Strength Training Thursday Purely Fit Video Series 5 Core Strengthening

Information on Video 4

Today's video is on how to De-Stress, with tips on beginning meditation, yoga and dance stretch. I normally go to a quiet location up away from noise for these videos, but due to time constraints today I had to stay closer to home. While filming I encountered excess noise and my Husky Slush trying to help. ;o) This is a great lesson to learn how to quiet your mind, relax and meditate through noise, distraction and stress.

So enjoy the tips and information and please let me know if you have any questions! Tomorrow is strength training with focus on your core this week.

Stay Purely Fit,
Shannon

De-Stress Meditation Wednesday Purely Fit Video Series 4

Purely Fit Video Nutrition video 3

Healthy Vanilla Cupcake Recipe

This recipe is from one of my vegetarian magazines. It's one of the better cupcake recipes I've tried. Now, I don't really like cupcakes. I'm just not a fan of cakey-stuff, I prefer brownies or just plain chocolate bars! My son and husband however, are experts! This recipe has passed the guys seal of approval.

Join me tomorrow for De-Stress Wednesday!

Stay Purely Fit and enjoy a cupcake!

Shannon

Yield: 12 cupcakes

Ingredients

Frosting

• 2 large egg whites
• 1/2 cup sugar
• Pinch salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Finely grated zest of 1/2 lemon
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, chilled and cut into cubes

Cupcakes

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups coarsely shredded, peeled zucchini (about 2 small)

Instructions

Frosting

1. Combine the egg whites, sugar, salt and vanilla extract in a heatproof bowl.
2. Set over (not in) a pan of simmering water.
3. Stir continuously over heat until the mixture is warm and the sugar is completely dissolved, 1 to 2 minutes.
4. Remove the bowl from the heat.
5. Using a handheld electric or standing mixer, set on high beat until the mixture is entirely cooled, glossy and stiff, about 7 minutes.
6. Beat in the lemon zest, and add the butter cubes, a few at a time, beating until the butter is almost fully incorporated after each addition.
7. Beat until smooth – once smooth, take care not to over beat, or the mixture will get lumpy.
8. Let frosting set and cool in the refrigerator (at least 30 minutes) while making the cupcakes.

Cupcakes

1. Preheat the oven to 350˚F.
2. Arrange a rack in the center of the oven. Line a 12-muffin pan with cupcake liners.
3. In a bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder; set aside.
4. In another bowl, beat the eggs, sugar, salt and vanilla with a handheld electric or standing mixer until thick and light colored, about 4 minutes.
5. Beat in the zucchini on medium speed until fully incorporated.
6. Add the dry ingredients and beat on low speed until fully incorporated, scraping down the bowl once with a spatula during beating.
7. Use a 1/3 cup measure to spoon into the muffin cups.
8. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 20-25 minutes, turning the pans midway through baking.
9. Transfer cupcakes onto a wire rack, and cool completely before icing with the chilled frosting.

Purely Fit Video Monday Energize lesson2

Monday's Mishap, Energize, Nutrition and More!

Well yesterday's video in the Purely Fit video series didn't get uploaded because of a technical glitch. The glitch is being fixed right now and both Mondays video and today (Tues) will be posted by this evening.

Mondays are dedicated to Energy, how to stay energized naturally, tips and info on cardiovascular exercise and fat-burning. Yesterday's video shows how to incorporate a little cardio into your daily routine without leaving your chair. Cardio-Chair exercising is a great way to get your heart pumping at the office for a midday pick-up, or in the evening while watching you favorite TV show. In yesterdays video I also show you a quick 5 minute breathing-stretch exercise that helps ward off midday fatigue! It's way better than grabbing a sugary snack or high caffeine drink that will have you crashing a few hours later.

Today is Tuesday. Tuesdays are dedicated to Nutrition. I will be exploring the soul-mind-body connection to food, how we feel about food determines how it assimilates in your body, and giving you healthy recipes!

Get up and move today, say ONE nice thing about your body today and eat something that makes you feel good body, mind and soul today!

Until tomorrow - Stay Purely Fit!

Shannon