BRING IT!!!

My Update For The Week

Ok, so I went through a tough time over the last couple of months and now I am back and better than ever!! I have started a new fitness regime that fits into my life and I feel a million times better. I just had to figure out what worked for me and I knew that I HAD to make time to workout. I am really weird that I love to workout so hard that I am sore for days and I love to workout while I am sore.
If any of you have ever been up late at night and been watching infomercials, you had to have seen the ad for P90X. It is this totally intense fitness program. I bought it a long time ago (when I was in athlete condition) and whipped it out again two weeks ago to start over. Technically you should already be in pretty good shape to start this, but even when I was in fabulous shape it kicked my butt and it was the first time I had clearly defined stomach muscles. Now I have no grand illusions of a six pack now or ripped biceps – but after doing the program previously I remember feeling euphoric and the best I have ever felt physically. So I started these videos a week ago and am on my way to feeling better. The vids are between one hour and 90 minutes each and they kill me even doing them modified – but I stick to it - 6 days a week with one day for a one hour stretch DVD. I am also walking the Harbor steps at lunch in Seattle (105 steps – 4-6 times up and down each day) and I walk into work every day. I am hoping with all of this and a good life meal plan – I will get back into shape in no time!! I have already noticed a difference in how my clothes are fitting in only one week!!

Tip of the Week
Find time in your day to throw in little workouts throughout the day – or say – “Hey honey – you can watch the kids for awhile while I workout,” this may sound selfish but I know when I am in good shape I am happier, I’m a better wife and a better mom. You are more important than the dishes in the sink or the mess in your room. Make time for you!!

Recipe of the Week

Stuffed Zucchini

I love squash and this is one of my favies– it is fast and you can do so many variations and be creative with it. (Try different veggies and sauces - it all is so yummy!!)

What you will need:

3 medium zucchinis (6-8 inches long)
½ pound extra lean ground turkey
½ can 98% fat free Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup
¾ cup traditional spaghetti sauce (I like Prego)
¼ cup finely chopped onion
3/4 cup green peas
1 cup lowfat cheese
1 egg white
Pepper

How Much Should I Eat?

2 Halves

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.Wash zucchinis and slice in half lengthwise.
2. Scoop out the middle of the zucchini (the guts) seeds and all, puree and set aside for later. Set aside zucchini shells.
3. Brown ½ pound lean ground turkey with chopped onions. Rinse meat.
4. Mix together: meat, zucchini puree, soup, sauce, peas, egg white and pepper (to taste)
5. Place mixture in the zucchini shells
6. Place stuffed zucchini on a cookie sheet with foil underneath sprayed with PAM
7. Place in preheated oven for 30-35 minutes
8. Sprinkle cheese on top and enjoy!

The Stats Per Serving
(Serving = 2 halves)

368 calories

3 grams of fat

Exercise of the Week
Staying with the theme of finding time for a workout and modifying things to fit your schedule - here is a great little toning exercise you can do anywhere. I do them anytime I am in my car and sometimes at my desk at work.

Butt Clenchers

I squeeze my tushy muscles and squeeze my thighs together for the count of ten and release for five seconds and repeat – I don’t keep track of reps. I just do them whenever I think of it for as long as possible.

Goals for the Week
1. Complete all required workouts
2. Eat sensibly, allowing for a treat here and there
3. Prep all meals the night before for the next night so it is quick and easy dinner for the next day (and makes it less likely to grab something “quick” on the way home from work.)