For The Sake of Cake

It’s been a few weeks since I last participated in What I Ate Wednesday, but a lot of times I feel like I’m eating the same stuff over and over again (I do!) and that gets old. This week, I’ve added in a few new foods, so I figured I’d share my eats.

I picked up this cereal at Target on Monday because it sounded too good to pass up. I usually stay away from eating cereal for breakfast since it doesn’t keep me full for very long, but I just made sure to have a big bowl.

I’m still loving Gevalia coffee, and I just bought Coffee Mate Natural Bliss chocolate-flavored creamer which makes it even tastier!

Lunch – Cream cheese stuffed bacon wrapped chicken and green beans

You saw this recipe on my Meal Plan Monday post. It turned out great! My only issue was that the bacon grease sort of splattered all of my oven causing a smoke alarm/smoke-filled house scenario. Not good, but nothing a few open windows + candles couldn’t fix.

Work Snacks – Blueberry Chobani, Special K blueberry cereal bar, and fruit snacks

These were the rest of the goodies that went into my lunch bag. I ended up eating the cereal bar around 9:45 (my students were watching a movie), and I had the fruit snacks with lunch. I ate the Cho during my prep (around 1:40). Blueberries + blueberry-flavored items were definitely a theme today.

I also have to mention the Market Pantry cherry limeade sparkling water… so good!

Afternoon Snack – Two fruit bars

It’s so hot/humid out today that I pounded one of these as soon as I walked in the door. It tasted so amazing that I had to have another!

Dinner – Salad and angel hair pasta with bay scallops

After I got home from the gym, I was so hungry that I had to have a salad while I was prepping my “real” dinner. I topped bagged spring mix with carrots, croutons, and a little bit of Caesar dressing.

Dinner was just “eh.” It was kind of bland; I’ll need to add something more to the scallops the next time I try this.

Dessert – Pepperidge Farm strawberry cheesecake cookie

These were another Target find this week. I had just one after dinner, and it was the perfect amount of sweetness!

What’s a new food product you’ve tried and loved?

It’s no secret that I love sweets (you do know the name of this blog, don’t you?).

Do you want to know what happens right around this time of year (every year, without fail)? I eat ice cream. A lot of ice cream. Like, every night. The madness needs to stop.

While meal planning this week, I started thinking about some healthier substitutes I could use to satiate my ice cream craving this summer. Here are a few of my favorite items that are cold, sweet, and guilt-free!

Chobani

Option #1 – “Fro Cho”

I’m not someone who is really a fan of “dessert substitutes.” Just give me the real thing, please. However, frozen Chobani is really, really good! I like to pop one in the freezer right before dinner, and by the time my sweet tooth kicks in I’ve got an ice-cream like treat.

Option #2 – Chobani Flips

I’ve already talked about how much I love the key lime crumble Flip in previous posts. I buy at least one per week (we spend the rest of our Chobani budget on the “regular” cups), and I usually make it to Tuesday before digging into it for dessert. (I always have good intentions and think I’ll “save it,” but it never happens!)

Edy’s Outshine Frozen Fruit Bars

I just bought these at the store this week, and I’ve quickly become obsessed. There are only 25 calories per bar, and 1 gram of sugar. I realize they’re sweetened with Splenda—and that’s not everyone’s thing—but it really doesn’t bother me.

Frozen Yogurt (with moderate toppings)

Frozen yogurt is a great alternative to ice cream, and I love all of the self-serve places that have been popping up. (If we’re getting them here in Reading, PA, I know they’ve got to be in your town, too.)

My downfall with this sweet treat is loading up on the toppings. When I stop and think about it, I don’t think I’ve ever used the fruit toppings available. I go for the “good stuff”—cookie dough, peanut butter cups, gummy bears, etc. Keeping the fro yo portion under control and adding some of the healthier toppings available make this a good option.

Yasso Frozen Greek Yogurt Bars

(image source)

I tried these bars for the first time last summer, and they’re great—a little creamier than a regular ice pop. Chris and I were able to find them at BJ’s and purchased a big box for a reasonable price. Since I’ve first tried them, they’ve come out with lots of yummy flavors, so I’ll have to track these down again.

Fruit Smoothies

You can’t beat a fruit smoothie on a warm summer day! Fresh or frozen fruit, combined with yogurt, milk, protein powder, etc. makes for a sweet—but healthy—snack.

Do you have any “sweet substitutes” I should add to this list?

Hello, hello! I hope your week got off to a good start. I can’t complain about my day… same old, same old, which is always a good thing on a Monday.

I mentioned in yesterday’s post that I got around to meal planning Sunday morning while I was waiting for Chris to get ready. Here’s what I came up with:

Scallops with Angel Hair Pasta

This should look familiar from last week. I never got around to making this, so I just carried it over.

Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken Wrapped in Bacon

When I saw this recipe pop up on Normal Cooking, I immediately pinned it. While I was scanning my Pinterest boards this weekend, I decided I’d give it a try this week; it looks so simple but also really flavorful. I got garlic parmesan green beans to have as a side dish.

Black Bean Enchiladas

These are definitely one of my go-to’s, especially if I’m looking for something that will be quick. I got avocado and plain Chobani to use as toppings, and also some brown rice to serve with the enchiladas. Oh! And I got a new sauce to try, too (more expensive than my usual Market Pantry enchilada sauce, but I wanted to try something different).

What’s on your meal plan this week?

I’m back!!!

What a whirlwind week/weekend I had! The last time I posted was Wednesday, and I’ve barely had time to read blogs let alone write my own over the past few days.

Luckily, this week should be a little calmer than last week, and I should be able to get back to my “normal” posting schedule.

I was busy celebrating the wedding of my brother-in-law yesterday, so most of tonight’s Sunday Snapshots pictures are from our Saturday night/Sunday morning in Philly.

The reception was held at Top of the Tower in Philadelphia.

This morning, I was showered and ready for the day before Chris was awake. To hold myself over until more substantial food could be tracked down, I brewed myself a cup of coffee in our room (we stayed at the Hyatt Regency – Penn’s Landing… very nice!). I also had a Special K cereal bar, which was in our welcome bag provided by the bride and groom.

I also meal planned for the week while I was waiting for Chris.

Hotel freebies… who doesn’t love ‘em?!

We had to stop at my sister’s apartment on our way home to pick up Stewie (she was dog sitting for us). We were starving, so we went out to lunch at Flanigan’s Boathouse. I got the cheeseburger sliders, and they definitely hit the spot!

The rest of the afternoon/evening has been spent trying to catch up things around the house and prepare for the week. Some of us (cough, cough Stewie) have even found time for relaxation.

What’s one thing you’re looking forward to this week? I haven’t been to the gym in 5 days and I’m itching to get back tomorrow; I’m definitely looking forward to getting back to my normal workout routine. I’m also looking forward to an early dismissal on Friday and a 3-day weekend!

My interest in physical fitness only started about two and a half years ago.

In October of 2010, I was 10 months out from my wedding and I had just moved back home to save some extra money. A bit of extra money each month meant that I could join a local gym, something I had wanted to do but couldn’t squeeze into my budget when I lived on my own.

Immediately after joining the gym, I tried out BodyPump for the first time. This was the class I had heard the most about (mostly from other blogs). I remember my arms shaking as I drove home from my first class, and I could barely muster up the strength to wash my hair afterwards.

For a while, most of my gym visits centered around BodyPump. I’d hop on some of the cardio machines from time to time, but with work, wedding planning, and grad school, it was hard to make it to the gym more than three times each week. I always made sure that at least two of those visits coincided with BodyPump.

Since then, I’ve started branching out a bit and now I regularly participate in a variety of group exercise classes at my gym. In fact, I almost exclusively take classes at my gym, rarely using the cardio/strength equipment.

If you’re looking to get started with group exercise—or try something new—here are a few of my favorites:

1) BodyPump

Pump is a strength class, but also incorporates cardio in a few tracks. Each class begins with a warm-up, and then follows with tracks dedicated to certain muscle groups. The class always follows the same order: warm-up, squats, chest, back, triceps, biceps, lunges/legs, shoulders, abs, cool down. I love schedules and consistency, so I appreciate the fact that I always know what’s coming. Every few months, Les Mills launches a new release. Each release still follows the same order, but different songs/new moves are added. My muscles are always sore after a new release!

2) CX Worx

CX is also a Les Mills class. It focuses on core strength and incorporates sit-ups, planks, and various exercises with resistance bands. This class is tough, and I usually have to modify some of the moves! Since I’ve been taking the class regularly, I’ve definitely noticed my core strength building. One of the things I like most about this class is that it’s only 30 minutes—perfect for when I only have time for something quick.

3) BodyStep

I’ve got to put a disclaimer on this one… I’ve only recently started taking BodyStep (maybe a total of 6 times so far?) and I’ve only done the express class offered by my gym (30 minutes versus a full hour). This class is like step aerobics on steroids. I always feel like I’m getting as much of a mental workout as I am a physical one—I really need to think about the moves and what I’m doing. I definitely look like a giant goober during this class—picture arms flailing, steps being missed, a general look of bewilderment and confusion—but I really have fun! Plus, it leaves me huffing and puffing (cardio!) and my legs feeling like jelly (strength!).

4) Spin

Spin was the second class I tried after I started taking Pump (however, it was months later). Spin can be a little intimidating—you have to set up the bike and if you’ve never taken a class before, it’s hard to know what to expect—so it might be a good idea to go with a friend (that’s what I did!). The only downside to spin (for me, anyway) is if an instructor doesn’t vary the workout enough. There are some spin teachers who seem to use the same playlists over and over (hearing the beginning of Sandstorm makes me want to unclip and run for the hills), or they inundate a class strictly with sprints; that gets boring. If you don’t love spin class the first time you try it, I’d suggest giving it another go, perhaps with a different instructor. It can make a huge difference!

Which do you prefer—group exercise or working out on your own?

If you’re a fan of group exercise, what’s your favorite class? There are two other classes that I regularly attend at the gym—bosu and Total Fit. Both are circuit-style classes.

Any questions about any of the class mentioned above? Not that I’m an expert, but I do take them pretty often!

Hello, hello!

I have to admit… I started Monday on a bit of a crabby note.

Chris and I got home late last night, which meant I didn’t get to bed until past my normal “bed time.” I was super tired this morning, and I have a long week ahead, so I just wasn’t feeling it. Plus, I had waaay overindulged last night—lots of appetizers/sweets!

Luckily, after taking a sweat-inducing bosu class at my gym this afternoon—and a day of relatively healthy eating—I’m feeling a bit better!

This week’s meal plan is unique in that it only includes 2 meals. As I mentioned before, this week is going to be a bit chaotic, and the only evenings I plan to be making something are tonight and tomorrow.

Turkey Burgers

I made these tonight!

All I did was combine 1 lb. lean ground turkey, 1 small red onion (chopped), salt, pepper, and garlic salt. I formed them into patties and baked them at 350* for about 30 minutes. The burgers were served on whole wheat buns with ketchup and mustard—super simple and delicious! On the side, I had a spinach salad topped with some craisins, walnuts, and balsamic vinegar.

Scallops with Angel Hair Pasta

I wanted to make garlicky shrimp with angel hair pasta, but shrimp was super expensive at the store this week (no idea why?). I bought a bag of frozen bay scallops and figured I’d just wing it and throw something together! I’ll probably have a salad on the side, too!

Wednesday I’ll be getting dinner out somewhere, and Thursday is always Subway night in this house! Chris’s brother is getting married Saturday (!!!) so I’ll have a few errands to take care of Friday, and I’ll probably just pick something up while I’m out. Definitely an unusual week around here!

How many nights per week do you cook? I’m always so impressed by people that can stretch or re-work certain dishes into several meals. Teach me your ways!

Hello and happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there!

I have a little bit of time before we head out to Chris’s brother’s house for their Mother’s Day celebration, so I figured I’d check in and share some photos from this weekend—just something short and sweet!

Gatsby on Friday night

4 mile run Saturday AM

Stewie’s sleepy Saturday

Mother’s Day Brunch – French toast, quiche, bacon-wrapped potatoes, store-bought danishes

My plate (+ a strawberry danish)

Me, my mom, and my sister

Mother’s Day gifts (card + Phillies sweats) from the pug

I’ll be back tomorrow for Meal Plan Monday!

Hello and happy weekend!

Guess what?! I saw Gatsby this afternoon!!!

Thoughts? I really liked it! It followed the novel closely—only leaving out a few things of notice—and was visually pretty amazing (as I’m sure you can tell just from the previews). If you’re a fan of the book, I definitely think it’s worth seeing and you won’t leave feeling let down.

The playlist I’m sharing tonight is actually Gatsby-inspired. Many of the songs I included are from the Gatsby soundtrack! The version of “Crazy in Love” is a must-download. Even if it’s only available as part of the soundtrack (I can’t remember which songs are), it’s worth the $15… it’s pretty awesome.

As I mentioned in yesterday’s post, I’m participating in the Under Armour What’s Beautiful Campaign through a partnership with Fitfluential. I definitely needed to put together a new playlist to help inspire me to get out there and get running!

So without further ado, here are some workout-appropriate songs that I’m loving right now:

What songs are you loving right now?

Did you see Gatsby? Thoughts? Any plans to see it this weekend?

What’s beautiful to you?

I very vividly remember the first time I realized I had “wide hips.” Is this weird? I must’ve been around 16 or 17, and I was checking out my outfit in a full-length mirror. Where had these hips and thighs come from all of a sudden? Okay, this isn’t a post about teenage growth spurts (thank God!) but it is about Under Armour’s What’s Beautiful Campaign, which I’m participating in as a partnership with Fitfluential.

I guess the whole point of my (irrelevant?) tangent is that if it weren’t for my “thunder thighs”—said with love!—that I once viewed as a negative, I never would’ve been able to train for and carry myself a full 13.1 miles.

The What’s Beautiful Campaign encourages female athletes—of all ability levels—to declare a goal and just go for it, whether it’s something big or small, short-term or long-term.

My goal? Set a 5K PR!

Since I’ve been running shorter distances post-half marathon, I want to work on increasing my speed and running a sub-30 minute 5K. I know that’s not fast for some, but goals should be individualized and this is something that will take work for me to achieve!

The What’s Beautiful Campaign allows participants to document their journeys—through photos/videos/etc.—and offers prizes to top performers. Swag bags are given away weekly, and 3 grand prize winners will get a trip to Costa Rica for a 4-day yoga + surf retreat.

I think the real goal of this campaign goes beyond winning prizes (they are some pretty awesome prizes though, aren’t they?!). What I like most about the What’s Beautiful is the sense of community that’s developing. You can join teams—I’m on a bunch of different teams myself—and motivate others to reach their goals while also working towards accomplishing your own.

Consider this your formal invitation to join me—and many others—and be part of the What’s Beautiful Campaign!

What’s a current health/fitness/life goal that you’re working towards?

What I Ate Wednesday is upon us again! While my participation has been sporadic at best, every now and then I happen to remember to photograph (most of) my eats for the day. (This is actually what I ate on Monday.) As always, you can visit Peas and Crayons to see other posts in the link-up.

This should come as a shock to no one! In the mix this time around were oats, vanilla Chobani, milk, chocolate stevia, mini semisweet chocolate chips, a big scoop of pb, and a little bit of honey. I never stray from this breakfast because it always keeps me full until lunch!

Lunch/Work Snacks – Hamburger on a bun, Special K popcorn chips, Target brand fruit snacks, and raspberry Chobani + water

Chris grilled on Sunday, so I packed a leftover burger for lunch (I added ketchup + mustard at school after I warmed it up). I ate the burger, chips (obsessed), and fruit snacks at lunch and saved the Chobani to eat during my prep period at the end of the day.

After-school Snack

I received these orange cranberry Gnu Foods bars in a shipment from Swanson Vitamins. I had seen these bars pop up on a few of my favorite blogs, but this was my first time trying them and I was very impressed… these are good (Chris likes them, too!). I can’t wait to try more flavors!

Dinner – Baked Caesar Chicken with green beans

Recycled photo, but Monday’s dinner looked identical!

I love this recipe… like, love. It always makes for tasty leftovers, too!

Dessert – Key lime Chobani Flip

I forgot to take a picture!

If you haven’t tried these Chobani Flips yet—and you’re a fan of key lime—you must get your hands on them ASAP!

Do you have any “healthy” dessert alternatives?