Peak Fit System: Pure Cardio (Review)

I've said it before and I'll say it again: Michelle Dozois is the master of fun cardio workouts.  And she doesn't disappoint with this video, Pure Cardio - part of the Peak Fit System. 

This workout follows the HIIT intervals Michelle Dozois designed for her Peak 10 workout with one exeption - there's no "peak" move (crazy jumping HIIT move) at the end of each interval.  Therefore, this is a lighter workout when compared to her Cardio Interval and Cardio Strength videos.  But even though it's lighter, it still packs a punch.

Michelle gives you a good warm-up and then eases you into the ascent and climb phases of the Peak 10 intervals.  At first, I thought this workout would be too easy.  But, no.  Michelle keeps ramping it up and up...until you're sweating bullets.  The basecamp at the end of each interval is still very much appreciated, even without the peaks. 

At the end, you get a lovely cool-down and stretch.  No equipment is needed and it runs for about 55 minutes.  Michelle combines kickboxing, dance, plyometrics, and HIIT into this fun video.

Even after having done so many of Michelle Dozois' workouts, I'm still loving her style and her ability to stay fresh and innovative.  Her videos just keep getting better and better! 

Bottom Line: This is a great intermediate workout.  As long as you can follow some varying choreography, you'll be good!

Skinny Potato Salad (2014:19)

Mr. Higgins loves potato salad.  Actually, he loves all things potato.  On cruises, he'll occasionally have a meal that consists entirely of potato-based dishes.  Ha! 

I've never been into potato salad because I don't like mayonnaise, which usually coats the potatoes.  But when I found one potato salad I loved at a local BBQ place, I decided that it's not all bad.

When I saw this recipe for Skinny Potato Salad, I was curious to try it.  I followd the recipe exactly....and I didn't love it.  It lacked a good flavor.  Mr. Higgins really liked it - and ate 99% of it - but even he admitted it could use some.....umph - something. 

And so I'll keep looking for a good recipe.  I'd like to find a low-fat keeper to serve with my pork BBQ!

Week One: Peak 10 Challenge

And we're off!  My first Peak 10 Challenge, lasting eight weeks.  I was so excited to get started with this, especially after my Q&A with it's creator, Michelle Dozois. 

Every week, I'll give you a run-down of my workouts and progress.  Along the way, I'll give you my complete reviews of the workouts, usually after I've done them a few times.  I'm following the schedule, mostly, provided in the Peak Fit Challenge kit, with a few modifications of days and a few extra workouts thrown in, mainly in the beginning.  (I'm used to working out 7 days a week and the first few weeks of the Challenge schedule have a day of rest.)  The only other factor regarding weight loss is the diet.  I'm not following the diet plan, but I am trying to get the right amount of protein every day - something that's not always easy for me.

I'm also going to try to incorporate some little goals each week.  First up: no candy.  I tend to keep a stash at work and, though I limit myself, I'm going to give it up entirely for a week.  Instead, I'll munch on something healthy.

So, here we go....

Sunday: Pre-Challenge Fit Test (Peak Fit)

Wow.  I knew it would not be easy but...wow.  Michelle walks you through about ten of her most commonly used "peak" movements - HIIT moves - and you see how many you can do in a minute.  Write that number down and hope to see improvement at the end of the eight weeks.  So, 60 seconds of crazy jumping/movement, 60 seconds to rest, 60 seconds of HIIT, 60 seconds of rest.....  The test takes about 30 minutes and I was sweating bullets by the end.  Michelle gives you a good warm-up and cool-down.  When I finished the test, I did 30 additional minutes of her Cardio Strength Remix....   And I was exhausted. 

Monday: Pure Strength 1 (Peak Fit)

I tested out this workout a few weeks ago...and it hasn't gotten any easier.  After a warm-up you go through weight circuits.  There are four circuits that you do twice: back, chest, legs, arms and shoulders.  You need your band provided in the kit, light and heavy weights.  I love the band and how versatile it is, but it does not like me.  I can barely get my arm up high enough with curls for it to qualify as a curl.  Ugh.  I'm really hoping I see some improvement after eight weeks. 

Good news for the day: no candy!  Low-fat popcorn sustained me and I ignored urgings for sugar!  Yay!

Tuesday: Pure Cardio (Peak Fit)

This morning's workout was especially hard since I only slept for about two hours the night prior.  Ugh!  But I made it through Pure Cardio, which I had done once before just for a preview.  There are no "peaks" in this workout but that doesn't mean you don't work.  I was dripping with sweat.  It's good, pure, fun cardio!

No candy today - but it was tougher to abstain.  I went to an HR training talk at lunch.  I avoided 80% of the pasta in the chicken and pasta dish and also went past the garlic bread.  I loaded up on salad and splurged with chocolate cake, which I fully accounted for in my calorie count for the day.

Wednesday: Anytime Anywhere No Excuse Workout (Peak Fit)

For some reason, this workout almost killed me.  The "ascents" were much shorter and, therefore, the frequency of the "peaks" was much higher.  I had to shorten some of my "peaks" to get through this.  Dang.  I can already tell that this will be the video I dread out of all of Michelle's workout videos.

No candy today, outside of two peppermints to settle my stomach.

Thursday: Jari Love's Get Extremely Ripped

On the Peak Fit schedule, there was a day of rest, which I chose to ignore (flexibility tomorrow is enough rest for me!).  For some additional strength training, I turned to Jari Love's Get Extremely Ripped.  There is no cardio in here but your heart rate gets up there with the challenging compound moves Jari leads you through.

Instead of going for candy today, I tried pepitas for a snack. 

Friday: Dynamic Flexibility and Core Dynamics (Peak Fit)

I really needed a light day and Dynamic Flexibility was wonderful!  I can see how Michelle Dozois went from this workout to creating BodyFit 360.  After this 30-minute video, I did the warm-up and first circuit of Core Dynamics.  Not easy at all!  Despite all my crunches, I still can't do a real sit-up.  Ugh.  Must work on that!

No candy today!

Saturday: Cardio Strength I 

Before the Peak 10 Challenge, I'd been doing a cardio interval burn and cardio strength video (of Michelle Dozois') about 3 out of 4 weekends a month.  I know them all pretty well now.  But just now am I trying my hardest to do ALL of the workout.  I used to skip an interval.  I did all of Cardio Strength I (also known as Peak 10 Cardio Strength) today and it was not at all easy.  I was sweating so much….  Now that it's summer, the house is much warmer and it's really had an effect on my workouts.  I tire more easily and sweat buckets.  Literally.  But I got through this entire workout.  It felt great - afterwards.

Sunday: Peak 10 More Cardio Interval Burn

After almost dying with Saturday's workout, I was nervous about doing this Cardio Interval Burn - the second Peak 10 cardio that Michelle Dozois released.  But I got through it with less pain, but just about as much sweat.  And I got through all of it.  I did not skip a section like I normally do.  Yay!  

Calorie counts:
Sunday: 1370
Monday: 1486 - due to going out for book group
Tuesday: 1389
Wednesday: 1397
Thursday: 1391
Friday: too much (out to eat)
Saturday: 1886 (I know, I know - holiday weekend)
Sunday: about 1600 (I'm not sure due to eating out)

One week down.  Seven more to go!  I'm loving this Challenge so far!!

Calorie Intake

Now that I've almost completed the first week of my Peak 10 Challenge, I thought it would be a good idea to talk about calories.

The Peak Fit System comes with a meal plan...but I generally don't like meal plans.  They so often consists of foods I don't like.  According to the formulas provided in the meal plan, the amount of calories I usually hold myself to is the appropriate amount I should be eating during the Challenge - under 1400.

In theory, this is not a problem for me, during the week.  But I have a tendency to not count some foods in that total....like candy at the office.  Or a drink at night.  So, for the Challenge, I'm buckling down and forcing myself to account for everything.

The biggest challenge regarding food, for me, is getting the recommended amount of protein that is suggested in the meal plan.  I don't buy a lot of meat; I don't spend a lot of time in the kitchen, during the week.  But I'm trying my best to incorporate more protein. 

All this being said, I've learned that I must have two days, usually Friday and Saturday or Sunday, to eat what I want.  I'll generally allow myself more calories - 1500-1600 on that Saturday/Sunday.  And I don't count calories on the one night we go out to eat: Friday.  I still try to make smart choices regarding what I eat but I still want to eat good food.  And, honestly, after being hungry almost every waking minute of Monday-Friday, I'm ready to feel full.

My goal for the Peak 10 Challenge is simple: to lose my cruise weight (about five pounds) and become stronger.  My arms need some serious work and I'm still trying to get the legs I want. 

I hope my journey encourages you to actively pursue your diet/weight goals.  It's all about feeling better about yourself.  And to know you're not alone in that journey.

PeakFit System: Pure Strength 1 (Review)

I'm loving Michelle Dozois' PeakFit System...which isn't a surprise given my love of her Peak 10 videos.  But I was a bit nervous about the Pure Strength videos, of which there are two.  I followed the recommended schedule of workouts and began with Pure Strength 1.
 

This workout uses a resistance bank (provided with the System kit), light weights (I used 6.6), and heavy weights (I used 8).  I was excited about using the resistance band...but the band does not like me.  I can barely do curls with it, the resistance is so tight.  I'm hoping this becomes easier as I progress but as it is....I'm definitely using my muscles!

Michelle begins with a warm-up that targets all of your muscles.  She then starts the workout with back exercises.  My arms were almost shaking after all the bent-rows Michelle takes you through.  Eek! 

Next up, your chest.  You go through pushups and chest flies, which I hate.  I could barely get the band extended enough to do a fly properly.  Good grief!  Repeat the back and chest series. 

Legs is next and I was excited.  Michelle takes you through squats and lunges using the band. Wow!  I didn't think my leg muscles could hurt so much!  And then your aching legs must do step through lunges with heavy dumbells.  Oy. 

Arms are next, beginning with tricep side push-ups.  My arms were shaking again in no time!  Tricep kickbacks, lateral raises, and curls follow.  Along with some pain - ha!  Repeat legs and arms. 

Michelle then lets you, thankfully, cool down and stretch. This workout clocks in at a little over 50 minutes.  Even though there is no cardio, it made me sweat a lot.  I like it but it's definitely tough.  My arms have always been a struggle for me to strengthen so maybe this will help.  In the meantime, it'll be painful.  For a clip, click here.

Bottom Line: This is a great strength workout - tough but never boring and always effective.

One-Pan Farro with Tomatoes (2014:18)

I've been wanting to try some different grains - rice is so boring - and when I came across this recipe for One-Pan Farro with Tomatoes, I was instantly intrigued by farro.

It turns out that farro is an ancient grain that fed the Roman armies.  Well, you know me and therefore, you know this would catch my attention.  Italians have dined on farro for centuries.  As I read about this history of this grain, I wondered why I had never seen or heard of it. 

The search for farro in the grocery store was not easy.  It was nowhere to be found - except at Central Market.  They sell (in the grain aisle) a pre-cooked pearled variety of farro that cooks in 10 minutes.  Cool!

On Saturday, I made my 18th new recipe of the year - One-Pan Farro with Tomatoes.  I made one adjustment: I used drained, rinsed, petite diced tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes (which I don't like). 

The dish was delicious - though a bit salty for my taste.  Next time, I'll scale back the salt and let the farro cook for a few additional minutes.  But this is a great meal or side dish; Mr. Higgins even approved the dish.  If I make it again for a meal, I may add some chicken.  I'm learning that my body is not satisfied with mere carbohydrates, even if they're complex, for a meal. 

Next, I want to try some farro salads!

Mocha Double Fudge Brownies (2014:17)

I was craving something chocolate for dessert recently.  Since this flavor is not Mr. Higgins' first choice, I asked his permission before making these Mocha Double Fudge Brownies from Cooking Light.

To lower the calories even more, I used half Splenda and half sugar.  Since I could not find fat-free chocolate fudge topping, I had to go with sugar free.  These two changes brought the calories down to 108 per serving.

I knew these wouldn't be the best brownies ever, but they're good for 108 calories each.  Mr. Higgins likes them and I like the chocolate.  It's always hard not to reach for my mother-in-law's fabulous brownie recipe....but sometimes you have to be good, especially after a cruise.

So I'll keep this recipe as a good chocolate alternative.

Cat Tree

A few months ago, I finally convinced Mr. Higgins to let me get a cat tree.  Our couch has been the cat's scratching post and now it's shredded.  We get to go couch shopping in the next few weeks - oh, joy!  

Sidious, the obstinate stuck-up thing, has refused to go near the cat tree.  Sigh.

Dooku, however, took to it immediately, with the help of some catnip.  He's been scratching happily away.  My boy makes me so proud!  He also loves to sit on it and watch the birds in the birdbath.  
 

And now to find a new couch and hope it lasts longer than the current one. 

The Mistress of Rome

I took two novels on our cruise last week - Geraldine Brooks' March and Kate Quinn's Mistress of Rome.  I've now finished the latter and it was good!  It was actually hard not to read it all in one sitting on the ship!  I had to pace myself and take in the sights - the ocean, beaches, and islands - instead.  Ha!

My Goodreads review:

I had no idea what to expect from Kate Quinn's novel about ancient Rome.  After studying Roman history for so long, I generally find historical fiction regarding that time period....lacking.  The exception is Steven Saylor's Roma Sub Rosa series.

Quinn's style is much different from Saylor's - her writing is more action-focused and dialgue-heavy, whereas Saylor goes above and beyond with his descriptions and tireless research to bring Rome to life.  Quinn's characters come to life through her witty dialogue and non-stop action. 

I thoroughly enjoyed reading the tale of Arius, Thea, Vix, Paulinus, and Ledpida during the reign of Domitian.  The Flavian emperor is just as I would have imagined - a bit mad, a bit smart, and balding.

Before finishing the novel, I ordered the next of Quinn's in the series. 

March (Novel)

My book group chose to read Geraldine Brooks' March, after having read Little Women last month.  I've liked Brooks' other works so I was excited to pick this novel up.

Here's the review I posted to Goodreads:

Given my lukewarm reaction to Little Women, I was a bit hesitant about March, even though I've liked Geraldine Brooks' other novels. March, however, quickly caught my attention and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Mr. March is such an obscure character in Little Women; it was a pleasure to see him as an idealistic, passionate youth. It was also refreshing to see Mrs. March as a real, flawed person given to furious outbursts and headstrong actions. I can see why this novel won the Pulizer.

Three Years

Three years ago today, this happened.  These years of married life have been a whirlwind of travel, adventure, and nesting in our new home. 

I truly cannot believe that three years have passed!  We've been on eight cruises in those three years!  Unbelievable!  We've been very blessed and I thank God every day for Mr. Higgins and the joy (and cats!) he's brought to my life. 

Broccoli Salad

I love broccoli.  In fact, I have no idea why there are people who don't like it!  It's one of the healthiest foods out there!  

When, in adulthood, I came across broccoli salad, I was instantly intrigued.  But since I have a sensitive stomach, the heavy coating of mayonnaise usually did not agree with me.  Plus, I don't like mayo - it's not good for you or for your diet.  And so I started looking for a broccoli salad dressing that was mayo free.  It was surprisingly difficult - impossible! - to find.  When I perfected my chicken salad recipe, I thought for sure I could find a similar Greek yogurt recipe for broccoli salad.  However, almost all of them were half mayo.  Ugh! 
 

After several attempts, I've settled upon this for my go-to broccoli salad recipe.  Mr. Higgins and I cannot get enough of it.  We have to force ourselves not to eat it all in one sitting.  The dressing is light - you won't like it if you're used to tons of thick, rich mayo - but it's yummy with the hint of hotness from the cayenne.  

 

Broccoli Salad à la Picky Doniamarie

 

8 servings (side dish) = 111 calories each (using real bacon bits and 2% cheese)

 

4 cups or 2 heads of broccoli

1 cup sliced grapes

1/4 cup red onion

3/4 cup craisins

1/3 cup cheddar cheese, shredded or cubed

4 TB bacon or bacon bits

2 TB sliced almonds

Dressing:

1/2 cup non-fat plain Greek yogurt

4 TB sugar

2 TB white wine vinegar

pinch of cayenne, optional

-Combine yogurt, sugar, vinegar, and cayenne.  Mix well and refrigerate.

-Chop broccoli, grapes, onions.  Combine with bacon, cheese, and craisins.

-Pour dressing over broccoli mixture and toss to coat.

***Add almonds just prior to serving (otherwise they get soggy).

Will keep in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.  

Enjoy!  

Spring Cruising

We're off on a cruise...well, actually, two back-to-back cruises this week.  Mr. Higgins' parents are joining us so that makes it extra special.  And it's the first time we'll be on a cruise for our anniversary, which is really nice!! 

It amazes me how many people assume I hate my work since I take full advantage of my three weeks of vacation a year.  No, I don't mind work and it's work enables me to have fun!  To live life!  And though I don't miss work, I look forward to getting away from traffic and road construction for a week.  Most definitely!

Little Women

Last month, my book group chose to read Little Women, followed by Geraldine Brooks' March.  

Here's the review I posted on Goodreads of Little Women:

Despite having owned Little Women for years, it took the decision of my book group for me to pick it up and read. Upon starting, it was very difficult for me to get into the book, for the writing is so very heavy and the style very preach-y. But soon I great invested in the girls and wanted to know what would become of them. Jo, representing the closest thing to a modern woman, was my favorite. Marmee was frustratingly annoying in her wisdom and flawlessness. The sisters remind me of the Bennet sisters from Pride and Prejudice and that sisterly dynamic always makes me yearn for a big family. I don’t think I’ll ever read this again but am glad I did. 

Blueberry Greek Yogurt Pancakes (2014:16)

I love carbohydrate-rich breakfast foods, just like my mom, who used to make pancakes, biscuits, waffles, and coffee cake when I was young.  Now, being ever conscious of my calorie intake, I get only one real carbohydrate-laden breakfast a week, when I make either biscuits or waffles.  Pancakes, I reserve for the times I'm in East Texas and can eat my mom's.

When I saw a recipe for Blueberry Greek Yogurt Pancakes, I was immediately tempted.  I had unused Greek yogurt in the fridge, blueberries in the freezer, and a want for pancakes.  Since Mr. Higgins does not like the carb part of breakfast like I do (prefering eggs, bacon, sausage, etc), he abstained.  

Once all the ingredients were mixed together, I was immediately worried about how thick the batter was.  I added more than the amount of milk listed on the recipe, just to get the batter liquid-y enough to pour.  The pancakes came out thick and....mediocre.  They tasted healthy and blah.  I was not very impressed.  Since I consider myself a connoisseur of pancakes and carbs, I do have high expectations. 

And these pancakes fell flat.  

Michelle Dozois Q&A

A few weeks ago, I got up the nerve to email Michelle Dozois, creator of the PeakFit System, Peak 10 workouts, and countless other workout DVDs.  She was kind enough to answer some of my questions regarding sustaining a workout regimen and at-home fitness.  Since I'm starting her PeakFit 8-Week System in May, I was so honored to hear from someone who motivates and inspires me every day I go to workout.....

Long-term fitness goals and expectations are always on our minds.  Can we keep it up?  How do we keep it up?  It's so great to get feedback from someone like you, Michelle, who looks great and is a constant inspiration for us at home. 

Thank you for the kind words.  When my son was young and had just received the diagnosis of autism, I was really struggling to find time to work out. I started to rely more and more on home workouts and although I had created home workouts for other companies, it was at this time I found a whole new respect and understanding of those who exercised at home.

1. Keeping a big variety of fitness videos in one's home library is expensive.  For at-home fitness peeps, what do you suggest for keeping long-term fitness goals (through workout DVDs) without plateauing?

I would probably develop my own system of categorization and organize them by workout type and then also by level of intensity.  (you can create sub categories, too, if needed)

For example:

Strength workouts

• Total Body
• Lower Body
• Upper Body
• Core Body

Cardio  workouts

• Low Impact
• Mixed Impact
• Higher Impact 
• Dance

Mind-body workouts

• Yoga
• Pilates
• Barre 
• Fusion        

Combination Workouts

• Peak 10: cardio + strength

Then I would find a way to label by intensity - perhaps a little round sticker, green for light, yellow for moderate, orange for higher intensity and  red for HIIT or anything you consider the highest intensity level.  You can always change the sticker color if you find you change your mind as you work your way through the DVD's.  If you wanted to go a step further I would even use a Post-it note with a couple of thoughts on the workout (what size weights worked best, whether or not you liked the music, etc).  When you get detailed with your DVD organization, it can spark more interest in an effective, diverse home workout plan.

2.  Similarly, for those of us at home, it's hard and expensive to keep upping the weights.  Is it alright to use a light set and heavy set of weights for a long time?  How frequently should we buy the next step up?

First off, I wouldn't spend a lot of money on weights.  I prefer hexagon weights (the ones with the edges so the weights don’t roll away from you).  I personally have weights in the following range: 3,5,8,10,12,and 15.  I use all of these when developing workouts plus my kids like to jump in every now and then!  15 is the heaviest I have in my house for me.  My "go to" weights are 8s and 12s.   Do you really need that many different weights? Maybe not, but remember, if you're really committing to a body transformation program, I do recommend changing up your weights. As you make your way through the program, you will most likely use a variety of weights, so investing in more than 2 sets is worth it! For example, when doing Peak, you'll most likely pass the 5 lb weight mark fairly quickly. But you will return to 5 lbs while doing a mind body workout within the same week.  (This is where those Post-it notes come in so handy, so you can remind yourself of the differing weights for each program) Remember, that even for Peak, when you switch to a new version of Cardio Strength you will want to go down in your weights for a workout or two until you are familiar with the movements and ready to use a heavier weight for that workout with those particular movement patterns along with the tempo.  What most people forget is that the weights they use during each unique workout is not always going to be the same. Weight options depend on the goal and style of the workout. 

3.  HIIT is all the rage right now.  How many times a week can one safely do these crazy intense workouts?

2-3 tops.  You may feel like you can do more but the long term wear and tear is not good for any body, no matter how experienced you are.

4.  After an 8-week Peak Fit challenge, like the one you're beginning in May, what should one do?  Bring the intensity down for a while? 

You will get better long term results by taking a break between Peak sessions. Change out your workouts for other things in your library.  Even if you love Peak and want to keep doing them longer, it is better for your body to mix things up.   (You can also do a mini Peak sessions of 4-6 weeks if you don’t want to commit to another full 8-week session).

This doesn’t mean you have to cut out all HIIT workouts but please - listen to your body!  You may want to skip them for a while or do one per week from another workout you have in your library.  I find if you give Peak a break (or any workout system for that matter) and change things up, when you come back to Peak you will get even better results.

Over all, organize your workout sessions by what you need to accomplish every week.  For example, how many strength, cardio and flexibility workouts do you need to fulfill your fitness goals?  Your schedule will most likely change over time but it's best make a plan for the next few weeks and keep your workout selection consistent during this time. Then you can rotate to a new set of DVD's in your library.

Remember, there isn't one solution for everyone. Investing time organizing your personal collection will help you keep your body in great shape and help you to get the most value from your purchases.

I am so grateful to get such wonderful advice from someone who truly inspires me.  Thank you, MIchelle!

Michelle asked a favor of anyone who purchases her DVDs: please review them on Amazon.  This helps sales and ensures that we'll get more great workout videos from her.  

Coconut Banana Bread (2014:15)

Mr. Higgins loves foods banana-y or banana flavored (even drinks)...and hates bananas themselves.  I love bananas but not usually things made with bananas.  The exception to my banana things rule is this Skinny Chocolate-Caramel Banana Bread, which I adore. 

When I saw a recipe for Coconut Banana Bread, I was intrigued, after having loved my other banana bread so much.  And because of my firece devotion to coconut, this recipe quickly moved up my queue.

First off, I did not make and never intended to make the lime glaze.  I wanted to save my calories and by using Splenda and egg substitute, this recipe came out at 120 calories per serving (16 servings).

When I went to check the bread at an hour, it seemed to be almost done, but I left it in for a few more minutes, just to be safe.  A few hours later, when I finally cut into it, I learned it needed another five minutes of baking.  This really annoyed me.  However, Mr. Higgins was ecstatic with the bread, saying it was better than the other banana bread.  I thought it was just too banana-y, perhaps due to the lack of chocolate.  That's my personal preference; nothing was wrong with the recipe.  In fact, I'll keep it and make it for Mr. Higgins occasionally. 

Peak Fit System

Dear readers...  By now, you know just how much I love the workouts released by Michelle Dozois, especially her Peak 10 DVDs.  Why do I love these workouts of Michelle's so much?  Let me count the ways...

-They're fun!  I have no dread factor for these, except for dreading push-ups and burpees all the time, no matter the video.

-Michelle is able to incorporate dance, plyometrics, HIIT, kickboxing, and circuit training into one video.  It's amazing; they're amazing!  You never get tired of one thing because you're quickly on to the next move.

-Michelle herself, and her crew, are an inspiration.  Michelle is in better shape than most women who are 20 years younger! 

-By the end of these workouts, you will feel like you've accomplished something great.  That'll keep you coming back for more and more!

I have all of Michelle's individually released Peak 10 videos....but not her system.  Her Peak Fit System is based on an 8-week program that she runs at her gym.  Thankfully, she's provided us at-home fitness peeps with a way to do it as well.  She sells the kit online which includes 10 workouts, packaged together with a food guide, bands, measuring tape, and workout schedule. 

Starting May 19, I'm going to do this 8-week program, without the meal plan.  (I already eat healthy and stay within the designated calorie range for what I want to do with my body.)  During that time, Michelle is running the program at her gym so she'll be super motivational online.  I'm so excited!  Michelle has said that after these eight weeks, you should do something else to let your body re-group and re-charge.  

So, for eight weeks, I'm going to use the Peak Fit System.  After that, I'll put the system aside and do 6-7 weeks of other workouts.  The goal is to shock my body with doing something different.  I feel like I've plateaued and this sounds like just what I need.  10 new workouts!   

Cathe Friedrich: Intensity (Review)

Always on the look-out for different and interesting cardio, I purchased Cathe Friedrich's Intensity (2010) DVD, having only seen some clips and positive reviews.

Cathe starts with a good warm-up and then moves on to cardio with a step.  Then, low-impact HIIT, high-impact HIIT, bootcamp with weights, and, finally, a stretch.  If you can get through the entire thing, which is doubtful for anyone, it runs 70 minutes.

I knew the main bulk (36 minutes) of the cardio required a step, but I was determined to modify it for non-step owners.  And it can be done quite easily.  I just jogged and jumped a bit more to add some intensity.  The step portion is just way too convoluted for me, though.  Cathe assumes you frequent step classes and know all the terms she throws out.  Since I don't, it's hard to follow along, even after having done it 4-5 times.  But, as along as I'm moving and can kind of follow along, I'm happy given I'm not used to step stuff.

For the HIIT portions, no step is needed.  The low-impact section is just that - fast squat dips, pulse lunges, etc, etc.  The high-impact section almost kills me - you will jump A LOT.  These movements are a lot like the "peak" moves Michelle Dozois uses in her Peak 10 workouts.  You will be sweating bullets and I highly recommend having a sweat towel and water near by.

For the bootcamp portion, you'll need weights.  You'll alternate between pretty basic weight movements and high-intensity cardio.  If you use appropriate weights, you'll feel the burn here!

I've rarely done Cathe's stretches, always prefering my own.  But they seem good. 

For a preview of this video, go here.  I can't say I look forward to Cathe's videos.  I know you'll get results with them but I much prefer more dance-centered workouts, like Michelle Dozois.  I hate dreading workouts and this one is a dread, though not as bad as Cathe's Cardio Circuit (ugh!).  I know she has a following, probably of steppers, but I'm not jumping on the bandwagon any time soon.

Bottom Line: For the intermediate to advanced, this is a great workout if you want to sweat!

Skinny Double Chocolate Muffins (2014:14)

After the huge success of Sally's Baking Addiction's Skinny Cheesecake Bars, I was tempted to try another one of Sally's recipes.

Always eager for chocolate and in need of a good muffin recipe, I decided to try her Skinny Double Chocolate Muffins last weekend.  I set out to mix all the healthy ingredients and almost forgot the sugar.  Eek!  Once the sugar was in and I was ready to pour the muffins into the pan, I tasted the batter.  Um....not so good....at all.  I double checked the recipe but had not forgotten anything. 

I made the muffins, with little hope of success.  Once out of the oven and cooled, they smelled not good but...healthy.  It was an odd smell for a chocolate muffin.   I finally tried one and it was alright - nothing great.  Without the chocolate chips, they would be almost tasteless.  The chocolate chips definitely help - as does warming them in the microwave for ten seconds.  

Mr.  Higgins and I concur - though we ate all the muffins, we won't be making this recipe again.  

Roasted Red Pepper Pasta (2014:13)

My fascination with Greek yogurt just keepson growing, especially after Mr. Higgins subbed it for sour cream and claims to not be able to tell a difference.  I was amazed - but I don't like sour cream....and I don't like Greek yogurt by itself.

And then I ran across this recipe for Roasted Red Pepper Pasta, which combines my new fascination with my new love: red peppers.

I whipped up this pasta and it was surprisingly easy since it uses jarred roasted red peppers.  The hardest part of the recipe was the hassle of the food processor (so much to clean up afterwards!). 

Mr. Higgins loved this dish. I don't generally like creamy pasta so I was on the fence.  When I threw the recipe into the recycling bin, Mr. Higgins fished it out and asked me to keep it.  In all fairness, I'll gladly make it again.  It's one of those that I know will grow on me. 

The Shadowy Horses

My in-laws loaned me The Shadowy Horses, by Susanna Kearsley, a while back and I've just now gotten around to reading it.   I usually like Kearsley and her Scottish historical epics, but this one just didn't work. 

Since my Goodreads review was a bit too consise, I'll try to write a better review here.

When I learned that this book deals with the mystery of Rome's Ninth Legion, which may or may not have disappeared in Britian, I was fascinated.  I love my Roman history!  And so I enjoyed Verity's story - a young archeaologist recruited for a job in Scotland that may involve the Ninth Legion.  But when mystics, ghosts, and a forced love story started developing, I grew tired of this novel.  It was a bit too formulaic for me and the drama at the end was awkward at best.

I finished the book though it was mediocre.  Kearsley has done much better and this appears to be an early writing attempt for her.  Skip it and go on to her better novels.

April Update

The tulips and bluebonnets are happily dancing in the wind here in Texas!  It's so nice to see spring and warmer - but not too warm! - temps!  Now all we need is a rain - and a lot of it! 
 

I haven't chatted in a while so here are some updates and gripes....

--I am loving making whole chickens in the crock-pot!  With all that chicken, I make salads, wraps, and sandwiches....and all of it is delicious!  My new favorite salad: spinach, romaine, pecans, mandarin oranges, chicken, and a strawberry vinaigrette.  Delicious!

--With all the road construction in the area, I may be well on my way to an ulcer.  This morning, I had to force myself to just go with the flow (never easy for me).  With all the delays, detours, and inevitable accidents, it's all I can do to not pull out my hair everyday.

--Working out in the morning (at 5:30am) is great!  I was taking a morning off, usually Mondays, but found that I was sleepier those days.  So, instead of taking a day off, I'm now doing one of my lighter, older workouts - pilates, yoga, or Michelle Dozois' BodyFit 360.  I'm finding this is gradually helping with my flexibility so I'll keep at it!

--I'm having a lot of fun with my new recipe challenge.  Cooking/recipe blogs have always been fun to look at but now I'm actively searching for recipes to make.  My one gripe about food bloggers, though: when you say something is healthy, post the nutrition info to prove it.  I get so tired of clicking on "healthy" and "skinny" recipes only to find there's a stick of butter and two cups of sugar involved.  Ugh. 

--Along those lines, if you ever thought of commenting or cricitizing something Pinterest, don't.  I called a food blogger out on something labeled "healthy" - that wasn't - and there was no end to people commenting and criticizing me.  Sigh.  Lesson learned the hard way.

And now, in closing, bring on those April showers already!!

Skinny Cheesecake Bars (2014:12)

I love cheesecake; my sensitive stomach does not share the same fondness.  While we can get our fair share of cheesecake on cruises, I usually avoid it, not wanting to upset the fragile state of my stomach (due to all the different foods). 

At home, I've never attempted a cheesecake....and I'm not sure Mr. Higgins wants me to try.  He likes saving little things for special events, like cruises.  But when I saw this recipe for Skinny Cheesecake Bars, I couldn't resist.

This weekend, I made the bars....at a time when I was probably too rushed to be doing so.  As a result, some of the yolk from one egg ended up in the batter - and I couldn't get it out to save my life.  I was also unsure if these were done baking....so I added some time that they probably didn't need.  When I took them out of the oven, I was nevous...

But they are great!  You can't even tell there's Greek yogurt in there!  I love them!  And Mr. Higgins does as well!  This recipe is a keeper!

Cat Happy

This cat has recently made me very, very happy.  He's never been a lap cat, much prefering the floor or the seat next to you on the couch.  But in the past few weeks, he's been jumping up to sit next to me - and, lean against me - in the recliner.  He'll even come up and sniff my nose and rub against me before settling down by my legs. 

This is the cat who had the urinary tract scare last summer.  After 9 months on food made specifically for cats prone to UTIs, he's the picture of health and rambunctious happiness.

Pets make the world a much happier place! 

Herb Biscuits (2014:11)

When trying new recipes, it's inevitable that some just don't work.  Some are mediocre and unexciting while some fail....on an epic scale.

I was all ready to make soup last weekend but wanted something other than cornbread to go with it.  Recently, I've read about how Bisquick is not so good for you (like everything else in the store, it seems), so I've been wanting to try a biscuit-y recipe using flour, etc, instead of Bisquick.  When I found this recipe for Herb Biscuits, I thought I'd accomplished my two goals. 

Like other biscuits - and Bisquick biscuits - I dropped this dough onto a greased cookie sheet.  Perhaps that was my mistake.  The biscuits did not rise - actually, they just spread out and gained, maybe a quarter-inch of hieght.  The texture was so that a knife could not cut them, they were so chewy (but, yes, done).  They were also too salty.

When I saw and tasted the result of my efforts, I double-checked the recipe: yes, I followed it exactly.  My baking powder is new, so that wasn't the problem....  So, I have no idea.  Maybe the recipe has a typo. 

I'll keep looking for a good drop biscuit from scratch recipe.

Firm Bootcamp: Maximum Calorie Burn (Review)

I'm not a huge fan of The Firm workouts, as I've said before.  The choreography is often poorly explained and, in general, none of the workouts are very advanced.  When I read good things about The Firm Bootcamp: Maximum Calorie Burn (2007), though, I was tempted.  I bought a copy.

Allison Davis, the instructor, is not unknown to me; I've seen her in other Firm videos.  Her Southern accent is always quite distinctive.  

Allison guides you through an overly thorough warm-up that includes light cardio and push-ups.  Ugh.  I hate it when instructors put push-ups in warm-ups.  The workout begins with a short toning section with weights followed by a plyometric move to get your heart rate up.  You do this about three times, weights and cardio, before you get to the first of three cardio interval sections.  

The plyometric moves interspersed with weights are good and challenging - lunges to jumping lunges, burpees, etc.  The cardio in the three cardio sections (each about 5 minutes) is more dance like but still high impact.  Your heart rate gets up there and barely has time to recover with the weights before you're on to your next plyometric move.   For the less advanced, there is a girl in the back who always does the beginner/low-impact modification.

There's a nice cool down - again, overly long - followed by some stretching. 

Weights are a sure fire way to get my blood pumping and it definitely pumps here.  I liked that some of the moves were different than the ones on other videos - variety is good!  The cardio was less innovative but still effective.  Allison falls into the same Firm trap - assuming you know what a star step is before explaining it.  There are better instructors - and better series than the Firm. 

But I will continue to keep this video in my rotation since it is different than the others. 

Bottom Line: This is a good introduction to HIT - high intensity intervals.  You'll need weights and a towel to dry off with.  Ha!

Yoga Booty Ballet Live: Cardio Cabaret (Review)

A few years ago, my mom found and bought a Yoga Booty Ballet video in the store.  I liked it enough to buy some of the series myself.  One video set includes Cardio Cabaret and Hip Hop Abs.  Today, I'll review the Cardio Cabaret workout.

Yoga Booty Ballet is taught by two fabulous ladies, Teigh and Gillian.  Gillian generally teaches more of the yoga and ballet moves while Teigh does more of the strength training portions. 

Cardio Cabaret starts slowly with some yoga and meditation and then quickly transitions to some fun dance moves.  This is pure dance but it's also pure fun!  This is not a high intensity workout; it's much lighter and less stressful!  Your will shake those hips and butt!

The Cabaret section ends with some ballet to work on your balance followed by a good stretching segment.  

Cons: I'm not into meditation so I always fast forward through that bit at the beginning.

Bottom Line: For a beginner, this is a great way to get some light, fun cardio into your day, without taking up too much time (especially if you skip the meditating!).

The Dark Monk

This week I finished the second book in The Hangman's Daughter series by Oliver Potzsch, The Dark Monk.  I was pleasantly surprised by it!

Here my Goodreads review:

Despite not being swept away by the first book in this series, The Hangman's Daughter, I picked up the second book, mainly because I liked the characters so much.

The Dark Monk was a great surprise: it was better than The Hangman's Daughter! The story had a tightness that the first novel lacked and I personally liked the subject: Templars and the Crusades.

This book has convinced me to keep reading the series.         

Roasted Brussels Sprouts (2014:10)

At Thanksgiving with my cousins this past year, there was a dish of Brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes.  I passed on it but tried a bit from my mother's plate.  It made me want to try making fresh Brussels sprouts.

As a kid, my mom always bought the Green Giant microwave in butter sauce Brussels spouts.  They were alright.  As an adult, I thought that surely there was a better way to make these ugly green vegetables edible.  

And so I ran across this recipe for Roasted Brussels Sprouts.  Having no interest in walnuts and not wanting the calories of cranberries, I roasted only the sprouts.  It was interesting how they cooked - and how brown the outer layers got.  I peeled back the layers and the sprouts were green and tender underneath.

I thought this was a good recipe, though it needed more salt (I barely dashed a bit on them).  Mr. Higgins, never a fan of Brussels sprouts, ate them without complaining but asked to never have them again.  Ha!  I'll stick to other veggies but it's good to know how to make this side dish...if one ever needs variety. 

Heaven

I recently finished the last selection made by my book group: Heaven: Our Enduring Fascination with the Afterlife, by Lisa Miller.

This is my review:

Despite having heard of this book and it's author, it took the push of my book club to make me read Miller's Heaven.  Once I picked it up, I was surprised how much I enjoyed it.

I'm perpetually wary of journalists who pursue topics generally reserved for academics and that's what initially kept me from reading this. Miller has no religion degree or history degree...  She's a journalist with years of experience writing about religion.
 
But Miller proves to be a competent researcher.  She is looking for her own answers with this book and in many ways, this is a personal pilgrimage for her.  She visits academics, ministers, ascetics, and people of every religion.  Along the way, Miller traces a lot of history of the major religions and I particularly enjoyed the parts on Judaism.  It's an enjoyable and enlightening read.

I can't believe I've already read two nonfiction books this year!  Dang! 

Nevis

I'm back from the Caribbean where we had a lovely cruise!  

As I mentioned before, our new island for this trip was Nevis, which is a 45-minute ferry ride from St. Kitts.  The ferry was fun; the water was a beautiful Caribbean blue.  The times for the ferry, however, were not great.  We had only about two hours to spend on the island before turning around and sailing back to Kitts.  

We decided to go to a beach and visit the local famous hangout, Sunshine's Beach Bar.  The beaches on Kitts and Nevis aren't great but we sat on some loungers and got a few Killer Bees, the signature drink of Sunshine's.  Wow.  They are definitely killer; two of them almost killed me!  

All in all, I'm so glad to have visited Nevis.  The mountain is always shrouded by clouds and it was neat looking up at it, instead of across an ocean at it.  

Oatmeal Chocolate Muffins (2014:9)

I've been on a search to find a healthy muffin recipe.  This is a lot harder than I ever would have imagined! 

SKP recommended this recipe for Oatmeal Chocolate Muffins.  The main appeal of this recipe, for me, was the flax.  I bought a bag of this 6 months ago and still hadn't used it. 
To decrease the calories, I used only a 1/2 cup of chocolate chips, which is plenty!  These muffins taste healthy but good.  Even Mr. Higgins approved these as a "keeper."  SKP suggested adding a banana which I'll try next time since the muffins are a bit on the dry side. 

Using egg substitute (I had no eggs), these muffins are 139 calories each.  Not bad!

Cruise Questions

It seems fitting that while on a cruise, I should do a post about the questions people constantly ask me when I tell them how much we love cruising.  Here are the most common questions.....

1.  Do you feel the ship move?

Yes.  You will feel the ship move.  But unless there are high seas, you won't feel any significant rocking, rolling, or pitching.  Even if it gets up to 10 foot seas, it'll feel like you've had a few drinks.  The steps meet you sooner than expected and you may walk in a not-quite straight line.  It's actually fun - if you pretend like you're drunk!

2.  Do you get sick?

No.  I don't know if I'd get sick without medication.  I've always taken Bonine - one every night or two if the captain says we're in for some high seas.  I know the ship is moving but my brain never decides that I should feel sick.  But don't think about it.  Have fun!

3.  Do you worry about getting norovirus?

A tiny bit but the fact is that you don't have to be on a cruise ship to get norovirus.  You've probably had it, without ever setting foot on a ship.  All you have to do is be smart, just like when at  home - wash your hands frequently and if a food looks or tastes funny, avoid it.  Frankly, I'm always more worried about catching someone's cold on the plane ride to the ship.  Ugh.

4.  Is cruising only for older people?

No.  Cruises are what you make them.  You can stay on the ship in every port.  You can get off and go on a zipline tour.  On the ship, you can do every activity from sing-alongs to scrapbooking to basketball tournaments.  Or you can do none of them.  You can work out every day, on machines or with classes, or you can lay by the pool 8 hours a day.  You can dress up and go to the fancy dining room every night or you can stay in shorts and go to the buffet.  You can do whatever you want; it's all up to you!

5.  Why do you do so many cruises?

My husband loves cruises.  He loves the ships - Royal Caribbean's ships are beautiful - and he loves the sense of freedom he associates with ships.  I like to travel and, when I travel, I like to forget about everything else in the world.  There's no better way to do this than on a cruise ship, out at sea, where you have no cell service and have to pay for internet.  It's a break from normalcy. 

6.  Aren't the rooms tiny?  Too tiny?!

No.  All you do in your room is sleep.  You don't eat there, you don't relax there - hello, pool deck!  There's so much to see and do - but all of it is outside of your room.  I never notice how small the rooms are.  I do, however, notice how small the showers are, especially when shaving my legs.  Ha!

7.  Do you work out on cruises?

No, I don't.  But plenty of people use all the fancy machines and take the free classes.  I use the weeks we cruise to let my body rest.  We typically spend a few days hiking on the islands and we walk a lot on the ships themselves (which are HUGE - you're constantly going from one end to the other).  I try to swim a bit....but no formal working out.  Your body needs these periods of rest. 

8.  Is the food good?

Heck, yeah!  And as you become regular cruisers with a specific line, you begin to remember what is going to be served certain days.  With Royal Caribbean, honey stung chicken is served the first day at lunch and it is one of my favorite things ever.  The first formal night brings strawberry cheesecake.  The last night, key lime pie.  So, so good.  Even the drinking water, which is recycled, is deliciously cold and refreshing.  And don't even get me started on the tropical alcoholic drinks!

9.  Aren't the ships confining?  Don't you get claustrophobic on sea days?

No.  But then, I usually spend sea days watching the sea pass by.  It's so beautiful!  The wide open spaces stretch in every direction so how can you be claustrophobic.  At night, you can walk the promenade deck and pool deck to get fresh air....  There's nothing confining about a cruise ship!  The only time I feel uneasy is when I'm surrounded by people at an event...but because this bothers me, I try to avoid feeling closed in by people.  It's easy to do!

In the end, cruising is so much fun.  You go, you unpack once, and the ship takes you to amazing places.  I highly recommend it!

Cruise Time Again!

Today we board a ship for my 10th cruise.  And no, that's not many cruises at all!  It will be Mr. Higgins' 19th cruise!  

This cruise was spur of the moment, for us, at least.  We booked it only a month out when it became apparent that we needed 8 more nights on a ship to get to the next level of Royal Caribbean's award program.  We're very strategic in our thinking and cruise planning!

But we are so genuinely excited about this cruise even though it's not a new ship for Mr. Higgins (though it is for me) and no new ports.  It's a big ship - and we've been on only small ships for the last two years - so that's exciting.  And we get to go to some of our favorite places ever.  As much as I like new places, I love the familiarity of finding great places and knowing everything about them.  It means I can look forward to them instead of stressing about details and uncertainties.  LOL!

And we are getting to a new place, after all!  While docked at St. Kitts, we're going to take the ferry over to Nevis (pronounced Nee-vis) to see a new island.