Member of the Month - March

We couldn't be prouder of our Member of the Month for March!  Claudia, one of our newer Stellar members joined our 40 Day Reboot in February and has blown us away with her acheivements!  Having not exercised before, she is truly such an incredible inspiration to everyone, giving every workout 100% and following the 6 Week Nutrition Guide she is feeling sensational and there is no looking back!

Not only did she say goodbye to 23cm in her measurements (chest/wais/hips) and 5kg through the 40 Day Reboot she has gained a healthy approach to her nutrition, an improved mindset to movement!

Claudia took the time to answer the Member of the Month questions and here is what she had to say!

1. What is your biggest achievement since joining our health & fitness group?  

My biggest achievement is actually turning up to classes! After that it's basically just giving everything a crack and trying my best not to pass out during a class!

2. What is your favourite type of workout? 

My favourite workout is the Power Pilates - it's not high impact but man oh man you can still build up a good sweat!!!  

3. What is your main health and fitness goal for the next 12 months? 

My goal is to lose weight (hopefully dropping a dress size or two) without depriving myself of small pleasures. I am realising eating healthy is sustainable and is definitely a new way of life for me.

4.  Share your favourite recipe with us?

I'm not sure I have a favourite recipe of my own - but I LOVE the crust-less quiche recipe in the 6 Week Nutrition Guide using eggs & cream. I mix it up and use any vegetables that I have in the fridge at the time (grated zucchini bulks it out).  I also add chilli and/or Jalapenos for a hit of heat.   It tastes so good I can't believe that it's actually considered good for you! 

5. Hit us with your favourite motivational quote!

Something I seem to quote a lot at the moment is "I can only but try!" I'm not sure it's a motivational quote per se but it sums up where I am right now it terms of my fitness ability ... I can only but try, and hopefully I will get there!

Congratulations again lovely! As a small token of your efforts we would like you to enjoy brunch on us at STORE Espresso in Leichhardt!  Enjoy!

Thank you for being a part of the Stellar Community and providing so much inspiration! 

Dani, Jess & the Stellar Team xxx

Member of the Month - February

Whoop Whoop!  Member of the Month for February is this gem!  

Megan has been with Stellar for just over two years.  Over this time she has been oh so consistent with her attendance and as a result of this commitment has seen an awesome improvement in her fitness and strength.  She is always focussed through her sessions, putting in the hard work whilst of course still having fun with her fellow Stellar Members!   

Congratulations gorgeous girl!  We love having you as part of the Stellar Community and look forward to continuing to support you live a healthy lifestyle!  As a small token of your efforts we would like to reward you with a delicious meal with our friends at STORE Espresso in Leichhardt!  Enjoy!

As always, Megan took the time to answer the Member of the Month questions and here is what she had to say:

1. What is your biggest achievement since joining our health & fitness group?

Making my health and fitness a priority by committing to 3 classes a week – even throughout winter. 

Also early on I did a class with Jess at Annandale where she made us do continuous sprints up a hill followed by burpees. I still can't believe I got through that class without passing out!

2. What is your favourite type of workout?

Call me crazy but I love the cardio workouts with a few sprints up the infamous “lane”. Afterwards you really feel like you have worked every muscle!

3. What is your main health and fitness goal for the next 12 months?

Fitness wise I’d like to work on my core strength and flexibility and health wise adopt a more Mediterranean style diet of eating fish (and vegetables) at least 3 times a week and reducing my red meat intake. 

4. Share your favourite recipe with us?  Check it out in the newsletter!

5. Hit us with your favourite motivational quote!

“Believe you can and you’re halfway there “ Theodore Roosevelt

Join me in congratulating this beauty on her efforts!

Dani, Jess & the Stellar Team xxx

Member of the Month - January

This beauty is our Member of the Month for January!   Sarah has only been with us since September but she has had such awesome success in that time!  Her consistency in training and nutrition since starting is so inspiring and her results from the Sensational By Summer 6 Week Challenge were amazing - not only did she experience the psychological benefits of what the Stellar Community brings but she has also reduced her measurements (chest, stomach, hips) by 8.5cm!

Congratulations you gorgeous thing!  You should be super proud of your efforts and we look forward to seeing you continue to reach your goals and enjoy the process!

Sarah took the time to answer the Member of the Month questions and here is what she had to say.

1. What is your biggest achievement since joining our health & fitness group?  

Losing almost 4cm from my waist during the sensational by summer program. Whoop! Even more exciting was being able to start fitting into some of my pre-baby clothes again. That is the best feeling!!!

Doing the Stellar programs has given me more energy, particularly the eating plan, which is definitely needed to chase after my 2yo and 8month old. 

2. What is your favourite type of workout? 

Even though I hate them at the time, the ones where I feel I cannot keep going but I do, thanks to the trainers and the power of the group. I love attending the HIIT and X-trainer  sessions. 

3.  What is your main health and fitness goal for the next 12 months? 

To fit into all my pre-baby clothes (so close now) and tone up. Attend at least 2 classes a week. Continue eating well (its all about the prep!), including the once a week treat meal (so important to treat yourself!), which will always involve some chocolate :p.

4.  Check out Sarahs current fav recipe at in our newsletter!

5. Hit us with your favourite motivational quote!

"Whether you think you can, or think you can't, you are right" Henry Ford.

As a small token of your efforts, we would like to give you a voucher for you to enjoy a meal at Revolver Cafe Annandale.

Congratulations again lovely!  

Dani, Jess & the Stellar Team xxx

Member of the Month - December

Meet Decembers Member of the Month!  Congratulations to gorgeous Zoe!  Zoe been a committed and valued member of our Stellar Community for just over 6 months and her efforts since then and in our recent Sensational By Summer could not go unnoticed!  Zoe has reaped the rewards mentally of through changes to her nutrition and being consistent with her training making her a true inspiration to us and her fellow members! 

Zoe took the time to answer our Member of the Month questions and here is what she had to say!

1. What is your biggest achievement since joining our health & fitness group?  

 I'm sooo much fitter than I was when I first joined Stellar after having my second child.

2. What is your favourite type of workout? 

I particularly enjoy the HITT classes. It's both fun and challenging to move between the various cardio and strengthening exercises.

3.  What is your main health and fitness goal for the next 12 months? 

I'm going back to work next year, so goodbye civilised 9:15am classes! My goal will be to attend two early morning Stellar classes a week, eek!

4.  Share your favourite recipe with us?

Sweet potato and spinach frittata. Straightforward and minimal prep (just bake sweet potato beforehand). Fry off frozen spinach with a little nutmeg and seasoning, whisk eggs, then add feta and pop in blobs of sweet potato. I like some asparagus in there too. Then sprinkle some cheddar cheese on top and stick in the oven for 15 mins or so.

5. Hit us with your favourite motivational quote!

'You only get what you give' 

Congratulations again gorgeous! As a small token of your efforts we would like to shout you a meal at STORE Espresso in Leichhardt!  Enjoy!

Dani, Jess & the Stellar Team xxx

Member of the Month - November

Congratulations to this months Member of the Month, Katrina!!!  Katrina is such an awesome member of our Stellar Community - so consistent with her attendance and always working hard in every workout!

Katrina took the time to answer the Member of the Month question and here is what she had to say:

1. What is your biggest achievement since joining our health & fitness group? 

Early on, it was not dying during a workout (particularly when we used to train in Dani's backyard and she made us run 'the block' and 'the lane' all the time). In all honesty, I'm not trying to achieve amazing weight loss (but hey - if it happens!) or hard core goals, but my achievements are being generally fitter and stronger, trying a bit harder every time and having a clearer, less-stressed head. Everyone knows when I haven't been to training for a few days...

2. What is your favourite type of workout? 

I weirdly like them all. Some of them are a physical challenge, some more of a mental challenge, but I really enjoy the variety and surprise factor. Even if they're not always particularly nice surprises.

3.  What is your main health and fitness goal for the next 12 months? 

To keep turning up and work as hard as I can at every session. And to work with the trainers to improve their music choices. :) 

4.  Share your favourite recipe with us? 

This salad recipe is a staple in our house (even my daughter likes it for her school lunches):

INGREDIENTS:

Handful of cherry tomatoes

A can of cannellini beans (can also use borlotti, white beans, or quinoa) - drained (you don't need to use the whole can if this is too much bean!)

Small can of good quality tuna

Handful of mint - roughly chopped

2 tbs good quality red wine vinegar (can also use apple cider vinegar)

1 tsp honey

4 tbs EVOO (you can adjust the liquid proportion if you feel that this is too much oil)

1 garlic clove

Salt and Pepper

METHOD:

Make the dressing first (I like to do this in a jar) - mix vinegar, honey, olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Peel and bash the garlic clove then put into the dressing. Let it sit for 10 minutes.

Halve the cherry tomatoes and put them in a bowl. Add drained cannelinni beans, tuna and mint. Add dressing, mix and season more if required. You can also add in fennel, rocket, capsicum etc depending on your tastes!

5. Hit us with your favourite motivational quote! 

My favourite fitness mantra is 'sweat is fat crying' - my philosophical one (unfortunately said by Woody Allen) is 'Eighty percent of success is showing up'.

Congratulations again gorgeous!  Truly well deserved!  As a small token of your efforts we would like to shout you breakfast/lunch at STORE Espresso in Leichhardt!  Enjoy!

Dani, Jess & the Stellar Team xxx

Member of the Month - October

A huge congratulations to this months Member of the Month - Tamsin!  We absolutely love having Tamsin as part of the Stellar Community and find her commitment and progress inspirational!!!   

Tamsin took the time to answer the Member of the Month questions and here is what she had to say:

1. What is your biggest achievement since joining our health & fitness group?  

I can now fit into my pre-pregnancy jeans - wooo!!

2. What is your favourite type of workout? 

I love the variation and constant movement in the HIIT classes. Prevents that part of my brain from getting easily distracted if I work out on my own. Although those burpees are a killer! 

3.  What is your main health and fitness goal for the next 12 months? 

To try and shift the rest of my pregnancy and baby weight. Summer bikinis and dresses here we come! 

4.  Share your favourite recipe with us?

I'm mad for roasted broccoli and cauliflower salads at the moment. I dust them in a Moroccan spice powder first (like Ras-el Hanout or Baharat), plenty of garlic a few long green chillies.  When they're roasted, I throw in a handful of fresh herbs like mint, parsley or Coriander, some rocket and scatter with flaked almonds. Especially delicious with some grilled lamb -yum!

5. Hit us with your favourite motivational quote!

Hmmmm not so much a quote but I have a gorgeous white Zimmerman dress I bought just before I fell pregnant and haven't been able to wear - I try and visualise it when the workouts get tough. I'm almost there! 😜

As a small token of your efforts Tamsin you will enjoy a delicious meal on us at Revolver in Annandale!  Congratulations again gorgeous girl!  We can't wait to see what the future holds for you! 

Dani, Jess & the Stellar Team xxx

Member of the Month - June

🏆Member of the Month - June🏆

Oh this beauty 😍 We are so excited to have Helen as our Member of the Month for June 👏🏼 As a small token of her consistent efforts Helen will be enjoying a meal at one of our favourite haunts @eggoftheuniverse in Rozelle.

This superstar took the time to answer the Member of the Month questions and here is what she had to say:

1. What is your biggest achievement since joining our health & fitness group? 💬 Prior to joining Stellar, I struggled to commit to a proper training regime. The Stellar team has motivated me to commit to training each week. No excuses!

2. What is your favourite type of workout? 💬 I like lots of different work outs.. but at the moment I want to focus on my core. I struggle with the ab workouts and I want to do more. They really challenge me.

3. What is your main health and fitness goal for the next 12 months?💬Get abs ... can this be possible at my age?

4. Share your favourite recipe with us? 💬 I'm going to keep it simple. I love seafood, especially whole fish here is a quick recipe for Baked Whole Snapper. So easy, so tasty.

🐟 WHOLE SNAPPER - Greek Style 👌🏼
1 x medium snapper
2 tbls dried oregano (Greek imported is best) 
1 pinch cooking salt
3 tbls extra virgin olive oil
2 lemons - juice
Pre-heat oven at 200 degrees. 
Line baking tray with foil and bake paper. (bake paper on the inside, foil on the outside) Place the snapper in the bake paper dress with olive oil. Add salt, oregano and lemon juice. Completely cover the fish with the bake paper and foil. Cook for no more than 20 minutes at 200 degrees. Add extra lemon juice when cooked. Serve with your favourite salad.

5. Hit us with your favourite motivational quote! 💬If you want something you've never had, you've got to do something you've never done.

Congratulations Helen! We love having you as part of our Stellar Community!

Dani, Jess & the Stellar Team ✌🏼 

Member of the Month - May

⭐️ Member of the Month - May ⭐️

Its time to announce this months member or should we say "Members" of the month 🤰🏻 A huge congratulations to one of our pregnant mummas, Chelsey!  We have been so lucky to have you as part of our community since after having your little boy (who is now not so little!) and now we are loving being alongside you through your second pregnancy.  We can't wait to welcome your new bubba to the world! 

Chelsey is such an incredibly beautiful and special person, who is a valued, committed, Stellar Member.  She took the time to answer the Member of the Month questions and here is what she had to say:

1. What is your biggest achievement since joining our health & fitness group?  

💬 To be honest I never thought for the life of me I would enjoy exercise (or early mornings!!!) but after two years training with Dani and Jess I genuinely really look forward to my next class. I think committing and sticking to an exercise routine and finding out that I can be an active and fit person for me is super rewarding and an achievement in itself.  

2. What is your favourite type of workout?

💬 I love them all and especially love that no two classes are ever the same so it always feels like a fresh challenge!  From a mindset point of view starting Monday at 6am by the water in Annandale is actually the best way to start the week -and the added bonus is it is such a great community of woman to train with.

3.  What is your main health and fitness goal for the next 12 months? 

💬 Post bub finding some sort of waist would be good haha!  I am looking forward to getting back to my pre-pregnancy fitness level and building further on that!  Jess and Dani have been amazing trainers during pregnancy, modifying where needed so I can still enjoy an active lifestyle so I will be training for as long as I can and be back as soon as I can as miss Stellar so much the weeks life gets in the way.

4.  Share your favourite recipe with us?

💬 At the moment I can't go past this salad - sooo good and super easy.  http://www.goodfood.com.au/recipes/warm-salad-of-roast-cauliflower-labna-olives-and-almonds-20150621-3y5cv

5. Hit us with your favourite motivational quote!

💬 I think I am stealing this from Steph - I'm going to be honest, as the mornings get colder and darker and I'm rolling rather than springing out of bed I do tell myself - 'the only workout you regret is the one you didn't do' works a treat to avoid the snooze function!

Congratulations again Chelsey! As a small token of your efforts and commitment we would like you to enjoy a delicious meal on us at the fabulous Revolver Cafe in Annandale.

Dani, Jess and the Stellar Team ✌🏼

Member of the Month Recipe

"Crispy-skinned Salmon with Salsa Verde"

INGREDIENTS

1/4 cup fresh continental parsley leaves, coarsely chopped

1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, coarsely chopped

1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, coarsely chopped

6 anchovy fillets, rinsed, finely chopped

1 tablespoon baby capers

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

12 small chat potatoes

400g green beans

4 Coles salmon fillets, skin-on

2 tablespoons bought aioli

Lemon wedges, to serve

METHOD

Step 1

Combine the parsley, basil, mint, anchovy, capers, juice and 1 1/2 tablespoons of the oil in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 2

Cook the potatoes in a steamer set over a saucepan of simmering water or 15 minutes, adding the beans in the last 3 minutes of cooking.

Step 3

Meanwhile, heat a large non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Drizzle the remaining oil over the skin side of the salmon. Season with salt and rub into the skin. Cook the salmon, skin-side down first, for 3-4 minutes each side or until cooked to your liking.

Step 4

Place the potatoes in a bowl. Add the aioli and toss to coat. Divide the potatoes, salmon and beans among serving plates.

Member of the Month April

This amazing woman is such an incredible inspiration, she is so committed to every training session, her health and overall (in every way) is such a beautiful person!  

We are so grateful that Miranda is a part of our Stellar Community and are so pleased to have her recognised as our Member of the Month for April.  

She took the time to answer the Member of the Month Questions and here is what she had to say:

1. What is your biggest achievement since joining our health & fitness group? 

Since joining Stellar I'm just a healthier, fitter, happier version of myself. Sounds crazy, but it's literally changed my life!!  Plus, I don't feel like I'm going to die after finishing a training session anymore, that's a bonus.

2. What is your favourite type of workout? 

Favourite type of workout is anything that doesn't involve Lilyfield road or the lane. But really I love X trainer - heavy weighted X trainer. 

3. What is your main health and fitness goal for the next 12 months?

Just to keep getting stronger and fitter. I'm a little bit addicted so just steady improvement and I'm happy. 

4. Share your favourite recipe with us?

I usually don't follow recipes, I generally just wing it in the kitchen, but this one is good. I swap out the potatoes for sweet potatoes. I like to roast mine in coconut oil and Cayenne pepper. 

5. Hit us with your favourite motivational saying?  

My favourite sayings change all the time but the one I'm rocking at the moment is...

"Don't expect to see a change if you don't make one."

As a small token of your efforts we would like you to enjoy a delicious meal on us at Espresso Galleria in Haberfield.

Thanks gorgeous girl!  We are so incredibly proud of your efforts!

Member of the Month - March

Introducing our fabulous Member of the Month for March - Simone!  Sim has been training with us for about 3 years and brings her A - Game to every session!  Her dedication and commitment to her fitness regime is amazing and we love having her as a part of the Stellar crew!

As a small token of her efforts Sim will enjoy lunch on us at Egg of the Universe Cafe in Rozelle!

She took the time to answer the Member of the Month Questions.

1.     What is your biggest achievement since joining our health & fitness group? 

So many achievements since joining the group.  The main one is a complete lifestyle change.  Through nutrition and exercise I have lost weight, increased my fitness level and strength and managed to maintain it  over a few years.  I also now woke up early a train with a bunch of fabulous girls which keeps me motivated along with wonderful trainers that make training fun even though its sometimes difficult

2.     What is your favourite type of workout?

Favourite type of workout would have to be boxing without a doubt.  I love to smash out a workout which cleanses my mind and works my body at the same time.  I also love reformer Pilates which help me stretch and tone my body at the same time

3.     What is your main health and fitness goal for the next 12 months? 

To continue to maintain my fitness and increase my strength through a healthy balance of nutrition and training.  Also to continue to talk my way through all my classes and having fun!  I might even learn to breath eventually.

4.     Share your favourite recipe with us?

Sarah Wilsons Moussaka!  As a lover of eggplant and with the colder months approaching you cant go past a great moussaka....

https://iquitsugar.com/recipe/moussaka-contributor/

5.     Hit us with your favourite motivational saying?

Every failure is a lesson, If you are not willing to fail, you are not ready to succeed!

Thanks Sim!  Congratulations again, you are truly such a valued member of the Stellar Community!

Dani & Jess xxx

Member of the Month - Recipe

"Sarah Wilson's Moussaka"

Ingredients:

Salt.

1 aubergine (eggplant), sliced lengthways.

3 courgettes (zucchini), sliced lengthways.

300 ml olive oil.

2 large potatoes, peeled and sliced lengthways.

2 small onions, chopped.

2 cloves garlic, chopped.

750 g minced beef.

3 beefsteak tomatoes, chopped.

1 stick cinnamon.

1 bay leaf.

12 turns of black peppermill.

For the bechamel

100 ml butter.

100 g plain flour.

750 ml full-fat milk.

3 eggs.

1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg.

150 g graviera cheese (or Gruyere if unavailable), freshly grated.

Directions:

1. Begin by salting the aubergine and courgette slices and leaving them for about 30 minutes, then rinse and dry on kitchen paper. Fry in plenty of olive oil over a medium heat until lightly browned and starting to soften, then drain on kitchen paper and set aside. Fry the potatoes in the same way.

2. In a separate pan, heat 70ml of the olive oil and fry the onions and garlic for 5 minutes until softened. Add the minced beef and brown it before adding the tomatoes, cinnamon stick, bay leaf, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and the pepper. Simmer for 30-40 minutes. When done, remove the cinnamon and bay leaf. 

3. In a deep ovenproof dish (about 24cm x 35cm) arrange the potatoes in a layer. Top with a third of the beef, then the aubergine, another third of the beef, the courgettes and finish with the remaining beef. Begin to heat the oven to 220C/ gas 7. 

4. To make the bechamel sauce: melt the butter in a saucepan over a gentle heat, stir in the flower and cook for 2 minutes until it loses its raw taste. Slowly incorporate the milk and continue stirring until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and whisk in the eggs, nutmeg and 100g of the grated cheese. 

5. Spread the bechamel over the layered meat and vegetables and top with a further 50g grated cheese. Bake for 30 minutes, then take out and leave to cool. Serve warm. (The dish is also very good the following day.)

Member of the Month Recipe - February

"San Chow Bow"

Our Member of the Month for February, Katrina shares her family favourite recipe with us!

"My favourite recipe is my version of san chow bow that I or my husband, make pretty much every Sunday night to have as a rare family meal.  Luckily enough our kids really enjoy it too. 

Ingredients:

1 Tablespoon Coconut Oil

2 Tablespoons Fish Sauce

Tamarind Sauce to taste

Lime juice to taste

500grams Pork Mince

Onion

Cos Lettuce Leaves

Chilli to serve

Your choice of Veggies.  Katrina uses Carrots, Red Capsicum, Mushies and Spring Onions.

Method:

Melt about a tablespoon of coconut oil, add about 500g of pork mince and stir and break up until cooked. I add a chopped onion and stir until mostly cook then add some veggies such as grated carrot, chopped red capsicum and mushrooms and cook for a minute or so. Then add some chopped spring onions. Then about 2 tablespoons each of fish sauce, tamarind sauce and lime juice. Stir through then take out kids portion and add some finely chopped red chilli to the adults portion. We then serve with iceberg or cos lettuce cups to make lettuce wraps, the kids love doing this too!"

Thanks for sharing Katrina, can't wait to give this a go!

Member of the Month February

Introducing Katrina our fabulous Member of the Month for February!  Katrina joined us one year ago attending one class a week at first and has gradually increased her sessions with us to now attending 4 X Trainer sessions a week and 1 x Small Group Pilates.  Despite being a busy working mum of two, Katrina is consistent with her attendance and she always gives 100% into every session - even when she has faced injury, Katrina still turns up in the early hours of the morning to training and does the modifications that we provide her. 

Katrina took the time to answer our Member of the Month questions and here is what she had to say: 

1. What is your biggest achievement since joining our health & fitness group?  

I joined Stellar when I went back to work after having my second child. I knew I had to find something that ticked all the boxes - fun but challenging workouts, convenient location and times and enticing enough to get myself out of bed before my kids in the mornings! I was lucky enough to find all my requirements filled with Stellar, and the lovely trainers and group of girls I've met are a bonus. So continuing to get up day after day even in the mornings - that's my biggest achievement! 

2. What is your favourite type of workout? 

I enjoy all the workouts I do, however cross trainer sessions that push me to my limit (so probably involve a little running which I don't love) are my favourite. I really enjoy my mid week pilates session to stretch out my muscles too.

3.  What is your main health and fitness goal for the next 12 months? 

My main health and fitness goal is to manage aches and pains, train as hard as I can, but mostly focus on improving my nutrition. I'm happy with my training, I don't need to be the fastest or strongest, just do my best, and hopefully improve my health through better nutrition.

4.  Share your favourite recipe with us (check out the newsletter for her recipe)?

My favourite recipe is my version of san chow bow that I or my husband, make pretty much every Sunday night to have as a rare family meal.  Luckily enough our kids really enjoy it too. 

5.  Share your favourite motivational quote with us?

Just do your best!

Congratulations Katrina, as a small token of our efforts we want you to have a delicious meal on us at Revolver Cafe in Annandale.  Enjoy!  Thanks again We can't wait to see what this year has in store for you!

Jess, Dani & the Stellar Team xxx

Member of the Month Recipe

Thanks to Michell for sharing this mouth watering Jamie Oliver Recipe!

“This delicious Venetian clam pasta started life as peasant food, and has become an Italian classic ”

Ingredients:

1 kg small clams , from sustainable sources, ask your fishmonger, scrubbed clean
1 small bunch fresh flat-leaf parsley
4 cloves garlic
10 cherry tomatoes
250 ml white wine
400 g dried spaghetti
sea salt
freshly ground black pepper
extra virgin olive oil
1-2 dried chillies

Method:

1. Put a pan of water on to boil. While that’s happening, sort through your cleaned clams and if there are any that aren’t tightly closed, give them a sharp tap. If they don’t close, throw them away. Put a large pan with a lid on a high heat and let it heat up. Finely slice the parsley stalks, then put them to one side and roughly chop the leaves. Peel and chop the garlic, quarter the tomatoes and get your wine ready.

2. Add the pasta to the boiling water with a good pinch of salt and cook according to packet instructions until al dente. About 5 minutes before your pasta is ready, get ready to start cooking – you'll have to be quick about this, so no mucking about! Put 4 generous lugs of extra virgin olive oil into the hot pan and add the garlic, parsley stalks and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Crumble in the dried chilli and add the chopped tomatoes. Stir everything around constantly and just as the garlic starts to colour, tip in the clams and pour in the wine. It will splutter and steam, so give everything a good shake and put the lid on the pan. After about 3 or 4 minutes the clams will start to open, so keep shuffling the pan around until all of them have opened. Take the pan off the heat. Get rid of any clams that haven't opened.

3. By now your pasta should be just about perfect. Drain and add to the pan of clams along with the parsley leaves and an extra drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Stir or toss for a further minute or two to let the beautiful seashore juices from the clams be absorbed into the pasta. Serve right away.

Member of the Month - January

And the winner for member of the month In January goes to Michell. Well done! Totally deserved.  Please enjoy a $30 gift voucher to have a lovely meal at Store Espresso in Leichhardt.

Michell has been training with us since 2014. In that time we have seen her strength and fitness improve so much. Her initial goals were to shift a few kilo's and become fitter/stronger and we are pleased to say she is no longer the girl who joined our team over 3 years ago.

Her dedication to a consistent health and fitness regime is truly remarkable! She always brings her A game to training and gets on with it. We love you Michell! Congratulations!

We asked Michell to answer a few questions for us and here is what she had to say – 

1.     What is your biggest achievement since joining our health & fitness group? 

Since starting 3 years ago, my biggest achievement is simply my increased fitness and strength. I can now run the entire Bay Run!.  I'm happy that I am actually enjoying exercising, there is always a laugh to be had with the great bunch of girls we train with.  My commitment to my set classes each week over last few years is also an achievement in itself for me.  This is made easy with great trainers, even the 5:45am classes are not so bad!

2.     What is your favourite type of workout? 

XTrainer is my favourite workout.  It's the variety that I enjoy most of all.  I do 3 XTrainer classes a week and every class is different.  Not knowing what to expect each class keeps me interested and motivated.

3.     What is your main health and fitness goal for the next 12 months? 

To be stronger, fitter and more flexible.  Cutting back on my sugar intake is something I will also focus on.

4.    Share your favourite recipe with us? 

I can't go past a great Spaghetti Vongole. 

http://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/pasta-recipes/spaghetti-vongole/

5. Hit us with your favourite motivational saying? 

You will never have this day again so make it count!

Haloumi, Quinoa & Beetroot Salad

Ingredients:

1 Cup Rice & Quinoa blend

1/4 cup lemon juice

1tbs olive oil

1tbs honey

1sp Dijion mustard

250 packet haloumi, drained (cut into 1cm thick slices)

180 gram packet Baby Beetroot

100g Mixed Lettuce

100g marinated Persian Feta, crumbled.

Method:

1. Cook rice blend following packet directions.  Drain. Rinse under cold water.  Drain and transfer to a bowl.

2. Meanwhile, whisk lemon juice, il, honey and mustard in a jug.  Season with salt and pepper.  Cook Haloumi in a frying pan over medium heat for 2 minutes each side or until golden.  Transfer to plate.

3.  Add beetroot and salad leaves to rice with lemon dressing and toss to combine.  Divide among plates.  Top with Feta.  Season with salt and pepper.  Serve.

Enjoy!  xxx

Member of the Month - December

We are excited to announce the Stellar member of the month for December goes to Dianne. Congratulations!

Di has been training with us for over 4 years. Her dedication to training and no quit attitude is truly inspiring to us and other mums out there. With 3 children, multiple school curriculum activities to get them to, casual teaching herself and helping with her husband’s business and extended family, she is one busy mum. 

We love that it doesn’t stop her from making time to exercise and commit to her ongoing health and fitness.

Over the years Dianne has had a lower back issue but has still been able to keep up her training with modifications and continue to improve her strength and fitness. 

As such a long standing member, Jess and I couldn’t imagine our Stellar days without her in our classes. She is so very deserving of this award!

We asked Dianne to answer the following questions for us and here is what she had to say:

1. What is your biggest achievement since joining our health & fitness group? 

I started training with Dani & Jess 4 years ago. As a mother of 3, I was carrying excess weight, had no energy, muscle strength or tone to my body.  My biggest achievement to date has been getting my pre-baby body back and maintaining it. Increased energy, overall body strength & tone has also been great.  

2. What is your favourite type of workout? 

I use to say lane sprints until my back injury! These days,  I love a cardio boxing class & the 7 by 7 workout is still a favourite!

3.  What is your main health and fitness goal for the next 12 months? 

To maintain my fitness & strength levels especially when modifying workouts due to injury. I also want to challenge myself to try new things and push myself out of my comfort zone. 

4. Share your favourite recipe with us? 

Haloumi & Quinoa Salad (see Newsletter Recipe)

5. Hit us with your favourite motivational saying? 

Inspired by my gorgeous friend Mel's favourite saying 'Go Hard or Go Home'! Especially with the early morning training sessions when you get out of bed to make a difference and to push yourself!! 

Thanks Di, keep up the awesome effort!  We love you being a part of the Stellar Family! xxx

Sugar Free Spring Challenge

We just love that so many of our members benefited from the Challenge and congratulate all of you for your efforts!  You were all so supportive of each other, sharing recipes and tips on our Closed Members Page and at training! It truly made us so proud and we hope that you enjoy making this a sustainable change!

Without further delay, we are so excited to announce the winners!  Elyssa had the highest number of points and is the winner of 2 x Cooking Demonstration Vouchers at Egg of the Universe in Rozelle! And Megan Ford is the runner up who has won herself a copy of Sarah Wilsons cookbook, “Simplicious”.

Congratulations girls, your efforts were inspiring! We hope that you enjoy your prizes and look forward to hearing how you carry on your nutrition habits moving forward.

Here’s what two of our members had to say about the Sugar Free Spring Challenge…

"With all the posts and inspiration from the Stellar community my family are eating healthier and the majority of meals are wholefoods and we all feel better for it!!” - Jo

"So glad I participated as I picked up some great tips and tricks from this challenge and substituted a few bad habits too” - Megan

Dani, Jess & The Stellar Team

Sizzling Moroccan Prawns

Anyone else enjoyed Jamie Olivers Super Food Cooking Show on at the moment? This is one recipe that was featured...its an abolsolute cracker and the perfect dish to serve up at your next Summer BBQ.

Ingredients:

2 sprigs of fresh rosemary
2 cloves of garlic
olive oil
1 level teaspoon smoked paprika
1 good pinch of saffron
6 large raw shell-on king prawns, from sustainable sources
2 oranges
150 g wholewheat couscous
400 g colourful mixed seasonal veg, such as peas, asparagus, fennel, courgettes, celery, spring onions, red or yellow peppers
1 fresh red chilli
½ a bunch of fresh mint , (15g) 
1 lemon
2 tablespoons natural yoghurt
1 pomegranate

Method:

1. Strip the rosemary leaves into a pestle and mortar, then peel and add the garlic and pound into a paste with a pinch of sea salt. Muddle in 1 tablespoon of oil, the paprika, saffron and a swig of boiling water to make a marinade. Use little scissors to cut down the back of each prawn shell and remove the vein. Cut 1 orange into wedges, toss with the prawns and the marinade and leave aside for 10 minutes. 

2. Put the couscous into a bowl and just cover with boiling water, then pop a plate on top and leave to fluff up. Take a bit of pride in finely chopping all your colourful seasonal veg and chilli, and put them into a nice serving bowl. Pick a few pretty mint leaves and put to one side, then pick and finely chop the rest and add to the bowl with the juice of the lemon and the remaining orange. Add the couscous, toss together and season to perfection.

3. Put a large non-stick frying pan on a high heat. Add the prawns, marinade and orange wedges and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the prawns are gnarly and crisp, then arrange on top of the couscous. Dollop with yoghurt, then halve the pomegranate and, holding it cut side down in your fingers, bash the back so the sweet jewels tumble over everything. Sprinkle with the reserved mint leaves and serve.