Sprint 2 the Table

Appetites and Adventures

Sustaining My Energy + Giveaway

By

Forced rest is tiring.

This may be the understatement of the year.

Energy begets energy… sitting around does just the opposite.  Come 4 o’clock, my eyes have been glazing over and I am ready to be done working.  Since that’s not an option, I’ve been enjoying a new pick-me-up.

Designer Whey – the makers of my favorite whey protein powder – came out with a new Sustained Energy Protein Powder.  Thanks to Designer Whey and FitFluential, I received this package to try:

Designer Whey Sustained Energy

How is the different from the regular whey?

  • Each scoop has 16g of protein, 5g of fiber, 1g of sugar and 100 calories
  • The Endurance Blend™ is formulated to provide stimulant-free, sustained energy
  • Added fiber helps control hunger
  • High in vitamins A, C and E to aid in workout recovery, and in calcium and vitamin D for yer bones
  • 19 essential vitamins and minerals, including the B vitamins that energize your metabolism
  • Flavors are Vanilla Bean and Chocolate Velvet

I 100% love the taste of both the chocolate and vanilla.  I didn’t notice a sky-rocket effect on energy, but I did wake up after eating my smoothie bowl.  At 4p, this was a great snack to curb hunger and tide me until dinnertime.

Unable to simply mix powder with liquid and drink it, I created a Cardamom Cheesecake Protein Bowl for my afternoon snack.  With spinach… because isn’t everything better green?!  The cardamom and ginger made for a fun, refreshing flavor on a hot Atlanta afternoon!  (Recipe at the bottom)

Cardamom Ginger Protein Smoothie

Of even more interest to you…

Designer Whey is offering a giveaway!

SIX (6!!!) of you will have the chance to win your own Sustained Energy protein powder in either the Chocolate Velvet or Vanilla Bean.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

***Giveaway OVER***

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New tasty protein powders and giveaways are obviously marvelous… so is the fact that Marvelous diva Katie, welcomed a new baby this weekend!  Congratulations, Katie!!!

Marvelous Monday

A few other Marvelous things:

I went to the Monday Night Brewery on Friday night.  They were the location Gather‘s launch party.  It was awesome.  Lots of good food, good beer… and beer rests in the bathroom.

Monday Night Brewing

Saturday I took shots.  Juice shots, that is.  This is called the “Grand Slam” at Arden’s Garden.  It’s shots of wheatgrass, ginger, lemon, and cranberry.  That ginger is intense.  They also gave me a little smoothie sample to chase it with.

Arden's Garden Grand Slam

Lastly, this girl’s recap of her visit to Atlanta and absolutely made my day.  I miss her already.  #bloggercrush 

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Cardamom Cheesecake Protein Bowl

Cardamom Cheesecake Protein Bowl

  • 1 scoop Designer Whey Sustained Energy (or other protein powder)
  • 1 C fresh spinach (optional)
  • 1/2 C no-salt cottage cheese
  • 1/2 in piece fresh ginger (or /14 tsp grated)
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp fresh cardamom
  • Ice, to taste

Place all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth.  Add additional ice to achieve thicker, ice cream-like consistency.

Enjoy!

***

This morning I have my follow-up with the surgeon.  He better clear me to workout!!!

What marvelous things did you do this weekend?

What do you do when you need a mid-afternoon pick me up?

Work It Out: Fueling with FRS

By

Mornings are not my thing.

This may be the understatement of the year.

I try my best not to work out first thing in the morning.  I need time to wake up!  When you have a full-time job and play on sports teams, compromise is sometimes necessary.  Today’s Work It Out is dedicated to one of my favorite ways to give my body a jump-start when I need to get moving early in the day.

And there’s a giveaway. 😉

sprint2table-workitout

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In addition to lifting, I also play softball.  It was my first athletic love, and I aim to play for the rest of my life.  The team I play on now, Laidback, plays on Sunday mornings.  Early.

Ninja socks are necessary at 8am.

We are an all women’s team, but play in a men’s league.  And we beat all the men.  The man-beating requires wakefulness.  We’ve discussed my lack of enthusiasm for coffee before; you know I was THRILLED to find an energy alternative in FRS.

I drug my tired self to the field, armed with my ninja socks, gloves, and my favorite FRS flavor.

FRS peach mango low cal

 I’ve actually be drinking the  Healthy ENERGY drink for awhile (proof), but as a Fitfluential Ambassador, I given the opportunity to try out the entire FRS Healthy Energy line.

My favorite flavor of the canned drinks remains the Peach Mango.  The low-cal drinks are my preference because they are low in sugar – just 2g!

frs

FRS is full of vitamins and green tea extracts, but FRS also contains something special: quercetin.  Quercetin is a powerful antioxidant which is found in the skins of blueberries, apples and grapes and has been shown in clinical trials to provide sustained energy, increased endurance and immune system support.

One of the coolest things about FRS is the reason it was developed.  It’s original intent was to provide energy to chemotherapy patients while supporting their immune systems.  Natural, healthy, sustained energy without the crash (sorry coffee lovers) is also important to athletes, so this line is great for the fit-minded crowd.

FRS chews

I love this quote.

The chews were a new product to me.  I loved them!  I ate mine before a run on a morning when I was particularly dragging and I ended up doing 6 solid miles with a smile on my face.  2 chews are around 40 calories and 6 grams of sugar, and PACKED with nutrients.

Last was the powdered drink mix.  I love the portable packs it comes it.  They were easy to grab when I was running out the door late for work.  It may not be the intended use, but I drank one to fuel my work day!  It gave me a kick and helped me stay awake and focused through an all day meeting.

FRS line

 FRS is available at GNC, Vitamin Shoppe, Kroger, Walgreens, Harris Teeter.  You can also order at a free 10 day supply at FRS.com!  Make sure to download a coupon for $1 off 2 cans or bottles of FRS.

Or you can win it!

Giveaway

I’m giving away a FRS trial pack (retail value of $30)! Just visit FRS.com and leave a comment telling me in which product/flavor you want to try.  I’ll randomly select a winner on Thursday, June 27th.

***

Disclaimer: I was compensated for this review but I assure you my opinions and MINE.

How do you like to fuel workouts?  What about work days?

Which product and flavor do you want to try?

Bose Headphone Giveaway + WIAW

By

Nothing says I love you like presents.

 

Or cash.  That’s what I always ask  Santa for.

I don’t have a present for everyone but I do have a fun giveaway!  Remember these Bose SIE2i headphones I fell in love with?  They are incredible… pricey, but worth every cent.  My top 3 highlights:

  1. Sizing options: I have little ears and these buds fit like a glove without popping out or sliding about
  2. Cord length: Short enough, but comes with an extension if you need it
  3. Sound quality: It’s insane – I have a song on  my workout playlist that starts with the singer counting off (“1… 2… 3…”).  It was so clear in my ears that I thought the dude next to me was counting.  LOL!

 

I know not everyone can spend their disposable income on headphones.  Soooo… I asked the Reebok team if we could partner to do a giveaway!

Check out the Rafflecoptor at the bottom of this post to enter!  Giveaway closes Sunday night!

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My WIAW meals will be a little more normal this week.  Post-competition, I no longer need to try to turn asparagus into dessert.  I even had a solid breakfast, lunch and dinner!  The 7 meals will return, but this week is time for a BREAK!

WIAWbutton

Check out my semi-normal eats below, and then click here to head over to Jenn @ Peas and Crayons to get to see what delicious spring foods everyone else is enjoying!

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… 

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Strange But Good Beginnings

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2013 began strangely.

 

That’s a good thing in my book.

First of all, I woke up in a bed that wasn’t my own.  No… it wasn’t because I had a lucky start to the year.  I stayed with a friend avoid having to drive with all the drunks on the road.  And I’d had more than 2 myself.

The good part was that a) my friend’s bed was like sleeping on a marshmallow and b) she sent me home with black-eyed peas and collard greens.  In the South people say that you should start the year with black-eyed peas for luck and collards for wealth.

The 2nd day of the year I had a strange and not-so-good surprise.  This is what happens when you forget about a spaghetti squash for a few months:

The seeds sprouted.  I debated cooking it anyway, but was too creeped out.  Into the garbage it went.  Fail.

It turned out to be a good thing because I baked a sweet potato instead… and that ‘tater made for a strange but absolutely delicious lunch.

A little sweet, a little spicy and fantastically creamy.  The traditional mayo-based version of chicken salad will never be satisfactory again.

2 meals later I made it with pumpkin puree and curry.  Also strange, but still good.

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Sweet Potato Chicken Salad

Sweet Potato Chicken Salad

  • 4 oz shredded chicken
  • 1/4 C mashed sweet potato
  • 2-3 tsp fresh lime juice
  • 2 tsp unsweetened almond milk
  • 1/2 tsp cumin 
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 diced cucumber
  • 1 T red onion, chopped
  • Fresh dill, to taste

Place shredded chicken in a bowl. Set aside.

In another small bowl, combine sweet potato, milk, lime juice, and spices.

Add sweet potato mixture to chicken and stir to combine.  Add veggies and mix until incorporated.

Serves 1.

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Before we get to the link up… I know you want a winner!  The $100 h.h. gregg gift card giveaway winner is…

hhgregg

Congratulations, Kate @ Kit Kat Kate!

Send me an email with your address and I’ll get the card out to you ASAP.

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Now for the link up!  The rules can be found here or by clicking on “Strange But Good” in the menu bar above.

In short, I want to see what concoctions have earned you weird looks from co-workers, family and friends!  Post your Strange But Good creations, grab the logo below for your blog, and link up here.

 

Sprint 2 the Table

 

Remember to use #strangebutgood in any Tweets and Instragrams of your creations. 🙂




***

Junk-Free January is off to a good start!  I navigated dinner at a restaurant with my family Wednesday night by ordering a delicious grilled trout (without butter or salt) and steamed cabbage (topped with sriracha).  They all enjoyed drinks, but rather than feeling left out (I can’t stand not to try new things) I tried a sip and then enjoyed my water.

Have you ever heard of the black-eyed pea and collard tradition?

Would you have eaten that squash?

Junk-Free January + Polar FT4

By

This is not a resolution post.

Ok, maybe it sort of is…

Happy New Year’s Eve!!!

2013 is going to be the year of going BIG.  To start it off, I’m implementing Junk-Free January.  For me, this means being diligent about following my nutrition plan, eliminating the processed foods, and staying off the sauce.  (I’ll miss you, red wine.)

JFJ

I’ll also be placing more emphasis on being present during my workouts.  I want to maximize my time in the gym by giving my all and making sure my form is on point.

My second figure competition will take place at the end of March, and I hope to do a few more throughout the year.  Focus and discipline will be the name of the game.

Bad diet

As luck would have it, I received an opportunity through the FitFluential Ambassador program to review the FT4 Heart Rate Monitor by Polar USA.

I’ve never worn a heart monitor (HRM) before.  All I really knew of them was my dad used to wear this plastic thing around his chest while on the treadmill.  (He was drinking protein shakes and preaching about “bad” carbs before it was “cool”… in fact, we called him “weird.” LOL!)

Honestly, I didn’t think HRMs were relevant to me because I lift weights.  HRMs are for runners… aren’t they?  Wrong.

The FT4 consists of 2 pieces – the watch and a strap (a WearLink transmitter).  I wondered if the strap would bother me while working out, but I honestly forgot the soft band was there.  The five buttons on the wrist watch are easy to navigate..  Being the man stubborn person I am, I set the watch up without consulting the directions.

As someone who obsessively tracks what goes in my body in effort to gain muscle weight efficiently, the Smart Calorie feature is my favorite.  It tells you how many calories you are burning in real-time throughout your workout.  Seeing that against my heart rate “zone” was extremely helpful.  I geeked out.

We all know that knowing your heart rate during exercise is the only truly accurate way of measuring effort exerted.  Logically I know that weight training burns calories, but as a former runner I still have a problem getting out of the “cardio is the only way to burn a lot” mentality.  I burned 369 calories during a back and tricep workout!  I reset the watch to checked out the afterburn.  Again, I was shocked.  In the hour following my weight session, I burned another 150 calories.

My FT4 is going to be invaluable this competition season!  The information I’ve gain has shown me I was not eating enough calories in my post-workout refuel.  Now that I know how much I am burning of, I’ve added another 100 calories to my post-workout snack.

I made my traditional non-traditional smoothie, but amped up the toppings.  This is a chocolate version (use chocolate protein powder instead of vanilla) of my zucchini bread smoothie.  I added oats and edamame to the top to bulk it up.  Strange… but good.

We all know life isn’t all rainbows and butterflies.  There are a couple of things I don’t like about the FT4:

  1. If you want to record your data online, you have to buy the data transmitter separately
  2. The app only works with the iPhone 4S and 5 (I have the 4)
  3. Mine is pink… but there are other colors available… I’m not complaining or ungrateful.  This tool rocks… I just don’t like pink. 😉

Want one of your own?

The Polar FT40 retails for $89.99., and h.h. gregg has given me a $100 gift card to pass along to one of you!  you may use the $100 toward anything (though I do recommend the Polar FT4).

 Receive up to 4 entries by:

  1. Follow h.h. gregg on Twitter
  2. Tweet: You could say something like: I entered to win a $100 @hhgregg gift certificate in the @sprint2thetable #giveaway http://wp.me/p16jDn-1T6
  3. Be Social: Facebook Follow Me, Pinterest Follow Me and/or Pin Something of Mine, Twitter Follow Me
  4. Comment: Have you ever used a HRM?  What did you think?

Please leave a *separate comment* for each entry!

Contest ends at 11:59pm EST on Thursday, January 3rd.  The winner will be announced on Friday, January 4th.

Another way to win…

Check out  h.h. gregg’s Facebook page or click here for their website get more info on their “Get Healthy and Win Big” promotion.  It runs from 12/31 until 1/7.  Every day there are giveaways for items such as Polar HRMs, ellipticals, and treadmills!

They also made a cute little turkey on a treadmill promo video.  It’s actually pretty cute!  #BeTheTurkey

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5KJG5Dot_5k

***

I was provided with the Polar FT40 through my FitFluential Ambassadorship. No other compensation was provided. All opinions are honest and my own; I’m happy to answer any specific questions about my experience!

What are your resolutions/goals this year?

Does anyone want to join me in a Junk-Free January?  I need all the support I can get!

Gift Guide for Food and Fitness Lovers + Giveaway

By

Gift giving is a big part of the holiday fun.

Almost as fun as gift-getting.

It is December 3rd whether the weather got the memo or not.  I went on a jog yesterday in shorts and a tank top and was sweating while passing houses decked out for Christmas.   Bizarre.  My iPhone said it was 66 degrees, but I think it cleared 70.

Since it is the month of giving, I wanted to share some of my favorite things (aside from whiskers on kittens – that goes without saying).  These are tried-and-true items – I already own most of them!

Whether you are brainstorming something for your favorite food-lover or for someone whose idea of fun is working out, I hope this will give you some ideas.

2012 Holiday Gift Guide

1. Shun Knife

This is my favorite knife.  It’s a fantastic tool, but what makes it even better is that they make a left-handed version!  Santa brought me one last year and it’s basically the only knife I use.  Speaking of… I need to get mine sharpened for Christmas!

2. Magic Bullet

I used this thing religiously before I got my Vitamix.  It can take some abuse, and you can blend smoothies right in the cup for a quick breakfast or post-workout refuel.  I still use mine for small tasks like whipping cottage cheese for Apple Cupcakes or single-serving dips.  But if you really loved the giftee… you’d buy them the $450 Vitamix.

3. FitBit

My FitBit inspires me to walk 10,000 steps and 20 flights of stairs a day, something I need since I am a cube monkey.  I don’t use all the features, but it also can track sleep and calories (though it’s not entirely accurate as it can’t tell when you’re lifting weights or at a standing desk).  Warning: If you are a little OCD, this may not be the best thing for you.

4. Handful

Greatest sports bra ever… if you’re a member of the itty bitty titty committee.  It’s not a super-support bra, but if your pecs are biggest part of your chest (like mine) it’s perfect.  There’s even a little layer of padding so you don’t like like a flat-chested 12-year old when you’re at the gym.  AND they are having a $12 closeout sale on the size large.

5. Peanut Flour

I talk about it all the time.  If I were to find peanut flour in my stocking, I’d be one happy girl.  Better yet, if I could just get a year’s supply… Mom, are you reading this?  If you order through iHerb.com, use discount code USO924 for $5-10 off your order!

6. Grow Your Own Wheatgrass Kit

Wheatgrass is awesome stuff.  It’s full of amino acids, chlorophyll, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants.  It’s also expensive.  I want to grow my own!  You don’t even need a juicer to use it if you have a Vitamix!  It will blend up the grass like a champ.  The Wheatgrass Kit can be found on OpenSky at Robin McGraw‘s new Insider page (yes, it’s Dr. Phil’s wife).

Here’s the giveaway part….

To celebrate Robin’s new healthy living collection, OpenSky has offered to give one reader a $25 credit to use anywhere on the site!

 

OpenSky is a “social shopping site that helps people discover, buy and share unique goods that match their individual taste. Users can connect to friends and industry insiders in Food, Style, Beauty, Healthy Living, Electronics and Home Décor for exclusive information, advice and insider product recommendations.”

I’ve been a member for over a year now and have found lots of great products.  They will often have sales on my favorite vegan protein powder (Sun Warrior), and its where I found my Kombucha homebrew kit (I’m on batch 8!).   My favorite Insiders include: Robin McGraw, Bobby Flay, Dorie Greenspan, Tracy Anderson and Jackie Warner.

Receive up to 4 entries by:

  1. Join OpenSky
  2. Tweet: You could say something like: I entered to win a $25 @OpenSky gift certificate in the @sprint2thetable #giveaway http://wp.me/p16jDn-1OI
  3. Be Social: Pinterest Follow Me and/or Pin Something of Mine, Instagram Follow Me, Follow Me and Open Sky on Twitter
  4. Comment: What is on your wishlist this year?

Please leave a *separate comment* for each entry!

Contest ends at 11:59pm EST on Thursday, December 6th.  The winner will be announced on Friday, December 7th.

***

I quit posting a workout recap on Mondays… it seems like it was getting too repetitive/boring to read.  If anyone has thoughts on that… feel free to share.  For now I’m going to do away with it. 

Is it still warm where you live?

Have you ever tried any of the things on my gift guide?

What I Ate Without a Plan + NuttZo Winner

By

Eating is fun.

 

 

Sometimes too much fun.

My trainer still hasn’t sent my new nutrition plan… he was going to this past weekend.  I could remind him… but I’m kind of enjoying designing my own.  I still feel like I deserve it after all that asparagus.

 

So happy to be back in the gym!!!

 

Eating several small meals is something I enjoy, so I have kept that concept.  I did eliminate one meal… 7 was a LOT to fit in.  I am also trying to keep the protein count high.  My new workout plan is all about building muscle through low reps and heavy weight.  It’s important to fuel that muscle growth properly!

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This month’s What I Ate Wednesday is about good habits.  I’m learning what that looks like for me on the off-season.  While I do enjoy a small treat each day to avoid feeling deprived, my focus is on eating a clean, low sugar diet filled with protein, complex carbs, and seasonal foods.

Check out my semi-good habit eats below, and then click here to head over to Jenn @ Peas and Crayons to get to see how everyone else ate on Election Day.

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Breakfast:

After the usual morning cocktail (mix of Apple Cider Vinegar, Glutamine, and Fitmixer Aminos) I did a little kitchen experimenting.  This baked oatmeal recipe is still in draft-mode, but let me know you… it’s going to be epic.

 

 

I also ate a mixture of Greek yogurt, peanut flour, flax, cinnamon, and stevia (that also the “icing” on my oatmeal creation).  That was topped with melted blueberries (frozen berries microwaved until juicy, ~15 seconds).

 

 

Mid-Morning Snack:

I legit love salmon.  This one I baked with lemon, pepper, sage, and dill.  Eaten with fresh raspberries. I can’t believe how bright and flavorful these winter berries are!

 

 

 

Lunch:

I have been craving brussel sprouts and parsnips.  Roasted in the oven until they are close to burned.  Tempeh is another oven-roasted favorite.  It gets crispy on the outside – almost like eating a crouton.  Which is why the whole thing went on top a bed of spinach with some leftover Kiri squash.

 

 

I loved the mix I tossed the veggies and tempeh in pre-roast:

  • 1.5 tsp salt-free BBQ spice blend (you could sub any mix here)
  • 1 T nutritional yeast
  • 1 T coconut vinegar

 

Afternoon Snack(s):

Today was leg day.  My workout was scheduled right at snack time.  I hate workout on of a full stomach, but I really didn’t want to feel hungry half way through my workout – especially on a leg day!  So I split up my snack

Pre-workout I had a raw French green beans, pumpkin hummus, and a ground chicken slider.  Why I’ve never used ground chicken before?!  These burgers are awesome.  All I did was mix in some spices, diced red pepper, and onion before tossing them in a pan (~4 mins each side).  Easy, delicious, and SO much better than cleaning up raw chicken breast.

 

 

Post-workout I drank a lot of water and an EAS drink.  I haven’t been drinking these lately, but I do really like the Chocolate Fudge flavor… and I had a call with my boss, so fast and easy was key.

 

 

 

Dinner:

Cold weather makes me want Italian food.  This is the simplest of Italian foods.  I layered red wine tomato sauce with eggplant, zucchini, mushrooms, and red pepper in a baking dish and cooked it in the oven (@ 375 convection) for 45 mins.  I also added some Cabot clothbound cheddar to the top.

My protein was swordfish.  Despite eating it daily during my competition prep, I’m not sick f it.  You really can’t go wrong with the steak of the sea.

 

 

 

Dessert:

Brass monkey, that funky monkey… I made Zandra’s Spunky Monkey Pumpkin Pie.  I only had 1/2 a can of pumpkin left, so I but the recipe in half and  made muffins.  I also added 1 tsp of apple pie spice, 1 tsp of butter vanilla extract, and 8 drops of Stevia.  Instead of an egg I used 1/4 c egg whites, and I didn’t use the baking soda.  And it was fantastic – like a pumpkin-peanut butter souffle.  I ♥ you, Zandra.

 

 

These came out to 8g of protein, so I made some maple-cinnamon protein ice cream to go with it.

 

Maple-Cinnamon Protein Ice Cream

  • 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp maple extract
  • 7-8 drops liquid Stevia
  • 1/4 C unsweetened almond milk
  • 1 C spinach (optional)
  • Shake of guar gum (optional – used to thicken)
  • Ice
This was a fantastic combo.  I almost made seconds.  Thank god I was too tired.

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I didn’t forget… the winner of the NuttZo giveaway has been selected!!!

Congratulations to…

Layne! 

Email me your name and address and I’ll get that over to the NuttZo crew ASAP.

***

The off-season protein count for the day: 150.9g  I’m sure my trainer would have it higher, but I’m listening to my body and eating what I want.  Within reason… ‘cause one does not simply eat only one chip.

Do you prefer to eat several small meals, or 3 squares?

What have you been baking lately?

 

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