Larabars and Scrambles and Work... OH MY!

Hello Everyone!
This morning I had cereal to switch it up with 1 cup Kashi Sunshine, 1 cup Heritage flakes, 1 shot almonds, 1 shot raisins, 1 shot Crasins, 1/2 banana and 1 cup skim milk. It was filling for the moment but I really find that oatmeal sticks with me MUCH longer! And the rest of the day I feel fuller.
So having said that I had Mrs. May's Cashew clusters and an apple 2 hours later:

I had some motivation to DO something before my shift at 1pm but I was not sure what! I wanted to run by the 24 Hour to get my pass but felt the need to do some cleaning around the house instead. That didn't last long so I went online to check Self's wed fitness tips. The routine:

-50 reps calf raises (releves)

-50 crunches on the balance ball

-50 crunches on the ball with leg lifts

-40 reps butt leg lifts each side

-40 laying down leg lifts each side

-40 reverse leg lifts

-2 sets 1 min plank

-35 reps seated attitude lift each side

-3 sets of 10 pelvic lifts each side

This type of strength training doesn't feel like much to me and didn't get me sweating or "feeling the burn" but it was something and I feel good about doing it.

Any tips on at home strength training with actual results????

Back to my "filling the time" activities- I then remembered how I have been wanting to make my own Larabars with the dates I bought at Costco- One huge tub!! I also keep raw nuts in the freezer so I pulled out the last of the Walnuts and grabbed the dated and started chopping!

Home Made Larabars:

• 1 cup raw walnuts or any nut of preference
• 1.5 cups dates

Chop dates and set aside, chop nuts and mix with dates on a flat surface. Kneed together until it forms a ball or chunk. Roll out with hands to a flat even square shape about 1 inch thick. Cut into desired shape and package separately in zip-lock bags or Saran wrap. Place bars in Tupperware and into the fridge to harden. Remove and enjoy your very own home made Larabar!!!

I made about 6 with this amount of ingredients! They are so easy and yummy! You could probably do this in a food processor but it might get all sticky so I say use your hands! This is a fresher, cheaper, and more fun way to enjoy this blogtastic treat!!! Here are the steps:

They are a tad smaller than your average pen!

Neat! I also tried a new gum, I don't know if ya'll know this about me yet but I am an avid gum chewer!!! Any one else crazy for gum?

My verdict; nice chew factor, good flavor! Very mangolicious! But the flavor faded way too fast:(

Lunch today was a bit of an experiment. I purchased QucikWhites in the carton from TJ's and have been a bit scared to try them. I am glad I did because they are perfect in every way! I made an egg white scramble pita pocket with

-3 tbsp egg whites

-6 cloves garlic sliced- I love garlic!

-1/4 chopped onion

-1 small green bell pepper chopped

-S&P

-sprinkle of Emeril seasoning

-dab of butter

Saute in pan until lightly brown and peppers are soft:

Pour in egg whites:

Scramble veggies and eggs until done:

I put mine in a WW pita topped with a tbsp of Fage 0% and a side of tomato and broccoli!!

This meal was super tasty and full of nutrients!!! I had a small glass of Peppermint Chocolate Soymilk! I love how thick and creamy it is! Next time I will try microwaving a cup for a hot chocolate!

I left for my shift after lunch and returned home 3.5 hours later for my snack! I live across the way from the Cafe I work at- convenient huh? I of course had to try my Larabars and they were much better than the store bought ones in my opinion! You gotta try this!

After work I came home to eat a few veggies to tied me over until Sean came home.

Sorry for the bad lighting! For dinner I had the leftover Kale and Tofu!!! With lots of microwaved brown rice:

Well I am off to snuggle on the couch with Ella and Sean and watch the new Top Chef! Man I gotta stop typing- my wrist is killing me! I hope it goes away so I can keep up with comments for ya'll!

Gnight!

C

Budokon Baby!

I was having a nice day of lounging and decided to do some yoga from a DVD I have had for years. It is Budokon yoga which is a mix of yoga, martial arts and meditation. Perfect for a Sunday afternoon :) I did the 20 min yoga part twice and skipped the martial arts bit. It contains kicking and punching and I was in a more peaceful state. Before my practice I had this little Gala, Ella kept trying to nibble it hehe.

After yoga I snacked on this 1/2 of a Cliff left over from yesterday. I've felt weird about eating day old/left out bars in the past and was surprised to find it was still fresh and delicious. I guess my glutinous side wanted to finish a whole bar. But this little bite was fine.

For dinner the menu changed last minute when I saw the directions for the Lime Chicken said to "marinate for 3-4 hours at least!" I was too hungry and could not wait the 4 hours so I popped this frozen lasagna in the oven, lucky me Sean picked this one up at the store.

It turned out lovely and only took 60 min! I had 1 serving which was about 265 calories, I wish it had more veggies in it, inspiration to make my own version. On the side I steamed some green beans sprinkled with garlic powder and S&P and the rest of lunches broccoli.

Tomorrow the agenda is to stop by my counselor at school and get all my stuff straight. I am a bit nervous just to step onto campus, it has been so long-eeeek! I am also applying for jobs tomorrow -another eeeek-I hope to get a part time job at a Health Food Restaurant. But we will see. I have been told from my Designer boss that there is talk of commercial and photo jobs coming up but nothing is booked so....I got to make ends meet some how especially if I will be shelling out monies for school.

Well I am off to watch the show on the Mayan prophecies about end of the world in 2012, how optimistic of me! Better to be prepared I always say-hehe.

Gnight everyone

C

Relaxin', Rechargin' and Readin'

Today is my day to recharge, relax and get caught up on my book. I have realized that reading is truly a luxury and I haven't had the time lately. I am also doing a much needed batch of laundry.

For bfast I had my staple of 1/2 cup Oatmeal, 1 cup water, 1/2 banana chopped and put in the pot while water was boiling, 1 shot frozen blueberries, 1/2 shot Bare Naked granola, a sprinkle of raisins, 1 shot Keifer on top ( a new variation) and coffee with skim.
I love blueberry oatmeal! The Keifer added right on top cooled down my super hot oatmeal and also gave it a tangy twist, very good.

After bfast I finally uploaded Spain pics on Facebook, I know I still owe you my second post of Spain- there are just sooooo many pics. I put a load in and bummed around a bit. Then I started on my lunch: 1 cup Steamed Broccoli with garlic powder, Texas Seasoning and pepper. 2 WW light Havarti cheese toasts. A bowl of cubed tofu with 1/2 cup diced tomatoes and Tapatio microwaved for about 1 min. The balance was perfect and it was almost too much food! I love broccoli and the cheese toast with tomato tofu was almost like a grilled cheese and tomato soup combo.

Back to my book! See ya'll for dinner. Tonight I am making Lime Chicken!

C