Power Incline Walk

I hope that everyone had a merry Christmas and a wonderful holiday season! I enjoyed some quality time with family, all the yummy eats, and relaxation.

I’ll admit that while out of town, my fitness routine took a bit of a back seat for a few days. My rule is to never go more than three days without some form of exercise. No, this rule is not backed by science; it is simply my personal rule to keep myself from sliding down that slippery slope we all know too well. You know…the one where you miss one day, then the next, then it’s been a week and before you know it a month since your last workout.

So yesterday was the day to get back into my fitness routine, and I decided to incorporate my go-to treadmill workout when I want to break a sweat and ease back into regular movement.

My Power Incline walking routine is great for both beginners who are up for a challenge and novice fitness buffs who are looking for an active rest day. It can all be done in 45 minutes–that includes warm up and cool down!

Walking is an excellent form of aerobic exercise for most people. It’s low cost, requires no special skills, and can be done anywhere! All you need are a good pair of sneakers.

Remember to maintain good posture, eyes looking ahead, pump your arms for a full body workout, toes point forward. If you feel any sort of pain or discomfort stop immediately and consult with your doctor.

With that being said, it is important to challenge your muscles and encourage yourself. Remember, your mind will quit before your body will! You can do it!

The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommends 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week. That breaks down to 30 minutes 5 days per week. Moderate exercise includes brisk walking (hello Power Incline!), cycling, pushing a lawn mower, or playing tennis.

If you try my Power Incline workout, I want to hear how it went! Drop a comment below!

Disclaimer: You should always consult your physician or other healthcare provider before changing your diet or starting an exercise program. 

Recipe Review: Low Carb Shrimp and Sausage Skillet by The Bettered Blondie

In an attempt to eat healthier (and reduce the number of trips to the drive thru!), I searched Pinterest for healthy recipes that I knew my family would love. While a lot of recipes looked delicious, just by the image, you could tell that it would require a chef’s culinary skills and more time than I have available with a 9-5 and a four year old to create.

Lo and behold, I came across Sarah’s Low Carb Shrimp and Sausage Skillet recipe from The Bettered Blondie . The recipe boasts being keto, paleo, and Whole30 friendly (so if any of these diets are your jam, this recipe is right up your alley), but what attracted me to the recipe was the tons of veggies and protein included in the recipe. The fact that it took 30-40 minutes to prepare was an added bonus.

The fiber and water content from the zucchini, bell peppers, and onions make this dish so voluminous that you don’t miss having any starchy carbs. Although layering this dish over a half cup of Jasmine or brown rice, quinoa, or couscous would also be delicious. Paired with protein-dense shrimp and andouille sausage, you will leave the table with a happy belly! And I strongly recommend following Sarah’s advice to use raw, not pre-cooked shrimp…it makes a world of a difference.

The blend of spices to season the dish in addition to diced jalapeños for a little heat really make this skillet dish stand out. This is definitely a recipe that I would make again and again for my family.

Click the link above for the full recipe and story behind Sarah’s wonderful dish!

Bon Appetit!