Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Quick breakfast, lunch and snack ideas!

BREAKFAST

  • Veggie Scramble: Cook 10 cherry tomatoes, 1 cup sliced portobellos in a nonstick pan until soft. Add 1 whole egg, 1 egg white; scramble until cooked. Serve with 1 slice whole-grain toast topped with 1 teaspoon almond butter, 1 tsp raw honey. 324 calories per serving, 16 g fat (3 g saturated), 32 g carbs, 6 g fiber, 19 g protein
  • Yogurt Parfait: In a bowl, layer 9 ounces nonfat plain Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts, 1 cup berries. 357 calories per serving, 16 g fat (4 g saturated), 27 g carbs, 9 g fiber, 29 g protein
  • Filling Frittata: Cook 1/2 cup chopped red onion, 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper in a pan coated with cooking spray, 3 minutes. Add 2 oz low-sodium deli turkey breast, chopped; cook until heated through, 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in 1 whole egg and 1 egg white, beaten; 1/2 cup part-skim ricotta; 2 tsp chopped fresh basil. Heat under broiler until frittata puffs, 2 to 3 minutes. 360 calories, 15 g fat (7 g saturated), 19 g carbs, 2 g fiber, 37 g protein
  • Honeyed Waffles: Spread 2 tsp almond butter, 2 tsp raw honey on 2 toasted frozen whole-grain waffles. (Look for whole-wheat flour as the first ingredient.) Top with 1/2 banana, sliced. 362 calories per serving, 15 g fat (3 g saturated), 51 g carbs, 4 g fiber, 9 g protein
  • Egg and Cheese: Cook 1 egg to your liking in a pan coated with cooking spray. Place egg, 1 slice cheddar on a toasted whole-grain English muffin. Serve with 1/2 apple. 344 calories per serving, 15 g fat (8 g saturated), 37 g carbs, 7 g fiber, 18 g protein
  • Eat and Run: 1 hard-boiled egg; 1 medium banana; 3 tbsp unsalted almonds. 323 calories per serving, 19 g fat (3 g saturated), 32 g carbs, 6 g fiber, 13 g protein
  • Southwestern Slam: Sauté 1/2 cup corn with 1/4 cup canned black beans (rinsed and drained), 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper, 1/4 cup chopped red onion, 1/4 tsp ground cumin, a pinch of cayenne pepper (optional) in a pan coated with cooking spray until pepper and onion are soft, 5 minutes. Add 1 whole egg, 1 egg white, 2 tsp chopped fresh cilantro; scramble until eggs are cooked, 4 minutes. Serve with 2 cups cubed papaya. 348 calories per serving, 6 g fat (2 g saturated), 60 g carbs, 12 g fiber, 18 g protein
  • Make-Ahead Muesli: Mix 1/2 cup rolled oats (not instant), 2 tsp raw honey, 2 tbsp chopped walnuts, a dash of cinnamon in a bowl. Add 1 cup water; cover with plastic wrap; refrigerate overnight. Serve topped with 1 apple, chopped. 349 calories per serving, 13 g fat (1 g saturated), 56 g carbs, 8 g fiber, 8 g protein
  • Berry Smooth: Blend 1/2 cup fresh berries, 1/4 cup rolled oats, 1 cup So Delicious coconut milk, 3 tbsp whey protein powder. Add water to thin or ice to thicken. 338 calories, 8 g fat (6 g saturated), 26 g carbs, 6 g fiber, 41 g protein
  • Oatmeal: Cook 1/2 cup regular rolled oats (not instant) in 3/4 cup nonfat milk, 1/4 cup water. Top with 1/4 cup blueberries. 386 calories, 5 g fat (1 g saturated), 66 g carbs, 9 g fiber, 19 g protein
  • Subway Breakfast: One Egg White and Cheese Muffin Melt; 1 medium banana; 1 cup nonfat milk. 336 calories, 5 g fat (1 g saturated), 57 g carbs, 8 g fiber, 22 g protein
LUNCH 

  • Black Bean Wrap: Mix 3/4 cup mashed black beans (rinsed and drained) with 2 tbsp reduced-fat shredded cheddar, 2 tsp chopped fresh cilantro, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, a pinch of cayenne pepper (optional). Spread on a 10-inch whole-wheat wrap; roll up. Nuke until heated through, 1 to 2 minutes; top with 2 tbsp salsa. Serve with 1 tangerine. 437 calories, 5 g fat (2 g saturated), 78 g carbs 16 g fiber, 22 g protein
  • Quinoa Salad Bowl: Combine 1 cup cooked quinoa with 2 cups arugula, 1/2 cup low-sodium chickpeas (rinsed and drained), 1 tsp unsalted sunflower seeds, 1 tsp chopped fresh oregano, 2 tsp balsamic vinegar, 1 tsp olive oil. 444 calories, 12 g fat (1 g saturated), 68 g carbs, 12 g fiber, 18 g protein
  • Turkey Burger: Cook a 4-oz turkey burger in a pan coated with cooking spray until done, 8 minutes (turn once). Place on a whole-wheat bun; top with 1/2 tomato, sliced; 1/2 avocado, sliced; lettuce. Serve with 1 cup cubed papaya. 458 calories, 22 g fat (4 g saturated), 44 g carbs, 11 g fiber, 26 g protein
  • Soup and Sammy: Heat 1 cup low-sodium tomato soup. Spread 1 tsp mustard on 2 slices whole-wheat bread; place 2 oz low-sodium turkey breast, 2 slices tomato, 1 slice cheddar, lettuce between bread. 415 calories, 13 g fat (7 g saturated), 45 g carbs, 7 g fiber, 30 g protein
  • Homemade Pizza: Top 2 halves of a whole-wheat English muffin each with 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes, 1/4 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella. Broil until cheese melts. Serve with 1 cup grapes, 3 Brazil nuts. 455 calories, 19 g fat (9 g saturated), 52 g carbs, 9 g fiber, 24 g protein
  • Hoagie in a Hurry: Order a Subway 6-inch Turkey Breast sandwich on 9-grain wheat bread topped with your choice of veggies. (Try lettuce, tomatoes, onions, green bell peppers.) Enjoy with 1 package apple slices, 1 bag Popchips (or a serving of any baked potato chip with less than 150 calories per serving). 
  • Chicken and Zucchini Spaghetti: Cook 4 oz sliced boneless, skinless chicken breast in a pan coated with cooking spray for 10 minutes. Sauté 2 cups sliced zucchini in 2 tsp olive oil with 2 cups spinach, 10 halved cherry tomatoes and 1 chopped garlic clove until zucchini is tender, 10 minutes. Toss zucchini mixture with 1 cup cooked whole-wheat spaghetti; top with chicken, 2 tsp chopped fresh basil. 454 calories, 12 g fat (2 g saturated), 54 g carbs, 12 g fiber, 39 g protein
  • Chicken Baked Potato: Bake 1 medium russet potato at 450° until tender, 45 to 60 minutes; cut in half. Cook 4 oz chopped boneless, skinless chicken breast in a pan coated with cooking spray 10 minutes. Top potato halves with chicken, 1 cup steamed broccoli florets, 2 tbsp grated Swiss cheese. Bake until cheese melts, 20 minutes. Serve with a salad: 2 cups mixed greens, 2 tbsp pomegranate seeds, 1 tsp olive oil, 1 tsp lemon juice. 437 calories, 11 g fat (3 g saturated), 51 g carbs, 7 g fiber, 38 g protein
  • Breaded Halibut: Coat 4 oz boneless, skinless halibut with 1 tsp Dijon mustard and 1/4 cup whole-wheat panko breadcrumbs. Bake at 400° until fish is cooked, 10 minutes; drizzle with lemon juice. Mix 2 cups arugula with 10 cherry tomatoes, 2 tbsp chopped walnuts, 1 tsp olive oil, 1 tsp lemon juice; serve with halibut, 1 slice whole-wheat bread. 433 calories, 18 g fat (2 g saturated), 37 g carbs, 8 g fiber, 34 g protein
  • TLT: Cut 1⁄3 of an 8-oz block of tempeh into 2 slices. Spread 2 tsp Dijon mustard on 2 slices whole-wheat bread. Place tempeh; 1/2 tomato, sliced; lettuce between bread. Serve with 2 cups grapes. 460 calories, 9 g fat (2 g saturated), 76 g carbs, 14 g fiber, 23 g protein
  • Portable Eats: 1 all-natural fruit-and-nut bar (like Kind Fruit & Nut); 6 oz nonfat plain Greek yogurt sweetened with 1 tsp raw honey; 1 mozzarella string cheese 446 calories, 25 g fat (8 g saturated), 28 g carbs, 4 g fiber, 31 g protein

SNACKS

  • Trail Mix: Mix 3 halved Brazil nuts with 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds, 1/2 cup high-fiber cereal (like All-Bran). 210 calories, 8 g fat (2 g saturated), 40 g carbs, 13 g fiber, 7 g protein
  • Chips and Salsa:  baked tortilla chips, 1/2 cup salsa. 196 calories, 2 g fat (0 g saturated), 39 g carbs, 4 g fiber, 6 g protein
  • Mediterranean Nibbles: Mix 3 oz nonfat plain Greek yogurt with 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp chopped fresh mint. Serve with 10 baby carrots, 1 cup cucumber slices, a 4-inch whole-wheat pita. 195 calories, 3 g fat (1 g saturated), 31 g carbs, 6 g fiber, 13 g protein
  • Sweet Smoothie: Blend 2 tbsp whey protein powder with 1/2 cup frozen raspberries, 1 cup water, 1/2 cup skim milk. 223 calories, 2 g fat (1 g saturated), 24 g carbs, 8 g fiber, 30 g protein
  • Nutty Nanner: Spread 1 banana (or apple) with 1 tbsp almond butter.173 calories, 10 g fat (1 g saturated), 23 g carbs, 4 g fiber, 3 g protein
  • Popcorn Plus: 3 cups Newman's Own Natural Flavor Popcorn, 8 walnut halves. 204 calories, 12 g fat (1 g saturated), 21 g carbs, 5 g fiber, 6 g protein
  • Veggies and Dip: 1/4 cup hummus, 15 baby carrots, 1 cup cucumber slices 185 calories, 6 fat (1 g saturated), 29 g carbs, 7 g fiber, 5 g protein
  • Turkey Roll-Up: Top 2 oz low-sodium deli turkey breast with 1/2 avocado, sliced; 4 tsp prepared hummus; roll up. 204 calories, 12 g fat (2 saturated), 10 g carbs, 5 g fiber, 14 g protein
  • Cheese and Fruit: 2 mozzarella string cheese, 1 apple 224 calories, 11 g fat (7 g saturated), 17 g carbs, 3 g fiber, 15 g protein

DINNER 
  • Mediterranean Baked Salmon: Rub 3 oz wild salmon with 1 tsp olive oil. In a baking dish coated with 1 tsp olive oil, place salmon; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1/2 fennel bulb, sliced; 10 small black pitted olives. Sprinkle with 2 tsp chopped fresh oregano and fresh black pepper. Bake at 375° for 10 minutes; turn; bake until cooked through, 15 to 20 minutes more. Drizzle with lemon juice. Serve with 1/2 cup cooked quinoa.
  • Italian Halibut Stew: Sauté 1/2 cup diced red onion in 2 tsp olive oil with 1 clove chopped garlic until soft, 5 minutes. Add 1 tsp chopped fresh parsley, 1 tsp chopped fresh oregano; cook 1 minute more. Add 1 cup chopped tomato, 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth; heat until simmering. Add 2 cups spinach, 5 oz skinless halibut; simmer until fish is cooked, less than 10 minutes. Serve with 1 small whole-wheat dinner roll. 400 calories, 14 g fat (2 g saturated), 34 g carbs, 7 g fiber, 38 g protein
  • Steak and Squash: Cut 1 spaghetti squash in half; discard seeds and pulp. Place on a baking sheet rind side up; bake at 375° for 45 minutes. Run a fork down the squash from top to bottom to separate strands. Sauté 1/2 cup chopped red onion in 1 tsp olive oil with 1 chopped garlic clove until soft, 5 minutes. Add 2 cups chopped tomato; cook until a sauce thickens. Pour sauce over 3 cups spaghetti squash; top with 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil. Serve with 3 oz flank steak, broiled 7 minutes (turn once). 389 calories, 12 g fat (3 g saturated), 52 g carbs, 12 g fiber, 26 g protein
  • Miso Soup: Sauté 1/2 cup sliced carrots and 1 cup sliced mushrooms in a pan coated with cooking spray until tender, 6 minutes. Boil 4 cups water; reduce to a simmer; add 1 tbsp organic shiro miso paste and 1 sheet nori, torn into small pieces (Eden Foods makes both); cook 2 minutes more. Remove from heat; add veggies. Sauté 4 oz boneless, skinless chicken breast strips in a pan coated with cooking spray for 10 minutes. Combine chicken and broth in a bowl. Serve with 1/2 cup avocado cubes topped with 2 tsp sesame seeds, lemon juice. 357 calories, 17 g fat (2 g saturated), 23 g carbs, 10 g fiber, 34 g protein
  • Savory Stir-fry: Cook 4 oz flank steak strips in 1 tsp olive oil 3 to 4 minutes; transfer to a plate. Sauté 2 cups chopped red cabbage and 1/2 cup chopped carrots in 1 tsp olive oil until tender, 10 minutes. Add vegetables to plate with steak; top with 1 tbsp sesame seeds, 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tsp sesame oil. Serve with 1 orange. 392 calories, 17 g fat (4 g saturated), 33 g carbs, 8 g fiber, 31 g protein
  • Lentil Stew: Sauté 2 cups cubed eggplant and 1 cup sliced mushrooms in 2 tsp olive oil until tender, 10 minutes. Add 2 cups spinach and 1 cup cooked lentils; cook until spinach wilts, 4 minutes. Top with 2 tsp chopped fresh cilantro and lime juice. 368 calories, 11 g fat (1 g saturated), 52 g carbs, 23 g fiber, 23 g protein
  • Chicken with 'Shrooms and Peppers: Sauté 1 cup chopped mushrooms, 1 cup chopped red bell pepper and 1/2 cup chopped red onion in 1 tbsp olive oil until tender, 5 minutes. Add 1 cup chopped tomatoes and 2 tsp chopped fresh oregano; cook until tomatoes break down into a sauce, 8 minutes. Sauté 4 oz boneless, skinless chicken-breast strips in a pan coated with cooking spray 10 minutes. Top chicken with veggie sauce, 2 tsp chopped fresh basil, 1 tbsp grated Parmesan. 379 calories, 17 g fat (3 g saturated), 26 g carbs, 6 g fiber, 34 g protein
  • Quinoa and Pepper Sauté: Sauté 1 cup chopped red bell peppers, 1/2 cup chopped red onion and 1/4 tsp smoked paprika in 1 tsp olive oil until vegetables are soft, 5 minutes. Add 2 cups spinach; sauté until spinach wilts. Serve vegetable mixture over 1 cup cooked quinoa. Sprinkle with 1 tbsp grated Parmesan, 2 tsp chopped fresh parsley. 375 calories, 10 g fat (2 g saturated), 58 g carbs, 11 g fiber, 14 g protein
  • Indian Shrimp and Squash: Place 2 cups cubed butternut squash on a baking tray; drizzle with 2 tsp olive oil. Sprinkle with 1/2 tsp turmeric, black pepper, a pinch of cayenne pepper (optional); bake at 425° for 15 minutes. Add 4 oz frozen, raw shrimp to baking tray; drizzle with 1 tsp olive oil; sprinkle with 1/4 tsp ground cumin; bake until shrimp are cooked through and squash is tender, 10 minutes. Serve with 1 cup green beans sautéed in 1 tsp olive oil. Drizzle meal with lemon juice. 400 calories, 16 g fat (2 g saturated), 42 g carbs, 9 g fiber, 28 g protein
  • Two-Bean Chili: Sauté 1/2 cup chopped onion in 1 tsp olive oil until soft, 5 minutes. Stir in 1 cup chopped tomatoes, 1/2 cup canned black beans (rinsed and drained), 1/2 cup canned kidney beans (rinsed and drained), 1/2 cup water, 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp ground cumin. Simmer, stirring occasionally, 15 minutes. Top with 3 tbsp shredded cheddar, 2 tsp chopped fresh cilantro. 408 calories, 13 g fat (5 g saturated), 52 g carbs, 14 g fiber, 22 g protein
  • Pasta Marinara: Sauté 1/2 cup chopped red onion, 1 chopped garlic clove and a pinch of crushed red pepper (optional) in 2 tsp olive oil until onion is soft, 5 minutes. Add 2 cups chopped tomato; cook 5 minutes. Pour sauce over 2 oz whole-wheat pasta cooked as directed on package; top with 2 tsp chopped fresh basil, 1 tsp chopped fresh parsley. Serve with 1 cup steamed green beans. 409 calories, 11 g fat (2 g saturated), 72 g carbs, 9 g fiber, 14 g protein
  • Salmon Salad: Toss 3 cups mixed greens with 1 carrot, chopped; 1 tomato, chopped; 1 cup cucumber slices; 2 tsp olive oil; 2 tsp lemon juice. Top with 2 oz smoked salmon. Serve with 1 slice whole-wheat toast spread with 2 tsp almond butter, 1 tsp raw honey. 377 calories, 20 g fat (3 g saturated), 34 g carbs, 8 g fiber, 20 g protein
  • Breakfast at Night: Sauté 1/2 cup chopped red onion, 1 chopped garlic clove, a pinch of crushed red pepper (optional) in 2 tsp olive oil until soft. Add 2 cups chopped tomato; cook 5 minutes more. Add 2 eggs; cover; cook 5 minutes more. Remove from heat; uncover; let stand 2 to 3 minutes. Top with 2 tsp chopped fresh basil, 1 tsp chopped fresh parsley. Serve with 1 cup steamed green beans. 370 calories, 19 g fat (4 g saturated), 38 g carbs, 13 g fiber, 19 g protein
  • Sausage, Kale and Lentils: Sauté 1 lean turkey sausage, sliced, in 1 tsp olive oil until cooked through, about 5 minutes. Add 2 cups chopped kale and crushed red pepper to taste; cook until kale is wilted, about 2 minutes. Combine with 3/4 cup cooked lentils and 2 tsp chopped fresh basil. 392 calories, 12 g fat (3 g saturated), 42 g carbs, 14 g fiber, 34 g protein
  • Eggplant and Chicken Parmesan: Toss 3 cups cubed eggplant and 20 cherry tomatoes with 1 tbsp olive oil; place in a pan coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350˚ until eggplant is tender, about 35 minutes. Cook 4 oz chopped boneless, skinless chicken breast in a pan coated with cooking spray for 10 minutes. Combine eggplant and chicken on a plate; top with 2 tsp chopped fresh basil and 1 tbsp grated Parmesan. 374 calories, 18 g fat (3 g saturated), 26 g carbs, 12 g fiber, 33 g protein
DESSERT

  • Fruity Snack: 1 oz dark chocolate; 1 serving of fruit (such as 1 kiwifruit, 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds or 1 orange) 216 calories, 13 g fat (7 g saturated), 24 g carbs, 5 g fiber, 3 g protein
  • Baked Apple: Place 1 cored apple in a baking dish. Fill hole with 2 tbsp chopped walnuts; drizzle apple with 2 tsp raw honey. Add water to bottom of dish. Bake at 350° for 25 minutes. 212 calories, 10 g fat (1 g saturated), 33 g carbs, 4 g fiber, 3 g protein
  • Maple Syrup Pear: Place a quartered pear (cored and stemmed) in a nonstick baking dish. Top with 1 tbsp maple syrup, 1 tbsp chopped walnuts, a dash of cinnamon. Bake at 350° until tender, 25 to 30 minutes. 198 calories, 5 g fat (0 g saturated), 40 g carbs, 6 g fiber, 2 g protein
  • Fun Fondue: Mix 1 tbsp almond butter with 1 tsp raw honey in a bowl; nuke 20 seconds. Serve with 1/2 banana, sliced; 1 apple, sliced. 223 calories, 10 g fat (1 g saturated), 35 g carbs, 4 g fiber, 3 g protein
  • Banana Pop: Melt 1/2 oz dark chocolate. Drizzle over 1 banana. Freeze until chocolate hardens and banana is firm. 175 calories, 6 g fat (4 g saturated), 30 g carbs, 4 g fiber, 2 g protein
  • Grape Delight: 1 cup grapes, 1 mozzarella string cheese 189 calories, 6 g fat (4 g saturated), 28 g carbs, 1 g fiber, 8 g protein
  • Cream Cheese Dip: Mix 2 oz lowfat cream cheese with 1 tsp raw honey, a shake of cinnamon. Serve with 1 apple, sliced. 

Friday, December 16, 2011

Ways to Burn 100 Calories in 10 minutes

I got this list from Spark People.  If you are not on that site, you need to be.  I need to incorporate more of these.

1. Cycling (12+ mph) or mountain biking

2. Racquetball

3. Running (at least 12 minutes per mile)

4. Swimming laps or treading water

5. Playing basketball

6. Spinning class or stationary biking

7. Rowing

8. Boxing

9. Martial arts

10. Digging (heavy yard work)

11. Jumping rope (continuously)

12. Jumping jacks

13. Rock climbing

14. Walking on the treadmill (at least 4 mph with a 5% incline)

15. Water jogging

16. Kettlebell training



*Calories burned estimates based on a 160-pound woman. Men and people who weigh more will typically burn more calories for the same activity.

Friday, December 9, 2011

Weight loss tips to push yourself

There are always more things we can do to really push ourselves to reach our weight los goals.  here are a few tips.

  • There are enough unhealthy food temptations out in the world, don’t put them right under your nose in your kitchen
  • You can adapt a workout to kick your booty no matter where you are or what you’re working with.
  • Your training and meals should be designed to achieve your specific goals. There is no one size fits all.
  • To help you burn fat through the night, stop eating 2 hours before bed.
  • Studies show that when you have a buddy you are 7X more likely to stick to a fitness regime
  • To make the most out of your workout, always ask yourself, “Can I go HARDER?”
  • Check your weight before you start an exercise program and keep checking for changes but don’t expect radical change immediately.
  • Cravings should be expected when your body is adjusting to a new eating/diet plan. Pushing through and ignoring those cravings, especially in the beginning of a diet plan, is 100% just a mental game.
  • Don’t blow off exercise altogether when something comes up in your schedule. It doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing, push yourself every day to be active.

Thursday, December 8, 2011

I'm that Chick!

How you know? Cuz I told you so!

Monday and Wednesday I take a kickboxing class at my Y. It’s one of the toughest classes I have ever taken, and I like them hardcore. In this class, we actually spar with the Instructor, striking his mitts. This intensifies the workouts. We have 3-minute rounds followed by a 30 second rest, then back at it.

Monday he put real boxing gloves on me. Made it fun…I wouldn’t say easier. It did protect my hands a bit because I had busted a knuckle from boxing a few weeks ago. I felt like I could hit harder. I def need to get my own gloves!

But, when I am the only one who shows up to class….I get to spar with him all by myself for 3 minutes, versus him splitting the time with others. I went for it and took no breaks in between. He was impressed, saying most would give up, quit, want long breaks, etc.

Told ya! I’m that chick.

Sure, I am in pain right now, but the results of my hard work will be the reward. The soreness in my arms right now, I am seeing defined biceps and triceps, something I have never had. We also did plyo pushups…on a step! It was crazy!!

We also have a killer abs section. Ugh! Yes, I complain, but I love it at the same time.

Friday, December 2, 2011

Workout Review: Wii Biggest Loser Challenge

I won this game as part of the second place prize with the Just Lose It Challenge.

I really liked it! Of course, there is a lot more to this than what I played last night, so it will be fun uncovering everything. First I did a Fitness test with Bob that lasted 25 minutes. Halfway in, when I forgot it was just a test, I was thinking, really? There were no breaks, you just had to keep up with him. I tried my best, but I think I could have done better. Burned 114 calories in 25 minutes.

It actually said I did pretty good. There are five levels ranging from easy/beginner to Intense. They put me on the one right under Intense, HARD. Okay, I’ll take that! I may go back and do the easier workouts as well. We all have days we want to take it easy.

So then I started an overall body workout, chose Jillian as my trainer and selected a 30 minute workout. That was the longest 30 minute workout ever! Actually in the end, it said 36 minutes, so no wonder it felt so long.

Jillian was the main trainer in the screen, but Bob sure talked a lot off-screen I kept wondering if I picked the right trainer. The options were: Bob, Jillian or both. I either picked both or Bob is just all over this thing. There was a warm-up, and then we went right into it. Some of the moves were: jump rope high-knee, fast skaters, jumping jacks, punch combos, push-ups, so much more.

One complaint: between each set, Jillian just stood there as they got ready for the next move. I recommend continuing to move in place, which I did.

Second Complaint: You go back and forth using the Wii step, having to keep moving it out the way, and bringing it back. A little weird. That and keep moving the remote form right to left hand to right pocket (which, who has pockets on their workout clothes)

I did appreciate that we got water breaks, versus in the test, you just go for 25 minutes.

Overall, I think it was a great workout, and definitely tough for me, a die-hard fitness fanatic. It was even tough, I skipped some moves (burpies, uh no!) For anyone who does not go to a gym regularly, or likes to think of it as a game (you get points) then this is great for you. I burned 205 calories in 36 minutes, so that’s a total of 319 in 60 minutes.

Other things about the game. You do get weigh, enter your height and age and sex. This helps build your workout. You also set weight loss goals and how many weeks you want to workout, and how many days a week. It also asks you to take measurements: neck, chest, waist, hips. I didn’t have a tape measure handy, so I just guessed. I will take those measurements soon and update.

I think it’s only about $20 so a good investment.