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Two on Tuesday Cardio and More Grilling

Dressing Up and Dressing Down
I really must comment as a whole on your comments from yesterday's post about going without makeup for a day or weekend. It's interesting that some find it a luxury to get to go without because it's so rare, and then others look forward to getting dolled up for the same rarity factor. It does sound like the consensus is that it's always fun to get dolled up and be a little bit girly, but it's also nice to occasionally not care. I guess it's all about perspective isn't it?!

Two on Tuesday
Speaking of perspectives...my personal perspective on morning workouts is that they're still no fun. Jason and I decided to run this morning as he was going to do weights at lunch. Also, it's starting to warm up quite a bit by lunch these days. It was still completely dark and about 55 degrees when we stepped out at 5:45 this morning. I felt rather disoriented for the first mile or so to be completely honest. We live in a historical district with sidewalks that leave a lot to be desired. It's one thing to run on the uneven surface during the day when you can see the sidewalk jumping out at you, it's another thing entirely when it's dark.

So, we opted to run in the street. It took me longer to hit my stride this morning. In fact, the first lap (1.5 miles) was just downright slow! It wasn't that it was a sucky run, I just wasn't functioning just yet. My legs were confused. I should have still been in bed! We did pick up the pace for the 2nd lap though. Jason had to drop off as we passed the house so I kept on for a mini-lap. I probably did about 3.5 miles this morning then abs and a stretch.

On cardio days, I typically aim for 50 - 60 minutes of cardio. I have gotten to where I really don't want to do one activity for more than 30 minutes though. So, today I decided to do the run in the morning then do a less intense 30 minutes of kickboxing at lunch. I chose kickboxing (Cathe's Kick Punch and Crunch and just did certain combos and drills rather than a premix) because it is so great for the core as well. It was really nice getting in 60 minutes of cardio, but in different forms and at different times. For me it seems so much less daunting and I can do multiple things I enjoy without burning myself out.

How do you feel about splitting up the cardio (or workouts in general)? 

More Grilling
Today was another gorgeous day, perfect for more grilling. After being inside all day, it's really hard to pass up the opportunity to make dinner outside. Tonight's dinner is inspired by a recent post by Alicia. The squash in the post is very similar to a pasta dish I make. Tonight, however, I thought I'd change things up and grill the veggies and use up some of the extra barley I made for last night's dish. I decided to use a foil packet grilling method for a Foil Wrapped Grilled Squash with Barley.

Foil Wrapped Grilled Squash
Ingredients:
1 zucchini, large dice
1 yellow squash, large dice
1/2 white onion, medium slice
1/2 red bell pepper, medium slice
1/2 green bell pepper, medium slice
1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1/2 can artichokes (in water), drained and patted dry
Capers (to your liking)
Splash white wine
Aluminum foil
To taste: salt, pepper, parsley, thyme, rosemary, minced garlic
Cooked barley

Directions:
Combine all ingredients minus the wine then divide out into half or thirds depending on the size of the foil packets you wish to cook or the number of servings you wish to make.

Pull out a square of foil (grilling foil works best) and spray one side with non-stick spray. Pile veggies in center and add splash of white wine (olive oil is optional). Fold in the sides to create a sealed packet.
Place packets on the grill and cook until veggies are tender. Serve as a side or over barley, pasta, or rice to create a meal.
This dish turned out very well. It was still a light feeling meal for a warm evening. Jason did ask if I had added in sweet potatoes because he thought it was reminiscent of a Moroccan stew that I've made. So, that could be another option and it would take the flavors in a whole other direction. I did spice up the barley by adding just a splash of white wine, champagne vinegar, parsley, thyme, and rosemary.

Comments

  1. I love grilling in packets-- so easy, and so little clean-up!

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  2. Making veggie foil filled pouches has always been a favorite of mine. Yours look terrific. ;-)

    I feel your pain for running in the dark. We live in a historic area as well and the sidewalks bulge from the 100+ year old oak trees creating tripping hazards. I have tripped enough times that I only go out in the daylight now. Being a clutz has its disadvantages. LOL!

    I love to break up work outs too. It does make them a little less boring and it spreads out the immune boosting impact since that only lasts for a couple of hours after working out.

    Alicia

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  3. Hey Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg totally with you on the easy clean up! It was even easier as I had the barley made from yesterday.

    Alicia @ Vegan Epicurean Jason loves doing the potatoes in the foil too. Glad to hear someone else prefers to split up workouts. Sometimes I think it sounds like I do more just b/c it's 2 workouts separate.

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  4. Saw your comments on a few blogs today so I had to check things out, happy I did I like what you've got going! Cathe kicks my bum, I use her ab workouts at least once a week

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  5. We just got our first grill this weekend, gotta try the veggie packet!

    I'm a big fan of splitting up my cardio, I hate doing the same thing for long time, it's mind numbing... on lifting days I do half my run before and half after.

    On cardio only days, I found HIIT helps a lot - I'll do 20-30 minutes of intervals and then hang in there for another 10-30 minutes of straight running. Somehow it's more bearable that way.

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  6. sorry that i missed the makeup question yesterday...and today i just posted that i dont get blowouts in the salon and i never wear makeup.

    i spent my 20s being the poster girl for high maintenance. a kid and an epiphany later, and i realize i dont need it. or have time!

    totally split my workouts. 20 min of cardio, 20 min of yoga, lifting, then 45 min walk with hub. this is spread over 24 hr period, none of it strung together. ever. not by choice, by necessity.

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  7. I actually ONLY do cardio...I run a bit each day. I can't work out, I have no muscles...and I hate it, too.

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  8. ahh i just added a new post about using my bbq. i need to do some foil grilling after seeing this post! :)

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  9. I like splitting up my cardio, but I find it difficult to make time for two workouts a day. Also when I try to do that, I get lazy and never get to the second cardio session lol. For me, doing it all at once works best.

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  10. I can only find enough love for 20 - 30 mins of cardio. I don't know why I dislike it so much, but I love weights!

    Ok, time to pull the BBQ back out. This looks fab!!

    XXOO

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  11. Thanks so much for stopping by Amanda @ Run to the Finish !! Gotta love Cathe for a good bum kicking right??!! LOL.

    Kelly I love HIIT just for the fact that it's short and time flies! Let me know how your grilling turns out!!

    Averie @ Loves Veggies and Yoga I read your post yesterday so that totally answered the question LOL! I think being able to fit in the workouts here and there and when you can is what we all have to get used to doing. Not everyone has 2 hours set aside in one straight shot right.

    Sophia @ Burp and Slurp We need to get some weights in your hands then! ;-)

    Hey Kelsey @ Snacking Squirrel Going to have to pop over and check out your post. Look forward to seeing what all you come up with.

    Rainbwsnkittns I do agree that sometimes it's hard to find the time to separate them out. I think you just have to do what you can right? Oh and if I split out my workouts, I try to make sure that the first one is either low-intensity so the 2nd one gets more focus or vice versa.

    Kris @ iheartwellness I'm a recovering cardio junkie so it's weird for me to no longer want to do 60 mins of cardio. I look forward to seeing what you cook up on the grill!!!

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  12. Good for you for keeping it up with the morning workouts - I know what you mean, sometimes the AM thing just does NOT pan out, and other days you feel great and are glad you did it. For me, I've been doing the morning thing for so long that I really do miss it if I opt for a PM workout or a rest day. It just centers me and makes me feel good that I accomplished something for the day already before my "official" day even started. :) But again, its not for everyone - some people are just better off working out at their own "peak" time which may be the PM vs. AM.

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  13. I think we always have to do whatever works for us to make exercise enjoyable and fit in our schedules. I don't really split up workouts right now but I know before I would have to and I actually enjoyed it.

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  14. I typically don't split my cardio workouts up. I like to get up and do it first thing...all of it. Now I will split workouts up...like cardio in the morning and weights in the afternoon. But I like to do all my cardio at one time.

    You are a grilling machine! LOVE IT!

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  15. love your grill packets! so healthy and good :)
    i like to split work out up. i have heard it is good for the metabolism too.

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  16. Oh that sounds yummy. I love how you added chickpeas to them. I have found out that I am in love with Chickpeas.. lol

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  17. Jessica @ EatDrinkBreatheSweat I think morning workouts are easier when they're short!! I do completely agree with you on the fact that if you can workout at your ideal peak time, then that's the way to go. Of course, sometimes you just have to roll with the punches.

    Tina @ Tina Bit of Faith Fitness and Fun you're so right about doing what we must, everyone is different and everyone's schedules are different (and often change).

    Kelly @ Healthy Living with Kelly I totally need a full-on outdoor kitchen. Is that really so much to ask for?

    Fit and Forty Something you're the 2nd person today to bring up the metabolism factor. I hadn't really even thought about that to be honest. I know that it always gives me that extra boost of energy needed in the morning then in the afternoon. I need to use the foil packets more often. I sometimes forget about that method. Funny how that works.

    Gelareh @ Nutritious Foodie I am a huge fan of chickpeas. YUM. Probably one of my favorite beans actually.

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  18. I love throwing stuff in tin foil & letting it grill up! So exciting its finally grilling season!

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  19. hey pretty chica!
    thank you for the hugs and love about my darn eyeballs!! I am LOVE your two for tuesdays!!
    I hope you have been having a great week!
    ~xoxo!

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  20. Hi Kate @ What Kate Ate I am most definitely with you on being glad for grilling season!

    Lizzy @ Healthy Bites Conquer Athlete Appetite Thanks girl - hope your week gets better!!!

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  21. I agree with you on the morning workouts. Sometimes it is just so to get moving that early. It is hard to get going when you are still not awake.
    Dinner looks fab! yum!

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