The Bottom Line:
Here is a summary of the main themes from the video in the requested format:
- I’ve been working out consistently but not seeing the toned, lean results I desire, so I’m going to follow a personalized fitness plan created by my boyfriend, a personal trainer, to reduce body fat and reveal the muscle underneath.
- The new fitness journey, which I’ll be sharing with you, will involve tracking macros, eating mindfully, pushing myself harder in the gym, and incorporating more cardio to achieve the physique changes I’m striving for.
- I recently started therapy through BetterHelp to address unresolved emotions surrounding my parents’ divorce and other personal challenges, recognizing the importance of prioritizing mental health alongside physical health goals.
- I did a try-on haul featuring several stylish outfits from Revolve that I plan to wear for upcoming events, like my boyfriend’s 30th birthday celebration and a friend’s podcast launch party.
- For dinner, I made a delicious “marry me chicken” recipe from Rachel Goodie’s cookbook, which turned out perfectly and showcased how I’ve been focusing on preparing healthier, home-cooked meals.
Starting a New Fitness Challenge to Get Toned and Lean
Here is the content for the section “Starting a New Fitness Challenge to Get Toned and Lean”:
Assessing My Current Fitness Progress
I’ve been working out consistently and going to the gym, but I’m just not seeing the toned and lean results I’m aiming for. While I love many of the changes I’ve made with my body and how I feel, there are still some areas I want to improve. Despite strength training, I’m not achieving the defined, toned look I desire. I realize I likely need to make some adjustments to my workouts and eating habits to lower my body fat percentage and reveal the muscle I’ve built.
Developing a Customized Fitness Plan
To achieve a more toned physique, I’m collaborating with my boyfriend Brandon, who is a personal trainer, to create a customized fitness plan for me. We’re still working out the specifics, but the program will likely span 6-12 weeks. The goal is to develop a sustainable approach I can adhere to consistently.
The plan will focus on reducing body fat to showcase the muscle I’ve gained. This will involve ramping up my workouts, pushing myself harder in the gym, and incorporating more cardio. I’ll also need to be more mindful of my eating, tracking macros and likely reducing my overall calorie intake.
Sharing My Fitness Journey
As I embark on this new fitness challenge, I thought it would be fun to bring you all along on my journey to getting more toned. In upcoming content, I plan to share the specific workouts I’m doing, the meals I’m eating, recipes I’m trying, and how I’m tracking macros. You’ll get an inside look at every aspect of my plan.
My aim is to provide helpful information, motivation and ideas, whether you want to follow along with a similar program yourself or simply find it interesting to watch my progress. I’m excited to dial in on this new plan and push myself to the next level with my fitness. Stay tuned for lots of upcoming fitness content chronicling my journey!
Leg Day Workout and Post-Workout Meals
Here is the content for the section titled “Leg Day Workout and Post-Workout Meals”:
Leg Day Workout Routine
My leg day workout consisted of a variety of exercises targeting different muscle groups in the legs. I started with a 10-minute warm-up on the treadmill at a speed of 3.0. Then, I moved on to single leg curls, performing 3 sets of 12 reps on each leg. It’s important to keep your hip pressed into the pad for proper form.
Next, I did quad extensions for 3 sets of 10 reps. For deadlifts, I switched into flat shoes for better stability. I completed 5 sets of 8-10 reps, focusing on increasing the weight gradually. Leg press followed, using a half balance ball to achieve a deeper range of motion. I did 3 sets of 15 reps.
To finish off the workout, I performed walking weighted lunges for 3 sets of 20 lunges on each leg. Using a straight bar helped distribute the weight evenly across my shoulders. The workout concluded with a challenging 21-minute stair master session.
Refueling with a Post-Workout Meal
After an intense leg day, it’s crucial to refuel your body with the right nutrients. I made a smoothie immediately after my workout to replenish my energy levels. Later, for dinner, I tried a new recipe from Rachel Goodie’s Instagram called “Marry Me Chicken.”
The recipe serves four, but I halved the ingredients to make it for two. I started by preheating the oven to 375°F and tenderizing the chicken breasts to 3/4 inch thickness. While the rice cooked, I prepped and measured all the ingredients.
To cook, I heated avocado oil in a pan and cooked the chicken for 5 minutes on each side. After setting the chicken aside, I sautéed minced garlic and sliced mushrooms. Then, I added the seasoning, broth, and coconut cream, followed by arrowroot starch mixed with water. Sun-dried tomatoes were added before returning the chicken to the pan and baking it in the oven for 20 minutes.
The final dish looked perfect, topped with fresh basil and served with a side of white rice. Proper nutrition is essential for recovery and achieving fitness goals, so I make sure to prioritize balanced meals that taste great too.
Spring Fashion Try-On Haul and Prioritizing Mental Health
Here is the content for the section titled “Spring Fashion Try-On Haul and Prioritizing Mental Health”:
Revolve Spring Fashion Haul
I just opened up all these pieces from Revolve and want to show you how it all looks on me. The first little set I got has cute detailing and I think I’m going to wear it to Caitlyn’s podcast event. Next up is a black dress which I think I’m going to wear for Brandon’s 30th birthday – it’s hot but mature and I love the deep V. I got a long blue dress for Easter which I thought was very good for a family function because it’s classy and giving pastel spring vibes.
Another standout piece is a set with cool pants that have ties on the side. The top is a little loose for me, but this will be such a good outfit to wear to dinner or something at night. I also love this adorable little plaid dress with an open back – it’s my favorite and you could wear it during the day or at night. If you’re going to order anything from this haul, highly consider the unique but simple white top with a light blue tint. It’s comfy, stretchy and a great spring/summer piece.
The Importance of Mental Health
This year I told myself that I really wanted to put a lot of effort into my health, both physically and mentally. Physically, I’m good at consistently going to the gym and not missing workouts, which I’m proud of. But for a long time, I didn’t want to admit that I needed someone to talk to about my mental health.
I got matched with a licensed therapist through BetterHelp and I think therapy can be so great for anyone, even if you’re not going through something deep. It’s helpful to talk to an unbiased person who can give you advice and be there for you outside your family. I’ve struggled in the past with my parents’ divorce after 20 years of marriage and some other personal challenges. Having a therapist to open up to through video calls, phone calls or even messaging has been really beneficial for living a happier, healthier life.
Attending a Podcast Launch Event and Catching Up with Friends
Celebrating with Friends at Mothership Coffee
I arrived at Mothership Coffee in the Fremont District, where my friend Caitlyn was hosting a launch event for her podcast, “Let’s Buff It Out.” The area was bustling with people, and although I don’t particularly enjoy the crowded atmosphere here, I was excited to support Caitlyn and her co-host, Kendall.
Upon entering the venue, I was greeted by an array of goodie bags and a raffle setup. Caitlyn had thoughtfully prepared a shirt for me with my name on it, which I appreciated. Inside the goodie bag, I discovered a nail file adorned with the podcast logo, a scrunchie, cuticle oil, and some peppermint tea – a delightful assortment of gifts.
Catching Up and Enjoying the Event
As I mingled with the other attendees, I took a moment to treat myself to an iced drink and catch up with Caitlyn and Kendall. It was wonderful to see them in their element, celebrating the success of their podcast, which focuses on providing advice and sharing experiences relevant to young moms and mothers in general.
The event was a fantastic opportunity to connect with friends and show my support for Caitlyn and Kendall’s endeavor. The atmosphere was lively and filled with positive energy, making it a memorable experience.
Reflecting on the Importance of Friendship and Support
Attending Caitlyn’s podcast launch event reminded me of the significance of being there for our friends and celebrating their achievements. It’s crucial to take time out of our busy lives to show up for the people we care about and to be a part of their special moments.
As I left the event, I felt grateful for the opportunity to be a part of Caitlyn and Kendall’s success story and for the chance to strengthen our friendship. Supporting one another’s passions and dreams is a fundamental aspect of any strong relationship, and I was happy to play a small role in their journey.
Cooking a Delicious and Healthy Chicken Dinner Recipe
Ingredients and Preparation
For this delicious and healthy chicken dinner recipe, you’ll need boneless, skinless chicken breasts, avocado oil, minced garlic, sliced mushrooms, coconut cream, arrowroot starch, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil. Start by preheating the oven to 375°F and tenderizing the chicken breasts to about 3/4 inch thickness. Measure out all the ingredients beforehand to make the cooking process smoother and faster.
Heat a tablespoon of avocado oil in a pan and cook the chicken for 5 minutes on each side. Remove the chicken and set it aside. In the same pan, add minced garlic and cook for a minute, then add sliced mushrooms and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Add the seasoning, broth, and coconut cream, followed by the arrowroot starch mixed with water. Turn the heat to medium and add the sun-dried tomatoes.
Baking and Serving
Place the chicken back into the pan and flip it a few times to cover it in the sauce. Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. Once done, remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil. Mix the sauce over the chicken to ensure even coating.
Serve the chicken with a side of white rice, weighing out about 125 grams per serving. One serving consists of one 6 oz chicken breast and the measured portion of rice. The finished dish looks beautiful and is sure to taste even better than it looks.
Nutritious and Flavorful
This marry me chicken recipe from Rachel Goodies is not only delicious but also healthy. Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts keeps the dish lean, while the avocado oil provides healthy fats. The mushrooms and sun-dried tomatoes add depth of flavor and nutrients, and the coconut cream gives the sauce a rich, creamy texture without the need for heavy cream.
By controlling the portion sizes of both the chicken and rice, this meal can easily fit into a balanced diet. The arrowroot starch helps thicken the sauce while keeping the recipe gluten-free. Overall, this chicken dinner is a perfect example of how healthy eating can be both nutritious and incredibly tasty.
