Orange Cinnamon Chicken

I just discovered a new seasoning! Seasonings are really a great way to mix up your meals without overcomplicating anything:) I am all about quick meals, so playing around with seasonings is the perfect way for me to add variety, while still being efficient with my time!  So this is what I have been using to season my chicken and oatmeal for the last couple of days, and I really LOVE IT! I like cinnamon on just about anything, and have had it on chicken before, but adding the orange peel gives it something a little extra! It's delicious! I got the orange peel seasoning at Safeway, but I think it can be easily found in most local grocery stores:)

If It Fits Your Macros: IIFYM

IIFYM is becoming more and more popular in the fitness world. The IIFYM diet is pretty simple. Eat the right amount of calories in combination with the proper ratios of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

The appealing thing about IIFYM is that it allows you to indulge in some of the foods you love. If you are planning to go out with your friends for pizza you can track the carbs, proteins, and fats from your pizza and eat the rest of your meals to keep your macro ratios balanced for the day! AND while you live a little, you can look good...and when I say that, I mean it is possible to maintain the nice abs and toned body that you work so hard for.

SO. How many calories should you be eating? It varies from person to person. One of the best ways to find out how much you should be eating is to experiment. The first place I would start is with your BASAL METABOLIC RATE. Don't go below that number. In fact, you should generally be at least a couple hundred calories above that number (this does depend on your circumstances...hiring a knowledgeable trainer or coach ;) will help you to really dial in on the details). 

Next, what should your macro ratios be? Again, this will vary from person to person, and I repeat that the best way to find out what works for you is to experiment. I like to start people off with a 50% carbohydrate, 30% protein, and 20% fat ratio.

What?! You don't like math? Well, my friends...there is an app (website) for that:) and it's free. I use it myself to track what I am eating and it has a really cool feature that breaks your macros into a really pretty little pie chart for you:) 

If you think this is something that has potential for you, I hope that my tips can help! 

A Few Of My Favorite Things

The holidays are approaching. The treats are abundant. Soon enough, New Year's will roll on in and there will most likely be a two month surge of traffic at the gym. Luckily, there are a few items that I love that I can use at home to get my workouts in during the annual gym 'rush hour' (because heavens knows that I will surely not be waking up early enough to avoid it). Want to avoid the rush too? Let me share a few of my favorite 'at home' fitness gear!

Gymboss

This thing is AMAZING. You will sweat like you never have before. My favorite thing about this tool. It takes away any excuses you might have for slacking on working out or intensity. Best little thing around. I've got my eye on getting a new orange one!!!

Ultimate Sandbag

If you don't have a full set of weights at home already (or even if you do), you will love the ultimate sandbag. You can add or remove weight for your individual level. You can literally pack it to go anywhere. And the added instability of the sand (or water...I am still wishing for the water inserts myself) as it shifts around during exercises, will give you a workout like you can't imagine. And as an added bonus: it is a fabulous tool to increase your gymboss intensity even further:)

Ugi

Love, love, love. Instability balls are nice. Medicine balls are nice. The ugi is double nice. I love this weighted, rubber ball that you can use for stability and strength exercises. It is probably my favorite tool for ab work. It actually makes it fun (and abs are probably my least favorite spot to work...so this is really awesome for me). AND it is cute:) There are lots of fun colors to choose from!

Ultimate Body Press Dip Stand

If you want to learn how to do pull-ups, this is an awesome way to start. Not to mention rows, push-ups, dips, leg lifts, and countless other exercises. I get my butt kicked every time I use this. It wears me out. But, like the items listed above, it allows you to push yourself at your own pace at home. It is also easy to pack. I took it to Texas and back with ease. 

Yoga Mat

I have a cheap one from Walmart for about ten dollars, and it was great for my beginners course at the college, and I still use it to soften the floor for abs. I also have a more expensive Manduka ProLite, which I have loved for my yoga classes during the week. It is sticky and durable (there is no way I will have to buy one in the next couple of years...3 classes/week...not bad). And it has a lifetime guarantee, so I can just send it in when it's had it's day (if that ever happens). About $85...totally worth it.

There are definitely more things that I love having for my home workouts, but these are a few favorites and my go-to items:) If you are ready to invest in a home gym, this is the way to go. If not, no pressure. Home workout equipment can be completely free!

In fact, here is a workout you can do right now! 

12 minutes:)  Free Interval Timer Online!

18 Rounds: 10 seconds rest, 30 seconds work

(You will complete each exercise 3 times)

1. Squat and side-kick

2. Low Jumping Jacks

3. Lunge and Twist

4. High Knees

5. Curtsey Lunge

6. Low Jumping Jacks