Flab to FAB · Health/ Fitness · Tips and Tricks

Get The Most Out of Your Workout

Get More Out of Your Workout | lookingjoligood.worpress.comA very common New Years resolution is to workout and get healthy!  I am resolving to continue to remain as healthy as I possibly can this year. If you also made a resolution to be a healthier you in 2016, here are a few tips and tricks to help you keep that resolution!

Get More Out of Your Workout | lookingjoligood.worpress.com

Just do it!  You may not feel like working out, but let me tell you, you will not regret it!  You will only regret the times you skipped working out not the times you did it!

Stop making excuses!  You are your own worst enemy!  Trust me, I know all about the head games and excuses!  You are not really as busy as you think you are!  Make time to get in a quick exercise session.  You can spare 30-45 min to become a healthier person. You will be so glad that you did!

Be consistent!  The more often you exercise the greater impact it will have on your life.  As with many things consistency is what brings results.  Long term health is more important than short term results.

Get More Out of Your Workout | lookingjoligood.worpress.com

Don’t waste your time!  If you are going to take the time to work out give it your all!  Don’t take the easy way out, do your best.  Be completely present in what you are doing.  Think about the muscles you are working

Have a plan!  If you are new to exercising and working out, make sure you have a plan!  Have you ever heard the saying “Fail to plan, plan to fail”? It is so true.  Having a plan will also help you to not waste your time.

Keep moving!  Even if you feel like you might keel over, keep moving.  Even if you have to move super slowly, keep moving.  If you are moving then you will keep going, if you stop to take a break, you may be able to convince yourself that you don’t need to continue.  Keep moving!

Get More Out of Your Workout | lookingjoligood.worpress.com

Start strong, stay strong, end strong!  This is similar to don’t waste your time and keep moving.  Anything worth doing is worth doing right!  Make the most out of your time.  An intense 30 minute workout is worth way more than a half effort hour long session.

Don’t give up!  Even if you miss a day here or there, or haven’t been consistent at all, that doesn’t mean you have to give up!  Just remember, January may be the start of the new year, but you can start a new healthy lifestyle any day you want to!  Most people give up on their New Years resolutions by February. You got this, don’t let that be you!  Don’t give up!

Good Luck in 2016!

Get More Out of Your Workout | lookingjoligood.worpress.com

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Delicious Recipes

Roasted Cauliflower

Roasted cauliflower is one of my latest food obsessions.  It is so delicious, simple, and yet super healthy.  Cauliflower is is a great source of Vitamin A, folate, magnesium, and potassium.  It also has a ton of  phytochemicals.  If you don’t know what phytochemicals are, they are an important part of health and wellbeing.  Not only do they improve the health of our GI bacteria (also known as gut flora), they also promote healthy immunity.

Roasted Cauliflower | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

Ingredients

1 head cauliflower cut into bite-size florets. A 2 pound cauliflower will give around 8ish cups.  (you can even use frozen cauliflower*)
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil or my favorite grape seed oil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons kosher salt

Want to spice it up a bit more…
4 cloves garlic, roughly chopped (instead of the garlic powder)
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
3 teaspoons roughly chopped fresh thyme leaves

Directions

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.

Mix together the oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and pepper.  Toss the cauliflower with the oil mixture in a large mixing bowl (sometimes I even put it all into a gallon sized zip top freezer bag and shake it up.)  Spread out evenly on a foil lined baking sheet; sprinkle with salt. Roast until golden and tender, about 20 minutes. Flip halfway through for an all over even roast. Put into your serving dish and enjoy!

I like mine extra crispy so I usually do closer to 23-28, flipping every 10 minutes.

Roasted Cauliflower.jpg

*Just thaw frozen cauliflower out a bit first by briefly running it under cool to warmish water, letting it sit and drain.  Repeat as many times as necessary.  Frozen veggies often cook a bit faster, so keep a closer eye on them, set the timer for 15 min, adding 5 min as necessary.

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Delicious Recipes

Creamy Garlic Scallops

I love scallops!  They are one of my favorite dishes to eat.  While scallops may seem like they might be hard to make, they are actually one of those dishes that tastes amazing but is quite simple.

Here is a great recipe by  Rasa Malaysia.  You can check out her other 900+ recipes at rasamalaysia.com

Creamy Garlic Scallops

by @rasamalaysia
Serves 3

Creamy Garlic Scallops | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

Ingredients:

1 lb jumbo natural scallops
Salt
Ground black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon melted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons white wine or Japanese cooking sake, optional
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Salt, to taste
1 teaspoon chopped parsley leaves
1 slice lemon wedges, quartered, for garnishing, optional

Directions:

Rinse the scallops, pat dry with paper towels. Season with salt and black pepper.

Heat up a skillet with olive oil and butter. Pan-sear the scallops on both sides until nicely browned, but don’t overcook them. Remove and set aside.

On the same skillet, add the garlic and saute. Add a little bit olive oil if you want. Add the cream, water, wine, salt and cayenne pepper. Bring it to a gentle simmer until the sauce thickens a bit. Add the scallops back into the skillet, add the chopped parsley leaves and lemon wedges, turn off heat and serve immediately.

For a lighter version that is just as delicious check out her Garlic scallops recipe by clicking HERE.

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Delicious Recipes

Caramel Popcorn

A few weeks back my friends and I celebrated “Friendsgiving”  One of my friends made some delicious homemade caramel popcorn.  For me it was love at first bite!  She gave me the recipe and I have been enjoying homemade caramel ever since!  So simple and delicious.  While I prefer to eat all of this homemade caramel popcorn myself, this recipe is perfect for giving away as gifts during the holiday season.

Homemade Caramel Popcorn | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

Caramel Popcorn

Ingredients:
1/2 to 3/4 unpopped popcorn
(simple instructions below on how to pop kernels in the microwave using a brown paper lunch bag.)
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup white corn syrup
2 teaspoons vanilla
Optional: chopped nuts, sprinkles, chopped candy bars, M&M’s
Directions:
1. Pop popcorn and place in a large metal bowl.
2. Combine sugar, butter and corn syrup in heavy cooking pan.
3.Cook on medium heat; stir constantly.
4. When sauce turns medium caramel color, remove from heat and add vanilla.
**Warning: Be extra careful!  The caramel is so super hot that if even a tiny bit gets on your skin it will burn soooooo bad!  Also, don’t stand directly over the pan  when you add the vanilla.  It will bubble and steam when you add it to the hot mixture.**
5. Immediately pour over popcorn and stir with a long handled metal or wooden spoon.
6. Enjoy and try not to eat the whole thing yourself 😉
Paper Bag Popcorn Popping:
  1. Measure 1/2 cup popcorn kernels into a lunch sized paper bag.
  2. Loosely fold just the very top of the bag over so the kernels don’t spill out. Tape it shut (or you may end up with a microwave full of popcorn!)
  3. Lay the bag in the microwave taped side down.  Shake the kernels to spread them out evenly in the bag.
  4. Microwave until there are no more than 3 seconds between popping sounds. (My microwave usually takes 2 min 30 seconds, but I stand by and listen very closely!)
  5. Carefully remove the bag and open it carefully, the popcorn is hot! Enjoy!
Flab to FAB · Health/ Fitness · Jillian Michaels Body Revolution

Jillian Michaels Body Revolution Workout 3 Review

**Please see update below

Phase 1 Workout 3 for Weeks 3 and 4

What will you need?  exercise mat and free weights (3, 5 or 8 lbs depending on your strength level)  Get ready to squat!  Regular squats, sumo squats, chair squats, and step out step in squats. wpid-wp-1447122272758.jpg Just like workout 1, workout 3 is focused on the front of the body.  It incorporates some yoga moves as well as strength training.  Right away you will notice that the workout is more intense than 1+2, but you will also notice how much stronger you already are. Where can you expect to be sore the next day?  
  • Chest
  • Shoulders,
  • Abs,
  • Triceps
  • Quads
The workout is broken down into 4 circuits; each of which are repeated once with  one minute of cardio  in between the circuit repetition.  Some of these things are harder to name/explain.

Here is a breakdown of phase one workout one

Warm-up
  • Jumping Jacks
  • Cat Cow Stretch
  • High Kicks
  • Lateral Leg Swings R/L
  • Jumping Jacks

Circuit 1:

  •  Push-ups
  • Down Dog with ankle grab R/L
  • Alternating Backwards Lunges-advanced modification-add weights
  • Plank walks outs
Cardio -1 minute Jumprope

Circuit 2:

  • Sumo Squats with tricep extension-advanced modification- add heavier weights
  •  Camel yoga pose with ankle stretch (looks a lot easier than it is.)
  • Squat press -advanced modification-add heavier weights
  • Cable press with static lunge
Cardio -1 minute Punches with half squat-repeat circuit 2

Circuit 3:

  • Plank to Crescent pose back to plank
  • Crab position with dip
  • Side Crunches R/L
Cardio -1 minute- Plie Hops-repeat circuit 3

Circuit 4:

  • Tree pose with Lateral raises-use liter weights – right
  • Plank ups (these are so hard, but I love them)
  • Tree pose with Lateral raises-use liter weights – left
  • Inchworm crunches
Cardio -1 minute-Skiers-repeat circuit 4 Cool Down/Stretches I have finished the first two weeks of phase one and the first week of the second half of phase 1-workouts 3 and 4.   I was super sore from the workouts the first two days, (I woke up in the middle of the night in pain because I rolled over and my muscles were so sore from the workout!) but thankfully, after that not much at all.  Maybe take some motrin before going to bed. 🙂 I will write a detailed review of Workout 4 soon. If you are interested in my review of Workouts 1+2 and Cardio 1 click HERE. Follow along with me as I journey from Flab to FAB! I hope this was helpful if you are trying to decide if Jillian Michaels Body Revolution is right for you! Here is one of my very favorite Jillian Micheals quotes:

“You have no idea the strength you have within you!”

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I would love for you to follow me on TwitterPinterest, and Facebook. You can find me as Looking Joli Good on all three.

Update:

Initially, I found Jillian Michaels’ approach to exercise and dieting highly motivational. Her intense workouts and strict dietary guidelines pushed me to achieve remarkable physical results, which fueled my motivation and determination. I embraced her no-nonsense attitude and believed that pushing my body to its limits was the only way to achieve success. However, as time went on, I began to realize that this approach was taking a toll on my mental health. The relentless pursuit of physical perfection and the constant pressure I placed on myself led to feelings of anxiety, guilt, and a distorted body image. It was then that I decided to change my perspective and adopt a more balanced and loving approach to my body. By prioritizing self-compassion, listening to my body’s needs, and embracing acceptance, I discovered a newfound sense of mental well-being. This shift in thinking allowed me to find joy in movement, cultivate a positive relationship with my body, and ultimately, achieve a healthier and more sustainable approach to overall well-being.
Flab to FAB · Health/ Fitness · Jillian Michaels Body Revolution

Jillian Michaels Body Revolution Cardio 1 Review

**Please see update below

Phase 1 Cardio 1 for Weeks 1 through 4 

What will you need?  Good supportive athletic shoes, that’s it.

While this phase is meant to be low impact you will still be sore when you first start out.

No warm up for this workout, it starts right up with the circuit.  Each of the eight parts is done for one minute and repeated through twice for a total of three times.

Jillian Michaels Body Revolution Cardio 1 Review | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

Workout:
1. March in place
2. Hot/fast feet
3. Punch it out in a half squat position
4. Jog in place
5. Running Man (I HATE this one)
6. Speed bags (doing this for 1 minute is a lot harder than you might think it would be.)
7. Kick outs with arm circles (Jillian also calls them mummy kicks)
8. Suicides

Repeat twice.

Cool Down/Stretches

I have finished the first two weeks of phase one and now moved on to the second half of phase 1-workouts 3 and 4.   I was super sore from the workouts the first two days, but after that not much at all.

Follow along with me as I journey from Flab to FAB!

I hope this was helpful if you are trying to decide if Jillian Michaels Body Revolution is right for you!

Here is one of my very favorite Jillian Micheals quotes:

“This is where it matters the most. This is where lives are made, in these moments when you can choose whether or not to say ‘I cant’ or ‘I can.’ It is a choice that will either make or break you for life.”

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I’d love for you to follow me on Instagram Lookingjoligood and on Facebook Lookin Joli Good

**Update:

Initially, I found Jillian Michaels’ approach to exercise and dieting highly motivational. Her intense workouts and strict dietary guidelines pushed me to achieve remarkable physical results, which fueled my motivation and determination. I embraced her no-nonsense attitude and believed that pushing my body to its limits was the only way to achieve success. However, as time went on, I began to realize that this approach was taking a toll on my mental health. The relentless pursuit of physical perfection and the constant pressure I placed on myself led to feelings of anxiety, guilt, and a distorted body image. It was then that I decided to change my perspective and adopt a more balanced and loving approach to my body. By prioritizing self-compassion, listening to my body’s needs, and embracing acceptance, I discovered a newfound sense of mental well-being. This shift in thinking allowed me to find joy in movement, cultivate a positive relationship with my body, and ultimately, achieve a healthier and more sustainable approach to overall well-being.

Review

This or That: Yes to grapefruit daily facial scrub and Garnier Clean + Balancing Daily Exfoliator

I am going to be starting a new series called this or that comparing two similar products.

For my first This or That I am going to compare:

 Yes to grapefruit daily facial scrub
and
Garnier Clean + Balancing Daily Exfoliator for Combination Skin

I have normal to combination skin. I live in the North East where the weather has gotten colder.

Let’s see what the products claim…

 

Yes to Grapefruit Daily Facial Scrub

Yes to Grapefruit Correct & Repair Daily Facial Scrub | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

Yes to Grapefruit Daily Facial Scrub is a gentle daily exfoliator to help slough away dead skin cells and restore your skin’s natural radiance. It is formulated with Lemon Balm to help calm and repair damaged skin and Grapefruit, which naturally evens skin tone and enhances luminosity, leaving skin soft, smooth, and naturally hydrated.

MAKES SKIN BRIGHTER, CLEARER, AND MORE RADIANT!

  • 99% Natural
  • Petroleum, SLS, & Paraben Free
  • Cruelty-free”

 

Garnier Clean + Balancing Daily Exfoliator for Combination Skin

Garnier Clean + Balancing Daily Exfoliator for Combination Skin | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

Combination skin has specific cleansing needs. To look and feel its best, it needs the right clean and specific care. Go beyond clean… 

Customized Cleansing: Daily gel exfoliator targets T-Zone to deeply cleanse away oil and impurities.

Skin Type Specific Care: Formula, infused with antioxidants, Grapefruit and Pomegranate softens dry areas to balance skin.

Results:

In 1 use: Excess oil is removed and skin is smoothed.

After 1 week: Skin’s texture is refined and complexion balanced.”

My Findings

Yes to Grapefruit Daily Facial Scrub
$10 for 4 oz
99% Natural
Great natural real grapefruit scent
Does not lather
After daily use for a month my skin looked more radiant and felt smooth

Garnier Clean + Balancing Daily Exfoliator for Combination Skin
$8 for 5oz can often get it on sale and use coupons
Finer grain of exfoliant
Lathers
Pleasant perfume grapefruit scent, not a natural grapefruit scent
After daily use for a month my skin was dryer with less oil

Which to I prefer…Drum roll please!

Yes to Grapefruit Correct & Repair Daily Facial Scrub | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com
Yes to Grapefruit Correct & Repair Daily Facial Scrub

 

I have used the entire bottle of Yes to grapefruit daily facial scrub.  I love the scent of it and the way it makes my skin look and feel.  With daily consistent use, I feel like it did make a difference on my skin’s appearance and feel.

I would repurchase the Garnier Clean + Balancing Daily Exfoliator for Combination Skin.  I have enjoyed using it these last few weeks.  I feel like it is just not the right choice for my skin at this time of year.  I will try it again in the summer months and see if my skin reacts to it in a different way.

Let me know what other types of products you would like to see compared.

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Quote

One Small Child

I love Christmas!  I love Christmas carols and Christmas music.  At church this past Sunday I heard this song for the first time and I have been thinking about it ever since.  Such a beautiful song and a great message!

One small child in a land of a thousand.
One small dream of a savior tonight.
One small hand reaching out to the starlight.
One small savior of life. Ooh.

One king bringing his gold and riches.
One king ruling and army of might.
One king kneeling with incense and candlelight.
One king bringing us life. Ooh.

See Him lying, a cradle beneath Him.
See Him smiling in the stall.
See His mother praising the Father.
See His tiny eyelids fall.
See the shepherds kneeling before Him.
See the kings on bended knee.
See the mother praising the Father.
See the blessed infant sleep.

One small child in a land of a thousand.
One small dream of a savior tonight.
One small hand reaching out to the starlight.
One small savior of life.