Quinoa Vegetable Salad

Grab some zucchini, tomatoes, a mango, a red onion, a bell pepper, an avocado, a lemon, some mint, thai basil, thyme and quinoa.

Cut up the veggies and herbs. Throw the onions, zucchini and bell pepper in a pan, drizzle with oil and balsamic vinegar, throw in 2 chopped garlic cloves, salt and pepper and let marinate for 30-45 minutes.

 Meanwhile.......

Boil the quinoa.  Cook for 13-15 minutes. Let stand for a few minutes then fluff with a fork. Squeeze in the juice of one lemon. Toss in the chopped mango, thai basil, mint and drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil and stir.

My propane for my bbq ran out so I had to use a grill pan atop the stove. Spray the pan with olive oil and lay down the vegetables. Cook on one side for about 5-8 minutes, then turn over and cook another 5-8 minutes. Meanwhile, heat up a small pan with about 2-3 tablespoons olive oil, throw in 3 chopped garlic cloves and 3-4 sprigs of thyme. Saute for 5 minutes. Spoon on top of tomatoes, pepper, salt and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Throw everything in a bowl and dig in!

Zucchini Scramble

Been in the mood for zucchini scramble in the mornings.  So delish!

Heat up a pan on the stove to a medium heat. Spray with cooking spray. Slice up 1/2 a zucchini into thin slices.  Chop up some red onion. Throw into the pan and sprinkle on some Mrs. Dash! Saute for 5-6 mins.

Meanwhile, whisk some eggs or egg whites ( I use 3/4 cup egg whites) or a combination of the two.

Poor into the pan and cook until fluffy! Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and pepper and salt to taste. Throw in a piece of multi-grain toast too, for a more balanced meal.

Overcast sky, strong breeze. It is definitely feeling like fall today! Eek! I love fall. :) I didn't sleep that well last night, so I am sitting down with a cup of coffee and my soft slippers. Going to catch an episode of Sherlock Holmes. Mysteries are my downfall. Can't get enough.

Should You Be Sprinting?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adding sprints to your workout can increase your metabolism, improve quickness, help to shred fat and maintain a lean body. But are you ready for sprints?? Check out this article to find out.

http://www.fitocracy.com/knowledge/should-you-be-sprinting/

Today I feel....

Today, I am feeling a bit discouraged with my fitness journey. It's probably mostly my hormones talking here and in a few days things will look differently. I am reassuring myself that's all it is because it seems to be a monthly occurrence.  If you are a woman, you know what I'm talking about! :) lol In addition to that, I have some heavy, sensitive life things to deal with and that compounds these feelings. This is LIFE, though, and it's not just happening to me.

I tend to want to throw in the towel if I don't see the progress at which I am working hard. To be honest this last year has been the toughest for me on all levels. Newly married, merging family dynamics and expectations of others, dealing with the overwhelming life changes from repetitive stress injuries to both my arms - the subsequent weight gain from minimal use of my arms - the constant search for an answer for recovery over the last 12 months and the decision to quit my job as a last ditch effort to focus on healing and health.  I can only do so much as my strength regains slowly and my joints recover. There are days I just want to push myself SO hard but I know I can't. I must take it slowly or jeopardize what progress I have managed to come by. This all before me, I found myself reminding me  to stay focused and encouraged. I wanted to share this experience with others because I know I am not alone.  This is a journey and sometimes it can be a long one, it can be a trying one and we need all the encouragement we can get!

Here is what I told myself.

"It's a process. It takes time. Each decision, workout, and step-forward is important. It is NOT wasted. It counts! Be proud of yourself. Be proud of the progress and the mindset change so far. This may take 6 months and it may take 12 months. Stay faithful. Stay consistent. Results will come. Don't rush it. Enjoy this journey. Your health and well-being is more important than the time this will take. Breath. Keep on keeping on. You are not alone. "

 

If you are in need of encouragement today, remind yourself of the above. Be proud of yourself. Be proud that you withstood even the naysayers and the disappointment of the ones you hoped would enthusiastically support you but didn't.  You have come so far and you will go farther! :) You can do this!

If this is just the beginning for you, know that your decision alone to commit to health and fitness is commendable. You have a whole slew of people working toward the same goal. Find them, connect and encourage one another!

 

Rachel