Hi guys!

Let me start off by saying that I can’t believe I waited until this week to try Coconut Oil for the first time. Not only does it taste divine, it has many health benefits too:

The health benefits of coconut oil include hair care, skin care, stress relief, maintaining cholesterol levels, weight loss, increased immunity, proper digestion and metabolism, relief from kidney problems, heart diseases, high blood pressure, diabetes, HIV and cancer, dental care, and bone strength.
Source

Um, sign me up! If you haven’t tried coconut oil yet, I urge you to go buy some! But please don’t be alarmed when you come home to find a big block of hardened oil (that’s normal) As soon as you put it on your stove top, the oil will melt faster than your average olive/canola oil.

I’ve been cooking my protein pancake (my go-to favourite breakfast) with a coconut oiled pan and let me tell you – it’s changed the whole taste of my pancake! I don’t think I could ever go back.

Best.Protein.Pancake.Ever

Ingredients

1tsp Coconut Oil
1/2 mashed banana
1 scoop protein powder
1/4 cup egg whites
1 tsp Agave Nectar
1 tsp Chia Goodness – Chocolate Chia

Directions 

1. Place 1tsp Coconut Oil on cooking pan
2. While your oil is cooking, mash 1/2 banana with a fork in a small bowl
3. Add 1 scoop of your favourite protein powder and 1/4 cup egg whites
4. MIX!
5. Place mix on pan and cook like you would a regular pancake
6. Once your pancake is done top it with your favs – I added 1tsp agave and 1 tsp of Chocolate Chia

MMm MMmm Good!

The coconut flavour was DEFINITELY there, the Agave added just a bit of sweetness and the chocolate chia added the crunch and the extra good fat my pancake deserved. In one word: DELICIOUS

But don’t take my word for it, go make some now

What’s your favourite breakfast?

Much love,
Jess
xoxo

Hi guys!

One of my favourite go-to meal “sides” or even snacks are my Roasted Curried Cauliflower. Not only are they delicious but they are also nutritious!

Roasted to perfection

Ingredients:

Cauliflower florets
Cooking Spray
Curry Powder
Cumin Powder
Cinnamon/Ginger Powder

Directions:
(Pre-heat oven at 420) 

1. Cut cauliflower to desired size and place in mixing bowl

2. Spray cauliflower with cooking spray and make sure all pieces are coated

3. Now this part of the recipe is pretty open to personal preference – I like to freely sprinkle curry, cumin and cinnamon (if you don’t like cinnamon, you can always switch it to ginger) Simply place sure every piece is coated with your lovely mixture:)

4. Spray a baking sheet with non stick spray and place your cauliflowers on top

5. Bake for 20-25 mins (depending on how crispy you want them). Make sure to mix them around after 10 minutes to ensure your cauliflower pieces are evenly roasted

6. Enjoy your creation as a side to a meal or as a tasty snack!

Hope you all have an amazing evening.

Much Love,
Jess
xoxo 

Hi guys,

I got to hand it to Andrew – he has to deal with taking all of my “self” pictures and that can’t be fun (especially if you don’t take pictures often). A lot of pictures end up looking like this:

I want youuuu to show me the wayyyy

But in all seriousness – Andrew rocks for putting up with all of these “progress pictures”. Thanks Babe! 

On that note, let me tell you what The Fit Countdown is all about. As you may already know, I’m auditioning for the next Booty Camp Fitness DVD. If I make it or not, the goal is to audition and do my best. But to do my best, I got to be at my best. This means serious training and clean, clean eating, which is why I decided to create the Fit Countdown on my blog.

Every Saturday I will update you on my weight, measurements and progress pictures. Not every week will be eventful but they most certainly will be HELPFUL for me to stay on track every single day.

I’ve come a long way since May 2011, I’ve lost a total of 36 pounds and finally found a healthy sustainable lifestyle. I’m proud of my body and am excited to embark on this new phase, the get ready for the DVD phase.

DVD Audition Date: March 23rd
Weeks to go until Audition:  9 weeks

That’s 9 updates until the Audition (since the audition is on a Friday, I’ll update you the day after with how it went). This is not just a 9 week goal – I’ve been working towards this goal since May 2011 and it sure won’t end on March 23rd. I’ll continue to workout and eat well to achieve a fit and healthy body for life.

So where is my starting point? Let’s check it out!

Date: Saturday, January 21st
Weight: 135 pounds

The Fit Countdown Starting Point

Measurements:
Arm: 12.1”
Chest: 34.5”
Waist (belly button): 33.5”
Booty: 38”
Thigh: 22.2”
Calf: 14″ 

Side view

Excuse all of the pictures. I find that I’ll be able to SEE more of the changes this way.

Saturday = messy hair day

Last side view;)

Notice how I matched my sports bra with my pants;)

And now for the area I REALLY wish would improve. My arms! I want my triceps to POP and I know that takes a LOT of work but I’ll do it. Here is the proof of the non apparent triceps:

Well hello...uhh where are you tricep?

And just for fun I thought I’d share with you my measurements from May 2011:

Arm: 14.5″
Chest: 39.5″
Waist (belly button): 39”
Booty: 44”
Thigh: 24.5”
Calf: 16″ 

Total Inches Lost: 22.2″

Not too shabby;)

My Plan:
-No booze
-Eat Clean (fruit, veggies, lean protein)
-Keep up with my regular workouts
-Keep CHALLENGING myself

Ready, set, let’s GO! 

Much love,
Jess
xoxo