What I'm Cooking: Artichoke Heart and Asparagus Spring Salad

I wasn't planning on writing a second post today but I am really excited about the salad I just made for lunch/post-run.  (I ran a little under 2 miles which is kinda laughable but I can't mention enough how much I hate running so as long as my legs hurt afterwards and I felt my heart rate rising, I'm satisfied.)  I had several food items in various Tupperware containers and fresh produce on its way out.  This inspired me to whip up this delicious Spring salad:

 Artichoke Heart and Asparagus Spring Salad (1 serving)

• 1/2 TBSP Olivio Coconut Oil Spread (I swear, I'm not a paid spokesperson, but maybe should be)
• 4 spears asparagus, diced 
• 1 TBSP pine nuts
• 1-1/4 cup canned quartered artichoke hearts 
• 1/2 cup northern beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1/4 cup scallions, chopped
• 1/4 red bell pepper, diced 
• 1 TBSP fresh cilantro
• 1/4 tsp lemon pepper seasoning
• salt and pepper, to taste

Dressing

• 1 TBSP Garlic Expressions Classic Dressing
• 1 TBSP fresh lemon juice

1.  Heat the coconut spread (or butter or olive oil) over medium heat.  Add the diced asparagus and saute for approximately 5 mins.  Add the pine nuts and continue over heat until the nuts start to look toasted.  Season with salt and fresh ground pepper.
2.  In the meantime, in a medium-sized bowl, combine the artichoke hearts, northern beans, scallions, red bell pepper and cilantro.  Use a grater to zest the lemon over top.
3.  In a ramekin or small bowl, combine the juice of the lemon with the Garlic Expressions vinaigrette dressing.  Give a quick whisk.
4.  Add the asparagus and toasted pine nuts, as well as the lemon pepper seasoning, to the ingredients in the medium-sized bowl.  Pour the dressing over the top and stir all the ingredients together.  Season with additional salt and fresh ground pepper, if needed.

Calories: 385; Fat: 14g; Carbs: 44g; Protein: 17

Seriously, ENJOY!  This salad is very well balanced with lots of different texture.  It has 385 calories and 17 grams of protein so it is definitely packed with nutrients and the perfect sized meal!

Today is Going to be a Killer! Making the Most of ME-Time + Tone It Up!

On the days that I work, I find it very hard to cram in everything I want to get accomplished.  I only work 3 days a week but it can really put a cramp in my desired routine.  I get up at 5am, shower/get ready, make a smoothie and rush out the door.  I have long 12-hour shifts which most of the time is spent sitting on my butt at a desk.  9 flights of stairs gives me a mid-morning and mid-afternoon mini-workout.  Then when I get home, I rush to make something for dinner that will give me enough energy for a workout without bogging me down.  A big salad; grilled chicken with a veg; a quick throw-together pasta.  By the time my food has digested and I'm ready to work out, it's usually 9 o'clock or later.  P90X's daily routine's range from about an hour to an hour and a half.  I finish off my post-workout with a protein shake, take a quick rinse-off shower and drag my exhausted butt into bed (which is close to 11.)  If i'm working 2 or 3 days in a row, that cycle can be really grueling.

On my days off, however, I like to take my time but also spend it as productively as possible.

I almost always sleep in (10am is my usual); not productive, but I need to refuel this old machine.

I make breakfast, like today's:

Whole wheat English muffin, 1/2 TBSP Olivio coconut oil spread, 1/2 TBSP peanut butter, 1/2 banana

I catch up on my favorite blogs and research ideas for my own blog.

I sometimes catch up on a few of my DVR-ed shows, like this season's Bad Girls Club (yes, very guilty pleasure)

I look for recipes.  Lots and lots of recipes.

More recently, I look for new workouts.  Today I got my first Tone It Up Bikini Series email which took me to their blog.  Ever since Katrina and Karena's perfect physique pictures started popping up everywhere on Pinterest, I have been totally enamored with these girls: their work, their lifestyle (hello, they live in sunny, Southern Cali, travel around the world, can surf, skateboard, etc.  You name it, they can do it), their perfectly, chiseled and sculpted bodies.  They are just so darn adorable!

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Ok, I might have a bit of a girl-crush.  Point is, I totally admire and respect the Tone It Up empire they are creating.  Today they talked about creating a Visualization Board to help you stay on track and keep the momentum going.  I really need to sit down and do this soon.  It is great to see a daily reminder of what you are aiming for.

I also watched a few of their Bikini Series YouTube videos.  I highly recommend subscribing to their YouTube account.  Lots of useful videos.  Today I'm going to do the Bikini Beach Bum and Bikini Strap workout.

And finally, they are also collaborating with Self Magazine for the Drop 10 Challenge.  Again, an amazing source of useful information.  Do these girls ever have a day off?  Ok, enough with my obsession  admiration with TIU.

It's already close to 1pm so I need to get the ball rolling....I'm also going to try and go for a 30 minute run even though it sounds like there's a massive wind storm outside.  When D gets home, it's the beginning of Week 5 of P90X/Phase 2.  We're supposed to be starting off with Chest, Shoulders and Triceps but we're currently missing that DVD so we're just going to do Chest and Back plus Ab Ripper X.

Holy cow, I've got a lot on my plate but I need it.  I didn't work out on Saturday or Sunday and I had a few adult beverages so I am definitely feeling the effects.  Wish me luck!

*J

I AM IN THE ZONE! >> What I'm Cooking (Recipes Galore) + Week 4 P90X Results

For now, I'm taking my blog in slightly a different direction, not that I think anyone really cares AND not like my blog has ever really had FOCUS.  It's my blog and I'll write what I want to (I kinda just sang that in my head).  I'm going to continue to write about the usual stuff (my adventures dining out in Indy, my family/friends, home improvements, etc) but I'm also going to chronicle my journey into living healthy and the trials and tribulations associated with getting into shape.  I, by no means, specialize in nutrition or exercise so consult with an expert and take whatever you want from my little blog - the little nook I've carved out in the wonderful world of the internet.

I've had such positive energy lately which has translated into creativity and motivation.  There is renewed life in our beautiful kitchen (no cob-webs up in here).  I haven't bought a cute outfit in ages but our fridge and pantry has been stocked with fresh produce and health-conscious staples.  I see that as an investment with better pay off.  I'd hate to waste a paycheck on an outfit when my muffin top is raging or my saddle bags are rearing their ugly face.  Eating right and exercising doesn't really provide the instant gratification that retail therapy has in the past but I never feel the buyer's remorse either.  Although I moan and whine before and during a hard workout, I've never looked back and thought "Geez, that was a mistake."   I've also cut back on the alcohol, significantly.  I really don't have the room in my diet nutrition plan for the empty calories and it's been wonderful not having the bloat from all the carbonation.  That doesn't mean I don't enjoy a beer or glass of wine when out socially but otherwise, I don't see any need for it.  A solid workout has become my de-stresser after a long day of work.

My workouts over the past 4 weeks consisted of following the Classic P90X schedule which goes as follows:

• Day 1: Chest & Back + Ab Ripper X
• Day 2: Plyometrics
• Day 3: Shoulder & Arms + Ab Ripper X
• Day 4: Yoga X
• Day 5: Legs & Back + Ab Ripper X
• Day 6: Kenpo X
• Day 7: Rest or X Stretch

I didn't follow this schedule down to a T but I tried my best.  Week 4 was supposed to be a rest week but I didn't want to!  A couple days I added a 30 minute jog or did a Tone It Up workout instead.  D refuses to do Yoga X with me so I do it by myself on a day off, like today.  We are missing a couple of the DVDs which I hope to get soon because Week 5 mixes it up and add some new workouts.


I definitely can't give all the credit to working out.  A HUGE portion of it has been my adjustments to my eating habits.  I mentioned this in my previous post but I'm going to say it again: MyFitnessPal for iPhone (and I'm assuming Android) can be your best friend.  I know it sounds tedious and completely anal to record everything you eat but I think it is essential.  It is downright scary, to me, to think of how many weekend benders I've had in the past where I ate/drank probably 3000+ calories a day.  Quite frankly, I should be obese.  By carefully monitoring what you eat, you have the ultimate control.  I try and keep my calorie consumption under 1500.  Because I've incorporated physical activity, I've added 300 more calories from the usual 1200 I would aim for prior to starting up P90X.  I can safely say that there hasn't been a single night that I've gone to bed hungry.  I eat nutritionally dense foods, mostly fresh fruits and vegetables.  I tend to stick with poultry for my meats (occasionally I will eat red meat).  I also find a great source of protein from beans, tofu, eggs, etc.; not to mention, the delicious protein shakes post workout.

Below are some recipes of the meals I've made over the past couple weeks as well as some of my go-to items.

On days that I work, I typically go for a smoothie that I can quickly blend up and take with me as I rush out the door.  My 20 minute drive is perfect for me to easily and conveniently drink a smoothie down while listening to my favorite sports-radio channels.

SKINNY GREEN MONSTER (makes 1 serving)

• 2 cups baby spinach
• 1 banana
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 3/4 cup skim milk
• 1 TBSP creamy peanut butter

Combine all ingredients in a blender.

PEACH BANANA SMOOTHIE (makes 2 servings)

• 2 cups frozen peaches
• 1 banana
• 2 TBSP creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup plain Greek Yogurt
• 1 cup skim milk

Combine all ingredients in a blender.

STRAWBERRY PEACH SMOOTHIE (makes 2 servings)

• 1 cup frozen strawberries
• 1 cup frozen peaches
• 2 TBSP creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup plain Greek Yogurt
• 1 cup skim milk

Combine all ingredients in a blender.

Not too much difficulty with the smoothies.  Blueberries, raspberries and blackberries are a great option too.  Beware of seeds!

I also want to recommend Nature's Path Organic Flax Plus Cereals.  I've tried the Red Berry Crunch and the Pumpkin Flax Plus Granola.  They are so delicious, a great source of Omega-3 and not loaded with sugar.

Nature's Path Organic (Flax Plus) Red Berry Crunch in a empty jar of peanut butter.
Giving it one last hoorah  before heading to the trash.

Here's what I had this morning:

Whole wheat English muffin with 1 TBSP Olivio Coconut Spread, 1/2
fresh grapefruit, low fat cottage cheese with a handful of fresh raspberries

Nothing super special but at right around 320 calories, it did the trick!  I have to take a minute to thank my friend *Fefe for accidentally leaving my a container of Olivio Coconut Spread because I'm obsessed.  I use it with everything! 

For lunch and dinner ideas, I've scoured the internet looking for great, easy recipes, especially soups that make a large enough batch for dinner and then again the following day, work lunches for both D and I.  

Curried Carrot Soup (makes 6 servings) Adapted from Eating Well

•  3 TBSP canola oil
• 2 tsp curry powder
• 8 medium carrots, peeled and thinly sliced
• 4 medium stalks celery, thinly sliced
• 1 medium onion, coarsely chopped
• 5 cups reduced sodium chicken broth
• 1TBSP lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp salt
• fresh ground pepper

1.  Cook oil and curry powder in large saucepan over medium heat, stirring until fragrant (1-2 minutes).  Stir in carrots, celery and onions; toss to coat in oil.  Cook, stirring frequently for 10 minutes.  Stir in broth.  Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer until vegetables are very tender, about 10 minutes.  Remove from heat and let stand for 10 minutes. 

2.  Using an emulsion blender (or regular blender in batches), blend until it's a smooth, pureed consistency.  Pour into bowls.  Season with fresh squeezed lemon juice and salt and pepper.  

Chicken Enchilada Soup (makes 6 servings) Adapted from Skinny Taste

• 2 tsp EVOO
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 cups low sodium fat-free chicken broth
• 8-oz can tomato sauce
• 2 tsp chipotle chili in adobo sauce
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
• 15-oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 14.5-oz can petite diced tomatoes
• 2 cups frozen corn
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp ground chipotle chili powder
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 2 8-oz skinless, boneless chicken breasts
• Optional: scallions, shredded cheese, fat-free sour cream, avocado, lime wedges, tortilla chips

1.  Heat oil in dutch oven (or crock pot) over medium-low heat.  Add onion and garlic and saute until soft (3-4 minutes).  Slowly add chicken broth, tomato sauce and chipotle adobo sauce and bring to a boil.

2.  Add drained beans, diced tomatoes, corn, cumin, chipotle powder, and oregano, and stir.  Add the chicken breasts; cover and cook on low heat for 4-6 hours.

3.  Remove chicken and shred with 2 forks.  Add chicken back into the soup, adjust salt and cumin to taste.  Serve in bowls and top with sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt), scallions, cilantro, avocado and lime.

Turkey Chili Blanc (makes 4 servings) Adapted from Better Homes and Garden

•  12 oz uncooked ground turkey (extra lean)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 12-oz can/bottle beer
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 2 jalapenos, seeded and chopped
• 2 tsp instant beef bouillon cubes
• 1-1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp sauce from chipotle chiles in adobo
• 2 15.5-oz cans great northern beans, rinsed and drained
• 1TBSP lime juice
• Optional: sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt), cilantro, lime wedges, ground chipotle chili powder

1.  In a large saucepan, cook turkey and onion over medium-high heat until turkey is no longer pink and onions are tender; drain.

2.  Return to saucepan and stir in beer, water, broth, jalapenos, bouillon cubes, chili powder, cumin and adobo sauce.   Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, uncovered for 20 mins, stirring occasionally.  Stir in the drained beans and lime juice; heat through.

3.  Mash half of the beans to thicken chili; stir and ladle into bowl.  If desired, garnish with sour cream, cilantro, lime wedges and chipotle chili powder.

Chicken and Avocado Soup (makes 4 servings)  Adapted from Skinny Taste

 

• 5 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 2 cups shredded chicken breast (I used leftover rotisserie chicken)
• 1-1/2 cups cherry tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-1/2 cups scallions, chopped fine
• 2 ripe avocados, diced
• 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped fine
• 4 lime wedges
• 2 tsp olive oil
• salt and pepper to taste
• pinch cumin
• pinch chipotle chile powder

1.  In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat.  Add 1 cup of scallions and garlic.  Saute about 2 minutes then add tomatoes and saute another minute, until soft.  

2.  Add chicken stock, cumin and chile powder and bring to a boil.  Simmer, covered on low for about 15-20 minutes.

3.  In each bowl, fill with 1/2 cup chicken, 1/2 avocado, scallions and cilantro. Ladle 1 cup chicken broth over the chicken and serve with a lime wedge.

Lately, I've also been on a major salad kick!

Mixed Green Salad with Grapefruit and Cranberries (makes 6 servings) Adapted from Eating Well

• 2 red grapefruit
• 1/4 cup EVOO
• 2 TBSP minced scallions
• 1 TBSP white-wine vinegar
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper
• 8 cups torn red leaf lettuce
• 1 shallot, thinly sliced
• 6 cups baby spinach
• 1 14-oz can artichoke hearts, drained and cut into bite-size pieces
• 1/3 cup dried cranberries
• 1/3 cup toasted pine nuts

1.  Remove the skin and white pith from grapefruit with a sharp knife.  Working over a bowl, cut the segments from their surrounding membranes.  Cut the segments in half on a cutting board and transfer to a large salad bowl.  Squeeze the grapefruit peel and membranes over the original bowl to extract 1/4 cup grapefruit juice.

2.  Whisk oil scallions, vinegar, salt and pepper into the bowl with the grapefruit juice.

3.  Add lettuce, spinach and artichoke hearts  to the salad bowl with the grapefruit segments.  Just before serving, toss the salad with the dressing until well coated.  Sprinkle cranberries and pine nuts on top.

Tuna and Avocado Spinach Salad (serves 1)

I tossed this delicious salad together the other night so ingredient measurements may not be precise.

• 1-1/2 cups fresh baby spinach
• 1 cup red leaf lettuce
• 1/4 cup red bell pepper
• 1/2 cup red onion
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1/2 avocado
• 1/4 cup craisins
• 1 can chunk light tuna in water
• 1 tsp dijon mustard
• juice of 1 lemon wedge
• dash of lemon pepper seasoning
• 2 TBSP Garlic Expressions Classic Vinaigrette

1.  In a small bowl, mix tuna, dijon mustard, lemon juice, and lemon pepper seasoning.

2.  In a medium salad bowl, combine spinach, red leaf lettuce, red bell pepper, red onion, cherry tomatoes, avocado and craisins, and toss.  

3.  Top with the tuna and drizzle the Garlic Expressions Classic Vinaigrette dressing.

For the past 2 days, I've made the same exact thing for lunch.  I am on a sweet potato kick.  It is an entree and a dessert all in one (especially topped with coconut spread and a dash of cinnamon).  I also improvised this simple, yet totally scrumptious salad.

Citrus Salad (makes 1 serving) 

• 1 cup fresh baby spinach
• 1 cup red leaf lettuce
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1/2 cup scallions
• 1 TBSP craisins
• 1/2 medium orange, diced
• 1/4 orange, juiced
• 1 TBSP Garlic Expressions Classic Vinaigrette

1.  Start building the salad with the spinach and lettuce, cherry tomatoes, scallions, craisins, and diced orange segments.

2.  In a small ramekin, add garlic vinaigrette and orange juice.  Give quick whisk and pour over salad.

So what are the results?...drum roll....

I've dropped 3 pounds on the scale.  Not really the numbers I wanted to see but the actual physical ones are the best!  See for yourself:

It may not seem like a lot but to me, it's fantastic.  By far, my stomach and hips have always been my trouble spots and they are shrinking every week.  My clothes are fitting looser.  My hips aren't flaring out as much as they used to.  The thought of pools opening up in about a month in a half doesn't seem as daunting; in fact, I'm excited.

Getting in Shape in 2012: Eating Right + P90X

D and I are going to Sandals Grande Riviera in Ocho Rios, Jamaica in t-minus 120 days (but who's really counting).  This will be our first major vacation together so we are beyond stoked.

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I've already bought my first bathing suit for our trip:

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Can they also throw in her body please?!

D and I have made the commitment to get (in his case, back) into shape!  Up until about a year ago, he was still active.  He played soccer in high school and then for years after that, he played with friends in a few recreational leagues.  He was always in the best of shape until a knee injury about 2 1/2 years ago and our move to the south side of Indianapolis put a damper on that.

Me, on the other hand, I gave up active sports when I got into high school and instead played varsity golf.  I did minimal activity and managed not to balloon up until about the age of 26 when I started my notice my flailing metabolism.  So over the past couple years, I've done my best watching what I ate and for the most part, when I was really dedicated, I was able to keep my weight down.  At my heaviest, I weighed about 136lbs.   I put myself on a strict eating regiment and over about a year and a half, lost almost 20 lbs, which was just in time for my best friend's wedding last Fall.  But after that, when the cold weather started coming in, I resorted to the comfort food and the convenience of fast food (what idiot decided to put a McDonald's in my place of employment?).  I was lucky and only managed to put on about 8lbs, considering the junk that I was consuming.  It was in January that I really started to notice how "squishy" I appeared.  Most people would say to me, "you're pretty tiny, why do you need to lose weight?" and while yes, I'll agree that I'm petite, I'm also lacking tone or definition.

In February, I started to get back into my strict diet.  I call it a strict diet because I am absolutely anal about recording my food.  I still eat delicious food, I just focus on healthy choices and portion control.  I used to use Spark People but the MyFitnessPal app for iPhone is just so awesome and easy to use.

For a couple months, I was in a bit of a cooking lull but I've bounced back.  I really enjoy cooking because it's fun and relaxing but also because I love knowing exactly what I'm eating.

Here's a preview of what I've been whipping up lately.  My plan is to post all the recipes on Friday (the 13th dun dun dunnnn!)

Green Monster Smoothie

Baked Orange Salmon with Citrus Salad 

Tofu Stir Fry

Curried Carrot and Ginger Soup

Chicken Enchilada Soup

Turkey Chili Blanc

Mixed Greens Salad with Grapefruit, Artichoke Hearts, Cranberries and Toasted Pine Nuts

A couple years ago, I got sucked into the continuous replay of the P90X infomercials and on an impulse, I went ahead and purchased the program.  You can't help but be amazed at the testimonials from the people who have done it.  But when I got it, I did it 2 times, decided it was too hard, and packed it away.  What a ween-wad!

Flash forward to now, with the support and combined participation, D and I have decided to give it another try.  We're in a much more conducive place in our lives.  We have the desire, the time, and the space to do it.  We're starting our 4th week today!!  I really enjoy the Plyometrics and the Yoga X.  I've never really been able to do pull ups, ever, so instead I do a modified version using a chair.  Hopefully, by the end of the first round of P90X, I'm able to do a few without.

ME WEEK 1 (not fun to post):

NOT ME (but what I'd ultimately like to get to):

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I am already seeing results (I'll post a new body picture once we complete Week 4) which really are the best motivation.  I'm not so focused on the scale because the number isn't going down as fast as I'd like but I'm seeing definition in my arms, legs and stomach.  Not only that, I am over that initial 2 weeks where every muscle in your body aches and it seems nearly impossible to do simple things like pull a shirt over your head or walk up a flight of stairs, I'm excited to workout and constantly looking for new inspirations.  I even squeeze in exercises while D is at work or at my work by taking the stairs (all 9 stories up to my unit).  I have begun doing them 2-3 times a shift.  I've also begun easing myself into running which I despise with every morsel of my being.  It doesn't help that I haven't quit smoking yet which is a MAJOR goal of 2012 (I know, feel free to smack me).

Here are some websites and tools that have been insanely helpful:
Pinterest.com - A great way to find endless amounts of health and fitness blogs
Tone It Up - I love the girls of Tone It Up but not really able to invest $ into their program, yet.  They send out emails with very helpful tips and tricks.  They also are working with Self.com which is just as useful.
Self.com - Great articles and reads on fitness and health.  Also, great healthy recipes.
SkinnyTaste.com - Delicious recipes with nutritional info
EatingWell.com  - Another site chock full of healthy options
MyFitnessPal - I had the app on my iPhone for forever but never used it until a couple weeks ago.  Now, it's my go-to app to log and track everything that I eat which is key (I think) to the weight loss aspect of my body transformation.  I love that you can scan the bar code of the foods you eat and it will automatically pull up the nutritional information.

What do you use to keep motivation or what have you tried that has delivered results?

I feel like I'm getting into the best shape of my adult life and couldn't be happier.  Jamaica here we come!

Random 2-day getaway to Cincinnati for the Flying Pig Expo

P&G FLYING PIG EXPO AND MARATHON

A friend, Fefe* (*not really, but that was her name in high school French class and I love it) asked me a while back if I'd like to do a couple marketing gigs with her for some extra income.  I am always down for an opportunity to travel and my bank account is always in need of additional funding so I agreed.  The first job came this weekend in Cincinnati at the Flying Pig Expo, one of many annual marathons happening all across the country.  I worked for a company that produces several marathons a year.  My particular booth was "the Chicago Half Marathon and 5K which is held in Chicago on September 11th.  This is the 15th running of the race which starts and ends in historic Jackson Park and goes along beautiful Lakeshore Dr.  It is a bit South of downtown with a flat course offering both lake and city views.  There will be live music and an amazing post-race party with food (Chicago deep-dish pizza) and plenty of refreshments"  (You like those marketing skills?)  Our goal was to pass out our Chicago Half Marathon fliers and inform the crowds of what our race had to offer. 

Fefe before we opened for the public

Game face!

Now, I was aware that marathons, half marathons, 5Ks, etc existed.  I participated in Race for the Cure 2 years ago and I have friends who had run in a couple local events.  But not until actually working an all-things-running event did I discover the complexity and seriousness of marathoners.  They come in all ages, shapes, sizes, and social backgrounds.  There were participants who were just locals, first timers, organized groups but then there were those who travel from city to city and do multiple marathons a year.  There were men and women in their 60s and 70s who had been running for years, even a guy whose goal was to run a race in every state which he was close to accomplishing.  There were also the marathon snobs that looked down on half marathons and scoffed at our race as they walked by.   Also, I had no idea that the medals that are handed out for completion of a race are also under heavy scrutiny and could be the deciding factor in which race a person might choose to run.  But overall it was this amazing organization of people who shared a common love of running or running for a particular cause which made it a very neat experience.  Many were running for pure enjoyment, others for weight loss, cancer or to just cross it off a bucket list.  Another thing that amazed me was that people pay a significant amount to attend these events.  The Flying Pig Marathon had an entry fee of close to $100.  Add the travel costs of gas, hotel and food.  For those who are traveling from city to city, that would add up into the thousands a year.  But I guess that it is a hobby for many people and instead of spending their money frivolously out at bars or on junk they don't need, they're using it constructively and seeing new sites and meeting new people. 

If you are looking for a hobby, a cause or a kick-in-the-butt reason to jump start working out, work at, or at least attend, one of these expos.  It is eye opening to see so many people in excellent shape despite age, lifestyle or disability.  There were moms with multiple children who had to-die-for bods better than any 20-something I know.  There were hunky men in their 50s with perfectly chiseled legs and calves.  There were people who had lost a significant amount of weight or were still in the process of doing so.  There were individuals with artificial limbs and cancer survivors.  There were groups of women in their 80s with a accomplishment list that put me to shame.

My friend said that after her first expo she went home and started her Insanity workout videos.  Now after working the Flying Pig Expo, I am determined to start working out, running with my dog and D, and hopefully being in good enough shape to run a half by early next Spring.  If I'm really on top of things, maybe even the Indianapolis Half Marathon October 15th.  The other local race sponsored by our company is the Geist Half Marathon which is in May and the very awesome Mudathalon Indianapolis on June 25th.  It is a muddy obstacle course over 3 miles long.  Their slogan:

MUD :) OBSTACLES :) BEER :)   

Enough said!  It doesn't require as much preparation as the typical races so I think that in a little less than 2 months, I can, at least, build up enough stamina to power through it.  I know a couple of my friends are doing it so it should be a "mucking" good time.  This was an interesting experience that gave me a unique look into the lives of runners and marathon enthusiasts.  I am working another event in OH the beginning of June which I am pretty excited about.

MT. ADAMS in CINCINNATI

On a side note, we only had a few hours on Friday after Day 1 wrapped up to explore the city.  On a recommendation, we made our way to the Mt. Adams area.  It is a hilly, historical residential part of Cincinnati with cobblestone roads and unique townhouses.  The winding hill top homes and businesses kind of reminded me of a scaled down version of San Fran.  The close-knit, eclectic vibe was reminiscent of Broad Ripple-ishnnati with cobblestone roads and unique townhouses.  The winding hill top homes and businesses kind of reminded me of a scaled down version of San Fran.  The close-knit, eclectic vibe was reminiscent of Broad Ripple-ish neighborhood.  Restaurants and bars lined the streets and we made our way, after a few trial and errors, to the Teak Thai Cuisine and Sake House.  The old, 2-story structure and the interior decor plus the amazing smells of curry were enough to convince us that we made the right decision.  They offered several authentic Thai dishes: curries and stirfry.  There was also a separate sushi list.  Both Fefe and I chose the Red Curry with Chicken at a Level 6 out of 10.  Teak did not let us down. 

Red Curry with Chicken (I am drooling just thinking about it)

This was hands down one of the best red curry dishes I've ever had and I've tried it in many different cities.  The sweet and spicy sauce fused with the flavors of the veggies and chicken to create the most harmonious dish. There was an abundance of rich coconut milk flavor and the perfect amount of Thai chili heat.  They served a large bowl of sticky white rice, family style to accompany the entrees.  I could've eaten my entire large portion but used self restraint so that I would have left overs the next day.  I had those boxed up and basically liked my plate clean.  Heaven in the form of Thai cuisine!  If you are planning to be in the Cincinnati area, be sure to check them out: TEAK Thai Cuisine.

2 stuffed and satisfied girls!

I am definitely looking forward to taking a weekend (maybe a Girls Getaway) to come back to Cincinnati and really explore what the city has to offer.  It took less than one tank of gas round trip and I was really impressed by the little bit I saw.

Thinking myself skinny

There are many reasons why I want to lose a little bit of weight: to fit in my new bathing suit; because size 2 sounds awesome; and I want to look awesome at Julia's wedding.  Although I haven't embraced a hard-core workout routine yet, I am still starting to see results.  A key to the changes can definitely be attributed to SparkPeople.  It is a great tool for me to measure and keep track of what I eat.  This helps me to control how much fat, carbs and calories I consume on a daily basis.  My goal is 1200-1500 calories a day, 163-236g carbs and 32-56g fat.  It's crazy how quickly you can overeat if you aren't paying attention and are reading labels incorrectly.  Managing my daily intake can be very tedious and I slip up every once in a while but the end result is worth it.  I have idea in my head of what I want my body to look like so I'm hoping that the Law of Attraction will work its magic...or my lazy butt will start working out more.

From Feb: Slip ups, recoveries and new opportunities

I got a bit out of my routine which ultimately makes me feel like crap. After my work out debacle on Wednesday.  I attempted to work out with a friend of mine (of which I'm finally not feeling bruised and beaten for the first time today).  I got a little down on myself. The reality of how out of shape I've become was painfully apparent. Next time, I'm taking it much easier and not trying to keep up with seasoned gym rats.

I definitely blew my diet and ate food that has no nutritional value. We went to a bbq on Saturday where I chowed down on buffalo and spin dip, cheese balls, veggies with ranch, macaroni salad and wayyyyy too much pear-flavored vodka.  Yesterday I ate healthy but probably in too much bulk. D made spaghetti for brunch, I had veggies and hummus, celery with peanut butter, tomato-basil soup, a fruit bar and a root beer float. Definitely felt guilty over the root beer float. I need to make a meal plan and go grocery shopping tomorrow so that I'm not tempted to munch on junk. I'm going to try and go to the gym tomorrow.  I think I need to go when I get off work so I can try and avoid people.

I found myself engaging in a bit of negative thinking, gossiping and even a bit of trash talking. You get caught up in it so quickly. But being aware of it helps to curb it. I also blame my hormones.
Today, I was officially offered the job. I am very excited about this new opportunity but I am very disappointed in the pay they offered. My responsibilities will be increasing ten fold from what I do now. I'm in between a rock and a hard place. I'm just going to keep calm and I know that it will all work out.