About Me

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I am a former career girl and am now a stay-at-home-mom to 2 amazing little girls. Exercise and "dieting" have never been easy for me. But now more than ever, I am determined to adhere to a more active, healthy lifestyle. I am not dieting - just making smarter, more natural food choices. I want to set a great example for my girls. I starting running last year with the Couch-to-5K running program. I've lost over 35 pounds since last year and I want to lose 60 more. I completed my first race (a 5K) in October and I running a 10K by this summer. My long-term goal is ultimately to run a half-marathon in 2012. I've created this blog to put it all out there and most of all - to keep me honest. I include a tested recipe & inspiring workout song on each post. I am also hoping to inspire and be inspired by you! I would love for you to join me for this journey and become an official follower of this blog!

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

One Month... Who's Counting?

Well it's been a little over a month and let me just say this - I FEEL GREAT!

I am not kidding. Even though my numbers haven't been as high in terms of weight loss the past 2 weeks (2 lbs in the last 2 weeks), I've still lost 11 pounds to date and my body feels different. I am losing inches, feel SO much stronger, have a much more consistent daily energy level, and am a happier, more positive person.

However it's not like some days aren't harder than others. Sometimes I look in the mirror, see how far I still have to go and feel like 11 lbs. for me is kind of like throwing a deck chair off the Titanic. BUT when I take a step back..it makes me feel a lot better to know that this time is different - this change is for good, not a part of a fad and I am in complete control.

And.... da ta da ta .... I love running... who knew!?! 2 days ago I completed my biggest challenge in the Couch-to-5K running program to date - the 20 minute consecutive run. People who are in shape who read this blog - may think - 20 minutes of running ... that's no big deal, but imagine doing it with a 20 pound weight strapped to each arm and leg. I was so proud of myself when I finished that run on Monday.

I have the running bug and I am not going to lose it. I do believe it will be a big key to my success. 

It has been a month, but this time I am not counting - because it isn't something that is going to stop!

SONG THAT KEPT ME RUNNING THIS WEEK: "Uprising" by Muse
THIS WEEK'S RECIPE(S): Hearty Vegetable Mexican Appetizer & Bonus Simple Spinach Recipe

I've done a lot of cooking over the past week trying out new recipes and a lot have been winners that I will share with you on future posts.  The recipe featured below is a recipe that I got from a friend and altered a bit just based on personal preference. I took it to a party last weekend and it was a big hit (see pics below)! 

Recipe #1
Hearty Vegetable Mexican Appetizer 
- 3 bunches of scallions chopped
- 20 oz frozen corn, thawed
- 2 cans black beans, rinsed & drained
- 1 red pepper chopped
- 4 tomatoes, chopped (I drain these in a colander for at least an hour before the dip doesn't get too watery). This time I used yellow and red heirloom tomatoes since they were in season and delicious!
- 4 avocados, chopped (if you want to add these in earlier and not to brown, cut them up and toss them in the juice of one lemon)
- 1 italian dressing packet, made without water (just with red wine vinegar and olive oil & to be healthier you could use 1/3 less oil and vinegar)

Add all the ingredients in layers - do not stir initially. Make dressing and pour over everything, stir to combine.  Refrigerate or serve immediately. 

If you have extra veggies in your fridge when you make this I am sure other things would be good in it too - you can make your own version! Also I think cilantro would be really good, but some people just don't like it.

This time I served with Trader Joe's Reduced Guilt Organic White Tortilla Chips but for even a healthier option - endive leaves would be good too. 

Recipe #2
Sauteed Wilted Spinach with Nutmeg & Lemon
My previous standard for sauteing spinach was to always heat up a little minced garlic in olive oil and finish with lemon - this often had a pretty bitter taste. I don't know what it is about this nutmeg but it tastes really good with the spinach! Loved it!
Approx. 16-20 ounces fresh spinach
- 3/4 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- Kosher salt and ground pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg* (or 1/8 teaspoon of ground nutmeg)
- Lemon wedges from one lemon (squeeze a few over spinach and reserve some for garnish)

*I really do believe that fresh ground nutmeg is SO much better than pre-ground nutmeg. You can buy whole nutmeg in the spice section. I just use my Microplane grater to grate (see pic). 

Trim, rinse, and drain/dry spinach. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high, then add as much spinach as will fit. Season spinach with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Cook, tossing until Spinach is just wilted 3-4 min. (you don't want it to get soggy and still to be fairly bright green.) Squeeze 2 wedges over spinach - garnish with additional. 

The girls enjoying the hearty mexican veggie app!


7 comments:

  1. I feel the same way about running! Couch to 5K is changing my life. I'm going to do my first 25 minute (2.5 mile) run tomorrow - and believe it or not, I am actually looking forward to it! Who knew I would actually LIKE running?! I love your blog. You are inspired...and inspiring!!

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  2. Congrats on your 20 min run! I will finish week 3 tomorrow and am scared to death even thinking about the 20 min. run! Good luck with the rest of the program! And I like your blog! :) I'm RSSing you so I can keep up with all the great recipe's you've put on here! And to cheer you on! :)

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  3. I honestly don't know how you do it. The cooking and the planning and the exercise with 2 babies!
    You are an inspiration.
    All my children are grown and on their own, my husband is retired and I still can't get it together. I have never been this heavy in my life. I have to get on track and try very hard to follow your lead!

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  4. Kell - Congrats on your run! That's awesome!! xx

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  5. thank you everyone on the running well wishes! thanks also for the feedback on the blog. it's something i've enjoyed doing as it keeps me honest and forces me to try out some new recipes! :). i ran today and it felt great. have the 25 minute run on Sunday!!!!!

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  6. WTG!!! I too wasn't a runner b4 c25k but I love it now!! I am starting w8 tonight.

    I wanted to pop in here & tell you to keep running!!

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  7. "11 lbs. for me is kind of like throwing a deck chair off the Titanic." *hahaha! LOVED this line. So how I feel. Found you from C25K and love your perspective and recipes. I just finished week 1, so this is super encouraging!

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