Welcome to our new series that takes us traveling through the alphabet – one workout, #FitTip and recipe at a time. Check in every Wednesday to see what’s next on our alphabetized adventure in healthy living with FitStar Fitness A-Z!
Part 1: A, B, C – Work Your Abs, Use Your Bodyweight and Eat Carbs!
Part 2: D, E, F – Detox Details, Ease Into Exercise and Figure Out Fats
Part 3: G, H, I – Get A Good Morning, Hydration Help and Ice Is Nice
Part 4: J, K, L – Jumping Jacks, All Hail King Kale and Legendary Leg Day
Part 5: M, N, O – Mudder Mayhem, Neato Nutrients and Overnight Oats
P is for Pizza
Who doesn’t love a good pizza party? P is for Pizza, one of the most universally loved foods out there. The problem is that many mainstream pies are overly processed and not the healthiest choice as part of a regular diet. Luckily, if you’re willing to hit the kitchen for a bit you can create your own pizzas at home and control the nutritional value of your slice. And there’s never been more ways to whip up pizzas than there are now – cauliflower crusted pizzas, pita bread pizzas, mushroom pizzas… there’s a plethora of healthier pie recipes out there! We love this take on the classic pepperoni creation from Eating Well, and not only because it’s November and we’re still stuck on using pumpkin in everything. (That’s just an added bonus.) But with a whole wheat crust, that hidden pumpkin in the homemade sauce and turkey pepperoni, this is a pizza you can feel pretty positive about.
EatingWell’s Pepperoni Pizza
Ingredients
1 pound prepared whole-wheat pizza dough, thawed if frozen (Note: Look for balls of whole-wheat pizza dough at your supermarket, fresh or frozen and without any hydrogenated oils.)
1 cup canned unseasoned pumpkin puree
1/2 cup no-salt-added tomato sauce
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 ounces sliced turkey pepperoni (1/2 cup)
Instructions
1. Place oven rack in the lowest position; preheat to 450°F. Coat a large baking sheet with cooking spray.
2. Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface to the size of the baking sheet. Transfer to the baking sheet. Bake until puffed and lightly crisped on the bottom, 8 to 10 minutes.
3. Whisk pumpkin puree, tomato sauce and garlic powder in a small bowl until combined.
4. Spread sauce evenly over the baked crust. Top with mozzarella, Parmesan and pepperoni.
5. Bake until the crust is crispy on the edges and the cheeses have melted, about 12 minutes.
Makes 6 servings.
Nutritional info: Calories 280 | Fat 6g | Protein 16g | Carbs 35g
Nutritional information is provided by EatingWell.
Q is for Quick (Workouts Rule!)
These days, efficiency is king. We’re all trying to squeeze the most we can into our days, multi-tasking at every turn. Being fast to accomplish tasks is usually a good thing, and now we have scientific proof that the same goes for your workouts. Q is for Quick and we’re talking about quick exercise. Don’t think you can reap big benefits by working out for 7-15 minutes at a time? Think again. A recent study published in the American College of Sports Medicine’s Health & Fitness Journal concludes, “A simple, fast, high-intensity workout — finished in as little as seven minutes — will produce many of the same benefits as a good run and trip to the weight room.” Furthermore, according to The Center for Disease Control and Prevention, “Several short workouts throughout the day are proven to be just as effective as one long duration workout.” Indeed, more and more research suggests that shorter, high intensity workouts can yield greater results than slow and steady conventional aerobics. Quick and intense bouts of exercise can also boost both short-term and long-term exercise capacity, resulting in more efficient workouts that take a fraction of the time. So hop off the treadmill, and check out one of FitStar’s shorter Freestyle sessions such as 7 Minute Workout, Traveler 10 or The FitStar 15…you’ll be glad you did.
R is for Rock Steady
We’re all trying to find a little balance in our lives and sometimes you want a few more minutes to exercise. R is for Rock Steady, one of our Premium Freestyle sessions from FitSar Personal Trainer. This 20-minute workout focuses on building strong balance and stability – key foundations for any athletic movement, while also acting as a great way to offset long days spent slouching behind a desk. Rock Steady is designed from a collection of time-based low-impact bodyweight moves – a popular community request – making it ideal for beginners, those with joint pain, or FitStars with neighbors downstairs or a sleeping baby in the next room. And because the exercises are time-based (instead of rep-based), even the most seasoned FitStar can challenge their fitness throughout the 15 different moves. From warrior 3 kickouts to Superman planks to floor bridge, you’ll get your body’s stabilizer muscles firing, with a little extra burn for your abs, back, legs, and obliques. You’ll be building a better foundation, 20 minutes at a time. Level up to FitStar Premium and unlock Rock Steady now!
What’s your favorite Freestyle session? Tell us in the comments below!
Keep Moving,
– Team FitStar
The post FitStar Fitness A-Z | A Pizza Party, Why QUICK Workouts Work and Rock Steady appeared first on FitStar - Inspiring people to live healthier lives.
