We're having a pot luck here at the box tonight, so I thought I'd share my recipe for those who might be interested. I made a very easy, low-key, delicious and Paleo treat, Chocolate Coconut Balls. They look very similar to truffles, but are obviously much healthier for you! Many of our athletes, including superstars Kelly (of "Kelly and Eman") and Erin are huge fans.
Chocolate Coconut Balls*
2 C nuts of your choice (I use almond flour, pecans and walnuts)
1 T cocoa
1 T raw or agave honey
1 T coconut oil
1/4 C unsweetened coconut flakes
Extra coconut flakes (about 1 C)
*Ingredients above make about 10 balls.
**You can also add protein powder to the mixture so that it's not just carbs and healthy fats, but I'm not 100% sure what the amount would be. Maybe cut back on the nut flour??
Put nuts into food processor or blender, process/blend until it's fine, like flour. Note that the mixture will be kind of sticky and moist, but you don't want any big chunks of nuts in there! Put nut "flour" into a bowl. Mix in cocoa, honey, coconut oil and 1/4 C coconut flakes. You'll probably have to mix with your hands, as the coconut oil and honey don't mix well with a spoon. I usually mix for a good minute or two til I don't have honey stuck on my fingers!
Once the mixture is well blended, roll into truffle-sized balls (mine fit perfectly in mini muffin tins). They don't exactly roll easily, so you'll have to put them in your fist and ball them up that way. Once they're nice and round, roll balls in excess coconut flakes to coat their surface. When done, put them in the fridge to set.
I always get lots of compliments on this recipe, but I am sure it could be tweaked to change the flavor a bit. Enjoy!
Friday, February 4, 2011
Monday, January 24, 2011
What New Year's Resolution?
It's almost February, and I haven't made any progress on my New Year's Resolutions, which are 1) eat less candy, 2) read more books and 3) be more positive. I really would like to accomplish at least two of these things, but like 99% of the world, I'm having a hard time keeping them top of mind.
According to surveys, only 8% of Americans successfully achieve their New Yearʼs resolutions. Why is it so hard to stick to our guns and actually follow through? Same reason that you canʼt get to an unknown destination without a map: you have to have a plan. This plan, along with willpower, is the only thing that insures success and a feeling of triumph by the time 2012 rolls around. Here are a few tips that will help with that plan and lead to resolution success.
1. Set realistic and appropriate resolutions. If youʼve never run a mile in your life, running your first marathon in 2011 will seem excruciatingly daunting. Instead, set a goal to run once a week, then three times, building up to a 5 or 10K. This will keep you from feeling like gigantic failure when you head out for your first long run on a Saturday morning and wonder how youʼre going to make it through the next 10 weeks of training (and if that $110 entry fee is
refundable).
2. Be accountable. Donʼt just think about your resolutions, write them down. Then theyʼre there, as a contract and agreement with yourself. Post them on the fridge, an even better idea if you have a weight-related resolution! Use friends and family for accountability as well. Come February or March, check in on each other to see how your resolutions are coming along.
3. Have a plan of attack. If youʼre resolving to quit smoking, youʼre going to run into severe temptation when youʼre out with friends who smoke. Choose to hang out with them at non-smoking establishments (aka - the entire city of Chicago), or have your response planned when they offer you a cigarette. And remember, your friends should want to support you.
4. Track your progress. Set certain benchmarks that will help you measure how far youʼve come since January 1st. Continual improvement is more probable when you can see the progress youʼve made and the difference between your old and new habits. Wanting to become less of a pack rat? Clean out your dresser first, then move on to the bathroom, then finally, the closet. Youʼll feel more and more organized and streamlined with each task you check off the
list.
5. Reward yourself. When your resolution becomes a reality, itʼs time to celebrate! Treat yourself at a restaurant youʼve been dying to visit with the money you saved by only going to Starbuckʼs 2 times a week instead of 5. After all, resolutions are never easy. And big accomplishments deserve a prize!
Donʼt be like many people and not set a resolution because youʼre afraid of failure. I think weʼve all learned that weʼre capable of doing things we thought were impossible for us. So decide on your resolution. Set a goal. Make a plan. And celebrate your accomplishments next December 31st. I will be celebrating by eating some candy as a reward. :)
According to surveys, only 8% of Americans successfully achieve their New Yearʼs resolutions. Why is it so hard to stick to our guns and actually follow through? Same reason that you canʼt get to an unknown destination without a map: you have to have a plan. This plan, along with willpower, is the only thing that insures success and a feeling of triumph by the time 2012 rolls around. Here are a few tips that will help with that plan and lead to resolution success.
1. Set realistic and appropriate resolutions. If youʼve never run a mile in your life, running your first marathon in 2011 will seem excruciatingly daunting. Instead, set a goal to run once a week, then three times, building up to a 5 or 10K. This will keep you from feeling like gigantic failure when you head out for your first long run on a Saturday morning and wonder how youʼre going to make it through the next 10 weeks of training (and if that $110 entry fee is
refundable).
2. Be accountable. Donʼt just think about your resolutions, write them down. Then theyʼre there, as a contract and agreement with yourself. Post them on the fridge, an even better idea if you have a weight-related resolution! Use friends and family for accountability as well. Come February or March, check in on each other to see how your resolutions are coming along.
3. Have a plan of attack. If youʼre resolving to quit smoking, youʼre going to run into severe temptation when youʼre out with friends who smoke. Choose to hang out with them at non-smoking establishments (aka - the entire city of Chicago), or have your response planned when they offer you a cigarette. And remember, your friends should want to support you.
4. Track your progress. Set certain benchmarks that will help you measure how far youʼve come since January 1st. Continual improvement is more probable when you can see the progress youʼve made and the difference between your old and new habits. Wanting to become less of a pack rat? Clean out your dresser first, then move on to the bathroom, then finally, the closet. Youʼll feel more and more organized and streamlined with each task you check off the
list.
5. Reward yourself. When your resolution becomes a reality, itʼs time to celebrate! Treat yourself at a restaurant youʼve been dying to visit with the money you saved by only going to Starbuckʼs 2 times a week instead of 5. After all, resolutions are never easy. And big accomplishments deserve a prize!
Donʼt be like many people and not set a resolution because youʼre afraid of failure. I think weʼve all learned that weʼre capable of doing things we thought were impossible for us. So decide on your resolution. Set a goal. Make a plan. And celebrate your accomplishments next December 31st. I will be celebrating by eating some candy as a reward. :)
Monday, January 17, 2011
We are the CHAMPIONS!
In case you haven't heard, Auburn won the BCS National Championship last week with a 22-19 victory over the Oregon Ducks! My family and I were lucky enough to be there, and we had an A-MAAAAA-ZING time! Here's a pic of me and two of my siblings, James and Allie, after the game. WAR DAMN EAGLE!
Saturday, December 4, 2010
13-0!
Cam and my Tigers beat South Carolina (56-17) tonight to secure a spot in the BCS National Championship game! I couldn't be more excited.WAR DAMN EAGLE!
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Things I Like Thursday
I have no choice but to order these. Want some? They also come in red, and there's so much more Yay Burpees apparel to chose from. I might have ordered a t-shirt too...Monday, November 8, 2010
What happens in Vegas makes me bloated.
I'm back from Vegas! I had an amazing weekend with seven girlfriends as we relaxed, ate fabulous food (maybe it was Zoleo; maybe it wasn't...), laughed a ton and even did a variation of Tabata Something Else in our hallway at Paris. It was such a blast and made me even more thankful for my friends. Special shout-out to my girl Nicole for hooking us up!
After a weekend away, it's sometimes tough to get back into the swing of things, specifically good eating habits. I absolutely love seeing and feeling the benefits of a good Paleo/Zone diet, but I'm also not one to deny myself the culinary treats of a weekend in Vegas. So, I indulged in margaritas from El Segundo Sol where I discovered my new favorite margarita of all time (mango), breakfast and dinner at Mon Ami Gabi and of course, a waffle cone from Ben & Jerry's (not gonna link that one; it will do more harm than good for your appetite!). Of course everything was delicious, but I'd be lying if I sad I was happy about the approx. 2 lbs. of extra weight I'm now carrying around in addition to an overall feeling of puffiness. Blehhh.
Do you ever feel that way after vacation? Do you feel like the indulgence is worth the feeling of "two steps back" you have when you return to your normal routine? I don't... So here are a few tips (to be used on or off vacation) for allowing yourself to indulge without feeling like a total failure.*
Be prepared. Plan the places you'll go and check out the menu in advance. Find items that are good choices so that you aren't forced to make a last-minute, un-researched decision when you place your order at the table.
Limit yourself. One margarita is okay. Five is not. Yes, food is good, but is it that good? We work hard, but hard work can be quickly erased by what we put in our body. Sorry, but I'd rather keep my external obliques and lower back dimples than have another margarita. It's hard to remember that when you have a menu full of mouth-watering food and drinks, but try to ask yourself: "is it worth it?" Usually, the answer is no.
Practice self-control. This one is extremely difficult for me. I can't just have a bite of a piece of cake because I'll want to eat the whole thing (then have a second piece, and a third...). If you know what your triggers are, don't indulge them. For me, it's my sweet tooth. Jen, you remember that time we went to Bull & Bear and I didn't take a bite of the skillet cookie?? This is why.
If you have to cheat, cheat "in the Zone." If you know you're going to want a cupcake from Sweet Mandy B's after having lunch while shopping in Lincoln Park, skip the carbs and fat during lunch and just have protein. I'm not about totally depriving myself of the things I love for the rest of my life, but again, I like my back dimples, so I'm going to be a smart cheater.
Be easy on yourself. So you might have eaten an entire plate of Nutella Crepes at Yolk, plus the blueberry waffles that were meant to be shared by the table. Don't beat yourself up over it and continue to eat poorly throughout the day because you've already screwed up. Get over it, and move on.
Hopefully those help those of you who struggle (like myself) with food temptations! Feel free to comment on other tips that you've found successful.
*Dear Readers: I'm talking to myself here too. By no means am I 100% Zone 100% of the time, but I do try my hardest to be good to my body and not totally wipe out all the work I do in the box by eating like a bottomless pit. I fail too, and I absolutely will tell you about it. I'm all about transparency.
After a weekend away, it's sometimes tough to get back into the swing of things, specifically good eating habits. I absolutely love seeing and feeling the benefits of a good Paleo/Zone diet, but I'm also not one to deny myself the culinary treats of a weekend in Vegas. So, I indulged in margaritas from El Segundo Sol where I discovered my new favorite margarita of all time (mango), breakfast and dinner at Mon Ami Gabi and of course, a waffle cone from Ben & Jerry's (not gonna link that one; it will do more harm than good for your appetite!). Of course everything was delicious, but I'd be lying if I sad I was happy about the approx. 2 lbs. of extra weight I'm now carrying around in addition to an overall feeling of puffiness. Blehhh.
Do you ever feel that way after vacation? Do you feel like the indulgence is worth the feeling of "two steps back" you have when you return to your normal routine? I don't... So here are a few tips (to be used on or off vacation) for allowing yourself to indulge without feeling like a total failure.*
Be prepared. Plan the places you'll go and check out the menu in advance. Find items that are good choices so that you aren't forced to make a last-minute, un-researched decision when you place your order at the table.
Limit yourself. One margarita is okay. Five is not. Yes, food is good, but is it that good? We work hard, but hard work can be quickly erased by what we put in our body. Sorry, but I'd rather keep my external obliques and lower back dimples than have another margarita. It's hard to remember that when you have a menu full of mouth-watering food and drinks, but try to ask yourself: "is it worth it?" Usually, the answer is no.
Practice self-control. This one is extremely difficult for me. I can't just have a bite of a piece of cake because I'll want to eat the whole thing (then have a second piece, and a third...). If you know what your triggers are, don't indulge them. For me, it's my sweet tooth. Jen, you remember that time we went to Bull & Bear and I didn't take a bite of the skillet cookie?? This is why.
If you have to cheat, cheat "in the Zone." If you know you're going to want a cupcake from Sweet Mandy B's after having lunch while shopping in Lincoln Park, skip the carbs and fat during lunch and just have protein. I'm not about totally depriving myself of the things I love for the rest of my life, but again, I like my back dimples, so I'm going to be a smart cheater.
Be easy on yourself. So you might have eaten an entire plate of Nutella Crepes at Yolk, plus the blueberry waffles that were meant to be shared by the table. Don't beat yourself up over it and continue to eat poorly throughout the day because you've already screwed up. Get over it, and move on.
Hopefully those help those of you who struggle (like myself) with food temptations! Feel free to comment on other tips that you've found successful.
*Dear Readers: I'm talking to myself here too. By no means am I 100% Zone 100% of the time, but I do try my hardest to be good to my body and not totally wipe out all the work I do in the box by eating like a bottomless pit. I fail too, and I absolutely will tell you about it. I'm all about transparency.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Encounters with the Rich(??) and Famous
Jeff Samardzija is my neighbor. I live in a three-unit walk-up condo building in the garden and first floors; he's up on the third with his girlfriend and horse-dog that gallops up and down the stairs very loudly. I have had one lovely and friendly encounter with him to date, until this morning...
I had worked out at 5:45am (sidenote: first time doing 75# push presses in a workout and I LIVED!), then gone back home to take a nap. After napping, I went to la-tan toburn bronze up for my upcoming Vegas weekend. When I got back home, I pulled into our parking area only to find J-Sam unloading groceries from his car. Awesome... I'm basically a hot mess. In sweats, a t-shirt and hoodie, no make-up, hair is a disaster, etc. I get out of the car, and J-Sam greets me with a supercool "howya doin?" I'm all, "good, thanks!" {I'm literally a few paces behind him now, as he's got his last batch of groceries and is heading into our communal side door} He then proceeds to enter our building via the side door, and slam and lock the door behind him. I literally stopped in my tracks, about 3 feet from the door to think about what just happened (and I think I might've actually said "really???" out loud). Jeff Samardzija knew I was coming in, and yet closed the door and locked it behind him. Nice one, homeboy.
Then I went inside and into the restroom and saw that I had my tanning goggles draped around my neck. Hotttt.
I had worked out at 5:45am (sidenote: first time doing 75# push presses in a workout and I LIVED!), then gone back home to take a nap. After napping, I went to la-tan to
Then I went inside and into the restroom and saw that I had my tanning goggles draped around my neck. Hotttt.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
This Week
I'm heading to Vegas on Friday morning, which means I'll be laid out on a lounger for three days straight. Not cool, considering I ate at a buffet last night, had tots today and couldn't keep my hands off chocolate tonight. It was one of those weekends where I had no control when it came to food. Fail.
So, I'm upping the ante as far as the workouts go and will be strict Zoleo until I leave Friday morning. Here's the exercise plan:
Monday: 7am L2 followed by 2 mile run
2-a-day Tuesday: 7am L2, evening L2 Oly class
Wednesday: 5:45 L3, evening jog (goal: 40 minutes)
Thursday: Afternoon workout on my own
Flight leaves early Friday morning, so I won't have a chance to get one final workout in. Dang it.
So, I'm upping the ante as far as the workouts go and will be strict Zoleo until I leave Friday morning. Here's the exercise plan:
Monday: 7am L2 followed by 2 mile run
2-a-day Tuesday: 7am L2, evening L2 Oly class
Wednesday: 5:45 L3, evening jog (goal: 40 minutes)
Thursday: Afternoon workout on my own
Flight leaves early Friday morning, so I won't have a chance to get one final workout in. Dang it.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Stumbled Upon
I was doing some digging for "Before" pictures of our latest Athlete of the Month and came across this lovely image of myself! It was taken in January, right after we had moved into our new space. This picture absolutely cracks me up... not only am I a total chunk-o, but I am so very clearly miserable! I'm probably in the middle of a set of man makers or dumbbell thrusters, wanting to be anywhere but in at Atlas. My shirt is all bunched up around my waist, my left arm just wants to drop the dumbbell, and I'm probably roasting in those pants! Sidenote: who in their right mind does a CrossFit workout in pants anyways??All that being said, I'm thankful for a few things:
1. That I'm way more buff and toned now than I was in that picture.
2. That I'm one of only two people that have access to our fabulous photo archives.
3. That I have better-fitting sports bras.
4. That my fellow morning crew never told me how grody I looked, because I probably wouldn't have kept coming back.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Things I Like Thursday
There are actually two today!
1. Being moved out of my old place and in to my new place. The new place is in total shambles, but I'm so happy to be there!
2. These. I just might get some this weekend to congratulate myself on moving. They're perfect wear-to-ACF-in-the-fall pants.
What are your fave kick-it pants for the fall season?
1. Being moved out of my old place and in to my new place. The new place is in total shambles, but I'm so happy to be there!
2. These. I just might get some this weekend to congratulate myself on moving. They're perfect wear-to-ACF-in-the-fall pants.
What are your fave kick-it pants for the fall season?
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
I have a problem.
I'm in mid-move, people. There are four deceptively strong men here taking everything away quicker than I could pack a single box. I'm certain they think I'm crazy because there are approximately 47 bags of clothing scattered throughout my apartment. And I don't blame them, because I, myself, am also confused as to how one person can own so many articles of clothing.
That's the living room. All those bags in the corner? They're two or three bags high and all filled with clothing. Take a stroll into my bedroom, and you'll find...
...even more bags of clothing. There's one bag that contains scarves alone. That? Is absurd. I should be on Hoarding.
Oh hey! That's my closet. With two suitcases, a duffel and four college-era plastic bins of more clothes. The laundry basket holds shoes, but not all of my shoes; I have a large, 4-foot tall box containing about 20 boxes of shoes. Some boxes hold one pair, some hold two... sick.
The move kind of snuck up on me. That being said, I didn't really have time to go through everything and sort things I was "keeping" vs. "donating" vs. "selling." I fully intend to sort as I unpack. In the meantime, I'll continue being guilt-ridden about all the STUFF I've managed to accumulate over the past five years.
That's the living room. All those bags in the corner? They're two or three bags high and all filled with clothing. Take a stroll into my bedroom, and you'll find...
...even more bags of clothing. There's one bag that contains scarves alone. That? Is absurd. I should be on Hoarding.
Oh hey! That's my closet. With two suitcases, a duffel and four college-era plastic bins of more clothes. The laundry basket holds shoes, but not all of my shoes; I have a large, 4-foot tall box containing about 20 boxes of shoes. Some boxes hold one pair, some hold two... sick.The move kind of snuck up on me. That being said, I didn't really have time to go through everything and sort things I was "keeping" vs. "donating" vs. "selling." I fully intend to sort as I unpack. In the meantime, I'll continue being guilt-ridden about all the STUFF I've managed to accumulate over the past five years.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Today...
...marks the day that the most amazing woman I know came into the world. My MAMA! I love my mom more than I can express, and I want nothing more than to be just like her someday. Happy Birthday to you, Mama! I love you TONS!
Here are my two sisters (at left) and me with our beautiful, thoughtful, funny and incredible Mama.
Here are my two sisters (at left) and me with our beautiful, thoughtful, funny and incredible Mama. Things I Like Thursday
If ya'll haven't noticed, I'm having a bit of a hard time being consistent with the blog. I'd like to post every other day, but at the very very least, when times are tough, just ONCE a week. So, in an attempt at consistency, today is the first of a new weekly installment titled "Things I Like Thursday." Yay! Could be something I like, love, am obsessed with, want, etc...
For the very first TILT, we have a plug for local restaurant and definite obsession of mine, Yolk. This is, hands-down, one of my favorite restaurants in the city. And I only order one item on the menu - the Iron Man omelet. YA'LL! It. Is. So. Good. I get mine cooked dry, with chicken added, and it comes with salsa for dousing or dipping. And I get fruit on the side (pineapple, strawberries and oranges). I've tried other things there - the amaaazing whole-wheat banana pancakes, eggs benedict, the Big Tex omelet* - but the Iron Man steals my heart and satisfies me every time. Yesterday. This morning. Last week. Basically every other week if not weekly. Haven't had it? Get it. Haven't been to Yolk? Go. Immediately. There's one right by Atlas on the corner of Wells and Chicago and a brand new one in Streeterville at Erie and McClurg.
Sidenote: I can't believe I've never taken a picture of my omelet! So sad I don't have a pic to post here. I will take one soon. And that could be tomorrow.
Another reason why I love Yolk so much is because of the people there. They know me and my obsession with their food. They greet me (and Jen and Terry) when we walk in the door, and they don't care that we're sweaty and in gym clothes. One of the managers, Pete, is even going to start up at ACF on Monday! I walked in there today (in the middle of our box-painting session at Atlas) in a gross t-shirt, shorts and flip flops, with paint dabbled all over my body. I looked sick. Pete told me I looked beautiful. That secured Yolk's spot on the inaugural TILT. Congrats, Yolk! I LIKE YOU/LOVE YOU!
*Note that Yolk doesn't JUST serve breakfast... they have all kinds of stuff! I just happen to go there between 10 and noon to eat, for a "working brunch" or just brunch.
For the very first TILT, we have a plug for local restaurant and definite obsession of mine, Yolk. This is, hands-down, one of my favorite restaurants in the city. And I only order one item on the menu - the Iron Man omelet. YA'LL! It. Is. So. Good. I get mine cooked dry, with chicken added, and it comes with salsa for dousing or dipping. And I get fruit on the side (pineapple, strawberries and oranges). I've tried other things there - the amaaazing whole-wheat banana pancakes, eggs benedict, the Big Tex omelet* - but the Iron Man steals my heart and satisfies me every time. Yesterday. This morning. Last week. Basically every other week if not weekly. Haven't had it? Get it. Haven't been to Yolk? Go. Immediately. There's one right by Atlas on the corner of Wells and Chicago and a brand new one in Streeterville at Erie and McClurg.
Sidenote: I can't believe I've never taken a picture of my omelet! So sad I don't have a pic to post here. I will take one soon. And that could be tomorrow.
Another reason why I love Yolk so much is because of the people there. They know me and my obsession with their food. They greet me (and Jen and Terry) when we walk in the door, and they don't care that we're sweaty and in gym clothes. One of the managers, Pete, is even going to start up at ACF on Monday! I walked in there today (in the middle of our box-painting session at Atlas) in a gross t-shirt, shorts and flip flops, with paint dabbled all over my body. I looked sick. Pete told me I looked beautiful. That secured Yolk's spot on the inaugural TILT. Congrats, Yolk! I LIKE YOU/LOVE YOU!
*Note that Yolk doesn't JUST serve breakfast... they have all kinds of stuff! I just happen to go there between 10 and noon to eat, for a "working brunch" or just brunch.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Pause
I had to be at work early this morning for Basic Training and decided that I would ride my bike in. I left home early - about 6:15 - to get there with time to make coffee and get settled in before the class started. When I got out to the lake path, the sun was still below the horizon, but I could tell it was going to rise any minute. I didn't want to miss it. So I kept looking over, probably every 15 seconds or so, to make sure I didn't miss the sunrise.
I had just passed North Avenue when I peeked over and saw the smaaaallest little sliver of the sun poking out above the horizon. I screeched my bike to a halt and sat down to watch this 60-second phenomenon of the sunrise. And yes, I took out my phone to take a picture. Because I wanted to remember how I felt in that moment. Hopeful. Blessed. Small. Thankful. Curious as to why I didn't watch the sunrise more often...
Life is fast. I spend so much time just going and going and going. Working. Meeting friends. Catching up on Top Chef. Speeding around the corner to be the first one to see a parking spot. Worrying. Wishing. Contemplating. I kill so much time doing these things, using up my energy, spending my thoughts... instead of just. being. still.
I was so excited about seeing the sun rise this morning. But the feeling I had while actually watching it come up was one I wasn't anticipating. I felt like the world just stopped for a few seconds, like I wasn't worrying about anything or rushing to do anything. Like I could just sit there in awe of what was happening, in awe of my Creator, rejoicing in the knowledge that He wanted to meet me there this morning. And thankful that He still pursues me through small moments like that in the midst of my busyness and rushing around.
I realize this post is a little heavier than usual, but it was on my heart, so I wanted to share it. And I encourage you to pause and just listen. God broke through to me this morning and reminded me who He is, and tonight I'm feeling calmer and more at peace than I have in a long time.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
2 Breaths & 30 Compressions
I'm CPR/AED Certified now! We held a certification course today at the box, it was quite fun, and we got to practice on dummies just like The Office crew did in that amaaazing episode. Haven't seen it? View a clip. Or two. Hands-down one of my favorite episodes ever. And the intro is the one where Dwight makes the little trash-can fire and traps everyone in the office. People are throwing chairs and miscellaneous office machines through the window to escape, Angela is pulling her cats out of drawers to save them... SO FUNNY. But I digress... thanks to our fabulous course and great instructor, ACF athletes can now rest assured that if they go into cardiac arrest, choke on beef jerkey, or have a stroke, a CPR-certified coach will come to their rescue!
Monday, August 16, 2010
MEOW
Poor lil kitty!
"Wee-wee pads"?!?! Hilarious. She's a good kitty though, and she's got skillz - she even caught a cat one time.
What is it with Mobile, Alabama, and its crazy news stories?! Obv I'm referring to the leprechaun, one of my all-time fave youtube vids...
"Wee-wee pads"?!?! Hilarious. She's a good kitty though, and she's got skillz - she even caught a cat one time.
What is it with Mobile, Alabama, and its crazy news stories?! Obv I'm referring to the leprechaun, one of my all-time fave youtube vids...
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Cheating
We're in Week 2 of the "I Am CrossFit" Challenge, and for the most part, I'm doing quite well. I've lost a pound, am feeling a little tighter and even got a couple comments on my "toned" arms yesterday! YES!!!
Food wise, I haven't really cheated... unless you count the mac and cheese from Smoque I might have nibbled on at my church picnic on Sunday afternoon... But honestly? In 9 days? When you're used to eating however you want, whenever you want?? I'd say that one little mac and cheese incident isn't worth fretting about. I could have done much more damage in 9 days time.
Now, tonight I got to thinking. If I could cheat right now, if I really wanted to cheat right now, what would I cheat with? There was what seemed like a banquet table-full of food choices that came to mind, but a few things rose to the top for sure...
First up, the Quattro Staggioni pizza from Quartino. Artichokes! Roasted red pepper! Mushrooms! Zucchini! All on top of a thin, delicious crust!!!! Oh my goodness, it is so good yall. If you've had it, you know. If you haven't, go. Now. (PS, Quartino also has half-priced wine bottles when you get them to go!)
Second, strawberry cheesecake ice cream from Windy City Sweets. Now, if you recall, this was my indulgence of choice after "the incident" so apparently it's my go-to for self-pity. It has real strawberry tracks. And chunks of graham cracker crust. I think my mouth... yeah... my mouth just started watering.
Third, peanut and peanut butter M&Ms. Alternating, of course. And they count as one food since they're basically the same thing. No picture or description needed - obviously - because they're amazing.
Fourth choice, stromboli. This is a family recipe that my mom taught me to make years ago. It's pepperoni and ham rolled up in cheesy, bready goodness. It's a boyfriend-pleaser too, which is always nice. Here's a pic... not the best one, but you get the idea, and I bet you want me to make it for you.
Last, but most certainly not least, I would want a huge brownie. Nothing special, just the kind that you make from a Betty Crocker mix. It would still be a little bit gooey, and I would want ice cream piled up on top of it (specifically Edy's Slow-Churned French Silk). YUMMMM! Either that or about 3 Skillet Cookies from Gaslight.
Now if only all my favorite "Cheats" existed in some form of Paleo form, that would be awesome. If anyone has ideas on that, let me know. And feel free to share what YOU'D eat to cheat.
Food wise, I haven't really cheated... unless you count the mac and cheese from Smoque I might have nibbled on at my church picnic on Sunday afternoon... But honestly? In 9 days? When you're used to eating however you want, whenever you want?? I'd say that one little mac and cheese incident isn't worth fretting about. I could have done much more damage in 9 days time.
Now, tonight I got to thinking. If I could cheat right now, if I really wanted to cheat right now, what would I cheat with? There was what seemed like a banquet table-full of food choices that came to mind, but a few things rose to the top for sure...
First up, the Quattro Staggioni pizza from Quartino. Artichokes! Roasted red pepper! Mushrooms! Zucchini! All on top of a thin, delicious crust!!!! Oh my goodness, it is so good yall. If you've had it, you know. If you haven't, go. Now. (PS, Quartino also has half-priced wine bottles when you get them to go!)
Second, strawberry cheesecake ice cream from Windy City Sweets. Now, if you recall, this was my indulgence of choice after "the incident" so apparently it's my go-to for self-pity. It has real strawberry tracks. And chunks of graham cracker crust. I think my mouth... yeah... my mouth just started watering.
Third, peanut and peanut butter M&Ms. Alternating, of course. And they count as one food since they're basically the same thing. No picture or description needed - obviously - because they're amazing.
Fourth choice, stromboli. This is a family recipe that my mom taught me to make years ago. It's pepperoni and ham rolled up in cheesy, bready goodness. It's a boyfriend-pleaser too, which is always nice. Here's a pic... not the best one, but you get the idea, and I bet you want me to make it for you.
Last, but most certainly not least, I would want a huge brownie. Nothing special, just the kind that you make from a Betty Crocker mix. It would still be a little bit gooey, and I would want ice cream piled up on top of it (specifically Edy's Slow-Churned French Silk). YUMMMM! Either that or about 3 Skillet Cookies from Gaslight.
Now if only all my favorite "Cheats" existed in some form of Paleo form, that would be awesome. If anyone has ideas on that, let me know. And feel free to share what YOU'D eat to cheat.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
All the single... ladies?
Someone at my old gym (Fitness Formula on Halsted St.) took this video of a dude - gay fo' sho - doing the "Single Ladies" dance mid treadmill workout. Man am I sorry I missed it.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)