Back-to-school dinner hacks using rotisserie chicken

Make back-to-school dinners stress-free with these quick, healthy recipes using rotisserie chicken. Perfect for busy weeknights!

Hi hi! How are you? I hope you’re having a lovely week so far. It’s a crazy week around here with practices, basketball, and volleyball games, so I’m trying to be as strategic as possible with meal planning and prep.

One of my favorite things to use during busy weeks like this: the good ‘ol rotisserie chicken!

(I know it’s hot and covered in plastic but what can you do? You can totally make your own chicken but we’re talking about fast hacks today!)

Back-to-school dinner hacks using rotisserie chicken

Back-to-school season always sneaks up fast, and suddenly weeknight dinners feel like a juggling act between homework, after-school activities, and the usual bedtime rush. It’s funny because summer felt SO chill and now that we’re back in school… it feels like pure chaos.

One of my favorite secret weapons for fast, healthy dinners? A store-bought rotisserie chicken. It’s already cooked, tender, and packed with protein, so it cuts prep time in half while keeping your meals wholesome and satisfying.

Back-to-School Dinner Hacks Using Rotisserie Chicken

Today I wanted to share some of my favorite back-to-school dinner hacks using rotisserie chicken, plus a few quick recipe ideas you can keep on rotation.

Benefits of Cooking with Rotisserie Chicken

Time saver: No need to roast or bake. Just shred and go!

Budget-friendly: One chicken often stretches into 2–3 meals.

Protein-packed: Helps you hit your protein goals with less prep.

Kid-approved: Mild flavor makes it easy to mix into a variety of dishes. The kids loooove a rotisserie chicken.

Versatile: Works with soups, tacos, casseroles, wraps, salads, and more.

Quick Tips for Using Rotisserie Chicken

Shred while warm: It’s easier to pull apart right after you get it home.

Save the bones: Simmer with water, veggies, and herbs to make homemade stock for soups.

Store properly: Keep shredded chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze in 1-cup portions for later.

Add fresh herbs and spices: Bright flavors like lemon, cilantro, cumin, or paprika can instantly transform leftovers into a new dish.

Easy rotisserie chicken dinners

Here are some of my go-to recipes and meal ideas that come together in 30 minutes or less.

1. Chicken and Veggie Fried Rice

A quick stir-fry is a lifesaver on weeknights.

Ingredients:

2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken

3 cups cooked rice (leftover or frozen works great)

2 cups mixed frozen veggies

2 eggs, lightly whisked

2–3 tbsp coconut aminos or low-sodium soy sauce

1 tbsp olive oil or sesame oil

Instructions:

Heat oil in a large skillet or wok.

Add veggies and cook until softened.

Push veggies to the side, scramble eggs in the same pan.

Stir in rice, chicken, and coconut aminos; cook until heated through.

Serve hot with a sprinkle of green onions or sesame seeds. Drizzle with sriracha.

2. Rotisserie Chicken Enchiladas

This is always a family favorite and freezer-friendly, too.

Check out the full recipe for rotisserie chicken enchiladas here.

3. BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

A quick, naturally gluten-free dinner with just a few ingredients.

Ingredients:

4 medium sweet potatoes, baked or microwaved until soft

2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken

1/3 cup BBQ sauce (look for low-sugar or clean ingredient brands)

Chopped green onions and/or chedder cheese or feta for garnish

Instructions:

Mix chicken with BBQ sauce in a bowl.

Split sweet potatoes and fluff the insides with a fork.

Stuff with BBQ chicken mixture and garnish with green onions and cheese.

4. Chicken Tortilla Soup

Perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a one-pot meal.

Ingredients:

2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken

4 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)

1 can diced tomatoes

1 cup black beans, rinsed

One onion

3 cloves of garlic, minced

1/2 tsp cumin, 1 tsp chili powder, 1 teaspoon oregano

Fresh cilantro, lime wedges, cheese, tortilla strips for topping

Instructions:

Saute the garlic and onion for a few minutes in a little oil until soft. Add the remaining ingredients to a large pot and bring to a simmer for 20 minutes.

Adjust seasoning to taste.

Serve hot with toppings.

5. Greek Chicken Pita Wraps

A light, fresh dinner option that’s easy to customize.

Ingredients:

2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken

4 whole-grain or gluten-free pitas

1 cup chopped cucumbers

1 cup chopped tomatoes

1/4 cup purple onion, minced

1/4 cup chopped Kalamata olives

1/2 cup tzatziki sauce or hummus

Crumbled feta

Fresh mint for serving

Instructions:

Warm pitas briefly in the oven or microwave.

Layer with chicken, cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, olives, and tzatziki. Top with fresh mint.

Wrap and serve immediately.

Time-Saving Back-to-School Dinner Tips

Batch prep on Sundays: Shred 2 chickens, prep veggies, and cook rice or quinoa ahead of time. If you prefer homemade rotisserie chicken, this is the time to do it! Pop it in the oven or on the Traegar.

Double recipes: Make enough for leftovers to use for lunch the next day.

Mix up flavors: Use different spice blends or sauces (like buffalo, teriyaki, or pesto) to keep meals interesting.

Keep pantry staples handy: Coconut aminos, salsa, canned beans, frozen veggies, and olive oil make weeknight meals faster.

With these back-to-school dinner hacks using rotisserie chicken, you can get a nutritious meal on the table in less time than it takes to order takeout. I’m a huge fan of a little planning, and a few shortcuts go a long way to make weeknights smoother. It’s so much less expensive, too!

What’s your favorite way to use rotisserie chicken for a quick meal? Please share in the comments – I’m always looking for new ideas to try!

xoxo

Gina

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My Clean Beauty Must-haves

My clean beauty must-haves: gentle, effective products like Oliveda, OneSkin, and more that nourish skin without harsh ingredients.

Hi friends! How are ya? I hope you’re having a wonderful morning! I’m off to a yoga class and looking forward to family dinner later tonight.

For today’s post, I wanted to chat a bit about clean beauty and share my absolute go-tos.

Why I Switched to Clean Beauty

As an Integrative Health Practitioner, I spend a lot of time helping women lower their toxin exposure through food and lifestyle. While I’ve been cautious about the foods I eat and we purchase for decades now, I didn’t start paying attention to what I was putting on my skin until I was pregnant with Liv.

Our skin is our largest organ, and many conventional products contain harsh chemicals, synthetic fragrance, and endocrine disruptors that can build up over time. Choosing clean beauty products means fewer questionable ingredients, more plant-based actives, and often better results.

Today I’m sharing my personal clean beauty must-haves: the products I reach for every single day. These are not sponsored picks; they’re the ones I truly love and have seen real results from using them. Affiliate links are included below – thank you so so much to those of you who shop through my links.

Clean Beauty Must-Haves I Always Keep on Hand

1. Olive Rose Skin Tint

Why I love it:

This skin tint gives me that “your-skin-but-better” glow with light, buildable coverage. It’s perfect for days when I don’t want a full foundation. I’ve also been out of it for about a month now and lurk the website every single day. It should be back in stock within the next couple of weeks! FINALLYYYYYYYYY.

Key benefits:

Lightweight hydration with a soft, dewy finish

Evens out redness and blurs minor imperfections

Made with olive leaf extract and botanical oils for antioxidant support

How to use:

Apply a pea-sized amount to moisturized skin using clean fingertips or a damp beauty sponge. It layers beautifully with SPF underneath.

2. OneSkin SPF Tinted Face Moisturizer

Why I love it:

This multitasker combines daily broad-spectrum SPF protection with a subtle tint that blends easily into all skin tones. There’s no chalky residue or heavy feel. Shop it up here.– my code is FITNESSISTA15

Key benefits:

SPF 30 mineral-based protection against UVA/UVB rays

Tinted formula evens skin tone without clogging pores

Includes OS-01 peptide to support skin longevity and reduce the look of fine lines

How to use:

Apply generously as the last step of your morning skincare routine. Reapply every 2 hours if you’re outdoors. This gives the perfect little amount of tint and layers perfectly with the Olive Rose.

3. Oliveda Corrective Face Cream

Why I love it:

This cream is rich yet non-greasy, making it a perfect year-round staple hydration staple. I notice my skin feels plumper and more nourished, especially in dry climates (like here in AZ) or after travel.

Key benefits:

Powered by olive leaf cell elixir to deeply hydrate and protect

Helps smooth fine lines and improve elasticity

Free from parabens, silicones, and synthetic fragrance

How to use:

Warm a small amount between your fingertips and gently press into clean skin morning and night.

Link is here. 

4. Oliveda F59 Face Serum (aka “No-Tox in a Bottle”)

Why I love it:

This serum has been a game-changer for my skin’s texture and tone. While I’m not allowed to call it “Botox in a bottle” anymore, I lovingly refer to it as my “No-Tox in a Bottle.”

Key benefits:

Features F59 olive leaf cell elixir to support collagen and elasticity

Visibly firms, brightens, and smooths skin over time

Absorbs quickly; no sticky residue

How to use:

Apply 2–3 drops to clean skin before moisturizer. Use morning and evening for best results.

Shop it up here.

5. Fresh Soy Face Cleanser

Why I love it:

This gentle cleanser removes makeup and sunscreen without stripping my skin or leaving it tight.

Key benefits:

Cream-gel texture that foams lightly

Contains botanical extracts to soothe and maintain the skin barrier

Suitable for sensitive skin and eyes. This is one of the only face cleansers I can use without a reaction, so I stock up. It’s not the *cleanest* version, but it’s a better version that’s worked for me for years.

How to use:

Massage a dime-sized amount onto damp skin, then rinse with warm water. Follow with serum and moisturizer.

6. OneSkin Face Moisturizer (Original)

Why I love it:

For days I don’t need SPF, I reach for the original OneSkin OS-01 moisturizer. It’s lightweight but deeply hydrating and works well under makeup.

Key benefits:

Contains OS-01 peptide to target visible signs of aging at the molecular level

Hydrates without heaviness or greasy residue

Helps improve the appearance of skin texture over time

How to use:

Apply 1-2 pumps morning and night after serum.

Link is here – my code is FITNESSISTA15

7. Beauty by Earth Sunless Tanner

Why I love it:

This clean sunless tanner gives me a natural bronze glow without streaks or the strong self-tanner smell.

Key benefits:

Made with organic aloe vera, DHA from sugar beets, and botanical oils

Free from parabens, dyes, and synthetic fragrance

Buildable color that looks like a natural tan; not orange

How to use:

Exfoliate first, then apply evenly using a tanning mitt. Let it develop for 6–8 hours before rinsing. I usually just apply this before I go to bed each night. Reapply every few days to maintain your glow.

Shop it up here.

Can’t forget these:

The HigherDOSE red light mask

I’ve noticed the biggest difference in my skin since I started using this, and the best part is that you can wear it hands-free while you do other things. If you’re curious about implementing red light into your skincare routine, this is an excellent starting point. (My code is FITNESSISTA15 for 15% off)

Check out my HigherDOSE red light mask review here.

Canopy humidifier

The air in Tucson is SO dry, so I use this humidifer year-round. My skin feels soft and hydrated, it also helps during the winter while we run the heater, and it helps my eyes. They’re not nearly as dry as they used to be. The link is here and my code is FITNESSISTA. I also use and love their filtered showerhead and their bath and faucet filters.

Clean Beauty Shopping Tips

Check ingredient lists: Look for products free of parabens, phthalates, sulfates, and synthetic fragrance.

Start with the basics: Swap your daily moisturizer, cleanser, and SPF first. These cover the largest surface area of skin.

Patch test new products: Even clean ingredients can cause sensitivities.

Invest in multi-taskers: Products like tinted SPF or serum-infused moisturizers save time and simplify your routine.

Clean beauty doesn’t have to be complicated or mean sacrificing results. These products have earned a permanent spot in my routine because they’re effective, gentle, and align with my toxin-free living philosophy.

If you’re new to switching to cleaner skincare, start with one product at a time – maybe your daily SPF or moisturizer – and notice how your skin feels.

What’s your current favorite clean beauty product? I’d love to hear your top picks in the comments!

xo

Gina

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9.26 Friday Faves

Hi friends! Happy Friday! What’s going on this weekend? The Pilot and I are enjoying a date night, P has a basketball game, and it’s our neice Daisy’s 1st birthday party! We got to celebrate the birthday girl last night and can’t wait for more fun this weekend.

In between that, I’ve just been here doing the homeschool thing, working with clients, and LOVING this season of Dancing with the Stars. Just give Robert the mirrorball already.

It’s time for the weekly Friday Faves party. This is where I share some of my favorite finds from the week and around the web. I always love to hear about your faves, too, so please shout out something you’re loving in the comments section below.

There’s nothing like post-detox tacos, I tell ya.

9.26 Friday Faves

Fashion + beauty + random:

HUGE Athleta sale right now!

Some faves:

these wide leg pants

this sweatshirt

this rib crop tee

P lives in these hoodies

and these tech tees

The perfect red flats

Lurking this website EVERY DAY for my favorite skin tint #7 to be back in stock. Currently, I hold the empty bottle upside down and shake it. I use this tinted SPF moisturizer and this on top, and it’s the perfect combo for a little bit of coverage, but not too much.

Outfits from lately. (still wearing all of these since it’s still 100 degrees here)

CLIENT WIN! This client was heading into a cut and wanted to be back where she was before her wedding. Before we could cut, we started off with functional lab testing, rebalancing her body, fixing sleep, stress management strategies, and building up her metabolism with a reverse diet. Then, we were able to start her cut. She stuck to her macros like a pro, and check out her results – she ended up beating her body composition goal.

The best part is that she’s sleeping through the night, has regular cycles, and no longer experiences dry eye smptoms.

I have a few spots open for October, so if you’re tired of wasting money on supplements, frustrated because the scale won’t budge, you’re not sleeping well, and want an action plan, email me gina@fitnessisa.com subject COACHING.

Read, watch, listen:

I’m speaking at an event next month and already super nervous about it. I’m reading this book for all the help I can get, so I’ll report back if the strategies work.

Don’t miss this week’s podcast episode on taking care of your mind, body, and spirit to optimize healing and wellness.

Fitness, health, and good eats:

Pumpkin banana oat blender pancakes.

Made these Medterranean beef bowls the other night and they were a huge hit.

Just ordered this cookbook to switch up the recipe rotation. A client recommended it to me and the recipes look amazing.

Tried these bars for the first time and loved them! They have amazing ingredients and didn’t spike my blood sugar at all.

My favorite functional stretches:

Thank you so much for stopping by the blog today! Have an amazing weekend and I’ll see ya soon!

xoxo

Gina

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194: Healing Through Whole-Person Care with Dr. Karyn Shanks, MD

Hi friends! I’m thrilled to share this week’s conversation with Dr. Karyn Shanks, MD, IFMCP a certified functional medicine physician with nearly 40 years of experience. We chat about into treating the whole person – body, mind, and spirit – and how trauma, nutrition, and self-care all play a role in lasting health. This was an amazing conversation and I can’t wait for you to hear it!

194: Healing Through Whole-Person Care with Dr. Karyn Shanks, MD

Here’s what we discuss:

• Why treating the whole person—physical, emotional, and spiritual—is key to healing

• How trauma can impact chronic illness and long-term health

• Strategies for nervous system regulation to support recovery

• The extensive intake process that helps understand a patient’s full health story

• Why spending time with patients is critical for effective care

• Common nutritional deficiencies and how they affect even healthy eaters

• Daily self-care practices that support wellness and reduce anxiety

• How to feel empowered in your health care decisions

• Meditation, creative activities, and listening to your body as tools for well-being

Karyn Shanks, MD is a physician-healer-teacher-writer who lives and practices in Iowa City. Her work is inspired by the science of Directable Human Potential—epigenetics, neuroplasticity, core Functional Medicine systems biology, and transformational psychology—and the wisdom gleaned from the healing journeys of thousands of clients over her thirty-year career. She approaches all of her work through the Unbroken philosophy and framework—that we all have vast untapped genetic, biological, psychological, and spiritual potential.

Connect with her on Instagram here and on her website here.

Make sure you’re subscribed to my newsletter
For my free Autoimmune Healing ebook, click here.
Detailed show notes here: https://fitnessista.com/podcast

Watch the episode on YouTube here.

Partners:
Check out We Feed Raw! Maisey goes crazy for this! I use it as a topper for her kibble or mix it into her pup loaf. You can try the raw version, the raw dehydrated kibble, and they’ll help you customize a plan for your pup. Use FITNESSISTA40 for 40% off your Meal Plan Starter Box here!

Check out my new favorite red light device here, and use the code FITNESSISTA for a huge discount. 

I’ve been using Nutrisense on and off for a couple of years now. I love being able to see how my blood sugar responds to my diet and habits, and run experiments. You can try out Nutrisense here and use GINA30 for 30% off.

If any of my fellow health professional friends are looking for another way to help their clients, I highly recommend IHP. You can also use this information to heal yourself and then go one to heal others, which I think is a beautiful mission. You can absolutely join if you don’t currently work in the health or fitness industry; many IHPs don’t begin on this path. They’re friends who are passionate to learn more about health and wellness, and want to share this information with those they love. You can do this as a passion, or start an entirely new career.

You can use my referral link here and the code FITNESSISTA for up to $250 off the Integrative Health Practitioner program. I highly recommend it!

Thank you so much for listening and for all of your support with the podcast! Please be sure to subscribe, and leave a rating or review if you enjoyed this episode. If you leave a rating, head to this page and you’ll get a little “thank you” gift from me to you. https://ift.tt/Gs76xNv

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Low impact cardio options for autoimmune flare days

Sharing some of my go-to low-impact cardio options for autoimmune flare days. This was something I really struggled with and have definitely been there. These are some of the things that helped me, but please reach out to your doctor for personalized advice. If you’re ready to get to the root cause of how you’re feeling, email me gina@fitnessista.com subject TESTING. 

Hi friends! How are you? I hope you’re having a lovely week. I’m looking forward to lunch with the girls today and a low-key night catching up on Dancing with the Stars. We’re loving this season!

Today, I wanted to chat a little more about my autoimmune journey and some of the things that have helped me during a flare, especially when doing workouts, especially cardio felt more challenging.

Low-Impact Cardio Options for Autoimmune Flare Days

When Movement Feels Harder Than Usual

If you live with an autoimmune condition, you know the ups and downs all too well. Some days you feel strong, capable, and ready to take on a workout. Other days… just getting out of bed feels like a victory.

As someone who has supported many clients (and experienced my own share of health hurdles), I’ve learned that movement doesn’t have to totally disappear on autoimmune flare days. The key is choosing low-impact cardio options that support circulation, lymphatic flow, and mood – without pushing your body into more inflammation or exhaustion.

I wanted to chat about some of my favorite gentle and low-impact cardio options for autoimmune flare days, so you can honor your body while still supporting your health and fitness goals.

Why Low-Impact Cardio Matters During Flares

When your immune system is flaring, your body is already working overtime. High-intensity training can sometimes make symptoms worse, spiking cortisol and leaving you drained.

Low-impact cardio, on the other hand:

Supports blood flow and oxygen delivery.

Encourages gentle detox through sweating and lymphatic movement.

Boosts mood and mental health.

Helps maintain consistency without burning you out.

Think of it as a way to meet your body where it’s at while still taking care of yourself.

Best Low-Impact Cardio Options for Autoimmune Flare Days

Walking (Indoors or Outdoors)

Walking is one of the most underrated low-impact cardio exercises. On flare days, keep it gentle: a slow stroll around your neighborhood, or even laps inside your house. Fresh air + sunshine can also help reset your nervous system.

Tip: Start with 5–10 minutes, and if it feels good, extend from there.

Rebounding (Mini Trampoline)

Rebounding is one of my favorites for autoimmune flare days. The light bouncing helps move lymph fluid, supports detox pathways, and boosts circulation without being too taxing.

Tip: Gentle health bounces (feet stay on the trampoline) are enough; you don’t need to jump high. Put on a TV show or a podcast you enjoy.

Stationary Bike or Recumbent Bike

If you have access to a bike or Peloton, keep resistance low and cadence easy. It’s a joint-friendly way to get your heart rate up without pounding the pavement.

Tip: Listen to a podcast or audiobook

Swimming or Water Walking

If you have access to a pool, water workouts are incredible for flare days. The buoyancy supports joints while the resistance gives you a workout without strain.

Tip: Gentle laps or walking side to side in waist-deep water are both excellent choices.

Elliptical Trainer

An elliptical offers a low-impact cardio option that mimics running without the joint stress. On flare days, keep the intensity low and focus on smooth, steady movement.

Gentle Dance or Mobility Flows

Sometimes, just putting on music and moving around your living room can lift your spirits and keep you moving. A simple mobility flow: circling joints, shifting side to side, rolling your shoulders feels good and definitely counts as movement.

Walking in Place or Light Step Touches

For days when leaving the house isn’t happening, marching in place or side stepping can gently elevate your heart rate without leaving your living room.

How to Know if It’s the Right Intensity

Here’s my rule of thumb for flare day workouts:

You should feel better after than when you started, not worse.

You should be able to breathe through your nose the entire time (a sign you’re not overexerting).

You should also be able to maintain a conversation. Call a friend or family member and chat while you’re moving your body.

If you need a nap immediately after, it was probably too much. <— this was a huge sign of me. I would do super intense strength workouts and then come home to take a nap. This was the moment I knew I needed to majorly scale back to support healing.

Remember: movement should be healing and enjoyable, not punishing.

Additional Recovery Tools

On flare days, cardio is just one piece of the puzzle. Some of my favorite tools to support recovery and healing include:

Magnesium baths or sprays to soothe muscles.

Red light therapy (I love my Lumebox <— code FITNESSISTA + HigherDOSE devices <— code FITNESSISTA15) for inflammation support.

CBD lotion for localized tension.

Prioritizing sleep, nutrition, stress management, and mobility/stretching over everything else.

These practices help your body bounce back and keep inflammation down so you can get back to the activities you love.

When you’re in an autoimmune healing journey, it means learning to listen to your body so you can adapt. Some days call for rest, and that’s perfectly okay. Other days, gentle movement can help you feel more energized, grounded, and supported.

The best low-impact cardio options for autoimmune flare days are the ones that feel doable, enjoyable, and leave you feeling better; not depleted.

So, tell me, friends: What’s your favorite gentle cardio option when your body needs a little extra TLC?

xoxo

Gina

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Sculpt Society Review

Sharing my thoughts on Sculpt Society and if I’d recommend this workout!

For today’s post, I’m excited to share an updated review on one of my all-time favorite workouts! I was ad-targeted for this one forever, and since I always love trying new body workouts and absolutely love dance cardio, I figured I’d give it a whirl about a year ago. This workout program was founded by Megan Roup (you can check out her Instagram here) and I’ll share a full review below. Heads up that this review isn’t sponsored; I signed up for a 7-day free trial and am still a paying happy member over a year later. I’ve tried a lottttt of fitness apps in my routine and am always pumped when I find a winner.

You can use my referral link to get a 7-day trial plus one month free on the fitness app!

Sculpt Society Review

What Is Sculpt Society?

As I mentioned above, Sculpt Society was created by celebrity trainer Megan Roup and is a blend of dance cardio, barre, Pilates, and traditional strength. Megan worked as a professional dancer for the Brooklyn Nets and developed this workout style in 2017. She says, “I wanted to create a program that would help women reach their goals and would still be fun. My mission with The Sculpt Society workout app is to empower women through movement, to stand in their bodies with confidence and strength, and to feel their best self.” (Source)

The Sculpt Society App And Website

On The Sculpt Society app and website, you can find over 400 classes. When you first log into the TSS app, you’ll see an example weekly schedule of classes, a live video schedule where you can stream live classes, popular videos, and programs you can follow. They are always adding new content.

The classes are also organized into segments: Gentle + Beginner classes (for any spot in your fitness journey), 30 min sculpt, 30 min dance cardio (my personal fave), 30 min full body, 45-50 minute full body, side body classes, stretch + yoga. There’s also a “Getting Started” section which breaks down common exercises and offers modifications. I’m going to focus on a couple of my fave Sculpt Society workouts below:

30 min Dance Cardio

As I mentioned above, this is my favorite one. It’s a party of a workout with high energy dance. The combos are more athletic and on the simple side, easy to follow, but still a lot of fun. This is hard when you’re teaching mixed levels of dance abilities, and I feel like a beginner to advanced dancers would enjoy these combos. The beauty of online dance workouts is that you can pause the video and practice a move until you get it and then resume. Don’t be intimidated if you don’t consider yourself “a dancer!” These classes include a lot of jumping, but you can absolutely modify them for a low-impact workout.

For these classes, you can expect a short warm-up, an athletic dance combo that you build onto, a break for arms and abs segments, and then back to the combo to finish it out.

Quickie workouts: Arms, Abs, and Full Body

The quickie workouts are 15-25 minutes and focus on various muscle groups. These are a nice add-on to other strength or cardio workouts and focus on more barre-style endurance exercises (full-range movements, pulses, and holds). These are also great workouts when you don’t have a ton of time but want to move your body.

Sculpt Workouts

These TSS workouts are around 30 minutes and use light weights along with an optional resistance band.  You will FEEL these in your glutes. These are also more barre-based movements, with lots of core stabilization, side series, booty work, and ab burners. I feel like this is a smart way to change up traditional strength training, especially if you do a lot more hypertrophy or circuit-based training (10-15 reps, moderate weights). This will challenge you in an entirely different way and I love the added core stability of many of these exercises.

Sculpt Society Prenatal

Are you pregnant and ready to kick those pregnancy pains to the curb and feel strong and energized? Then you need to try the Sculpt Society’s prenatal program! It’s designed just for you, with exercises that build strength, improve flexibility, and reduce discomfort. The program includes low-impact cardio, strength training, and exercises for your pelvic floor and abs. With better posture, less back pain, and more energy, you’ll be ready for labor and delivery. It’s an excellent option for expecting mothers.

Sculpt Society Postpartum

The Sculpt Society’s Postpartum Program offers personalized workouts and expert guidance for new moms, all from the comfort of their own homes. With a supportive community and a focus on physical and mental health, our program helps new moms achieve their fitness goals amidst the chaos of motherhood. Sign up now and prioritize your well-being!

What equipment do you need?

You don’t need a ton of equipment for these workouts. I’ve only done a few, but I’ve only seen light hand weights, mat, sliders, a resistance band loop, a Pilates ball, and optional ankle weights in the workouts.

Benefits & Results

– You can do Megan’s workout at home in your living room, or while you’re traveling, with minimal equipment. This makes it an awesome option for busy schedules. I’ll open my laptop and get a great workout at home.

– I really like Megan and her style of training and I love this workout routine. The over-the-top peppy fake fitness trainer vibe doesn’t work for me, and I typically find myself going for trainers that seem like nice, normal, people (a huge reason why I love Les Mills workouts so much! They’re motivating without being artificial.). I also find that I work harder when the instructor is talking normally, instead of high-pitched and overexcited lol. Megan has a really lovely vibe, and while she has branded taglines or performs solo dance breaks (hi Peloton), she’s energetic and gives great cueing. (There are other trainers in the app, but I haven’t tried their classes yet.)

– As far as results go, it absolutely depends on how often you do these workouts and how the other foundational habits in life are going (sleep, stress management, nutrition, hydration, etc). I feel like it’s a solid mix of strength, cardio, mobility, core work, and stretching — I’d just be sure to include a couple of rest days each week and at least 1 day of heavier resistance training to fatigue. I find it to be a super fun effective workout.

Photo source

Sculpt Society Cost

– Sculpt Society offers a free 7-day trial and it took a quick Google search for me to find a discount code for my first month. After that, it will be $19.99 per month. You also get a 24% discount if you choose the annual billing option. My referral link will get you one month free on the app!

So, tell me friends: have you tried Sculpt Society or anything similar? Dance cardio lovers: what’s your favorite type of class? Are there any other On-Demand classes you use?

Any other fitness formats you’d like to see my review?

xoxo

Gina

A couple of my dance cardio workouts you can try!

Dance Cardio Sculpt

Another Dance Cardio Sculpt

More workout reviews:

Peloton App

SWEAT app Fierce program review

Obe Fitness

Best Fitness Apps

Les Mills +

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Rent the Runway vs Nuuly – which is better?

Sharing my thoughts on two of the most popular clothing rental services, Rent the Runway Unlimited and Nuuly. <— I’ve added both of my referral links here if you decide to check them out!

Hi friends! How are you? I hope you’re having an amazing week so far. It’s been a good one over here. I had choir (one of the highlights of the week), taught two barre classes, and met up with friends at True Food for dinner. The Pilot and I also took some time to plan out the rest of the year, assess the budget, and make plans.

I LOVE to go through our subscription payments each year and *trim the fat.* So often, we’ll notice that we’re paying for things and don’t use or need, and it’s an easy way to get some $$ back. (Especially when groceries are a billion dollars.) While we were looking through everything, he saw that we’ve been paying for both Rent the Runway and Nuuly, and told me he thought I should keep them, because it’s cut way back on my online shopping habits, especially since we’ve had a lot of travel and events and just have more coming up this fall.

It’s true! I’ve definitely cut back on my shopping over the past couple of years and have still been able to try a bunch of fun new-to-me options, thanks to RTR and Nuuly.

Here’s a bit about why I love using these two services, what makes them worth it, and any of the cons I’ve experienced. You can also check out an older review of RTR here and Nuuly here.

Rent the Runway vs Nuuly – which is better?

I like both RTR and Nuuly because they have different choices and are for different occasions. I use RTR for more staple seasonal pieces, like a cozy jacket, or special events, like if I know we have a fancier or party. I love Nuuly for more casual options, like tops and dresses, and also if we’re going on vacation.

I’ve used both services in the past and have canceled them at various points. I’ve been sandwiching the two services for a couple of years, and here are some of the things I’ve noticed:

PROS:

– Less shopping. I shop less and I’m focused less on *fast fashion.* Because I can rent luxe options and the options are always changing, I never feel like I’m missing out, and don’t feel compelled to buy a ton of extra things.

When I shop now, it’s for things I genuinely need and love (like a new pair of amazing jeans or shoes), or I might keep something from an RTR or Nuuly shipment and pay for it at a discount. I’ve discovered new brands and learned my sizes for different brands without having to purchase and exchange a bunch of times.

– I can order dresses for the girls. I also like to pick out dresses or sweaters for Liv in my shipments because we’ll often have events together (like the NCL tea). The cost of two dresses would easily be higher than I pay for my monthly RTR subscription. I’ve also ordered some kids’ options for P from Nuuly for events, and she loved them.

– Different styles and purposes. Nuuly is Anthropologie clothes and brands, while Rent the Runway is a mix of designer brands. Some of my favorites are Ulla Johnson, Derek Lam, Rails, Mother, MISA, and Farm Rio, so I’ll often filter the selections by my favorite brands. They also have accesories, like sunglases and jewelry, handbags, and outerwear.

– More variety and ability to try out trends without fully committing. I tend to dress more on the classic side, but if there’s something that’s in style and I want to try it without actually buying one (like the whole “vest as a shirt” vibe), it’s no commitment.

– Better for the earth! It makes me feel like I’m doing a little something for the earth by renting clothes instead of constantly buying new things. Don’t get me wrong, I still LOVE to shop, but I feel much more mindful about my shopping habits. I also like that the items are shipping from both companies in a reusable bag, and RTR recycles all of the plastic packaging.

CONS/DIFFERENCES:

– Sometimes shipping is slow, especially for Nuuly. Rent the Runway tends to be a little faster, but I feel like the shipment time always cuts into the subscription month a bit.

– Quality. I feel like on the whole, Rent the Runway is always fresh, new, and clean. I’ve gotten some worn and dingy pieces from Nuuly before, and I’ve had to wash some items that didn’t smell quite as fresh.

– It depends on what you’re looking for. If you have a vacation or event, I would definitely recommend Rent the Runway. If you’re looking for more everyday options, I would check out Nuuly.

– Cost. Here’s the cost difference between the two options:

Nuuly is around $100 with taxes/shipping (6 pieces total for the month) and Rent the Runway is around $175 (10 pieces total for the month; you get 5 at a time and can swap once. They raised their prices this year). For me, it’s been worth it with the amount of events and travel we have. I could see it to be especially worthwhile if you work in an office setting and want to switch up your rotation. My good friend works in an office and has to look at least business casual each day, and she raves about RTR.

(I still wish I would have kept this one!)

If you want to give them a try, here are my referral links!
Nuuly

RTR Unlimited

Have you tried either of these online clothing options? Any other ones that you use and love??

xo

Gina

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Gluten free meal prep

Sharing some of my tips for gluten-free meal prep.

Hi friends! Happy Monday! What’s the week looking like for you? Liv has a pretty low-key week at school with some half days, so I’m looking forward to getting caught up with some things around the house. We emptied our storage unit and going through everything has been a picnic, let me tell ya.

Something that has been saving my life since school started: meal prep!!

Why I Love Meal Prepping

When it comes to eating healthy meals consistently, meal prep is one of my favorite strategies. It saves time, money, and the daily stress of figuring out what to eat. It makes such a difference to have nourishing food ready to go. It’s easier to stick with your health goals when you open the fridge and healthy food is waiting for you.

Since P and I are both gluten-free and she’s homeschooled, I’ve been doing a lot of gluten-free meal prep. At first, it can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re new to navigating a gluten intolerance. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, there are so many naturally gluten free foods that are perfect for meal prep recipes.

Today, I wanted to chat a bit about gluten-free meal prep: what it means, why it’s worth it (!), tips for success, and easy free recipes you can try this week. (For more meal ideas, check out this list of dinners our family loved and this list of dinner ideas.)

What Is Gluten-Free Meal Prep

Gluten-free meal prep simply means preparing meals ahead of time that don’t contain gluten: the protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. This is especially helpful for anyone with celiac disease or gluten intolerance, but many people choose gluten-free eating because it can help with digestion, energy, or overall wellness.

The beauty of gluten free meal prep is that it uses free options you already love: veggies, lean proteins, beans, grains like rice and quinoa, and healthy fats like olive oil. With the right plan, you can enjoy flavorful and satisfying meals without the stress of last-minute cooking.

What Are The Benefits Of Meal Prepping Gluten Free Meals

Saves Time

By cooking in a big batch, you can prepare lunch, dinner, and/or snack options for the whole week. No scrambling in the kitchen every night!

Saves Money

Planning and prepping in advance helps you avoid expensive takeout. If you need even more budget tips, check out my post on cheap meal prep ideas.

Supports Healthy Eating

When healthy food is ready to grab, you’re less likely to reach for packaged snacks or fast food. Meal prepping keeps healthy meals front and center. For example if I’m hungry and open the fridge and see a package of raw chicken, or a see a bag of chips, guess which one I’ll grab? The chips. They’re ready and waiting for me lol.

Reduces Stress

Having a plan means fewer “What’s for dinner?” moments. It also takes away the mental load of daily meal planning. I know my mama friends can relate but when you have everything for everyone in the family in your brain, taking meals out of the picture can free up your mental energy.

Customizable

Gluten-free doesn’t mean boring! You can build a gluten free meal plan that fits your taste buds, lifestyle, and nutrition goals with endless free meal prep options.

What Does A Gluten-Free Meal Look Like

A balanced gluten free meal typically includes:

Protein: chicken, salmon, shrimp, eggs, beans, tofu, beef

Veggies and fruit: leafy greens, roasted broccoli, carrots, zucchini, bell peppers, cucumber, berries, melon

Smart carbs: rice, quinoa, potatoes, or sweet potato

Healthy fats: avocado, nuts, seeds, olive oil

When combined, these foods create filling and nutrient-dense meals that are naturally free of gluten.

How to Meal Prep Gluten-Free Meals

Plan Ahead

Choose 2–3 recipes you can make in a big batch to mix and match for lunch dinner combos all week.

Stock Up On Naturally Gluten Free Foods

Think rice, quinoa, beans, oats (certified GF), sweet potato, and fresh produce. Having staples makes meal planning stress-free. I used to think that everything had to be a “recipe,” but reality is that having healthy combos in a bowl with some type of sauce or dressing is all you need.

Use Simple Cooking Methods

Sheet pan meals, Instant Pot recipes, and skillet dishes are easy and efficient.

Portion Into Containers

Divide meals into single-serve containers so your free meal prep is grab-and-go ready. These are my favorite glass meal prep containers!

Add Variety

Change up sauces, seasonings, or toppings so your gluten free meal doesn’t feel repetitive. I’ll make a couple of dressings or sauces each week to jazz up our meals. We love hummus, chimmichurri, peanut sauce (with gf Tamari), salsa, and homemade salad dressings.

Gluten Free Meal Prep Ideas

Here are a few simple meal prep recipes that are naturally gluten free, nourishing, and easy to make:

Chicken + Sweet Potato Bowls

Ingredients

2 lbs chicken breast, cooked in the Instant Pot and shredded

3 medium sweet potato, roasted

4 cups steamed broccoli, roasted and seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and oregano

Instructions

Divide everything into a container for four meals and add your favorite sauce or dressing. Top with avocado or hemp seeds before serving.

Quinoa Veggie Stir-Fry

Ingredients

2 cups cooked quinoa or rice (I like to cook it in the Instant Pot using veggie broth instead of water)

1 bell pepper, sliced

1 zucchini, sliced

1 cup snap peas

2 cloves of minced garlic

1/2 sweet onion, sliced

1 head of broccoli, chopped

2 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp tamari (gluten-free soy sauce alternative)

1 scrambled egg

Drizzle of sriracha

Instructions

Step 1: Heat skillet with olive oil. Add veggies and sauté until crisp-tender.

Step 2: Stir in quinoa, tamari, sriracha, and egg. Scramble the egg on the side of the pan and then incorporate into the quinoa.

Step 3: Cook 3-4 minutes until heated through.

Step 4: Portion into 3 containers.

Turkey Taco Bowls

Ingredients

1 lb ground turkey or beef

1 packet gluten-free taco seasoning – I like Siete in a pinch but will also make my own with chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper

3 cups rice or cauliflower rice

Cooked fajita veggies: onion and two types of bell pepper, seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic

1 can cooked black beans – drain, rinse, and heat on the stove with a little salt, oregano and cumin (a secret for awesome black beans: add a little splash of marinara sauce. trust me.)

1 cup salsa

1 avocado, sliced

Instructions

Step 1: Brown turkey or beef in skillet, add seasoning.

Step 2: Cook rice or cauliflower rice separately.

Step 3: Assemble bowls with turkey, rice, beans, salsa, and avocado.

Step 4: Store in containers and reheat as needed.

Gluten-free meal prep isn’t complicated! It’s actually one of the easiest ways to stay on track with your goals while saving time and money. With the right staples, smart meal planning, and a few favorite meal prep recipes, you can enjoy nourishing gluten free meal options all week long.

And don’t forget: meal prep isn’t just about savory dishes  For sweet treats, try these healthy gluten-free desserts.

Happy prepping, friends!

xo

Gina

For something fun and seasonal, try this pumpkin oatmeal bake!

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9.19 Friday Faves

Hi friends! Happy Friday! What’s going on this weekend? We have an NCL event, I’m teaching barre, and we’re looking forward to Mexican dinner with the fam. You know, the usual things. The Pilot and I are also finishing up our 14-day detox. I was ready to quit at 7 days but he convinced me to keep going. He has absolutely loved it and says he feels amazing!

Something fun coming up: we have a trip planned to NYC (I.cant.even.wait) and if you have any recs or reservations we should make in advance, please let me know! Last time I was there was solo with Liv. P has never been and has been wanting to go for years.

The girls feeding their little cousin at my mom’s house:

It’s time for the weekly Friday Faves party. This is where I share some of my favorite finds from the week and around the web. I always love to hear about your faves, too, so please shout out something you’re loving in the comments section below.

9.19 Friday Faves

Fashion + beauty + random:

This denim dress from Thakoon. I got it from RTR and am thinking about buying it since I’ve worn it 4x already.

This tee // this skirt // and these shoes:

 

I’m SO HAPPY leopard is back.

Fall fashion faves! There is the TINIEST hint of fall in the air, which is making me excited for sweaters, jeans, fall colors, and boots.

Here are some of the things I have my eye on:

This tiered mini dress.

This mini dress.

This leopard dress.

This cardigan.

This silky maxi dress.

These riding boots.

These loafers are amazing.

This suede blazer.

This cardigan.

Stop with these heels. I want the whole outfit.

Read, watch, listen:

This is soooo exciting.

What are five things you have to have in your kitchen?

Are you watching Dancing with the Stars? I decided to tune in this year – it’s fun to watch with the girls – and we are all cheering for Robert Irwin. He crushed it!!!

Fitness, health, and good eats:

More meal ideas!

Here are some of the things we’ve made recently and loved:

You can download and save the graphic here; all of the links are clickable.

You need these pumpkin bars in your life:

Thank you so much for stopping by the blog today! Have an amazing weekend and I’ll see ya soon!

xoxo

Gina

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193: How to Transform Your Life with Shelly Lefkoe

Hi friends! I have a brand new episode live and I’m SO excited for you to hear my chat with Shelly Lefkoe, all about breaking free from self-sabotage, shifting limiting beliefs, and creating real freedom in your health and your life.

193: How to Transform Your Life with Shelly Lefkoe

Here’s what we discuss:

• The difference between beliefs and patterns—and why it matters

• The 5 most common limiting beliefs we all carry

• How unconscious beliefs fuel procrastination, emotional eating, and self-sabotage

• Why affirmations don’t work (and what actually does!)

• A simple practice you can use anytime to release negative emotions

• How to help kids form positive, empowering beliefs from the start

• Plus: gratitude, pickleball, and building a healthy lifestyle that actually lasts!

Shelly Lefkoe is an international keynote speaker and workshop leader, and the co-founder of the Lefkoe Institute, a San Francisco Bay Area firm dedicated to improving quality of life worldwide. She has helped thousands of clients overcome challenges from self-sabotage and anxiety to relationship issues and health struggles. Her programs have reached over 150,000 people globally, and her work has been featured on the Today Show, Leeza, and other media outlets. Her personal vision is to transform the way people parent. She believes that if we raise a conscious generation of children, violence will end, people will treat each other with respect and dignity, and life on this planet will be better for everyone. She is the author of parenting the Lefkoe way – a manual for raising confident kids.

Connect with her on Instagram here and on her website here.

Make sure you’re subscribed to my newsletter
For my free Autoimmune Healing ebook, click here.
Detailed show notes here: https://fitnessista.com/podcast

 

Partners:
Check out We Feed Raw! Maisey goes crazy for this! I use it as a topper for her kibble or mix it into her pup loaf. You can try the raw version, the raw dehydrated kibble, and they’ll help you customize a plan for your pup. Use FITNESSISTA40 for 40% off your Meal Plan Starter Box here!

Check out my new favorite red light device here, and use the code FITNESSISTA for a huge discount. 

I’ve been using Nutrisense on and off for a couple of years now. I love being able to see how my blood sugar responds to my diet and habits, and run experiments. You can try out Nutrisense here and use GINA30 for 30% off.

If any of my fellow health professional friends are looking for another way to help their clients, I highly recommend IHP. You can also use this information to heal yourself and then go one to heal others, which I think is a beautiful mission. You can absolutely join if you don’t currently work in the health or fitness industry; many IHPs don’t begin on this path. They’re friends who are passionate to learn more about health and wellness, and want to share this information with those they love. You can do this as a passion, or start an entirely new career.

You can use my referral link here and the code FITNESSISTA for up to $250 off the Integrative Health Practitioner program. I highly recommend it!

Thank you so much for listening and for all of your support with the podcast! Please be sure to subscribe, and leave a rating or review if you enjoyed this episode. If you leave a rating, head to this page and you’ll get a little “thank you” gift from me to you. https://ift.tt/IpdYqUb

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