tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67647218101888477752023-11-16T05:17:10.214-08:00Bats and DumbellsBatsAndDumbellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07880076127543162670noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6764721810188847775.post-53938651555903357012015-09-07T14:46:00.001-07:002015-09-07T14:46:31.918-07:00Prep For Success<h2>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Prep For Success</span></h2>
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<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Meal prep can help you save time and stay on track!</span></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ziUYPWDJo84CwMcopF_Y2lIV1WlPn2vKGPPIDpF6jvR7lw2agPyZnXCJukMWM0x55fxHljG0mnOQ9YganHwgVDgQNUlj64s-vyTTjLZEQU3mhUb_QRFKcJmkYxy3HnNjTv8sws3MIjBS/s1600/Prep+For+Success+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ziUYPWDJo84CwMcopF_Y2lIV1WlPn2vKGPPIDpF6jvR7lw2agPyZnXCJukMWM0x55fxHljG0mnOQ9YganHwgVDgQNUlj64s-vyTTjLZEQU3mhUb_QRFKcJmkYxy3HnNjTv8sws3MIjBS/s400/Prep+For+Success+Cover.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Many people find it difficult to stick to healthy eating habits. We are all busy; work, school, kids, chores, activities, etc. It's hard enough to find time to squeeze in a workout, so who has time to cook gourmet meals? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Most of us don't have that kind of time. This can lead to grabbing convenience foods and less healthy options because they are more handy and, well, convenient.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Many experts believe that nutrition/food is 70% of what will make your fitness goals successful. With this being said, those quick, convenient foods may hinder your progress.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The solution to this is meal preparation. I know you are thinking, 'if I don't time time to cook one meal, how do I have time to cook many?' Most of us have a weekend, or one or two days off during the week. I usually meal prep on Sundays. It takes me under an hour and a half to make 3 full days worth of meals for myself, and that includes all 5 meals that I eat everyday. If you do the math, you will see that I can make 15 meals in under an hour and a half. For those of you prepping for a family, allow yourself 3 hours give or take. You could probably even prep for more than 3 days in that time, but I personally have a weird "3 day rule" for food in my fridge.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You may be a 3 large-meal-per-day person. You may be a 5 or 6-small-meals-per-day person. It doesn't matter. Anyone can prepare meals for the week.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7UEMidwllgsl8ZvAjGyKaPpVfU-SYGLf_HiVRHX4z4x3Kr6kBCJ7iDIHa2YO9-r_mFY-Zvobx3kZkexSUEMC9Bsd8HFvOKCggaqR_mFgP6Du7tr2kZEcsiGwSinJ2JCsFdqKma12sDsME/s1600/IMG_1852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7UEMidwllgsl8ZvAjGyKaPpVfU-SYGLf_HiVRHX4z4x3Kr6kBCJ7iDIHa2YO9-r_mFY-Zvobx3kZkexSUEMC9Bsd8HFvOKCggaqR_mFgP6Du7tr2kZEcsiGwSinJ2JCsFdqKma12sDsME/s400/IMG_1852.JPG" width="321" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">What kinds of things can I prep?</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Well, anything really, but I am going to list examples that will save you the most time and will be versatile to combine for more meal options. I'll also give ideas on how to season and combine them, so you don't have to eat the same thing all of the time. I'm not including recipes or how-tos here, but you can find everything you need to know on Google. Just type in "easy" along with what you are looking for, so that you'll find time-saving options. <span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>*Now please bear in mind that some of these tips are meant to save you time, not money. Therefore, there may be less expensive options, but they would be more labor intensive.</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><b>Breakfast Ideas</b></i></span></h4>
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<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Overnight Oats</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Smoothies (Place your fruit, protein powder and other ingredients of choice in containers or baggies. Just add milk, non-dairy milk or water and blend in the before drinking)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Tofu Scramble (or egg white scramble for non-vegans)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Breakfast Sandwiches or Burritos</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Fruit & Nuts</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Fruit salad (berries such as strawberries and blueberries-even grapes-can be soaked for 30 minutes in an extra large bowl of water with 4 tbs apple cider vinegar. Dry in a strainer after soaking. Doing this keeps them fresh for up to 2 weeks).</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Lunch Ideas</i></span></h4>
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<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Sandwiches</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Salads</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.batsanddumbells.blogspot.com/2015/07/zombiecado-dressing.html" target="_blank">Zombiecado dressing</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Wraps</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Pasta salad</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Quinoa or rice</span></li>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Snack Ideas (Pre-portion into single servings. This is not only convenient, but helps with portion control)</i></span></h4>
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<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Nuts/dried fruit/trail mix</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Crackers or pretzels & hummus</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Carrot, celery or cucumber sticks</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Cheese (vegan or not) & crackers or rice cakes</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Mini PB&J sandwiches on sprouted bread</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Fruit</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Edamame</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Apple slices with peanut butter</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Orange slices</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Fruit salad</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Pita bread & hummus or peanut butter</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Dinner Ideas</i></span></h4>
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<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Sandwiches</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Salads</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.batsanddumbells.blogspot.com/2015/07/zombiecado-dressing.html" target="_blank">Zombiecado dressing</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Wraps</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Pasta (boiled heart-healthy variety or make your own spiralized veggie pasta from zucchini, broccoli stalks or eggplant)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Quinoa or rice</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Lean Protein Ideas (season mildly, broil, bake or pan fry without oil. Heavier seasoning will follow in one of the sections below)</i></span></h4>
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<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Tofu</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Tempeh</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.batsanddumbells.blogspot.com/2015/07/zombiecado-dressing.html" target="_blank">T</a>VP (vegan ground beef)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Seitan</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Beans</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Lentils</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Packaged proteins, such as Gardein or Beyond Meat</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Non-vegan lean proteins such as chicken, pork, ground turkey</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Veggie Ideas (chop or dice, store them together in a large mixed bag or container)</i></span></h4>
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<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Onions</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Tomatoes</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.batsanddumbells.blogspot.com/2015/07/zombiecado-dressing.html" target="_blank">S</a>pinach</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Asparagus</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Brocolli</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Zucchini</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Garlic</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Make a huge salad and dip into it as you need to</span></li>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Handy items to keep in your pantry, fridge or freezer to save you from chopping!</i></span></h4>
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<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Canned tomatoes</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Canned hot peppers</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Jar of garlic</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Pre-sliced carrots</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Packaged organic salad mixes</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Steel cut oats</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Canned beans</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Frozen onions</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Frozen peppers</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Frozen mixed vegetables</span></li>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Combine!</i></span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Now that you have prepped a lot of ingredients, combine and season them to make meals. </span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Mix</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Mexican seasoning in with a single portion of TVP, add rice or quinoa, add chopped veggies and Zombiecado dressing for a burrito or quesadilla. Eat with a side salad.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Mix Italian seasoning with tofu or Beyond Chicken. Add to pasta, mix in chopped veggies, and top with a bit of sauce.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Mix Cajun seasoning with rice and TVP, add chopped vegetables for a faux jambalaya.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Mix Italian seasoning with Quinoa, add chopped veggies. Add some of the same seasoning and Balsamic Vinegar to chicken or tofu or tempeh. Serve with a side salad.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Add any lean protein to a salad for a meal, and top with Zombicado dressing.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Make a wrap with the lean protein of your choice, chopped vegetables or salad, add optional grains and top with Zombiecado dressing.</span></li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd-VIm2Bc8zVlknzmywlB7SrwghZCczA6kv6XxtuW6SzwN2okXiS7NLfFCGCIjlmux78Udl7vfOpdh5PF63gV1BN58xMwMXutzFHl5LaMFp-ulYi3F5Ux3XrB91oOlXo3FnMjqkuibshBv/s1600/Prep+For+Success+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd-VIm2Bc8zVlknzmywlB7SrwghZCczA6kv6XxtuW6SzwN2okXiS7NLfFCGCIjlmux78Udl7vfOpdh5PF63gV1BN58xMwMXutzFHl5LaMFp-ulYi3F5Ux3XrB91oOlXo3FnMjqkuibshBv/s320/Prep+For+Success+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You can see that a bit of time can yield endless mix-and-match possibilities! You can store your prepared foods in bulk, or in convenient, single-serving storage containers. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Now what are you going to do with all of the time you just saved?</span></div>
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BatsAndDumbellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07880076127543162670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6764721810188847775.post-65144564186618322132015-08-14T17:32:00.001-07:002015-08-14T18:46:35.410-07:00The Rack That Saved My Back!<div><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">It may be true that I have the cutest home gym to ever exist in the universe. It's ok, you can admit it. Much of this is because of the adorable weight racks/shelves my husband recently built for me. My back had been hurting because I had to pick up my weights from the floor. Now my back is happy, and my fitness area has never looked better!</span></div><div><br></div><div><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje0XdTBi4wIE9cHKl0DV557bSVbX03LDnzMWKhZHZUQ7ndLOWCJO6ZLA5ZHI3Viwy3Es-5PG1AfAoesfphatuhzqFCSgHI8NoJgsrC01QxQ1eVVlf5DWE3GmwcAkaKvav1iUGrpcupT0LO/s640/blogger-image--1105914586.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje0XdTBi4wIE9cHKl0DV557bSVbX03LDnzMWKhZHZUQ7ndLOWCJO6ZLA5ZHI3Viwy3Es-5PG1AfAoesfphatuhzqFCSgHI8NoJgsrC01QxQ1eVVlf5DWE3GmwcAkaKvav1iUGrpcupT0LO/s640/blogger-image--1105914586.jpg"></a></div>It was pretty simple to make, also. He used pine floor boards for the tops and bases, and 2x6 rough it lumber the rest. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgckU2zQzOAj1k1u4G8Ee7abMIBBOnyiZrzdmnTpdmbtJZJHRemWgk9U1V1_hPdeC8HrQWEk7v3zIJ9pSZczTIDPF3veR4ZK6QPYYbadBFXDElN9oUUTre7amnjmRtRaMLASmHUn2a7TSkE/s640/blogger-image-168846085.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgckU2zQzOAj1k1u4G8Ee7abMIBBOnyiZrzdmnTpdmbtJZJHRemWgk9U1V1_hPdeC8HrQWEk7v3zIJ9pSZczTIDPF3veR4ZK6QPYYbadBFXDElN9oUUTre7amnjmRtRaMLASmHUn2a7TSkE/s640/blogger-image-168846085.jpg"></a>I painted the boards, and my husband cut and assembled the racks. The best part is it only cost around $18! That's a huge savings over the Bowflex ones I had looked at. And the Bowflex ones didn't have shelves. Now all of my equipment is early tucked away neatly until I need it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVQfzg3BONRM4kzr9mLBWwbcsVK3aKLdEg7dY2HHLAAD1Yjnkcu3VXO-83AwBEQ8O0qkgmdivucvZw1smqOmvQY3IONHPo5OHXtybWhrCkMl5RGkIdbPEzMkf9GvnPzKtVMxG1hiZzCnKT/s640/blogger-image-1406319784.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVQfzg3BONRM4kzr9mLBWwbcsVK3aKLdEg7dY2HHLAAD1Yjnkcu3VXO-83AwBEQ8O0qkgmdivucvZw1smqOmvQY3IONHPo5OHXtybWhrCkMl5RGkIdbPEzMkf9GvnPzKtVMxG1hiZzCnKT/s640/blogger-image-1406319784.jpg"></a>Coming soon will be a progress update! Please subscribe so you don't miss a goth bat thing. </div><br></div></span></div>BatsAndDumbellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07880076127543162670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6764721810188847775.post-27847435449594513322015-07-25T20:15:00.001-07:002015-07-25T20:15:32.086-07:00Zombiecado Dressing<span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Zombiecado Salad Dressing</span><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiorjxdTI-cWwQyz7zlazBC1dQsKDkowO4nWizDs6RJGMXqd-LJC8tMHYvK7I4q-piiiHrY4SboRZclG4J7KW3f3RWu8YrrIkCcAskyE0jmWc91a1IA_228DrKC2nqgttY5Vayt1qNFWeYF/s640/blogger-image-2140595007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiorjxdTI-cWwQyz7zlazBC1dQsKDkowO4nWizDs6RJGMXqd-LJC8tMHYvK7I4q-piiiHrY4SboRZclG4J7KW3f3RWu8YrrIkCcAskyE0jmWc91a1IA_228DrKC2nqgttY5Vayt1qNFWeYF/s640/blogger-image-2140595007.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">The struggle is real! You don't want to eat a dry salad, you're tired of the lemon juice thing. If you add delicious and creamy avocado to your greens and top it with a salad dressing, you're adding more fat and calories. How do you choose one over the other? Avocado or dressing? Dressing or avocado? Decisions are hard. </div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Luckily, I've come up with a healthy salad dressing that will give you the best of both worlds...and it has a zombie-style bite. Full of flavor, this dressing has no processed oils and can be made raw, organic and gluten free! Of course, it's also vegan. </div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">To make your own Zombiecado dressing, you will need:</div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">1 medium avocado</div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">2 cloves garlic</div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">1/2 cup loose fresh herbs (I recommend cilantro)</div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">1 tsp stevia or 2 tsp maple syrup (if desired)</div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">1 small jalapeƱo</div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">1 tsp apple cider vinegar</div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">1.5 tsp lemon or lime juice</div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Up to 1 cup non-dairy milk or water</div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Salt and pepper to taste </div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Now, don't be scared! This is easy:</div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Place all of the ingredients, except the milk, into a food processor or blender (I use my Magic Bullet and it works perfectly). </div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Blend, adding the milk 1/4 cup at a time until it's the consistency you want. If you want a thick dressing or dip, add only 1/4 cup. If you want a thinner dressing, you could even add more than a cup. It's your zombie and your mouth. Do what you want!</div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">This is also great on grilled vegetables, pasta (I use shirataki or spiralized zucchini), quinoa, etcetera. For a power dressing, you can even add a scoop of greens. Hop up on b12 by adding 1/4 cup of nutritional yeast. Just be careful. It bites!</div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I'm not going to provide nutritional information, because it can vary greatly depending on how thick or thin you like it. Just a couple of tablespoons provides big flavor!</span></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Did you make your own Zombiecado dressing? Please post your results in the comments below. </span></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div>BatsAndDumbellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07880076127543162670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6764721810188847775.post-52252557858450308862015-05-30T19:14:00.004-07:002015-05-30T19:39:12.380-07:00Update From the Bat Cave-May 2015<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Update From the Bat Cave</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">May 2015</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhji_KWd29mkawIa9SlRCj6EfKc1KfDLIQPpp-BlEOHqrAc2SXJKBiESnAomCbKdQu8e4I99ERXCYfdNVB-jqM3sfTQvS_VnbRYsoOYMPKgN5mhyEDAIy1gqM_u5WIIgWsNhCAee8NCjGFv/s1600/May+Update.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhji_KWd29mkawIa9SlRCj6EfKc1KfDLIQPpp-BlEOHqrAc2SXJKBiESnAomCbKdQu8e4I99ERXCYfdNVB-jqM3sfTQvS_VnbRYsoOYMPKgN5mhyEDAIy1gqM_u5WIIgWsNhCAee8NCjGFv/s640/May+Update.jpg" width="568" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif;">I</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif;"> haven't posted an update in awhile, and it's long overdue! </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif;">Some things have transpired since my last update, which was in March. Following my own program and watching my calories was helping me continue to gain muscle, but I wasn't losing any fat. None, really, or so it seemed. So I had actually gained a pound (of muscle, likely) but my clothing was not fitting the way I wanted it to and I just wasn't seeing results fast enough. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif;">I had been following a coach on Instagram for quite some time. I was very inspired by his posts, and liked his philosophy. I had also seen some before-and-after photos of his clients, and they were very impressive! Plus, he is a vegan, which is important to me. I decided to email him and inquire about a quote for his services. I was pleasantly surprised with his pricing, and couldn't send him my money fast enough! *take my money!* Let me tell you, this was a great decision. He customized a workout plan and sent me supplement and nutrition guides. I have been following them very closely, and am very excited about my progress!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif;">In fewer than 3 weeks, I am down 7 pounds and my musculature is really changing for the better. I'm not hungry, have only had one minor potato chip craving (which I did not indulge), and find the nutrition plan easy to stick to. It requires some preparation, but is well </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif;">worth it. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif;">Starting weight: 158 lbs.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif;">Current weight: 151 lbs.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif;">Time lapsed: 20 days</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif;">So who is this superhero fitness trainer who can move mountains of muscle and motivate in a single bound? His name is Jordan, and he is the owner of Conscious Muscle. Whether you're just starting out, or like me, fairly experienced but have plateaued, I highly recommend Jordan... Just don't ask him where he gets his protein! ;) ha!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9i1db3rZ6zfln7ZMfVI1wIORzEKwmX_G3F1s2tqUzN6XCxGPyn1BIEnkLwSXWuRbZJ3_l1EPGToJ-Wnd1nO-7N4CcLpUfpuVKvPhbunCTSjlyTZcHm1FV7HQyTqcat4hQUteV0QXEle5w/s1600/Jordan_stripe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9i1db3rZ6zfln7ZMfVI1wIORzEKwmX_G3F1s2tqUzN6XCxGPyn1BIEnkLwSXWuRbZJ3_l1EPGToJ-Wnd1nO-7N4CcLpUfpuVKvPhbunCTSjlyTZcHm1FV7HQyTqcat4hQUteV0QXEle5w/s640/Jordan_stripe.jpg" width="568" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif;">Hiring him was one of the best decisions I have made in attempt to reach my goals. He can customize a plan for anyone, regardless of fitness level, and you don't even have to be a "gym person". He can come up with a plan based on the equipment you have at home. in addition, he has a positive approach and he is a great motivator.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif;">Since I'm sure you're dying to know where to find him, here are some links:</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif;">Instagram handle</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif;">: <a href="https://instagram.com/conscious_muscle/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #38761d;">@conscious_muscle</span></a></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif;">Facebook:<a href="https://www.facebook.com/consciousmuscle" target="_blank"> <span style="color: #38761d;">Conscious Muscle</span></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Get on it and get fit!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Coming up next: a healthy oil-free salad dressing recipe with a kick! Maybe a punch also. :)</i></span>BatsAndDumbellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07880076127543162670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6764721810188847775.post-43464705122009003212015-05-24T10:47:00.001-07:002015-05-24T10:52:55.716-07:00Skip The Gym<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Skip The Gym</span><br />
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Ride a Horse! </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">An Interview with Christel Cole</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOugFTBaEA2plfg9Pf_3dXAISoeWRMbSySJ6XI_jxI9t3FssLGMyKuxtV2Rba98gga3nHSc7Eo-l2INml9doDFdHfA3_gGsKtF3X9mFi1dky3DXgb0Y96Z2BgDjIegtGs5BcedzzUFQpaC/s1600/Skip+the+Gym+Christel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOugFTBaEA2plfg9Pf_3dXAISoeWRMbSySJ6XI_jxI9t3FssLGMyKuxtV2Rba98gga3nHSc7Eo-l2INml9doDFdHfA3_gGsKtF3X9mFi1dky3DXgb0Y96Z2BgDjIegtGs5BcedzzUFQpaC/s640/Skip+the+Gym+Christel.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are many, many ways to get fit and stay fit. Going to the gym is certainly one of them, but in the Skip the Gym series, we explore alternative options. Some people don't like the gym, or don't have access to one close by. Others are just looking for something new and different to change their daily fitness routine. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In this segment, we will meet Christel Cole, a woman who likes to be active in many different ways. In addition, she is a great person! She is an animal lover, a strong woman and a unique individual. To learn more about her, please read on!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">B&D:</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, 'lucida grande', sans-serif; line-height: 17.9400005340576px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> What is your preferred form(s) of fitness, and how did you get started?</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: helvetica, arial, 'lucida grande', sans-serif; line-height: 17.9400005340576px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #93c47d;">CC:</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, 'lucida grande', sans-serif; line-height: 17.9400005340576px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, 'lucida grande', sans-serif; line-height: 17.9400005340576px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I'm a bit of a cross trainer between dance, rebounder (trampoline), weight lifting, walking and riding horses </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: helvetica, arial, 'lucida grande', sans-serif; line-height: 17.9400005340576px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #93c47d;">[featured in the photos is her beloved horse Frankie!]</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, 'lucida grande', sans-serif; line-height: 17.9400005340576px; white-space: pre-wrap;">. The dance and riding got started in my youth, being an avid equestrian and taking ballet as well as having a grandmother who was a toe dancer ballerina who taught me a lot about dance. Weight lifting started in high school because I wanted to be strong for jumping horses. The rebounder and walking came later in life because they both produce stress relief and are low impact. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">B&D:</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, 'lucida grande', sans-serif; line-height: 17.9400005340576px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, 'lucida grande', sans-serif; line-height: 17.9400005340576px; white-space: pre-wrap;">How do you feel these forms </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, 'lucida grande', sans-serif; line-height: 17.9400005340576px; white-space: pre-wrap;">of exercise are beneficial, as compared to more conventional gym workouts?</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: helvetica, arial, 'lucida grande', sans-serif; line-height: 17.9400005340576px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #93c47d;">CC: </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, 'lucida grande', sans-serif; line-height: 17.9400005340576px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I prefer my crosstraining over conventional gym for many reasons. For me, it keeps me from getting bored, the rebounder, weightlifting and dance can be done inside and at the spur of the moment. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: helvetica, arial, 'lucida grande', sans-serif; line-height: 17.9400005340576px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #38761d;">B&D: </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, 'lucida grande', sans-serif; line-height: 17.9400005340576px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Who inspires you?</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: helvetica, arial, 'lucida grande', sans-serif; line-height: 17.9400005340576px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #93c47d;">CC:</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, 'lucida grande', sans-serif; line-height: 17.9400005340576px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, 'lucida grande', sans-serif; line-height: 17.9400005340576px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I'm inspired by anyone who doesn't let limitations stop them from becoming fit. I especially admire people who don't allow age or gender to be a limitation.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">B&D: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, 'lucida grande', sans-serif; line-height: 17.9400005340576px; white-space: pre-wrap;">It sounds like you have a varied and interesting regimen! Do you have a favorite form of exercise?</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: helvetica, arial, 'lucida grande', sans-serif; line-height: 17.9400005340576px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #93c47d;">CC: </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, 'lucida grande', sans-serif; line-height: 17.9400005340576px; white-space: pre-wrap;">My 2 favorite forms of exercise are dance and riding horses because it is like dancing with horses if done right. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhplo6PexkJKU4LZUSas47AYH1mblkLez7xe2-X0_I6kRwHyacW9w3771rWL5Vvwna4_-U5f1mKE4gl8KXXaZUrgrkJLgFZ6ScT55gVW10tppuAJQT3xyrEb-cxECBYXHQQrYu8FrWhyphenhyphen5Cu/s1600/STG+Christel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhplo6PexkJKU4LZUSas47AYH1mblkLez7xe2-X0_I6kRwHyacW9w3771rWL5Vvwna4_-U5f1mKE4gl8KXXaZUrgrkJLgFZ6ScT55gVW10tppuAJQT3xyrEb-cxECBYXHQQrYu8FrWhyphenhyphen5Cu/s400/STG+Christel.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: helvetica, arial, 'lucida grande', sans-serif; line-height: 17.9400005340576px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #38761d;">B&D:</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, 'lucida grande', sans-serif; line-height: 17.9400005340576px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, 'lucida grande', sans-serif; line-height: 17.9400005340576px; white-space: pre-wrap;">When you're tired or not in the mood to exercise, what motivates you?</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #93c47d; font-family: helvetica, arial, 'lucida grande', sans-serif; line-height: 17.9400005340576px; white-space: pre-wrap;">CC: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, 'lucida grande', sans-serif; line-height: 17.9400005340576px; white-space: pre-wrap;">When I'm tired or lazy, my motivation is how much worse I will feel if I don't get out and move.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: helvetica, arial, 'lucida grande', sans-serif; line-height: 17.9400005340576px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #38761d;">B&D: </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, 'lucida grande', sans-serif; line-height: 17.9400005340576px; white-space: pre-wrap;">What does your daily diet and nutrition consist of, to fuel all of these activities?</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #93c47d; font-family: helvetica, arial, 'lucida grande', sans-serif; line-height: 17.9400005340576px; white-space: pre-wrap;">CC: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, 'lucida grande', sans-serif; line-height: 17.9400005340576px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I eat whatever my body is craving. I gave up strict diets and regimens years ago because I'm prone to eating disorders and have overcome bulimia and anorexia in my life. The strictness of dieting puts me right back in that overly controlling space and diets don't work anyways. The minute you go back to eating a normal amount of calories from a lesser one, the body regains the weight plus more, in my experience. I'm working along the principles found in the book "Mindful Eating" as a way to work on healthful eating that supports me as an individual. A much better approach for my mind, body and soul.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, lucida grande, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17.9400005340576px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #141823;">You can find out more about Christel's eating philosophy in this book, </span><span style="color: #6aa84f;">'<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mindful-Eating-Rediscovering-Healthy-Relationship/dp/1590305310/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1432489097&sr=8-1&keywords=mindful+eating" target="_blank">Mindful Eating</a>'.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, lucida grande, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17.9400005340576px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Thank you, Christel, for taking the time to answer a few questions, with grace and honesty. Your journey and perspective is inspiring! Although some people prefer more scheduled and habitual workouts, it's nice to hear from someone who incorporates a variety of activities into their regimen. Rock on with your bat self. ^^V^^</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica, arial, lucida grande, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17.9400005340576px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Coming up: Next week we will have a progress update, photos, and a healthy oil-free dressing recipe. Subscribe and share so you don't miss it!</i></span></span>BatsAndDumbellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07880076127543162670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6764721810188847775.post-21416726245570723632015-05-17T15:21:00.002-07:002015-05-17T15:37:29.212-07:00No more Makeup Meltdown!<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">No More Makeup Meltdown!</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">Batty eye makeup that won't move when you do.</span></span><br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7C49fiHdAjCoxB-CK_NZVl_L8013-KDex246y0hquygNjyJ7gFegk5Au9MVqC9ZFvXlHZV9ZOKpsj1m_gbXGUtD3ySGBOEEWNKTxD04FKtB2kpM98yf86DwUXeFepuphMVzPAIlacYa7q/s1600/B&D+Makeup1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7C49fiHdAjCoxB-CK_NZVl_L8013-KDex246y0hquygNjyJ7gFegk5Au9MVqC9ZFvXlHZV9ZOKpsj1m_gbXGUtD3ySGBOEEWNKTxD04FKtB2kpM98yf86DwUXeFepuphMVzPAIlacYa7q/s400/B&D+Makeup1.jpg" width="400"></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">You finish your workout and you go to the restroom to wash up. What you see in the mirror resembles a wet raccoon that lost a round of paintball. Before you started your workout, your eyes looked flawless! They were precisely lined and shadowed and you looked like a gothic princess. Now you look like you barely survived a paint war!</span><br>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">It's difficult to find sweat-proof makeup techniques that won't take you an hour to apply, but the answer to your woes of meltdown is really quite simple. You don't need layers of this and layers of that and powders and blotting. All you really need is a GOOD primer. </span><br>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">There are many eye makeup primers on the market today, and I've tried more than a handful. They range in price from around $7-$30 or more. I've tried all of the price ranges, and the good news is that the one that works the best for me is the cheapest! Wet 'n Wild Fergie is not only inexpensive and very effective, but it's also around $7. It out-performed Urban Decay, L'Oreal and all of the others I tried. PLUS, it's vegan and cruelty free!</span><br>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">There are a few tips to keep in mind when applying it:</span><br>
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<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">It dries FAST. Have all of your colors and tools ready to use before applying the primer. It's only workable and blendable when wet, and I'd estimate that it dries in 30 seconds.</span></li>
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<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Because of the above, you may need to apply it a little at a time. For example, if you're using eyeshadow on your lids and below your lash line, you may want to apply the primer to the lid first, then your eyeshadow, then apply primer below your lash line and then the shadow for that area.</span></li>
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<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">A little goes a long way. You only need the smallest amount for it to be effective. It sometimes dries white, so avoid putting it on too heavy or in areas that will not be covered with color.</span></li>
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<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Use a very small or flat makeup brush to apply the primer to smaller areas, such as under the lash line.</span></li>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">With that being said, enjoy this fun and batty budge-proof eyeshadow tutorial! </span><b><i><span style="color: #38761d;">This is the official Bats and Dumbells makeup look! </span></i></b><span style="color: #222222;">If you try it, please share your look in the comments section!</span></span><br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFQll_L88YLonaUDeXfqHzV65kPK9XjJQ-ARaNobZQz44ECXsWe6TvtY07a-_C-Lb5bNxau6JoVOEN3DQLCZ6SWKxlae8zXPYAI8VCbO9W6419Ejtwf3rUP7hyphenhyphenSonMQK1SYZY3xTZGq66O/s1600/B&D+Makeup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFQll_L88YLonaUDeXfqHzV65kPK9XjJQ-ARaNobZQz44ECXsWe6TvtY07a-_C-Lb5bNxau6JoVOEN3DQLCZ6SWKxlae8zXPYAI8VCbO9W6419Ejtwf3rUP7hyphenhyphenSonMQK1SYZY3xTZGq66O/s400/B&D+Makeup.jpg" width="400"></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">The products I used are as follows:</span><br>
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<li><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">Step 1:</span><span style="color: #6aa84f;"> <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/82306520/mineral-black-mascara-creamy-cake?ref=listing-shop-header-2" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Mineral Mascara/Eyeliner by Keeping it Natural</span></a></span></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Step 2: </span><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B00AXYJY1Y/ref=sr_1_1_olp?ie=UTF8&qid=1431900488&sr=8-1&keywords=wet+n+wild+primer&condition=new" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Wet'n Wild Fergie Primer</span></a> and</span><span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.manicpanic.com/eyeshadowsingles" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Manic Panic Eyeshadow Singles in Castle Moss</a></span></li>
</ul>
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<li><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Step 3: <a href="http://www.manicpanic.com/powderedblush" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Manic Panic Powder Blush/Eye Shadow in Reptile Smile</span></a></span></li>
</ul>
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<li><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Step 4 & 5: <span style="color: #6aa84f;"><a href="http://www.manicpanic.com/raven-dreamliner-liquid-eye-liner" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Manic Panic Dreamliner in Raven</span></a> or for a more subtle, charcoal color you may use </span></span><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/82306520/mineral-black-mascara-creamy-cake?ref=listing-shop-header-2" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Mineral Mascara/Eyeliner by Keeping it Natural</span></a></li>
</ul>
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<li><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Step 6: </span><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B00AXYJY1Y/ref=sr_1_1_olp?ie=UTF8&qid=1431900488&sr=8-1&keywords=wet+n+wild+primer&condition=new" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Wet'n Wild Fergie Primer</span></a> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and <a href="http://www.manicpanic.com/love-colors-glitter-eye-shadow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Manic Panic Love Colors in Wicked White</span></a></span></span></li>
</ul>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Step 7: </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B00AXYJY1Y/ref=sr_1_1_olp?ie=UTF8&qid=1431900488&sr=8-1&keywords=wet+n+wild+primer&condition=new" style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Wet'n Wild Fergie Primer</span></a><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> and </span><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.manicpanic.com/eyeshadowsingles" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Manic Panic Eyeshadow Singles in Castle Moss</a></span></li>
</ul>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Step 8: </span><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/82306520/mineral-black-mascara-creamy-cake?ref=listing-shop-header-2" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Mineral Mascara/Eyeliner by Keeping it Natural</span></a></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Removal is a bit tricky. This look REALLY STAYS ON. Usually, coconut oil will take off any stubborn makeup I apply, but not in this case. Shy of using a chisel, I recommend <a href="http://www.manicpanic.com/dreamremover" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Manic Panic Dream Remover.</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">More stay-in-place makeup tips will follow in the future, so be sure to subscribe to this blog so you don't miss a thing.</span>BatsAndDumbellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07880076127543162670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6764721810188847775.post-50397237380995593782015-04-20T17:21:00.002-07:002015-04-20T17:21:35.649-07:00Skip The Gym-Build Your Own<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Skip The Gym-</span>Build Your Own!</span></h2>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Hacks and tips for creating your own fitness space.</span></span></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuz1zJ6qGYcZmxxLfRkIPKo4zqOkKqtZoa0KNRXwNFgRIhTWY6aZ8VYrZ45xtsCjfC8TT5KibRr-PgcSE_XSvu1HraPx7_ZOWNQ3oss2x9Jh14aMEfepoQMy2RGaYiOcmMeOjvK17E3lr9/s1600/Skip+the+Gym+BYO.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuz1zJ6qGYcZmxxLfRkIPKo4zqOkKqtZoa0KNRXwNFgRIhTWY6aZ8VYrZ45xtsCjfC8TT5KibRr-PgcSE_XSvu1HraPx7_ZOWNQ3oss2x9Jh14aMEfepoQMy2RGaYiOcmMeOjvK17E3lr9/s1600/Skip+the+Gym+BYO.jpg" height="640" width="512" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Obviously gyms are a fantastic way to get fit. You have access to high tech machinery and equipment, not to mention personal trainers. If you like the gym, by all means don't skip it! This series is for people like myself who aren't <b>"gym people"</b>. Maybe you aren't very social. Maybe you don't want to be looked at or spoken to during your workout. Maybe you live in a rural area without close access to a facility. Whatever your reasons for not being a "gym person", this series will help to give you ideas on how to maintain a healthy, effective alternative exercise regimen...no gym required!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Personally, I have a home gym I have built over the years. I love it. I can get in a great daily workout with the only hassle being climbing to my 3rd floor art studio/fitness cave. You might be wondering '<b><i>How much does that cost</i></b>?' '<i><b>How much space do I need</b></i>?' '<i><b>Where would I start</b></i>?' I'm hoping to help to answer these questions for you. I'm also going to give you tips to save you money and time!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">This segment is based on my own home gym. You may have different forms of exercise you like doing, different fitness goals, and may need to build your own home gym differently than I have. Use this as a guide, and tweak it to suit your personal fitness needs.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">How much space do I need?</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">The total area of my home gym equipment and "free" floor space area is 80 square feet (an 8'x10' space). This gives me plenty of space to move around, lift heavy, bust out cardio and flex. :) There is also plenty of space for my kitty Joy Faery to take a bath, as you can see here. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">In this space I have the following items:</span><br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b>1.5 lb. Ankle Weights</b></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b>3 lb. Dumbbells</b></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b>8 lb. Dumbbells</b></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b>20 lb. Dumbbells</b></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b>Adjustable Dumbbells (5-50 lbs.)</b></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b>8 kg. Kettlebells</b></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b>Yoga Mat</b></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b>Exercise Mat</b></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b>Elliptical</b></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b>Fitness Band</b></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b>Balance Ball</b></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b>Other options: Printables and iPhone Apps</b></span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">How much does it cost?</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Probably not as much as you think! I have acquired these items over a period of 6 years or so. I just add to my home gym when my fitness needs evolve or change. You will notice on the graphic, I'm showing you my out-of-pocket costs thus far. Because many of these items have been gifts or acquired for free (which is why most items have no price), I'm also estimating costs of purchasing all of these items brand new. Of course, this will vary depending on brand, condition and quality.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Money-saving tips</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">There are many ways to save lots of money when building your home gym. Some items you could even acquire for <b>FREE</b>:</span><br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b>Ask for gym equipment</b> as gifts for birthdays and holidays. I've gotten a lot of my equipment this way.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b>Check sales and specials.</b></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b>Online auctions</b>, such as EBay</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b>Websites</b> like Freecycle, Craigslist. If you're interested in a mechanical piece of equipment such as a treadmill or Bowflex gym, it is always a good idea to bring along someone who is handy (if you are not) to give the equipment a quick once-over.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b>Garage sales</b> and online garage sales. Many towns have at least 1 local "garage sale" facebook page. Post in these, and check them for updated items being offered.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b>Shout it out</b>-once your inner circle of people knows you're interested in building a home gym, you'd be surprised how many of them have equipment at home, collecting dust, that they'd be willing to give to you or sell for cheap.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b style="color: #222222;">Fitness instructional videos</b><span style="color: #222222;">-youtube has a vast number of full-length videos in just about every genre you can think of. Some of them require basic equipment, such as a set of weights, while others require no equipment at all. I strongly recommend you check out </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/FitnessBlender" target="_blank"><span style="color: #38761d;">fitnessblender.com's</span></a><span style="color: #222222;"> channel for hundreds of free videos of all types.</span></span></li>
</ul>
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<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;"><b>Printables</b>-Pinterest (you may follow my Fitness board </span><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/zombiepixy/fitness-fiend/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #38761d;">here</span></a><span style="color: #274e13;">),</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> <a href="http://www.popsugar.com/latest/Printable-Workouts" target="_blank"><span style="color: #38761d;">POPSUGAR</span></a><span style="color: #222222;"> and </span><a href="http://workoutlabs.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #38761d;">WorkoutLabs</span></a><span style="color: #222222;"> are just a few of the resources where you can download and print free workouts. I have some hanging on my wall.</span></span></li>
</ul>
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<li><b style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Phone apps</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">-there are many </span><b style="color: #222222;">FREE</b><span style="color: #222222;"> and </span><b style="color: #222222;">CHEAP</b><span style="color: #222222;"> fitness apps for smartphones. My favorite iPhone apps include: </span><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/c25k-5k-trainer-free-go-from/id485971733?mt=8" target="_blank"><span style="color: #38761d;">C25K</span></a><span style="color: #222222;">, </span><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/sworkit-pro-custom-workout/id539623568?mt=8" target="_blank"><span style="color: #38761d;">Sworkit</span></a><span style="color: #222222;">, </span><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/interval-timer-timing-for/id406473568?mt=8" target="_blank"><span style="color: #38761d;">Interval Timer</span></a><span style="color: #222222;"> (this works great with the above mentioned printables), </span><a href="http://fitnessbuddyapp.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #38761d;">Fitness Buddy</span></a><span style="color: #222222;">. </span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><i><b>Note:</b> Although some people love them, I'm not a huge fan of the step tracker apps and devices. Measuring steps is not an accurate way to gauge your activity level. For example, if you walk for a half an hour, you're taking more steps than you would be if you engaged in plyometrics or kickboxing for example. However, the latter two workouts will have you burning far more calories and building much more muscle. Not to mention the calorie counters and step trackers on these devices are not always very accurate.</i></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">I hope I've answers some of your questions! Have you already started to put together your own home gym? </span><b><span style="color: #38761d;">If so, please share yours in the comments below!</span></b></span></div>
BatsAndDumbellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07880076127543162670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6764721810188847775.post-46520639360682949912015-04-03T19:10:00.001-07:002015-04-03T21:01:04.592-07:00Menstrual Massacre<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: x-large;">Tips to avoid Menstruation Massacre!</span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">Staying on track when the menses attack</span></span></span><br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixqs8QlQrl9dasHXEnESNIAYKR-EldvabOj2kDPZ3E5rjp18dwuA37qNvPSNNBYWmh74e_gPQiJyc0KhR-mfVKjz9CVIVakPIglF3aQaoWFR2Cp5dfaewJdtqtbdvAacGzLy8lOUNJKv6A/s1600/Menstrual.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixqs8QlQrl9dasHXEnESNIAYKR-EldvabOj2kDPZ3E5rjp18dwuA37qNvPSNNBYWmh74e_gPQiJyc0KhR-mfVKjz9CVIVakPIglF3aQaoWFR2Cp5dfaewJdtqtbdvAacGzLy8lOUNJKv6A/s1600/Menstrual.jpg" height="640" width="512"></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><br style="background-color: white;"></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">The headline may be a bit extreme, as I know menstruation is just a natural (some would say beautiful) part of life for women. But if you're anything like me, you dread the arrival of Aunt Flo because she has a tendency to overwhelm, if not annihilate, fitness goals during her stay. If you are one of those women in tampon commercials frolicking in a field of lavender in a white gauze dress or excitedly sitting on a bike in spin class, then this post isn't for you. Since I'm pretty sure those women only exist somewhere beyond the rainbow alongside the mythical unicorn, you may want to read on.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Now I can't claim to always successful in battling the bloat, especially when it sneaks up on me (like this month). However, if you can achieve success with ANY of these suggestions, then you've achieved *something*.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Arm yourself with the following items, 3-5 days before your period starts:</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"></span><br>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Red Raspberry Herbal Tea</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Berries of any kind</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Watermelon</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Leafy Greens</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Apples</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Nuts/Seeds, Salted</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Sea Salt</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Vegan Dark Chocolate</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Denise Austin's Indoor Walk video</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Heating Pad</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #38761d;">A Bottle of Absinthe</span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Mmmmm....absinthe....</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">...but we will get to that in a moment.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"></span><h3>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Red Raspberry Tea</span></span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">At least 3 days before you expect to start your period, start drinking 3 cups of red raspberry tea per day. Continue this through the last day of your period. Red raspberry is used to aid in the prevention and relief of cramps.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"></span><h3>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Berries of any Kind</span></span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Eat handfuls of them a few times a day, either with a meal or as a snack. Loaded with vitamins and antioxidants, berries can also be used in the prevention and relief of cramps.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"></span><h3>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Watermelon</span></span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Eat it, a cup at a time a few times a day. You can mix it with your berries for a nice fruit salad. Studies have shown watermelon to have muscle pain-relieving properties (also great to eat any time of the month an hour before a workout to aid in muscle recovery).</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"></span><h3>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Leafy Greens</span></span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Eat liberally, with every meal. High in iron, leafy greens can aid in replenishing the iron you lose while bleeding. They also tend to have a good amount of calcium and other nutrients.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"></span><h3>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Apples</span></span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Mix with your other fruits for a fruit salad, or eat by itself to help curb appetite and reduce or eliminate cramping.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"></span><h3>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Nuts and Seeds, Salted</span></span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Usually, raw unsalted nuts are best. But this time of the month, salted nuts serve many purposes. Before grabbing a handful of chips, grab a handful of nuts instead! They're packed with protein, calcium, omega fatty acids and other nutrients which makes them a superior salty snack to chips, which are just empty calories (chips are my downfall when I'm flowing!). Nuts satisfy the salt craving many women get, and they're filling. Try to fight the urge to quickly gorge on them! Eat them very slowly, savoring the salty flavor. Eating more slowly will help you to feel more full and hopefully reduce binges.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"></span><h3>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Sea Salt</span></span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Ok, so you've eaten a handful of nuts, have eaten them slowly but STILL crave salt! Gargle with sea salt water, without swallowing. You will still be absorbing some of the sodium, so be careful how many times you do this and the quantity of salt you use. This method will give you the taste you crave, without ingesting all of the salt (which can make you more bloated).</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"></span><h3>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Vegan Dark Chocolate</span></span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Even if you're not vegan, opt for the vegan chocolate option here. Anything that contains milk contains the protein casein. Casein is addictive-it exists to ensure that infant cows will continue to nurse. If you stick with a casein-free chocolate when those cravings hit, you may be more likely to eat less of it than you would a milk chocolate or non-vegan dark chocolate.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"></span><h3>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Walking Video</span></span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Now let's talk exercise. Menstruation is different for every woman, so listen to your body. You may be able to just take an aspirin and dive right into a high intensity workout. It's quite possible this won't be the case. If you feel how I feel, you're depleted of energy and your back and stomach hurt so badly that you want to make the couch your temporary home for a few days. No matter how awful and sluggish I feel, I try (note I said "try"; again, listen to your body. Over-exertion can make your menstrual experience worse) to at least get in a 15-minute walk. If you don't belong to a gym and don't have access to a treadmill, don't feel like going outside, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Blast-Away-Pounds-Indoor-Walk/dp/B000BQ7J8O" target="_blank">watch this video</a>. Segments are also available on Youtube. It's ridiculously easy, silly even. There are 3 levels on the video, and most beginners can follow any of them. They're equivalent to a 2-mile easy walk and you don't even have to leave your house. If you feel pain and discomfort, or if your body tells you to stop, listen to that body! But remember doing SOMETHING is better than doing NOTHING.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"></span><h3>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Heating Pad</span></span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Self-explanatory, helps to provide comfort and relief to cramps and aches. When I use mine, I can reduce my dependence on aspirin. It's also comforting, like a good snuggle with a warm cat.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"></span><h3>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Absinthe, when all else fails</span></span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Well, you've tried all of the above. You ate your berries, you tried your heating pad, you tried the indoor walk. You are still miserable. All you want is some relief, for crying out loud! Enter The Green Faery, Le Fae Verde, the little imp that hides inside the absinthe bottle. Mind you, alcohol is never recommended by anyone as a substance to be included in your health or fitness lifestyle, but desperate times call for desperate measures. Why am I suggesting absinthe over the popular red wine option? The answer is in the bottle. One of the main herbs used to brew absinthe is wormwood. Wormwood has been used for centuries in treating womens' issues such as period cramps. I can attest to the fact that it really does help with the pain. Absinthe has a very high alcohol content, so always dilute, sip sparingly, and you don't need much to help ease the pain. A glass or two is plenty. Make sure you drink plenty of water also, as alcohol is dehydrating.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">I'd be lying if I told you I hadn't just skipped to the final step on occasion.</span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">BatsAndDumbellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07880076127543162670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6764721810188847775.post-56780320041451283702015-03-30T17:29:00.002-07:002015-03-30T17:29:55.736-07:00How to Fight 'Puter Booty in 5 Easy Steps<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;">How to Fight 'Puter Booty in 5 Easy Steps</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVwsOgRjvTdtAL1lIiM94tr16VMNt3ruB2RH-qdZRUhX8esm_MKFBxIY_dSlGLoesaJTmsibGAcrme2WlQFJayBJP3ftZgUOruurG5gYyhSyjx5-mlCjuq-Um85CG-KA_xMbjCs0yCe6Aa/s1600/Progress+photos+March.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVwsOgRjvTdtAL1lIiM94tr16VMNt3ruB2RH-qdZRUhX8esm_MKFBxIY_dSlGLoesaJTmsibGAcrme2WlQFJayBJP3ftZgUOruurG5gYyhSyjx5-mlCjuq-Um85CG-KA_xMbjCs0yCe6Aa/s1600/Progress+photos+March.jpg" height="640" width="414" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;"><br style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" /></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">A new work week is upon us, and for those of us with office jobs, this might mean staring at a computer all day. Having a stagnant office job can be tough when you're trying to stay fit. Sitting all day is bad for your posture, calorie burn, circulation and a host of other issues.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">These 5 simple exercises do not take the place of your daily workout, but they can certainly enhance your exercise program. Do the following 5-minute routine 6 times throughout your day for a total half an hour of exercise. Perform each exercise sitting up straight for 1 minute. It's helpful to set a timer or stopwatch. I use the Interval Timer app on my phone. If you're feeling extra strong and have the time, add the two BONUS exercises listed below for a 7-minute routine.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Another benefit of this easy routine is that even if you have a cubicle instead of a private office, these exercises are subtle and can pretty much be done undetected.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #38761d;">1) Quad Lift</span></b></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Flex your quads to bring your legs parallel with the floor. If this is enough, hold here for 5 seconds, release, and repeat for 1 minute. For a bit more strengthening, flex your heels and lift your legs slightly (for most people this movement is very small, maybe an inch). Hold for 5 seconds, release and repeat for 1 minute.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" /><b><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">2) Calf Lift</span></span></b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">With your feet flat on the floor, lift your heels and flex your calves so that you're on the ball of your feet. Hold for 5 seconds, release and repeat for 1 minute. For a bit more of a challenge, add resistance by gently pressing the quads or placing a full water bottle on your quads, right above the knee.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #38761d;">3) Shoulder Clench</span></b></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Push your shoulders back while pulling your shoulder blades together. Hold for 5 seconds, release and repeat for 1 minute.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><b>4) Glute Clench</b></span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Contract your Glute (butt) muscles. Hold for 5 seconds, release and repeat for 1 minute.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #38761d;">5) Ab Clench</span></b></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Contract your Glute (butt) muscles. Hold for 5 seconds, release and repeat for 1 minute.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b>Bonus</b> exercises to add to this routine:</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #38761d;">6) Tricep Clench</span></b></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Place your arms stiffly at your sides and lift them behind you to a comfortable angle (a subtle 20 degree angle or so should be fine). Clench your triceps. Hold for 5 seconds, release and repeat for 1 minute.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #38761d;">7) Bicep Clench</span></b></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Bend your arms and hold them do that your elbows fit snugly at your waist. Clench your biceps. Hold for 5 seconds, release and repeat for 1 minute.</span>BatsAndDumbellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07880076127543162670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6764721810188847775.post-1778365005945593662015-03-28T11:49:00.002-07:002015-03-28T11:56:29.832-07:00Cobweb Pizza Recipe<span style="color: #274e13; font-size: x-large;">Motivate your Bat Self-Cobweb Pizza</span><br>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Vegan, 250 Calories or Under!</span><br>
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The weekend is here! Pizza on a friday or Saturday is a staple in many American homes, including mine. Luckily, I have found a way to have my slice and eat it too, without undoing all of the good I have done for my body during the week! I have this pizza every single Friday, changing up the toppings depending on my mood.<br>
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This week I made it with crumbled tempeh, so that will be the basis of this recipe. Of course, the calorie count will vary depending on the exact cheese and topping you use, but it's really easy to keep the calorie count down because of the awesome crust that is used.<br>
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This pizza is the perfect portion for one person! Feel free to pair it with a piece of fruit or a side salad (just watch the calories in your dressing). for an EASY, filling meal.<br>
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Serves: 1<br>
Prep Time: 20 minutes<br>
Cook time: 15 minutes<br>
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Ingredients:<br>
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<li>1/8 block of Teese vegan cheese (Teese tends to be lower in calories than most vegan cheeses) or 1 slice of vegan cheese slices of your choice</li>
<li>1/4 cup crumbled tempeh</li>
<li>1 tbs pizza sauce or pasta sauce</li>
<li>1 <span style="color: #274e13;"><a href="http://www3.netrition.com/josephs_bakery_pita_bread.html" target="_blank">Joseph's pita bread</a>,</span> the Flax Oatbran Whole Wheat variety</li>
<li>Italian spices, to taste</li>
<li>1 tsp soy sauce</li>
<li>2 tbs water</li>
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Method:</div>
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<li>In a small bowl or cup, mix soy sauce, water and a bit of Italian seasoning taste. Add crumbled tempeh and mix well. </li>
<li>On a lightly greased pan, broil tempeh for 5 minutes, or before it starts to burn. Remove from oven and set aside.</li>
<li>Preheat oven to 400 degrees.</li>
<li>Slice your vegan cheese into thin, 1/8" strips.</li>
<li>Add pizza or pasta sauce to crust (Joseph's pita).</li>
<li>Add your toppings, in this case the tempeh. Spread evenly and flatten a bit with a spatula.</li>
<li>Add your cheese, making a cobweb formation.</li>
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Your creation should now look something like this. I decided at the last minute that I wanted "bugs" in my cobweb, so I aded some sliced black olives. Isn't it cute?</div>
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Bake on a lightly greased pan for approximately 15 minutes, checking on it periodically to make sure it does not burn.</div>
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That's it! Now let cool, and nom nom away, completely guilt free..</div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;">The Batty Breakdown:</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">Approximate Calories: 215</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">Fat: 8.5 grams</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">Carbs: 25.4</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">Protein: 14.7</span></div>
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BatsAndDumbellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07880076127543162670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6764721810188847775.post-88318588958788235642015-03-27T17:40:00.004-07:002015-03-27T20:52:55.216-07:00Welcome to the Bats and Dumbells<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;">Welcome to the Bat Cave!</span><br>
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Welcome to my little corner of the fitness world! My <b>"About Me"</b> section goes into more detail as to why this blog exists, but I am really looking forward to sharing my ideas, tips and my personal journey with you!<br>
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Please follow me for some great recipes and tips, to be posted throughout the weekend as a part of my <span style="color: #38761d;"><b>"Motivate Your Bat Self"</b></span> series. It's so hard to stay on track on the weekends, and very easy to lose focus of your fitness goals. I have just a hard a time as anyone else with this, which is why I feel like we could all maybe use a bit of motivation on the weekends to help keep us moving in the right direction...even on a Sunday. Tomorrow I will be posting a recipe for a Cobweb Pizza that is so easy and healthy that it must be magical. I mean, under 250 calories kind of magic! Stay tuned for that, but first I just want to post my first log, or diary.<br>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">March 27th 2015</span><br>
While this certainly is not the start of my fitness journey (I've been involved in fitness and exercise since I was a teenager), it is the start of a new chapter in my journey. Around 3 months ago I started to focus on bodybuilding. I got to my heaviest weight in December. I am 5'6" and weighed in at 160 pounds. Sure, a lot of that is muscle from years of regular exercise, but some of it is surely fat. I developed some poor eating habits, combined with a stagnant desk job, and a slowing metabolism which all contributed to my weight peak. I don't lose weight nearly as quickly as I used to, in fact, I have been seriously trying to lose weight for over a year with no avail.<br>
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With all of this being said, I needed to make a change. I had been lean and toned my whole life, and this new-found muffin top is not my friend. Weight-lifting is by far my FAVORITE form of exercise. I love the feeling of physical and mental strength. Although I am aware that bodybuilding is not the quickest way to lose weight, I want that muscular, strong, lean body and the strong mind that comes from that hard work. Since starting bodybuilding in December, I had gained a lot of muscle but wasn't really seeing any fat loss, or weight loss, until two weeks ago. What did I start doing two weeks ago that was different? Fruit. Lots and lots of fruit. Also, eating 1-2 raw meals per day. In two weeks, I have lost 3 pounds and am starting to feel like less of a stuffed sausage in my clothing due to my gain in muscle tone. This is where I am today, at 157 pounds. I still have 22 pounds to reach my goal weight, but this is my reality at the moment.<br>
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I will try to post weekly photo updates of my progress. I am also keeping track of my Daily Stats on the sidebar on the right hand side of this page. Thank you for following my journey! I would love to hear about your own fitness goals and ideas that have worked for you. Until next time, Batlings...</div>
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~Pixy</div>
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<br>BatsAndDumbellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07880076127543162670noreply@blogger.com0