I’m sure my washboard abs are in there somewhere.
Too bad I can’t just go to the fridge for that 6-pack…
I’m in the homestretch for my next figure competition. My abs have 5 weeks to make their appearance. They are always, always fashionably late. Today’s Work It Out is a quick overview of my new ab strategy (it’s working!!!).
Let me bring by giving you my top ab secret: abs are made in the kitchen. There is no way around this. You’re diet must be on point unless you are one of those naturally blessed people who I want to kill. I was not blessed. I have a short torso. When I gain, it’s always in my stomach first. Why can’t it go to my boobs quads?!
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We’ll come back to the kitchen in a bit. First, let’s talk exercise.
I lack the patience to do a ton of dedicated core work back-to-back. I also lack the patience to rest between sets (except on leg day when I’m begging to rest). My solution is to combine them!
Every other day I work core moves into my upper body workouts. Rather than stand around between each set, I drop to the ground and do 25 ab reps. My arms rest while I do core, and my core rests while I do arms! Yes, you do use each as a secondary muscle, but it’s not so much that you’re sacrificing quality.
If I do 6 exercises, 4 sets each, I’ve done 600 core exercises by the end!
While I plan you workout, I select 4 core moves to perform. After weight set 1, I do core exercise 1. After weight set 2, I do core exercise 2, and so on. Here’s a “how to” for the group of 4 that I’ve been loving lately:
Body Rocks (thanks to Heather for this idea)
Note: Don’t do this every day. Your abs need time to rest and recover just like any other body part!
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Back to the kitchen. There are several foods that are particularly guilty of being junk food in healthy clothing. Flavored yogurts (sugar bombs), deli meat (infested with preservatives and sodium), and granola (again with the sugar) are big ones.
For today’s “Favorite Things Anniversary Week Giveaway,” I want to share my favorite granola with you. I was first introduced to Muesli Fusion at Blend last spring. Always the skeptic, the first thing I did was read the label. Lo and behold, it’s not a junk food in disguise! Bonus: they have gluten-fee option!
I love using it to top my post-workout protein smoothie bowls. It gives my the carbs I need to refuel and adds some texture to my smoothie.
Athlete’s Fuel is my favorite – it has 7 grams of protein and only 3 grams of sugar per serving!
Want to try it for yourself? Muesli Fusion is offering a $50 gift code to one of you.* With that much money, you can try a few flavors!
*Again, this is not a sponsored giveaway. I reached out to my favorite brands and begged asked nicely for a giveaway opportunity so you can try them out too.
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Don’t forget – there’s still time to enter the NuNaturals giveaway! And, speaking of birthdays, happy birthday to Lisa!!!
What is your favorite granola flavor?
Do you have the patience to do dedicated core work? Which moves are your favorite?
Lisa says
Yay!! Thank you for the shout out my love<3
I am SO loving these core moves! I've been totally neglecting mine lately, so this is much appreciated!
Laura says
I hope it was a fabulous one. <3
Debbie @ Live from La Quinta says
My sweet tooth leads me to any granola that has maple in it.
Heather @ Kiss My Broccoli says
Omg, their An-Ox flavor makes me weak in the knees!!! Unlike yesterday’s chance to win stevia, I would PUNCH A BABY IN THE FACE TO WIN THIS STUFF!
Laura says
Whoa now… hide yo’ babies, ladies! 😉
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
I am a huge lover or core work! Planks are the best!
My favorite granola flavor is anything with cinnamon.
Laura says
My favorite flavor of anything is with cinnamon! 😉
Katie says
I absolutely love anything with cinnamon. Adding apples makes it even better!
tiffany says
i’ve had a pb&j granola that was delicious!
Laura says
That sounds amazing!
CourtStar@ Star Systemz says
Yum! I am a huge fan of Muesli after I learned about it when I traveled through Asia earlier this year. I love all of the superfoods all packed into one! Love these giveaways thank you for hosting!
Monica says
Ohh good luck! I know you can do it 🙂
Favorite granola flavor…vanilla almond. Yum. It had lots of almonds and walnuts in it, and was so cinnamon-y too 😛
Laura says
Thank you!!! Lots ‘o nuts are a must. 😉
Arman @ thebigmansworld says
I’ll need to incorporate some of those ab moves- I get so lazy with my core and consider squats and deadlifts my ab workout 😛
Favourite granola- anything chock full of nuts and no added sugar!
Laura says
I love it when leg day leaves my abs sore! It’s a full body workout lifting heavy.
wil colquhoun says
I like homemade granola with honey and molasses.
Amanda says
Great core moves! Those figure eights look particularly killer! 😉
As for the granola, my favorite flavor is usually anything vanilla, brown sugary, raisiny. Does that even make sense? lol That’s what I like though. 🙂
Laura says
Makes perfect sense to me! Brown sugar makes everything better. 🙂
Linz @ Itz Linz says
maple is my favorite granola flavor!
Whitney W says
I am a cinnamon lover, so anything with that or maple is my favorite!
Hayley says
I love anything with raisins! I lurrrve granola.
lindsay says
i actually love hollow rocks, i know, weird! and you know i love the muesli fusion! but not as much as calee does (hehe, muesli man crush)
I want the GF kind!
Laura says
LOL! I totally should have called her out in this post.
Rachel H says
I love any chocolate granola.
Laura says
I love any chocolate. Period. 😉
Yoojin says
the ingredients & combinations sound sooo yummy! i’m very impressed by the stats too!
halli Mac says
Any granola with cranberries!!
Amanda @ .running with spoons. says
Gotta admit that I’m a sucker for anything with chocolate, so the antioxidant blend is right up my alley. And woohoo! No pesky peanuts 😀
As for core work, I go through phases where I’m dedicated for a while and then I start slacking. I’ve always liked (and hated) stability ball jacknives though. Those things just kill…
Laura says
Ohhhh… I haven’t don’t those in a while. I see some coming my way tomorrow. Thanks!
Jayme says
Anything gluten free makes me ecstatic, I love oats & pumpkin seeds combined!
sara @ fitcupcaker says
I love working the core, I will try these moves this week 🙂 Hollow rocks suck btw! 🙂
Laura says
Let me know what you think! Except the hollow rocks… I know they suck. 😉
Tara @ Sweat like a Pig says
I never do any ab exercises! I’m so lazy. But I honestly do think I get enough through farmers walks, bag carries, etc. I miss practicing my overhead holds for max time – that was a great ab workout!
Laura says
Ummmm… yes. You do more than enough. I give strongwomen a pass from ab work. 😉
Jody - Fit at 55 says
YUM!!!! I love the look of that athlete one too but cinnamon is a fav flavor to me! 🙂
BTW, I have a nutrition is key for abs post for tomorrow – great minds think alike! I also do core work in between things on certain days.. 🙂
Sam @ Better With Sprinkles says
I’ve always been impatient when it comes to core work – good thing a lot of the workout classes that I’m taking right now include it, otherwise I’ll only do it maybe once a week (and usually just a couple of planks and I call it good).
My sweet tooth begs for sweet granola – I used to make a peanut butter and dark chocolate one all that time that was pretty fabulous!
Laura says
Feel free to make that granola again and send it all to me. You know…. for quality control. 😉
Mona says
Ooh…the gluten free one sounds amazing! Anything with raisins, cranberries etc. is always the first one I go for:)
Parita @ myinnershakti says
My favorite granola has to have a little bit of chocolate in it…of course!
And I am not a core person at all, but I do love planks, so that’s something!
Laura says
I think planks are awesome! If I had to choose a “best” for core, that would be it!
Brittany @ twosaucysisters says
Choosing a favourite granola flavour is pretty tough, but I’ve had carrot cake granola before that was out-of-this-world, and I currently have a jar of homemade pumpkin granola and apple cinnamon granola (hello, Fall!) in my cupboard that could also be my top pick…
Laura says
I’m coming shopping you YOUR pantry! Sounds amazing!
Abby says
I love granola that has lots of nuts and cranberries in it!
lisa says
right now i’m on a pumpkin everything kick, including granola. My normal granola is sweetened with a bit of honey with whatever nuts I have around. My granola is not sweet at all but since I always pair with something sweet, like yogurt, I just need the crunch.
Laura says
That’s how I like mine too! A crunchy accent to a creamy bowl of something sweet. Like ice cream. 😉
Kierston @candyfit says
I love berries in my granola! The added chewiness is a winner for me 🙂
My legs are always the last thing to dial in!
Cori @ olivetorun says
Vanilla Almond or anything that is of that sort is my favorite granola flavor! 🙂
Heather (Where's the Beach) says
I like to do weighted crunches on the ball too. Figure 8’s – need to add those into my life! I’m weird and I kind of like working abs. I will do standing ab “stuff” in between sets. Multi-tasking right? And favorite granola flavors? Anything with cranberries and almonds.
Laura says
I like them, but not all at once. I’m a between set person too – I get bored just resting! It’s a wonder I was never diagnosed with ADD…
Amy Lauren says
My favorite granola flavor is definitely chocolate. I like to mix it in with Greek yogurt.
Laura says
My favorite flavor of anything is chocolate! 😉
Hayley @ The Iron Maidens says
I’m TERRIBLE at ab work! :/ I just think that most of the stuff I do works my core/abs in some way so they tend to get forgotten! Whoopsie! Such a good idea to squeeze them in between lifting sets, though! Will be trying that out next time I hit the weights room!
Laura says
I need to bring back your plank rotation my that my chest has been cleared for action. Hee hee. 😉
Sarah V says
I love any granola with nuts in it, so that Athlete’s Fuel looks fantastic!
Ben M says
I love all granola, but especially something with some nuts.
Laura says
That’s what she said. 😉
Meredith B. says
I like granola with a little crunch and a little sweetness. Pumpkin seeds, dates, and cinnamon are some of my go-to items when making my own!
Brittany @ Barr & Table says
I don’t discriminate when it comes to granola but I just tried a local company’s Apple Quinoa and it’s amazing! I also love maple blueberry and ginger.
Carolyn says
Pumpkin and vanilla flavored granola!
Allie says
I like preeetttyy much ANY granola flavor. It’s ALL good to me!
I totally agree with you about abs–they’re definitely made in the kitchen, but it’s also great to make them stronger with exercises. Oh my gosh, I can’t believe you’re 5 weeks out from your next competition, now! I’m so excited for you! I can’t wait to hear all about it. I know you will rock it–you’re a pro now 😀
Laura says
Far from a pro… but thank you!!!
I think you should make granola cornbread next.
lindsey b says
I love any granola with vanilla or cinnamon flavoring and almonds! Oh, and Peanut Butter granola is delish as well 🙂
Kaitlin says
I love a maple flavored granola!
Sierra @ Posh Meets Pavement says
I’m a big fan of anything with coconut. I love the KIND granola that is also mindful of added sugars. Great to see another option!
Laura says
I love that KIND came out with those lower sugar bars!
She Rocks Fitness says
I LOVE granola, but like you I’m always so skeptic of all the sugars and extra junk in them. I’ve never tried them before, but after looking at the site, I’d choose the Athlete one too. Oh those are some good core moves and yes abs are made in the darn kitchen. i can keep telling this to clients until I’m blue in the face. HAHA!
Laura says
People don’t listen… they still want a magic pill. So do I… but in the meantime I’m working it out in the kitchen. 😉
Marissa says
I love when granola has either vanilla or cinnamon in it…so yummy!
Leanne says
I love a granola that has chocolate in it in some way!!!!
Laura says
Chocolate always wins!
Paige Callahan says
I love cinnamon,pumpkin, or pecan praline ganolas
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl says
My favorite granola flavor is definitely PB!! 🙂
Megan says
I like chocolate and salt combos!
Laura says
Same! Have you seen my chocolate sea salt cookies? Making those post-competition!
Your Trainer says
Any granola in a good flavored yogurt. Favorite ab exercise, 12oz curls. LMAO. No really, breathing crunches, but you knew that already.
Laura says
I did them tonight. Just for you.
Hannah says
Peanut butter, of course.
Kim says
Love the hard core workout!!! Can’t wait to try it – I’m sure I won’t be so eager by the time I’m done!
Laura says
Thanks!!! Let me know what you think. 🙂
Shashi @ http://runninsrilankan.com says
Haha – wish I could gain in my “quads” too 😉
This is one heck of a core workout – Thanks for sharing it!
I have been neglecting core work recently…but I love pikes on a stab ball – fun 🙂
Good luck training and eating for your figure competition!
Mariah J. says
This granola looks Delicious! I typically go for anything flavoured with cinnamon, maple or vanilla 🙂
Megan (The Lyons' Share) says
Love these ab exercises – thanks! I like cinnamon/ pumpkin pie/ any flavor with spice!
Nicole @ FruitnFitness says
I love granola! I usually make my own because the one’s i have seen in the store are either full of sugar or a bit out of my price range. I also love the look of this ab workout, might be another one of your workouts that I incorporate into my workout…. I think i’ll try it tonight.
Laura says
Thanks Nicole! Did you do it? I hope you were sore. 🙂
Kayla says
I think it’s impossible to choose one delicious flavor of granola – totally mood dependent! But I am an absolute sucker for anything that involves copious amounts of cinnamon. Maybe throw in some peanut and or walnut flavor. And Vanilla. And Maple. Oh man .. pumpkin spice granola? Hello.
Laura says
Copious amounts of cinnamon is a basic requirement. 😉
Ashley W says
I am a fan of any granola that has chocolate in it!
Christine says
any granola with chocolate;)
virginia says
PB and chocolate granola
Carrie says
I love PB or cinnamon granola. Pilates is my fave way to work my core
Laura says
I’ve never done pilates! Need to check that out in the off season!
Jeffrey says
I like dark chocolate almond granola!
Ashley says
Apple or cranberry granola
carah cole says
right now I have an obsession with my paleo crunch-or basically any granola! Im pretty sure I eat it twice a day! The antioxidant muesli sounds yummy to me
Ashley P says
any kind of gluten free granola with peanut butter and chocolate!
Debbie (Accidently Delish) says
i have been dying to try muesli!! for granola i really like simple honey granola or the plain oat clusters.
Jordan D says
I love pumpkin spice granola! The Kind vanilla blueberry granola clusters are good, too. I’ve been dying to try Muesli Fusion.
Jeffrey says
Maple pecan is always good!
Ellyn says
Vanilla blueberry is the best!
Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets says
I actually love core work. It’s one of my favorite areas to focus on.
As for the granola, I make my own every week with maple syrup as my sweetener of choice. Lately, I’ve been perfecting my Lemon Blueberry Granola, although I’ve got an Orange Cranberry recipe coming soon.
Laura says
You should send me some of that Lemon Blueberry. I’m a great judge. 😉
Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets says
Surely you’d turn it into something strange but good. Maybe an apple crispe with baked apples underneath and the granola as the topping. 🙂
Britton says
I love any type of granola with almond milk!
Laura says
That’s my favorite way to eat it too!
Melissa @ Treats With a Twist says
I’m a granola junkie. Anything with blueberries or maple or cinnamon…or vanilla…or anything!
Nikki says
Anything with no added sugar, but must have chocolate or cinnamon…or both. =)
Cassie @ RedLetterDaye says
My coworker makes homemade granola that is delicious.
Chatelaine says
cinnamon maple is something I can never pass up!
Brittany @ Delights and Delectables says
I stinking love Muesli Fusion!! I’m thinking he should turn them all GF! lol 😉 My fav granola is pumpkin spice (right now!)
Laura says
It’s so easy – I don’t know why they aren’t all GF!
Krystle says
Honestly, I love any granola… SO GOOD. Prob chocolate or peanut butter though if i had to pick
Krystle says
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/45669383694843423/
Carly says
I like any type of granola that involves dark chocolate 😀
yuli says
favorite granola flavor? omg there all so yummy but definitely something coconutty!
Heather @ Better With Veggies says
I’m so excited that I was able to teach you a new core move. I saw a hint of my abs this morning before I started eating…just need to get through this extra layer. 🙂