TransFit Closed This Week In Response to COVID-19

Dear TransFit Family,

We are currently in the midst of a historical event! As we have seen, the Coronavirus (COVID-19), has now been formally described as a "pandemic" by the World Health Organization. 

At TransFit, your whole-body health and wellness is our top priority.  After reviewing all of the current CDC guidelines, we have made the difficult decision to close TransFit this week 3/16/20- 3/22/20.

 We will adjust all-access passes and extend all monthly sessions so that we can continue your transformation.

We will have workout videos and meal plans on the website for you. We will update you during the week as to when TransFit will reopen, but please reach out to Caroline or our trainers with any questions or concerns.

We are here to serve you and will be praying for you and your family during this time. Thank you for your understanding. 

Do Not Be Discouraged, Have Hope and Trust in God!

If you feel like you are struggling today, we’ve got ways to help you feel alive:

1. Get physical! Numerous studies have shown that exercise boosts mood – so much so that some doctors are advised to prescribe exercise for mild depression instead of medicines. 

2. Dance! It’s as easy as turning on Taylor Swift and breaking it down in the privacy of your bedroom. Or turn up the music in your car and pretend like you have tinted windows! Dancing cures the blues in many ways!

3. Yoga or Pilates! Yoga and Pilates are surprisingly rejuvenating! They challenge the body while also communicating with the muscles that they can relax. There is an amazing sense of relaxation that is experienced during the stretching portion, a portion of the class dedicated to silence, reflection, and time to rest your mind and body. You will be surprised how great you feel after.4. Get outside! If you have the chance and the ability to spend time outside in the fresh air, nothing beats the wind in your face! Go hiking; take your run off the treadmill and onto the trails and sidewalks. Stop ignoring your sweet puppy whining at the door and take her or him on a walk! Play tag or hide-and-seek with your kids outside. There are endless ways to get fresh air. Pick one of them, and experience your spirit brighten.

At-Home Workout Resources 
Please use our YouTube and Instagram TV channels for all of your exercise needs! There are plenty of options to choose from, so make sure you check them out. We want to make sure you are getting in a great workout as much as you can! 

Yoga Flow

Since Yoga is one of the five ways we think you can beat the January blues, here is a quick 6-minute series that will transform your body, mind, and spirit.

Put your phone in another room and on do not disturb, roll out a mat or towel in the warmth of the sun through a window, and quiet your mind as you flow through this series.

Click the link below to experience the greatness!

Get the whole family fired up with this rockin' AB workout! 

There is nothing better than a sweaty HIIT workout that will get the endorphins pumping and leave you feeling energized! 

Who doesn't love a full-body workout? Grab some weights, canned items, a jug of milk, books, or a packet of rice and beans and challenge your body and mind with this Transformer circuit! 

photo by www.whiteonricecouple.com

Kale Chips Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch of Kale

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat an oven to 375 degrees F. Line a non-insulated cookie sheet with parchment paper or foil.

2. With a knife or kitchen shears carefully remove the leaves from the thick stems and tear into bite-size pieces. Wash and thoroughly dry kale with a salad spinner. Drizzle kale with olive oil and sprinkle with seasoning salt. (You can massage kale with the olive to coat more evenly).

3. Bake until the edges brown but are not burnt, check after 10 minutes (shake pan if needed) may need to cook more 5 minutes. ENJOY!

4-Week Spring Meal Plan

Now that we seem to have plenty of time on our hands, why not use this as an opportunity to get your nutrition right!? 
Click here to purchase a one-month meal plan complete with survival tips, a grocery list, a full meal plan, and various recipes!

Saturday Group Runs at 6:30am

Who says you can't get outside and go for a run!? We will still be having our group run/walk THIS Saturday. Meet outside the studio for a quick, dynamic warmup! We would love to see you, even if we are 6-feet apart😆! 

Check out our website for more blogs, inspiration, recipes, workouts, and more!
Please let us know how we can serve you! Email us at transfitathens@gmail.com if you have any questions.

Blessings,

Team TransFit

💥How to Maximize Your Health in March⚡️

Sweet friends,

Happy March! Who doesn’t love a new month AND the start of Spring!?

This month we are challenging you to press PLAY on your health and fitness—maximizing your body, mind, and spirit. Everyone is busy, life is always moving at a fast pace, and even though it may feel like things will slow down, every season is physically and mentally demanding. We believe if you stop pressing pause and making excuses, you will be able to see progress, experience change, and live a healthier lifestyle altogether! Yes, I know this might seem like a daunting task, but give it a try and experience the transformation.

5 Ways to Maximize Your Weight-loss in March

1. Exercise

Take time out of your day to move the body. This could mean going for a walk, taking a strength-training class, doing yoga, or going for a run. Exercising relieves stress and allows your mind to re-focus so that you can attack the day with new energy and a positive spirit. When we get our heart rate up and start to sweat, our endorphins are released which boosts our mood. 30-minutes is all you need to reap the benefits of exercise.

2. Nutrition

Nutrition is a key factor in your daily energy levels and mental health. When we fill our bodies with nutrient-dense foods, such as lean meats, fish, veggies, fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats (nuts, seeds, avocados, etc.), our bodies have the proper fuel to help us attack each day at full strength. Proper nutrition can also help you reach your goals faster and transform your body composition. It has been reported that nutrition leading factor in physical change. Not only does it sharpen your mind, but it makes you feel good!

3. Rest and Recovery

While exercising should be a priority in our daily routine, we also have to give our body a chance to rest and recover properly. This may come in the form of active recovery such as going for a long, slow walk or taking a yoga class. Another way for your body to fully recover is to get a healthy 7-9 hours of sleep each night. This allows your body to reset and be renewed.

4. Quality Time and Community

According to research, quality time is the most common “love language” for both men and women. When we spend time with people whom we care about, we are able to connect with them and deepen our relationships. This is a great way to relieve stress and feel filled. Surrounding ourselves with a tight community propels us towards our goals as we encourage and uplift each other.

 5. Praise

Just like in your journey to a whole-body transformation, it takes time for our bodies and minds to adjust. Changes don't happen overnight. Extend grace, compassion, love, and patience to yourself and others. We all need affirmation and encouragement in our lives. Tell someone, “Great job!” or “I am so proud of you!”. Show them how much you care for them and affirm their efforts every single day!

NEW Bible Study

After an incredible 6-week Bible Study where we read through Rhythms of Renewal by Rebekah Lyons, we were inspired to continue diving into the Word and invest in our relationship with the Heavenly Father. We are so excited to start a study focused on 1&2 Kings, called Trustworthy, by Lysa Terkeurst. Join us in “exploring the deeply applicable Scriptures that will teach us how to truly trust God.”

In this study you will learn to:

Identify and challenge doubts in the one true God.

Loosen your grip of trying to control people and circumstances in your life

Explore how the Old Testament applies to our lives today.

Learn to trust in the goodness and faithfulness of God.

This study will start on March 5th, from 12:00-1:00pm and meet in the TransFit studio every Thursday. Sign up on the APP for this FREE community bible study.

Fit for a Miracle 5K

Our SECOND annual Fit for a Miracle 5k benefitting ESP is scheduled to take place on May 3, 2020 at 4:30 pm. We will also have a Miracle Mile (1-mile fun-run) at 4:00 pm. We are SO excited about this opportunity to support ESP Miracle League, which will provide transformative experiences for individuals with disabilities to thrive through the magic of accessible play and inclusive baseball.

You can register for this event online HERE or download the mail-in registration form below. All of the proceeds from this event will be donated toward Extra Special People and help to fund Summer Camp. If you or your business would like to help sponsor this event please email us HERE!

March Calendar

We want you to help you ABSolutely Maximize March! Download the March calendar and make it a priority to fill this out each day of the month, with the ab exercise you did daily. We suggest that you print it out and put it on your fridge, bathroom mirror, a bulletin board, or somewhere you will see it every day. Once it is complete, send it to us at the end of the month for a chance to win a FREE MONTH of sessions! We believe YOU CAN!

At-Home Workout

This full-body blaster workout will tone and strengthen your body, mind, and spirit!

March Running Lunch n’ Learn

Our next Lunch n’ Learn is quickly approaching and we would love for you to join us on March 20 from 12:00-1:00pm in the studio! TransFit Running Director, Lisa Patton, and Physical Therapist, Mike Dylon will dive into topics such as form fundamentals, speed strategies, stride efficiency, and hip and glute strengthening. Come ready to be active and practice form drills! Whether you are a beginner or experienced runner, we can all learn and benefit!

You can register for this event on the TransFit app under “Special Events” by clicking the button below!

Stop pressing “pause” on your health and fitness and ABSolutely maximize this month by pressing “play”! We believe in you and know you can do it!

Thank you for all that you do by being such an inspiring woman in this community! We are truly stronger together.

Check out our website for blogs, inspiration, recipes, workouts, and more!

Let us know how we can serve you! Email us at transfitathens@gmail.com if you have any questions or want to schedule a one-on-one.

Blessings, 

Team TransFit

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! 

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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! 

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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! 

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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.

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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! 

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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).   

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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

Quick, Delicious, Dairy-Free Superfood Breakfasts!

Great nutrition is just as important to full body health as fitness! Many friends struggle with getting three balanced meals a day due to the hustle and bustle of daily life! This summer I would love to feature quick nutritious meals that take 30 minutes or less to prepare! This week I'm focusing on high protein breakfasts and the first on the list is the Easy Egg White Omelette! Egg whites are a great source of protein while containing less cholesterol and fat than eggs! With a prep time of 4 minutes and a serving of 4, it is sure to be a meal that the whole family can enjoy!

Easy Egg White Omelette

Serves 4 

Ingredients

• 4 tsp. extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
• 4 plum tomatoes, finely chopped (about 1 ½ cups)
• 1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed, all excess water squeezed out
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)
• 12 egg whites
• 2 tbsp. water
• Nonstick cooking spray

  Instructions

1. In a small skillet, heat extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. .
2. Add onions, tomatoes, spinach, and a pinch of salt. Cook until the onion is soft, about 3-5 minutes.
3. Add pepper, to taste, and another pitch of salt; and cook for another minute.
4. Remove the spinach mixture from the heat to a bowl. Cover and keep warm.
5. In a medium bowl, whisk the egg whites, water, and a pinch of salt and pepper until frothy.
6. Lightly coat a medium nonstick skillet or omelet pan with cooking spray and heat the skillet over medium heat.
7. Add ¼ of the egg whites, swirling to evenly cover the bottom of the pan.
8. Cook until set, about 1 ½ to 2 minutes.
9. Using a rubber scraper lift the eggs up and let the sunny uncooked egg flow underneath.
10. Spoon ¼ of the spinach mixture onto half of the omelet, fold over, and slide onto serving plate.
11. Repeat with remaining eggs and spinach mixture. Enjoy!

Raspberry Vanilla Almond Breakfast Quinoa

The second of the high protein breakfasts for the week is the Raspberry Vanilla Almond Quinoa ! This meal like the omelette is quick, easy, and filling for the whole family. Raspberry Vanilla Almond Breakfast Quinoa is loaded with protein, fiber, and is gluten-free! It is also light and doesn't give you the heavy feeling that many breakfast foods can and it's easy to digest! This breakfast is guaranteed to give you lots of energy for the whole day!

Serves 4

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups vanilla unsweetened almond milk
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
• ½ tbsp. raw honey
• 1 cup fully cooked quinoa
• 1 tbsp. sliced almonds
• ½ cup raspberries (or other berries you like)
• Optional: add in a scoop of vanilla protein powder for more protein!

 Instructions

1. In a small saucepan, add vanilla almond milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, and honey.
2. Heat over low heat, stirring consistently until the mixture is combined and warm.
3. Remove from heat.
4. Place quinoa in a bowl.
5. Pour warm milk mixture over top.
6. Add with almonds and berries on top.

Blueberry Cashew Bliss Smoothie

The  last delicious recipe high in protein is the Blueberry Cashew Bliss Smoothie! Not only is this smoothie delicious and can be blended in under 5 minutes, but blueberries are low in calories, rank the highest of any fruit in antioxidants, and provide 1/4 of your daily value of fiber and vitamin C! You can't go wrong with this super food and it will be sure to keep you and the family cool the whole summer! Lyla(age 6) loves this smoothie for breakfast or a snack!

      Serves 1

Ingredients

1 cup almond milk

·        ½ frozen banana

·        1 cup blueberries

·        ¼ cup unsalted raw cashews

·        1 tbsp. flax seed

·        1 cup spinach or any leafy green

·        1 tbsp. chia seed & 5 ice cubes

 Optional: 1 pitted date for added sweetener; 1 serving greek yogurt or 1 serving vanilla protein powder.

Directions

Just blend until creamy!

These three breakfasts all pack a punch of protein and are quick to prepare without sacrificing taste! Whether preparing for your family or entertaining friends you can't go wrong with these recipes! If you need assistance with healthy meal planning please email me at transfitathens@gmail.com. Visit my website at www.transfitathens.com for details about nutrition consulting.

Blessings,

Caroline

Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body. 1 Corinthians 6

How can I get my kids to eat more healthy?

When we think of teaching our children, we often focus on lessons we can tell them and show them. For instance, being on time, completing homework, and helping out with chores around the house. These are all valuable lessons, but what we can fail to consider are the lessons our children are absorbing from our behaviors. My 3 spirited kiddos each have their own struggles, of course, but Kelly & I try our best to lead more by example not so much by words alone.  I believe the best way to get your kids to eat healthy is to focus on "everything in moderation" and leading by example! Below are some great tips to help you and your family on your quest for a healthy lifestyle! 

"In everything set them an example by doing what is good" Titus 2:7

1. Model healthy habits. Children who see their parents buying and eating healthy food, as well as exercising on a regular basis, are more likely to adopt these habits themselves. 
2. Start good habits at an early age. Help your children establish good eating, sleeping, and exercising habits at a young age so you won't have to break them of bad habits later. Try exposing your children to a variety of different flavors by mixing healthy ingredients into foods they already know and enjoy. In addition, make sure to model good behaviors like playing outside instead of watching TV so your children will adopt these habits too!
3. Keep healthy foods at home. By keeping the pantry and fridge stocked with healthy foods, you will be more likely to cook and eat healthy foods, which in turn will make your children more likely to do the same. This doesn't mean you have to swear off all sweet foods--try frozen yogurt or frozen berries instead of ice cream for dessert and top with fresh fruit instead of sprinkles.
4. Make eating healthy easy. Oftentimes when hungry we reach for whatever is the most convenient. Make eating healthy easy for you and your family by planning nutritious snacks in advance and having them available. Cut up veggies such as celery and carrots and keep snack sized portions in individual bags for quick snacks.
5. Have meals as a family. Research has shown that in families who shared at least three meals a week, children were 24 percent more likely to be eating healthy foods than those in families who ate few or no meals together. The children were also 12 percent less likely to be overweight, 20 percent less likely to eat unhealthy foods and 35 percent less likely to engage in dangerous weight-loss efforts like taking diet pills and laxatives, or vomiting. As a bonus, you'll be able to connect over meaningful dinnertime conversations and save money as compared to eating out.

Here is a great recipe you can make with your family- that everyone will enjoy! My sweet friend, Gena Knox shared one of her families favorites!  You can bake in a loaf pan or mini muffin pans and add flax or chia seeds if desired.

Whole Grain Banana Bread 

By Gena Knox

Prep Time:  15 minutes

Cook Time:  50 minutes

Yields:  16 slices

1 cup whole wheat flour

½ cup plain flour

¼ cup ground flaxseed or chia seeds (optional)

¾ teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon cinnamon

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon ground allspice

1½ cups mashed, ripe banana (about 2 medium)

1/3 cup nonfat Greek yogurt

5 tablespoons melted coconut oil

2 large eggs

½ cup brown sugar

¼ cup plain sugar

FIRST  Preheat oven to 350°F.  In a medium bowl, combine flours, flaxseed, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and allspice and set aside.NEXT  Using a food processor or mixer, combine bananas, yogurt and eggs.  Gradually add sugars and beat until combined.  ¼ cup at a time add flour mixture to banana mixture until combined. LAST  Pour into a greased loaf pan and bake for 50 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.  Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes.  Remove bread from pan and let cool on wire rack.  Slice and serve with fresh fruit.

In order to help some of my friends who wanted to start making healthy choices and modeling healthy decisions for their families, this past month I offered a January Jump Start program. It was so successful, that I have created a new program called Faithfully Fit February for the upcoming month. The Faithfully Fit February Program will include 4 workouts you can do at home, 4 weekly meal plans and recipes, weekly bible verses and inspirations, a February workout calendar, and recipes for healthy Valentine's Day snacks for only $75. If this interests you, please email me at transfitathens@gmail.com or click the PayPal link below to sign up.

Blessings,

Caroline