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Combat COVID-19 Stress With Creative Stress Reduction

Combat COVID-19 Stress With Creative Stress Reduction

Let's face it. We are living through some very stressful times right now. No matter who we are, where we live or what we do, COVID-19 has no doubt disrupted every area of our lives and the reality is that things probably aren’t going to feel normal for a while. Major disruptions in our lives can be a bit overwhelming, but when these disruptions happen on a global scale, fear, panic, and anxiety run rampant in our minds and our communities. As a stress management coach and expert, I spend a lot of time talking about the need for reducing stress in our lives, but now more than ever managing our stress is critical in making sure we are taking care of our health - mentally and physically…

Rest Day Recipe: Easy Apple Krisp

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Easy Apple Krisp

Serving: 8-10

Ingredients: 

  • 1 cup old-fashioned oats (use certified gluten-free oats if making this recipe GF)
  • 1/2 cup almond meal*
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup melted butter (or coconut oil, if making this recipe vegan)
  • 4 apples, cored and diced (about 5-6 cups)
  • 2 teaspoons freshly-squeezed lemon juice

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. Add oats, almond meal, nuts, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and salt to a mixing bowl, and toss until combined.  Add maple syrup and melted butter (or coconut oil), then toss until combined.  Set aside.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine the apples, lemon juice and remaining 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and toss until combined.  Spread the apple mixture evenly into a greased 8x8-inch or 9x9-inch pan, then sprinkle the oat mixture evenly on top of the apples.
  1. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is crisp and golden and the apples are soft and cooked through.  Serve immediately.  (I served mine with ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.)
  1. Or let the apple crisp cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

*If you can't find almond meal at the store, you can pulse almonds in a food processor until fine to make almond meal.  OR, you can substitute in white whole wheat flour (or all-purpose flour) in place of the almond meal.

*Recipe by http://www.gimmesomeoven.com/easy-apple-crisp-recipe/

 

Rest Day Recipe: One Skillet Chicken with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce

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This week's Rest Day Recipe we found on Pinterest! It's orgins...Followerr.net.

Ingredients
  1. 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
  2. salt and pepper
  3. 1 cup chicken broth
  4. 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  5. 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  6. ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more to taste)
  7. 1 tablespoon olive oil
  8. ⅓ cup finely diced shallots (or red onions)
  9. 2 tablespoons salted butter
  10. ¼ cup heavy cream
  11. 2 tablespoons chopped parsley or basil

Instructions:

  1. Using a mallet, pound down the chicken breasts/thighs into ½ inch thickness. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper on both sides of the chicken.
  2. In a 2 cup measuring cup or a small bowl, combine the chicken broth, lemon juice, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
  3. Position a rack in the lower third of the oven and preheat the oven to...
See Followerr.net for full recipe. Trust me, it's worth it!

Rest Day Recipe: Protein Pancakes with Peanutbutter and Blueberries

This week's rest day recipes comes from a good friend, Larisa Manzo, who recommended the protein waffles recipe from morethanheels.com. As with any waffle recipe you can also make pancakes--and that is exactly what Larisa did. Protein Pancakes by Larisa Manzo

 

Protein pancakes with peanut butter and blue berries (331 calories/ 38 grams of protein/ 14 grams of fat/ 16 grams of carbs)

Mix following ingredients and cook:

  • 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (Larisa used GNC Advanced Vanilla Whey Protein)
  • 1 egg
  • 1 egg white
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 2 tbsp water
  • dash of cinnamon
  • 1 packet of Stevia (Larisa didn't use it but the recipe does call for it)

Serve with 50 grams of blueberries and 1 tbsp of chunky peanutbutter and enjoy!

Rest Day Recipes: Turkey Quesadillas

What you Need:

  • Pan or Electric Griddle
  • (Leftover Thanksgiving) Turkey or Chicken - Cooked & Shredded
  • Soft Taco Flour Tortillas
  • Butter
  • Sliced Onions
  • Sliced Red & Green Bell Peppers
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Shredded Cheese (optional)

What to do:

  1. Slice onions and peppers.
  2. Saute onions and peppers in pan with a little bit of butter on medium heat.
  3. Once onions and peppers are sauteed add turkey or chicken to onions and peppers to heat up.
  4. Add salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Reduce heat to low.
  6. Heat additional pan or griddle and place tortillas on surface.
  7. Add layer of cheese on top of each tortilla (optional).
  8. Add onion, peppers, and turkey/chicken mixture on top of each tortilla.
  9. Add another layer of cheese on top of each tortilla (optional).
  10. Place additional tortilla on top of all ingredients and flip to brown.
  11. Remove from griddle/pan and slice into wedges.
  12. ENJOY!

 

 

APOP Launches YouTube Channel: "Cynicism & Smiles"

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsAOpZG2rEU[/embed] Cynicism and Smiles is a YouTube Channel associated with www.apopfitness.com starring APOP's favorite vloggers from Fitness Nerd Vlogs, Carlee and Stormy. Cynicism and Smiles focuses on answering the questions of everyday life with humor, honesty, and a healthy dose of pessimism.

Rest Day Recipes: Quick & Easy Trail Mix

Trail Mix is super easy and high in healthy fats and protein.

How to make Trail Mix:

  1. Go to the section of your grocery store where they have those bins full of treats.
  2. Grab a variety of nuts of your choice
  3. Grab a scoop of M&M's (mine are homemade--they're SLIGHTLY healthier) or sweet treat of your choice (sometimes I get Reese's Pieces or mini homemade peanut butter cups). WARNING: To ensure that you're trail mix is does more good than harm to your body, diet, etc., limit the amount of this item in the overall recipe/mix.
  4. Grab a big ol' scoop of raisins or craisins or whatever dried fruit your heart desires.
  5. Anddd lastly, mix all those ingredients together.

Trail Mix is a great alternative to the granola bar (what the heck sticks those things together anyway?--lots of unneeded sugar). Anyway, Trail Mix is delicious and easy for "on the go" and for pre/post-workouts. Enjoy!

Yesterday's Yummy: Garlic Lemon and Parmesan Oven Roasted Zucchini

garlic-lemon-and-parmesan-oven-roasted-zucchini-edit+srgb. Sunday night I tried this EASY AND DELICIOUS treat for dinner! I'm still craving more that's how good it was! All you need is a zucchini, olive/vegetable oil, garlic and Parmesan cheese! SCORE! Check out Cooking Classy's recipe here! :D

Calm Mind, Calm Body

After earning myself a sore body from bikini body guide day 1, I thoroughly enjoyed my power yoga class. I'm feeling extra chill and in love with the universe. Thanks to all who follow me. You are all my true inspiration to keep on blogging 😍:)☺ I did power yoga with MapMyFitness! Distance: 0.00mi, time: 01:00:00, pace: N/A, speed: 0.00mi/h. http://mapmyfitness.com/workout/1002005993

Bikini Body Guide Workout: Day 2

Today I was supposed to do a 35-45 minute LISS workout (low intensity steady walk or jog) so naturally Michele, Christy and I went on a lunchtime walk/jog. Love these girls for keeping me motivated! I ran with MapMyFitness! Distance: 2.75mi, time: 46:55, pace: 17:04min/mi, speed: 3.52mi/h. http://mapmyfitness.com/workout/1001327109

Bikini Body Guide: Day 1

Somehow I've managed to lose 5 more pounds without trying. I'm down to 130 and I'm happy about it, butttt I'm about to gain some muscle back with what I hope to impliment as my new workout regime: Bikini Body Guide! Here's what I'll be working on today ☺ image

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Personally Powerful Yoga

After a personal yoga session with my instructor yesterday (no one else showed up for class), I'm soooo sore!!! Lol, he whopped my butt into shape! Head stands, balancing, core work. Oh boyyyyy. Lol. I did power yoga with MapMyFitness! Distance: 0.00mi, time: 01:00:00, pace: N/A, speed: 0.00mi/h. http://mapmyfitness.com/workout/979762673

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