A lot has happened since my last post. The biggest news, is that Monster and I are moving to Roscoe Village. Luckily this apartment will be passed down to us from wonderful tenants, Nate and Jodi. I am excited to explore a new neighborhood and finally have some peace and quiet!!! The big move will take place the end of May and I am counting down the days. We have mostly everything we need to furnish the place, but an Ikea or Target trip will absolutely happen. My mind is racing with ideas.
In other news, I am dealing with a bruised foot. I am going to blame poor shoes on this injury, but this is not fun! I took a few weeks off from the gym and went this morning to see what my foot could handle. I had to stick with the bike which didn't feel amazing on my left foot, but it felt amazing to sweat!! I finished up my work out with some arm exercises and abs. I hope this foot feels better soon or else a Doctor's office will happen. Ugh.
Next, my travel has picked up for work and I am really busy. It's nice to be busy because the day fliess by, but at the same time, I enjoy working casually through out the day on different projects that do not have a strict deadline. I also HATE traveling/flying for work. I am a home-body and do not like being gone for more than a day from my home base. I am not sure I can be in my current job and not travel so you have to pick and choose your battles. Having a fear of flying doesn't help the case either...
Further, my mom's mom passed away on Friday. She passed from kidney failure. I really have no emotion about this b/c we weren't close and I don't know her, never have. We didn't have the relationship that most grand-parents/grand-kids have. She lived in New Jersey and was absent from my Mom's life for a good chunk of my life. A few years ago, my mom reached out to her mom and they formed a new relationship. They would talk on the phone a few times a week and my mom would send pictures of her family. I spoke to her a few weeks ago when I was in KC and she sounded very old and couldn't understand what I was saying. I feel sad for my mom and wish flights to NJ were not $1K so I could be there to stand by my mom as she attends the funeral. RIP Sylvia.
Ok, on to other news...
My diet has been going well. I have been eating lots of fruits and veggies and have cut soda out of my diet. I crave soda about once a day around 2pm. I usually need some sort of sugar/caffeine kick at that time. If I feel a craving coming on, I usually fill up my water bottle and forget about soda for the time being.
Last night, Monster and I cooked dinner together. My sister made shake and bake on Sunday night and I picked up a box at the store yesterday. I decided to change it up and use chicken breasts dipped in bbq sauce followed by a dip in the shake and bake crunch. THIS WAS SO GOOD!!!!!!!!!! It was very easy and we will most likely become part of our staple meals. We served the chicken with white rice (cooked in chicken broth with italian seasoning and spinach) and corn. It was a tasty meal for a Monday night.
My meal plan for the day:
Pre-gym - 90 calorie cereal bar
Breakfast - Egg beaters with soy sausage and laughing cow wedge
Snack - Strawberries and pineapple
Lunch - Veggie burger and salad
Dinner - Salad from Chipotle
We have a BOGO for Chipotle and I have been craving a Chipotle Burrito Bowl (sans tortilla.) I will be skipping the cheese and beans and just go with the veggies, hot salsa, corn salsa and tiny dollop of guac :).
I have missed blogging and plan on being more active on 30 x 30.
PK
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Monday, March 21, 2011
Sunday Dinner
One of the traditions that we started and I love is making Sunday night dinner. I had planned on trying a recipe from Gina's Skinny Recipes blog a few weeks ago and I never printed it out. Luckily, my favorite blogger, Iowa Girl Eats, found this recipe too and made it last week to share with her readers.
Here it is! Sicilian Rice Ball Casserole. It's different, but it was very tasty :) We paired our entree with steamed cauliflower and brocoli and also some garlic toast (with a thin bun.) Scrumptch!!
Sicilian Rice Ball Casserole
Gina's Skinny Recipes
Servings: 8 • Serving Size: 1/8th • Old Points: 8 pts • Points+: 9 pts
Calories: 367.2 • Fat: 9.5 g • Carb: 46.8 g • Fiber: 2.0 g • Protein: 20.9 g
2 cups uncooked long grain rice
4 cups water
1 (2.5 oz) sweet Italian sausage link, casing removed
10 oz (.65 lbs) 93% lean ground turkey (1/2 package)
1/4 cup onion, minced
salt and fresh pepper
5 oz frozen peas
16 oz homemade tomato sauce
1/3 cup egg beaters or egg whites
1/2 cup pecorino romano
cooking spray
4 tbsp seasoned breadcrumbs, divided
1 1/4 cup shredded part skim mozzarella
Cook rice in water according to package directions. Set aside to cool.
Meanwhile, sauté sausage meat; cook until brown breaking up into pieces with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Add turkey and onions and cook until browned, breaking up as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then add peas and 8 oz tomato sauce and simmer on low, covered, about 20 minutes.
Preheat oven to 400°. In a large bowl combine rice, pecorino romano, eggs, and 3-4 oz tomato sauce and mix well. Rice should be a bit sticky.
Spray a 9 x 12 casserole dish with cooking spray, making sure to spray sides too. Add 2 tbsp breadcrumbs to the dish and roll around to coat the bottom and sides.
Take half of the rice mixture (a little more if needed) and cover the bottom of the dish and up the sides; press to form the bottom layer.
Add the meat and peas.
Sprinkle mozzarella on top. Top with remaining rice and press until even. Top with remaining 4 oz of sauce, remaining 2 tbsp breadcrumbs, and remaining mozzarella.
Cover with foil and bake 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake 10 more minutes. Cut into 8pieces.
Enjoy!
PK
Here it is! Sicilian Rice Ball Casserole. It's different, but it was very tasty :) We paired our entree with steamed cauliflower and brocoli and also some garlic toast (with a thin bun.) Scrumptch!!
Sicilian Rice Ball Casserole
Gina's Skinny Recipes
Servings: 8 • Serving Size: 1/8th • Old Points: 8 pts • Points+: 9 pts
Calories: 367.2 • Fat: 9.5 g • Carb: 46.8 g • Fiber: 2.0 g • Protein: 20.9 g
2 cups uncooked long grain rice
4 cups water
1 (2.5 oz) sweet Italian sausage link, casing removed
10 oz (.65 lbs) 93% lean ground turkey (1/2 package)
1/4 cup onion, minced
salt and fresh pepper
5 oz frozen peas
16 oz homemade tomato sauce
1/3 cup egg beaters or egg whites
1/2 cup pecorino romano
cooking spray
4 tbsp seasoned breadcrumbs, divided
1 1/4 cup shredded part skim mozzarella
Cook rice in water according to package directions. Set aside to cool.
Meanwhile, sauté sausage meat; cook until brown breaking up into pieces with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Add turkey and onions and cook until browned, breaking up as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then add peas and 8 oz tomato sauce and simmer on low, covered, about 20 minutes.
Preheat oven to 400°. In a large bowl combine rice, pecorino romano, eggs, and 3-4 oz tomato sauce and mix well. Rice should be a bit sticky.
Spray a 9 x 12 casserole dish with cooking spray, making sure to spray sides too. Add 2 tbsp breadcrumbs to the dish and roll around to coat the bottom and sides.
Take half of the rice mixture (a little more if needed) and cover the bottom of the dish and up the sides; press to form the bottom layer.
Add the meat and peas.
Sprinkle mozzarella on top. Top with remaining rice and press until even. Top with remaining 4 oz of sauce, remaining 2 tbsp breadcrumbs, and remaining mozzarella.
Cover with foil and bake 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake 10 more minutes. Cut into 8pieces.
Enjoy!
PK
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Almost...
To the 10 lb mark!! I went to WW yesterday with a poor attitude. I thought it would probably be a small gain since I haven't been to WW in two weeks, but I was surprised when I stepped on the scale and saw a -2.4!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This seriously made my weekend. I would have been a tad happpier with an extra .2 loss so I would finally be at the 10 lb mark, but I am so so so close.
Now I have a small confession. I have been slacking at the gym. I feel that I am a pretty routine person and have been great the past few months getting up during the work week at least 2 to 3 times and to hit the gym and also getting there at least one day during the weekend. I just am in a rut and have no desire to work out. I hope that this passes soon, b/c I really love the feeling of getting into shape and having a good sweat session. I will blame this slacking on my work schedule. Lately when I get up, I want to get to work and get moving on everything I need to do.
I am traveling this week to Rochester, NY from Monday - Wednesday and then in the suburbs on Thursday for a meeting with one of my clients. It's going to be a crazy week, but I hope after this week my travel will slow down and I can jump back on the work out wagon.
Unfortunately I will not have time to work out while I am in Rochester since our meetings start as early as 7am (which is 6am Chi time, ugh.) I will stay on track with my diet and count my points while I am on the road.
I want to hit that 10lb mark so bad next week so cross your fingers for me. 20.2 lbs more to go!!!
PK
This seriously made my weekend. I would have been a tad happpier with an extra .2 loss so I would finally be at the 10 lb mark, but I am so so so close.
Now I have a small confession. I have been slacking at the gym. I feel that I am a pretty routine person and have been great the past few months getting up during the work week at least 2 to 3 times and to hit the gym and also getting there at least one day during the weekend. I just am in a rut and have no desire to work out. I hope that this passes soon, b/c I really love the feeling of getting into shape and having a good sweat session. I will blame this slacking on my work schedule. Lately when I get up, I want to get to work and get moving on everything I need to do.
I am traveling this week to Rochester, NY from Monday - Wednesday and then in the suburbs on Thursday for a meeting with one of my clients. It's going to be a crazy week, but I hope after this week my travel will slow down and I can jump back on the work out wagon.
Unfortunately I will not have time to work out while I am in Rochester since our meetings start as early as 7am (which is 6am Chi time, ugh.) I will stay on track with my diet and count my points while I am on the road.
I want to hit that 10lb mark so bad next week so cross your fingers for me. 20.2 lbs more to go!!!
PK
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Missing In Action
I am so sorry followers (5 of you :)) I have been MIA. Work has been nuts and my tavel schedule has picked up. I also spent the weekend in Iowa to celebrate my Pops turning 60! His party was a blast and I am sad it's over.
When we got back from our trip, the fridge was empty. $185 later, we are all set! Aldi, T. Joes and Dominics hit the spot and emptied our wallets, ha.
I have been skipping my work outs b/c I am just having a hard time waking up! I have been so tired and since we have been back from our weekend trip, our neighbor has kept us up. I have also cut soda out of my diet which is killing me!!! But today...we got up and hit the gym! 45 minutes on the elliptical was my work out today. Tomorrow I plan on running 2 miles and doing some arm exercises.
As far as my meal plan, I have been trying to cut back on carbs a bit. Not 100%, but making sure I stay away from bread as much as I can.
My meal plan for the day:
Breakfast - 2 soy sausage patties and one string cheese
Lunch - SW veggie pocket and V8 Butternut Squash soup - I love this stuff!
Snack - I attempted honey greek yogurt from T. Joes and I hate it. I am just never going to adjust to that taste.
Dinner - Burgers on the indoor grill!
We have only used this grill once b/c we don't have the space for it, but I love it! Here are the deets: The DeLonghi BG24 Indoor Grill has an embedded heating element and a special M-shaped grill design so the entire surface area heats up and grilling results are more consistent. Its adjustable, detachable thermostat has five temperature levels. The grill surface itself is nonstick, so less oil is required and a nonstick splatter shield surrounds the edge of the grill to prevent splatter. The tempered glass lid fits over the grill to retain moisture.
The weather is getting nice and tomorrow it is supposed to be in the 60's! I love everything about that!!!
Have a good rest of the day!
PK
When we got back from our trip, the fridge was empty. $185 later, we are all set! Aldi, T. Joes and Dominics hit the spot and emptied our wallets, ha.
I have been skipping my work outs b/c I am just having a hard time waking up! I have been so tired and since we have been back from our weekend trip, our neighbor has kept us up. I have also cut soda out of my diet which is killing me!!! But today...we got up and hit the gym! 45 minutes on the elliptical was my work out today. Tomorrow I plan on running 2 miles and doing some arm exercises.
As far as my meal plan, I have been trying to cut back on carbs a bit. Not 100%, but making sure I stay away from bread as much as I can.
My meal plan for the day:
Breakfast - 2 soy sausage patties and one string cheese
Lunch - SW veggie pocket and V8 Butternut Squash soup - I love this stuff!
Snack - I attempted honey greek yogurt from T. Joes and I hate it. I am just never going to adjust to that taste.
Dinner - Burgers on the indoor grill!
We have only used this grill once b/c we don't have the space for it, but I love it! Here are the deets: The DeLonghi BG24 Indoor Grill has an embedded heating element and a special M-shaped grill design so the entire surface area heats up and grilling results are more consistent. Its adjustable, detachable thermostat has five temperature levels. The grill surface itself is nonstick, so less oil is required and a nonstick splatter shield surrounds the edge of the grill to prevent splatter. The tempered glass lid fits over the grill to retain moisture.
The weather is getting nice and tomorrow it is supposed to be in the 60's! I love everything about that!!!
Have a good rest of the day!
PK
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Hotel Gym Fail!
I am sitting here in my work out clothes and my ipod is still clipped to my work out pants. I got up extra early to hit the gym this morning at the beautiful(not) Hampton Inn and Suites in Tampa. I should have checked the gym out last night, but I was in serious work mode and never made it to the lobby.
As I walked through the door, I noticed a large white sign on the treadmill that said "Out of Order." Fail. I guess I am just annoyed that I didn't grab my Jillian Michael or p90x DVD's before rushing out the door yesterday, but I assumed a hotel gym would at least have working machines...even if they are from 1990.
So the treadmill is out of order and all of the weight machines don't have weights. It's not very fun lifting your legs on the leg press with zero weight.
I attempted a generic elliptical machine for 20 minutes and realized that it hadn't been maintenanced or cleaned since the Hampton Inn brought it in, so I left the gym and decided to get back to work. Hey, at least I tried!
Today will be filled with meetings, store visits and site visits. It should be a busy one, but I am looking forward to it.
It's tough to know what you will be eating while traveling for work, but I don't plan on eating much. I had fruit and some eggs for breakfast and I snagged a banana for my morning snack. We may skip lunch and do a late dinner (most likely at Applebees. Sick.)
I hope you are having a great week!!
PK
As I walked through the door, I noticed a large white sign on the treadmill that said "Out of Order." Fail. I guess I am just annoyed that I didn't grab my Jillian Michael or p90x DVD's before rushing out the door yesterday, but I assumed a hotel gym would at least have working machines...even if they are from 1990.
So the treadmill is out of order and all of the weight machines don't have weights. It's not very fun lifting your legs on the leg press with zero weight.
I attempted a generic elliptical machine for 20 minutes and realized that it hadn't been maintenanced or cleaned since the Hampton Inn brought it in, so I left the gym and decided to get back to work. Hey, at least I tried!
Today will be filled with meetings, store visits and site visits. It should be a busy one, but I am looking forward to it.
It's tough to know what you will be eating while traveling for work, but I don't plan on eating much. I had fruit and some eggs for breakfast and I snagged a banana for my morning snack. We may skip lunch and do a late dinner (most likely at Applebees. Sick.)
I hope you are having a great week!!
PK
Monday, March 7, 2011
Bug
This title has 2 meanings. The first is that Monster and I baby sat for Lexi "Bug" Edwards yesterday while her parents had to tend to some Baptism business. She is too cute for words!! Unfortunately she liked Monster more than me.
Second is that I am coming down with a bug. It hit me last night when I got home and I just faded so fast. My throat started hurting and my sinuses are killing me. This is never fun especially when I have to travel all week!!! At least warm weather will be a plus to this work adventure.
We set the alarm this morning to go to the gym and it didn't happen. I actually didn't even think twice about it and decided to sleep for another hour instead.
Work has been busy today trying to get prepped for my work trip to Tampa. This is actually my last day in the office this week since we are traveling to Iowa next weekend for my Dad's 60th birthday. I can't wait!!! There is a big crew coming out to celebrate Barry :).
We have no food at home so I'm not sure what our plan is for dinner. I think Sultan Market may be my plan :).
My meal plan for the day:
Breakfast - 1 hard boiled egg and 1 soy sausage patty
Snack - string cheese
Lunch - my favorite salad from pockets sans bread
Dinner - TBD, but Sultans sounds tasty!! Or maybe some soup to help with this silly sore throat.
I will most likely be MIA the next few days into next week so I apologize in advance. I am bringing my work-out gear with me to Tampa and plan on getting in at least 2 work outs. Wish me luck!!
PK
Second is that I am coming down with a bug. It hit me last night when I got home and I just faded so fast. My throat started hurting and my sinuses are killing me. This is never fun especially when I have to travel all week!!! At least warm weather will be a plus to this work adventure.
We set the alarm this morning to go to the gym and it didn't happen. I actually didn't even think twice about it and decided to sleep for another hour instead.
Work has been busy today trying to get prepped for my work trip to Tampa. This is actually my last day in the office this week since we are traveling to Iowa next weekend for my Dad's 60th birthday. I can't wait!!! There is a big crew coming out to celebrate Barry :).
We have no food at home so I'm not sure what our plan is for dinner. I think Sultan Market may be my plan :).
My meal plan for the day:
Breakfast - 1 hard boiled egg and 1 soy sausage patty
Snack - string cheese
Lunch - my favorite salad from pockets sans bread
Dinner - TBD, but Sultans sounds tasty!! Or maybe some soup to help with this silly sore throat.
I will most likely be MIA the next few days into next week so I apologize in advance. I am bringing my work-out gear with me to Tampa and plan on getting in at least 2 work outs. Wish me luck!!
PK
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Feeling It
This week I have been following my diet very closely and strictly and I feel great!!! Last night when I was making dinner, I measured everything to make sure I wasn't over-eating or over-estimating. I have been using my bowls that are exactly one cup which has helped me with my portion control. I bought one of my bowls at homegoods and I love it.
It's interesting to think about portions when you go out to eat. Italian Restaurants always give you 3 to 4 times what your portions should be, but unfortunately when the food is so good, it's hard to stop! The next time I go out for Italian, I am going to ask for a to-go box so I can immediately add half to the box and have left overs for another meal or two. Now that is will power!!
Yesterday I had a so-so work out. I was really tired when I got up and the last thing I wanted to go do was work out. I did about 25 mins of cardio and leg exercises. My goal was to run 3 miles for my cardio, but my legs felt very "heavy" and I had no interest in it. That is when I turned to the incline walk. I love doing this and I sweat like a pig! The intervals make this cardio session go by pretty fast too.
This morning was much better. I got in 45 mins of cardio and some abs. I felt great when I left the gym. Everyone has those off days at the gym and unfortunately mine was yesterday.
My travel is starting to pick for work and the work outs on the road have never been easy for me. I plan on bringing my work out clothes and p90x DVD's when I travel to Tampa next week. If I can get in a work out both days I will be so happy!!!
Another issue I have on the road is eating out. This is when I need to use the to-go box approach. My client is a big fan of Applebees and Chilis so I need to be sure I am looking at the salads or healthy options.
Tonight I am going on a triple date to Seven Ten Lounge for some bowling. I can't wait! I love bowling and it's been ages, so tonight will be a good time.
My meal plan for the day:
Pre-gym - 90 calorie cereal bar
Breakfast - Soy sausage patty and egg whites
Lunch - Potato/Cauliflower soup and Morningstar buffalo nuggets
Snack - Apple
Dinner - TBD. We may eat apps or go out for a bite after we bowl.
Have a great day!!
Peri
It's interesting to think about portions when you go out to eat. Italian Restaurants always give you 3 to 4 times what your portions should be, but unfortunately when the food is so good, it's hard to stop! The next time I go out for Italian, I am going to ask for a to-go box so I can immediately add half to the box and have left overs for another meal or two. Now that is will power!!
Yesterday I had a so-so work out. I was really tired when I got up and the last thing I wanted to go do was work out. I did about 25 mins of cardio and leg exercises. My goal was to run 3 miles for my cardio, but my legs felt very "heavy" and I had no interest in it. That is when I turned to the incline walk. I love doing this and I sweat like a pig! The intervals make this cardio session go by pretty fast too.
This morning was much better. I got in 45 mins of cardio and some abs. I felt great when I left the gym. Everyone has those off days at the gym and unfortunately mine was yesterday.
My travel is starting to pick for work and the work outs on the road have never been easy for me. I plan on bringing my work out clothes and p90x DVD's when I travel to Tampa next week. If I can get in a work out both days I will be so happy!!!
Another issue I have on the road is eating out. This is when I need to use the to-go box approach. My client is a big fan of Applebees and Chilis so I need to be sure I am looking at the salads or healthy options.
Tonight I am going on a triple date to Seven Ten Lounge for some bowling. I can't wait! I love bowling and it's been ages, so tonight will be a good time.
My meal plan for the day:
Pre-gym - 90 calorie cereal bar
Breakfast - Soy sausage patty and egg whites
Lunch - Potato/Cauliflower soup and Morningstar buffalo nuggets
Snack - Apple
Dinner - TBD. We may eat apps or go out for a bite after we bowl.
Have a great day!!
Peri
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