My April client spotlight, Laura Moore, is one determined, strong woman. Laura has been working out at TransFit for one year now and her progress is astounding! If Laura puts her mind to a task she can accomplish any goal! She has recently ran her first full marathon and felt strong! Laura's attitude is truly incredible. She approaches each training session with enthusiasam, confidence and determination, and is constantly challenging herself to do more. Congratulations Laura- keep inspiring others!
In her own words...
About one year ago, as my 40th birthday approached, I was looking to challenge myself in a new way and had just signed up to run a 208-mile relay in the Blue Ridge Mountains on a team with 11 other women. Truth be told, I was excited to push myself way out of my comfort zone through this relay, but also terrified of having to run at night, by myself, on back mountain roads, with little sleep! At that time, I had been running fairly consistently for a couple of years. However, I felt that I was on a plateau with running and carrying around a bit of extra weight.I really wanted to add weight training into my routine in order to feel more prepared for this crazy relay, but couldn't figure out how to do that on my own and still maintain my running schedule. So, I turned to Caroline and TransFit for help. Since then, I have consistently worked out with her once a week and try to incorporate one additional day of weight training each week on my own. Over a year, I have seen definite results in my strength, energy level, muscle definition, and running pace, not to mention my weight and clothing sizes!Previously, I felt that my family and I ate a fairly healthful diet though we all love our sweets. :o) We have a good-size garden and my children are pretty good-eaters who even love a lot of vegetables. Even so, I believe the most significant and productive changes I have made over the last year have been in my eating habits. With Caroline's knowledge and encouragement, I have incorporated smaller portion sizes, more protein, more whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and water into my daily diet. I am proud to be modeling a healthful lifestyle to my three children and my husband every day!
Last September, my team and I did complete the Blue Ridge Relay (placing first in the women's division!) and 3 weeks ago I completed my first full marathon in Albany, GA! I feel that I now have the confidence, resources, and habits to set and reach health and fitness goals for the rest of my life!Quinoa is one of my new favorite foods. Lately, I have made this Asian Quinoa Salad (adapted from Two Peas and Their Pod) once a week to enjoy for lunches. While my children have not been adventurous enough to try the complete salad, my 6-year-old discovered the red cabbage in the refrigerator and now loves snacking on it.
Asian Quinoa Salad
ingredients:
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped red cabbage
- 1 cup shelled and cooked edamame
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onion
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
For the dressing:
- 1/8 cup lite soy sauce
- 1/2 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1/8 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/8 teaspoon grated ginger
- dash red pepper flakes
directions:
1. Add water, quinoa, and salt to a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Boil for 5 minutes. Turn the heat to low and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until water is absorbed. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork, and let cool.
2. Place the quinoa in a large bowl and add the cabbage, edamame, red pepper, carrots, cucumber, green onion, and sesame seeds. Set aside.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, cilantro, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
4. Pour the dressing over the quinoa salad and stir to combine.