lunch game, strong

Hi friends! How’s the day going? You were cracking me up with your comments this morning. I think so many of you fell for it because, let’s be real, it kind of sounds like something I would try. I was giggling writing the post, trying to make it sound as “out there but kind of believable as possible” and there was a moment where I was like, “Wait. Maybe I would try this.” haha

Did you prank anyone today? I’m usually pretty terrible with jokes and pranks, so it was tame around here. Each year, I do go back and re-read this post and laugh until I cry. It’s funny every single time. 

Bella and Caro are upset I haven’t shown you pictures from their latest adventures. While we were in Akansas, they were here with our dog sitter having the time of their lives. They went out to dinner, for walks around the bay, to the pier, and enjoyed lots of snuggle time. They didn’t miss us at all.

 

Beachin dogs

Last night, we met up with some friends at The Patio for tapas. The Patio is a cute spot in PB, which is almost entirely outdoors (hence the name) with a covered patio. The walls are lush with greenery, and they specialize in small plates. We ordered probably 3/4 of the menu to share. We were like, “Just give us all the food.” It was a wise choice. My favorites were the cheese board (honey walnuts, and manchego are a match made in heaven), the shrimp and grits, and the dessert: an Elvis creation with banana bread, peanut butter and ice cream. It will be recreated asap. 

Tapas

The lunch game has been pretty strong around here since bringing back an old favorite: the stuffed sweet potato.

Stuffed potato

I made a huge batch of slow cooker chicken (chicken breasts, salt, pepper, oregano, garlic, enough water to go halfway up the sides of the chicken breasts), shredded it,

Shredded chicken  1 of 1

and we enjoyed the chicken atop baked sweet potatoes with black beans, guacamole, salsa and a blanket of manchego snow. It’s so delicious, and a perfect mix of macros: carbs, protein, fat, and guacamole. 

I’ve had it for lunch twice since then, but broke up the streak with a giant sandwich and kale salad from the People’s deli this afternoon. I was going to buy ingredients for this salad obsession, but they had just put out a fresh bowl. Done.

Kale saladdd

With the best sandwich ever: gluten-free bread, Dijon, vegan mayo, salt, pepper, lettuce, tomato, cucumber, pickles, avocado and tempeh bacon. 

Sandwichgasm

I’m going to chill here for a little while before getting ready to teach. It’s a double-header tonight: BODYPUMP then Zumba. If you have any ideas to pimp my sad Zumba playlist, please let me know!

Have a lovely night <3

xo

Gina

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28 Comments

  1. kristin | W [H] A T C H on April 1, 2015 at 3:37 pm

    that stuffed sweet potato looks so good! a girl at my office was warming up something similar yesterday at lunch and i was so envious.

  2. Alicia on April 1, 2015 at 3:40 pm

    My shredded chicken recipe. Chicken Breast+Salsa+Crockpot=best shredded chicken ever!!

    • Fitnessista on April 1, 2015 at 3:43 pm

      i usually add the salsa at the end, but liv hasn’t been feeling it, so i left it plain this time. it’s so good with the salsa though!

      • Alicia on April 2, 2015 at 5:34 pm

        Have you tried using the salsa to cook it?? So good!

  3. Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious on April 1, 2015 at 3:48 pm

    I made shredded chicken with black beans in the crockpot last week. I posted it on Instagram saying I wonder if Chipotle knows they can make the chicken in the crockpot and it got huge laughs from everyone. I mean easier than the guy in the back chopping the grilled chicken, right?

  4. Erica { EricaDHouse.com } on April 1, 2015 at 4:28 pm

    I legit fell for that post this morning before I realized what day it was.

    I’m dumb.

  5. Crystal on April 1, 2015 at 5:24 pm

    Whoa that looks like the mac daddy of stuffed sweet potatoes. You fancy!

    • Fitnessista on April 2, 2015 at 8:13 am

      hahah!

  6. Julia @ Lord Still Loves Me on April 1, 2015 at 6:26 pm

    I think shredded chicken is my favorite way to eat the poultry. It guarantees that every bite will have some meat in it, and that is always satisfying, in my opinion. So yes, I would have to agree with you. Your lunch game is on strong.

    • Fitnessista on April 2, 2015 at 8:13 am

      haha thank you. and yes, shredded chicken is probably my fave way to eat it too

  7. Brittany on April 1, 2015 at 6:45 pm

    I’ll be dreaming about that cheese plate..yum!

    • Fitnessista on April 2, 2015 at 8:12 am

      it as everrrrything

  8. Erin @ Erin's Inside Job on April 1, 2015 at 7:19 pm

    Man it’s a good thing I am full from dinner bc all those things look amazing! I am happy the weather is finally warming up here because it makes me want to open the windows and make lots of juicy salads. Yay spring!

  9. Annie B on April 1, 2015 at 7:45 pm

    The new Jason Derulo single – Want to Want Me is super catchy and would maybe be fun for Zumba! It doesn’t have a Latin vibe, but it definitely makes me want to dance! Also, My Type by Saint Motel has an amaaazing beat! 😉

    • Fitnessista on April 2, 2015 at 8:12 am

      YESSS i love that song! i will check out the other one too!

  10. Melanie on April 1, 2015 at 8:10 pm

    I just re-did my workout playlist so I have a few song recommendations for you. These all have an upbeat, fast tempo:
    – Bones by VersaEmerge (LOVE this song)
    – Calling Out by Penguin Prison (the Elephante remix)
    – Rollercoasters by Bleachers
    – Heartbeat Song by Kelly Clarkson

    And I LOVE stuffed baked sweet potatoes…my boyfriend and I split one almost every day. Almost.

    • Fitnessista on April 2, 2015 at 8:12 am

      i will definitely check these out. thank you!

  11. Kris on April 1, 2015 at 8:21 pm

    Mmm! That banana bread dessert though… 😀

  12. Abby on April 1, 2015 at 9:30 pm

    I totally for for the prank…haha! I was like “wtf?!”

  13. Erika S. on April 2, 2015 at 7:20 am

    I’ve been in a Pitbull mood lately…and I’m also putting together a Miami themed playlist. Below are some of my faves (old and new)…and some other reggaeton songs I’m loving:

    Pitbull – Toma, Esta Loca, and Sexy Beaches
    Los Jefres – Cuba!
    Robin og Bugge ft Freddy Genius – Bongo Drum
    Daddy Yankee version – Busy Bumaye
    Kumbia Kings – Reggae Kumbia (Kranium remix)
    Mr. Vega, Kes & Bunji Garlin – Party Tun Up (remix)

    • Fitnessista on April 2, 2015 at 8:10 am

      you are a star. thank you!!

  14. Erin @ Her Heartland Soul on April 2, 2015 at 7:34 am

    All that food looks AMAZING! And Caroline is on a leash?? That’s awesome!!

    • Fitnessista on April 2, 2015 at 8:10 am

      yes, she actually goes on walks now!

  15. Meredith on April 2, 2015 at 9:24 am

    Oh my gosh, did you make that sandwich?? I looks so amazing!!

  16. Mo on April 2, 2015 at 9:28 am

    HAHAHA!! OMG Gina I 100% fell for the Quiver Pulse until the last sentence!

    Shredded crock pot chicken is our jam en mi casa. So versatile! On tacos, on salads, stuffed in sweet potatoes as shown above 🙂 I think I’m going to have to whip some up for lunch/dinner quickies! Another lunch/dinner quickie is: prep ahead black beans, cooked quinoa, and diced sweet taters sauteed in coconut oil cinnamon and cayenne – so it just has be thrown together in a bowl and reheated. I like to toss with Kale or any greens on hand (broc, zucs, etc). If i have time i’ll saute the kale & other green veggies. But in a bowl, top with avocado, salsa, cilantro and if you have the time a poached egg is pretty great! Happy Thursday lady!

  17. Tara | Treble in the Kitchen on April 2, 2015 at 9:50 am

    Yum! Those lunch ideas have me starving…can’t wait to make lunch soon!

  18. jodie on April 2, 2015 at 12:19 pm

    Good lord the food looks good. Which brand of GF bread is that?

  19. Kathy on April 2, 2015 at 12:27 pm

    That sandwich and sweet potato look amazing!

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