Tuesday, August 24, 2010

breakfast for dinner



Last night, JJ and I had breakfast for dinner.  It was delicious.  Roasted red potatoes with basil, olive oil and garlic.  Scrambled eggs with red peppers, red onions and a bit of basil.  Turkey bacon (25 calories a slice) and finally bananas and blueberries.  It was wonderful and so filling!

Try it out!  You'll love it. :)

Monday, August 23, 2010

6:30 a.m. run

This past Saturday, I went with a running group for an early morning run in my area.  I literally woke up at 3:30 a.m. because I was so excited and nervous to be getting up at 6:00 a.m.  Apart from being in cross-country in junior high, I've never been a part of a "running group."  I have to admit, I really liked it!  Being a part of something where everyone has the same common goal makes your training so much easier!

I met the gals at 6:30 a.m. and off we went.  I was the only one without a watch. I had a spring in my step and was ready to go!  However, by the time they said we had been going 3 miles, I was shocked we weren't done yet!  :)  It encouraged me to get my butt in gear. 

Three things I realized from this run.

1) I do not push myself nearly hard enough!  They were so fast!  It was so much fun seeing what I can do when I give a little extra. :)

2) I needed new socks.  By the time we were back in the parking lot after 5 miles, my feet were blistered and sore!

3) I hope that when I'm nearly 40 years of age like my fellow runners, I am full of energy and life and can use the legs God gave me to take care of my body. :)

I'm hooked on this 6:30 a.m. thing!  :) 

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

my three favorite things


Before I was married, I wasn't much of a cook.  For us, we were living big when we made Hamburger Helper. :)  However, after a few rounds of over salted helpings, I decided I better start making some dishes that were not only healthy, but tasty! 

Hummus, Garlic and Basil.  These three ingredients are integarated into many of the snacks and dishes that I consistently prepare.  Hummus with pitas, crackers, pretzels...on sandwiches...delicious.  Garlic sauteed in chicken with vegetables...on pesto pizza...in chili, in pasta...awesome.  Basil in salads, on sandwiches, on pizza, in pasta...wow!..adds so much.  The aroma of all three is a delectable treat in itself. 

I find that using these flavorful additions can be just what you need to spice up a dish! :)

Friday, August 13, 2010

greek yogurt



One of my favorite snacks or breakfast foods is plain greek yogurt with a hint of honey and topped with some good granola.  It's absolutely delicious.  When I have this for breakfast, I rarely feel the need for a mid-morning snack.  It keeps my tummy full. 

Greek yogurt has been hitting the yogurt aisle like a storm.  There's so many kinds!  Stoneyfield, Chobani, Fage...vanilla, strawyberry, plain, blueberry...it's all good!  Greek yogurt has a thick consistency and is loaded with protein.  I honestly could eat it like icecream! :) 

Try it and tell me what you think! :)

Thursday, August 12, 2010

half-marathon



When JJ and I were dating, I decided it'd be a great idea for us to sign up for my hometown's annual half-marathon. To train for the race, we used one of Hal Hidgdon's half-marathon training guides.  http://www.halhigdon.com/halfmarathon/index.htm  Every day we'd get together and run. Looking back, it was one of my favorite memories from dating. It takes a lot of time and dedication to prepare for a race. When JJ said he'd run a half-marathon with me, it showed me what an incredible guy he was. He doesn't even like to run, and he was willing to run 13.1 miles..plus training! :) We ended up training for about 2 months and finishing in 2 hours and 5 minutes. The training program we used really was fantastic. I highly recommend it!!

Now, we're training again. Except this time JJ will be cheering me on from his bike. :)

I'll keep you posted on how it goes!

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

homemade pizza

Yesterday, my good friend Carrie and I made the best homemade pizza I have ever ate!  It was delicious.  It started from a receipe outline from the "Cooking Light" magazine, but then turned into our own little creation. 
So, here are the ingredients. 
-2 Publix pizza doughs
-Pesto
-Mozzarella
-2 Tbsp. Parmesan Cheese
-Cooking spray
-1/2 medium sized Red Onion
-1 Green Pepper
-4 cloves of Garlic
-Turkey Pepperoni
-5-6 sliced Roma Tomatoes
-Basil

*Note--all these ingredients are fresh and delicious!

We rolled out our dough, put the pesto and garlic on...added our veggies and turkey pepperoni and garnished it with cheese and basil...and voila...a delicious pizza! 

*Note--while you're adding all these fresh ingredients, preheat your oven between 385-400 degrees.


Pop the pizza(s) in the oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes or until your desired golden browness is reached. :)


ENJOY!

Friday, August 6, 2010

yum




Today, JJ and I went to a local produce market and here's what we bought! 

1 cucumber
1 red onion
1 bag of fresh green grapes
2 lemons
2 oranges
4 apples
1 container of tomatoes
1 lb. bag of red potatoes
1 packet of basil

Guess the total price...it was only $14.59!!  I couldn't believe it! The best part is, it's fresh, locally grown, organic yumminess.  :)

Thursday, August 5, 2010

do you eat before you exercise?

Do you eat before you exercise?  Are we supposed to?  This is a question I haven't been able to figure out for the longest time.  I have gone through phases where I'll drink a cup of water before going out to run and I feel great.  Other times I grab a piece of fruit and out the door I go.  Sometimes I think I eat the right amount, wait the right amount of time...and sideaches, heavy legs, ughh...

Well....for any of you who are curious as to what an expert says...here's what I found out from my go-to-source, Jillian Michaels.  :)

To feel energized to endure a hard workout (yes, please! :) , burn calories, and improve muscle tone, Jillian suggests that we eat 45-60 minutes before working out.  This is so we use the glucose (blood sugar) from the food we eat instead of taking away from our muscles' stored glucose.  Not only will you be feeling great, you'll be working on tackling those fat stores in your body, too!

There's even better news!  After your workout, there's  a period of time called "The Golden Hour."  (about 45-60 minutes after a workout) It is suggested to have a light snack (protein and/or carbs) so that your tired and happy muscles can absorb the most nutrients and your stored glucose is replaced.

For the foodies out there, working out may be your ticket to feeling your best yet!  A meal before and a snack after...yum. :)

If you want to check out the "article," here's the link:  http://www.jillianmichaels.com/meet-jillian/ask-jillian-when-to-eat.aspx

Sunday, August 1, 2010

steep and cheap

One of my most favorite websites is:  www.steepandcheap.com  Have you heard of it?  If enjoying outdoor activities in high performance gear is something that excites you, this is the site for you!  This is a gold mine for deals...camping equipment, athletic apparel, shoes, ski jackets, sunglasses, watches, socks, etc. Every 30 minutes (or until the item is sold out) a product is featured at a very discounted price.  :) 

I have found that whenever I buy a new product to use in my exercise routine, such as a pair of new shoes, I'm excited to exercise!  It literally puts a "spring in my step!"  Sometimes, this is just the thing I need to get me through to the next morning run.  :) 

Happy shopping! Happy exercising!