Hey, Y’all! So glad you’re here. Welcome to Living Life Fit with Angel, my weekly (sometimes bi-weekly) latest blog post delivered right to your inbox! You get My Group Fitness Class Schedule for both my in person and virtual classes , Instructor Insights & Training Tips, Some #FaithforLifeFit Style Soul Care (mind, will, emotions & the spiritual side of fitness), My Favorite #FitMom Finds (recipes, leggings, skincare, home gym things… ) and a heck of a lot more!
in sweat & faith, -angel
From teaching fitness to working out “for me”, from instructor life to mom & wife life, I’m simply sharing what I do and how I do it. Just being me and living life fit out loud, letting fitness be my witness! “Sign up” for my Living Life Fit Weekly blog alerts (or my emailed newsletter instead) to get all the goodness everybody is always asking me about between classes!
- Let’s Sweat Together: View My Schedule
- Faith for Life Fit: (Self Care Truth or Dare) Give Yourself Some Grace
- Life Fit Nutrition Tip: Healthy Carbs to Fuel Your Body
- Fit Foodie Recipe Share: Chickpea Salad & Sprouts Sandwich
- Instructor Insights: Get Certified for Less! Buy 1 for $199, Get 2nd for $99!
- My Fave Fit Finds: Filling in the Superfood Gap
- Must-See Social: Let Go of Last Week’s Mistakes
- Let Me Coach You: Emotional Eating Are You Really Hungry?
- Get My Living Life Fit Weekly Newsletter: Sign Up Here
Let’s Sweat Together: View My Schedule
Faith for Life Fit: (Self Care Truth or Dare) Give Yourself Some Grace
“Loving yourself isn’t vanity. It’s sanity.” – Katrina Mayer
Yay for the weekend! 🎉 You did so great this week. I’m so proud of you and you should be proud of yourself too! I know sometimes we can look back on the week and only see our ‘mistakes’ or where we didn’t quite stay on track. But we need to focus on all the ways we did well! It’s ok to have a couple bumps or swerves along the way. We can still stay on the track and in the race. 🏁
And remember that we’re all going at our own pace! Just as God gives us grace, we need to learn to give ourselves the same grace and love and understanding.
Cast all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.
— 1 Peter 5:7Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
—2 Corinthians 5:17-18 ESVHe does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him.
—Psalm 103:10-11 ESVThere is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
—Romans 8:1 ESV
So for today’s Self Care Truth or Dare, we’re going to focus on celebrating ourselves and how awesome we’re doing. 💕 Because sometimes just being proud of and celebrating our efforts is all the self-care we need to keep on track.
Now pick your path for today!
💛 Truth: What are you proud of yourself for doing (or not doing) this week?
💙 Dare: Reward yourself for your hard work this week with a bath, a nap, flowers, new book, massage or whatever makes you feel special!
Back To Better Health Mini-Challenge: FOR 5 POINTS! How do you celebrate yourself? Post your truth or dare to social media and tag me!
Life Fit Nutrition Tip: Healthy Carbs to Fuel Your Body
“Eating healthy food fills your body with energy and nutrients. Imagine your cells smiling back at you and saying: ‘Thank you! ‘” – Karen Salmansohn
Alright, I’ve got an announcement to make….
Carbs are not bad! 📢 Carbohydrates have gotten a lot of bad publicity lately. And most people believe that carbs are bad. When in fact, they are essential for fuel & energy. Your body NEEDS them. They are your body’s quickest burning and most efficient source of energy. It’s the easiest for your body to use, and so it’s what your body always chooses to burn first if given the option. Once your body metabolizes those carbs, they turn into glucose in your bloodstream (aka blood sugar) which provides energy to your cells. So when you need that energy like for an intense cardio or lifting day, carbs are essential. 👌
This all means that carbs are not the enemy, it’s just a matter of what kind of carbs you choose. Refined carbs with lots of sugar give you a quick hit of energy, which also drops off just as quick. 📉 This leaves your body feeling like it needs more fuel ASAP, which then results in craving more sugar & refined carbs. But if you stick to healthy carbs like whole fruits, vegetables, beans, and 100% whole grains, you will get longer-lasting fuel because they take longer to digest. Plus, they have good fiber to keep that blood sugar more stable and your body feeling more full.
So the key is eating the right type and amount of carbs. 🍚🍠🥔 Here’s some of the best options to choose from besides your standard bread & pasta.
- Sweet potato
- Quinoa
- Beans
- Lentils
- Edamame
- Peas
- Brown or wild rice
- Red, yellow or Yukon potatoes
- Oatmeal, rolled
- Couscous, whole wheat
Sweet potatoes are a great option and I love to cook up a big bunch of them in the oven with a bit of olive or coconut oil to eat throughout the week as a side, on salads, in wraps, etc.
Soaking and cooking a big batch of beans, even 1-2 different kinds to add to soups, stews, casseroles, rice bowls, etc throughout the week is a great idea too. Same with a big batch of rice or quinoa (rotate every other week!). Having these healthy carbs on hand will give you all kinds of options to fuel your body!
Comment below or share to social and tag me: What’s your favorite way to cook and eat healthy carbs?
Fit Foodie Recipe Share: Chickpea Salad & Sprouts Sandwich
Chickpea Salad & Sprouts Sandwich
Serves 4
Ingredients:
CHICKPEA SALAD
2 (15oz) cans chickpeas, drained & rinsed
1/4 cup finely chopped celery
1/4 cup chopped green onion
3 Tbsp fresh dill (or 1 tsp dried)
1/2 cup plant-based mayo
3 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
1/2 tsp sea salt, to taste
SANDWICHES
whole-grain bread
sprouts
lettuce
tomato slices
mustard
Directions:
1.) In a large bowl, mash the chickpeas with a fork until chunky. Some beans left whole will be okay.
2.) Add in the celery, onion, dill, mayo and salt. Stir well to combine.
3.) To assemble your sandwiches, add the chickpea salad between two slices of bread with the sprouts and other toppings you desire. Enjoy!
Instructor Insights: Get Certified for Less! Buy 1 for $199, Get 2nd for $99!
🎈 SPECIAL NEW PRICE for Instructor Certification Events in Frisco, TX! 💥 Register for one certification event for only $199 ($50 off registration price) -OR- enroll in one for $199 and get the second one for only $99! 🛍 *Must be purchased together to qualify for this low low price. Saves you $150 !!!
These are the perfect sister formats to round out your resume or rebrand yourself as an instructor!
Dates:
Sunday 9/25 Warrior Strength (strength/HIIT)
Sunday 10/30 Warrior Rhythm (mind/body)
Times: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM CST
Venue:
Texas Family Fitness – W Frisco.
This event is open to ALL fit pros and aspiring trainers/instructors seeking new formats or just to grab some CEUs – You Belong Here! Join our WARRIOR Nation. Get in depth training and ongoing team support.
🛍 $50 off coupon codes are ANGELRHYTHM and ANGELSTRENGTH, which allow you to save $50 on one certification of your choice. Email angel@angelballance.com for unlisted coupon code to take advantage of special promotion and register for BOTH at the lowest price ever!
Tag a fit pro friend who should see this ! Come ready to sweat, learn, and grow with our WARRIOR formats that are Sophisticated, Smart, and Fun! 💪🏻 Learn more about WARRIOR at WARRIORInstructors.com .
See you at your training!
Learn more and Book a Training here!
My Fave Fit Finds: Filling in the Superfood Gap
Usually, the biggest obstacle to getting back on track with your health and fitness is just creating and establishing the habits that are needed to keep you on track. It’s all about routine and momentum, and it can take a lot to get that going. But once you’re on track, the maintenance is much easier. 👍
So I want to start with my favorite habit hack, which is called habit stacking. 📚 This is exactly what is sounds like, stacking a new habit on top of an already established one. The simplest and best way to start something new is to connect it to something you already know you will do each day.
For example, let’s say you make coffee each morning when you wake up without even thinking about it, and of your goals is to drink more water. Then you could leave a tall glass next to your coffee machine so that when you start your coffee, you fill up the glass and drink it while your coffee brews. ☕️
Or, if you want to start taking a morning or evening supplement that you know will help with one of those nutrient deficiencies, like my superfood protein blend shake here, then you could put the supplement next to your favorite snacks in the pantry you reach for every day or next to the vitamins (or allergy medicine if you live in Texas and suffer like so many others LOL). So that way you will make a shake when you have that snack attack or take your vitamins, something you already do each day.
The point is that by stacking these habits, you will be creating a new routine that you eventually just do without thinking about. And then you stack on even more habits – one at a time of course. Pretty cool huh?
What is one daily habit you never skip? Tell us below!
Must-See Social: Let Go of Last Week’s Mistakes
See it on Instagram here.
Test test…. 📣 drop a ✌🏼 if you see this! Did you know? I have shared multiple reels that seem to have gone unseen: …. did you see them?? – yes ✅ or no ❌- ?
Instagram seems to have hidden some of my stuff 🤷🏻♀️ so… I’m sharing more today!
Having the right mindset literally makes all the difference in how your week plays out. 📆 But you have to be intentional about getting into that mindset. To really make the most your week you’ll have to be in a positive, growth oriented and healthy place mentally and emotionally. Easier said than done though, I know. 😕
So here are some things to help you get into that mindset to set up you up for an amazing week!
✔️Let go of last week’s mistakes. Stop beating yourself up or feeling guilty about missing a workout or indulging at a gathering. What’s done is done. All we can do now is learn from them and aim to do better this week.
✔️Read or listen to something inspiring. Hopefully you’re doing this daily. ☀️ But also consider your “mindless busy times” such as cooking and cleaning, coffee brewing and meal prepping… to enter the week inspired, uplifted and motivated. Listen to a podcast or audiobook or read scripture and listen to worship songs. (Psst this morning I shared my devotional about “what is worship” and how to make your workout your worship, too, up in my stories)!
✔️Prepare yourself for what’s ahead. This is such a big one that I’ll expand on it more next week. But it’s as simple as laying out your week on a piece of paper or planner and just going through your week to feel confident that you know what’s going on you’re prepared for the week ahead. Don’t forget to take time to pray over your week, for God to guide your plans. 🙏🏼
Pretty simple huh? It’s amazing how such small things can make such a big difference! 👏
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Now help me show Instagram you saw this post… drop a ♥️ and say hey or something in the comments 😂 👇🏻
Let Me Coach You: Emotional Eating Are You Really Hungry?
Do you ever feel…
👉 Frustrated
👉 Overwhelmed or Stressed
👉 Bored
👉 Tired
👉 Mad
👉 Procrastinating
And find yourself looking in the fridge (one or ten times), scouring the pantry, and grazing on things that just aren’t quite satisfying? (one Oreo ends up being ONE ROW of Oreos — am I alone here 🙋♀️🙋🏻♂️)?
Here are a few tips on pushing past through emotional eating!
☑️ Identify the trigger — could be a quick impulsive reaction to some news, one of the feelings listed above, or even something a little deeper that you haven’t healed from yet.
☑️ Track your food — write down what you ate and include how you felt before and after . Add as much detail as you can and flag this page in your journal — this makes a great reference for next time.
☑️ Try other coping mechancisms — Find exercise you love and move daily! Exercise releases endorphins and serotonin which make you feel good!
☑️ Surround yourself with positivity — this includes people, pets, uplifting music, etc.
☑️ Allow yourself to eat the foods you enjoy — in moderation. If you restrict yourself, you’ll likely end up bingeing. It’s a dangerous cycle. Instead, have a few cookies, a slice of pizza, or a serving of chips.
Remember, this takes time — so give yourself grace. And know that as you put these tips into practice and become more aware of your habits you’ll start to realize when your not even tasting and enjoying the food.
When that happens — drop the fork!🍴
Distract yourself by getting away from the kitchen (you could go outside, call a friend, take a walk).
You got this! And if you have tips that have helped you, I’d love to hear from you. Reply to this email — I’m always looking for ways to improve!
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That’s it for this week! Keep Living Life Fit and I’ll see you in class!
In Sweat & Faith,
Angel
Angel Ballance 