Join Us On The Holistic Holiday At Sea Cruise 2016!

Holistic Holiday at Sea 2016

When I found out about the Holistic Holiday at Sea cruise I was ecstatic… A cruise that is BOTH healthy AND fun?!

I couldn’t believe I have lived in Miami 13 years and have never taken advantage of this cruise. The 2016 Holistic Holiday at Sea will be my first year on board this ship and I’m rounding up friends and family to come with me. (The dates are February 27th-March 5th so it’s time to get on the ball and make it happen!)

I’m especially excited because some of my favorite nutrition experts (like Dr. Michael Greger), plant-based chefs, and fitness pros will be on board presenting and teaching. I’ve found that most health or wellness-focused cruises offer yoga but not strength and conditioning type classes. Not true for this cruise! There is a class for everybody and every mood, so in addition to yoga and pilates there are also boot camp and body building type of classes from some of the top names in the fitness world. And the other part about this cruise that makes it different than other health cruises is that it not only gives you the opportunity to detox and relax, but also is upbeat with a wide variety of things to do from cooking classes to snorkeling to cocktail parties… how appealing does that sound?! Then there are the awesome plant-based meals, catering not just to people eating vegan, but also those who eat gluten-free or oil-free. I just find this incredible, and I want to experience it with you all! Holistic-Holiday-at-Sea-Photos

Here is a description of the experience:  

Holistic Holiday at Sea presents the ultimate gift for your mind, body and spirit. Share the experience and wisdom of some of the world’s leading authorities and experts in holistic living and natural health. Cruise the Eastern Caribbean on one of the world’s premier Italian luxury liners, the MSC Divina, which combines the style and sophistication of Europe with American comforts and convenience. Visit exciting ports of call as we sail from Miami, Florida to natural paradise Charlotte Amalie/St. Thomas, USVI; historic and vibrant San Juan, Puerto Rico; and sun-soaked Nassau, Bahamas. All this and more while you dine on specially prepared vegan natural foods and beverages prepared by our own chefs. Lectures and workshops included.”

When they say, “health experts,” it’s the real deal… the line-up includes Dr. Michael Greger of NutritionFacts.org (one of my all time favorite speakers), Dr. T. Colin Campbell, co-author of The China Study” and featured in Forks Over Knives, Dr. Neal Barnard, founder of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, Dr. Michael Klaper, long-time radio host and acclaimed health educator, Chef AJ, inspiring speaker and author of Unprocessed: How to Achieve Vibrant Health and Your Ideal Weight… and this is just to name a few. You MUST see the line-up. It’s crazy! And 95% of ALL the classes, workshops, presentations, and lectures are included in the price of the cruise, including the big names guests. Plus, these presenters are not all quarantined off in their own VIP areas, they eat and hang with everyone on board. 

I’m honored that the bookstore will also be carrying my new book, The Six Weeks To Sexy Abs Meal Plan! I will be doing a book signing as well 🙂

As I mentioned above, there are also daily yoga, pilates, fitness, running, meditation, and body building classes. Food options for everyone, including vegan, gluten-free, and oil-free. There will be vegan pizza and ice cream parties and other social events and parties. We’ll have opportunities to swim, snorkel and kayak in the beautiful Carribbean waters.  On top of all that, this is all on an award-winning environmentally friendly ship!

I’m all booked and am psyched to get a good group together so we are ensured the BEST time ever!!! So please check it out and scoop up your tickets before it’s too late. Right now, you can also get a $50 on-board credit just by mentioning Sexy Fit Vegan 🙂

Learn more about the 2016 Holistic Holiday at Sea Cruise HERE.

Let me know if you have any questions and/or you are coming aboard – would love to meet you all in person!!

Holistic Holiday at Sea Sexy Fit Vegan

Top 8 Healthy Holiday Recipes

vegan-healthy-holiday-recipe-apple-gingerbread-cake

Do you, like most of us, use the holidays as an excuse to gorge on unhealthy foods?

Are you, like most of us, also making the resolution to get in better shape and see your sexy abs in the New Year?

I’m writing this especially for you!

Let me start by saying that I am a realist and agree that we shouldn’t give ourselves a hard time for splurging sometimes. The holidays are a time of overwhelming temptations. I get it! However, if your New Year’s resolution is to lose weight and get in better shape, then over-doing it too much is really setting yourself up for failure. I’m not saying it’s impossible, but I am saying that, quite simply, the less weight you gain before January 1st, the less weight you have to lose.

Being moderate over the holidays is easy to say, more challenging to do. That’s why I wanted to come up with a list of healthy holiday recipes that will make everyone happy, especially yourself in the new year! Filling yourself up with yummy yet healthy dishes will make less room on your plate for those dishes that will contribute to packing on the pounds. So many traditional holiday dishes (vegetarian and some vegan ones included) are stuffed with bad fats/oils, highly processed grains, and refined sugars. The good news is they don’t have to be in order for dishes to be satisfying and delicious! Take a look at my list of top healthy holiday recipes to either follow or get ideas to create your own special recipe. Adding new traditions to the holiday table is a great thing, and you will convince your family and friends to agree when they give your dish a try!

  1. Crustless Mushroom and Chive Quiche from Kirsten Mitchell @veganfueledfitnesscrustless mushroom and chive quiche
  2. Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Avocado Garlic Aioli from Oh She Glows!smashed potatoes with avocado garlic avioli
  3. Glazed Lentil Walnut Apple Loaf from Oh She Glows!Glazed lentil walnut apple loaf
  4. Ridiculously Delish Roasted Brussels Sprouts  (from my new book, The Six Weeks to Sexy Abs Meal Plan!)Brussels-Sprouts-Thanksgiving
  5. Vegan Cornbread from The Pretty Beevegan cornbread
  6. Vegan Green Bean Casserole from Oh She Glows!vegan green bean casserole
  7. 1 Bowl Apple Gingerbread Cake from The Minimalist Baker-Apple-Gingerbread-Cake-with-Vegan-Cream-Cheese-Frosting-1-bowl-easy-and-SO-tasty-vegan-gingerbread-cake-christmas
  8. Silk Chocolate Pie from Making Thyme for Health Silk-Chocolate-Pie-vegan-and-gluten-free
    Feel free to share your favorite vegan, healthy holiday recipes as well! Happy Holidays!!!

 

The Six Weeks to Sexy Abs Meal Plan

Six-Weeks-to-Sexy-Abs

I’m INCREDIBLY excited to share with you all the launch of my new book, The Six Weeks To Sexy Abs Meal Plan!

John-Salley-and-Ella-Magers

My inspiration for the book came from hearing the most common complaint, “I workout and eat healthy, so why can’t I lose these last few pounds?” over and over for the last 12 years as a fitness professional! Now I finally have my answer in writing to help people answer this question. Having a structured plan is essential to help us give up old, bad habits, and form new, healthy ones that you will be able to enjoy for a lifetime! The Six Weeks to Sexy Abs Meal Plan gives you that structure. It’s basically an easy to follow formula for a lean, strong, sexy body. This six week meal plan comes with over 100 simple plan-based recipes that I created. They are all both healthy AND delicious. I designed the plan to be practical and do-able, no matter how busy you are, and no matter if you are vegan or not. There is also a supplemental workout routine that goes along with the meal plan.

Before I continue I want to first thank everyone who has supported me throughout the book-writing process over the last 14 months. I want to send a huge thank you to John Salley for writing the forward. And I also want to thank everyone who busy the book during the pre-sale period going on right now – I didn’t realize how important pre-sale numbers are for rankings and the possibility of getting book of the month on Amazon which would be incredible. We’re almost there so your purchase will make a difference (and you will receive the book before anyone else, on the release date of December 15th, in plenty of time for the holiday/New Year!)

Here are some examples of recipes in the plan:

Meal-Plan-CollageFrom left to right: Cinnamon Bun Smoothie, Polenta Pleaser, Chia-ocolate Pudding, Tahini-Topped Roasted Cauliflower Florets, Lusty Lentil Mint Salad, TKO Tofu Omelet with Sweet Potato Hash, Tex Mex Cauliflower Couscous, Bella Broccoli Soup with Quinoa Side, Marry Me Mango Avocado Salad

Believe it or not, these are ALL very simple, whole foods-based, quick and easy dishes to make. Plus they are super satisfying!

The other cool thing about the Six Weeks to Sexy Abs Meal Plan is that I give you specific guidelines to follow, so you can go out to eat, order in, or make your own recipes, as long as you are following the guidelines you are sticking to the plan and will have success.

If you are using the recipes, I make things even more do-able by providing you with a grocery list at the beginning of each week so you don’t have to figure out what you need. It’s right there for you to take to the store. I also give a description of any food you may be unfamiliar with, along with the best place to buy or order it. Most of the ingredients can be found at your local grocery and/or health food store, but often they are much cheaper to buy online, so I give you those suggestions throughout the plan.

Last, I provide you with a supplemental workout regiment to go with the meal plan. It consists of a combination of cross-training, cardio, and yoga. I mention that if you already have a balanced workout routine you enjoy, you do not have to follow mine in order to get results from the meal plan. If you don’t have a regular exercise regiment, or if you want to try something new, efficient, and effective, give my plan a try! Just remember, what we put in our mouths is what’s going to make the big difference when it comes to changing our bodies in a six-week period of time.

So there you have it, the book in a nutshell. I am excited for it to be in everyone’s hands in less than two weeks!!! (It also makes a great gift :))

Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble (paperback and kindle editions).

Thanks again for all the love and support!!!

Six-Weeks-to-Sexy-Abs-Meal-Plan-Book-Jacket

 

 

No Meat Athlete Fitness Bundle

No Meat Athlete Fitness Bundle

I want to share with you all that Matt Frazier from NoMeatAthlete messaged me a while ago asking if I’d like to join his 2nd annual NoMeatAthlete Plant-Based Fitness Bundle, and I, of course, said yes… I was honored!NoMeatAthleteBundle

The gist of it is that it’s a whole bunch of online veg-friendly fitness and food products (lots of great eCourses and eBooks) available for a big discount for just 5 days.

Click HERE to check it out, but first, here’s a quick run-down…

The list of products and contributors is HUGE! It consists of:

Matt Frazier – Wake Up (eBook + audio), 100 Minutes Faster webinar series, and a ticket to his upcoming live Online Goal-Setting Seminar
Heather Crosby – The YumUniverse 5-day Test Drive Kit 
Robert Cheeke – Shred It! eBook + MP3 audio bonus with Matt Frazier
Thomas Tadlock’s – Vegan10 Day Tummy Tightener
Chef AJ – Ultimate Weight Loss Package: 21 Day Recipe Guide + 4 MP3 audio coaching lessons
Doug Hay – Busy Runner Routine eCourse
Jeff Sanders – The 5AM Miracle eBook and The 5AM Blueprint eCourse
Ella Magers – How To Go Vegan A Beginner’s Guide eBook
Scott Shetler – Plant-Based Performance eBooks (A Compassionate Approach To Fitness and Know Your Strength)
Rich Roll – Jai Seed eCookbook and Jai Meditation program 
Sid Garza-Hillman – Approaching The Natural eBook
Karen Ranzi – Raw Vegan Recipe Fun For Families eBook
Derek Tresize – The Vegan Muscle & Fitness Guide To Bodybuilding Competitions
Whitney Lauritsen – Healthy Organic Vegan on a Budget eBook
Dreena Burton – Plant-Powered 15 eBook

All told that’s $400 worth of products for just $49… crazy! I’m so thrilled to be a part of this awesome offer and to be able to bring such valuable resources to my readers for such an affordable price.

Here are some examples of a few of the products you’ll get:

100-minutes-faster No Meat Athlete BundleYU5daykit5amMiracle

EllaHowToGoVegan  RawVeganRecipeFunforFamilies RichRollJaiDerekVeganMuscleFitnessApproachNatural  Scott02

I’m be sad if you missed out on this special Plant-Based Fitness Bundle, so remember, it is going away forever on Wednesday (Dec 2) at 10am EST. (I got the word that there will be no exceptions.) So if this sounds like something up your alley get it now right HERE!

ENJOY!!!

Woman Meets Weights Online Summit – Join Me!

Woman Meets Weights Summit

Over the thirteen years I’ve been working with people in the gym, one of the most common fears of women is that they will get bulky by lifting weights.

“I just want to tone up,” and “I’m just looking to get lean,” are two of the most common reactions to lifting weights. There is a fundamental lack of understanding about what lifting weights does to a woman’s body that needs to be established.

So when IFPA Pro David Sean contacted me to be part of the Woman Meets Weights summit I happily agreed to an interview.
This online free fitness summit was created to talk about why women can dominate the weight room, use weights for fat loss, and the
best topic of all – why strong is the new skinny. There will be 21 interviews over 21 days with top fitness experts sharing how the most fit women today use strength training to develop a lean, strong, healthy body and improve their sports performance.
It is so important for the empowerment of women to be throwing weights around, so join the summit and learn how to do it right!
Ready to jump in?!
I really hope you join us! Simply click HERE to learn more and register.
Woman Meets Weights Summit

Delicious Super Food Shake for Super Human Health

Powerootz-Superfood-Shake

Recently, I was lucky enough to get an email from Lisa Hunt, founder of FedUp Foods, asking if I’d like to try a sample of her new Powerootz Superfood Nutritional Shake.

I’m a sucker for trying new plant-based protein and nutrition shakes even though I’m super picky about the flavor, taste, and texture of these powders. I usually end up trying them once and never again.

I seem to always return to my favorite shake I make myself with whole foods. I make it with unsweetened flax milk, frozen banana, almond or peanut butter, flax meal, amla powder (a super food) and sometimes a couple dates and/or vanilla extract. I love the flavor, taste, and texture. Wow, my mouth waters just thinking about it!Drinking vegan protein shake

I couldn’t imagine having this same feeling about ANY protein powder…. until the day the sample of Powerootz Superfood Nutritional Shake came in the mail. I blended it with the same flax milk and frozen banana and poured it in my glass. When I took that first sip I couldn’t have been more delighted and surprised! It actually tasted as delicious and satisfying as my favorite recipe, and it didn’t scream, “I’m a powder!” PLUS it has a ton of superfoods that the shake I make doesn’t contain (AND it contains the amla powder I use).

I was thrilled to learn more about the ingredients of the Powerootz shake. It’s made with a bunch of powerful raw superfoods. In her blog post that gives a thorough account of the superfoods her shake contains, Lisa says, “I went on a hunt for the most powerful and possibly superhumanizing superfoods on the planet and you might be shocked by what I found! I researched the top 15 most powerful superfoods and I think there might be something more than coincidence going on here… Could plants actually make you perform beyond your current capacities? Were herbs, roots, and plants designed specifically to heal, empower, and restore us?”

Powerootz superfoods

In addition to the 1500 mg of raw superfood blend, it also contains detoxifying minerals, has 23 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber, and only 3 grams of sugar and 4 grams of fat.

Powerootz Nutritional Label

It comes in the flavors Peanut Butter Bliss and Chocolate Peanut Butter Madness, both of which are fantastic. I get the Peanut Butter Bliss knowing I can always add some raw cacao powder if I’m in the mood for chocolate.

Check out Lisa’s website, awesome blog, and of course order some Powerootz shakes for yourself! All Sexy Fit Vegan fans get 20% off your order… just use code “ELLA” at checkout and you will be hooked up 🙂Powerootz-10-percent-off-Coupon

Let me know what you think!

 

Join Our 6-Week Burpee Challenge!

Burpee-Challenge-2015

The holidays will be here before we know it… time to aim high to get in the best shape of our lives before the feasting begins!

Last year’s burpee challenge was awesome! It was motivating and inspiring to take on the burpee challenge with people in my own gym, and people all over the world (thanks to Instagram/social media)! Here’s a glimpse of one of our burpee sessions (we did tuck jump burpees this day):

This year, we are changing it up, making it a 6-week journey leading up to the holidays and the release of my Six Weeks to Sexy Abs Meal Plan book. We’ll focus on fitness for these six weeks with this burpee challenge, and then, with the help of the effective meal plan formula and delicious recipes in the book, we can focus on diet for the start of the new year!

So here’s the deal… Starting November 2nd, we will be performing 300 burpees per week for six weeks (ending December 13th). The “fun” addition is that each week we will be doing a different burpee variation. And yes, they get more challenging each week of course ;). You can split the 300 burpees up however you want. Doing 100 on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday is one option for example. Or 50 burpees a day Monday through Saturday would work. You can of course do 300 one day and get them over with for the week… I’ve never done more than 200 in one day, and that was quite a training session so I can only imagine how challenging it would be to do 300!

I won’t overwhelm you with all six burpee variations now… let’s just start with week 1, which consists of the standard, “Crossfit” style burpee. You simply put your hands on the floor by your feet, jump back into a plank as you lower all the way to the ground. Your chest and hips both must touch the floor. You then push back up as you pop up your hips, feet landing near your hands. Come up to standing as you jump with your arms over head. That’s one repetition. 299 more and you have met the quota for the week!

Burpees are painfully awesome because they work your entire body and challenge your cardiovascular system all at once. Plus, after doing a large set I promise you’ll feel proud and accomplished!

This year let’s all share our burpee sessions:

  • on Facebook by joining the group HERE, and
  • on Instagram (@sexyfitvegan) using the hashtag #6WkBurpeeChallenge. I will be randomly choosing photos and videos to feature and be giving away some freebies as well! 

So… are you in?! Make the commitment! You won’t regret it. 

You can also go ahead and pre-order Six Weeks to Sexy Abs Meal Plan so you’ll have it at your door when you wrap up this challenge!

6-week-burpee-challenge

 

Choose the Right Vegan Running Shoe

Vegan-Running-Shoes

If running is a part of your exercise routine and you care about animals and supporting cruelty companies, this blog post on vegan running shoes is for you!

Let’s talk about picking the right running shoe for your individual needs first. Here are 5 things that need to be taken into consideration when choosing the best shoe for you.

1. Pronation

Pronation has to do with how your foot rolls in or out, or stays straight. The following illustrations from BuzzFeed do a great job showing you what this looks like. There are different types of shoes that work best for each type.

Normal Pronation for a vegan runner

Overpronation for Vegan Runners

Underpronation for Vegan Runners

Images Credit: Alice Mongkongllite / BuzzFeed

2. Foot Strike

Foot strike refers to what part of your foot hits the ground first when running. There is the forefront strike, midfoot strike, and heel strike. There seems to be some inconsistencies among experts when it comes to which is the “best.” A midfoot strike may cause the least impact on your joints, but it seems to also depend on your own body mechanics and the shoe you choose. Changing your shoe to one with a lower heel can be helpful if you tend to heel strike and are having joint pain.

3. Cushion

How much cushion do you want between your foot and the ground? This infographic from RoadRunnerSports illustrates the different levels of cushion. The best one for you will depend on what feels most comfortable and works best with your body mechanics.

Cushion Level for vegan runners

 

 

4. How many miles you run per week

The more miles you run, the more durable your shoe needs to be. 

5. Shoe Size

Generally speaking, your running shoe should be at least 1/2 a size larger then your “normal” shoe size. This is because your feet swell and spread during your run. For some people, including myself, a full size larger end up being the most comfortable when running more than a couple miles. 

I recommend finding a specialized running store where the staff will help you figure out the best running shoe for your needs. Find a store that has a treadmill so your gate can be examined to determine the answers to all the questions I mentioned. 

Now for making sure you buy a cruelty free/vegan running shoe. Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think! A ton of companies use synthetic materials instead of leather, and some quality companies are completely vegan-friendly. PETA created a great infographic to help us be informed about running shoe companies vegan status: 

 

vegan-running-shoe-guideI hope this helps you on your quest to find the right vegan running shoe. Any runners out there that have other tips please share!

 

A Quick, Easy Vegan Recipe For Pre-Training Calories

Pre-Workout-Calories

Fueling your body with healthy, nutrient dense, plant-based calories before an intense training session helps me get the most out of my workout…

One thing I am not however, is a gourmet chef! I don’t spend all day in the kitchen experimenting with food. I like things quick and easy. However, one cannot live on peanut butter and jelly sandwiches alone. Believe me, I’ve tried!

I need nutrient and calorie dense meals to fuel my heavy training sessions, otherwise I’ll end up eating Oreos all day.

Next time you need a calorie dense, nutrient packed meal try this recipe I got from my friend, registered dietitian, Matt Ruscigno.

1. Mash 3 bananas

2. Stir in 2 tablespoons of peanut butter

3. Add one medium diced apple

Mix it all together and go!

20150810_102650

Don’t let looks fool you, it tastes great!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nutrition Information

Calories: 598

Fat: 17.5 grams

Carbohydrates: 112 grams

Fiber: 15.5 grams

Protein: 12.5 grams

I hope you enjoy this simple and tasty recipe and be sure to let me know after you’ve tried it!

Stay Strong AND Healthy!

-Scott

 

Top 5 Stability Ball Core Exercises

Stability-Ball-Core-Exercises

It’s Vegan Fitness Friday and today I’m sharing the top five effective stability ball exercises I recommend for strengthening your core!

1.  High Plank Hip Extension: Start in a high plank position with your hands on the floor and the top of your feet on the ball. Make sure your hands are directly underneath your shoulders. Engage your core so stabilize your body, and using your right glute muscles, raise your right leg off the ball about 6 inches. Hold the position for a few seconds before gently placing it back down and performing the same movement with your left leg. Make sure to keep your leg straight (do not bend at the knee). Repeat until you reach failure.

stability-ball-hip-extensions

2.  Plank to Pike: Start in a high plank position with your hands on the floor and your shins on the ball. Make sure your hands are directly underneath your shoulders. Engage your core and stabilize your shoulders. Pull your bellybutton in and up toward your spine in order to lift your hips up into the air above your shoulders and only your toes are in contact with the ball. With control, allow your hips to lower back to the start position. Repeat for 10-20 reps or until failure.

Swiss Ball Pike

3. Supermans: Position the ball under your hips and stomach, with your legs stretched out straight behind you, toes on the ground. It helps to also have your feet against a wall. Stretch your arms straight out, elbows by your ears. Lower your upper body until your hands touch the ground. Using your back muscles, raise your upper body, as far as up as you can, arms staying as straight and close to your ears as possible. Lower with control and repeat 15 reps or until failure.

Supermans on Stabilty Ball

4.  Full Range of Motion Sit-Up: Sit on top of the ball, securing your feet under a stable object. The further back on the ball your butt is, the more challenging this exercise will be. Bend your arms positioning your hands by your ears. Engage your core, and slowly roll your back down the ball one vertebrae at a time. Starting with your chin moving toward your chest, use your abdominal muscles to roll back up one vertebrae at a time pulling your bellybutton in toward your spine throughout the entire movement. If you feel any pain in your lower back stop and position the ball further up on your back so you have more support. If it’s too easy on the other hand, stop and move the ball further down under your butt to make it more difficult. Repeat 15-20 times or until failure.

Stability Ball Situps

5.  Russian Twists: Start with the stability ball positioned under your upper back. Adjust your feet and lift your hips so that your knees are bent at a 90 degree angle. Arms stretch straight toward the ceiling, hands together. Engage your abs and twist at your midsection, lowering your arms to one side. Alternate, doing a total of 20-30 reps or until failure. Make this exercise more challenging by holding a dumbbell or medicine ball.

Stability ball Russian twist