The Training Den

Remember, trying is always half the battle. The next 2-3 weeks is all about enjoying holiday treats and spending time with family and friends however safely possible. So to balance Some extra drinks and treats which are already happening by the way for me (I will also share my 2020 holiday favourite), I am still trying to keep with my last month's habit of getting in some good food prep. Here is some all in one (protein, carbs, veggies) meat balls I made today. I mixed up all... the ingredients in a big bowl ( farm fresh beef, frozen spinach, eggs, gluten free bread crumbs, salt, ketchup) and formed it into meat balls on baking sheets, which I baked in the oven for 30-40min at 400 degrees (I made big meatballs, so it was closer bro 40 min). Since the meat balls already have protein, carbs, and veggies in them, they are already in themselves already near a complete meal if I need something quick to pull out. Enjoy See more

I can't think of a more beautiful reason to workout. Motivation! Merry Christmas

Let’s take part in a challenge, that sets the tone for how we would like to end 2020, and how we would like to begin 2021. This year has been full of highs and lows, ups and downs, good times and bad times. It seems life can come down to a balancing act.... The last personal challenge of the year is ‘BALANCE’. There are so many ways we can BALANCE ourselves right now. You can take a look at it from a mental perspective or a physical perspective. I think health, fitness and life are intertwined both physically and mentally. Some examples of Mental balance could be : - 5 minutes per day of silent reflection, journaling, or meditation (I like to practice my breathes... slow down my breathing, feel a warm deep breathe enter my body, and slowly and smoothing exhale out tension) - Reading a good book - Getting outside for 10-30 minutes each day if possible(I will also tie this in with family time for myself) -Wholesome balanced eating (food has been shown to be powerful for the mind, whether you focus on the quality of the food you're eating, or possibly at times the quantity) -physical activity (from dancing in your house, to yoga, stretches or workouts) Some examples of Physical balance include : *see examples of mental balance Note what i did there, I tied together how most ways we can improve our mental state also improves our physical state and vice versa. There are also more examples of each, so I would like you to try and be as specific as possible in how you will find balance in what you choose. Some people may need to find balance by speeding up, and others by slowing down 'so to speak'. Pick what works for you. This challenge starts right now, so let me know through a message or email about what you choose, and how you will challenge yourself personally. This challenge will wrap up January 4th, so it's a perfect challenge for The Holiday Season. After all, we all need a little balance in our life. I am kickstarting off the challenge by choosing my own...I will be getting outside each day for 10-30 minutes of fresh air or play time in the snow with my family, and on days that does not realistically work (maybe the weather), I will be reading a book for a minimum 15 minutes (either for myself, or with my son Leo). So what’s your challenge for yourself? Let’s Go! *Oh yeah, Did I mention there are plenty of prizes and giveaways throughout the Holiday season and challenge. Challenge On! This Challenge is open to Training Den participants

Continue to challenge yourself. Don't let excuses get in the way. This month I continued on with my challenge from last month of preparing more healthy meals. Last night it took 10 min to place a partially thawed turkey from Long Lane farms in the oven on low and slow (275 degrees over night). On the bottom of the pan some root veggies and on top some poultry seasoning. After 10 hours in the oven, this morning I took off the cover, turned up the oven to 375, and left it in fo...r another 45 min. Once done. I took out the turkey, removed some drippings and instantly put them in a pot to make gravy (boil drippings, add small amount of water, chicken bouillon cube, corn Starch, stir frequently while heating it). I deboned the turkey for lots of lean healthy protein, and will freeze some meat as well for the future. Then I made a pot of minute rice and steamed veggies in the microwave to keep the rest of my meals super simple. This morning took just over an hour of work. Which really is not bad considering how many future meals I will have of turkey, rice, steamed veggies, and some gravy on top (yes even some gravy could be healthy, and I want my meals to taste good). Feel free to place the meals in individual containers and place them in the fridge for several days worth of meals, or place them in the freezer to pull out when in a pinch. Enjoy and keep on rocking your own challenges you give yourself. At the end of November I will be giving out more draw prizes. To enter, write to me privately or through email on how you are doing with your goals and challenges. Keep it up! See more

What a beautiful day. How are you challenging yourself. This month I am continuing to work on simple meal preparation. Slow cooker whole chickens are fantastic:). I have some challenge winners to announce from October.... Congratulations to Jacques, Louise, and Wayne. You can collect your prizes this week, all from local businesses, including Sweet and Sassy in Arnprior, and Top Shelf Distillers in Perth. There are also 6 more winners, who won some fresh brand new Training Den apparel (something small but super trendy). Congrats to Bev, Lori Val. , Brenda, Sherry, Corinne, Judith. If I don't see you weekly in person, feel free to arrange a pick up. Have a super Sunday

Do quick meals preps with help from a slow cooker. I hope you had a super weekend and are planned for a super week. I worked on another simple quick meal prep for my challenge goal. This took 10 min in the morning, and 10 min in the evening. I took vegetables like carrots and mushrooms, and added them to the bottom of a slow cooker with cut up potatoes and apples slices and onion for flavour.... I took a beef roast (it was even still partially frozen). And placed it on top/ in the middlt of the veggies I added 3 cups of water with beef bouillion( from Knorr). I cooked it for 8-10 hours on low while carrying on with the rest of my day, now I just put it in containers, let it cool, and will throw it in the fridge soon before bed. This will be great for a few meals over the next few days. I love keeping things simple with the slow cooker, especially over the next few colder months. Enjoy See more