She’s Happy, Healthy, and STRONG! 
Today, Strong Figure is celebrating Valentines Day by featuring our very first subscriber spotlight: Andrea from Norfolk, Virginia. I first met Andrea at my Level 1 CrossFit certification course in Charlotte, NC almost three years ago. I was all by myself and incredibly intimidated by all the strong, fit people; and when I looked around for an empty seat, Andrea flagged me down. I learned that Andrea had gotten involved with CrossFit after having her first child, and she wanted to get back in shape and do so quickly. I haven’t seen Andrea in person since that crazy-tough weekend, but we’ve been Facebook friends ever since.
It’s time for you to get to know Andrea too!
What’s your favorite healthy food item?
I would have to say salmon. I don’t know what it is, but my body really responds well to it. I love to find new ways to cook it and it is super healthy for you so I always feel like I am doing something good for myself.
What specific exercise do you enjoy most?
I’m really into push-ups these days. I feel like it is such a great and easy exercise that I can do at home or at the gym. I try and mix it up by changing the hand position or adding weights like my kids!!
Who or what is your motivation to lead a healthy, fit, strong life?
First and foremost is my kids. I feel it is so important to be a positive and healthy role model for my children. I also think it is important that they see me taking time out of my busy day to focus on me. I’m hoping that the choices about fitness and nutrition that I am making now will build the foundations to a healthy life for both of my girls. I like that they see me as a strong mom 🙂
What’s your favorite CrossFit WOD?
My go-to WOD is definitely “Murph.” I love that WOD. You barely need any equipment and it really gives me a good workout. My legs and arms are like jello afterwards and it hurts so good!!
“Murph”
For time:
- 1 mile Run
- 100 Pull-ups
- 200 Push-ups
- 300 Squats
- 1 mile Run
In memory of Navy Lieutenant Michael Murphy, 29, of Patchogue, N.Y., who was killed in Afghanistan June 28th, 2005.
This workout was one of Mike’s favorites and he’d named it “Body Armor.” From here on, it has been referred to as “Murph” in honor of the focused warrior and great American who wanted nothing more in life than to serve this great country and the beautiful people who make it what it is.
Andrea’s favorite recipe:
Paleo Pumpkin Banana Muffins
- 1 1/2 cup Almond meal
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 cup pumpkin purée
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- 2 tsp Almond butter
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1tsp baking soda
- 1tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 cup raw honey
- coconut oil spray or olive oil spray for muffin cups
Directions: Mix all dry ingredients together then add wet ingredients. Mix well. Lightly spray muffin cups or muffin pan with coconut oil or olive oil. Fill half way. Place in a 350 degree oven on the middle rack and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Be careful with these, it’s hard to not eat more than one!!
Also, a few times I have added dark chocolate chips to the mix and topped the muffins with coconuts flakes before baking and let me say OMG! Try it!!
If you want to know more on Andrea, ask in the comments section below!
