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Working Out to Take Mind Off a Sad Day

Sad Day
Today is a sad day for me. It marks 14 years since one of my dearest friends was murdered. It's something I've only mentioned briefly, but it's something that most definitely affected my entire life. Any loss does though of course. Juli had just finished up with her dance degree at OU (Norman, OK). She was only 21 years old. She had so much life ahead of her and such a zest for life as well. She was one of those people who lived to the fullest. 

So while I have so much to be thankful for right now (including still being close to her parents), I can't help but remember this day and be saddened by what took place 14 years ago. As the years add up, it's those number of years that also make me sad. How can it have been 14 years since Juli was killed? The one solace? Her killer sits in prison and isn't free to harm anyone else. I did do my best not to dwell on the past though and don't want to make this post all about that tragic day. But it couldn't go unmentioned.

Working Out to Forget
What better way to take my mind off of the memories? Trying to make it a normal day for workouts along with work, cleaning house after work, cooking, and all that good stuff.

Today I decided to go with biceps during my lunch break. The work out is from the 4th week of STS Meso 2 (last week of Meso 2 actually). Weights are done at 80% of my 1RM.

Dumbbell curls - 10, 10, TF
Incline curls - 3x10
Concentration curls - 10, 10, TF

I also went with abs from Cathe's High Reps workout using 1# weighted gloves.

I really wasn't sure what cardio I wanted to go with today. The elliptical most certainly wasn't calling my name. My IT band is a bit achy today, so while Spin doesn't really make it worse, I was fairly certain it wouldn't make it any better. I ended up going with MMA Boxing as it is relatively low impact, but still packs a punch of a workout (pun intended). Plus, it's great for getting out aggression.

Mexican Monday
Well, I decided to reinstate Mexican Monday today. The other day Jason mentioned a recipe I used to make, but haven't made in ages - Black Bean Flautas. It's been so long that I can't remember the original recipe, so I just winged it and came up with Black Bean and Tempeh Flautas.


Black Bean and Tempeh Flautas
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
1-2 tbsp minced garlic
2 Roma tomatoes, chopped and divided
1/2 green bell pepper, diced
1/4 red onion, diced 
4 oz tempeh
2 green onions, chopped
To taste: salt, pepper, chili powder, ground cumin, red pepper
4 whole-wheat flour tortillas
Daiya Vegan Cheddar (or cheddar substitute of your choice)


Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

In a non-stick skillet, crumble and brown the tempeh.

In a medium saucepan, saute onions, bell pepper, and garlic until begins to soften. Add in the beans, 1/2 of the tomatoes, and spices. Let cook approximately 5-10 minutes and the juices from the tomatoes will make a very light sauce. Lightly mash the beans then stir in the tempeh. 

Prepare a glass baking dish. Spoon the bean mixture onto the tortilla, top with green onions and small amount of the cheeze then roll up and place seam-side down and repeat.


Fill tortillas with 2 tablespoons of bean mixture and top with green onions, tomatoes, and cheese. Top all with remaining tomatoes, green onions, and more cheeze. Bake approximately 20 minutes to desired crispness.

 


I, of course, topped mine with jalapenos. I should probably just add them into the mix itself. This would be great with a cashew or tofu sour cream, Greek yogurt also works. I think a great option would also be a vegan queso.

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