Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Let The Workout Begin!



Breakfast: homemade kefir with kumquats zest




Today was my first day of complete workout at the gym after a break. 
While my parents were here I was able to squeeze a yoga class here and there, some elliptical at home and weights, also at home. Then I took a whole week to rest. 
So today I was as excited as a first grader to go to Marvin Altman Health and Fitness Center. 
For some people gym is a boring routine. Same was for me in the beginning until I found what I love: yoga classes with Bryan, aqua fitness with Mamie, listening to my favorite radio station while on  the elliptical (not the other way!). 
And I made many good friends with whom I have a lot in common. What a benefit of membership!


This morning on my way to the gym I was thinking: ok, yoga class and a short run, a mile or so.
There is something about the favorite radio station, isn't it? 
I tuned in, stepped on the elliptical, and next thing I knew I run whole 5K (3,1 miles). Surprises me each time (the radio station).
I achieved my workout goal for today, well, you're right, over-achieved... No complains on this part.
Next I needed some food. For lunch I wanted some warm soup, like from the Pho Vietnam, my favorite vegetarian curry.








And for dinner? Kale salad with a jicama and a grapefruit. 
How can I explain what kale is for me? It's like your favorite cake, or candy, or ice-cream (which I personally don't like - no ice cream for me, please. It's all yours!)
Not convinced? I thought so. 


Let me put it this way. Have you ever taken any medications? Did you like it? What about side effects? 
That's how I started - I knew I had to change the way I eat. I knew all of the cruciferous vegetables, especially dark leaf greens are good for me, but didn't taste good (except cabbage). 
So I ate it as I would take a medication - because I had to. Then I experimented with different flavors, techniques, and... fall in love with kale. 




Mister Timer is watching it for me...




***


If you ever wondered where the road took me yesterday, not far... to the soccer field. 
My cute teenager son came to me and with this innocent look asked me if I can drive him to school. 
He just remembered he had a soccer practice... Which meant I had to pick him up 2 hours later. 
Does it happened only in my family when kids give you a 10 minutes notice?




Until next time,
Cowboy Country Vegetarian

6 comments:

  1. I had tons of last minute notices with the kids....I feel your pain! Congratulations on your workout - that's incredible! LOVE the soup, too! I'm new to Kale. I like it, but I'm working up to loving it....

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    1. Thank you Ann. I don't feel that bad now. As of kale, it would be interesting to see where it would take you in your culinary endeavours.

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  2. Bravo for finding time to do your workout!! Healthy habit!

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    1. It wasn't easy, Efty. I didn't find time, I made that time for my health.

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  3. Kale has become my new best friend - although I prefer it in soups than in salads. Brava for you and your workout - I am back at it - I used to run and then I didn't and now I walk!

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    1. I am an elliptical "runner" - my knees don't like hard surface, so I had to find something that is good for my heart and for my knees. I started using kale in salads after I tried it raw at Whole Foods and loved it! Thanks for the comment!

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