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Step, Shoulders. Soup, Sandwiches {edited}

Step & Shoulders
This morning I was determined to get in my workout to beat the heat. My legs are most definitely talking to me after the Part 1 and Part 2 leg workouts. Yikes. Oh, speaking of Part 2, I forgot to include a set of narrow-stance squats (3x10).

Anyway, it's been at least three weeks since I've done a step workout. So this morning I decided to go for Cathe Friedrich's Cardio Fusion. Jason was getting up and getting ready at the same time to go for a bike ride with a friend, so I ended up getting started later than I had hoped. That meant I was only about to do about 45 minutes and didn't get my ab work in. I will readily admit that step aerobics with sore legs is probably not the smartest idea. But, I thought I could crank that out over a run in the humidity. It was a toss up really.

Never fear though, I got it done after work along with shoulders. I was really wanting to lift today. I had planned on splitting out upper body into biceps/triceps/shoulders and back/chest. I decided, instead, to do shoulders and abs today. I may not have time for longer weight work later in the week actually. So, I did supersets today, 3 sets of 8 reps unless otherwise noted:

SS#1
Arnold press
Upright rows

SS#2
Lateral raise
Front raise

SS#3
Rear delt press
Band pulls*

Alternating shoulder press with elbows forward - to failure
Rear delt flyes - 2x10

*For the band pulls you hole a band palms up with elbows tight to sides and pull band open keeping elbows tight. I did 8 single then 3 sets of 7 pulses.

For abs, I did a serious of standing ab work then stability ball work.


Workout Clothing Help
Ok, bit of a rant, I am dire need of some new workout clothes before Cathe's Road Trip next weekend (yikes). I have been liking the Champion brand at Target, but keep ending up with all black - boring. I HATE running shorts. I get sweaty and the stick to me, so I prefer the tighter fitting/spandexy type booty shorts. I don't want to spend a fortune of course. I've looked at Lululemon, Nike.com, Champion.com, and Academy Sports. Almost all of the shorts are the blasted, baggy running shorts. Any suggestions? What's your favorite brand?

Soup and Sandwich
Warning - recipes overload! Tonight I made the soup and sandwich combo I had planned on making last night. Since it's hot, I thought a cold soup would probably be the better option. I made a Cold Creamy Tomato Basil Soup with Grilled Spinach, Tomato & Balsamic Tofu Sandwiches.

Cold Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
Ingredients:
1 14.5 oz can no-salt tomatoes with juice (fresh would be best if you have enough)
1 8 oz can no-salt tomato sauce
1 can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained 
1 tbsp minced garlic
Minced shallot
Juice of 1/2 lemon
To taste: sea salt, fresh black pepper, dried basil
Fresh basil (to taste)

Directions:
Puree all ingredients in blender until smooth.

Grilled Spinach, Tomato & Balsamic Tofu Sandwiches
Ingredients:
Whole-wheat sandwich thins
Fresh spinach
Fresh basil
Tomatoes, thinly sliced
1 package extra firm tofu (frozen, thawed, drained)
Sundried tomato balsamic marinade*

Soy Kaas Montery Jack "Cheese"(or other cheese option of choice)
Vegan Spinach & Sundried Tomato Dip

Directions:
Prepare marinade* and let tofu marinate for approximately 30 minutes. Then pan sear until crisp.

Spread Vegan Spinach & Sundried Tomato Dip on both slices of sandwich rounds. On bottom half, place spinach, basil, and tomatoes, then add the tofu and "cheese." Pan sear both sides until crisp and "cheese" is melted.

*Sundried Tomato & Basil Marinade
Ingredients:
Roasted tomato flakes (or sundried tomatoes finely diced)
Balsamic vinegar
White wine (to desired consistency)
Agave nectar
Pinch of salt and black pepper

Directions:
Combine all ingredients.

I really loved this soup. Jason was sort of "eh" about it though. He had nothing negative to say and no suggestions. So, not sure what that means. But I really enjoyed it and I don't typically like cold soups. I really enjoyed the sandwich too. I liked the balsamic dressing with the tofu. It was slightly juicy. And, you can't go wrong with spinach, basil, and tomatoes as toppings.

Comments

  1. I like my running shorts short, but really airy, so I'm no help-- I usually wear them really loose!

    That soup looks perfect for summer-- I love chilled soups when the weather is hot!

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  2. I have a suggestion- OLD NAVY! They got a whole new line of running/ workout clothes. I got some really cute workout stuff from there that I really like. They also have those shorts you are describing. :)
    & those recipes sound like my kind of meal, especially tonight. Love soup & salad!

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  3. Yum! I like the idea of using beans to make it "creamy" and I'm really liking the marinade idea.

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  4. AnonymousJuly 20, 2010

    I'm more than a little partial, but Pearl Izumi has a short called the Aurora Low Rise that fits the bill without being TOO spendy (http://tinyurl.com/2amdqkl). I love the loose running shorts with a split though!

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  5. oh hands down my fav brand is Everlast! i feel like their exercise clothes are made for me :)

    i cant believe thats soy cheese! wow it looks incredible!! better than the real deal <3

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  6. Lululemon has a boogie short:
    http://shop.lululemon.com/Boogie_On_ShortR_II/pd/c/580/np/580/p/1146.html
    and reverse groove shorts:
    http://shop.lululemon.com/Reverse_Groove_Short/pd/c/580/np/580/p/1222.html
    Have you tried those yet? I have the boogie and like it! I also have a pair of Reebok similar to those but yes I stick with black ALOT!
    Good luck in your shopping search!

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  7. Sorry the links above didn't come out properly but hopefully you can copy and pasts ;)

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  8. I made and linked to your sundried tomato dip today - maybe I'll use the rest of my s.d. tomatoes for this marinade.

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  9. I have one standard workout outfit of black leggings and a racer back top. I find workout leggings stay in place and you can get ones for summer which wick away moisture. I get mine from under armour.

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  10. lulu, nike, all those pricey brands..well girl not a fan anymore unless i can get something from like a nike outlet. i dont think targets are that much worse than nikes; it's just inherent in running shorts is that tight liner which is why i always buy bigger than what i need, by at least 1 size. and lulu, i am not a fan. yes, a yoga teacher who doesnt "love" it. just not for me.

    I love love love bepresent.com they have the BEST pants and shorts but they are not true running stuff, just yoga, walking, hiking, street clothes, etc but i live in mine

    good luck and keep us posted!

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  11. I love Lululemon. Its expensive, but to be honest, the only brand that lasts! I've had some of my workout gear from them for over six years and they still look good as new. Plus, if your a fitness instructor of any kind you get 15% off. I also like Lucy which offers the same discounts and have great sales online. I just bought some new shorts cause its actually getting hot here in LA. NOT running shorts, just biker shorts that area actually so cute, I wear them NOT working out.

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  12. I haven't done step in forever either. I kind of miss it but can't workout at home right now.

    You are the first person I know to hate running shorts! Hmmm...I'm trying to think where I have found cute workout clothes. OH! TJMaxx. It can be real hit or miss sometimes but they do have lots of cute workout gear in a variety of styles and brands.

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  13. I have no idea on the workout clothes. I wear ratty stuff since I work out at home. I am so jealous you are going on that trip! I love Cathe!!!

    Your food looks delicious! I will definitely make that soup!

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  14. It sounds like we wear the same sports bras...they're affordable and accessible. Cute? Not so much. ;-)

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  15. Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg Chilled soup sounds better. Should have used that word!

    Holly @ Greek Yogurt
    and Apple Slices
    Thanks girl - I need to try to get over there and see what they have. I do have a $10 reward card...

    Krystina @ Organically Me I love using the cannellini beans. They work so well and add in protein also.

    Madeline @ Greens and Jeans Cool - will check those out!

    Kelsey @ Snacking Squirrel Totally forgot about Everlast. See, this is why I ask you guys things ;-)

    Bela @ It's Life, Max it Out I've never tried Lululemon. I was looking through their site though. Thanks for the link.


    Jenny @ Vegan and So Forth Oh cool. I'll go check out the post. Thanks so much for letting me know!

    Jenna @ Healthy. Happy. Well. I like the capri style for fall/winter, but shorts in summer. I get sooooooo hot and sweaty (gross I know). I was looking at UA yesterday. I love their base layering clothes.

    Averie @ Loves Veggies and Yoga I've never heard of them - must go check that site out. Thanks for sharing.

    Eden's Eats I did check out Lucy. I've never tried that brand. Sometimes you do get what you pay for though. Thanks for the reviews!!!

    Tina @ Faith Fitness and Fun I know I must be crazy. That's all I see (running shorts). I do need to check TJ Maxx, but like you said, it can be hit or miss.

    Sarena @ The Non-Dairy Queen I am sooo excited yet nervous about the RT. It's going to be a whirlwind for sure. Let me know if you make the soup. I forgot that I also used garlic and shallots and did an edit/update.

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  16. YUM! That dinner looks amazing. I definitely need to come crash your dinner sometime! I would definitely leave happy! haha!

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  17. AnonymousJuly 21, 2010

    I've given you an award! Check it out at my blog!

    ReplyDelete
  18. For workout clothes, I'm a huge fan of UnderArmor. I usually go to Dick's and use coupons, but I have also gotten some great pieces at TJMaxx! I'm also pretty sure that Kohls carries Nike sometimes. Your food looks fabulous, especially the sandwiches!

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  19. That sandwich looks so good! I don't make nearly enough sandwiches.

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  20. Great workout and that sandwhich looks like yummy post workout fuel!

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  21. Kelly @ Healthy Living with Kelly If you're ever this way, you're more than welcome, in fact you better stop by!

    Kat @ Bubble Gum Gym Kat thanks girl!!! I appreciate it.

    Melissa @ Live Laugh Love...Run Thanks so much for stopping by. I look forward to checking out your site!

    Jolene @ Everyday Foodie I just started making sandwiches again after reading about all of Kelly's @ Healthy Living With Kelly sandwiches.

    Laura @ Box Run Eat Thanks so much. And thank you for stopping by and commenting - now I can go check out your blog!

    ReplyDelete
  22. I am a fan of Lululemon and New Balance. I love the NB running pants.

    I made a very similar soup and got the same reaction from my hubby. Maybe it just doesn't appeal to male taste buds. How about adding some raw cashews to the mix to make it creamier? That would appeal to my hubby.

    Ali

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  23. I have the same problems finding good inexpensive workout shorts! I finally caved and got a pair of the Lululemon booty shorts. And so far they're worth every penny.

    Those sandwiches look great. I've never tried tofu on a sandwich before!

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  24. AnonymousJuly 21, 2010

    yes old navy is a great option and sometimes you can find something good at ross or tj maxx.....just takes time to look. your pics are so photogenic!

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  25. i love good old reebok running shorts... i actually buy most of mine at tj maxx! hope you find some you like :)

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  26. Old Navy DOES have some cute running shorts that I got...but I need more stuff too that won't cost a fortune, I'll have to check some of these too :)

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  27. Alicia @ Vegan Epicurean I have never tried Lululemon or New Balance actually. I did think about the cashews for a cashew cream actually. Not sure what the deal was 'cause I loved it ;-)

    Chelsea @ The Healthy Munchkin Seems like that's the consensus about Lululemon - worth every penny. I love using tofu on sandwiches. MMMMM

    Kalli @ Fit and Forty Something I need to make a trip to Old Navy and just ran out of time yesterday. Thank you for the pictures compliment by the way.

    Megan @ The Oatmeal Diaries Thanks girl - I found some more at Target - basic black. Guess that'll just have to be my color scheme.

    Jolene @ To Be Determined I may try to get by ON today or this weekend.

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  28. AnonymousJuly 22, 2010

    The recipes look AWESOME! thanks for sharing.

    On the workout clothes, I don't stick to any one brand, but rather what I like and the fit (plus if it's on sale). I hit the clearance racks at the local running stores, Dicks, and Sports Authority often. My favorite pairs of shorts are Saucony and/or Hind. I don't think Saucony manufactures Hind anymore :-(

    ReplyDelete

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