EARLY RISER

After a LOOOONG day of work yesterday, I was determined to wake up early and get to the gym before work!  And wouldn’t you know…I actually did.  Today I rocked a bit of cardio…

I’ve decided to limit my cardio to 3 times a week at a maximum of 45 minutes.  I’ve read from multiple sources that 45 minutes is adequate for a good cardio sesh so that’s all that treadmill/elliptical machine is getting from me.  I HATE cardio.  I just get bored so easily.

I much rather prefer weight training.  It keeps my tush from being mush

For LUNCH, I used my last salmon burger to make a beast of a salad.  It fuels my body, and keeps me full.  The beets did NOT work in this salad combo.  I had to pick around them, and normally I LOVE beets.

SPINACH + TRADER JOE’S SALMON BURGER + TOMATOES + BEETS + ANNIE’S LITE HONEY MUSTARD VINAIGRETTE

DINNER tonight was a complete original.  I had some bok choy that was itching to be made into a big vat of Miso Soup A’la Beth.  This was entirely an original recipe and I just winged it.  Wouldn’t you know, it worked out PERFECTLY!!  Good thing too, because I have enough to feed an army.

MISO PASTE + 10 CUPS WATER + 2 BABY BOK CHOY + 1 BLOCK LITE FIRM TOFU + 1/4 CUP GREEN ONIONS + 1 CAN STRAW MUSHROOMS + 1 TBSP SESAME OIL + PEPPER

I paired my soup with a Henry’s spring roll.

SHRIMP SPRING ROLL

Have you seen this new gum?!?

I discovered it in Target and I’m completely in LOVE.  It tastes just like APPLE PIE without the calories.  My friend Mike even said that he could taste the whipped cream!

Boyfriend worked late tonight, so I am home all by my lonesome.  No matter.  I actually cherish my Beth time. 

I enjoyed this:

 

 

 

 

Bought this wine ONLY because it is called, “Gato Negro” (Spanish for “Black Cat)!!!

It’s in my favorite new glass.  I got it at a cooking class with Sam the Cooking Guy.  He has a cooking show that runs in San Diego and he is VERY entertaining.  He makes easy recipes that anyone could cook at home themselves.  His Grilled Mashed Potatoe & Bacon Pizza is to DIE for!!

Well, it’s bed time.  I think I’m going to try to get in a little Yoga before work.  I usually save my workouts for the end of the day, but getting my sweat on early in the morning helps me feel really accomplished.  Another bonus is that I don’t have to dread going to the gym the rest of the day.

XOXO

WHAT I’VE BEEN UP TO

I’ve been SOOO antsy lately!!!  Boyfriend and I are going to Mexico next month and I’m super excited.  I asked him the other day if it was too soon to start packing (we are leaving on August 10th), and he said “yes”!  (sad face)

I started a vegetable garden in my back yard.  I’m trying to overcome my ability to kill any and everything.  I planted some tomatoes, peppers, squash, and eggplant.  I only planted one of each so I’m under no illusion that I will be growing all my own produce, but I will be happy to make a little side veggie out of anything that might grow.

TOMATOES + PEPPERS + SQUASH + STRAWBERRIES

I made Boyfriend an AMAZING breakfast the other day.  I’m such a good Girlfriend!

SWEET POTATO HASH + SCRAMBLED EGGS WITH TOMATOES & GREEN CHILIES + BACON + BLUEBERRY PANCAKES

For BREAKFAST this morning I decided to do a little salt water flush to clean out the “pipes.”  Have you ever tried this before?  I’ve done it a few times with great results.  You basically dissolve 2TBSP of sea salt with 1 liter of water and gulp it down as fast a possible.  Anywhere from 15 min. to 2 hours later…WATCH OUT!!!  You’ll be experiencing the flow of water and “other stuff” come out of a hole you are not used to seeing water coming out of.  (Sorry for the graphic nature…this was the most delicate way I could describe this event).

It’s not that easy to drink a liter of salt water.  It definitely triggers my gag reflex and the first time I did the flush, I upchucked a few times.  But it’s very gratifying to see all the excess bile that I know has just been camping in my bowls for who knows how long.  When I get back from Mexico, I’m having a little colon hydrotherapy session for a deep cleanse.  I’m so excited about it…Boyfriend thinks I’m crazy.

After my flush I made a cup of GREEN SENCHA TEA to get the icky taste of salt water out of my mouth.  Not only is the Keurig good for brewing delicious coffee, but I also use to it brew instant hot water for tea.  All you do is run a cycle minus to coffee pod and VIOLA! 

I’ve been OBSESSED lately with at-home manicures.  Why pay $25 for a manicure when I can buy some high quality polish for $8?!?!  I even bought some cheap decals to dress up my digits.

I hit the gym today for some ab and leg work.  I definitely felt the burn!!!  Afterwards, I rewarded all my hard work with a little protein blast.  I’ve never met a protein shake I didn’t like!!

 

 

 

 

125 GRAMS FRESH BLUEBERRIES + 1 SCOOP PROTEIN POWDER + GUAR GUM + XANTHAM GUM + HANDFUL OF SPINACH + HANDFUL OF ICE

 

After a full day of “flushing” I finally ate some solid food for DINNER.  I’ve really been on a salmon kick lately.  When salmon is made right, I really like it!!!  But prepared wrong, it’s a fishy tasting and smelling disaster. 

I’ve been cheating lately and buying pre-made salmon burgers from Trader Joe’s so I can’t go wrong.  While their salmon patties are passable, Fresh & Easy has AMAZING salmon burgers which I LOVE, but last time I went their to stock up, they didn’t have any on the shelves.  I hope they aren’t discontinued or else I will be lost!

TRADER JOE’S SALMON PATTY + CAULIFLOWER

All and all, this was a successful first day back to being a “food Nazi”.  I MIGHT have cheated just a wee-bit by sneaking a glass of port and a cinnamon twist (or 2), but considering the fact that I didn’t really get a chance to eat that much today due to my “flush,” I’m calling today a SUCCESS!!

Until tomorrow…

XOXO

LONG LOST FRIEND

I need to get in tip-top condition for my up-and-coming HUGE birthday so I’m saying “hello” to my long lost friend…

Bringing the Bodybugg back!!  And to think, I almost sold this baby on Craigslist!  SO glad I didn’t.  I love that it tells me exactly how many calories I expend throughout the day so I know when I have to kick my butt a little more if I’m not burning enough calories.  This was probably the number one thing that helped me lose weight last year.

I just wanted to give a shout out to my Mom and Sis.  They sent me a “care package” the other day with a bunch of fun eats and items!!  I LOVE care packages!!!  My mom used to send them to me all the time when I was in school.  She loves me!  I actually asked her to send me the Pretzel bagels because they are only available on the East Coast.  Little did I know she would send me a whole box o’things!

FLIPPY FLOPS + NY YANKEES PEZ + THOMAS’ PRETZ-A-BAGELS + POPCORNERS CHEESY JALAPENO + FRIDGE NOTEPAD + 100 COCOA ROASTED ALMONDS + LINDOR TRUFFLES + TASTYCAKES

I’m trying to start off my day with all my carbs and a good dose of protein.  Today for BREAKFAST I made mini waffle “sandwiches” and they were yum! 

2 EGG WHITES + VAN’S MINI GLUTEN FREE WAFFLES + SUGAR FREE SYRUP

I also juiced up a bunch of juice to take to work with me today.  Love those layers!

APPLES + CARROTS + GINGER + BEETS + LEMON + SPINACH

I couldn’t wait to drink this!!!  It looked sooo good.  And then…I left it at home in my fridgeI had to wait until I got home to drink it, but it was still  fabulous.

I stopped by the grocery store on my way home to pick up something to munch on because I was starving and couldn’t wait until I got home!!!!!

I picked up two of these bars.  The other one was a Carrot Cake bar which I ate about 1/3 of and then wrapped up to be consumed at a later time when I was DESPERATE for food.  The bar was GROSS!!!!  It was dry and ick.  NOT A FAN!!

When I got home I whipped up the quickest meal possible because I was STARVED!!!!!!!  I enjoyed eating my veggies, however I was NOT enjoying the stomach pains afterwards.  NO MORE BRUSSEL SPROUTS FOR ME!!!  I LOVE them, but my tummy does not.

BRUSSEL SPROUTS + FF ITALIAN DRESSING + VEGAN BOCA BURGER + HORSERADISH SAUCE

Boca Burgers are MUCH better as a burger and don’t really hold on their own

I skipped the gym AGAIN today Someone needs to kick me in the butt!!!!!

XOXO

IT’S BEEN AWHILE

My baby sis made a surprise visit to see me last week and since eating well and working out is NOT conducive to good sisterly bonding, I took a mini blog break!!

After a week of alcohol and burgers galore, I will be paying for it dearly over the next couple of weeks.  However, I had a BLAST with my sis, so it was WELL worth it!

For BREAKFAST this morning, I made an Orange Julius inspired smoothie for a huge protein punch!

1/2 ORANGE + 2 CUPS SPINACH + 1 CUP ALMOND MILK + 1/2 BANANA + ICE CUBES + 1 SCOOP RAW PROTEIN POWDER

I ran to the grocery store today to restock on some necessities.  I discovered a new find at Trader Joe’s!!

I was so excited.  This is going to be a nice little topping for my coffee or on top of a frosted cupcake.  Can’t wait to try this!

I also SNACKED on some fruit.  Saturn Peaches are my favorite and they are only available for about a month or two every year.  I’m definitely going to make sure that I get my fill this year.

SATURN PEACH

And for DINNER tonight I pulled out the old Panini press and made a nice little “sandwich” to round out my 1st day of clean eats!

TRADER JOE’S BROWN RICE TORTILLA + LAUGHING COW LIGHT SWISS CHEESE + OSCAR MAYER HONEY SMOKED TURKEY BREASTS + 100 CALORIE POPCORN (unpictured)

I didn’t get a chance to go to the gym today because the day ran away from me so I will be sure to KICK MY BUTT tomorrow to compensate.

XOXO

HOME COOKING

I wasn’t tracking my food today so I hadn’t intended on posting today until the cooking bug bit me at dinner time and I created a few masterpieces!!!

I was at the grocery store and was inspired by some shrimp that was on sale!!

To celebrate my AMAZING dinner I did something that I NEVER do…spend more then $5 on a bottle of wine!!!  I bought Red Velvet Cupcake wine and it was DEVINE!!!  Of course, I pick wine based on the name and label! 

So I made my first attempt at SHRIMP ENCHILADAS…two ways!!!

(1) THE “BOYFRIEND” WAY

Full fat cheese!

(2) THE “GIRLFRIEND” WAY

In an effort to reduce my cheese intake, I made my enchiladas with Almond Jalapeno Jack Style Cheese and I LOVED it.  Melted, I couldn’t even tell it wasn’t real cheese.  For a bigger protein punch, I added some FF refried beans to the enchilada mix. 

And for DESSERT…

OATMEAL + STRAWBERRIES + BLUEBERRIES + BLACKBERRIES

 

For being the first time I tried making Shrimp Enchiladas, I think they turned out pretty well.  The only thing I’m going to do next time is maybe layer the tortillas like a lasagna instead of rolling them.  They kind of fell apart but they still tasted mighty fine!!

XOXO

WEEK IN REVIEW

I’ve been SUPER busy this week thus far so my posting time has been very limited.  So, to catch up, I’m going to do a post of some of my favs this week.

I’ve been meaning to pick up some seeds to grow my own sprouts at home.  I LOVE sprouts and the instructions look super easy…

Bought a new orchid for my bathroom.  I love keeping fresh flowers in the house, but Mini Cat will eat them if left down stairs.  For some reason she leaves the flowers in the bathroom alone.  LOVE orchids because they require minimal watering and last a heck of a long time!

AMAZING tuna salad stuffed red pepper.  My mother taught me this breadless trick and the red pepper’s sweetness PERFECTLY complements the tuna!

 

 

 

New Starbucks cup for ice teas on the run!!  I bought some instant coffee and throw a TSP in the mug with some hot water, a few splenda, coconut creamer and some ice!!

 

 

 

 

Tried to use my new protein powder for a protein muffin.  It tasted AWFUL!!!  It completely fell apart and was EXTREMELY dry.  Definitely going to have to tweak this recipe a bit.

LOVED this salad!  New obsession: BEETS!!!

I have Boyfriend to thank for this idea.  He made a hamburger the other day and discovered that he didn’t have any bread or rolls to put in on.  In a brillant move, he grabbed a bagel and made a bagel burger!!  I put together my own version with a bagel thin and a Boca Vegan patty. 

A-MAZ-ING!

 

 

 

Tera’s Whey Blueberry Protein Powder.  TRY IT!!!

Nuff said!

 

 

 

 

 

I’m REALLY going to try not to be such a slacker!  Part of the reason that I do this food blog is to hold myself accountable for the things that I’m doing to my bod (eating & exercising)!!  If I don’t consistently blog and really think about what I’m eating, it’s easier for me to make the wrong choices!!

XOXO

BLOW ON THOSE PIPES

Random Date Night!!!

I’ve lived in San Diego for a few years now, and I’ve definitely found my favorite eats around here!  I know where to get the best Mexican, Sushi, Fro-Yo, etc.  However, there are still TONS of restaurants I have yet to try.  Since Boyfriend and I don’t go out to eat much (I love to cook at home!), I have made a vow to ONLY to go NEW places.

First up, was Cucina Urbana.  This place has had such great buzz around San Diego, and is a constant darling to Yelpers!

It’s a trendy Italian place that has fancy pizzas and what-not.  We sat at the “pizza bar” because the place was booked solid for the night.  I expected to wait awhile for a table, but didn’t realize that no amount of waiting would get me one that night.  No matter, I actually liked sitting at the pizza bar because I got to sit right next to Boyfriend and give him sly kisses whenever I wanted to!

 

 

Boyfriend ordered a bottle of red.  I always let him pick the wine because he knows a lot about wine AND he knows what I like

LOVED the wine!!  I’m such a light weight!  After about 1/2 a glass I was definitely feeling a bit tipsy. 

We took home 1/2 the bottle to finish later on that night.

 

 

 

Boyfriend let me pick the appetizer.  Every time I go to a new restaurant I MUST get an appetizer.  It lets me taste more of the menu so I don’t get discouraged by a possible fluke bad entrée. 

I ordered the Sweet Breads, and they were divine!!  I’ve never had sweetbreads before, but chefs seem to universally rave about them so I had to give them a try. 

SEMOLINA CRUSTED SWEETBREADS: CAVOLO NERO + CAPER BERRY + HOUSE CURED BACON

I was going to order the veal, but Boyfriend jumped on that entrée so I ordered the chicken and I’m glad I did!!!  It was so good!!!!!!ROASTED “JIDORI” CHICKEN: FONTINA POLENTA + WHITE ASPARAGUS + SWISS CHARD + PISTACHIO PESTO + POACHED HEN EGG

Boyfriend wasn’t a big fan of the veal and neither was I.  It just wasn’t that tasty, and just turned out to be a big let down.

VEAL PICATTA: GRILLED SWEET CORN + OYSTER MUSHROOM CONSERVA + SPINACH + CAPER + SPECK

LOVE that they let us take home the leftover bottle of wine to be consumed at a later time…

 

 

I HAD to get a little something sweet to finish off my meal.  Boyfriend and I stopped at Starbucks and I FINALLY got the Birthday Cake pop that I have been DYING to try!

VERDICT:  It was AWESOME!!!  Such a nice little portion controlled treat!

 

 

 

 

After dinner, we walked over to BEAUTIFUL Balboa park in the heart of San Diego.

Every Monday night this summer, they have a free concert series at the Organ Pavilion.  Tonight they had an organist, bag pipers, and a church choir.  It was so much fun, and the beautiful San Diego weather allows for great nights outside.

 

 

 

 

 

 

After the concert, Boyfriend and I heated up some tasty sugary treats that were purchased in the frozen food section of the grocery store.

KEY LIME PIE + HOT APPLE CRISP

Perfect Date Night once again!

XOXO