Fondue Date Night

Hubby and I stayed in last night with homemade broccoli cheese fondue and a great movie by the fire. I can't remember the last time we had such a relaxing night in. Lily is finally starting to display less and less constant puppiness, requiring less and less non-stop supervision. And thus, husband and I can enjoy more and more cuddle (and meal) time. Ahhhhhhhh :)

 Broccoli Cheese Fondue with carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, and bread to dip

Today has been an ACTIVE day, to say the least. I started my day with hockey game #1. Husband and I cleaned ALL afternoon, and then it was off to hockey game #2 for the day (scored a goal, woot!). I'ddddd say it's about time for a shower, wouldn't you? Eeeewww.

How cute is this...

My hubby's family enjoys reading my blog and his aunt even reads it to his grandma. Grandma says that my husband is "spoiled" with my "gourmet" cooking. While flattering, Grandma H, I think any cooking going down in this kitchen is a long shot from gourmet. Palatable and balanced is probably more like it!

I have received LOTS of delicious-looking recipes to my inbox since yesterday. I am so excited about the "Prevention Cookbook" and I'm so happy to hear that you are, too! Don't forget to submit your recipe(s) by January 1, 2010! Mrs.RD44@gmail.com ! 

For more information, go here!

The more the merrier for us all...and then you get a copy, too!

Question: What are you asking for from Santa for Christmas?

Here's to a relaxing evening and some Elf viewing. Best. Movie. Everrrr. Ciao!

Happy, happy, happy!

Question: Have any of you Blogspot users converted to Wordpress? What do you think?

My blog is getting ready to undergo a major overhaul. I will soon be found under domain name preventionrd.com and will be a Wordpress blogger (I'll miss the good'ol Blogspot days, I'm sure!). Thomas is the mastermind behind what will ensue, and I am VERY excited about it! I will keep you posted as to what this transition will mean for my posting, but please bare with me!

 The sweet Ashley of Kiwis and Cocktails passed the Happy 101 Award on to me (THANK YOU! Two in a week...this is exciting for an award virgin!)

The rules are:
1. List 10 things that make you Happy

2. Tag 10 Bloggers that Brighten your day

10 things that make me happy (there's a lot!)...

1. Scoring a goal in a hockey game!

2. Seeing my puppy shake like a jitter bug because she’s so excited to see me!

3. A good glass of red wine, Chianti preferred.

4. Going on a long, effortless run.

5. Waking up with not a THING to do

6. Finding new, fun finds at the grocery store

7. Husband playing with my hair

8. Long dinners with my family filled with inappropriateness and laughter

9. Helping others reach their health and nutrition goals

10. Looking at my wedding pictures. I truly had the wedding of my dreams.

10 blogs that brighten my day...

Caitlin of Healthy Tipping Point 

Gina of The Candid RD 

Katie of Faith Food & Fitness

Andrea of Andrea's Wellness Notes  

Paige of Running Around Normal 

Cait of The Twenty-Fifth Year 

Biz of Biggest Diabetic Loser

Rebecca of Chow and Chatter 

Cassie of A Pinch of This and a Dash of That 

Mari of Namaste Mari

I love to read ALL of the blogs I follow, it was hard to narrow it down! Keep the happiness going by sharing 10 things that make YOU happy and 10 blogs that brighten your day!


On a completely unrelated and shameful note...Jersey Shores is quite possibly as addictive as crack cocaine. Puppy whined at 5:20 this morning (alarm wasn't set to go off til 6:20), and instead of rolling over to go back to bed (what I usually do, especially by Friday!), I got up......AND WATCH JERSEY SHORES BEFORE WORK. I have reached a new level of overly inappropriate TV viewing. 


Run #3 on the new treadmill was a nice recovery run of 3.1 miles with a leisurely warm-up and cool-down. LOVE having a treadmill at home. Though, I must admit, the morning workouts have not ensued as I had originally planned. HOWEVER, the important thing is getting in the workouts whether it be morning, noon, or night...and I'm doing that!


What are you up to this weekend? Shopping, shopping, and baking?


Tonight is husband's Christmas party and we're driving around in stretch Expedition limos to see beautiful Christmas lights, and then out for a wonderful Italian dinner (Chianti, woot!). I'm really excited! Have a WONDERFUL weekend...TGIF!!!!!!

Slow day...post day...

You know work is slow when it's a double-post kinda day... : )

 Mari asked me a wonderful question about PCOS and what type of diet is best for women suffering from PCOS. Great question, Mari...I hope this is helpful!

Women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) are at increased risk for heart disease and diabetes. Many women with PCOS have insulin resistance, causing the pancreas to secrete more and more insulin in order to transport glucose (sugar) out of the blood and into muscle, fat, and liver cells where it is converted to energy or stored as fat. Elevated insulin levels can cause polycystic ovaries, weight gain or difficult losing weight, increased risk of heart disease (elevated LDL-cholesterol and triglyceride levels and decreased HDL-cholesterol levels), and increased clotting factors. The risk of the developing diabetes in women with PCOS can be up to 40% by the age of 40. Most women (50-60%) with PCOS are obese (BMI greater than 30). Weight loss, even as little as 5% can lead to decreased insulin levels which is critical due to the fact that elevated insulin levels promote fat storage [1].

In researching how much carbohydrate a woman with PCOS should consume, I found varying recommendations. Before prescribing a standard 50-55% carbohydrate diet or a low (40% or less) carbohydrate diet, I would want to know a PCOS patient’s fasting blood sugar and HbA1c – a lab value indicating an average blood glucose reading representing 6-8 weeks. Agreeably, women with a higher BMI are statistically more likely to have insulin resistance, in which case a lower (less than 50-55%) carbohydrate diet is probably advisable.

I am of the opinion that to prevent diabetes, one should eat like a diabetic. For most women of normal to overweight size, this would include 30-45 grams of carbohydrates at meal times and 15-30 grams of carbohydrate + 1-2 ounces of protein before bedtime. Emphasis should be placed on complex, low-glycemic index carbohydrates, as well as a diet low in saturated (13 grams or less per day) and trans fat (none, preferably). For women with a BMI greater than 30, carbohydrate and energy needs go up – consult a Registered Dietitian for recommendations.

For example, a 180-pound (81.8 kilograms) female requires roughly 1230-1640 calories a day to lose weight (15-20 calories per kilogram of body weight. In order to find your weight in kilograms, divide your weight in pounds by 2.2). At minimum (30 grams of carbohydrate per meal with a 15-gram carbohydrate evening snack), carbohydrate comprises 26-34% of the daily intake. At maximum (45 grams of carbohydrate per meal with a 30-gram carbohydrate evening snack), carbohydrate comprises 40-54% of the daily energy intake. 

(Note: one gram of carbohydrate contains 4 calories – this is needed for calculations).

Other diet-related suggestions for women suffering from PCOS [1]:

-         Pair carbohydrate-rich foods and snacks with a lean protein or fat high in mono and/or polyunsaturated fatty acids.

-         Consume foods with a lower glycemic index – these foods are typically high in fiber

-         Space carbohydrates out throughout the day. Consuming consistent, moderate carbohydrate levels is best for blood sugar control

-         Consume plenty of decaffeinated, sugar-free beverages, especially water

-         Exercise on a regular basis -- aerobic and anerobic

-         Take a multi-vitamin mineral supplement daily

[1]. McKittrick, Martha. PCOS and Diet. OBGYN.net Publications.

The above information was provided by the above source. The author, Martha McKittrick is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator. In other words, she is a wonderful resource!

Cookie Taste-Test Results!

The preferred cookie in yesterday's cookie taste testing was the Oatmeal Cranberry White Chocolate Chip Cookies. Hands down. There were only 2 votes NOT for the Oatmeal Cranberry White Chocolate Chip Cookies and they were for the Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies and the Peppermint Cheesecake Brownies.

P.S. I had 2 late-comers who wanted in so the total participation was 18 employees!

Last night I made deer meat tacos for dinner!

My father-in-law is a bow hunter and provides us with deer meat. Yum!

I had 1 deer meat taco, a dollop of fat-free refried beans, and a bed of shredded lettuce with deer meat, salsa, corn, and homemade guacamole. Mmmm!

 Nutritional comparison of deer/venison vs. ground beef

(values represent a 1 ounce, raw portion)

- deer meat is 40 calories versus the 72 in ground beef*

- deer meat contains 0.8 grams of fat compared to 5.7 grams in ground beef*

- deer meat contains 7.6 grams of protein compared to 4.9 grams in ground beef

*this is standard 70-80% lean (does not specify)

Question: Have you tried deer meat? Did you like it? Did it taste "game-y" to you?

A thumbs up kinda day!

The treadmill has arrived! It took 2 guys, 2 hours, and a lot of patience…but it is together, operating, and ready for miles or fun. I was up at 5:30 this morning and got in 1 mile before needing to start my day. Any other morning when puppy isn’t going to camp, I’ll have plenty of time for at least 3, if not 4 or 5 miles. Needless to say, I have a steamy date (#2 for the day!) with Mr. T after work. I’m excited! Here’s what the hottie tottie looks like…

After my brief (but good!) run this morning, I was craving something cold and nutritious. So what better than a fresh fruit smoothie!? I threw in: frozen pears, peaches, bananas, pineapple, papaya, mango, kiwi, strawberries, and apple along with V8 Fusion Light (got some veggies in there, technically!), 100% apple cider, and fat-free milk. 

Blend and enjoy! My morning creation even got my stubborn husband eating breakfast.

I am just beginning the book Food, Inc. So far, so wonderful! I feel like I am learning a lot (more to come, I assure you!). An interesting article caught my eye in the 

ADA Daily News – Organic vs. Non-Organic.

Did you know that in order for an organic food manufacturer to receive USDA certified organic recognition, the farmer must sell more than $5,000 a year in organic foods? Otherwise, they are exempt from obtaining USDA organic certification.

Organic Facts:

-         While evidence is not conclusive, there appears to be no added nutritional benefit found in organic fruits and vegetables when compared to their non-organic counterparts.

-         Due to organic produce availability, organic foods may be sitting longer before getting shipped, or may be shipped for long periods of time. Organic produce may also sit longer before being sold due to the inflated cost associated with organic foods.

-         Most experts agree that the amount of pesticides found on non-organic fruits and vegetables poses very little health risk.

-         Organic farming aims to protect the environment in ways that conventional farming does not.

-         Organic produce costs more due to the more expensive farming practices, tighter government regulations, and lower crop yields. Organic farming practices include more labor-intensive methods of controlling weeds and pests, as well as more expensive herbicides or pesticides.

-         Seeking out local farmers can help guide you to organic produce and support of sustainable farming practices and your local communities

-         Nearly everyone could improve their health by eating more fruits and vegetables, organic or not.

On a lighter note…today was my holiday cookie taste testing at work. Surprise, surprise…more people than ever signed up to taste – 16, in fact! Considering there’s only 35 in the office, that’s a huge success!

Here’s the set-up! Notice the “Taste Testers Only” sign. Lots of employees get into the goodies on taste test days. I know free food is great, but I’m holding strong to my $1 request from participants. Money doesn’t grow on trees, ya know!? And until RD’s getting a major pay raise, I’ll be needing those dollars!

 (I wanted to know their favorite cookie!)

Biggest Loser Finale

I avoided Blogland last night as I didn't get to finish the last 20 minutes of BL til this morning. While I am happy Danny won (yay Oklahoma!), I am slightly perturbed at a 239-pound (239, right?) weight-loss in SEVEN MONTHS. I don't know, that's just completely...not right. From the bottom of my heart, I hope the contestants have instilled healthful eating and exercise habits that will last them a lifetime.

Did anyone else think Allison Sweeny looked healthy and...stunning?

Question: What’s your absolutely favorite kind of cookie?

 

P.S. Check out Steph Chow's Cookie Exchange! I'm in!

Is your willpower shorting out before you fit exercise into your day?

Have you ever been driving and thinking, "I'm going to go for a run after xyz task", or "I am going to hit the gym after dinner tonight."? I have. All the time.

Have you ever had these positive intentions but failed to actually DO them? Welcome to life. Ends up, we all have only so much willpower. Once we've completed a day of errands, work tasks, and the hustle of daily life, we're often left running on depleted willpower stores [1]. Do we succumb to this fact, or do something about it? The latter, of course!

No excuse to pass on the workouts! Ways to keep moving when willpower has its limits [1]:

Schedule exercise.

It's a plan, make it happen. Bring your workout clothes to work so there's no stop over at home between work and your workout.

Get a trainer or exercise buddy.

Accountability is a great motivator!

Get it over with.

If you're pooped after the day is done, plan workouts for the morning hours so that you get it over with early in the day.

Get in a good mood.

Studies show that people can show more self-control when they are in a good mood.

This article was brought to my attention by our podiatrist at work as she was returning from her lunch hour in a sweaty rush. When I gave her mad props for her lunch hour workout, she explained to me this research and has chosen to out-smart her limited willpower by bumping her workout up to her lunch hour.

Likewise, I giving a go at switching my workout time to the mornings once our new treadmill is up and running (fingers crossed for later this week). While I've never thought of myself as a "morning person", I am finding more and more so that by the end of the day a workout is right up there with doing the dishes, folding laundry, and making lunches. You know, just another dreaded to-do. We'll see how the mornings go but I have a feeling that once I get the timing worked out just right, the mornings and I could make for a serious butt-kicking combo.

I also received a HUGE pat on the back in an email from my boot camp instructor to our group of participants. The email included a line which read, "Congrats to Nicole who lost the most number of inches last month!" Woooot!

Question: Can you remember the last time you PLANNED to workout...but it never happened before the day was done?

Me: Just this past Friday, oops!

[1]. Boyles, Salynn. Limited Willpower Can Affect Your Workout. WebMD Health News. September 25, 2009.

obesity + bloggin', dogs + exercise, and new IRL blog friend!

A new study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research finds that people who spend more time on the computer have a higher risk of obesity, even among those exercising “enough” during the week.  Three categories of internet time were set: none, low (less than 3 hours per week), and high (more than 3 hours per week). People falling in the highest levels of computer use (more than 3 hours per week) were 1.5x more likely to be overweight and 2.5x more likely to be obese when compared to people who don’t use the computer at all [1].

Advice? Aim for 250.

The American College of Sports Medicine recommends people spend 150 minutes per week exercising and 250 minutes per week if they want to lose weight [1].

Really? 3 hours a week is a lot? No wonder I want to lose weight! ;)

And for us dog lovers, some wonderful news!

The average dog owner gets more exercise walking their pets than someone with a gym membership. The average dog owner exercises their pet 2x a day for 24 minutes each time – 5 hours and 38 minutes a week. In addition, the average dog owner takes their pet on three long walks a week, adding on another 2 hours and 33 minutes of activity [2].

Those without dogs spend a mere 80 minutes per week at the gym or heading out for a jog. However, 47% of non-pet owners admit they do absolutely NO exercise [2].

And who’s happier? A whopping 86% of dog owners reported enjoying the time they spend walking their dogs while a mere 16% reported enjoying their time spent at the gym [2].

I almost wish I owned a more athletic breed of dog. Lily is athletic for a bulldog, but that isn't saying much...

And last night (after boot camp, no less!) I met a fellow bloggie for a beer (go check her out, her blog is pretty awesome!). And we have a freakish amount in common...

- both named "Nicole"

- she is from Tulsa, I am living in Tulsa

- both RD's!

- both have important people in our life named "Rob/Robbie"

- both 24

Crazy, huh?! It was great to talk and network with another RD! Thanks for meeting with me, Nicole!! Safe travels back to Cali!

Questions:

Have you ever met a "blog friend" IRL (in real life)? Maybe at FNCE or somewhere similar?

If you are a pet owner, how many times a week would you say you walk your dog?

How many hours a week, realistically, do you spend online blogging/Facebooking/emailing friends, etc. (non-work related, basically)? 

I would have to say I spend at least 9 hours a week online/blogging/emailing/Facebooking in a week -- most of which takes place on the weekends. Eek! 

And we walk Lily about 5 times a week for 20 minutes a pop...failing on that one, too!

[1]. Main, Emily. Overweight? Blame the Internet. MSNBC. November 29, 2009.

[2]. Average dog owner ‘gets more exercise than gym-goers’. Telegraph. November 27, 2009.

Airport Mishap, Larabars, and Giveaway Winners!

Firstly, I have missed the blog world! My brief 2 1/2 days in Chicago were jam-packed with family, friends, and food. I look forward to catching up my blog-rollers today at some point!

Mom and I did manage to squeeze in a step class yesterday morning. It was supposed to be step + strength, but she decided to kick our butts with an hour of step. It annoyed me to great lengths that the instructor of the class did her helicopters going the opposite way I've learned...so I had trouble keeping up with those because my body knew what it wanted to do already!

And then my luck continued at O'Hare Security...

Background story: In April (I think it was April) heading back to Tulsa from my Bachelorette Party, I forgot about a can of hairspray in my carry-on. My bag got searched and my poor, over-loaded packing skills allowed for "Tickle His Pickle," lingerie, personal lubricants, and all other sex-related personal items given to me by friends, to spew from my suitcase as the older gentleman searched the bag and stander-byes pointed, snickered, and laughed. I tried explaining that it was my Bachelorette Party this weekend and I was heading for home, but I just received an annoyed "whatever, nympho" stink eye. A-w-k-w-a-r-d.

Fast-forward to yesterday when my handbag didn't make it through the scanner. A gentlemen asked me to step to the side, and asked if there was anything in my bag he needed to know about, as he searched my bag. Told me not to touch anything. He pulled out books, iPod, magazines, wallet, sunglasses, gum...the usual. He ran the bag again and again it looked suspicious. In the VERY VERY bottom of my bag was a paring knife I had brought to work to cut up an apple WEEKS ago. So the security guy 1) thought I was lying because I didn't tell him it was in there when he asked (didn't know!!!!), 2) it was shoved to the bottom, and 3) it was wrapped in a paper towel and Ziplock. Thank goodness I don't look like a crazy person? Scarily, that same knife was in my bag coming from Tulsa to Chicago. Hmmm. Anyways, husband was pretty embarrassed.

Thankfully we're driving up for Christmas? :)

While in Chicago, I was able to visit my personal paradise: TRADER JOE'S!!! I don't know what was more exciting, the wine sample guy being from south Tulsa and nearly demanding we try every wine he had, or that I finally found these LARABARS everyone's been raving about! Trader Joe's was a much-needed fix in this RD's heart. Oh, and Chianti...had to get SEVERAL bottles of the various Chianti's TJ's carries...Mmm!

Ends up, these LARABARS are worth the chatter. I tried the "Cherry Pie" bar this morning and it was delicious! These bars are 190-210 calories and loaded with MUFA's and PUFA's...mostly MUFA's! They're like a protein bar in consistency, but the protein content is low-to-moderate -- the bars are high in fat and carbohydrates. The "Cherry Pie" LARABAR contained NO sodium, 350 mg potassium, 4 grams of fiber, and 5 grams of MUFA's. The ingredients? Get ready.....dates, almonds, unsweetened cherries. The bars are gluten, dairy, and soy free and also contain 2 grams of omega-6's. Wish it was omega-3's but nonetheless, thumbs up, LARABAR!!

Lots to try!

Complaint: Size. I wanted more!!

And, of course...Newman's Own Organics GIVEAWAY WINNERS!!!

Allison and Andrea!!

Giveaway 1: The Cookie Monster

Newman's Own Organics Champion Chip Cookies (Chocolate)

Newman's Own Organics Ginger Hermits

Newman's Own Organics 54% cocoa Dark Chocolate Bar

Winner of Giveaway #1: Allison!!!!

(THANK YOU for the pumpkin pancake recipe -- making them tonight!!)

Giveaway 2: The Smorgasborg

 Newman's Own Organics White Cheddar Soy Crisps

Newman's Own Organics California Prunes

Newman's Own Organics 54% cocoa Espresso Dark Chocolate Bar

Winner of Giveaway #2: Andrea of Andrea's Wellness Notes 

Send me your addresses, ladies and I'll hopefully get those out to you tomorrow!

Mrs.RD44@gmail.com

Thank you to all for participating!!

Off to pick-up our pup who's been at over-night camp for 3 days now...can't wait to see baby girl! Have a wonderful Sunday, bloggies!

'Twas the day after a foodie's happiest of days...

Ends up, mom read my blog post containing my pecan pie cup rant. And upon my arrival to Chicago, a pecan pie had made it's way into our Thanksgiving dessert line-up. While that was not by design, my Thanksgiving was complete by a small piece of delicious, savory, rich pecan pie. And just for confirmation, I tried a bite of a pecan pie cup. It was all crust, not the ooey-gooey deliciousness defining pecan pie. So, yep, pecan PIE is a Thanksgiving staple for all years to come.

Also in the T-day line up were: turkey, dressing, cranberries, sweet potatoes, jello salad, green beans, cornbread pudding, cheesy broccoli, and....pecan pie. Some delicious African red wine, as well! Mmm! I stuck to one plate, which I did not finish and one slice of pie for dessert. All-in-all, a successful, delicious, satisfying meal without going over the threshold of gluttony.

Mom and I were supposed to go to the gym this morning, however, I over-slept. With puppy being back in Tulsa, I found myself rising at 10am! Oops! Tomorrow...8am...step class + strength class.

Anyone get in a good workout today? Yesterday?? Black Friday participants out there???

We had an amazing Indian lunch with my friend, AJ and now we're off to see "The Blind Side"...I've been wanting to see it since the previews started running in theatres MONTHS ago!!

I hope you all had a wonderful, safe, and delicious Thanksgiving! Don't forget to enter in to my Newman's Own Organics Giveaway!

Fun Food Survey and I've got crabs!!!

I read ktbwood's answers to this survey cycling around blogland and thought it was fun, so here are my responses...

Favorite food to crunch - Terra Vegetable Chips...beyond addictive

Favorite comfort food - homemade chicken noodle soup! Extra celery, carrots, and noodles, please!!

Favorite picnic lunch - mini cracker sandwiches with meat, cheese, hummus, and guacamole!

Best summer snack - fresh fruit smoothie made from mango, mixed berries, papaya, and bananas!!

Favorite winter snack – steamed chai tea and a cinnamon biscotti

Food that reminds me of the ocean - all the ones I love: CRAB, shrimp, mussels, scallops, fish...

Most likely to eat for lunch - leftovers - mmm!

Least likely to eat for lunch - anything fast food! Too costly health-wise and money-wise!

Food that makes me gag -any organ meat....grosssssssss

Food tradition I love - wine with dinner : )

Soup or salad - before a meal - salad, as a meal - soup!

Favorite breakfast food -old-fashioned oats made with skim milk + pumpkin butter, turbinado, a pinch of brown sugar, and chopped pecans

Favorite ethnic cuisine – Mexican! I'm a sucker for tacos, guac, and salsa...what can I say?

Favorite vegan ice cream flavor -Vanilla!

Favorite type of chocolate – Uhhh, any. But as for candy bars - KitKat. I love wafer + chocolate.

Favorite beverage - Zevia

Smooth or crunchy peanut butter - definitely smooth!

Copy the survey into your blog, answer, post, and leave me a comment to link back to and read your responses!! 

Question: If you could only choose ONE food to be your absolutely, all-time favorite...what would that food be?

 Me: king crab!

I HAD to come back and edit my post. Husband just walked in the door...he bought dinner. CRAB! Not king, but CRAB!!!!!! Oh the irony...oh the bliss! 
Now I really don't want to go to boot camp...jk :) 

He literally came in the door with grocery bags and whipped out crab legs! What a guy!

Mmmmmmm!

Tomorrow's Friday!!!!!!!!

Just another day in paradise...

I had an insanely productive morning this morning. In addition to the usual morning routine (dog duty, cappuccino-making, getting ready for work, and lunch-making), I also managed to unload the dishwasher, clean the kitchen, and get dinner in the crock pot. In the midst of my cleaning frenzy, I found husband's wedding band. He was already at work. Sans his wedding band, obviously. This happens ALL the time.

See photo below. THIS is what I put on a scrap piece of paper on my way out the door: directions for him to start the crock pot at noon...and to put on his #$*& wedding band. Mennnn....

...at least he was wearing it when I got home from work today? :-/

Last night we had a favorite "convenience" dinner. I'm not really into convenience foods, but I must say...Zatarains does Jambabaya right. The calories are low (130!)...but the sodium is a bit high (540 mg)...could be worse. There's only 1 gram of fat per serving, which is also great. I just wish it came in a whole grain, low-sodium version...then, it'd be perfect!

Anyways, I add to the mix a whole chopped onion, minced garlic, 1 can of low-sodium diced tomatoes, Tabasco sauce, and either shrimp, chicken, or turkey sausage. Last night, we opted for turkey sausage.

Boot camp tonight went...well. I will DEFINITELY be sore tomorrow.

Tonight we focused on triceps with lunges and squats thrown in there. Cardio, too...running, stairs, etc. I'm really enjoying it, though...and I love that the routine is different every night!

Yesterday, my teams won both our games (THAT'S rare - woot!)...AND I scored a goal! That's probably even MORE rare ; )

A HUGE THANKS to Kay's Naturals who sent me a wonderful array of products to sample and review today. Kay's Naturals carries gluten-free cereals, crackers, chips, and snack foods. Kay's products cater to the gluten-sensitive population, as well as diabetes and bariatric patients.

 

Today I tried the Lemon Herb Protein Chips and they were DELICIOUS! I ate them on my way home from work, before boot camp. There is an abundance of flavor and crunch, I highly recommend them, especially if you enjoy a lemony taste...mmmm!

Gluten allergies are becoming more and more common it seems. Similarly, the number of gluten-free products on the market is continually growing -- some being MUCH better than others. Most larger retailers offer gluten-free cereals, crackers, breakfast bars, pastas, and chips. Thank you, Kay's Naturals for supplying such wonderful tasting, gluten-free products! I look forward to sampling and reviewing more varieties!

Question 1: Do you know anyone personally with Celiac's disease or a gluten sensitivity?

Question 2: Going back to my husband-who-forgets-his-wedding-band-all-the-time rant...what does YOUR significant other do that drives you absolutely insane?

Question 3: I'm traveling next week and looking for book suggestions...have you read any page-turners lately? Do share!

my first papaya

I've had papaya before, but I've never purchased a papaya before. They were on sale for $0.94/lb and I just couldn't resist!

My 3.21-lb papaya 
(I couldn't get the picture to rotate for the life of me...sorry)

 

I peeled off the skin and cut it length-wise into 2. How pretty inside!

 

Scooped out the seeds and cut into slices. It was perfectly ripe! Almost looks like salmon here, doesn't it?

 

7 cups of fresh papaya for just over $3.00! Yumm!

Papaya Facts:

- 55 calories per CUP!

- naturally fat-free

- contains 3 grams of fiber per cup

- one cup contains 144% DV of Vitamin C

- named the "fruit of the angels" by Christopher Columbus

- contains papain -- an enzyme used in digesting proteins

Question: What's the last NEW fruit or vegetable you tried at home? 

Are there any you're interested in trying but hesitant to spend the money on without knowing when it's ripe, how it tastes, or how you can cook with it?

 I received several emails asking what my time was for the 4-mile Guinness Challenge. The results are up and my chip time was 45:53...just under 11:30 min/mi splits. Considering the Guinness-drinking and hills...I'm happy with that!

Off to play my 2 hockey games in a bit...hope you're all enjoying your weekend and having better weather than Tulsa!