I have been scrambling to wrap up my posts and videos about things I’ve been doing in the 2021 preseason to make next year better and give myself a head start on my goals, as well as improvements I’m making to the studio environment and all the channels on which I’m present. So, welcome to the first weekly edition of tiny changes that will boost your upcoming week. Take one, take them all, take none – hey, they’re free, and I’m curating these recipes, workouts, and ideas just for you.
- These Cinnamon Orange Rolls
They’re in the oven as I’m typing, but I’ll post photos on my Instagram stories when they come out. I made them work better for my goals by:
– subbing in almond flour for the wheat flour (allergy-friendly for my household and lower glycemic load)
– using non-dairy products in place of milk and butter, which is totally a personal choice
– swapping her glaze for coconut butter (NOT coconut oil) thinned with a little maple syrup and some fresh orange juice and zest
– cutting the whole recipe in half because 8ish rolls is more than enough for this house (sorry, dog) - These (free) background music videos (YouTube)
Some are Christmas-y, others are just wintry. I’m a sucker for the fireplace “movies” on Netflix, and I like the variety I’ve found on YouTube, curated in this list for you. Makes up for missing my time sitting in coffee shops doing the kind of typing and planning I’m doing right now. - This Strong Nation (formerly Zumba Strong – but it’s kickboxing y’all not dancing) video workout (free with Amazon Prime)
Even if you only have time to get in 15 minutes of this workout, it’s worth your time. No dancing, just awesome bodyweight moves set to music created specifically for these workouts by Timbaland. If you need to modify the push-ups and planks at the end, use your wall! - This HIIT workout (YouTube)
I don’t love every Fitness Blender workout, but they have some great ones! Give this one a try if you’re looking for cardio that will be worth your while – it’s only about 15 minutes. This deal on a set of TRX Pro 3 straps – the same ones we use at the studio, for a great price (under $200 when I posted this).
Don’t forget that we have just 11 Zumba classes left this year and only 3 more Bootcamps – if you’ve been thinking about joining us online or at Levy Park this year, time is short!
Ugh remember this amazing retreat?! Should we do an online version?
What I’m meal prepping for next week, aside from those cinnamon orange rolls:
- Baked pasta with spinach pumpkin, coconut milk, and the secret protein ingredient of silken tofu
- Kind bars (not sponsored, but let’s be real, it’s busy season)
- Gingerbread protein muffins – let me know if you want me to post the recipe!
- This picadillo, but vegan this time (do what’s right for you!)
- Homemade chipotle-style bowls (prep the ingredients but mix them at the last minute) – cauliflower rice makes a huge difference in the glycemic load (no nap/crash after lunch), and I can even charge myself for the extra guac if I’m missing the before times
See you next week and probably before! Thanks for being here.
