Moon Party Sunday

Exercise for the day: We took a nice short run mid-day to get our last run in for the week. We only really did a little over a mile and half, then walked about two miles home, to get quarters for MUCH needed laundry. It was short, but most importantly it was nice to be together outside.


I got some homework done early afternoon so that I could cook and get ready for the Moon Party at Sarah and Toby's new apartment. I made: spinach salad with half moon shaped carrots, sunflower seeds and avocado with my day to day salad dressing on top. I also made some 'moon' shaped peanut butter cookies- some with dark chocolate on top, others without.

Some of the "Moon Party" apps...grapes, cheese, salami, and crackers...


The beautiful 'table-scape'(note: the painted blue moons hiding underneath- Sarah's daughter and I made those :o).


My 'moon' salad...


Toby's unbelievable mussels- they were tender and sweet and the broth was out of this world...



"Moon Party Meal"

Appetizers:
Grape, cheese and crackers plate
Crudite with dips(dill spread and a lemon hummus)

Dinner:
Moon Salad
Mussels
Roasted garlic and rosemary potatoes
Moon burger(with curry)

Dessert:
Peanut Butter 'moon' cookies

It was wonderful to see Toby, and Sarah- their new place, and have a 'moon' party!!

Divine Cafe

After an amazing spinning class this morning filled with many many speed bursts, Dave and I headed to NH for lunch with his parents. We went to the Divine Cafe in Exeter.

Potato-leek soup(gluten free & vegan)...


I haven't had a burger in SOO long, and they had local angus beef AND gluten free rolls...this was suppose to be the kid's burger...it was HUGE...


Dave's mum had the Grilled Veggie Foccacia...it looked great...


Our meals at the Divine Cafe were excellent, and we will definitely be going back again :)

Divine Cafe & Grille
50 Lincoln Street
Exeter, NH 03833


We then headed to the Kittery Outlets in Maine to the Crate & Barrel Outlet for some more stemless wine glasses...somehow we only have one left...not anymore... :)

Trina's Starlite Lounge...another great meal...

After a busy day of training for the entire morning, errands, 30 minutes of cardio, a greek salad with chicken near Dave's office for lunch, visiting and shopping with two of my favorite ladies,and even a pedicure to finish it off with MB(nail polish: OPI, Lincoln Park After Dark), I got home just in time to change for dinner out :)

Dave, Marybeth, and I decided on Trina's Starlite Lounge for dinner :)

We started with a bowl of their onion strings-very thin strips of sweet onions- delicious and NOT gluten free...

***sorry for the dark pictures***

I had the sweet potato/bacon hash and a cup of chili...I brought about 3/4th of this hash home I was so full...My meal was delish!


Marybeth had the apple and cheese pressed sandwich...


Dave had the 'Hot dog of the Day" (two hot dogs covered in french fries, cheese and sauce)...


& a pepperoni roll...

Great meal, good service and amazing company! :)


Trina's Starlite Lounge
3 Beacon St
Somerville, MA 02143


On a random note: Tonight, while watching the Olympics, Dave randomly commented on the constant McDonald's commercials with parents bringing their kids to McD's. His voiceover of the kids to their parents: "Thanks for clogging my arteries MOM!" Priceless!!

Thursday Dinner

I came home to Dave starting dinner again- so nice!! He had started the bolognese like sauce by browning the turkey and adding in the milk and tomato sauce. Tonight's addition was over a bed of kamut spirals and peas/carrots.


The pasta staple in our house: Kamut



The ingredients for tonight's dinner( minus Plainville ground turkey, cinnamon, and nutmeg)




A Thursday night dinner delight...



Quick Bolognese Sauce

- 1 lbs. of lean ground turkey(94% of higher)
- 1 6oz. of tomato paste
- 1 cup of milk
- 1/2 jar of WF 356 Roasted Vegetable pasta sauce(I only had a half a jar)
- 3 tbsp. of grated romano cheese or parmesan cheese( more to taste on top)
- 2 quick shakes of cinnamon
- 1 quick shake of nutmeg
- 1 cup of skim or 1% milk


Brown turkey meat in nonstick pan until cooked through. Next add half the jar of pasta sauce and the cup of milk. Simmer for 8-10 minutes. Keeping the sauce on low, add the can of tomato paste, cinnamon, nutmeg and cheese. Stir and let cook for 3-5 minutes on low. Serve on top of pasta or vegetables.


****Quick Money Saving Tip****
In Boston,Whole Food's puts out their sale flyer on Wednesdays. I ALWAYS looks what's on sale: Weekly Buys. It takes about 2 minutes to check, and saves us money!

Equinox=Hardcore

So, last night I met my sister and we went to one of her gym's(yes she has two memberships), for the class called Evolution. Equinox is more like a spa than a gym. I added a link to the Back Bay's club tour at the bottom of this post. Take a look!

Sarah and I walked into the their 'Main Studio' about 10 minutes after 5 and 10 people were already set up for the 5:30 class. I was pleasantly surprised that people would get to a class so early, BUT about 5 minutes later I learned it's because SOO many people come. The class was packed with definitely over 45 people. The instructor George came in, and on first impression looked like an ex football player- he was huge(tall and thick). BUT he went right into it with jumping jacks, and medicine ball dynamic moves. The man could move and he got the whole room of men and women going! In the first 5 minutes I was huffing and puffing, and it didn't stop for the entire hour!! We did: blurpies, mountain climbers, football feet, maniac, punches, pushups, and more squats,lunges,and jumping jacks than I thought possible. I haven't sweat that much from a group exercise class, other than spinning, in a really long time! This was definitely hardest class I have ever been to in my life! Thanks Sarah for taking me!!

I got home and was STARVING. Dave had thankfully made the dough for the pizza and put the pizza stone in the oven! So by the time I got home, we only had to put on on the fixings. We had Olivia's greens on the side.

Finished product: turkey sausage, red onion and red pepper with part-skim mozz...





















Equinox
131 Dartmouth St
Boston, MA 02116

617.578.8918

Super Oatmeal

As many of you know, I am NOT a fan of oatmeal- but this morning I might have found a new and improved super oatmeal! My cousin Hilde told me she has read on the blog Oven Love about Egg Oatmeal. I tweaked mine a little bit, and really like it!!





My ingredients minus the raisins...



Ingredients:

1 cup of skim or 1% organic milk
1/2 cup of rolled oats
6 raisins( I know this is a crazy number but I only wanted a few)
1 tsp. of agave nectar
1 tsp. of cinnamon
1/2 apple diced

Methods

In a saucepan: add milk and the oats and cook on medium heat. Cook until the oat mixture begins to bubble. Add the agave nectar and cinnamon and stir. Then add the egg and whisk until the egg is incorporated into the oatmeal mixture. Already the mixture should look creamier than before. Add in the diced apple- and VOILA!

This kept me going for about four house. I had it right after teaching my spin class, which consisted of a TON of speed bursts and two killer hills! It was filling and delicious! Tonight, will be Equinox and the Evolution class. I'll report back later.

Tuesday's Food Reality

Today, I was in major school mode. I had two large assignments due, and between meeting with professors, sitting in class, and working in the library- the whole day was a blur. I noticed today, I still have this picture of Lola on my phone...we really miss her. We did hear from the adoption agency that she is doing ok, and will hopefully be up for adoption in the next month. We even got a picture of her passed out a big dog bed...she looks good and tuckered from playing with her doggie friends all day long- doesn't she?




Anyway, Tuesdays are hard food wise because I never know exactly how much to pack. Though, almost every Tuesday I come home hungry...I don't really know why... I must be burning SOO many calories thinking hard in class, I need more fuel for my day! :)

Food wise today:

Breakfast: two pieces of brown rice and millet bread with one egg and one egg white scrambled with 50% light Cabot cheese and parsley.
Morning Snack: gala apple
Lunch: turkey chili with sweet potatoes(1 1/2 cups) with 50% light Cabot on top.
Afternoon snack: a couple of Sour Patch jelly beans...
Dinner: small salad of chickpeas, feta, carrots, and peppers covered in vinegar and leftover Italian turkey meatball soup( 1 1/2 cups).
Snack: 1/2 cup of ricotta with frozen raspberries & 2 carrots(large) with sunflower butter:)
Water, etc: 1 liter of water, and 3x cups of green tea(2 cups of water in each mug)


Workouts today: NONE( please note: two workouts yesterday!)

Tomorrow, I'm teaching spinning in the early am, and then heading to my sister Sarah's new gym, Equinox, for a group exercise class called Evolution.

The class description:
EVOLUTION
Dedicated total body training that incorporates body weight training, resistance
training, core-work, balance and flexibility training in non-stop results-oriented
sequencing.



Finally, after consulting with my grandmother on Lent policies and procedures I have decided to change my goal for the next 8 weeks to doing atleast one 'random of act of kindness' daily. I like that I am going to take something up, rather than giving up a food object. It will mean more...

Italian Wedding Soup

Today, was a double workout day- Yes, that's right TWO workouts in ONE DAY!! I woke up this morning, and did 30 minutes on the bike and lifted upper body before training clients.

Upper Body Circuit:
robots(shoulder exercise)- 12x
pushups- 15x
reverse fly- 12x
biceps curls- 12x
dips- 12x
lat pulldown- 12x
stability ball crunches -20x
REPEAT!!!

I cooked and did homework for the rest of the day, until my friend Beccah emailed to ask if I would go for a run with her. So at 4- Beccah and I hoofed it around Cambridge for a nice 3-miler UNTIL we hit the HUGE hill she found for us... I definitely slowed down after that :)


My cooking adventure today: turkey chili(for tomorrow - I'm in class all day, and Dave needs dinner at home), Italian wedding soup(turkey meatballs), and lemon ricotta souffle.


The wedding soup turned out SO delicious, and I was shocked at how easy it was!!!

The soup simmering away...



Italian Wedding Soup:

- 1 lbs. of ground turkey(94%- 96% lean)
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 1 cup of fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup of oats(look for CLEAN oats for gluten free cooking)
- 2 tbsp. of Parmesan or Romano
- 1 medium or large egg
- 2 carrots
- 2 stalks of celery
- 1 bunch of fresh spinach(about 3 cups of fresh spinach- it did wilt in pot)
- 1 medium onion
- 8 cups of low sodium chicken stock
- 2 scallions
- t tbsp. of extra virgin olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
Optional:
- 1 1/2 cups of cooked whole wheat of gluten free small shaped pasta(I did not add)

Chop all the vegetables first including: carrots, celery, onion, spinach, and scallions. Then heat the soup pot on medium-high heat and add olive oil. Next add the carrots, onion, celery and scallions. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until onions are translucent. Next add, 8 cups of chicken stock, 1/2 cup of minced parsley, and one clove of garlic minced. Bring to boil, and turn down to medium heat. Next, place in a bowl: the ground turkey, oats(pulsed in food processor), minced or grated garlic, grated romano, one egg, and 1/2 cup of minced parsley. Mix together with well with hands. Next make 35-40 meatballs(about 1 inch in diameter) and plop slowly into the stock(they should not break apart). Cook for 5-6 minutes. Then add the chopped spinach, and cook for another 25 minutes on low heat. Serve immediately or cool to correct temperature and store.

Slow and Low Sweet Potatoes

I made Slow and Low sweet potatoes adapted from Cooks Illustrated and Kath Eats tonight for dinner with Bell and Evans and greens.


Slow and Low Sweet Potato Dinner


Close up of these amazing little delights...




Slow and Low Sweet Potatoes

- 1 to 3 sweet potatoes
- 1-2 tbsp. of extra virgin olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste

Prehat over to 350F. While the oven is preheating, cut the sweet potatoes into thick slices, keeping the skin on. Cover in olive oil, salt and pepper. Place on cookie sheet or baking dish. Cook for 30 minutes at 350F. Then, turn the oven up to 400F and cook for 20-25 minutes. Enjoy!

Note: These sweet potatoes are soft, sweet, and taste like pillows of heaven. :)

The Lion King

Dave took me to see The Lion King, the musical today. It is in Boston for almost a month.

We had wonderful brunch beforehand at Stephanie's on Newbury.






Our brunch appetizer: Oatmeal Brulee(oatmeal with apples and sugar put underneath the broiler)



My breakfast: Poached eggs on top of corned beef and sweet potato hash(gluten free)


We walked about a mile and a half from the garage to the restaurant and then from the restaurant to the Boston Opera House. It was good to walk around after having that huge brunch.

Surprisingly we were not the only couple there, though there were a large amount of children, all dressed up! So cute!

We had amazing seat, second row of the dress circle, so first balcony. :) Thanks D!!!

The stage before the show...I was in tears by the end of the "Circle of Life" it was breathtaking...


If you haven't seen this musical, it is a must see! :)

Post-Spin Meal

After spin, my friend Nyssa, came over breakfast after a quick stop to buy yogurt and frozen raspberries. My favorite yogurt is Butterworks. It's made in Vermont, is smooth and creamy, and has the lowest amount of sugar of any yougurt I've found. I love it!!


I made breakfast parfaits: raspberries(defrosted in the microwave for 45 seconds), fresh granola(oats, raisins, sunflower seeds, walnuts, and dried cranberries- sweetened with pineapple juice), and Butterworks vanilla yogurt.

Nyssa's parfait...


Meg's breakfast beauty...

Breakfast before Spin

Before spin this morning, I had a Sunshine Breakfast burger. I found these burgers at Whole Foods, and they were on sale- so I thought why not- they've got fiber, protein and are gluten free(check,check and CHECK)!!!


Nutrition Stats:





Breakfast "burger" frozen before toaster experience...



After the toaster, it crumbled which was sad. But the flavor and overall texture of the burger was great. Note to self: don't put in the toaster oven next time.

Great Workout Week

I am so proud of myself! I've gotten in four days so far,and I've got plans for Saturday and Sunday workouts. I've been averaging about three to five days a week,and this just isn't as good for my body. I work much better on five to six days a week.

So this week I've done:

Monday: 2 and half mile run
Tuesday- 1 hour Hour of Power yoga
Wednesday- 1 hour spin class
Thursday- OFF
Friday- 1 1/2 mile run and 3 mile walk
Saturday(tomorrow)- 1 hour spin
Sunday- atleast a 3 mile run

Now I just need to add a little more strength training and I'm all set. :)

In the Fridge...

A collection of what was in the fridge...


Dave came in the door from a run, I had sat in traffic for 35 minutes and we were both starving. Options: Thai takeout, Bell and Evans(gluten free) nuggets from the freezer or 'whatever is in the fridge.' We took the fridge route and it actually turned out pretty well.

What I found in the fridge:
1 cup of roasted chicken(from last night's roaster)
3/4 container of firm tofu
1 cup of snap peas
3 carrots
2 scallions
2 tbsp. gluten free teriyaki sauce
1 tbsp. sunflower butter
1 tbsp. rooster sauce

In the cabinet:
1 medium onion
1 1/2 cups of rice noodles
1/4 cup of roasted peanuts
1 tsp. of fresh grated ginger
1 tsp. of grated garlic
1 tsp. extra virgin olive oil

I sauteed the veggies and tofu in a fry pan with the olive oil for 3 minutes, while Dave cooked(rather soaked the rice noodles). I added the sauces(rooster and teriyaki), sunflower butter, peanuts, garlic and ginger and the rice noodles. Voila!

My plate...




On another note:

I've decided to give up chocolate for Lent, it's going to be a long eight weeks... I'll need some help along the way- any ideas for other gluten free treats? :)

Spinach/Basil/Parsley Pesto

I had some extra basil leaves left over from making fresh Thai rolls for dinner on Monday night, and didn't want them to go to waste! So - basil/spinach pesto came to mind!


Spinach/basil/Parsley in the food processor...



Spinach/Basil/Parsley Pesto

- 3 cups of baby spinach
- 1 cup of basil leaves
- 1/2 cup of parsley(Market Basket has fresh bunches)
- 2 minced cloves of garlic
- 1/2 cup of toasted walnuts(toasted in a pan for 3 minutes)
- 3 tbsp. of extra virgin olive oil
- salt and fresh ground pepper(to taste)

Place spinach, basil, and parsley into the food processor- pulse for 20 seconds. Add in the minced garlic, and walnuts- pulse for 15 seconds. Then add the olive oil and salt and pepper- pulse for 10-20 seconds. For freezing: place in a container and place plastic wrap on top of pesto, then put container top on.



Spinach/Basil Pesto off to the freezer without plastic wrap...

Yesterday

Yesterday was a blur- with Power Yoga at 6:30am, the snow, and my first Medical Nutrition exam. I had this power breakfast of two poached eggs on a bed of basil leaves on top of brown rice and millet bread to get my day started.

I was at school til 7:30(got out of class early:) and came home to make a spinning mix for this morning's class and watch the Olympics. I'm addicted to watching these amazing athletes! They are so amazing and strong. Overall it was a busy but great day.


This morning, Dave called me from work saying he thinks he has a head cold... so I made this soup for him from chicken stock I made last week(I knew it would come in handy)...



Head Cold Soup

- 4 cups of chicken stock(homemade preferable)
- 2 cloves of garlic(grated)
- 1/2 tsp. of fresh grated ginger
- 2 carrots peeled and diced
- 2 stalks of celery diced
- 3 scallions use whites and green tops(dice)
- 1/2 medium size white sweet potato
- 3/4 cup of cooked quinoa(follow box directions)
- 1/4 cup of diced parsley
- fresh pepper(to taste)

- Place all ingredients in a pot, and bring to a boil. Simmer for 20 minutes, and serve. (I might add some fresh roasted chicken for Dave for more protein)

Study Day

Evening all!

This is what my day has looked like...

... I have a huge test tomorrow in Medical Nutrition Therapy...

I took a study break to go for a run with Dave- 2.5 miles.
It was actually the best run I've had in awhile- perhaps it was the three hour digestion time I gave myself, and the two mugs full of green tea. :)
I ran a 8:45 & 9:00(mile pace) - not too bad for me!!


I need new sneakers, but I love these BROOKS shoes...



Our dinner tonight was tofu & ground turkey spring rolls(recipe coming after test)...


They were SOOO filling!!! Even the human vacuum(Dave) I live with was full after this meal...


Back to studying...

Saturday in the Berkshires

We just got back from a wonderful trip to the Berkshires. I took some great pictures and our adventures, including two great breakfast meals at The Southfield Store

My GLUTEN free breakfast- scrambled eggs with cheddar, tomato slices & Sami's Millet and Flax bread


Dave's fantastic looking breakfast sandwich...



We went to the Barrington Brewery for a late lunch to give us energy for night snow tubing! :)

Dave's Pale Ale & my gluten free Cider Jack


Our friends Ali and Jay hanging out at the bar...


I had a bowl of chili- that was was nice and warm. While, Dave got a burger that looked delicious. Dave was in heaven- o' how this guy loves his beer. I got him a Barrington Brewery sweatshirt and two pint glasses(we buy a glass at each brewery we go to).


We then did some early evening night tubing at Butternut tubing. It was awesome and only $18 for two hours. Yes, it was cold but we all had major layers on including me who wore my down jacket and then an outer wind layer. Note: the snow monster look in the pictures below ... :)

The tubing runs...


The hill that we walked up everytime(GREAT exercise)!!!


Right before Ali and I raced down...


Ali and I mid race...I lost... :(


Jay, Ali and Dave on the way up the hill...


Ali and I at the top of the hill(note: the matching gloves)...


Dave and I at the top...how cute are we :)