The Fit Skool | by Kelly

June 16, 2014
by Kelly @ The Fit Skool
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Father’s Day Weekend Recap

I hope everyone enjoyed their Father’s Day weekend, we sure did! I loved spending quality time with my family and celebrating the amazing Dad’s in my life!

Saturday night, Marc and I went out for a lovely dinner just the two of us. We both love our time with Ava but it was nice to just focus on each other for a bit. We chose to get dinner at Harvest on Greenwich Ave and were both so happy with our decision. Instead of getting entrees we shared a bunch of starters.

First up was the Brussel Sprout Salad which was hands down my favorite. If you like brussel sprouts then you need to try it. I will be going back for this salad again soon.

The Grilled Calamari came out next. I wasn’t sure if I would like it when we ordered it, but to my surprise it was quite tasty. I loved the guacamole sauce it came with.

(the picture looks a little messy, because we dove in before I remembered to take a pic!!)

We also got meatballs and broccoli rabe! Whenever brocolli rabe is on the menu I almost always order it. SO GOOD!

It was a great dinner!

On Sunday we headed to the Griff Golf Course as a family to hit golf balls at the driving range.

Marc’s First Swings of the season

My older and younger brother taking some cuts

and my dad’s turn!

It was a lot of fun watching them all take some swings. Afterwards we grabbed lunch at Fairways At The Griff Restaurant. I didn’t take a picture but I had a delicious Portobello Plus salad for lunch. Lots of veggies, yum!!

Ava had fun with her daddy this weekend, he sure knows how to make her smile.

As you can see we had some good eats and lots of family fun! Happy Monday

June 13, 2014
by Kelly @ The Fit Skool
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Are you following through with those resolutions??

Happy Friday the 13th!

Are you superstitious? I am not, but there is something about hearing that it is Friday 13th gives me a little spook.

This morning Ava and I made a trip to the YMCA! We went to visit the Group Power class… I figured she would get to see a lot of the people that take my classes. Everyone was thrilled that I brought her in! She seemed to be content listening to the music and watching people lift weights. Ava is so easy and goes with the flow.

As soon as we got home she passed out… I think she was a little over stimulated!

I’m sure when you read the title of this post you weren’t thinking about New Year’s Resolutions… but I was. We are about 1/2 way through the year now, can you believe it?? I wanted to check in and remind you to stay on track or get back on track with your Health & Fitness Goals, it’s never too late!

This year I have focused on eating cleaner. I have made small changes with my diet and now I feel that my meals are always loaded with fresh nutritious ingredients. Although sometimes we think processed foods are more convenient, I find that I am never satisfied when I snack on granola bars or processed snacks. I get full quicker from eating WHOLE foods.

I used to love eating sandwiches at lunch time, but now my lunches consist of leftovers. I load up my plate with either a salad or leftover veggies, and have a lean protein with my meal. I am much more full and don’t feel as bloated throughout the day!

Are you sticking with your resolutions?? If not, what SMALL changes can you implement in your diet to achieve your goals?

June 11, 2014
by Kelly @ The Fit Skool
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6 Month Baby & Postpartum Update

Our 6 MONTH UPDATE is coming a week late, because Ava’s Doctor appointment was scheduled a little later.

Well… a half of a year sure does go fast and I’m sure Ava will be a year old before we know it. The last 6 months have been so amazing. All the new challenges have been worth every second and I can honestly say I love the age Ava is right now she is so much fun…

AVA is 16 lbs 15oz and 28 inches long. She has nice long legs and has long fingers… maybe a basketball player?? a guitar player? or a rockette??

EAT

FRUITS & VEGGIES are the new update in the eating category. Ava loves them. Almost so much now that oatmeal is getting the boot. She will still eat her oatmeal but we sometimes need to distract her with toys. She loves squash, peas, carrots, green beans, bananas, & peaches. Tomorrow she will try apples and I am sure she will love them. I am also excited to try avocado!

SLEEP

I love that she sleeps for longer periods at night, on most nights it is a solid 10 hours (sometimes longer and sometimes shorter) We don’t have a set bed time for her and we are fine with that right now. It works for my schedule since my hours are all over the place. She usually falls asleep between 7-815pm and gets up between 5:45-6:45am.

Her naps are pretty good. I guess there are other babies that nap a lot better then her, but as long as she sleeps well at night I don’t care!!

PLAY

Ava loves to roll around, she enjoys sitting up on her own and can’t get enough of bright colored and animated toys. She is teething so any toy that she can get in her mouth seems to be her favorite right now! She is a VERY happy baby and her giggles are contagious. I can’t wait for more fun to come once she starts crawling…. oh boy!

These two can’t get enough of each other.

MY UPDATE

Not a lot has changed for me this past month. I think my updates are coming to an end here. Besides improving strength, everything else will probably stay the same. My food choices have been healthy and I have been conscious of loading up with fruits & veggies. I do have my cheat meals and treats but I feel that almost all my meals are well balanced and nutritious. My weight is consistent and doesn’t fluctuate much at this point. This past month I have noticed strength improvements in my core and glutes... I love that.

(This is a recycled photo, I haven’t taken any photos of myself this past month! I am not really good at the Selfie!)

My workouts haven’t been too intense. My focus has been Boot Camp, Group Power, and Barre class. Besides teaching and taking the barre classes I wasn’t able to complete any extra workouts on my own. I am fine with that because my hip has been bothering me again on any days that I could not workout I chose to rest, ice, & stretch. It feels a little bit better after a weekend of rest.

(blurry pic, but Ava was smiling in this one!)

I do have a new goal this month, and that is to focus on increasing pushup strength and repetitions!! Who’s in??

June 10, 2014
by Kelly @ The Fit Skool
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Mental Health & Exercise

I am a firm believer that EXERCISE plays a huge role in MENTAL HEALTH.

I read a great article today in the IDEA Fitness Journal titled “Train Yourself Happy.”

In the image I took below of the article you can see that Exercise can play a key role in alleviating anxiety and depression.

This article was so interesting to me because I can relate to the topic from my own personal experience. Right out of college I started working for UBS Investment bank, and I loved it! It sure was was a lot of work but I really enjoyed working in finance. As we all know, the market took a down turn and the investment bank lost tons of money.. so they had no choice but to have layoffs. I saw a lot of my coworkers leave over the course of the last 2 years I was there. I started to get stressed and worried for my position, but really there wasn’t anything I could do.

I started turning to exercise to relieve my stress. I would go to the gym early in the morning before work for spin classes or to do cardio, and I would go right after work on some nights to take a sports conditioning class that I loved!

I started feeling so much better!! My mood was lifted, I wasn’t as stressed, and I was able to breathe a little easier! I made the gym a priority and it was always scheduled in on my calendar. I had such a strong passion for Health & Fitness my whole life that I took it upon myself to study personal training. Soon enough I found a job at a gym… and I left UBS on my own terms. It was a great decision for me.. and I couldn’t be happier!

Do you use exercise for Mental Health and not just for physical health? If so, have you noticed any changes?

June 9, 2014
by Kelly @ The Fit Skool
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Bridal Shower & Weekend Recap

I love sunny weather. There’s just something about the sunshine that makes everything better and there was plenty this weekend!

This weekend was a productive one for Marc. He decided to take on a big outdoor project with both of our fathers and build a walkway from our side gate to our back stairs.

I was not involved in the project but it looked intense. A backhoe even made it into the scene!

It is almost finished and it looks awesome.

I spent Sunday at my best friend’s bridal shower! We arrived an hour early to help set up and decorate.

The theme was FIESTA so we had lots of bright colored decorations and some fun pinata centerpieces. Lunch also had the mexican theme…. there were chicken fajitas, salad, beef tacos, chips guacamole & salsa, empanadas, etc.

There were some fun drink options too… Red & White Sangria or Margaritas. It was such a great idea to have a theme for a bridal shower!

We enjoyed the photo area a little too much!

I had a great time with my friends, and we all can’t wait for the wedding in October!

When I got home from the shower we took Cooper & Ava for a nice long walk. It was a a beautiful night!!

June 6, 2014
by Kelly @ The Fit Skool
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Get Crackin

PISTACHIOS are my favorite nut! They are crunchy, tasty, and satisfying. I love them in salads and just eating them out of the shell.

Did you know that Pistachios are one of the lowest calorie nuts??? Per serving you can have 49 pistachios for about 160 calories!! For an added bonus pistachios contain healthy fats & antioxidants.

Yes… this whole bowl of pistachios is one serving!!

Did I already say that eating them out of the shell is my favorite part?? Well it is, and some people will say they don’t want to work that hard for their food, but I find it enjoyable and rewarding! Lets get cracking

Do you prefer your pistachios shelled or not?

June 4, 2014
by Kelly @ The Fit Skool
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Spinach & Mushroom Risotto

Trader Joe’s has done it again. This mushroom & herb risotto is unbelievable.

I have had in a few times before but I decided to amp it up with some extra veggies & flavor.

I sauteed some mushrooms & spinach in olive oil

and then following the risotto box mix instructions I made the risotto, added in the veggies, plus 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese, and BAM this deliciousness came together.

This meal is satisfying, healthy, and indulgent! I will have it again! I served the Risotto with pork chops but for a simple meal next time I will try mixing in some rotisserie chicken!

June 3, 2014
by Kelly @ The Fit Skool
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Clean Eating Food Challenge..

Last week, my clients and I started a food challenge. I even convinced Marc to join in, and we both are really into the challenge. Whenever attempting a diet change I think it is important to have family & friends that support your changes.

**Always consult a Doctor or Physician before starting a new diet program**

We decided to clean out our diet by choosing lean meats, veggies, fruits, healthy fats, and minimal dairy. (This means No bread, No sugar, No sweets, No unhealthy meats)

I chose to do a PALEO style diet and avoided grains and dairy. After 4 days, I decided to limit my grains & had dairy from yogurt and a little milk. I felt great with the clean eating and felt that my food choices were on point. I did notice I was eating way more nuts and nut butter then I usually do. At times I felt a little unsatisfied and was looking for oats or something a little more filling, but I think that has to do with my activity level being so high.

Here are some of my healthy meal & snack choices:

SCRAMBLED EGGS WITH SPINACH & PEPPERS

TURKEY CHILI WITH VEGGIES & AVOCADO

OVEN ROASTED VEGGIES & SWEET POTATOES

CELERY WITH ALMOND BUTTER OR PEANUT BUTTER

CASHEW COOKIE LARABAR (IT HAS 2 INGREDIENTS), BANANA, APPLE

TURKEY MEATBALLS OVER SPAGHETTI SQUASH

I found myself getting creative with my lunches & dinners and it made me step out of the box a little. I liked it!

After having no grains and dairy for 4 days, I found that I feel fuller longer with some oats or some whole grain sides with my meals. So I added back in some grains and I felt a huge difference in energy and hunger satisfaction. After workouts I like to refuel with some carbs and I decided to keep that as my routine.

It has been a full week now and for those of you who think eating clean is hard, it is not. I have even been enjoying my iced coffee black even though it sounded like it was going to be SO DIFFICULT! Food prep and meal choices are getting easier, and I feel mentally and physically great. It takes time to get used to any change…. but change is good!! Especially when it comes to making healthier choices.

Have you ever tried Paleo or Whole30? How did you feel and was it easy or challenging?

Feel free to join us on our healthy eating challenge! We don’t have an end day set.. We are taking it day by day

June 2, 2014
by Kelly @ The Fit Skool
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Weekend Recap & Food Prep

Hello Monday…

This past week was very crazy for me and my blog. I had some technical issues that took days to straighten out but I am happy to say that everything is fixed and I am back in action. If you ever encounter an issue where you cannot access a specific web page, let me know.. I just might be able to help!

The weather was beautiful this weekend and it has been so enjoyable to be outside. Saturday morning we went for our usual morning walk with Cooper and ran some much needed errands around town. In the afternoon we headed to a friends house for her son’s 1 year old birthday party. Ava partied for a little bit but then crashed!

It was so much fun to see some of my college friends, enjoy some good food and hang outside.

Ava even enjoyed herself!

My friend’s son Alan is going in for a big kiss!

Sunday morning I headed to Pure Barre for a morning workout. I had taken Friday/Saturday off from exercising due to some serious tightness in my right leg/hip. It was feeling much better by the time I went for the workout.

Who uses sundays for FOOD PREP??

Sundays have become prep days for food, shopping and getting things organized around the house (unless we have plans). We made Kabocha squash

grilled eggplant and asparagus,

BBQ grilled chicken

cut fruit

apple & fennel salad, hamburgers, which aren’t pictured! This makes for easy meal ideas during the week and leaves no excuse for eating healthy! I love a full fridge. Who doesn’t?

Mondays are busy days for me… so see-ya tomorrow!!

May 30, 2014
by Kelly @ The Fit Skool
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Seeing body changes from Pure Barre

After 3 weeks at Pure Barre, I am starting to see changes in my core strength as well as my calves. They are both areas that I secretly wanted to get stronger.

A lot of the positions that were originally challenging for me like staying balanced on my tippy toes are no longer as difficult thanks to a strength gain in my calf muscles.

Yes, I am pumped about having stronger calves. Normally we don’t think to strengthen the calf muscle but it plays a huge role in ankle and knee stability.

I have also seen improvements in my Abs… who doesn’t want a stronger Core??

For anyone else that has had a baby, you can agree with me that your core is the toughest spot to regain strength. Pure Barre has offset my boot camp and group power workouts. I am happy with my core work and I feel that my stomach is A LOT tighter. I can honestly say that all the hip tucks during the barre class are finally paying off.

Happy Friday!