A Crockpot Kind of Day

January 30, 2013 Luv What You Do Chicken, Clean Eating, Crock Pot chicken, cookbook, crockpot, Peanut Butter, Recipes

Isn’t every day a crockpot kind of day?

I know today is! Even though I made this for Sunday night dinner, tonight is just as wet and icy. Which is crazy considering yesterday was 60 degrees and I was running outside before work. I said to the BOY that I don’t know of anyone else who uses their crockpot as often as we do. We had a cold and lazy weekend, so when I woke up Sunday morning, I immediately went searching through my cookbooks before heading out to the grocery store. With an ice storm heading our way, there was a chance that we’d be spending all day indoors (which is exactly what happened). For lunch, I made the most amazing Lentil Chili. Then after the Indiana game, the BOY helped me throw dinner into the crockpot.

He chopped up the onion, red pepper, and chicken, and I told him he would definitely get props when I posted this recipe on the BLOG.

I pulled out the food processor to make homemade peanut butter and then used it to make the peanut sauce.

This recipe is perfect for two people because we were quickly able to get chicken and veggies in the crockpot and this sauce pureed in the food processor.

I include this second picture just so you can see how liquidy the peanut sauce is. This worried me a bit, but everything thickened up in the crockpot.

The other benefit of having a friend in the kitchen (besides the fact that I like hanging out with the BOY) is that they can take some action shots!

So I should preface this by telling you that although I truly enjoy peanut butter, I’ve never been a huge fan of peanut flavored chicken when eating out.

However, this dish is UN-BE-LIEVE-ABLE!

The light peanut taste blends beautifully with the strong Asian flavors and hint of a kick!

And if possible, I found this even better leftover for lunch! The flavors were stronger, and I ate slowly savoring each and every bite. Based on the BOY’s reaction, I definitely see this recipe getting moved into our monthly rotation, and I have been sharing the recipe with everyone I know. As a confused mother nature continues to throw thunderstorms, hail, snow, and ice our way, there is no better appliance than your slow cooker to create healthy comfort food!

Let me know what you’ve been making to stay warm this winter and Stay Safe!

Clean Peanutty Thai Chicken

Form The 150 Healthiest Slow Cooker Recipes on Earth

Ingredients

1/2 cup smooth peanut butter (I recommend homemade)

1/2 cup chicken broth (or homemade stock)

1/4 cup low-sodium tamari sauce

juice of 1 lime

1 tbsp rice wine vinegar

4 cloves garlic, minced

1-inch chunk peeled fresh ginger

1 tbsp honey

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes *can adjust or omit to change the heat of the dish!

1 sweet onion, chopped

1 red bell peppers, cored, seeded, and chopped

1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless, chicken breasts, chopped

Directions

In the bowl of a food processor, combine the peanut butter, broth, tamari, lime juice, vinegar, garlic, ginger, honey, and red pepper flakes. Process until smooth, scraping down the sides as necessary, and set aside.

Combine the onion, bell pepper, and chicken in the slow cooker and pour the sauce evenly over all. Stir gently to coat. Cover and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours or low for 5 to 6 hours until the chicken is cooked through but still juicy. Don’t overcook!

To Peek or Not to Peek

January 28, 2013January 28, 2013 Luv What You Do Breakfast, Drinks, Oatmeal chili, CrossFit, ginger, lemon, smoothie, spinach

I was finally able to sleep past 7 this morning (both Saturday and Sunday I was up at 7 for no reason and couldn’t fall back asleep), but I was afraid to get out of bed and see the state of my car. Luckily, the temperature was well on its way to today’s 40 degree high, so my car looked wet and not frozen. That’s a bonus!

I had all of the ingredients needed to make Elixer, so that is how I started my day.

I got a little overzealous with the cayenne pepper, but I was able to fix it and enjoy my morning beverage. This is definitely a spicy way to start the day, but I liked it. The only problem was that I started to overheat a little bit which may be secondary to the above mentioned 40 degree weather combined with our heat still being turned on and the cayenne pepper.

Breakfast was Trader Joe’s frozen oatmeal with mashed banana and covered in homemade peanut butter. While I nibbled on my breakfast, I debated whether or not I should look up today’s WOD before CrossFit. I was curious, but sometimes I think the element of surprise is helpful with a tough workout. But…I checked it out anyways!

Pull Ups (to fatigue) *I used the green band

1 minute rest

Push Ups (to fatigue)

1 minute rest

x7 Rounds

Yikes! I might not be able to move my arms for a week. Just like last week, everyone was very friendly when I arrived. One of the benefits of the 9:30 Monday morning class is that it’s mostly women which I find less intimidating. We all got down to business when the clock started. I was surprised by how many pull ups/push ups I was able to do, but my arms were exhausted before I was halfway done. But I stuck with it, pushed a little farther, and was proud of my finish. One of the things that I like about CrossFit is that as everyone finishes, they stay and cheer each other on. One of the harder things for me is remembering to keep my form. I am all about alignment and preventing injury, which I had to remind myself as I was trying to crank out my last few reps each round. As expected, my arms felt like jello before I even walked out the door. I finally made it to get my oil changed before coming back home for lunch.

I had an early lunch of leftover Lentil Chili, which was even better reheated today.

A few hours later, I was watching Scandal and craving a green smoothie. Typically, I have a few favorite recipes that I use, but I got a new idea while flipping through the pages of Cooking Light magazine last night.

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This one involves ginger and apples with my favorite green leafy veggies. I would have loved to make green juice, but I didn’t know if my blender could handle it.

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So I added in a little almond milk with a few ice cubes to make a smoothie. It was a little thick and pulpy, but I loved it! One of the best green smoothies I’ve had in a long time. The addition of ginger is genius!

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As I look back through these pictures, it was definitely an awesome day of eating! I have a few more recipes from this weekend to share throughout the week, but for now I am logging off for a quick trip into the city. I need to go pick out a book for the train!

Green Juice Smoothie

1 big handful of spinach

3/4 apple chopped with peel on (I ate the other 1/4)

1/2 chunk ginger, peeled and chopped

1 cup unsweetened almond milk

5-6 ice cubes

Place all ingredients in blender and blend on high until everything is smooth. Drink fresh!

Waiting for the Storm

January 27, 2013January 27, 2013 Luv What You Do Clean Eating, Soup, Vegetables, Vegetarian basketball, carrots, cookbook, lentils, Recipes, snow

There has been talk since yesterday of a big, dangerous ice storm heading our way. Yuck! When I spoke with my parents last night, they both said that we should plan on laying low today. When I woke up around 8am, the weather still looked fine, so I decided to head out to the grocery store for some staples before the expected 10am winter mix.

I don’t think I have ever been to the grocery store before 9am. The store was quiet, which was nice, but the pharmacy didn’t open until 10am (which stinks before I needed some allergy meds).

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I was home before the BOY even emerged from the bedroom. The weather outside was gray, but warm. If a storm wasn’t heading our way, I might have bundled up for a run. Instead, I put some errands on hold to stay in my warm, comfortable home. I made us some eggs for breakfast and sat down to watch last week’s Biggest Loser. Meanwhile, I got started on moving some files form old computer to my new computer. 2 hours later, there was no wintery mix insight, and I was beginning to feel guilty about sitting on the couch in my jammies all day. My mom called around noon and mentioned that some rain had started by their house. She invited us over to brave the storm with some television and chili. However, I had the same idea here!

The BOY turned on the Indiana basketball game, and I started chopping up veggies for Lentil Chili.

This is a vegetarian recipe from one of my new cookbooks.

I was super excited to try this chili. It has a complex flavor profile, and I even picked up cayenne at the grocery store this morning.

This chili is jam packed with vegetables!

Before you even add in your lentils, beans, tomatoes, and veggie broth. I used only 4 cups of broth due to space limitations in my pot.

If I was going to spend the day, hiding from the rain, I decided to make the most of it. I kept plugging away at my computer getting to know Windows 8 and started a few loads of laundry. I also sat with the BOY cheering on Indiana during a stressful conference game. By the time Indiana secured a victory against Michigan State, my chili was ready for consumption.

And OMG…it is GOOD!

So simple and rich, the chili tasted amazing covered in sweet avocado.

I recommend saving this recipe for your next rainy Sunday (or even Superbowl Sunday)!

The rain never came down as hard as I expected, but a few minutes ago, the BOY looked out the window.

And my car…is covered…in a sheet of ice. Yikes! I will definitely have to thaw it out in order to get to CrossFit tomorrow.

Did you get hit with a winter storm today?

How did you spend your Sunday?

Mine was much lazier than expected, but I am happy to be moved into my new computer!

If you are having a quiet day in (like me), here are three more veggie chili recipes that I love!

Crockpot Vegetarian Chili

Crockpot Lentil and Sweet Potato Soup

Ultimate Vegan Chili

And…dinner is already in the crockpot, which means that I will have another easy recipe coming your way. Clue…this one involves homemade peanut butter!

Lentil Chili

From the Forks Over Knives Cookbook

Ingredients

3 yellow onions, chopped
1 1/2 cups celery, chopped
4 carrots, chopped
2 bell peppers (1 red and 1 green), chopped
1-2 garlic cloves, minced
~~6 cups~~ 4 cups vegetable broth
2 Tbsp chili powder
1 tsp. cumin
1 tsp. paprika
1/2 tsp. ground chipotle powder or smoked paprika
1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
2 cups red lentils, rinsed
1 (28-oz.) can crushed tomatoes
1 (15-oz.) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
zest and juice of 1 lime

Directions

In a large soup pot over medium-high heat, sauté onion, celery, carrots, bell pepper, and garlic in 1 cup of the vegetable broth. Stir occasionally and cook until vegetables soften, approximately 5-7 minutes.

Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, ground chipotle powder, and cayenne pepper and cook for an additional minute, stirring well.

Add lentils, crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, and remaining vegetable broth into the soup pot. Cover and bring to a boil. Cover and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat and simmer until lentils are soft, approximately 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.

*Note: this recipe made 12 cups of chili, which is more than enough to eat, share, and try freezing.

Half Homemade

January 26, 2013 Luv What You Do Clean Eating, Lunch, Yoga beans, chicken, Homemade, Recipes

Before I even start this post, I should warn you that this is my first time attempting to use Windows Live Writer on my new computer. I have no idea how it will work because the BOY set everything up for me, and he doesn’t even know the name of my blog…LOL! One of the things I still haven’t done is move my pictures and Eye-Fi onto this computer. I am so spoiled because my photos automatically upload, but I haven’t switched that around yet. It’s on my list of things (along with update music and take car for an oil change) to do this weekend.

I must say that snow is much more beautiful in the day light and when you don’t have to commute to work. The BOY and I were both up earlier than expected this morning. After a simple breakfast of banana walnut oatmeal and Elixer, I hit the road for Hot Yoga. The class was warm, intense, and rewarding. I felt strong in my balance poses, lightness in Warrior II, and utter fatigue in chair pose. I know that I have mentioned this before, but I really do feel different when my diet is clean.

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After yoga, I picked up Mediterranean for lunch. Our favorite place just happens to be on my way home from the studio. Although their pita is amazing, I knew I had some sprouted wraps and homemade hummus at home. I ordered my favorite Fattoush salad with grilled chicken with plans to create a half homemade lunch that was clean and satisfying.

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While the BOY dug right into his lunch, I created 2 grilled chicken wraps. One with garlic hummus and the other using this new Roasted Red Pepper Spread from the Forks Over Knives Cookbook that I whipped up earlier in the week.

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Both wraps turned out incredible! With my salad on the side, even the BOY commented about how good my lunch looked.

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I’m sorry I didn’t get more pictures, but after this morning’s workout, I was starving! I will tell you that this spread is really easy and versatile, and I would recommend using it to spice up your sandwiches.

I’m heading upstairs to pack and take a nap before heading into the city for a bachelorette party tonight. See you tomorrow!

How do you eat clean on the weekends?

Do you ever make ‘half homemade’ lunches?

Roasted Red Pepper Spread

From Forks Over Knives

Ingredients

2 cups or 1 15- ounce can great northern beans, drained and rinsed

1 red bell pepper, roasted (I used jarred)

3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced

3 tbsp finely chopped dill (or 1 tsp dried)

Zest and juice of 1 lemon

Salt to taste

Directions

Combine all ingredients in the bowl of a food processor and puree until smooth and creamy.

Store in the refrigerator.

Elixir and Exercise

January 25, 2013January 25, 2013 Luv What You Do Drinks, Exercise, Running ginger, lemon, magazine, Recipes

I have a new obsession…

And I’m not talking about my new computer. Ok, obsession is probably too strong of a word. But I have a new favorite AM beverage…hot water with lemon! Over my winter break, I read that it was a good way to start your day because of it’s detoxifying principles, so I decided to give it at try.

Shortly there after, I noticed hot lemon water popping up on numerous blogs. I was intrigued…was there more to this than I realized? Or does everyone just love the taste (like I do)?

Then a few nights ago, Whole Living magazine shared a recipe for elixir as part of their 3 week new year cleanse. Their version included lemon, ginger, turmeric, and honey to taste. Since I don’t love honey, I left it out.

I was nervous to try this odd combination, but pleasantly surprised with how refreshing and tasty it was. I think I will pick up some fresh ginger this weekend because I have heard that it is even better. I have no idea how detoxified I actually am, but overall, I am feeling really GOOD! I am working to decrease my stress levels, eating clean, and figuring out a new winter workout routine.

At the risk of getting too personal, I am also highly pleased with my Good Belly probiotics. Without oversharing, I can tell you that since starting to take this probiotic a few weeks ago my stomach has felt fantastic. I was even able to have some Yogurtland without a flare up. Awesome! I would have told you that I was skeptical about probiotics, and now I am a huge fan. I drink one every morning before my lemon water and breakfast.

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And hot lemon water is totally necessary when this is the start to your Friday morning!

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Now, on to the exercise…

I definitely got my workout groove back this week starting with some much needed strength training. And when the temperatures dropped below my comfort zone, I found myself an indoor track. Actually two indoor tracks. One near work that is new, 3 lanes and free. The other is 5 minutes from our house, smaller, but less crowded and costs only 2$. The possibilities are endless! Since I don’t have a gym this winter, I am committed to using these resources and trying some new classes. Along with my CrossFit groupon and incredible hot yoga studio, I should be all set for an active winter. Now…I just have to figure out how to get the BOY to join me : )

BTW, if all of this talk about working out is making you hungry, feel free to make one of these amazing peanut butter recipes in honor of yesterday’s National Peanut Butter Day. It’s never too late to celebrate…right?!

Golden Elixir

From Whole Living Magazine

Ingredients

1 cup hot water

1 Tbsp lemon juice

1/8 tsp turmeric

1/8 tsp ground ginger

Cayenne

Honey

Directions

In a mug, stir together water, lemon juice, turmeric, ginger, and cayenne and honey to taste until combined.

Do you drink hot lemon water? Why?

Like I said, I am intrigued by this new health trend!

Does anyone else take probiotics? What do you think?

Peanut Butter Lovin’

January 24, 2013January 24, 2013 Luv What You Do Breakfast, Dessert, Exercise, Life Baking, Peanut Butter, Recipes

Happy National Peanut Butter Day!

I am writing to you from my couch to wish you a a wonderful day dedicated to this addictive and delicious food! Why my couch? Well, let’s see…Monday was CrossFit, Tuesday 90 second running intervals along the indoor track, and this morning another indoor track for a 45 minute run!

Needless to say, my body is screaming at me! I have muscles that I didn’t even know existed that ache, but I feel GREAT! Welcome back to strength training. I wasn’t able to fit another CrossFit or Hot Yoga into my schedule this week, but I more than made up for it with running.

So…back to the real reason for this post…Peanut Butter!

Or more specifically National Peanut Butter Day. I’d recommend starting with your own homemade version. Then use it in one of the amazing recipes below.

Breakfast

Peanut Butter Banana Bread

Overnight Oats in a Jar

Peanut Butter and Jelly Energy Bars

Peanut Butter and Banana French Toast Breakfast Sandwich

Chocolate Peanut Butter Green Smoothie

Meals

African Peanut Stew

Dessert

Peanut Butter Bonbons

Scotcheroos

Peanut Butter M&M Blondies

Reece’s Brownies with Peanut Butter Frosting

Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies

Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

White Chocolate Puppy Chow

More Peanut Butter Lovin’

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies from Averie Cooks

3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies from Run Eat Repeat

Mini Peanut Butter Donuts with Chocolate Peanut Butter Icing from Itty Bitty Bakes

No Make Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Snack Bites from How Sweet It Is

S’mores Puppy Chow from Sally’s Baking Addiction

Monkey Bars from Carrots ‘N’ Cake

Tropical Peanut Butter Cinnamon Smoothie from Modern Girl Nutrition

What is your favorite peanut butter recipe?

The Day We Robbed Yogurtland

January 23, 2013 Luv What You Do Dessert, Life Restaurants, yogurt

Funny Story…

Remember my excitement over Yogurtland?! The BOY and I ran some errands Saturday afternoon. As we pulled into the FedEx parking lot, the he mentioned that Yogurtland was opening today. Even though we hadn’t eaten lunch, we decided that yogurt was totally necessary.

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The place was really crowded and the BOY and I walked right in to the back to check out the flavors. Along with the tart Greek yogurt, there were a few fruit flavors. The BOY and I went straight for the good stuff, filling a large cup with s’mores, pistachio, vanilla, and red velvet cupcake. The perfect pre lunch treat. We tossed on some cookie dough bites because who can walk past cookie dough bites without grabbing a few.

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Feeling like frozen yogurt experts, the BOY and I walked up to the register, placed our cup on the scale, and got the strangest look from the girl working behind the register. The BOY and I were super confused when she looked up at us and said ‘It’s Free!’. Free yogurt…could life get any better? We assumed it was an opening day special and the apparent owner next to us confirmed that for the first hour the yogurt was free.

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Thinking that we should most likely head back for some more, I mean why share one cup of yogurt when it’s free, the owner kindly stated that this was a private event. All of a sudden, the BOY and I looked around and saw that the people talking seemed to know each other. And we totally crashed their party. The BOY and I offered to pay for our yogurt but they said it wasn’t a problem. We stepped out of the store and completely fell apart with laughter! Talk about being totally oblivious. I think we just robbed the Yogurtland!

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We reassured the owner that we’d be back often and would definitely pay for our yogurt in the future. And after sampling our selection, I am sure we will go back. The yogurt was excellent! I’m not sure if it’s because I haven’t had much dairy in the past few months, or because frozen yogurt is my favorite food ever, but we loved it and licked every last drop off our spoons in the car. The whole scene was hilarious! I can’t stop smiling when I think about it! It reminds me of our shenanigans in Florida last spring.

Woo Hoo!

January 22, 2013 Luv What You Do Chicken, Clean Eating, Crock Pot, Dinner, Life cookbook, crockpot, figs, meal planning, Sweet Potato

I got a new laptop!

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Insert Happy Dance and Jump for Joy here!

I got it at Costco…hence the chicken and greens. The BOY has been telling me for well over a year that I am in need of a new computer. Yet when things came up (oops I’m out of memory), I was able to come up with strategies (moving all music to external drive). Yikes! So when a few new things came up this weekend, I finally told the BOY to do a little research. And after checking out Windows 8 on a demo computer, I was sold. Now I have barely touched my computer. It has been in the tight grasp of the BOY who is ‘setting it up’ for me. But I am super excited!

While the BOY worked away on my computer, I got busy working on dinner. I made classic lasagna for the BOY which is quite a labor of love, but totally worth the effort. I went with the entire recipe this time (I usually just make half) and brought leftovers to share with my coworkers.

I apologize for the poor quality photo above but as always the BOY was on the move with his dinner while I was trying to snap a picture. The BOY thinks I’m crazy but I just never liked lasagna. So I made my own dinner from my new slow cooker recipe book.

Chicken + Sweet Potatoes + Figs

With the temperatures dropping below zero and and my efforts focused on the lasagna, I was excited to try a new crockpot recipe. I love figs and was intrigued by this Moroccan looking dish. Especially since I had almost all of the spices in my cabinet.

I was playing with my crockpot settings, so I think I slightly overcooked the chicken. Yet even with the less than juicy chicken, the flavors of this dish are wonderful!

And the leftovers warmed me up after my cold commute home. You should most definitely bust out your crockpot this week and try one of these awesome recipes! Let me know if you are looking for suggestions!

In other news, we are back to meal planning this week.

Well, at least we are attempting to get back into it with an easy week…

Monday:

For Him Lasagna

For Her Chicken with Figs

Tuesday: Leftovers

Wednesday: Shrimp Stirfry

Thursday: Leftovers (I hope!)

Friday: Raid the Fridge/Wing It!

Breakfast: Pumpkin Banana Baked Oatmeal Bars

Healthy Weekday Snack: Clean Garlic Hummus

Chicken with Figs

From The Big Book of Slow Cooker Recipes

Serves 8

Ingredients

1/2 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs

3/4 pound boneless, skinless, chicken breasts*

3/4 cup dried figs, halved

1 sweet potato, peeled and diced

1 onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 tsp cumin

1 tsp coriander

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

1/2 tsp ground ginger

1/2 tsp turmeric

1/2 tsp ground orange peel

1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

2 3/4 cups chicken broth

1/4 cup orange juice (I used the juice of one orange freshly squeezed)

Directions

1. Cube the chicken. Quickly sauté the chicken in a dry nonstick skillet until it starts to turn white. Drain off any excess grease.

2. Place the chicken and remaining ingredients into a 4 quart slow cooker (I have no idea what size I used). Stir. Cook for 6 hours on low. Stir before serving.

*NOTE: I just used 1 pound of chicken breasts and no thighs

Do you use Windows 8? Any tips for me?

I Know What’s Missing…

January 21, 2013January 21, 2013 Luv What You Do Breakfast, Exercise, Oatmeal Baking, Banana, CrossFit, oatmeal, Pumpkin, pushups, Recipes

And I think I found the answer. Thanks Groupon!

It’s no secret that a huge weakness in my workout schedule is strength training. And since I quit the gym last spring, I have been doing very little lifting. I still meet with my trainer 2-3 x month and try to go to Hot Yoga weekly, but I have noticed a difference in my strength and metabolism. So, I have been looking for a new way to get strong without a gym.

I tried a CrossFit class a year ago. I thought the people were friendly and the workouts challenging. That specific ‘box’ was just too far from my house and the class times didn’t fit into my schedule. Fast forward 1 year to a gym-less Jen NEEDING to get back to strength training. Since I’m not paying a gym membership, my plan is to try out some new and different classes this winter to keep me strong and beat winter boredom. I knew there was a CrossFit place in the town over, and when I went online to check out their schedule, I found a gym 10 minutes away. And, Then…I found an awesome Groupon. For the price of one of my typical training sessions, I got 10! This was after a few glasses of wine so without even thinking about it, I pulled out my credit card and bought one.

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I know enough about CrossFit to have a general idea, but I really wanted to find some nice people and a facility where I felt comfortable. As expected, the gym was pretty basic. I got some general information about CrossFit and the Paleo diet from the owner before people started to arrive, each one mentioning the cold. Once the workout started, we didn’t even notice the cold. Our warm up was simple but we had ‘Cindy’ waiting for us.

Source

The Monday morning group was really friendly but when the clock started, they got down to business. I worked hard, doing my pullups with the assistance of the green band, totally frying out my arms with pushups, and getting tips on form for my squats. Although I finished with the least amount of reps in the group, I was proud for completing the full 20 minutes. And I definitely felt the effects. I made one quick stop at the store on my way home and had trouble lifting my arm to reach the noodles on the top shelf. Ah…I’m going to hurt tomorrow, I am sure!

To fuel up before CrossFit and stay warm on this chilly morning, I made baked oatmeal for breakfast (along with my hot water and lemon).

I am a huge fan of this cakey breakfast bar. I dove right in straight from the oven and the bananas were warm and gooey.

Warning: There is no added sugar in this recipe (perfect for those of you trying to cut back). And I think the blend of spicy pumpkin and sweet banana is a wonderful way to start your day!

But you may want to drizzle on some maple syrup or honey (if desired) or if you plan on sharing with a sweet breakfast crowd. I was amazed at how filling my baked oatmeal bars were after such a tough workout, and I am looking forward to having leftovers for breakfast throughout the week. These bars travel well and can be frozen. I’m hoping to be able to really put my Groupon to use and get to CrossFit 2xweek for the next few weeks. I think that I can at least do 1xweek adding strength training to my weekly schedule because what can I say, I work harder with someone pushing me.

More classes, I want to try this winter…

Barre Method

Bikram Yoga

Spinning (I used to spin all the time and I miss it!)

Trampoline

Trapeze (this is a reach but I”d do it if I got the chance)

What new new classes have you tried this winter?

What else should I add to my list?

Pumpkin Banana Baked Oatmeal Bars

Based on Peanut Butter and Banana ‘Oats on the Run’

Makes 4 servings

Ingredients

2 cups old-fashioned oats

4 tbsp ground flax

1 tsp baking powder

1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice

1 tbsp cinnamon

1 1/2 over ripe bananas, mashed

1/2 cup pumpkin puree

1 egg

1 tsp vanilla

1 cup almond milk

Directions

-Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray a 9×9 inch baking pan with cooking spray.

-Combine dry ingredients (oats, baking powder, flax, and spices) in a small bowl.

-Using a mixer, beat the egg, pumpkin, almond milk, and vanilla until smooth. Add in the mashed banana and stir until combined.

-Stir in the oat mixture until just combined. Pour mixture into prepared pan and bake for 30 minutes until edges begin to brown and the middle is set.

-Store in air tight container or freeze individually.

Vegan Option: replace egg with flax egg, omitting the flax from the dry ingredients

Add Ins/Toppings: nuts, dried fruit, coconut, chocolate chips, agave, or smother with peanut or almond butter!

Liebster Award

January 21, 2013January 21, 2013 Luv What You Do Life blogging

My friend Meghan over at Clean Eats Fast Feets nominated me for the Liebster Award. And since I’ve been unplugged from the blogging world for a few days this week, I have had plenty of time to think about new and hopefully interesting things to share with you (and scan in some old photos).

A huge Thank You to Meghan who writes witty posts and leaves thoughtful comments each week that keep me motivated and smiling! Check out her blog for all the Liebster rules! And I should warn you…this is going to be a LONG post!

11 Facts about Me

1. My full name is Jennifer. There were 4 Jennifer’s in my kindergarten class so we needed nicknames. I became Jen (1 N) although I was Jenn (2 N’s) for about a week in third grade before I forgot. Now it’s mostly Jen (or Miss Jen by my little patients).

First Day of Kindergarten (and my 5th Birthday)

2. I don’t drink coffee. Neither does the BOY. We don’t even have a coffee maker or coffee in our house. This is only a big deal if you come to visit for a weekend. In which case, remind me to pick you up some Via’s!

3. I spent 9 summers at overnight camp learning to waterski, knee board, sail, horseback ride, and make toffee over a camp fire. I did 4 muti-day canoe trips, and I still love hiking and float trips.

4. I have never been able to get into American Idol or Dancing with the Stars. I do love Biggest Loser and have a history of watching Real World/Road Rules Challenge shows. If I had to do a reality TV show, I would go on the Amazing Race.

5. I still sleep with a teddy bear.

6. I was in a sorority in college. This year will be the 10 year anniversary of my college graduation (crazy!) and some of my closest friends, I met through my sorority. We even survived living together!

College Girls 001 College Girls 2 001

7. I love 80’s movies! Adventures in Babysitting, Goonies, Troop Beverly Hills, Shag, and Sixteen Candles are a few of my favorites!

8. If I wasn’t working full time, I’d practice yoga daily, become a personal trainer, and write a book.

9. I already have my Pen Name figured out for my first novel.

10. I played 4 years of soccer in high school. My senior year, I ran cross country and cheered for the basketball team.

Cheerleading 001

11. I am super left brained. I think physics is phun and can’t draw a straight line with a ruler! My attempts at Spanish are pathetic, and I loved algebra. In college, I tutored high schoolers in math.

Questions from Megan’s Friends

1. What is your favorite brand and style of jeans?

I like a boot cut jean…pretty basic. But I wear a lot of skinny jeans under my boots in the winter.

2. What is your favorite ‘guilty’ secret pleasure TV show?

Wow…tough question. It used to me GREEK on ABC family. I loved it, got the BOY hooked, and now we own all the seasons on DVD. Yes that is super embarrassing. Now, I am totally digging Scandal but I’m not afraid to share that news with my friends. I have watched enough episodes of Big Rich Texas, Dallas Cowboy Cheerleads, and Toddlers and Tiaras to be ashamed : )

3. If you could have one thing for free, no matter how big or small, what would you pick?

I’d love a condo (decent sized) in the city with a healthy chef and personal masseuse.

4. Do you get dressed up even when you stay at home for the day?

Heck no! Rocking my new flannel jammie pants right now.

5. How many blogs do you read on a daily basis?

This number has definitely grown. I probably read about 15. There are so many amazing people out there sharing their lives that I love to check out their pictures, posts, comments, recipes, races, and travels.

6. What’s your favorite type of cuisine?

Is it okay to not really have one?! I really enjoy eating a variety and there isn’t one thing that I could eat forever.

7. Why did you start blogging?

Well, I was beginning to discover blogs when I was searching for healthy new recipes on the internet a few years back. I liked reading what others were doing and was looking for a creative outlet to practice my writing skills. See fact 11 above…anything creative is a challenge for little old left brained me. I also thought it was an easy way to share some of my recipes since people were often asking for them.

8. What do you think is worth spending good money on?

Taking care of myself! This would include gym memberships, the right running shoes, quality produce, a massage or facial when I can spring it, yoga classes, a personal trainer, and outings with the BOY when we just need to get away!

9. Is that your natural hair color?

I haven’t been asked this question in awhile. Yep, I am all natural and have been since I couldn’t afford highlights in grad school. Believe it or not, I used to be blonde!

Jen and Dana Soccer 001

10. Favorite day of the week and why?

Monday! I have Mondays off and they are usually what I call ‘Jen’s Day’. It is relaxing, I get myself pulled together for the week, and take advantage of some quiet time at home. Of note…the BOY doesn’t have class on Mondays this semester. It will be interesting to see how that goes : )

11. Pets? Do you have any and what are they?

Sadly, the BOY and I had to put his turned ‘our’ cat to sleep last February. She was one Sassy Girl! I think eventually we will get another furry friend but right now isn’t the best time.

11 New Questions

1. What is your astrological sign? Do you fit the description?

2. What is your favorite winter activity?

3. Flats or Heels?

4. Who was your first kiss?

5. If you could get rid of one form of social media, what would it be?

6. Last race you participated in? What race are you doing next?

7. What is your favorite gift to give others?

8. If you won the lottery, what would be your first purchase?

9. What is your favorite meal? Breakfast, lunch or Dinner and Why?

10. Do your friends, family and coworkers know that you are a blogger?

11. What do you like most about blogging and what is the hardest part?