  Canned whole berry cranberry sauce - yes, I know it is high sugar, high carb, no protein, and comes from a can - but it is so very tasty in this recipe.  You don't have to smother your meat in the sauce, use a slotted spoon and drain the sauce if you want.  Having said that, sometimes you just want something quick, comforting, and child pleasing.  This dish was a hit and reminds me of Thanksgiving.  Perfect for when the weather starts to turn cooler.

Place 3 pounds chicken thighs and/or drumsticks in a slow cooker.  Top with 1 16 ounce can whole berry cranberry sauce, 2 Tbsp onion soup mix, and 2 Tbsp quick-cooking tapioca.  Cook on low for 6 hours.  You could probably sub chicken breasts instead of thighs and maybe make your own cranberry sauce if you choose.  This can be served with a side of brown rice, a sweet potato, or just about anything you would like with chicken.  We happened to go the the farmer's market and served this with green beans, potatoes, and fresh tomato.

Margarita Glazed Pork Chops

Ok, so this isn't a picture of the actual pork chop dish.  We gobbled it up so fast I forgot to take a picture before it was too late.  Oh well, this recipe is probably better for you than all those margaritas anyway.

Glaze
1/3 Cup orange marmalade (I used Smucker's Simply Fruit)
2 Tbsp tequila (we just happened to have some in the house - leftovers from a party)
1 Tsp grated fresh ginger
1 small jalapeno chopped
Combine all of the above in a small bowl, mix well

4 boneless pork loin chops

Grill chops over medium heat for 7-9 minutes, turning once and brushing with glaze during the last half of grilling.

These had a great flavor and although jams and jellies are not the healthiest, the orange marmalade I used was 40 calories and 8 grams of sugar for a tablespoon.  The pork wasn't saturated in the glaze though and we actually had some left over.  You could probably do something similar with orange juice and honey if you don't like the idea of using "spreadable fruit".

Fit Family Robbins Fall Fitness Challenge

I am getting ready to kick off my next challenge group on September 16th .  Joining a challenge group is the perfect way to jump right in with both feet and make that commitment to your own personal health and fitness.  A year ago I had no idea what a Beachbody challenge group was and I didn’t know you could have 24/7 support to complete a Beachbody program and reach your fitness goals.  I found my coach Melanie Mitro online when looking for healthy recipes.  I took a leap of faith and joined the 2013 Weight Loss Challenge, which in turn changed my outlook and health and fitness habits.  The decision I made that day to commit to Chalean Extreme, clean eating, Shakeology and the challenge group helped me lose over 15 pounds (I am currently working towards my ultimate goal with T25) and now I am sharing my knowledge and experience with others to help them do the same.  It not only transformed my body but it transformed my health and my overall outlook on life.  I am a better mom, wife, and daughter because I take care of myself and I have the energy to keep up with my family.  That energy comes naturally from Shakeology and eating right!  I no longer am huffing and puffing walking up and down the steps and I can keep up with all my kid’s activities!

As a working mom of 4 boys, I know how hard it is to find time to eat healthy and exercise.  The Fit Family Robbins "Fall Fitness” Beachbody Challenge is HERE and is going to help you make 2013 the LAST unhealthy & unfit year of your life!  Are you stuck in a rut mentally, physically and emotionally?  Do you need a little jumpstart to your workout routine or do you just need to START your workout routine?  Do you have 10, 20, 50, 100 or more pounds to lose?  Then my Fall Fitness Beachbody challenge that starts September 16th is for you.  This challenge group is for busy people who need specialized support and guidance to keep them accountable to reach those health and fitness goals.  The challenge includes a small group of personally selected individuals that I will mentor and coach through their fitness program each day.  I will provide you with personal support, motivation and accountability to help you reach your health and fitness goals.  We will set small manageable health and fitness goals and work to achieve your overall goal together.  The challenge I did in January changed my life and I want to do the same for YOU! I can truly say that the challenge groups are the way to go!  It’s a nice way to workout in the privacy of your own home, on your own time and you can even make it work around your family’s crazy schedule! If you have a special event in the near future or just want to look amazing for the upcoming holiday season then this is your time to shine!

So what exactly do you need to do for the challenge?
1.        You commit to completing a Beachbody fitness program of your choice. We will measure progress at 1, 30, and 60 days.  I will help you choose a Beachbody fitness program to meet your needs.

2.       You commit to replacing 1 meal per day with Shakeology for the duration of the challenge group.  After that, you can decide whether or not you would like to continue.  Healthy nutrition is key to success in any weight loss and fitness program.  When you add Shakeology as part of your daily routine you will feel the effects in your workouts, daily life, and your overall physical and mental well being!  It’s so much more than a slim fast or a protein shake, its equivalent to eating 6 salads in one meal.

3.       You commit to showing up each and every day for your workouts and being a supporter and encourager in the group! This group will be provided one on one attention such as daily motivation, accountability and support through a private Facebook support group.  Each and every day we will hold each other accountable through the closed Facebook support group, text and email!  There will be open communication and a chance for you to pick my brain for all those healthy tips that have worked for me!  If you do not live in the area, that is perfectly acceptable.  I will keep everyone plugged in through social media or constant contact whichever you choose!  I promise if you commit to this challenge and give it your all, you will see amazing results. You will benefit from being part of a small group of hand picked motivated individuals who are all working together to help each other reach their goals.  You will develop friendships, trust and comfort in sharing both struggles and successes.

What does the Beachbody Challenge Pack Include?
The formula:Fitness + nutrition + support = success!  They are the complete package offering total support for achieving health and fitness goals.  Each customer pack includes:

• A choice of one Beachbody fitness program
• Shakeology Home Direct in either Vanilla, Greenberry, Chocolate, or Vegan Tropical Strawberry or Chocolate
• A 30 day trial of Team Beachbody Club membership
• Free Shipping
• If you chose the coach option you also get a game plan tools kit and business starter program free ($40 value).  Plus all future purchases you save 25%

Why are Fitness Challenge Accountability Groups so effective?
Accountability is the key to success.  Most people start out a new fitness program full of enthusiasm and energy, but often that enthusiasm fades quickly at the first sign of adversity.  In the accountability group, your fellow participants will be expecting to see you post each day and see the progress that you are making towards your goals.  Those mornings that you don't feel like getting up to workout, you will know in the back of your mind that the rest of the group is out there working out too.  When you are tempted by that donut in the office break-room you can post to the group and get that extra immediate support.  You can even tap into your competitive side by comparing your progress to the others in the group.  If you have 3 or 4 friends who all want to work toward their health and fitness goals, we can even form a group just for you and your friends.

How do I join the Fall Fitness Challenge group?
The first step is to really think about WHY you want to be in a group like this.  I would love to have you in my group, but YOU have to be committed.  You have to truly want to make a change in your life.  When you and I talk about the Challenge Group, my first question will be "Why do you want to join this group?"  I am looking to see what is driving and motivating you.  Next, you need to sign up for your free Beachbody account with me as your coach.  We use the Team Beachbody account for logging and tracking your workouts so this step is important.  Visit www.beachbodycoach.com/ashleywrobbins to have me assigned as your coach so we can start creating a customized fitness program to meet your needs!  Or if you have more questions, email me at fitfamilyrobbins@beachbodycoach.com - I'd love to help you reach your goals and get fit for life!

What fitness program should I choose?
Need help picking a fitness program?  Watch this short video and then contact me to find the program that meets your current fitness level and ability!  Beachbody has fitness programs for people that are new to fitness and those that are superfit! No matter how much weight you have to lose we can meet your needs!
http://www.beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/ashleywrobbins?bctid=1861298193

Stoplight Stuffed Peppers

It seems as though this is the week of "stuffed" recipes.  I tried another new one tonight, stuffed peppers.  Peppers were on sale this week and I love the red, yellow, and orange varieties the most - but I got some green too just so I could have a pretty picture for you!

3 large peppers (any colors will do)

1 pound ground turkey breast

1/2 large onion chopped

1 Tsp dried Italian seasoning

1/4 Tsp salt

1/4 Tsp black pepper

1 (8.5 ounce) package precooked whole grain brown rice (I know this is not the healthiest choice, but it makes for a very quick addition to the stuffing if you are in a rush.  If not you can always cook up some brown rice - about a cup and use that)

1 to 1.5 cups tomato basil pasta sauce (I used Muir Glen Organic)

1/2 cup shredded part skim mozzarella

1. Cut peppers in half lengthwise, discard seeds and membranes.  Place pepper halves cut side up in an 11 x 8 inch baking dish.  Microwave on high 6-9 minutes or until tender.  The bigger the peppers, the longer they take to cook so test them as you go.

2. While peppers cook, heat a large nonstick skillet sprayed with cooking spray over medium-high heat. Cook turkey and onion until no longer pink, stirring to crumble.  Draining shouldn't be necessary if using the ground turkey breast. 

3. Stir in dried Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, cooked rice, and pasta sauce. Cook 1 to 2 minutes or until warm, stirring occasionally. 

This is everything but the pasta sauce

 4. Fill pepper halves with the turkey mixture, sprinkle evenly with cheese.  Microwave on high 2 to 3 minutes or until cheese melts.

Everything but the cheese

This was a pretty quick and easy dinner.  There was enough filling left over that another 4 or more pepper halves could have been filled.  The leftover filling could be used as a main dish with a different vegetable side or as a salad topping.

Stuffed Eggplant

The Farmer's Market this week was a score with eggplant, green beans, corn and tomatoes.  I had been wanting to try a new recipe with eggplant and I had it narrowed down to the eggplant lasagna and the stuffed eggplant.  The stuffed eggplant won out as it seemed a little bit healthier and easier.

Who says you can't have fun with your food?

 Eggplants are from the nightshade family and related to the tomato, potato, and bell pepper.  You can find them year round but they are in peak season from August to October.  Although there are several varieties of eggplant, most have a slightly bitter taste and spongy texture.  It can be baked, roasted, or steamed and eaten with or without the skin.  Eggplant is a good source of dietary fiber, vitamins K, C, and B6, as well as niacin and folate.  For about 20 calories a cup, it is a good nutritional deal.

Stuffed Eggplant Recipe (Taken from the Blog: Beth's Journey)

1 medium eggplant
1/2 large onion
1/2 cup chopped celery
2 cloves garlic
1 shallot
1/2 cup white beans (or other beans)
1/4 cup panko bread crumbs
1 oz part-skim mozzarella
salt and pepper

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Cut eggplant in half lengthwise.  You can leave the stem on if you want.  I cut the stem off, but when it came time to fill the shells, there was nothing there to hold the filling in.  You will see what I mean in the picture. Next, score the eggplant diagonally about 1/4 inch from the sides.  Score the other way and then remove the cubes from the shell leaving the shell hollow.  Do this for both halves.  

 Bake the eggplant shells for 15 minutes while you prepare the filling.  Heat a pan coated with cooking spray over medium heat.  Add the onion, and cook until translucent (about 4 minutes).  Add the celery, garlic, shallot and eggplant cubes and cook covered for 10 minutes.  Stir in the beans.  Remove the shells from the oven and divide the mixture evenly between the 2 halves.

I had to put them end to end to keep the filling inside.

 Top the stuffed eggplant with half the cheese and half the panko crumbs.  Season with the salt and pepper.

Place back in the oven and bake for 10 minutes.  Turn the temperature up to 425 degrees and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the top is browned.

This was a very filling meal.  I had it for lunch 2 days in a row.  I'm not crazy about the flavor, it seemed a little bland to me and I wonder if I did something wrong.  Next time I could possibly use some more seasonings to enhance the flavor.  It might also be good with a home made or low sugar marinara.  I think for my next eggplant adventure, I will try the lasagna.  

Focus T25 Results - Alpha Phase

I gave you some information about T25 a few weeks ago and I promised to give you some results and a review.  We finished up the Alpha phase this past Friday and did our weighing and measuring on "STAT"urday.  I have to say I am really pleased with the outcome, and although Beta phase scares me - I am really looking forward to the next 5 weeks!

So on to the review.  There are 5 discs to follow in Alpha phase.  Cardio, Speed 1.0, Total Body Circuit, Ab Intervals, and Lower Focus.  The first week happens in that order - Monday, Cardio; Tuesday, Speed 1.0; and so on until you get to Friday.  Here is where it gets tricky.  Friday is a double day, so you actually do Cardio again, and also Lower Focus.  Fridays are 50 minutes unless you chose to do 1 workout on Friday and 1 workout on Saturday.  Over the course of the 5 weeks of Alpha phase, these workouts will rotate and you will do different DVDs on different days with different doubles on Friday.  No 2 weeks are the same which is nice.  Even though you are rotating through the same 5 workouts each week, it doesn't get boring because you change the order each week.  Also, since the workouts are only 25 minutes it goes by so fast you don't have time to get bored.  However, there are cool downs after each workout which run between 2 and 3.5 minutes as well as a disclaimer at the beginning of each DVD that you can't skip through. When all is said and done you actually put in close to 30 minutes.  

CARDIO

 

This workout consists of a series of progressive moves.  In the beginning you do a run progression, this is nice as a warm up of sorts as well.  You start with an alternating knee lift and progress through several moves ending in a high knee jog.  Next come the jumping jacks.  You start with just your feet, then double feet, then double feet and arms, and end with a regular jumping jack.  Lunges up after that starting with a regular step lunge and end with lunges with your hand touching the floor.

Lateral moves and heel taps and jumps follow with the final exercise of this progression being a half tuck jump.  This takes you to about the 15 minute mark and that's when you get to experience your first Burn Out.  You go through a mixture of some of the moves you have already done, but this is where you speed up and push harder.  After this burn out comes a squat series, a sprint series, a kick series, and some speed and agility work.

The last 5 minutes consist of your second burn out where you again do a faster, harder version of most of the moves you just finished doing over the last 10 minutes.  The workout ends with a cool down that is just over 2 minutes long.  

This was a great workout and I got a serious sweat going even though I had to follow the modifier (Tania, she is in the blue T25 t-shirt in the pics) for quite a few of the moves.  The first time I did the video I did have to stop a few times to figure out exactly what I was supposed to be doing.  By the end of the 5 weeks though I was able to keep up with the majority of the workout.  

SPEED 1.0

This is probably my favorite workout of all the Alpha phase exercise DVDs.  I felt like I was in some kind of hip hop dance video.  Trust me, I can't dance but the music was great and by the end I felt like maybe I could one day be a "fly girl".  This is another fast paced cardio DVD that focuses on speed, stretching, and stability.  Tania is the modifier and even though she is doing everything low impact, she has got some moves! Along with the dance moves, you also get some stretching and balance work.  Don't think this is not a workout though, there is also punching, kicking, an extended  burn out, and yes..... burpees.  There is a cool down at the end as well.  

                TOTAL BODY CIRCUIT

So if Speed 1.0 was my dream workout, Total Body Circuit was my nemesis.  This workout has a special place in Dante's Inferno..... Oh it starts out innocent enough, very similar to the Cardio DVD.  Then within the first 5 minutes we hit the floor and that's when the fun really starts.  Shoulder taps, shoulder taps with push ups, more push ups, more shoulder taps..... I'm done - what do you mean there's still 18 minutes to go?  Back up off the floor for lunges, squats, and jabs.  Back to the floor for planks, plank walks, planks with in and out abs.  In and out WHAT???  Shaun T... those are BURPEES!  I don't care what he called them, I know a burpee when I do one.  Does this look like a burpee to you?

Back up again for some sprints and squats, then back down for pike ups, then back up for more squats and more burpees, then back down for a series of push ups.  Crazy push ups, spider push ups, plank push ups, push ups on your push ups.  If this wasn't bad enough we still have a burn out to go.  I am already dying - as I said earlier I was done after the first 7 minutes.  This workout made me sweat like nothing I have ever done before.  The tops of my hands were sweating, I know because I spent so much time on the floor looking at them!  After the burn out comes a full body run for the last minute.  I'm sure I look like some kind of drenched rag doll throwing my body around and flinging sweat all over the place.  Then thankfully it is over!  There is a cool down that lasts a little over 3 minutes.  This was never enough for me, I had to walk around and continue to cool down for a while after.

AB INTERVALS

25 minutes of abs as the only exercise for the day?  Well, as I soon found out it wasn't only abs.  This was Ab Intervals.  Abs, cardio, abs, cardio, abs...... you get the picture.  

You work the upper abs, lower abs, obliques - and as Shaun T says ...... the back abs???  What?  I really liked this part of the workout the best because I got to lie on my stomach for a few minutes.  Again in this workout, towards the end are these things that look suspiciously like burpees.  I think those must be Shaun T's favorite exercise.  I'm pretty sure he sneaks them into every workout, he just calls them by different names to confuse you.  A cool down that runs about 3.5 minutes follows the end of this workout.

LOWER FOCUS

The last workout to review is Lower Focus, this one is to "strengthen and sculpt muscles from the waist down."  That is no joke.  During the course of this DVD Shaun T only refers to your upper body twice and that is to just make sure you are straight and holding it still.  The first 5 minutes or so are really similar to some of the other moves learned throughout the week, run progression, jack feet, squats.  

Next you get into some calf work with a lot of hopping around which produced a pretty good burn.  This was nothing compared to the burn that happened next.  Lunges and more lunges.  I thought my calves were going to catch fire.  I had to stand up several times and look around to make sure the carpet wasn't burning.  So what is next?  What's that you say Shaun T?  The burn out?  Are you kidding me??  Another round of burn inducing moves like before except faster.  It's like a SAUNA up in here Shaun T!  After the burn out is some adductor work, some dance moves, and some hamstring work.  Then, I'm not believing this... ANOTHER burn out!  This almost takes you to the end of the workout, you finish up with some hip flexor work.  A cool down of just over 3 minutes follows.  

A Stretch DVD is also included to be done on Sunday.  25 minutes of well deserved relaxing and recovering the body.  This workout can be done  more than just 1 day if you feel you need more of a cool down or stretch.  

Overall I really loved T25 Alpha phase.  I felt like I got a great workout in only 25 minutes.  I questioned how well I could do working out only 25 minutes a day 4 days a week - don't forget the double on Fridays (and that is truly all I did for the last 5 weeks, no other exercise except T25) since I am used to working out for at least 30 minutes and usually closer to an hour.  Here are my results (which is probably what you really wanted to see all along - so thanks for hanging in there).  In 5 weeks, using the T25 program, drinking Shakeology, and making an effort to follow my weekly meal plan...... I lost 7 pounds and 8 inches!  I am really pleased with that.  It goes to show that you really CAN get results in just 25 minutes a day.

Top row before; Bottom row after

T25 really puts a nail in the coffin of that last excuse we tend to cling to when talking about exercise - I don't have time.....

 If you are interested in trying T25, or joining my next health and fitness accountability group just leave me a note.  I would love to help you get results in just 25 minutes a day.