Weekly Workout Wrap-Up (Sort of)

January 18th, 2013 | Posted by Erica House in Fitness | Health | Life - (31 Comments)

Workout Wrap Up

Jan 18 (2)

{My reviews of the DVD’s I use can be found here}

Well, it’s been an interesting week. I always knew I used exercise as a form of self-medication but I had no idea the type of withdraw I would go through not being able to get that daily adrenaline high like I’m used to! It didn’t help that the weather here has been total crap all week – hot and humid so I couldn’t even open my windows despite being virtually bed/couch ridden since last Thursday. Sunday-Tuesday were rough … I broke down crying a few times from frustration and pain. Just taking the garbage out was a massive ordeal. I know it’s so cliche people but value your health. Seriously.

As of now my knee feels … better. Today is the first time I was able to walk down a flight of stairs like normal and without pain. For the last week I had to go down them side ways as putting regular pressure on my left leg facing straight ahead was unbearable! I’ve been stretching and using the foam roller – a lot. One of my favoritest bloggers ever, Jen, has a great explanation and video tutorial on how to foam roll that I used. I’ve been doing that twice a day, and after icing my knee the first few days I switched to keeping heat on it which felt just fabulous. I’ve only taken advil once a day, before teaching so I can stand in class, and otherwise my treatment has been staying off it as much as possible. Of course I had to workout just a little bit so I’ve been doing very modified, low-intensity, versions of my two favorite Jillian Michael’s DVD’s. My beloved Polar showed that I burned half the calories I normally do during each workout so I promise I was taking it easy! My big goal for today? Walk. If that goes well maybe a short run this weekend.

The half marathon is scheduled for next weekend. Who know’s what will happen with that.

In much better news my ultimate life goal is well on its way to becoming a reality:

Dreams

I have no shame. One day – John will realize we are meant to be together.

Finally, some odds and ends:

- If you haven’t signed up for BuluBox already you can get your first box free

- The special offer for my readers through About Time is still valid – a 2 pack sample of your flavor choices shipped for only $2.99

- Don’t forget that Salem and I have a very important question for you (and if your answer is ‘Yes’ please let me know by the end of the weekend so I can start putting things together!)

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Before you go – I have created a survey that I would LOVE if you could take a few minutes to fill out. I’m looking for feedback on this blog. What would you like to see more of? What are you most/least favorite features or topics I discuss? I’ve had many people ask me to cover certain areas more so now’s your chance to let me know what you’d like to see! Please take a few minutes and visit my survey here.

What’s your idea of Heaven? I’ll accept any answers aside from one’s involving John. I don’t share well with others.

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Vegetable Packed Low Calorie Pasta

January 17th, 2013 | Posted by Erica House in Health | Recipes - (31 Comments)

Did I just say ‘low calorie’ pasta?

Yes ladies and gentlemen, you read correct. I have crafted a delicious faux meat pasta dish that is only 150 calories per cup. Since we know nobody actually eats only a cup of things at a time that still equates to about 300 calories per bowl of delicious, high protein, veggie-packed pasta.

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Vegetable Packed Low Calories Pasta

Ingredients:

- 1 28 oz can Crushed Tomatoes

- 1 16 oz bag frozen California blend vegetables

- 1/2 box Rotini (about 2.5 cups)

- 1 bag of Boca or other faux meat substitute (can use real beef as well)

- 1/2 onion (I used red because that’s all I had, any kind would work fine)

- 1 T. minced garlic

- 1/2 T. olive oil

- 1 T. Oregano

- 1/2 T. Basil

- 1/2 T. Red Pepper (more or less depending on how spicy you like it)

Directions:

- Bring a pot of water to boil and cook the rotini for 8-10 minutes (I like my pasta pretty soft so I usually go for 10 minutes)

- In a large skillet heat the olive oil, then add the garlic and onion and sautee for 5-6 minutes. Add the beef and cook on medium heat for another 10 minutes. Finally, add the jar of crushed tomatoes along with the oregano, basil and red pepper. Heat through.

- While the pasta and tomato sauce is cooking steam the frozen vegetables in a large bowl with a cup of water in the microwave for 6-8 minutes. I didn’t want really chewy vegetables so I kept mine in for 8 minutes. Once the vegetables are done put them on a cutting board to chop up.

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- I added the veggies to help ‘bulk’ up the dish without a lot of calories, but I didn’t want the vegetables to overpower the pasta so the key is chopping them all up into tiny pieces.

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- Once the veggies are chopped, the ‘meat’ sauce is heated through and the pasta is done – throw it all together! Mine made 10 cups, or 5 servings. A 2 cup bowl has 300 calories and 24 grams of protein. I haven’t tested this theory but I assume this would be a great meal to help get kids to eat their veggies. Pretty hard to pick them out when they are chopped up so tiny (and covered in delicious sauce!)

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Next time I make this I think I’ll make a double batch and add some chopped mushrooms as well. It’s honestly been months since I’ve made pasta because it’s usually just so heavy, but this dish is filling without that ‘unbutton your pants’ feeling. #Winning.

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I’m Speaking at FitBloggin!

January 16th, 2013 | Posted by Erica House in Health | Life - (61 Comments)

I am thrilled to announce that I will be speaking at FitBloggin this year! I will be co-hosting a workshop on how to design a media kit and use it to pitch to brands for products and sponsorship’s. I am looking forward to meeting so many ‘friends’ that I know from the blog world and learning everything I possibly can from the lectures/workshops I attend to help keep the amazing momentum of this blog going!

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As much as I was excited to find out I was selected to present there – I think I may have been even more excited at the location. Here’s a hint:

Portland

Portland, Oregon! If you all remember from my Happiness Concept Map travel was at the top of my wishlist for 2013 and even my Pinterest travel board had Portland on it.  How perfect is this?

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The conference is June 27-30 and I’m not sure what days I’ll be arriving/leaving. My ideal timetable was to leave early Thursday morning from Pensacola and catch a later flight on the 30th to enjoy the morning in Portland before heading home. Of course, neither of those times are available so now I’m looking at leaving and arriving a day outside of the conference. For the 3 nights of the conference I’ll be rooming with the adorable Haley from The Saucy Apple!

Haley

We’ll be staying at the same Hotel the conference will be at – The Nines. Take a look at it. I’m pretty sure it’s going to be the nicest Hotel I’ve ever been in.

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The Nines

I’m going to start a countdown clock I am that excited for this trip. If you’ve ever been to Portland let me know what the ‘must do’ activities/restaurants are! I’m still unsure how much time I’ll have there but I think it will be at least a full day outside of the conference dates.

Also – this is also going to be my first blogging conference. If you’ve been to one before what did you like best about it? Any surprises that you weren’t prepared for?

T-161 Days.

Interested in sponsoring my trip? Please see more info on sponsor packages here.

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