Monday, April 28, 2014

Pat on the back

Tonight we give ourselves a pat on the back. Back on March 2nd I wrote about how 4 of us completed our first week of "Insanity." Well, the 60 days have come and gone and we did it. We got up early 6 mornings a week and worked out HARD together, every morning for 60 days. At the beginning of this journey we all had different reasons for committing to this challenge. But we all had the same thought: "this will be more than tough but we can do anything for 60 days" Well guess what? We all aren't stopping now and that is what finding a workout program that works is all about. 3 out of the 4 of us have realized waking up and working out at 5am is the best fit for us so we are continuing to meet 5 days a week together. The other is going to continue exercising, but at a slightly later morning time that works better for her and joining us when she can. But the point is, we all feel so great, have seen some great results so far and want to keep the train going. 
For me, I know in order to get off the remainder of my baby weight I need to workout at a high level, at least 5 days a week. I also know I need to eat clean. Simple science really. Work out consistently and eat well. The past 2 months I never deprived myself, never counted calories or skipped meals. I stuck to what I believe in and what I preach to my own clients. "Eat and workout how you plan to for the rest of your life." 
In the past 60 days I have gained muscle, lost 10 pounds, lost a total of 6 inches from my body and greatly increased my muscles endurance and strength along with my cardiovascular efficiency. 
But here is how I look at it: Great start. It took me nearly 2 years since Parker was born, she'll be 2 in June, for me to get the ball rolling in the right direction. It's finally moving and it's going in the right direction but there's no stopping me now, I have much more to achieve. 
I'm proud of myself but I'm most proud of us: the 3 girlfriends who I've had the privilege of go along this journey with. We've inspired and supported each other, complained about lack of sleep to each other but most importantly sweated our tails off together and got fit together. We most definitely passed the sweat check every morning we met. 
For tonight, we get out of our workout clothes, put some make up on, wear something cute and celebrate over and a few drinks and laughs. I'm so proud of you girls!

Thursday, April 3, 2014

What's for Dinner?

Spaghetti with Wilted Greens and 
Walnut-Parsley Pesto

YUM! I've made this many times before so I thought it was time to share after filling my belly with this goodness tonight. I love what this meal has-a great mix of whole grains and protein. You also know what that makes for? An excellent post-workout fuel! Added bonus about this dish is that you get plenty of antioxidants from the veggies, the herbs and the walnuts. BONUS, as I like to call it, this meal only takes about 5, well-10 minutes to make the pesto and enough time to boil the noodles. So an easy, nutritious dinner for you and your family.

Here are the goods: 
-1 pound or box of whole wheat spaghetti or I used 1/2 brown rice noodles and 1/2 whole wheat because that is what I had
-1 pound swiss chard, chopped
-1 cup packed fresh flat-leaf parsley
-1/2 cup packed fresh baby spinach
-1/4 cup walnuts
-1 small (or I like big because I like garlic) peeled and chopped garlic
-2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons olive oil
-1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest (this is key! I love the freshness of the lemon)
-1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
-1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
6 large eggs 

1. So you bring a pot of water to boil. Cook the pasta and after 5 minutes of cooking add the chopped chard and return cooking. Drain pasta and chard when done and return to pot.
2. While pasta is cooking, combine parsley, spinach, walnuts, garlic, 2 tablespoons oil, lemon zest, 1 tablespoon water, and salt and pepper into food processor, pulse until chunky.
3. Fry up your eggs w/ the remaining olive oil-make them over easy
4. Add pesto to noodles, might need to add a little water or olive oil to your desired consistency and for it all to mix together. 
5. Top bowls of green goodness with a fried over easy egg. 

*I made the whole recipe tonight, serves 6 but after Kadin, myself and the kids had some the leftovers makes for an easy lunch for tomorrow. 

GREAT meal. Hope you enjoy.