Barre3 Complete

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Last Sunday marked the last day of the Barre3 January challenge. I completed 21 in class studios, several 10-minute workouts and tried a handful of new recipes. Looking back on the past few weeks, I definitely gained a lot. I gained more strength (whats up 3 pounders, this is heavy in barre3 world) and gained a better mindset. A mindset that when you work toward a goal, it actually can happen.

There were also some weak times. The last week was probably the worst. I didn't feel as vibrant and inspired as I did the first few weeks. My body was hurting and tired, and even after taking a class my body still felt heavy and not "fresh" like I usually feel after a Barre3 class.

This week, now that the challenge is over, I feel great. I think stepping back and realizing what I did for myself, on the inside and outside, has made me really proud. Committing to the workout, the lifestyle, and the community really worked. I've always been a Barre3 cheerleader and I still am now. 

I loved the chance to take Barre3 while I was in Tulsa. Connecting with people you've never met over something you mutually love is so inspiring. 

I also loved getting to take classes with so many of my good friends, sister, mother, and fellow challengers.

I can't deny the recipes were the best part of the challenge. I loved the challenge to try the amazing recipes Barre3 has created. Not necessarily a hard challenge for me, but more so a good excuse to take time and cook amazing dishes instead of throwing all the random things from the fridge on a plate.  

Recipes included Chicken Tikka Masala, Pistachio Crusted Tilapia, Zesty Chicken Salad, Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry and Maple Pecan Crusted Salmon. My go-to green smoothie got thrown in here-and-there for an additional nourishing meal. 

A month of great exercise and great food. I plan to continue the pattern moving forward. In saying that I can't send you off without another great recipe, so so keep scrolling for Maple Pecan Crusted Salmon. It has this amazing peppery yet sweet crunchy topping. Also to note, Kathleen is not a salmon eater so I made hers with chicken and it was equally as delicious. I served it with tossed mixed greens, red onion, roasted sweet potatoes and diced green apples.

Maple Pecan Crusted Salmon
serves 3-4

Ingredients:
1 1/2 lb. salmon (about 5-6 oz filet per person)
olive oil, for brushing
salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
1 cup pecan halves
1 tsp. ground black pepper
1/2 tsp. salt

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. In a food processor, pulse the last four ingredients (maple syrup, pecans, pepper and salt) until it combines to a smooth texture.

Place the salmon on a lined baking sheet, brush with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Press the pecan topping evenly over the top of each filet.

Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through. Serve with a salad or roasted vegetable and enjoy!

Thanks b3, it was a great month!

Annie

Work Snack Hacks

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Recently some of my friends and I were talking about the downsides of work. You sit all day, you feel crippled from hunching over your keyboard, I personally get headaches from staring at the computer screen and there are constantly food and treats lurking in the office just haunting you.

I swear it is someone's birthday everyday, or someone decided to pick up donuts on their way in, or someone (me) was in a baking mood and brought all the leftovers to work. Not to mention I work in a place with a full service restaurant so random plates of queso and nachos just show up in our office from time to time. Hello trying to eat healthy over here, please stop with the nonsense food!!

It's too easy to get un-healthy while in the working world. The best way I have tried to stay on track at work is to 1. always be stocked with a drawer of healthy snacks 2. keep a full bottle of water nearby and 3. get up at least once every hour to walk around and stretch my legs. These are tips we hear a lot, but having healthy snacks on hand has really worked for me. Chances are if some kind of food appears I'm going to want to eat it or chances are I may just get stressed mid-day and need a little pick me up. In the end I feel so much better when I reach for one of my healthy snacks instead of a piece of cookie cake.

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As far as snacks go, the most important thing for me is to pre-portion everything out. I make little baggies of nuts, air popped popcorn and granola so that I don't end up finding myself elbow deep in a bag of Purely Elizabeth. 

Below are some of my favorite desk drawer snacks!

Almonds or Cashews
Cutie clementines
Trail Mix (this is my favorite)
Homemade Granola
Quest Bars
Granny Smith Apples and Almond Butter Packs
Air Popped Popcorn
Rice Cakes
Almond Butter Balls
Hot Tea ( I drink so much tea at work!!)

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If you want more ideas check out this list of healthy snacks, or more specific, healthy snacks for work. I'm dying to try this cranberry nut kale granola! Any favorite work snacks you care to share? I'm always in for a good snack!

Annie

P.S. Thank you to my desk at home for making my snack hacks look pretty, because let's be honest, my desk at work is a complete disaster. 

Barre3 Challenge

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image via @barre3

image via @barre3

This year I am striving to challenge myself more. Challenge myself in the kitchen, challenge myself at work and challenge myself in everyday life. Working out is a part of my everyday life. It's something I do almost everyday and honestly really enjoy. I didn't always like to work out until I discovered Barre3. Barre3 changed the way I look at working out. I crave it instead of dread it. Barre3 is often described as a combination of ballet, pilates and yoga. It is built on the three pillars of exercise, connection and nourishment.

Yesterday marked the first day of the Barre3 January challenge. In efforts to challenge myself more in 2016, I jumped on the bandwagon. The challenge is to commit to four in-studio classes, one 10-minute online workout and try out a new Barre3 recipe each week for the whole month of January.

Challenge accepted! My sister/instructor/barre3 buddy and I are living out the challenge by cooking our Barre3 recipes together each week. Up first is b3's Chicken Tikka Masala! Stay tuned.

We would all be lying if we didn't tell ourselves we were going to eat better and work out more in 2016. The foundation of a healthy lifestyle is what you feed yourself. Since this is a food blog I have rounded up a list of my most nourishing and b3 approved recipes! You can find more on the Barre3 website if you are a member and by purchasing the app. 

Anyone other Barre3ers out there doing the challenge? Never heard of Barre3? I challenge you to read into and try it out. The mind body connection is something you don't get anywhere else. If you are in the Oklahoma City area, grab me and we can take a class together!

Annie