I hope the final months of summer are treating you well! As much as we’re all craving crisp mornings and pumpkin spice (and I promise they’re right around the corner!), we’re not quite there yet. We’re still in the season of hot summer nights and sun showers (+ storms) galore. Luckily, I’ve compiled a few tips, tricks, and product recommendations for us all to stay cool and fit this month! Let’s get into it.
Movement of the Month: Lunges
Labor Day is here… why not kick it off with some lunges? (; (pun intended!)
Lunges are one of the most beneficial exercises you can perform for lower-body tone, strength, and functionality. They’re particularly effective because they target one leg at a time, preventing any sneaky muscle imbalances from taking root. To learn more about some of my favorite lunge variations, check out this article from Very Well Fit!
Enjoy Fresh Mediterranean Eats This Labor Day
Looking to serve up something fresh, healthy and delicious this Labor Day? Look no further than the bright, bold flavors of the Mediterranean! From fresh and crispy chickpea salad to hearty beef shishkabobs, here are some flavorful Labor Day recipe ideas that are sure to make your mouth water and your guests happy!
Ingredients for Marinade
- ¼ cup low-sodium tamari soy sauce
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Ingredients for Beef Shish Kabobs
- 2 pounds top sirloin steak, cubed
- 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 bell peppers (any color), cut into 1-inch pieces
- 8 ounces baby bell mushrooms, halved
Directions
- Make marinade. Add all of the marinade ingredients to a mixing bowl, then stir to combine.
- Marinate steak. Add the steak pieces to the marinade. Stir to coat. Cover the bowl and marinate in the fridge for at least an hour, and up to 24 hours.
- Thread skewers. Thread the beef, onions, and peppers onto skewers. You can alternate the order of ingredients on the skewers. Season each shish kabob with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste.
- Grill. Heat an outdoor or indoor grill pan to medium-high heat. Place the shish kabobs on the grill and cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side, until nicely browned throughout, about 15 minutes.
- Allow skewers to rest for a couple of minutes before serving.
Ingredients
- 2 (15-ounce cans) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 large cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup red onion, diced
- 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
- ¼ cup finely chopped parsley
- lemon vinaigrette, you can use as much or as little as you’d like
Directions
- Add. Toss all of the ingredients into a large mixing bowl.
- Stir. Pour the lemon vinaigrette over the salad and give it a gentle stir until well combined.
If Mediterranean food isn’t your vibe (I can’t see why not, but you do you), check out this list from Downshiftology, chock-full of delicious Labor Day Recipes that are sure to be crowd pleasers.
Rest & Recover with doTERRA
Have you ever hit a workout so hard that it makes you doubt whether any amount of protein or rest will get rid of the soreness? If so, I’ve BEEN there. It’s wonderful to hit the gym with gusto, but even better when you’re recovering properly! That’s where doTERRA comes in. Their diffuser blends always help me relax in the evenings, but they’ve taken their commitment to recovery to a new level with their Deep Blue Stick. This blend of botanicals and menthol helps to soothe minor aches and pains in your muscles, and it comes in a convenient and easy-to-pack stick perfect for your purse or gym bag. Stop by and grab yours today!
Capri’s are Back & Better!
In case no one told you, Capris are back! Let’s celebrate together in these adorable sun-blocking compression leggings from BloqUV. Perfect for workouts or everyday wear, these leggings come in 3 versatile colors! Grab yours before they’re gone by placing an order next time you’re at the studio.
Recover Like a World-Class Athlete:
The Benefits of Deep Tissue Laser Therapy
Ever wondered how you can up your recovery game and nip pesky aches and pains in the bud? Wonder no more! Deep tissue laser therapy can reduce pain and inflammation without side effects and is used for both acute and chronic conditions. Treatments are fast, feel great and can be customized for each situation!
To learn more, head over here!
Local Happenings This Month
Art Deco Exhibition Beginning August 31st: The Golden Age of Illustration: The Sarasota Art Museum’s latest exhibition explores all things Art Deco! If this gorgeous art and illustration style is your jam, you can’t miss it. Learn more here.
Family Fest: Alice in Wonderland on September 27th: At 10 AM and 1 PM on September 27th, Van Wezel invites you to a new, multigenerational take on their wildly popular “Friday Fests.” Enjoy performances of Alice in Wonderland and an interactive mindfulness and literacy activity!
Sarasota Opera Food & Wine Festival: Enjoy delicious wine, food and music in Celebration of Sarasota’s nationally recognized youth opera. Choose from VIP or standard tickets on September 27th and secure your spot at an event you won’t forget.
That’s all this month, my friend! I can’t wait to write you next month as the weather begins to (hopefully) cool. Until then, stay hydrated, stay safe in the sun, and stay active!
Warmly,
Michele