The rain I could do without (yes, I know the grass needs it), but I am enjoying the cooler weather! We were able to run after work today and it was only 66 degrees!! A-mazing! :) Dinner was Pepper-themed tonight, with Quinoa Stuffed Peppers (Peas & Thank You) and Callaloo with Hot Pepper Vinegar (Vegetarian Times). I subbed Habanero Peppers (2) for the Scotch Bonnet Chile in the Callaloo recipe. First, a glass of Bell's Oktoberfest to enjoy while cooking. This was the perfect Fall beer to start the evening. Just a bit spiced, but still clean and refreshing. Not a full-bodied beer, but enjoyable! The Hot Pepper Vinegar sauce for the Callaloo was so easy and colorful. It was fiery hot on its own, but perfect on the Callaloo. Finally, the finished product - look how beautiful this ... View Post
From Couch to Ironman – Part 3
This is part of series I wrote in 2011, which describes my progression from non-runner to Ironman athlete -- a long journey that I am very proud of! I hope this story will inspire you and help prove that you can achieve the impossible, no matter where you start. Links to the rest of the story are at the bottom of this installment. ********************** My Story picks up in my second year of triathlons. I add olympic-distance triathlons to the mix, which is a big jump in swimming. I spent a lot of time trying to learn about the best ways to train and how to improve, but I hit a wall and was really struggling on the run. I met a lot of great people through our triathlon club and hired a friend and triathlon coach, Brett Daniels, to help me get better. I got a lot faster and stronger as a ... View Post
From Couch to Ironman – Part 2
This is part of series I wrote in 2011, which describes my progression from non-runner to Ironman athlete -- a long journey that I am very proud of! I hope this story will inspire you and help prove that you can achieve the impossible, no matter where you start. Links to the rest of the story are at the bottom of this installment. ********************** After the Chicago Marathon in 2002, I wasn’t feeling excited about running. That race had been mentally difficult for me and I wasn’t able to meet most of my goals for the race. I decided I needed a change to break out of my rut — enter: triathlons. I remember a friend of mine talking about doing triathlons after my first marathon, but it wasn’t something that interested me at the time. When you’re tired of running all the time, though, a ... View Post
From Couch to Ironman – Part 1
This is part of series I wrote in 2011, which describes my progression from non-runner to Ironman athlete -- a long journey that I am very proud of! I hope this story will inspire you and help prove that you can achieve the impossible, no matter where you start. Links to the rest of the story are at the bottom of this installment. ********************** I grew up as a dancer - from age 2 through college. That was my life, I spent countless hours in the studio & on stage and LOVED it! I never really thought about it as working out, it was fun. After graduating college, however, it was a lot harder to find an outlet for my dancing. The adult classes in my area weren't intended for those of us who had danced all our lives. I tried the gym thing - lifting weights & cardio thrown in, ... View Post
Cooking Spree
I know most people cook for the week on Sundays, but lately I've been cooking like crazy on Mondays. But, I'm getting a little ahead of myself. I started the day off with a green smoothie - my favorite blend recently: 2 cups almond milk 2 cups spinach 1 tablespoon ground flaxseeds 1 tablespoon peanut butter 1/2 tablespoon cocoa powder 1/2 tablespoon agave nectar 1/2 banana 6-8 ice cubes It always looks a little too healthy, but tastes wonderful! Lunch was leftovers from this weekend. Tater Tot Casserole (Peas & Thank You) made with Sweet Potato Waffle Fries instead of Tater Tots. We had this for dinner on Friday, lunch on Sunday, and lunch today - I am a big fan of leftovers. :) Let the Cooking Spree begin! Tonight after work was where ... View Post
Starting from Scratch
If you're reading this - I like you a lot! :) I know there are a million blogs out there (over 2.7 million based on my google search) and plenty of food & fitness blogs available, but you have found your way to mine today. My hope is that you'll find something interesting on my contribution to the blogosphere and you'll want to come back and read more tomorrow! Since this is the beginning, I think it makes sense to explain why I'm writing this blog. Over the past 6 months, I've made a lot of changes in my eating habits. I have had a fairly healthy diet since graduating college - not perfect, but basically good. I love to cook, so I've focused on cooking healthy meals for years. My biggest weakness - fruits and veggies. I ate a few, but whenever I tried to answer the question ... View Post