Four Ways to Toned Thighs

by Jenni in


The holidays are upon us and for many that means rushing to stores, going to many Christmas parties, spending time with friends and family, and not having much time left over to work out. Good news! We have listed four quick and easy workouts that will work those extra holiday goodies away! 

Workout Time: 15 minutes    Intensity: Medium

Doing each exercise between 20 and 30 times. Try to do 2 to 3 reps of the complete exercise.

Second Position Plie

Feet should be shoulder width apart and toes should be pointed out. Make sure to not over extend your legs, feet should be in line with knees, not further back. Once in position, bend knees and get as close to the floor as possible while keeping the bum tucked under, feet on the floor, and torso straight. Rise up slowly. Complete at least 20 second position plie's 

Squat Kicks

Feet should still be should width apart but shifted forward so they are parallel to one another. Squat down keeping the bum tucked in and torso as straight as possible. Rise up slowly and kick the right leg up. Your torso should go to the opposing side so you almost make a "T" with your body. Make sure the right foot is flexed and the leg is rotated so your knee is pointed straight out. Bring the leg down and continue alternating the kicking leg until you have done at least 20 per side. 

Bridge Position with Leg Extensions

Lay on the floor in bridge position with only the top of your shoulders and soles of your feet touching the floor. Tuck your chin in so the neck is straight. Once comfortable, bring right leg straight up so it is perpendicular with the floor. Make sure to keep your hips even during this entire exercises. Either hold here for 30 seconds to a minute or lower torso 2 inches from the ground and slowly come back up as high as you can. Complete 20 to 30 before going on to the next leg.

If having the leg perpendicular is too difficult, lower it so it is almost parallel to the ground.

V-Outs

Lay on the ground with the entire back flat, if you need to place your hands under your tail bone that is fine. Lift both legs so they are perpendicular with the ground. Separate legs as far as possible so they make a "V" shape. Hold for 3 seconds and slowly bring back together. Make sure you are looking towards the ceiling and not stressing your neck.

To work it a little more, raise your upper body so your shoulders, neck, and head are off the ground. Use your hands to support your neck and make sure not to stress it.


Meat Free Monday: Pumpkin Soup

by Jenni in


Pumpkin Soup

There are few things as fitting to start the holiday season as pumpkin soup, especially when it is healthy! I just made this recipe for a birthday celebration and it was so yummy. Best, part, it is under 200 calories and has 8+ grams of protein, score-sees!!

Servings: 4

Ingredients

3 1/2 cups roasted pumpkin. About two medium sugar pie pumpkins

1/2 medium sweet onion, chopped

1/2 tablespoon olive oil

1/2 tablespoon ginger

1/2 tablespoon nutmeg

1/2 tablespoon cinnamon

2 cups vegetable broth

1 1/2 cups almond milk

1 tablespoon agave nectar or 1/2 tablespoon sugar (optional)

Cut pumpkins in half, de-seed, place cut side down, and roast in 400 degree oven for 45 minutes. When the pumpkins are ready, the skin should be coming off the meat and it should be tender. Wait for pumpkin to cool then remove the skin, dice, and puree in a food processor.

Combine olive oil and chopped onion in large pot on medium heat. heat until onion is translucent, about 3 minutes. Once translucent, add in the ginger, nutmeg, and cinnamon and let sit for one minute. Add in the pureed pumpkin and broth and simmer on low heat for 5 minutes. Add in the milk and simmer for another 5 minutes. If you would like your pumpkin soup sweeter, add in 1 tablespoon of agave nectar or 1/2 tablespoon sugar.

Spoon into a blender and blend on "liquify" for at least three minutes. Add goat cheese topping and enjoy!

If you would prefer to use canned pumpkin, use one 29 oz can.

Goat Cheese Topping

4 oz goat cheese

1 tablespoon almond milk

A few sprigs of time chopped

Whip together and add to pumpkin soup as topping.

Pumpkin Bowl

Cut the top off the pumpkin and remove seeds. Bake both the pumpkin and lid for 30-45 minutes at 400 degrees.