Cardio Cooking: Make a low fat brisket, while you burn calories with “Bubbie”!

My mother in law, “Bubbie” has once again, taken on the cLEANmomma challenge. Aside from the 5 lbs, she recently lost, (Go Laney!), she recently gained a new way of  cooking. Watch how “Bubbie” cooks a fab brisket, cLEANmomma style!

I must say… watching Bubbie do her butt lifts while braising beef is as educational as it is entertaining!

Watch video! Then follow recipe and work out by reading below.

Now that you watched the video, lets get down to brass tax and learn how to truly tone up and burn your muscles with out burning your meal!

Take a peek at my family recipe, listed below. Its delicious as well as low in fat, (For a brisket that is!)

Ingredients

• 1 3 to 4 pound beef brisket
• 1 envelope dry Lipton onion soup mix (feel free to use onion and mushroom soup mix if you like)
• 1/ 2 ( or a dash more) cup of ketchup
• 1/4-1/2  cup of regular Coca Cola ( you don’t need a lot of this, but the sugar and the carbonation helps tenderize the meat)
• One large peeled potato
• carrots
• 1/4 cup chicken soup
• Golden raisins, (optional but it really sweetens it.)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
2. Trim meat of as much fat as possible. This is KEY! ( I like to trim before I cook and after.)
3. Place the brisket in a 9 x 13 shallow baking pan and sprinkle with the dry onion soup mix.
4. Shmeer the ketchup over the top.
5. Pour the 1/4 cup of chicken broth
6. Add diced potato, (not too small), raisins, carrots into pot.
7. Pour 1/4 cup the Coca-Cola over top.
8. make sure the ingredients are not only on sides of pan, but on top of the brisket.
9. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake in preheated oven 3 to 4 hours or until brisket is fork tender.
10. Important: Remove the brisket from the oven, and let it rest for at least 20 minutes. This will give the meat time for the juices to re-distribute.
11. Slice thinly against the grain.
12. Put meat back into oven, sliced with juice and slow cook for an hour more. (optional, but it makes it that much yummier!)

The work out.

Note: This is all about form and technique, and the movements are quite subtle. Remember to breathe through them. If done correctly, they are amazingly effective!

As you are mixing your ingredients together, chopping your potato or slicing the brisket, take this opportunity to “TASKERSIZE” Here are some simple core and lower body movements that will really tighten and tone your muscles.

NOTE: There is plenty of idle time while your meat is slow cooking so throw in a few more work out moves while you wait for the timer to BEEP! ( You can pull additional moves by clicking the category, “Down and dirty quick tips” , or scroll down.

Mixing your ingredients. – Works core, tush, quads and back of thighs.

While  standing in front of mixing bowel and your ingredients:

Make sure that you are standing tall, abs are engaged, (tight but where you can breathe)

Make sure your shoulders are down and relaxed to create “Working arms”

Your legs are shoulder width apart. Keep your hips square to your counter.

Get into a squat position.

As you mix your ingredients your body will naturally want to wiggle. (By keeping your hips square to the counter top, and your abs tight, you will isolate the muscles in your core and really feel the burn.)

Maintaining a squat position will work the thighs and tush. The deeper the squat, the more advanced. It’s very subtle but if your form is correct, it is amazingly effective!

Do this for 30 seconds, rest and repeat.

Chopping and cutting your ingredients- Works core, tush, quads and back of thighs.

Try this to strengthen and tone the back part of the thighs, quads, tush  and core while chopping your potato, and slicing your brisket.

Note: It is very much the same as above, but instead of holding the squat, you pulse in your squat, as you cut or chop.

(Be careful, you are holding a knife. If this is too tricky for ya, obviously, don’t hurt yourself by doing it.)

Make sure that you are standing tall, abs are engaged, (tight but where you can breathe) and your legs are shoulder width apart.

Keep your hips square to your counter.

Get into a squat position. Instead of holding the squat this time, pulse up and down keeping your hands level while cutting.

By keeping your hips square to the counter top, and your abs tight, you will isolate the muscles in your core and really feel the burn.

Get in 2 sets of 10 -12 of pulsing slowly and 2 sets of 10 -12 while pulsing double time.

Releve/ Calf raises- Works your core, calves and thighs. You can do this at any point while you are in your kitchen while holding your counter top for support.

Get in 2 sets of 10 -12

Face your counter top

Make sure that you are standing tall, abs are engaged, (tight but where you can breathe)

Make sure your shoulders are down and relaxed as on the counter top. The less you hold the counter, the more of a core work out you will gain, (balancing is great for strengthening your abs.)

Your feet should be hip distance apart.

Keep your hips square to your counter.

Now that you are in correct form, bring your heels off the ground and hold for 1 count.

Do this 10-12 times, for two sets!

Thrown in your own sets of something, you can always mix it up a bit in your own kitchen.

THE KEY TO “TASKERCISING “IS YOUR FORM!

Happy cooking!

P.S. Would love to hear any of your questions ideas, recipes or comments!

It’s your body, your mind, your life, your CHOICE!

For more “TASKERCISING” exercises you can do almost anywhere…Order the cLEANmomma DVD!

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Scuplt and tone while you cLEAN your home!

The ideas behind my cLEANmomma™ Routine are simple and with proper technique you can  sculpt a lean body, while you cLEAN! (FYI -That doesn’t mean you get pig out in between washing dishes or folding laundry!)

Most people truly believe that cleaning up your house is really their work out. Then there are those who believe that throwing in a couple of leg lifts and walking up a flight of stairs is plenty. Hate to break it to ya…..

Those of you whole want to sweat ,pass out and get peeled off the floor…pay attention, (Debbie, I am talking specifically to you).

I want to be very clear that this is not just about kicking your legs back and forth while you do your dishes, and laundry. But rather, a different approach to exercise that is ballet/ pilates based and if done with purpose, and the proper technique not only can you achieve a dancer’s trim, toned shape. ( working muscles less than you think you have to,) you get a cLEAN, organized home! a win win!)

How it works

Each of my ten basic exercises are ballet/cardio based. They integrate a fat burning format of interval training. By doing these muscle shaping exercises with the proper  technique of isometrics, and applying the elongating principles of dance conditioning, you can truly transform your body while doing your basic household chores.

The cLean Routine takes you through learning the ten basic moves and teaches you how to incorporate them into your life.

More importantly, however, it teaches you where how to do it in a way to realize maximize your results while you fold your laundry or anything else mundane for that matter.

It sounds a little nuts but I promise you it really works!

NO MORE EXCUSES PEOPLE!

Happy cleaning!

Engage your Abs while you engage with your kids!

My daughter, Sophie,  is at an age where board games are the next best thing since Olvatine mixed with peanut butter, ( don’t ask… you get the picture).  Regardless of what the activity is, board games, puzzles, coloring…. Kids demand and need  “one on one time” with us.

That being said, there’s no harm in completely engaging with our children from the waist up, while engaging with our bodies from the waste down!

Check out my little video and learn the art of “Taskersizing” while playing “Trouble”, (you may substitute this for monopoly, chutes and ladders, whatever

Are you so over the Jiggly thigh thing!? Try this convinient exersise any time, anywhere!

Watch video!

Although I am slightly “off the wall” by suggesting you do your leg lifts while fixing the inside of a car… (which by the way, I am clueless about), I am totally serious about doing leg lifts through out your day.

Here is the deal… you can’t just randomly kick your leg up and down and expect major results. It all comes down to technique and form. If you approach your leg kicks as if you were in a ballet class, doing a ballet bar while you wash dishes, and fold laundry, not only will you work your inner and outer thighs, but your core/ tummy muscles as well.

So if you are hanging out around your home with or with out your kids, get a bunch in.

Here is how!

-Start by standing straight and tall, as if a string were pulling you up from the top of your head. Make sure you keep your shoulders down and your tummy engaged, (tight). This will help you with your balance.

- Start with your right leg, ( it doesn’t matter, just pick one), and lift it to the side, (6-7 inches) while flexing your foot. Flexing the foot really helps work the outer part of the thigh.

-Make sure that your hips don’t wiggle and that they are squared off to what you are facing ie. a table, kitchen sink…. To maintain your balance, keep abs tight, and body pulled up.

- Bring your leg down and up 20 times on each side while you go through your day doing what ever.

THE KEY TO RESULTS… YOUR FORM! ( once you get the hang of it, you can really get a bunch in by the end of the day!)

Hate the back flabby part of your arms? Try this quick trick, and get fast results!

Many thanks to those who have expressed their love for my arms. Needless to say… my daughter sophie, (age 7) still manages to find that little piece of flab on the back of them. She actually  wrote a song ,”Wiggle, wiggle mommy’s arm jiggle”. ( I swear!).

That being said… I quickly discovered this Fab exercise that is soooo easy to incorporate during bath time, and quickly gives you fast results!

I call this “The Bathtub Bench Press”. I get 2-3 sets of 10 while running the bath water and filling up the tub.

Here’s what you do.

-Face away from the bathtub and place your arms behind you on the tub’s edge, keeping them straight.

- Bend your knees and make sure your legs are shoulder width apart.

- keeping your abs tight, and shoulders down, slowly bend your elbows and bring your tush down , with out toughing the floor.

-Hold for a count of one then come up slowly as you straighten your arms.

-Do this 10 times. If you can do another set, then repeat for an additional count of ten.

Note: Remember to listen to your body. Don’t push yourself.  if you feel pain, stop. If you have neck or lower back problems, consult your doctor before doing this exercise.

Burn Calories before you eat them: Watch video, and try this!

“Egg in a Mug”

Try this quick, healthy breakfast choice that’s under 100 calories

I would rather take a frying pan and smack it over my head than take the time to fry an egg with it. So… I figured out how to make this fluffy, delicious, breakfast  treat, ( That’s under 100 calories and takes under 100 seconds to make).

You will need:

a mug

2 eggs (one whole egg, one egg white)

a splash of low fat milk

half a teaspoon of light cream cheese

salt and pepper to taste

(NOTE: you can also add mushrooms, or spinach)

Here’s how:

Whip ingredients together in your mug. As you do this, get into a deep squat position, and make sure your abs are engaged, (tummy tight). The deeper the squat, the more you will work your tush. Whip your egg for 30-45 seconds as you hold this position. The longer you whip, the fluffier the egg, and the better the burn.

Then stick your mug in the microwave for 1 minute.

While you wait for the beep, take this opportunity to do your counter top presses. Make sure your arms are shoulder width apart on the counter, and that your back and your neck are a straight line. As you bring your chest down to the counter, keep your tummy  and tush tight.Do this until you hear the beep. If that’s too difficult, try getting in at least 10-12Not only will you burn calories before you eat them, but you only have a mug to clean, when you are done!

Enjoy!

Watch video! Brush your teeth with Attitude!” Tighten your core and inner thighs!

Watch video and see how to “Taskersise” while brushing your teeth! This exersise is called the Attitude kick. It is the most amazing quick trick and totally tightens your tummy, and inner thighs.

First watch video, and apply these notes:

1) Form is so important. Make sure you are standing tall, with your shoulders down.

2) put one hand your sink for balance, and brush with the other. For a more advanced move,or simply remove your hand and balance while you brush and kick. 

3) Lift your leg and bend it at the knee trying to make your inner thigh flat like a table, make sure you are pulled up with your supporting leg.

4) Do this 15-20 times on each leg. Good luck and let me know how it works for you!

Watch video! TIGHTEN your TUSH while you fill up with gas!

“Taskersise” at the gas station!

If you are taking the time to fill your tank up with gas, don’t just stand there watching the numbers change on the gas pump. Take this opportunity and “TASKERSISE”.

The key to really benefiting from this, (yes, you will look like a geek), is to commit to it.Get over feeling like a dork, and really focus on your form while you fill up with gas.

Here is how to do the squat while you fill up:

Get into a deep squat position, keeping your back straight and your abs tight, Imagine a tall string being pulled from the top of your head so you sit tall as if you are in a chair. (Make sure you keep shoulders down.)

The goal is to hold this position for at least 30 seconds. If you feel you can do another 30 seconds, go for it, but really listen to your body.

For a more advanced move, simply put your arms above your head and hold them straight, with your fingers reaching for the sky. ( Really try to keep your shoulders down and your abs tight.

You can challenge yourself by holding this position till your tank is filled.

Watch video and see my new friends I made at the gas pump, try it.

Or…mix it up with plies!

I like to mix things up a bit at the gas station. Try doing plies while you fill up.

Make sure you remember your form. Turn your feet slightly out and stand with your feet shoulder width apart.Make sure that when you bend your knees, that your knee doesn’t go beyond your toe. Also, make sure that you keep your abs tight and back straight. Try to get in 20 plies while you fill up. (Or, do as many as you can, untill your tank is filled.)

Listen to your body!

How to lose a pound a week. Here’s how!

It’s now January people and if you  now suffering from “FATTUSHAPHOBIA”, because you have eaten your way through the holidays, then pay attention so you can trim your thighs and flatten your tummy with very simple baby steps!!

In order to lose a pound a week in a healthy way, you need to decrease your calories for the day by 500. That may sound very difficult to many of you, but here is a little secret. Split up the 500 calories. Cut out 250 calories from your diet and burn 250 calories by elevating your heart rate and doing cardio.

How to cut 250 calories with Cardio:

If you find that you don’t have time to burn it off with cardio, you are WRONG!

You can burn up to 300 calories if you do the “Rag Drag” for seven-ten minutes twice a day! Even if you are not cleaning your floors, you can do the “RAG DRAG”  in the bathroom watching your kid in the tub for 10-15 minutes, or try it while you are in the kitchen and your kids do their home work, be creative. The key to burning the most calories is to push yourself every other minute. This will elevate your heart rate. Do one minute at a low intensity then one minute at a higher intensity. I swear this is so doable and is an insane cardio work out that tagets not only your heart rate but tightens your tummy, inner, outter thighs and tush! It’s so easy to sneak in!

Here is how to do it!

How to cut 250 calories a day from your diet:

-Replace your morning bagel and cream cheese with an English muffin and cottage cheese.

___ Skip the large bakery muffin in favor of 1 slice of whole wheat toast topped with 1 tablespoon of peanut butter.

__ Instead of a big muffin, choose 3/4 of a high fiber cereal

___ Instead of scrambled eggs, choose egg whites

___ Replace your 450-calorie lunch with a high protein egg whites tossed in a salad

The key is, not to feel like you are on a diet, but with each meal or snack, modify it a bit and you will be surprised how many calories you will subtract by the end of the day!

Good luck and let me know how that woks for ya!

Order the cLEANmomma DVD today, for just 14.95 and get your FREE Ebook!

Tasckersize and sneak in some cardio, Watch video.

Like I have said again and again, getting to the gym or going for a run is just too much to accomplish on a day to day basis, especially if you are juggling a million things. Problem is, we still want that tight tush and flat abs!
That being said, try this at least 2 times this week! Start your day of with your work out shoes on, then…..

At some point you will have to take the elevator. Instead take this opportunity to walk the stair case. If you take two stairs at a time you will really give your tush and quads a great burn, while elevating your heart rate. Remember your posture, and tighten your abs while you climb the stair case.

Next time you are faced with the up or down button that lights up, don’t press it, instead remember my little voice in your head,”TAKE THE STAIRS!!!!!!!!! Just do it, or don’t, it’s your choice

Let me know how that works for you!

For a full boot- camp style work out on how to get fit quick tips, Order the cLEANmomma Dvd, now! only 14.95!

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