It’s nearly impossible to grow muscle mass in a caloric deficit, so when one wants to make gains they must eat: LOTS! I have been looking to put on a couple pounds of lean muscle, so I have been eating a ton & lifting heavy. Above is a progress picture with a brief description of changes that I’ve made to my diet & workout routine.
I loooooove mac & cheese, but I hate that artificial orangey cheese powder so I’ve been opting to make it from scratch. I’ve been working on perfecting a recipe for years, and I’ve finally gotten it. It’s even boyfriend approved which is saying a lot because he has the palette of a picky 10 year old. The best part about this recipe is that it only includes 6 ingredients and takes less than 15 minutes to make!
Ingredients
1 box of pasta (I chose Banza shells)
1/2 stick of butter
1/4 cup white flour
2 1/2 cups of 2% milk
3 cups of shredded cheese (I used a mac & cheese blend)
season salt to taste
The Making Part
In a pot, boil pasta until al dente. While the pasta is cooking we’re going to work on the cheese sauce. This is a generic cheese sauce & can be used to pour over anything! Cheesy oozy goodness makes every dish better. Okay back to the cooking. Put the half stick of butter into a large skillet on medium to low heat. Let the butter melt completely. Turn the heat to low. Add in the 1/4 cup of flour and consistently whisk for a few minutes. Add in the milk, a bit at a time, while still whisking. I forgot to tell you that this mac & cheese also provides a free arm workout! After a few more minutes of whisking you should have a thick, creamy white sauce. Now sprinkle in the cheese, a cup at a time. Then whisk away until it all melts. Add seasoning salt to taste. *this requires a cheese sauce taste test. try to restrain yourself from eating it all.* Strain the al dente pasta and add it into the cheesy mixture. Coat the pasta in the cheese and enjoy!
This mac & cheese reheats really well. I make a ton on the weekend and put it in Tupperwares for a week’s worth of lunches. Or you can just devour it all in one sitting. That’s your prerogative. If you try this recipe, comment below & let me know how you like it!
I am starting a 30 day booty challenge group on my fitness Instagram page: @melissa_fit.life
It is free & all you have to do is comment below my most recent picture to let me know that you want to join in!
Head on over to my page and we’ll whip those butts into shape just in time for the holidays!
Okay this post is going to be relatively short, but I need your help. I am in a competition to become a brand sponsor for the company Foxy Athletics. In order to move to the next round of voting, I need you to like the picture in the link below. The link will take you to my fitness Instagram: melissa_fit.life That’s it. Click on the link, double tap the picture, and your work here is done. Thank you in advance for your support. I love you all!
It is Fall here in the United States, so I have compiled a list of my favorite Fall activities. It’s only the middle of October & I’ve almost checked everything off of my list. What are your favorite Fall things to do?
There are two years difference between these photos. It just proves that progress takes time, hard work, and consistency. To learn more about my workouts head over to my YouTube channel: Flourishing Mel.
Here’s some updated progress from the Kayla Itsines BBG program that I’m doing. If you want to see more frequent posts about my fitness endeavors, follow my fitness instagram @melissa_fit.life.
That’s right, I have my own YouTube channel now! I post videos of workouts, tips, and nutrition. My channel name is just Flourishing Mel! Head on over there now to see my latest video: a food diary.
If you don’t know what BBG is, head up to the menu and read about it under the fitness section. I have been doing this workout program on & off for over a year now. Today I restarted BBG 1.0 from the beginning. I will be updating my progress here and on my fitness instagram @melissa_fit.life. Here are my before photos, to track the growth that I make. Stay tuned!
As I turn another year older today, I wanted to reflect on my past year. A lot has changed within these 365 days. 25 was a pretty defining year in my life. I fell in love, met amazing new friends, traveled, changed jobs, bought a house, grew my fitness training, and started this website!
Love
I had an amazing relationship and lost it, but have found a new love who is even better. I truly believe that God has a hand in everything. While I might not know his master plan, he always brings exactly what I need into my life.
Friendship
I met so many new friends through Kayla Itsines’ BBG Community. These girls started as fitness motivation but have turned out to be confidants and lifelong friends.
Travel
Since my last birthday, I have traveled to Phoenix, Nashville, Sedona, Columbus, Oahu, Maui, San Francisco, Yosemite and Denver.
Job
Though I am still teaching at my same school, I have changed positions. I am so excited for this new change.
House
Well if you’ve been following my blog, you already know a ton about this!
Fitness
I have completed BBG numerous times and even began lifting! For a girl who had never been to the gym, I am so proud of all the strides that I have made.
Looking back on this year, it is amazing how much has changed. I have met and surpassed so many goals. It’s definitely looking like 26 is going to be the best one yet!
flourishingmeldotcom.wordpress.com 