5/19: Meals and Fitness for the week

Some things of lately: (<–aka this post is a little all over the place. Let’s just roll with it)

A bright and early Friday morning Sabino Canyon hike:

Photo 98

(did about 4 miles)

and then after breakfast, Livi and I met up with friends to play at the Children’s Museum for the morning. It’s so cute to watch Livi crawl up the foam rainbow with no probs, when not too long ago, she would perch on it apprehensively. She’s got the rainforest room conquered 😉

Home for naptime, chores for me,

(I do little bits of cleaning throughout the week, but Friday is my cleanstravaganza day. A random tip: I mop the floors with dish soap and water. It works extremely well, and smells crisp and clean without overpowering. I do a second round with water to rinse, and then dry by “ice skating” with towels under my feet — nice bonus leg workout)

When Liv woke up, I assembled lasagna with her on my back in the Ergo:

 

Cooking buddy

She really wants to see what’s going on in the kitchen, but is still a little too small for one of these things. I made the meat, spinach and sauce mixture while she was napping, and when she woke up, she watched me put the layers together.

No-boil pasta noodles, meat mixture (chicken sausage, spinach, garlic, marinara sauce, chopped fresh basil, oregano, splash of balsamic), ricotta mixture (with salt, pepper and a hint of nutmeg), sauce and goat cheese.

Lasagna  1 of 1

I baked everything for 45 minutes, and then let it cool before wrapping and placing it in the fridge for us to quickly heat and eat Friday night.

Saturday, I taught all day, and it was rough after being off for a week — I was out of breath after the World Beat warm up 😉

Dinner was Mongolian BBQ,

Photo 97

(we need to switch it up more often!)

and the evening was spent chilling at home. The Pilot had late nights last week, so I feel like I haven’t seen him very much lately.

This week, I’m excited to use from produce from the market to make our dinners, in addition to our fresh herbs growing in abundance out back.

Bella is shocked that everything is still alive….

Bell and flowers  1 of 1

Me too, Bell, me too.

Here’s what’s on the tentative schedule this week:

Prep ahead:

Protein fudge (I’m officially obsessed)

Baked chicken

Smoothie packs

Protein pancakes for the week

Pancakes for Liv 

Pancake  1 of 1 5

 

Lunches/dinners:

Curry chicken salad in romaine

Smoothies (Smoothie a Day challenge is still going strong, even though I’ve been slacking with posting my smoothies and juices)

Slow cooker chicken tacos

Asparagus Caesar Salad

Sweet potato pasta with grilled chicken and pesto

Kale, avocado and strawberry salad

 

Sunday: Teach Zumba

Monday: Yoga

Tuesday: OFF

Wednesday: Teach Zumba, teach Barre

Thursday: Teach DJ Dance

Friday: OFF

Saturday: Teach Zumba + weights

What’s on the menu for you this week? Are you taking any new fitness classes or trying new recipes? Feel free to link away in the comment’s section!

See ya later with some pics from the day <3

xoxo

Gina

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36 Comments

  1. Ali @ Peaches and Football on May 19, 2013 at 11:40 am

    Congrats on the blooming green thumb! 🙂

    They have the local marathon going on right now and wouldn’t you know it, it’s the hottest day of the year so far. Last year they had to shut the race down after a few hours because it was too hot / humid for the runners. Sure hope everyone is OK this time around!!

    Going to try and hit 3 fitness classes this week – Body Pump twice and a Body Flow class. Need to figure out how to adjust on downward dogs though… they really hurt my wrists!! 🙁

    • Irene on May 19, 2013 at 4:29 pm

      Actually, I’ve been having trouble with my right wrist too, though mine is more during the transition from downdog to cobra – really anything that involves shifting my weight forward while on my arms. Any suggestions for modifications are welcome!

      • Fitnessista on May 19, 2013 at 4:32 pm

        try coming onto your knees before transitioning to see if that helps

      • Amanda on May 19, 2013 at 9:07 pm

        Try to really focus on pushing down through your fingertips, so your palm isn’t pushing down so hard and your wrist doesn’t crease as much.

  2. Lonnie on May 19, 2013 at 11:49 am

    Your flowers are beautiful!
    I made your protein fudge last night, and have a question. How big are the “scoops” that you refer to in the recipe? I just estimated, but mine was a little dry.. .I think I used too much coconut flour, because it was more crumbly than “fudgy.” Still tasted good though.. I love the mint in it, and I had some with my coffee this morning.
    Thanks again for the reminder to plan food and exercise for the week. I’m always so much happier when I do!

    • Fitnessista on May 19, 2013 at 11:53 am

      my scoops are 21g each.
      sorry it was a little dry, but i’m happy you liked the flavor!
      xo

  3. Lauren on May 19, 2013 at 11:51 am

    Finished my SECOND half this morning and dominated my old time (2 minutes faster is domination in my book). It was fun but I have to admit I’m excited to take a break from long runs for awhile. Can’t wait for summer shapeup to give me a nice schedule again!

    • Fitnessista on May 19, 2013 at 11:53 am

      whoo hoo!!! great job 🙂

  4. Christine@ Apple of My Eye on May 19, 2013 at 11:51 am

    I love Liv! Honestly, her chubby smile always puts me in a better mood. What a gem :).

    Since I’m going home for the weekend from college, I plan to cook away! I pinned your protein fudge recipe, which I’m definitely going to try, as well as making some homemade whole wheat biscuits and lemon orzo with shrimp! I made them for Mother’s Day and have been dreaming of them ever since 😉

    http://apple-of-my-eye.com/2013/05/14/wiaw-2/ (thanks for encouraging linking!)

    I also plan to try to get more runs in and to hit up the gym a couple of times this week for some strength training 🙂

    Have an awesome day!

    • Fitnessista on May 19, 2013 at 11:54 am

      she is such a little love 🙂
      let me know how you like the fudge! that recipe looks amaaaaazing
      xoxo

  5. Kristi on May 19, 2013 at 12:00 pm

    The lasagna looks amazing! No boil noodles? Please expand! 🙂

  6. Jeannie on May 19, 2013 at 12:30 pm

    I love your multi tasking skills!
    What kind of dish soap do you use for the floors?

    Also, I can’t believe liv still fits in the ergo..
    do you do alot of cooking and chores with her In there and doesn’t your back hurt after awhile?
    If not I think it’s great!

    • Fitnessista on May 19, 2013 at 5:07 pm

      i use seventh generation and love it. ergo recommends a max weight of 45 lbs, but they’re tested up to 90 lbs! a few of my friends have 2 and 3 year olds who will happily ride in the ergo, so hopefully we have a long time of babywearing ahead of us 🙂

  7. Lori on May 19, 2013 at 12:41 pm

    I just made your protein fudge for the first time this morning. Yes… this is going to become an obsession I can tell. It’s so good! I used homemade sun butter and subbed in coconut milk for the almond (nut allergies in the house) and it is FAB-U-LOUSSSS! Thanks for finding us a healthier alternative for the chocolate fix.

  8. Lisa on May 19, 2013 at 12:52 pm

    Your flowers are beautiful! The lasagna looks delicious. I made lasagna roll-ups a few weeks ago and they came out great .. they were like little mini lasagnas .. I think I need to make them again soon after seeing your lasagna. 🙂

  9. Miranda @ Miranda Runs on May 19, 2013 at 1:03 pm

    I’ve been dabbling with Barre workouts lately! I’m totally in love and obsessed. Too bad there are NO studios or classes anywhere near me. You should put a full length barre workout on your Youtube channel!

  10. Ashley @ Life and Fitness on May 19, 2013 at 1:11 pm

    Lasagna is such a great make ahead meal for dinner. I’ve been growing my own bean sprouts lately. They add such a nice texture to wraps!

  11. D. on May 19, 2013 at 1:41 pm

    Hi Gina, love your blog. How many times per day do you eat? Can you show some sample full days? I don’t know how to make a sample FULL day of meals in order to be balanced and not too carb or grain heavy. I have a terrible issue of binging/compulsive eating very late at night and I’m ashamed. The next day I tell myself to start over and eat clean, but I keep “adding” to whhat should be simple, clean meals (i.e. I’ll add grains when I dont want/need it since I binge really late every night, etc… 🙁 I need a do-over/cleanse somehow and wilpower. I’m not very active (slow, casual walks, nothing more). And really bad IBS (alternating kind) and bloat. Please give me some tips or sample meal plans or something. I don’t know any more what to eat or how many cals to eat when those calculators are iffy. I feel like a failure but know my attitude doesn’t help things. Thanks for anything.

    D.

    • Fitnessista on May 19, 2013 at 3:40 pm

      hey girl,
      which city are you in? i have some RD friends i might be able to refer you to in your area. it definitely seems you would benefit from trained advice – they’ll help you plan out specific meals for your individual needs in addition to the IBS you’ve experienced
      sending love to you and thank you for reading!!

      • D on May 20, 2013 at 1:33 pm

        Thks. But I live in canada. The compulsive eating, lack of exercise, fatigue, lethargy, IBS …sucks 🙁 Any other sites or people who can counsel me with specific disciplined meal plans that are entered after a cleansing meal plan period?

  12. Mia on May 19, 2013 at 2:35 pm

    I still need to try this protein fudge, although I do have to say that I’m thinking of using earth balance coconut peanut butter and omitting the peppermint extract to make a “Coconut Peanut Butter Chocolate Fudge”. We’ll see how that goes…. 🙂

    Not sure what our meals will look like this week, but my CSA included the following: kohlrabi, golden beets, cauliflower (pizza maybe??), romaine, swiss chard, strawberries, onions, arugula, and eggs. I have scallops and some salmon in the house plus I purchased chicken for the week too. It will definitely be a week of yummy eats!

    Workouts? I’m losing my mojo for strength training, which is odd because I would much rather lift than cardio. I just see more of a difference in my body and mental state. Maybe I need a new workout or switch up? Have a fabulous week!

  13. Hayley on May 19, 2013 at 3:13 pm

    Hey Gina
    Well done on keeping the herbs alive. My fingers are the opposite of Green, more like ‘Death to plant fingers’!
    I did your Barre Burner, Hiit programme and an arm burner in the gym today. That Barre workout is aptly named!
    This week I am on holiday with the family so eating will be relaxed to say the least. Last year I did manage to fit in a few early morning lovely runs so hope that works out. We have also hired bikes but will have to go at the pace of the littlest cyclists legs ( four years old and on stabilisers).
    I did a 5K run on Saturday and beat my time by 69 seconds so I am basking in the glow of my triumph!
    Here in the UK (although I think it could be global now) we have Saturday morning timed 5 K runs called ParkRun. They are staffed by volunteers and are such a lovely way to get into running. You get out early and run around some of our loveliest parks. It really is pretty special. Have a lovely week, I do so love your blog!
    Hayley xx

    • Fitnessista on May 19, 2013 at 3:36 pm

      my thumbs used to be like that, and i somehow turned it around by consistently watering them at the same time. i’m shocked they’ve lasted this long!!
      so happy you like the barre burner 🙂
      congratulations on your 5k victory! that is amazing!!
      hope you have a wonderful week, too <3
      xo

  14. Meggie on May 19, 2013 at 3:28 pm

    Love that you cook with your little one in the Ergo! I am wondering if you have tips on how to get her in there by yourself? I have wanted to get my little girl in our Ergo on my back but can never figure out how to get her in there without my husband’s help. 🙂 You should do another post on baby wearing with a toddler in the family section!

    • Fitnessista on May 19, 2013 at 3:35 pm

      i totally will!
      getting her on my back is pretty easy now. i sit on the couch with the ergo around my waist and ask her if she wants to ride piggy back in the ergo. if she says yes, i put her on the couch behind me, she crawls onto my back and grabs onto my neck while i bring the ergo up and clip it. i’ll post some things i’ve learned on the family page 🙂

      • Tricia on May 19, 2013 at 8:01 pm

        Sorry I just read this comment after I had already asked the same question. Good to know I am not the only one with this problem! Tips would be great.

  15. Tricia on May 19, 2013 at 7:59 pm

    How in the world do you get your daughter in the Ergo by yourself?? I can only put mine in the front but am too scared to get her on my back without help.

    • Fitnessista on May 21, 2013 at 11:56 pm

      she climbs onto my back from the couch, because the couch is under her if she slips. i’m too afraid to do it in public on my own

  16. Emily on May 19, 2013 at 9:51 pm

    I haven’t thought of adding goat cheese to my lasagna, I just may have to try that considering I am in love with that cheese!

  17. jasmine on May 20, 2013 at 12:21 am

    I noticed you only lift weights about once a week, but you have some great definition in your arms. What is included in your weights routine? I try to work on upper body twice a week but am not seeing much of a change in the shape of my arms. Any suggestions? (I also have a one year old and am usually lugging her around too)

    • Fitnessista on May 20, 2013 at 1:14 am

      thank you! i’ve been carrying liv a lot (bicep curl all day haha), yoga (i’ve been practicing once a week for a few months now) and when i strength train, i only use kettlebells, body weight and heavy dumbbells – i stopped using machines

  18. Jess on May 20, 2013 at 10:20 am

    Which Ergo do you have? I’ve been researching and really need to pull the trigger but just can’t decide. I want one that both my husband and I will be comfortable using…hopefully 🙂 thanks!

  19. FitBritt@MyOwnBalance on May 20, 2013 at 4:15 pm

    I’m super excited to be trying out DMF this week! It is a dance cardio class (right up your alley Gina!) created by Lindi Duesenberg, a former Physique 57 instructor. I absolutely cannot wait until my Thursday night dance party!!

    • Fitnessista on May 20, 2013 at 4:27 pm

      no way!! i haven’t even heard of this! let me know how you like it 🙂

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