Raw Pizza and AB Love

Sup bloggies <3 Hope your almost-Friday is treating ya well!

I got up nice and early for a wicked legs workout.

Before leaving the casa, I grabbed a Vega Bar (one of the samples they sent me)

vega

I seriously love these things. The crunch makes it, and the nutrition stats are wonderful.

And some millet because I’m obsessed:

millet 

With maca and cinnamon on a fancy paper towel plate.

We had a great legs workout –I’m gonna feel it tomorrow!- and then I came home to do some cookbook reading and drink a sludge

everydayraw

(for all of you raw newbies out there, Everyday Raw is an awesome starting point. I also love Ani’s Raw Food Kitchen)

Next, I got to work making my clients’ lunches. It was easy, since I did all of the prep last night!

Natalia Rose’s Suddenly St Tropez salad with greens, spiralized beet, oregano, sundried tomatoes, fresh organic grape tomatoes and basil

salad

And the best part of the meal RAW PIZZA!

pizza

I was so happy with how well it came out- I really hope they like it. I made a flax, sunflower seed, Italian seasoning, yellow squash and garlic crust last night (sorry that I don’t have a recipe for ya… I was winging it)

crust

And also made a sundried tomato marinara sauce and cashew “cheese” before going to bed.

This morning, I put some mushrooms and grape tomatoes in the dehydrator (with balsamic, olive oil, salt and pepper), then all I had left to do was assemble.

Packed up and ready to go:

pizza (2)

Yum, right? 😀

I had two training appointments and am finally back at the casa for a few hours before going back to work for a cardio sesh and more training appointments. Going to do some work on the computer and answer emails (!) then, who knows. I know I should be a cleaning machine but everything in my heart (and the rain!) is telling me to lay on the couch and watch Jersey Shore. We’ll see what happens 😉

And, just in case there was any speculation that almond butter and I aren’t together anymore,

we are.

abandcarrots

We’re still very much in love 😉

See ya tonight!
xoxo,

Gina

Today’s tip: Whether you do should do cardio or weights first depends on your goals. If your goal is to lose weight, complete your cardio first and then do your weights sesh. If your goal is muscle building or toning, I recommend warming up with 5 minutes of cardio then doing weights, followed by the rest of your cardio. Whichever you decide to do first is what will take the most energy from you, and you will always have more energy at the beginning of your workout. Of course these are general guidelines- always do what’s best for you <3

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62 Comments

  1. Nicci@NiftyEats on January 21, 2010 at 12:53 pm

    Awww, Your crust looks so good. Reminds me of the raw crust my uncle makes!

  2. GirlonRaw on January 21, 2010 at 12:53 pm

    Your pizza look amazing. I am yet to make raw pizza in my excalibur, but this is one of the first pics I have seen of raw pizza that actually looks close to the real thing. Mushies in nama shoyu and olive oil and black pepper are my fave and a good substitution too.

    And I got Everyday Raw for Christmas too. I love it!

  3. Jessica @ How Sweet on January 21, 2010 at 12:56 pm

    I’ve really found for my clients that they should do what works best for them first. Since strength training IS an important component of losing weight, I tell them whichever they can stick to is what will get them results. Some get too tired out/bored by either one first. In the reality of things, as long as they stick to it, they will see results!

    There are also alot of studies out there that say lifting weights first taps into your fat stores, so it is best to lift first then finish with cardio. But there are so many other bogus studies out there, too. I say, do what works for you! 🙂

    • Fitnessista on January 21, 2010 at 1:45 pm

      i totally agree!

  4. Heather (Heather's Dish) on January 21, 2010 at 1:01 pm

    i really like doing cardio first while i’m fresh…plus my goal is to lose weight. if i do weights first i find my body is too tight and tired to do a great cardio sesh afterwards.

    love the raw pizza!

  5. The Hot and Fit on January 21, 2010 at 1:01 pm

    I will say it again – your WSU workout was amazing!!! I am doing it again tomorrow!

    I was actually in St Tropez in October but didn’t get to eat a salad there 😛

  6. Katie@ Two Lives, One Lifestyle on January 21, 2010 at 1:02 pm

    Good tip, I usually vary what I do first depending on time/ energy/ gym space. Since I wouldn’t mind shedding some ell bees and I’m trying to tone… I guess I should just keep mixing it up!

    • Fitnessista on January 21, 2010 at 1:45 pm

      exactly! 😀

  7. Jenna on January 21, 2010 at 1:03 pm

    Raw pizza looks fab!

  8. Lisa on January 21, 2010 at 1:03 pm

    Mmmmm- I’m coveting that lunch. Do you have to cook the beets first (or are those the pickled kind)? I’m trying to start liking them!

    • Fitnessista on January 21, 2010 at 1:44 pm

      nope, i just spiralize them raw! it’s really good with balsamic dressing 🙂

  9. Adrien on January 21, 2010 at 1:06 pm

    your eats look delish!

    I personally love to get my cardio done before my weights, I just feel heavy if I do it the other way around and it’s hard to really get my legs going after hundreds of lunges (well, maybe not hundreds)..

  10. Heather @ Get Healthy With Heather on January 21, 2010 at 1:15 pm

    The raw pizza crust is so inventive! Sounds delish and I would have never thought to add the squash to it.

  11. brittney on January 21, 2010 at 1:18 pm

    This tip is so timely! Thanks, G$.

    I was going to do my cardio session after the Winter Shape Up circuit tonight, because I did cardio first the last time and was plum worn out by the end. Legs were shaking, which I guess is good.

    But, I want to lose weight, so I will cardio it up first. And besides, if I do weights first, I am more inclined to skip on out the door without the cardio part.

    It’s like you are reading MY MIND.

  12. K on January 21, 2010 at 1:18 pm

    I vote for couch and Jersey Shore!! Rainy days just equal couch 🙂

    That raw pizza sounds absolutely fantastic! I hope you’re having a wonderful Thursday, G$!!

  13. Ash @ Good Taste. Healthy Me on January 21, 2010 at 1:19 pm

    Love today’s tip! I definitely want to tone up so I will do some weights first at the gym tonight! Thanks!

  14. Kelly on January 21, 2010 at 1:20 pm

    What a great tip! I’ve never heard it explained like that, but it makes perfect sense.

  15. annie on January 21, 2010 at 1:35 pm

    i love the way the raw pizza looks!

    i will definitely look into those books!

  16. ashleigh on January 21, 2010 at 1:36 pm

    that raw pizza looks so good! thanks for the tip today, I always wonder that and now i know!

  17. Katie on January 21, 2010 at 1:47 pm

    I think I will try and attempt that crust…ahhh, this will be an experience! Oh well, it’s worth a shot, right? 😉

  18. susan on January 21, 2010 at 1:56 pm

    *fist pumping in support of the couch and jersey shore*

    question… my goal is to lose weight, and i have quite a bit to lose, so i’ve been hitting cardio hard, and when i vary my intensity and do some walking/running on steeper inclines, my legs are pretty dead at the end… so i’ve only been doing weights on arms/chest/back etc., not really legs.

    is that ok for now? my thinking was that the cardio was more important…

    • Fitnessista on January 21, 2010 at 2:00 pm

      yes, that’s ok for now but when your legs get stronger (and aren’t dead by the end as badly) definitely add in some weights

  19. rachael on January 21, 2010 at 2:00 pm

    That pizza looks amazing! My family has a serious millet bread habit too, I find the millet and brown rice breads fill me up for longer than the other gluten-ful food for life breads too, maybe because they are so dense?

  20. Karyn on January 21, 2010 at 2:05 pm

    great looking pizza! and yet again i love the tip of the day. thanks 🙂

  21. Erica on January 21, 2010 at 2:09 pm

    The pizza and salad lunch looks incredible! I have a question for you- do you have an awesome balsamic dressing recipe? I always get balsamic vinaigrette on my salads when i’m at one lucky duck (pure food and wine’s juice bar), and I can’t seem to replicate it’s creamy, slightly sweet texture and flavor. Help!!

    • Fitnessista on January 21, 2010 at 2:26 pm

      2 T olive oil
      2 t balsamic vinegar
      2 t Nama Shoyu)
      fresh rosemary
      fresh oregano
      salt
      pepper
      i think at pure they add a little honey to it, too (not sure) but i’ll add a little stevia for sweetness

      • Erica on January 21, 2010 at 11:05 pm

        Thanks so much! I’ll give it a try tomorrow. 😉

  22. Lauren @ Eater not a runner on January 21, 2010 at 2:23 pm

    I am a cardio first kind of gal, it just works for me 😉

    • Fitnessista on January 21, 2010 at 2:24 pm

      whatever works, roll with it 🙂

  23. LindsayRuns on January 21, 2010 at 2:36 pm

    That pizza looks gorgeous!

    Timely tip, last night I combined weights and cardio (normally they are opposing days and it’s a non issue) I did 3 miles and then chest and tri… By the end of my workout I could barely do 3 pushups, let alone the 4×10 I normally do. I was wondering why I was burned out way faster than other weights sessions, didn’t register that I just ran! Weights are more important to me because it’s much safer to half ass cardio than weights. I’ll be doing it before my runs if I combine again, thanks!

  24. Lindsay on January 21, 2010 at 2:40 pm

    Can you discuss the supplements and vitamins you use & their benefits. I see some ingredients (chia seeds, maca, etc.) listed in your meals but am not very familiar with their benefits. I also have had a hard time finding a multi-vitamin that I love.

  25. Laura J. @ Health & Hotness on January 21, 2010 at 2:52 pm

    Sweet moses that raw lunch looks so good!!

    Thanks for the tip about cardio and weights. I’ve always wondered if it mattered what I did first. Now I know! 🙂

  26. s on January 21, 2010 at 2:52 pm

    oh i was wondering about the cardio/weights thing!

  27. Susan on January 21, 2010 at 3:10 pm

    Yum pizza looks great Gina, well done. I’ll check out the book you recommended, I have Ani Phyo’s kitchen book.

  28. Angela (The Lady Loves to Eat) on January 21, 2010 at 3:33 pm

    Lucky clients! Those pizzas look amazing!

  29. Catherine on January 21, 2010 at 3:51 pm

    Oooh that raw pizza looks amazing!! I really need to pull out my dehydrator, I’ve never actually used it to be honest because I don’t really know how. Oops! Thanks for the workout tip though, I actually never knew that!

  30. Megan on January 21, 2010 at 4:09 pm

    I love raw beets…actually tahts the only way i like them!

    Raw pizza…idk about that…

  31. Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg on January 21, 2010 at 4:12 pm

    That raw pizza looks SO good! I’m seriously jealous of your clients 🙂

    My vote is for couch + Jersey Shore 🙂

  32. Julie on January 21, 2010 at 4:34 pm

    Hey Gina,
    Lovin the Winter Shape Up workout! It’s nice sometimes to have someone else tell you what to do at the gym! Quick question- why no chest exercise this week?

    • Fitnessista on January 21, 2010 at 4:38 pm

      did i really skip a chest exercise?? blah! sorry, add in some push ups 🙂

  33. thedelishdish on January 21, 2010 at 5:07 pm

    those lunches look amazing!! wish i was one of those clients 🙂

    and i hate to admit it, but im looking forward to the jersey shore tonight!

    • Fitnessista on January 21, 2010 at 5:19 pm

      hahah! it’s the best of trashy tv, though 😉

  34. alli on January 21, 2010 at 5:41 pm

    loving the ”tips” lately… i would love to hear more about the cardio vs. strength training debate.
    thanks!

  35. Gabriela on January 21, 2010 at 5:42 pm

    Raw pizza looks so good! I wish I lived close enough to be one of your lucky clients! I watched some Jersey Shore on the elliptical this afternoon…I justified the trashiness by getting a workout 🙂

  36. Lindsay on January 21, 2010 at 5:58 pm

    Awesome pizza! Must try it! Oh and I LOVE thos vegan bars. They were on sale the other day at Whole foods, score!!

    LC

  37. Jessica on January 21, 2010 at 6:22 pm

    That pizza looks YUMO. Come back to t-town and teach my sorority house’s chef your ways!!!!!!! Deal?? 🙂
    And glad to see that you and the ab haven’t split–i’m out and desperately craving some raw almond butter after killing a jar of the roasted!

  38. Jessica (Fit and Clean) on January 21, 2010 at 6:34 pm

    Most days I just want to do cardio. I usually do weights after, because my cardio takes almost everything I have. That’s why I don’t like to do the weight lifting class, I can pound out my own weights in less time with the same results! That’s what works for me, but I know a lot of women intimidated to work out on the gym floor!

  39. Melissa (MelissaLikesToEat) on January 21, 2010 at 7:05 pm

    AH….that pizza looks good. I love all pizza….so why not raw? 🙂

  40. Anna on January 21, 2010 at 7:21 pm

    Hey Gina! I just did my first workout with Winter Shape Up. I left the gym a happy, sweaty girl 🙂 I have a question though about the Good Mornings: How do I know if I am doing it right? What muscle groups should I feel working? I had never done GMs before, so I felt just a lil awkies doing it (being naturally ungraceful doesn’t really help either haha). Thanks! 🙂

    • Fitnessista on January 21, 2010 at 10:05 pm

      so glad you liked it!
      you should contract your abs and feel it in your lower back and glutes

  41. Jessica @ The Process of Healing on January 21, 2010 at 7:45 pm

    Is Millet bread available in most grocery stores? I’d love to try it!

    • Fitnessista on January 21, 2010 at 10:04 pm

      yes, in most health food stores

  42. vegantickles on January 21, 2010 at 8:21 pm

    My husband and I can’t get enough of JERSEY SHORE. Kind of glad it’s ending tonight…guilty indulgence.

  43. Kristin (Cook, Bake and Nibble) on January 21, 2010 at 8:52 pm

    Pizza looks soooo good!! Can’t wait until I get my dehydrator and can make some of my own!

    xo
    K

  44. Paige @ Running Around Normal on January 21, 2010 at 8:58 pm

    Those raw goodies look amazing!!
    I typically do weights first because it’s so important to have good form when lifting weights. If I do 30-60 minutes of cardio first, it will definitely compromise my form.

    However, I also go by what you say – to go with what’s most important to you at that session. For instance, when I’m training for a race, and need to get mileage in, I’ll run first. Or just do cardio and weights on diff days all together, haha.

  45. Nicole, RD on January 21, 2010 at 9:53 pm

    Love your tip, I totally agree!

    I’m curious — what makes a raw diet more healthful? I’m a dietitian and I’m unsure about this!

  46. Karla on January 21, 2010 at 11:40 pm

    I made your almond butter chocolate chip cookies tonight! They were a hit!

  47. Ashley on January 22, 2010 at 10:34 am

    Alrighty girl. Where do you get your millet bread? I cannot find it ANYWHERE!

    And I must try it. You’ve gotten me hooked on Mary’s Crack already. This bread looks amazing too.

  48. Ashley on January 22, 2010 at 10:35 am

    Oh forgot to add, what brand is it? I might have to order it online. You’d think someone in Chicago would have the damn stuff!

  49. MySensei on January 22, 2010 at 12:25 pm

    Your raw pizza looks so freaking delicious..wish I was one of your training clients! 🙂

  50. jen on January 22, 2010 at 7:58 pm

    Hey Gena, I’m really excited to do your winter shape up! i had a quick question about doing cardio+weight training..does it matter if you do them at separate times of the day? like if i do cardio in the morning then weight training at night/afternoon? i dont normally lift weights at my gym so i was thinking of doing my cardio there and then coming home to do the weight lifting part.
    thanks!

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