Les Mills Pump

Since March I have been going to the gym 4-5 days a week, along with one hot yoga class. Going to the gym for me means hitting the cardio circuit hard for an hour and then maybe doing some ab work. I am terrified of the weight area. Even the machines scare me! I can't really explain why, other than the fact that I am pretty clueless when it comes to lifting.

However, in order for me to tone up my trouble areas, I know that lifting is essential along with my cardio. Enter Les Mills Pump. I have heard many people talk about P90x and Insanity, but didn't think I was mentally or physically ready for those programs. After many discussions with my Beach Body Coach, Laura, we determined that Les Mills Pump would probably be the best thing to start with!



The program comes with several dvds, a 90 day workout program, a meal plan, barbell, and 5/10 lb weights. I am currently on the start of my 3rd week and loving it! There motto is low weights with a lot of reps. That I can handle but man do you feel the burn, and the best part is that the videos are between 20-55 mins. Plus I can do them at home, and take them with on vacations!

Take a peek here to see what it is all about:


I am tracking my progress and will make sure to post my results here after my 90 days! Here's to feeling confident for swimsuit season!!

Do you like to work out at home? Do you have any favorite videos? I have several that I have been working out to and will give my reviews here from time to time on the ones that I really love. I would love some suggestions on other videos/programs to try. Who knows... after I complete this I might just be ready for a little Insanity!!

XOXO
Amber

Primal Pit Paste: Product Review

Now that we are eating a clean diet, I am slowly replacing products around The Manor with clean products. First up was my deodorant! I had heard that aluminum was the main ingredient in women's deodorant, but honestly never thought much about it. I figured why would companies put it in their product if it is bad for you?? Well, after learning about the food industry, nothing surprises me anymore. Of course ingredients that honestly shouldn't be there are in most beauty products we use daily.

Aluminum is put into our deodorants to temporarily plug our sweat ducts, preventing us from sweating. It prevents us from doing something our body naturally needs and wants to do! There have been several studies (I won't go into detail here but if you are interested/concerned get out there and read about it)that have linked the use of aluminum deodorant to breast cancer, Alzheimer's disease,and kidney disease. Ummm...no thanks!

After doing research for days it seemed, I happened upon Primal Pit Paste. And like I always do, I spent hours reading reviews and decided this was the one for me! I chose the lavendar paste in the jar because it was a few dollars less then the stick and I really wasn't sure if it was going to work or if I would like it. I received my jar very quickly and was anxious to try it.

I have now been using Primal Pit Paste for a month and really like it! I won't lie, it took some getting use to! I am that girl that immediately hops out the shower and puts on deodorant because I can't stand that "wet" feeling. This was what I had the hardest time adjusting to,but within a few days I was use to it. Just because I am not dry doesn't mean I am stinky! Ha! This still allows my body to sweat, which we need, but I smell good while doing it! I have used this while doing my 90 minute hot yoga class (the room is over 100 degrees folks!) and came out smelling just fine! That was the true test and it passed!!

I am so happy to know that there are companies like this out there making such amazing products!! I will definitely be a Primal Pit Paste user for life! If you are interested in what goes into to Primal Pit Paste or want to read more reviews for yourself you can check them out here.

**I was not asked or paid by Primal Pit to review their product**
I will periodically post product reviews of items that I strongly stand behind, so stay tuned!!

XOXO
Amber

Chia Seeds= Heaven

Why have I just started hearing about these magical little Chia Seeds? These little bad boys pack a powerful punch and are tasty to boot! It is a win-win situation folks!



Here are some pretty amazing facts about Chia Seeds...

**They have more omega-3 than salmon!
**They have more antioxidants than blueberries!
**They have more fiber than flax seed!
**They have more calcium than milk!
**They have more magnesium then broccoli!
**They have more iron than spinach!

If that isn't enough to convince you to try them, then here are a few more...

**Aids in weight loss by suppressing food cravings and keeping you feeling full!
**Reduces glucose levels!
**They are gluten free!
**Will have you feeling more energized!


I love to add a tablespoon to my morning smoothie, mix it in with my overnight oats, use it for a topping on my greek yogurt, and to make Chia Seed Pudding! The seeds, when wet, form a thick, smooth texture that allows for 25% reduction of sodium and/or sugar. If you like boba tea, boba tapioca pearls like the ones they usually have at frozen yogurt bars, or tapioca pudding you will love the texture of these seeds. Plus they have no taste, allowing them to take on the flavor of whatever you are adding them into! I really can't go a day with out these powerful little guys.

If you are curious about trying these, they can typically be found in your local grocery store in the Health Food Section. There are so many recipes out there that I can't wait to try. I will leave you today with one of my recent favorites:


Chai Seed Pudding

Serves 2
2 Cups of Sugar Free Vanilla Almond Milk
1 tsp of vanilla extract
1/8 cup of maple syrup
3/8 cup of Chia Seed (use 1/4 cup once full and then fill half full to get 3/8 a cup)
Cinnamon for garnish

Mix the almond milk, vanilla, and maple syrup together until well blended. Carefully fold in the chia seeds. Cover and allow to sit in the fridge over night for best results. **I will probably add a little more chia seeds on my next batch to make it a little thicker consistency.
Enjoy!

Have you tried Chia Seeds before? If so what are some of your favorite recipes?

XOXO
Amber