Hey everyone! I’m blown away by your amazing, enthusiastic and kind responses to the Winter Shape Up. I’ve already received some wonderful feedback from those of you who have already tried the workouts (thank you!!!) and I’m just so stoked that ya’ll are liking it. Seriously, every one of you make this bloggy what it is and I am so grateful.
Enough with the mushy stuff, onto the EATS!
I had two bolitos before hitting the gym:
and did some chest, upper back and shoulder supersets with Ashley. ‘Twas a heart-thumping iron pumping workout 
When I got back to the casa, I had a sludge for protein replenishment:
And some water with MSM powder (for the benefits of MSM, check out this website)
Next, I made some raw herb crackers for tomorrow’s lunches. I’m not sure if I mentioned this to you guys yet, but starting tomorrow I’m going to be making raw lunches for some of my clients. I’m really excited about it 
More info to come on that.
They’re in the dehydrator, crisping away. Friday’s rawnola is still in there too because it hasn’t gotten crunchy enough:/
I munched an apple with maca and cinnamon:
Then the pilot and I went on a 3 miler. It was nice and slow and relaxing… He’s a pretty good running buddy- I think I have a crush on him, though 
Lonchi was an egg scramble with egg whites, salmon burger, goat cheese, spinach and red pepper flakes with char-broiled (roasted) brussel sprouts (I like them BURNT!):
and a piece of my beloved millet bread (Food for Life brand):
I just got back to the casa after 3 training appointments and it’s time to make some dinner (and grab a snack while it’s cooking)
Have a great night and if you try the Shape Up, please continue to let me know what you think of the workout!
xoxo,
Gina
Today’s tip: Always try to consume some high quality protein within 30-60 minutes of finishing a weight training sesh, along with some smart carbs and a little healthy fat. Your body needs the protein to repair the muscles that were just torn during the workout and will help them to grow back leaner and stronger, carbs to replenish your energy stores and healthy fat for “staying power”. A great way to get all of these in following a workout is through a smoothie with a scoop of your favorite protein, a large salad or some greek yogurt mixed with whole-grain cereal.
{ 57 comments… read them below or add one }
Loved the winter shape up today! I’m feeling it all over. have you posted the recipe for the raw crackers? I’d love to make those in my faux dehydrator.
That’s so awesome for you to make raw snacks for your clients.
I am SO glad you posted about Millet Bread on the bloggy. I picked some up a while back and am IN love. It’s so doughy and crunchy when toasted. Perfect with a little Earth Balance.
Mmmmm I am hungry now…that salad looks amazing and I LOVE brussel sprouts..
Seriously, I will come out to Valdeezy and let you kick my arse if you bring raw snacks
I want to make some raw crackers!! I want a dehydrator but I don’t know how much I’d use it.
I tried the Shape Up this evening! I can’t wait to keep going and see some results.
Goat chese + brussels sprouts = one of the best plates I’ve seen in awhile. LOVE!
I LOVE my brussels sprouts a little burnt!!
That is one of the prettiest sludges I have seen on the blog world in quite a while! I heart it!!!
Those raw crackers look awesome!
mmm… sludge
I’m interested to see how i’ll be able to do the workouts with stuff in the house! I have some pretty heavy books…
Yummy egg scramble!
Can I just say that I am so proud of you? I am incredibly inspired by your ability to set out and achieve your hopes and dreams. Everything, from your delicious food to fitness, shows just how powerful and amazing you are.
I just needed to say that
Can’t wait to try some of your workouts!
What are the benefits of millet bread? I am so excited for tomorrow!
OH wow that scramble sounds SO good!! Never thought of salmon in that before.. good idea!
i was wondering what you think about this i just took a step class at 630 and a power(weight lifting) class at 7:30. I had dinner at pm but was very hungry when I got home, should I ride out the hunger or have something and if I should have something what should it be. Thanks!
so i’m super excited to start the winter shape up! i’m doing the first workout tomorrow, since my schedule on mondays isn’t conducive to a long gym sesh. but i’m curious, when you say on the blog that you “did some chest, upper back, and shoulders” or whatever muscles you’re working that day, are the workouts that you do on a daily basis similar to the workouts you’re posting for the winter shape up?
also, i tried that organicville bbq sauce OMG the best bbq sauce i’ve ever tried.
I just have to say that I love all of the adorable comments you make about your Pilot. I have been with my boyfriend for five years now (wedding coming sooner rather than later, I hope
) and I still feel like I get a crush on him all over again too. It’s so nice! 
I did the work-out today and it was awesome! I’m already sore from it….which is pretty pathetic now that I think about it, haha.
Quick question..a lot of your recipes feature a dehydrator. Is something like that available online? I was always curious when I would see it on here.
hey liz,
so glad you like the workout!
you can get a dehydrator online- i have the excalibur brand
Hi Gina,
Is there something specific that you like about the Millet bread? Just curious!
Very cool that you’ll be making lunches for your clients!
it tastes like HEAVEN and is 100% whole grain
YOu are always so generous and well-informed when it comes to tips Gina, I always look forward to your posts!
So glad you have a good running buddy in the pilot. I’d like to try finding a running buddy, but I’m afraid I won’t be a good one myself!
Did the work out today with my roommate, we were both feeling it at the end! Thanks sooo much!
The crackers look super yummy!!! I would like a running buddy…my hubby doesn’t run and neither do my friends….thank goodness for good tunes!
I did your some of your exercises from a previous post today – weights for arms, shoulders, and triceps. I haven’t been lifting weights much this month due to traveling, so I think I’ll be sore in the morning. I’ll try to incorporate some Winter Shape Up moves this week! A few questions about eating -Do you eat anything after dinner most nights? Or is dinner your last meal? Also, around what time do you eat dinner?
usually dinner is my last meal, unless i get snacky. then it’s fruit, popcorn or a salad before bed
dinner varies… usually its around 8 though
i tried the intermediate/advanced workout today and boy did it kick my butt! i felt like bootcamp! i think muscles have been awaked that have never been used before and am a pretty avid exerciser. can’t wait to see what your next group of workouts and cannot wait for bikini season now!!! ps. who came up with burpees? theyre insane!!!!
glad you got a good booty kicking
i have no idea, but burpees are pretty insane
I just started taking Maca and I love it!
Gina,
I’m totally hooked on green smoothies now because of you
PS…I reeeally need a running buddy..and we run the same pace. Moving to DC in the near future??? hahah
ahaha i would LOVE to live in dc!
Do you have a recipe for the herb crackers? Your rawnola is “cooking” away in my dehydrator now too
oooh let me know if you like the rawnola!
i’ll post the recipe for the herb crackers soon
GASP!!! a crush on the pilot?!?! no way
you guys are so cute!
That’s exciting Gina that you’re making raw lunches for your clients, let me know how it goes. Your clients are lucky to have you.
Love my brussel sprouts burnt too – so much better when they’re crispy!
LOOOVE burnt brussels- they get crispy on the outside but stay mushy inside…like french fries but 100000X better!
also I picked up a loaf of millet bread the other day and I AM OBSESSED. i like it so much i feel like i plan out each piece i eat and it has to be special because the bread is just delicious.
laughing.
you know what I think of brussel sprouts.
or is it cardio.
being the brussel sprouts of my workout
Hey, Gina! I tried the Winter Challenge yesterday, and it was the first true workout since an operation I had on my foot a month ago. Although I wasn’t able to do all of the moves (i.e., jumping jacks, high knees, moutain climbers, etc.), I was able to most with just a few mods! Thanks! It felt so great to get my muscles working again! I’m going to hit the gym up for some cardio this afternoon with some swimming or bike (both are approved by the doc!). Have a wonderful day!
hey jen,
that’s awesome!!!
take it easy with your foot and do what you can
I did the winter shape up yesterday and I loved it! I am sore today, but not so ridiculously sore that I can’t do anything. The good sore that lets me know I had a good workout. Thanks so much, Gina! You’re the best!:)
Raw food intrigues me and those crackers look and sound good.
I always struggle with what to eat before and after a workout. We workout late in the evening so it’s always 8:30-9 PM before we get dinner and I try to have something a few hours before I workout but sometimes I’m not hungry at all after a workout and nothing sounds good. I really don’t like eating so late but that is our schedule so I have to work around it.
Any tips on before workout snacks and quick meals for after late night workouts?
I ate ‘burnt’ brussel sprouts for breakfast this morning =)
a girl after my own heart
Gena,
How much MSM do you mix with water? A teaspoon? Does it have a flavor when mixed with water or will I not even taste it? Thanks!
Hi Gena,
How much MSM powder should I mix with a glass of water? Is it tasteless? Thanks!
hey jenna,
i just put 1/2 T … any more and it tastes too strong
I love that you still have a crush on your hubs!
I also like my brussel sprouts (baby cabbages, I call them) burnt. All the better if they are burnt with some garlic and olive oil… *dreamy food face*
yes.. he’s kind of hot, haha
I tried the Intro to Iron Pumping session today, the shoulders, chest and tris program and it kicked my butt. Those stability ball pushups are killer. I had to do the regular military style ones after the first set because my arms are totally out of shape.
i’m so glad you liked it!
stick with it, you’ll be able to do those push-ups in no time
How do you make your raw herb crackers? They sound Goooood
i’ll post a recipe sometime soon!
Hi Gina, do you store your millet bread in the freezer?
Love the workouts. I’m going to get started on these ASAP, hopefully in three months I will be wedding ready!
yup i store it in the freezer and chisel a piece off whenever i want some
Did the beginner Winter Shape Up workout last night at the gym, and it kicked ass, G$. I was lifting with the big boys, but they weren’t adding any high knees! It felt great. Thanks for everything you do!