Just Keep Spinning...

Tomorrow is the start of a new month. Which means it is necessary to evaluate your February goals...then get out your sticky notes and make some new March ones!

But instead of letting you off the hook that easy, you get another challenge as well. So still set your goals...but this week I challenge you to...

go to a spin class!

During the cold, winter months it is pretty easy to get in an exercise rut. Maybe you even feel trapped in your same old routine and running on the treadmill and doing the same workout DVDs. 

Have no fear! Spinning classes are here! Indoor cycling classes are awesome and such a good way to get a killer workout. I love them because you can do all sorts of workouts (endurance, hills, speed) to some stellar music and sweat like a crazy person! They are great for everyone because you work to your level. It's different than outdoor biking because of the variety you can have in one place. Nothing can really replace a good ride outside...but nothing can replace the spin classes that I go to either!

So...look to your nearest gym or rec center and try one out! Some gyms offer a free class for your first time, and others are pretty cheap for a one day pass. Do a little searching and you'll be so happy you did :)

~Have you done spin classes before?

~What are some of your new goals for the month of March?

Lessons Learned

I hope you have enjoyed some delicious granola bars, along with dipping your veggies in some guac instead of ranch! Mmmmm yaaa!

I learned a lot this week. Really, I learn a lot every week. BUT this week I thought I'd share some of those things with you :)

1. It isn't a good idea to wear keds when it is snowing

 

Oh summer, how I miss you.

2. When your anatomy professor gets on the ground in front of 350 students to teach you about how to do a sit up correctly, just laugh and enjoy it. As awkward as it may be, it is a break from lecture! (It was actually quite insightful. I will have to share his knowledge soon!)

3. Teaching your (big) little brother how to change a diaper over the phone is hilarious. And almost as fun as sending him on his first date :)

4. Canadian bacon is really the rectus abdominis muscle of a pig. For real. 

5. Having a six pack really just means you haven't been working out all 10 muscles of your abdomen. So don't get too excited. (Let's be honest. I'd probably still be stoked if I had a six pack...)

6. Competing in 269 triathlons in your lifetime is no big deal. Ha...right! (I met a nice old man in the gym this week that has completed that many. And he has many more planned for this summer. Incredible! It made me want to race sooo bad!!)

7. 3 day school weeks are da bomb.

8. Broccoli is still my favorite food.

9. This guy is insane. But the story is oh so intriguing.

10. You can vote for your favorite BLOG right here! So please, go vote :)

~Got any sweet plans for the weekend?
~What have YOU learned this week? (Other than how to make awesome granola bars and make healthy swaps!)

Rad Recipe

On Monday we started talking about making super swaps. Aaannnddd I had some recipes I promised to share. Yes, yes. Here is the first one! A great snack option :)

Trisha's Homemade Granola Bars

3 cups of oats

*1/2 c. whole wheat flour

chopped/slivered or whole almonds

1-2 tsp. cinnamon

3/4 c. honey

1 c. natural peanut butter
1/2 c. unsweetened applesauce

*(I've made them without the flour before since I can't have wheat flour. But when I make them for other people I add it since it just gives them a bit more substance)

First step: in a bowl, mix the oats, flour, cinnamon and almonds. I like to chop my almond up, but sometimes I add some whole ones as well. (other optional add-ins: coconut, peanuts, dried fruit)

 

Second Step: Over the stove I melt the honey and peanut butter. I lost the picture of this...but be sure to keep the heat on low so you don't burn it. It doesn't have to be completely melted before you mix it in with the dry stuff, just smooth and mixed together. 

Third Step: Combine the dry mix and the mix from the stove. Then add the applesauce as well. Mix very well to make sure all the oats are covered with the peanut butter honey goodness!

Fourth Step: Pour into a 9 x 13 pan lined with wax paper. Then use your hands and firmly press the mix into the pan. If you don't press it in firm enough, it won't stay together after you cook it. 

Fifth Step: Put it in a 350 degree oven for about 20 to 22 minutes...until lightly toasted on top

Sixth Step: (this is the worst part...) take it out of the oven and let it cool for about 45 minutes before cutting

It makes about 16 bars, depending on the size you want

  If you cut too soon, it will just break. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing...since then you just have delicious granola!

Besides the fact that these are incredibly yummy...check out these nutrition facts compared to the store bought granola bars:

Chewy Granola Bars: over 20 ingredients, 100 calories, 1 gram of fiber, 7 grams of sugar, 1 gram of protein

Nutri-Grain Bars: over 20 ingredients, 130 calories, 3 grams of fiber, 12 grams of sugar, 2 grams of protein

TRISHA'S GRANOLA BARS: only 7 ingredients, 200 calories, 3 grams of fiber, 2 grams of sugar, 6 grams of protein

**They're more filling, tasty, only have ingredients you can read, low in sugar (and it's all natural sugar!), and a good source of protein for a snack. Can't beat em!

~Do you have any good healthy snack recipes?