Great Workout/Delicious and Nutritious Lunch Recipe!

Just got back from the gym and all I can say is I am VERY TIRED! I had an excellent cardio workout, but it's funny though, I don't think of it as work so much any more. As each day goes by, I find myself looking forward to the "torture". I did a solid hour of cardio today including 20 minutes on the eliptical, 20 minutes on the bike and 20 minutes on the treadmill. I had my heart rate up for a good while! I had recent foot surgery and it has greatly impacted my ability to walk with no pain, so the treadmill is a real challenge. If you find yourself in this situation, just take it easy and work up to it, maybe do 5-10 minutes at a time. When I got home, I decided to make a healthy salad for lunch. I have become very mindful of what I eat, so I do not even buy any junk food for fear of returning to my old ways!
Try this wonderful salad at home when you get a chance, it was super tasty!

Here's a photo of the basic ingredients. It includes spinach, celery, red and green bell pepper, sliced pear, broccoli slaw and feta cheese.  Everything is so easily put together! I have discovered the broccoli cole slaw recently and love the fresh, crunchy addition to the salad. I also tossed in some dried cranberries, and a small handful of sunflower seeds. For protein I added a small package of pink salmon and drizzled a small amount of balsamic vinegar dressing! Served it with a tall glass of green tea.....Very delicious and nutritious!

On the Go? Try this!

Ok, today I found myself rushing to find something to eat. Ever since I have made a concerted effort to eat at home and stop eating out (hard to avoid bad stuff at a restaurant) I usually whip something up that's nutritious. Today I looked in the freezer and decided to try a Lean Cuisine just to change it up from the normal salad or smoothie. I have to say it was very tasty! I tried the Grilled Chicken Primavera. It has grilled white meat chicken with asparagus, tomatoes and whole wheat pasta in a creamy garlic sauce. It has 220 calories (not bad at all!) and 5 grams of fiber. I paired that with some VitaCoco 100% pure coconut water! It has only 60 calories. For desert I had 1/2 container of Fage yogurt with honey and a couple walnuts (about 120 calories). This was a total of 400 calories and I am very full! Try this for yourself ..I think you will like it too! A fast and delicious lunch!

Cardio Routine/Lunchtime!

Gym time today focused on cardio! A decent workout combination is: 15 minutes on the treadmill with a speed of at least 3-3.5 per hour, 15 minutes on the eliptical, 15 minutes on the bike going at least at a speed of 14. I recommend also doing arm exercises with small hand weights (no more than 5lbs) while you're riding. After all the floor time I hit the raquetball court which was highly invigorating. Needless to say I am tired, but hopefully will see some major improvement on the waistline soon! You must stay hydrated. Drink at least 16 oz. water throughout your workout to avoid cramps.

Great lunch time smoothie: VERY LO-CAL AND DELICIOUS!
1 c. Green Tea (homemade, buy organic if you can)
1 c. Almond Milk ( I like Blue Diamond Almond Breeze Vanilla and it only has 40 calories per cup!)
1 large Swiss Chard leaf ( wash it thoroughly since chard can carry dirt on the leaves)
1/4 c. Greek Yogurt ( I really like the plain Fage Brand)
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 small banana
4 walnut halves
1 handfull of frozen blueberries

If you would like to add whey powder for extra protein you may do so. I would recommend 1/2 scoop to avoid unnecessary calories. I have tried the Jillian Michaels Vanilla Cream flavor and it only has 100 calories per scoop.