Fit Tip

Don't forget that eating right and exercise are what make a healthy and hot body.  So, as Christmas is just about here, your diet might be on the fit cliff so don't let exercise, or lack thereof, be the push to send you over.  So no excuses, here is a circuit to hit in the living room (or anywhere!) for the next week.

Do all of these exercises for 60 seconds each with no rest in between moves:

1. Jumping jacks
2. Squat to curl (no dumbbells?  use 2 liter bottles, canned foods, shampoo bottles...)
3. Push-ups (use a stability ball if possible, hands on ball/feet on floor)
4. Single leg cobra (stand on one leg, dumbbells in front of body, lean forward slightly.  pull arm opposite of stance leg back and down-keep thumb pointing up.  pause and return to start.) switch sides after 30 seconds.
5. Burpee
6. Stability leg curl (if no ball, use a riser available, stair, ottoman, stacked books...and perform hip extensions/bridge)
7. Alternating dumbbell row
8. Single leg lateral raise (stand on single leg, toes pointing forward, knee slightly bent.  raise one arm out to shoulder level, palms down.  pause.  return to start)  switch sides after 30 seconds
9. Mountain climbers
 

Add this to your schedule this week.  You know how to reach me if you need help with the exerises or just have any questions (or complaints! ho-ho-ho!).
 

Fit Tip

Getting down to the wire on this holiday business so don't waste time!  When exercising, stay focused and move quickly through the workout.  Take fewer, shorter rests between sets to burn more calories and maintain concentration on your training.  Super sets and intervals will do you right. 
A 30 minute session will make you feel great!  Just stay calm and carry on.

Fit Tip

I've got a delicious recipe that's quick, healthy, and absolutely "party worthy."  Make up a batch of this to serve with whole grain bread for a satisfying dinner or serve small portions as a smart starter.

Cream of Asparagus Soup

2 tsp olive oil
1/2 medium onion, chopped
3 cups no-salt added vegetable broth or stock
1 bunch, fresh, raw asparagus, trimmed, chopped into 2 inch pieces (about 3 cups)

• In a saucepan, heat oil over medium heat.  Add onion and saute for about 2-3 minutes.
• Add stock and asparagus.  Cover and cook for about 20 minutes or until asparagus is tender.
• Remove from heat.  Puree until smooth.

This recipe makes four servings at only 74 calories each.

Asparagus is an excellent source of potassium, vitamin K, folic acid, vitamins C and A, riboflavin,
thiamine, and vitamin B6.  The anti-inflammatory properties will booster you through all the holiday stress, shopping and working out!