At CrossFit a couple of weeks ago, one of the classes at my box ended with a plank challenge. Basically, the person who held their plank the longest won and earned bragging rights. I didn’t attend this particular class, but I heard about it later on. The winner held his plank for 5 minutes and 30 seconds! Impressive, right?! I don’t do planks all that often (maybe once a month at CrossFit during a Tabata or something like that), so I timed myself doing one this morning.
Welllllllll, I didn’t last very long””just 2 minutes and 30 seconds””which definitely surprised me. I thought I had a strong core, but I guess not! So, over the course of the next month, I’m going to embark on a Plank Challenge to work on increasing my plank time. (My goal is 5 minutes.) I haven’t thought through all of the details yet, but if you’re interested in joining me, I’m going to start next Monday!
Breakfast
This morning’s breakfast was a Two-Ingredient Pancake with canned pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice in the mix, so I guess it was a Four-Ingredient Pancake. (Approximate measurements: 1 egg, 1 egg white, 1 banana, 2 tbsp canned pumpkin, 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice.) I also drank a glass of Dandy Blend with almond milk with breakfast.
I spread a thick layer of Teddie Peanut Butter on top. I know it’s not Paleo (and minus 1 for the Challenge), but I frickin’ love peanut butter and just really wanted some this morning, so I did.
FYI: I’m failing miserably at our box’s Paleo Challenge. My score was even lower this week than it was last week. I guess Mal and I don’t really eat a Paleo diet after all!
Lunch
Today’s lunch was leftover haddock and sautéed kale with half of an avocado with salt and pepper”¦
Followed by a Chocolate Chip Coconut Butter Cookie. Holy yum!
Chocolate Chip Coconut Butter Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup coconut butter
- 1/2 cup almond meal
- 1/4 cup coconut flour
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp hot water
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
Ingredients:
- Preheat oven to 350*F.
- Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Mix well until batter is blended evenly.
- Roll batter into 1-inch balls and place on a greased baking sheet.
- Bake cookies for approximately 12-15 minutes.
- Remove cookies from baking sheet and allow to cool on wire rack.
- Eat and enjoy!
Makes 10 cookies
Snack
Just a little while ago, I whipped up a smoothie with frozen mango, frozen chopped kale, Fitmixer vanilla protein powder, and almond milk to fuel me through my workout later this evening.
And now I’m off to walk Murphy and then go to CrossFit. There’s a fun WOD with box jumps tonight! Woohoo! In addition to Burpees, I (weirdly) love box jumps!
Health News & Views
To get you ready for the Plank Challenge”¦
I know having a strong core is important to to my physical fitness and overall health, but when I’m short on time, it’s always the part of my workout that I end up skipping. Luckily with this challenging and fun quickie plank workout, I have no more excuses!
Reebok #getafterit T-Shirt Giveaway
Thanks to everyone who entered to win a #getafterit t-shirt from Reebok! Here are your winners:
Debbie (accidently delish)
It’s my finals week so I’m gonna get my study on! I’m really working on trying to balance school, work, hubby and healthy habits. It’s all about balance! I would love to win the small!
Claudia
New workout clothes always motivate me to get on the treadmill! I’d love a medium
Lisa
I will be walking every day at lunch. Size Large
Wendy
My plan to #getafterit is to continue working on my training for my first half by getting at least 20 miles in this week. Love these shirts. (Large)
Congrats!!! Please email me at tina@carrotsncake.com with your full name and mailing address to claim your prize.
P.S. Local readers: I just heard about the November Project and wanted to share. If you don’t have a gym membership or are just looking for a new way to workout, it’s a great way to keep you motivated!