Update From the Bat Cave-May 2015

Update From the Bat Cave
May 2015

I haven't posted an update in awhile, and it's long overdue! 

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. 

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!

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 worth it. 

Starting weight: 158 lbs.
Current weight: 151 lbs.
Time lapsed: 20 days

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!

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.

Since I'm sure you're dying to know where to find him, here are some links:

Instagram handle: @conscious_muscle

Facebook: Conscious Muscle

Get on it and get fit!

Coming up next: a healthy oil-free salad dressing recipe with a kick! Maybe a punch also. :)

Skip The Gym

Skip The Gym
Ride a Horse! An Interview with Christel Cole

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. 

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!

B&D: What is your preferred form(s) of fitness, and how did you get started?

CC: I'm a bit of a cross trainer between dance, rebounder (trampoline), weight lifting, walking and riding horses [featured in the photos is her beloved horse Frankie!]. 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.

B&D: How do you feel these forms of exercise are beneficial, as compared to more conventional gym workouts?

CC: 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.

B&D: Who inspires you?

CC: 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.

B&D: It sounds like you have a varied and interesting regimen! Do you have a favorite form of exercise?

CC: My 2 favorite forms of exercise are dance and riding horses because it is like dancing with horses if done right.

B&D: When you're tired or not in the mood to exercise, what motivates you?

CC: When I'm tired or lazy, my motivation is how much worse I will feel if I don't get out and move.

B&D: What does your daily diet and nutrition consist of, to fuel all of these activities?

CC: 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.

You can find out more about Christel's eating philosophy in this book, 'Mindful Eating'.

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^^

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!

Cobweb Pizza Recipe

Motivate your Bat Self-Cobweb Pizza
Vegan, 250 Calories or Under!

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.

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.

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.

Serves: 1
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 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
• 1/4 cup crumbled tempeh
• 1 tbs pizza sauce or pasta sauce
• 1 Joseph's pita bread, the Flax Oatbran Whole Wheat variety
• Italian spices, to taste
• 1 tsp soy sauce
• 2 tbs water

Method:

• In a small bowl or cup, mix soy sauce, water and a bit of Italian seasoning taste. Add crumbled tempeh and mix well. 
• On a lightly greased pan, broil tempeh for 5 minutes, or before it starts to burn. Remove from oven and set aside.
• Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
• Slice your vegan cheese into thin, 1/8" strips.
• Add pizza or pasta sauce to crust (Joseph's pita).
• Add your toppings, in this case the tempeh. Spread evenly and flatten a bit with a spatula.
• Add your cheese, making a cobweb formation.

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?

Bake on a lightly greased pan for approximately 15 minutes, checking on it periodically to make sure it does not burn.

That's it! Now let cool, and nom nom away, completely guilt free..

The Batty Breakdown:

Approximate Calories: 215

Fat: 8.5 grams

Carbs: 25.4

Protein: 14.7