healthy – GRIT By Brit

Healthy Breakfast Idea: Brit’s Perfect Power Protein Parfait

April 13, 2014 No Comments

Recently I tried (and became obsessed) with Ladera Natural Almond Pecan Granola. Ordinarily I try to stay away from granola because I tend to overeat it and consequently consume way too much sugar. However, I do enjoy a Greek yogurt parfait occasionally because I can set some healthy boundaries and control the granola portion. When I tried Ladera granola I was instantly hooked because it tastes amazing – the original almond pecan flavor has a delicious, cinnamon, maple nutty taste. Better yet, 1 serving has only 4g of sugar – YAY! So this morning I whipped up my own “Perfect Power Protein Parfait” for breakfast and of course I have to share the recipe with you guys. Altogether it’s only 300 calories, loaded with protein and kept me feeling full throughout the morning. Try it for yourself this week by following these 4 simple steps…

Step 1: Start with a single serving of Greek Yogurt

Chobani Vanilla Greek Yogurt (100 Calories, 12g Protein, 7g Sugar)

Ladera Granola (150 Calories, 4g Protein, 4g Sugar) — Ladera Almond Pecan Granola (150 Calories, 4g Protein, 4g Sugar)

Step 3: Add Berries

1/2 cup Raw Strawberries and Blueberries (50 Calories, 5g Sugar, 1 g Protein)

Step 4: ENJOY

Brit's Perfect Power Protein Parfait — Brit’s Perfect Power Protein Parfait

Here’s to a Hearty Healthy Breakfast! xoxo, Brit

Inspiration & Motivation

Weekly #Fitspiration

April 9, 2014 No Comments

This is my favorite “fitspirational” quote. Hopefully it provides some mid-week motivation to move!

You’ll never regret a workout. xoxo, Brit

Just for Fun

Brit’s Tastiest Top 5 Healthy Holiday Treats: Lower Calorie Dessert Options

December 4, 2013 2 Comments

I don’t know about you guys, but starting this weekend my schedule is jam-packed with holiday parties – LOVE IT! Many of the parties are “pot luck – style.” So in an effort to avoid overindulging in high calorie desserts, I’ve been researching some “Healthier Holiday Treats” that I can prepare and bring to the festivities. Below are my Top 5 Favorites! Hope you love them too. Enjoy! xoxo, Brit

1. Rocky Road Almond Butter Balls

Source: http://livglutenfree.com/recipes/rocky-road-almond-butter-balls

2. Strawberry Santa Hats

Source: http://www.snack-girl.com/snack/light-holiday-snack/

3. Maple Cinnamon Roasted Almonds

Source: http://thehonoursystem.com/2013/04/26/maple-cinnamon-roasted-almonds/

4. Sugar and Gluten Free Ginger Snaps

Source: http://realhealthyrecipes.com/2011/12/20/real-healthy-ginger-snaps/

5.Dark Chocolate Covered Peppermint

Source: http://shadandlizzie.blogspot.com/2011/12/dark-chocolate-covered-peppermint-joe.html

Just for Fun

Healthy Way to Lose 10 Pounds in 2 Weeks

August 25, 2013 8 Comments

So if you’re like me, you LOVE to workout but you also LOVE to eat. I have to admit, I’m a fat kid at heart. Luckily I’ve learned to love healthy food and control my portions (for the most part). However, there are times that I get a little side tracked and don’t monitor my calorie intake the way I should. All of sudden I begin to notice that my favorite skinny jeans are barely zipping up and that’s my reality check that I need to refocus. I put this 2 week plan together about a year ago – it’s an oldie but a goodie. It helps me when I need to regroup my wellness regimen and drop a few pounds. I love that every “rule” is a healthy action that actually does my body good! Try it for yourself and let me know how it goes! You can definitely expect to shed some weight, of course results will vary based on your body composition and your overall calorie intake. Good luck – lots of luv, Brit

For the next 14 days, do the following 5 things each day…

Home Workouts, Total Body

Tips for a healthy, yummy, skinny 4th of July BBQ!

July 1, 2013 8 Comments

Happy Monday! 4th of July is around the corner! As we American’s celebrate our independence, let’s not go overboard and throw our bikini bodies out of the window. Here are some 4th of July healthy BBQ tips from Darya Rose at summertomato.com. I also designed a custom workout for you to do on Independence Day. It doesn’t take too much time. So just wake up, sweat and head to your BBQ!

6 Tips for not regretting your 4th of July BBQ

1. Use small plates
Research clearly shows that people who choose smaller plates and utensils eat less without even noticing it. The difference can be as substantial as 50% fewer calories consumed, yet everyone reports the same level of fullness and satisfaction. Try borrowing a plate from the kids table or the dessert tray.
2. Eat slowly and mindfully
People who eat more slowly eat fewer calories over the course of a meal. BBQs are a perfect opportunity to pace yourself as you mix and mingle with friends and family. The more you’re chatting, the less you’re eating.
3. Eat healthiest foods first
If you are eating slowly and off small plates, you may as well fill up on the healthiest stuff first. Salads are a great place to start because watery vegetables slow digestion and have very few calories. Try to choose something with oil and protein as well, because these will help you feel full sooner.
4. Skip the chips, crackers and bread
Refined carbohydrates are the worst things you can eat because they offer little satisfaction, loads of calories and dangerous insulin spikes. BBQs are filled with wonderful food, so do yourself a favor and save your calories for the really good stuff.
You don’t have to eat your burger without a bun, but pass on the pointless chips and other snacks that lure you when you’re not thinking. If you’re feeling bored, grab a Frisbee instead.
5. Keep dessert small
The difference between a large slice of cake and a smaller slice of cake can literally be hundreds of calories. And to reiterate, sugar and refined carbohydrates are the most dangerous foods. You don’t have to pass on dessert completely, but keep your portion sizes in check for this course.
6. Think before you drink
There is a place for alcohol in a healthy lifestyle, but making smart choices can be the difference between losing or gaining weight (not to mention your self-control). One sugary margarita can have 600-800 calories. That means 3 margaritas is more food than you should be consuming in an entire day. Is that really worth it? Stick with wine or beer, drink plenty of water and remember to pace yourself.

Happy 4th of July! Lots of luv, Brit

Inspiration & Motivation

Hottest Celebrity Bodies & Workouts

June 26, 2013 2 Comments

I have a love/hate relationships with celebrities. I love the aspirational lifestyle, but hate the drama and shallowness. However, there are a few celebrities that truly motivate me to live a healthier lifestyle because they have BOTH a killer body and an awesome work ethic – beautiful on the inside and out, just how we like ’em!

My super star intern, Kendra (follow her on Instagram @socialitedivas), did some research on my favorite celebrities and the workouts that keep their bodies smoking hot. I’m gonna try to incorporate some of these workouts and health tips into my fitness routine. Who knows, I may have Kelly Rowland abs by the end of the Summer – watch out now! 😉

Workout like a rock star! Lots of luv, Brit

PINK

Kickboxing
Sprint Intervals
Eats fish and chicken with vegetables
Boot camp sessions
Snacks on Kale chips
Sit ups

KELLY ROWLAND

Eats mostly healthy which includes: fruits, vegetables, grilled fish and meat.
1 hr in the gym every other day.
Yoga
Cardio few times a week
Biking and cross training.

TIA MOWRY

Cardio 3-4 times a week
Hiking, power walking/jogging, intervals on the treadmill, dancing, spinning.
Resistance training
Fresh fruits
Vegetables
Grains, lean cuts of meat/fish
Herbal teas and lots of water!

JENNIFER ANISTON

Loves the basic yoga pose – downward facing dog
Begin on a non-slip floor on your hands and knees with your knees under your hips.
Exhale and lift your knees away from the floor
Press palms into the floor and keep your head between your upper arms
Hold for 1 to 3 minutes then lower yourself back onto knees

JESSICA ALBA

Cardio & strength training
Use 3-pound dumbbell in each hand, step forward with one leg bend at the waist and all your arms to hang.
Round your arms, raise dumbbells to your sides until they’re in line with your shoulders.
Switch legs after 10 repetitiions aiming for three rounds of 20 repetitions each.

DEMI MOORE

Bikram Yoga performed in a room in at least 105 degrees.
Most effective exercises for improving physical fitness
Make sure to check with a doctor before trying this class as it is not recommended for pregnant women and people with high blood pressure.

ZOE SALDANA

Squats with excercise ball and resistance band
Cable push-pull
Plank push ups
Walking lunges
Ball hams with excercise ball

JENNIFER LOPEZ

Standing inverted knee tuck with straight back and arabesque extend
Lean, tuck, kick combo.
Touch the ground side kick.
Do at least one hr every other day.

GWEN STAFANI

Triceps dips
15 reps of dumbbell chest press
three minutes of cycling at a fast pace.
20 reps of reverse barbell lunges
12 reps of military press

Inspiration & Motivation, Lifestyle

Fitness for the SOUL: My fun-filled weekend in NYC

March 19, 2013 6 Comments

Last weekend, my lil bro Austin (@Austin_Rettig) came to visit me in NYC. He’s a Freshman Men’s Basketball Player at the University of Tampa. Because I’m SO VERY PROUD of him, I decided to treat him to a weekend in the city for his Spring Break. We kicked off the weekend with a stroll through Central Park…

Then hit up the Big East Final Four at Madison Square Garden…

We started Saturday with some vintage shopping in the East Village…

and ended it with a hearty meal in Little Italy. We were really missin’ our sister Kortani (@toots_boots) because nobody loves pasta as much as she does.

I taught a KILLER Turbo Kick class on Sunday morning at Turbo NYC (if you haven’t been to my class, I hate that for you). Austin, helped me with the audio and cut some new tracks to “Harlem Shake” and “Snapbacks and Tattoos.” After class we shot a new YouTube workout video that I’ll post tomorrow – be on the look out 😉

After gettin’ our praise on at HillsongNYC, we took the Q train to Brooklyn where we supported our home town hero, Derron Williams – DALLAS stand up!

Finally, we topped off the weekend by stuntin’ real hard b/c Derron’s mom gave us a serious VIP hook up – thank you Miss Denise!

Yeah…what you know about that family pass with the courtside action? hehe – I was pumped!

So grateful for my family. My soul sings with gratitude #BLESSED

Inspiration & Motivation

Show some SWAGGER

February 25, 2013 5 Comments

At a very young age, my parents taught me the importance of self-respect and self-confidence. My mom always had me play the lead in church programs and made sure I was on the front row at my dance recitals. Later when I started playing sports, my dad would preach that “competitions are just about confidence…if I worked hard and believed that I was better than my opponent, I was!”

However as I matured, I started to believe that humility and self-confidence were mutually exclusive (i.e. if I wanted to be humble, that meant I needed to put the needs of others before my own or criticize myself). However, the TRUTH is exactly the opposite!

As a new vegetarian, I started reading the book “Skinny B*itch” which takes a very no-nonsense approach to healthy living and healthy eating. There’s a paragraph in the book, that really hammers home my beliefs about self-confidence and SWAGGER:

photo (28)

“Certainly your health and your body and you are more important than anything else in your life. You are worthless to your colleagues, friends and family if you do not value yourself enough to take excellent care of you. Yes, you have to put yourself before your friends, parents, boyfriend, husband and even your children. It won’t make you bad daughter or wife or mother; it will make you less resentful, more confident, interesting, beautiful, patient, tolerant, and fun person to be around. Your bright shining light will give everyone around you permission and inspiration to shine more brightly. Love yourself enough to do whatever it takes to be the best you you can be.”

For your Monday Motivation, I wanted to share this excerpt along with a graphic that my Aunt sent me (shout out to Aunt Cathy). Think about these truths as you start your week. I hope they encourage you as much as they encourage me! #GRIT

Lots of luv,

Brit 😉

Inspiration & Motivation

4-week Challenge Final Update: Lak’s Top 5 Lessons for Healthy Living

October 9, 2012 1 Comment

4-week Shape-up Challenge: Lakshmi’s Final Update

I’ve spent 4 weeks on the Grit by Brit shape-up plan and in the infamous words of Ms. Brit, “I’ve seen some things.” Maybe more accurately, I’ve learned some things – about myself, my habits and my goals:

Success is a commitment – I’ve finally realized that when it comes to my body and my health, achieving a goal does not happen at a finite point in time. It’s a continual commitment. There is a reason that the phrase is “healthy lifestyle,” and not “healthy moment.” Achieving a healthy lifestyle requires commitment to a healthy life. It’s not one of those quick fix wedding boot camps – be intensely committed for 3 weeks, look buff for the big day and then stop once he’s passed you the ring. Being healthy is something that I need to consider every time I want to eat something or be active (or not active).
It takes a village – Hillary Clinton was so right – you can’t do this alone. Get supporters to cheer you on when you’re doing well. And to scold you when you’ve fallen off the wagon. Talking about my healthy life goals reinforced them in my head (the whole “speak it into existence” idea) and helped make those around me accountable for my success, too. No one wants to watch someone fail in health. If you tell people about who you want to be, they will enable success.
My body is smarter than I am – My brain is my worst enemy. It tells me I’m hungry when I’m not. It tells me I need to stop cycling when I shouldn’t. It tells me to not get out of bed when I need to. Turn the brain off. I learned to listen to my body. Am I hungry? Let me ask my energy level and stomach. Can I go further? Let me ask my legs and heart. Sometimes the answer is “Yes, stop! You’ve worked too hard” and other times it’s all “Lakshmi, please, your grandmother could keep going.” Whatever the question, I learned to let my body answer instead of my brain.
I am not perfect – Brit was continually telling me to not be so hard on myself. I find that when I hold myself to the expectation that my healthy behavior must be 100% compliant with the plan, I fail hard. And once I fail, I can’t pick myself back up. I need to lower the expectations of myself and minimize the impact of the failures so that I can get right back on-track.
I am perfect – You all read about how a woman mistook me for being pregnant. My self-esteem after that episode was low. WAY LOW. But then I realized, I am who I am. I am a fertile looking woman, who is great as she is. I have (finally) realized that the whole idea that people come in different sizes isn’t necessarily because they have varying abilities to portion control. Instead, it’s sometimes just because you were handed those genes. I was at the Levi’s store this weekend (amazing transition from genes to jeans) and noticed that all their fits had positive names (Slight, Demi, Bold, Supreme Curve). This taught me my size – no matter what it is – is awesome.

Thanks friends for reading! And thanks Brit for being both my good cop and my bad cop.

Missed one of Lakshmi’s updates? Catch up on her journey here:

Kick Off, Week 1, Week 2, Week 3

Inspiration & Motivation

NEW 4-week challenge: Chi-town shape up w/Lakshmi

September 6, 2012 9 Comments

I’m kicking off a new 4-week challenge with my friend, Lakshmi. Ordinarily, I’d give you my usual song and dance about how we became friends, blah blah blah. But I think a picture is a worth a 1,000 words when it comes to describing our friendship. So get to know her, check out her diet and exercise plan (maybe even try it for yourself) and check in every week for her progress reports!

Luv, Brit

Our friendship…

Meet Lakshmi a.k.a “Lak-sheezy”

I’m a girl with good intentions, but I am easily swayed off course. I try to work out each day and am able to eat well until the mid-afternoon. Then I find temptation taking over and a handful of miniature chocolates in my hand. I’ve got some major love for starch and sugar – and I need help curbing the cravings.

My goal is to not change in the short-term, but change in the long-term. I want to fix bad habits. It would be amazing if I could drop some lbs. But mostly I just want to get tone, feel confident about my body, and feel some control in my life.

I’m a consultant with unpredictable hours and very last minute travel. I make it a priority to get to the gym. It’s not always possible, but by in large, I’m there 4 – 6 times a week. My hours are long, which makes cooking and planning meals tough.

Help me!

Exercise – I’m a class girl. Unless someone tells me what to do, I will convince myself it’s okay to stop. The meaner the teacher, the better in my world.

Also, I walk to and from work (25 minutes each way) while listening to a live stream of NPR (how yuppie is that?).

As for my diet…

Breakfast – I try to do oatmeal and coffee. Sometimes I do museli with fruit.

Lunch – Salad or sandwich and a diet soda (I know, I know). On a bad day, I add in chips. And chocolate…

Snack – This is where I falter. My company is really good about supplying snacks. No good deed goes unnoticed, so I find myself often in our snack cabinet foraging for sugar and/or salt. Lately our miniature Hershey chocolates have been by downfall.

Dinner – I like starch, especially potatoes. Today I had some leftover gnocchi. Sometimes it’s a frozen dinner. I am tired when I get home from work (usually 8 or 9), so I’m in no mood to cook for one.

Dessert – I will have a tablespoon of PB. Or chocolate covered bananas from Trader Joe’s (4 pieces)

Here are things I don’t like: Running, chicken (it’s a dirty bird), cold meat on salad (unless it’s tuna), pork, ham, lifting weights

Here are things I’m allergic to: Shellfish, walnuts

Here are things I like: Spinning, yoga, potatoes, french macarons

Also, I’m awesome at taking my vitamins everyday.

Brit’s 4-week shape up plan for Lakshmi