Nourished November

It is the second week of November! Time flies when you are having fun TRANSFORMING! We are so pumped to finish 2022 STRONG with you! The BEST is yet to come! Thank you for continuing to transform in EVERY WAY! We just finished The Armor of God (our TransFit Bible Study) and we are excited to start a new Bible Study in January! Message us here if you would like to join us in January!

Holidays will be here in a blink, here are 3 tips to get you started on the right track.

♦️3 TIPS TO START THE HOLIDAYS STRONG♦️

1. Prepare your mindset! Decide today to focus on the reason for the season which is Jesus! Choose to plan your days and protect and prioritize your time over the holidays. Get a new journal or write down in your calendar your focus and your action plan for these next 6 weeks. Recommit to it daily. 

2.Prioritize your movement time this season. Shift your mindset from “I have to workout because I ate too much” to  “I get to workout so I can serve my loved ones well”.  If we are not taking care of ourselves and our bodies, how can we love others well and live fully for Christ? Fitness is not only about how you look but how you LIVE. Release perfectionism this season. Aim to maintain your workouts, your walks, yoga, and your quiet time.  Maintain your healthy habits of movement daily, extra water, and more green foods! Set aside time to set your mind for a successful day, reminding yourself that your health is essential. Thanksgiving and Christmas is time to celebrate our blessings, family, and Jesus.

3. Plan and choose your indulgences.  Planning what & when you can and will control. This is a secret to your success. If you know there is a delicious dessert at the party you will attend, enjoy a small portion, release any guilt, and then have a healthy breakfast the next morning and an extra glass of water. Plan for it! Skip the worldly holiday eating plan of over eating and ditch the diet culture that says you can’t be healthy over the holidays. Enjoy your holiday events with moderation and mindfulness.

Sweet friend, let’s forget about perfectionism over the holidays and go into the holidays with a mindset shift. Think differently going into the holiday season. Make a positive shift in 2022. You can make time to move, you can eat healthy and have treats in moderation, not the all or nothing mentality. Today, get unstuck in the performance and perfectionism culture. Our primary motivation is to honor the body God gave us. Yes, our Holiday Extravaganza starts next week. We are excited to encourage each other to maintain healthy habits daily. Christ centered accountability to keep you LIVING your best during the holidays! Praying for you!

We are focusing on NOURISHING our bodies in November. And this week is all about nourishing our bodies through NUTRITION! What you fuel your body with really does matter! There are SO MANY amazing recipes that are healthy and tasty beyond belief! We want to encourage you to try some of these INCREDIBLE recipes!

Ingredients

• 2 lbs 99% lean ground turkey breast

• 3 15oz cans of great northern beans (or kidney beans)

• 1 15oz can of pumpkin puree

• 1 onion

• 3 cloves of minced garlic

• 1/2 Tbsp chili powder

• 1 Tbsp chili powder

• 1 tsp oregano

• 2 tsp black pepper

• 2-3 cups of low sodium chicken broth

• 1 tsb olive oil

• Salt, to taste

Directions

• Spray large frying pan with oil, and over medium heat, cook the turkey, onion, and garlic for about 4-5 minutes or until mostly white.

• Pour the beans, pumpkin, peppers, spices, and broth into a large pot or crockpot.

• Mis in the pot and let simmer or if in a crockpot, set on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours.

• Garnish with avocado, Greek yogurt, cilantro, and salsa.

• Enjoy!

Ingredients

• 1 cup almond milk

• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree

• 1 serving vanilla protein powder

• 1 frozen banana

• 1 Tbsp ground flax seed

• 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice

• 1tsp cinnamon

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

• Crushed ice to fill

Directions

• Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

• Pour into a glass and top with cinnamon.

• Enjoy!

Stretch more this November! Want to know more about SI joint pain and stretches to help with it? Check out this document on the TransFit website!

Top 5 Reasons Why Women Need Strength Training🏋️‍♀️🏋️‍♀️

Hey sweet friend, 

June 2022 is almost over, but not quite! Let's work to reach the goals that we have set for this month—step outside of your comfort zone. Try incorporating Strength Training 3x per week to reach your maximum strength potential and boost your metabolism. 

TransFit is unique because it provides Strength Training Workouts in an uplifting environment specifically designed for women to help you achieve the results you want to achieve. 

These workouts will transform you—body, mind, and spirit.

You may be thinking, “doesn’t lifting weights make me ‘bulky’”? Thank goodness that isn’t true. Today, we clear up the misconceptions! 

Below are some key facts and benefits to help you understand why we, as strong, healthy women, need to build strength training into our weekly fitness plan.

Strength Training 101:

Strength training involves resistance bands and balls, hand weights, barbells, kettlebells and even your own body weight in order to boost your metabolism and lean out your muscles to create a sculpted, toned, strong body.

More importantly, Strength training is just what your body needs to fight the loss of muscle, and increase bone density and build muscular strength that women normally lose with with age.

Top 5 Reasons Women Need Strength Training:

1. Improves body composition & increases lean body mass (builds and maintains muscles mass) If you would like to meet with a Personal Trainer to assess your body composition (body fat %) please email us here or ask!! 

2. Increases metabolic efficiency (burns fat and aids in weight management)

3. Increases joint strength and stability

4. Improves your cardiovascular health

5. Increases bone density

MORE Important Reasons WHY Strength Training:

• Decreases psychological stress 

• Increases energy levels and mood, and aids in mental health

• Icreases balance

Never too late to join:

The Summer Transformation Challenge has strength training workouts for you! 

Keep TRANSFORMING over the summer with our Summer Transformation Plan! Includes recipes, workouts, and encouragement to keep you going strong!

Interested in TRANSFORMING with the whole family? Check out our Kids-Couch-to-5K running plan on our websight!

High Protein Recipe for Strength:

The Simple Summer Salmon recipe is high in protein and great for building strength! Try it out and let us know how you like it! 

We can’t wait to see you in the studio or virtually!

TransFormer sessions are strength training based metabolic conditioning sessions are offered multiple times a day.  HIIT sessions are cardio endurance focused. Our new Bone Strength Session is 9:30am on Thursday. TransFit Yoga is now offered 2x week. Friday sessions are a combination of strength + HIIT.

We are grateful to serve you.
If you have any questions, please email us at transfitathens@gmail.com.

If you would like to do a 1-1 or semi-private session with one of our Personal Trainers or Nutrition Consultant please reach out. We are here to serve you and want to help you live transformed!

Blessings, 

Team TransFit

Ready for A Challenge? TopGun Training & AthHalf Here We Come!🏃‍♀️ 🏅

Sweet friend,

Team TransFit Top Gun, what a fun start to the week! We learned from the movie that life is all about how you deal with setbacks in life. When you are open to them; lessons and inspiration can come from anywhere! You have a choice each day on how you will handle any situation- you can quit, or you can learn from past circumstances and use them to propel you forward! Let’s be inspired this week to go all in! To reach toward big goals and dreams! 

With all the summer excitement and people traveling again, our goal is to keep you strong, healthy, and feeling your best! Summer is a perfect time to set goals and achieve goals. One of the things we value is the importance of cardiovascular endurance and how it impacts overall health. We want to invite you into the challenge of beginning to train with us for the Athens Half Marathon which will be taking place on October 23, 2022! I know what some of you are thinking, 13.1 miles, are you crazy?

We understand, that some days self-doubt can creep in but we must remember, that we are all vessels and our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit! Our bodies are capable of doing amazing things, immeasurably more, so why not challenge yourself! Did you know there is also 5k that weekend, too? We are so excited and have two goal-shattering plans that can help you as you train for the race! 

Mentioned below are many other races that are coming up in and around Athens that we encourage you to look into a 5k or another adventure event.

The basic plan includes an 13-week, training schedule to use as the race approaches. Join Team TransFit and let's run the AthHalf! We believe in you!

The Advanced Half Marathon Performance Health and Fitness Guide eBook will help you prepare for your upcoming half marathon! It features a running plan, workouts specific to runners, and a sports nutrition meal plan and recipes to help you feel your best, while preparing to run! The eBook is specific to the AthHalf Half Marathon on October 23!

Upcoming Races In and Around Athens!
 

1. Peachtree Road Race - July 4th, 2022 - Atlanta, GA 

2. 12 Days of Christmas in July Races - Day 4 - July 8th, 2022 - Athens, GA

3. Milledge Mile - July 30th, 2022 - Athens, GA

4. Coach Mike's Run Through The Woods 5K - August 6th, 2022 - Athens, GA

5. Brain Fitness 5K - August 14th, 2022 - Athens, GA

6. Birchmore Memorial 5K - September 11, 2022 - Athens, GA 2022

7. Jack-O-Lantern Jog 5K - October 16, 2022 - Athens, GA

October 22 + 23, 2022 - Athens, GA 
Click AthHalf Half Marathon & 5K to Register for the AthHalf today!

For some healthy recipes to keep our bodies fueled, click the link below to grab our Summer TransFormation Plan FREE.

Questions about your summer nutrition plan and how you can reach your personal goals? Contact our staff to set up a 1-1 with any Personal Trainer or Registered Dietician. 1-1 or semi-private sessions are a great way to jump-start your transformation or reset your goals.

TransFit Running Director, Lisa Patton is ready to help you plan and train for your next race! Contact her to help you plan your best 5k, 1/2 Marathon, or Marathon!

You can also email us to schedule an appointment to meet with any of our staff! Check out our website HERE for a nutrition package that fits your needs! If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at transfitathens@gmail.com. 

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

Budget-Friendly Guide to Healthier Eating🤸‍♀️🍎🥑🛒!

For one of her final projects UGA Senior, Sydney Hood, was interested in finding out the most effective, budget-friendly way to approach grocery shopping. To write her article, she decided to sit down with Caroline and talk about how wise spending and healthy eating go hand in hand! They came up with some tips and tricks for making a trip to the grocery much easier and way less stressful:

"This story is a personal interest of mine as a college student who struggles with budgeting money and eating healthy. With the stress of school, extracurriculars, and other work-related activities, it can be easy for me to completely disregard healthy eating habits and take the easy way out with a quick Chick-Fil-A run. As an avid runner, I know that nutrition should be at the top of my list. Through this project I definitely learned that it is in fact possible to eat healthy without completely cleaning the bank and I hope others who read this are inspired to take the first step toward a lifelong healthy journey as I am."

- Sydney Hood

10 Expert Tips for Grocery Shopping on a Budget:

    1.    Set your weekly budget & revisit it monthly. If possible take our cash for groceries

    2.    Shop for nonperishable items online (protein bars, shakes) Amazon can have free shipping, and you can do price comparisons. 

    3.    Plan your meals. Planning ahead, and making meals At home can save! Meal prep and cook extra. Plan your menu then make a shopping list.

    4.    Buy fresh fruits and vegetables in season. Less expensive and have more vitamin  and mineral 

    5.    Buy meat and grains in bulk.  (Sams & Costco are great cost-effective options). Choose organic when possible and choose wild fish if available.

    6.    Limit your purchase of ready-prepared foods. Shop generic.

    7.    Clip coupons with caution. Coupons can actually make you buy more expensive items you do not need. 

    8.    Get creative with leftovers! 

    9.    Stay away from prepackaged snacks (most expensive and typically not calories friendly).

    10.    Learn the Clean Fifteen and Dirty Dozen. The Clean Fifteen are items that you do not have to purchase organic. The Dirty Dozen when possible as they are more likely to have been sprayed with pesticides and chemicals.

Transform Your Nutrition:

Download our free TransFIVE No Sugar Challenge today to jump start your nutrition plan this week.

Click Here for Nutrition Plan

Directions:

1. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces, discarding the skin. Break off each lettuce leaf individually. Peel and shred the carrots.

2. First, mix the peanut or almond butter with olive oil, hot sauce, and honey for the two sauces. Then make the other sauce simply by adding pepper flakes and sesame seeds to the soy sauce.

3. There’s no actual cooking in this recipe and people assemble their own wraps… all you do is set it all out in bowls and on plates.

4. Everyone assembles their own! Take a leaf, put a little of what you want in the middle, finish with a little of each sauce, wrap, and munch… it’s finger food!

Summer is fast approaching and we are so excited! We know that with school being out, schedules can change a lot. We want to hear from YOU about what you'd like to see this summer-- days and times that work best for you and any special requests!

Let us know your input by emailing transfitathens@gmail.com! We will be closed Memorial Day weekend and have a modified schedule the week before as many people are traveling.

Ingredients:

• One Earthfare Rotisseries Chicken

• Two Boston Bibb Lettuce heads

• 4 Carrots

• 1/2 cup toasted almond slivers

• 3 scallions sliced thinly

• 1/2 cup Cilantro chopped

• 1/4 cup of mint chopped

• 1/3 cup crunchy peanut or almond butter

• few splashes of olive oil hot sauce to taste

• dash of honey

• 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce

• sprinkles of red pepper flakes and toasted sesame seeds

TransFit Weekly Schedule

Email transfitathens@gmail.com to schedule a 1-on-1!

Let's keep the fire going this month! Be sure to check out our weekly schedule below to find the session that works best for you. If none of these sessions work for you, we would LOVE to meet with you 1-1 wherever you are (time or place)!

Congratulations to the UGA Class of 2022! We are proud of you for all of your hard work and determination. We wish you luck in your future endeavors and are praying for you always!

❤️ Happy Healthy Valentine’s Day Inspiration and Recipes!

Sweet friends,

Happy early Valentine’s Day! We hope you have exciting plans to celebrate with your loved ones! As we all know, tomorrow is Valentine's Day and that typically that means lots of candy and sweets everywhere. Valentine's Day is such a perfect holiday to take extra time to show others how you love them! Take a moment to call an old friend and tell them hello. Along with loving others well this week, also take some extra time to love your body, mind and spirit this Valentine's Day! Breathe in God’s love for you. Below is truth about how much you are beloved.

Take some time to dwell on this verse. These are the Lord's thoughts about you! He has created you exactly as you are for a purpose. You are so beautiful and perfectly made in His sight! Take some time today to write down things you love about the way God made you. Now, go share this verse with a friend! Encourage your sweet friends today in their own beauty, inside and out. Valentine’s Day is the day of love! Let's be intentional about spreading love and blessings.

We know many of you will be spending Valentine's Day with your families, so we wanted to share a few of our favorite healthy Valentine's Day recipes with you all! We guarantee these will satisfy your sweet tooth just as well as that box of Russell Stover — but without compromising your nutrition goals! These are treats you can feel good about, because  they will not only make your taste buds happy but make your body happy as well. 

If you DO have precious kiddos that are going to be receiving Valentine's bags from school, taking cards and expecting a small treat from Mom and Dad, this is the perfect opportunity to practice non-food rewards for your kids! Instead of loading them up with bags of candy, make Valentine's Day fun in other ways!

5 Ways to Have a Healthy Valentine’s Day

1. Make a Valentine's celebration breakfast! Make some fun Strawberry Love Parfaits to start your day with a sweet, healthy breakfast that tastes like a treat! Take some time to say 5 reasons why you love each other as you eat your breakfast. 

2. Celebrate with non-food items! If you're sending your kids to school with Valentines, try sending cards along with temporary tattoos, stickers, pencils or other fun little toys instead of candy. Be sure to emphasize that these are things they can enjoy over and over, instead of just once! If you're a college student, get together with some friends and make Valentines together! Get crafty and make fun, homemade cards with markers, watercolors, etc.

3. Spread out the sweets! Naturally, we're all going to eat some sweet treats on Valentine's Day. However, all of these treats don't have to be eaten on this one day! Pick 1-2 of your top choices for today, and then put the rest away to enjoy in moderation for days to come. The longer you spread it out, the more times you get to enjoy the treats! 

4. Try a new, healthy recipe! Below you will find several of our most favorite healthy and easy sweet treats! Try making these for you and your family, friends or significant other! 

5. Celebrate with red foods! See how many delicious and nutritious red foods you can put into your diet that day! Maybe try strawberries on a spinach salad for lunch, our beet and red onion side dish for a romantic dinner (recipe below), Tomato Tulips as an appetizer (just cut a plus sign on the top of a cherry tomato, fill with cottage cheese, then use chives as the stems) or Share the Love rice krispie treats (recipe below)

---

Dark Chocolate Granola Bark

Ingredients:

• 2 cups dark chocolate chips

• 1 cup Kroger Ancient Grain granola (or granola of your choice)

• 2 tsp. orange zest

• 1 tsp. cinnamon

• 1/2 cup dried tart cherries

• 1/4 tsp sea salt

 Instructions:

• Line baking sheet with wax paper

• Melt chocolate

• Stir in granola, zest and cinnamon

• Spread out onto baking sheet and top with cherries and salt.

• Chill for 30 mins or until firm. Enjoy!  

Strawberry Love Yogurt Parfait

Ingredients:

• 1 large container of greek yogurt

• 1 container strawberries

• Granola cereal (lower sugar)

• Stevia drops or honey to taste

Instructions:

• Take 1 cup of strawberries and blend in blender until smooth.

• Hull the rest of the strawberries and cut them into slices.

• Mix the yogurt with the blended berries.

• Begin layering the Mini Trifles. Start with a layer of greek yogurt. Add a layer of strawberries. Next sprinkle granola on top of the strawberry layer. Repeat layers until the mini trifles are full. 

• Garnish with strawberries and/or granola.

Roasted Carrots, Beets, and Red Onion Wedges

Serves 4; 1/2 cup per serving

Ingredients

• Cooking spray

• 2 medium beets (about 5 ounces each), peeled, cut into 1/2-inch wedges, and patted dry with paper towels

• 3 small carrots (about 2 ounces each), cut crosswise into 2-inch pieces (not baby carrots)

• 1 medium red onion (about 4 ounces), cut into 1/2-inch wedges

• 2 teaspoons olive oil

• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, crumbled

• 1/8 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil to keep it from getting stained. Lightly spray the foil with cooking spray.

• Put the beets, carrots, and onion wedges on the foil. Drizzle the oil and sprinkle the oregano and salt over the vegetables, stirring gently to coat. Arrange the vegetables in a single layer so they don’t touch.

• Roast for 15 minutes. Stir. Roast for 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are just tender when pierced with a fork.

Cook’s Tip: Avoid getting beet stains on your hands by peeling the beets under cold running water.

Share the Love Healthier Rice Krispie Treats

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoons butter

• 3 cups miniature marshmallows

• 6 cups Whole Grain Brown Rice Krispie Cereal (I actually found this at Target and the kids had no clue!)

• 1 Cup Fresh sliced strawberries (blend or chop finely)

Instructions:

• In a large saucepan melt butter over low heat. Add in marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat.

• Add Brown Rice Krispie Cereal and stir until fully coated.

• Flatten the mixture on wax paper and use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out hearts or use your hands to shape the mixture into hearts.

• Top the hearts with fresh sliced strawberries and gently press down to seal them. (You could also mix the strawberries in with the marshmallows).

• Cool before serving.

Don’t forget to sign up for this month’s lunch and learn! It is on February 22nd from 12-1 pm and we’ll be doing a self defense class taught by Borders! Spots in this event are limited so click the button below to sign up on our app before they run out! Cost is $15 to cover lunch from The Pine.

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

Blessings, 

Team TransFit

Three New Fall Recipes You NEED To Try!

Sweet friends,

It’s October, which means it’s officially FALL— FINALLY! Bring on that cooler weather! It also means it’s time for new healthier, delicious fall recipes! We are so excited to share some of our favorites with you! Approved by our TransFit Nutritionists.

You and your entire family can enjoy these recipes, and fall is a great time to encourage your kids to help out in the kitchen! It’s a win for everyone!

Porter’s Favorite Pumpkin Bread

Porter’s Favorite Pumpkin Bread

Ingredients:

• 1 cup light brown sugar

• 2 large egg whites

• 1 cup pure pumpkin

• 1/2 cup canola oil (or substitute coconut oil)

• 1/3 cup low-fat plain yogurt (I used 2% organic Greek yogurt)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 3/4 cup whole wheat flour

• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

• 1/2 tsp baking soda

• 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

• Spray metal loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray with flour.

• In large bowl, combine brown sugar and egg whites.

• Add pumpkin, oil, yogurt and vanilla extract, and stir to combine.

• In medium bowl, combine all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda and salt.

• Add flour mixture to pumpkin mixture, and stir until just combined (don’t overmix!)

• Pour batter into prepared pan.

• Bake 45 to 50 minutes. Cool in pan for 10 minutes.

• Invert pumpkin bread onto wire rack. Cool completely.

Pumpkin Turkey Chili

Pumpkin Turkey Chili

Ingredients:

• 2 lb. 99% lean ground turkey breast

• 3 15 oz. cans of great northern beans, or kidney beans

• 1 15 oz. cans of pumpkin puree

• 1 onion, chopped

• 3 cloves of garlic, minced

• 1/2 tbsp chili powder

• 1 tbsp oregano

• 1 tsp black pepper

• 2-3 cups of low sodium chicken broth

• 1 tsp olive oil

• Salt to taste

Instructions:

• Spray a large frying pan with oil, and over medium, cook the turkey, onion and garlic for about 4-5 minutes or until mostly white.

• Pour into large pot or crock pot the beans, pumpkin, peppers, spices and broth.

• Mix in the pot and let simmer or crockpot and set on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours.

• Garnish with avocado, greek yogurt, cilantro and salsa! Enjoy!

Apple Cinnamon Energy Bites

Apple Cinnamon Energy Bites

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cup oats

• 3/4 cup organic creamy nut butter of choice

• 3/4 cup honey crisp apples, grated, small

• 1/3 cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans

• 1/3 cup ground flax seed

• 1/3 cup local honey

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• 2 tbsp Chia seeds

• 1/3 cup chocolate chips

  ** optional

  Instructions:

• Stir all ingredients together in a bowl until combined.

• Cover and chill in a bowl 30 minutes.

• Roll into 1 inch balls. Store in an airtight container! Enjoy!

Need more great fall recipes? We are offering a NEW Fall Meal Plan for only $9.99! The plan was created by our registered dietitians, Katie Woodall and Kaeti Shurling and includes four weeks of meal plans, grocery lists and recipes!

If you would like to set up an appointment with our registered dietitians or nutritionists, please feel free to email us at transfitathens@gmail.com. We can’t wait to encourage you this week as you commit to your health!

Blessings,

Team TransFit

Are you ready for a Nutrition Challenge You CAN do this week?

Good morning, sweet friends,

 Today is the day! You are ready for a new nutrition challenge! This month, we are focusing on COMMITTING each day to our whole body health plan! Let's focus this week how we can commit to our health by making some changes with our nutrition! 

YOUR CHALLENGE THIS WEEK: ADD IN HIGH QUALITY PROTEIN SNACKS!

One new way you could COMMIT this week is to increase the amount of high-quality protein that you include in your daily nutrition plan! Protein is an essential food for repairing muscle tissue and keeping you feeling full longer. Replace processed foods with quality protein and you will feel the difference. A great way to incorporate this essential protein in your diet is to include it in the snacks that you eat throughout the day! High protein snacks (15-20  grams) should be consumed 30-45 minutes after workouts for maximum muscle building and repair benefits. They can also be consumed as a snack throughout the day to fight cravings and to help manage weight. Below are some suggestions of snacks that you can take on the go during your busy schedule. COMMIT to incorporating a few of these snacks in your diet this week!

Here are some of our dietitian, Kaeti Shurling's favorites:

• 1/4 cup of nuts (cashews are a great option!)
• 1/2 cup of trail mix
• 1 cheese stick
• 4 oz of low fat cottage cheese
• 1 hard boiled egg
• 1 cup of plain Greek yogurt with slivered almonds
• 1/2 cup of cooked Edamame
• Koia drinks
• 1/2 cup of chickpeas
• 1/2 cup of black beans
• 3 oz of tuna
• Kind Bars (under 5 grams of sugar)
• 2 tbsp of peanut butter
• Turkey roll-ups
• Rice cake layered with nut butter and chopped walnuts

Here is a homemade protein bar that you can make this week and also store to take with you on the go!

Homemade Protein Bar (Approximately 180-220 calories, 15-20g protein)

Ingredients:

• 2 & 1/2 cups whole grain oats
• 1/2 cup natural creamy peanut butter
• 4 scoops vanilla protein powder
• 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 tsp cinnamon

Directions:

1. Line a 8x8 dish with wax paper

2. Mix all ingredients by hand

3. Press mixture down into dish, using a spatula to flatten

4. Freeze for 30 minutes. Cut into six or eight bars. Refrigerate. Enjoy!

Try out these great high protein snacks and COMMIT to your healthy lifestyle with a delicious, higher protein nutrition plan!

High Protein Trail Mix

• 1 cup lightly salted almonds
• 1 cup lightly salted walnuts
• 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
• 1 cup dried cranberries or blueberries
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (leave chocolate chips out if you will be outdoors) 
• 1 tsp. sea salt
• 1 tsp. cinnamon

**For nut allergies, replace the almonds and walnuts with pumpkin seeds & sunflower seeds!

You can always toast the nuts in the oven at 450 degrees for 3-5 minutes first to bring out a rich flavor then toss with favorite mix-ins.

Let the family measure and mix and have fun playing with your favorite combinations. Place 1/4 cup into snack bags and keep in your snack basket! 

We are excited to see you this week to help you reach your goals!

Blessings,

Team TransFit

COMMIT to Your Nutrition- FREE Back to School Meal Plan!

Hey, sweet friends!

What an awesome start to August this week in the studio! We are so excited you are COMMITTING to your whole body health this August! Let's reset, recharge, and stay focused to make August our best month, yet!

A lot of you have young ones starting back to school over the next couple weeks, and just like you all, we are ready to get back into our routine of healthy lunches and dinners! Sometimes, though, the thought of planning out meals might seem overwhelming to you. That’s why we’re going to help you jump back into this school year one step ahead! We want to serve you, amazing friend! 

TransFit Nutrition Consultant, Katie Woodall & Dietitian Kaeti Shurling are sharing a full week's meal plan with you (on the TRANSFORM section of the website or click HERE), so your meals and workouts are already planned out for you and your family! Wahoo! A week’s worth of family-friendly meals with recipes are laid out for you to help make this transition back to school a smooth one! We’re even giving you a shopping list so you can breeze your way through the grocery aisles!

A new school year is a great time to get your kids to try some new healthy foods! But let’s not get crazy — remember we have to ease them into it, right? Let’s be real. Most kids could eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich every single day (or is that just mine?) Give yourself and your kiddos some grace but set a goal to some new healthier recipes this month.  We are here to help any way you need to get your family back on track.

In addition to our meal plan, we want to provide 5 packing items that you should include in your child's lunch for school! These five items allow you to ensure that your child is getting in their nutrition needs for the day! 

1. Protein. 

The protein doesn’t have to come from meat! Sure you can roll up a couple slices of deli meat, like roast beef, turkey, chicken or ham, but try a variety of protein sources — like a cheese stick (or shredded cheese as my child prefers!), yogurt (just look for low-sugar kinds and resist any artificial sweeteners). You can use different nuts or nut butter (great for dipping, too), beans, hummus or hard-boiled eggs.

2. Whole grains.

Buy whole grains when you can, like whole wheat bread or pasta. Substitute two slices of bread with a whole grain wrap. Add in some whole grain crackers for dipping. You can also try the 1/2 and 1/2 trick for a while to help transition your kids to whole wheat!

3. Colorful fruits and vegetables.

This is a great way to add in fiber and antioxidants. Whole pieces of fruit are great — apples, bananas, oranges, or get creative with the mini fruit kabobs using grapes and berries. Slice up veggies, like a bright red bell pepper or celery. Along with carrots, these vegetables are great for dipping so include a container with a yogurt-based Ranch dressing, fresh salsa, hummus or even guacamole!

4. Sweet and salty snacks. 

Mix up a healthy trail mix, or include raw nuts, dried fruits or pretzels. You can freeze tubes of yogurt for a cool treat. Enlist your child’s help over the weekend to prepare homemade energy balls or granola bars for their lunches, too.

5. Hydration.

Pack a mini-bottled water or an organic low-fat milk. When you can, avoid fruit juices. Stick to whole fruit options in their lunchbox to avoid any added sugars.

Use this lunchbox prep time as a chance to connect with your children! Take time to ask them about school or their friendships. Encourage them, and of course, use this opportunity to talk about why we choose healthy, nutritious foods!

And remember, you’re setting an example for your family! These little ones are watching you — taking a little extra time to prepare for the week can be a way of showing your family that you’re honoring your body with healthy foods at lunchtime, too!

Reflect on our verse for this month: Proverbs 16:3 says, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.” Just like your workouts, commit to planning healthy lunches and dinner for your family. We believe in YOU! If you would like to meet with our Nutrition Consultants or Registered Dietitian to help you with a plan for feeling your best please email us!

In addition, our middle school (5-8th grade sessions and our 4th grade sessions) will begin THIS Wednesday! We hope that your school year will be off to a great start! We are praying for each of you as the school year begins! 

Love & Blessings, 

Team TransFit

Tips to Make The Second Half of 2018 Your Best!

Clean slate, yes, it's Sunday! Let today be a fresh start for YOU! You can make the 2nd half of 2018 your best! Today, shift your thoughts... focus on being thankful for the body that you have and set a new goal (or two) to ensure you are treating your body with care and respect! Write this goal down, put the goal as a reminder in your phone, and tell a friend- that is how you make your goals become reality! 

One new goal could be to increase the amount of high-quality protein that you include in your daily nutrition plan!  Protein is an essential food for repairing muscle tissue,  building and toning muscles, and for keeping you feeling full for longer. High protein snacks should be consumed after 30-45 minutes after workouts for maximum muscle building and repair benefits and should be consumed as a snacks during the day to fight cravings and help manage weight.

Here are some of our Dietitian, Kaeti Shurling's,  favorites:

• 1 hard-boiled egg- 8g

• 1/2 cup chickpeas- 18g

• 1/2 cup cashews- 16g

• 3 oz of tuna- 25g

Try out these great high protein snacks and start your healthy lifestyle with a delicious, higher protein nutrition plan!

Here is a high protein healthy popsicle to try this week! 

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cup – strawberries

• 1 1/4 cup – coconut water

• 1 teaspoon – honey

• 4 teaspoon – chia seeds

• 1 1/2 cup pieces – mango

Directions:
Puree strawberries (fresh or frozen) with half of the coconut water in a blender or food processor. Taste the mixture and blend in honey to desired sweetness, if needed. Stir in 2 teaspoons of chia seeds. Set aside. Puree mango (fresh or frozen) with the other half of the coconut water in a blender or food processor. Taste the mixture and blend in honey to desired sweetness, if needed. Stir in the remaining 2 teaspoons of chia seeds. Alternately pour each fruit mixture (for a marbled look) into popsicle molds and freeze until set. Makes 10 (3 ounces) popsicles. If you have an Ice Pop Maker let it freeze for 45 minutes and then add wooden sticks so they stay in place better and the lid will come off easier.

Additionally, here is one of our favorite workouts you can try today! Add this workout to your week and then enjoy a high protein popsicle after! Let's do it, ladies! 

We hope that this second half of 2018 is your best! We believe in YOU! Let us know what your goals are for the second half of the year. We want to encourage you, as you prepare for a great rest of 2018! If you would like to schedule a 1-1 appointment for nutrition or personal training, you can purchase a package on our FREE app or website, or you can email us at transfitathens@gmail.com. 

If you have any questions, please email us at transfitathens@gmail.com. 

Blessings, 

Team TransFit

Healthy Gut = Healthy YOU!

So many great questions about probiotics this month. Gut health is one important part of whole body health. Did you know most diseases begin in the gut? 90% of our cells are bacteria cells and 10% are human cells. Thousands of species of bacteria all have different functions. Some of the bacteria digest foods, some produce different vitamins and hormones, some respond to medicines and infections, some control your blood sugar and cholesterol levels, and some control your risk for obesity or diabetes. These bacteria control almost every process in your body! 

Our brain and gut are connected through the enteric nervous system. The belly and brain are connected physically and biochemically. What does this really mean? The types of bacteria in our gut controls the way we think, behave, and feel.  Your gut health is vitally important in your transformation journey. 

Let's make a new goal this month to maintain a healthy balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut. There are many reasons how the delicate balance of a healthy gut is compromised. We eat diets of sugar, processed foods, and alcohol. We consume antibiotics and have too much stress. These areas create an imbalance causing the bad bacteria to shift from a single cell of yeast into a mycelial fungus. Thus, causing gut diseases and other problems in our bodies.

So what can we do to keep it balanced and try to regain gut health?

• Cutting back on sugar, processed foods, antibiotics, NSAIDS, steroids, and synthetic hormones

• Cut back on stress. Stress is harmful to our health and is actually the second cause of unbalanced gut flora. Take more deep breathes and use exercise to de-stress.

• Read food labels to decrease added sugar and processed foods

• Eat whole, live, raw foods

• Supplement with a quality probiotic (kombucha, supplement, fermented foods)

The colon (gut) has at least 500 different kinds of bacteria! One of the bacteria is the bifidobacteria making up the majority of the "good" bacteria that is in your gut. This good bacteria is benefited by the intake of probiotics.

Probiotics can help your digestive tract and help take up space in your stomach that could be taken over by a less healthful product or organism. Probiotics can be found in foods that have live and active cultures. A great source of probiotics is found in yogurt, kefir, Kombucha, and sauerkraut.

It is important to choose yogurt products that are made with milk from cows that eat organic food. Additionally, try to choose yogurt or kefir that does not have any added sugars, colors, or flavors that have been added by heat after that was fermented. The best way to know if you are choosing yogurt that has the probiotics you need is to see if it has the LAC seal, standing for Live and Active Cultures. We encourage you to add more probiotics into your diet and then help the probiotics by eating more fiber, too!

Fiber is important for overall health, but it is found that around 90% of Americans do not meet the recommendation for dietary fiber. Women should work to eat 25 grams per day and studies encourage you to have 40-50 grams of fiber, in order to have optimal gut health. Adding fiber and probiotics to your diet can help the number of probiotics in your colon, this will improve your health.

Here are some fiber-filled foods you can add to your diet! 

• Avocado- 1/2 cup serving size with 8 grams of fiber

• Raspberries- 1 cup serving size with 8 grams of fiber

• Lentils, cooked- 1 cup serving size with 15.6 grams of fiber

• Black beans, cooked- 1 cup serving size with 15 grams of fiber

In addition to your dietary needs, it is important to focus on your exercise, time spent resting, and the amount of sleep you get each night. As you know, exercise is such an important part of whole body health. Regular exercise can help you have a greater diversity of bacteria in your stomach. Also, we forget that rest is needed for whole body health. Stress can add to the amount of adrenalin your body gives off and therefore speeds up everything occurring in your body. As a result, adrenalin can cause your food to pass through too quickly and can lead to a negative impact on your stomach's health. Take time each day to check in with your exercise and rest balance. 

Here are some great recipes that will add in more probiotics and fiber to your meals! 

Flora-Flourishing Meal in a Jar

• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt

• 1/2 cup plain Kefir

• 1 teaspoon real maple syrup

• 2 tablespoons whole grain oats

• 1 tablespoon chia seeds

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, plus additional for sprinkling

• 1/2 cup frozen mixed berries

• 1 tablespoon sliced almonds or nut of choice

In a mason jar or bowl, combine yogurt, Kefir, syrup, oats, chia seeds, and ground cinnamon. Let stand 5 minutes.  Top with frozen mixed berries in jar or layer the mixture. Sprinkle with cinnamon and top with almonds. Refrigerate overnight or up to two days. 

Farro & Black Bean Salad

• 1 cup of farro, cooked according to package directions

• 1 15-oz. can black beans, rinsed

• 1/2 cup corn or edamame, (thawed if frozen)

• 1 roasted red bell pepper (from jar), diced

• 2 large garlic cloves, peeled and minced (about 3/4 teaspoon)

• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro or Italian parsley

• 1 tablespoon red-wine vinegar

• 2-3 tablespoons lemon juice

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

• Salt & freshly ground pepper, to taste

Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl. Stir gently to combine! Enjoy! 

Try to add fiber and probiotics to your diet this week. You can do it! If you would like to meet with our nutrition consultant, Katie Woodall, or Registered Dietitian, Kaeti Shurling please email us at transfitathens@gmail.com to set up a 1-1, 30-minute session or 55-minute. This 1-1 session will allow you to talk about you specific nutrition, meal planning, give you new recipes to try, and a plan to succeed! Let's finish this week strong! Let us know if you have any questions! 

Blessings, 

Team TransFit 

Transformation Tuesday- NEW Recipes You Need to Transform Your Nutrition!

Sweet friends,

Summer can be extremely busy with schedules changing every day! We all know how difficult it can be to prepare, in advance, healthy meals and snacks! Just like with everyday life, preparation is key! Planning ahead, even in the summertime, can help you reach your nutrition goals and help you achieve the body, mind, and spirit transformation you desire! Check out two of our new, favorite recipes! You are going to LOVE THEM! 

Summer Peach Salad

Total Time- 20 mins

Fresh peaches make the perfect easy summer salad. Pecans and a light honey vinaigrette drizzled on top make this the most incredible salad.

Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 5 ounces  Arugula or Mixed Greens
• 1-2 Peaches, sliced thin
• 1 Nectarine, sliced thin
• 8 ounces Fresh Mozzarella
• ½ cup Pecans, chopped in half

Honey Vinaigrette:

• ⅓ cup Olive Oil
• 3 Tablespoons White Wine Vinegar (or balsamic)
• 2 Tablespoons Honey
• ½  teaspoon Salt
• Pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Toast Pecans in oven 425 – 2-3 minutes
2. In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, vinegar, honey, and salt to taste.
3. On large platter or bowl, place greens, peaches, nectarine, fresh mozzarella, and pecans. Sprinkle sea salt over fresh mozzarella. Serve with honey vinaigrette. Enjoy! Add grilled chicken or salmon to make a complete meal.

Classic Gazpacho

Loaded with tomatoes, cucumbers, red peppers, shallots, tomatoes, olive oil and sherry vinegar a delicious chilled soup. Low-carb, gluten free, dairy free, and Paleo friendly!

Servings: 10 servings

Calories: est 200 

Ingredients

• 3 1/2 pounds ripe tomatoes 
• 2 red peppers, seeds, veins and stem removed
• 2 large shallots, skin removed, minced
• 2 large garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 large English cucumber, skin and seeds removed
• 3 jalapeños, seeds, veins and stem removed (1 for garnish to taste)
• 1/4 cup sherry vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Tabasco (and more to taste)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 2 avocados for garnish
• 1/3 cup cilantro for garnish
• 2 green onions for garnish

Instructions

1. Wash, dry and remove the core of each tomato. Over a mesh colander with a large bowl underneath, use a spoon and scoop out the meat of the tomato, leaving the skin and flesh intact. Make sure all the juice, seeds and meat go into the colander. Set the hollowed out tomato aside.

2. Make sure the tomato seeds are removed from the meat, then put the tomato pieces into a food processor (or blender).

3. Using a spatula press, stir, and work to get all the juice through the colander, leaving the seeds behind. Discard the seeds and add the juice (should be about 11/2 cups) to the food processor or blender.

4. Add half of one chopped red pepper, half of one chopped shallot, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, and tabasco to the food processor. Blend until completely smooth. Pour this liquid into a large bowl and set aside

5. Finely chop the rest of the shallots and red pepper, jalapeno, cucumber, and tomato skin with flesh. Add to the bowl of tomato liquid, then stir in sherry vinegar, salt, and pepper. Place in the fridge and let chill at least 2 hours (longer would be better) before eating.

6. Meanwhile, finely chop the jalapeno, green onions, and parsley for garnish and refrigerate until soup is ready to serve. Slice and dice the avocado for garnish right before serving.  ENJOY!

If you would like to set up a session with our Nutrition Consultant, Katie Woodall, or Registered Dietitian, Kaeti Shurling, to discuss your personal nutrition plan you can purchase a consultation or package on our website HERE or email us at transfitathens@gmail.com for more information!  You can also find FREE meal plans on our website HERE! 

Try these recipes sometime this week! Remember to email us at the end of the week with your June Squat Challenge calendars! You could be entered to win a MONTH of FREE SESSIONS! We are so proud of you and the way you have committed to living transformed this summer! 

If you have any questions, please email us at transfitathens@gmail.com. 

Blessings,

Team TransFit  

Keep the Fire Burning-The 5 Day Food Journal Challenge is Almost Over! Finish STRONG!

It's Day 4 of the Food Journal Challenge! We've been so energized by the responses we have received thus far, and we are excited to see what the rest of June will have in store for us! We are stronger together ladies! Remember that it's never too late to start changing your life for the better- start the My Fitness Pal Food Journal Challenge today or and if you already started let's finish the week STRONG!

Two favorite truths to encourage you to give your best and never give up! 

James 1:2-4  “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

James 1:12  “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”

Let's fill our mind with positive thoughts and inspiring goals and give our best for the remainder of June! Just because the food journal challenge will be over, doesn't mean you have to stop being accountable for your nutrition! Keep challenging yourself to journal your food daily!

We are so proud to have so many hardworking friends!

On Saturday, please email, text, or tell us that you completed the food journal challenge! You can email us at transfitathens@gmail.com. We will collect all the names of all our participants and then put all the names in a jar for a raffle for $100 credit towards sessions! We are so proud of each of you who have participated! Keep up the hard work! You are living transformed!

This week we are offering YOU a SPECIAL SUMMER deal on all inspirational merchandise!  Today through Thursday, June 21, you can use our code SIZZLE for 20% off all merchandise, in-store and on our Etsy page! You can use this code at checkout to receive your discount! 

If you need any help planning meals, remember that we have a week meal plan on our website FOR FREE! You can also email us to schedule an appointment to meet with our registered dietitian! Check out our website HERE for a nutrition package that fits your needs! If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at transfitathens@gmail.com. 

Blessings, 

Team TransFit

Join Us For The Food Journal Challenge! One Week of Food Journaling Accountability To Transform You!

Sweet friends!

This week we want to challenge you to a week of accountability with your nutrition! We are challenging each of YOU to a 5-day Food Journal Challenge! Take this challenge with us and submit your journal at the end of the 5 days and be entered in to WIN $100 CREDIT toward sessions! Check out the details below!

What is the challenge?

Keep a food journal starting Monday and going through Friday, 5 DAYS! Download the MyFitnessPal app and log your food, outlining the details of your meals and snacks throughout the day.

Why take the challenge?

Using a food journal is the number one way you can take control of your healthy lifestyle. Everyone struggles with what we put in our mouths and self-awareness helps us to realize what food and beverages we are actually fueling our body with daily. Journaling is an amazing tool for weight loss, assessing a food intolerance, or to treat a deficiency.  We have seen the MOST effective results with our nutrition clients who have kept a food journal and showed it to us weekly! The week of accountability is one important key to unlock your success in reaching your personal goals. You can live anywhere and take this challenge. If you have time to whine about your body, you have time to write down what you ate during the day. No excuses, friends, you CAN DO this challenge! You bite it, you write it!  We are here for you and will be your partner in this journey! Let’s do it – start today, be honest, and you will see results!

5 Helpful Tips to Get Started on the Food Journal Challenge!

1. Download the MyFitnessPal app and create an account! You can also do a handwritten food journal if you don't care for the app.

2. Commit to doing the food journal every day for 5 days.

3. Write down 3 goals for the week right now, and tell someone else out loud your goals!

4. Be honest! We are not judging you on what you eat- the challenge is for you to become a healthier person and by journaling, you will gain a greater awareness of what you are eating daily!

5. Clean out the pantry and refrigerator. Start the week off right; any food or beverages that are tempting to you- TOSS! You don’t need it and neither does your family! Start the week fresh with a clean refrigerator and pantry so that you can restock with fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. YES, YOU CAN!

We believe in YOU! You CAN commit to 5 days of food journaling! We want to provide you accountability! Encourage one another to take the challenge and share your food journals with one another. Accountability is a key to your success! Let's do it, ladies! 

Reminder! We have a FREE meal plan and recipes on our website under the Healthy Living tab of the website! Also, if you're on vacation check out our workout videos on YOUTUBE! 

Email us at transfitathens@gmail.com if you have any questions or would like to schedule a 1-1 with one of our Personal Trainers or Nutrition Consultants to help you reach your health goals! We are here to serve you! 

Blessings, 

Team TransFit

It's Taco Tuesday! 🌮 Healthy Taco Recipes You Will LOVE!

Happy Taco Tuesday! 

Can you believe May is almost over?! We are so glad that we have been able to celebrate this month with YOU! Our May Transformation Challenges are coming to an end, but YOUR transformation progress for this summer is just beginning! 

Today, we wanted to share one of our favorite summer TACO TUESDAY recipes! You will love it and so will your kids! Some kiddos aren't big fish eaters, but my kids LOVED these tacos! They have a perfect texture, and flavor! Enjoy! 

Blackened Salmon Tacos

Total time: 20 minutes, Serves 8 Tacos

Ingredients

For the blackened salmon:

• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 4 (6 oz.) pieces salmon
• 2 tablespoons olive oil                               

For the tacos:

• 8 corn or flour tortillas or Bibb Lettuce for wraps
• 2 cups green lettuce, chopped fine
• 1 can organic black beans (rinsed)
• 2 cups of cauliflower rice or white rice for kids
• 1 cup diced tomato
• 1/4 cup diced red onion (optional)
• 2 tablespoon minced cilantro
• ¼ cup greek yogurt as a sub for sour cream
• 1 lime, cut into small wedges
• 1 avocado

Instructions

To make salmon: In a small bowl combine the spices. Put the mixture on a plate and coat the portions of salmon. Heat a large heavy-bottomed pan or cast iron skillet over medium heat, and add the oil. Add the salmon flesh side down. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side or until skin is crispy. Once the salmon has slightly cooled, peel the skin away with a fork and cut salmon into large chunks.  You can also broil the salmon on 500 for 8-11 minutes on foil.

Fill each tortilla or lettuce wrap with lettuce, tomato, onion, black beans, rice of choice, and about ½ of each salmon fillet, a sprinkle of cilantro, a drizzle of fresh lime and a drizzle of Greek yogurt or salsa.

You can find FREE meal plans and recipes on our website under the HEALTHY LIVING TAB! Check out these meal plans and recipes for fun, healthy recipes! If you would like to meet with one of our nutrition consultants or registered dietitian, you can purchase 1-1 appointments on our FREE app or on the TransFit website!

We hope that you have been keeping up with your May Transformation Challenge! Fill out your calendar and commit to maintaining or losing weight if you participated in our May Total Transformation Challenge! Reminder, Wednesday, May 30 and Thursday, May 31 are the final days for the weigh-in for the May Transformation Challenge! We are so excited to see each of your results! Thank you for committing to make exercise your medicine this month! We are so proud of each of you! 

If you have any questions, please email us at transfitathens@gmail.com.

Please continue filling out the TransFit Survey! Please fill out this survey, so that we can better serve YOU! Completing this survey will give you $5 OFF your next purchase! Use the code TRANSFORM5! 

Blessings, 

Team TransFit

Let's Celebrate!! Come Join Us This Week at TransFit Athens!

Sweet ladies, 

We are SO excited about Celebrate Women's Week that will take place at our TransFit Studio Monday, May 7th-Saturday Mary 12th! Mother's Day is right around the corner; let's celebrate being strong, beautiful, inspiring women in this amazing community! We are strong together ladies! We would LOVE for you to come join us! At each session, we will be giving away prizes from local business' and have energizing body, mind, spirit workouts just for you!!! 

We love getting to host this event with lululemon Athens! Some of our prizes will include gifts from:

• lululemon
• The Pine
• Valerie Langley
• Carrie Raber- Rodan & Fields
• Smoothie King
• The National
• Journey Juice
• Kathy Cousart Art
• Blonde Beauty Bar
• Jennifer Rickard- Plexus 
• Gena Knox- Fire and Flavor
• Earth Fare

In honor of Celebrate Women's Week, try our Celebrate Super Food Salad! 

Celebrate Super Food Salad

• 4-5 ounces Spinach or Arugula
• 2 cups sliced strawberries
• Slivered almonds
• 2 ounces goat cheese
• 1/4 sliced avocado
• 1 tbsp hemp hearts

We will end Celebrate Women's Week with a Mother/Daughter community workout! This session will be Saturday, May 12 at 9 AM! You can sign up on the FREE TransFit app under SPECIAL EVENTS! Come for a fun workout, giveaways, prizes, and fellowship! We would love for you to join us! This event is open to the whole community! This is a FREE session, any donations will go to Hope 139!

We can't wait to see you this week in the studio! We hope that you make plans to join us next week for Celebrate Women's Week!!! Sign up for your sessions on our app! We are so proud of you! Keep up the hard work! 

Blessings, 

Team TransFit

5 Tips You Need to Spring Clean Your Week!

Sweet friends, 

We were thinking about all the people who have been inquiring the past few months about wanting to make a change in their life--a new refreshing change toward a healthy lifestyle! Like all of you who were spring cleaning your closets this past week; now is the time to spring clean your lifestyle!! Just making a few small changes can help you feel more organized, refreshed, and focused on your health. We have 5 tips that you can do this week to reset your body, mind, and spirit!

5 tips that help you revive your healthy lifestyle!

Tip 1: Start on Sundays or Mondays

Sit down with your newspaper, see what is in season and fresh and plan your weekly menu. Get the kids involved ask each family member what they would like to eat (within reason) and plan accordingly. We use a dry erase board and write out breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack, and dinner. The children love helping decide what is for dinner and it helps them to learn about food groups and what you need to make a balanced meal. Meal prep is essential! Here is a FREE meal plan! Click HERE! 

Tip 2: Pre-cook Protein for the week on the day purchased

Buy chicken, pork, and other meets and try cooking them all the day purchased. Bake or Grill 4-8 chicken breasts with little seasonings then throughout the week you can chop and put in a salad, a tortilla, or make chicken salad. The easy step of pre-cooking protein will help you to eat more at home for meals and not feel so rushed in the evenings.

Tip 3: Wash & Cut veggies and fruit for half of the week and store in grab-n-go containers or plastic bags for easy access.  Make a veggie tray for the week and try to keep in the fridge and bring out for the family as afternoon snack or appetizer before dinner.

Tip 4: Make snack baskets for your children and for you!

The premise of the snack basket is that everyone is not rummaging through the pantry multiple times a day.  Pre-make snacks a the beginning of the week in portion controlled bags and the snacks will be ready for active families! Snack baskets for adults are also ideal as a post-workout snack or afternoon pick-me-up!

Step 5: Make an appointment for exercise

Your doctor, hair, and other appointments are important and your health should be top on your list. Make an appointment with yourself, a friend, or a trainer to exercise 5 times a week. YOU are worth it! Put it on the calendar and stick with that time consistently! Don't forget our new HIIT class is tomorrow and Thursday at 9:30 AM! This is a great way to revive your cardio workout! 

We are so proud of you and your goals to get healthy! You will start to see that when you make these healthy decisions, your family and friends will, too! You are an inspiration. If you would like to meet with our Registered Dietitian or Nutrition Consultants, you can purchase a session on our website HERE or app HERE! If you have any questions, please email us at transfitathens@gmail.com. Let us know how we can help you live transformed! 

Blessings, 

Team TransFit

Client Spotlight You Don't Want to Miss!

Sweet friends! 

Today, we want to share the stories of three beautiful ladies who will surely inspire you that YOU CAN do anything you put your mind to!! We are so thankful for each of these ladies and the hard work and dedication they put into living transformed each day! One goal of each of these ladies is to have strong bones. Marilyn, Ba, and Molly have been doing strength training exercises for over 2 years and have seen amazing results! We often focus and talk about the importance of building up bones and increasing our bone density in sessions.  We need weight-bearing exercises, Vitamin D, and Calcium to maintain strong bones as we age!  Check out these top five superfoods for your bones! Find ways to incorporate these foods into your meals! 

Top Five Superfoods For Your Bones:

1. Dark Leafy Greens- choose dark greens like kale, collard greens, and turnip greens! These greens are a great source of calcium and Vitamin K, which helps reduce risks of osteoporosis. 
2. Sweet potatoes- Sweet potatoes add potassium and magnesium into your diet! 
3. Grapefruit- one grapefruit will give you enough calcium you need for the day! 
4. Figs- offer you calcium, potassium, and magnesium! 
5. Salmon- It has Vitamin D that helps your bones use calcium and the omega-3 fatty acids, which help your bones! 

Marilyn Nutter, Molly Efland, Ba Steedman

Molly's story about living transformed:

I started working with Caroline in March of 2014, so this is an anniversary year for us! At that time I had retired from full-time teaching and wanted to devote some time to get my body in ‘shape’.  Even though I’d always thought of myself as being reasonably fit, healthy and enjoyed being active, my body was showing signs that I was getting older and had to do something different to tone things up. I needed guidance to get started, keep going, and have fun while doing it. Caroline quickly gave me that guidance and motivated me to set obtainable goals for exercise and nutrition. When I exercise at TransFit now, I leave feeling refreshed, tired too, but well refreshed for the day ahead. I love working out with so many positive women who may have different goals than me, but we certainly have a common bond of exercise, nutrition, and positivity to improve our lives. It’s hard work for sure, but I can’t imagine not continuing. I work out at TransFit twice a week, go to yoga on two other days and try to swim at least once a week. I also walk each day, some days shorter walks than others, but I just have to get outside and move.

One of the biggest changes I have made is how to plan meals better and really think about what I’m going to eat each day.  I’ve loved learning about so many different good things to eat that are healthy for you! Who knew you should eat a small snack between meals?? Hemp hearts and quinoa are now on my steady diet. Luckily I have a husband who is willing to try new recipes…at least once. Before working with Caroline I wasn’t a big breakfast eater, but now I know the benefits of eating something to get you started each day. Here one of my easy go-to breakfast recipes:

Baked Apple with Yogurt and Nuts

• 1 apple, I like Honeycrisp
• ½ to 1-cup Greek yogurt, plain or vanilla
• Cinnamon
• Roasted pecan halves
• 2-3 teaspoons of hemp hearts

Slice the apple into bite size pieces, place them in a microwave-safe bowl. Sprinkle them liberally with cinnamon. Cook in the microwave for about 1 to 1 ½ minutes.  Dollop the yogurt on top, then the pecans, then the hemp hearts. If you use plain yogurt you might want to drizzle a little agave syrup on top. The apples give out lots of nice sweet juice, just depends on your taste.

 Ba's story about living transformed:

I retired from full time teaching after more than 30 years and am now teaching half-time.  I love teaching and hope to continue for several more years. I have a wonderful, supportive family - including 2 beautiful grandchildren. I have always been active, but I wanted to continue to be active. I felt that an exercise program for "me" would help. TransFit supported me and my friends in working to help us with strength training, nutrition, but most importantly, positive energy. I enjoy working out with others and sharing our concerns and victories. I always feel better after exercising. I am challenged constantly and want to work harder! I come to classes twice a week.  I walk most days and I love to go to yoga.  I would like to start back playing tennis. I used to play, but would love to start back! I love to set goals and am currently trying to continue to work on a better diet for me and my husband! Another goal is to exercise together, but it is a challenge. However, a new healthy lifestyle affects other facets of my life and I now feel better and have been able to make many new friends! 

Marilyn's story about living transformed:

Marilyn is the most dedicated woman and is the most consistent in her Tuesday/ Thursday small group! Her strength amazing us each day as she lifts weights and has the most beautiful plank. We love hearing about the new superfoods she eats each morning! You may see Marilyn out walking with her friends most mornings getting in her cardio! This lady is our inspiration - living transformed and encouraging all her friends to stay active! 

Ladies, thank you for inspiring us! What a joy it is to have each of you in the TransFit community! We hope that you feel encouraged by these ladies! 

For those of you who took the TransFIVE Challenge, let's finish strong! You can do it! We believe in you! If you didn't take the challenge, it's not too late to start! You can download the FREE eBook HERE! 

If you have any questions, please email us at transfitathens@gmail.com 

Blessings, 

Team TransFit

Let's Finish March Strong! Revive Your Body With The 5 Day No Sugar Challenge!

Happy Saturday! 

We had an amazing week in the studio and look forward to finishing March strong with you! Today, refocus your mind on those goals you set at the beginning of the month. We can finish March stronger than we started! 

We hope that you have been exercising daily for our Maximize your Motivation in March challenge! Bring in your calendars at the end of the week, to be entered for a month of free sessions! Today, we want to challenge you to take our Spring TransFive challenge. What better time to start, than the last 5 days of March?  YES, YOU CAN! 

Our TransFive challenge is a five-day SUGAR elimination challenge. We will send you our Spring eBook that is filled with a 5-day meal plan, recipes, tips, and daily scripture to help you conquer the challenge! As you accept this challenge keep these tips in mind: 

• Avoid simple carbohydrates, like processed bread, cereals.
• Avoid added sugars in foods, artificially sweetened desserts, and candy.
• Consume ALL your meals prior to 7:00 P.M. Then, brush your teeth for the night and avoid any food until the next morning when you eat breakfast.
• Drink a minimum of 80 ounces of water DAILY.
• Try to eat fewer fruits and MORE veggies!
• Exercise each day for a minimum 30 minutes- one option would be to alternate your strength training and cardiovascular exercise.
• Find an accountability partner for the 5 days.
• Beleive in yourself - we believe in you! 

Avocado Strawberry Spinach Salad

• 6 cups fresh baby spinach
• 1 pint strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1 avocado, diced (or you can double this to 2 avocados!)
• 4 ounces crumbled gorgonzola or goat cheese
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
• Half a small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
• Strawberry Vinaigrette (recipe below)

Strawberry Vinaigrette 

• 1/2 pound fresh strawberries
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

To prepare the strawberry vinaigrette, place all ingredients in a blender, blend until smooth. Toss all salad ingredients together with your desired amount of dressing until combined. Serve immediately.

Thank you to all the sweet ladies who came out to support our Night of Hope event! We enjoyed getting to sparkle, fellowship, and celebrate with each of you! Hope 139's website has officially launched! Click HERE to go to the website!

Through the Hope 139 website, you can learn more and make donations! If you have any questions, please email shelley@transfitathens.com. It is an honor getting to see how the Lord is moving within our community of TransFit ladies to lift up and encourage women who are less fortunate!  THANK YOU! 

ACCEPT the challenge!  5 Days will revive your body, mind, and spirit!  You are strong and you can complete these FIVE DAYS! We believe in YOU!

We look forward to encouraging you this week! Book sessions today so you have the days and times that are best for you and to help keep you accountable for reaching your goals!

Download our app, TransFit to book sessions and find recipes, inspiration, and workouts! Follow us on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Snapchat @transfitathens, to keep up with what is happening in the studio, enter in for great giveaways, and find new recipes or workouts to try! If you have any questions, please email us at transfitathens@gmail.com. 

Blessings, 

Team TransFit

Revive Your Breakfast for Spring! 🍳🌸

If I took a poll of our readers, friends, and family what percent of them do you think would call themselves “morning people?” It’s becoming a rarity these days to find those who wake up easily in the mornings, love to arise with the sun and get moving in preparation for the day ahead!  One word: BREAKFAST. Everyone may know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but that, unfortunately, does not mean that everyone takes the time to sit down to a solid meal before jetting off to work or school. According to the NPD Group, approximately 31 MILLION Americans skip breakfast. The same survey also found that many males ages 18-34 as well as teenagers (as opposed to younger children) do not eat breakfast. Women ages 55 and older were the most likely to eat a morning meal. What were the common reasons for skipping? People weren’t hungry, they didn’t feel like eating, or they were too busy or running late. 

Despite whether you are hungry or not, busy or not, you NEED to make time for eating breakfast. Breakfast consumption can increase the feeling of fullness, and high-protein breakfasts can help regulate appetite throughout the day. Breakfast is also good for your overall mood, metabolism, and overall health.

Kick-start your day with some new Spring recipes below! These are simple to prepare the day of, or, if you still think you will be rushed in the morning, these can easily be prepared the night or weekend before! You are worth a few extra minutes to have breakfast! 

Don’t stop, however, at simply eating breakfast. The morning meal is the perfect opportunity to insert some family time and inspiration into your day. A wonderful tradition to start with your kids is to do a simple devotional or bible verse first thing in the morning. It not only gets your kids’ minds jump-started, but it also has them (and YOU) putting your mind and focus on important things first thing in the morning. You can even stick those bible verses or quotes into your little ones’ or loved one's lunchboxes!

Here are some of our favorite breakfast recipes you can add to your mornings! 

Spring Greens Shake 

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Vanilla Unsweetened Almond Milk

• 1 serving Vanilla Protein Powder

• 1 small frozen banana

• 1 tbsp Ground Flax Seed

• 5 fresh mint leaves

• 2 cups spinach 

• 1 cup crushed ice

Blend, serve, and top with fresh mint leaves and cacao nibs! Enjoy! 

Chia Coconut Oatmeal

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup steel cut oats of old-fashioned oats

• 1-ounce dry chia seeds

• 1 cups unsweetened coconut milk

• 1 tsp. cinnamon

• 4-5 drops stevia extract

• 2 tablespoons unsweetened coconut flakes

• 1 tsp. 100% pure maple syrup (optional)

Soak oats and chia seeds in coconut milk overnight (I place in a large mason jar and shake a few times). Before eating warm oatmeal on stovetop or microwave until desired consistency. Stir in stevia and/or maple syrup and more coconut milk to reach desired consistency and top with coconut flakes. 

Mini Egg Frittata

Ingredients:

• 10 large eggs

• 1 cup chopped bell peppers

• 1/2 cup chopped onion

• 1 cup cooked crumbled chicken sausage or turkey bacon 

• 1 cup chopped spinach

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a non-stick or silicone muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray.

Heat olive oil into a a non-stick frying pan over medium high heat. Add the bell pepper and onion and saute for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the meat and spinach and cook an additional 2 minutes. Place 1 heaping Tablespoon into each muffin cup.

Next whisk the eggs into a medium size bowl. Stir in the salt and pepper. Then pour over the meat mixture in the muffin tin, leaving 1/4″ from the top.

Cook for 23 to 30 minutes, or until the egg has puffed and comes clean with a toothpick.

Run a knife around the edges to pop the egg frittatas out. Enjoy while hot.

Store in the an air tight container in the refrigerator. Eat within 5 days.

Join us tonight for our Night of Hope! We will kick off the night at 6 PM! Join us for the FREE bodyweight workout, for women of all ages and abilities! There will be great food and fellowship! We would love to see you tonight! You can sign up on the app under SPECIAL EVENTS! If you have any questions, please email us at transfitathens@gmail.com. 

We hope you enjoy these new, healthy breakfast recipes! Let us know what you think! You can find more recipes our website if you want more meal ideas!

If you would like to meet with one of our nutrition consultants or registered dietitian to jumpstart your Spring, you can email us at transfitathens@gmail.com or book an appointment on our app! Don't forget about our three March Recharge Nutrition packages! We want to help you live transformed in body, mind, and spirit. 

If you have any questions, please email us at transfitathens@gmail.com. 

Blessings, 

Team TransFit 

What Should You Eat For a Healthy Snack Today?

Ladies, 

Part of living transformed is taking your healthy lifestyle with you on the road. Packing healthy snacks for mini vacations or business trips don't have to be complicated! Our TransFit Team encourages you to plan and prepare weekly so you're organized at home with your meals. Similarly, taking just a few minutes to prepare a bag with healthy snacks, you're one step ahead while traveling with nutritious options to munch on during your trip! 

Our Team wants to share with you some of our favorites! 

WATER

Pack a large water bottle or several smaller ones. This way you avoid dehydration and your skin keeps its natural glow!

FRUIT

Don't leave fresh fruit behind while you're away! Grab what's left in your fruit bowls, like clementines, apples or bananas.

PROTEIN AND NUTS
Remember, protein helps you feel fuller longer. So you'll want good protein sources. We like Rx bars, grass-fed beef sticks, and raw nuts. And it only takes a minute to measure out 1/4 cup portions of your nuts or trail mix and store in individual snack bags. Yay for portion control!

CREAMER

We appreciate good coffee creamer! : ) Especially, if you're dairy-free these are both great options for traveling. See picture above! 

Some other favorites:

• Dry Roasted Edamame

• Macadamia nuts

• RX bars

• Pistachios

• Vega Protein Shakes

• Nutpods

• Organic Fit High Protein Weight Loss Bar

• Koia 

Once your snack bag is ready, don't forget to pack your running shoes and workout clothes! We want you to plan exercise into your trip! You'll feel energized during your trip, but also when you return home! If you're traveling with family, this is an opportunity for you to spend extra time with them. Whether it's a sweat session in the gym, a round of tennis or golf, a walk on the beach or jog around a new city, we want to encourage you to keep moving!

If you have any questions, please email us at transfitathens@gmail.com. 

Blessings, 

Team TransFit