Week Wrap-up

I haven't looked forward to a friday in a long time! Like I said in one of my previous posts, since I'm in school the work is non-stop. The weekend is normally not an actual break from the monotony of the week.  This week seemed rough though. It wasn't anything particularly terrible or different than the norm, actually I had less work due this week than I have had in a while. I think it's just that point in the semester when you're just over it all and the light at the end of the tunnel still seems so far away. Regardless of how shitty I felt about getting through this week, I still accomplished everything that I had set out to do, which I think makes this Friday more of a relief. I am done. I feel accomplished and ready to take a break. I went to the gym every single day this week and even took the plunge and headed back to my old Kickboxing gym to crank my workouts up a notch. I fulfilled the yummy recipe I posted about on Monday (pictures to come), and I have been delagent about carving out time for some other financial endeavors I have been working on. I have been one busy little lady. So all in all this Friday and weekend is going to be good, and unlike the rest of this year, I hope that it doesn't fly by. 

Shantece G. 

All the ingredients I used for the Coconut Tofu w/ Spicy sauce. I substituted coconut almond milk for regular almond milk because it's my favorite kind and the meal was coconut flavored anyway. I also went with gluten free bread crumbs which I think make things slightly crispier which I actually liked. 

Here's what the tofu looked like after it was bathed in flour, egg, almond coconut milk and the breading which consisted of the gluten free crumbs, coconut flakes and salt and pepper to taste. I also decided to use coconut oil instead of the recommended vegetable oil. I think coconut oil is just healthier and again... coconut tofu so why not right?

My kitchen smelled amazing while this was frying and it was so easy to do, I think it was like 10-15 min tops. Ugh I just love coconut!!

While that was frying, I whipped up the spicy sauce which was bomb!! I actually made a bit too much and used it to dip other foods into it later. I will definitely be making this sauce again, it's only three ingredients!! 

The finished product! This came out so much better than I expected, mainly because I'm not the greatest cook and I've never made tofu. I will for sure be making this recipe again. I even got my skeptic boyfriend to try it and he thought it was really good too! 

Never Miss a Monday Pt. 4

Okay, okay so I missed a monday last week. I was driving back from Colorado which was an 8hr trip so needless to say I was thrown off of my whole routine. I for one am a creature of habit. Although I can adapt when there is change, I prefer to be consistent in the things that I do, it just makes things a lot easier. This past week was a bust. I was on spring break and I didn't do a damn thing all week that was particularly productive. I kind of am disappointed with myself for not having continued the workout and fasting routine I have been doing the past few weeks. All that hard work and lbs lost were for nothing because I gained it all back this week. I won't be completely hard on myself because this semester has been very stressful and having a week to literally veg out and do nothing felt pretty good. There were no obligations or commitments to deal with. I know that had I also gone to the gym I probably would have felt even better, but I didn't and that's ok too. Monday is the start of a new week and I am ready for its challenges. I am going to hike up my big girl panties and just throw myself right back into it. No excuses, back to my routine and structure. This week I am going to try and incorporate push ups into my routine. We used to have to do them alot in the Navy and it's just one of those basic things that you should master.  I like to practice them because you can clearly see and feel your progress the more you do them. Also this week I am going to try to ease my way back into eating vegetarian. I truly and honestly feel a huge difference in the way my body feels and reacts when I don't eat meat. I have way more energy and I don't feel like taking a nap after I eat or feel super bloated after a meal. Well I bid you all good luck this week in any and all of your endeavours.  I am so hyped and ready for this new week! 

Shantece G.

Music:

1. Beyonce - Upgrade U
2. Notorious B.I.G. - Juicy
3. Jax Jones - Instruction Ft. Demi Lovato & Stefflon Don
4. Wiz Khalifa - Letterman
5. Alien Antfarm - Smooth Criminal

Workouts:

Like I said, I am going to incorporate push ups into my routine this week. I will add this set of three different push ups at the end of my workout. I'm going to attempt 10 of each. I might have to end up doing them from my knees depending on how terrible I've gotten and /or how tired I am after the workout. 

So this would be your standard push up. Hands and arms should be positioned about under your shoulders. I tend to bend my elbows outward, but I am going to practice keeping them close to my body as shown here.  (10x's)

These are Wide-grip push ups. I honestly like to do these better. It just seems easier for me. Either way it hurts different muscles than just doing regular push ups. Make sure your arms/hands are positioned wider than your shoulders.  (10x's)

These are so much fun, and such a challenge. Diamond push ups are awesome! You basically create a diamond shape with your hands which creates a close-grip form. This also targets different muscles. These are not easy for me at all, but I do like to keep my feet apart when attempting these because it makes it slightly easier to manage your balance.  (10x's)

Recipe:

Since I am trying to get back to eating vegetarian again, I thought I would find a tasty recipe to go along with it! I personally like tofu and don't mind its texture. I think for most people trying this recipe will give them a different perspective. Enjoy!

Coconut Tofu w/ Spicy Sauce

Recipe Link: https://www.seasonlycreations.com/coconut-tofu-with-spicy-sauce/

Amazon, my best friend! Pt. 1

So for most people they might consider me to have a shopping problem. The first step is admitting you have a problem right? I don't know if I am ready to admit that yet. I look at it more as a hobby really then a problem. Well if I do have a problem, Amazon is definitely my enabler! I literally buy almost anything I need on Amazon except for fresh food (no Prime now in these here neck of the woods).  It's just so convenient, I can browse or search for whatever I want without someone breathing down my neck asking me if I need help... "No Janet, I can handle this myself. SHEESH!" I also like how quickly most of my orders get to my home. If there was Prime Now available I would probably never leave my house. I also like the excitement of ordering something online and then getting excited again when it arrives, it's like two christmases or something. Well I thought I would let you in on some of the crap... I mean beautiful things I buy! This one will be for January-February orders. I'll try to do one every month for items I purchased throughout the month... yes I shop that often! I'll add links to every item and a description of why on earth I needed/wanted it.  Happy Shopping!

Shantece G.

So I am always buying books that I think I am going to read and well one day I will eventually get around to it I guess. I saw this book literally 4 times in one day at the airport while I was traveling back from Seattle. I thought that maybe it was a new best seller or something but when I looked it up it's actually not new at all. That just made me think that I needed to read this book, it must be that good! I'll let you know if it is once I get around to it... teehee. 

Buy Here

So this little nifty thing is supposed to help remove blackheads and pimples and what not. I love picking at things and watching those gross youtube videos where people pop stuff for a living. I thought I would enjoy popping things too! So I got this tool kit which honestly impressed me for the price. It is very sturdy and not cheaply made at all! I've attempted to use it before for this really ouchy pimple I had between my nostril and face... yea that weird ass crevice. Well, it turns out I have no clue how to actually use the tools, or I am terrible at it because I just couldn't quite get it to do what I thought it was supposed to do. Either way, if you think you can take a better crack at it... then it comes highly recommended.

Buy Here

Oh, this is a must!!! Amazon has the cheapest packs of batteries. I always buy batteries from Amazon. I am a proud owner of like 100 AA & AAA batteries. It's one of those things that you should keep stock of at home. I can't even tell you how many times I needed a battery. For sure the way to go! 

Buy Here

So first off... I do not have a baby. This was just the best picture of what the gate looks like when it's up. I have my little bulldog puppy who is a terror and I feel bad leaving her in the kennel while I'm at school so we decided to section off the kitchen (easier floor to clean) for her to have some roaming ability. Well we used to have the wooden ones but I damn near broke my face when I tripped over the gate in what I would call a cartoon-like fashion. Needless to say we needed something with a door. I loved the design of this one, it makes it look kind of fancy. It took a little bit of time trying to put it together and you do have drill little holes in order to keep most of it in place, but it's amazingly sturdy and I haven't had any issues with it at all. Babies... puppies... whatever, I recommend it.

Buy Here

This thing right here!!! I used to dread mopping because I hate having to deal with wringing out a wet nasty stinky mop. I used to own something similar to this with a removable and reusable mop head but you still had to figure out a way to wring it out in between dunks (which I didn't and it left a very very wet floor). This O-cedar mop has a pedal you push and it uses mechanical energy to spin the mop which helps release the excess water. It's so easy, simple, light and fast! I seriously love mopping the floor now. 

Buy Here

I got these on the cheap cheap. I just needed a pair of headphones for when I do homework. I use it to listen to jazz music and try to drown out my boyfriends incessant clickety clack keyboard! We share an office and both are usually doing homework at the same time. Regardless, they are pretty good for it being around $20. I also trust Sony to deliver a decent sound. If you are looking for a pair of cheap noise-ish canceling headphones that you aren't going to be rough with, then I suggest these. 

Buy Here

Never Miss a Monday Pt. 3

Agghhhh you guys, last week was the busiest week I have had in a very long time. I had three tests on three consecutive days along with all of the regular school work that I have to do. It was a mess. I was super stressed out and I felt like I was running around like a chicken with its head cut off (what a terrible saying...). I have to admit that somethings did fall to the wayside this week. I did not have a chance to make that awesome curry soup I suggested last week (although I have all the ingredients for it), I also didn't get to complete one of my homeworks and study for my quiz at the end of the week (cross my fingers paying attention in class pays off). Needless to say I was swamped. The one thing that I was determined to not give up on was going to the gym. I did it! I woke up and went to the gym all 5 days this week. I did my 30 min fasted cardio everyday and added the upper body workouts from last week every other day and a 20 min ab workout I threw in on the other days. I was amped. I was ready this week to conquer the gym. My fasted cardio was not enough for me, I wanted more. Getting up and going to the gym got easier and easier as the week progressed and I honestly was looking forward to it! I am really proud of myself because normally I wouldn't need even half an excuse to not go to the gym, let alone the pile of shit I had to do this week. Despite it all, I did it. I went to the gym, I gave it my all, and I loved it! I think that starting my day with a workout has really helped with my anxiety. I don't know if it's the endorphins, or the fact that my body is too tired and sore to care about stupid things that normally drive me crazy. Whatever it is, it's working. So my message, I guess, is that no matter what carve the time out that you need for yourself. If you set a goal, try as hard as you can to achieve it. Life happens and sometimes you won't be able to do it, but at least you know you tried.  So this is a new week, a fresh start once again. What will you accomplish?

Shantece G.

Music:

1. Britney Spears "Work B**ch" (one of my favs!)
2. Era Istrefi "Bon Bon"
3. Major Lazor "Wind Up" ft. Elephant Man & Opal
4. System of a Down "Toxicity"
5. Justin Timberlake "Hair Up" (just added this one to my playlist and it's FIRE!)

Workouts:

So this week I want to do what I call "bake my cakes" which basically just means work that booty! I will be incorporating this every other day along with my fasted cardio and on the other days I will be adding my ab and upper body workouts. Enjoy!

Back Squats

My gym has a Smith Machine, which I personally like better because I know if my dumbass drops the weight I won't kill anybody. 

4x10 w/challenging weight  (also notice that your knees go outward when you go down)

Weighted hip raises

These are killer if you are doing them right!

4x10 w/challenging weight

Donkey Kicks

These look easy, but after enough of them you feel the burn.

4x10 (each leg)

Clam shells w/bands

Another easy looking one, but if you use challenging bands, you are gonna feel it for sure. 

4x10 (each leg)

Recipe:

So this week I really don't have a recipe since I am going to attempt to make that damn curry soup that I have been dying to have. Instead I will be incorporating one of my favorite weight loss boosters....... Apple Cider Vinegar! Now I know that it seems like a fad, but Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV), is actually extremely beneficial to your health in so many ways. Go ahead and google it, or read this  brief insert. 

Told you!

I personally only by Bragg's brand, it's literally everywhere but I added a link to order it anyway. 

Bragg USDA Gluten Free Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar, With the Mother 16 ounces

There are so many ways that you can use this product, I am going to be making myself a super foods green drink to have as my first meal after my fasted workout. Super greens are also very good for weight loss and overall good health. The brand I use has probiotics and a gazillion vitamins and minerals your body needs. I use the Genesis Today brand. It's a little on the pricey side and you have to make sure that once you open it you keep it in the fridge. From my research though it's one of the best. I've added a link to the exact kind I use and then a less expensive version. 

Genesis Today Vegan Greens with 75 superfoods and 25 billion probiotics, 29 servings

Purely Inspired Organic Greens, USDA Organic, Super Greens Powder, Unflavored, 8.57 oz, 24 servings

So what I am going to do is follow the instructions as far as how many scoops per oz of water, but then I add about 2 tbl of the Apple Cider Vinegar to the mix. It might be an acquired taste for some people. The Genesis Today brand, personally, seemed easier on the taste buds. I'm going to try and drink this at least every other day if not every day (I don't like drinking/eating the same things over and over again).  Let me know if you guys try it! 

Never Miss a Monday Pt. 2

Another Monday is slowly approaching again. I used to dread mondays because it meant that my freedom was gone and I had to go back to the rigmarole of working again. Now that I'm a student the lines of freedom and responsibility have blurred and my weekends are now spent doing homework and studying. So to me the weekend just isn't as exciting to me anymore. With the new outlook I have on life, Mondays are starting to look more appealing. It's the start of a new week, it's a way to sort of cleanse your mind of the past and start fresh again. Last week I didn't meet my gym goal of doing my fasted cardio for 5 days, all though I did do more than the week prior, so win? But I'm not going to dwell on that. I have a new week and new goals to achieve. So  here are this week's challenges. 

Shantece G.

Music:

1. Darude, "Sandstorm"   (What a throwback!)
2. Azealia Banks "212" ft. Lazy Jay
3. J-Lo "Booty" ft. Pitbull
4. Papa Roach "Last Resort"
5. Jason Derulo "Swalla" ft. Nicki Minaj & Ty Dolla $ign

Workout:

So, I really like the fasted cardio and I'm going to continue doing that again this week. My goal is to actually get through all 5 days this time. I am also adding upper body workouts into the mix. I will incorporate the following 4 exercises every other day on top of my fasted cardio. This week I'm also going to be joined by my boyfriend which is great! I think that having the right kind of support and structure is key to meeting your health goals. 

Bench Press 4x10 with challenging weight

Bent over rows 4x10 with challenging weight

Dumbbell curls 4x10 with challenging weight

Tricep pull downs 4x10 with challenging weight

Recipe:

I love soup and I love curry so when I saw this recipe I knew that I had to try it. There aren't any really crazy ingredients to find and I hate complicated recipes so this one should turn out all right. It's vegan and paleo friendly to boot so that's always a plus. 

 https://reciperunner.com/thai-sweet-potato-carrot-soup/

THAI SWEET POTATO CARROT SOUP

Never Miss a Monday Pt. 1

So, I'm trying to do this whole weight loss journey thing once again. I think I'm at attempt 37,645... but who's counting right? I've never had this much trouble in my life getting back into shape. A lot of it has to do with me having PCOS, as well as straight up being lazy and unfocused or driven. I mean, I know that I am unhappy and uncomfortable in my current state, but sometimes it's still not enough. You have to mentally be ready, you can do that in two ways... forcing yourself until your mind eventually gives in ( about 3 weeks into a solid routine) or one day it just happens, you are ready, willing and able. Well for me that day has finally arrived and I hope that it continues. I feel like I've turned over a new leaf and I am in this whole process of improving my life in a more positive direction and that includes being comfortable in my own skin. So every week I am going to add 5 songs that I personally have on my work out playlist aptly titled "Get it Tight", a new recipe and a new exercise. Hopefully it will inspire and encourage you to try them out for yourself. If you do, let me know what you think. I'll be posting my thoughts as well. 

Shantece G.

Current me....

Me 5 years ago and what I would like to go back to being. 

Music:

1. David Guetta - Dangerous (Ft. Sam Martin)
2. Omarion - Post to be (Ft. Chris Brown & Jhene Aiko)
3. B.O.B - Raybands
4. Above and Beyond - Sun and Moon (Ft. Richard Bedford)
5. French Montana - Pop That (Ft. Rick Ross, Drake & Lil Wayne)

Workout:

Try fasted cardio. Basically what I've been doing is waking up in the morning and heading to the gym to do 30 min. of cardio. Now I personally don't like to do the same thing for 30 min straight. What I do is get on the treadmill for 10 min, the bike for 10 min, and the elliptical for the last 10 min. I also increase my speed for a 30 sec. sprint by 8:30 and then cool down at 9:00 min. I don't eat anything before the workout that includes any protein drinks and stuff like that, just plain H2O for me. I've seen a significant reduction in my weight within my first week of trying this and I'm going to see how it pans out in the long run. Last week I was only able to make it to the gym on 3 mornings so I am going to attempt this again for 5 days this week. 

Recipe: 

 http://sugarapron.com/2015/04/28/avocado-salad-with-tomato-cucumber-mozzarella/#more-906

This is a link to a delicious looking Avocado salad with tomatoes, cucumbers and mozzarella! If you're vegan then maybe replace the mozzarella with a vegan cheese of your choosing. I honestly love salads and especially all of these ingredients so I think I'm definitely going to enjoy this one!