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2 Workouts & Thai Tofu on Thursday

Two on Thursday
So this morning I set my alarm for 5:26 (I seriously have issues with setting the alarm, it can never be 5:25 or 5:30). I actually started waking up around 5 though and decided I really wanted another hour. In the end, I got up just after 5:30. I was awake and there was really no point in pretending otherwise. I had a pretty crappy night's sleep actually. I had taken a Claritin D yesterday because my sinuses were starting to drain and I felt a sore throat coming on (must avert ASAP before vacation). It always clears me up, but then I have a horrible night regarding sleep.

Anyway, got up and did a premix of Step Blast. It really helped to wake me up and get me going (as usual). I was actually feeling so peppy that I would have gone ahead and knocked the weights out too had I had enough time. But, those had to wait until after work. During lunch, Jason and I made a trip to Barnes and Noble to pick up some beach reading material (providing we get to use the beach).

After work, I was really wavering on the weights to be honest. Since I did pyramid style Sunday and Monday, I decided to stick with that and follow the workout for a premix for Pyramid Upper/Lower Body. I have the exercises all typed up in a workout "card" so I don't use the DVD any longer. I find that I can focus and concentrate on myself and my form much better. So...the workout was a pyramid up only: 12 reps at lightest weight, 10 reps increasing weight, 8 reps at heaviest. Since I wasn't working back down, I decided to up my starting weights today.

Quads - Squats into Plie Squats
Quads - Leg Press
Chest - Chest Flye into Chest Press
Back - Dumbbell Pullover into Double-Arm Rows
Quads - Leg Press (again)
Quads - Static Lunges
Shoulders - Rear Delt Fly into Lateral Raise into Front Raise
Hamstrings - Deadlifts
Calves - Calf Raises (did 3 sets of 25 reps, changing feet position)
Triceps - Double-Arm Kickbacks into Overhead Extension
Biceps - Hammer Curls into Dumbbell Curls

Too Much to Do
I must admit that I almost felt guilty for the afternoon workout. I feel like I have so much left to do before vacation. For those who missed it, we are heading to Perdido Key, FL, on Saturday. Sadly, it's in the path of the oil slick, which has been another cause for stress for this vacation. Usually I am just worried about making sure I get the necessities packed (can't forget extra contacts or my glasses) and tying up loose ends.

I am often more worried and stressed about boarding the pupsters more than anything else. We can always buy forgotten items when we reach our destination if necessary. This year my sis is staying at the house at least one night, then taking the pups back to her house for the week. So I have to make sure I have everything lined up for her like feeding instructions, a list of everything to pack up (baby gates, beds, the dog kennel, seat belts, etc.). Oh and of course I need to leave instructions on how to operate our crazy TV/iPod set up and how to access our WiFi. Oh so much so much. I know it sounds trivial, but it's just something else to think about to make it easier for her.

But worse than any of that, this year we also have the possibility of the oil slick keeping us from the beach entirely. It's been a guessing game the whole time. We just kept hoping that we'd be lucky somehow. It's not like it was anything we could control. We'll try to make the most of the vacation regardless, but it's hard not to be angry, sad, and disappointed.

(sorry for the disjointed ramble)

Thai Thursday
Dinner tonight was another one meant to help clear out the fridge. I had some brown rice, bell peppers, carrots, cauliflower, and tofu that all needed to be used up somehow. I could have made a stir fry I supposed, but I made Thai Curry Tofu & Veggies instead. It's super hot out, so it's not like this should have been the first dish to pop in my head even.

Thai Curry Tofu & Veggies
Ingredients:
1 can lite coconut milk
2-3 tbsp red curry paste (depending on heat level)
1 tsp agave nectar
2 carrots, chopped
1/2 yellow onion, diced
1/2 red bell pepper, diced
Cauliflower (a little less than half a head)
1/2 cup frozen peas
Basil (Thai basil if you have)
Red chili flakes (optional depending on desired heat level)
1 cup cooked brown rice (barley or rice noodles would work well too)
1 package extra firm tofu (frozen, thawed, and squeezed), cubed
curry powder
garam masala
soy sauce

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, curry powder, and chili sauce then add in the cubed tofu toss until tofu is coated. Allow to marinate at least 30 minutes. Once marinated, place the tofu on a prepared baking sheet or casserole dish and cook until golden and firm.

In large non-stick skillet, saute carrots, onion, cauliflower, bell peppers until soft, add in coconut milk, curry paste, agave nectar, and basil. Let reduce then stir in baked tofu and peas and let cook until heated through.
 This really hit the spot tonight. The tofu had a ton of flavor. I think adding some natural peanut butter would be a nice addition, another depth of flavor.

Comments

  1. LOL - I am SO the same with my alarm clock!! Has to be some random time, not an exact one, no clue why! And I hope your trip is awesome and you are able to enjoy the beach. The pre-vaca stress will melt away the minute you board the plane, it's just getting there that is stressful :)

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  2. I just bought a can of coconut milk! I would love to try this recipe. Bookmarking it now! And as far as packing.. I make lists and that helps me a lot :)

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  3. That's funny about your alarm clock! :)
    Lovin' the workout- especially the strength/ weight one- I might have to borrow it sometime;)
    Oh, I didn't realize you guys were going to be near the oil spill :( That sucks! Hopefully it will not be bad- you'll have to take pictures of it. I am curious to see what it looks like, besides pictures on the news.
    Good luck with all of your packing/ getting things together. I know it can be quite stressful sometimes.

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  4. i would be totally stressed about the oil slick. i wouldnt want to waste my precious time and money on a "wasted" trip. i can totally understand why you'd be worried!

    i hope everything works out for you guys!!!!! (i know it will! xo)

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  5. you really have a way with tofu, Heather. Making them oh-so-tantalizing like that!

    I really pray that your FL trip goes smoothly...without the oil! But try not to stress out...you might be stressing out for nothing! Keeping my fingers and toes crossed for you!

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  6. AnonymousJune 04, 2010

    I like reading about your two different workouts. I've been trying to start each day with a 20-30 minute walk, in addition to whatever workout I do in the afternoon, but can't tell if it's too much on my body.

    That curry looks so good. We always make green curries at home.

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  7. I stress big time over boarding Molly. She's been fine every time I've had to do it, but I always call multiple times to make sure she's okay. I would be stressing about the oil too. Hopefully it will stay far enough off shore that you'll be able to get in some beach time! :) They need to get on finding a solution. That's for sure.

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  8. Jolene @ To Be Determined So glad I'm not the only one to set the alarm at weird times. Thankfully we're driving or I'd be even more stressed!!!

    Megan @ The Oatmeal Diaries Let me know if you try the recipe and how you like it. I am a firm believer in lists!!

    Holly @ Greek Yogurt and Apple Slices Let me know if you try the weight workout. It's a goody. The key is to not rest between changing weights. YIKES! I'll definitely be taking and posting pictures.

    Averie @ Loves Veggies and Yoga Thanks love!!

    Sophia @ Burp & Slurp Thanks girl. You're so sweet. I was doing good not worrying about the oil too much until the latest reports. Sigh....

    Lisa @ Lisa's Foods on the Move I have been enjoying splitting up the workouts. They feel so much less daunting to me. But definitely listen to your own body! We love love love hot stuff so we go for the red and usually add in red pepper flakes too.

    Lindsay @ Pancakes N Pajamas If you call your boarding place, you'll love this. One of the groomers at the place we take our maniacs is also a friend from high school and we're on facebook so I am always checking in with her directly!

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  9. AnonymousJune 04, 2010

    Aww friend! Don't fret, it'll work out - I am sure your vacation will turn out to be amazing despite the stress leading up to and the unknown factor of the oil spill (damn BP!). Hang in there and before you know it, this stress will be replaced by calm and peace and joy that you're on VACATION. WOO! :)

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  10. How nice of your sister to watch the pups. That must make you feel better. I know we prefer to have people we know watch our little furbabies too.

    I hope your vacation goes well and the oil stays away. I know you need some R&R.

    talk to you later,
    Ali

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  11. Take a deep breath and relax...you're pups will be in good hands and you'll soon be on vacation :)

    Great recipe!

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  12. Your dish looks delish :)

    I completely understand being nervous about your trip. Have a safe trip.

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  13. AnonymousJune 04, 2010

    I hope you have a wonderful vacation! It can definitely be stressful getting everything in order.
    Hopefully you can enjoy the beach. It is just so devastating what is happening.

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  14. I hope everything goes okay with your vacation and that you guys get to have fun at the beach!!!

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  15. i need this thai food right now! i had a curried tempeh dish last night and this reminds me of it so much <3

    have a safe and wonderful trip!!! soak up that sun and enjoy being a bit of a beach bum hehe <3

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  16. Jessica @ EatDrinkBreatheSweat I'm trying not to stress too much. Just need to make the best of whatever it is right?!

    Alicia @ Vegan Epicurean It's definitely nice not having to board them! My sister may have to be committed after the fact thought ;-)

    Lindsey @ Cardio Pizza Thanks girl!! Lots of deep breaths.

    Gelareh @ Nutritious Foodie Thank you sweetie!!!

    Kristen @ Swanky Dietitian I'm going to keep trying to hope for the best. It's really all we can do right?!

    Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg Hey girl - you're supposed to be living it up in Italy not reading blog ;-) Thanks so much for your well wishes!

    Kelsey @ Snacking Squirrel Thanks girl - I'm hoping I can be a beach bum. When I am, I am a big enough bum for about 5 people so I'll add you to the list ;-)

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  17. Heather- you're a workout wonderwoman! I loove that tofu recipe. Sounds positively delicious! I think tofu is the best/most versatile ingredient. The sauce sounds flavorful and healthy!

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  18. This oil slick is bad news all around! Sorry to hear that it's putting a damper on your vacation. I hope that you make the best of your time off with the hubby. Relax, read and maybe go to a pool if not the ocean. It will definitely be hot! Have fun!

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  19. AnonymousJune 04, 2010

    sorry you did not sleep good-allergy pills whack out my sleep too. and i can see why you are stressed about the oil spill-so horrible. wish bill could watch your pups instead of you boarding them! and love your dinner-so yummy....i think i am doing what you do now-pizza fridays!

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  20. Andrea @ Can You Stay for Dinner Workout Wonder Woman - I like that ;-) Let me know if you ever try this recipe.

    Eunice @ Food 4 Fitness I definitely plan on relaxing and reading - hopefully on the beach. And you're right, at least we have the pool as an option (and some shopping).

    Kalli @ Fit and Forty Something Oh, my sister is watching them for us this time. Soooo thankful. I hate to board them. If we were close to you, I would hire your hubby in a heartbeat. Love pizza Friday....mmmmm....

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  21. AnonymousJune 04, 2010

    i used to get stressed about packing and stuff too but now i just forget about everything, i'm going on vacay!

    hope you can enjoy yourself and that the oil spill doesnt get in the way. have fun girl!

    ReplyDelete

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