Spring Break Here I Come!

Spring break in Minnesota apparently means sub-zero temperatures...
I am so over winter it's crazy.

Today was crazy insane.
7-10:30 work
11-12 Taught a phy ed lesson to 45 kindergartners
12-1 pack, clean, eat lunch
1-2 ESL class
2:30 checkout
3-5 trip home

Yep.  I am tired.

When I got home we had an amazing dinner of whole wheat pasta, shrimp, and a Parmesan cheese and olive oil sauce, with fresh broccoli.  Needless to say I had been looking forward to that meal all week.

As soon as I sat down, I of course felt like I needed to be doing something.  So I tried a recipe I've been dying to try and it was delicious.

Here's the recipe :)

Apple Banana Bread

INGREDIENTS

2 ripe bananas
1 apple, peeled and diced
1/2 cup Sucanat (or sugar)
1 3/4 cups whole-wheat flour
1/2 cup applesauce
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon chopped walnuts (optional)

DIRECTIONS

1.    Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 9-inch loaf pan.

2.    In a medium-sized bowl, mash the bananas with a fork.

3.    Add the diced apple, sugar, flour, applesauce, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon to the bowl, and mix well. Pour into greased pan, and sprinkle with chopped walnuts

4.    Bake for 40 to 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out dry.

5.    Cool in pan for 15 minutes, and then transfer to a cooling rack. Enjoy!

Here's a picture of my finished product.

It even passed the parent taste test, which is a major accomplishment!

If there is any left after dad has a couple more "snacks" I am planning on using one piece of this as a mid morning snack with some berries for the next few days.

Until tomorrow :) 

C

Blogs I follow

Since you all read my blog (be sure to follow me here: <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/11854673/?claim=ussfskz5pdn">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>)

Here are the blogs that I read on a daily basis:

Bailey's Blog:
baileymckenzielife.blogspot.com

Mama Laughlin: (constant motivation)
http://www.mamalaughlin.com/

Skinny Meg: (fun to see fitness blend with family)
http://www.skinnymeg.com/

Fit Sugar: (lots of awesome articles and workout/nutrition tips)
http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/22471

Fitness Blondie: (weekly training and eating plans)
fitnessblondie.blogspot.com


Enjoy checking these awesome pages out :)

Until tomorrow!

C

<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/11854673/?claim=ussfskz5pdn">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>

Healthy Nachos

Here's a simple way to make healthy nachos.  A great snack with healthy omega threes and some protein!

Baked sweet potato chips

1 1/2 pieces of cojack cheese 

1/2 avocado 

Squeeze of lime juice. 

This was my after class snack today. LOVE this combination. 

Until tomorrow :) 

C

Goals!

It's Monday! Goal time :)

Goals for the week:
9 bottles of H20 a day
Pre-pack healthy snacks
60 minute workout each day
Make coffee at home
Make/pack my own dessert
Stretch 20 minutes each night

Here's part of my breakfast from this morning.  I had three protein cookies and a cup of almond milk.  So delicious.

Make goals and keep them visible for the whole week.  We can do this people! 

Until tomorrow, 

C

11 miles

It was -2 degrees out today with a negative wind chill, but I still ran!

This was me before:

And after!

I tried using these supplements today to help me from bottoming out my sugars and they definitely helped!

I ended up not using the Orange gu, but the other two worked really well.

I did sports beans half hour before.
Blackberry Gu 45 minutes in.
Vanilla Gu at 1:45.

 I thought this quote perfectly summed up my day! It sucked being cold and sweaty, but it made me realize how strong I really am.  Nothing is stopping me for this race, well, maybe the ice....I definitely do NOT run on ice.

 Stay tuned for goals tomorrow!

Until then,

C

Snow Day Fun!

Happy Snow Day! :) 

With all my free time today I tried a new recipe for a fun protein packed breakfast cookie! 

SUPER EASY Banana chocolate oatmeal cookies

2 mashed bananas

1/3c peanut butter (I choose crunchy for extra texture) 

2/3 c unsweetened applesauce (2 kids pre-pack cups) 

1 scoop protein (I did three full scoops) 

1 t vanilla

1 1/2 cups oatmeal (uncooked) 

Optional: 

1/4 c dark chocolate chips

1/4 c nuts (chopped) 

Preheat heat oven to 350 degrees.

In a large bowl, mix mashed banana & peanut butter until completely combined then add in the applesauce, vanilla protein powder & the extract~ mix again until all are completely combined.

Add in the oatmeal & nuts to the banana mixture & combine.  (** add the optional carob / chocolate chips at this time if you want them mixed throughout)

Let dough rest for 10 minutes.

Drop cookie dough, by spoonfuls, onto a parchment paper lined cookie sheet & flatten cookies into circles. (** if you just want the carob / chocolate chips on the top of the cookies, add now)

 Instead of adding the chocolate chips to the cookies I waited until they were done baking and melted the chocolate for a drizzle on top for presentation points :) 

They are super good! I would definitely suggest making a bunch to have on hand. 

 Now all that's left for the day is watching Breaking Bad, I am finally on the 5th season! 

Until tomorrow :) 

C

50, 50, 50, if I say it enough will it happen?

Today, I had a decent day in the eating department, but dang, that dining center will be the death of me.  I had to make myself a quesadilla for lunch because cheese was the only way I was going to get any protein for the meal....desperate times call for desperate measures I guess! 

I really want to hit -50 pounds before race day and in order to do that my workouts need to get more intense and I really need to quit eating crap cough*froyo*cough.  I had 1/4 c today (I measured), so still not bad, but I really need to pull myself away from that section for the rest of the week.  None at all is better than some.

Here's a little inspiration, thought it fit for today. 

Be strong! 

Until tomorrow :) 

C

Starting the week off right, by maintaining goals

I have successfully done four of my goals today! YAY! That is truly something to celebrate.  I always feel over ambitious on Monday's when I write my goals, but I really want to hit that 50 pound mark before the race, so I NEED to keep it going. 

Last night instead of going to a floor event with dessert pizzas, I made myself an awesome berry, whipped cream, and a sprinkle of home made granola dessert. 

Tonight I did have a half cup of plain frozen yogurt at the dining center, but I didn't add any toppings or have a cookie so I definitely count that as an accomplishment.

Successfully maintaining my goal to make myself dessert. 

I ran outside today and went to the gym! DOUBLE AWESOME :) 

Successfully checking one of my three runs off before my Sunday long run. 

I drank 9 bottles of water yesterday and today! Woop Woop! 

I made myself coffee yesterday and today as well, hopefully I stick to it again tomorrow.  (Starbucks always calls my name on the way to work)

One thing I am also working on this week is upping the amount of protein in my diet.  Which is hard because I rarely eat meat while here at school. 

I came up with a "new" protein shake recipe today and it was delicious.  I do have to admit it was hard to take the first drink knowing that there was a ton of spinach in there, but you honestly can't taste it and I got another serving of veggies! 

I have trouble drinking an entire blender bottle full or protein shake, so I did cut down my serving quite a bit. 

2/3 c almond milk

1/3 banana sliced

1 T Pb2

1 scoop chocolate isopure protein

1 good handful of spinach

few ice cubes

Blend and enjoy :) 

I need to continue to remind myself this during the next couple weeks when pizza and sweets are calling my name.

Until tomorrow :)

C

Goals

It's Monday, which means it's time for some weekly goals.

My goals for the week are:
Drink at least 9 bottles of water per day
Pack healthy snacks each night
Eat 6 healthy meals
Make coffee at home
Run three times before Sunday
Make myself dessert each day.

Big shout out to Uncle Mark and Kim for this awesome Valentine's day gift.  It's a magnetic frame.  Perfect spot for weekly goals and notes and it fits right in on my desk! 

Until tomorrow :) 

C

Weekend Recap

Saturday:
Early grocery shopping.  I am newly addicted to ALDI.  I got all of this awesome healthy food for $16! It's insane to me how inexpensive the produce is there, but I am definitely not complaining.

After Aldi I was starving so I picked up one of my fave lunches from Leann Chin's.  Asia fit meal with shrimp and vegetable stir fry and pot stickers.  So delicious and all for only 450 calories! 

 The rest of Saturday was pretty relaxed. I watched almost an entire season of Breaking Bad.  It's so addicting, I am almost through season 3 only two more to go!

Today I got up early (6:30 isn't fun on a Sunday) and ran to St. John's.  It was 10 miles with a lot of hills and I am not the biggest fan of hills, but I made it!  I will admit that when I got to my friend Will's room to bring me home I did faint....not one of my finest moments, but I am definitely glad that I was with people who could help me.  I have been having some issues with my blood sugar getting too low after workouts so hopefully the trainer can give me some easy solutions. Fainting spell or not I felt AWESOME! I feel really ready for this race. I am so excited.  A little nervous, but still super pumped!

After running, I met Katie and Bailey at Albertville to catch up and of course go shopping :)

Here are some finds!

Bails got me this awesome tank for a late birthday present.  LOVE IT! 

Just to leave you with a little inspiration for the week! 

Until tomorrow :) 

C

28 days!

It is absolutely crazy to me that in one month I will be running 13.1 miles.  There is one thing I need your help with though...music.  I thought it would be really fun to get some input and suggestions for my race day running mix from my friends and family.  Race day for me is a time to reflect on how far I've come and show everyone who ever told me I couldn't do it!

I love all music from country to rap when I run so any suggestions would be appreciated.  It will also be fun to think of all of you during my race when the song that YOU picked comes on.

If you could leave your song in the comments here or on Facebook it would be great!


Until tomorrow :)

C

Valentine's Day Temptations

Hello all,

With Valentine's Day fast approaching, we all know that candy dishes will become more full and pretty little boxes will be filled with candy with our names on it...
When my dad came up last night he brought with him my WORST guilty pleasure...KISS COOKIES.  Everyone claims their mother is the best at making cookies, but really mine is the best.
The cookie is perfectly soft with just a hint of crunch on its perfectly sugar coated shell. I love these cookies and of course she couldn't have just sent 4, she sent 16! 16 cookies, staring at me, so naturally I got rid of them...well, let me be honest, some of them...

16
-2 (Dad needed a car snack)
-2 (Roommate)
-2 (Annie and Suze)
which leaves 10 for me...and guess what they are gone.

I had at least six today alone, but I can honestly say now Valentine's day is out of my system and I can move on.  THANK GOD! I couldn't look at them anymore.

For my kinders on Friday I got them fun Valentine pencils with working erasers (a rare commodity in Kindergarten).  I hate giving them candy, I would much rather give them something they actually need...yes I am that person.

I already decided any candy that is dropped in my Valentine mailbox on Friday is staying at school and NOT coming home with me.

I'd highly recommend making a plan and keeping the candy far away in order to keep yourself on track.  Only indulge on a set amount of a favorite!  :)

Until tomorrow,

C

Surprise Visit

Today my dad surprised me by coming to visit and take me to dinner and a movie! It was so fun to catch up and just have some relaxing hang out time together!

Since no post is complete without a picture, here is one of the two of us when we were in Arkansas last year for spring break.  This particular day we hiked to glory hole falls, it was definitely one of the coolest waterfalls I had ever seen.

I am so grateful to have such loving and supportive parents, without them I wouldn't be half as far as I am! 

Until tomorrow,

C

Goals

Goals-

Eat six small meals a day!

Pack snacks in work bag and backpack each night.

Increase protein to at least 80 grams a day.

Cut out unnecessary carbs—stick to fruits and veggies.

Keep up the 200 ounces of water a day!

I also tried a great new oatmeal combination today that I thought I'd share. 

1/2 cup dry oatmeal (prepare however you usually do it).

1T crunchy peanut butter

drizzle of honey

It is so delicious! :) 

Great way to jazz up normal oatmeal. 

Until tomorrow :) 

C

9 MILES!

Today, I had another long run and yet again I survived!

I have been working in pace these last couple of weeks.  I know that come race day I am going to want to sprint it, the entire thing, but sub-consciously I know I will not make it past mile 6 with that mentality.  Today, I paced the first five miles at 12 minutes and the last four at anything under 13.  It seems slow, but I know that slow and steady wins the race! My worst fear is burning out and that is NOT going to happen.

Until tomorrow :)

C

Air-popped

Since yesterday's post was about snacks I figured I would add another to the blog; air popped popcorn.

With only 30 calories a cup you can't go wrong with plain popcorn.  It is nice to be able to eat something fun when you're watching your favorite reality show right?
I know that I am sitting here as I write this post chowing down on this bowl.  I'm not going to lie, you definitely need to get used to it not tasting like movie theater popcorn, but it is totally worth it!

If anyone is keeping up with Rachel outrage, here is a very positive article about her. So nice to see! 

Biggest Loser--Why you're wrong

Until tomorrow! 

C

Importance of HEALTHY snacks

We all know that eating three meals a day is CRITICAL to losing or even maintaining weight, but it is also important to not go into those meals starving.  

Here's how I space my meals: 

6:00am breakfast

9:00am snack

11:30-12:00 lunch

2:30-3:00 snack

5:30-6:00 dinner

7:00-8:00 snack

Today I went to Aldi's, yes Aldi's, the discount super market.  They have great healthy options.  It's so amazing to see! I have just recently re-discovered this store and I am so glad that I have. 

Here are some of my purchases from today, I focused on healthy snacks to eat between class, work, and workouts: 

I like using these with hummus or a slice of cheese.  Super easy to throw in my backpack or work bag. 

The produce is ridiculously inexpensive. These blackberries were $1.29! They also make an awesome dessert with ready whip...yes, you can eat that.

Love these 100 cal packs for the lunchbox or to keep in my school bag. They are a great way to satisfy that salt craving without killing your entire day. 

Yes, you all know that dessert is my weakness, so these are obviously not the best with 6 grams of sugar, but that is so much better than a piece of cake from the dining center.  Obviously don't have one after breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but it is always better to have healthier options on hand, in your bag or your purse than to put yourself in a bad situation. 

Here is one of my infamous carrot or "veggie bags" as my kindergartners call them.  I always have it open on my desk because when I am working I like to be chewing on something.  whether I'm in the classroom or doing homework this is a great thing to munch on while working.  I also always have them pre-bagged up so I can just grab one and go. It's always better when you don't have to think about your snacks.

MY FAVE snack right now.  A serving size is 1/4 of a cup so even if you just grab a couple to munch on you are still getting all the good fiber and protein. 

Here's a little workout motivation for tonight or tomorrow morning.  Lord knows that I have needed it lately.

 Rachel Fredrickson, my inspiration right now.  I am a huge fan of the biggest loser and her being from my hometown and a swimmer makes her that much more relate-able for me.  Through the entire season she was determined to win and she wouldn't stop at anything.  In 16 weeks she went from 260 pounds to 105 pounds.  If that isn't amazing I don't know what is.  She overcame so many obstacles: running, eating, finishing a triathlon, new clothes, makeover week, difficult workouts, and now the press. After all she's gone through she should be basking in the glory of winnings, but now she has to defend herself against rumors of eating disorders and drugs... What ever happened to the idea of someone wanting something so bad they won't stop until they get there?

Congratulations Rachel on your win. You deserve to be happy and live a healthy lifestyle :) 

Until tomorrow :) 

C

Late Tuesday Post...

For the last few days my internal clock has been off its rocker.  I have been waking up at like 4:30 or 5 without an alarm...not okay.  But yesterday instead of just lying in bed, I got my butt out of bed and hit the gym right when it opened at 6:30.

I haven't gotten to do that in a while, but it was so fun and I didn't know the Christmas tree was still being lit at night so it was a nice surprise on my walk. 

Post workout pic with my new best friend...my water bottle. 

I have made it to nine bottles a day Monday and Tuesday! YAY!!! Really killing my goal for this week. 

Had to share my outfit.  I am loving my new scarf from target! 

I'll post again later about snacks and serving sizes :)

See ya later!

C

Weekly Goals

5 weeks until race day...so I need to be serious with my goals.

Here they are for the week:

200 ounces of water a day
Only veggies and protein for lunches
Starbucks Latte's only on Monday and Friday as treats
3 short runs during the week in preparation for 9 miles on Sunday (hopefully it'll be outside)
Do something that scares me.
Hang out with friends as much as possible over the weekend.