CHOOSE to think positive thoughts

You guys know I’m a sucker for inspirational quotes, but I saw this one and it really made me think. Not trying to get all “preachy,” but sometimes it’s good to take a step back and be mindful of our daily thoughts. Lately, the term “mindfulness” is a popular buzz word among inspirational speakers and spiritual thought leaders. Mindfulness simply refers to “awareness” – being conscious of what your mind is processing. This also means being conscious of negative thinking. We may think that negative thoughts here and there aren’t a big deal, but actually negative thinking can become nasty habit that’s difficult to overcome. In all honesty, it’s really hard (almost impossible) to always think positively. It take a lots of discipline and GRIT to train our minds to consistently look on the bright side. Fortunately, like with all things in life, we can train ourselves do anything we want – that’s beauty of being human – WE CAN CHANGE (we are not trees). I found this list of Negative Impacts of Negativity from Always Greater, LLC and wanted to share it – hopefully it encourages us to proactively choose positive thoughts and be mindful of the negative ones.

Negative thinking leads to…

A less worthwhile life instead of a more worthwhile life
Less confidence instead of greater confidence
Lower self-esteem instead of higher self-esteem
Less happiness and enjoyment instead of more happiness and enjoyment
Less feelings of strength instead of greater feelings of strength
Less energy instead of more energy
Less peace of mind instead of more peace of mind
Less success instead of more success
Less enjoyable social interactions instead of more enjoyable social interactions
Less health benefits instead of more health benefits
Less clarity of mind instead of greater clarity of mind
Less sensible mind instead of a more sensible mind

“Since you have a choice, it doesn’t make much sense to think in negative ways that hurt you rather than positive ways that help you.” – David Fonvielle

November 11, 2013

5 Day Resistance Workout Routine! 5 days, 5 unique workouts to work each specific muscle group

Hey Guys! Hope you had a great weekend. So my “fit friend” and fellow blogger Laura (author of http://www.50by25.com/) gave the great suggestion of creating a weekly resistance workout plan for my blog followers. The plan incorporates very targeted workouts that each focus on a specific muscle group. None of the workouts are full-body circuits (i.e. my infamous Tummy, Booty & Thighs circuit that you guys love so much).

So, the idea is that you need to complete the entire weekly plan in order to get a complete, total body workout. At the beginning of the week, you work the larger muscles groups and then later on in the week you work the smaller ones. This sequencing allows you to get some fierce fitness going on by really exhausting and fatiguing one muscle group at a time. Doing so requires greater muscle repair and consequently, the development of more lean muscle mass.

For best results, complete the following plan in addition to 2-3, 30 minute cardio workouts. Enjoy and let me know how it goes! Lots of luv, Brit

Monday

Legs: Short Season Shape Up

Tuesday

Chest: Chest Workout (from Fuel Your Fitness)
Back: Bringin’ Sexy BACK

Wednesday

Biceps: Bablacious Bicep Workout
Triceps: Trim, Tone and Tighten Your Triceps

Thursday

Shoulders: Shoulder’s Workout (from Oxygen Women’s Fitness)

Friday

Core: Abs for days

November 9, 2013

Fierce & Fabulous

Hey hey GRIT gang! I hope you are enjoying a WONDERFUL weekend. I was just thinking, I’m so grateful that I discovered FIERCE fitness. Now I’m not talking about casually going to the gym or a nice easy jog every once in a while, I’m talking about sweat puddles, sucking air and shocking myself during workouts. Not only does fierce fitness improve my physical appearance, but it also makes me fabulous! By “fabulous,” I mean more confident, fun and optimistic about life.

If I can push through a tough workout, I can handle any curve ball that life throws my way – I’m sure of it. It’s amazing how the self-confidence, resilience and GRIT from overcoming a physical challenge spill over into all aspects of my life.

If you have been casually going through the motions, today I challenge you to take it up a notch! You are stronger than you think. Be FIERCE and be FABULOUS! Lots of luv, Brit

“It’s better to commit and go for the gold, rather just show up for practice everyday” #GRIT

November 5, 2013

Super Scrumptious Southern-Style Fall Veggie Recipes

Happy Fall everyone! Historically, I haven’t been a Fall-lover, but as I’m “maturing” I’m starting to love the season more and more. As a former vegetarian, I still have a special affinity for vegetarian recipes and the best of the best arrive in the Fall! So, since I’m a Southern Girl slash veggie lover, I wanted to share with you my top 3 favorite Fall recipes, all of which are southern-style. I hope you love these recipes as much as I love them. Enjoy.! Lots of luv, Brit

Butternut Squash with Pecans and Blue Cheese

Ingredients

1 2lb butternut squash
1 tablespoon olive oil
1-2 teaspoons Herbes de Provence
salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
1/2 cup pecans, coarsely chopped
1/3 cup Danish Blue cheese, crumbled

Directions

Preheat oven to 400F/200C. Cut ends off squash, then cut in half lengthwise. Scrape out seeds with a sharp spoon, peel squash with a vegetable peeler, then cut into 1 inch cubes.
Toss the squash cubes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, herbs, salt, and pepper.
Arrange the squash in a single layer and roast for 20 minutes without opening oven.
Remove the pan and turn squash cubes over. (They should be lightly browned on the bottom.) Roast the squash 15 minutes more.
Turn the squash one more time and sprinkle pecans over the top. Roast 10-15 minutes more, until the nuts are fragrant and the squash cubes are soft and caramelized.
Season with salt and fresh ground black pepper if it needs more.
Serve the crumbled blue cheese at the table, so you and your guests can choose how much cheese to add (if any).

(Source: Stephfood.com)

Apple Pecan Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Ingredients

4 medium-size sweet potatoes (3 1/2 lb.)
3/4 cup coarsely chopped pecans
1/4 cup butter
1 large Rome Beauty apple, chopped
1/4 cup golden raisins
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Directions

Place potatoes on an aluminum foil-lined baking sheet. Bake at 425° for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until tender.
Heat nuts in a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat, stirring often, 5 to 7 minutes or until toasted. Remove from skillet.
Melt butter in skillet over medium-high heat. Add apple and raisins; sauté 2 to 3 minutes or until apple is tender. Stir in brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Remove from heat.
Cut potatoes in half lengthwise; scoop pulp into a large bowl, leaving shells intact. Add apple mixture to pulp in bowl; stir until blended. Spoon mixture into shells. Place on baking sheet.
Bake at 350° for 15 to 20 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Top with nuts.

(Source: Southern Living)

Maple Collard Greens

Ingredients

1 bunch collard greens (chopped)
1 onion (chopped)
1 tbsp maple syrup (real)
1 tsp barbecue sauce
2 tbsps oil (butter margarine)
salt
pepper

Directions

Heat butter or oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add onions. While onions are cooking wash collards leaving them damp. After about 5 minutes when onions are lightly browned add collards and cover pan with a lid. After about 5 minutes add maple syrup, BBW sauce, a pinch of salt and a few dashes of pepper. Mix together and cook covered over medium for about 10-15 minutes or until greens are tender.

(Source: food.com)

November 2, 2013

The Truth about HEALTH and CHEERFULNESS: Smile and be Healthier

New research suggests that having a general sense of well-being, feeling energetic and cheerful, relaxed and happy with life may actually reduce the chances of having a heart attack. (Source: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/263175.php)

“If you are by nature a cheerful person and look on the bright side of things, you are more likely to be protected from cardiac events,” – Lisa R. Yanek, assistant professor at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

CHOOSE TO BE CHEERFUL TODAY!

xoxo, Brit

October 31, 2013

Happy Halloween Workout

Hey Gang! HAPPY HALLOWEEN! Do you guys have your costumes ready? What are you going to be? Check out my “costume” below. We’ll call it a “FIT FISH” – it’s a stretch but work with me here…

I hope that you have a wonderful Halloween Holiday. Have fun, be safe, and do this awesome workout from PBfingers.combefore you smash all that candy 😉

Lots of luv,

Brit

October 29, 2013

4 Fantastic DETOX Drinks

Hey guys! As always I hope your week is going well. In preparation for the holidays, I’ve been searching for some interesting yet effective detox drinks to help me get through all of the turkey, ham and pie that I plan to eat. I found these 4 recipes that I’m super excited about. I’ve already tested them and they received the GRIT by Brit stamp of approval. Remember that detox drinks are good meal replacements and/or supplements to add to your diet every once in a while. However, long-term elimination of food for intense detox cleanses can be dangerous and actually slow down your metabolism which leads to weight gain. Be smart and drink up! Lots of luv, Brit

1. Fat Burning Detox Drink

I love this drink because it has apple cider vinegar in it! Apple Cider Vinegar is believed by many to be a natural fat burner – my mother and grandmother swear by it. Growing up, I remember watching them take a straight shot of it every morning. In case you’ve never had it, it’s disgusting! I found this recipe on Raining Hot Coupons and I was excited to find that the drink actually tastes good!

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups of water
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp sweetener
2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
½ apple (sliced) – add to the liquid ingredients at eat after you finish drinking

Instructions: Mix all liquid ingredients together in a blender/shaker for 10 seconds. Pour into a cup a let sit for 10 minutes. Drink and eat the apple slices at the end.

2. Liver Detox Drink

The liver is our most vital, detoxifying organ. Sometimes it has to work overtime when we consume too much processed food, alcohol, sweeteners and coffee. Everyone once in a while, it’s a good idea to give your liver a rest by drinking tons of water and drinking this liver detox drink. All of the ingredients in this recipe are ‘RAW” and have been shown to naturally help cleanse the liver.

Ingredients:

A handful of spinach
1 apple
1 banana
1 lemon (squeezed)
Half a chili pepper (optional)
1 garlic clove or as much as desired (optional)
1 glass of water

Instructions: Put all ingredients into a blender and mix until smooth

3. Digestive Detox Drink

Warning! This drink does NOT taste good, but it is really good for you. It’s got a ton of vegetables that are super rich in fiber. If you’ve been suffering from constipation and want a digestive “cleaning,” look no further!

Ingredients:

3 carrots
3 kale leaves
2 celery stalks
2 beets
1 turnip
½ bunch of spinach
½ cabbage
½ bunch of parsley
½ onion
2 garlic cloves

Instructions: Mix all ingredients with water and puree in a blender.

4. Diuretic Detox Dandelion Tea

Dandelion detox tea is a diuretic that will eliminate bodily toxins through your liver and kidneys. Drinking it is natural way to rid your body of excess water and feel lean. According to classical homeopathic practitioner Sonya McLeod, B.A., D.C.H., dandelions are a great source of vitamin A, potassium, iron and calcium. Also, some research shows that it’s a natural cancer fighter. Most importantly Lindsey Lohan and Gwyneth Paltro swear by it (kidding, not kidding).

6 tablespoons of 1-year-old dried dandelion root
12 tablespoons of fresh dandelion leaves
4 cups of purified, boiling water.

Instructions: Mix all ingredients together in a tea bag. Place bag in boiling water and brew for about 10 minutes.

October 27, 2013

7 Days of Sweat: 1 Week Cardio Formula for a Super Slim Down

Hey GRIT gang! In case you’re looking to change up your cardio routine, I’m gladly sharing my cardio workout plan for the week. I’ve recently been a little lax with my sweat sessions due to a crazy travel schedule , so this week I’m going to get my butt back in gear!

When looking to drop a few pounds, I’m firm believer in doing 1 hour of cardio per day. So I designed this workout to include a combination of various 1 hour workouts each day of the week. Knock out these sweat sessions along with my other healthy habits and I promise you will see slimmer you by the end of the week.

I have to be honest, my “7 Days of Sweat” are easier said than done. PUSH YOURSELF and don’t sacrifice what you want most for what you want at this moment. You got this!

Lots of luv,

Brit

October 27, 2013

Buddy Boot Camp! 5 Super Effective Partner Exercises to do with your Fit Friends

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kpxvRHar4c&w=560&h=315]

Hey GRIT Gang! I hope that all is amazing in your world. Very sorry for my sporadic blog posting – I’ve been doing lots of traveling the past 2 weeks. On a positive note, last weekend I went to the Bryson City, North Carolina to a enjoy a weekend “ruffing” it with some of my best friends from business school.

In the midst of hiking the Great Smoky Mountains, cooking homemade meals, sitting by the camp fire and reminiscing on the good old days, I designed this “buddy bootcamp” workout. During our vacation, my friends and I did this super efficient HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) circuit to ensure we got some strength and anaerobic training in . Not only is the workout effective, it’s also very fun! So next time you are looking for some fierce, fun exercises to do with your fit friends, keep these 5 exercises in mind…

5 Super Effective Partner Exercises

Before I leave you, I encourage you to not only enjoy the workout itself, but to more importantly enjoy and love the friend that you do the workout with. And on that note, I leave you with this quote that one of my dearest friends, Lakshmi (staring in the front row of the instructional video above) shared with me:

“A friend is one to whom one may pour out the contents of one’s heart, chaff and grain together, knowing that gentle hands will take and sift it, keep what is worth keeping, and with a breath of kindness, blow the rest away.” – George Eliott

ENJOY! Lots of luv, Brit

Enjoing a nice hike in Great Smoky Mountains - Nothing says true friendship like matching beanies — Enjoying a nice hike in Great Smoky Mountains – Nothing says true friendship like matching beanies

Takin' it all in - life is good! — Takin’ it all in – life is good!

A picture is worth a 1000 words #breathtaking

Grateful for good times and great friends! #blessed

I love you and hope you have a great week! -Brit :) — I love you and hope you have a great week! -Brit 🙂

October 15, 2013

Babalicious Bicep Workout

Showin' of my "Babalyicous" Biceps. Hey, no shame in my game :) — Showin’ of my “Babalyicous” Biceps. Hey, no shame in my game 🙂

What’s up GRIT GANG?! Hope your week is off to an AWESOME start – mine certainly is. This morning before work I did this bicep workout along with some cardio. I figured I’d share the workout with you guys since I got some requests after posting my Triceps Workout last week.

For best results, do this workout 1-2 times per week and combine it with a tricep workout – it’s important equally work opposite muscle groups. Use 2 medium dumbbells (about 5-10 pounds depending on your strength). Just like the tricep workout, this routine has a LOT of reps, so you don’t have worry about bulking up. Get ready to show off your sexy sculpted arms! #heygurlhey

Enjoy and lots of luv, Brit

Gym mirror #selife after finishing my Bicep workout + 20 minute jog = great combo! — Gym mirror #selfie after finishing my Bicep workout + 20 minute jog = great combo!