Grilling for the 4th
Well, last night we ended up taking advantage of the leftover Lentil & Quinoa Sliders. I think it's mandatory that you grill out on the 4th of July, so we did just that. More grilled sweet potato "fries" to go with the sliders. I topped mine with the Sundried Tomato & Basil Veggie Dip, jalapenos, tomato, lettuce, and Soy Kaas Montery Jack "Cheese."
I had meant to mention this in the recap post, but if you're looking for a healthier slider bun option, light, whole-wheat hot dog buns cut in half work perfectly.
Weights and HIIT
Today I had thought I might sleep in, no luck. I was up at 7:20 am. I guess that is sleeping in as I'm normally already at work by that time, but 8 am would be awesome sometime. today was back and chest. Jason had to work, so I didn't have a spotter for chest. That meant I had to go lighter than I would have liked, so the reps aren't consistent as I tried to make up for the lower weights with higher reps. I did the following as supersets.
SS#1
Incline dumbbell chest press - 1 x 10, 2 x 8
Pullovers - 2 x 8
SS#2
Incline chest flye - 3 x 8
Single-arm rows - 3 x 8
SS#3
Flat bench dumbbell chest press - 3 x 12
Underhand dumbbell rows - 3 x 8
About 3 minutes into my workout, the battery in my heart rate monitor died. I really thought I was going to have a meltdown. I felt completely lost not knowing where my HR was during my workouts or how long it even too. I know it's become a crutch, but I seriously need that crutch fixed ASAP.
I followed up weights with Cathe's Shock Cardio HIIT Pyramid and a stretch. I will say that I am a bit frustrated with my chest and back workouts. I don't have a pull up bar, so I feel like my back workouts are hitting a major wall, and I'm not seeing any results. Without a spotter, I am sort of stuck with chest work too. There has to be more than chest presses and flyes/flat bench or incline (or decline).
Do you ever feel like you get stuck for one reason or another?
Reading and Relaxing
After my workout, I decided to enjoy a little patio time and finish my latest book ( Stephen King's Duma Key). I had to scrounge around to find another book though. Time to hit up Barnes & Noble I do believe. I managed to find The Diving Bell and the Butterfly: A Memoir of Life in Death
. It's turning out to be a really great read. However, it's a short book and will not take me into the next weekend.
Oh, and I must report that I made myself a banana/strawberry vegan soft serve for the first time. I will definitely be making this hot-weather treat more often. Yes, it did taste like blended up banana, but frozen bananas have a sweeter, milder flavor I think. I will definitely play around with other flavor combos and maybe indulge with toppings like granola for crunch - I'm a texture girl.
Curry Monday
Jason did get home earlier than normal at least. But, we were both sort of undecided on what sounded good for dinner. We haven't had any curry dishes lately, so when he brought that idea up, we both decided that was what we'd go for. I did a version of a Thai curry that I've made before, but decided to try adding in peanut butter for a slightly different flavor - or that was the hope for the Peanut Curry Veggies with Rice.
Well, last night we ended up taking advantage of the leftover Lentil & Quinoa Sliders. I think it's mandatory that you grill out on the 4th of July, so we did just that. More grilled sweet potato "fries" to go with the sliders. I topped mine with the Sundried Tomato & Basil Veggie Dip, jalapenos, tomato, lettuce, and Soy Kaas Montery Jack "Cheese."
I had meant to mention this in the recap post, but if you're looking for a healthier slider bun option, light, whole-wheat hot dog buns cut in half work perfectly.
Weights and HIIT
Today I had thought I might sleep in, no luck. I was up at 7:20 am. I guess that is sleeping in as I'm normally already at work by that time, but 8 am would be awesome sometime. today was back and chest. Jason had to work, so I didn't have a spotter for chest. That meant I had to go lighter than I would have liked, so the reps aren't consistent as I tried to make up for the lower weights with higher reps. I did the following as supersets.
SS#1
Incline dumbbell chest press - 1 x 10, 2 x 8
Pullovers - 2 x 8
SS#2
Incline chest flye - 3 x 8
Single-arm rows - 3 x 8
SS#3
Flat bench dumbbell chest press - 3 x 12
Underhand dumbbell rows - 3 x 8
About 3 minutes into my workout, the battery in my heart rate monitor died. I really thought I was going to have a meltdown. I felt completely lost not knowing where my HR was during my workouts or how long it even too. I know it's become a crutch, but I seriously need that crutch fixed ASAP.
I followed up weights with Cathe's Shock Cardio HIIT Pyramid and a stretch. I will say that I am a bit frustrated with my chest and back workouts. I don't have a pull up bar, so I feel like my back workouts are hitting a major wall, and I'm not seeing any results. Without a spotter, I am sort of stuck with chest work too. There has to be more than chest presses and flyes/flat bench or incline (or decline).
Do you ever feel like you get stuck for one reason or another?
Reading and Relaxing
After my workout, I decided to enjoy a little patio time and finish my latest book ( Stephen King's Duma Key). I had to scrounge around to find another book though. Time to hit up Barnes & Noble I do believe. I managed to find The Diving Bell and the Butterfly: A Memoir of Life in Death
. It's turning out to be a really great read. However, it's a short book and will not take me into the next weekend.Oh, and I must report that I made myself a banana/strawberry vegan soft serve for the first time. I will definitely be making this hot-weather treat more often. Yes, it did taste like blended up banana, but frozen bananas have a sweeter, milder flavor I think. I will definitely play around with other flavor combos and maybe indulge with toppings like granola for crunch - I'm a texture girl.
Curry Monday
Jason did get home earlier than normal at least. But, we were both sort of undecided on what sounded good for dinner. We haven't had any curry dishes lately, so when he brought that idea up, we both decided that was what we'd go for. I did a version of a Thai curry that I've made before, but decided to try adding in peanut butter for a slightly different flavor - or that was the hope for the Peanut Curry Veggies with Rice.
Peanut Curry Veggies with Rice
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
1/2 green bell pepper, diced
1/2 green bell pepper, diced
1/2 cup frozen peas
1 tbsp creamy natural peanut butter
1/2 cup frozen edamame
1 tbsp creamy natural peanut butter
1/2 cup frozen edamame
1/2 package Quorn Chik'n Tenders (optional can sub your protein source)
Basil (Thai basil if you have)
Curry powder (optional, to taste)
Red chili flakes (optional depending on desired heat level)
Red chili flakes (optional depending on desired heat level)
1 cup cooked brown rice (barley or rice noodles would work well too)
Directions:
In large non-stick skillet, saute carrots, onion, bell peppers until soft, add in coconut milk, curry paste, agave nectar, peanut butter, and basil. Let reduce then stir in Quorn, edamame and peas and let cook until heated through.
Serve over rice, barley, or rice noodles.
The peanut butter added a very subtle, but nice flavor. It also made the sauce a bit thicker. I think a nice addition would be a sprinkle of chopped peanuts on top as a garnish.
The peanut butter added a very subtle, but nice flavor. It also made the sauce a bit thicker. I think a nice addition would be a sprinkle of chopped peanuts on top as a garnish.
Every looks delicious as always. I may have to make some veggie burgers tomorrow after looking at yours. ;-) BTW, great idea on the hot dog buns.
ReplyDeleteGlad you tried vegan soft serve. Dan loves strawberry and banana, I think it is his favorite. Since it is so much healthier than ice cream why not indulge when it is hot.
I feel like I have gotten stuck often in my workouts too. P90X was great to break me out of my usual workout routines.
Ali
Your should get a TRX! That totally helps with chest and back workouts. I love it! How do you like Cathe's HIIT DVD? Is it worth the purchase?
ReplyDeletevegan nana/s'berry softserve. Ok you will kill me for saying this but most softserve needs SUGAR. I know most ppl are loathe to put it in, and i under report what i actually use, but i find that very ripe bananas + sugar + vanilla extract make a winning combo. You figure, it's still far less sugar than in commercial ice cream by a landslide!
ReplyDeletexo
I used sun-dried tomatos in my meal tonight too :) Craig made a comment about how good they were...and I was like 'you're right!' They always add such a good flavor!
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about not being able to sleep in- my body is always ready to get up at a certain time...even if I stay up late. I try to get it to sleep in, but it doesn't co-operate. -lol!
Bummer about the heart rate monitor- hopefully it will get fixed soon!! :)
So glad you had some time to relax today! The soft serve is good, it just does taste like banana. I put some vanilla stevia in mine with a little melted peanut butter on top. That was a winning combo! Have a great night!
ReplyDeleteThere you go again with those delicious looking sweet potato fries! YUMM!! :-D
ReplyDeleteI've never worked out with a HR monitor. How does it help? The bf spots me during chest and some shoulder exercises, so I feel your pain! Aside from the chest exercises you mentioned, I also do push-ups and chest dips (leaning forward). Chest is my least favorite. I'll take a leg day over chest any day. :)
ReplyDeletePerfect timing, I've been craving curry and this look delicious! Dont fret about the heart rate monitor, it doesn't mean everything, your body will do its thing either way.
ReplyDeleteYour curry looks great! I just need to pick up some curry paste so I can whip it up. I feel like my lower body workouts are in a bit of a slump - I need to mix things up.
ReplyDeleteMmmm anything with coconut milk is a fave in my eyes!! This looks wonderful!
ReplyDeleteDo you do weights everyday that you work out? I am looking to really gain more "slight" woman muscles but don't know if I should lift heavy??
XXOO
I haven't tried yet to make teh vegan soft serve that everyone always posts about.....I may just have to try it this summer.
ReplyDeleteYour sweet potatoe fries look delicious, how do you make them?
Have you tried playing with your rep schemes for chest and back? Like mixing up high and low rep sets?
ReplyDeleteTry completing one or two reps at your max or close to max and then drop to a lower weight for the rest of the set...it will make you stronger. That, and push ups never fail me. ;-)
Good luck, my friend!
Mmmm, I LOVE curried veggies. Yum!
ReplyDeleteI wanted to see that movie (the diving bell and the butterfly)...I'll be interested to see how you like the book!
Alicia @ Vegan Epicurean Thank you! I thought the hot dog buns were a good idea too and saved around 200 calories. I definitely need a routine shake up I do believe.
ReplyDeleteLindsay @ Cotter Crunch Thanks for the suggestion. I may look into that. I totally think the HIIT workouts are more than worth the price. The one disk has 3 workouts on it. Love it. You can click on the link and preview it.
Averie @ Loves Veggies and Yoga I didn't even think of vanilla let alone sugar LOL. The bananas were super ripe though and it was really plenty sweet for me. But I may try the NuNatural liquid vanilla stevia.
Holly @ Greek Yogurt and Apple Slices I LOVE sundried tomatoes. They make just about anything taste better ;-)
Sarena @ The Non-Dairy Queen Ah, peanut butter would of course be fantastic! Or almond butter...either way, can't be bad right!
Courtney @ Sweet Tooth, Sweet Life LOL - I'm addicted to them I think ;-)
Eden's Eats Let me know if you try this recipe. It's soooo easy. The longest part is cooking the rice. I know it's probably good for me to not be relying on the monitor. I've used it non-stop since the hubs bought it for me a year and a half ago.
Kris @ iheartwellness I don't lift every day. I typically lift 3 times a week. Right now splitting upper into 2 workouts and 1 longer lower workout. Go up in weights and down in reps. You won't be sorry!!!
Joanna Sutter @ Fitness & Spice I need to change it up and add some drop sets in or pyramids (those always get me). Oh and pushups...killer, especially when you start playing around with them and doing them off the step, off a ball, etc. Ouch. Thanks for the suggestions!
YUM...looks wonderful. But then again everything you make always looks amazing so I am not at all surprised!
ReplyDeleteEven in the hottest part of the summer I can never turn down curry!
ReplyDeleteThe hot dog bun tip is a winner. I have a ton left from the Fourth and figured I could only eat so many almond butter/banana sandwiches.
ReplyDeleteI hate when I feel like I am losing variety from workouts. The only thing I can think to do with an at home set up for chest is what you mentioned and pushups. Really those are the only moves for chest work, it's just gyms and things have machines that help your chest get worked a bit differently.
ReplyDeletesundried tomato anything always takes food to the next level :) def. one of my favorite flavor combos!!
ReplyDeletejust bookmarked that peanut curry - looks crazy good!
Eunice @ Food 4 Fitness I use the HR monitor to calculate calories burned, to keep track with the time spent working out (it keeps weekly totals), I also use it to gauge my actual HR in terms of effort. It really helps in terms of training for running or riding so that you aren't just maxing out all the time or even underestimating your efforts.
ReplyDeleteEden's Eats We'd been talking about curry for weeks now, but it seemed too hot. We sucked it up last night and ate it (and enjoyed it) anyway!
Sarah @ Run Sarah It's so easy to get into a rut isn't it. What's worse is knowing, but not knowing exactly what to do to change it up effectively.
Bela @ It's Life, Max it Out I've been reading about it for so long too and just never got around to it. I decided to treat myself yesterday finally. For the fries - I use a spice blend that I make up and keep on hand of cumin, red pepper, chili powder, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. I like them spicy. I typically cook them at 425 for 20 mins, flip and cook another 20 mins.
Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg I barely remember the moving being advertised. May need to check Netflix. The book is super short - I finished it in a day easily. It's an interesting read.
Kelly @ Healthy Living with Kelly You are too kind girl!
Madeline @ Greens and Jeans The summer heat is why we hadn't been making it, but we finally decided that was silly and we wanted it regardless.
Lindsay @ Pancakes N Pajamas LOL - as good as almond butter/ banana sandwiches sound, I would agree that they could get old ;-) Another good combo is PB and apples.
Tina @ Tina Bit of Faith Fitness and Fun Darn those push ups. It's always the least favorite exercises that seem to be the most effective. Why is that?
The Rabbit Runner Let me know if you try it. It's super easy and flexible in terms of the protein.
Grilling is DEFINITELY a must on the 4th. We grilled up some corn, veggies and chicken. Mmmm....
ReplyDeleteI think I'm the only blogger who hasn't tried banana soft serve yet! I need to get on that.
ReplyDeleteAlso your sweet potato fries look perfect! How do you get them that way?
Dawn @ Florida Coastal Cooking Glad you agree with me on the grilling being a must ;-)
ReplyDeleteChelsea @ The Healthy Munchkin You might not be the absolute last - but getting closer since I finally tried it LOL.
For the fries - I use a spice blend that I make up and keep on hand of cumin, red pepper, chili powder, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. I like them spicy. I typically cook them at 425 for 20 mins, flip and cook another 20 mins.