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Fall Meals Mid-Summer

Soup and Sandwich Sunday
Last night we ended up going for soup and sandwiches for dinner. My tummy was not going to handle anything very heavy. Soup just sounded right, even though it was 95+ degrees out. I opted for Butternut Squash Soup (only changes were omitting carrots and using all rice milk as I was out of stock) with Grilled BST Sandwich.

Grilled BST Sandwich
Ingredients: 
5-6 strips tempeh bacon
Whole-wheat sandwich rounds
Fresh spinach
Fresh basil
1 Roma tomato thinly sliced
Soy Kaas Montery Jack "Cheese" (or other dairy or non-dairy cheese)
Sundried Tomato & Basil Veggie Dip (could also use a mayo or hummus)

Directions:
Spread dip on both sandwich rounds, then layer: spinach, basil, tomatoes, tempeh, top with "cheese" and grill both sides until crisp and melty.


Legs & Boxing Beat the Blues
This morning my eyes popped open at 5:27, but I was seriously not in the mood to do any exercising, so I dozed for another 50 minutes or so before getting up and heading off to work. To be quite honest, it was a very blue day for me. I decided that I definitely needed to get in a workout at lunch to help with my mood. I went ahead and did legs (get 'em done early before talking myself out of it). I did the following as drop sets of 4 sets of 8 reps unless otherwise noted:

Squats
Plie squats
Static lunges
Calves - 3 x 15 feet turned out, feet parallel, feet turned out
Step ups
Deadlifts
Squats with low-end pulse - 1 x 8
Plie squats with low-end pulse - 1 x 8
Donkey kicks with weight - 2 x 16
Single leg calf raises - 1 x 20

It was a good, heart pumping workout. Drop sets always keep my heart rate up there. After work I opted for Cathe Friedrich's MMA Boxing as my legs were already feeling the noon workout. I know it probably seems like I'm about to OD on boxing and kickboxing workouts lately, but I'm really enjoying doing workouts that are lower in intensity levels on days when I do weights or do a short run. In the past, my workouts were always high-intensity like running, step aerobics, HIIT, plyo...you get the picture. So, I think this change of pace has been good for me. I don't feel totally spent all the time. Go figure right.

Oh, and back to the weight workout, I am having such a difficult time rounding out my legs and building any hamstring definition. I don't have a proper bench at home to do curls. I basically just do deadlifts (not Bulgarian though). Any better suggestions?

Bringing the Grilling Indoors
Tonight was either going to be grilling or leftovers. The rain rolled in right around dinner time though, however, I just really didn't want leftovers. I wanted what we were going to grill. So I just made it all indoors and used the toaster oven to roast new potatoes seasoned with rosemary, garlic, salt, and pepper. I also sauteed squash, zucchini, and white onion to go with Gardein Chick'n Scallopini topped a "Creamy" Raspberry Honey Mustard Sauce.


"Creamy" Raspberry Honey Mustard Sauce
Ingredients:
Raspberry honey mustard (favorite brand or homemade)
Rice or soy milk
Spicy brown mustard (to taste)
To taste: salt, ground black pepper, garlic powder, white pepper, thyme, red pepper, red wine vinegar

Directions:
In saucepan, whisk all ingredients together and let simmer until sauce thickens to desire consistency.

Notes: The spices are dependent upon how sweet or not sweet you want the sauce (or how sweet the mustard was). Also, if sauce doesn't thicken as you would like (depending on the type of milk you used) you can make a slurry with cornstarch or arrowroot.

For some reason this meal felt more like a fall/winter meal after all was said and done. I think that if it had been grilled (like grilled veggies rather than sauteed) perhaps it would have somehow felt more summer like. Oh and having marinated the protein as opposed to a sauce... Maybe tomorrow I'll remember what season it is.

Comments

  1. Glad the blues have passed...I hate when that happens. And I wish I had advice on good leg workouts for hamstring definition...I could use that too! Maybe Cathe can tell us at the RT :)

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  2. Sometimes you just need soup! I have been craving soup lately too. As for the hamstrings...I was just telling my husband that I wanted to work on my quads. I just want a little more definition. For hamstrings, I do One-Legged Hamstring Bridges - lie on your back with one leg extended, heel on the ground. Hold the other leg up off the floor. Pushing through your heel, flex your hamstrings to lift your body. Lower and repeat for 8-10 reps. Repeat with other leg. You can control the resistance and the degree to which the glutes contribute by changing the distance you place your heel relative to your butt. I also do bridge on my tiptoes and lift my booty up and down. Works your back too. Anyway, if you find something good, let me know! Have a good night!

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  3. AnonymousJuly 12, 2010

    Aw! I don't like when you have the blues!! I know we all have them, but doesn't mean I have to like it when my fave blogger friend is hit with them! Sounds like all was not lost tonight, despite the rain ruining your grilling attempt!

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  4. Jolene @ To Be Determined Thanks girl - glad they passed too. Cathe did actually do a post for hamstrings - she suggested doing low-ends with plie squats. I've been doing that the past 2 wks, but I still feel it more in inner thighs.

    Sarena @ The Non-Dairy Queen Thanks for the suggestion. I need to do more floor work like that - like roll ins with the stability ball. Maybe I need to do a hamstring only day... Funny how we are wanting to focus on opposites ;-)

    Jessica @ EatDrinkBreatheSweat Hugs to you and thank you so much for checking on me! I don't like it when you are down either.

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  5. Your BST looks delicious. I planted Basil for the first time this year so I will have to try this recipe. Glad that the soup seemed to make you feel better!

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  6. AnonymousJuly 12, 2010

    Everything looks delicious. I love joney and mustard mix, I use it all the time!

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  7. I usually feel better after a workout. It's difficult for me to actually exercise when I'm feeling blue or sluggish, but knowing how awesome I'll feel afterward is motivation enough.

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  8. I am so sorry you were feeling blue this morning. I had not idea. But I am happy it passed.

    Everything looks delicious particularly the raspberry honey mustard sauce. But you know I love sauces. ;-)

    hugs,
    Ali

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  9. I think our bodies need a break from all that HIIT sometimes, ya know? I love fall recipes too! Especially butternutsquash. My friend makes an amazing butternut tortilla soup. Pefect blend for the summer.

    p.s.
    YOU MUST TRY PAPAYA!! Cut it open, take out seeds, and fill with creamy yogurt and granols. YUM!

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  10. ugh, the blues. glad that's over with :)

    girl, i sent the garmin back. hated the strap. going to go w/ either the polar f4 or f6. for 1/3 of the price. anyway i thought you could appreciate my strap issues, just was not working for me at all!

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  11. AnonymousJuly 13, 2010

    The BST sandwich looks so delicious, I wish we could get tempeh bacon here! I had the same turn off the alarm experience this AM, and my afternoon workout also majorly perked up my mood. One of those Mondays!

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  12. the one-legged bridge is fantastic for hamstrings (and glutes) also, what about a stability ball (prone) hamstring curl? Its not a lot of weight obviously but just to mix it up...

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  13. I don't know what season it is either! I'm eating pom juice and spaghetti squash like nobody's business and neither are in season right now.

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  14. Darn the blues. So glad you're feeling better and sent them packin. I enjoy soup year round. Sometimes I just need a bowl of roasted red pepper soup with some toast to dip in...love it.

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  15. You go girl, that looks like a great weights workout you did! I agree with some of the other posters--the bridge (on the floor or on a stability ball) is awesome for the hammies. Also, kickbacks using an exercise band are killer! That BST sandwich looks yums and seasonal!

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  16. Bela @ It's Life, Max it Out Love fresh basil. Hope yours turns out! Too bad it's an annual where I live.

    Greek Yogurt Thanks! I like honey mustards too - nice change from the spicy tang of regular and stone grounds.

    Krystina @ Organically Me Sometimes it's definitely a challenge to get going. I just try to remember how much better I typically feel too.

    Alicia @ Vegan Epicurean Thanks! We are huge sauce fans too. Just something about them.

    Lindsay @ Cotter Crunch I totally agree with you. Sometimes it's hard to refocus though. Butternut squash is one of my faves. That soup sounds soooo good. Thanks for the papaya tip.

    Averie @ Loves Veggies and Yoga Oh sorry that didn't work out. Hopefully the polar will be a better fit (literally).

    Sarah @ Run Sarah I guess it was just a Monday!

    Keri @ The Blue-Eyed Runner Good idea on the prone curls. Thanks!

    Joanna Sutter @ Fitness & Spice Funny - glad I'm not the only one confused!

    Lindsay @ Pancakes N Pajamas Oh roasted red pepper soup sounds so good. I need a recipe!

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  17. Awww, sorry it was a blue day, friend! I'm glad you got a workout in!

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  18. AnonymousJuly 13, 2010

    if you have a swiss ball you can do swiss ball hamstring curl ins,single leg swiss ball hamstring curl, or bench hips raises (to make it more dificult old a weight at your stomach) or single leg deadlifts.

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  19. Girl, I guarantee your hammys are hot like your sandwiches. I was in a total funk too, blame the weather.

    I had a grilled cheese and tomato soup, sometimes a classic makes it all better.

    It's too early to talk fall, lol!

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  20. Butternut squash is my favorite variety!! I love it! :) I think the weather is making us all cranky! It is so dang HOT!

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  21. I love this raspberry honey mustard. That looks like the perfect topper for a lot of foods!
    Thanks for sharing it!

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  22. I just bought some organic butternut soup that I'm excited about trying! I need to try and find that tempeh bacon. It sounds so good!

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  23. im definitely saving the mustard sauce recipe! mmmm anything creamy yet healthy is worth making! i will have to try it out with my sweet potatoes, would be a great alternative to the tomato dip i usually have!

    my whole body still feels weighed down and my legs still heavy. im not sure if a lot is with my brain chemicals too, i dunno. like i went for a walk this morning and barely was able to walk for 45 minutes.. i wanted to lay down and sleep. i googled some of my symptoms and a few other peeps seem to have the same issue in summer. hmm it'll be interesting to see if i find a combo or some product to naturally boost this. maybe i'll drink more of my yerba mate tea :p

    xoxo

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  24. Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg Thanks girl!


    Kat @ Bubble Gum Gym Kat Thanks for the suggestions! Very much appreciated.

    Nichole @ Live for the Run I am definitely good with blaming my mood on the weather! Definitely too early to talk fall - I must agree.

    Kelly @ Healthy Living with Kelly Yes, the heat certainly doesn't help anyone's mood does it.

    Kristen @ Swanky Dietitian I think it'd work well with lots of other things too. Probably even with pasta!

    Dawn @ Florida Coastal Cooking I've only been able to find one brand at Whole Food's. I like it better than the faux bacon products.

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  25. ive never heard of tempeh bacon! neat! fun recipes, the sauce sounds really great too!

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  26. I love butternut squash soup, but I could not imagine eating it in this heat! I could definitely go for one of those sandwiches though.

    Do you make tempeh bacon from the normal packaged tempeh, or can you buy it in the bacon form?

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  27. Yummy looking honey mustard sauce!! I can't each chicken without sauce - it is just too boring. That would definitely jazz it up!

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  28. Kelsey @ Snacking Squirrel Let me know if you try it. I sure hope that it's nothing serious!

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  29. What about split squats or hamstring curls on the stability ball?

    LOVE YOU! Hope you're day is better.

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