Thank Yous and Push Ups

August 2, 2011 By Laura

Today I am thankful.

I was sitting on my couch last night feeling a little grouchy and whiney and over-tired… it was one of those moods. You know, the ones where you’re almost in tears for no good reason.

Then I realized that was just silly. Monday was not too shabby!

A few things I am thankful for at the start of the week:

Being selected for the FoodBuzz Top 9 again for the Indian-Spiced Tofu Scramble I made last week
All the bloggy friends – old and new – read my ramblings and left comments over the past few days… you guys continue to inspire and make me grin from ear to ear
Making my flight this morning (serious close call)
Getting a 1st class upgrade on the return this afternoon
Having the discipline to still get a workout in tonight (P90X shout out!)
Arriving home to a surprise package (’cause I am one lucky duck)

The ever-so-awesome plate-licking Miss Smart of The Smart Kitchen blog-fame sent me goodies!!!

In my box of good stuff:

BISCOFF spread!!! (OMG – it is just as amazing and I’d dreamed it would be!)
Reese’s (my all-time favorite candy)
Vanilla Chia Raisins w/ Green Tea (I’ve never heard of such things but I can say they are now half gone)

This totally made my night. Those raisins are what I have to credit for powering a good workout. Double thanks, Miss Biscoff Fairy. 🙂

Many of you have commented/asked about the 84 push-ups I do on the daily.

Yes, I really do them. NO – I don’t do them in a row. 🙂 (They are done in 3 sets.)

The best part? YOU can do them too! You just have to break it down and be consistent.

I posted a 4-step “how to” back in May – click here to check it out.

(Added bonus: Re-reading that just reminded me about runny eggs on my pizza.)

Focus, Laura.

Push ups. Back in May, I was only up to 75. Today I am doing my 84 and honestly… I need to quit slacking and re-test (read the post… you’ll see what i mean about re-testing).

***

I promise something more creative (probably involving Biscoff) tomorrow. 🙂

Do you ever get into a funk for no reason? How do you break out of it?

Did you read the push up post? Are you going to try it?!

Running and Winning

August 1, 2011 By Laura

It’s another Recap Monday!

Yes, I will reveal the lucky 4 NuNatural giveaway winners… at the end. Bwhahaha. (Yes, I realize you can simply scroll down.)

Saturday’s People’s Health Day 5K was a good one. I was a little worried when I signed up because the wesite looks like a cult recruitment tool. 🙂 It turns out that it was a well-organized race and event.

The course was hilly, but fun because there was lots of scenery to enjoy. Even better – I got to participate in it with fellow ATL bloggers Lee, Lindsay, and Carol!

Source: www.atlantarunningmom.com

Guess who else raced? Mena Suvari (of American Beauty fame). I’m not going to lie… I’m so out of touch with pop culture that I had to come home and google her. She won 1st place in the 20-35 age group…

… because I won an overall female award and they wouldn’t give 2 medals to you. 🙂 2nd place!!! Admittedly, it was a small, slow race… but I’ll that what I can get!

Source: www.atlantarunningmom.com

Stats:

Distance – 3.14 miles
Time – 24:21 mins
Avg Pace – 7:45

The People’s Health Day didn’t end there. 5K participants were given 4 tickets that could be traded for goodies from about 10 vendors. Juice Plus (my fav supplement!) was there, along with a few local restaurants and farms.

The blogger contingent went crazy for the 180 Farm tent (check out their website – they have really great story to tell). I ended up with extra tickets from a friend who left early and I ended up with a rockstar bag ‘o treats:

Orange cherry tomatoes (they have a slightly citrusy taste!)
Peppers – cayenne, jalapeno, green bell, purple bell, and a mirasol
A dozen fresh eggs
Via Elisa pasta sauce (from the Nature’s Garden‘s booth)

All of that for 6 tickets and a $25 race number! That pasta sauce alone is ~$7 in Whole Foods! (Side note: Atlanta-based Via Elisa makes some of the best pasta sauce you can buy in a jar.)

We didn’t hang out much longer following the awards because we had to get to the Atlanta Blogger Lunch at R. Thomas. (You can read about my ~~obsession with~~ thoughts on R. Thomas here.)

From left to right: Lauren, Carol, Alayna, Lee, Katy, Lindsay, me, Laura (reader), Tina, Kristy, Katie and Brooke.

Special thanks to Brooke’s husband for taking this shot and to Brooke for sharing the photo with everyone!

My meal was a delicious tempeh fajita:

We had a great time eating, taking pics of our food (patrons enjoyed staring at 12 women simultaneously taking pic of their meals), and chatting.

The last meet up had a smaller attendance AND we’ve added several more locals since. I’m amazed and how big the group is now – and this wasn’t even all of the local bloggers!

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Soooo… you want to know who the winning 4 are???

*drumroll*

The winners of the box of NuStevia Packets and the bottle of NuNaturals Pure Liquid Vanilla Stevia are:

Lexi @ A Spoonful of Sunshine
Parita @ My Inner Shakti
Lisa @ Healthful Sense
Nikita @ La Cocina Encantada

Good news for those who still want to try NuNaturals! They are offering free sample and a discount on purchases to readers.

For the free sample of Nu-Naturals Stevia Packets: send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: NuNaturals, Inc, 2220 West 2nd Avenue #1, Eugene, OR 97402

To receive a 15% discount on NuNaturals online orders, entering the promo code BLG930 at checkout!

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Workout Recap (7/25-7/31)

Monday – Kickboxing
Tuesday – P90X Biceps & Back
Wednesday – P90X Ab Ripper X, 84 push-ups
Thursday – 9 mile run, 84 push-ups
Friday – P9p0X Triceps & Chest
Saturday – 1.5 mile run (to the 5K starting point), People’s Fitness Day 5K, 84 push-ups
Sunday – 4 mile run

If you have been reading these over the past few weeks you know that I do push-ups (almost) daily. This week doesn’t have the 84 listed each day, but they were a big part of kickboxing class and basically half the moves in the P90X Triceps & Chest DVD. I’m not slacking!

***

Monday always seems to creep up. *yawn* At least I had awesome surprise of waking up to see I made the Food Buzz Top 9!!!

Help me put a more positive spin on the start of the week…

What are you looking forward to this week?

I’m excited to try out some of the recipes from Spicie Foodie’s July YBR. Click here to check out my Better-Than-S’Mores Brownie and others’ submissions!

Not Dreading Legs

July 26, 2011 By Laura

Legs are the hardest for me to workout.

Hardest weight-wise. I run. I ALWAYS take the stairs (8 flights to my condo, 9 between my office and the microwave). Occasionally I use my kickboxing membership or hop on the stationary bike.

Other than that, my legs have traditionally been ignored. I even ignored the fact that last week I promised a leg workout… errr… last week.

In order to encourage myself to do more leg-strengthening, I put together a routine that also focuses on core (which I LOVE to work) and so upper body.

This will make you sore. If it doesn’t… you’re super-human you clearly work your legs more than I do. 🙂

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1. 30 Second Warm Up

Alternate between 4 jumping jacks and 4 high knees for 3, 30 second sets.

2. Twisted Push-ups

Start in push-up position with a dumbbell in each hand and legs slightly wider than hips. Step your left leg in under your chest (or as close as you can get it). Be sure to keep abs tight as you rotate hips.

Source: Shape magazine

Return to starting position… you’re not done with the first rep yet! Now lift your left elbow, bringing your dumbbell to your lower ribs. Hold for 2 secs and lower it back to the floor. Make sure your hips stay parallel to the floor and your core stays tight.

Source: Skimble

Complete 8-10 reps n your left side and repeat with right side. Repeat for 3 seats (left + right = 1 set).

3. Wood Chop

Holding a weight (or medicine ball) with both hands, stand with feet slightly wider than should width apart. Hold the weight up over the right shoulder (not back or behind you).

Lower the weight down low to the outside of you opposite ankle in a controlled motion. Keep your chest up and eyes level to avoid back injury. As you squat, be sure not to allow your knees to cross your toes.

Repeat 10x and switch side to complete a set. Do 3 sets.

4. “Yes” and “No” Machine

If you have a gym with a Inner and Outer Thigh Machine, this is a nice “break” after those chops.

Complete 3 sets of 15 “yes” and alternate with 3 set of 15 “no.” ~~(Add more “nos” if you need it… you know who you are!)~~ 🙂

No, it won’t keep your thighs from rubbing together (you have to do some cardio or lose fat first), but I like it because it strengthens my hips/thighs for running. This keeps my knees from caving in with helps my overpronation problem. It’s all connected!

5. Side Step Row Squat

Stand with feet hip-width apart, holding a weight in each hand.

Step out to the right with your right foot. Your feet should now me shoulder-width apart. Performa a squat, taking care not to allow your knees to cross your toes. As you squat, bring bend your elbows so that they rise out to sides and bring weights to chest level. Be sure to keep your core nice and tight!

Source: Fitness Magazine

Return to start position, almost springing off of right foot, lowering weights as you rise up.

Complete 8 reps and switch sides for a full set. Do 2 sets.

6. Reverse Lunge with Lateral Raise

Begin in standing position with light weights in each hand at sides.

As you step back into a reverse lunge, raise weights out to your side at shoulder height. Lower the weight as you return to the start position.

Do 12 reps on each side and repeat for 2 sets.

7. Seated V-Up

Sit with arms slightly behind you, elbows bent, and fingertips pointed toward your body. Start with your knees together, legs extended, and heels raised slightly off the ground.

Pull knees into your chest, holding for 2 seconds at top. Return to the starting point, keeping abs tight.

Complete 3 sets of 25.

8. Mountain Climbers

Start in a plank position with your feet hip-width apart. Your body should be in a straight line – don’t stick your butt up!

Bend your right knee and pop up, bringing your right thigh under the left side of your torso and leaving your left leg out behind you.

Repeat, alternating legs for 1 rep. Try to keep a quick pace and tight core throughout.

Complete 60 reps.

Source: Ladies Home Journal

9. Bonus Round!!!

If that didn’t burn you out, find the Leg Extension/Leg Curl machine and rock out 3 sets of 12 reps each.

Be sure not to get your weight too high on that extension so you don’t put too much strain on your knees.

Check out more fitness ideas, tips, and trick on my Fitness page!

Now that you’ve completed that awesomeness, pat yourself on the back and be sure to get your 20g of protein to help the muscles recover!

***

I always, always follow up a weight routine with a protein shake.

Is there a body part you slack on working?

What do you eat post-workout for recovery?

Better-Than-S’mores Brownies

July 25, 2011 By Laura

It’s Weekend Recap Monday!

Saturday I got to see the now 1 week old Jackson – how cute is he?!

That’s my massive-looking finger he’s holding!

Mommy, Daddy and baby are all doing well. They are all so cute together – I can’t believe the girl I used to run around the softball field with now has a baby. Totally surreal.

Of course, I couldn’t drop by empty-handed.

I brought the new parents some of the treats I made to take to a friend’s beach volleyball party.

These baller-friends built a sand volleyball court right in their own backyard. It stays there year-round. Coolest. Idea. Ever.

We braved the heat and played for hours. I was impressed at the skill level of my friends! After a few rounds (and a minor injury), I decided to play it safe and spectate.

My thumb is a hard-core shade of purple today.

Volleyball = not one of my many skills

The Chipotle Corn Hummus made an appearance at the party.

Heat + charred, sweet corn + hummus = Mmmmm.

Oh… did you want to know about that treat?

I put the Edge Brownie Pan mom gave me a few years ago to a whole new use.

S’more Brownies. Complete with graham cracker crust and toasted marshmallows.

If you have been reading my blog for a while, you know I like to sneak “secret” ingredients into foods. (I swear by these brownies).

Betcha can’t guess the secret in S’more Brownies…

I used brownie mix. Don’t judge me.

Rather than adding the called-for water and oil, I added a can of Diet Coke. You can stop there, but I added an egg to achieve a fudge-ier brownie that would be a bit more reminiscent of melted s’more chocolate.

The chocolate chips in the batter give it added texture and make this even more ~~sinful~~ fantastic.

This may be one of the best desserts I’ve ever made. (And I make a lot of desserts.) They’re your childhood s’mores ~~on crack~~ made better.

I can never make these again.

For at least a week.

S’mores Brownies

Crust:

1.5 C crushed graham crackers
1/4 C + 2 T Earth Balance (or butter)

Brownie:

1 box brownie mix
1 egg
1 Diet Coke
1/4 C chocolate chips (mine came in the brownie mix)
Marshmallows

Preheat oven to 350 and grease brownie pan (I used the edge brownie pan).

Mix together melted Earth Balance (or butter) with crushed graham crackers. Press on to bottom of brownie pan. Bake for 8-10 mins.

*Here’s where I stopped and froze mine overnight. #1 I didn’t have time to make it all at one and #2 sometimes freezing a crumb-y crust help it to crisp up/not be too greasy.*

Mix together brownie batter (except marshmallows). Add the soda in fourths to be sure batter doesn’t get too runny.

Pour batter into the brownie pan on top of the crust.

Bake at 325 for 35-40 mins, until batter is set.

Set over to broil and top the brownie with just enough of the marshmallows to cover (they will expand as they warm). Place in oven for 30-45 secs, until marshmallows are browned. Watch them closely!!!

Let cool COMPLETELY before cutting.

***

I love how desserts can be re-thought and made even better than the original.

What is your favorite dessert re-make?

Do you re-create them on your own or try them in restaurants more often?

Thirsty Thursday

July 21, 2011 By Laura

It’s about a million degrees outside.

The only thing I want for breakfast on these days is a big arse smoothie!

My mornings usually consist of the following:

Rolling out of bed
Wetting down my crazy spiked up hair (short hair + restless sleep = rockstar AM ‘do)
Brushing my teeth
Eating a date or spoonful of PB
Throwing on running clothes
Running or the gym

The date/PB keeps me going to 4-6 miles – more than that and I’d need more substance – but in this heat I’m never very hungry when I first get back.

The solution? A smoothie! It’s easier to drink than eat post-run and the coldness helps me stop sweating (yes, I even sweat post-shower) before going to work.

Ever since the jaw-breaking incident, I’ve been pretty creative with making a substantial drink.

99.9% of the time I use a protein powder – bonus is that is adds sweetness without excess sugar. You can also use dates, Stevia, honey, agave to get the right level of sweet sans protein.

I also ALWAYS toss in a cup o f spinach or kale. You really can’t taste it and you get all those nutrients. Why wouldn’t you add it?

My Top 5:

(click the names for recipes)

1. Sweet Potato

This is a go-to for me. I usually have a sweet potato laying around. Usually half eaten from the previous meal.

Adding the potato makes this smoothie sweet, super creamy, and reminiscent of the pie (in a good way – I don’t actually like the pie… maybe a consistency thing?).

2. Avocado-Banana

Avocados after the perfect ingredient – they give your drink a creamy shake-like texture and have virtually no taste.

I’m always guilty of letting 1/2 an avocado go to waste – I eat part on a salad, the other half turns brown, and I toss it (basically throwing away a dollar per!). Until I discovered that you can freeze avocado. Cut it into quarters and toss it in tupperware (with your collection of frozen bananas 🙂 ).

3. Butternut Squash-Cherry

I hate to play favorites… but this one is my favorite. It’s like a cherry bomb with squash! Yes, I realize that doesn’t sound as appetizing to normal people as it does to me.

Seriously though. Again with the creaminess, but this one has that rich, winter squash sweetness too. You already know (I hope!) that cherries and chocolate are a great combo. Just think of the nutrients in this one little drink!

By now you should be bouncing up and down with excitement in your desk chair. Try it – you’ll know I’m not nuts.

4. Savory Protein Lassi

It’s no secret that I’m a fan of Indian food. It borders on addiction. As such, I naturally love lassis. Mango is good, but they can sometimes be too sweet.

When I saw a more savory lassi on a local menu, I knew I needed to amp it up with protein and call it a recovery drink. Indian-style.

5. Mocha Banana

I cannot believe I almost forgot about this creation! Banana + chocolate + coffee. It is a great way to use the leftovers from your pot o’ coffee, ensuring that you’ll be properly caffeinated for the day.

If you are really hard core – and I am – you’ll crumble a chocolate muffin on top too. Guess what I’ll be having for breakfast… *still kicking self for going so long without this smoothie*

***

Many say they couldn’t get tired of oatmeal or peanut butter or cookies… I couldn’t get tired of smoothies.

What’s your favorite smoothie?

What the one thing you could never tire of?

You Might Be a Blogger If…

July 18, 2011 By Laura

You might be a food blogger if…

…You make party-goers wait while your mom holds a ~~burning~~ tray of so you can take a pic of your triple chocolate red velvet birthday ~~cake~~ cupcakes.

…You get unnaturally excited that you got an action shot photo of the Souper Jenny employee adding bacon whipped cream to the tomato tarts. Yes, it was as fantastic as it sounds.

…Your new favorite band is a the hodge podge of chefs that jammed out after all of the food was eaten at the Attack of the Killer Tomato Festival. Chef Ford Fry can rock a festival and a guitar, yo.

…The only thing that is more exciting than tomatoes prepared 50 different ways on a Sunday is getting to hold your best friend’s beautiful new 6 lb 11oz and 19.25 inch baby. Welcome to the world, Jackson Gregory.

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Last week was crazy at work and this weekend with all the festivities! I’m looking forward to getting back on track this week – both in the kitchen, in terms in my routine, and catching up blogging/blog reading!

The weekly recap tradition lives on! Check back later in the week for a new leg workout – it’ a good one!

Workout Recap (7/10-7/17)

Monday – Legs, stationary bike 30 mins, 84 push-ups
Tuesday – 6 mile run
Wednesday – Biceps/Back, 2 mile intervals, abs, 84 push-ups
Thursday – 4 mile run, 84 push-ups
Friday – 84 push-ups
Saturday – 50 mins kickboxing
Sunday – 4 mile run/walk, 4.27 mile run, 84 push-ups

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Thank you all so much for the birthday wishes! The birthday weekend was incredible – I wish you all could have been there too!

Do many of your friends have children?

Do you like to take them on outings and spoil them? I can’t wait! 🙂

Winning Trifecta

July 16, 2011 By Laura

Today is a winning day!

My birthday party (we gonna party like it’s your birthday…)
The Auria earbud winner is announced
MY BEST FRIEND’S WATER BROKE!!! There’s going to be a baby boy today!

Clearly, I have things to do. 🙂 Here are a couple of birthday highlights:

: Fried Ice Cream “Cake”

: Mom’s Red Velvet Cupcakes

: Awesome, wine-themed present from Mom and Baby Sis

BUT… you want a winner.

The lucky winner (chosen by Mom) is….

Katy @ notjustacarnivore!!!

Congrats, Katy!

***

I’m off for a quick sweat at kickboxing before continuing with party prep and waiting on a baby!

What are you doing this weekend?

Did it cool off where you live? It’s only going to be 80 here today!

Overpronation, Procrastination, and WIAW

July 14, 2011 By Laura

Active.com is a great resource for runners.

I enjoy their weekly emails with tips on issues such as: how to fuel your body, preventing various injuries, and working out in sweltering heat.

Today’s email included an interesting article on overpronation.

Overpronation is when one’s ankles roll inward too much.

It is widely believed that this can lead to over-use type pain or injury (shin splints, joint pain). Many people (myself included) get specially fitted for running shoes and/on inserts in hopes to correcting the “problem.”

Today’s article from Active asserts that corrections for over pronation should not always be made. They say:

“…doing so can and often does result in one symptom going away and another, usually a more complicated one, developing elsewhere.”

Here’s what really resonated with me:

Often over pronation is the symptom of another problem. Most common is a lack of normal ankle range of motion. If the foot/ankle isn’t bending properly, the knee is restricted and can’t “travel forward enough for the body to move its center of mass over the foot.”

The result? Overpronation. That pronation causes the knee to drift to the midline, which means the hip turns excessively inward. Snowball.

Correction through shoes and inserts either a) doesn’t work or b) makes the underlying cause worse because the overpronation “is a needed compensation for a lack of mobility elsewhere in the body. Taking this compensatory element away without first addressing and correcting the true underlying cause will inevitably force compensation (frequently accompanied by pain) in another part of the body.”

Source: http://bestrunningshoereport.com/

So what should you do?

See if you over pronate with a squat test. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and attempt a squat. Are your knees bent 90 degrees or less? Are your heels still on the ground? Are your feet still forward (not turning outward)?

No? If you can’t do the squat correctly, the article says your foot pronation is likely “due to inflexibility of your ankles and that is what should be corrected.”

Bottom line: Before you go out and buy special shoes or inserts, see a professional to have a complete evaluation (pelvis, hip, knee, ankle and foot) done by a professional.

On to my actual Wednesday eats in honor of WIAW.

1 day later than usual due to procrastination/over-sleepiness rather than the pursuit of true Wednesday eats.

Breakfast

Banana Green Smoothie

Vanilla protein powder
Maca
Banana
All-Bran (lots of it!)
Peanut butter
Spinach
Coconut milk
Cinnamon
Vanilla
Water + ice, to taste

Lunch

Lightlife Buffalo “Chicken” wings, celery, and cucumber

Salt + Pepper Pop Chips – how did I wait so long to try these?!

Snacks

Kombucha, plum… and a BlackBerry

Similar to breakfast, but with a chocolate casein protein powder

Dinner

I made spaghetti squash and topped with tomatoes AND…

Angela @ Oh She Glows’ Creamy Avocado Sauce.

If you haven’t made this before, you are missing out on some serious creamy deliciousness. Sooooo good.

My modifications:

Added red pepper flakes, nutritional yeast, and red onion
Subbed 1 T of coconut milk for the EVOO
Used just 1 clove of garlic

***

Don’t forget to enter my Exceed earbud giveaway! These are pretty awesome – I’ve never even felt like they were going to fall out.

It’s my birthday eve!!! The bad part about being an adult is that I still have to work all day.

What do you think about pronation?

Do you over or under pronate? Have you even been evaluated?