Running Recovery

Despite a 20+ mph east wind, we were able to complete 10.5 miles at just under a 10 minute pace. Not too bad for my first time! It is vital to eat and drink after a hard workout. Complex carbs and protein are a must to minimalize the fatigue on the body. My post-run recovery meal today was a Peanut Butter and Banana smoothie. A little trick that I use…peel ripe bananas, wrap individually in foil, and stick them in the freezer. Pull one out when needed. This makes the smoothie extra cold!

Protein-Packed PB and Banana Shake
1 cup almond milk (You can use regular milk- I just prefer the almond milk)
1/4 cup plain greek yogurt
1 banana
2 T peanut butter
1 T honey

Pour all ingredients into blender and mix until smooth. Makes about 2 cups.

The Longest Run of My Life

I received a text from my sister-in-law the other day asking me if I could run 10 miles with her on Friday. “Sure!” I texted back and then realize that the furthest I’ve ever run was 6 miles (and that not very often at all). I begin to hope that I will actually be able to finish the run since I have not trained for it. Despite that, I accepted the challenge without the assurance of ever having completed that distance. I do know that my consistent running will be the one thing that will help me press through the tough moments that I know will come.

Sometimes life throws a challenge our way that we must face without the proper “training” with which to tackle it. A heart-breaking trial is difficult to overcome, but, just as my consistency in running will help me in completing my longest distance yet, a consistent walk with Jesus can ensure that my hardest struggle in life will be handled with peace and hope. If we neglect our daily walk with the Lord, we are that seed that grew up and was strangled by the worries of the world. (Matt. 13:22) We will face trials- that is a promise from Jesus. Train now for that hardship that will one day present itself. Remain in Jesus and the challenge that you encounter, even though you wonder how you will go on, will be handled through faith, in grace, and with hope. And, at the end, victory through Jesus is oh so sweet!

Boiling Mad

Since I will be home most of the day today, I will be cooking up a large batch of quinoa and millet as well as chickpeas. I avoid buying beans in cans because of the BPA that these products usually contain along with the extra sodium that they have. Once they are all cooked, I divide them up and freeze them. When I need rice or beans, I just go to my freezer and grab what I need. Not only is this a more nutritional and safe route for my family, it is also waaaayyyy less expensive.

21 Healthiest Packaged Foods

We all have hectic schedules, and it’s not always possible to cook up something great in the kitchen. Here is a list of some healthy on-the-go foods for when it’s “one of those days.” Some of my favorites have made the cut- Almond milk, Applegate Farms deli meats, and Amy’s frozen meals.

Eating the Rainbow for National Nutrition Month

March is National Nutrition Month. Whole Foods has teamed up with the American Dietetic Association to promote their Eat Right campaign. This is a 28-day challenge to promote lifestyle changes in eating. You can sign up for a 30-day period and they will provide you with a nutritional analysis of your diet, eating plan, recipes, and more!

The Eat Right campaign is promoting “Eat Right With Color.” One of my favorite ways to ensure that I am eating the rainbow- that is filling my plate with a variety of various colors of produce- is to grill up some veggies. My favorites include zucchini, squash, eggplant, red peppers, red onions, and mushrooms. I simply cut them into bite-sized pieces, drizzle with a little olive oil, add some garlic, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. I toss them into my grill basket and place them along side whatever protein I am grilling at that time.  And I always make sure to make extra so I can snack on them the next day.

Consider the Cost

28“For which one of you, when he wants to build a tower, does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if he has enough to complete it?

29“Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who observe it begin to ridicule him,

30saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’

31“Or what king, when he sets out to meet another king in battle, will not first sit down and onsider whether he is strong enough with ten thousand men to encounter the one coming against him with twenty thousand?

32“Or else, while the other is still far away, he sends a delegation and asks for terms of peace.

33“So then, none of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions. Luke 14:28-33

Today, I was reminded of those around the world who know that the cost of following Christ will cost them their freedom, their family, their health, and even their life. There are no carnal Christians in a country where persecution is inevitable. My prayer is that we, as followers of Christ, would live in a manner worthy of the sacrifice that Jesus made for us. It’s easy for American Christians to lose focus on the significance of eternal matters, and I am asking the Lord to use me in a way that will bring glory to Him!

A Clean Eat – Chocolate Peanut Butter Chews

I found this recipe on the Eat Clean Diet site, and we just tried these this afternoon and they are great! No baking- just mixing and rolling into balls. Pop them in the freezer, and 5 minutes later they are ready! I substituted agave nectar for the brown rice syrup. I’m sure honey would work just as well. I used Kashi’s 7 Whole Grain Puffs for the brown rice cereal. I hope you get the chance to make them. Enjoy!

No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Chews

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Crisp Brown Rice Cereal
  • 1/4 cup smooth all-natural peanut butter
  • 3 tbsp organic brown rice syrup
  • 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp cocoa powder
  • 2 tbsp dark chocolate chips

Instructions

Line a plate with parchment paper. In a medium sized bowl, stir together the peanut butter, brown rice syrup, 2 tbsp chocolate chips, and vanilla extract. Microwave on high for 35-45 seconds. Stir well and immediately add in the 1 tsp cocoa powder. Stir until incorporated. Immediately stir in the rice crisp cereal until all rice crispies are coated.

Wet hands thoroughly and shape the mixture into ‘golf-balls’. Press mixture together firmly into balls so it will hold. Wet hands after each ball is formed so the mixture will not stick to your hands. Place the balls onto parchment paper and freeze for 5 minutes. You can keep these chews in the freezer in a sealed container.

per large ball, makes 7 balls: 113 kcals, 6 grams fat, 14 grams carbs, 8 grams sugar, 2 grams protein.

The Wonders of Your Sunday Morning Cup ‘O Joe

Since everyone loved reading about the health benefits of chocolate, here are the benefits of your other love- coffee!

Weekend Warrior Workout

Weekends usually give us some extra time so take advantage of it and get moving! This 30-minute routine is a mix of cardio and weights to give you a great overall workout. All you need is a light set of dumbbells (a jump rope and step are optional).

Tosca Reno and The Eat-Clean Diet

One of my favorite clean eating websites is Tosca Reno’s The Eat-Clean Diet. Tosca is a 50+ year old woman who began to transform her life at the age of 40 by exercising and changing her eating habits. I just finished her book, Your Best Body Now, and enjoyed all the information I gleaned. Even my oldest daughter, Aleyah, fell went to bed the other night reading it! She told me she was learning some good exercises and she loved looking at the recipes. Take a look at the site and read about Tosca and see all the success stories that have been posted.