New Transformation Program

What amazing week! We have been able to celebrate birthday's, Christmas coming, and YOU! You have gone above and beyond this week! We are so proud of your hard work. Let's all stay committed to staying STRONG for the last few weeks of 2021!

Speaking of STRONG, we also want to start 2022 rising strong! TransFit is so excited to announce our new RISE TOGETHER Weekly Wellness Program led by Lea Wallace, Integrative Health Coach. If you were able to come to our lunch-and-learn in November, you heard Lea talk a lot about hormones. If not, below we recapped some tips and her talk is on our YouTube Channel!

January 10th, Lea will be starting our new Rise Together Weekly Wellness Program. 

The faith-based program will be a rolling group that meets once a week in an encouraging, educational, and uplifting environment. The program will be available via zoom if you are unable to come to the studio. We will cover a wide range of topics that relate to our health and wellbeing, while also creating space for dialogue, sharing, and questions. We believe that health is personal, but it doesn’t have to be lonely. Long-term success in your health journey is often accomplished when it is done alongside other like-minded individuals. This group will allow you the accountability and space to explore your own health journey and make small changes that will add up to big results. We will start each week with optional, private weigh-ins, followed by educational content and teaching and a time for discussion and questions. We will revisit goals at the start of each month, so new friends can jump in at any time!

Topics: 

• Goal setting, determining your WHY

• Power of Routine, Setting New Habits

• Why diets don’t work/Creating a plan for long-term success

• Exercise - what type is best for your body

• Meal planning and meal preparation

• Blood sugar balancing

• Crowding out rather than cutting out

• Sugar & Conquering cravings

• Plant-based eating

• Supplementation

• Emotional eating 

• Stress Management and Self Care

• Deciphering food labels

The group will meet weekly on Mondays 11:30am-12:30pm and clients will sign up for 1 month at a time. Please email us here is you are interested or have questions. You can sign up on the TransFit App. Space will be limited so book your Program today.

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Notes from the lunch-and-learn on Transforming Your Hormones! 

When hormones get out of whack, there can be far reaching consequences in terms of symptoms and effects. Hormone imbalance is often a red flag that other systems in our body are out of balance. 

Hormone imbalance may look like:

-  Infertility and irregular periods

- Weight gain or weight loss– that is unexplained and not due to intentional changes in your diet

- Depression and anxiety

- Fatigue

- Insomnia

- Low libido

- Digestive issues

- Hair loss and hair thinning

- Hot flashes and night sweats

- Brain Fog

- Causes of hormone imbalance may include: Blood sugar imbalance

- Poor gut health

- Inflammation caused by diet and lifestyle

- High levels of sustained stress

- Lack of sleep and rest

- Genetics

- Aging

- Toxicity 

Natural Ways to Balance your Hormones: 

- Balance your blood sugar

- Eat whole foods, mostly plants

- Increase your levels of Magnesium and Vitamin D

- Consider adding organic soy products to combat hot flashes

- Get 7-9 hours of quality sleep

- Find new ways to decompress and destress

- Balance your HIIT and cardio workouts with low impact exercise

- Address toxins in your home

Do You Want To Discuss Your Goals?

Here at TransFit, we love encouraging you in the studio as you work toward achieving your personal goals! Our trainers would love to meet with you for a FREE “goals” check-in, whether you have reached your goals or want to make new ones! Email us at transfitathens@gmail.com to set up a time with one of our trainers or Registered Dietician to talk about your specific goals!

Check out these AMAZING holiday recipes to try!

Ingredients
- 5 sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1 cup shallots, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste

Directions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Toss sweet potatoes with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper, and shallots.
- Spread sweet potatoes in a single layer 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter.
- Add pecans and stir until fragrant, about 3 minutes.
- Add maple syrup and stir until most of the liquid has been absorbed, about 3 minutes.
- Top potatoes with pecans, cover with aluminum foil and bake in preheated oven for 50-60 minutes or until tender.
- Enjoy!

Ingredients
- 3 cups lightly packed spinach
- 1/4 cup Quinoa or Farro
- 1/2 cup cooked sweet potato
- 1 small or medium apple cut into chunks
- 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds
- 3 tbsp dried cranberries
- 3 tbsp chopped walnuts or cashews
- 1 tbsp goat cheese
For Vinaigrette:
- 1 tsp minced shallot
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp fig preserves or maple syrup
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- pinch of salt and freshly ground pepper

Directions
- Add greens to a large dinner plate or salad
bowl.
- Top with the cooked and cooled quinoa,
sweet potato, apple chunks, pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries, and walnuts.
- To make the vinaigrette, combine the
shallot and vinegar in a small mixing bowl, whisk to combine. Slowly add the olive oil by pouring it in a steady stream, whisking vigorously until emulsified. Drizzle the salad with the dressing and serve immediately.
- Enjoy!

December News to bring JOY!

Bible Study Wednesday will start back in January 2022:

It's never too late to join our TransFit Bible Study. Join us Wednesday's in January to renew your mind, learn God's word, and be encouraged! We will be starting "Discerning The Voice of God" mid January.

Stay faithful, friends, we can keep strong in Christ in the everyday! Remember it is the small steps forward daily that lead to the big results over time. We are all work in progress.

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

How to Enjoy a Healthy, Happy Holiday

We are so grateful for you! This week will provide us with the perfect opportunity to give thanks for all things - especially the opportunity we have to live our healthiest life in Christ. Wear your Holliday clothes, colors, and bells as we celebrate with our favorite strength, HIIT, and yoga sessions. Friday at 9:30am will be a candle light yoga.🎄

♦️TransFit Athens & Oconee will be open over the next 2 weeks with a modified schedule, please check the app for updates holiday hours. Please book your workouts in advance.♦️

 We can stay on track this Christmas season! We challenge you to do get your mile in daily and nourish your body with vegetables each day this week! December Challenge - You can do it!

During Christmas and New Years, the main idea is to remember MINDFULNESS. You do not have to avoid dessert completely, but focus on being mindful with your portions. Moderation is the key! Decide ahead of time which treat you want to have, and then decide which you could give up. Make healthy swaps and enjoy victory over your decisions. 

Below are 5 Christmas Tips to help you have a healthier Holiday!

5 Healthy Holiday Tips

1. Make a list (actually write it down) of why you started your fitness journey in 2022 and read it before going to your party or enjoy a meal over the holidays! Keep your goals you set at the beginning of the month in mind! 

2. It is okay to say "NO" to all the food pushers. You don't have to try everyone's famous recipe or try each of the foods that are sitting out. Smile kindly and fill your plates with vegetables and foods in moderation.  Tell a friend your goal or plan for the holidays. Accountability is key for success. 

3. Portion control is key. Be mindful of how much you are eating of each dish. Everything adds up quicker than you may think.

4. Remember everything in moderation and eat slowly! For example- maybe skip the rolls and mashed potatoes, instead choose a sweet potato with honey and turkey, vegetables, and cranberry sauce, so that you can have a smaller piece or just a few bites of pumpkin pie. Enjoy the flavors of your plate this year. Chewing slowing and mindfully.

5. Move your body as a form of worship over the holidays: Be ready to be flexible, your usual workout time may not work, so try a new time or to fit in your movement somewhere else in your schedule. You can make time to move your strong body this holiday season. 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. 

   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, finishing 2022 strong. 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.

Brined & Roasted Turkey

from Fire and Flavor

Ingredients:

• 1 (12-14 pound) turkey, neck and giblets removed and rinsed

• 1 package Fire & Flavor Turkey Perfect Brine Kit 

• Cotton string for tying

• 2 tablespoons canola oil

Directions:

1. Brine turkey according to package directions. If using liquid brine, remove turkey from brine and pat dry. Allow turkey to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before roasting. Preheat oven to 500°F. Place turkey on a roasting rack set inside a rimmed roasting pan or sheet pan. Tuck wings underneath bird and tie legs together; rub generously with oil.

2. Place turkey on lowest level of oven and roast for 30 minutes. Lower oven temperature to 350°F and continue roasting until meat thermometer inserted in thickest part of breast registers 165°F, about 2 – 2 ½ hours.

3. Allow turkey to rest for 20 minutes before for carving.

Roasted Maple Cinnamon Sweet Potatoes

Ingredients:

• 4 small sweet potatoes (or 2 large), peeled & cut into 1-inch cubes

• 1/4 cup maple syrup, divided

• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided

• 2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more for seasoning

• 2 teaspoons of cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more for seasoning

• 4 large shallots, peeled and thinly sliced

• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

2. In a large bowl add the sweet potatoes, 2 tablespoons of the maple syrup, 2 tablespoons of the olive oil, 2 teaspoons salt and 1 teaspoon pepper, and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon. Mix to evenly coat the potatoes and arrange on a sheet tray. Roast until caramelized, golden brown and soft, about 20 to 30 minutes. Be sure to check them after 15 minutes and stir, if needed.

3. Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium-low heat, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and the sliced shallots and saute until they start to caramelize, about 5 minutes Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of maple syrup and balsamic vinegar. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Lower heat to medium and cook until golden brown and caramelized, about 5 minutes. Add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, if the pan becomes dry.

4. Add the roasted sweet potato cubes to the caramelized shallots and transfer to a warm serving dish.

Superfood: Green Beans with Pomegranates and Toasted Walnuts

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup walnuts

• 1 pomegranate, seeds only

• 1 1/2 pound green beans (haricots, verts or traditional green beans). Fresh is preferred, but frozen green beans work great too.

Vinaigrette Dressing

• 2 tablespoons flax oil, or olive oil

• 2 tablespoons coconut vinegar or apple cider vinegar

• 1 tablespoon shallot, finely chopped or 1-2 teaspoons onion

• 1 teaspoon dijon mustard

• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Directions:

1. To toast walnuts, heat a sauté pan over medium heat and add walnuts. Set timer for three minutes. After three minutes, stir and watch until crisp and fragrant. This takes about seven minutes total. Transfer to a bowl so they do not continue to cook.

2. Seed pomegranate.

3. Rinse green beans. Take a small handful and align the ends by tapping them on the cutting board. Cut the tips off all at once and repeat to the opposite end. Do this until all beans are completed. Do not cut beans into pieces; this will make them mushy once cooked.

4. Pour 2-3 inches of purified water into a pot with steamer. Once the water is at a rapid boil, turn the heat to medium, add beans and cover. Steam 5-6 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Don’t overcook.

5. In a two-cup glass measuring cup or medium bowl, combine the oil, vinegar, shallot, mustard, salt and pepper. Whisk until oil is incorporated well. Toss the beans with vinaigrette. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Just before serving, sprinkle the salad with pomegranate seeds and toasted walnuts.

Healthy Twix Bars 
By Anna Marion Block (follow her @theblockbalance)

Ingredients

• For the shortbread base:

• 1 ½ cups packed fine blanched almond flour (I use Bob’s Red Mill)

• 3 tablespoons melted and cooled coconut oil

• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• For the peanut butter layer:

• ⅔ cup drippy natural almond butter (crunchy or creamy works)

• 1/3 cup pure maple syrup

• 1/4 cup coconut oil

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

• For the chocolate layer:

• 3/4 cup chocolate chips, dairy free if desired (lily’s)

• 1 tablespoon coconut oil

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line an 8x8 inch square pan with parchment paper. It’s important to use an 8x8 inch as a 9x9 inch pan may be too big.

2. In a medium bowl add the almond flour, coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract and salt. Mix together with a fork until it forms a nice thick crumb texture. Add to pan and use your fingers to evenly press down into the pan. Bake for 10 minutes. Allow crust to cool for 10 minutes before adding caramel.

3. Next make the peanut butter caramel layer: Add the peanut butter, maple syrup, coconut oil, vanilla extract and sea salt to a medium pot and place over medium-low heat for approximately 2 minutes until caramel starts to slightly bubble, stirring frequently. Pour over slightly cooled crust. 

4. Place in fridge for at least 30 minutes-1 hour to completely harden the peanut butter. It shouldn't take longer than this, but if you are impatient, just place in freezer for 15-20 minutes, this should speed up the process.

5. After 30 minutes or so, make the chocolate layer: Add chocolate chips and coconut oil to a microwave safe bowl and microwave on high in 30 second increments, stirring in between until chocolate is completely melted. If you prefer, you can also melt the chocolate and coconut oil in small saucepan over low heat.

6. Pour over the caramel layer and tilt pan side-to-side to evenly distribute the melted chocolate. Place in fridge for at least 20 minutes until chocolate is completely hardened and bars are cooled.

7. Remove bars from pan and cut into 16 bars (that resemble twix bars). To do this, cut entire pan of bars in half, and then cut each half into 8 (1-inch) bars (not squares!), so you’ll end up with 16 bars. Enjoy! Bars should be kept covered in the fridge until ready to serve.

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🔹TRANSFORM 30 PROGRAM 🔹

JANUARY 2023 will be here! Get excited and ready to transform. We have a new Transform at Home Program rolling out, a new Transformed by Prayer Devotion, new sessions and times, bible study, and Lea Wallace will start back our January Accountability Group. Stay tuned for exciting details.

We can finish December strong together! Let’s NOURISH our bodies, minds, and spirits for the rest of this month so we can best live out God’s purpose for our lives! We can’t wait to encourage you in the studio to live transformed! 

🎄We will have sessions next week with a modified schedule. Please check the TransFit App for Christmas week schedule! 🎄

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

Grace, Grit, and Gratitude - Three G's!

Hi Sweet Friend,

Monday Motivation! We enter this week with optimism and God's glory on our side! TransFit is focusing in on the three G's -- Grit, Gratitude, and Grace -- as a way of being, a way to live out this daily courageous life with joy. Philippians 4:13 supports the 3 G's and it a great verse to cling to this week. Here's to living bold and brave with Grit, Gratitude, and Grace.

GRIT, GRACE, GRATITUDE

The motive behind these 3 powerful words is to live a life of abundance and loving kindness. It's knowing the world is a better place if it is filled with healthy, joyful people living their greatest potential.

It takes GRIT to follow your dreams through all of the setbacks and struggles, and especially to stick to those dreams amidst the pull of short-term desires and distractions. It's even more difficult when the "how" is not clear.
It's so much easier to give in to short-term gratification than to stay the course when the going gets tough. It is in these times that we rely on Christ and lean into GRIT and determination.

GRATITUDE grounds us and keeps us positive and in a positive headspace rather than allowing us to be a victim of circumstance. It is impossible to be in a state of gratitude and focused on the negative at the same time.
Truth: There is always something to be grateful for, sometimes we just can't see it. Gratitude is the best to honor the struggle when we are in the middle of it.

The 3rd G -- GRACE -- Grace is about pursuing a courageous life with kindness and compassion for others, as well as for ourselves. God gives us grace each and everyday , we should do the same for others and ourselves. It's a way of being that collaborates, cheers, and claps and supports others on their path while at the same time pursuing your own. 👏

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Paul (in Philippians) says he has found the secret of being content in every situation and then goes on to say what it is. "I can do all this through him who gives me strength." He is saying that his contentment in any situation is a result of Christ, who gives him the strength he needs, the strength to be content. When you grow weary because of the challenges of life, God will give you His strength.

Grit to endure, grace to love unconditionally, and gratitude to give back thanks and praise are ways we have Christ's strength within us. Let’s use the 3 G’s to transform this week!

This Sunday is the ATHALF!!!

If you are running the race stop by TransFit Thursday or Friday for a Runners Goody Bag‼️ Plan to meet at Redeemer Church to park 6:30am Sunday morning to walk to First Pres Church to stretch and pray together.

Cheer Squat We Need You!
Meet at TransFit 7:45 to Cheer on the runners! TransFit is on the running course. Join families and friends to cheer and encourage our runners this Sunday!

Great Runners Stretches

Needing healthy recipes? Download our FREE Recipes and Back to School Meal Plans are in the Recipes section of our website. Click the link below!

Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Raisins, Shallots, and Pecans

Ingredients:

• 5 sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed

• 4 tablespoons Olive Oil

• 3 tablespoons Balsamic Vinegar

• 1/2 cup raisins

• 1 cup shallots, finely chopped

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 1/2 cup pecans, chopped

• 1/2 cup maple syrup

• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Toss sweet potatoes with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper, raisins and shallots.

3. Spread sweet potatoes in a single layer in a 9x13 inch baking dish.

4. In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter.

5. Add pecans and stir until fragrant, about three minutes.

6. Add maple syrup and stir until most of the liquid has been absorbed, about three minutes.

7. Top potatoes with pecans, cover with aluminum foil and bake in preheated oven 50-60 minutes or until potatoes are tender.

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

Thank you and please 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 personal training session or nutrition consult.

Blessings, 

Team TransFit

How to have a healthy, joy-filled Easter!

As a child, I always loved Easter. I loved the egg hunts and the Easter baskets, but most of all I loved being able to do these things with my family. As I grew up, I noticed that in stores Easter started seeming less about our risen Savior and more about gifts, prizes, and candy. I could walk down the grocery aisles and see shelf after shelf of sweet tarts and chocolate bunnies. These bunnies always seem so promising on the outside but are hollow inside, much like Easter is becoming to many families. This Easter I challenge you to step away from the candy and overconsumption, and instead focus on the real reason for the holiday Jesus' resurrection, and the blessings He has given you! Praise!

"It is not good to eat much honey, nor is it glorious to seek one's own glory" Proverbs 25:27

There are so many ways to make Easter a healthy, fun day for your family!

1. Having an Easter egg hunt? Fill the eggs with small toys like army men or bouncy balls, sea shells, stickers, temporary tattoos, secret notes, or any coins you may have lying around the house.
2. Can't decide what to put in an Easter basket? Make a fun theme for each of your kids and fill the basket with items accordingly. If your child's spring break is after Easter, try a beach basket filled with toys for the sand and a towel. If your child loves making art, like my Lyla does, fill their basket with coloring books, markers, stickers, etc. If your child likes getting their hands dirty, include some flower pots and seeds in their basket. If you've got a sports fan on your hands, toss in a football and then get some practice in the backyard later.
3. Need some cute snack ideas? Try the following recipes!

   

   Add baby carrots to a small flowerpot full of hummus for a fresh snack. Serve with additional veggies or crackers.

   

   Add sesame seed eyes and a carrot nose to hard-boiled eggs for a protein filled snack.

   

Slice sweet potatoes length wise, then use a bunny cookie cutter to cut out shapes. Toss in olive oil, sea salt, and freshly ground pepper. Bake for 15 minutes in a 415 degree oven.

Above all remember to give thanks to God for a wonderful day spent with family, friends, food, and love.

"So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God" Corinthians 10:31

Blessings,

Caroline