How Do You Work It Out?

Posted on August 22, 2012 by Jenna-Marie

Step 1. Eat a light snack for fuel

Golden Delicious apple with 1 Tbsp Sunbutter

Step 2. Drink coffee for energy, and Foam roll those muscles

Skip those artificial energy drinks that are full of God knows what, and choose a cup of black coffee.

Same results, no chemicals added.

And remember to hydrate as well.

Step 3. Get Pumped Up!

Some of my favorite stations include: Third Eye Blind, Three Days Grace, Fun., David Guetta, Lucas Prata, and DJ Khalid.

And of course some Country, Rap and maybe some old school boy bands thrown in the mix Smile

Step 4. Bang it out

Today’s Workout.

-Run to the gym

Assisted Pull Ups: 3x 12
Assisted Dips: 3x 12
Bicep Curls: 3x 12
Overhead Tricep Extension 3x 12
Inner Bicep Curls: 3x 12
Tricep Kickbacks: 3x 12
Cross body Hammer Curls: 3x 12
Bench Dips: 2x 15

- Stretch

-Run Home

Step 5. Refuel

1 scoop Chocolate Sunwarrior
1/2 frozen banana
Handful of Frozen Spinach
1 tbsp. Ground Flaxseed
Water and Ice

Blended and topped with 1/4 cup Kashi GOLEAN! and blueberries.

How do you Work it Out?

What I’m Loving Wednesday

Posted on August 7, 2012 by Jenna-Marie

White peaches have taken over, and I’m not even mad about it.

mixed with Greek yogurt, kashi and cinnamon

Giant vegetables are always a good thing.

If anyone has a family of 6 or more, call me.

I smile every time I look at these two bags Smile

I’m burning a new fall scent as we speak Smile

A luscious combination of juicy pears, plums, and grapes with parts of spice and cardamom.

You know how overly excited I get when it’s time to burn “The Fall Collection”, and this year’s scents did not disappoint.

spiced cinnamon and pumpkin, baked apples, fresh leaves and sweet desserts.

How excited are you all!?

I must say that the “Whoopie Pie” scent was not my favorite, nor was the atrociously strong “Witches’ Brew”, which literally made me try to jump away from my own nose.

Maybe it smells better while it’s burning. I hope.

I think I’ll stick to “Candy Corn” instead Smile

OK enough talk about Halloween, it’s August 8th!

Back to Summer heat…

I’ve been adding Sriracha to my eggs, salads ..pretty much anything that I can

Just a teaspoon of this spicy sauce adds the perfect kick to any meal, so if you’re a fan of spicy foods, pick up a bottle now!

They are on sale 2 for $5 at Stop and Shop

I also picked up another carton of coconut love for my Protein Oats and Shakes.

Click here to enter the “Get Your Good Going” Sweepstakes, thrown by Blue Diamond Almond Breeze. By doing so, you earn a chance to win a years supply of Almond Breeze, as well as a $1000 home store gift card, all for sharing a positive message about a Facebook friend.

Not a bad idea. Spread the love people Smile

Today’s Leg Workout

Warm up: 20 minute treadmill jog

Squats: 4 sets, 15 slow reps. 40lb EZ Bar
Deadlifts: 4 sets, 15 slow reps, 40lb Ez Bar
Bench Hip Bridges: 3 sets, 12 slow reps, 25lb plate resting on lap
One Legged Leg Press: 4 sets (2 sets per leg), 15 slow reps, 40lbs
Leg extension: 4 sets, 15 slow reps, 40lbs

Stretch and feed those muscles!

1 scoop Sunwarrior Vanilla
1/2 frozen banana
1/2 cup almond coconut milk
cinnamon
water and ice

What are you loving this week?

A Kick in the Gut

Posted on June 11, 2012 by Jenna-Marie

I was really looking forward to working out with Shaun T this past Saturday at Boston College, however my stomach had other plans in mind, causing me to miss it.

Talk about a kick in the gut.

Luckily I felt better on Sunday, so I made myself some breakfast and got back to it

1/4 cup oats
1/3 cup AllWhites
1/4 sliced banana
cinnamon and nutmeg.

after microwaving the above ingredients for about 2.5 minutes, I stirred in 1/2 T of raw almond butter, and topped it off with fresh blueberries and more cinnamon.

About an hour later, it was time to sweat. And sweat i did.

I love the satisfaction of knowing I got a good workout when I’m done

My legs are also shaping out nicely from all those butt kicks, suicides and power squats.

It’s the worst feeling as you do them, but the best feeling when you done.

Post workout Smoothie

1 scoop chocolate sunwarrior
1/2 cup frozen mixed berries
1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
1 handful raw spinach
water and a lot of ice.
Topped with 1/4 cup Kashi

I relaxed for the rest of the day by my parents pool while snacking on a delicious bowl of fresh fruit, my favorite summer staple.

berries, kiwi, pineapple, mango and papaya.

Paired with this delicious and refreshing ice cream.

It was a perfect combination, on a perfect sunny day

A Cake and a Smoothie

Posted on June 8, 2012 by Jenna-Marie

Six years ago, when Matt turned 20, he told me that his favorite type of cake was; “confetti cake with chocolate frosting”.

nothings changed since then, really

Six years later, that is still what I bake for him on his birthday, and this year was no different.

When it comes to cake, to me, the frosting is the best part of the whole experience.

In fact, I’d take a container full of creamy chocolate frosting over the cake any day!

Especially chocolate fudge frosting, which is what I used today.

It took some will power to keep the spatula aimed towards the cake instead of at my mouth.

Jenna: 1
Chocolate covered Spatula: 0

While I waited for the cake to cool, I completed day 3 of Insanity and let me tell you, my calves are SO ANGRY!

Damn you Shaun T!

My body is definitely responding to the workouts, and it’s a whole new level of “hardcore training”. No matter how in shape you think you are, he will have you sweating buckets all over the floor.

But you feel so good when your done!

I replenished my shaking muscles with a green smoothie, topped with Kashi and some fresh blueberries

1 scoop vanilla Sunwarrior protein powder
1/2 frozen banana
2 handfuls fresh spinach
1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
water and ice

Does a body good.

Off to spend some time with the birthday boy!

Happy Birthday, Handsome! xoxo

Enjoy your Friday, everyone!

{WIAW} Energized, Full and Focused

Posted on June 6, 2012 by Jenna-Marie

So I had a bit of a late start with my INSANITY challenge, due to the fact that I couldn’t get my DVD player to cooperate, nor would my laptop.

Many curses were heard throughout the hallways of my building

However, as always, Matt fixed it and I can finally start!

I know that you are suppose to follow a diet plan and use their recommended supplements, however I’m just looking to change up my routine a bit, so I will be eating pretty much the same as I already do.

OH, by the way, this Saturday I may have the chance to actually working out WITH Shaun T!

He will be at Boston College this weekend, holding a FREE workout class for anyone who signs up via Facebook. All you have to do is RSVP on the Facebook page, bring a bottle of POWERADE ZERO, and you’re in!

All my fellow Boston Followers, I expect to see you there!

Since my DVD player and I had a fight, I used my WELCOME BACK WORKOUT to keep myself motivated, along with some delicious meals and snacks to keep me energized, full and focused.

Vanilla Chai Oats

1/3 cup oats
1 scoop vanilla Sunwarrior protein powder
1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
nutmeg and cinnamon
handful of blueberries

Egg White Oat bran

1/4 cup oat bran
1 Tbsp ground flax
1/2 thinly sliced banana
1/2 cup + 1 Tbsp All Whites
cinnamon and nutmeg
handful of blueberries
1/2 T Sun butter

Green Juice

1 granny smith apple
1/2 cup frozen blueberries
2 cups raw spinach
2 sticks of celery
Fresh lemon juice

PreWorkout Rice Cake

1 unsalted rice cake
1 Tbsp raw almond butter
1/3 cup all whites with 1/2 sliced banana cooked inside
cinnamon

Low sodium Albacore Tuna, mixed with 1/2 a mashed avocado and black pepper.

Delicious and juicy orange slices

Chicken and veggie stir fry with coconut oil

Giambotta with red, green and yellow peppers, zucchini and squash, chopped potato, black beans and onion in a fresh tomato sauce.

And plenty of tea throughout my day Smile

Eat the rainbow!

Need inspiration for your next dish ? Click the link above for some healthy ideas.

You’re Hot then You’re Cold

Posted on May 30, 2012 by Jenna-Marie

Look what came in the mail yesterday Smile

I still have a bag of Chocolate left, but I had some credits that I needed to use on OpenSky, so I figured I’d buy some Vanilla.

It tastes better in certain recipes such as pina colada smoothies, warm vanilla protein oats, juicing, or protein pancakes.

1/4 cup eggwhites
1 scoop protein powder
2 Tbsp almond milk (or skim)
1 Tbsp ground flax
1/2 mashed banana
cinnamon.

Since it’s such a rainy, clammy morning, I craved a smoothie for breakfast.

1 scoop Sunwarrior Vanilla
1 big handful of raw spinach
1/2 frozen banana
1/2 cup frozen mixed berries
1 Tbsp ground flax
water and ice
1/2 cup Kashi sprinkled on top

And of course, some black coffee with Stevia.

Quite the hot and cold breakfast I’ve got going on here.

Today’s Workout

10 minute warm up: Stair Climber

3 sets Bicep Curls: 10 half way up, 10 mid-point to shoulder, 10 complete curls
3 sets of 12 Hammer Curls
3 sets of 8 (per side) Walking Plank
3 sets of 15 Tricep Kickbacks
3 sets 15 Overhead Tricep Extension
3 sets of 10 Diamond Tricep Push ups

Cardio: 20 minute HIIT on the Treadmill

20 second fast jog
40 second sprint
2 min recovery

Abs: Two, 1 minute Planks

Stretch

Post Workout snack

Greek Yogurt
1/2 cup cooked brown rice
blueberries and cinnamon

Such a good combo

So..I’ve been feeling very thankful lately; Thankful for my health, my family, my friends, and everyday experiences that I sometimes take for granted.

When we focus so much on the negatives in our life, we tend to miss all of the positives surrounding us.

If you find yourself dwelling on a certain situation today, twist it into a positive and try to make it into something good.

Remember that there is always a light at the end of a tunnel, a lesson learned through failure, it could always be worse, and with every bad, comes a good.

Have a good day xoxo

Screaming Shoulders and Thirsty Thursday

Posted on May 24, 2012 by Jenna-Marie

My shoulders hurt.

After running the lake this afternoon, I headed over to the gym for a quick Back, Chest, and Shoulder workout that left my muscles shaking and completely burnt out.

Win!

Back

Lat Pull Down: 3 sets of 12, 45 pounds
Bent Over Row: 3 sets of 12, 15 pounds
Back Extension: 3 sets of 15, bodyweight

Chest

Push ups: 3 sets of 20
Dumbbell Chest Fly: 3 sets of 12, 15 pounds

Shoulders

I held a dumbbell in the opposite hand with my arm almost parallel to the floor as I worked the opposing side for the first 4 sets

Dumbbell Shoulder Press- 3x through, 10 pounds

Horizontal Grip, Right side- 6 reps
Horizontal Grip, Left side- 6 reps
Vertical Grip, Right side- 6 reps
Vertical Grip, Left side- 6 reps
Arnold Press, both sides- 10 reps

Complete each movement in a slow and controlled motion. Breath out as you contract and in as you release. Keep your form in check!

Front Raise: 3 sets of 12, 7.5 pounds
Lateral Raise: 3 sets of 12, 7.5 pounds

Screaming shoulders…I think so.

I came home and made myself a green protein smoothie with my new Ninja blender, which literally kicks ass.

In the mix

1 scoop chocolate Sunwarrior protein powder
1 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 frozen banana
2 large handfuls of spinach
2 Tbsp rolled oats
water and ice.

It’s been quite a while since I’ve done a “Thirsty Thursday” post, but since this weekend marks the start of summer, what better time to get festive!

Whether you are attending a BBQ or throwing your own, don’t be shy to prepare some lower calories drinks that tastes just as good, have less sugar and still do the trick Smile

Here are some simple Memorial Day themed ideas.

You know I love my Vodka so I am being a bit biased, but Bacardi and Tequila would also work well.

1.5 oz Vodka
4 oz Sprite Zero
2 frozen strawberries, halved
5 frozen blueberries

1.5 oz Vodka
4 oz Diet Sierra Mist Cranberry Splash
5 Frozen Blackberries

1.5 oz Raspberry Vodka
4 oz Sprite Zero
5 Frozen Raspberries

1.5 oz Blueberry Vodka
4 oz Fresca
5 Frozen blueberries

You can also puree some fruit with your choice of alcohol, pouring it into an ice cube tray to make these mini popsicles, which would be a hit!

Add fresh lemon juice with water in place of soda, use Agave nectar or Stevia for added sweetness, and even freeze some red and blue berries into ice cubes for a festive flare in your water glass.

Refreshing drinks without added calories from syrups and sour mix is the perfect option for your guests, and for yourself. Show everyone that there is always a way to make things healthier, without losing flavor.

Satur-Date {Legal Harborside}

Posted on May 13, 2012 by Jenna-Marie

If you live in, or are visiting the Boston area, and looking for a place with great food, gorgeous views, and a lounge for after dinner drinks, then Legal Harborside is the place to go.

Located along Liberty Wharf, this 3 story venue has it all.

“You’ll find a nod to our heritage on the first floor hull, with a casual menu of seafood favorites with a twist, an oyster bar and an old-fashioned fish market. The second floor dining room offers cuisine prepared with sensible creativity for celebratory eating and private dining events. And those that visit the third floor promenade deck will enjoy a four-season rooftop lounge with a retractable glass roof and walls for cocktails and bites.”

Last night, Matt and I, along with two of our friends, dined at the bar on the first floor before heading upstairs to the rooftop lounge

Sauvignon Blanc, and my friend Beth’s Sangria, which is one of Legal’s best drinks.

Ready to eat Shrimp Cocktail in an adorable mason jar.

Seasonal salad: Romaine, Goat cheese, sliced strawberries and almonds in a light vinaigrette.

wood grilled salmon, sautéed spinach with pine nuts, jasmine rice

We also ordered Bon Bon’s for dessert, but ate them too quickly to snap a picture.

You’ve seen these chocolate covered ice cream balls before on my table during the holidays.

SO good!

After dinner, we headed upstairs for a few more drinks. I switched to my usual Vodka soda, and enjoyed the scenic view of the harbor and city lights.

It was too crowded to get a good picture, so here is one from their website.

Definitely visit Legal Harborside if you are looking for a fun night out.

This morning was off to a slow start, but I managed to get myself to the gym and fit in a workout.

Arc Trainer: 40 minutes

1-5: Level 8, incline 10
5-10: Level 10, incline 20
10-15: Level 12, incline 30
15-20: Level 15, incline 50
20-25: Level 12, incline 30
25-30: Level 10, incline 20
30-35: Level 8, incline 10
35-40: Level 6, incline 5

3 sets, 12 reps.

Push ups
Chest Flies
V-Flies

3 sets, 12 reps

Lat pull down
Row
Superman

Stretch.

I came home craving a protein smoothie, so I whipped out my Magic Bullet and got blending!

1 scoop chocolate Sunwarrior Protein
2 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup frozen spinach
1/2 cup frozen strawberries
1/2 T ground flax
Water and Ice

Well, I’m off to spend the day with my favorite, beautiful moms

Have a great rest of your weekend!

Happy Mother’s Day! xoxo

Satur-Date {Legal Seafoods}

Posted on April 15, 2012 by Jenna-Marie

I’ll make this post short and sweet because it’s too beautiful out to be sitting inside on the computer.

And I’d rather be sitting on the back of Matt’s Harley with the wind blowing in my face Smile

Last night, Matt and I spent our “Satur-Date” at Legal Seafoods in Boston’s Long Wharf, and the weather was perfect for a stroll through the city.

Per usual, we headed straight to the bar and ordered a Citron Vodka Soda and a Bud Light bottle.

After chatting with the Bartender and some other eaters, we both knew exactly what we wanted to order for our appetizer.

The Legal Experience

Blackened raw tuna sashimi with seaweed and ginger, Jumbo shrimp cocktail, Crab cakes, and Steamed seafood wontons.

Though this dish was almost $30, it was definitely money well spent.

Along with another round of drinks, we each ordered the Grilled Cajun salmon from the “make your own entrée” menu. As sides, I opted for brown rice and green beans, while Matt chose a baked potato and jalapeno cheddar polenta, which tasted just like Queso dip.

Delicious!

But the best part of the entire meal was dessert.

If you are a chocoholic like me, you would fall off your chair after one bite of this rich and decadent “Warm Chocolate Pudding Cake”, served with vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce and a subtle coconut cookie.

The combination of warm chocolate, cool and creamy ice cream, and a crumbly coconut cookie was out of this world.

Matt and I didn’t speak the entire time we shared this heavenly dessert. We even considered ordering another, but then realized that our tropical vacation is less than a week away, so it was best to stop after one plate.

BUT PLEASE ORDER THIS THE NEXT TIME YOU GO!

There is nothing wrong with bonding over a delicious a dessert every once in awhile

While Matt was at work this morning, I tackled this workout and followed it up with an ice cold green smoothie.

1 scoop chocolate Sunwarrior
1 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder
6 frozen strawberries,
1/2 frozen banana
1/2 cup frozen spinach
water and ice

Tastes so good on a warm day Smile

Now get outside and enjoy yourselves! xoxo

Sunday Morning, Leg’s are Calling

Posted on April 1, 2012 by Jenna-Marie

Happy April 1st…April fools…Palm Sunday…Day of laziness…

And the one morning when breakfast always comes out just right.

1/3 cup Allwhites
1 slice toasted Ezekiel with raw almond butter, sliced banana, blueberries and cinnamon.

Newman’s Own Organic with 1 packet of Stevia

Perfect fuel to battle through a lower body burnout

Workout

Using a weight that is challenging but does not compromise form

12 lunges- right leg (10 lbs in each hand)
12 lunges-left leg
15 squats (20lb EZ bar)
15 jump squats- (body weight)

Rest 45 seconds and repeat 2 more times

15 Plie squats- (25lb dumbbell held vertically)
15 Plie squat jumps-(body weight)

Rest 45 seconds and repeat 2 more times

15 deadlifts- (15lbs in each hand)
30 second butt kicks

Rest 45 seconds and repeat 2 more times

15 Frogger Squat thrusts

Rest 20 seconds and repeat 3 more times

Plank leg lifts- 15, right leg
Plank leg lift- 15, left leg
Plank jacks- 15

Rest 30 seconds and repeat 2 more times

300 AB Flow

20 bicycles
20 toe touches
20 total body crunch
20 regular crunch
20 butterfly crunch

Rest 1 minute. Repeat in reverse. Rest. Repeat in reverse.

Russian Twists: 3 sets, 15 reps, 10lb medicine ball

Stretch!

Replenish with an ice cold protein shake

1 scoop chocolate Sunwarrior
1 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 frozen banana
4 frozen strawberries
1/2 cup chopped frozen spinach
1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
water and ice.

Although every Sunday at my parent’s resemebles a mini holiday, with today being Palm Sunday, things will be a bit different.

My dad will pass around palms to everyone in the shape of a cross, and there will be some additions to the usual dinner menu such as escarole soup , eggplant parm, and a few more desserts…if that’s even possible.

See last year’s feast here.

I think that my family is one of the few who still actually celebrate Palm Sunday. Next week is already Easter! I can’t believe it.

Well, the sun is shining and the day must begin. Have a wonderful Sunday and first day of April!

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Category Archives: Smoothie

How Do You Work It Out?

What I’m Loving Wednesday

A Kick in the Gut

A Cake and a Smoothie

{WIAW} Energized, Full and Focused

You’re Hot then You’re Cold

Screaming Shoulders and Thirsty Thursday

Satur-Date {Legal Harborside}

Satur-Date {Legal Seafoods}

Sunday Morning, Leg’s are Calling

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