Work It and DIY is Fly

Holla dear friends!  I hope you’ve been having a blessed week and I cannot believe it’s already Friday!!

I always say, “Everyday is Sunday” because that’s how fast time feels for me.   I think I’ll be in serious trouble in my 30s and 40s.  Can you relate to this as well?

Yesterday was my last day at Cameron’s school and I decided to bake some scrumptious cookies for all the teachers as well as goodie boxes for the kids!  I think that making simple gifts and treats for others really warms the soul.  I love it.

This morning I woke up and had some alone time with my LOVE.  No, I’m not talking about Greg.

I had a relaxing morning with Jesus meditating on some of the Psalms.  Did you know that psychologists have theorized that the meditation of the Psalms helps people to settle their hearts when anxiety strikes?!  When my professor mentioned this last semester, I was grinning from ear to ear.   I recommend that you definitely give this a try because it works!

In lieu of the regular oatmeal bowl, today I made Vanilla Chai Quinoa. After putting everything in the bowl, I poured hot almond milk with Chai over it.

Now, I know that Quinoa is becoming quite popular not only in the blogosphere, but also throughout many parts of the world where NORMAL PEOPLE RESIDE.

Have you tried this amazing seed yet?  If not, whatcha waitin’ fo’?! 

Quinoa is known to be complete with fiber and a chock full of protein.  In my opinion, it is really easy on digestion and therefore a great choice to eat before a workout or any heavy activity.  In addition, this is the seed of choice for many Celiacs because it contains no gluten.  Thumbs up Quinoa!

I had some time to kill today so I made my own cashew milk.  I am not sure if they sell these in stores, but I assure you that if you make this yourself, you won’t regret it.

Cashew Milk at Home

Ingredients:

2 C raw cashews

5 C water

1/8 tsp salt

1/2 TBSP agave nectar

1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

First, soak the cashews in water for approximately 2-3 hours.

Afterward, pour it all into a blender and add the rest of the ingredients. (If you like the milk thicker, you can reduce the water or add more soaked cashews)

Have two big bowls handy, along with a big sifter.  (I used something like a colander for noodles with a really fine mesh).  Put the sifter/colander in one of the bowls and slowly pour out the blended mixture.  It will be quite thick and creamy at this point.  With a spoon or spatula, start pressing it around so that the liquid will drain into the bowl.

Now do this same procedure with the other bowl.  This is helpful because it filters out the grittiness–only this time, do not press the mixture too much but gently pass the spatula through a few times.  Let it now drain on its own for about an hour and go do something else in the meanwhile.

Voila!  You have now made cashew milk and make sure you do not throw the creamy residue away!  I think I’ll be making some kind of dessert with this.  Hm…raw dessert cakes, anyone?!

Coincidentally, as I was about to tell you of the benefits of cashew, I saw this article in my email.  Cashew is so beneficial for our health because it not only contains protein and healthy fats, but it also contains Zinc–which is apparently proven to enhance the condition of our hair and scalp!

Several times have I mentioned that I believe in doing super intense short burst workouts for overall health and fitness.  There are times though, when I work out for at least 30+ minutes.

Since recovering from my Lasik surgery, I know I’ve lost some strength within one week!  But it’s all good…I’m slowly working my way up again.

I did some Nike Training workouts on my sister’s phone and I just love them.  They are pretty much the bodyweight+weight HIITs that I’m used to.

Yesterday I also did this workout that I like to call “Just Do It!!!!”:

It is a countdown that I do with my Gymboss Timer.

Time:  Countdown of 8 min. each part–Write down how many rounds you complete for each part.  I call these parts “Flashes” because the idea is that I move like a flash with no rest.

Flash 1

1.)  High knee runs [60 total]

2.)  Full length crunches on the floor [20] <– Lie on the ground straight and elevate your shoulders+head+legs, and stretch your arms past your head.  Then, in a controlled movement bring your feet up as well as your hands, and touch your toes with your fingers.

3.)  Plank twists with dumbbells [15] <– Grab both weights right under your shoulders while doing a plank.  Carefully bring up the weight while staying engaged in your core and keep the weight+arm aligned with your head and the other arm. (Like a T-shape)  But be careful so as to not slouch or have bad form!

Flash 2

1.)  Weighted squats with leg kickup [30 alternating leg]  <– Squat down with weights, and when you come up do a kick up with one leg.  Alternate.

2.)  Medicine ball side to side ski movement [40]  <– Hold a med ball and with the right leg jump to the side while bringing the other leg behind and twisting upper body towards the right–repeat with the left and then right again.

3.)  Mountain climbers [30]

So this is a total of 16 minutes altogether.  It seem pretty short and simple, but sweating is guaranteed.

***Please note that I’m not a certified trainer and this advice should be taken with reader’s discretion.***

I hope you have a beautimous day and stay safe in all the crazy weather!

Do you like to do DIY projects/gifts/foods?

Have you tried short and intense workouts before?  If not, I think you’ll love them!

Love,

Ellie <33

Tagged as: cashew milk, DIY, fitness, gymboss timer, Psalms, quinoa