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Well, It Was a Monday

The Monday Blues
I'm having some serious Monday Blues today. I think part of it is the lack of sleep from last weekend and then the lack of sunshine. I keep beating myself up for not being as productive as I envision myself to be. However, I still managed to get a lot of pre-made dinners completed. I guess it's just a matter of defining productive. Productive as in chores (dusting, mopping, laundry), productive as in completing kick-butt workouts, or productive as in getting 2 types of veggie burgers made, ciabatta bread, and then dinner.

How do you define being productive?

Making (HI)it Happen
While I was awake this morning in plenty of time to get my workout done, I didn't. I had everything set up, but it just wasn't going to happen. I slept fitfully in the early morning hours. Just not able to get comfortable. I think I need to go pillow shopping. Also, I was dreading the weights today to be honest. You'll see why when you read the sets/reps pattern. I was feeling so drained and thought that doing the workout at lunch might give me a much-needed boost. It really did help my mood I must admit. I did the warm up from Shock Cardio HIIT Pyramid, then weights, then finished HIIT Pyramid totally frying my legs! Weights were supersets of 3 sets of 18 (holy cow) reps with the goal of increasing the weights 1.25-2% from last week:

SS#1
Chest - Dumbbell bench press
Back - Double arm rows

SS#2
Quads - Squats
Shoulders - Lateral raises

SS#3
Biceps - Dumbbell curls
Triceps - Double arm kickbacks

This workout made me realize that I need to focus on some muscle endurance. OUCH.

Monday Meal - Follow-Up on Recipe
Dinner tonight ended up being the Black Bean Beet Burgers that I made yesterday with baked sweet potato "fries." I topped the burgers with spinach, roasted red bell peppers, and vegan mozzarella.
These were very interesting. I liked the texture of these as opposed to some of the pureed veggie patties. The earthiness of the beats goes well with the black beans. The next time I make these, I will use less brown rice, more black beans, and mash the beans a little more so that they will hold on or bind the beets better. They did seem to want to crumble, but that could have also been from baking rather than pan frying perhaps.

Comments

  1. So sorry you have a case of the Monday blues...just think though-- Monday's practically over :-)

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  2. Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg it did get better after I worked out. That really helped my mood. It was also nice to come home and have dinner basically ready to go! Oh, and it was good too LOL!

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  3. Oh how I know exactly how you felt today! I still can't seem to shake it off, it's killing me!! But your post at least made me feel better, I'm not alone in feeling this way today. Here's to a better outlook tomorrow :-)

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  4. Hey Jessica @ eatdrinkbreathesweat You were definitely not alone today. Just gotta remember that tomorrow is a new day!!

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  5. It was gray and rainy here today so I was in the same blue Monday mood. Sounds like it is contagious.

    Thanks for the update on the burgers. Beets are great in veg burger. I have made a beet and millet burger before that was good. I should look for that recipe so I can make it again and post it.

    How do I define productive? Interesting question. For me it has to do with crossing things off my "to do" list. Whatever they happen to be. At least now I know my lists are always longer than anyone could get through, so I have lowered my expectations. ;) As long as I cross off some items I am happy.

    talk to you later,
    Alicia

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  6. I keep telling myself to make some bean burgers, but I always forget! You have reminded me again! Yours look really good...I've once tried black beans and kabocha together, and they turned out really nice, too.

    Ah, Monday blues...I have that too today. I slept 10 hours, missed my art class, and was feeling crabby for awhile, until I had my nice meal. :-)

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  7. Alicia @ Vegan Epicurean thanks for you def of productive. You're really right too. Those items were on my to-do list so I did in fact get things done. I have to be realistic about that ever-growing list. It'll not ever get complete done! I'd love to see your beet and millet recipe!

    Sophia I love the combo of black beans and kabocha (or butternut or even sweet potato). That'd make a great veggie burger. Nice meals do tend to help combat the blues sometimes!!

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  8. I usually have a to do list for everyday and I consider it a productive day if I complete my list!

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  9. Kelly that's probably what I should do. Break the list down into more manageable pieces!!

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