Cassey Ho's Blog, page 63
December 18, 2020
The Perfect Paleo Banana Bread Recipe
Hey guys!
I’m not sure if it’s all the pandemic-ing or because it’s the holidays, but I have been in a baking MOOD. I started out with pancakes, cookies, then progressed into mochi cakes, ice creams (I guess that’s not baking but whatever), and nowwwww I am onto the breads!
I love making banana bread because whenever I buy bananas, I ALWAYS end up with at least 1 or 2 that get toooooo ripe for my liking. Once bananas start crossing the line towards the brown side, I immediately open them up, cut them into coins, toss them into a freezer bag and freeze ’em! They’re so easy to pull out again when I need to make smoothies or of course, banana bread!
This recipe requires more ingredients than the recipes I’ve made for the last few weeks, but I promise it is totally worth it! Grab your fam and let’s get cooooooookin’!
Also, this paleo banana bread recipe is 90 Day Journey friendly!
The Perfect Paleo Banana Bread Recipe
INGREDIENTS
3 large, ripe (brown spotted) bananas, mashed
1 large ripe banana, chopped
2 cups almond flour
1/2 cup tapioca flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
2 large eggs
1/4 cup melted coconut oil
1 TBSP monk fruit sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Desired peanut butter for spreading – optional!
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Grease the inside of a loaf pan with coconut oil.
3. Chop the 1 banana into small chunks (or if you already have them from frozen, make sure you defrost them first).
4. Mash the 3 bananas together and then add in the rest of the ingredients (minus the 1 chopped banana).
5. Then carefully add the banana chunks into the batter.
6. Bake the banana bread for 50-60 minutes.
7. Once cooked through, let cool. Then slice the banana bread into thick chunks and spread with peanut butter!
If you make this paleo banana bread, tag me on Instagram or let me know in the comments! Can’t wait for you to try!
The post The Perfect Paleo Banana Bread Recipe appeared first on Blogilates.
December 16, 2020
Dear Cassey: I’m Getting Married But I’m Most Worried About My Thick Arms
Hey Cassey,
I’m getting married soon and have been making an effort to get into shape (not just for the wedding but for my own personal wellbeing) and despite months of consistent workouts, I don’t see much physical change. Overall I feel stronger, which was my goal from the start, but part of me feels self-conscious about my thicker arms.
I know part of the problem has been a lot of stress eating (planning a wedding during a pandemic is not fun) but even when I do eat healthier there is no change in my arms. Cardio has never been my friend (my asthma kicks in right away and I can never finish the workout) and I’m at a loss for what else to try. I want to feel good about myself and feel comfortable in my own skin at my wedding, but at the moment I just feel discouraged.
Thanks!
Self-Conscious Bride
Dear Self-Conscious Bride,
CONGRATULATIONS on your wedding! I hope it is the best day, and everything you’ve ever dreamed of. You’re totally right – planning a wedding is already stressful enough, and I’m sure this year has been especially stressful!
There’s so much pressure to look perfect on our wedding day. I know so many people fall victim to crash diets and seriously insane measures to lose weight or deal with body insecurities. I’m glad to hear you’re working out for more than JUST your wedding. Hopefully, the workouts are helping a little with the stress too 
December 15, 2020
12 Things Only Girls Who Work Out Will Understand
Hey guys!
Sooooo I used to think that it was just me who had to deal with these random struggles, but the more I talked to my friends, the more I realized that there was one thing in common….
We work out.
And maybe you don’t LOVE to work out, but you kinda like it enough to do it pretty often 
December 11, 2020
Blue Spirulina Banana Smoothie Bowl
Hey guys!
LOOOOK ATTTTT THISSSSSSS SMOOTHIE BOWL!
As you can tell, I’ve been on a cooking spree lately and I think it’s safe to say that my favorite thing is to make my food look CRAZY. And when I say crazy, I mean dreaming up fun flavors, colors, and combos. These days I’m really into ube-flavored (and colored, let’s be honest) desserts. At this point, I think I’ve done Ube in the form of cookies, mochi, cheesecake, donuts, mochi donuts… and my bucket list is still growing!
But with that being said, I’m really into blue spirulina, too! I mean, the color is so vibrant and blue. Plus, I won’t say no to its immune-boosting properties. If you haven’t heard of blue spirulina, it’s essentially a blue pigment from blue-green algae. It has a lot of great vitamins, minerals, and is known as a superfood. I used it in this Unicorn Bowl Smoothie Bowl Recipe, too! You’ll never run out of ways to use it :)
OH and this super easy 3-ingredient recipe is also 90 Day Journey friendly! Exciting, right? Let’s get to itttttttttt!
Blue Spirulina Banana Smoothie Bowl Recipe
INGREDIENTS
3 frozen ripe bananas, sliced
1–2 tsp blue spirulina powder
1/2 cup – 2/3 cup almond milk, depending on the consistency you’d like
DIRECTIONS
1. Blend all ingredients together
2. Top with fruit of choice (I did blueberries, blackberries, and kumquat!)
Sooo, what do you think of the recipe?! Easy, right? Tag me on Instagram or let me know in the comments if you’re gonna whip this one up!
The post Blue Spirulina Banana Smoothie Bowl appeared first on Blogilates.
December 9, 2020
The Blogifam’s Ultimate Last Minute Holiday Gift Guide
Hey guys!
WOW, I can’t believe that we’re already 9 days into December… I just can’t believe how quickly time is flying by. Is it surprising you, too? Or does it feel regular? I am sooooo excited that the holidays are just around the corner but at the same time, I’m trying to cherish every single moment left in this crazy year. I feel like we’re always looking forward to the next thing, but the truth is, we’ve been gifted the presence of today. That’s such a beautiful thing in itself.
For those of us who are all over the place with timing, you might eventually find yourself in this predicament that I find myself in every year. I procrastinate. I try to get all my gifts in early buuuuuuuut let’s be honest, it’s hard to get it all done! I’m always wanting to add in something a little extra for my friends and fam, so just in case you ever are in this situation, I have your back!
Soooo I enlisted our amazing Blogifam team to help me help you this holiday season. Here is a short and sweet list of our favorite last-minute gifts!
Brittney, Senior Graphic Designer
Surprisingly cute and affordable rug perfect for any home! And side note… Brittney may or may not use this as her bath rug and she says it’s perfect!
This is a self-care must that is also super fun to do with the whole fam. Plus they are great for calming puffy or tired eyes.
Ummmm, have you ever seen a candle with over 4,000 ratings?!! Well, this one does! Rose Noir and Oud is a great go-to if you’re not sure which one to pick – it smells like a sultry rose!
I know what you’re thinking – a sherpa coat on Amazon?! THIS ONE IS AMAAAZING (also, the 1,705 reviews don’t lie) and will keep your recipient warm all winter!
Laurel, Social Media Manager
Want to experiment with your meals but don’t have the time? This AirFryer allows you to set it and (kinda) forget it and try some easy and yummy recipes!
If you and your fam don’t have matching MUK LUKS, then this is the perfect chance to get everyone on the same page! Laurel says it’s literally the only thing she’ll put on her feet when she’s around the house!
Jackelyn, Fitness Director
The only way to get everyone to put down their phones and be in the moment! This think-on-your-feet game is easy to learn and get anyoneeeeee in the family playing!
Phillips Sonicare Diamond Clean Electric Toothbrush
Okay, this one is on the pricer side but Jackelyn swears by it. She said she went to the dentist after not going for 3 years (!!!!) and her dentist said her teeth looked excellent. No cavities and barely any build-up! This gift is one that will last a lifetime if you’re in for a little splurge.
This is actually a extremely legit game changer! Jackelyn did recommend this to me and I am in loveeee with it. She says it’s for the emerging TikToker in your life and I have to double recommend this one. It’s a must.
And finally… a few of my last-minute faves!
I can’t remember the last time I had a case that didn’t hold my credit card and driver’s license. It makes life sooooo much more convenient. Just make sure not to misplace your phone!
ZINK Wireless Phone Photo Printer
I loveeeeee having actual pictures in my hand and it’s so rare that anyone does this anymore! It’s easy to connect and it’s like having your own personal photobooth!
So there you have it! Our favorite quick and easy gifts last-minute holiday gifts for anyone in your life. Which one is your fave?!! Anything you wanna add?!
The post The Blogifam’s Ultimate Last Minute Holiday Gift Guide appeared first on Blogilates.
December 7, 2020
Dear Cassey: My boyfriend makes me feel insecure about how I look
This is kind of complicated because this is about my boyfriend. We’ve been together for more than 7 years, and he’s a wonderful person. The only problem is that sometimes when I’m insecure with my body, he makes me feel MORE insecure.
He says things like “You need to workout,” “Don’t eat too much at night,” “I told you to eat healthier and you didn’t listen to me.”
I’ve never been in a long-term relationship before, so I don’t know if this kind of behavior is acceptable or not. Sometimes he says that I look fatter, or I get chubbier, or my stomach is bigger, but only when we’re alone. When we’re with other people, or he’s with other people and someone says I’m fat, he’ll defend me.
He’s confusing me, if you can’t tell. But yeah, he makes me uncomfortable and insecure but I know that he loves me. What should I do in this kind of situation?
Confused by Hurtful Comments
Dear Confused,
Okay. This might be hard to hear… but it is NEVER okay for ANYONE to call you fat. Especially someone who loves you. Pleeeeasseee talk to him about this ASAP. It’s hurtful and definitely not supportive.
It sounds like you’ve expressed to him that you’re insecure about your body, or maybe that you’d like to eat healthier or maybe lose weight. When he reminds you to workout or suggests things like not eating at night etc., that could definitely be his way of trying to help. But I think there is definitely a more positive way for him to say those things! Anything that makes you more insecure is only going to make your journey more difficult. The added stress isn’t necessary or helpful. Again, he might not realize that he’s hurting you. So like anything in a relationship – communicate, communicate, communicate!
But at the same time, hurtful comments are abusive and send the message that you’re not good enough. Even if it’s not his intention, it’s not something that you should “let go” or ignore.
Your partner should be cheering you on ALL the time. It’s good that he defends you in a public setting (but um…who is calling you fat anyways?! Not okay.), but I can definitely see where this is confusing you! Tell him. Then suggest some ways that he can support you from now on.
OR if you’re not ready to embark on any kind of fitness journey right now and you just need to work on your relationship with your body, TELL HIM. Because that is 10000% okay too. Tackling insecurity doesn’t always have to mean losing weight. A lot of times that process needs to start with learning how to love and embrace your body at any state. You’re not going to be able to do that if your partner is putting you down.
Obviously, I’m not a relationship therapist or anything like that, so I can’t give a ton of advice on where to go from here. But as your friend, please know that it’s not okay for him to say those things to you. Relationships are about support and acceptance. That should be your safe space where you feel the MOST secure. So have a conversation, and get help from a therapist if you need to (zero shame there). Hopefully, this gives you a little more clarity and confidence in what steps to take next!
Most importantly. Remember you are PERFECT as you are, and I’m here for you!
PS – If you have a burning question you want to ask me, I’m taking questions via text at 510-692-4556. Currently this only works for US and Canada. If you’re outside of those countries, you can leave a question below.
The post Dear Cassey: My boyfriend makes me feel insecure about how I look appeared first on Blogilates.
December 4, 2020
Blueberry Purple Keto-Paleo Pancake Recipe
Hey guys!
Okay, I already know what you’re gonna say. Why is this blueberry pancake purple?!! The secret is to microwave some blueberries and then use the blueberry juice to dye your pancakes. Let me just tell you…. the result was MAGICAL. I meannnnn, look at this color!
I’ve really been loving this pancake base that I’ve used for this pancake and the one from last week. There’s another one coming up too that I think you’ll love! You can really get creative with this and dress it up however you’d like.
What is your favorite way to eat pancakes?! I know they’re technically a breakfast item, but lately, I have loved doing them for dinner. I guess I have a sweet tooth (I mean, have you seen all the things I’ve been baking?!!)… so if eating dessert-breakfast for dinner is a crime then so be it!
This keto & paleo recipe is also 90 Day Journey friendly! Are you ready to try this?!!
Blueberry Purple Keto-Paleo Pancake Recipe
INGREDIENTS
1.5 cups almond flour
1 TBSP tapioca flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1 TBSP monk fruit sugar
1/4 cup almond milk
HOW TO GET THE COLOR
Microwave some frozen blueberries and collect the juice – this will be your purple dye! Make your lightest pancake first using a little bit of blueberry dye. Use the most blueberry juice for your darkest pancake to achieve this gradient color.
DIRECTIONS
1. Mix all ingredients together in a bowl and mix thoroughly
2. Add desired blueberry juice “dye” to add color to your pancakes
3. Spray pan with coconut oil
4. Heat pan to medium-low heat
5. Pour batter on and flip when one slide has solidified enough to flip
6. Top with desired fruit!
Are you gonna make this?!!! Tag me on Instagram or let me know in the comments! CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOUR CREATION!!!!
The post Blueberry Purple Keto-Paleo Pancake Recipe appeared first on Blogilates.
December 2, 2020
Dear Cassey: How do you actually stick to a healthy lifestyle?
How do you start and STICK to a new exercise routine, way of eating, and overall healthy lifestyle? It’s great finding out information about what exercises to do and what you should technically be eating but it is SO SO easy to get off track and not go back, even when I keep telling myself I’ll start fresh AGAIN tomorrow! How do you continue to stay motivated and what coping mechanisms and techniques do you use when you fall off track?
Thanks, much love!
Keeping My Momentum
Hey Keeping My Momentum!
You’re SO RIGHT. The advice for what to do is everywhere. But that’s not the same as advice for how to do it.
I guess that’s because it varies so much from person to person. In order to stick to a goal, you really have to be willing to be honest with yourself and dig deep to find what works for you. It’s something that has taken me YEARS to figure out, but I’m thinking what I’ve learned along the way could help you out!
So, let’s start with being honest with yourself.
That means figuring out your “why,” and fully understanding why your goals are important to you. Notice I said to YOU. Not anyone else. Think about what you’re getting out of your workouts, better eating, etc. and commit to it. Then, be honest about what has held you back in the past. Do you fail to prioritize the time you need to workout or prep your meals? Do you get discouraged after a tough workout? Are you a stress eater? What is it exactly that throws you off track? I think it’s really important to think through these things (or even write them down) and tackle them head on.
Next, set yourself up for success.
If there are ways to make your goals easier, take advantage! Digging into your why and what has held you back in the past should help you brainstorm some ways that you can create a successful environment for yourself. What does that mean exactly? MOTIVATION. Accountability. What can you do now, to make sure you keep going full steam ahead?
Experiment with things like:
Journaling
Leaving yourself motivational quotes
Tracking your goals and progress with pictures, etc.
Finding outside accountability if you need it – heyyyy POPster fam!
Using other tools like a workout tracker, meal planner, etc.
Anything that helps you get into your zone. That mindset that lights the fire under you. Sometimes for me it’s as simple as literally writing down what I want to do for the day. Even if I’m feeling lazy, I know that for me, getting to check things off of my to-do list is just super motivating. Maybe that’s weird? Like I said, different things work for all of us!
It’s so important to celebrate ALL of your wins.
What I DON’T want you to do is set a giant goal with the attitude that you won’t feel satisfied until you get to it. That kind of mindset will only make you feel discouraged, impatient, and honestly a little like punishment. Instead, notice all of your wins. Celebrate every time you get your workout in even though you didn’t really feel like it. Be proud when you realize that maybe burpees aren’t that bad after all, and do a happy dance when you make a healthy recipe that tastes amazing. The small things may not be your ultimate goal, but those are the things that add up and get you there.
Finally, be willing to acknowledge when things aren’t working.
Sometimes, all of the motivation in the world just isn’t enough to stick to a healthy lifestyle. Because you can’t force something to work that just isn’t right for you! Perfect example? During my 90 Day Journey, I started out trying to follow a keto diet. And it DID NOT WORK for me. Did I lose weight? Yeah. But I felt pretty crappy and felt like I was spending all of my time trying to remedy how I felt just to stick to it. It got to the point where I just had to go back to the drawing board.
In the past, something like that would have made me so discouraged I’d probably give up altogether, saying I’d “start over later.” But this time, I just chalked it up as part of the journey. I learned from it, and that pushed me to keep learning until I found what DID work.
And of course, remember that falling off track isn’t failure. Brush it off, and just keep going!
If you take anything from this advice, I hope it’s that “falling off track” IS NOT FAILURE. It doesn’t mean that you have to start over, or that you’re even doing anything wrong. You’re human, and change is hard. Expect those bumps in the road and learn from them!
PS – If you have a burning question you want to ask me, I’m taking questions via text at 510-692-4556. Currently this only works for US and Canada. If you’re outside of those countries, you can leave a question below.
The post Dear Cassey: How do you actually stick to a healthy lifestyle? appeared first on Blogilates.
November 30, 2020
Wanna Become a POP Pilates Instructor?!
Hey guys!
This weekend was such a whirlwind, OMG. I made sooooo many desserts for Thanksgiving weekend (yes, weekend hahahah) and just indulged in all of the dinner things. It was pure joy!
I don’t know what’s gotten into me with all the baking, but it feels soooo relaxing to cook. It’s like meditation for me. Oooh, or it’s kinda like an art project that I can eat! It’s literally the best activity. Does anyone else feel that way?! I ended up making butter mochi, creme brûlée ube cheesecake, ube mochi balls, sweet potato mochi balls, ube banana bread, and pon de ring donuts. LIKE WHAAAATTTTTT. I might share some of the recipes with you! Which one would you want?!
Okay, now on to a topic that’s opposite of baking desserts: POP Pilates!
This week’s new video is a Total Body POP Pilates workout! It’s straight from POP 23, which is the latest release that our POP instructors are teaching all over the world! With POP Pilates, our certified instructors get brand new choreography releases every quarter. They then learn this addicting choreo and bring it to their studios, gyms, and students. We design each class to be scalable for anyone who walks in and most of all, we leave NO MUSCLE UNTOUCHED. It’s a legit full-body 55-minute workout.
I’m so proud of how far POP Pilates has grown. This all stemmed from me uploading a Youtube video in 2009 and now we have instructors across the globe teaching over 3,000 classes a month. Like, wow. The POP Army is so incredible and these are some of the BEST instructors you’ll ever meet. They are kind, thoughtful, fierce, passionate, and most importantly, they care. If you take a POP class, your instructor really might become your best friend! And side note, if you do want to take a live class from one of our instructors, you can check out our Virtual Class Finder!
If all this talk about our POP Army makes you want to become an instructor, well… you’re in luck! We’re running a MAJOR deal on our POP Pilates Instructor Training Course! It’s normally $299 but it’s now $50% off for only $149.50! This crazy sale ends on December 6th.
Becoming an instructor is one of the most amazing experiences ever. You can teach as a side passion hobby or you could turn it into a career. Either way, you are signing up to change people’s lives through movement. You are helping people find joy through fitness. That is one of the coolest jobs I can think of :)
And best of all, we JUST revamped the entire POP Pilates Instructor Training Course with in-depth and updated information! There are 54 videos and a 112-page digital manual that will give you ALL the tools to be the best instructor. The course is led by me and my sister, who is also the POP Pilates Fitness Director! We worked so hard to teach you everything we know, which is a combined 26 years of knowledge and experience between the two of us. If you’ve made it this far to this blog post and your heart is fluttering then I think this might be your calling.
If you needed any more reason to become a POP instructor, try out this week’s workout and just imagine yourself teaching it… and then I’ll see you in the training ;)
Become a POP Pilates Instructor
The post Wanna Become a POP Pilates Instructor?! appeared first on Blogilates.
November 29, 2020
The Blogilates December 2020 Workout Calendar!
Hey guys!
OMG we’re here! Cue Mariah Carey and Last Christmas and ALLLLLL of the holiday jingles!!! I know that this season is gonna feel a little different from seasons in the past but I think it’s important to take a step back and appreciate everything that’s happened. Yes, I realize that’s like the OPPOSITE of what we feel like doing, especially in one of the craziest years ever.
But look – we are all alive and kicking. We were granted time this year to reflect and reevaluate. Sometimes I feel like we all function at 100000000% and forget to take care of ourselves. In this pandemic, we were literally forced to stop. It wasn’t easy, but it’s a prime example that we can only control the things we can control and we have to just let go of the rest. We had to find a new normal and learn to adapt. Easier said than done, but you know what? We made it to December and if that’s not a sign of resilience and strength, then I don’t know what is! I am soooo proud of you.
To finish off the year strong, this calendar will be your new best friend. I know everyone thinks January is the most important, but really, December helps set the tone. By the time January comes around, you’ll already be in the right mindset. Soooooo, print out this calendar or follow along on my BODY by Blogilates app and let’s do this!
Also, if you are thinking about what your new year will look like, make sure to grab a 2021 Fit Planner!
Alright, you ready?!!! LET’S GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
How to Use the December Workout Calendar
Check the Blogilates Youtube playlists to find all of the videos you need for this month’s calendar!!
OR you can download the BODY by Blogilates app, where you can snag the monthly calendar and all of the videos in one place :)
Here’s an overview of each day of the October Workout Calendar. You know how this works! Each day = different muscle group!
SUNDAY: Abs & Obliques
MONDAY: Total Body
TUESDAY: Butt
WEDNESDAY: Cardio
THURSDAY: Upper Body
FRIDAY: Stretch & Recovery
SATURDAY: Legs & Thighs
Do each video once (unless otherwise stated) and check off as you go! Each day will be around 45 min of exercise. And YES there’s 3 new videos this month! Woohoo!!
REMEMBER! You can also download the BODY By Blogilates app (on Apple or Android devices) to have the calendar and workout videos in one place…to make life a little easier :)
If you’re just getting started or want to ease into working out, my Beginner’s Calendar is a great place to start! It’s a free 4-week program to get you stronger so that you can join in on the monthlies when you are ready.
What is something you’re proud of yourself for accomplishing this year? Let me know in the comments! :)
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