Makin’ [Tempeh] Bacon

Hi friends! A very special hello to all of the new readers out there, too 🙂 Hope you’ve had a lovely day <3 Thank you for your amazing discussion this morning- I’ve loved reading your tips and advice, and will be answering any questions you asked after this post goes up.

My work day was a mixture of intense, tiring, restful, exciting and amazeballz. A lot went on today! Since I’m still in training mode, I was able to take and observe some very new-to-me classes, and also lay by the pool on my lunch break.

pool

I like that 🙂

Here’s a snapshot of what I did today:

-Ballet– This class was killer on the ol’ bunskies and is one I’ll probably be teaching.

-Weight room supervisor- I really enjoyed this one! I got to walk around the gym, give fitness advice, hand out fresh towels and talk to the guests as they worked out.

-Dance Party- no description necessary. LOVED this one 🙂

-Gliders- This class used the gliding disks that I was first introduced to at the SCW workshop last year. I learned some awesome exercises utilizing the gliding disks… this would make for a fun WMOW video, methinks.

-Drumming- I most likely will not teach this class. It was… unique.. and fun in a different way.

drumsalive1 Source

(Basically we listened to music and drummed along. For example: grapevine, hit the ball, grapevine, hit the ball. Clank your sticks together, walk around in a circle, etc)

Stretch. Much-needed, and we did a great IT band stretch that made my body rejoice.

statue

Needless to say, I’m a little sore –still have a day and a half to go this week- full of new knowledge and loving every second.

I couldn’t eat a protein muffin fast enough when I walked in the door.

muffin

I’ve had one almost every day this week. It’s so versatile, HUGE and filling. Today, I used applesauce and brown rice flour, no cacao powder, and wedged two dark chocolate squares into the batter halfway through cooking. Topped with maple syrup… swoon.

After I got my feast on and put some comfy clothes on, I was really excited to play with the tempeh I picked up this week.

tempeh

Tempeh looks SO weird raw!!

tempeh (2)

Since LA created a tempeh bacon beast, I figured I’d give a homemade version a whirl. I scoped out a few recipes online, but ended up using the marinade for Matthew Kenney’s eggplant bacon. (I can’t post the recipe here, but if you do a little googling, it is out there. The recipe is in his cookbook Everyday Raw, which is one of my all-time faves)

I thin-sliced the tempeh:

tempeh (3)

and made the marinade.

marinade

I split the marinade and slices into baggies so they can soak the spicy goodness up. After a couple of hours (or 20 minutes, if I can wait that long haha), it’s just cook and eat! Baller.

tempeh (4)

Well I’m off to foam roll my heart out and cook some of that tempeh bacon to eat atop this pizza….

pizza

Enjoy your night and I’ll see ya in the morning!

xoxo

Gina

Something to think:Today I am thankful for my health and all of the things my body enables me to do.” A guest started weeping after ballet this morning because she was so overcome with emotion. She said that while she was working out, it hit her that she is so very lucky to be able to move her body and do everything she’s able to do. It was an incredible, beautiful moment. It’s easy to get caught up in silly things, worry about bigger things, or have a bad day.. but if you have your health and you’re ALIVE, that’s really all that matters, ya know?

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42 Comments

  1. staceyhealthylife on April 28, 2011 at 10:42 pm

    Those sound like some awesome classes. But not sure about the drumming class, sounds kinda strange.

    • Fitnessista on April 28, 2011 at 10:45 pm

      it wasn’t just “kinda” strange. hahaha. but some people love it, so different strokes for different folks!

  2. Astrid on April 28, 2011 at 10:47 pm

    I took a ballet type fitness class over the Summer and was amazed at how sore I was the next day! That tempeh has me craving a sandwich!

  3. Alicia on April 28, 2011 at 10:50 pm

    Awww, that is really sweet. And so true. I always year up when I hear the national anthem; it remind me how much my family and others do for the freedom we have. Anyhow, I’m not do sure how I feel about tempe, kind grosses me out. But, I did enjoy some real bacon today, twas scrumptious. Glad to hear how much you enjoy what you do!

  4. Sam on April 28, 2011 at 10:53 pm

    I love gliding disks! I was recently introduced to these and they really add another dimension to a workout.

  5. Chelsea on April 28, 2011 at 10:56 pm

    Sounds like you are going to have the best job ever! It must have been a special moment for you to witness that. It is always good to have a little reminder that we should be greatful for the little things.

  6. Chelsea on April 28, 2011 at 10:57 pm

    Wow I couldn’t have said what that girl said any better. I’m so thankful for my health and how fitness and healthy eating has helped my body overcome a virus I’d never thought it would be capable of fighting off.
    Health is where it’s all at 🙂

    I’m so jealous of your job ack! So many fun classes! Who knows maybe I’ll spend a week at that retreat one day!

    • Fitnessista on April 28, 2011 at 11:06 pm

      please do! let me know when you come visit!

  7. Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga) on April 28, 2011 at 11:10 pm

    Tempeh bacon and Matthew K’s recipe. I was JUST commenting on another blog who I saw made eggplant bacon. I am not a bacon fan at all so have never made either but I bet the hubs would be happy if I would…he’s a bacon lover! The marinade in that baggie looks like it would go perfectly with the tempeh.

    So glad you are enjoying your new job, Gina. I am sure it’s overwhelming at moments and thinking about having to learn to teach ALL those different kinds of classes, but your upbeat attitude about it all is shining thru! 🙂

  8. Vene on April 28, 2011 at 11:11 pm

    Great minds think alike! I actually blogged today about just thinking positively and being thankful for our blessings. with life being so hectic and crazy at times, we often get down or stressed but It’s definitely a blessing to just be alive, have the ability to move, smile, and the list goes on.

    Btw, I totally love your blog!

    • Fitnessista on April 28, 2011 at 11:12 pm

      thank you! and you’re right, great minds think alike 🙂

  9. carin on April 28, 2011 at 11:24 pm

    do you have a recipe for the marinade? i LOVE tempeh bacon!

    • Fitnessista on April 28, 2011 at 11:48 pm

      it’s matthew kenney’s from everyday raw 🙂

  10. Tenecia on April 28, 2011 at 11:31 pm

    Thank you for the “Something to Think About” – I often forget how blessed I am to be able to modify and strengthen this body that God has given me.

    T.

  11. Kilee on April 28, 2011 at 11:32 pm

    Your quote and story from today are so touching. We are all lucky to be able to do what we do. Looks like your day was a blast! Take care and have a relaxing night 🙂

  12. Danielle (Shrinking and Studying) on April 28, 2011 at 11:39 pm

    That drumming class sounds bizarre! I’ve never heard of anything like that before! But the way I see it, if people are getting active and enjoy it then all the power to them.

    I LOVE glider work-outs. We used the gliders a lot in a pilaga class I took. We generally used them in bridge and plank moves and HOLY MOLY were they ever effective. =) If I had more hard surfaces in my apartment I’d definitely invest in a pair. I still like to use them at the gym once in a while when I go though. I’d love if you made a video of some moves with them.

    I’m glad your second day went well! xoxo

  13. mi-an on April 29, 2011 at 12:41 am

    Tempeh does look weird raw!! i tried that kind before from TJ’s and i was not a fan. can’t wait to see how your tempeh bacon turns out!

  14. Christina on April 29, 2011 at 12:45 am

    You health is everything! Live every day like it’s your last :)Thanks for the inspiration G

  15. Ashley @ Feeding Ashley on April 29, 2011 at 12:57 am

    That drumming class sounds..interesting. Do you think it’s actually a ‘workout,’ or just for fun?

  16. Stephanie @ Life, Love & Inspiration on April 29, 2011 at 1:02 am

    I had a patient today who is bravely battling stage four cancer, it really put me in my place, as I’ve been whining a lot lately. There is no greater reminder to be thankful for a healthy body and to truly appreciate every single day. Thanks for another reminder, seems like I can never have enough of those!

  17. Deb (SmoothieGirlEatsToo) on April 29, 2011 at 3:05 am

    Swoon indeed on your muffin!! Thrilled that you are loving them and love the inserted chocolate!! I need to get some brown rice flour as I’ve read that it is so great!

    I’d be down for everything at your gym except the drumming. I even go crazy in yoga if I don’t break a sweat! 🙂 OCD much? hee.

  18. Gina B on April 29, 2011 at 4:14 am

    Oh man, my gym offers the drums class…they call it “Drums Alive”. My mom was so excited for it, then she sent me a video of it, and I nearly died laughing! The women at my gym love it. Whatever gets you moving is ok in my book, it’s just definitely not my flavor! 😉

  19. Ruth on April 29, 2011 at 5:36 am

    The bacon sounds awesome! Can’t believe you can make your own so easily. I would love to see a final photo of the cooked finished thing if you have time in that crazy schedule of yours! Have a good day!

  20. cathy on April 29, 2011 at 5:48 am

    i’ve loved reading about all the different classes you’ve been able to observe/participate in so far, gina! this job is so YOU! drumming??…you’re so diplomatic in your assessment! 🙂 glad the other options have been more your style!
    thanks for the tempeh bacon reference – now that’s some bacon i could get into!
    btw…watching the royal wedding and enjoying the fashion parade…can’t wait to hear your take!

  21. Cait @ Beyond Bananas on April 29, 2011 at 5:57 am

    Lots of classes today! That drumming class seems interesting. It would be kind of funny to observe it and not know what was going on….

  22. Katie on April 29, 2011 at 6:28 am

    I am so glad you are loving the new job!

    Pool time on your break too?! LOVE!

    Have a great day girl!!! xoxo <3

  23. Annie D @ Annie's Simple Life on April 29, 2011 at 7:31 am

    I love TJ’s tempeh! It really DOES look weird when you take it out of the package!! 🙂

  24. Holly @ The Runny Egg on April 29, 2011 at 7:32 am

    I’ve never had tempeh and to be honest it freaks me out to see it! I just don’t know if I’ll ever try it.

    That drumming class looks hilarious!

  25. Heather (Heather's Dish) on April 29, 2011 at 7:59 am

    wow, i’ve never heard of a drumming class til now…interesting! i’m so glad that guest realized how blessed she is to move her body. it’s hard to get past our own issues sometimes, but thinking about others and how thankful we are for the things we have is a huge way to move past that!

  26. Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat on April 29, 2011 at 8:07 am

    That bacon looks weird, but it actually sounds quite tasty!! I’ve also heard about the drumming classes at our Can Fit Pro conference last year, but haven’t done one yet. You’re so lucky that you get to fill your days with all of this – I’d totally kill for your job! Have a great day! 🙂

  27. Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin on April 29, 2011 at 8:39 am

    That drumming class sounds so weird! I never would think to make drumming into a workout. 😛

    I love tempeh bacon! TLT sandwiches are my fave.

  28. jenna on April 29, 2011 at 8:56 am

    let us know how your bacon came out!! i love real bacon and i’m not gonna lie tempeh scares me…i’ve never tried it…so i would love to know what you think.

    i don’t know if its the royal wedding that has me all worked up or what but your something to think made me teary this a.m. thanks for sharing

  29. Morgan on April 29, 2011 at 9:32 am

    I have been looking for tempeh bacon everywhere! I’m super glad there is a recipe for it! By the way, that pool side photo makes me so jealous!

  30. Dani on April 29, 2011 at 9:32 am

    I’m not even vegan and that it LITERALLY my favorite pizza! So glad they invented the GF crust!

  31. CaSaundra on April 29, 2011 at 9:40 am

    Your pictures of pools and sunshine always make me wish I was in AZ and not MN! haha you’re so lucky!! soak up some sun for me 🙂

    • Fitnessista on April 29, 2011 at 9:54 am

      don’t you fret- i will 🙂
      hope you get some sun soon, too!

  32. Tina on April 29, 2011 at 9:52 am

    I’m curious how you like the tempeh. I love that brand but it does not love me if you know what i mean:). I don’t think i am able to digest it properly or something. So, unfortunately i had to give it up. But, i enjoyed the taste and texture of it. Plus, it was really filling.

  33. LisaG on April 29, 2011 at 1:41 pm

    I’m gonna try the tempeh & eggplant bacon this weekend. I’m finally free to do some stuff.

  34. Natalie S on May 2, 2011 at 10:41 am

    They actually offered a drumming class at our local Y for a little while…it was interesting…but I don’t think the instructor knew too much of what to do, let alone, us as participants so it wasn’t that great, as far as a workout goes. It was kind of fun though 🙂

    • Fitnessista on May 2, 2011 at 12:33 pm

      i hope i don’t have to teach it. i have no idea what i’d do

  35. Yvonne on May 4, 2011 at 9:41 am

    I’m in LOVE with the protein muffin. I haven’t strayed from the original recipe, or the chocolate one yet. But I am very excited to try new things!!! I pack them for breakfast and bring to the office! Stays moist without a problem! AMaZiNG! Please post any renditions that work!! THANK YOU!

  36. marinka on May 18, 2012 at 5:04 am

    these classes sound interesting, but drumming is a little bit weird:)) did you finish ballet school or how do you become a ballet class instructor?! here you can become one only if u have formal ballet education (10 years)

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