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Crockpot Chili, New Workout & a Rant

Crockpot Fail
Ok, so it wasn't the crockpot's fault that the crockpot chili failed. It was my fault for not starting it sooner. Really there was no reason to cook the chili in the crockpot other than to play with my new toy. But after 2 hours, I was beyond ready to eat and the chili was nowhere near being ready. I did the only rational thing I could think of...transfer to a soup pot and finish it up quickly. I did add barley to the chili for a change. I always see others adding it and never seem to remember myself.

Anyway, this is a recipe I'll try again when I can program it to start about 4 hours ahead of time.

Crockpot Tempeh Chili
Ingredients:
1 package tempeh, crumbled and browned
1/4 cup pearled barley
1 15 oz can no-salt diced tomatoes
1 can red beans, rinsed and drained
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
16 oz no-salt vegetable broth
1 not-beef bouillon cube
32 oz water
1/2 green bell pepper, diced
1/2 red bell pepper, diced
1/2 white onion, diced
1/2 poblano pepper, diced
2 tbsp garlic, minced
3 oz tomato paste
To taste: salt, pepper, cumin, cilantro, chipotle flakes (or chipotle in adobo), red pepper, chili powder

Directions:
Add all ingredients into your crockpot and cook for approximately 4 hours on high or longer on lower setting.

New Workout & Step
Man was it hard getting up and going to work this morning. I've not slept any later than 8 the whole time I was off work, but I guess I was getting used to 7:30 and 8 am rather than 6:20 am. Yawn. It was a very brisk 21 degrees this morning as well. Definitely makes you walk faster!

This week is technically supposed to be an active recovery week from weights. However, I have been itching to try a new Cathe DVD called STS Total Body. I went with the upper body only premix as it's only 24 minutes long. You're supposed to do the workout at 65% of your 1RM. It's done as trisets that are done first at 16 reps, then 12 reps followed by a burn out exercise such as pushups or band work.

Flat Bench Press 16
Chest Flys 16
Dips 16
Flat Bench Press 12
Chest Flys 12
Dips 12
Close Grip Push Ups 8
Push Ups Standard 16
Barbell Rows 16
One Arm Row 16
Standing Dumbbell Curl 16
Barbell Rows 12
One Arm Row 12
Standing Dumbbell Curl 12
T-Pull with band
Seated Band Curls
Standing Overhead Press Both Arms 16
Standing Upright Rows 16
Standing Lateral Raise 16
Standing Overhead Press Both Arms 12
Standing Upright Rows 12
Standing Lateral Raise 12
Band Rear Delt Row

When I got home, I went with 3 step combos plus abs from Cathe's Low Impact Circuit. I stretched and used some of the TriggerPoint Therapy Kit equipment to roll out my IT band and calves. Loving this set!

Leftovers and a Rant
Tonight, Jason is having dinner with a friend who's wedding he's in on Wednesday. So, dinner was just leftovers for me. We've got plenty that need to be used up. We're going to be leaving mid-day tomorrow for a resort/lodge where our friend's wedding will be. The rehearsal is tomorrow, then wedding Wednesday afternoon. We won't be home until Thursday.

My sister and her kids are going to come up and doggy sit so there are a few things I can leave in the fridge. But, since Sarah is now gluten-free, there are several things that will just go to waste if not eaten before we leave.

I'm a little frustrated about what I am going to do about eating starting Tuesday evening. I've seen the menu for the events and there's nothing on there for me, Our room has a fridge, but no microwave. Jason is going to call the lodge and find out if it's possible for me to bring in something to the events so that I don't have to just sit and watch people eat or go eat alone in our room - like cold cereal. Sigh. Maybe I need a portable microwave ;-)

Anyway, I know I've harped on this issue before, so I'm going to try my best just to move along. But it can be so frustrating sometimes. It's really not fun to not be able to eat. And then people assume the reason I'm thin is because I don't eat. But I'm not eating because there is nothing for me to eat, not because I'm trying to starve myself. And of course I know that there are those who say, "Well, you're the one who chooses to eat that way." Kind of a you made your bed deal. I guess they're partially right. But why should people who choose not to eat meat, or who choose to eat healthier (either by choice or dietary necessity like allergies) somehow be made to feel like outcasts?

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