Hello again folks. 

I am currently working on getting my bootcamp up and going.
You can find me on Facebook
Meangirlfitness@gmail.com
www.ideafit.com/profile/maria-cantu

I am staying super busy but would not have it any other way. I have not forgotten this blog. PROMISE

Happy 2016!

Wanted to wish each and every one of you a wonderful and healthy 2016. So many wonderful things I have planned and pray to accomplish. Currently studying for my fitness nutrition certificate and working on getting a website up and going.

Upcoming Project

I have been away for a good long while. I may have good reason.
In October of 2014 I got married. In 2015 I became a NASM certified personal trainer. I got busy quickly, 2 months later I had the opportunity to join the fitness family of Delta Life Bootcamp.

I coach wonder ladies. Two classes in the morning before my full-time job.
I won't stop there. As 2016 arrives, I have be working on starting my own bootcamp and one on one personal training. Yes. Sometimes it gets a little crazy. But its my crazy life.

For those of you who do not know me. Let's get started.

I love fitness and health. I started playing with weights and interested in it when my dad actually had a small bench in his 1 bedroom house. I would play on it on weekends we visited. In high school I ran like a mad woman. I ran cross country and track and into college. High school was where I fell in love with the bar.  I loved it. The adrenaline was awesome. The woes of running 90 plus miles a week stopped the muscle growth and lord knows coach just could not have that happen.
In college I even recall my coach telling me my butt was getting to big. LOL. I loved to squat.

Fast forward, um...a few years. I was lucky enough to have my sister push me into getting certified. I continued to lift for years and trained others as I did my workout. Now I am ready to take 2016 by the dumbbells.

I am currently working on a small website, which should be up the 1st of the year.
I will continue to use this blog to assist the website and for clients to get to know me personally.
I will also post new meals, tips and videos as time comes.

Stay tune for :
www.meangirlfitness.com

New Recipes Added

Hello there little world. I have been on a ball with my wedding planning and getting more crazier by the minute. With more craziness I require more feeding. I have added a new page ( to the right ) that will include breakfast recipes.

Now for little updates.:
Sister (older) and I have both entered a 90 day challenge at our gym. So far not so bad. We have also signed up to do a 10 mile run. I really think she tricked me into it. A 10 k and 10 miler are two different things.
Mom is no longer working out at this point. That is a boo and a whoohoo. Boo because she was doing awesome and whoohoo cause I have more time for me. She went from not being able to do 1 sissy push up to being able to do 3 sets of 8 one hand elevated push ups. Why to go mom.
I will posting work outs I made for her later.

Make sure to check out the Breakfast page.

Happy Daddys Day

It has been said that it takes a man to step up to be a dad to someone else kids. To love them and raise them as their own. It has also been said that any man can be a father but a real man to be a dad.
I have been blessed to have two daddys.
My real dad and step-dad.
I have learned much from both awesome men. I have learned that life will not always give you what you want,that you must work hard and strive daily. You can always count on daddy to be there and when one was not I had another to turn to.
I love both my dads equally and both hold a very special place in my heart.
With that said:
HAPPY DADDYS DAY DADDYS: Ricardo Cantu and Ricardo Palacios. Thank you for always loving and putting up with me and the rest of my sibblings.
***Yes I know I know boh also have he same first name. What can I say mom didnt want to forget. ***

Age is truely only a number

I hear so many excuses about why someone is not working out. Why they haven't started or why they won't even attempt. Tisk Tisk to you.
Though some can be legit reasons: health problems, surgery recovery or your head fell off. Age should never be a reason. We tell our self and others that age is no more than a number. So why consider age when working out or living a healthier life.

Sweet little 80 plus young lady working out

Happy Memorial Day

Hoping everyone has a wonderful and safe weekend. Remember those that have lost their love ones for our freedom. I want to thank all military men and women those that fight and continue to fight for me and do not even know me. Thank you thank you thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Childhood Workout

Fitness and working out does not always have to be hard work and un fun. Get that kind of thinking out of your melon people. Go back to your childhood. What was fun then is now a fun workout. We use to spend hours outside jump roping and playing with hula hoops. We were pretty fit kids with out trying. Go outside and play people. Enjoy your childhood once more.

Life gets busy

Sept 4, 2013
Who knew life would get so darn busy with planning a wedding. I have been to who knows how many open houses and bridal shows.
I am extremely happy to announce that the venue has bee picked, the photog and video have also been picked. Thank God.

Its been a long while that i have come to visit my page. Shame on me I know. Between craziness and work family gym and planning a wedding it's NO WONDER.
I will try better to return on a weekly basis. I have learned that my little blog of nonsense takes me away from all the stress that life throws at me.
On an exciting note....today i get to start training my sister at the gym. I am excited for a healthier stronger her. GO ROSALIA. Little does she know it actually motivates me even more.
Happy training my friends.

Exciting news

It has been some time since I have posted anything.
I am hoping everyone has had a wonderful Thanksgiving and wonderful Christmas.   With all food that has been eaten it is time to get back into shape. 
With that said...I have some wonderful news.
I found out that Fitness Magazine was looking for Testers for a new workout program and guess who was invited! ME ME ME.
I will be starting after the New Year around the 7th of Jan. I am super excited and hoping to share the little journey with you.
I will be getting measured and post those embarrassing numbers with you. It will last 4 weeks and plan to do their plan along with regular routine. At the end of 4 weeks I will post pictures.
On another exciting note....I AM ENGAGED!


2/3/2013
Ok a little update. Unfortunatly I was not able to complete the bootcamp. Why? Well because my body decided to do its own thing and get sick all over again.  Yep. nice viral infection that caused me to run fever of 101-102 for days and topping it off a lovely ear infection. The joy.
I am now much better after rounds of antibotics and steroids. MMMmmmm.
But But But....... I'M GETTING MARRIED BITCHES!
Thanks to my dareling BFF Mara you can follow my little adventure http://miasweddingadventure.shutterfly.com/.

Low sodium low carb low fat soup

With the holiday season coming around the corner the weather will be getting colder. There is nothing like being nice and cozy at home curled up on the couch with some yummy
healthy soup.
 Shitaki noodles make this soup guiltless, no need to worry about fat, carbs, or sodium. Once again you will be using things you may already have in your frige and is great if you have left over chicken or turkey.
Bell peppers red green and yellow. Can't find them all no worries. Use what you have. Onions mushrooms and shredded carrots are the things you will need.
  Slice thinly one of each.
In a sause pain heat  1 tbs of grapeseed oil. This oil is great for sauteing veggies.
You want to add in the bells first saute til tender then add your onions.  
I am medium sauce pan add 2 cups or water and 1/2 cups of low sodium chicken broth. Bring to a boil.
Your Shitaki noodles will need to be rinsed.  Let cool water run through the noodles in a strainer.  Add into the boiling pot along with your left over chicken toss in your sauteed veggies. Let simmer for about 10 minutes.
You are done.
Grab yourself a bowl sit on the couch and enjoy your quick healthy soup.

You will need:
Bell peppers red green and yellow
1/2 white onion
Left over chicken or fresh shredded chicken
1 tsb of grape seed oil
1-2 bags of Shitaki noodles
 

HALLOWEEN

I hope everyone had a great and safe Halloween.  Were you as adventures with your makeup as you wanted to be?
This year me and my much better half did day of the dead or dia de los muertos.
I also did a Thing at work.

Make up used: Ben Nye white cream
Revlon gel waterproof liner
NYE red gloss
Sugarpill for my eyes

I AM A THING.. LOL

Make up used.
My everyday make up along with some NYE loose blue glitter for the eyes.

Made it a fun day at work for my patients.

*** sorry pictures are not the best taken with my phone***

Never to much or to late

I love having my makeup and nothing makes me happier than walking into the store and buying something new. I am kid in the candy store.
I recently purchased myself my first Sugarpill shadows. They colors are so vibrant and eye opening.
I already have quite a bit of makeup (see below....thats only half) and my better half insist that I am a little looney for wanting more. First my dear honey WOMEN CAN NEVER HAVE ENOUGH. I want it all. Greedy...yes but I am woman hear me RAWRRR.
I was recently told by a friend
"I love all those colors I just have no where to wear them to"
Ladies you do not need to wear a certain color or style for any one occasion. Wear it because you want because it makes you feel good.
I am a firm beliver that women should never leave the house with out a little something on.
Don't be intimidated by color. Sometimes that is all you need in life. A LITTLE COLOR.

Children and the gym

With so many schools doing away with P.E more and more children are turning to video games.
Today as I was on the treadmill I noticed an overweight kid  working out with a trainer and mom.
1. Way to go mom for encouraging your children.
2.  great job kid for being up early and doing it with a smile
3.  kudos Mr. trainer man for helping and encouraging the kid the whole way.
Mom and dads while you are getting your workout in include your child.  Most gyms or trainers will do a two for one or discount the rate. Let your child know that fitness and health are important.  Include them in. Let them know you believe they can do these things. Its a great way to spend quality time together as well.

Protein, Blueberries and bananna pancakes.

A new University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center study suggests that blueberries may help reduce belly fat and risk factors for cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome.
According to a study presented at the 2009 Experimental Biology conference, a diet rich in blueberries lowers blood cholesterol levels while improving glucose control and insulin sensitivity, lowering the risk of subsequent heart disease and diabetes. For more yummy facts on on blueberries check out http://www.womenfitness.net/blueberries.htm

Oh B A N A N N A S! We love the Gwen Stefani song and you should love the fruit even more: http://www.antioxidant-fruits.com/banana.htmlAnd they are a great source of vitamin B6, vitamin C and magnesium in addition to potassium. This is a great recipe to make the night before,freeze in batches of 2 or however many you will be eating or sharing.

I make mine using a sugar free mix.
In a mixing bowl mash 1 banana before mmixing
one cup of sugar free pancake mix and
1/2 cup of vanilla protein powder. 
Instead of the 2 eggs and the oil it calls for, substitute with plan yogurt.
 I used 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt and 3 table spoons applesauce  and good ole H20.
Whisk til mixture lumps are pretty much gone.
Add a handful of blueberries. If frozen make sure they are thawed out and dried.
This will make you 6-10 depending on how big you make them. 
Whip up a large batch and freeze for the days ahead.
Once cooled off wrap in batches of 2-3 with wax paper. Those bread bags that are laying around are a great way to keep them all together.
Pop them in the microwave for 30-45 sec and your breakfast is served.
Not a blueberry or bannana fan ditch the one you dislike.

A little A.M tip

Snooze that alarm if you must. The moment that alarm goes off start thinking of a little something that will make you giggle. Think of something that happened the day before or something funny that you should of said to your friend co worker or partner. You will be surprised how easy it is to get out of bed some you start your day with a smile.

From nasty to work fancy.

I am going to be extremely brave and post a pic with no make up on what so ever. Don't be scared now.
This is 5 a.m post workout. Not so glam and far from fancy.
First is first apply a light weight tinted moisturizer.
Little concealer and brightener can help get that fresh " I am alive" face.
I am currently in love with Benefits: Confession of a Concealaholic.
It has everything you need to cover up those red dark puffy tired eyes.
Next lightly brushed on some Bare mineral lose powder. I am not happy with their brushes as the hairs fall out constantly. Bummer.
For my cheeks I used NYX's Terra Cotta. I do have to say for the price I pay I am very happy and highly recommend anyone try there products. I have been very happy and pleased.
On my eyes can you guess what I used.
NYX!

EEEK don't be afraid.

Light moisterizier and conceler

Refreshing summer treats.

I am very blessed to have my father in law love gardening. This past weekend he must of picked enough cucumbers and tomatoes to feed a small village or me. After doing the neighborly thing and sharing we still had more than enough. What did I do to help use them up.  Juice and shared; cut up some cucumbers squeezed some fresh garden lemon sprinkled some Mrs. Dash and yum.

I'mmmmmm bacccccck It's Friday day my dear friends. I have not been on much to do any kind of blogging due to family wedding and being sick. I am back and ready for new blogs. The past week I posted a recipe for stuffed squash, has anyone tried it? Promise you wont be disappointed. I hope everyone has a stinking fantastic Friday.

Stuffed acorn squash.

What you will need:
Cookie sheet
1 lb or half of lean ground turkey ( cook and set aside) 4-5 carrots cleaned and skin off ( chopped in even small pieces)
4-5 celery stalks. Leaves and stem off and cleaned ( chopped in small even pieces.)
1small onion peeled and diced
1box frozen spinach drained and rised.
2 or more acorn squash
2cups quinoa. (make ahead of time set aside)
1small bag pine nuts roasted

Cut the top of your squash off and save to retop during baking.
Clean seeds out and brush olive oil inside.

In medium saucepan saute onions celery and carrots. Add roasted pinenuts and drained spinach. When heated through remove from heat add to quinoa and turkey meat. Mix. Clean out seeds, make sure you clean good. Brush some extra virgin olive oil on the side walls bottom and top cap. Pack squash with turkey mix recap bake for 45 min or until squash is tender all the way through. Idea*** have left over mix. Use it for lunch tge next day in a pita or alone.