Spaghetti Squash

Hey guys, long time!

Recently I've seen all sorts of variations on "normal" meals prepared differently with substitutes. One of the ones that I've thought of trying was Spaghetti Squash. Apparently many people ate this growing up, but I had never heard of it before. So, b/c I figure if I hadn't heard of it, maybe some of you all hadn't either, I'm posting the steps.

First, pick out a pretty squash at your local grocer and bring it home.

Second, cut the squash in 2 equal halves. This can be tricking with a big knife like the one I used. I would suggest cutting one side first, then onto the next side so the knife goes through entire side.

Then place it in the oven, face side down.

Using a fork, make a swift downward stroke from top to bottom to form your "noodles". It will actually produce way more than you may think!

Tada, it is finished! I garnished mine with some marinara and 2% cheese. John thinks I'm crazy and opted on some whole wheat noodles for his spaghetti.

The end result was wonderful! No, it didn't taste exactly like regular noodles, but it was very filling, tasty and I'll definitely do it again.

Bon Appetit!

Product Endorsement

Hi guys! Sister and I have been a little unmotivated lately....on the blog and real life. I think the season's changing and busy schedules have prevented us from being on target 100% with our diets and exercise. At least I can speak for myself. After a weekend of eating out and making verrry poor eating decisions at the state fair, the G household made the decision to eat super healthy this week. I made Weight Watcher Black Bean enchiladas for dinner that were super yummy(thanks Rhonda!), but if you know anything about me, you know I also have to have my something sweet. I've had this box of muffin mix in my pantry for a month or so and have just kept putting off making them. Tonight I decided it sounded yummy. I substituted 2 tbsps of oil with cinnamon applesause and added some extra cinnamon in the mix, b/c I'm obsessed with it. Guys, these muffins were amazing!! Very light, fluffy and filling. Even my hubby loved them! I'm definitely stocking up on all their flavors!

Plus 20% more fiber!! I love having quick options like this available for breakfast, snack or even after-dinner treat.

LG

What motivates you??

Sick little one this week means little, make that no time, at the gym. I did do Yoga last night, but I realized I should have waited until he went to bed because while in a couple of the poses, he would crawl under me and say, "I see you mommy." Hard to concentrate on my breathing. Oh well. He tried to do some of the poses with me, and I'm pretty sure I burned extra calories just laughing at him.

I was able to take the little guy and a the dog on a walk today which was wonderful. It's beautiful here and there is nothing better than just being outside on a beautiful day. I think both boys enjoyed the walk as much as I did.

So tonight's tv line-up are shows that always motivate me to eat better and continue doing some sort of daily exercise.

First, watching the contestants on the BL workout so hard, always makes me want to complain less when I'm at the gym. I don't ever complain out loud, oh but my thoughts are not so pretty at times. I will say that this week was not my favorite episode of the BL, mainly I just didn't like the "game" aspect of it. Wow, the sounds of crickets when Tracey & Coach Mo got on the scale was interesting. I do, however, love seeing where the contestants are since they left the show. Loving Antoine!!!!

Finally, I think that So You Think You Can Dance is the show that motivates me the most. I never watched this show until this summer, but I love watching the real dancers dance. Talk about in shape. WOW. I'm always amazed at how high some of those guys can jump...amazing.

So what motivates you and is it sad sitting on the couch watching shows are what motivates me...maybe I should reflect on that myself! HA!

Second,

Will the Flu Get You?

Who is scared of the flu? Everyone!

The topic of sickness likes to creep into my volcabulary every fall, winter and spring. My allergies are pretty bad and they tend to morph into an infection overnight. I'm afraid that this is also going to be the case for my husband as well. He is learning that along with gaining a wife in his move to Tejas, he has also gained the dreaded allergy. We aren't sure of what he is allergic to as of yet, but they are prevelant. He sneezes, I sneeze. Back and forth, back and forth. Which brings me to my discussion. How do you stay healthy and active when you are sick? This has always been a hard balance for me as I tend to want all things warm and bready when I'm under the weather. But on the other side of the fence I tend to not allow enough time for my body to completely heal before I'm out running or at the gym. A couple weeks ago, I came down with my first sinus infection of the season. (remember the muffins sister and I made...YUM) I was out of commission for about a week. I'm really trying to listen to what my body is telling me. This time around I went an entire week and a half with no physical activity. This is pretty scary to me b/c my mind will start to play tricks on me like I won't be able to run again as long, or that I've lost it. But I put those thoughts aside and kept myself indoors and got plenty of rest. Typically I'm out running again to soon and lo and behold I come down with another cold a couple weeks later. This time I'm trying to be smart and heal before I start it all back up. I feel like I'm getting this part of the healthy train right, but am still lacking when it comes to the food. Like I mentioned, I crave warm, bready, things when I'm sick. Who wants to prepare food under those circumstances, especially raw fruits or veggies? Sometimes soup from a can just doesn't cut it either.

What are some good under-the-weather recipes you might have help your body recover, but taste good?!

Breakfast always sounds good to me when I'm sick. I think I might makes these up tonight for my sicky husband

Cinnamon Pumpkin Spice Pancakes :

1 cup of whole wheat pancake mix
2/3 cup water or milk
1 tbsp oil
1 egg or 1 white of an egg
1 teaspoon of cinnamon
1 tbsp of pumpkin pie spice seasoning
1/2 cup of Maple Pecan Crunch Cereal on top for some crunch (I have Kashi cimmanon cereal that I'm going to use instead)

YUM!

I'll let you know how it turns out.

Here's to staying healthy this cold/flu season!

Biggest Loser...

Okay, who is watching the Biggest Loser? Um, love love love that show. Okay, confess if you're watching and we can do a little talk about BL on the blog...but if sister and I are the only ones, then I'll just keeping texting her during the entire episode like I did last week.

Yummy muffins...

Sister called today and said, "I'm making these muffins right now!" It's times like this when I wished we lived closer, because I would have loaded my little guy up and headed straight to her house. We kept talking about them and I decided that I had to make them too.

To my surprise, I had all the ingredients except the raspberries. I was very excited because it's rainy and yucky outside, my sweet hubby doesn't feel so well, and I knew these things would be perfect! I just replaced the raspberries with a few more blueberries!

I got the recipe from this blog, that I have grown to love. Please stop what you are doing, and go make these muffins.

Sister added cinnamon to hers, but even "plain" they were very yummy. My little guy scarfed his down! I love seeing him enjoying healthier food! Hope you guys enjoy!

I'm not training...

I'm not sure why, but when I hear the word "training" my face crinkles, my pulse races and I start to cringe. I hate the whole idea behind training for something. To me I automatically think of possible failure (another post for another time). But for my goal oriented hubby, John is all about the training. He will be running and therefore training for the White Rock 1/2 Marathon in December and a full marathon in March. Since he has started running more, I've also been inspired to step up my game. But I'm not training. I'm not going to run, b/c my face will always be crinkled, pulse....and you get the point. And since I'm not training or running or making a commitment, I've ran farther and longer than I normally would ever consider running. On Saturday I actually did 5 miles. I know to some people 5 miles is no biggie. But to others it's crazytown. I have half/half feelings about it. Before and after the run I'm self confident and really excited! However, during the run is a different story. I'm a self-doubter and motivater, so I'm constantly thinking, you got this, ohhh no you don't, ok...one more mile, you can't do it, so on and so on. It's fun in my brain during those runs.

Anybody have tips to pass the time during a long run/ (not training)? :)

When I got home on Saturday I made homemade smoothies. John and I love them. One day I decided we needed smoothies to refuel after our runs and now we are addicted!

The recipe (I never use the same fruit....you can mix in whatever kind you like)

1 cup or so of frozen blueberries

1 cup or so of frozen blackberries

1 cup or so of frozen strawberries

1 cup of Greek Yogurt

1 scoop of vanilla whey protein powder

1 tsp. of almond butter

lots of ice

water to thin things out

and a little soy milk (couple of splashes)

and viola.....YUM!

(not an actual picture, but it looks just like this!)

I make John and myself these babies at least 3 or 4 times a week. We normally drink them around 6:30-6:45 am and don't feel too hungry till 11ish when we both eat lunch. That's pretty amazing!

The smoothies are the perfect refuel drink after a long, hot run. It's perfect for the weather we are having right now. I've been thinking a lot about what I've mix up for us once the weather gets chilly, but I'm afraid I still have some time to think about that.

What about you guys? What are you non-training for? :)

LG

Yoga...

I am by nature not a morning person. In fact, the alarm clock is on my husband's side of the bed because just the sound of the alarm going off almost instantly makes me very angry. LOL, I can't explain it. I just hate waking up to an alarm (well the kind you plug into the wall, because now my alarm clock is a cute two year old that wakes me up by saying, "mommy,mommy.")

For some time, I have really been wanting to incorporate yoga into my exercise regime. However, the only yoga class offered at the gym I attend is at 6:00 a.m., which means that I would have to leave my house at 5:30, which means it's not going to happen. I used to try to convince myself that I could do it, but even I couldn't fool myself. I just really like to sleep.

So, I decided that I needed to find a good Yoga video. Now, I really really want to do this. I often wake up with a backache and after lifting weights, no matter how much I stretch, I'm still sore...so I think yoga would help in those areas, plus make me stronger. However, I don't want this video to end up with the collection of videos that I "really really wanted to do." I mean I had every intention to do the Billy Blanks Bootcamp videos, Pilates and Jillian Michaels.....but when I purchased those I was looking for more of a quick fix, not scheduling a designated amount of time in my schedule to work out.

So, anyone have any good suggestions??? Unfortunately, we don't have fit tv, so that free option is out. I have downloaded a few to my ipod, so I'll let you know if they are any good. Okay, if you have yoga tips, please share!

The view.

The gym I go to is not exactly convenient, but it offers childcare, and I need that. However, on days when my little guy is at school, I go to a park nearby and walk with the dog. I don't mind exercise too much when this is the view!

Penne with Roasted Pepper Marinara Sauce

Last night I made this meal from the Best of Cooking Light cookbook. It was delicioius, so I thought I should share!

*Cooking spray
*1 1/2 cups finely chopped onion
*4 garlic cloves, minced
*2 cups coarsely chopped bottled roasted red bell peppers
*1 tbsp dried basil
*3/4 tsp sugar
*1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
*1/4 tsp salt
*2 (14.5 ounce) cans of diced tomatoes, undrained
*2 tbsp extravirgin olive oil
*6 cups hot cooked penne (I used whole wheat pasta)

1. Heat a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic, saute for 6 minutes or until tender. Add bell peppers and the next 5 ingredients, and bring to a boil.
2. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat; stir in oil. Serve over pasta. Yield 6 servings

YUM!

What's right

My future goal.

There is this girl I know. She eats when she is hungry. She chews her food slowly and it usually takes her awhile to finish eating. She eats regular food (not low-fat or diet anything), but not near as much. She stops eating when she is full. She doesn't over-indulge and rarely snacks. She is healthy and a great weight for her frame. She doesn't worry about food or think about it constantly. She eats to live, not live to eat. She doesn't make excuses or eat when everyone else does to make others feel better about their food choices, she doesn't make excuses. She is content.

I'm done with my low-fat/fat-free world. I'm done not eating nutritious. I don't want my kids to obsess about food the way I always did, spinning their wheels for years. I want to be content and know I will be one day. :)

Lunges

On my quest/journey of getting healthy there are several things that I perceive will hold me back. I hope I'll be able to overcome these roadblocks, but I'm wary, very wary.

1. I love sweets. Not all sweets, mind you, but rather the really bad ones. The ones stocked full of trans fats and sugar and carbs. I love anything that is white and looks like a pillow. Not only that, but I enjoy candy as well. The only saving grace in this is that I'm not a huge chocolate fan. However, the one good sweet that you could indulge in if there is such a thing is dark chocolate, and you guessed...gross. So. this is my number one road block.

2. Husband. Before I start, I'll say that I have the best husband for me! He is sweet, smart, caring, encouraging, so on and so on. However,he is also a big eater, hardy rather. He doesn't over eat, but he just eats way more than I do (and he should, he is active and can handle it). This may not seem like a big deal to most people, but I've found I'm one of those people that like to enjoy food with others. If I'm eating alone, I don't over eat, just eat until I'm full. But, if I'm out to eat or with friends, or now I've learned with my husband, I want to eat when he's eating. Whether I'm full or not. This has caused me great frustration as you can imagine. Husband wants cheese dip and mozzarella sticks when we go out and now SO DO I! Husband wants milkshakes, well SURE, let's do it! I will need massive amounts of willpower in the marriage when it comes to food.

3. The third one also sort of applies to my husband (love him) and healthy eating. He is so great about eating very healthy during the week and most of the time (sandwiches, fruit, veggies). The weekends and eating out refer to #2. Then he knows what he likes and doesn't. Some of the healthy meals I'm trying to incorporate he hasn't ever heard of and is wary of. This is completely understandable, so we are working through it. I, myself, am trying to add new ingredients, veggies and different sources of protein and trying new things can be fun and scary (and you don't want to waste money). So there may be some resistance to meals.

4. Work and friends....well, basically others I'm around. I'm a people pleaser to the extreme. I wouldn't say I'm a push-over, but I like to keep the peace. I'm learning that it can be quite awkward with a group of people to be the only one that is eating healthy. I constantly get comments about what I'm eating, like..."that's it?" or "that's not a fun meal!", or even, "ohhh, get something else, that makes me feel bad about what I'm eating!", so without even realizing it over the years I try to avoid that and order something I wouldn't usually order to appease the rest. What is this about?! I'm stopping that right now! Sure there are days I want regular enchiladas instead of the grilled chicken fajitas with corn tortillas at my favorite Mexican restaurant, but for the most part I want to eat healthy. So no more people pleasing, and I believe eventually everyone will stop with the comments.

So, I wonder if anyone else deals with these thoughts or concerns with regards to healthy eating?

Again, I say I'm wary....but feel better just writing those fears out! Here's to health!

LG

Warm-up

So as I said in my last post, today was the big day for my favorite class to begin, after taking the summer off. I figured our instructor would go easy, maybe doing our arms by lifting weights.

Not so much.

Our instructor decided since it was a beautiful day in August (and it is...high's in the 80's....is this normal?? Global warming my foot!) we would run outside.

So we start warming up by doing laps in the parking lot. The gym is on a slope, so you have to go up the hill and then back down the hill. After about three laps of walking, it was time to strap the sled around my waist. The sled in and of itself is about 30-35 pounds, then today he added twenty-five pounds to it. We were instructed to run up the hill and down twice and that he was going to time us. UGH. Please don't put a competitive twist to it, I'm fine doing the drill but if I know that there's potential to beat someone's time, I just go crazy.

One trip up that hill with 50 lbs and I thought, "forget competition, I just want to be able to walk tomorrow." Plus it doesn't help that a Shipley's Donuts is next door to the gym, so while I'm gasping for air, all I could smell was a delicious chocolate donut with sprinkles being made. Stupid donut.

I finished pulling the sled and then he had us running laps, sprinting as fast as we could and then pulling the sled again up and down the hill twice.

So as I sit here thinking "why is this my favorite class?" I am glad that I did it. I came home and for lunch made some talipia, carrots and a fruit smoothie. Fruit smoothies make everything better.

A trip on the treadmill.

I went to the gym today because I thought my favorite class was back in session. As it turns out, it won't start until Monday. Though bummed that I was going to miss out on an intense 45 minute workout, I knew I couldn't go pick my child back up out of the child care after two minutes.

I decided to ease back in to the workout routine by just briskly walking for 50 minutes. I know I need to lift weights but figured what was the point of making myself ache all weekend. So off I went to the treadmill section....incline set on 2.0, speed set on 4.0 and I was off to read the words on the television as the local station was cooking chocolate covered bananas. (side note: why are the tv's always set to a food show while I'm working out....seems distracting, no?)

After thirty minutes, a couple of girls approached me and asked if I wanted to finish my walk outside with them to get fresh air. I happily agreed...exercise plus adult conversation equals pure bliss.

Of the three of us, there was one chatty kathy that talked the entire time. I didn't mind really, because I'm not quite coordinated in exercising and talking...it's one or the other most times. "Kathy" went on and on and ON about how she was getting old and how the cellulite was moving from the back of her legs to the front and how all she really wanted in life was to be firm and in shape, and look better than her husbands ex-wife, and was it really too much to ask that her butt not jiggle.

Wowzer, should of stuck with the chocolate covered banana show. I enjoy working out, but I refuse to nit pick myself apart. I felt sorry for "Kathy." She's beautiful but she can't see it at all. Are there days where I wish I didn't jiggle, sure, what girl doesn't...but man, to daily find a flaw in yourself, seems like a sad way to live.

So this blog has been set up as a journal for my sister and I as we find healthy recipes, share funny stories and ultimately build each other up. Hop on the treadmill, it should be a fun trip.