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!