Insanity Month 2 Fit Test & my observations

Hey everyone! I just started month 2 of Insanity last week.  Click here to read more about my resutls and my thoughts (and my husband's) so far on Insanity.

Making my way to the Asylum. Week 5 Insanity almost done

Yes, I should already be in an asylum, but I am talking about Insanity: The Asylum, the workout that's supposed to make Insanity look like its for wimps. I just need to make it through month 2 of Insanity and I'll be ready to be committed to the Asylum.

This week I'm solo in week 5, the recovery week.  My husband has been working like crazy. Plus he pulled his hamstring a few weeks ago and this is probably a good week for him to let it heal.  Right now the recovery week consists of the same workout, Core Cardio and Balance, each day for 6 days. Its not meant to be as grueling as the other weeks, but its still a good workout.

I was surprised at how sore my abs have been without doing a single crunch.  In the Core Cardio and Balance workout, you do moving planks, side knee raises and push ups, which work the abs nicely.  The hip flexor burners and shoulder burners are also a good way to work the abs, since you keep the abs engaged while doing them.

I'm a little nervous about next week. I know people who say month 2 of Insanity is killer. I will have to dig deep and really bring it.  I will update you on my next Fit Test and keep you posted on my progress in month 2.

Healthier Empanadas with Low Fat Chipotle Ranch Dip

Empanadas have become a favorite easy recipe whenever I make a roast chicken or turkey.  Traditionally empanadas are stuffed with beef and cheese, then deep fried. But this version is made healthier by baking the empanadas, using roast chicken or turkey breast, adding beans and less cheese.

You may be able to make it even healthier by using your own healthy pie crust recipe, but with 4 kids, I don't have time to make my own pie crust, so I use the pre-made refrigerated pie crusts that come rolled up.

I like to serve it with a low fat chipotle ranch dip and homemade guacamole. I also serve a salad for the adults and carrot sticks for the kids.

Healthier Empanadas with Low Fat Ranch Dip

2 cups of shredded roasted turkey or chicken breast
1 15 oz can of black beans drained and rinsed
1/2  cup of salsa
1/4  cup of low fat shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 cup of low fat shredded Monterrey Jack cheese
2 tbs fresh chopped cilantro
1/2 tsp of cumin

2 refrigerated pie crusts

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. While oven is preheating, combine all of the ingredients, EXCEPT the pie crust in a large bowl, mix gently.

Using a cutter or a small bowl that is 4" in diameter, cut 6 circles from each pie crust. You may need to piece together a few leftover pieces. I usually get 5 and have to make a pieced up one.

Take about 2-3 TBS of empanada filling and place in center of each dough circle. Fold over and then crimp edge with a small fork. Place on cookie sheet. Using a sharp knife, cut a small slit on top of each emapanada to vent. 

Cook in oven at 425 for about 15 minutes or until golden brown. Serves 4-6 depending on if you take 2 or 3 empandas. I usually eat 2.

Low Fat Chipotle Ranch Dip

1/4 cup of low fat ranch dressing
1-2 tsp of chipotle powder (2 tsp or more if you like spicy)

mix in small bowl and serve with empanadas or raw veggies.

Let me know if you try this reciep and how you like it by leaving a comment below.