To Stink Or Not To Stink

That was the question.  On my way to the gym in the morning, I remembered I forgot to put on deodorant!  I was more than halfway there and thought about turning back or trying to hit up the nearest supermarket, but I had limited time for my workout as I had to run a bazillion errands afterward.  Ugh.  My original plan was to set The Arc Trainer on fire, then do weights.  The Arc Trainer = sweatin’ and stinkin’ (if you didn’t wear deodorant!).  What to do, what to do?????  The real question should be why do I give a hoot, but I do and stinkin’ was not an option.   So my de-stinkified workout was…

• 5 minute warm-up on the treadmill
• hip strengthening workout (Tina has hip bursitis, too)
• lower-body circuit – leg curls, glutes, hip adductor and abductor
• ab crunches

It worked my legs good, I felt the burn and wasn’t stinky.  All is good :)

Breakfast was TJ’s High Fiber O’s with some Fiber One, strawberries and unsweetened vanilla Almond Breeze…

I did stop home ,amidst the errands, and whipped up some lunch.  I was pretty hungry and ate a little earlier than normal, but I’m trying to eat when the hunger strikes!  Novel idea, huh?

Lunch was a wrap made with Joseph’s Lavash Bread, a few slices of turkey, Laughing Cow Light Cheese Wedge, a tbsp. of cranberry sauce and spinach.  It was a winning combo!  The cranberry and Laughing Cow were great together!  I added some carrots for crunch and had at it…

I still felt a little hungry, so I had a blueberry Chobani…

Then, errands, errands, errands.  :(

I’m trying to choose more wholesome foods for my snacks instead of grabbing  junkier (Cheez-its!) things.  A pear and almonds fit the bill…

Dinner had to be quick and easy since we got home late from little daughter’s religion class.  Nothing quicker than boxed soup and grilled cheese!  I decided to try out the Campbell’s V-8 Garden Vegetable that was sent to me last week…

I paired it with grilled cheeses on sourdough.  I made mine with asiago, baby spinach and Trader Joe’s roasted  red pepper and artichoke tapenade …

This soup was fairly good.  It was thick and reminded me a lot of split pea soup in texture.  It had a nice amount of vegetables in it and overall, was a pretty hearty bowl.

~~~

Brilliant Blogger:  I’ve been  a lurker on Joan The Weight Pilot for quite a while.  She is a Weight Watchers Lifetime Member and has some of the most inspirational posts that I have ever read.  She  begins her posts with some amazing quote that always seem to speak to me at the moment.  Her post today was especially meaningful to me.  As I have been on this journey, I have realized that I don’t need to beat myself up for the indulgences or going off track.  Every GOOD choice that I make in a day is a step in the right direction.  I encourage you to read her whole post, but it ends with…

''the little things we do add up; the small steps become giant steps."

Thanks for the reminder, Joan!

In other blog new, my friend Krittie at Healthy Living, One Day at a Time  is having a cool American Express Gift Card Giveaway – be sure to check it out!

Have a great day, everyone!

Fitting It All In

I can’t believe it’s December!!!  Holy moly!  I’m feeling a little wigged out about fitting in all the things I need to get done before Christmas.  It seems that everything is happening at once and the calendar is already looking jammed up!  Well, one thing I will fit in is fitness!  I made a promise to myself to keep my workout schedule and I’m stickin’ to it!

Before heading to the gym, I had a mini- breakfast of a string cheese and a few Triscuits…

Just enough to tie my over for my 35 minute run on the treadmill.  I tried out some intervals this run and I really liked it!  It took the pressure off keeping a steady fast pace and I liked being able to coordinate the pace with my music.  Fast songs = fast pace, slower songs= slower pace.  It was fun!

Breakfast part 2 was by the dashboard light…

After changing, it was off to Gram’s for a day of shopping.  She loves to shop and can outlast me any day!

I finally dragged her out talked her into leaving and headed back to my house for lunch.  I made a terrific tofu scramble…

In the mix…

• 1/2 block of Nasoya Lite Firm Tofu
• 3 cremini mushrooms, sliced
• a few onion slices
• 1/2 small red pepper, sliced
• handful baby spinach
• 1/4 cup Galaxy Nutritionals Veggie Shreds

Gram declined the tofu and went for a turkey sammie instead!  I’ll make a believer of her, yet!

I also took a few minutes to assemble dinner , since I knew the afternoon would be busy.  I saw a recipe on Kalyn’s Kitchen for Brown Rice Casserole and thought I would give it a try, knowing full well that this would not be welcomed with open mouths by the husband and daughters!  But, I decided to torture them anyway.

I baked it when I got home after little daughter’s dance class.  It looked and smelled delicious…to me…

Them…not so much.  I proceeded to rant about how I didn’t give a flying fig newton what they thought and they were going to eat this fabulous, healthy dish.  And I dished it out…

Okay, I know it doesn’t look pretty, but it was very tasty!  I even threw in some broccoli to make it a true one-dish meal.

Little daughter cried full blown tears at the sight.

The husband hates mushrooms and moved the stuff around to make it look like he ate some.  Okay, but he will eat kale chips???  Whatever.

Big daughter said, “Mom, this actually tastes good.”  She is the only one I love ;)

So, not the biggest hit, but I will keep trying to feed them healthy foods.  Hear that, family???  Yes, the torture will continue…

~~~

Brilliant Blogger :  I read a great post by Jack Sh*t today.  So motivational!  His posts are usually flat out hilarious, but every so often, he throws in one of these “serious” posts to really get you thinking.  What struck me was when he describes a conversation he had in the locker room after a workout – go check out his post for the whole story – but he replied to the person:

 “I didn’t leave a lot in the tank.”

And that’s how I approached my run at the gym.  I kept thinking “don’t leave anything in the tank;  give it your all.”  Result:  awesome workout!  Thanks, Jack!

Oh, I almost forgot… the winner of the Campbell’s Soup Giveaway is  Denise!

I have a couple of favorite soups - creamy tomato, taco soup and butternut squash. Yummy!

Denise, please send me your address and I’ll forward it to the Campbell’s rep:)

If you’re not too sick of me, go check out my guest post on Melissa’s blog – www.abetterbagofgroceries.com  -and see how I tried out the NuVal nutritional scoring system!  Fun!

Have a great day, everyone!

Back To The Gym

I was itching to get to the gym first thing!  Although, we had some nice family time over the Thanksgiving break, it was good to send everyone off to their appropriate locations and get back to my routine.

I was hungry right off the bat, too, so I made up a Yogurt Bowl before heading out.  In the mix…

• 1 cup plain nonfat Chobani (it’s baaaaack!)
• 1 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 packet NuNaturals Stevia
• 5 sliced strawberries
• 1 tsp. shredded coconut

It was so rich tasting;  the cocoa powder mixed into the yogurt made it seem like frosting!  Mmm…dessert for breakfast.  It’s a good thing :)

I pumped it out on the elliptical for 35 minutes, then hit the circuit weights for an upper body workout.  I decided , for the month of December, to mix up my workout.  I’m going to run 3 days a week – T, TH, Sat, do a cardio mix with weights 3 days – M, W, F and take Sundays off.  I think this will be a better plan for me.  More consistent running ( my marathon running neighbor told me he hated my “every other week running plan” – LOL!) and a nice mix of cardio and weights on the other days.  I think that will keep it fresh and fun!

After the gym, I ran errands in the nasty, cold rain and finally made it home to eat LUNCH!  My stomach was way past growling.  I did notice the growl at the 3 hour mark again, so that seems to be the magic number these past few days.  I reminded myself not to grab anything and start shoveling.  Instead, I heated up some leftover Individual Turkey Pot Pies…

Halleluia for leftovers!

Later, I couldn’t shake the damp coldness, so I made a cup of French press…

For a special treat, we went to dinner with the in-laws at a new local restaurant.  It’s owned by the family of the husband’s best friend and opened for business today.  I was in the mood for a big greek salad…

I’m not usually a fan of stuffed grape leaves, but the ones on my plate were delicious and very rich, so I only ate one and passed the rest to the husband and FIL.  Sadly, my salad was supposed to have grilled chicken on it, but it didn’t make it to the plate on time, so I had it on the side.

I wasn’t completely satisfied (taste-wise) after this meal, but I had eaten enough and was okay with it after everything settled.

I used a little “pep talkin” while scooping some ice cream for the daughters when we got home.  I knew I didn’t need it.  But I sure did feel like I wanted it!

 *hit replay in my head* 

I will not let food control me.  I have the ability to eat just what I need. 

Somehow repeating that over and over took all pressure off.  It was almost a sense of relief.  Like, oh yeah, I can say “no” and it’s okay.  Niiiiice :)

Today is the last day to enter the Campbell’s Soup Giveaway! 

Have a great day, everyone!

Lounging Burritos

Happy Sunday!  Hope everyone is enjoying the weekend :)

It was a lazy Saturday around here, which I love!  We  lounged around in pj’s and had a leisurely late breakfast.  I found these blintzes in my freezer (no idea when I bought these!), so I gave them a try…

I don’t think I’ve ever had a blintz before, so I wasn’t really sure what to expect or how to serve them.   They looked like little burritos!

I followed the directions for baking them and just dug in…

They were pretty good.  Nothing special, though.  I think they need major doctoring up with powdered sugar and whipped cream!  Hmmm… now that’s what I’m talkin about!

A leisurely breakfast always involves a big honkin’ cup of coffee.  And a very special creamer…

 

Love…

I had a feeling the blintzes were going to leave me hungry fairly quickly.  I was ready for lunch not long after.  I was craving turkey and cranberry sauce -Thanksgiving is in the air!  I settled for a turkey sandwich with cranberry mustard instead…

I was also in the mood for a Chobani (it’s becoming a serious addiction now), so I scooped a strawberry flavor into a bowl and topped it with tons more strawberries…

That was a good lunch!

We had to get out of our pj’s and head over to a cousin’s house for a jewelry/home entertaining demonstration.  Of course, I had to buy serveware from the home collection.  Can’t resist pretty dishes!

After the party, we planned on going to the park to play, but the weather wasn’t cooperating.  We decided to pick up a movie instead and head home to make dinner.

I had bacon and beans on the brain!  Ever since seeing Danica’s awesome recipe for Cheesy Bacon and Bean Stuffed Peppers , I couldn’t wait to make the filling for this.  I made only a couple alterations – used 2 slices of bacon, no reserved bacon fat , this taco seasoning and Cabot’s 75% reduced fat cheddar cheese…

But, I’m not a huge fan of stuffed peppers, so I made stuffed zucchini instead…

I baked them per Danica’s directions and the result was delicious…

 

Served with a side of leftover spinach, this was one hearty meal!

I had tons of filling leftover, so I decided to use it to make Bean and Rice Burritos.  I scooped leftover filling into a high fiber tortilla and topped it with the remainder of the cheese…

and rolled it all up…

Towering burritos ready for the deep freeze…

Thanks for the great recipe, Danica!

After my fiber-rific dinner (oh, which no one else ate but me –the husband and daughters had “made by me” cheesesteaks, but I know, I didn’t have to tell you that!!  Although, husband had some of the filling and loved :)  Progress!),  we snuggled up (like burritos) to watch  MALL COP which was the goofy kind of movie that the husband we enjoy.  I indulged in a little dessert while watching the stupidity…

Mmmm…love.  Would make a great mock Java Chip Frappuccino!

Off to make brekkie for the fam.  Enjoy your day, everyone!

Don’t forget to enter the My Favorites Giveaway.  I’m announcing the winner tomorrow morning!

ONE GOOD THING:  Stopping with only 1 serving of ice cream when you really want LOTS more!!!

Question of the Day:  What’s your favorite flavor of ice cream?

Drive By

This has been a busy day, so I’m just getting to posting!  I’ll make it quick;  I know you all want to get started on your Friday happy hour!!!

I was looking forward to hitting the gym.  It’s been a few days and I was missing my morning routine!  I went straight to the elliptical and knocked out 30 minutes, then did a 25 minute upper body circuit workout.  I forget how much I miss lifting the weights!

I brought my usual dashboard breakfast to eat after the gym…

Of course, not long after, I was hungry.  I had cheese on my mind for lunch!  My Mom hooked me up with a couple packages of the Sonoma Jacks Cheese Wedges.  She found them at Giant and picked up this cool flavor for me…

It was a terrific topping for my Gardenburger Portabella Veggie Burger on an Ezekiel Sesame Bun…

With a juicy orange on the side!  Been missing those, too :)

The rest of the afternoon was spent mostly in the car driving big daughter to an eye doctor appointment.  The doctor’s office is inconveniently located not in close proximity to my home, so it was an all afternoon affair.  Good thing I brought snacks…

After the appointment, we headed home in the rush hour traffic and the daughters were clamoring for some dinner.  I was tempted to do a drive-thru for them, but really didn’t want to have another meal in the car!  Then, big daughter said the most brilliant words…

“Mom, let’s just eat at home.  It’s healthier.”

I believe a choir of angels began to sing at that moment!

“Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah”

Score:  Mom –1  Fast Food – 0

When we got home, I fired up all burners and thankfully,  pasta boils quickly and salad is made in a flash.

Since I decided I was not going to starve to death if I had to wait 10 minutes, I cooked up some leaf spinach in a bit of evoo and served it with Turkey Ricotta Meatballs that I had in the freezer.  So glad I waited…

and a side of Trader Joe’s Naan…

It was worth the drive home :)

ONE GOOD THING:  When given an option, the daughters are choosing to eat healthier foods over the junk food.   I want to follow their example :)

Have a great weekend, everyone!!!

Oh, and if you haven’t checked it out already, don’t forget to enter the My Favorites Giveaway!!!

I Dance For Food

Another gorgeous day!  This is turning out to be a great fall!

I was out the door early getting the daughters off to school and had every intention of heading to the gym, but took one look at my “to do” list and decided to get started on that instead.  I decided to keep my running training schedule to every other week for now and technically, today is a rest day, so I tried not to feel too badly about it!  “Running” errands is exercise, right?!

Before racing out the door, I grabbed a Triple Berry Bran Muffin…

Honestly, I didn’t like these so much today.  They are nice and moist, but there seems to be a bitter spice in there somewhere.  I can’t put my finger on it.  I didn’t detect it yesterday, but I ate it steaming from the oven.  Hmmm…

Then I was off  to conquer the grocery shopping which ultimately takes up half the day!  Not only was I shopping for our family, but I also had a list of things to buy to donate to needy families for Thanksgiving.  My cart was F U L L!

I stopped home to unload and dig up some lunch.  I heated up a serving of Black Bean Soup from the freezer…

And made a nice toasty crostini with 7 grain bread, a wedge of Laughing Cow Light Cheese and one of my favorite toppings…

Delish!

After more errands and picking up the daughters, it was time to settle in for homework and a snack.  I was really hungry…

I also dug into some of this…

I have seen this all over the blogosphere since I began blogging last year!  I have heard the oooh’s and aaaah’s of bloggers around the world singing it’s praises, so you can imagine how excited I was to come across this in my local Fresh Market!  I was doing the happy dance in the aisle.  Ridiculous, I know.  I need a bumper sticker that says, I Dance For Food :)

I danced, dug and spread it on a little banana and (wait for it)….

It was just okay! Barney Butter lovers might think I’m nuts -no pun intended :)- but I like my Homemade Almond Butter much better!  I am now the proud owner of a $9.50 jar of Barney Butter that is just ‘meh’.  *random dancing comes to screeching halt* :|

Dinner was a “cook like Mom and Gram” recipe – Chicken with Potatoes and Olives.  My Mom and Gram are so good at whipping up dishes without following a recipe;  just a little of this and a little of that.  I don’t always have the confidence to do that, but I think my skills are getting better as time goes on and if I have a basic idea of what I want something to taste like, I can pretty much wing it!

Chicken with Potatoes and Olives

• 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 2 tsp. olive oil
• 2 tbsp. tomato paste
• 2 cans (14 oz. each) petite diced tomatoes
• 1/3 c. dry red wine
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1/4 c. sicilian green olives

Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat a large pot over medium heat, spray with cooking spray and add chicken.  Brown on both sides and remove from pot onto a warmed plate. 

Add oil and garlic;  cook about 30 seconds.  Add tomato paste and stir until paste begins to break down.  Add tomatoes, wine and stir until combines.  Add potatoes, olives and return chicken to pan.  Cover and cook on low until chicken is fully cooked about 30 minutes.

Easy peasy…

Thumbs up from the fam!

I made a side salad which included these addictive guys…

I know Italian and Asian don’t exactly go together, but I’m all about the fusion ;)

Be sure to come back tomorrow for the blogiversary GIVEAWAY!!!

Have an awesome day :)