Sunday, December 19, 2010
It's been more than 6 months...
But after the New Year I plan on making a return. Things have changed so much this past year and I'm looking forward to sharing new ideas, thoughts, and challenges!! Until than Happy Holidays! I hope you have great and safe celebrations!
Sunday, June 6, 2010
My Latest Favorite Breakfasts!
Breakfast is far and away my most favorite meal of the day. I don't function without some food to kick start my energy. However, I am NOT a breakfast before workout kinda person. I have to eat after otherwise i feel like I am going to barf my entire workout!
I am gearing up for week 2 of Insanity, so I thought I would share two of my favorite ways to refuel after a good calorie burning session!
Option 1:
Green Monster
I read about the Green Monster Movement on this blog I found a couple months ago and I was a bit skeptical about the whole idea of adding spinach or kale to a breakfast smoothie. Well friends, I am a changed person! I can't get enough of these in my week sometimes! The vitamins from the fresh ingredients, plus some protein powder to recover are a delicious and satisfying combo!
(yes Dave, I know, looks nasty...tastes delicious)
Here is a sample of what my Green Monsters usually contain:
*1 c. organic spinach - 0 points
*3/4 banana - 1 point
*1/2 c. organic almond milk - 1 point
*1/2 c. water
*1 scoop Designer Vanilla Whey (far and away best protein I have tried) - 2 points
*1/2 c. mixed frozen organic berries - .5 points
*1 tbsp. organic flax seed - 1 point
Total WW Points: 5.5 points
I use my Magic Bullet to blend it together, and get a great smooth consistency. My Magic Bullet was a Christmas gift from my mom, little did she know how much use it would get over the next few months! lol!
Breakfast 2:
Oatmeal
I have always been a big fan of oatmeal. I grew up eating flavored Quaker Instant Oatmeal which reading those labels now makes me nervous! So many artificial ingredients! However, I have discovered ways to make delicious, natural oatmeal that does the trick. I have even expanded to oat bran, my latest kick. Oat bran has a very creamy, almost grits like texture when you make it. It is just as satisfying as oatmeal, but a nice rotation in the mix.
Here is my latest kick:
*1/4 c. oat brand - 0 points
*1/2 c. almond milk - 1 point
*1/2 c. water
*cinnamon - 0 points
*3/4 banana - 1.5 points
*1 tbsp. almond butter - 2 points
*1 c. blackberries - 1 point
*1 tbsp. organic flax seeds - 1 point
Total WW Points: 5.5 points
Oat bran is a great way to take care of your heart and keep you full to lunch! Plus all the yummy add ins make oatmeal so much better and fun to eat. I mix my berries depending on what I have on hand. Same with the nut butter!
Those are just two of my favorites. I have a couple more that I am sure will make an appearance soon! Hope you all had a great weekend! I am going to finish my night watching the Hawks kill it (I hope) and resting up for INSANITY! Night All
I am gearing up for week 2 of Insanity, so I thought I would share two of my favorite ways to refuel after a good calorie burning session!
Option 1:
Green Monster
I read about the Green Monster Movement on this blog I found a couple months ago and I was a bit skeptical about the whole idea of adding spinach or kale to a breakfast smoothie. Well friends, I am a changed person! I can't get enough of these in my week sometimes! The vitamins from the fresh ingredients, plus some protein powder to recover are a delicious and satisfying combo!
(yes Dave, I know, looks nasty...tastes delicious)
Here is a sample of what my Green Monsters usually contain:
*1 c. organic spinach - 0 points
*3/4 banana - 1 point
*1/2 c. organic almond milk - 1 point
*1/2 c. water
*1 scoop Designer Vanilla Whey (far and away best protein I have tried) - 2 points
*1/2 c. mixed frozen organic berries - .5 points
*1 tbsp. organic flax seed - 1 point
Total WW Points: 5.5 points
I use my Magic Bullet to blend it together, and get a great smooth consistency. My Magic Bullet was a Christmas gift from my mom, little did she know how much use it would get over the next few months! lol!
Breakfast 2:
Oatmeal
I have always been a big fan of oatmeal. I grew up eating flavored Quaker Instant Oatmeal which reading those labels now makes me nervous! So many artificial ingredients! However, I have discovered ways to make delicious, natural oatmeal that does the trick. I have even expanded to oat bran, my latest kick. Oat bran has a very creamy, almost grits like texture when you make it. It is just as satisfying as oatmeal, but a nice rotation in the mix.
Here is my latest kick:
*1/4 c. oat brand - 0 points
*1/2 c. almond milk - 1 point
*1/2 c. water
*cinnamon - 0 points
*3/4 banana - 1.5 points
*1 tbsp. almond butter - 2 points
*1 c. blackberries - 1 point
*1 tbsp. organic flax seeds - 1 point
Total WW Points: 5.5 points
Oat bran is a great way to take care of your heart and keep you full to lunch! Plus all the yummy add ins make oatmeal so much better and fun to eat. I mix my berries depending on what I have on hand. Same with the nut butter!
Those are just two of my favorites. I have a couple more that I am sure will make an appearance soon! Hope you all had a great weekend! I am going to finish my night watching the Hawks kill it (I hope) and resting up for INSANITY! Night All
Saturday, June 5, 2010
INSANITY!
I finally broke down and bought Insanity.
Intimidating, maybe. Great sweat, YES!
Insanity is this hard core work out system that takes you through 60 days of cardio and weight training. Shaun T is the creator of this system and he is amazing! So far I have complete week 1. Some days I didn't know if I was going to finish the work-outs, but I pushed myself. The time varies day to day but averages around 40 minutes. The cardio stints are amazing and push your body so hard. I usually blast well over 400 calories in these work-outs. I purchased the 13 disc version, but have only done 4 discs following my schedule.
Most of the reviews I read said it can be rough on your knees. I now see what they mean, but I have been making modifications where I see fit. I am no personal training expert, but I have worked with enough of them to know how to properly work with my body! My recommednation would be to work at your own pace and build. Shaun T will tell you the same!
These work-outs are so intense, even Shaun T can't talk at times and can't remember the name of the work-out we are on! D described it best for me as a line backer's training schedule, I only hope to get some results of sliming down a few pounds and inches over the next 60 days!
Here are my starting inch measurements:
Waist:34"
Thigh:24"
Calf:13"
Butt:40" (yes, I have some junk in the trunk!)
Upper Arm:13"
Weight: 1X1 (can't reveal my real weight. maybe in the future based on my progress I will share my final results!)
I plan on doing a mid journey post measurement and final post measurements. Putting the program to the test while tracking on Weight Watchers!
How do you keep motivated to work-out?
Intimidating, maybe. Great sweat, YES!
Insanity is this hard core work out system that takes you through 60 days of cardio and weight training. Shaun T is the creator of this system and he is amazing! So far I have complete week 1. Some days I didn't know if I was going to finish the work-outs, but I pushed myself. The time varies day to day but averages around 40 minutes. The cardio stints are amazing and push your body so hard. I usually blast well over 400 calories in these work-outs. I purchased the 13 disc version, but have only done 4 discs following my schedule.
Most of the reviews I read said it can be rough on your knees. I now see what they mean, but I have been making modifications where I see fit. I am no personal training expert, but I have worked with enough of them to know how to properly work with my body! My recommednation would be to work at your own pace and build. Shaun T will tell you the same!
These work-outs are so intense, even Shaun T can't talk at times and can't remember the name of the work-out we are on! D described it best for me as a line backer's training schedule, I only hope to get some results of sliming down a few pounds and inches over the next 60 days!
Here are my starting inch measurements:
Waist:34"
Thigh:24"
Calf:13"
Butt:40" (yes, I have some junk in the trunk!)
Upper Arm:13"
Weight: 1X1 (can't reveal my real weight. maybe in the future based on my progress I will share my final results!)
I plan on doing a mid journey post measurement and final post measurements. Putting the program to the test while tracking on Weight Watchers!
How do you keep motivated to work-out?
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Homemade Coconut Shrimp
Last night we had one of my all time favorite dinners to make! Spicy Coconut Shrimp!!! No this isn't fried shrimp, but shrimp marinated in coconut milk and spices! Here is the recipe below, adapted from this recipe from David Lieberman
* 2 fresh jalapenos, sliced
* 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
* 1/2 inch piece ginger, peeled and grated
* 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
* 2 tablespoons soy sauce
* 1/2 - 3/4 lime, zested
* 1/2 cup light coconut milk
* Small handful basil leaves, torn
* 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
* salt and pepper to taste
* 1 pound peeled, deveined shrimp
* cornstarch
For the shrimp: In a mixing bowl, combine jalapenos, garlic, ginger, brown sugar, soy sauce, lime zest, coconut milk, basil, vegetable oil, salt and pepper. Add the shrimp and marinate for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours, refridgerated.
Heat a nonstick skillet over high heat. remove the shrimp from the marinade and place in an even layer in the pan, reserving the marinade in the bowl.
Cook the shrimp until well browned on each side, turning once, about 2 to 3 minutes total. Transfer cooked shrimp to a serving plate.
Add reserved marinade to pan, bring to a boil and cook until slightly thickened add a sprinkle of cornstarch to thicken even more, about 5 minutes. You will get a thick low-fat, low-cal sauce.
I serve mine over a 1/3 c. jasmine brown rice. Next time we make this we are thinking about adding some steam broccoli! Totally healthy and filling! The recipe makes about 4 portions and is about 4 points each + brown rice. Not too bad for a quick yummy meal!
* 2 fresh jalapenos, sliced
* 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
* 1/2 inch piece ginger, peeled and grated
* 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
* 2 tablespoons soy sauce
* 1/2 - 3/4 lime, zested
* 1/2 cup light coconut milk
* Small handful basil leaves, torn
* 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
* salt and pepper to taste
* 1 pound peeled, deveined shrimp
* cornstarch
For the shrimp: In a mixing bowl, combine jalapenos, garlic, ginger, brown sugar, soy sauce, lime zest, coconut milk, basil, vegetable oil, salt and pepper. Add the shrimp and marinate for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours, refridgerated.
Heat a nonstick skillet over high heat. remove the shrimp from the marinade and place in an even layer in the pan, reserving the marinade in the bowl.
Cook the shrimp until well browned on each side, turning once, about 2 to 3 minutes total. Transfer cooked shrimp to a serving plate.
Add reserved marinade to pan, bring to a boil and cook until slightly thickened add a sprinkle of cornstarch to thicken even more, about 5 minutes. You will get a thick low-fat, low-cal sauce.
I serve mine over a 1/3 c. jasmine brown rice. Next time we make this we are thinking about adding some steam broccoli! Totally healthy and filling! The recipe makes about 4 portions and is about 4 points each + brown rice. Not too bad for a quick yummy meal!
Monday, May 24, 2010
It has been awhile...
WOW, I haven't touched this thing in months! I have to admit, I have been missing writing about what I am up to, eating, and work-outs. This week, I have decided it is time to come back. Taking pictures of my food helps keep me on track. And posting my work-outs empower me to do more. I hope I can make the time to post regularly, but 2-3 times a week is my goal.
Why have I decided to come back? Well, my birthday is right around the corner and I want to see results. See how far I have come, and where I am going. It is like a public journal, where I can share what is going on and reflect on what I need to change. I don't always write about my emotions, I feel that can be too personal, but who knows what will come out!
I have also gone back to Weight Watchers. Maybe it was the Jennifer Hudson commercials, or looking at pictures from when I stuck to the plan and make BIG changes, but I am back. And I can't tell you how much better I feel tracking and eating well! And I will post some of my new favorite recipes for you too with the points and servings! I usually make some adaptions to keep them healthy too!
So summer is here, and let's take the challenge together to get FIT! I will post goals for the week and track my progress, hopefully you tell me yours too :) I might post my latest work-out music mix for you too! They have been pretty heart pumping lately!
Why have I decided to come back? Well, my birthday is right around the corner and I want to see results. See how far I have come, and where I am going. It is like a public journal, where I can share what is going on and reflect on what I need to change. I don't always write about my emotions, I feel that can be too personal, but who knows what will come out!
I have also gone back to Weight Watchers. Maybe it was the Jennifer Hudson commercials, or looking at pictures from when I stuck to the plan and make BIG changes, but I am back. And I can't tell you how much better I feel tracking and eating well! And I will post some of my new favorite recipes for you too with the points and servings! I usually make some adaptions to keep them healthy too!
So summer is here, and let's take the challenge together to get FIT! I will post goals for the week and track my progress, hopefully you tell me yours too :) I might post my latest work-out music mix for you too! They have been pretty heart pumping lately!
Monday, March 22, 2010
Veggie Over Load
I am back! I needed another break from the Internet. I have spent the past few days eating right, continuing my butt kicking work-outs and sweats, and catching up on my knitting and needle point at night. Super relaxing after super stress days at work! I am hoping this week is going to be better, and we are already off to a good start. Keeping very positive this week!
Today was a totally veggie overload day! Not that I am complaining! I know I am going to feel super energized tomorrow. I had a heart pounding and tough yoga session yesterday, so today I opted for sleep. I have the toughest time waking up on Monday's and getting to the gym. But tomorrow is Tuesday and I am super pumped for a good gym work-out and weight lifting session!
Breakfast:
A newer mix! And it is delicious! Here is what was in today's:
*1/4 c. steel cut oats
*1 c. organic almond milk
*cinnamon
*1 tbsp raisins
*1 tbsp flax seed
*1/4 c. cinnamon apples
I LOVE cinnamon apples. Super easy to make and really delicious. Cut up an apple into small chunks. Place into a heat/microwave glass bowl. Coat with cinnamon and drizzle with a little honey. Pop into the microwave for 4-5 minutes, stirring once and done!! It is a great oatmeal topping and way to get some apples into your diet!!
Lunch:
No pictures from lunch because I was in a client meeting for lunch. Don't need everyone thinking I am nuts taking pictures of my food!
We ordered in from California Pizza Kitchen! Total yum! I looked up the nutritional values of all the salads before I ordered and I netted out on the Grilled Veggie Salad with Shrimp! Holy goodness, I ate every bite of this salad. It was delicious and very nourishing. I went with the half order and had 2 slice of sour dough bread on the side (one of my biggest weaknesses). It def kept me full and tied over to dinner!
Dinner:
Tonight was a little bit of something different. Polenta Pizza! This was the first attempt at this, not as successful as I would have liked, but still delicious!
I made the polenta and filled my baking dish with it. Then I topped my pizza with 2 tbsp tomato sauce, mushrooms, yellow pepper slices, 2 slices of prosciutto, 1 1/2 c. spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and a little feta and fontina! YUMMY. I ate my small serving and have lunch for a few days! Light and delicious.
Off to finish watching Life from last night. Simple amazing!! You have to check it out!
Today was a totally veggie overload day! Not that I am complaining! I know I am going to feel super energized tomorrow. I had a heart pounding and tough yoga session yesterday, so today I opted for sleep. I have the toughest time waking up on Monday's and getting to the gym. But tomorrow is Tuesday and I am super pumped for a good gym work-out and weight lifting session!
Breakfast:
A newer mix! And it is delicious! Here is what was in today's:
*1/4 c. steel cut oats
*1 c. organic almond milk
*cinnamon
*1 tbsp raisins
*1 tbsp flax seed
*1/4 c. cinnamon apples
I LOVE cinnamon apples. Super easy to make and really delicious. Cut up an apple into small chunks. Place into a heat/microwave glass bowl. Coat with cinnamon and drizzle with a little honey. Pop into the microwave for 4-5 minutes, stirring once and done!! It is a great oatmeal topping and way to get some apples into your diet!!
Lunch:
No pictures from lunch because I was in a client meeting for lunch. Don't need everyone thinking I am nuts taking pictures of my food!
We ordered in from California Pizza Kitchen! Total yum! I looked up the nutritional values of all the salads before I ordered and I netted out on the Grilled Veggie Salad with Shrimp! Holy goodness, I ate every bite of this salad. It was delicious and very nourishing. I went with the half order and had 2 slice of sour dough bread on the side (one of my biggest weaknesses). It def kept me full and tied over to dinner!
Dinner:
Tonight was a little bit of something different. Polenta Pizza! This was the first attempt at this, not as successful as I would have liked, but still delicious!
I made the polenta and filled my baking dish with it. Then I topped my pizza with 2 tbsp tomato sauce, mushrooms, yellow pepper slices, 2 slices of prosciutto, 1 1/2 c. spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and a little feta and fontina! YUMMY. I ate my small serving and have lunch for a few days! Light and delicious.
Off to finish watching Life from last night. Simple amazing!! You have to check it out!
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Happy St. Patrick's Day
No update yesterday. Work was entirely too draining and I needed a break last night. Today was a new idea! And St. Patrick's Day! One of the best holidays of the year. Sleeping till 7:40 cut out my AM work-out! Oops.
Breakfast:
Here is what was in today's mix:
*1/2 c. organic sweet potato
*1/4 c. organic oats
*1/3 c. organic greek yogurt
*1/2 scoop natural whey
*cinnamon
This was super filling and delicious. Def kept me tied over till lunch. I did snack on a tiny piece of a Dunkin Donut to snack on. I have such a soft spot for a French Cruler!!!
Lunch:
I made a yummy small sandwich.
*4oz white chicken breast meat
*3oz organic cibatta
*organic mixed green
On the side I had some organic kale chips (one of my new favorite snacks) and a banana! Lunch was great and delicious.
To top it off I had a mini cupcake from Dinkles! WOOHOO! Party of sugar! But soo delicious and great buttercream frosting!
When I got home today, D and I went for a lake walk because it was so beautiful outside! Then we got home and did some cooking. I snacked on some peanut butter while we cooked. Tonight's dinner was sooo great. I cooked my rice on the stove for the first time and it was a HUGE success.
I measured out a 1/2c. organic jasmine brown rice and 3/4 c. of the coconut chicken chili. This dinner was awesome and the recipe was super easy to make! I am excited for leftovers tomorrow night.
Breakfast:
Here is what was in today's mix:
*1/2 c. organic sweet potato
*1/4 c. organic oats
*1/3 c. organic greek yogurt
*1/2 scoop natural whey
*cinnamon
This was super filling and delicious. Def kept me tied over till lunch. I did snack on a tiny piece of a Dunkin Donut to snack on. I have such a soft spot for a French Cruler!!!
Lunch:
I made a yummy small sandwich.
*4oz white chicken breast meat
*3oz organic cibatta
*organic mixed green
On the side I had some organic kale chips (one of my new favorite snacks) and a banana! Lunch was great and delicious.
To top it off I had a mini cupcake from Dinkles! WOOHOO! Party of sugar! But soo delicious and great buttercream frosting!
When I got home today, D and I went for a lake walk because it was so beautiful outside! Then we got home and did some cooking. I snacked on some peanut butter while we cooked. Tonight's dinner was sooo great. I cooked my rice on the stove for the first time and it was a HUGE success.
I measured out a 1/2c. organic jasmine brown rice and 3/4 c. of the coconut chicken chili. This dinner was awesome and the recipe was super easy to make! I am excited for leftovers tomorrow night.
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