Fitness & Exercise, Motivation & Mindset, Nutrition & Recipes
What I’m Focusing On This Month: April Edition
Apr
What I’m Focusing On This Month posts are meant to be open and honest, and to allow the opportunity to share what’s working for me right now with the intention of inspiring you. This post may contain affiliate links, please see our privacy policy for details.
With April coming to and end (sunshine is so close!) I thought it’d be fun to do a bit of a personal post and share some of the recipes, routines, exercises and other general whatnot that are inspiring these day.
April has been, not unexpectedly, a rainy month in Vermont. But it still brought longer days, budding flowers and warmer weather and for that I am thankful.
What about you? How’s April been for you? What are you thankful for this month?
What I’m Focusing On This Month: April Edition
What I’m drinking…
Okay so starting with MudWTR because I’m down to the last few tablespoons and it’s time to order more! I did a coffee-detox last year and ever since I’ve been obsessed with Maple-Cinnamon MudWTR lattes. While I’m not sure I’d call it a coffee-substitute for anyone out there looking for a sip-for-sip clone (it’s more like if hot cocoa and chai latte had a hot beverage baby), it IS delicious – and super good for you!
I’m trying to decrease my overall caffeine intake and definitely not drinking caffeine past noon, so this has been my go to. I can’t wait to try it iced!
- Scoop 1 tablespoon of MudWTR into a large mug. Pour in 8-12 ounces of boiling water. Stir really well. (Leave the spoon, the powder does settle and you’ll want to keep mixing it).
- Froth 2 tablespoons of unsweetened almond milk + a drizzle of maple syrup. Pour in. Sprinkle with cinnamon and enjoy!
Bonus: use this link for 15% off! Best deal: if you purchase a starter kit and subscribe you receive $20 off PLUS the 15% discount.
What I’m eating (on repeat)…
I’ve been on a granola kick lately. Anything that requires minimal dishwashing and can go multiple flavor directions at any given time and I’m on board. This last batch had dehydrated bananas and hazelnuts and let me tell you, it had such a fun complexity to it.
What I’m listening to…
Dr. Matthew Walker: Professor of Neuroscience and Psychology at UC Berkeley on Huberman Lab. I first discovered Dr. Walker years ago on a different podcast and even then he made a massive impact on how I value sleep. It’s fascinating and life-changing. I highly recommend listening!
What I’m reading…
If you follow me on IG you know that I’ve taken the plunge (haha), into cold exposure. We built our own cold plunge tub using a gigantic horse trough and a heater that came highly recommended by the farmer next to us who was buying it for it’s real use: to keep his horses’ water from freezing. I’ve been using it 5-6 days a week and no, it never gets easier but YES, it’s fully and immediately worth it.
So naturally I’ve been reading The Wim Hof Method: Activate Your Full Human Potential. I’m about halfway through and while there’s some fluff in there, I’m enjoying it and finding that the science behind it is reputable. You can read it for free on Kindle but this is one of those books that I like to open up with a highlighter by my side.
What’s in my shaker bottle…
I’ve spent the last year or so dialing back big time on my supplement intake. I’m all for getting a boost up in the nutrition department, but I’m less interested in random supplementation these days. I’m MORE interested in correct supplementation. Which is of course super personal but this is one that I feel secure in recommending pretty much across the board: BodyHealth Perfect Amino.
Per the website: “PerfectAmino is pure essential amino acids in a form and ratio that is both 99% utilized by the body to build new protein and collagen, and completely absorbed into the bloodstream within an average of 23 minutes – by anyone, no matter the state of their digestive system.”
Check it out:
Now if you know me or work with me you know I’m a big proponent of hitting pretty robust protein goals daily. So finding a protein supplement that is not only science-backed but clean? #win
I’ve been taking either the tablets or the powder daily for a quick hit of 25-30 grams of protein. Honestly, I give this supp a lot of credit for helping my macro game!
What’s in my gym bag…
They’re called Monkey Feet and they’re made by Rogue which had me sold before I even knew what they were. If you workout from home and have been looking for a creative way to get some glute isolation work in, this is for you.
What program I’m working on…
EmpowerHER: a “trial” program for women who aren’t quite sure that online coaching is for them. It’s basically a way to test drive working with me as your online trainer. And I’m SUPER excited about how the idea is turning out.
Basically, I understand that 1-on-1 online coaching is a newish concept. Most people think that it’s either a) a downloaded PDF that you’re basically on your own for or b) an app with videos that everyone follows along at the same time.
For me, and with me, it’s not that.
I had a client once call me her “Pocket Coach”, and another who (still) calls me her “Fitness Therapist”. And I love that because that’s what I want to be…it’s why I like training online more than in person. Online, I get to be there for every question, every missed workout, every epic PR and each progression.
I get to be there to support healthy eating habits in the way that best supports my clients. Sometimes that’s a detailed macro guide and sometimes that’s mindful eating strategies.
I’m there for the in between stuff, too. And I know that’s important to getting my clients results.
It’s not for everyone. But it works for a lot of women, with a lot of different goals in a lot of different situations. Which is why EmpowerHER is exicting. It’s an opportunity to check that out without a long-term commitment. Ahhhhh, I love what I do!
How I’ve been moving…
I hosted a 30-day challenge this month: The Month of Miles. Women’s Epic hosted last year and when they told me they weren’t doing it in 2024, I decided to create one myself. It’s been super motivating throughout this rainy month…helping me get outside and move even when the weather isn’t ideal. I finished just over 50 miles for the month and we had a few 100 milers in the group, too!
Oh and ya’ll…I took a week off of workouts this month. Maybe that doesn’t sound like a lot but I was thinking about it, and it’s possible this was the first voluntary week off from working out that I’ve taken since I was like, 6 years old. (For reference I was a gymnast and LOVED being at the gym so I spent a lot of time there).
It felt good to let my body completely recover. But it felt better to recognize that I do miss working out when I’m not in my routine! I missed the feeling of strength and pride. So it was nice to dive back in after 7 days.
Well, the sun is coming out here so it’s time to shift gears. Have a great day, and I hope May brings you happiness, health and inspiration!
