Spring is clearly springing and I can almost hear the entire nation sigh when the sun shines and we can remove at least one layer of clothing, even for a short time.
Making time to get outside and enjoy some sun and warmth on your face, even just for 10 or 20 minutes, is amazingly rejuvenating – try it!
Over the weekend I was focused on my final preparation for the sessions I shall be presenting at the IFS Convention in Blackpool. I’m excited to share the way I do things as a Dance/Fitness Professional with a different audience from those that attend the Fit Pro events. The Winter Gardens has a reputation as a fabulous venue to teach in and I’m looking forward to it.
I have also been busy doing a research update on all things related to ante/post natal exercise. Should anything new have changed or arisen then of course I will share it with you.
There has been great discussion on Facebook about teaching standards in the health and fitness industry. I am interested to know what participants expect in terms of the knowledge, training and experience of their instructors, teachers and coaches: How do you choose a PT, teacher or class? What qualities are important and what do you want from a session? Tell me. I genuinely want to know.
News
No Big Balls Class on Friday 20th March – I’m away in Blackpool. Big Balls returns the following Friday (27th).
Requests
I frequently ask for feedback and requests in order to assist us create the classes and training that you want. I have received a request for my Beginners ‘Burlesque Fitness Fusion’ session and when I have mentioned it to others they have said ‘oh yes me too’. So I’m putting it out there – who would like one of my fun party classes with a Burlesque Dance Fitness theme? Let me know asap and I will make it happen.
What’s Hot?
There has been much in the media about the benefits of a low sugar and low starch diet; the findings and results are compelling. I also believe that each individual needs to approach weight management in a manner that suits them and their lifestyle.
For a long time I’ve subscribed to the benefits of a low sugar, low starch diet. I also know that being inactive has a huge part to play in weight management, but we don’t exercise simply to just burn calories. We exercise to keep all of our body/mind systems healthy and free from disease and injury. For me, that’s so much more valuable/essential than fitting in to size zero jeans!
Exercise is proven to improve mood and prevent mild to moderate depression. Attending our classes can prevent isolation and loneliness and many wonderful friendships are built at our classes. In fact I call you my fitness family and I know my life is richer for it.
Low-Carb Hot Cross Buns
Preparation time: 30 min Cooking time: 40 min
Ingredients
2 cup almond flour
7 Tbs Psyllium husk, (great for dietary fiber and reported to be helpful with weight management (curbs appetite) and IBS )
4 tsp Mixed spices
2 tsp Bicarbonate of soda
3 tsp Salt
4 Tbs chia seeds, soak in waters until like go like jelly
6 eggs – whisked
4 Tbs coconut oil
150 ml water
4 Tbs apple cider vinegar
1 cup dried sultanas
1 cup dried currants
200 ml milk/alternative
Method
Lightly grease a large baking try with butter/coconut oil.
Preheat oven to 180ºC.
Combine the dry ingredients in a large bowl.
Mix the eggs, coconut oil and water.
Pour the egg mixture into the dry ingredients while stirring.
Add the apple cider vinegar and dried sultanas and currants. Mix the batter and set aside for 20 minutes so that the psyllium husk absorbs some of the liquid resulting in a pliable dough.
Dust your fingers with some almond flour and begin shaping the dough into round balls – just smaller than a tennis ball. Place them onto the baking tray and using a pastry brush – coat each bun with some milk.
For the topping – 1 egg white, ¼ cup desiccated coconut.
Whisk egg whites to make frothy peaks, mix in coconut and make crosses on top of buns.
Bake uncovered for 25 minutes. Cover with Tinfoil and bake for a further 10 minutes until the buns spring back when touched and are cooked through
Note – these buns need to be stored in the fridge and eaten within 2 to 3 days.
I always think hot crossed buns are best toasted with butter, enjoy!
Remember I want your opinions, feedback and requests, and let me know if you would like to attend a beginners burlesques dance fitness class.
Wishing you a wonderful week
Love ya
Helen x
