Wednesday, April 17, 2013

BODY COMPOSITION- MUSCLE VS. FAT

Have you ever worked out for several months and drastically changed your diet only to find that the scale hasn't budged or even worse, it's gone up? Bust out the calipers and take some measurements... STOP WEIGHING!!! 



The whole "Muscle weighs more than fat" thing is a true statement, SORT OF.... a pound is a pound so 1 pound of muscle weighs the same as 1 pound of fat. However, muscle is more dense and takes up MUCH less space than fat.  
See for yourself!! 




Here is a great example of body composition in women. Take a look at how different 150 pounds can look depending upon diet and exercise. The woman on the far right clearly trains with weights and eats a very clean diet yet she still maintains 150 lbs. This is because she is muscular and dense. 
See.... when you are doing all of the right things, what the scale says does not matter!!! 


***There is always an exception so I will say this...
 If you are someone who only diets and does not resistance train or do any cardio, the scale CAN be an accurate measurement of your progress... This is because you are not doing anything that will change your body composition ie; lifting weights, running, etc... you are merely changing your eating habits which may help you lose some fat, but will not necessarily help you gain any muscle. 

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Proud trainer :)

My wonderful client of two years came in for measurements and in 40 days she had lost over an inch in her waist and various other areas!! She has always been consistent with her work outs and she always works very hard. She really wanted to take things to the next level so we drastically changed her diet, she stuck to it and it worked. I couldn't be more proud of her hard work and dedication! She made huge lifestyle changes and she is going to continue to see awesome results! Yes, working out will do countless amazing things for your body, both inside and out. However, don't under-estimate the power of your plate. Keep those portions in check so you refrain from negating all of your hard work! And hey, splurge when you truly feel like it, your body knows what it needs. Listen to it.

Saturday, April 13, 2013

BANANA NUT COOKiE MUFFiNS


EASY BANANA COOKiE MUFFiNS

These help curb my sweet tooth at night, they're quick and easy! 

only 4 ingredients...

1/2 cup of quick oats & 1 packet of stevia
or 
Quaker Oats Weight Control Banan Bread Oatmeal

1 medium (organic) banana

Dark chocolate chips (Try Sunspire Grain Sweetened Dark Chocolate chips)

You can also add a few slivered raw almonds or walnuts...or try 1 tbsp or natural peanut or almond butter 

********************************************
DiRECTIONS

Using a fork, mash oats and nuts or nut butter in a bowl with the banana until they are mixed and doughy. 
Form into 1.5 inch dough balls and place on cookie sheet (use nonstick spray) 
Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes! 

Makes 3 small cookies- 
1 serving!! (I eat all 3!)




 


Thursday, April 11, 2013

Came across this little gem at the local health food store today...
SPECTRUM ORGANICS
Decadent Blend
CHiA & FLAX SEED
with Coconut & Cocoa

Great to add to shakes, oatmeal, yogurt, and dozens of other things!

*I used it in my protein pancake this morning and it added great flavor and texture. 


Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Chocolate pancakes




CHOCOLATE PROTEiN PANCAKES!!!!!

YES, they're HEALTHY...
HiGH in FiBER and PROTEiN.

..............::iNGREDiENTS::................

1 scoop chocolate protein powder
2 tbsp coconut flour
2 tbsp ground flax
1 tbsp cocoa powder
1 tsp baking powder
1 packet stevia
4 egg whites
*** 1/4c Walden Farms calorie free syrup!
or... any sugar free syrup will do

<><><>DiRECTiONS<><><>

Mix all dry ingredients and egg whites in bowl, stir until mixed thoroughly- no lumps!
Spray a pan with non-stick cooking spray, (I use coconut oil) cook on each side on medium heat for about 1 to 1.5 minutes.







GUilTLESS BLACK BEAN TACOS


In the mood for MEXiCAN FOOD but don't want to splurge on the crazy high calories and saturated fat?

 Try these guiltless Black Bean Soft Tacos!


iNGREDiENTS:
1/2 an Avocado
2 Corn tortillas (Mission brand)
Spicy black bean burger (Morning Star brand)
1/2 cup of salsa or pico de gallo
DiRECTiONS:
cook burger in microwave, heat tortillas for 15 seconds, place 1/2 burger and avocado slices on each tortilla, dip in pico- enjoy!