Because I Can.

I can run. But I’m not a runner.

Moving has been a lot more difficult trying than I expected. Don’t say “I told you so” Mom! I’ve really learned a lot without even really noticing; a lot about my relationships with people, a lot about what I want [or have no idea what I want..] out of life, and most importantly, I’ve really learned a lot about myself.

Without a job, I have a lot of time on my hands. That’s not to say I’m not filling that time—blogging, job searching, side work, studying for my personal training certification—I definitely keep myself busy. But that’s a lot of time by myself and it’s a lot of time thinking, whether I like it or not. It’s brought me to think about being comfortable with myself. It’s brought me to realize that I can throw my old routine to the wolves and still make it out alive. I also think about the things that truly make me happy.

I’ve really learned more about myself in these past few months than I thought I would. Last week was kind of rough [read: I was rough on myself.] It seemed like no matter what I was doing, who’s method I was trying, what workouts I was doing, the scale went up [I know. Toss the scale.], my clothes felt tighter, and I just didn’t feel great. I took an extra rest day because my legs legitimately hated me and the thought of moving. So Saturday night, I decided that Sunday would be a run day. I wanted to prove to myself that I can still run.. at least a 5K. Because everyone runs, so why shouldn’t I?

So I ran. I ran a 5K, then I walked a little, and ran a little more. I totaled 5 miles on the treadmill and then met Nathan for a quick run over to get some coffee. And in that time I realized that I can run, but I’m not a runner. I don’t enjoy it. My body doesn’t enjoy it. It doesn’t clear my head. It’s just not fun for me. But you know what? That’s ok. I don’t have to be a runner because other people are. Hell of an idea, right?

I enjoy lifting—I enjoy Best Body Bootcamp [darn this being the last one!]—and there’s nothing wrong with that. I’ll still do 5Ks because I like the feeling of finishing. And I’ll still run when I feel like it every now and then. Because I can. Not because it’s what good for other people. It’s crazy that it took so long to figure out.

Weekly Meal Plan

Sunday – Chipotle Mango BBQ Chicken Salad [this one got pushed from last week]
Monday – One Pot Moroccan Chicken + Chickpeas with Pistachio Couscous and Goat Cheese
Tuesday – Baked Turkey Meatballs, Honeyed Cauliflower, & spiralized veggies
Wednesday – Chicken and Asparagus Lemon Stir Fry [with added mushrooms. Because why not?]
Thursday – Pork Carnitas tacos with roasted red pepper, pineapple salsa, and rice
Friday – Out!
Saturday – Buffalo chicken, baked onion rings, and roasted brussels sprouts

If you’re ever looking for help with meal planning, shoot me an email!

Food for Thought

Do you enjoy running?
What’s on your menu this week?

Feeding My Obsession

It’s no secret that I have a slight Pinterest addiction. When I had to split my “Recipes” board into appetizers, entrees, and desserts, I realized there are way more recipes in this world than I ever realized. And then when I had to split desserts into bars, cookies, cupcakes, etc… well, you get the idea!

Clearly there is not enough time to make all of these recipes right away, but I wanted to share some of the top recipes I’m excited to try out soon!

Appetizers

Creamy Brussels Sprout & Shallot Dip – The Minimalist Baker

Find me a get-together and I’m all over this! I may love brussels sprouts as much as I love Pinterest 😉 [P.S. did you know that there is an “s” at the end of brussels?]

Reuben Rolls

Meatless Meals

This has quickly turned into one of my favorite categories. I’m loving experimenting with different forms of protein outside of the normal chicken, pork, beef.

Sesame-Crusted Tofu with Nuoc Cham – Alexandra’s Kitchen

This reminds me so much of sesame-crusted tuna.. I can only hope it tastes just as delicious!

Sweet Potato Pizza Crust – Carrots N’ Cake

Really, it’s sweet potatoes and pizza. How can you go wrong?!

Butternut Squash Casserole – Waking Up Vegan!

I have a thing for squash. Ok, let’s just agree that I have a thing for food in general.

Pork

Pork Carnitas – My Kitchen Escapades

Two words: crispy bits.

Poultry

Hot and Spicy Braised Peanut Chicken – Better Homes and Gardens

Peanut butter? Again. It’s my thing. So clearly a peanut chicken dish appeals to me. Not to mention, it’s a slow cooker dish, which means it’s great for the Crock Pot Challenge!

Kung Pao Chicken – Closet Cooking

Seafood

Seared Salmon Tacos with Honey-Lime Slaw + Sriracha Ranch – Peas and Crayons

Nathan doesn’t eat seafood so I rarely make it for dinner, but I definitely see this as something I could duplicate for him with chicken.

Desserts

Black Bean Powerbake – Powercakes

I’ve been trying to cut sugar out of my diet as much as possible so this looks like the perfect snack to curb my chocolate cravings!

Coconut Almond Butter Bites – Running to the Kitchen

Coconut. Almond butter. Chocolate. Need I say more?

Dark & Stormy Quick Bread with Lime Glaze – A Cozy Kitchen

If the drink is good, the bread must be good too, right?

Well, that should be enough to get started. Looks like I have a quite a bit of cooking to do this weekend! 😉

Food for Thought

What recipes have you pinned that you’ve been dying to try?