The Fit Skool | by Kelly

November 17, 2014
by Kelly @ The Fit Skool
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YMCA Challenge & Weekend Recap!

Hiiii Everyone!

I hope you all had a lovely weekend, mine was great but somehow flew by too fast! I accomplished a fair amount this weekend. Here is a quick recap: I got a haircut at Jose Henrique salon on Greenwich Avenue (Thank you Groupon for inspiring me to try a new place!) I loved it.

Ava fell asleep for the first time on her own downstairs in the living room. It was pretty funny to watch.

Apparently she wasn’t into Scandal!

Sunday morning we made an early morning Target Trip that resulted in $160 spent… stuff always seems to quickly add up at Target, does that happen to you?

Besides groceries, diapers, and random things…Ava got a new winter Jacket and I got a new workout headband!

In the afternoon I went to the YMCA Challenge fundraiser. Members got the opportunity to team up with the staff and participate in shortened zumba, pilates, spin & boot camp classes.

Guys believe it or not I had never tried Zumba before yesterday. My co-worker Dana was awesome at teaching the Zumba class and we had a blast. I don’t think my moves were that great, but I could’ve Zumba’d for dayssss

I also had fun taking a sledgehammer to the big ol tire.

After I showered and entertained Ava for a bit, we cooked up some delicious Filet Mignon, Sweet potatoes, & Kale for dinner and watched the Patriots sunday night football game to end our weekend.

Now I am off to teach Group Power…

What did you do this weekend?

What are your target trips like?

November 14, 2014
by Kelly @ The Fit Skool
2 Comments

Healthy Pumpkin Pancakes

HAPPPY FRIDAYYY

I think it’s time to share this recipe with you. I really hate myself for saying it, but pumpkin season is coming to an end!! It’s time to use up those last couple cans of pumpkin you have in your pantry. I have a few cans left myself and I will definitely be making these delicious pancakes again.

Don’t be intimidated by making homemade Pumpkin Pancakes, they are super simple and come together quickly. They also make for a perfect weekend family breakfast.. and we loved them so much I made it twice in one week.

They also pair nicely with scrambled eggs!

Healthy Pumpkin Pancakes

Ingredients:

1 cup Oats

1 cup Pumpkin Puree

1 tbsp Canola Oil or Coconut Oil

1/4 cup Low Fat Milk or milk of choice

2 eggs

1/2 tsp Baking Soda

1/2 tsp Cinnamon

1/2 tsp Pumpkin Pie spice

1/4 tsp Sea salt

Directions: Place oats in a food processor with all the dry ingredients. Mix until oats look like flour (about 1 minute). Add in Pumpkin, Milk, Oil & Eggs. Mix until smooth.

Spray or use butter to coat a pancake pan or griddle, turn the heat to medium high. Scoop out mix to make medium size pancakes. Cook a few minutes then flip and cook 3-4 more minutes until golden & crispy.

Optional: add nuts or chocolate chips & serve warm with light butter and syrup.

Per Pancake: These are approximately 68 calories, 2.6g fat, 9.8g carbs, 1.8g fiber, 2g protein

Which do you love more: Pancakes or waffles?

What is your favorite breakfast meal?

November 13, 2014
by Kelly @ The Fit Skool
2 Comments

The baby’s asleep, hurry workout!

How many of you have tried to get a workout in while your child naps?? I have had numerous unsuccessful attempts at workouts and then I have had some that fit in perfectly with Ava’s nap schedule.

Ava’s naps are pretty consistent except if her teeth are bothering her or she’s sick. Then I never know how long she will sleep! Tuesday at around 4:15pm Ava fell asleep. I wrote up a QUICK workout that I knew I could squeeze in even if she didn’t sleep long. This workout is definitely great for busy moms or people looking to fit in some exercise with a tight schedule.

I first performed a 5 minute warm up, alternating between jogging in place, jumping jacks, and butt kicks.

I then set a timer for 10 minutes and completed this workout:

I was working hard and fast during this workout, my heart rate was high and I was dripping sweat…. I completed 7 rounds which put me at 70 PUSHUPS, 105 SQUATS, 140 SIT-UPS, and 175 JUMPING JACKS! Not bad for a quick bodyweight workout. Plus Ava was still asleep when I completed it, WIN!!

I was feeling ambitious after and completed 25 minutes of a Kickbox Cardio Burn workout on TV. I’m slightly obsessed with it. If you have Verizon Fios check it out, Sensei Guillermo is pretty intense.

I was fortunate that Ava woke up JUST AS I FINISHED:)

Have you ever had to end a workout because you were interrupted by a baby, an important phone call, etc?

Do you like working out at home?

November 12, 2014
by Kelly @ The Fit Skool
10 Comments

WIAW: Treat yourself!

It’s Wednesdayyy which means I have my food journal to share with you!

I am linking up with Jenn again for a What I ate Wednesday post.

Yesterday Ava woke us up bright and early, which means 1 thing… COFFEE first! I love when I wake up to the smell of Homemade Pumpkin Spice Coffee, thanks to the coffee timer.I was feeling pretty ambitious and ready to wipe out the leftover can of pumpkin in the fridge so I quickly made a batch of Pumpkin Oat Pancakes. (I will be posting later this week.) I had some scrambled eggs with peppers & mushrooms with it to make it an all around delicious and healthy breakfast.

We all loved it, including AVA!I know I have mentioned before, but I have low blood pressure so I am constantly looking for salty snacks. I made some salty egg whites as a snack and stuffed the inside with avocado and tomato plus more SALT. The picture doesn’t look great so I am not posting it, but seriously it was tasty and super easy to make. Plus you can eat it on the go. I also had a banana.

My lunch was leftovers (as usual) this time it was leftover Thai chicken and veggies with brown rice. I wish there was more!! I also snacked on some snap peas.

and an apple

My afternoon snack came early. I was starving so I dove into a Cookies n Cream Quest bar. I only ended up eating 1/2 because I realized I wanted something salty (it was one of those days.) So I ended up eating a handful of plantain chips. This was my pre-workout snack and it was quite filling.

I decided to work out at home before dinner. I didn’t have Boot Camp class because the Civic Center was closed for Veteran’s Day, so I took advantage of an at-home workout. Dinner was Pretty simple. Marc and I were planning on going out to eat but Ava had different plans. She was super fussy, her teeth were bothering her and I couldn’t do anything to make her happy!! Soooo we opted to eat dinner at home.
I quickly put together a spinach salad with peppers, carrots, tomatoes, gorgonzola cheese & balsamic dressing and we had leftover Roasted Chicken & a Sweet Potato. I will probably eat this salad again today because it is so darn gooooooooodd.

With no Boot Camp last night, Marc and I figured we should probably go for a walk on Greenwich Avenue since it was a lovely evening…

and this happened….. Pinkberry Frozen Yogurt

I’m pretty sure there was more sprinkles then FroYo but it was pretty good.

This was our first time having it, and I opted for the original yogurt flavor. The serving size is ridiculously small for the price but I get it, it’s good. I love treats Your turn, what is something fun you ate yesterday? What is your favorite treat or dessert?

November 11, 2014
by Kelly @ The Fit Skool
4 Comments

Trainer Tip Tuesday #7: Get more out of your group fitness class

As a Group Fitness Instructor I have had the privelage to work with people of all ages & fitness levels. I have experienced group fitness levels on both sides so I know the ins & outs of most classes.

Trainer Tip Tuesday #7: Get more out of your group fitness class

Here are some tips to make the most out of your group fitness class:

Introduce yourself to the instructor. If you are new to the class let the instructor know. They can demonstrate any new exercises to you, as well as keep an eye on your form through-out the workout.
Listen to the instructor’s cues. I can’t stress this one enough. Some of us are visual learners, but it is important to listen to what your instructor is saying. Those little tips will improve your form, strength, and will motivate you to finish your workout.
Ask questions. Don’t hold back, if you are confused about something or are unsure if you are performing the exercise right, ASK! That is what the instructor is there for.
Don’t hold back! if you partner or neighbor isn’t as quick or strong as you, don’t go at their pace. Push and challenge yourself to get stronger. If you are taking a strength training class, listen to your body.. if something is too easy try increasing the weights or repetitions so you get stronger!
Make your fitness class a priority. If you love your class, make sure to keep it on your schedule so that it becomes part of your daily routine. Going to a class 1x per week is not enough!

What is your favorite Group fitness class to take or teach?

Do you prefer an instructor that is in your face or one who is educational but motivating?

For more of my Trainer Tips check our my previous posts:

Trainer Tip #6 Choose exercise that you enjoy doing

Trainer Tip #5 Quality vs Quantity

Trainer Tip #4 Lift a little heavier

Trainer Tip #3 A short workout is better then no workout

Trainer Tip #2 Exercising outdoors

Trainer Tip Tuesday #1: If you don’t like an exercise, start doing it!

November 10, 2014
by Kelly @ The Fit Skool
2 Comments

Picture Recap & Food Prep

I very rarely dread Mondays because I love my job, but I was not looking forward to the weekend ending. We had a very relaxing and low-key weekend, but I enjoyed every second of it.

The weather sure felt like fall and I was so happy to teach an outdoor Boot Camp class on Saturday morning. When we first arrived it was SO COLD and we couldn’t wait to warm-up but by the end we had stripped off some of our layers because we were sweating so much! It was such a fun class and a great workout.

I was FULL of energy after class and ready to tackle the day, I swear fresh air does wonders for you!

Here is a quick picture recap of parts of my weekend:

We went to a shoe sample sale in Greenwich. I bought 2 pairs of shoes that would normally be $200 and I got them both for $35…. amazing!

Marc and I got some to-go lunch from Garelick & Herbs. I love this place and we got some delicious healthy eats.

Speaking of food, the weekend literally revolved around eating apparently. I got Chicken in a brown sauce from Thai Basil for dinner. It was so simple but so tasty. We hung out at home and my family stopped over.

Sunday Marc played Golf in the morning. While he was golfing I ran some errands, and took Ava to the park.

We played on the playground & she loved it.

She didn’t like the boots she was wearing and ended up kicking them off.

Our Sunday afternoon was pretty relaxing. I walked Cooper and then Marc and I did some food prep in the kitchen.

We made a Roasted Chicken with Herbs & Olive Oil

Roasted Veggies

And Turkey & Spinach Meatballs for Ava.

These were all so simple to whip up and now we have a stocked fridge for lunches this week!!

HOW WAS YOUR WEEKEND, DID YOU DO ANYTHING SPECIAL?

DO YOU FOOD PREP ON SUNDAY?

November 7, 2014
by Kelly @ The Fit Skool
5 Comments

Buffalo Chicken & Veggie Chili

The NFL Football season is over half way through, and if your household watches football like ours I am sure you do some Sunday cooking. I was searching for a new recipe that Marc and I could make because lets be serious, who doesn’t love to eat while watching football?

I stumbled on this Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili from Olena at IFOODREAL.com. I was sold at the title of the recipe alone! Olena has some other delicious clean eating recipes on her site, I highly recommend you take a look!!

I love taking recipes and adjusting them to my liking, so I switched out a few things and made some substitutions based on what we had available in my kitchen!

Chilis are an easy way to toss in extra veggies, so I amped it up with some butternut squash & peppers and omitted the beans because I don’t always feel like beans in my chili. It turned out FABULOUS. Marc and I loved every bite. It tastes just like you are eating chicken wings minus the extra calories

We had it for dinner twice, this time we topped it with Cheddar cheese.

BUFFALO CHICKEN CHILI

1lb lean ground chicken breast

1 tsp olive oil

1 can petite diced tomatoes

1 cup carrots chopped

1 cup celery chopped

1 cup butternut squash (I used frozen chunks)

1 cup diced mixed peppers

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp parika

1 tsp chili powder

1 tsp cumin

1/4 cup Franks Red Hot Buffalo Sauce (Optional)

DIRECTIONS: In a large pot saute the celery and carrots in olive oil for 6-8mins on medium high heat. Add in remaining ingredients and mix well. Let cook for 10 minutes and mix. Turn heat down to low/medium and cook for another 10-15 minutes, mixing occasionally.

If you didn’t mix in the hot sauce, drizzle some on top and with whole grain chips! This would also be great with a little blue cheese.

This recipe will be made again and again.. I like it more then the buffalo chicken dip recipe that’s floating around out there and it is much HEALTHIER!!

And here is a picture of Cooper to make you smile. He’s clearly trying to get some attention.

HAPPY FRIDAY!

Do you watch football with your husband/family?

What is your favorite appetizer/chili recipe to make during football season??

November 6, 2014
by Kelly @ The Fit Skool
0 comments

11 Month Baby & Postpartum Update

In one month Ava will turn ONE!

That’s pretty crazy…….. it has made me realize that time sure does fly.

At 11 MONTHS Ava has proven to Marc and I that she is the energizer bunny. This girl can GO-GO-GO and won’t stop until she’s on E and even sometimes she pushes it further.

Ava is weighing in at 20lbs 8oz. She is 70th percentile for weight. She definitely eats a lot for an 11 month old and follows in her parents footsteps.

Her new words are ne-ne and ccccoop (she tries to say cooper but not quite there yet!)

EAT

There’s not much Ava won’t eat:

She loves meatballs and has tried turkey, ground chicken. ground beef, and ground veal meatballs. I don’t think I tried veal until a few years ago hah.
Eggs, bananas, strawberries, watermelon, peas, squash, sweet potato, green beans, chicken and cheese are her favorites.
She’s not a huge bread, pancake or waffle fan but will eat them on occasion.
She can eat a 1/2 slice of cheese pizza, almost 1/2 cup pasta, and will eat as much chicken as I do in one sitting. Like I said, the girl can eat.

SLEEP

I shouldn’t complain at all about sleeping because Ava sleeps through the night! Since setting the clocks back last weekend she’s been getting up at 5am which is an hour earlier then she usually gets up. I have been craving a little more sleep, but I totally get that her body isn’t used to it.

When Ava gets sleepy she lays on the floor.

Her naps are pretty good too, I won’t bore you with details but she takes some good naps.

(She loves to cuddle with Grandma)

PLAY!

Ava has been walking since 9 1/2 months which was early, so you can imagine how much more she is getting into these days. She has progressed to running and has NO control, which has resulted in a few more bumps and bruises. She pretty much has one speed and that is GO.

Ava loves pots, pans, tupperware, pulling out coopers bones, banging his toy dish, spilling his water bowl, pushing chairs, pulling out all the dvd’s, and pretty much will play with anything that isn’t in her toy bin.
You can hand her a tooth brush and she will play with it for 20 minutes.
She can scoot herself off of beds, scoot backwards down the stairs, and flip herself over cooper when he’s laying on the floor.
She loves playing with Cooper

She likes to dance with her hands in the air, and most recently she shakes her butt with her hands on the floor (Don’t tell Marc, he might flip out)
Anything goes at play-time, and she is mostly into exploring new things.
She will wave hi and bye on her own terms & still loves peek-a-boo
She loves to hide behind tables and chairs and when we say “where’s Ava?” she pops out. It’s pretty darn cute.

The list can go on and on but Mrs. Independent needs attention so this post must come to an end before she gets into trouble.

MY UPDATE

This will be short and sweet! I am getting stronger and finally starting to see strength gains particularly in my arms & back. I have been focusing a lot on my upper body since the collar-bone injury, and it is SO nice to see progress. I am going to start to shift my focus now to my abs for the next month, I will keep you posted.

Here are some “THROWBACK THURSDAY” pictures from 2 weeks ago!

For all you mom’s out there, what is your favorite baby age?

Do you have any activity suggestions for an 11 month old?

What is your favorite AB exercise?

November 5, 2014
by Kelly @ The Fit Skool
6 Comments

WIAW- Sugar Detox

Happy Hump Day!

It’s time to share with you my daily eats. I am linking up with Jenn again for a What I ate Wednesday post!!

Yesterday I posted on Tips to eliminate the sugar overload from Halloween, so I stuck with clean eating yesterday and I feel great today.

Breakfast started off with a cup of Dunkin French vanilla coffee that Marc brewed early because Ava is still waking us up at 5am.Shortly after I drank my coffee I made a couple of eggs with sauteed spinach and a whole grain english muffin. I also ate some strawberries because Ava was eating them and she makes everything look good.

After training one of my clients I ate a banana and then had some leftover egg whites with avocado & tomato.

This bowl looks quite empty because I forgot to snap a picture before I dove in. If you haven’t had this combination before I highly recommend that you try it!! As you know I am the leftover queen when it comes to lunch! I had some leftover Chicken Francese & Asparagus

Plus a sweet potato with some butter.

It was all ready to go and devoured quickly. I was quite hungry in the afternoon and had a few snacks: a PURIUM shake, a Cortland Apple (not pictured) and some nuts.

I quickly whipped up this Sausage dinner before boot camp. It literally took 10 minutes. We had Spinach & Red Onion Chicken Sausage served with mixed peppers & onions. There’s also a white potato under there somewhere. YUMMM.

I was a sweaty mess after Boot Camp last night, it was a great workout! I was also really hungry and opted for a Chocolate Quest Bar

I heated it up in the microwave and it tasted like a warm chocolatey brownie

And because I love food I had a few handfuls of Cheerios while watching New Girl… I love that show!What was something delicious that you ate yesterday? Have you ever kept a food journal before?

November 4, 2014
by Kelly @ The Fit Skool
2 Comments

SUGAR DETOX!

Are you still feeling the sugar overload from Halloween weekend?

Trainer Tip Tuesday: Clean out the sugar from your diet

Even the healthiest people indulge in the Halloween fun. I had a few pieces of candy this weekend, and come Monday my body was craving veggies and healthy food.

Don’t get me wrong I had no regrets about indulging in some candy but now I want to get back on the clean eating train.

My tips for detoxing after a sugar-filled weekend!

1. WATER, WATER, WATER! Drink lots of it. Not only will it help get rid of the toxic foods we indulged in, it will keep you hydrated and alert for the day!

2. Exercise and get your sweat on! Don’t we all feel great after a workout? Working out will burn calories and help you sweat out the bad stuff. You will you feel awesome after

3. Eat lots of veggies & fruits. They are high in water and the fiber will help keep you full longer.

4. Cut the sugar and treats. NO SUGAR. Try to eliminate any foods with added sugar, that includes granola bars, sugar in your coffee, store bough salad dressings, artificial sweeteners and packaged goods. Try it for 5 days, you might thank me at the end of the week!

5. Throw out your sugar! Sometimes just having certain foods in the house can make you crave them. If you are one of those people then open up your trash can and throw out anything that will haunt you. You can always donate any candy or goods that are sealed!

Don’t let sugar get the best of you. It will sabotage your diet and it will make you crave more & more sugar. I challenge you to eliminate all SUGAR this week, are you in?

Were you feeling sluggish from your sugar overload from the weekend?

Are you someone that can keep candy and treats in your house without caving in?