Tough Start
Last night I wasn't sure I was ever going to fall asleep. The last I looked at the clock it was 11:15. The next time it read 4:15 am. So I did at least get 5 straight hours. I had set my alarm for 5:15 to get in my workout so there I was tossing ideas around. Try to pretend to sleep for 1 more hour or reset alarm and forgo workout for possibly an hour and a half. It took about 40 mins before I gave up and got out of bed. I'm not really sure how I managed it, but I did Cathe's Cardio Fusion. That's a toughie, especially when low on sleep. It did energize me though by the end. I'll admit to a very rough start. In the end, I was glad to have gotten it done.
The weather has totally turned around from the rain and 40 degree temps on Sunday. It was sunny and low 70's. So nice. Really made me wish that I had been able to run at lunch and enjoy outdoor exercise. However, I knew I wouldn't be able to run with Jason at lunch. The workday was a short one for me, a special treat. My mom, sister, niece, and nephew came up around 12:30 to meet me for lunch. Then we took the kids to a playground right down the street from my house. So, no run, but at least I was able to spend time outside with the family.
Tropical Tofu Tuesday
Since the weather was so nice, it was hard to pass up a grill opportunity. Dinner was inspired by a recipe Heather @ With a Side of Sneakers posted yesterday for grilled pineapple and chicken. I substituted the chicken with tofu and rice with quinoa for a Tropical Grilled Tofu and Quinoa.
Tropical Grilled Tofu and Quinoa
Ingredients:
1 package extra firm tofu (frozen, thawed, squeezed)
Mango ginger habanero sauce*
1/2 red bell pepper, large dice
1/2 green bell pepper, large dice
1/2 red onion, large dice
pineapple, mine was cut into large strip (yields approximately 1 cup cubed)
1/2 cup dried quinoa
1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth or water
3 green onions, chopped
sea salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Cut tofu into 4 "steaks" and layer with sauce. Allow to marinate at least one hour.
Heat grill and grill onions and peppers together until just soft. Grill pineapple on grill just a minute or so on each side then cube. You could also use an indoor grill or roast the veggies.
Meanwhile, cook quinoa according to directions adding in the green onions and spices when done.
To serve, top quinoa with veggies and pineapple and tofu steaks. If you have extra sauce, you can stir some into the quinoa for additional flavor.
*Note on sauce: Jason and I are both suckers for buying sauces. With that being said, this sauce would be so easy to make. I'm thinking mango puree, agave nectar, possibly some OJ then minced ginger and habanero peppers. Note to self, stop wasting money and make my own sauces.
I love being inspired by my fellow bloggers. I enjoy both trying out their recipes and taking the ideas and turning them into my own. Do you ever actually make any of the recipes you find?
Last night I wasn't sure I was ever going to fall asleep. The last I looked at the clock it was 11:15. The next time it read 4:15 am. So I did at least get 5 straight hours. I had set my alarm for 5:15 to get in my workout so there I was tossing ideas around. Try to pretend to sleep for 1 more hour or reset alarm and forgo workout for possibly an hour and a half. It took about 40 mins before I gave up and got out of bed. I'm not really sure how I managed it, but I did Cathe's Cardio Fusion. That's a toughie, especially when low on sleep. It did energize me though by the end. I'll admit to a very rough start. In the end, I was glad to have gotten it done.
The weather has totally turned around from the rain and 40 degree temps on Sunday. It was sunny and low 70's. So nice. Really made me wish that I had been able to run at lunch and enjoy outdoor exercise. However, I knew I wouldn't be able to run with Jason at lunch. The workday was a short one for me, a special treat. My mom, sister, niece, and nephew came up around 12:30 to meet me for lunch. Then we took the kids to a playground right down the street from my house. So, no run, but at least I was able to spend time outside with the family.
Tropical Tofu Tuesday
Since the weather was so nice, it was hard to pass up a grill opportunity. Dinner was inspired by a recipe Heather @ With a Side of Sneakers posted yesterday for grilled pineapple and chicken. I substituted the chicken with tofu and rice with quinoa for a Tropical Grilled Tofu and Quinoa.
Tropical Grilled Tofu and Quinoa
Ingredients:
1 package extra firm tofu (frozen, thawed, squeezed)
Mango ginger habanero sauce*
1/2 red bell pepper, large dice
1/2 green bell pepper, large dice
1/2 red onion, large dice
pineapple, mine was cut into large strip (yields approximately 1 cup cubed)
1/2 cup dried quinoa
1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth or water
3 green onions, chopped
sea salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Cut tofu into 4 "steaks" and layer with sauce. Allow to marinate at least one hour.
Heat grill and grill onions and peppers together until just soft. Grill pineapple on grill just a minute or so on each side then cube. You could also use an indoor grill or roast the veggies.
Meanwhile, cook quinoa according to directions adding in the green onions and spices when done.
To serve, top quinoa with veggies and pineapple and tofu steaks. If you have extra sauce, you can stir some into the quinoa for additional flavor.
*Note on sauce: Jason and I are both suckers for buying sauces. With that being said, this sauce would be so easy to make. I'm thinking mango puree, agave nectar, possibly some OJ then minced ginger and habanero peppers. Note to self, stop wasting money and make my own sauces.
I love being inspired by my fellow bloggers. I enjoy both trying out their recipes and taking the ideas and turning them into my own. Do you ever actually make any of the recipes you find?
That looks so good! Can't wait to try it! I'm sorry you could sleep. Maybe tonight will be better.
ReplyDeleteNicole @ Geek Turned Athlete let me know how it turns out. I know not everyone will have this exact sauce, but I think you could make your own so easily. Hope you're over the jet lag!
ReplyDeleteAlright, it's official...I need to make something with pineapple!
ReplyDeleteAnna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg The pressure!!! LOL. Can't wait to see what you do. You always have awesome recipes!
ReplyDeletethe ideas you have re sauce w/ pureed mango, agave, etc...PERFECT.
ReplyDeletejarred sauces are so $$ and really most are tons of sodium, I make 90% of my own condiments, cheaper and better!
And the grilled tofu looks PERFECT!!!!!!
Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga I know making my own would be sooo much healthier too. We do a lot of jarring in the fall so it's not like I couldn't make larger batches and jar to preserve for quick use when I don't always have time to make on the spot. I could even grill the mango (or pineapple) to give the sauce a nice smoky flavor. Oh so many ideas! Thanks lady!
ReplyDeleteOoh, this looks amazing! Pretty pictures! I want to reach through the screen. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Jess @ The Domestic Vegan ! Hope you enjoy your day off by the way!
ReplyDeletehey pretty lady! awesome job for getting in a great workout..it sounds like it was HARD without good sleep! FAMILY time in the sun!!?! heck ya!! You always have delicious Tofu recipes! love it! hope you are having a great wednesday!
ReplyDeleteLOOKS SO GOOD! Yes...I love finding blogger recipes because I do actually make them. I have made the most from Julie @ Peanut Butter Fingers. Her recipes are always so easy and that is a huge plus in my book!
ReplyDeleteGreat job on your workout! LOVE IT!
Wow, you always put me to such shame with your interesting dinner recipes! I always end up reverting to the "usuals" for dinner during the week. You put so much more effort in! It's definitely worth it, huh?
ReplyDeleteLizzy thanks for the recipe compliment! As for the workout, sometimes you just gotta get it done right!
ReplyDeleteKelly @ Healthy Living With Kelly thanks for sharing Julie's link. Definitely going to check it out. Glad to know that you do try out recipes. Sometimes I wonder if anyone ever tries mine, ever... LOL
Jessica @ EatDrinkBreatheSweat there's a lot to be said for the tried and true too though! I love trying new things, and perhaps am even more compelled to do so since I post my dinners. I mean, no one wants to see the same thing every other day right? Isn't Friday Pizza bad enough LOL!!
Yummmmm!!! your dinners always look so "restaurant-ish" you are so wonderful!!
ReplyDeleteI must try this dinner as all of yours are so good, so I trust you ;)
XXOO
Your dinner sounds and looks great, as always.
ReplyDeleteYou know I cook things I see on blogs all the time, or at least my version of them. I love getting inspiration from blogs. It makes it much easier to plan something new for dinner.
Sorry you didn't sleep well. I hope tonight is better.
Alicia
Kris @ iheartwellness You're too sweet!!! Thank you so much for the incredible compliment!
ReplyDeleteAlicia @ Vegan Epicurean I totally knew you used posted recipes for inspiration! I love that too. Makes me feel better about "bothering" to post mine. You may, just may, use something from it! I'm always bowled over by your recipes.