Search Blog Here

Workout: Cardio & Core x2!

woman doing jumping jacks in an orange gym outfit

Time: 45 minutes

Equipment Needed: None

Warm Up: 5 - 10 minutes

Set #1:

Perform the following exercises at your own pace for 25 reps each. Rest 2 - 3 minutes and then REPEAT!

  • 25 Inchworms

  • 25 Frog Jumps

  • 25 Elbows to Knees

  • 25 Jump Squats

  • 25 Body Saw

  • 25 Floppy Burpees

  • 25 Side Plank Tap Dows - right side

  • 25 Floor Jacks

  • 25 Side Plank Tap Downs - left side

  • 25 Lateral Tap Downs - EACH side

2 - 3 minutes Rest and then REPEAT!

Finisher:

Tabata Styles 20 seconds of work with 10 seconds of rest. Complete one 4 minutes et, rest 1 - 2 minutes, and REPEAT!

  • 20 second Plank

  • 10 seconds Rest

  • 20 second Overhead Presses with Knee Highs - weights optional here

  • 10 seconds Rest

X 4 Sets

Cool Down & Stretch: 5 - 10 minutes


Workout by: Dr. Saara Haapanen

Photo Credit: Canva by VORONA from voronaman

Search Blog Here

Recipe: Avocado Sauerkraut Sandwich

sauerkraut in a bowl

Ever eaten at a gourmet sandwich shop and tried something new … and was BLOWN AWAY by the deliciousness?!

Well, I’ve got a recipe for you today that’s based on one of those sandwiches. I’m drooling just thinking about it.

It’s crunchy (the toasted bread) … creamy (the avocado & hummus) … and tangy (the sauerkraut).

PLUS … it’s super filling, fiber-rich, contains gut-friendly sauerkraut, and can be entirely plant-based if you use a vegan butter spread.

Depending on your preferences, you can use pumpernickel bread, sprouted-grain bread, or good-quality gluten-free bread.

Avocado Sauerkraut Sandwich

  • 2 slices bread (tasty gluten-free is hard to find so we make our own)

  • ½ Tbsp grass-fed butter or vegan butter spread

  • 3 big Tbsp of your favorite hummus

  • 3 big Tbsp naturally fermented sauerkraut

  • ¼ avocado, peeled and cut into slices

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.

While it’s heating, take one of the bread slices, butter one side of it, and place it butter-side-down on the skillet. Spread the slice with half of the hummus, and cover it with the sauerkraut and avocado slices.

For the remaining slice of bread, slather one side of it with butter and the other side with the remaining hummus. Place it hummus-side-down over the avocado slices.

Let it cook for about 4-6 minutes until the bread is toasted. flip the sandwich over and cook for another 4-6 minutes, until the sandwich reaches your desired level of toastiness.

Roasted red pepper hummus is so good in this, but I don’t think you can go wrong with any flavor!

Try it and let me know what you think.

Recipe by: Saara Haapanen

Photo Credit: Canva by zeleno from Getty Images  

Search Blog Here

Workout: Complete 2022 with a Bang!

woman running high knees outside on a grassy trail

Time: 45 minutes

Equipment Needed: Jump Rope

Warm Up: 5 - 10 minutes

2022 Circuit:

Perform the following exercises for the number of reps stated. Rest as needed.

There are 2022 reps total to close out 2022!

  • 125 Jump Squats

  • 150 Butt Kicks

  • 125 Snow Angels

  • 150 Jumping Jacks

  • 125 Prisoner Squats

  • 150 Mountain Climbers

  • 125 Power Jacks

  • 150 High Knees

  • 125 Arm Circles (75 each direction)

  • 150 Single Jump Ropes

  • 125 Jabs with a Jog

  • 100 Ski Jumps

  • 100 Flutter Kicks

  • 100 Cross-Over Mountain Climbers

  • 100 Basic Crunches

  • 100 Bicycles

  • 22 Burpees!

Cool Down and Stretch: 5 - 10 minutes

Workout by: Saara Haapanen

Photo Credit: Canva by vitapix from Getty Images Signature 

Search Blog Here

Recipe: Naturally Delicious No-Bake Cookies

no-bake cookies on a cookie sheet

Are you a fan of no-bake cookies? Soooo good!

But have you ever seen the original recipe?

Talk about fat and sugar bombs… whoa!

Not anymore… I’ve got a healthified version for you that’s a lot less sugar, and - bonus - it’s loaded with fiber and antioxidants.

PLUS (and most importantly), these cookies taste DELICIOUS!

NOTE: I use a little less honey when I make these, but my taste buds are used to less sugar. You can start with this amount and adjust the next time you make them (because there will be a next time)!

If you want a deep dark chocolatey cookie, use the full 4 Tbsp in this recipe (it’s rich). But if you want a milder taste, 3 Tbsp still delivers a chocolate punch!

Naturally Delicious No-Bake Cookies 

(makes 18 - 20 cookies)

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup (165 grams) honey

  • ¼ cup (56 grams) unrefined coconut oil (or grass-fed butter)

  • 3 - 4 Tbsp cocoa powder

  • ¼ tsp sea salt

  • ½ cup (130 grams) natural peanut or almond butter

  • 2 Tbsp chia seeds (optional)

  • ¾ cup (60 grams) old-fashioned rolled oats

  • ⅓ cup (50 grams) chopped pitted dates or prunes

Directions:

  1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey, coconut oil, coca, and sea salt. Stir until the coconut oil is melted and the mixture is fully combined, about 3 minutes.

  2. Stir in the nut butter and chia seeds and cook until the nut butter is smooth and melted, another 3 minutes. Turn the heat off and stir in the oats and dates. Cover the saucepan and let stand for 5 minutes.

  3. Scoop out the “batter” by Tablespoons onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Place in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes so they can firm up before eating.

  4. These should be stored in the fridge as they taste best when they are cold.

I hope you enjoy them!

Recipe by: Saara Haapanen

Photo Credit: Canva by Joshua Resnick

Search Blog Here