What I Ate Wednesday #132: Time For a Change

Heyooo! Look at me posting twice this week! Pretty exciting, huh? I’ve recently starting making a couple changes to my diet, so I figured a good WIAW post was in order.

I mentioned recently that I’ve had a bit of weight gain. Frustrating? You betcha! So I decided that I was going to make some changes to my workouts. I set a goal for myself; I wanted to lose 5 lbs by my anniversary. I know it’s not all about the number, but sometimes I find it helpful to have that goal.

I tried increasing my cardio, as that was what worked for me a couple years ago, but unfortunately, not this time. My next attempt was to go in the complete opposite direction. I started the 30 Day Kettlebell Challenge and while I’ve loved these workouts, I still haven’t seen the change I’m searching for.

Next change is diet. I reached out to my good blogger friend, Lindsay Cotter, who happens to be a fitness nutrition specialist. She’s been so helpful and I’m looking forward to seeing how her suggestions work out for me.

[Pre-Workout]
Half of a banana with almond butter and a cup of coffee is the perfect fuel for me these days. The workouts I’ve been doing are less than 30 minutes and this snack is just enough to tide me over.

[Breakfast]

Dude. Dude. You have to try these microwave grain-free english muffins! I don’t have any raisins, but these have been so good with some almond butter schmeer and have proven to be a great vessel for my sweet eggs. I also tried replacing half of the almond flour with protein powder on Tuesday and it turned out wonderfully!

[Morning Snack]
I had a busy morning so I wasn’t able to snap a picture of my smoothie, but it was lean, green, and protein-packed.. err mean? I used 1 scoop whey protein, 1 scoop Skoop Sweetgreens A Game, 10 cherries, 1 tbsp coconut oil, cucumber, ice, and a little almond milk to get things moving. The coconut oil in a smoothie was new for me but Lindsay said more fats, so I gave it a go and it was DEELISH.

[Lunch]

I was starved by the time I got home from work so I threw some kale, chicken, frozen butternut squash, and sugar snap peas into a pan with a little buffalo sauce and topped with avocado and ketchup.

[Afternoon Snack]
More fats? You got it. I went for an over-medium egg, a few almonds, and a carrot. A little #StrangeButGood action. And definitely not photo-worthy. You’re welcome.

[Dinner]

Coconut honey lime Filipino chicken with roasted red pepper and zucchini. All the protein and nice and light. I devoured it in between my evening clients.

[Evening Snack]

Oh heyyy, almond butter! I was happy to see it multiple times throughout the day. And apples and nut butters go together like.. well, nut butters go with everything.

The biggest changes I have here are breakfast and snacks. I definitely thought I’d miss my daily bowl of oats a little more than I do. I’m still getting used to the snacks, though; I’ve never been a big smoothie drinker and tend to grab a bar for convenience, but you have to make changes to see changes, yes? So far, so good this week; I’ll report back!

Food for Thought

What are your favorite protein-packed, grain-free breakfasts and snacks?

Life Lately

Hi, friends! I hope you had a great weekend and are ready to kick off this week. Next Monday is Memorial Day so hopefully most of you will have a nice 3-day weekend next weekend. Just a little something to get you through the week 😉 Thanks for sticking with me through my lack of posting lately. I’ll get back to my normal routine one of these days, but for now, this seems to be working for me, so I’m going with it.

I’m still waiting to start my new job so I’m currently enjoying a little extra downtime. It’s nice to only be working at 2 gyms right now. Ha, never thought 2 jobs would be when I got to relax! So, where exactly have I been the past few weeks?

Well, Nathan’s sister came to visit for a week. She was here for his birthday which was spent at the Giants’ game. Birthdays and baseball go together like baseball and beer.. which, of course, we had.

Day 1! Drakes Brewery, straight from the airport. We don’t mess around!

A birthday win!

Finally made it to the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Photo-bombing my own picture.

One of our new favorite wineries.

We also celebrated our 2 year wedding anniversary last week. It’s so crazy to think that it’s already been 2 years. And at the same time, it’s only been 2 years. I bet you wouldn’t be too surprised to learn that we celebrated with food and drinks.

Surprise picnic at work!

Aperol Spritz to take us back.

Oh, those porcinis and fresh pasta ❤

Holy Margherita!

We try to get back to our honeymoon as much as possible, so an impromptu picnic at Nathan’s office and Pizzaiolo for dinner had to happen. It was named one of the best pizzas in the Bay Area and it was definitely delicious; the crust was the most light, fluffy, tender crust we’ve ever had. That said, Il Casaro still wins for our favorite pizza since Italy. Next month, we’re going to see Book of Mormon. I called that the anniversary gift so we’re also planning on going to a nice dinner that night before the show. Any recommendations around the Orpheum Theater?

We’ve also made a successful foccacia bread at home [and by we, I mean Nathan..] which is HUGE for us! AND I’m dying over the fruit lately. Yogurt + cherries + nut butters [peanut and almond because I couldn’t decide] = heaven.

In the fitness world, I’m finishing up my 30 Day Kettlebell Challenge and have loved it. It’s been so refreshing to change it up and get my butt kicked in 25 minutes or less! Since I’ve just mainly been following that program this month, I’ve cut my cardio back significantly to typically one 30 minute run per week in addition to a quick warmup on the elliptical before my workouts. It has certainly helped me to fit my workouts in between clients. And speaking of clients, they’re picking up too! I’m searching for pockets of time but I’m so excited to have more clients these days. Only up from here, right?

My meal planning has been lacking a little bit lately, so let’s all get back to that, shall we?

Weekly Meal Plan

Sunday – Nathan’s whole roasted chicken with roasted sugar snap peas and [sweet] potatoes
Monday – Coconut Honey Lime Filipino Chicken Adobo Skewers with roasted red pepper and zucchini chips
Tuesday – Balsamic Watermelon Chicken Salad
Wednesday – Jerk Chicken Kabobs with Balsamic Fennel Salad
Thursday – Leftovers
Friday – Out!
Saturday – Leftovers

Food for Thought

What’s happening in your life lately?
Any restaurant recommendations near the Orpheum Theater in SF?

Link Love #54

Big news! Yesterday I ran for the first time since I hurt my ankle. And not only did I run, but I did sprints! As much as I don’t like running, I don’t like being unable to do something even more.. ya feel me? I’ve also been crazy busy at Athleta since we got new inventory last week. If you haven’t taken a look in a while [or ever], definitely check out some of the new gear. Better yet, if you’re in the bay area, come visit me 🙂

Health

Forget The Carbs Before A Race: Research Supports Diet High In Fat Improves Endurance – Lifting Revolution

Forget The Carbs Before A Race: Research Supports Diet High In Fat Improves Endurance – Lifting Revolution
Why Walking To Work Is More Than Just Good Exercise – HuffPost Healthy Living
How to Have a Healthy and Balance Life – Hungry Healthy Happy
What To Do When Your BIG Dreams or Goals Feel Stalled – Cotter Crunch
7 Healthy Habits Almost Anyone Can Implement – Food & Nonsense

Fitness

5 Reasons to Use the Treadmill – Reach Your Peak

5 Reasons To Use The Treadmill – Reach Your Peak
Strength Training Workout for Runners – Trainer Paige
My Playing Card Workout For Shoulders – Eat, Run, Sail
Quick arm and core bodyweight home workout purely training #80 – Purely Twins
10-Minute Work-Break Workout (for at Home or the Office) – Pumps & Iron

Food

S’mores Cheesecake – Life, Love, & Sugar

S’mores Cheesecake – Life, Love, & Sugar
Couscous Bowls with Za’atar Chickpeas and Roasted Cauliflower – Oh My Veggies
Butternut Squash, Apple + Pear Crisp – Edible Perspective
Chipotle Tofu Chilaquiles – Minimalist Baker
Baking Bootcamp: Apple Pie Biscuits – Joy the Baker

Food for Thought

What was one of your favorite posts from the past week?

Pumpkin Recipe Round Up

I have to be honest, this past weekend may very well have been one of the least exciting weekends in a long time. Nathan had to work, I had to work, and Friday night was spent exploring Costco thanks to our LivingSocial deal. If that doesn’t sound like an old married couple, I don’t know what does! So because the highlights of my weekend included a brief dinner outing Saturday night and sitting my butt on the sofa yesterday, I decided I’d jump on the pumpkin wagon and share some of my favorite pumpkin recipes and the ones I can’t wait to make.

Pumpkin Spice Latte Proatmeal – Barr & Table

Pumpkin Protein Souffle with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Filling & Frosting – Barr & Table

Pumpkin Pancakes – Nosh and Nourish

Roasted Pumpkin and Brussels Sprouts Angies Recipes – Angie’s Recipes

Roasted Pumpkin Sage Soup – Skinnytaste

Pumpkin Cornbread Muffins – Eating Bird Food

Pumpkin Pie Butter Cups – Healthy Nibbles and Bits

Protein Pumpkin Bars – Moni Meals

Pumpkin Spice Latte Cheescake Cups – Ari’s Menu

Pumpkin Chocolate Chunk Cookies – Ari’s Menu

Pumpkin Pie Protein Chocolate Chip Fudge – Purely Twins

And if you need even more of an excuse to start some pumpkin spicing it up in the kitchen, Taylor from Lifting Revolution wrote a great post last week about the nutritional benefits of pumpkin spice [and included a killer recipe!] My Trader Joe’s hadn’t gotten their pumpkin shipment in the last time I checked but you better believe I’ll be stocking up as soon as they do.. along with everyone else! But hey, I’ve got a list to make my way through and I think you should do the same.

Weekly Meal Plan

Sunday – Chipotle balsamic chicken with grilled romaine, caramelized onions, and blistered tomatoes
Monday – Rotisserie chicken [Costco what what!] with maple sriracha brussels sprouts
Tuesday – Greek Chicken Souvlaki and Cauli Rice Plates with Marinated Veggies – Half Baked Harvest
Wednesday – Leftovers
Thursday – Roasted chicken thighs & roasted eggplant with turmeric yogurt sauce
Friday – Out!
Saturday – Leftovers

Food for Thought

Have you jumped on the pumpkin bandwagon yet?
What’s on your menu this week?

Link Love #51

Have you entered my AMRAP giveaway yet?

Check me out, two posts in a row! It took a few days but I think we’re getting back into the groove over here. I have to wish my oldest brother a very happy birthday. Without him, I wouldn’t have my little Jilly Bean! He’s a pretty great brother and father too though 😉

Health

This is What Dieting Does to Your Body – Better With Sprinkles

This is What Dieting Does to Your Body – Better With Sprinkles
The Importance of DHEA and an Omega-3 Packed Recipe! – Cotter Crunch
3 Reasons You’re NOT Losing Fat – Mussel FIT
Debunking Yet Another Low Carb Claim – According to Elle
How Can You Tell if You’re Overexercising? – FitKnitChick via Carla Birnberg

Fitness

Jump’N Pass Kettle Bell Workout – Lifting Revolution

Jump’N Pass Kettlebell Workout – Lifting Revolution
5 Ways to Transition Your Summer Workouts Into Fall – Trainer Paige
5 to 50 Ab Workout – Pumps & Iron
Protein Intake and Timing for Reducing Body Fat – Run to the Finish
15 minute Labor Day bodyweight home workout purely training #77 – Purely Twins

Food

Slow Cooker Japanese Pork and Ramen Soup – Country Clever

Slow Cooker Japanese Pork and Ramen Soup – Country Clever
Almond Butter Banana Bread Muffins – Fit Foodie Finds
Asian Farro Medly with Salmon – Skinnytaste
Smoky Chipotle Cheddar Burgers with Mexican Street Corn Fritters – Half Baked Harvest
Hidden Veggies Two Bite Brownies w/ Caramel Drizzle – The Healthy Maven

Food for Thought

What are some of your favorite posts recently?

Link Love #50

Home. It just feels so good. We just got in last night but were able to meet up with my parents when we got in and it was so good to see them. It’s going to be a busy week with everything we have planned, trying to see as many people as possible in such a short amount of time, but it’s just so worth the craziness. Time to soak it in..

Health

The Second Wind of Dreaming Big – Cotter Crunch

The Second Wind of Dreaming Big – Cotter Crunch
Speed Round Time: SLEEP or SWEAT? – Carla Birnberg
Define Your Healthy – JillFit
6 Easy Ways to Be Healthier Today – I Heart Vegetables
5 Reasons You Need Strength Training – Xen Strength via Yahoo! Beauty

Fitness

Fun and Effective Strength Training Workout Routine – The Lemon Bowl

Fun and Effective Strength Training Workout Routine – The Lemon Bowl
Legs 4 Days Workout: Bodyweight Workout For Your Lower Body – Lifting Revolution
Sexy Arms Dumbbell Circuit Workout with 10 Minute Cardio HIIT – Fit Foodie Finds
Target It All Workout – Fit ‘n’ Cookies
Got a Dumbbell and 30 Minutes? You Can Do This Workout – Trainer Paige

Food

Skillet Tomato Casserole with White Beans and Parmesan Croutons – The Law Student’s Wife

Skillet Tomato Casserole with White Beans and Parmesan Croutons – The Law Student’s Wife
Slow Cooker Spiced Lamb Gyros with Frites and Mint Aioli – Climbing Grier Mountain
Summer Panzanella with Watermelon, Pesto Cornbread, and Feta – Eats Well With Others
Farmers Market Sesame Miso Noodle Bowls with Garlic Chips – Half Baked Harvest
Move over fig newton cookies, hello fig newton bread – Purely Twins

Food for Thought

What’s one of your favorite posts from the past week?

Link Love #47

Back to normal! Nathan’s home and I have to admit, it was really strange to be here without him for 4 days [we’re not actually attached at the hip ;)]. I certainly kept busy but it’s nice to have him back!

Tonight I’m headed into the city for a free Barry’s Bootcamp class thanks to ClassPass [. I’ve never been to Barry’s Bootcamp but I’m psyched; I’m thinking that’s definitely my kind of workout. I’ve heard really great things and I’m really glad I have the opportunity to check it out with ClassPass but I’m a little scared the workout might kill me ha! I’ll report back though.. it’ll be good to mix it up.

Your turn to mix it up with some of these posts! 😉

Health

An Important PSA: Your Body on Lazy – Lifting Revolution

An Important PSA: Your Body on Lazy – Lifting Revolution
Focus On: Carb Cycling (what is it and how does it work?) – Fitnessista
5 Proven Techniques to Beat Stress Eating – Thrive Personal Fitness
Ripped And Miserable: How Neghar Fonooni Gained Body Fat And Got Her Life Back – Neghar Fonooni via Molly Galbraith
8 Easy Nutritional Switches That Prevent You From Binging – JillFit

Fitness

3 Best Exercises to Work the Lower Abs – Trainer Paige

3 Best Exercises to Work the Lower Abs – Trainer Paige
My Workouts + Another NEW Workout – She Rocks Fitness
The Importance of Cross Training – Nut Butter Runner
Resistance Band Core Workout – Pumps & Iron
Locked and Loaded Purely Training #72 Workout – Purely Twins

Food

Blueberry Lemon Cake with Lemon Glaze – Averie Cooks

Blueberry Lemon Cake with Lemon Glaze – Averie Cooks
Gluten-Free Cherry Crumble – The Healthy Maven
Sweet Balsamic Strawberries w/Whipped Ricotta Cream and Maple Glazed Seeded Nuts – Half Baked Harvest
Vietnamese Springs Rolls with Crispy Tofu – Minimalist Baker
Grilled Romaine Salad with Quinoa, Apples, Corn, & Dijon Vinaigrette – Climbing Grier Mountain
Coconut Vanilla Latte Protein Bites (Healthy Bites giveaway!) – Cotter Crunch

Food for Thought

What’s one of your favorite posts from the past week?

Link Love #43

In all of my home craziness, I missed the chance to share my favorite posts last week so this week I’m going to share a little extra! And let’s throw a few more pictures in there too, shall we? 🙂

Health

Who Are You To Be Successful And Fabulous? – Lifting Revolution

Who Are You To Be Successful And Fabulous? – Lifting Revolution
Choose FOOD, Not Drugs, For Weight Loss – Slim Sanity
Meal Planning & Intuitive Eating – Mindful Meals
Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle When Life Gets Busy – Perfection Isn’t Happy

The Boxed Lunch, Or You Can’t Have It All – Kath Eats Real Food

The Boxed Lunch, Or You Can’t Have It All – Kath Eats Real Food
Why I’m Transitioning Away From Veganism… – The Blonde Vegan
How to Use Micro-Goals to Blast Away Fat – Workout Nirvana

Fitness

Justin’s Sweaty Workout – Jessie Loves 2 Run

Justin’s Sweaty Workout – Jessie Loves 2 Run
Top 5 Body Weight Workouts – Blonde Ponytail
power of two 18 minute leg burning workout purely training #67 – Purely Twins

Afternoon Energizing Stretch – Fitnessista

Afternoon Energizing Stretch – Fitnessista
1776 Rep Workout – Lifting Revolution
RUNNER’S GUIDE: 8 Tips for Road Runners – PFITblog
Join me for Strength and Sweat! A Plyometric Workout You can Do Anywhere – Cotter Crunch

Food

Spicy Green Harissa Chicken and Golden Beet Noodles – Inspiralized

Spicy Green Harissa Chicken and Golden Beet Noodles – Inspiralized
Blueberry Flax Superfood Smoothie – Fit Foodie Finds
Apricot Strawberry Grilled Crisp – Edible Perspective
Toasted Coconut Cold-Brewed Iced Coffee – Ari’s Menu

Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Brownies – The Lean Green Bean

Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Brownies – The Lean Green Bean
Blissful Blueberry Oat Cobbler Healthy Bites – Cotter Crunch
Quick Honey Ginger Pineapple and Summer Veggie Chicken Stir Fry with Caramelized Cashews – Half Baked Harvest
apple trifle with bourbon whipped cream + caramel drizzle – Climbing Grier Mountain

Food for Thought

What was one of your favorite posts from the past 2 weeks?

Link Love #40

Guys. I need to tell you. The fruit in California is absolutely outrageous. It must be because the fruit is grown here and there’s not a week of transfer before it gets to me in Maryland anymore, but I’ve never had such flavorful strawberries, plums, blueberries.. seriously, everything! I’m not a peach gal and I’m eating peaches! Nathan’s not a plum gal guy and he’s eating plums. I never want it to end!

I’ve been pinning fruit recipes out the wazoo and have a couple to share today, but you should definitely check out my Pinterest boards for more!

Health

Are You Addicted to Adrenaline? – Cotter Crunch

Are You Addicted to Adrenaline? – Cotter Crunch
Get Rid of “Should” – Fine Fit Day
Healthy Eating: A Shared Responsibility – Kath Eats Real Food
Why You Should Throw Away Your Scale – fANNEtastic Food
Why Calories In vs Calories Out is Outdated – Mommy Run Fast

Fitness

30-Minute Kettlebell HIIT Workout with Finisher – Pumps & Iron

30-Minute Kettlebell HIIT Workout with Finisher – Pumps & Iron
I LIFT 20 minute leg workout purely training #64 – Purely Twins
Friday Happy Hour Workout Plan – Lifting Revolution
Sculpted Summer Arms Workout – Peanut Butter Runner
Sweat for Summer Interval Sprints – Fit2Flex

Food

Samoa Baked Doughnuts with 1-minute Maple Caramel – Edible Perspective

Samoa Baked Doughnuts with 1-minute Maple Caramel – Edible Perspective
Sweet and Savory Breakfast Polenta and Egg Stack – Clean Eating Veggie Girl
Raw Snickers Candy Bars – Peachy Palate
Crispy Peanut Tofu & Cauliflower Rice Stir Fry – Minimalist Baker
Chilled Avocado Sweet Corn Soup – Running to the Kitchen
S’mores + Peaches = S’meaches – The Kitchy Kitchen

Food for Thought

What was one of your favorite posts from the past week?
What is your favorite fruit?

Link Love #39

It definitely feels like a little victory having made it through Monday.. anyone else feel the same? This week is going to be a little nuts for me, but the plan is just to keep on trucking. Besides, it’s June [when did that happen?!] and that means we’re headed home at the end of the month!

As always, last week featured some pretty fabulous posts and I had a hard time choosing my tops, but I think I got a good group of bloggers.

Health

Why You Don’t Want to Look Like a Model – Fitzala

Why You Don’t Want to Look Like a Model – Fitzala
#SuitYourself To Love Yourself – Lifting Revolution
Sports nutrition should we stop talking calories? – Run to the Finish
Body Transformation Starts With the Mind – The Change Blog
You’re Allowed to Love Your Body – Snack Therapy

Fitness

HIIT Scorcher – Fitnessista

HIIT Scorcher – Fitnessista
Race Week Triathlon Tips and Repeating our Chances – Cotter Crunch
Tabata Core Workout – Power Fitness
Easy Ways to Add Balance Training to Your Workouts – FitKnitChick
Fit Bit Friday 143: The 20-Minute Upper Body Blitz Workout – Eat Spin Run Repeat

Food

Flourless Almond Butter Samoa Bars (Paleo, Vegan) – Purely Twins

Flourless Almond Butter Samoa Bars (Paleo, Vegan) – Purely Twins
Sriracha Kale Caesar Salad – Running to the Kitchen
No-Churn Caramel Peanut Butter Cup Soft Pretzel Ice Cream Sammies with Hot Fudge – Half Baked Harvest
Spiralized Carrot and Cucumber Kale Salad with Peanut Sauce – Eating Bird Food
Summer Caprese Burger – The Fueled Athlete

Food for Thought

What was one of your favorite posts from the past week?