I hate lunges.
I hate squats.
That’s all I have to say about today’s workout.
Okay, not really. 
I took an early boot camp class at my gym this morning that was full of plyometric movements like jumping from a low squat into a lunge and back again. Oh, and let’s not forget moving quickly from mountain climbers to squat jumps for good measure.
Here’s the thing: While I strongly dislike lunges and squats, I love it when group exercise classes incorporate them into the routine because they hurt so good and really target the areas of my body where I tend to gain weight the quickest (as you pears out there can relate). Plus, I am a baby and skip them in my own workouts, so being forced to do them in a group exercise environment gets the job done.
After boot camp, I headed home with Ryan to walk Sadie before sitting down to a delicious breakfast.
Breakfast
Today’s breakfast was like dessert in a bowl!
Last night I prepped a bowl of chocolate chia seed pudding and let it thicken in the fridge overnight.
This morning I had this beautiful little gem waiting for me…
I love the tapioca-like texture of this pudding!
The cocoa flavor may be attributed to my favorite brand of cocoa powder, Hershey’s special dark.
I find this cocoa powder more chocolaty and rich than other brands and it’s my go-to brand for baking and chocolate-flavored smoothies like the chocolate covered strawberry smoothie bowl.
Though my pudding breakfast was delicious, I’m now craving some fruit, so I’m off to grab a banana before heading out the door.
Only eight hours until the weekend!
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I also hate lunges and squats but LOVE how they prevent running injuries. Awesome!
You seriously need to try Scharffen Berger cocoa powder. You’ll never go back to Hershey’s. Really. Especially if you try adding some Scharffen Berger to banana soft serve. You’ll buy it by the case.
do they sell it at typical grocery stores?
Some, but definitely Sur la Table carries it. Also usually Whole Foods.
I love the special dark version too! So much richer and perfect for recipes!
I HATE LUNGES!! squats i can deal with though!… ahh i lov ur pud!!.. u are so onto these creamy, cool breakkies arent you!
Love chia seeds! I just tried a Mamma Chia Seed Lemonade and their motto is “Seed Your Soul.” haha love it.
Plyometric workouts make me so sore the next day, but I love how they get my heartrate up. I bet that felt good (sorta) first thing in the morning!
I LOVE plyometric workouts! The P90X plyo workout is my favorite. I agree – the squats and lunges hurt so good.
Chia pudding is my favorite! You should try it with peanut flour and frozen banana slices. Sooo good!
Yum to the chocolate chia!!!
I made chia pudding last night too. I ate a scoop of it atop my oats, blueberries, and greek yo….so good 🙂
I’m def going to buy that special dark chocolate next time!
I haven’t tried chia seed pudding yet but it looks delish! My legs are also screaming at me this morning – so glad it’s the weekend – REST TIME!
I tried chia seed pudding once but I only flavoured it with honey and cinnamon. It did not taste good at all. I want to try that Hershey’s dark stuff though!
That looks delicious! Does it fill you up till lunch? Asking because no carbs as such 🙂
There are carbs in chia seeds, actually… and I grabbed a banana to go! 🙂
Hershey’s dark chocolate is my absolute favorite. It’s so rich tasting. 🙂 That pudding looks delicious!
8 hours to the weekend — good way to think about it! Although I’m working a 1/2 day so only 4 hours for me!
ahh those lunges and squats.
Wonder, can I substitute regular milk for almond one? No almond milk found here? Also, can you give me some link about how xhantan gum looks like, still hoping I can find it in stores here. Your smoothies look oh so delicious.
Yes! Regular milk will work fine. Check the Bob’s Red Mill website for xanthan gum!
Thanx, now I am sure, no such a thing here, now need to figure out what i can substitute it for.
Where do u live? Therer should be alond milk everywhere
Estonia
I also “hate” lunges and squats…I’ve taken a kickboxing class a few times where the instructor makes us do jumping squats and it is brutal. However, it is so much better when you’re forced to do them in a class setting, because I’m never going to do jumping squats in my own home!
Have a great weekend girlie!
I feel on the squats and lunges!! Oh man I hate them and dread them—but yo’re so right, man do they make me feel good afterwards! As a fellow pear shape gal, I feel your pain!
wow, sorry for the typos! *you’re and *I feel YA on…
That cocoa powder is the bomb! Its my favorite by far because of its intense chocolate flavah!
And thats where I gain my weight as well. Holla for the J-lo booties! 🙂
I love the texture of chia seeds!! Sometimes I make oatbran or oatmeal, add in some chia seeds, and whip the whole thing up in the vitamix before returning it to the stove to heat through! TRY IT! It has the most scrumptious, sticky-ish texture ever 🙂 🙂 LOVE!
whew, your quote “only 8 hours until the weekend” – I REALLY needed to hear that right now! Thanks for the reminder =) worthy of a huge smile hahaa. what a week!
Hope it goes by fast for you!
Funny, squats and lunges are one of my favorite exercises!!! I love working legs, they always offer and awesome workout!
I’m pear too, and I always plan on doing lower body workouts but then I skip them because I hate lunges and squats too!! But during group ex you dont have a choice to skip it!!
I will not lunge or squat–or jump, for that matter–for anything! They are my most despised workout moves. Seriously, why is jumping so hard???
I like doing lower body workouts more than upper body. I love the feeling of soreness in my legs after a really good workout.
Lunges and squats totally provide the best burn ever!
I’m the same way with lunges and squats. I hate doing them on my own. But I love how they make my legs look strong. Ohhh what a Catch 22!
I am always so jealous when I read your blog in the morning knowing you’ve already had your morning workout!! you go girl
I really want to try the special dark stuff! I have the original kind.
I have the exact same relationship with lunges and squats. Love-hate, mostly hate though 😛
I’m with you..squats are worse than lunges IMO. They are sort of the bane of my existence, but I do appreciate when they are incorporate otherwise, I’d literally NEVER do them!
mmm that looks yummy!
I actually LOVE squats. Don’t hate me 😉
I have a love hate relationship with lunges and squats….love how thy make my legs look, hate doing them (sometimes)!
I will do squats any day over pylometrics — but man, it really is awesome for your body.
I’m not a huge chocolate eater (I know, I don’t know what’s wrong with me), but I DO love that cocoa powder. The darker the chocolate the better.
The special dark Hershey’s cocoa is the best isn’t it? I love it after finding it one day…not every grocery stores carry it unfortunately.
Another chocolate that is really good is Scharffen Berger cocoa powder. It’s pricey (so I wait for a promo or coupon from Wholefoods before purchasing it) and use it for special recipes for when I really need that chocolate goodness to be kicked up a notch. But once you taste it though, it’s hard to go back to regular cocoa.
I used it on my chocolate bread pudding recipe and oh.my.god….so good!
I hate lunges and squats too, but you must admit they are worth it! I’m with you though, I like them when they are part of a class but just cannot bring myself to add them to my own workouts.
I have the same Hershey’s Cocoa in my pantry, as well, and I love it! Your breakfast looks great!
I’m also pear shaped and gain weight in my lower half too. I’m wondering what what workouts you find work the best for sliming down the thighs and rear. I run but I’m scared of lunges and squats because I don’t want to bulk up! Thanks!
I hate doing plyometrics too! Everytime I do the P90X plyometrics, I can barely walk or bend down the next day. It’s pretty painful, but definitely needed. 🙂
I definitely have to be in the mood for plyometrics but I do love the results. I think I need to buy some Hershey’s cocoa powder next time… perhaps it will make a difference. Thanks for the tip.
Oh lunges and squats. You hate ’em while you’re doing them, but once they’re over you feel so great!! And I totally have that Hershey’s cocoa powder hanging out in my pantry, now I can put it to use! 🙂
I looove lunges and squats – they’re my favorite!
I love squats…. I hate lunges though. And I almost HAVE to do squats against a wall with a ball to ensure i’m doing the them right!
I actually don’t mind squats and lunges but HATE any upper body work!!! hahahahaha
That pudding looks amazing! 😀
I am totally the same way about squats and lungs. Being a pear I know I need to do them but have such a hard time incorporating them into my own workouts.
Yay for the weekend!
I couldn’t agree more about the squats and lunges on my own. lol.
Mountain climbers followed by squats are the worst. My legs always feel like they’re about to collapse.
But you always feel great once you’re done!
I too gain weight easily on the lower part of my body. Lately I have been doing more cardio then lifting, but I am trying to get back into the routine of lifting again. I do lower body with squats and lunges once a week-I am using light weight and it still kills me! My butt is usually sore for two days lol!
I hate squats and lunges too!!! My legs are too weak even when I’m in my best shape!
What time do you get up in the morning? I am amazed that you get to the gym every morning, walk Sadie, have breakfast, and get to work. Kudos to you! I wish I could get myself out of bed earlier to get my exercise in early. Love the blog!
Do you typically eat something before you go to the gym in the morning or do you just wait til breakfast in the morning?
THank you~ and have a great weekend!