Allo Bonjour!
How's your week getting started- good I hope? I'm doing good, after Retoxing (as opposed to De-toxing) all weekend, I am glad to be starting the week off on a positive note. I had one of those weekends where, if it wasn't nailed down, it was going into the Olde Pie Hole, let me tell ya. You ever have that kind of day/weekend/week/life? No? Well bully for you, wish I could say the same for myself....From time to time it's liberating to just relax and eat whatever you want. Although with that said, I know for me, it makes me feel like crap physically and emotionally. And they say that food doesn't affect how you feel- what a load!
So I resolved to get back on track starting immediatement; a monster green juice helped this morning, followed by a home-made protein bar after training a client this morning. The recipe will follow! The slow cooker has a lovely veggie chili bubbling away inside, and I plan to have a large plate of crudite and PC Edamame Dip for lunch...I feel better already!
Aside from eating like a little piggie all weekend, we did have a good one. Yesterday the three of us attended Mama Mia, courtesy of my incredibly thoughtful Mother in Law. And Brad grinned and beared it- I think he enjoyed it more than he let on. Never mind about quiche- Real Men Listen to Abba I say!
Hey so you like my pic? This is me on Thursday night attending a fancy shmancy work function with Brad. And apparently, I was doing my best to impersonate a politician or Barbara Bush. Huh. Whatever. It'll do for now til hopefully Santa brings me a better camera and I can start doing more in the photo department....
Speaking of Christmas, tis the Season eh! And I don't mean like we already have our tree or lights up- at least not for a few more weeks. Tis the Season to PLAY THE SANTA CARD! Woohoo! If any of you have kids you may already employ this tactic to ensure good behaviour with your kids. Or maybe you don't...but I do! I play that card like I'm in a life or death game of Poker, fo sho. Bring it on! Santa is watching! He's like a Festive Big Brother who is all-seeing. I love it! His omnipresent self gets us one step closer to the All Seeing Easter Bunny...he's twitching his little pink nose and watching YOU with his beady red eyes, muah haha!
Ok enough shenanigans, let's talk about snacks. Here is a recipe for Protein Bars (all natural, and Raw) that I think are delish. You need at least 4 minutes to make them ok? So be ready.
Ingredients:
-1/4 cup coconul oil
-1 1/2 cup old fashioned oats
-1 mashed ripe banana
-1/2 cup shredded coconut (I prefer unsweetened, but fill your boots with the sweetened if you like)
-1/2 cup chocolate chip (I use this measurement loosely, as I belong to the 'no measure' school of baking with chocolate chips)
-1/2 cup maple syrup
-1/2 cup all natural peanut or almond butter
-2-4 scoops of your favorite protein powder
-2 TBS Chia or Salba seeds
-1 tsp vanilla extract
Directions:
- Blend or stir coconut butter with banana till well combined. Don't worry about coconut butter lumps, I swear you won't taste them in the bars. But if they freak you out, use a hand mixer to break them up.
- Add all other ingredients and stir until well combined. If the mixture is super dry, add a splash (not too much!) water to moisten a bit.
- Take a small square brownie pan and line with wax paper. Then spoon the batter in and level it out. Wrap plastic wrap over top, then pop in the freezer for about an hour, till getting quite firm (but not totally frozen).
- Remove from freezer, pop the whole thing out of the pan, and cut into bars. Store in a tupperware container in the freezer, and let thaw for 5 minutes before eating.
Nutritional Info:
- I have no idea!? But they are tasty, and you can easily fiddle around with the ingredients to modify. For example, take out the chocolate chips (yes, i did just say that), and add raisins and cinammon, little chunks of apple. Or add goji berries, or whatever. It'll be yummy, I promise. I think these are a great snack anytime, and are great after excercise. After you workout, you have about 45 minutes to get something into ya that is a good mix of protein and carbs. Otherwise your muscles will turn to whatever is on hand (e.g. themselves) to feed themselves and rebuild. Don't waste all your hard work- eat something healthy stat after excercising, mkay?
So the rest of the day is going to be busy, with errands and running around, not to mention the rest of my cardio workout- mountain climbing. The fearsome Mt Laundry must be conquered. I may require oxygen and a sherpa but I will persevere and summit to the end....wish me luck....
Have a great day yo!
xoMelissa
Monday, November 29, 2010
Monday, November 22, 2010
Carbs Are Not The Enemy! And an Enchilada Recipe...
Hiya!
I had hoped to post this earlier in the day but unfortch time got away from me, so here I am with a dinner recipe, kinda late in the day. Maybe you can make it another time this week if it sounds yummy to you- Veggie Enchiladas Melissa Style. I don't know what it is, but now that it's snowed, and gotten colder, I dream of hot, savoury comfort food that has a modicum of health. And that reminds me of hot sunny places, like Mexico. So the recipe itself probably isn't very authentically Mexican, but whatever, they taste good to us!
Thing are good around here. I spent some quality time at the Cottage on Friday afternoon doing some groceries, among four billion other errands the last few days. I had a nice compliment (I think) at the grocery store though. My cart was LOADED with stuph, as we were down to the bare minimum food wise. So I wheel up to the checkout with all kinds of goodies, and when it was all said and done, the checkout lady said: "Wow, I think this is probably the healthiest order I've ever put through!" And no, I did not elect to tell her about the burger the size of my head, on a glorious fluffy white bun, that awaited me on Saturday night, ahem.
It was interesting because after she said that she went on to lament that her own diet felt like it was lacking because "all I eat is carbs". I've said it before: I am NO dietician. But I responded that as she could see, the majority of what I eat is carbs too. Maybe a different kind...I'm not mowing down on chips and milk chocolate (or burgers) every day for sure, though I do have what the Bean refers to as A Salt Tooth, A Sweet Tooth, A Grease Tooth, and all kinds of other teeth- I'm a regular person. But the point is: Carbs are not the Enemy! Don't believe the hype! Potatoes and bananas are our friends! You need them to be strong and healthy and happy. Your brain won't work properly if you don't get carbs, and your muscles need them for energy. Low Carb Diets, like Atkins are for suckas. It really is, and don't let anyone tell you different. (Of course, if your doc indicates that you should have some kind of specific diet then that's another thing...I'm directing this to the rest of us who just want to be fit/healthy.) The key is moderation, of course. Don't eat white potatoes twice a day every day, that's ridiculous. But enjoy all kinds of healthy carbs- veggies, fruit, legumes, brown rice, quinoa, whole grains, that kind of thing.
I think the reason I felt like I had received a compliment is because I am that dorky person who is totally mortified if I 'need' to buy anything unhealthy, I worry that someone I know might see me at the store, peer into my cart with a look of disdain on their face. I'm no health food martyr, believe me, but most of the time we eat pretty well. I guess I'm a grocery snob...I feel like I have to explain myself to the checkout lady if I have to buy a frozen lasagna once in a blue moon (those are gross btw) for my husband if I'm going out of town or something...
So how did you guys make out the last week? Am I the only one who feels the need to go incognito when buying junk at the grocery store?
So speaking of carbs, veggies, and legumes, let's get down to bidness a'ight? Like I said, I realize this probably isn't a particularly authentic recipe, but it works at my house, and is pretty healthy I think. Here goes:
Ingredients:
-6 Large Tortillas ( I prefer Ezekiel Wraps bc they are hearty, nutritious, and stand up well in the sauce, but you can use whatever you like)
- 1 TBS Olive Oil or Coconut Oil for sauteeing
-1 can EACH of black beans & kidney beans, drained and rinsed
-1 large onion, diced
-1-2 TBS minced garlic
-1 tsp ground cumin, 1 TBS chili powder
-Veggie Stock or Water
-Salt & pepper to taste
-1 small zuchini, diced small
-1/2 sweet red pepper, diced small
-Baby Spinach, washed
-Chopped Black or Green Olives & Sliced pickled Jalapenos (both optional)
-1-2 cups grated cheese of your choice (cheddar, mozza, jack all work well, quantity is up to you based on your Cheese Tooth)
-1 can of prepared Enchilada Sauce, mild or hot.
Directions:
-In a large saucepan or frying pan, heat the oil over medium/high heat. When ready, add onions & garlic, sautee until translucent. Add cumin & chili powder and give a stir to release the flavour. When it smells nice and fragrant (should just be a few seconds), add the beans. Use a potato masher or the back of a wooden spoon to mash the beans up- but not to a pulp, you want some texture. Add a bit of water or stock (about 3/4 of a cup) to make it saucy, and reduce the heat to medium. Keep stirring the mixture until the bean mixture reduces down into more of a pasty consistency as opposed to soupey. Remove from heat and set aside.
-Lightly oil a rectangular casserole dish (like a lasagna pan) and preheat oven to 375.
-Take 1 wrap and spread about 1/4 cup of spinach in bottom. Top with 1/4 cup (or more) of bean mixture. Sprinkle with diced zuke & red pepper (portion it out so you hae enough for all 6 wraps). Then, fold edges of the wrap over, like a tube with the beans & veggies inside. Lay seam side down in the dish, and repeat with all other wraps, beans & veggies.
-The enchiladas should be lined up side by side in the dish, touching one another, nice and snug. Pour the enchilada sauce over everything to coat it, spread it around with a spatula if need be.
-Top with grated cheese, olives & jalapenos if using. Cover with foil and bake for 1/2 hr, till hot and fragrant. Then remove the foil and broil for a bit to get the cheese all golden & bubbly.
-You might want to let it sit for just a little while, then dig in. This is yummy served with chopped cilantro, sour cream and salsa.
At mi casa if anyone tries to get between me and the crunchy corner bits where the cheese melts over into the dish, they're liable to lose a finger. Not even kidding.
Let me know what you think!
Ok, I gotta run for now. I truly hope to post some more in the next week but things are a bit crazy right now so I'll have to play it by ear. I have a wicked recipe for homemade protein bars that will knock your socks off, so if I can I will do my best to put it up!
Hope everyone is well, stay safe on those icy roads out there, yikes...
xoMelissa
I had hoped to post this earlier in the day but unfortch time got away from me, so here I am with a dinner recipe, kinda late in the day. Maybe you can make it another time this week if it sounds yummy to you- Veggie Enchiladas Melissa Style. I don't know what it is, but now that it's snowed, and gotten colder, I dream of hot, savoury comfort food that has a modicum of health. And that reminds me of hot sunny places, like Mexico. So the recipe itself probably isn't very authentically Mexican, but whatever, they taste good to us!
Thing are good around here. I spent some quality time at the Cottage on Friday afternoon doing some groceries, among four billion other errands the last few days. I had a nice compliment (I think) at the grocery store though. My cart was LOADED with stuph, as we were down to the bare minimum food wise. So I wheel up to the checkout with all kinds of goodies, and when it was all said and done, the checkout lady said: "Wow, I think this is probably the healthiest order I've ever put through!" And no, I did not elect to tell her about the burger the size of my head, on a glorious fluffy white bun, that awaited me on Saturday night, ahem.
It was interesting because after she said that she went on to lament that her own diet felt like it was lacking because "all I eat is carbs". I've said it before: I am NO dietician. But I responded that as she could see, the majority of what I eat is carbs too. Maybe a different kind...I'm not mowing down on chips and milk chocolate (or burgers) every day for sure, though I do have what the Bean refers to as A Salt Tooth, A Sweet Tooth, A Grease Tooth, and all kinds of other teeth- I'm a regular person. But the point is: Carbs are not the Enemy! Don't believe the hype! Potatoes and bananas are our friends! You need them to be strong and healthy and happy. Your brain won't work properly if you don't get carbs, and your muscles need them for energy. Low Carb Diets, like Atkins are for suckas. It really is, and don't let anyone tell you different. (Of course, if your doc indicates that you should have some kind of specific diet then that's another thing...I'm directing this to the rest of us who just want to be fit/healthy.) The key is moderation, of course. Don't eat white potatoes twice a day every day, that's ridiculous. But enjoy all kinds of healthy carbs- veggies, fruit, legumes, brown rice, quinoa, whole grains, that kind of thing.
I think the reason I felt like I had received a compliment is because I am that dorky person who is totally mortified if I 'need' to buy anything unhealthy, I worry that someone I know might see me at the store, peer into my cart with a look of disdain on their face. I'm no health food martyr, believe me, but most of the time we eat pretty well. I guess I'm a grocery snob...I feel like I have to explain myself to the checkout lady if I have to buy a frozen lasagna once in a blue moon (those are gross btw) for my husband if I'm going out of town or something...
So how did you guys make out the last week? Am I the only one who feels the need to go incognito when buying junk at the grocery store?
So speaking of carbs, veggies, and legumes, let's get down to bidness a'ight? Like I said, I realize this probably isn't a particularly authentic recipe, but it works at my house, and is pretty healthy I think. Here goes:
Ingredients:
-6 Large Tortillas ( I prefer Ezekiel Wraps bc they are hearty, nutritious, and stand up well in the sauce, but you can use whatever you like)
- 1 TBS Olive Oil or Coconut Oil for sauteeing
-1 can EACH of black beans & kidney beans, drained and rinsed
-1 large onion, diced
-1-2 TBS minced garlic
-1 tsp ground cumin, 1 TBS chili powder
-Veggie Stock or Water
-Salt & pepper to taste
-1 small zuchini, diced small
-1/2 sweet red pepper, diced small
-Baby Spinach, washed
-Chopped Black or Green Olives & Sliced pickled Jalapenos (both optional)
-1-2 cups grated cheese of your choice (cheddar, mozza, jack all work well, quantity is up to you based on your Cheese Tooth)
-1 can of prepared Enchilada Sauce, mild or hot.
Directions:
-In a large saucepan or frying pan, heat the oil over medium/high heat. When ready, add onions & garlic, sautee until translucent. Add cumin & chili powder and give a stir to release the flavour. When it smells nice and fragrant (should just be a few seconds), add the beans. Use a potato masher or the back of a wooden spoon to mash the beans up- but not to a pulp, you want some texture. Add a bit of water or stock (about 3/4 of a cup) to make it saucy, and reduce the heat to medium. Keep stirring the mixture until the bean mixture reduces down into more of a pasty consistency as opposed to soupey. Remove from heat and set aside.
-Lightly oil a rectangular casserole dish (like a lasagna pan) and preheat oven to 375.
-Take 1 wrap and spread about 1/4 cup of spinach in bottom. Top with 1/4 cup (or more) of bean mixture. Sprinkle with diced zuke & red pepper (portion it out so you hae enough for all 6 wraps). Then, fold edges of the wrap over, like a tube with the beans & veggies inside. Lay seam side down in the dish, and repeat with all other wraps, beans & veggies.
-The enchiladas should be lined up side by side in the dish, touching one another, nice and snug. Pour the enchilada sauce over everything to coat it, spread it around with a spatula if need be.
-Top with grated cheese, olives & jalapenos if using. Cover with foil and bake for 1/2 hr, till hot and fragrant. Then remove the foil and broil for a bit to get the cheese all golden & bubbly.
-You might want to let it sit for just a little while, then dig in. This is yummy served with chopped cilantro, sour cream and salsa.
At mi casa if anyone tries to get between me and the crunchy corner bits where the cheese melts over into the dish, they're liable to lose a finger. Not even kidding.
Let me know what you think!
Ok, I gotta run for now. I truly hope to post some more in the next week but things are a bit crazy right now so I'll have to play it by ear. I have a wicked recipe for homemade protein bars that will knock your socks off, so if I can I will do my best to put it up!
Hope everyone is well, stay safe on those icy roads out there, yikes...
xoMelissa
Monday, November 15, 2010
I Run Like A Crazy Fool
Alright People, the Spectacle is over! Nothin' to see here!
Yes, I have just returned from my Own Personal Spectacle, in other words, my first 'run' in over 6 months. It ain't pretty. A runner I am not, I'll be honest; I affectionately refer to my runs more as a 'stagger' up and down the road, it's so slow and uncoordinated. Give me a dumbell, ask me to do pushups and I'm good to go- but lacing up a pair of sneaks and heading out on the open road is at worst, very difficult for me, and at best, the half hour comedy show. Remember how ridiculous Phoebe looked on Friends when she ran? Picture that and you'll have a glimpse into my running style.
Running where I live, in a rural area, is an adventure to be sure. There's the road kill- dodging that makes my run feel like an obstacle course, which is fun. And there are the vehicles- many of which give me a wide berth, others, not so much. The 'honkers' and 'oglers', love those guys, they're the best. Specially the guy who drives the filthy Honey Wagon (septic truck) who honks when he goes past. Wish he'd just pull over so I could get his number for a date, he's so awesome. One time last year when I was staggering- I mean running- along the road, I ran up behind a half drunken country boy, swaggering down the road with no shirt on, and when I passed him he leered: "Awww come on, yew kin run faster n nat"....Yes, like I say, it's always an adventure and a sight to behold when I run. Not quite as funny as when I attempt to do Zumba-type aerobics classes (need I elaborate on the 'Strip Tease Aerobics' Fiasco of 2007?! I think not.) My body just doesn't move in that way, unfortunately. Though I do envy the legions of people who swear by Zumba, it looks like a great workout and a lot of fun. It's just not for me. Ah, but I digress....
So how do I REALLY feel about running?! Well, even though it's not my forte, I try to do it sometimes because it's a physical challenge. I feel good for trying it once it's all done, like proud of myself somehow. And I know it's good for us in a cardiovascular sense. A friend recently asked me how I run, what is my technique. Well, first I put my sneakers on. Then I go out the door and walk for a few minutes to warmup, then I start running and I don't stop until I get home. Usually about 5-6km, maybe 8 km max once I work up to it. I'll probably never do a 1/2 marathon, and I'm fine with that. So there's my technique. The Beastie Boys & Green Day on my Ipod help me to keep moving. I come home and stretch, drink water, have a snack. If it's sunny on Friday I may try it again. Get your tickets now for the 1/2 hr comedy show...
We had a great weekend around here, the sun was shining and it was gorgeous out. Lots of family time, two large workouts at the gym and lots of good food. Last night I made an impromptu Harvest Bake for dindin that turned out pretty good. The Bean gulped it down in about 5 bites, so it must have been a hit. Here's what I used:
- 1 Butternut Squash, peeled and cut into 2 inch chunks
- 1.5 cup Baby Cut Carrots, rinsed
- 2 Large Parsnips, peeled and cut into baby-carrot-sized pieces
- 1 medium onion, chopped, & 1 shallot, chopped
- 2 cups of stale flax bread, cut into large crouton-sized pieces
- Olive Oil, Sea Salt, Cracked Pepper, Minced Garlic & 1 heaping tsp dried thyme leaves (not powdered)
- A few glugs of Organic Vegetable Stock
- Aged White Cheddar- you decide how much cheese you like, I don't want to mention how much I used in case you get weirded out by how much cheese I eat.
Directions:
- In a large bowl, toss the squash pieces, carrots & parsnips with a few glugs of Olive Oil, salt & pepper & garlic to taste. Spread on a cookie sheet and roast at 425, for about 35 minutes. Halfway through, give them a shake so they brown and carmelize on all sides.
-While those veggies are roasting, heat a TBS of olive oil in a saucepan and sautee the onion & shallot until translucent, adding the thyme towards the end to release the flavour.
-When the root veggies are done roasting, toss them back into the bowl with the onion mixture, and add the croutons. Stir to coat, and add a few glugs of the stock to moisten it up a bit- but not enough to make it soggy.
-Spread it all in a greased casserole dish and top with cheese. Cover with foil and bake in the oven at 375 for about 20 minutes, then remove the foil. Broil for a little while longer until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove, let cool for a few minutes and dig in. It's kinda like stuffing. Without all the other stuff. We thought it was yummy....Served with a nice green/spinach salad and you'd be all set. We're having the rest of it tonight around here with said salad to go along with it.
So what else is on the go? Busy busy round these parts, prior to the stagger this a.m. I trained a client, and will do so again later in the week. I'm planning to do an advertising run tomorrow after the gym and bring my flyers to various locations around town to see about picking up a couple more clients, so that should be good. Aside from the usual minutae of everday life I'd like to come up with a few more recipes to post, so I'll work on that too.
What about you guys? Anyone else running like a crazy fool this week? Any tips on running? Or motivating music? Am I the only person who can't Zumba? Oh, and I won't dare tell you exactly how far & fast I ran. For two reasons. Number 1: it doesn't matter. We all gotta go at our own pace, it's not a competition. Just get moving. And Number 2: I don't want to lose my street cred as a fit person by admitting my snail-like pace. Admittedly, I am vain in this regard.
So I'm out for now, hope your week is off to a great start! See you again soon!
xoM
Yes, I have just returned from my Own Personal Spectacle, in other words, my first 'run' in over 6 months. It ain't pretty. A runner I am not, I'll be honest; I affectionately refer to my runs more as a 'stagger' up and down the road, it's so slow and uncoordinated. Give me a dumbell, ask me to do pushups and I'm good to go- but lacing up a pair of sneaks and heading out on the open road is at worst, very difficult for me, and at best, the half hour comedy show. Remember how ridiculous Phoebe looked on Friends when she ran? Picture that and you'll have a glimpse into my running style.
Running where I live, in a rural area, is an adventure to be sure. There's the road kill- dodging that makes my run feel like an obstacle course, which is fun. And there are the vehicles- many of which give me a wide berth, others, not so much. The 'honkers' and 'oglers', love those guys, they're the best. Specially the guy who drives the filthy Honey Wagon (septic truck) who honks when he goes past. Wish he'd just pull over so I could get his number for a date, he's so awesome. One time last year when I was staggering- I mean running- along the road, I ran up behind a half drunken country boy, swaggering down the road with no shirt on, and when I passed him he leered: "Awww come on, yew kin run faster n nat"....Yes, like I say, it's always an adventure and a sight to behold when I run. Not quite as funny as when I attempt to do Zumba-type aerobics classes (need I elaborate on the 'Strip Tease Aerobics' Fiasco of 2007?! I think not.) My body just doesn't move in that way, unfortunately. Though I do envy the legions of people who swear by Zumba, it looks like a great workout and a lot of fun. It's just not for me. Ah, but I digress....
So how do I REALLY feel about running?! Well, even though it's not my forte, I try to do it sometimes because it's a physical challenge. I feel good for trying it once it's all done, like proud of myself somehow. And I know it's good for us in a cardiovascular sense. A friend recently asked me how I run, what is my technique. Well, first I put my sneakers on. Then I go out the door and walk for a few minutes to warmup, then I start running and I don't stop until I get home. Usually about 5-6km, maybe 8 km max once I work up to it. I'll probably never do a 1/2 marathon, and I'm fine with that. So there's my technique. The Beastie Boys & Green Day on my Ipod help me to keep moving. I come home and stretch, drink water, have a snack. If it's sunny on Friday I may try it again. Get your tickets now for the 1/2 hr comedy show...
We had a great weekend around here, the sun was shining and it was gorgeous out. Lots of family time, two large workouts at the gym and lots of good food. Last night I made an impromptu Harvest Bake for dindin that turned out pretty good. The Bean gulped it down in about 5 bites, so it must have been a hit. Here's what I used:
- 1 Butternut Squash, peeled and cut into 2 inch chunks
- 1.5 cup Baby Cut Carrots, rinsed
- 2 Large Parsnips, peeled and cut into baby-carrot-sized pieces
- 1 medium onion, chopped, & 1 shallot, chopped
- 2 cups of stale flax bread, cut into large crouton-sized pieces
- Olive Oil, Sea Salt, Cracked Pepper, Minced Garlic & 1 heaping tsp dried thyme leaves (not powdered)
- A few glugs of Organic Vegetable Stock
- Aged White Cheddar- you decide how much cheese you like, I don't want to mention how much I used in case you get weirded out by how much cheese I eat.
Directions:
- In a large bowl, toss the squash pieces, carrots & parsnips with a few glugs of Olive Oil, salt & pepper & garlic to taste. Spread on a cookie sheet and roast at 425, for about 35 minutes. Halfway through, give them a shake so they brown and carmelize on all sides.
-While those veggies are roasting, heat a TBS of olive oil in a saucepan and sautee the onion & shallot until translucent, adding the thyme towards the end to release the flavour.
-When the root veggies are done roasting, toss them back into the bowl with the onion mixture, and add the croutons. Stir to coat, and add a few glugs of the stock to moisten it up a bit- but not enough to make it soggy.
-Spread it all in a greased casserole dish and top with cheese. Cover with foil and bake in the oven at 375 for about 20 minutes, then remove the foil. Broil for a little while longer until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove, let cool for a few minutes and dig in. It's kinda like stuffing. Without all the other stuff. We thought it was yummy....Served with a nice green/spinach salad and you'd be all set. We're having the rest of it tonight around here with said salad to go along with it.
So what else is on the go? Busy busy round these parts, prior to the stagger this a.m. I trained a client, and will do so again later in the week. I'm planning to do an advertising run tomorrow after the gym and bring my flyers to various locations around town to see about picking up a couple more clients, so that should be good. Aside from the usual minutae of everday life I'd like to come up with a few more recipes to post, so I'll work on that too.
What about you guys? Anyone else running like a crazy fool this week? Any tips on running? Or motivating music? Am I the only person who can't Zumba? Oh, and I won't dare tell you exactly how far & fast I ran. For two reasons. Number 1: it doesn't matter. We all gotta go at our own pace, it's not a competition. Just get moving. And Number 2: I don't want to lose my street cred as a fit person by admitting my snail-like pace. Admittedly, I am vain in this regard.
So I'm out for now, hope your week is off to a great start! See you again soon!
xoM
Monday, November 8, 2010
While My Spandex Lightly Slept
Happy Monday Everyone!
NO really, Happy Monday!
So far this day is going great at my end, I got to start my day with something that's been missing for the last 7 days. I didn't want to mention it before, after all my grand statements about trying to go Vegan for a week, and we all know how that ended up....me being Vegan for 8 hours and then totally falling off the wagon.
But I made a decision last week that I needed to take a real break from excercise, particularly the weightroom. The decision caused me some anxiety, only because the gym is such an integral part of my life. I'm not talking about stressing about calories or energy expended, or gaining weight or anything like that. But, I drink coffee every day, I brush my teeth, I eat cheese, I drink wheatgrass, and....I excercise about 6 days a week. It's not a compulsion, it's a passion for me. I love the way excercise makes me feel while I'm doing it, and how it sets the tone for my day. With all of that said, I was starting to feel like it was time for a break. The week before, after my workouts, I wasn't feeling energized, I was feeling tired. I wasn't feeling motivated at all, I was irritable when I was there, and basically I just wasn't feeling the love. This isn't my normal state as far as the gym is concerned...so I knew that the time had come to take a full-on break. And I did it. Probably sounds lame, but it was a challenge for me.
The first few days off were fine, no problemo. By day 4 I was starting to feel like a junkie in need of a fix. I hungrily eyed dumbells in Walmart. I sighed as I passed fitness clothing stores. I didn't even walk past the gym, it would have been too much. I heard some of the songs on my Ipod that I listen to during workouts and I felt nostalgic. Yes, I am a dork. And so, as my Luon and Spandex gently slept for the week, I ate the way I usually do (like a piglet), rested, and within days my energy came back and I started feeling like my old self again. I burst into the gym this morning with more energy than I left with and killed a shoulder, ab & short cardio workout, with a smile on my face I was so happy! Even the guy who appeared to be trying to take an upper body shower in the water fountain (don't even ask) brought a smile to my face instead of running to the locker room for a good dousing of Purel. Ahhh. It's good to be back!
Our weekend was a busy and social one, with lots of rain (yuck), but lots of family time and hanging with friends (yahoo!). My friend JH made us an extraordinary, life changing Grilled Halloumi Salad with Caper-Lime Vinnaigrette. I must resolve to eat more Halloumi, there's nothing like it...salty, firm, squeaky, almost like the meat of the cheese world due to it's unique texture, it's gorgeous in a sandwich too. And now the Superstore carries it, so Halloumi For Everyone! Shall I post a version of the salad? Anyone innerested???
Speaking of food, this week's menu is all about the yummy:
-Cashew-Basil Pesto on Soba Noodles, topped with cherry tomatoes
-Kale & Brown Rice Gratin
-Spelt Pizza with Grilled Veg & Goat Cheese (and Hawaiian for the Bean and Brad)
-Stuffed Peppers
-Azuki Beans with Squash, Kombu & a side of Quinoa
- I think this is quite enough! There'll be leftovers to carry us through to the weekend...
The rest of the day today will involve experimenting with a Chocolate Coconut Flour Cake recipe (I'll let ya know), picking up my Sweetie Pie from school, setting client appointments, and a trip to Costco & Hell on Earth (Walmart) for some Personal Training supplies. I'm sure after all that, the pesto & pasta and a glass of Banrock Station Shiraz will be required.
How's your week looking so far? At least it's not a full week right? I hope you all have Thursday off too?
And now I must Away To The Kitchen, coconut and chocolate are calling my name....
Have a great one!
xoM
NO really, Happy Monday!
So far this day is going great at my end, I got to start my day with something that's been missing for the last 7 days. I didn't want to mention it before, after all my grand statements about trying to go Vegan for a week, and we all know how that ended up....me being Vegan for 8 hours and then totally falling off the wagon.
But I made a decision last week that I needed to take a real break from excercise, particularly the weightroom. The decision caused me some anxiety, only because the gym is such an integral part of my life. I'm not talking about stressing about calories or energy expended, or gaining weight or anything like that. But, I drink coffee every day, I brush my teeth, I eat cheese, I drink wheatgrass, and....I excercise about 6 days a week. It's not a compulsion, it's a passion for me. I love the way excercise makes me feel while I'm doing it, and how it sets the tone for my day. With all of that said, I was starting to feel like it was time for a break. The week before, after my workouts, I wasn't feeling energized, I was feeling tired. I wasn't feeling motivated at all, I was irritable when I was there, and basically I just wasn't feeling the love. This isn't my normal state as far as the gym is concerned...so I knew that the time had come to take a full-on break. And I did it. Probably sounds lame, but it was a challenge for me.
The first few days off were fine, no problemo. By day 4 I was starting to feel like a junkie in need of a fix. I hungrily eyed dumbells in Walmart. I sighed as I passed fitness clothing stores. I didn't even walk past the gym, it would have been too much. I heard some of the songs on my Ipod that I listen to during workouts and I felt nostalgic. Yes, I am a dork. And so, as my Luon and Spandex gently slept for the week, I ate the way I usually do (like a piglet), rested, and within days my energy came back and I started feeling like my old self again. I burst into the gym this morning with more energy than I left with and killed a shoulder, ab & short cardio workout, with a smile on my face I was so happy! Even the guy who appeared to be trying to take an upper body shower in the water fountain (don't even ask) brought a smile to my face instead of running to the locker room for a good dousing of Purel. Ahhh. It's good to be back!
Our weekend was a busy and social one, with lots of rain (yuck), but lots of family time and hanging with friends (yahoo!). My friend JH made us an extraordinary, life changing Grilled Halloumi Salad with Caper-Lime Vinnaigrette. I must resolve to eat more Halloumi, there's nothing like it...salty, firm, squeaky, almost like the meat of the cheese world due to it's unique texture, it's gorgeous in a sandwich too. And now the Superstore carries it, so Halloumi For Everyone! Shall I post a version of the salad? Anyone innerested???
Speaking of food, this week's menu is all about the yummy:
-Cashew-Basil Pesto on Soba Noodles, topped with cherry tomatoes
-Kale & Brown Rice Gratin
-Spelt Pizza with Grilled Veg & Goat Cheese (and Hawaiian for the Bean and Brad)
-Stuffed Peppers
-Azuki Beans with Squash, Kombu & a side of Quinoa
- I think this is quite enough! There'll be leftovers to carry us through to the weekend...
The rest of the day today will involve experimenting with a Chocolate Coconut Flour Cake recipe (I'll let ya know), picking up my Sweetie Pie from school, setting client appointments, and a trip to Costco & Hell on Earth (Walmart) for some Personal Training supplies. I'm sure after all that, the pesto & pasta and a glass of Banrock Station Shiraz will be required.
How's your week looking so far? At least it's not a full week right? I hope you all have Thursday off too?
And now I must Away To The Kitchen, coconut and chocolate are calling my name....
Have a great one!
xoM
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Egg on my Face
Good Morning My Friends!
Well it is with a great deal of egg on my face that I am writing to you today. Or to be precise, parmesan cheese on my face. My sister-in-law emailed this morning to get an update on my personal Vegan Week challenge...and er....well, I have to be honest, it's not going great. I was doing fine all day yesterday; green juice for brekkie, Sun Warrior smoothie post-workout, and a huge delicious sandwich of toasted organic rye bread, sliced artichokes, spinach, vegan mayo & sprouts. No worries. Then suppertime rolled around and it was game over. Brown rice pilaf with peas, steamed brocoli w/ Earth Balance and roasted baby brussel sprouts. I couldn't resist at the end and topped those sprouts with parmesan cheese. Okay? There, I said it. I just couldn't bring myself to eat the 'vegan parm topping' I had purchased earlier in the day. One taste of that vile sawdust-like stuff and I just about yakked. Although with that said the parm topping was NOTHING compared to the soy cheddar 'cheese' brick I bought over the weekend. The Bean and I sampled it as soon as we got home and then it went into the compost almost as quickly. It was soy disgusting. Imagine what orange silly putty might taste like and you'll be close. Yuck.
So here I am, feeling like a goof, I was all geared up to try to be vegan for a week and I couldn't even last a day. It is what it is, and I'm not going to stress about it. Why did I even want to give up le fromage in the first place? I am lucky that I don't need to, so why deny myself. Denying stresses me out. So if you have been successful with the veganism, I applaud you! And if you're like me and couldn't hack it, well whatevah. Let's move on!
We had the best Halloween ever this year. Earlier in the week I had discussed with the Bean the notion of a replay of last year's Halloween, where we did some trick or treating but then I 'bought' her candy from her. She got to pick a couple of pieces of candy that she really wanted and then the rest of it went into the garbage, and in exchange she had a few bucks to buy herself a toy. She was on board with the idea again this year, which was great. Needless to say it was terribly cold and rainy on Sunday night so instead, the three of us went shopping with her money and she bought herself a toy, and we also picked up a few board games. So rather than trudging through the rain for an hour or two we cozied up by the fire and played KerPlunk and Mouse Trap for a few hours...it was the best! No sugar-shock for the little one, no cranky aftereffects, and we had a wonderful time together. We all win!
But the weekend wasn't completely without treats. I found a double chocolate chip cookie recipe (Raw) and tweaked it a bit, the cookies were decadent and glorious. If you don't have a dehydrator you can make them in your oven- just put it on it's lowest setting and while the cookies are inside, crack the door of the oven so it doesn't get too hot. Here's the recipe:
Ingredients:
-1 cup pureed zuchini
-1/3 cup Agave (or Maple Syrup, adjust quantity to your sweet tooth)
-1/2 cup Coconut Butter
-1 cup Ground Flax Meal
-1.5 cups Old Fashioned Dry Oats
-1/2 cup Cocoa Powder
-1/2 cup chocolate chips (I belong to the 'More is More' school of chocolate chips, so add more if you like, I always do)
Directions:
Mix together the pureed zuke, agave & coconut butter in a food processor or with beaters. In a separate bowl, mix together the oats, flax meal, cocoa. Combine wet and dry ingredients & add chocolate chips. Spoon heaping tablespoons of cookie dough onto parchment-lined cookie sheets or dehydrator trays. I dehydrated the cookies for a few hours at about 105 degrees. For an oven I would leave them in the oven at the lowest setting for 2-3 hrs with the door ajar. Depends on how moist you want them, so just check on them. These are really chocolatey and satisfying. And healthy, so enjoy!
So what's on the go the rest of the week? Here's the menu:
-Brown Rice Pilaf with Brocoli & Roasted Brussels (last night)
-Southwestern Corn & Black Bean Quinoa
-Brocoli-Cashew Stirfry, Sesame spinach, Cucumber salad
-Dirty Rice & Beans (possibly with Turkey Sausage for the Bean and Brad, sans saucisson pour moi)
-Cauliflower,Chickpea & Tomato Curry
Anyone ever bake with Coconut Flour? Whattaya make? I bought some at the Bulk Barn this weekend and am looking forward to trying it out. If you have something yummy to share I'd love to hear it!
Ok well I gotta run for now, many errands to take care of so I'm out. Thanks for letting me admit my defeat, hope you don't think any less of me. You ever say you were going to do something and then just couldn't?
xoMelissa
Well it is with a great deal of egg on my face that I am writing to you today. Or to be precise, parmesan cheese on my face. My sister-in-law emailed this morning to get an update on my personal Vegan Week challenge...and er....well, I have to be honest, it's not going great. I was doing fine all day yesterday; green juice for brekkie, Sun Warrior smoothie post-workout, and a huge delicious sandwich of toasted organic rye bread, sliced artichokes, spinach, vegan mayo & sprouts. No worries. Then suppertime rolled around and it was game over. Brown rice pilaf with peas, steamed brocoli w/ Earth Balance and roasted baby brussel sprouts. I couldn't resist at the end and topped those sprouts with parmesan cheese. Okay? There, I said it. I just couldn't bring myself to eat the 'vegan parm topping' I had purchased earlier in the day. One taste of that vile sawdust-like stuff and I just about yakked. Although with that said the parm topping was NOTHING compared to the soy cheddar 'cheese' brick I bought over the weekend. The Bean and I sampled it as soon as we got home and then it went into the compost almost as quickly. It was soy disgusting. Imagine what orange silly putty might taste like and you'll be close. Yuck.
So here I am, feeling like a goof, I was all geared up to try to be vegan for a week and I couldn't even last a day. It is what it is, and I'm not going to stress about it. Why did I even want to give up le fromage in the first place? I am lucky that I don't need to, so why deny myself. Denying stresses me out. So if you have been successful with the veganism, I applaud you! And if you're like me and couldn't hack it, well whatevah. Let's move on!
We had the best Halloween ever this year. Earlier in the week I had discussed with the Bean the notion of a replay of last year's Halloween, where we did some trick or treating but then I 'bought' her candy from her. She got to pick a couple of pieces of candy that she really wanted and then the rest of it went into the garbage, and in exchange she had a few bucks to buy herself a toy. She was on board with the idea again this year, which was great. Needless to say it was terribly cold and rainy on Sunday night so instead, the three of us went shopping with her money and she bought herself a toy, and we also picked up a few board games. So rather than trudging through the rain for an hour or two we cozied up by the fire and played KerPlunk and Mouse Trap for a few hours...it was the best! No sugar-shock for the little one, no cranky aftereffects, and we had a wonderful time together. We all win!
But the weekend wasn't completely without treats. I found a double chocolate chip cookie recipe (Raw) and tweaked it a bit, the cookies were decadent and glorious. If you don't have a dehydrator you can make them in your oven- just put it on it's lowest setting and while the cookies are inside, crack the door of the oven so it doesn't get too hot. Here's the recipe:
Ingredients:
-1 cup pureed zuchini
-1/3 cup Agave (or Maple Syrup, adjust quantity to your sweet tooth)
-1/2 cup Coconut Butter
-1 cup Ground Flax Meal
-1.5 cups Old Fashioned Dry Oats
-1/2 cup Cocoa Powder
-1/2 cup chocolate chips (I belong to the 'More is More' school of chocolate chips, so add more if you like, I always do)
Directions:
Mix together the pureed zuke, agave & coconut butter in a food processor or with beaters. In a separate bowl, mix together the oats, flax meal, cocoa. Combine wet and dry ingredients & add chocolate chips. Spoon heaping tablespoons of cookie dough onto parchment-lined cookie sheets or dehydrator trays. I dehydrated the cookies for a few hours at about 105 degrees. For an oven I would leave them in the oven at the lowest setting for 2-3 hrs with the door ajar. Depends on how moist you want them, so just check on them. These are really chocolatey and satisfying. And healthy, so enjoy!
So what's on the go the rest of the week? Here's the menu:
-Brown Rice Pilaf with Brocoli & Roasted Brussels (last night)
-Southwestern Corn & Black Bean Quinoa
-Brocoli-Cashew Stirfry, Sesame spinach, Cucumber salad
-Dirty Rice & Beans (possibly with Turkey Sausage for the Bean and Brad, sans saucisson pour moi)
-Cauliflower,Chickpea & Tomato Curry
Anyone ever bake with Coconut Flour? Whattaya make? I bought some at the Bulk Barn this weekend and am looking forward to trying it out. If you have something yummy to share I'd love to hear it!
Ok well I gotta run for now, many errands to take care of so I'm out. Thanks for letting me admit my defeat, hope you don't think any less of me. You ever say you were going to do something and then just couldn't?
xoMelissa
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)