2017 goals

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Happy New Year!!!!

Another year over and a new one underway. I hope you had a great break and enjoyed time with friends and family.

I don’t like making New Year’s resolutions as they usually get broken by the end of January, I prefer to set myself goals for the year, I like having something to work towards, and the start of a new year brings the time to set my goals.

2016 the year that was

Here are the goals I set and how I did and which goals I managed to achieve.
Stay injury free for the year
I may not have managed to achieve this goal thanks to a small accident on my scooter, an impact injury to my knee put this goal off track.  Thankfully it didn’t take too long to recover so it wasn’t too much of a setback.
Improve my back squat, aim to squat 80kg
This goal was an epic fail, I worked hard to increase my back squat but only managed to get my back squat up to 65kg. It is disappointing not to reach this goal but there is always next year.

2017 goals

Attend one yoga class a week to improve flexibility
I can say this goal was smashed, I managed to attend two classes a week across the year and have managed to improve my flexibility and enjoyed the benefits of mindfulness that yoga brings.

Reduce my resting heart rate to 60bpm
This goal was another great success as I managed to reduce my resting heart rate to 48bpm.

Reduce my body fat to 20%
This has been the hardest goal to achieve but I can say I managed to achieve it, at the end of November I managed to get down to 19%. It took a lot of hard work and consistency across the year but I got there.

Work out at least once a day
This goal was another great success, I managed to do something every day.

So, with a New Year comes a new set of goals to achieve, here are the goals I intend to achieve in 2017

  • Stay injury free for the year 
  • Set a personal record for back squat – aiming for 80kg 
  • Set a personal record for deadlift – aiming for 100kg
  • Set a personal record for plank – aim for 2 minutes
  • Set a personal record for pull ups – aim for unassisted pull ups
  • Attend one yoga class a week to improve flexibility
  • Reduce my resting heart rate to 40bpm
  • Reduce my body fat to 16%
  • Work out at least once a day

Workout disclaimer   

I share my workouts to show what I do, not to tell you what to do.  

I post my workouts with a percentage of my max rather than stating what weights or speeds I use. Everyone is different and has different levels of fitness and capability. Your body is yours alone if you want to start working out, I recommend spending some time with a personal trainer who can put you on the right path.  

When working out with weights, remember your one-rep max is yours alone, finding the weights that are right for you is important. If you decide to try out a workout, find out what weights you should be using first. 

Kale chips

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Revisiting family favourites

I’ve been revisiting recipes that have been some of my old school recipes and family favourites that were our staples when we got started as clean eaters. I first posted this recipe in 2015, at that time, the kids were fussy, vegetables had to be hidden and disguised, and there was no potential for intense flavours or spice.
Times (thankfully) have changed, the kids have grown (like man-sized grown), and they now enjoy a wide range of foods. Things like vegetables are enjoyed, spice and chilli are consumed without complaint, and new ingredients are tried without tantrums. As the kids have grown my recipes have changes organically to meet their palates and preferences, I’ve updated this recipe because of that, but fear not, all I have done is make it a little bit better.

Kale chips fresh from the oven and ready for eating

A surprise request

I like kale, I have for a very long time, but green vegetables haven’t always been a favourite in our house. Can you imagine my surprise when Liam, the child that hated all vegetables, one weekend asked out of the blue if he could have some kale chips? I was glad I was sitting down when he asked otherwise I may have fallen over. When Liam asked for them, I was more than happy to make him a nice healthy snack.

A family staple

Since that first request, kale chips have been something of a staple when it comes to snacking. Over the years we have experimented with different flavours for the family, here are a few of our favourites

  • paprika and chilli
  • ginger and lime
  • chipotle and coriander

Kale chips recipe


Ingredients

  • 1 bunch of kale, washed and dried
  • 2 tbsp. olive oil
  • Salt to taste

Kale chips

  • Servings: 4
  • Rating: ★★★★★
  • Print

These kale chips are a healthy snack option that will keep the entire family happy.



Credit: Cath @ easycleaneats

Ingredients

  • 1 bunch of kale, washed and dried
  • 2 tbsp. olive oil
  • Salt to taste

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 150 degrees C/ 300 degrees F
  2. Line a tray with baking paper or a silicone liner.
  3. Remove the centre stems and either tear or cut up the leaves.
  4. In a bowl put the oil and salt then add the kale.
  5. Toss everything together in the bowl, so all the leaves are coated in oil.
  6. Spread on a baking tray, you may need to use two, depending on the amount of kale.
  7. Bake at 150 degrees for 15 minutes or until crisp.
  8. Eat them when they are fresh out of the oven otherwise, they get a bit chewy.Eat them when they are fresh out of the oven otherwise, they get a bit chewy.

Nutrition

Per Serving: 94 calories; 7.3 g fat; 6.7 g carbohydrates; 2.2 g protein


Flavours

Here are the ingredient for some alternatives. You can add the extra flavours when you toss the kale in the oil.

  • 1 tsp. paprika and 1/2 tsp. ground chill
  • 1 tsp. ground ginger and 1 tbsp. lime juice
  • 1 tsp. ground coriander and 1/2 tsp. ground chipotle

Equipment

  • Knife
  • Chopping board
  • Mixing bowl
  • Baking tray
  • Baking paper or silicone liner
  • Tongs

Nutritional disclaimer

Nutrition information is provided as an estimate based on the ingredients used and available in my area (New Zealand). The nutritional information is here to help you understand the recipe; I use MyFitnessPal to generate my estimates. For more accurate nutritional information, please use a nutritional calculator with the ingredients in your area.

Fight club – December 14

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Movement every day

Movement is an integral part of my day. Keeping active is how I manage my physical and mental health while navigating this busy world we live in.  

Any post I share is about my experience and activity; I am not here to tell you what to do. If you are interested in doing this kind or any type of training or movement programme, I highly recommend that you seek advice and support from a professional.

Monday 

Warm-up 

5 rounds 

50 seconds activity 

10 seconds rest 

  • Plank jack with a knee tuck 
  • Side lunge with a toe touch 
  • Squats 
  • Walk down Push-ups 
  • Reclined row 

Cool down and stretch 

Tuesday 

Warm-up 

4 rounds 

40 seconds activity 

20 seconds rest 

  • Push-ups 
  • Handstand hold 
  • Hollow rocks

Cool down and stretch 

Wednesday 

Warm-up 

5 rounds 

30 seconds activity 

10 seconds rest 

  • Side step with back lunge 
  • Squats 
  • Split jump 
  • Sumo Squat 

Cool down and stretch 

Thursday 

Warm-up 

5 rounds 

  • Split jumps 10 Reps
  • Donkey kicks 6 Reps
  • Burpees 3 Reps

Cool down and stretch 

Friday

Warm-up 

25 second hold 

3 cycles 

  • Mountain pose 
  • Forward bend 
  • Triangle 
  • Bent leg triangle 
  • Downward dog 
  • Triangle 
  • Bent leg triangle 
  • Downward dog 
  • Warrior 
  • Chair pose 
  • Forward bend 
  • Mountain pose 

Cool down and stretch 

Workout disclaimer   

I share my workouts to show what I do, not to tell you what to do.  

I post my workouts with a percentage of my max rather than stating what weights or speeds I use. Everyone is different and has different levels of fitness and capability. Your body is yours alone if you want to start working out, I recommend spending some time with a personal trainer who can put you on the right path.  

When working out with weights, remember your one-rep max is yours alone, finding the weights that are right for you is important. If you decide to try out a workout, find out what weights you should be using first. 

Fight club – November 13

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Movement every day

Movement is an integral part of my day. Keeping active is how I manage my physical and mental health while navigating this busy world we live in.  

Any post I share is about my experience and activity; I am not here to tell you what to do. If you are interested in doing this kind or any type of training or movement programme, I highly recommend that you seek advice and support from a professional.

Monday 

Warm-up 

4 rounds 

40 seconds activity 

10 seconds rest 

  • Squats 
  • Bow and arrow 
  • Side lunge with a toe touch 
  • Walk down Push-ups 
  • Plank 
  • Cannonball sit-ups 

Cool down and stretch 

Tuesday 

Warm-up 

6 rounds 

20 seconds activity 

10 seconds rest 

  • Ankle taps 
  • Superman 
  • Bow and arrow 
  • Boxers sit-ups 
  • Cannonball sit-ups 
  • Dying bugs 
  • Guard sit-ups 
  • Leg raises 

Cool down and stretch 

Wednesday 

Warm-up 

3 rounds 

20 seconds activity 

10 seconds rest 

  • Plank 
  • Bow and arrow 
  • Push-ups 

Cool down and stretch 

Thursday 

Warm-up 

4 rounds 

30 seconds activity 

10 seconds rest 

  • Lunges 
  • Guard sit-ups
  • Lunges 
  • Reclined rows 
  • Plank 
  • Cannonball sit-ups 
  • Squats 
  • Superman 

Cool down and stretch 

Friday

Warm-up 

3 rounds 

20 seconds activity 

10 seconds rest 

  • Superman 
  • Bow and arrow 
  • Boxers sit-ups 
  • Cannonball sit-ups 
  • Dying bugs 
  • Guard sit-ups 
  • Leg raises 
  • Russian twist 
  • Scissor legs 
  • Sit-ups 

Cool down and stretch

Workout disclaimer   

I share my workouts to show what I do, not to tell you what to do.  

I post my workouts with a percentage of my max rather than stating what weights or speeds I use. Everyone is different and has different levels of fitness and capability. Your body is yours alone if you want to start working out, I recommend spending some time with a personal trainer who can put you on the right path.  

When working out with weights, remember your one-rep max is yours alone, finding the weights that are right for you is important. If you decide to try out a workout, find out what weights you should be using first. 

Fight club – October 16

Leave a comment

Movement every day

Movement is an integral part of my day. Keeping active is how I manage my physical and mental health while navigating this busy world we live in.  

Any post I share is about my experience and activity; I am not here to tell you what to do. If you are interested in doing this kind or any type of training or movement programme, I highly recommend that you seek advice and support from a professional.

Monday 

Warm-up 

4 rounds 

30 seconds activity 

10 seconds rest 

  • Plank jack with a knee tuck 
  • Side lunge with a toe touch 
  • Squats 
  • Walk down Push-ups 
  • Reclined row 

Cool down and stretch 

Tuesday 

Warm-up 

5 rounds 

20 seconds activity 

10 seconds rest 

  • Lunges 
  • Guard sit-ups
  • Lunges 
  • Reclined rows 
  • Plank 
  • Cannonball sit-ups 
  • Squats 
  • Superman 

Cool down and stretch 

Wednesday 

Warm-up 

4 rounds 

30 seconds activity 

10 seconds rest 

  • Jumping squats 
  • Dying bugs 
  • Push-ups with a cross over 
  • Skaters 
  • Boxers sit-ups 
  • Walking lunges 
  • Reclined row 

Cool down and stretch 

Thursday 

Warm-up 

5 rounds 

30 seconds activity 

10 seconds rest 

  • Inclined Push-ups 
  • Reclined row 
  • Boxers sit-ups 
  • Bow and arrow 
  • Jumping jacks 
  • Walking lunges 

Cool down and stretch 

Friday

Warm-up 

20 second hold for each pose 

3 cycles 

  • Child’s pose 
  • Cat pose 
  • Cow pose 
  • Downward dog 
  • Chair pose 
  • Mountain pose 
  • Forward bend 
  • Halfway hold
  • Plank 
  • Cobra 
  • Downward dog 
  • Chair pose 
  • Forward bend 
  • Mountain pose 

Cool down and stretch 

Workout disclaimer   

I share my workouts to show what I do, not to tell you what to do.  

I post my workouts with a percentage of my max rather than stating what weights or speeds I use. Everyone is different and has different levels of fitness and capability. Your body is yours alone if you want to start working out, I recommend spending some time with a personal trainer who can put you on the right path.  

When working out with weights, remember your one-rep max is yours alone, finding the weights that are right for you is important. If you decide to try out a workout, find out what weights you should be using first. 

Fight club – October 10

Leave a comment

Movement every day

Movement is an integral part of my day. Keeping active is how I manage my physical and mental health while navigating this busy world we live in.  

Any post I share is about my experience and activity; I am not here to tell you what to do. If you are interested in doing this kind or any type of training or movement programme, I highly recommend that you seek advice and support from a professional.

Monday 

Warm-up 

4 rounds 

30 seconds activity 

10 seconds rest 

  • Jack squats 
  • Toe touches 
  • Jumping jacks 
  • Walking lunges 

Cool down and stretch 

Tuesday 

Warm-up 

4 rounds 

  • Split jumps 10 Reps
  • Donkey kicks 6 Reps
  • Burpees 3 Reps

Cool down and stretch 

Wednesday 

Warm-up 

4 rounds 

30 seconds activity 

10 seconds rest 

  • Superman 
  • Bow and arrow 
  • Boxers sit-ups 
  • Cannonball sit-ups 
  • Dying bugs 
  • Guard sit-ups 
  • Leg raises 
  • Russian twist 
  • Scissor legs 
  • Sit-ups 

Cool down and stretch 

Thursday 

Warm-up 

4 rounds 

  • Walking lunges 40 Reps
  • Push-ups 15 Reps
  • Mountain climbers 20 Reps

Cool down and stretch 

Friday

Warm-up 

20 second hold for each pose 

3 cycles 

  • Mountain pose 
  • Forward bend 
  • Triangle 
  • Bent leg triangle 
  • Downward dog 
  • Triangle 
  • Bent leg triangle 
  • Downward dog 
  • Warrior 
  • Chair pose 
  • Forward bend 
  • Mountain pose 

Cool down and stretch 

Workout disclaimer   

I share my workouts to show what I do, not to tell you what to do.  

I post my workouts with a percentage of my max rather than stating what weights or speeds I use. Everyone is different and has different levels of fitness and capability. Your body is yours alone if you want to start working out, I recommend spending some time with a personal trainer who can put you on the right path.  

When working out with weights, remember your one-rep max is yours alone, finding the weights that are right for you is important. If you decide to try out a workout, find out what weights you should be using first. 

Keep Moving Fitness Deadlift

Fight club -September 11

Leave a comment

Movement every day

Movement is an integral part of my day. Keeping active is how I manage my physical and mental health while navigating this busy world we live in.  

Any post I share is about my experience and activity; I am not here to tell you what to do. If you are interested in doing this kind or any type of training or movement programme, I highly recommend that you seek advice and support from a professional.

Monday 

Warm-up 

As many rounds as you can 

19 minutes 

  • Squats 5 Reps
  • Side lunge with a toe touch 6 Reps
  • Shoulder taps 6 Reps
  • Guard sit-ups 5 Reps

Cool down and stretch 

Tuesday 

Warm-up 

6 rounds 

30 seconds activity 

10 seconds rest 

  • Inclined Push-ups 
  • Push-ups 
  • Push-ups with a cross over 
  • Shoulder taps 
  • Handstand hold 

Cool down and stretch 

Wednesday 

Warm-up 

5 rounds 

40 seconds activity 

10 seconds rest 

  • Inclined Push-ups 
  • Reclined row 
  • Boxers sit-ups 
  • Bow and arrow 
  • Jumping jacks 
  • Walking lunges 

Cool down and stretch 

Thursday 

Warm-up 

5 rounds 

50 seconds activity 

10 seconds rest 

  • Jack squats 
  • Toe touches 
  • Jumping jacks 
  • Walking lunges 

Cool down and stretch 

Friday

Warm-up 

25 second hold 

3 cycles 

  • Child’s pose 
  • Cat pose 
  • Cow pose 
  • Downward dog 
  • Chair pose 
  • Mountain pose 
  • Forward bend 
  • Halfway hold
  • Plank 
  • Cobra 
  • Downward dog 
  • Chair pose 
  • Forward bend 
  • Mountain pose 

Cool down and stretch 

Keep Moving Fitness Deadlift
Keep Moving Fitness Deadlift

Workout disclaimer   

I share my workouts to show what I do, not to tell you what to do.  

I post my workouts with a percentage of my max rather than stating what weights or speeds I use. Everyone is different and has different levels of fitness and capability. Your body is yours alone if you want to start working out, I recommend spending some time with a personal trainer who can put you on the right path.  

When working out with weights, remember your one-rep max is yours alone, finding the weights that are right for you is important. If you decide to try out a workout, find out what weights you should be using first. 

Keep moving fitness barbells

Fight club – August 14

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Movement every day

Movement is an integral part of my day. Keeping active is how I manage my physical and mental health while navigating this busy world we live in.  

Any post I share is about my experience and activity; I am not here to tell you what to do. If you are interested in doing this kind or any type of training or movement programme, I highly recommend that you seek advice and support from a professional.

Monday 

Warm-up 

As many rounds as you can 

19 minutes 

  • Squats 5 Reps
  • Side lunge with a toe touch 6 Reps
  • Shoulder taps 6 Reps
  • Guard sit-ups 5 Reps

Cool down and stretch 

Tuesday 

Warm-up 

7 rounds 

20 seconds activity 

10 seconds rest 

  • Lunges 
  • Guard sit-ups
  • Lunges 
  • Reclined rows 
  • Plank 
  • Cannonball sit-ups 
  • Squats 
  • Superman 

Cool down and stretch 

Wednesday 

Warm-up 

3 rounds 

20 seconds activity 

10 seconds rest 

  • Ankle taps 
  • Superman 
  • Bow and arrow 
  • Boxers sit-ups 
  • Cannonball sit-ups 
  • Dying bugs 
  • Guard sit-ups 
  • Leg raises 

Cool down and stretch 

Thursday 

Warm-up 

6 rounds 

20 seconds activity 

10 seconds rest 

  • Plank 
  • Bow and arrow 
  • Push-ups 

Cool down and stretch 

Friday

Warm-up 

25 second hold 

3 cycles 

  • Mountain pose 
  • Forward bend 
  • Triangle 
  • Bent leg triangle 
  • Downward dog 
  • Triangle 
  • Bent leg triangle 
  • Downward dog 
  • Warrior 
  • Chair pose 
  • Forward bend 
  • Mountain pose 

Cool down and stretch 

Keep moving fitness barbells
Keep moving fitness Barbell

Workout disclaimer   

I share my workouts to show what I do, not to tell you what to do.  

I post my workouts with a percentage of my max rather than stating what weights or speeds I use. Everyone is different and has different levels of fitness and capability. Your body is yours alone if you want to start working out, I recommend spending some time with a personal trainer who can put you on the right path.  

When working out with weights, remember your one-rep max is yours alone, finding the weights that are right for you is important. If you decide to try out a workout, find out what weights you should be using first. 

Breakfast crunch

2 Comments

Nut-free please

I am one of those unfortunate people that is allergic to not only peanuts but also tree nuts. When it comes to food options, not having nuts on the menu can be challenging at times and frustrated at others. There are so many foods I would love to try or eat regularly but won’t get the chance thanks to nuts. Not eating nuts doesn’t have to be the end of the world; there are always replacements and alternatives that mean you can have a nut-free option. This recipe is my attempt to create a nut-free version of a usually nut packed recipe.

Nut-free breakfast crunch

My take on granola

I don’t always want a protein shake or eggs for breakfast, at times I want something with a bit more texture and some crunch to start my day. This recipe is ben a staple in our fridge for a long time now, I recently updated this recipe to add in some more variety with the addition of hemp hearts and buckwheat groats. I like to add it to the top of my smoothie bowl or some coconut yoghurt.

Nut-free breakfast crunch

Nut-free breakfast crunch ingredients
Nut-free breakfast crunch ingredients

Ingredients

  • 1 cup pumpkin seeds
  • 1 cup coconut threads
  • 1 cup sunflower seeds
  • 1 cup buckwheat groats
  • 1/2 cup hemp hearts
  • 1/4 cup figs, chopped
  • 2 tbsp. honey
  • 2 tbsp. coconut oil
Toast the hemp hearts
Toast the hemp hearts
Toast the coconut
Toast the coconut
Toast the buckwheat groats
Toast the buckwheat groats
Add the toasted seeds to the chopped figs
Add the toasted seeds to the chopped figs
Toast the sunflower seeds
Toast the sunflower seeds
Add the sunflower seeds
Add the sunflower seeds
Toast the pumpkin seeds
Toast the pumpkin seeds
Mix everything together with the melted coconut oil and honey
Mix everything together with the melted coconut oil and honey
Spread the mixture out on a baking tray
Spread the mixture out on a baking tray
Transfer the mixture to an airtight jar.
Transfer the mixture to an airtight jar.

Breakfast crunch

  • Servings: 15
  • Rating: ★★★★★
  • Print

This seed packed breakfast crunch is an ideal option for breakfast or sprinkled on top of ice cream.


Credit:Cath @ easycleaneats

Ingredients

  • 1 cup pumpkin seeds
  • 1 cup coconut threads
  • 1 cup sunflower seeds
  • 1 cup buckwheat groats
  • 1/2 cup hemp hearts
  • 1/4 cup figs, chopped
  • 2 tbsp. honey
  • 2 tbsp. coconut oil

Directions

  1. Over a medium heat lightly toast the seeds and coconut.
  2. In a small pan heat the coconut oil and honey and mix them together.
  3. While the honey and oil are warming start toasting the seeds.
  4. Take a frying pan and warm it over a medium heat.
  5. Toast each kind of seed individually so you get an even toasting.
  6. Add the toasted seeds and coconut to the oil and honey mixing well.
  7. Add the figs and stir well.
  8. Pour the mix onto a lined baking tray and let it cool.
  9. Break into chunks and store in an airtight container.

Nutrition

Per Serving: 204 calories; 11 g fat; 21 g carbohydrates; 7 g protein

Equipment

  • Saucepan
  • Frying pan
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Baking tray 

Nutritional disclaimer

Nutrition information is provided as an estimate based on the ingredients used and available in my area (New Zealand). The nutritional information is here to help you understand the recipe; I use MyFitnessPal to generate my estimates. For more accurate nutritional information, please use a nutritional calculator with the ingredients in your area.

Fight club – August 1

Leave a comment

Movement every day

Movement is an integral part of my day. Keeping active is how I manage my physical and mental health while navigating this busy world we live in.  

Any post I share is about my experience and activity; I am not here to tell you what to do. If you are interested in doing this kind or any type of training or movement programme, I highly recommend that you seek advice and support from a professional.

Monday 

Warm-up 

As many rounds as you can 

17 minutes 

  • Squats 5 Reps
  • Side lunge with a toe touch 6 Reps
  • Shoulder taps 6 Reps
  • Guard sit-ups 5 Reps

Cool down and stretch 

Tuesday 

Warm-up 

3 rounds 

40 seconds activity 

10 seconds rest 

  • Inclined Push-ups 
  • Reclined row 
  • Boxers sit-ups 
  • Bow and arrow 
  • Jumping jacks 
  • Walking lunges 

Cool down and stretch 

Wednesday 

Warm-up 

5 rounds 

20 seconds activity 

10 seconds rest 

  • Push-ups 
  • Handstand hold 
  • Hollow rocks

Cool down and stretch 

Thursday 

Warm-up 

3 rounds 

  • Split jumps 10 Reps
  • Donkey kicks 6 Reps
  • Burpees 3 Reps

Cool down and stretch 

Friday

Warm-up 

3 rounds 

20 seconds activity 

10 seconds rest 

  • Superman 
  • Bow and arrow 
  • Boxers sit-ups 
  • Cannonball sit-ups 
  • Dying bugs 
  • Guard sit-ups 
  • Leg raises 
  • Russian twist 
  • Scissor legs 
  • Sit-ups 

Cool down and stretch 

Workout disclaimer   

I share my workouts to show what I do, not to tell you what to do.  

I post my workouts with a percentage of my max rather than stating what weights or speeds I use. Everyone is different and has different levels of fitness and capability. Your body is yours alone if you want to start working out, I recommend spending some time with a personal trainer who can put you on the right path.  

When working out with weights, remember your one-rep max is yours alone, finding the weights that are right for you is important. If you decide to try out a workout, find out what weights you should be using first.