What a perfect way to welcome spring time with an excursion to Colorado for Spring Break! The entire Ward family(complete with grandparents) enjoyed lots fresh air on an exercise vacation to the slopes last week. The week away was truly refreshing to be able to break from technology and the craziness of life to be with speical loved ones without all the distractions!
What better way to refocus and get back in touch with life in Athens than to be inspired by my wonderful client, Angela Miller! Her consistent hard work & dedication to healthy living this past year is truly inspiring to me and to so many who know her. Injury is one of the hardest obstacles to overcome when it comes to exercise and healthy living. It takes a toll not only on your body, but also on your spirit because some never feel exactly the same before the injury. But Angela blew past all those limitations and has now found herself as in shape and healthy as she has ever been! I love how she constantly wants to push herself harder and how she has continued to adjust her eating habits and add in exercise to all areas of her life! Angela is CONSISTENT and has even added in a TransFormer class mid-week to help in meeting her goals! She has lowered her body fat and BMI with a higher intensity mix of cardiovascular and strength training workouts! With so many accomplishments in the short time I have known her, I can only hope that she feels as amazing as she looks. Take a peak at Angela’s goals and history! Here she shares little insights into her TransFit experience along with ways in which she keeps her lifestyle healthy! Congratulations Angela so proud of you!
I started working out at TransFit over a year ago. I injured my neck and shoulder and had to stop working out for a while. I ended up seeing a PT for a while and he finally gave me the go ahead to start working out again. I thought working out with a personal trainer one on one for a while would be ideal because I didn't want to injure myself again.
+ Transforming my body is what I love about exercising and how I feel afterwards. I came to Caroline not able to do a plank because of my injury. Months later I'm back to doing planks! My challenge would be working to strengthen my neck and shoulder.
+ I love to stay consistent with working out 5 times a week. No workout is ever the same, so the diversity in my workouts keeps my body in shape and always alert!
+ In every workout and in every TransFit session, my goal continues to be to conquer more than 5 push ups.
+ Living a healthy life style makes me feel energetic, happier and stronger. I now have more than enough energy to play a game basketball with my 10 yr old.
+ My favorites
- food = anything Thai!
- drink = green tea
- dessert = coconut cake
Easy Weeknight Favorite Perfect Quorn (or Chicken) Dinner
- 32 oz ( organic) Vegetable broth, Chicken broth, or No Chicken broth
- Quorn ( meatless & soy free cutlets) or organic chicken breast
- salt & pepper
- 1 clove garlic (fresh)
- 1/2 onion (diced)
--Bring the broth to a boil place Quorn or chicken in boiling broth. Place a lid on top of pot turn down heat and let broil until done. You can severe on a bed of lettuce with cucumbers, peppers, artichoke hearts or eat with your favorite beans or veggie!
Seeing Angela's favorite recipe that included artichoke hearts made me think of so many of the yummy vegetables that are now in season! One of my favorites= asparagus! Try this simple Roasted Asparagus Salad for a great side to dinner!
- 2 pounds asparagus, (about 2 bunches), trimmed
- 1 pint tiny cherry or pear tomatoes, red or mixed colors
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 3/4 teaspoon salt, divided
- Freshly ground pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 bunches watercress, tough stems removed (about 4 cups lightly packed)
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill
- Preheat oven to 450°F.
- Place asparagus in a large bowl. Add tomatoes and oil and toss to coat. Spread in a heavy roasting pan or rimmed baking sheet, spooning the tomatoes between and on top of the asparagus. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt and add a generous grinding of pepper. Roast until the asparagus is crisp-tender and the tomatoes are warmed and slightly crinkled, about 15 minutes. Set aside until ready to serve.
- Whisk lemon juice, orange juice, honey, mustard and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt in a medium bowl until blended. Reserve half of the dressing in a small bowl.
- Add watercress to the medium bowl; toss to coat. Spread the watercress on a platter. Arrange the roasted asparagus on the watercress and top with tomatoes. Drizzle the reserved dressing over the asparagus and tomatoes; sprinkle with dill. Serve warm or at room temperature.
I hope you all enjoy the wonderful weather that is popping up all over the country thanks to April! I know I will try to be outside with my kids as much as possible!
Blessings, Caroline