Mmm…Cake

1 09 2010

Mornin’!

 

Can you believe it’s Thursday already?!?  This week flew by.

 

Is everyone geared up for the long weekend? 

 

I know I am!  We’re supposed to be getting hit with Hurricane Earl sometime on Friday.  While we won’t be getting the brunt of the storm, we’re still expected to get hit with some pretty intense winds :shock:   Guess it’s time to put away the deck furniture, huh?

 

Luckily, this is my Friday off.  Mr. KD also took the day off, so we’ll be chilling at home during the worst of the weather.  Let’s hope we don’t lose power, so we can watch Netflix :smile:

 

Breakfast

 

Breakfast today is a 3-parter, which starts with a banana for the fruit. 

 

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Mr. KD and I bought a lot of bananas this week, so I’m trying to use them all up before they go bad!

 

The second part is a heaping of cottage cheese for some protein. 

 

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And, lastly, a Thomas’ bagel thin for a lil’ carbohydrate. 

 

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Admittedly, not the friendliest carb out there with preservatives listed right in the ingredients :evil:

 

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Lunch

 

I decided on another turkey sandwich for lunch.  Now that I’ve discovered the new Laughing Cow flavor, turkey sandwiches became a lot more appealing.

 

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While it may not be a full serving of veggies in that sandwich, I try to pack as much spinach in as I can!

 

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Some carrots for munching.  “What’s up, Doc?”

 

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Snack

 

I’m not brining a snack to work today because it’s my Aunt’s 50th birthday.  We work together and are hosting a little surprise “party” for her in the office.  Shhhh!  Don’t tell :wink:

 

Luckily, she doesn’t read my blog so I can tell you. 

 

Obviously, there’ll be cake at this shindig.  I generally opt out of cake at office events, but it’s for my aunt.  The circumstances are different.  Plus, I was in charge of where the cake came from so I know it’ll be tasty :smile:

 

Okay, loves.  Time for another fun-filled day in the office.  Chat with ya’ later!!





A Look Back at Summer Goals

1 09 2010

On April 8th, I wrote this post and detailed my Summer Goals for 2010

Here’s a look back:

  1. I’d like to run outside more.  This is a tough one considering I work out so early.  It’s pitch black outside, which doesn’t make for great running conditions.  I know all you hard-core runners out there push through it in darkness, rain, snow and sleet, but that’s just not for me.  I’m 5’2” and little.  I’d be really easy to abduct.  I think I’d rather run in the sunshine when people are around.  Plus, I think my mom would be REALLY mad if she found out I were running by myself in the dark.  SO, look for me to run on Saturday mornings when I can find

2.      Sign up for my first race = CHECK!  I was thinking about this today and realized that I ACTUALLY signed up to run a 5K like I’m even a runner.  I’m excited, but the thought of it gives me total butterflies.  Moving on…

3.      Go on hikes.  I’m not really sure about the details on this one, but it’s something Mr. KD and I have talked about and it sounds like fun, so why the heck not?

4.      Cook more summer-inspired recipes.  What can I say?  I’m from Massachusetts!  We have beautiful summers, but the winters tend to drag on and on and my recipe collection certainly reflects my love of comfort food.  I want to start making diverse salads and light dishes!

5.      Attend the Healthy Living Summit.  I just noticed today on Caitlin’s blog that the Healthy Living Summit dates have been announced.  It will be held in Chicago on August 13 – 15th.  I so desperately want to go!  There are not many details out yet, but is anyone else tossing around the idea of going?  If so, email me and we can totally be hotel roommates to cut down on costs!

6.      I originally only had 5 goals, but an extra one is always important for good measure!  I want to go to the beach more!  I have SO many beaches at my disposal in the summer and sadly, the older I get, the less I seem to utilize them.  I’m hoping to put a stop to that this summer and simply stop to feel the sand beneath my toes

Four-out-of-six isn’t bad, huh?  Let’s recap the things I did do:

I not only started to run outside more, but received a Garmin and discovered an enjoyment in running outside.  I also ran in my first race.  And, how can I forget the blast I had in Chicago at the HLS?

While my desire for cooking severely dwindled in the warm weather, I’d say I still had my fair share of success in the kitchen.  Namely, in the forms of a delightful Cobb salad, a homemade chicken salad, Mexican fiesta risotto, and a rockin’ sangria.  I also made a few fantastic recipes from my fellow bloggers, including this one, this one and that one.

And while I’m reminiscing about all I’ve accomplished, let’s not forget that I met Chris Evert too :wink:

Unfortunately, I didn’t go on a single hike and only saw the beach twice when it’s only a short drive away.  I’m not beating myself up, but it’s clear to see that I didn’t do either of these because I was too.dang.busy.  Even though I vowed to say “no”, I ended up saying “yes”, “yes”, “yes”.

It was a fun summer, but definitely an exhausting one.  I’ve learned my lesson and must take more time for myself in summers to come.  I might not survive another like this!!

I’d like to thank each of you for reading along during this time.  I know we were all busy so it means a ton to me when you guys tune in each and every day.

With that, I would like to give summer a boot in the arse and welcome my love, Mr. Fall :mrgreen:

Dinner

Well, I did have dinner planned this evening.  But, then I received an email from my Dad that went a little something like this.

Dad: Mom wants me to go to Pier 1 tonight and I really don’t like that place.  So, I’m at least getting Bertucci’s out of it.  Would you and Mr. KD like to come – my treat?

Me: Was this a serious question?  We would live there if we could.  What time?

I love cooking, but I also love a free weeknight dinner out!!  I don’t care if Bertucci’s is a chain.  It’s in my Top 3 restaurants – easily.  It’s simple, affordable and makes the best margherita pizza on the planet.  I think I’ve tried every one there is in the world.  I kid, I kid.

They also have the best rolls – made with WHITE FLOUR – that are too good to resist.

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These rolls are always served warm.  They’re slightly crispy on the outside and the inside is a mound of warm carbohydrate chewiness.  Swoon.

Don’t allow yourself to live in a world where you are afraid of white flour.  Seriously.  If you eat whole grains 90% of the time, a treat of white bread here and there will not kill you.

The taste of their flavored olive oil for dipping may, though.  It may just make you fall over and die of pure bliss.  It’s been known to happen, I swear.

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The same goes for the pizza crust.  Bertucci’s offers a wheat crust now.  I tried it once.  It was good, but it was sweet and changed the overall flavor of the pizza.  I learned my lesson.  White pizza crust from now on (at least when I’m getting my Margherita), please.

I had one roll and two slices of pizza.  I bet most healthy living bloggers would have ordered a salad, so they would only eat one slice of pizza.  That’s just not how I roll (no pun intended).  I have zero desire to eat iceberg lettuce instead of a second piece of pizza or a roll (gasp!).  And if I got hit by a bus on the way out the door, I would die happy.  Done and done.

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Tonight’s pizza was especially delicious.  I could have eat more than two slice to be honest.  But, I didn’t NEED more, so I stopped at two.

Came you blame me for wanting more of this cheesiness?

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Would you like some protein with those carbs?  Um, no thanks. :wink:

I gave the leftovers to my Dad.  I have a special treat coming after lunch tomorrow and didn’t think pizza would suffice as the best lunch when I fully know I’ll be indulging after.  See?  Different compromises for different reasons. 

And now, I must head off to bed.  Night, night!

Tell me – would you order a salad or fully enjoy that extra slice?





Workout Wednesday: 9/1/10

31 08 2010

HAPPY SEPTEMBER!

 

So, so, so, so excited. 

 

Okay, okay.  Now onto the real stuff.

 

You may or may not agree, but I think the most important body parts for a women to train are her legs, back and shoulders.  Women don’t need huge biceps, but toned shoulders are bomb. 

 

Perhaps it’s because my legs are on the thicker side, but they are the body part that I spend the most time toning.  And while I do switch up my routine now and again, nothing seems to beat this classic workout.

 

[Note: These are the weights that work FOR ME.  Adjust to your fitness level.]

 

Superset # 1:

 

Set of 12 squats holding 25 lb. dumbbells

 

Set of 12 walking lunges (each side) holding 15 lb. dumbbells

 

Repeat 2 more times

 

Superset # 2:

 

Set of 12 leg extensions on machine: 50 lbs.

 

Set of 12 deadlifts holding 15 lb. dumbbells in each hand

 

Repeat 2 more times

 

Superset # 3:

 

Set of 12 leg presses on machine: 110, 120, 130 lbs. respectively

 

Set of 12 calf raises holding 25 lb. dumbbells

 

Do this two times a week and I guarantee your legs will look toned in no time :smile:

 

Eats

 

Breakfast

 

Lovin’ these multigrain Van’s waffles with toppings to go!

 

Here we have two waffles with a banana for mashing and Naturally Nutty’s Butter Toffee peanut butter.

 

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Here’s a little secret: I keep honey and cinnamon at my desk and always drizzle/sprinkle them on each half too.  Yum!

 

Lunch

 

Leftover stuffed chicken and quinoa along with some juicy pineapple.

 

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Snack

 

Pineapple Chobani with a bit of Mix My Granola from my HLS swag bag.  Clearly, I’m in a pineapple kind of mood.  As if that’s any different from any other day :wink:

 

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And with that, I’m off.  Have a GREAT Wednesday





BBQ Chicken and Pineapple Quesadilla

31 08 2010

There is something I MUST tell you before we discuss dinner.

You HAVE to purchase The Laughing Cow’s mozzarella, sundried tomato and basil cheese wedge right now.  No, as in if you wait one more minute, it will be TOO LONG.

IT TASTES LIKE PIZZA.

Scout’s honor.  It has the creamy deliciousness that you’ve grown to love with all of The Laughing Cow varieties, but with the hints of basil and tomato, you would swear you’re spreading pizza goodness on your sandwich.  I enjoyed mine on a turkey sammie, but I can easily see this being used with eggs, on crackers or as a compliment to hummus on toasted pita bread. 

It literally made my day.

And then there’s dinner, which also made my day night.

You’ve probably seen a version of this recipe on about 20 blogs this summer.  It may not be original, but it sure is tasty so I’ll share anyway.

Actually, I’m not sure if I’ve seen this recipe with pineapple yet.  So perhaps it is original.

My favorite recipes are ones that involve flavors so delightful that I can’t imagine something so delicious actually be good for me.  That’s the case with these quesadillas.  There’s lean protein, fruit, and a vegetable all wrapped up in a grain. 

To make them even healthier, you could use a high fiber tortilla.  But, in the KD household, nothin’ beats a corn tortilla.  Sorry, but that’s the way it is.

You can modify the recipe to your liking.  For example, you could use lean pork, a different BBQ sauce, and swiss cheese.  Just sayin’.

Are you ready for a step-by-step?  Okay, then.

BBQ Chicken and Pineapple Quesadillas

Start by cutting a large pineapple into chunks.  Set aside.

Marinate ~ 1 Lb chicken tenders (I find them easier to shred than breasts) in a BBQ sauce of your liking.  My favorite is this one because it’s one of the few devoid of HFCS and tastes delicious. 

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Once your chicken is sufficiently marinated, bake at 350 for about 20 minutes until chicken is no longer pink.

While the chicken cooks, cut up a sweet or Vidalia onion into half slices. 

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Using anywhere between 2 – 3 tsp of canola oil (depending on the size of the onion), begin to caramelize onion.  Now, the trick to caramelizing an onion is to start the heat on the medium-high side and gradually reduce the heat as the cooking time progresses.  The other trick is not to stir too much!  You only need to stir the onions once every 3 minutes or so.  Trust me.

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While your onions are cooking, place pineapple on a griddler or George Foreman grill.  Grill for about 5 minutes until pineapple is slightly charred.  Note: It is up to you how much pineapple you want to grill based on your party size.  I grilled this amount for 2 people.

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[Even if pineapple grilled on a Foreman isn’t as aesthetically pleasing as it is on a real grill, the effect is the same.  Promise.  Sweet, juicy and like candy.]

After approximately 10 minutes or so, you can add a dash of salt or sugar to your onions if you so desire.  I like to add the sugar to add a bit of chewy, crunchy decadence.

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[That crispy decadence is due to the sugar.  So yummy!]

Now, it’s time to grate the cheese.  You don’t have to buy a block of cheese.  You guys have seen me use the pre-packaged stuff plenty of times.  But, it always tastes better when you grate cheese yourself.  I’m using cheddar from a local New England farm.

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If grating, remember that an ounce is a serving size, so don’t go too crazy.

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Once chicken is cooked, shred with two forks.

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Now, simply layer onto tortilla of your choice. 

Chicken

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Pineapple (cut a bit smaller than what went onto the grill)

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Onions

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Cheese

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You could also add a sprinkling of green onions – because you’re sassy like that :wink:

Top with another tortilla and grill away.

Serve with sour cream or Greek yogurt.

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Now, I’ll be the first to admit that my snooty attitude toward corn tortillas made for one messy dinner.  It’s much easier to buy a larger tortilla, fill one side with ingredients and then fold it over onto itself.  Placing one on top of the other didn’t stick together that well.  Even so, the smoked cheddar lent a bacon-infused flavor and this was AMAZING, albeit messy.

Served with grilled zucchini for a little green.

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The end.

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Terrible Tuesday: 8/31/10

30 08 2010

Mornin’ :mrgreen:

 

First things first, the Olivia’s Organic salad was delicious.  Obviously, it all had to do with the dressing considering it was only a mix of greens.  But, the balsamic was tangy and delightful.    I’ll definitely be buying them again.

 

Now, the lime& salt popcorn – oh the porpcorn.  I officially have a new favorite snack.  The lime is extremely faint, but in a good way.  It hits you first and then the saltiness sets in.  I think this flavor is a bit saltier than most versions – probably because it has salt in the name.  Duh!  I’m not complaining.  I thoroughly enjoyed every salty, crispy bite.  This would be perfect with a cold Corona Light.  Oh yum.

 

You know what time it is. 

 

Time to complain about things that don’t really matter.  Considering we just wrapped up the Emmy’s, you know that’s where I’m starting.

 

What’s terrible this Tuesday?

 

…Exhibit A

 

JANUARY-JONES

 

…Exhibit B

 

ANNA-PAQUIN

 

I’m not sure if I’m more bothered by the actual dresses or the fact that People listed both of these gowns under “best dressed”?  The author of that article must’ve taken a cue from Kid Rock at past year’s CMA’s = a little bit too much whiskey on the red carpet.

 

…Why does Heidi Klum still have a better body than me after having 17 kids?!?

 

HEIDI-KLUM

 

…How about the fact that I was in the market for a new pair of standard black heels and the most comfortable, everyday pair was $80?!?  Why??  :evil:   You want to charge me in excess for pink heels, I can handle it.  But, black heels should not be that expensive.  Thanks a lot, Aldo.

 

…And, for the record, the cost of my makeup could potentially bankrupt me.  Why is it so expensive?  Yet, I refuse to give it up, which is equally as terrible.

 

What’s terrible for you this Tuesday?

 

Eats

 

Breakfast

 

I had an almost empty jar of nut butter awaiting my attention, so the decision was only natural.

 

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In the mix:

 

      
  • ¼ cup oats
  •    

  • ¼ cup milk
  •    

  • ½ banana
  •    

  • 1/3 cup cottage cheese
  •    

  • Chia seeds
  •    

  • Cinnamon
  •    

  • Vanilla
  •    

  • Pinch of salt

 

Lunch

 

I stuffed an Arnold Fill ‘Em with turkey, a tomato & basil flavored Laughing Cow wedge (so excited for this!), spinach and a dash of light mayo.

 

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Popchips = delicious.

 

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I’m not sure what I was thinking this week at the store.  I bought almost no fruit except bananas.  I’m not proud, but I can survive the week.  We all make mistakes, right?  I did buy a pineapple, but it’s being used for tonight’s dinner and I didn’t know how much I’d need, so I didn’t want to cut into it first.  Oh well.  You’ll notice my meals are a bit scant on the fruit front this week.

 

Snack

 

Carrots for crunch and nutrition.

 

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Okay, lovelies.  I’m off to another day at work!  Think positively and maybe this Tuesday will fly! :smile:





Ricotta, Sundried Tomato and Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts

30 08 2010

We all know Mr. KD is the king of stuffed chicken breasts around here.  His chicken is bomb.  I’ll give it to him.

Even so, I made a vow to get back in the kitchen and share recipes with you.  Rather than scouring recipe books, I’ve been trying to create meals through inspiration from a single ingredient. 

Tonight’s inspiration: sun dried tomatoes.

I love ‘em.  A lot.

I thought long and hard about the best way to incorporate these babies in my life and decided that stuffed chicken breasts seemed an obvious and delicious way.  While no recipe can compare to the delicious simplicity of Mr. KD’s recipe, I was still willing to give it a try.

After all, we’re a chicken household.  Mr. KD could eat chicken all day, every day.  When I told him of my plans to create an alternative to his famous recipe, he suggested using ricotta cheese.

From there, it was on like Donkey Kong. 

:oops:

I’m sorry.  I actually despise people that use that term.  It just slipped because these were that delicious. 

Let’s get to it.

First things first, pre-heat your oven to 400 degrees and assemble your ingredients.

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Closer looks:  Oops.  You can leave the bananas behind for this one :wink:

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Take 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts and pound thin between two sheets of parchment paper.

Spray a pan with cooking spray and sauté two handfuls (~ 2 cups) of spinach with minced garlic until withered.

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In a small bowl, combine spinach, ½ cup ricotta cheese and a ¼ cup of sundried tomatoes packed in oil (drained, rinsed and chopped). 

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[Note: I used fat free ricotta because the sundried tomatoes and seasonings in the next step added a ton of flavor.  Generally, I think fat free ricotta is a waste of time, as it lacks taste.  But, it works here.  Trust me.]

Now it’s time for the fun part.  Add any seasoning of your choice.  Please don’t ask me for measurements. 

Baking is for precision.  Cooking is for doing what you feel.  That’s the beauty of it.  Tonight, I felt the need for garlic powder, minced onion, a dash of Italian seasoning, salt and pepper.  I promise you don’t have to measure.  Just keep tasting until you think you’ve got it.

Mmm…check out that pepper.

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Now, place approximately 2 Tbsp of the mixture into the middle of each chicken breast and fold up the sides.  Secure with a toothpick.

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Place egg in a small dish alongside another dish containing ¼ cup panko crumbs and ¼ cup parmesan cheese.  You know what’s coming.  Dip in egg and immediately into crumb mixture.

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Place chicken in a casserole dish and bake for approximately 35 minutes until chicken is cooked through.

If desired, place under the broiler for a minute to crisp the panko crumbs and cheese.

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Now, here comes the really special part.  We’re going to make gravy while the chicken is cooking.  Yes, I know there are no drippings.  This is a healthy living blog.  Real gravy is best when served on a special occasion.  For August 30th, this stovetop version will do.  Trust me.

Place your pan back on the stove on medium high heat.  Melt 2 Tbsp. butter (or ICBINBL).  You can do it!

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Whisk in 2 Tbsp flour and whisk for approximately 2 minutes. 

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Gradually add in 1 cup chicken broth.  Keep on whisking, keep on whisking.

Now, add any seasoning of your choice.  To keep with the theme, I added minced onion, garlic powder, salt and pepper.

Bring mixture to a boil and continue whisking.  Once the mixture has come to a boil, reduce to a simmer until mixture thickens.

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When chicken is cooked, pour gravy over each breast and serve.

P.S. Don’t forget to remove the toothpick.  I just saved your life, didn’t I? :wink:

There are many people out there (Mr. KD included) that think a balanced dinner involves protein and veggies.

I don’t understand those people.  I would rather be dead than live a life where dinners are devoid of a carb.  And a smidge of panko crumbs doesn’t cut it.  For me, the pairing of a protein, grain/carb and veggie is what makes for the most satisfying of dinners.  And since I’m the chef, I have the say.  So there.

I served this chicken on a bed of quinoa, which sucked up the remainder of the gravy juices.

Oh.em.gee.  Heaven on a plate.

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Cauliflower, broccoli and carrots add a nutritional punch and some color.

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Yeah, I know it’s still summer.  Have I mentioned I’m ready for Fall and a slew of home cooked, comfort food?

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This was a good start.  A really, really good start.

Katie, you CAN do it!

Tell me – Do you need a carb at dinner to feel satisfied?





Lucky

29 08 2010

:mrgreen:

 

I honestly can’t remember the last time I was in this good of a mood.

 

The combination of getting back to my normal workout routine, coupled with the fact that we are looking forward to a long weekend has my spirits soaring.  I’m so stoked!

 

This morning, I tried to take my new philosophy of running onto the treadmill with me.  Gone are the days that I have to push myself to the brink of physical exhaustion to get a good workout in.  I still worked hard, but I focused on being alive.  Yes, I know it sounds cheesy, but I focused on my breathing and the feel of my stride on the belt. 

 

I suppose that I’ve done a little soul searching since feeling off and I realized that I’m just so lucky.  I’m lucky to be alive, to own my own home, to have Mr. KD, to have a great job, and to have the friends and family I do.  I’m also incredibly lucky to be as healthy as I am.  I made sure to reflect on that during my run today and it simply put my mood over the top!

 

Not to mention, this week is the last unofficial week of summer.  I realize the season continues for a few more weeks.  But, football will be on next Sunday and to me – that signifies Fall.  I can’t wait to cozy up in a warm sweater and go apple picking :smile:

 

Get ready for my obnoxiously positive attitude from now through Christmas.  It really is my favorite time of the year.  Don’t say I didn’t warn ya’ :wink:

 

Eats

 

Breakfast

 

In order to say goodbye to summer appropriately, I packed up an oats in a ‘loupe.  I started by mixing 1/3 cup oats with one container of strawberry/banana Chobani yogurt and a dash of chia seeds. 

 

Placed into a seeded cantaloupe half for a taste of the tropics.

 

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Bringing this baby along for slicing on top.  I’ve made the mistake of slicing it the night before, only to find it brown in the morning.  Icky!

 

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Lunch

 

The awesome folks at Olivia’s Organics contacted me about sampling some of their pre-washed salads.  In case you are unfamiliar with Olivia’s, please allow me to enlighten you on this socially-conscious company.  They donate money from their proceeds to children’s charities and use 100% recycled materials in all of their packaging.  In addition, they are a local company, which makes me even prouder to support them. 

 

Olivia’s actually got its start by selling fresh, organic produce at Faneuil Hall (for all of you New Englanders out there).

 

I chose to purchase their spinach and a ready-to-go mixed green salad with balsamic vinaigrette. 

 

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Great nutritional stats and even better ingredients!

 

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As I told Olivia’s when they first contacted me, I would eat a lot more salad for lunch if I didn’t have to assemble them.  So obviously, I love the idea of having a pre-made salad with the dressing all ready to go.  For $1.99 each, I think this is a splurge I could afford once or twice a week to keep my veggie intake up and my sanity even keeled :smile:

 

I can’t imagine this salad being poor, but I’ll be sure to let you know my thoughts in a later post!!

 

To spruce of the salad, I packed a sandwich bag with a sprinkling of pumpkin seeds, parmesan cheese and pecans.

 

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I also have leftover grilled chicken from last night and a bit of aspargus.

 

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Lots of GREEN!

 

Snack

 

I finally caved and bought a pack of this lime & salt popcorn after seeing it on Kristin’s blog.  This is another product I can’t imagine not liking, but I’ll let you know later!

 

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Have a fantastic day, my loves!!  Chat with you tonight :smile:

 

Tell me – Why are you lucky?

 

Oh, and don’t forget to become a fan of The Ketchup Diaries on Facebook!





Happy

29 08 2010

Hey, babes :mrgreen:

I hope your weekend was as energizing and relaxing as mine.  I actually ended up being really busy yesterday between a birthday party and housewarming party, but since it was the last weekend for all of the craziness, I could handle it :wink:   The fact that I had no agenda Friday night or today didn’t hurt, either.

Mr. KD and I discussed plans to tackle our home improvement projects and I’m happy that we’re both on the same page.  Now, we just have to make it happen!

Between having a plan with the house and a semi-relaxing weekend, I’m simply feeling HAPPY :smile:

It’s the best feeling.  I am finally Lindsay again!!

I’m stoked for a good night’s sleep and to hit the gym tomorrow.  I’m ready to sweat!

For dinner, we relied on the trusty ol’ grill and charred up some beautiful chicken, which had been bathing in a garlic marinade all afternoon long.  The meal was rounded out with a baked potato and grilled asparagus.

Dang shadows.  I didn’t have the proper light for photographing, obviously.

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I will be the first to admit that I want to kiss the summer goodbye and embrace Fall, but grilled asparagus is one thing I will miss.

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Grilled chicken, too.

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Can you blame me?

I’m off to relax a bit more and then to hit the hay early!

Talk to you tomorrow morning!!

Tell me about your weekend!

To all of you who said you were in a bit of a funk with me, I hope you are starting to feel like yourselves again too.  xoxo





Steps to Breakfast Success

28 08 2010

1) Make an oatmeal protein pancake

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2) Chop up an Adora calcium supplement.

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3) Even distribute your “chocolate” throughout the pancake, so that it melts in the warm pancake

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4) Open a Caramel Oikos and smother your pancake

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5) Top with pecans for crunch

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6) Swirl to create a caramel/chocolate ribbon of love

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7) While eating, think of all the ways you can thank me for bringing this into your life

I bet you guys wish I took every Saturday off from working out to recharge the batteries :wink:

P.S. The Ketchup Diaries now has a Facebook page.  Become a fan, won’t you?  Let’s use this space to have active discussions about food, fitness, celebrity gossip and the like!





Recharged

27 08 2010

Mornin’, Lovelies!

How goes it?

I went out for dinner and drinks with Jen last night.  It felt good to simply be me and not “the blogger".

I’m feeling completely re-charged and ready to take on the world after sleeping in this entire week.  I really am tempted to go for a long run tomorrow.  But, I don’t think attempting 8 miles on legs that haven’t moved all week is the best decision.

I’m better off starting my routine on Monday and easing my way into a long run by next weekend.

Not to mention, the thought of waking up on a Saturday morning and having no agenda other than to sip coffee and watch Jersey Shore makes me shed tears of happiness.  The thing is – I love to work out on Saturdays.  The extra sleep always has me feeling primed for the best work out of the week.  But, I hate that by the time I’m done, have eaten breakfast and showered, the morning is practically gone.  Na’mean?!?

In other news, the new Ketchup Diaries is really starting to shape up!!  I’ve been working with a fabulous web designer, who I will totally be recommending to you all once the website is set to go.   I’m SO EXCITED to show you guys :smile

I’m sure you’ve noticed, but I rush a lot of my posts right now.  I will re-read things and think, “What the hell was I thinking?!?”  I know I shouldn’t rush, but the layout of this template is just so trivial and unprofessional to me.  I guess I just don’t put 100% into my posts yet because I’m not completely proud of the blog’s overall look.

Hopefully, that’s about to change :mrgreen:

Eats

Breakfast

Standard: Thomas WW bagel thin, Egg (at work) and the remainder of the berries

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Lunch

I got out to lunch on the Fridays I work with a few co-workers.  It helps the time pass and gets me out of the office for a bit!

Snack

Blueberry Siggi’s.  Same one as yesterday.  That Mexican risotto kept me full for a long time and I didn’t need a snack yesterday.

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And, that’s a wrap for now.  Have a FANTASTIC Friday!!