Exercise TV : On Demand

As you know I am always looking for new workouts to stay motivated. The other day I was looking through On Demand--not expecting to find anything that challengeing. Well I was wrong. I have now tried 3 workouts and they are all free!

Rock Hard Total Body -Body by Jake with Trainer Marco Reed- 40mins of SWEAT. Its 45 seconds on and 15 seconds rest! I really liked it.

Rock Hard Body Xtreme -Body by Jake with trainer Steve Maresca. 40 mins using a medicine ball. I was sore for days!!!!

Rock Hard Abs -Body by Jake with trainer Steve Maresca. 22 mins of core! Will do this one again.

I will actually do all of them again.

Exercise and Pregnancy

So as many of you know---I think I have one reader ( thanks Jenn!) I try to live a healthy lifestyle and am dedicated to a strong fitness/exercise routine. I also like to eat which is where the need to workout hard comes into play. As I also mentioned before we are trying to have a baby. I started doing research about exercising when pregnant because I am a planner. I also know that the heart rate rules really are outdated. Listen to your body is what I have been reading especially if you are in great shape. So my plan is to continue teaching spin classes but I wanted to know what else is out there---many of these prenatal dvds just seem BORING. Can I weight train? So I started googling. I found an answer and her name is Lauren Brooks. She actually has a training studio out in CA not far from where my sister lives. I emailed her and will definitely go for a workout the next time I am in the neighborhood. Okay sorry for the tangent. I have attached a link to her website and am ordering both of her DVD's. I will review them after they arrive. No joke your jaw will drop when you see the abs on this mother of 2. After watching this---there are definitely no excuses!!! The website is www.socialtrainer.com

NEW MOON.....AHHHHH .......WE NEED TO SEE NEW MOON

No joke I am that person---well not the craziest as I know people that went to see the newest Twilight movie on Thursday night at 12:01am We actually held out till Sunday morning at 9:40am which was also a packed theater. I am a harsh critic of all movies. Here is what I thought...I loved it. But now he is why and I will some caveats.

I LOVED all 4 books. My least favorite of the books was New Moon. I should also add that I did not like Twilight-The Movie. I thought it was choppy, the acting was NOT good ( not that I expected it to be Oscar worthy) In my opinion they did not take the time to tell the story as in the book. I understand they only have 2 hours. So needless to say I had low expectations for New Moon: The Movie. New Director---bigger budget ---better movie. There are worse movies out there by far. I enjoyed it and left giddy......... but I am in love with the story of Bella and Edward. If you are a fan of the books ----you will like the movies. Also good to know ...my husband and dad never read the books and enjoyed both movies. Although my husband at the end of New Moon says to me----I don't want her with him---I liked the werewolves ( he may kill me for typing this) then says---who does she end up with----I don't want her to end up w/ the vampire.....REALLLYYYYY this is what he says to me. Obviously he's Team Jacob.....and by now you know I am and will stay Team Edward. Go see the movie and just enjoy the love story.

Risotto for company

I had company over on Saturday night and took another try at Risotto. The last time I made it ---it was OUTSTANDING as my husband stated---this is better than what you get in a restaurant. So nice. Well this time around---a bit overcooked. I served shrimp on top which came out PERFECT. Risotto is not the easiest of dishes to time but I will keep trying.

I used Ellie Krieger's Garden Risotto recipe but made a few changes:
I used onions, mushrooms, peas and sundried tomatoes with shrimp on top.

This is a dish that if you adhere to serving sizes seems sinful but really isn't.

My Enemy's Cradle -Book Review

Really enjoyed this book! Another good one.

Sarah's Key

I am almost done reading this book and wanted to share....after struggling through the Time Traveler's Wife ( I am one of the only people who hated that one) This was an easy and enjoyable read.

Apple Pecan Muffins

I have apples and bananas that are over ripe. I don't love to bake...my husband is the baker. I figured my husband could bring these to work or we can freeze them.

I got the recipe from Ellie Krieger.
will post link shortly

I did not have Buttermilk so I used Fat Free milk instead. Since this is the first time making them I have nothing to compare. They came out light and mildly sweet.

Banana Nut Muffins are next.

Garden Risotto

I have been wanting to make a risotto dish for sometime now. My husband and I do not eat alot of heavy pasta like dishes ( I know this is rice) but thought this would be a good fall comfort meal. I also wanted to keep it on the healthy side. I have seen many add cream and butter. I did make a few changes to use the veggies we had in the house. I do not think it changed the nutritional info too much. I know spinach has more value than mushrooms but still amazing.

I used mushrooms, onions and sun-dried tomatoes.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ellie-krieger/garden-risotto-recipe/index.html

This was a huge hit with my husband. His next request is Lobster Risotto!

Dear Diary

Last night my sister told me about this book by Tal Ronnen who was on Oprah yesterday.

I am going to check it out later today.




C25K: Week 1 Day 2 felt great. Worked out with a trainer first and then did this walk/jog. I am really following the program as I have to watch for knee pain. Yesterday was a cardio day and I actually went swimming. I did laps for 30 minutes. Now a 30 minture workout normally would not be enough however for a non-swimmer! Wow is all I can say. Today during the walk/jog I could actually envision myself running a 5K. I can see it in the future. A great feeling.

I told you I have a lot on my mind. What else

Hearty Minestrone Soup: http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipes/recipe.php?recipeId=448
I made this soup last night, my second time making it. This time I used vegetable broth. Pretty good is my vote. Its not my favorite but its good. Better cooled off not piping hot --I usually like my food HOT. This is better when you wait.


Today I have a doctor's appt. to discuss more testing on my thyroid levels. We have to get to the bottom of this first. My guess is I will have more blood work on Monday and then go from there. I am actually looking forward to this because I want to feel better. I want to feel like myself again.

Butternut Squash Soup -YUM!

I did not always love soup. This was before I started cooking. I was afraid of soup. I was afraid of the salt and cream hidden in soups that would otherwise seem healthy.
I love butternut squash---like LOVE LOVE LOVE. I guess you get it. I found a healthy recipe through Whole Foods website. I made their Hearty Minestrone in the past and thought they would have some good ideas.

Sundays are usually my cooking day or my big cooking day. I was not sure what my husband was going to say because he generally likes soup that is cream based. I try to fight him.....this time .... I did add a tiny bit of half and half....sometimes he is just right! It needed just a little. : )

http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipes/recipe.php?recipeId=1975

The Kind Diet

I am almost done with reading this book and have to say I really really enjoyed it. Alicia does not sound preachy or better than..... I think its a really good guide on how to make small changes which she hopes will eventually become bigger and permanent changes. I do think some of the recipes are a bit intimidating as I have never heard of some of the foods. However simply googling or asking someone at the market helps.

I am also following and learning on her new site www.thekindlife.com

My favorite soup -Ribollita

I really have to share this with anyone who loves soup. It's by Giada DeLaurentis ( I love her! ). I first had this soup at Re Di Macchia, in Montalcino, Italy. One of my favorite city/towns in the world. Hers is a bit different than Roberto's but its still great.
The only changes ---I do not use pancetta. The last time I made this I used turkey bacon. Since I am slowly making changes towards a vegetarian diet the next time I make this I will omit the turkey bacon and use vegetable broth. Not sure about the cheese that may be hard to part with.... I still expect it to be delicious and comforting.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/ribollita-recipe/index.html

COUCH 2 5K and why I am doing it.

Okay let me start off by saying I am not a runner....yet. I would not define myself as a couch potato...if you read my profile you know I teach spinning classes. I am active however I am in a rut. A little history--sorry if this is boring but its my blog. :) I will keep it short and sweet. I have maintained a weight loss of 50lbs for over 10 years. I struggle and 2009 has been tough. ( this is a bit personal ) I went off birth control in Nov. 2008 because my husband and I are ready to start a family. Fast forward to May 2009. I have gained 10lbs and my periods stopped. JUST STOPPED. Fast forward through all the testing. I have PCOS - Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. So we are continuing our trying to conceive journey but I wanted something else to focus on in addition to having a baby. In 2001 a friend convinced me to run a 1/2 marathon which I did proudly and happily but have not been able to pick up running since. I do have to watch my knees and even passed over reading about this program in the past by just saying--I am not a runner. After talking to my sister, who lives in CA, we decided just last night that we will do this program together!!!!

So today is:
Week 1 Day 1 10/21/09

http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml
I will continue track my progress here.