Good Preworkout that won’t make you jittery or nuts?
– I am a big fan of Bare Performance Nutrition. When I don’t want the shakes + tingles I use ‘Embrace the Suck’ when I want to feel like I can flip a car, I use ‘Flight’.
What was the biggest mental switch for you when it came to getting serious about fitness and a healthy lifestyle?
– OHHH GIRL you knowwwww I love to chat about mindset. I think the biggest shift was when I changed who I exposed myself to. I blocked and unfollowed people I didn’t need in my life. I made my inner circle microscopic. I forced myself to look at my flaws. When I stopped blaming everyone else for my short comings, I began to tackle them head on. From there I couldn’t get enough. I wanted to tackle all of my weaknesses from the inside out. Some flaws are harder to fix than others (aka I am super non-confrontational and a chronic people pleaser). But the constant challenge of self discovery and self improvement changed the game for me. I compete with myself every single day to get better and stronger. I believe with that mentality, I am unstoppable.
Favorite way to season chicken?
– When cooking I keep it simple… avocado oil and pepper. I prep chicken so I can season it to my liking later. Cilantro + Lime. Hot sauce. Coconut Aminos. Pasta sauces. Pesto. Salsa. Okay now Im getting hungryyyyy.
Tips for eating clean when your a picky eater? It’s a huge struggle for me.
– TRY NEW THINGS. I was the PICKIEST eater on the planet. I truly mean it. I hated veggies with a passion. Mostly because I didn’t like the way they were cooked. You can have the most incredible cut of meat but if it is cooked poorly, it’s going to suck. Ya know? Brussels sprouts had a WORSE reputation than Taylor Swift in 2017 and now they are on every menu at every restaurant. It’s all in the preparation.
What do you typically eat in a week? I struggle eating healthy because I want variety.
– This I could honestly write a novel about. My staples are chicken (usually 9lbs of ground chicken), cauliflower rice, spring mix, arugula, spinach, black olives, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, brown rice and sweet potatoes. Then, the rest of my meals are whatever I’m craving. This week it was spaghetti squash. Last week it was fajitas. I let my mood pick the wildcard of the week. I prep the chicken and rice very plainly so I can season them with whatever I am in the mood for later.
What’s your favorite go to healthy meal?!
– I love something super balanced. So something with carbs, fats and protein. I love chicken and cauliflower rice. Or chicken and sweet potatoes. Usually I cook both those meals with avocado oil (you can cook with avocado oil at high temps) Easy, simple, delicious.
What did you find the best way to burn fat but gain lots of muscle at the same time?
– High Intensity Interval Training for the WIN. Too much traditional cardio will switch from fat burning mode to burn MUSCLE tissue. Meaning your metabolism will get slower. OHHH HECK NO. I have an entire section of HIIT workouts that only take 15 minutes. I will do them on their own or right after a lift. They are HARD so I wouldn’t do them before a workout or without a warmup.
Where you always as energetic as you are now? Best tips for energy?
– OH NO HONEY. Most of my life I spent in bed with lowwwww energy. When I started fueling my body, hanging out with high-energy // positive people and sweating everyday my energy changed. I truly believe your energy is a direct reflection of the people you surround yourself with and who you expose yourself to. This includes who you follow on social media. I am a huge fan of the unfollow. If someone makes you feel bad about yourself unfollow. If someone says something hateful, block. If you fill your life with light there is no room for darkness.
How did you figure out what foods work best for your’e body to help in healthy weight loss?
– I did an elimination diet. Meaning I ate mostly protein and greens for a week and slowly added in foods one at a time like you would for an infant. I paid close attention to what worked about what didn’t. It was a long process, but totally worth it.
Best time to eat before // after workouts?
– I eat an hour before my workouts and within 90 minutes after. For me, I lift better with a pre-workout protein and a post workout carb.
How did your fitness journey start? I want to be fit but I don’t want to fad diet.
– I just started. I didn’t wait for Monday or the 1st of the month or the new year. In my experience, I think people over complicate the process. It is only as hard as you make it. I threw out the foods I knew I couldn’t resist. I filled my fridge with greens and protein. I cooked instead of eating out. I scheduled my workouts like they were the most important thing on my to-do list and it became my way of life. Zero shortcuts. Just effort.
What’s your workout schedule?
– I love this question because I don’t really have a schedule. Basically, I know I will lift on Wednesday with my trainer but the rest of the week is kind of open. I used to have specific lifts on certain days, but then I would get frustrated if the equipment I needed was taken or if the gym was too crowded. So now, I schedule an hour per day to workout 7 days a week. I hold at least an hour to move or stretch or spin or lift. I listen to my body. I move the way it needs for that particular day. Ideally, I lift back//biceps, chest/triceps/shoulders, legs each twice. At least some conditioning and 1-2 spin classes a week. I do two-a-days when I am doing cardio (meaning paired with a lifting day). My body is conditioned enough to do so. Start slow, work up to it.
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What’s the hardest struggle for you? Do you have any tricks for falling off track and getting back on track?
– I don’t know if I have a struggle anymore. HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE?!? I don’t beat myself up for having cookies or pizza. I have them and move on. It’s not getting off track, it’s living. I live most of my life eating clean, nutrient dense foods so one cookie won’t kill me. When you take the pressure off yourself magic happens.
How did you become a part of stRIDE?
– Tori called me one night and told me about stRIDE. She and Jess had both taken my classes before and said I was a fit for the studio that would soon some to life. Without hesitation, I agreed to join them. I didn’t know much. I knew that whatever they were doing, I needed to be a part of it. I knew it would be life changing. I was right.
When did you start doing Pilates? What made you want to teach?
– I started practicing Pilates when I was 19. I started teaching when I was 20. I loved the way it made me feel…euphoric almost…like the purest natural high. I needed to give that to other people. One day, I realized I was good at the teaching thing. That I was good at the connection part and making people giggle. Being the bright spot in someones bad day is a blessing I will never get used to.
What is your biggest physical insecurity?
– My lower belly!!! UGH I can’t get rid of that last little bit of fat you know?!??! T god for high waisted leggings ya know?!?!
Ultimate reason for getting fit?
– I wanted to be healthy for the first time in my life. There is nothing more important than your health. I wanted to prove to myself that I wasn’t going to quit this time. I did it for me and only. I think that is why I found success. My reasons weren’t superficial or fleeting. They were real, personal and authentic. You can’t fall off track from being authentic. You can’t find yourself in a wrong way. The journey is so personal. Everyone’s story is different, unique and beautiful.
Keep an eye out for Part II
xoxo,
K
