Now that this year’s holiday season is in full swing you’re probably being reminded, more than ever, how difficult it is to stick to your exercise program. In fact, the average person gains about 5 lbs during this time of year.
Knowing this, you may be more tempted to stick with shorter and more time efficient workouts as opposed to longer fitness programs. Doing so will not only keep you in shape during this festive time, but also keep you less stressed as you chip away at your “to do” list. Try this quick 30 minute timesaver workout four days a week (allowing a day off in between each workout) and watch your energy go up, your weight come down, and your spirits remain jolly.
HOLIDAY TIMESAVER WORKOUT
Equipment needed: One set of 5 to 10 pound dumbbells (advanced exercisers use a set of 15 to 20 pound dumbbells) and an exercise mat.
Warm Up: Grab you scarf, mittens, and your favorite running shoes and take in the holiday spirit around the neighborhood with a brisk 5 minute walk.
Once 5 minutes are over, start jogging for 30 seconds and walking for 30 seconds 10 times total (this equals 10 minutes). Note: Advanced exercisers, sprint instead of jog.
Now head back inside, take off your coat and immediately grab your weights. Do the following exercises for two sets of twelve (resting 20 seconds between sets). Advanced exercisers do 3 sets of 15 reps per set (with a 15 second rest between sets).
Squats with overhead presses
Back lunges with bicep curls
Dips off the edge of a coffee table (use no dumbbells but go slow)
Deadlifts..go slow and feel the stretch
Full Sit Ups (light dumbbells are optional here). Everyone does 2 sets of 25 reps.
Stretch out your hard working muscles and your done.
Remember, something is always better than nothing when it comes to exercise. With shorter time efficient workouts, you may not make huge progress towards reaching your greater fitness goals, but your body will maintain its ability to do so. Plus the timing couldn’t be more perfect as working out and losing weight remains at the top of nearly everyone’s New Year’s Resolution list.
Before I send you on your merry way, I wanted to share with you a light, easy, and stress free recipe by one of my favorite chefs, Barbara Seelig-Brown. It’s delicious, healthy, and will fuel your workouts as well as your holiday spirits.
Easy Cheese Souffle by Barbara Seelig-Brown http://tinyurl.com/n5wuyb
Light, easy, creamy and delicious. Could you ask for anything more delicious or stress free? Try it for yourself and see.
Ingredients
6 large Eggland’s Best eggs
1 / 2 cup Evaporated Skim Milk
1 / 4 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano, grated
1 / 2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 / 2 teaspoon Sea Salt
1 / 4 teaspoon freshly ground Pepper
1 / 2 pound sharp light Cheddar Cheese
11 ounces light (Neufchatel) Cream Cheese
Nonstick cooking spray
Vegetarian Ready in 50 minutes, recipe by Barbara Seelig-Brown, Stress Free Cooking
Preparation
Preheat oven to 375.
In a blender or food processor, place the eggs, evaporated milk, Parmigiano*, mustard, salt and pepper. Blend until smooth.
With blender or processor running, break off pieces of cheddar and add to the work bowl. Next break off chunks of cream cheese and add to work bowl. After all cheese is incorporated, blend at high speed for 5 seconds.
Spray a 4-cup soufflé dish or equivalent deep baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. You can also make 10-12 individual soufflés in a cupcake or muffin pan. Pour in the batter and place in the oven.
Bake until puffed and golden:
Large soufflé for 45 minutes
Small for 15-20 minutes
Surface could crack during baking
Notes and Suggestions
1. After baking, soufflé can be held in oven with door ajar for short time before serving.
2. If using a food processor, Parmigiano can be grated in the food processor before adding the remaining ingredients in step 1.
3. Serving suggestion: prepare individual soufflés and serve atop a mixed green salad with vinaigrette dressing.
Yield
Makes 12 servings
Nutritional Facts
1 Serving: Calories 151; Fat 10g (64.0% calories from fat); Protein 12g; Carbohydrate 2g; Dietary Fiber trace; Cholesterol 114mg; Sodium 394mg
To learn more about the great taste and nutritional value of Eggland’s Best eggs, I encourage you to visit their website –http:// www.egglandsbest.com . To receive brochures, coupons or additional information, please contact EB at [email protected] or call 800-922-3447
