How to Live Transformed on Vacation

Friends, it’s sweet summertime! The kids are out of school and that much anticipated summer vacation has finally arrived! Each of you have worked so hard in the studio toward your summer fitness goals. Thank you for giving your best! 

Just because you’re traveling and away from your normal daily routine, doesn’t mean you must compromise good nutrition and exercise! You’ve put in too many hours of strength training and cardio sessions to throw it all away! Right?!

You want to feel your best before, during and after your vacation! We want to help you enjoy your vacation and come home feeling relaxed and refreshed — instead of feeling guilty or like you’ve blown your transformation goals!

Just like with everyday life, preparation is key! Planning ahead can help you avoid any slip-ups with your goals and your whole body transformation! So let us help you with 5 simple strategies for Living Transformed when you’re on vacation!


1. Pack smart!

First things first, grab your workout gear! Throw your tennis shoes and exercise clothes into your suitcase. Take your tennis racket if courts will be available.

Pack your favorite healthy snacks. Lots of fruit, nuts and protein bars. Apples and oranges are easy to throw into your carry-on luggage or purse. Pick up a box of the 100-calorie packs of raw nuts. On-the-go packs of roasted edamame can also be found at your local grocery store. And protein bars are an easy snack to pack — just remember to check the nutrition labels and pick bars with 5 grams or less of sugar!

Also, consider packing a shaker bottle and a few servings of protein powder. You can portion out individual servings in snack-sized Ziplock bags. Or Blender Bottle has a shaker bottle that comes with separate containers for storing protein powder.

2. Research ahead of time!

Get online and see what’s close to your hotel or rental. Is there a grocery store nearby? What healthy, local restaurants are close?

Also, if you’re staying in a hotel, find out if there’s a kitchenette or mini-fridge available in your room. Does the facility have a fitness center available?

3. Hydrate!

So many of us neglect hydrating our bodies while traveling even though dehydration is very common during trips. Pack extra water bottles (in a cooler if there’s space) or take your favorite water bottle to refill along the way. Drink water as soon as you get up in the morning, and when you sit down at each meal, drink a large glass of water first!

4. Make smart choices when dining out!

Most importantly, choose restaurants that offer healthy options that support your lifestyle! So many restaurants post their menus online now so you can look it up before you dine. Then you’re prepared to order when you arrive and aren’t tempted with less healthy options.

Don’t be afraid to ask for a healthier option or to customize your meal. Most restaurants are used to this now and don’t mind accommodating your needs!

Choose seafood, chicken or another lean meat option and order them steamed, broiled, grilled or roasted. If fried is your only option on the menu, remember don’t be afraid to ask for another option!

Order your potato baked, boiled or roasted instead of fried! And ask to leave off the butter and sour cream! Consider ordering a sweet potato instead of white potato!

To avoid over-eating, eat small meals throughout the day so you’re not starving at dinner. Take your time eating your meal, enjoy every bite as well as your company at the table!

Of course it’s vacation, so relax and enjoy a cocktail! Just don’t overdo it! And make sure that you’ve hydrated throughout the day.

5. Sweat!

You know the feeling you have after you’ve worked out, so why sacrifice a good sweat session when you’re on the road? That’s why you packed your workout gear — so use it!

Lace up your tennis shoes and hit the pavement (or sand!) This is a great way to explore the city you’re in, too. And since you researched ahead of time, you already know the parks or running trails nearby! We promise that you will not regret a workout!

If you want a good strength workout during your trip, here are a couple options you can do anywhere without any weights:

Five, very simple things you can do to take your transformed lifestyle with you on the road! We are so proud of you and all your hard work you put in through the winter and spring months! You look amazing and deserve a vacation! Enjoy this quality time with your family!

If you would like to meet with our Nutrition Consultant, Katie Woodall, to discuss nutrition and assist you in meal planning, please contact her at katie@transfitathens.com. Additionally, you can purchase our eBook- Healthy Families Handbook. This eBook has a full week of meal plans, "family tested" recipes, family devotions, a kids couch to 5K program, and workouts for the whole family!  

Awesome new classes are being added in June — check them out on MindBody! TransFit is offering Kickboxing, Kettlebell, Flexibility and running sessions. Sign up for something new this month! If you have any questions about MindBody or our summer schedule, please email us at transfitathens@gmail.com. We look forward to seeing you in the studio and hearing about your summer travels and your new summer goals!

10 Ways to make May your best month for total body transformation!

Hello sweet friends! 

We are so excited to see you this week in the studio! Awesome new May workouts for our theme Exercise is Medicine are in store for you! Please email transfitathens@gmail.com if you would like to adjust your schedule in any way for the month ahead!  Exciting new session times are being offered in May. Please see the schedule! 

Today's blog is written by own TransFit Nutrition Consultant, Katie Woodall. We hope to motivate you to start May stronger than ever, remembering that nutrition is one major key to unlocking your whole body transformation! 


Preparation is Key

Hey, friends! Hope each of you are finishing this last week of April STRONG! We’ve seen so many photos of healthy snacks and meals from you all participating in the TransFIVE Challenge — YOU are inspiring us to be our best, too! Keep up your motivation and continue posting pictures!

We know how busy all of our TransFit families are during the month of May! Sports, final school projects are due, tests and vacation planning — the list goes on. We are here to help you! We want to help simplify your life and keep you organized during this busy time of year!

So remember a few weeks ago, we shared a secret to reducing stress and staying organized for your healthy lifestyle (http://www.transfitathens.com/transfit-2/2016/2/4/katies-blog).

Do you remember that secret? Here’s a hint: it was meal planning!

Along with meal planning, we encourage you to schedule a “Prep Day” into your weekly routine! Don’t panic! This doesn’t have to take up an entire day, and it isn’t supposed to add stress! And we aren’t asking you to spend hours in the kitchen.

But there are a few things you can do in the kitchen to prepare for your healthy week — using your meal plan, of course!

10 Steps for a hassle free Prep Day 


1. Clean out your fridge!

Freeze any leftovers you have and discard expired items. It also helps if you wipe down and straighten the shelves so you feel like you’re starting the week off fresh and clean!

2. Make your grocery list.

Look over your meal plan and jot down a grocery list. It helps to do this after you’ve cleaned out your fridge so you can add any essentials you might need.

3. Go grocery shopping.

As hard as it may be, stick to your list! This helps you stay focused on choosing clean, nutritious foods and avoiding temptations throughout the store! And remember, try to shop around the store’s perimeter. This helps you choose higher quality foods and less processed items. And sticking to your shopping list will also help you stay in your grocery budget!

4. Wash, peel and chop your fresh vegetables and fruits.

You want these items easily accessible for salads, snacks or when you’re grabbing something healthy when you’re on-the-go. Make sure you refill all your fruit bowls, too!

5. Refill your snack baskets!

This is something your kids can do to help. Stock up on low-sugar protein bars, 100-calorie packs of raw nuts, popcorn and more. Make your own trail mix and measure it out in snack-sized Ziplock bags.

6. Cook a batch of homemade protein/energy bars.

You can pre-make granola or one of our favorites — no bake energy bites!

7. Bake or grill your protein and vegetables for the week.

Using your favorite seasonings, you can prepare extra protein for lunches throughout the week, like chicken. Also, preparing vegetables in advance is a great way to get in more greens! Baked sweet potatoes are another easy vegetable to have on-hand ready as a side, or you can chop them up and add them to your salads.

8. Prepare recipes ahead of time.

Look over your meal plan and find the recipes you can fix ahead of time. Like salads or overnight oats. Using individual containers, prepare several salads and pre-make a healthy dressing and store in a small mason jar in the fridge!

9. Get your caffeine fix!

We encourage you to drink a glass of green tea with your afternoon snack, so why not save time by fixing a gallon at a time? Store in the fridge and don’t forget to cut up lemon slices so they’re ready to toss in to your glass each day!

10. Plan your daily exercise!

Put it on your calendar so you can hold yourself accountable to your weekly workouts. It helps blocking out time each day so you see it each time you check your schedule. It also leaves you with no excuse for not having time to exercise! Here is our schedule for this month - come join us!! 


Want extra help planning for your healthy week? We are happy to help! TransFit’s nutrition consultant, Katie Woodall, can help take the hassle out of meal planning — and all of our meal plans come with a grocery shopping list, too! Katie can do the planning for your family so all you have to do is shop and prepare!

Email Katie for more information on how she can help you and your family katie@transfitathens.com

We’d love to hear from you! Share with us how you prepare for a healthy week! Tag us on Instagram or Facebook using hashtag #TransFit! Look forward to hearing from you, friends!

Here are some great recipes that you can easily put together for a great, meal prepped week!


Overnight Oats

1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk

1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats

1 Tbsp. nut butter

1/2 cup mixed berries (strawberries & blueberries are my fav)

Fill a mason jar with the oats & almond milk. Add nut butter then top with your favorite berries. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Make 2-3 and store in the fridge for the week! For some extra fiber and calcium, throw some chia seeds into the mix as well! You can also add in some nuts, cinnamon or any of your favorite oatmeal toppings!


Chicken Salad with Grapes

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 pound boiled chicken, cut into 1⁄2-inch cubes
  • 1 cup chopped celery
  • 1 cup red grapes, halved
  • 1⁄2 cup dried cherries or cranberries
  • 1⁄2 cup toasted pecans, chopped
  • 1 cup plain greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
  • 1⁄2 teaspoon ground black pepper

 

DIRECTIONS:
Add chopped chicken to a large bowl along with celery, grapes, dried cherries, chopped pecans, yogurt, honey, salt and pepper. Mix until all chicken is coated! Enjoy on top of fresh leafy greens! Serves 4.


Have a wonderful weekend, friends! Enjoy this beautiful weather! 

Blessings, 

Team TransFit

Amazing Client Transformation - Hope Wiltshire!

Morning sweet friends! Today we have a special treat for you! We are featuring one of our incredible clients, Hope Wiltshire. She is truly an inspiration to so many women who live a "full life" and her hard work, dedication and passion to living a transformed life has truly paid off! Her mantra is "if it doesn't challenge you, it doesn't change you!" and she has truly been changed inside and outside! Completely transformed by giving her best one workout, one day, one hour at a time! We love you and we are so proud of you, Hope!  Keep motivated and reaching your goals!  


Hope Wiltshire

"I will always remember stepping on the doctor's scale towards the end of my second pregnancy. Although I was very pregnant, my weight was at the highest it had ever been and it worried me. I had abandoned my cardio routine during my pregnancy and my eating habits were very poor. I can't tell you how many texts I sent those 9 months asking my husband to bring home a pizza from Little Italy on his way home from work! Right at 6 weeks after my second daughter was born I returned to my 3 to 4 days a week cardio program. I had lost extra weight easily before after my first daughter was born 4 years earlier, and I expected it to be easy again. I stuck with it for months, but the number on the scale wasn't moving. I lacked energy. I looked tired. I was reading and learning about healthy foods, but I didn't know how to realistically incorporate them into meals that my family would want to eat. And as my baby's first birthday crept closer and closer, I knew that getting healthy was something I wasn't doing well on my own.

I had friends who recommended Caroline and TransFit and I loved what I read and saw on her website, but it was several weeks before I actually contacted her. Fear got in the way. What if it's hard? Will I be able to keep up? At my initial consultation Caroline was kind, encouraging, and she gave me hope that I could reach my goals. She led me through different exercises, some that were very different from anything I had ever done before. After I left that day, I considered telling Caroline that I couldn't do it. It was challenging! I was sore. My old friend fear returned-- Will I be able to commit? What if I fail?

Caroline told me something at our very first meeting that I have kept with me throughout this journey. "If it doesn't challenge you, it doesn't change you." I knew in my heart that I couldn't hold on to those fears if I wanted to change. I decided to go for it--2x a week at TransFit, 3x a week exercising on my own, and modeling my eating after the meal plans Caroline gave me. It seemed daunting. But before I knew it I was seeing and feeling all sorts of changes. My clothes fit differently. I could see muscle definition in my arms. My skin cleared up. I wasn't "dragging" every day around 4:00 in the afternoon. The number on the scale was decreasing. And to my surprise, I felt good after the workouts! At TransFit I've connected with a community of women who support one another. I have made many special friends! I have let go of worrying so much about reaching an "ideal" weight and now focus on developing a permanent, healthy lifestyle.

Right now my goals are to incorporate more greens into my meals each day, drink more water, no eating after 7:00, and exercise 5 times a week (those last two have been hard ones, but I'm working on it!). When I first started training at TransFit I went twice a week. In January of this year I pushed myself to try three times a week (say what?!) in the studio. The other 2 days of the week I love to dance at Jazzercise or walk/jog in my neighborhood. The accountability at TransFit is one of my favorite things. I love treating my workouts as appointments that cannot be missed. Caroline will often ask what we ate for different meals and checking in on the scale is a great way to see how my food and exercise choices have affected my body.

TransFit is such a special place, and I've said before that it is like personal training for your soul! The trainers at TransFit inspire me to be a better person! The love and positivity that radiates from the studio is contagious. I want to make others around me feel important and special, just as they make me feel. I have not only improved my physical health, but my emotional and spiritual health as well. Each morning that I leave the studio, I leave grateful for my body, my family, and my life. I truly want to be the best me that I can be.

Was it challenging in the beginning? Yes! Is it still challenging? Oh yes! But now, almost a year later, I want to push myself harder to do one more rep or to use a heavier weight. I'm not afraid to be challenged. I am living transformed!"


Hope's Favorite Recipe

Sweet Potato Soup

Makes one serving

1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced small

4 baby carrots, or 1/2 large carrot, diced small

3 frozen whole okra

1 cup chIckes broth 

3/4 cup unsweetened almond or cashew milk

1 teaspoon coconut oil

1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon 

3 pinches mineral salt

Stevia to taste

1. Put all ingredients in a small saucepan. Cover and turn the heat to high, bringing the mixture to a quick boil. Lower the heat and simmer the veggies until tender (takes just a few minutes).

2. Transfer the mixture to a blender. Make sure the lid is secure, and blend well for a few seconds. Turn the blender off and vent the hot air, then continue to blend until completely smooth.

3. Return the purée to the saucepan and simmer for a couple more minutes Taste and adjust seasonings. 

You can top with a dollop of Greek yogurt. Add diced cooked chicken breast for protein


Hope's Favorite Exercises

Kettle bell swings

Kettle bell squat thrust

Wood chopper on bosu

Russian twists with med ball.


What an incredible woman  with a contagious passion to live a healthier life: body, mind and spirit! We are truly inspired and encouraged by you, Hope! 

 

To try some of the workouts Hope does in the studio along with some of our best TransFit recipes and inspiration, check out our 14 Day Recharge ebook. With about 14 days left in April, what a better time to start your whole body health transformation? Join Hope in being challenged and changed this month! You can find the ebook here! Get it now for only $9.99!! 

 

 

Have a great week friends! This week on your April calendars is the Water Challenge! Push yourself to drink at least 80 oz and whatever you are drinking now, try to drink one glass more a day! You can do it, friends! Also- a reminder that the studio will be closed this Thursday!! We will be open on Friday with sessions lead by TransFit CPT, Shelley Tanner! Have an awesome day! 

Blessings.

Team TransFit

 

Advance your Fitness - Fat torching AB WORKOUT!

Hello sweet friends! It's that time of year again - time for ADVANCE APRIL! This month, we will focus on advancing our whole body health in a new way each week. This week, we are focusing on advancing our fitness! TransFit trainer Shelley has created an amazing ab workout for you that will help you torch belly fat and strengthen your core! 


                                        Full Plank

                                        Full Plank

                       Full Plank Alternate Knees In

                       Full Plank Alternate Knees In

                                                                      &nbs…

                                                                                                                                  Side Plank

I hope you've all had a great and inspiring start to this month with the TransFIVE challenge! Congratulations on a job well done! If you slipped up a few times, hop back on and try it again! Hopefully you're realizing the little things that creep into your diet that are sabotaged your progress.  Abs are one of the major areas where our diet plays a key role. Everyone always wants to work on their abs, "love handles," and the core of the body. Your core is a major part of all movement. Having a strong core will help you be able to do every day tasks better and with ease. We've got a great ab workout for you that, when paired with a healthy diet, will torch unwanted belly fat and assist in creating a super strong core! 

Four key components to tight abs

  • Exercise
    • Doing a healthy balance of strength training and cardio is essential to toning your mid-section! You'll notice at the end of this awesome workout there is a jump rope minute! This minute of cardio gets your heart rate UP and helps you burn more fat! 
  • Diet
    • Eating a balanced, healthy diet is KEY to maintaining a lean midsection! Fill your diet with greek leafy vegetables, lean protein and other nutrient dense foods to reveal those abdominal muscles! 
  • Sleep
    • Rest is essentail to burning fat! Allow your body recovery time in order for it to burn fat most effectively! 
  • Stress management
    • For many reasons, stress is detrimental to maintaining a trim waistline. When we are stressed, we not only tend to exercise less and eat less healthy- we cause stress on our bodies which hinders it from burning fat.

Each component is essential in toning those mid-section muscles.

Enjoy this fat burning, abdominal sculpting workout! 


Let's start this month off strong friends! Our 14 Day Recharge ebook is now on sale  for only $9.99! Let us help you jump start this April with meal plans, recipes, workouts and more! 

Click here to begin your 14 Day Transformation!


 

We are going to have an incredible month as we advance our entire body health in ways that we may never have before. I encourage you this month to try something you never have and make progress in all new ways! Remember friends it is not about being perfect - it is about being better than you were yesterday! Keep making awesome progress and invest in your health this month. Please let us know how we can help you reach your goals! 

Blessings,

Team TransFit

TransFIVE Challenge + Important April Studio Information

Morning sweet friend! 

We made it to Friday! If you have been doing the TransFIVE Challenge with us this week- congrats!! You have made it to the last day! Stay strong and finish better than ever! I hope this challenge has left you feeling completely revived and ready to start April off feeling your absolute best.

If you didn’t join us for this round of the challenge - never fear! You can still join the fun for only $5.99! You can find out more information as well as purchase the ebook here: http://www.transfitathens.com/new-products/transfive

Another reminder that our amazing new trainer, Shelley Tanner, will be leading sessions today and the studio. TransFit will be CLOSED on Monday and Tuesday of next week! Take that time to have a great walk or run outside in this beautiful weather! Or grab a friend and go do a quick yoga sequence at the park! We will have regular sessions again on Wednesday-Friday except for Wednesday at 5:30 am.  

April schedule is below! We would love for you to follow along and share with us how your journey is going! Tag us @transfitathens on Instagram or Twitter and send us great clips on Snapchat! 


Here is one of my favorite TransFIVE recipes! 

Hummus-Crusted Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • salt and pepper
  • 1 zucchini, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 1 cup hummus
  • 1 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 2 lemons

 

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Prepare one large baking dish or two smaller baking dishes with cooking spray. Pat the chicken dry. Season the chicken breasts with generous pinches of salt and pepper. In a large bowl, toss the zucchini, squash and onion with olive oil until evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper. If using one baking dish, place all of the vegetables on the bottom of the dish in an even layer. Lay the four chicken breasts evenly on top, then cover each chicken breast with the hummus so that the entire breast is covered. Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the chicken and vegetables. Then sprinkle the pan with smoked paprika. Thinly slice the remaining lemon, and place the slices in between the chicken and vegetables.

**If using two pans, use one for the chicken and one for the vegetables.**Bake for about 25-30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. Serve immediately.


Have a fabulous weekend, friends! Keep up the incredible work you keep putting in. It will always be worth it, because you are working towards whole body health: body, mind and spirit. Focus this weekend on fixing your mind on things above and fixate on what is mentioned in this incredible verse. Thoughts are so powerful, you will notice a true transformation of your mind when you fill your mind with positive ones!! 

Blessings,

Team TransFit

5 days to revive your body, mind and spirit! Join the Challenge!

Hello friends! 

We hope you all are enjoying a restful Easter weekend surrounded by friends and family. What a great weekend to get outside together as a family! As you are surrounded by sweet treats and big meals at family gatherings, focus on finishing March strong! Remember that moderation is key and that you are seeking to make a lasting change! 

This Monday, Transfit is releasing the all new TransFIVE Challenge. This 5-Day challenge is a focus on eliminating sugar and reviving your body, mind and spirit! It includes a meal plan, recipes, daily inspiration and more!

Join in on the fun and grab the ebook plus be added to the private Facebook group to join other ladies in this journey! We are so excited to push encourage and inspire each other as we do this challenge! If you purchase the ebook, email transfitathens@gmail.com to be added to the Facebook accountability group! 

 

Have a wonderful weekend, sweet friends! HE IS RISEN! 

Blessings,

Team TransFit

Ten Ways to Get Your Kids Healthy!!

Morning beautiful friends! This week's blog is going to feature our TransFit nutrition consultant, Katie Woodall! We are going to continue to focus on families this week in celebration of our Healthy Families ebook, but if you are a sweet college student or don't have kids - stick with us! There are still plenty of awesome tips to be found and DELICIOUS recipes to try!  As a busy mom of three, Katie definitely has some wisdom to share about how we can start getting our kids and ourselves eating healthier each and every day! Enjoy! 


The question “How do I get my kids healthy?” comes up a lot in the studio. Often times, clients get accustomed to their new routines of exercise and eating clean, nutritious foods, but their kids don’t always adjust to new foods as quickly as adults.

Today, we want to share with you 10 very basic ways to help get your kids on track to better health!


1. Set an example!

Your kids are watching you — when you take time out of your day to exercise. When you choose an apple over a bag of potato chips. When you refill your water bottle. When you choose steamed veggies over french fries. They’re watching! And though we aren’t always perfect in our choices, we can make a big impact on our little ones with all the small choices we make day in and day out!

2. Feed your kids what you’re eating!


Instead of fixing your kids a separate meal, serve them the same foods you’re eating. If you’ve baked fish with steamed veggies and rice for yourself, don’t hesitate putting the same foods on their plates. They might not be as excited as you are about your healthy meal, but don’t let that discourage you. And don’t give up! Even if they aren’t thrilled about this meal the first time you offer it to them, offer it to them again…and again! It make take several tries, but often times, they’ll come around.

 

3. Offer incentives.

Kids love sticker charts and earning rewards! Use an incentive that motivates your kids. We have tried earning “stars” for every new food our kids try. Once they earn 10 stars, they get a $5 gift card to Target! It works, and they get very excited! Rewards don’t always have to come in the form of sugar!

 

4. Take them grocery shopping.


It may not be your idea of fun, but your little ones most likely enjoy helping out mom or dad in the store. Let them pick out the produce! Or let them try using the scales to weigh the vegetables you’re purchasing — any way to get them excited about new fruits and vegetables! Helping you at the store might be another way for them to likely try the foods they (not you!) put in the cart.

 

5. Let them help you in the kitchen!


If your kids help with dinner, it might encourage them to eat what they’ve worked so hard to prepare! Even if it’s washing fruit and vegetables (or if you’re comfortable, they can chop, too), give them a specific task!

Put them in charge of re-filling snack baskets. If you have the snack-sized Ziplock bags, they can pre-portion out their snacks for school, too!

 

6. Use meal planning charts!


Instead of you sitting down to plan out your families’ meals alone each week, enlist your kids’ help! This would be a great opportunity to talk about the fruits and vegetables that are currently in season and let them pick which ones they’d like along with the main dish. And once it’s on the chart, there’s no fuss about breakfast, lunch or dinner — it’s already been discussed and planned! Another bonus: you’re organized for the whole week! This will simplify grocery shopping as well!

 

7. Let your kids help prepare their own lunch boxes.


Make it fun — use shapes and a variety of colors. Cut their sandwiches, cheese and fruit into different shapes. Mix it up with color, like green cucumbers, red strawberries, orange carrots or yellow bell peppers. And send healthy dips to go along! Try finding a yogurt-based Ranch for dipping, hummus or peanut butter. Use muffin cups to separate foods and add color. You could also roll up sliced turkey with cheese and add a toothpick!

 

8. Make exercising fun!

Exercise doesn’t have to be a chore. Get a stopwatch and have a relay race or see how many jumping jacks they can do in 1 minute! Get out the jump ropes and hula-hoops. Turn on some fun music and have a dance contest! If the weather is nice, ask them to join you for a jog! Sign up for family races or 5k events that have a Family Fun Run. Let them see you honoring your body through exercise! Most likely, if your kids see you on the floor doing push-ups, they’re going to want to join in! And if not, ask them — that might be all it takes is an invitation from you!

 

9. Have patience.


Remember that they’re kids. Just like in your journey to a whole body transformation, it takes kids time for their bodies to adjust. Changes won’t happen overnight. Extend your compassion, love and kindness. They’ll yearn for extra time with you. Time in the kitchen, trips to the grocery store or exercising with you!

 

10. Praise!


Kids need our affirmation just like adults need it. They need to hear from us, “Great job!” or “I am so proud of you!” So any chance you get, take it! Tell them, show them, affirm them every single day!


Kid-Approved Recipes

A family favorite — homemade popcorn! We love family movie night and popcorn is a must! Here is an easy recipe to pop it on the stovetop:

  • 1/2 cup all-natural popcorn kernels
  • 3 Tbsp. sunflower oil (or Extra-Virgin Olive Oil)
  • Salt to taste

Add 3 Tablespoons of sunflower oil to a large pot. Place 1-2 kernels in the bottom and cover with the lid. Turn the heat up to high. Once the kernels pop, reduce heat to medium-high and add the remaining kernels. Cover. Once the popping slows or stops, pour the popcorn into a large bowl. Sprinkle with salt.

*You can add a few chocolate chips or M&Ms for a special treat!


Healthy Low Fat Frozen Yogurt

Ingredients:

  • 2 bananas, mashed
  • 1 cup plain, Greek Yogurt
  • 3 tablespoons cocoa powder, unsweetened
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 Tbsp Honey

Directions:

  • Combine all ingredients in your food processor or blender and process until smooth. If you have an ice cream machine, follow your manual instructions.
  • If you don’t have an ice cream machine, pour processed mixture into a bowl and allow to slightly freeze in the freezer for about 45-60 minutes.
  • Use an ice cream scoop and dish out some delicious, healthy, soft serve frozen yogurt or pour into Popsicle molds and freeze for about 2-3 hours until set.

Nutty Nice Cream

  • 4 medium bananas, sliced and frozen overnight
  • 2 Tbsp. nut butter of your choice
  • 1 Tbsp. cinnamon
  • Few drops of stevia or maple syrup to taste

*Can add a few dark chocolate chips!

Blend in blender until smooth.


Peanut Butter Banana Oat Breakfast Cookies

Ingredients:

  • 2 whole Ripe Bananas, Mashed Until Creamy
  • ⅓ cup Peanut Butter, Creamy Or Chunky
  • ⅔ cup Unsweetened Applesauce
  • ¼ cup Vanilla Whey Protein Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • 1 teaspoon Butter Extract, Optional
  • 1-½ cup Quick Oatmeal, Uncooked
  • ¼ cup Chopped Peanuts
  • ¼ cup Carob Chips Or Chocolate Chips, Optional

Preparation:

  • Preheat heat oven to 350ºF.
  • In a large bowl, mix mashed banana and peanut butter until completely combined. Then add in the applesauce, vanilla protein powder and vanilla and butter extracts. Mix again until completely combined.
  • Add in the oatmeal and nuts to the banana mixture and combine. (Add the optional carob/chocolate chips at this time if you want them mixed throughout.
  • Let dough rest for 10 minutes.
  • Drop cookie dough, by spoonfuls, onto a parchment paper lined cookie sheet and flatten cookies into circles, about a 1/3″ thick. (If you want the optional carob/chocolate chips on the top of the cookies, push them into the cookies now.)
  • Bake cookies approximately 30 minutes, or until golden brown and done. Remove from oven and let rest on cookie sheet for 5 minutes, then move to cooling rack. (If you want the traditional fork tine marks on the cookies, use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to score the tops of the cookies while they’re still warm.)
  • When cookies are completely cool, store in a covered container. Enjoy!

 

Enjoy these recipes this Easter weekend with your family! For more healthy family recipes check out our Healthy Families ebook!

 

Have a fantastic weekend, friends! As we continue in this week leading up to Easter, let's remember what Jesus left us with as He ascended into Heaven. 

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations... And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
— Matthew 28: 18-20

3 Ways to motivate your family spiritually this March!

Hello friends! I hope you are enjoying this beautiful spring weather! I'm hoping and praying it stays warms so we will have a gorgeous St. Patrick's Day weekend! St. Patty's day can be a great excuse to sneak some extra green in foods - because kids expect their food to be green!! Take advantage of this! To help - here's a great "Shamrock Shake" recipe and a fun family workout! 


Shamrock Shake

1 cup Vanilla Silk Almond Milk 1 serving vanilla protein powder 1 frozen banana

1 Tbsp. ground flax seed

2 cups spinach

1 tsp. vanilla extract 1 cup crushed ice

**Can add 1-2 drops Stevia liquid or 1 Tbsp. honey for added sweetness! Blend until smooth. Serve & enjoy!

 

 

 

To go along with our motivation focus in March - I wanted to encourage you sweet families this week. The spring can prove to be an incredibly "full" season and can feel overwhelming emotionally, physically and spiritually not only on us, but on our families as a whole. I want to encourage you today to take the time to motivate your family to remained focused on being grateful for the lives we have and living life to the fullest one day at a time- making the most our of every opportunity! So, as a preview of our Healthy Families ebook releasing TODAY in the shop, here are 3 ways to motivate your family in their spiritual lives! 


1. Foster Gratitude

Our first step toward transforming our families' mindset spiritually is to start by being thankful for the life that they have been given! When we begin focusing on all we DO have, we spend less time thinking about little things that go wrong. Try this fun exercise - have each child write down 5 things they are most thankful for, but take it a step further and have them write out beside that how they will demonstrate that gratitude today! It could be by giving a person they are thankful for a hug and telling them they love them, writing a sweet note to a friend, exercising to show thanks for their healthy bodies, etc! Make it a fun family activity you can all do together! 

2. Focus on their gifts

We can be completely fulfilled when we use our passions and abilities to make a difference and glorify God with our whole life.  Encourage your kids that the things they love to do were put there by God! Ask them the 3 things they love to do more than anything. Then, ask them to write out how they can use each of these passions to serve the Lord. For example my sweet girls love gymnastics (like their mama!) and I would love to encourage them to show extra love to their teammates and pray for their team or to work extra hard and demonstrate how God calls us to work hard as if working for Him! Just having them think about their gifts as God-given can change the way they participate in everything and help them focus on Him more.

3. Make Scripture the focus

Read this verses with your kiddos - "All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right." 2 Timothy 3:16 If this verse is true, it means that God's word should be what we use as a "handbook" more or less for daily life. Challenge your kids to find one verse a week (or even a day!!) and try to live by it each day of that week. Have them write it on sticky notes and post it in the bathroom, car, on their binders - EVERYWHERE! This can make for awesome dinner discussions about how everyone lived our their verse each day. 


I hope you and your family can try some of these exercises this weekend and all throughout March, and perhaps even incorporate them into your normal routine! The theme verse for our Healthy Families ebook is “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6 and by challenging your sweet kids to worship and seek God through these everyday tasks, they will begin walking closer with Him each day which will make a lasting change for their entire lives! 

For more content like this in family devotions as well as family workouts, meal plans, recipes and more - check out our newest Healthy Families ebook in this preview!  Purchase it for only $9.99 here! And don't forget to sign your sweet girls up for our middle school or high school programs beginning March 21!! Middle school can be purchased here and highschool here

Blessings, 

Team TransFit

Motivating March Spotlight on Amazing MIDDLE School Girls!

Hello sweet friends! 

It's that time of year again - time to Maximize our Motivation in March! To start this month off strong, we have an incredible special client spotlight! It's ALL of our sweet middle school girls from our newest program: Live Transformed Girls


These girls have been in the studio every Monday and Wednesday for the past 5 weeks, participating in strength and body weight workouts and learning the importance of whole body health.  

The girls are in grades 5th- 8th and go to many different schools, but twice a week they're able to come together to honor God with their whole bodies through exercise and by learning how to treat their bodies well. They have been working so hard setting goals, eating more fruits and vegetables, trying new healthy recipes, drinking lots of water and learning the foundations of a whole body health! 

I love the outgoing people and the workouts make me feel so good afterwards!
— Ali Powell

At the end of each session, the girls enjoy a cool down where we stretch and focus on the amazing bodies we have been given! In this time the girls really focus on not comparing themselves to anyone around them and focus on how beautiful they are inside and outside and how strong they feel body, mind, and spirit after an amazing workout! 

What I love most about TransFit is when Mrs.Caroline turns the lights off at the end and tells us to not compare our selfs with others and to be strong.
— Sydney Dunn

As they have come to the studio, we have been so blessed to watch these girls laugh, learn and enjoy exercising together. These sweet girls have given their absolute best, and have a blast these past 5 weeks. These girls have achieved goals already, gotten stronger and have grown together with new friends, too! We are so encouraged and inspired by these amazing young women.

I love how we aren’t compared to anyone around us and how we get to relax & do yoga to stretch out at the end of the workout.
— Mary Cain Rue

WE LOVE MIDDLE SCHOOL GIRLS! Continue to LIVE TRANSFORMED in all that you do! 

Here are a few of our sweet middle schooler's favorite recipes, as well as our Girl Power Workout!


No-Bake Energy Bites

Ingredients

  • 1 cup oatmeal (I put this in the blender 1st) 1/2 cup peanut butter (or other nut butter) 1/3 cup honey
  • 1 cup coconut flakes
  • 1/2 cup ground flaxseed
  • 1 tsp vanilla

Stir all ingredients together in a medium bowl until thoroughly mixed. Let chill in the refrigerator for half an hour. Once chilled, roll into balls of whatever size you would like. (Mine were about 1′′ in diameter.) Store in an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to 1 week. Makes about 20-25 balls. 


Rockin’ Raspberry Smoothie

  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 1⁄2 frozen banana
  • 1 serving vanilla protein powder or greek yogurt
  • 1 cup frozen raspberries
  • 1 tbsp. chia seed
  • 1 tsp. honey or stevia (to taste)
  • 1⁄2 cup crushed ice
  • Add unsweetened coconut to top

Blend until smooth (add in 1 cup spinach or zucchini (chopped) for extra nutrients) 


 

We also have our Live Transformed College Program that will be finishing up this week. On March 21 we will be starting ALL NEW PROGRAMS for middle school, high school and college women! Monday and Wednesday afternoons and evenings Secure your spot (or your daughter's spot) now by emailing us at transfitathens@gmail.com

If you are unable to start a program but would love to start your transformation - remember you can purchase the physical or digital copy of our bible study which can serve as its own 6 week program! It is a complete guided transformation with meal plans, recipes and workouts included! You can find it here - 

http://www.transfitathens.com/new-products/live-transformed-ebook

Have a wonderful week, sweet friends! 

Team TransFit

 

 

TransFit Spring Break Travel Workout!!

Hello friends! We know Spring Break is just around the corner and so I've teamed up with our newest trainer to bring you a GREAT travel workout! 

Shelley is certified with American College of Sports Medicine and she is eager to start inspiring ladies to live transformed!   We hope you enjoy this awesome workout and will join us in praying for Shelley as she becomes a part of Team TransFit! Please see our new schedule to add in new sessions for March ! 


Changing lifestyle habits to incorporate regular exercise can be challenging at first, especially when there’s always something that disrupts our routine.  The key is to set goals and make your health a priority! Start right where you are with what you can do, and make weekly goals to progress.  If you would like some guidance in this journey, we are more than willing to help you set specific goals and reach them here at TransFit! To get you started, here’s a workout you can do anywhere, any time! With spring break trips coming up and weekend travel as the weather warms, it’s good to plan ahead for your workouts as you would plan ahead what clothes to pack. Keep up your healthy lifestyle through your vacation to feel great and energized on your trip, then slip right back into your routine when you return home! Toss a resistance band into your bag and you can do this workout on the go! Always be sure to warm up for at least 5 minutes before your workout, adding a cool down and stretch afterwards.

Set an interval timer for rounds of 45 seconds with a 30 second cardio interval. It will take you 20 minutes to complete. You’ll get cardio and strength training in this workout by alternating through each! Pick a cardio option for those rounds. Challenge yourself here! Stick with one cardio or rotate through a few to work different muscles and challenge your body. Check out the video for demonstrations of the exercises!

Cool down and stretch, or repeat workout! Let us know how you do! Tag us on Instagram @transfitathens! A video of this workout can be found in the Transform section of our website as well as here on YouTube! 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1An__HGtlCU


 

 

 

Also as we move into March (can you believe it?!) here is the calendar for the studio! If you are interested in becoming a client, email us! In the mean time, be sure to check out the Live Transformed bible study and our other ebook or meal plan options, as those are the next best thing! You can find the study and others in the shop here:

 http://www.transfitathens.com/new-products/live-transformed-bible-study


 

So thankful for Shelley and so thankful for all of you! Let's get excited for the warm weather headed this way and give extra thanks today for the One who has given us the beautiful spring weather! Have a wonderful weekend, precious friends! 

Team Transfit

The Many Benefits of Hemp Hearts & delicious recipes!

Happy Wednesday friends! Today we wanted to post a quick blog about one of our favorite superfoods! Many people haven't heard of hemp hearts and if this is you- you are in for a treat! These tiny seed-like hearts pack in so  many amazing nutrients and can be easily added into so many things! You can find this superfood at most grocery stores! 

Hemp hearts are the “heart” of a shelled hemp seed. They are considered a “superfood” because they are rich in protein. They have almost the highest balance of proteins, fats, vitamins, and enzymes. Hemp hearts have been shown to decrease blood pressure, as well as lower the risks of colon and prostate cancer. 

Hemp hearts can relieve indigestion because they have no known allergens. So people that are gluten intolerant, for example, can eat hemp hearts and have no problems. Hemp hearts are also good at suppressing the appetite. They can also give you an added boost of energy! Some hemp hearts may contain fatty acids and no cholesterol, which can help lower cholesterol. 

How to Eat Hemp Hearts:

Sprinkle them on a salad

Blend them into a smoothie

Add them to cereal, both hot and cold

Bake them in your favorite treats for an added boost of protein

Eat them plain

Use them instead of nuts in a recipe

 

 

Hemp Heart Granola TransFormed

  • Preheat Oven 450. Spray pan with Coconut Oil Spray
  •  2 Cups Whole Grain Oats
  • ¼ cup hemp hearts
  • 1 Cup of crushed Nuts (Almonds, Walnuts, Pecans, Pumpkin seeds or Mix)
  • ¼ Cup Ground Flax Seed
  • 1 Tbsp Cinnamon
  • ½ Tsp Salt
  • 2 Tbsp Coconut Oil
  • 2 Tbsp Honey or Maple Syrup
  • 1 Tsp Vanilla Extract

Mix first 6 ingredients in large bowl and spread over baking sheet. Bake on 450 for 3 min (stirring each minute). Mix together next 3 ingredients and pour over the toasted mixture. Bake another 2-3 minutes or until crispy! Makes 8-10 servings. Enjoy!

Hemp Transformer Energy Bites

  • 1 cup oatmeal (not quick cooking)
  • 1/2 cup nut butter 
  • 1/3 cup honey 
  • 1 cup coconut flakes
  • 1/2 cup ground flaxseed
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1/2 cup of Hemp Hearts (to roll the energy bites in)

Put all ingredients in one bowl, mix, and roll them in Hemp Hearts. Then let chill for 30 minutes in the fridge. Enjoy!


Also quick note that we will  be offering a lunchtime Transformer Express class every Monday and Wednesday from 12:00-12:45 starting March 1st! If you are interested, please email us at www.transfitathens@gmail.com to reserve your spot! 

Have a wonderful rest of the week friends! Let's strive to honor God with our whole bodies this week through our nutrition by trying new foods that He has created for us! 

-Team TransFit

 

5 Ways to love your body & have a healthier Valentine's Day & Recipes!!

Happy Valentine's week, friends! We hope you are ready for a wonderful weekend!  As we all know, this Sunday is Valentine's Day and typically that means - lots of candy and sweets everywhere we look! Valentine's Day is such a perfect holiday to take extra time to show others how you love them!  Let's also take some extra time to love our bodies and ourselves this Valentine's Day? 

Right now, take some time to dwell on this verse

"You are altogether beautiful my love; there is no flaw in you" Song of Solomon 4:7

These are the Lord's thoughts about you! He has created you exactly as you are for a purpose. You are so beautiful and perfectly made in His sight! Take some time today to write down things you love about the way God made you. Now, go share this verse with a friend! Encourage your sweet friends today in their own beauty, inside and out. Valentines Day is the day of love! Let's be intentional about spreading love and blessings as much as we can.

Now we know many of you will be spending Valentine's Day with your families so we wanted to share a few of our favorite healthy Valentine's Day recipes with you all! We guarantee these will satisfy your sweet tooth just as well as that box of Russell Stover- but without compromising your nutrition goals! These are treats you can feel good about, because (in moderation of course!) they will not only make your taste buds happy but make your body happy as well. 

If you DO have precious kiddos that are going to be receiving Valentine's bags from school, taking cards and usually expecting a small treat from Mom and Dad- this is the perfect opportunity to practice non-food rewards for your kids! Instead of loading them up with bags of candy, make Valentine's Day fun in other ways! Here are 5 ways to have the healthiest Valentine's Day with your sweetheart, family or even roommates for all you sweet college students! 


1. Make a Valentine's celebration breakfast! Make some fun Strawberry Love Parfaits to start your day with a sweet, healthy breakfast that tastes like a treat! Take some time to say 5 reasons why you love each other as you eat your breakfast. 

2. Celebrate with non-food items! If you're sending your kids to school with Valentines, try sending cards along with temporary tattoos, stickers, pencils or other fun little toys instead of candy. Be sure to emphasize that these are things they can enjoy over and over and not just once! If you're a college student, get together with some friends and make some Valentines together! Get crafty and make fun, homemade cards with markers, watercolors, etc.

3. Spread out the sweets! Naturally, we're all going to eat some sweet treats on Valentine's Day. However, all of these treats don't have to be eaten on this one day! Pick 1-2 of your top choices for today, and then put the rest away to enjoy in moderation for days to come. The longer you spread it out, the more times you get to enjoy the treats! 

4. Try a new, healthy recipe! Below you will find several of our most favorite healthy and easy sweet treats! Try making these for you and your family, friends or significant other! 

5. Celebrate with red foods! See how many delicious and nutritious red foods you can put into your diet that day! Maybe try strawberries on a spinach salad for lunch, our beet and red onion side dish for a romantic dinner (recipe below), Tomato Tulips as an appetizer (just cut a plus sign on the top of a cherry tomato, fill with cottage cheese, then use chives as the stems) or Share the Love rice krispie treats (recipe below)


Dark Chocolate Granola Bark

2 cups dark chocolate chips

1 cup Kroger Ancient Grain granola (or granola of your choice)

2 tsp. orange zest

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 cup dried tart cherries

1/4 tsp sea salt

 

 

Line baking sheet with wax paper. Melt chocolate. Stir in granola, zest and cinnamon. Spread out onto baking sheet and top with cherries and salt. Chill for 30 mins or until firm. Enjoy! 

 

Thank you Jess for sharing this amazing recipe with us!!

 

 


Strawberry Love Yogurt Parfait

 

 

1 large container of greek yogurt

1 container strawberries

Granola cereal (lower sugar)

Stevia drops or honey to taste

Take 1 cup of strawberries and blend in blender until smooth. Hullrest of the strawberries and cut them into slices. Mix the yogurt with the blended berries. Begin layering the Mini Trifles. Start with a layer of greek yogurt. Add a layer of strawberries. Next sprinkle granola on top of the strawberry layer. Repeat layers until the mini trifles are full. Garnish with strawberries and/or granola.


Roasted Carrots, Beets, and Red Onion Wedges

Serves 4; 1/2 cup per serving

Ingredients

  • Cooking spray
  • 2  medium beets (about 5 ounces each), peeled, cut into 1/2-inch wedges, and      patted dry with paper towels
  • 3 small carrots (about 2 ounces each), cut crosswise into 2-inch pieces (not baby      carrots)
  • 1 medium red onion (about 4 ounces), cut into 1/2-inch wedges
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, crumbled
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt

Preparation

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil to keep it from getting stained. Lightly spray the foil with cooking spray.
  2. Put the beets, carrots, and onion wedges on the foil. Drizzle the oil and sprinkle the oregano and salt over the vegetables, stirring gently to coat. Arrange the vegetables in a single layer so they don’t touch.
  3. Roast for 15 minutes. Stir. Roast for 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are just tender when pierced with a fork.

Cook’s Tip: Avoid getting beet stains on your hands by peeling the beets under cold running water.


Share the Love Healthier Rice Krispie Treats

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoons butter
  • 3 cups miniature marshmallows
  • 6 cups Whole Grain Brown Rice Krispie Cereal (I actually found this at Target Kids had no clue!)
  • 1 Cup Fresh sliced strawberries (blend or chop finely)

Directions:

In a large saucepan melt butter over low heat. Add in marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat. Add Brown Rice Krispie Cereal and stir until fully coated. Flatten the mixture on wax paper and use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out hearts or use your hands to shape the mixture into hearts. Top the hearts with fresh sliced strawberries and gently press down to seal them. (You could also mix the strawberries in with the marshmallows). Cool before serving.


 

Enjoy this weekend with your friends and family! We love you all! 

-Team TransFit

INCREDIBLE Transformation Client Spotlight Amy O'Neil!

We are so excited to share with you our Client Spotlight for the month of February - Amy O'Neil! Amy's hard work and dedication to living a healthier lifestyle has transformed her inside and out and we want to celebrate all that she has accomplished! Please enjoy reading her story in hopes it will inspire and encourage you to continue all of YOUR hard work towards your own transformation! Congratulations, Amy, you are such an amazing mother, wife, and friend! Keep living each moment to the fullest- giving your best as you have done this year! 


amytransformation.jpg

Amy O'Neil

I had resigned to the fact that I would always be a “big girl.... large and in charge.” Then God threw my husband and me a curveball­ a baby girl. What a surprise to our over forty selves that was! Months after her birth, I lived a life as a mother of four children lacking energy and feeling overwhelmed. One June morning, I looked down at my beautiful blessing and realized that something had to change. She gave me a reason to change my lifestyle and become healthy. I want to be around for her wedding and her children, but the way I was living would not have let me do that. I had been dieting on my own, and walking some, but I had to be transformed.

I had several friends that had been working out with Transfit and Caroline for years. They looked and felt the way I wanted to feel. Up until this point, I had admired them and never thought I was in their league. I never envisioned myself working out alongside them. However, that June morning I decided to check out Transfit’s website. I was impressed by the spiritual aspect that Caroline offered along with the physical training. I emailed her and soon had my first meeting with her. I left the Transfit studio ready to focus on getting healthy. For the first time in years, I focused on being healthy instead of being on a diet. For the first time in years, I lost weight! It has not been a “magic pill” or quick by any means, but day by day I get stronger. Although I have only been working with Caroline for seven months, I feel like a new person. I am down nearly 50 pounds from my top weight and am wearing a size that I have not seen since before my twins were born nine years ago. Wise food choices and exercise have become my routine. There is a poster that hangs in the studio that has become my mantra, “Strive for progress, not perfection.” This plays through my head when I overindulge or skip more than one day without exercise.

I have stumbled throughout this journey, but Caroline and Transfit are always there to gently direct me back on track. An encouraging text, a quick message on My Fitness Pal, or inspiring God speaking words during cool down are exactly what I need to keep me working on my progress towards being healthy. I think this has been the biggest difference in my thinking since starting Transfit. I focus more on health than a number on the scale or a size of clothing. It is not a diet for me. It is new way of life. I am part of the 8:30 Transformers group on Tuesdays and Thursdays. These are my favorite days. I have met incredible ladies here and find myself working out alongside the very women I didn’t see “in my league” only a few short months ago. I even find myself excited about defeating the Jungle Gym each class. I remember not being able to do that difficult exercise the first few weeks of July.

Such a fun, inspiring spirit!

Such a fun, inspiring spirit!

In addition to Transformers, I also try to do three or four additional days of cardio each week. My family encourages me to exercise now. They beg me to get out and walk/jog when I start to get grouchy in the evenings. They can see the difference it makes for me. There are times that I don’t feel like exercising, but I get on the treadmill or hit the pavement anyway. The accountability that is present at Transfit helps me during these times. I know that the inspiring ladies in my Transformer groups are doing the same thing, and I know Caroline will ask me what I did during my off days. Inevitably, I feel better when I am finished. I am chipping away at the “large and in charge” girl inside of me. I am realizing that I am not “in charge”. One thing that Caroline always says that resonates with me is, “God gave you this beautiful body, therefore you are capable”. My goals are to keep believing this and trusting the One that created me. Viewing workouts as worship has also help transform my attitude towards exercise. This is the only body I will ever have, and I should get it as healthy as possible for His purposes. Right now, I know that purpose is to be the best wife and mother I can be. The energy and vibrancy that I gain from Transfit is helping me fulfill this mission. I am not finished yet. As a matter of fact, I may never be finished. Progress, not perfection, is the goal after all. Each day, I strive for progress over the day before. I feel good and want to keep getting stronger. I plan on being around for many years to come and with His grace, I will see all the grandbabies that God has planned for me! I will be intentional about being healthy and will live transformed!


Amy's Favorite Black Bean Soup

A filling and delicious lunch with a green salad.

1 onion, chopped 1 can petite diced tomatoes

1 clove garlic, minced 3 cans black beans, undrained

1 Tbs. olive oil 1 fresh lime

1 can Rotel tomatoes

Sauteé onion and garlic in olive oil in a large sauce pan until fragrant and soft. Dump in cans of tomatoes and beans. Simmer 20 minutes. Remove one blender full and puree. Pour back into remaining mixture and squeeze lime juice into pot and stir.

*Makes about 8 servings.


If you are interested in taking the first step towards your own personal transformation, check out TransFit's very own Live Transformed - a 6 week journey to whole body health. This is an all inclusive bible study that comes with daily devotionals and journaling, meal plans, recipes, exercise classes and more! You can purchase the physical copy or ebook in the shop here

http://www.transfitathens.com/new-products/live-transformed-bible-study

This study can also be done as a small group, which we have seen God do amazing things through already. If you are interested in having your group do this study, there are leader packets available as well, simply email transfitathens@gmail.com

The secret to reduce stress and stay organized for your healthy lifestyle!

Good Morning sweet friends! 

Many of you have met my dear friend and now TransFit Nutrition Consultant,  Katie Woodall. Today, I wanted to give her an opportunity to share with you her best nutrition advice and a fabulous secret! 


Hey guys! I am Katie Woodall, a Certified Nutrition Consultant for TransFit! I have loved working out side-by-side with a lot of you at the TransFit studio. It’s my pleasure to share my love for nutrition with each of you today! 

Who wants to reduce stress and stay organized??? I know we all do- so here is the solution for you — meal planning! This was one of my 2015 New Year’s Resolutions. It not only saved me time after time from asking, “What’s for dinner,” but it kept me organized at home and at the grocery store. Instead of walking into the store with no plans and wandering up and down aisles, and back across the store because I forgot something, I went to the store with a plan! And a plan can help you spend less — as long as you stick to it!

Like most people, our New Year’s Resolutions include losing weight and toning up. Well, meal planning helps with your fitness goals, too! Muscles start in the kitchen, right?! I often tell people that you can work out 6 or even 7 days a week, but until you make healthier choices in the kitchen, nothing will change! You can start by organizing your family’s weekly meals.

3 Simple Steps to Getting Your Meals Organized

1. Set aside a day and time to plan! Put it on your calendar if you have to! Saturdays and Sundays typically work best, even if it’s just 30 minutes or one hour set aside.

When you find your block of time that works best, sit down with your healthy recipes and start planning for the week ahead. Include meals for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. Yes, plan your snacks! Even if it’s a protein bar, write it down! One of TransFit’s blank meal plans can prove to be very useful.

2. Stay cost conscious! If you want to save a little extra money that week, take a look at the sale papers and plan your meals accordingly. What meats are on sale? Consider which fruits and veggies are in season.

3. Create your game plan! Once your week’s planned out, you can easily make your grocery shopping list. If you’re like me, I usually incorporate 2-3 shopping trips a week for fresh produce and meat to last through the weekend. After your calendar is full, go back and organize a grocery shopping list. Try to separate your list into different sections, like produce, dairy, dry or canned goods, etc. to make shopping even easier! And also when you’re at the store, it can help hold you accountable to your list and avoiding those extra items or treats around the store!

Let us help! Are you adding “Meal Planning” to your calendar right now or wondering still how to find the time for it? I’d love to help you! Part of TransFit’s nutrition services is meal planning. So if you’d like to save time, I can take the stress of meal planning away from you! I can create fresh meal plans for you and your family, including the recipes, and add one of our newest features — grocery shopping lists! 

To make changing yours or your family's nutrition habits a breeze, let TransFit help you through the Healthy Family Meal Plan which can be found here http://www.transfitathens.com/new-products/healthy-family-meal-plan

or a Personalized Nutrition Plan found here

http://www.transfitathens.com/new-products/one-on-one-nutrition-consultation

These options and many more can be found in the TransFit shop! 


To give you an idea of what a typical, healthy family meal plan from TransFit looks like, I’ve included one here. That’s five meals a day for seven days! Also, we’re sharing a few recipes from this plan, too.


Strawberry Spinach Salad with Balsamic Fig Dressing

Ingredients: (serves 2)

Dressing -

• 1⁄4 cup balsamic vinegar

• 1 tablespoon fig preserves

• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• salt to taste

• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

Salad -

• 1 (10 oz) package of baby spinach leaves

• 1⁄2 Cup Craisins

• 1 cup Strawberries hulled & sliced thin

• 1⁄2 cup cooked, shelled edamame

• 4 oz crumbled Goat Cheese

• 1/2 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped

Preparation:
Mix vinegar, pepper, mustard, salt, and olive oil in a small bowl with whisk. In a large salad bowl, toss the remaining ingredients together. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and serve. Top with grilled chicken or salmon! Goes perfectly with homemade pita chips Enjoy! 


Healthy Chicken Nuggets  

  • 6 oz. boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into 1⁄2 inch pieces) 2 pinches salt

  • 2 pinch pepper

  • 1 pinch garlic powder

  • 2 tbsp light extra virgin olive oil

  • 1 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs (or almond meal for lower carb option) 

  • Olive oil cooking spray

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Toss chicken in olive oil and then season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic. Dip the chicken in bread crumbs until coated completely. Roll until nicely coated. Lightly coat a cookie sheet with spray and place the nuggets onto the tray and then into the oven. Bake until golden brown and cooked through (about 10-15 minutes).   


 

 

For more on how we can help you organize your family meal plans, please email Katie at katie@transfitathens.com. Or if you’d like to learn more about our nutrition consulting services, log on to http://www.transfitathens.com/nutrition/.

Have an amazing weekend! 

Team TransFit

5 Ways to Stay Healthy in your "Full" Days!

Good morning, friends! 

I hope your week is off to a great start. It finally feels like we're all settling 2016, doesn't it? The newness of the year is beginning to wear off and we are finally getting back into our old routines. That being said I know for many of you, like me, that routine involves long days filled to the brim with meetings, appointments, activities, errands, cooking and much more! Looking at our days can often feel overwhelming leaving us feeling drained and frustrated - and it is often in these times that we reach for those unhealthy "easy" foods or neglect to exercise but I want to encourage you to break free from this cycle and start fresh today

The fact is, when you feel your best inside and out you will have your best days. On the busiest days (which I like to call "full days", not "busy" or "booked" but full to the brim with things that the Lord has blessed me with the opportunity to do) it is even more important that we are fueling our bodies well and taking the time to exercise properly so we will have the energy and strength to give everything our best! 

Yes, I know nutrition can often be something that is very hard to focus on when we are "busy". We are often rushing out the door in the morning, eating out spur of the moment throughout the week or throwing together meals at the last second. So today I wanted to give you a few tips on staying your healthiest - even through life's busiest and craziest times! 

5 Ways to Stay Healthy in your "Full" Days

·       Start your day FULL of the Spirit! At the end of the day, our spiritual health is by far the most important aspect of our health. Start your day with a quiet time, asking the Lord to live through you today. Ask Him to help you remember why it is that you want to be healthier - to honor Him with your body, not to look a certain way. Thank Him that He made you beautiful and perfect in His own image! These precious moments at the first of your day will shift your focus heavenward, giving you a healthy spiritual mindset.

"Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." Colossians 3:1-2

·       Have a FULL breakfast! Friends, this is so important. There are so many studies that show the importance of a balanced breakfast in a healthy lifestyle, and they are so true! Your breakfast is the first fuel that your body is getting for your day! I know it can be easy to skip as you rush out the door to work, school or drop the kids off - but ensuring that you and your family get a healthy breakfast is essential. Here are some quick, easy and healthy breakfast ideas!  

1 serving Kashi Go-Lean cereal with 4 oz Almond Milk

Quick Yogurt parfait- 1 cup Plain Nonfat Greek Yogurt topped with a few berries, small serving granola and drizzle of honey

Cheese stick with apple slices and peanut butter

Oatmeal (microwave or overnight) add a dollop of greek yogurt or nuts for protein

2 eggs and ½ avocado and 1 cup berries

1 piece whole wheat toast or Ezekiel bread with 1 tbsp peanut/almond butter (feel free to add additional toppings such as honey, raisins, dark chocolate chips)

Take this healthy guide with you wherever you go!! 

Take this healthy guide with you wherever you go!! 

  • Equip yourself with a FULL knowledge of healthy eating out! While we would all like to believe we can always meal prep and prepare to avoid eating out, at the end of the day there are going to be times where we are strapped for time and find ourselves once again going through the Chick-Fil-A drive thru! However, it is so important to realize that eating out does not have to be unhealthy! There are so many options you can choose for yourself and your kids that are not laden with calories, fat and grease! When eating out, if you have struggled with making poor decisions in the past choose today to let yourself stop that cycle! You CAN eat healthy while eating out! Here are a few tips:
    • Substitute fries! Restaurants now offer many options instead of fries. If they don't, try to just have the entree anyways as it will often fill you up.
    • If there is a salad option - choose it! And have the dressing on the side.
    • Grab a large water and drink it before eating! 
    • Have a plan! Know what you're going to get before you order. The MyFitnessPal app now has so many restaurant options in the app that will tell you all of the nutrition information in an instant! Do a quick search to be aware of what you are getting and to keep you accountable! 

Find SPECIFIC meals at almost every restaurant in Athens in our very own Eating Out Guide ebook which can be found in the shop!! Get in now on sale for only $7.99 here

http://www.transfitathens.com/new-products/healthy-eating-out-ebook


  • Have a FULL workout! On our busy days, this task can often seem the most daunting. However when we look at our planners let us take the time to realize that we have 24 hours in each and every day. We are awake for 12-16 of those hours (sometimes even more!) and let us focus on making the most of each day. Your workout can be anywhere from 15-60 minutes, and remember that any workout is better than no workout at all! Even if it is a 15 minute bodyweight HIIT style workout in between meetings, before class or before you pick up the kids it will still leave you feeling refreshed and energized! Allow yourself to take that time to treat your body well and you will be surprised at how much more productive the rest of your day will be! 
  • Be FULL of water throughout your day! While this seems like an obvious point, I can not stress enough the importance of hydration in your busy days. Often hydration issues can lead to headaches and a tired, sluggish feeling that we neglect to relate to a water problem! Try to set up a "drinking schedule" for yourself in order to make sure that your body is getting the hydration it needs! Take mental inventory of how much better you feel when you've had the proper amount of water! 

I hope these 5 tips will help you finish the month of January strong and energized for an awesome start to February! Please let the TransFit Team know if we can help you in any way! 

Blessings, Caroline

5 Tips to get your kids back on track for a healthy New Year!

Hey sweet friends!

Many of you, like me, sent your sweet little muffins back to school this week after a wonderful holiday season with them! For many of us, the holiday season is a time full of Christmas cookies, desserts and LOTS of sugar! With all the yummy treats, we also tend to move and exercise much less during the holidays! While the time of rest is much needed, now is time to get our families back on track as school and work start back again. We have started the January Jump Start here in the TransFit studio, but  I wanted to take the time to offer some advice on jump-starting the New Year for your sweet little ones! Teaching them about the importance of nutrition and exercise from a young age will make a lasting impression on them as they grow up, and lead them on the right path in having their best  life! To start this week and month, here are 5 ways you can begin to help your children choose health and see that fit is FUN! I hope you enjoy these tips, recipes and our printable TransFit Kids "Fit is Fun food Journal"!


5 Tips to get your family on track with whole body health:

1. Plan AheadWhether you're eating on-the-run or running out to eat, you can find healthy food for the kids (and yourself) if you make advance plans. Meal plan and prep for the week! Get your kids involved and let them plan to have some of their favorite recipes this week! Maybe let them try helping you make some of these dishes too! Find a few great kid-approved recipes below they will want to plan in every week!

2. Make time for breakfastGive your family a good start with the most important meal of the day. Breakfast helps boost concentration in the boardroom or classroom, may aid in maintaining a healthy weight, and provides the energy needed for morning activities. Try a quick smoothie, healthy cereal, Kind bar or energy bites! Get ready the night before! Set out bowls, spoons, and cereal boxes. Or put out plates and forks, then whip up a few eggs first thing in the morning. If you're in a rush, take something with you! Toss pre-sliced fruit and cheese into a plastic container, top a toasted bagel with peanut butter, or blend up a fruit smoothie.

3. Keep Quick and/or Car-Friendly Snacks on handPack healthy snacks for after school that kids can manage themselves, including shelf-stable foods and fresh foods (pack a cooler if you have the time). Kid-friendly, healthy foods can include:

  • Fresh, easy-to-eat produce like apples, bananas, grapes
  • Dried fruit such as cranberries, raisins, apricots, apples, and pineapple
  • Trail Mix with nuts, dried fruit, and whole grain cereal
  • Whole-grain crackers with peanut/almond/sun butter
  • Low-Sugar granola bars
  • Turkey and cheese roll ups
  • Single serving yogurt
  • Cheese sticks or wedges
  • Ready to eat veggies with hummus

4. Eat out smarter - Find restaurants that serve healthier options for kids by knowing where you're going before you get there. Focus on places with healthy options like locally-owned restaurants, spots with salad bars , and fresh seafood restaurants. Luckily, many places now offer healthy swaps in kids meals such as fruit in place of fries, water in place of soda, and grilled nuggets instead of fried. 

5. Get the kids involved in your health journey - Your little ones are always watching you to see what you do. If they see you making healthy choices and doing it with excitement and joy, they will want to too! You- being a good role model for your children  is the best teacher of whole body health.

It may sound obvious, but kids need to be taught about eating right. It's not necessarily obvious why an apple is a better snack than a candy bar, so talk kindly with your kids about nutrition. Discuss subjects like why some foods are part of everyday healthy eating, and why other foods are a special treat.Teach kids where their food comes from with a visit to a local farm or farmer's market. Show them how to read and follow a recipe. Help your kids plant and tend a garden, then teach them to prepare the food they've grown. Show your children how to read nutrition labels, how to compare prepackaged foods in the supermarket, and how to shop. Us momma know it is not always easy to change your children's diet and win kids over to healthier foods. But it comes with a great bonus: once they're eating right, it's likely that you are, too! A few favorite recipes below and page on healthy lunches!


Strawberry Love Smoothie

  • 1 cup almond milk 1⁄2 frozen banana
  • 1 cup frozen strawberries
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt or 1 serving vanilla protien powder 1 tbsp ground flax seed
  • **1 tsp maple syrup or stevia drops (optional)
  • 1 cup crushed ice
  • (top fresh strawberries and unsweetened coconut flakes)

No Bake Energy Balls

  • 1 cup oatmeal (I put this in the blender 1st)
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter (or other favorite nut butter or sun butter)
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1 cup coconut flakes
  • 1/2 cup ground flaxseed (GO FIBER!)
  • 1⁄2 cup chocolate chips (optional) 1 tsp vanilla

Directions: Stir all ingredients together in a medium bowl until thoroughly mixed. Let chill in the refrigerator for half an hour. Once chilled, roll into balls of whatever size you would like. (Mine were about 1′′ in diameter.) Store in an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to 1 week.


Get your kids excited about their health! Make it like a game! Print off this sheet and hang it up somewhere where your kids can plan out and track their meals, fruits, veggies, water and exercise! Sit down with them at the beginning of the week and get ready to have your best week yet! They will love getting to plan their week out and it will be a great habit to get them into early!! 

Send pictures of your recipes, filled out sheets and fun times to transfitathens@gmail.com we would love to see! If you post them tag us @transfitathens!! If you want the pdf version of this chart, email us and we will be glad to send you one! Have a wonderful, healthy week with your sweet kids this week! 

Blessings,

Caroline

10 Practical Ways to start 2016 healthier than ever- body, mind and spirit!

10 Practical Ways to start 2016 healthier than ever- body, mind and spirit!

I am so looking forward to this new year with you friends. Let’s make the most of every single day we are given, and make the most of every opportunity we have to be healthier in every area of life. Don’t wait another second, realize that you CAN change any area of your life that you want to. I want to take this journey with you and can’t wait to see how much you achieve! 

Are you ready for a January Jump Start?

Hello friends!

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas with your families and are enjoying this time of rest and relaxation. In this last week of December 2015 as we move into the New Year I encourage you to stay motivated! I know this time between Christmas and New Year's can be tempting to indulge in leftover sweets and treats but let us finish the year stronger and healthier than ever! Take this time of rest to really focus in on your goals for 2016 and all that you want to accomplish, not just through your health but in all areas of life. 

Sweet friends that are participating in the Holiday Extravaganza finish strong and remember why you started this challenge! Remember the challenge is not a diet or a phase meant to restrict, but meant to encourage you to treat your body as a temple and reward you for doing so

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Thinking about the New Year - Are you going to be looking to jump start your body, mind, & spirit for a successful 2016?
The TransFit January Jump Start packages will provide you a healthy all- inclusive approach to help you achieve your fitness goals! The January Jump Start packages will get you on the right track to make 2016 the best year yet body, mind and spirit!

                                   

January Jump Start Package A

  •  4 weeks healthy lifestyle meal plans, recipes, shopping lists
  • Blank Meal Plan Template for you to customize
  •  2 home workouts per week plus weekly inspiration
  • One month exercise plan                                                            
  • Getting Started Guide & 10 New Year's Steps to Success
  •  2015 Goal Sheet                                                           
  • Accountability Chart
  • TransFit January calendar with weekly challenges
  • Weekly Inspiration and email support

                                                                       $75. 00                                                                    Will be emailed directly to you in PDF format

January Jump Start Package Elite

 January Jump Start Package A plus add in a 25 minute consultation with body composition (body fat % & measurements) with Certified Nutrition Consultants: Katie Woodall or Caroline Ward    $100

January Jump Start Package Premier

January Jump Start Package A plus add in 2 -25 minute consultations before & after 4 week nutrition plan $125

January Jump Start Package Platinum (*awesome savings!*)

January Jump Start Package A  plus 25 minute consultation before & after 4 week nutrition plan  plus 2 Transformer in studio workout sessions per week for the month of January    $225.00                                                                                                

Email transfitathens@gmail.comor go to SHOP to sign up

Here is a January Jump Start recipe and my favorite 2015 Transformer workout to help you stay focused during the last week in December. 

Enjoy this salad recipe over the next few days to leave you feeling satisfied and energized!


Transformer Pear & Spinach Salad

Ingredients

  • 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans, toasted
  • 1 cup pomegranate arils
  • 4 oz feta cheese or goat cheese, crumbled
  • 1/3 cup dried cranberries
  • 2 Bartlett pears (firm but ripe), cored and sliced
  • 1 avocado, peeled and sliced tossed in lemon juice
  • 9-12 oz baby spinach

Dressing

  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 3 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 Tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper, to taste 

 

Directions

Place all dressing ingredients in a mason jar and shake well or blend. Place all salad ingredients in a large salad bowl, drizzle with desired amount of dressing then toss to evenly coat. Serve immediately.


Here is one of our favorite workouts of 2015 - try this some time in the next few days to feel recharged and strong! 

 

I want to say thank you so much for another incredible year. God has continued to bless this business and I have loved watching Him use TransFit as an amazing ministry. You all inspire and encourage me each and every day, and I could not be more grateful to do what I love and serve you all!

Blessings,

Caroline

 

Holiday Hustle Workout for the entire family!

Sweet friends! 

This weekend was such a full, fun weekend  with holiday parties and Kaitlyn, Lyla and I were able to have my sweet god-sister (Mal)  to film a super high energy Christmas workout!! We are really getting into the Christmas spirit here at the Ward house!  I hope you and your entire family can enjoy this fun, holiday workout! 

Please share it with us if you do-- we would love to see!! #holidayhustle

 

I have heard so many awesome stories of success during the Holiday Extravaganza!! Keep up the GREAT work! Everyone is fighting hard for the prizes- reaching so many goals and keeping to your healthy lifestyles even through the holidays. I am so proud of all of you! Keep up the good work! 

Also, we want to provide TransFit clients all over the United States the most effective whole body experience!  I would love if you could take 30 seconds to fill out this quick survey so that we know how to serve you better in 2016! 

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2Z632D7

Start your Monday off strong! Remember to take part in this week's  WATER challenge (drinking 100 oz daily) and keep up the GREAT work! Focus this week on remaining diligent in your meal planning, workouts and rest as next week will be crazy for all of us. Let's also take time this week to focus on and remember the true reason for this season. As we go to all of our parties, events and gatherings let's remember the reason we celebrate! Spend some extra time to thanking God for sending us His son! HE is the reason we have life!!

Let us be intentional about remembering to honor Him with our whole bodies this week.

Blessings, Caroline

 

How to Navigate Holiday Parties

Hello friends! 

Finally the cold weather has moved in here in Athens (kind of) and it truly is beginning to look and feel a lot like Christmas! Kelly and I just enjoyed a wonderful long weekend in Utah where it definitely looked like Christmas! 

As we continue into this wonderful season, one of the most challenging things in our health journey can be staying on track when we go to holiday parties. We all know these parties that come with friends, family but also endless amounts of food. People gather and all bring dishes that are so tempting and we often go through a cycle of overeating and then feeling guilt and shame after the party. Friends, let's not so this to ourselves- this holiday season!

Here are a few tips on how to have your best and healthiest holiday season yet.

1. You are not there for the food. Yes, there will be a lot of food that only comes once a year but at the end of the day it is exactly that- food. Food was meant to nourish our bodies for service, not tempt us into over-indulgence and lead us to guilt and shame. Friends we have got to break free from the cycle! Go into your party knowing that this party is about fellowship and spending time with the ones you love. 

2. Drink a large glass of water and eat a high-protein snack before the party. Now, you will be satisfied from a healthy snack going into the party and much less likely to reach for empty calories and mindless snacks. I know often people will not eat all day to "save their calories" for the big party or meal, however this leads to over-consumption of foods that are not going to satisfy or fuel you in the long run! Prepare before hand so you can enter and exit this party feeling healthy and nourished. Having victory! 

3. Bring a healthy snack or treat that everyone can enjoy and so you will know you have a healthy option available. Some ideas are: lean meat and cheese trays, fruit and vegetable trays, homemade trail mix or glazed nuts. Below is an easy recipe that you can take that is sure to be a crowd favorite and leave everyone feeling great and not weighed down and guilty! 


Healthy Maple Glazed Pecans

Makes 6 --1/3 cup servings

2 ½ cups of pecans

1/3 cup maple syrup 1 ½ teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Combine syrup, cinnamon and sea salt and stir until well mixed. Preheat a dry skillet to medium-high. Add pecans and syrup mixture and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the syrup is caramelized. You’ll know they’re done when they start sticking to the spoon! Spread them on a greased tray to cool.


These nuts can be enjoyed alone, OR on top of a delicious spinach salad with walnuts, cheese, cranberries, pomegranate seeds and a balsamic maple dressing! See below for this beautiful and delicious recipe! 

Holiday Spectacular Salad

Serves 4

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • pinch of salt
  • 8 cups mixed greens (I used baby kale, spinach, arugula)
  • arils from one pomegranate
  • 2 cups walnuts
  • 1 cup dried cranberries or cherries
  • 8 ounces crumbled goat cheese
  • 2 grilled grilled or baked chicken breasts chopped or fresh turkey

Balsamic Fig Dressing

  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon fig preserves
  • salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with foil. Toss the walnuts with the maple syrup, cinnamon, and salt. Bake for 15-25 minutes, stirring 2-3 time throughout cooking until the walnuts are toasted and golden.

Add the greens to a large salad bowl. Add the pomegranate arils, chicken and the cranberries. Add the cooled walnuts and gently toss the salad. Add the goat cheese last.

To make the dressing, whisk the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, fig preserves and salt until combined. Just before serving, drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss. Enjoy!

 

Friends, it is time that we break free from the cycle of holiday over eating. Parties should be filled with laughter, fun and time spent with the ones that you love. Take this opportunity to practice your will power, and then notice how great your body and spirit feel after the party because you have experienced all of the great fellowship without any guilt or shame in overindulging.

Now you may be wondering what to do if you do get off track and have one too many pieces or Christmas candy or dessert. Friends, do not let any sort of guilt enter your mind! Let it go- it is in the past. Clean the slate! Realize that this journey you are on is not a diet. No friends, this is a lifestyle and sometimes you will face challenges! I encourage you in these times to remember why you started this lifestyle. Think for a second on all of the positive changes you made this holiday season in compared to your last. Think of how far you have come and all the progress you have made. Now with a renewed mind and spirit prepare to have your best and healthiest day tomorrow and drink plenty of water and tea to help purify your body so you can feel your best! 

You can do this sweet friends! We are praying for you and can't wait to hear all the success that you all have and how God blesses your holiday season! 

Blessings, Caroline