Hop, Skip, & Jump

It's been too long since I've posted a good workout. The summer heat makes working out hard for me, I get too hot. I am no treadmill runner, I do it when I have to but I prefer running outdoors. As a result of this, I hardly ever run in the summer months. I am sure this will change once I move to Orange County & out of this oven :)

To mix up my cardio, I have decided to start jumping rope! Often overlooked, jumping rope is a low impact (not so hard on the knees as say...running) but extremely effective form of cardio. Not to mention it's fabulously affordable & easy to transport (summer vacations etc.). How many calories does it burn? I found that (for example) if you weigh 110lbs you burn 130calories for every 15min you jump rope. [If you weigh more than 110 you are burning more, and if you weigh less you are burning less.] In Runners World, I read that a woman burns about 91 calories when she runs 1mile at 9:30pace. As you can see it's still effective but a great way to mix it up!

Some Benefits of Jumping Rope

-It does wonders for your agility, posture, balance, reflexes and coordination.
-Helps tone your calves, delts and arms, and (like all cardio) helps burn stomach fat

Now you can, of course, just jump at a consistent pace for your desired workout. (15-30min..whatever)...or you can really get your heart rate up by doing interval sets.

Example: 20 seconds as hard as you can...40 second break.. do that 10 times.

Choose your own work out & mix it up to continually challenge your body & mind.

happy & healthy

Mari

Ode to Lulu

Dear Lululemon,

I want to thank you ever so much for providing me with as much comfort, confidence, and drive as you have.

I love everything about you. I adore the way that your pants hug my bum, and make it look higher and tighter than it is. I love that your Groove pant can be worn inside out for versatility. I love that all your bottoms have extra crotchal cut out fabric so they don't go creeping in the most private of places. I love that when I wear your speed short for a race I never have to pick a wedgie. I am so grateful for your flat seams, because of them I never have chaffing issues. I love that you have a place built in to all of your clothes for my ipod, key, and chap stick. I love how sexy my husband looks when he wear you to bed or while doing house chores. His pants hug his bum, and his shirt his biceps just right. I don't know what I would do with out you. I love that your jackets keep me warm and cozy during the winter months, and yet they are light enough to wear on my spring runs. I am thrilled that you give me enough support up top that I don't have to wear a sports bra when I have you on. You also hide RT which is really nice. It's pretty cool that I still feel semi-cute when I have you on and am sweaty and gross at the gym. I also think it's fantastic that you don't shrink, bleed in the wash, or stretch out. You are pretty much perfect.

Thank you for making me want to push harder, run faster, and breathe deeper. When I want to reward myself you are the first thing I think of. I am truly addicted and can no longer wear anything other than you. I look forward to this love affair continuing throughout my life. When I wear you, I am making myself healthier and happier.

I love you,
Courtney

To fall in love too visit Lululemon to find a store near you or to shop online. I promise, you won't regret it.

Trying new things

Lemon Talapia served over Tomato Leek Quinoa photo via iPhone :)

Last night I took a small adventure. With Ella serenading me & apron on, I braved the waters of "let's see if Chris will like this" & began cooking a most fabulous dish. When cooking fish or chicken, my usual sides consist of rice & vegetables....Very normal, safe choices. Right? Right. Well for those of you who are like me, who like to mix it up but struggle with the energy to do so, this recipe will be great for just that. Do you like rice but want to make something else, something healthier & don't know what? Do you need a dish that is quick, easy, & healthy? [don't we all?] There are many other options as far as grains go, such as CousCous etc. My healthy gem? QUINOA. Quinoa, once called the "gold of the incas" is a south american miracle. Many confuse it for a grain, but this seed is actually more closely related to ...spinach! Although not a common item in most kitchens today, quinoa is an amino acid-rich (protein) seed that has a fluffy, creamy, slightly crunchy texture and a somewhat nutty flavor when cooked. In other words: you can eat this all by itself, no meat or fish & have all the protein you need (vegetarian & vegan friendly). A $5meal my friends!

Facts:

Not only is quinoa high in protein, but the protein it supplies is complete protein, meaning that it includes all nine essential amino acids. It is especially well-endowed with the amino acid lysine, which is essential for tissue growth and repair. Because quinoa is a very good source of manganese as well as a good source of magnesium, iron, copper and phosphorus, this "grain" may be especially valuable for persons with migraine headaches, diabetes and atherosclerosis.

Now that you've read all that, you are probably thinking there's a catch right? There is a reason I haven't seen this on every menu etc. If it's that healthy for you, why aren't more people eating it? No catch. It's quick & easy to make, affordable, & yummy. If you already make it, here's a fabulous recipe packed with vegetables for you to add to your collection. If you don't, I highly recommend you give it a shot. I mean, look how good for you it is! We only have one body, let's take care of it & feed it nourishing, healthy foods.

*note: this was my very first experience with Leeks & I was very hesitant, but for the sake of the adventure I did it & loved them!

Tomato Leek Quinoa

adapted from Bon Appétit

Serves 4

1 1/2 cups quinoa

2 cups water
1/2 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon butter
2 cups finely chopped leeks (white and pale green parts only), about 3 medium-sized leeks
1/4 cup chicken broth
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 medium-size tomatoes, seeded, chopped
3 tablespoons chopped scallions
3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Mix quinoa, 2 cups water, and salt in heavy medium saucepan. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until quinoa is just tender and water is absorbed, about 20 minutes. [or see package directions if provided] Set aside.

Melt butter in large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add leeks; sauté until beginning to soften, about 5 minutes. Add broth and cover. Simmer until leeks are tender, about 5 minutes. Add quinoa and oil, stirring until heated through, about 5 minutes. Add tomatoes, onions, basil, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper.

Healthy food makes me Happy

Mari