Hello!!
I know I've slacked on the posting for a while.
I've been pretty busy having a great summer.....so far ;)
Running group is going really great, I've been doing track night as well as a long run with the Rio Rancho USA Fit. Who knew Rio Rancho was so hilly??? I have to say this has been a very different experience from the first attempt at running group. Everyone is friendly and so encouraging to each other it is such a positive environment. I was actually pretty bummed when I had to miss one week. We did 7 miles Saturday morning, first half up hill and since it was a down and out run the second half was down hill.....thank goodness! I'm still not running outside alone as much as I probably should. It seems to be really difficult to convince myself that outside is better than an air conditioner and something to hold my kindle while I run. Track night has involved lots of sprints, my favorite (read with sarcasm)! But I surprised myself with a little speed, all the awesome trainer induced sprints must have done a thing or two to speed up this self proclaimed slow poke.
I tried Hot Pilate's with the very cool running coach and it was awesome. I can't wait to go again this week. I think I sweat more than I ever have in that class. It felt great and after the running coach had home made Popsicles that were delicious and surprisingly pretty healthy. Have I mentioned how much I love being around fit healthy people its so fun.
With all of this fun activity there has been some pretty great eats. Most recently some Almond Bars, that I'm completely amazed at how tasty they came out.
Almond Butter Bars
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup Garden of Life Raw Chocolate Protein
1/2 cup garbanzo & fava bean flour, it sound weird but totally worth trying has protein and low in carbs
1/2 cup raw almond butter
2 tbsp coconut oil
3 tbsp raw honey
1/2 tsp sea salt
3-4 tbsp almond milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp butter extract
2 tbsp chia seeds
Mix, with a mixer or food processor, press into a rectangle pan. Refrigerate until firm. Then cut into 12 bars and enjoy.
No pictures I've not been in the mood to snack a picture of my food but I highly recommend this as a snack. It was filling and has lots of protein.
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Monday, May 27, 2013
Training group run #2 and protein bars 05-27-13
Good evening!!
Hope everyone has had a wonderful Memorial Day.
Saturday was my second run with the running group. It went well, we did 5 hilly miles. It was a giant reminder that I must get over my love of running while watching TV, reading and with a controlled climate. I can easily run for 2 hours on the treadmill but outside I struggle with hills and hate the wind! I am really enjoying this running group. It is such a better experience than the first one. I'm sure it has a little to do with my fabulously fit friend who is also running with me.
So tomorrow I have grand plans to go for a run before work. I've said this many, many times but the snooze button is so easy to hit and my bed is so warn and comfy! Maybe telling who ever is reading this, all 3 of you, will help me actually do it.
After the fun filled five hilly miles I joined my fit buddy for an hour session with her trainer. We did legs. I found out recently that the awesome trainer is moving. Boo for me but of course great for him. I thought about finding another trainer although I may find that more difficult that I thought. The session was good. I definitely felt a little soreness in my legs the next day. It was way too far for me to travel for an hour workout, especially if its 2-3 times a week. I don't know if that workout was quite my "style" but I am considering it, since he was willing to meet me at a gym closer to me. It may be easier to stay with the awesome trainer and do online training or something, I mean he is awesome!
So during my grocery shopping this weekend I struggled with my addiction to fruit! I have been eating way too much fruit, at breakfast, lunch and for snacks! Its so tasty and good for you but probably not in mass quantities like I have been consuming. I kept having to put stuff back. While looking for snack recipes I found a recipe I printed long ago and it gave me an idea for a protein bar. This bar ended up about 195 calories, 11.5g fat, 12.5g carbs and a whopping 11g protein. These are of course estimates and it varies if you use different brands. They are delicious and a great snack, maybe with some veggies.
Chocolate Chunk Protein Bars
1 cup old fashioned oats
1/2 cup ground flax meal
1/4 cup almond meal
1/2 cup unsweetened almond butter
1 cup unsweetened milk, I used almond but any would work
1/2 tsp stevia extract
1/2 tsp butter extract, I love this and will be baking with this more!!
1/4 tsp sea salt
5 scoops Garden of Life Raw Chocolate Protein
1/3 cup chopped pecans
Dark Chocolate chunks, I used 1 serving, 12 squares, of the dark chocolate pictured
1/3-1/4 cup would work
Place oats in food processor, or blender and pulse so the oats are ground, set aside. Mix, in food processor or blender, all liquid ingredients. Add remaining dry ingredients to liquid and pulse until mixed. Press down into a pan. Refrigerate until firm and cut into 12 pieces.
They are not very sweet, more sweetener could be used but I am trying to cut my consumption of sugar and sugar substitutes so I limited what I added. If you want these sweeter I would add 1 tsp more of stevia extract. Either way enjoy!!
Hope everyone has had a wonderful Memorial Day.
Saturday was my second run with the running group. It went well, we did 5 hilly miles. It was a giant reminder that I must get over my love of running while watching TV, reading and with a controlled climate. I can easily run for 2 hours on the treadmill but outside I struggle with hills and hate the wind! I am really enjoying this running group. It is such a better experience than the first one. I'm sure it has a little to do with my fabulously fit friend who is also running with me.
So tomorrow I have grand plans to go for a run before work. I've said this many, many times but the snooze button is so easy to hit and my bed is so warn and comfy! Maybe telling who ever is reading this, all 3 of you, will help me actually do it.
After the fun filled five hilly miles I joined my fit buddy for an hour session with her trainer. We did legs. I found out recently that the awesome trainer is moving. Boo for me but of course great for him. I thought about finding another trainer although I may find that more difficult that I thought. The session was good. I definitely felt a little soreness in my legs the next day. It was way too far for me to travel for an hour workout, especially if its 2-3 times a week. I don't know if that workout was quite my "style" but I am considering it, since he was willing to meet me at a gym closer to me. It may be easier to stay with the awesome trainer and do online training or something, I mean he is awesome!
So during my grocery shopping this weekend I struggled with my addiction to fruit! I have been eating way too much fruit, at breakfast, lunch and for snacks! Its so tasty and good for you but probably not in mass quantities like I have been consuming. I kept having to put stuff back. While looking for snack recipes I found a recipe I printed long ago and it gave me an idea for a protein bar. This bar ended up about 195 calories, 11.5g fat, 12.5g carbs and a whopping 11g protein. These are of course estimates and it varies if you use different brands. They are delicious and a great snack, maybe with some veggies.
Chocolate Chunk Protein Bars
1 cup old fashioned oats
1/2 cup ground flax meal
1/4 cup almond meal
1/2 cup unsweetened almond butter
1 cup unsweetened milk, I used almond but any would work
1/2 tsp stevia extract
1/2 tsp butter extract, I love this and will be baking with this more!!
1/4 tsp sea salt
5 scoops Garden of Life Raw Chocolate Protein
1/3 cup chopped pecans
Dark Chocolate chunks, I used 1 serving, 12 squares, of the dark chocolate pictured
1/3-1/4 cup would work
Place oats in food processor, or blender and pulse so the oats are ground, set aside. Mix, in food processor or blender, all liquid ingredients. Add remaining dry ingredients to liquid and pulse until mixed. Press down into a pan. Refrigerate until firm and cut into 12 pieces.
They are not very sweet, more sweetener could be used but I am trying to cut my consumption of sugar and sugar substitutes so I limited what I added. If you want these sweeter I would add 1 tsp more of stevia extract. Either way enjoy!!
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Chicken enchiladas and first training group run 5-22-13
Good Evening!!
I hope everyone is having a great week.
I had my first run with the Rio Rancho USA Fit running group. I heard it was a great group to run with through a friend and so far I agree. Minus being allergic to the grass we stretched in after, hives and horrible allergies all weekend long! Everyone was friendly and there were no crazy rules to follow. They even encouraged us to listen to music if that's what we like to do. Safety was a topic and it was recommended to only use one ear bud to hear traffic and other runners. We were supposed to do 4 miles but I had my sisters graduation to get to so I only did 2 miles with the half marathon group and my speedy friend. There were lots of hills but it was over all a good run even though it was a bit faster than I planned on. This weekend we are doing 5 miles. I'm pretty excited. I've had less soreness in my hip, which has been problematic in the past. Still having soreness in my heels, but its less than I was having with my last pair of shoes. So far the new Nike's are working great!!
On to the good stuff......FOOD!
I love chicken enchiladas but they are not the healthiest thing and can be expensive if purchased. So I made my own take out.
It was surprisingly easy to make.
2 chicken breasts, sprinkled with Mrs Dash chili lime seasoning and sea salt then grilled till done.
1/2 onion chopped, 2-3 garlic and 1/2 cup chopped tomato sprayed with extra virgin olive oil then sprinkled with sea salt.
Roasted 350F until tender, about 25 minutes. Toss veggies into blender with 2-3 tbsp chili powder, depending on how hot you like it. Thin with chicken broth.
Spray the bottom of a saute pan with more extra virgin olive oil. Add chili mixture and simmer 20 minutes.
Add 1 tbsp Italian seasoning.
Shred cheese and chicken. Warm tortillas, so they will roll better. I did it in the microwave but it can be done on the stove, in the oven or in a pan. Fill with chicken, cheese and red chili then roll.
I did 2 tortillas and smothered with more chili and cheese. Add a little bit of refried beans and bake 15-20 minutes at 350F.
YUMMY!!! Top with lettuce, tomato, onion and enjoy.
I hope everyone is having a great week.
I had my first run with the Rio Rancho USA Fit running group. I heard it was a great group to run with through a friend and so far I agree. Minus being allergic to the grass we stretched in after, hives and horrible allergies all weekend long! Everyone was friendly and there were no crazy rules to follow. They even encouraged us to listen to music if that's what we like to do. Safety was a topic and it was recommended to only use one ear bud to hear traffic and other runners. We were supposed to do 4 miles but I had my sisters graduation to get to so I only did 2 miles with the half marathon group and my speedy friend. There were lots of hills but it was over all a good run even though it was a bit faster than I planned on. This weekend we are doing 5 miles. I'm pretty excited. I've had less soreness in my hip, which has been problematic in the past. Still having soreness in my heels, but its less than I was having with my last pair of shoes. So far the new Nike's are working great!!
On to the good stuff......FOOD!
I love chicken enchiladas but they are not the healthiest thing and can be expensive if purchased. So I made my own take out.
Run for the Zoo...should've been 5-5-13
Grrr! I wrote this a while ago and scheduled it to post in the morning but forgot to hit post so It has been sitting here waiting to be posted.
Hello Friends!!
Hope everyone has had a great weekend. I did run for the zoo yesterday. It went well, mostly. It was windy and cold. So cold I left my hoody on the entire run. I usually totally over heat with a hoody and end up taking it off a mile or two in, but not this time all the wind kept me nice and cool.
I also tried NUUN's active hydration. I LOVE THEM!!! I will keep using them, they are tasty and worked well. No cramping like the last half. I ran a little slower than I usually do because I was so worried about cramping, it was so painful and I hopefully never have to do that again! I stopped and used the port-a-potty twice and even stretched while in the line waiting for ever.
The course was not my favorite. It was pretty but whew was it smelly!!! I'm not someone who has a sensitive stomach but running past something that smelled like the inside of a port-a-potty (not once but twice!!!) and by the tortilla factory that must have been burning tortillas (again not once but twice) I thought I was going to revisit my usual race morning breakfast of oatmeal.
This was my 5th half in about 8months!!! I set a goal last year to do 6 in a year and I'm almost there woohoo!!!
After my run I met my family and did the 5k with mom and the midgets. No they are not really midgets, just my 2 nieces and nephew. 16.2 miles that day! I of course ran the last 3.1 really slow. Its hard to run fast with a 4 year old, even though she runs past people and shouts "I'm faster than you" or "I'm passing you". Most people laugh and compliment her awesome tutu. My nephew ran the whole thing and was totally bummed that we did the un-timed run because he finished long before us.
So pretty good start to my own official marathon training!!
Hello Friends!!
Hope everyone has had a great weekend. I did run for the zoo yesterday. It went well, mostly. It was windy and cold. So cold I left my hoody on the entire run. I usually totally over heat with a hoody and end up taking it off a mile or two in, but not this time all the wind kept me nice and cool.
I also tried NUUN's active hydration. I LOVE THEM!!! I will keep using them, they are tasty and worked well. No cramping like the last half. I ran a little slower than I usually do because I was so worried about cramping, it was so painful and I hopefully never have to do that again! I stopped and used the port-a-potty twice and even stretched while in the line waiting for ever.
The course was not my favorite. It was pretty but whew was it smelly!!! I'm not someone who has a sensitive stomach but running past something that smelled like the inside of a port-a-potty (not once but twice!!!) and by the tortilla factory that must have been burning tortillas (again not once but twice) I thought I was going to revisit my usual race morning breakfast of oatmeal.
This was my 5th half in about 8months!!! I set a goal last year to do 6 in a year and I'm almost there woohoo!!!
After my run I met my family and did the 5k with mom and the midgets. No they are not really midgets, just my 2 nieces and nephew. 16.2 miles that day! I of course ran the last 3.1 really slow. Its hard to run fast with a 4 year old, even though she runs past people and shouts "I'm faster than you" or "I'm passing you". Most people laugh and compliment her awesome tutu. My nephew ran the whole thing and was totally bummed that we did the un-timed run because he finished long before us.
So pretty good start to my own official marathon training!!
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
6miles and my favorite smoothie 4-30-2013
Hello! I know, I know its late. I should be in bed or at the very least doing some homework. But if you know me it shouldn't surprise you that I will do just about anything to put off homework.
Good 6mile run today. Thank goodness I bought a book that I couldn't put down. Since I run mostly on the treadmill, yes I know outside is better but I like air conditioning, somewhere to put my water bottle and access to a restroom, I have been reading to pass the miles. It does make me a little bit slower, not that I needed any help in that department. The good thing though is today while running my 6 miles I got lost in the drama of the dysfunctional love story I was reading looked up and was 4.5 miles in! WooHoo!! Now I just need to find another book Since I bought it yesterday and finished it tonight :-/ no I'm not kidding I did really read it in 2 days. Maybe I will get lucky and find something that will last me for a 20 mile run that I will be doing in the not so distant future. I'm thinking trying a audio book might be an interesting distraction when I do actually run outside. Ha maybe I will finally finish the Game of Thrones Series.
Loving my new shoes, but a new ache/soreness in one of my calves. I really hope its not the shoes......I'm seriously tired of trying to find the right pair of shoes.
Well now on to what you have been the chocolate smoothie!
4-5 medium small beets, steamed. I buy the giant package of portioned out steamed beets from Costco. A single portioned out package works perfectly
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
5 dates
1 tbsp chia seeds
1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1 scoop chocolate Raw Garden of Life Protein
1 banana
1 cupish strawberries, blackberries, raspberries or mixture of all three.
Toss everything into the blender and blend until smooth. This makes 2-3 smoothies for, depending on how hungry I am.
Good 6mile run today. Thank goodness I bought a book that I couldn't put down. Since I run mostly on the treadmill, yes I know outside is better but I like air conditioning, somewhere to put my water bottle and access to a restroom, I have been reading to pass the miles. It does make me a little bit slower, not that I needed any help in that department. The good thing though is today while running my 6 miles I got lost in the drama of the dysfunctional love story I was reading looked up and was 4.5 miles in! WooHoo!! Now I just need to find another book Since I bought it yesterday and finished it tonight :-/ no I'm not kidding I did really read it in 2 days. Maybe I will get lucky and find something that will last me for a 20 mile run that I will be doing in the not so distant future. I'm thinking trying a audio book might be an interesting distraction when I do actually run outside. Ha maybe I will finally finish the Game of Thrones Series.
Loving my new shoes, but a new ache/soreness in one of my calves. I really hope its not the shoes......I'm seriously tired of trying to find the right pair of shoes.
Well now on to what you have been the chocolate smoothie!
4-5 medium small beets, steamed. I buy the giant package of portioned out steamed beets from Costco. A single portioned out package works perfectly
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
5 dates
1 tbsp chia seeds
1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1 scoop chocolate Raw Garden of Life Protein
1 banana
1 cupish strawberries, blackberries, raspberries or mixture of all three.
Toss everything into the blender and blend until smooth. This makes 2-3 smoothies for, depending on how hungry I am.
Monday, April 29, 2013
Start of Marathon Training!!! Salad Nicoise 4-29-13
Happy Monday! Hope everyone had a relaxing weekend.
So, I sat read this hilarious book about training for your first marathon with lots of tips and a few different training plans. If you ever think about running a full marathon pick up this book, it was a fun easy read. The Non runners Marathon Guide for Women by Dawn Dais.
Good thing, I'm already running a sufficient amount during the week. Bad thing, I have to double my long runs.....eeekkk! I also bought some new running shoes this weekend and let me just say I love how cushy they are. I went to a local running shop and the guy there was really helpful. I told him what I have been running in and the issues I have been having with those shoes. He had me walk around bare foot, measured and inspected my feet. He showed me a few shoes he thought I would like and the first one I tried on I fell in love with. Big surprise to me, the last pair I bought were for pronators, my Mizunos were over correcting making my foot placement off a bit. I really wanted to go for a run yesterday but it was a "rest" day, boo. Instead I sat down with my calendar and wrote out my runs and work outs for the week, in an attempt to plan out my training. I've decided not to follow any specific training plan, instead I joined USA Fit Rio a running group that will be training for the full marathon at Duke City this year. What a coincidence thats the one I will do. Not exited about having to drive to Rio Rancho every Saturday at 7am for long runs but it will get me outside and off the treadmill, which I need to do more. Today's run 3mi, nothing major because I have to make sure I survive the trainer torture session this afternoon ;0
I'm doing another half marathon this weekend, Run for The Zoo. This was my very first race. I did this one way back in 7th grade, I think it was all of 1 mile and so fun. I should have realized my love of running then!
Salad Nicoise is one of my favorite salads and have been since I first made it in culinary school years.
Its a simple constructed salad that is quite pretty.
3 Hard boiled eggs
Tomatoes
Thinly Sliced Red Onion
Steamed Green Beans
1 Avocado
1 small jar Artichoke Hearts
Kale
Spinach
Arugula
1 can Tuna in oil
1 tbsp Dijon
1 tbsp Minced Shallots
Sea Salt and Pepper
2 Tbsp Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar
1/2 lemon juiced
Fresh Thyme, Oregano and Basil
To make the vinaigrette, drain tuna and save oil. Chop shallots very small. Whisk in small bowl oil, shallots, dijon, vinegar, herbs, Salt and Pepper to taste and lemon juice. In a bowl toss greens. Arrange all salad toppings on top of greens. Drizzle with dressing. I had enough for 3 servings.
So, I sat read this hilarious book about training for your first marathon with lots of tips and a few different training plans. If you ever think about running a full marathon pick up this book, it was a fun easy read. The Non runners Marathon Guide for Women by Dawn Dais.
Good thing, I'm already running a sufficient amount during the week. Bad thing, I have to double my long runs.....eeekkk! I also bought some new running shoes this weekend and let me just say I love how cushy they are. I went to a local running shop and the guy there was really helpful. I told him what I have been running in and the issues I have been having with those shoes. He had me walk around bare foot, measured and inspected my feet. He showed me a few shoes he thought I would like and the first one I tried on I fell in love with. Big surprise to me, the last pair I bought were for pronators, my Mizunos were over correcting making my foot placement off a bit. I really wanted to go for a run yesterday but it was a "rest" day, boo. Instead I sat down with my calendar and wrote out my runs and work outs for the week, in an attempt to plan out my training. I've decided not to follow any specific training plan, instead I joined USA Fit Rio a running group that will be training for the full marathon at Duke City this year. What a coincidence thats the one I will do. Not exited about having to drive to Rio Rancho every Saturday at 7am for long runs but it will get me outside and off the treadmill, which I need to do more. Today's run 3mi, nothing major because I have to make sure I survive the trainer torture session this afternoon ;0
I'm doing another half marathon this weekend, Run for The Zoo. This was my very first race. I did this one way back in 7th grade, I think it was all of 1 mile and so fun. I should have realized my love of running then!
Salad Nicoise is one of my favorite salads and have been since I first made it in culinary school years.
Its a simple constructed salad that is quite pretty.
TomatoesThinly Sliced Red Onion
Steamed Green Beans
1 Avocado
1 small jar Artichoke Hearts
Kale
Spinach
Arugula
1 can Tuna in oil
1 tbsp Dijon
1 tbsp Minced Shallots
Sea Salt and Pepper
2 Tbsp Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar
1/2 lemon juiced
Fresh Thyme, Oregano and Basil
To make the vinaigrette, drain tuna and save oil. Chop shallots very small. Whisk in small bowl oil, shallots, dijon, vinegar, herbs, Salt and Pepper to taste and lemon juice. In a bowl toss greens. Arrange all salad toppings on top of greens. Drizzle with dressing. I had enough for 3 servings.
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Crock Pot Imitation Yucatan Chicken 4-28-13
Good Morning and Happy Sunday!
Hope your weekend is going well. This past week I had some soup, Yucatan Chicken, from one of my favorite restaurants. It was for lunch, so I came home and wanted to have the same thing for dinner. I know, I eat a lot of the same meals over and over. Its easier to make large family style meals and eat it all week. So I made my own version of it. It looked simple enough; green chili, tomato, celery, corn, chicken and broth. I have no idea what made it Yucatan Chicken soup and not just plain old green chili chicken soup but it was pretty tasty. I really like having pre-made meals in the fridges for those days when I am really hungry and don't feel like cooking, yes it happens to me too. Like yesterday after doing Warrior Dash with some fabulously fit friends I came home and was starving. Luckily I one last bowl of this hearty fresh soup to satisfy my warrior hunger!
1 can fire roasted tomatoes
1 box chicken broth
2 cups frozen corn
1 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 cup green chili
2 chicken breasts
Salt and Pepper
Dump everything into the crock pot and cook on low over night or about 8 hours. Pretty easy, right? I love using my crock pot it makes cooking so easy sometimes. I have eaten this many times after a few nights I decided to change it up a bit and add some avocado and a little Diaya Cheddar.
Hope your weekend is going well. This past week I had some soup, Yucatan Chicken, from one of my favorite restaurants. It was for lunch, so I came home and wanted to have the same thing for dinner. I know, I eat a lot of the same meals over and over. Its easier to make large family style meals and eat it all week. So I made my own version of it. It looked simple enough; green chili, tomato, celery, corn, chicken and broth. I have no idea what made it Yucatan Chicken soup and not just plain old green chili chicken soup but it was pretty tasty. I really like having pre-made meals in the fridges for those days when I am really hungry and don't feel like cooking, yes it happens to me too. Like yesterday after doing Warrior Dash with some fabulously fit friends I came home and was starving. Luckily I one last bowl of this hearty fresh soup to satisfy my warrior hunger!
1 box chicken broth
2 cups frozen corn
1 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 cup green chili
2 chicken breasts
Salt and Pepper
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