(Run) Dinner and a Movie

After my morning workout I was in the mood to cook! I had plenty of veggies and chicken but my sweet potatoes were going to go bad if I didn't do something asap. So I ended up making not only my lunch but also sweet potato fries, veggies, chicken and quinoa (all saved for later this week). I know I will be busy studying so this way I'll only have to re-heat my meals.

Spinach, quinoa, carrots, orange roughy with tomato on top

Tupperware queen?

Later today around 4:15 I set out to run. I wasn't feeling too well because I had just woken up and ran out the door, my mouth was so dry I could hardly swallow and my stomach was upset.

I usually push through whatever to finish my run but this time it was too much. I had to walk 3 times and only did 5 miles. Disappointed but happy I set out to run, normally in the afternoon I just put it off until the next morning.


When I got home my mom offered to take me to Costco (if you haven't been you must go its awesome) we ran out of some needed veggies and protein so we went... they close at 6..we got there at 6:20. Ugh didn't know that one!

By that time, my stomach was settled and hungry for dinner, we ate at a restaurant, I ordered chicken and yucca.  I recently discovered yucca, its full of fiber and taste great, I've never made it but its something I will try in future.

In the same plaza there was a movie theater so we watched  We Bought a Zoo.I have to say this movie was so freakin cute, go see it with your mom you wont regret it!

Any good movies you've seen recently?

Do you cook for the week or daily?

Work it out

This morning I woke up for my easy six mile run but it was freezing (in the fifties) so I decided to go to the gym instead and wait til later in the day to run. My pre-workout breakfast looks like this: 

I've been wanting to post a full workout of what I do at the gym so today's the day you guys get to read about my entire gym routine. Normally I just wing it and that works for me but it's always great to have a plan! So here it is:

Saturday full body work out

Warm up:
15 minutes steady hill bike ride
5 minutes rower

Super set
10x3 jump squats
12x3 dead lifts



Super set
15x3 barbell curls
10x3 barbell overhead press

Super set
8x3 lunge and curl
20 calf raise

Arm machines
(sets 10 light weight 10 heavy weight x3)
Tricep extensions
Chest flys
Seated cable rows

Free weights:

shoulder raise front and side super set 3x8

Triceps kick backs 3x12

Leg machines:
Quads 75 lbs both legs 30 single leg turn out  12x3
Hamstring 40 lbs super set 10 lunges

Abs/ Stretch (Sorry that's as specific I could get, told ya I like to wing it)

*This work out, was made up by me, at the gym, while riding the bike...multi-tasker over here * 


I'm not sure how I feel about planning ahead vs. winging it at the gym. Both are beneficial, and get me working! 


What do you prefer planning or not?

Morning runner or afternoon run? 

MHS Volunteer

First day on the job! I was feeling a bit nervous but super excited to be in the physical therapy floor at the hospital, I had to be there by 8:00 so no gym just breakfast nd go.

 Oats, strawberries and some protein powder

Slice of toast 1/2 almond 1/2 peanut butter on top with flax

When I arrived at the hospital I met one of the senior physical therapist who showed me around the floor, I met others as well but she really showed me the ropes. I was then handed off to Hector, the man in charge of what I was to do. He had my deliver the schedules to the patients.. and then.. of course I LOST HIM!

I literally could not find him for a good 10 minutes I felt like an idiot just standing around so I reported back to the woman I met (totally forgot her name) and she had me un-staple.. is that even a word?

Well she had me un-staple nd recycle a stack of papers taller than me! My fingers felt like they were going to fall off but I eventually finished. I also observed the therapist in the gym and one even asked for my help! I'm so glad I started this, it will really help my career. 

For lunch they give you a $12 meal ticket to use in the cafeteria. I didn't think I'd like anything there but I was  getting hungry so I looked and found a salad bar! Yay!! Looks like I'm having salad for lunch on Fridays from now on. 

I had a pretty hefty lunch, lots of protein and greens but I was missing my carbs! When I got home I munched on some carbs which I'm not too happy about but whatever I'll live. As for the rest of the day I am resting from the gym (even though I hate rest days I need it), watching GREYS ANATOMY on DVR and finishing up my food pen pal package for Lynne ! 

What do you like to do on your rest days? 

After school buffet

Around 12:30 I had my pre-packaged lunch from home. Spinach and some left over chicken I made earlier this week. I completely forgot to take a picture of my cute little Tupperware container until after.. OOPS. My next class wasn't for another 2 hours so I begged Chris to take me to Starbucks my favorite coffee place! He was SO happy to go.. 

The rest of the day was spent waiting in the library going to class, waiting some more in the library then going to my last class. After my anatomy it was 6:15 and I was beyond hungry.

Sushi Buffet

 Chris suggested we go to his favorite place, a local sushi buffet. I've been there once before with him and it was okay, nothing too special but tonight I didn't care I was so hungry I could eat the whole buffet.

Now most people go to buffets to stuff their faces right? This is indeed what Chris had set out to do, but I cant afford to eat plate after plate nor do I want to.

Buffets can be pretty intimidating to someone who has had problems with ED. I know this because before I went to treatment 2 years ago I would never ever set foot into one. All I thought of was bountiful amounts of saturated, fatty foods.

This is not at all the case. Yes, there are bad/good/ugly/healthy foods served at buffets but ultimately you choose what goes on the plate. I learned this on a "food challenge" at The Renfrew Center, we set out in a group of 6 to a sushi restaurant and ate the food! I was petrified but managed to do it, whenever I think of a buffet I go back to that day and remember how it wasn't as scary as I thought.

I tell myself:

• Choose by food groups
• Eat mindfully 
• Pick a variety, but in moderation
• Most importantly,  don't be afraid to try something new.

Wanna see what my plate looked like?

Sushi, green beans, chicken, shrimp and something new: Beef wrapped around asparagus. (sounds weird but it was really good)


Whats something strange but good you have tried lately?

What do you order at buffets if you go?

It's still morning?!

Rise and shine people! Winter break is officially over,back to studying my life away. Today I have three classes spanned out over the entire day..what was I thinking? Its almost 12 and I've done so much I don't know if I can keep going. UGH must.go.to.class. Lets start from the beginning

I woke up at 6:15 to get the gym out of the way. I started on the rower, did a couple of arm workouts and elliptical for 25 minutes. I'd love to go into more detail but I honestly don't remember what I did, I do remember this old guy with way too much cologne on the elliptical next to me, not cool man.

I decided on having a protein powered breakfast since I knew I'd be in school all day

• 1 egg, lots of egg whites (I just pour til it fills the pan).
• Chobani greek yogurt, 1 tsp on flax seed.
• Homemade protein bars with almond butter and cinnamon on top.

Last night, I needed to pack my lunch for today and I noticed I really don't have snack foods. So I made protein bars! I don't even want to share the recipe, they are way too bland so the almond butter is a much needed topping. Anyone have great protein bar recipes? Please share :)

Chris and I drove to school around 9:00 for our Chemistry class, thank god my previous teacher already reviewed the chapter we're learning. I have 2 more classes to go; Developmental Psychology and Anatomy. Exciting huh? For now, I will be in the library blogging  studying.


What's your favorite breakfast food?

Homemade protein bars or store bought?

Afternoon munch

Yesterday, I had to workout after 5:00 pm which wasn't too awful but I am one of those afternoon snackers. I have nothing against snacks I allow myself 2 snacks a day if I NEED it. Around 3:00 pm I found these in the kitchen.  Sweet and salty mixed nut blend a.k.a. my new addiction! They are so good but very high in calories so I had to eat in moderation which is something I am working on. I wasn't too hungry for dinner after munching on these nuts so I made a quick chicken and tomato sand which with a 1/2 cup of green machine juice.

Very boring meal but it works! 

                                                      
While I was in the kitchen I found this seasoning kit. It makes up to 2 1/2 pounds of chicken. I figured I'd try it out. With school coming up its very crucial I have meals made that I can take to school and heat up. I would never eat in the cafeteria. Its money I don't need to spend and unhealthy foods I do not need to consume.

For this recipe  you will need

1 package McCormick® Bag 'n Season® Chicken
2 1/2 pounds chicken parts
4 cups cut-up fresh vegetables, such as potatoes, green beans, onions and carrots*

PREHEAT oven to 350°F.  Arrange opened Cooking Bag in 13x9-inch baking pan or dish.  Sprinkle Seasoning Mix evenly over chicken.

PLACE chicken in single layer in Bag.  Add vegetables.* Sprinkle any remaining seasoning over chicken and vegetables. Close Bag loosely with nylon tie. Cut 4 small holes in top of Bag to allow steam to escape.

BAKE in lower half of oven 1 hour.* Remove from oven. Let stand 5 minutes. Cut open Bag. Serve chicken and vegetables with pan juices. If desired, serve with McCormick Chicken Gravy.

(ALL FOUND ON THE BACK OF THE KIT)

 -------------------------------------------------------~---------------------------------------------------------

 I love cooking now, so finding new ways to cook chicken is always something I am looking for, this recipe was simple, clean and delicious. (I had to try a piece!)

At the gym I did an hour of super setting arm workouts and some abs. I never remember exactly what I do in the gym I just wing it as I go. I also hopped on the rower (I'm feeling it this morning) and the elliptical.

This is my breakfast, not only does it taste great it takes me back to Jamaica. I ate this for breakfast every day at Chris' parents house. With every bite I feel like I'm back there, I love it! To make eggs in a bowl all you need to do is hard boil 2 eggs, and toast bread. Break up the bread into a bowl and add the eggs. Tada, Eggs in a Bowl!

What foods do you connect with special memories?

If you pack your lunch whats your favorite meal to take on the go?

Burr it's cold..

This morning I woke up to the fifties! Here in Florida this kind of weather constitutes boots, scarfs and beanies to keep warm.. seriously we consider this to be freezing. I woke up and ran out the door with coffee and cereal to go without even realizing how cold it was.

I was in such a rush because I was late to get my car door fixed. Two days ago Chris closed the driver seat door and some how jammed the door shut. I've been entering through the passenger seat and jumping over to the drivers seat.. it was funny at first but now its just plain annoying.

After several hours they opened it! Unfortunately the part will not be available until tomorrow boo! But luckily I had some time to do some shopping with my grandparents car while we waited for the mechanic to do his thing.

 We took a trip to the Kohl's near by and bought three super cute tops, all on sale SCORE!

 Then I went to my college and bought my text books, not on sale! Its insane how much they charge for books, nearly $300 spent on paper!

After shopping I had lunch, I almost don't want to post the picture because it looks like cat food but it was actually very very yummy. I had spinach, left over pastel de choclo and some lentils all made by my lovely grandmother.

I also found this awesome cream cheese in her fridge I paired it with a slice of whole wheat toast to try out.. it was so good! I normally do not eat cream cheese as a spread but this one I liked a lot, I would definitely recommend you all go out and buy it.

The rest of the day I will have to wait at home until my mom gets home to borrow her car and hit the gym, I hate going in the afternoon but if I have to I will. I think I'll keep myself busy by making some home made protein bars!

When do you prefer to workout?
How do you keep yourself busy at home?

Night of Premieres

Hello short hair! After donating my hair to locks of love this morning I had to change up my running shoes, I've been meaning to do so for a while but I always dread having to find my next perfect pair.

I've been through so many shoes over the past five years but I've never had Sauconys! Immediately after trying them on I knew I had to have them, they are light weight but durable and so comfortable.
I cant wait to try these puppy's out on the street!

I was in no mood to cook or be creative with my meals today.

LUNCH- Half a sweet potato, chicken and asparagus (yogurt and an apple -not pictured)

DINNER- Josephs Pita, chicken, lettuce and tomato

DESSERT- Apple pie and a cup of tea

 

 

 

 

 

 Everyone needs some dessert every once in a while ;)

Anyone else ready for the Pretty Little Liars premiere tonight! I'm so excited, Chris wont be too happy but too bad hehe, I love when all my favorite shows return with new episodes! 

Are you excited for any t.v. shows? Which ones? 

Do you dread changing shoes like I do?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Change

Waking up at 5am has got to change! For the past couple of days I've been waking up a lot earlier than usual. Today I woke up with quite an appetite so I waited until 6:15 and ate a pre-run meal.

1 apple, pb & flax seed 

I normally only eat this as a snack, but I was in the mood. This was NOT a good idea. I began my run around the neighborhood around 7:15 only 2 miles in I started to feel sick. My knees were doing fine but my stomach was not in the right place, I felt as if the apple was lodged into my throat which was very VERY uncomfortable. By 3 miles I could not take it so I walked the rest of the way. I completed 3.5 miles which I'm okay with, I now know to never eat that before a run!

Today I will make a change, that will help out a kid in need. I'm always receiving compliments on how pretty my hair is, its naturally straight and now I've grown it out. Before I could never get it to grow past my shoulders due to my poor diet but now I am healthy and do not need to hold on to my precious hair. I know it will go to someone who will truly appreciate it. 

Say goodbye! 

Whats your favorite pre-workout? 

What changes will you make this year? 

Twenty Twelve

Its the first day of the year and Florida is shinning! After a long leg work out I knew I had to be outside in this beautiful weather. I could have easily spent the day at the beach but today is Sunday and every Sunday my family has tea with my grandparents.

This Sunday we left earlier than usual because my grandma made pastel de choclo. I have no idea how to make it, there are eggs, ground meat and lots of corn inside. It taste kind of sweet but in a good way, but really everything my grandma makes is made in a good way!

This isn't my grandmas dish but it looks just like it.

After lunch I set up in the backyard and began to bronze,its still gorgeous out but I'm way too inpatient to lay out for more than an hour or so. I'm so glad to have started the year right on track! Gym, tan, and tea. ;)

I want this ^

What did you do on the first of the year?