Fitness Friday

Happy Friday y'all! Since last month's Fitness Friday post went over so well I decided it should make a regular appearance here at least once a month. In each post I'll introduce you to my latest workout passions and clean eating finds. I mentioned last month that I'm focusing more on cross training these days. One of the things I've learned over the years is there's a big difference between being in running shape and being in your best shape. While I love what running, swimming & any cardio does to keep me thin, in order to get faster, leaner & stronger I have to weight train. We all do.

Enter Jamie Eason's LiveFit Trainer.  Oh how I'm loving this workout! LiveFit is a 12 week program that Personal Trainer Jamie Eason designed to intensely focus on strength training in 3 phases. The first 4 weeks you're introduced to weight lifting but with zero cardio (yes you read that right) in order to build muscle and in turn burn fat. The next phase raises the price of poker with 6 days/week of strength training combined with 4 days/week of tough cardio. And in the final phase weights reemerge but this time mixed with HIIT (high intensity interval training) and plyometrics. It's a fanny-kicker of a workout & I've never been more sore in my life, but I'm loving it!

Did I forget to mention that the entire program is free? Not only does Jamie give you detailed daily workouts, but there's also a menu plan, recipes, and suggestions for supplements. All free. Now because I am not looking to lose weight and already eat healthy, I don't use her meal plan. But there are some really great recipes & I especially love the protein shakes. The other bonus is the simplicity of the program. I just take Jamie's sets to the gym, and I'm done in less than an hour. Love that. For a full overview of the 12-week Trainer, here's a quick intro you should check out:

If you're looking to burn fat and build long, lean muscle the right way, then the LiveFit 12 Week Trainer is a perfect fit. And how awesome is it to get the benefits of a Personal Trainer without having to pay for one? Boom. As much as I'm loving the workouts, I'm really loving my Sunday afternoon yoga class even more now. It's the perfect stretch antidote for tight, sore muscles!

By week 2 of strength training I noticed I was hungrier throughout the day than I otherwise would be after cardio-only workouts. I needed serious fuel, man. Protein, good carbs, heart-healthy fats, and raw veggies by the bowl-full! Here are a few recipes that gave me just what my body was craving & more:

1. Sweet Chili Asian Stir-Fry via The Daily Garnish

2. Strawberry, Kale & Blood Orange Smoothie via Running To The Kitchen

3. Chocolate Peanut Butter Date Balls via The Diva Dish

I've made Emily's sweet chili stir-fry countless times in the last few weeks. Full disclosure: if I made it as a meal I always added organic chicken or pork for more protein. But I've also served it in place of a side salad. And the leftovers are amazing once the flavors marry overnight! If you're not on board the monster smoothie craze yet, the shake listed & pictured above is the perfect intro. You cannot, I repeat cannot, taste the kale. Scout's honor. It's full of antioxidants and so yummy! Lastly, I'm on a huge energy ball kick lately. These little bites taste like an almond joy candy bar - you get the taste of sin, but without the guilt ;) 

So what new workouts are y'all obsessed with these days? Have y'all done the LiveFit Trainer before?
And what healthy dishes are you & your family loving?
Tell me all about how you're staying lean machines in the comments! 

We're off to Birmingham to visit Jeff's family this weekend - hope y'all have a terrific 3 day Holiday!