9/9: Weekly Meal and Fitness plan

Most nights of the week, especially if the Pilot is home, I look forward to making dinner. It’s a nice way to unwind from the day, and I’m usually excited to try out a new recipe. After a full day of work yesterday, and a fun afternoon with friends over watching the football game, I just wasn’t feelin’ it. 

“You want Mexican?”

“Is the Pope Catholic?”

Sometimes it’s nice to have someone else do the cooking… and the salsa made at the table to your spiciness preference, while the mariachis sing away.

Pilot

“Hey girl, want a chip?” haha

Me and liv3

I’m really excited about this week’s meal ideas, because I ended up eating a ton of sugar last week. After days past of dieting roller coasters (and a metabolism that finally recovered, thank goodness), it’s not a big deal when days/weeks don’t go as planned. I know that in the grand scheme of things, I eat the foods that make me feel good, whether it’s a salad or a brownie at that time.

I’ll have a few days each week when I eat extra treats, but it ‘s been a little excessive lately. I’ve been a little more tired, and a lot more stressed out than usual. Sometimes I’ll write about stuff like that, but this is a positive space and good distraction for me when things are going on. For energy or comfort, I sometimes jump on the sugar bus. The funny this is that it sometimes makes me feel even less energized than I did before. There’s a nice high, but then there’s an awful crash.

Cake 4

I’m a big believer in moderation, but too much of anything isn’t a good thing and my body’s saying “uncle.” We’re off to brunch at my nana’s, so I know I’ll have dessert there, but am ready to dial back the sugar and up the veggies this week.

Here are some of the recipes we’ll be trying out:

 -BBQ pulled chicken with spinach and homemade baked beans

-Warm fall salads

-Sweet potato and black bean bake

-Miso salmon with stir-fried veggies and quinoa

Salmon 4

Prep:

-Buy groceries for the week

Steam eggs, make amazeballs, banana-almond muffins, chop veggies

-Make baby food

Baby food 8

 

The tentative fitness plan:

Sun: OFF 

Mon: Runday (practice 10k- it’s gotta happen)

Tues: 1st Crossfit?! <– just typing it made me nervous

Wed: Teach Zumba

Thurs: OFF

Fri: Weights 

Sat: Teach World Beat and Zumba

 

How are you prepping for success this week? Anyone want to join me for some extra clean eats?

See ya later on the Family page!

xoxo

Gina

 

 

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87 Comments

  1. Leslie W on September 9, 2012 at 11:03 am

    Girl, you are blessed. If I made a sweet potato and bean bake, I’d be in heaven. But, hubster would be saying, “Where’s the beef?” He grew up on a rice farm where it was ALWAYS meat, rice, and a some veggie cooked to death with buttered cornbread or white rolls. Talk about havoc on my blood sugar if I cooked that way! I love that Pilot eats his way, but respects yours too.

    • Fitnessista on September 9, 2012 at 11:05 am

      i’m a lucky girl- if i cook it and make it taste good, he eats it

      • Krystina on September 9, 2012 at 11:14 am

        That’s the key in this house, too. As long as it tastes good and I don’t tell him what’s in it (if I use some unfamiliar ingredients) then he’ll eat it. He does make “this needs meat” comments when I make things like vegetarian chili, but I just roll my eyes. If he’s hungry, he’ll eat. 😛

    • jessica on September 9, 2012 at 12:59 pm

      Leslie I totally understand! I try to cook healthy and yummy stuff, but anything with beans or sweet potatoes my husband just will NOT even touch… 🙁 Limits me for sure! Other than that, he is pretty perfect though, so I’m not complaining… haha. 🙂

  2. Krystina on September 9, 2012 at 11:13 am

    Crossfit? Nooooo! You’re one of the only bloggers who hasn’t jumped on crazy train to Crossfit yet.

    And sugar makes me feel horrible, but not horrible enough to give it up, haha. I definitely need to dial back though. However, Is say this fully intending to make banana muffins/bread soon.

    • Fitnessista on September 9, 2012 at 1:52 pm

      haha i’m just trying it out. it won’t be a part of my normal routine 🙂
      and same with the sugar. it makes me feel awful, but it tastes so good….

  3. Simply Life on September 9, 2012 at 11:14 am

    I am ALWAYS in the mood for Mexican food!

  4. Claudia on September 9, 2012 at 11:19 am

    I am so happy you’re trying crossfit!! I know it seems like everyone and their mom is doing it but there’s a reason for it I swear… It’s addictive!! Your meals sound great and don’t be nervous for crossfit it will be great!

  5. jaclyn on September 9, 2012 at 11:22 am

    i think may be the only one who can pull off those short-length pants. :]

    • Fitnessista on September 9, 2012 at 1:51 pm

      i used to avoid crops because i thought they made me look shorter, but i like them a lot now!

  6. Sarabell on September 9, 2012 at 11:36 am

    I’m very curious about the “warm” fall salads, not something I’ve heard of before but sounds just right!

  7. Suzanne on September 9, 2012 at 11:49 am

    I’m jumping on the Clean Eats Bus with ya! Need to detox from sugar as well. Fridge/pantry is stocked with greens, veggies, fish, beans, and quinoa. Now about that pint of almond ice cream in the fridge… 😉

  8. Megan Infantino on September 9, 2012 at 11:59 am

    Good luck with CrossFit! My husband LOVES it. I personally haven’t tried it yet but I’ll telling you, after this baby is born (2 days away from my due date), I’m going for it!!

  9. Emily @ Greens, Eggs, & Hamstrings on September 9, 2012 at 12:01 pm

    Too much sugar in the form of chocolate chip cookies this week for me too.. Tonight I’m making enchiladas!

  10. Brittany on September 9, 2012 at 12:03 pm

    I’m definitely on board with clean eats for this week!!

    Let us know how CrossFit goes. I haven’t written about it yet, but I think I’m one of the few bloggers that isn’t a huge fan. Maybe it’s the gym I went to or maybe it’s just me, but the style/approach just isn’t my cup of tea. Curious to hear your thoughts.

    • Fitnessista on September 9, 2012 at 1:50 pm

      from what i’ve seen, i don’t like it. but, i haven’t tried it, so don’t think i can write about it until i give it a fair shot. we’ll see how it goes!

  11. Marsha on September 9, 2012 at 12:09 pm

    I hope you will post your sweet potato black bean bake recipe afterwards. I’ve have a sweet potato that’s been sitting on my counter waiting to be used, a new recipe sounds like a wonderful solution.

    • Fitnessista on September 9, 2012 at 1:49 pm

      i definitely will!

  12. Jennifer on September 9, 2012 at 12:11 pm

    Hi,
    Just a question: I thought you had a new thing on the website that was a month calendar in the upper right corner. The calendar had a month’s worth of daily workouts and I was looking forward to use it as daily planning. Am I crazy or has it been moved?

    Thanks for any information!

    • Fitnessista on September 9, 2012 at 1:49 pm

      i did that for a couple of months, but hardly heard any feedback from readers who found it useful. it took a ton of time to put together and since i didn’t think anyone was using it, i skipped out this month. i’m glad to hear you liked it! maybe i’ll get one up for october 🙂

      • Lisamarie on September 9, 2012 at 11:11 pm

        I personally loved it! It was a great starting point t get me focused for the week.. but I also find that your blog on what you’re doing/eating for the week does the same. Gets me thinking a head, & making weekly goals. If a monthly calendar is too much, maybe doing a week or two & readers can just repeat, or mix & match for two weeks…
        Thanks for all your hard work!!

      • Jennifer on September 10, 2012 at 5:55 am

        Gosh, don’t worry about it if it’s work. I was just curious about where it had gone actually. Thanks for the info!

  13. Ash Bear on September 9, 2012 at 12:11 pm

    This is definitely an eat clean week for me. After 13 days of traveling I need to get back to nice, clean eats along with my good workouts. Good luck!

  14. Kristen on September 9, 2012 at 12:16 pm

    I’m jumping on the clean eats train. Last week was rough- hubs’ crazy work schedule + no time for grocery run + baby + no help = eat whatever the hell I can grab fast!! Lots of not too bad but not too great either things went into my body. This week I am starting over!

    P.S. You mentioned a few times that you live in workout clothes and aren’t too great at wearing regular clothes but I think you’ve been rocking some pretty cute outfits lately so you haven’t lost too much touch with your outside-of-workout-clothes style 🙂 I like your taste in clothes!

    • Fitnessista on September 9, 2012 at 1:48 pm

      that happens over here a lot, too. if i don’t have groceries and tom is working a lot, i end up eating whatever i can get my hands on. thank goodness for cereal, eh? 🙂
      thank you! it feels weird to put on “real” clothes.. it’s usually workout clothes and pajama land over here

  15. Kate @KateMovingForward on September 9, 2012 at 12:24 pm

    I made a big batch of quinoa for the week and got my exercise plans in writing!

  16. Mandy M on September 9, 2012 at 12:27 pm

    On board with the clean eats. Since school started 3 weeks ago I have been great during the week, not so much on weekends. And too much alcohol. Sitting here eating your protein pancakes, so that’s a good start, no?
    Prep today includes making muffins, trail mix, chickpea salad, homemade lara bars, and salad dressing.
    Got ZWOW 20 in this morning, going shopping after I shower, we’re looking good.

    • Fitnessista on September 9, 2012 at 1:47 pm

      yum, i haven’t made those in wayyyyy too long!
      can’t wait to try the newest zwow 🙂

  17. Averie @ Averie Cooks on September 9, 2012 at 12:44 pm

    You and Liv are adorable and she has the prettiest baby food and serving dish of any little baby out there, I’m sure of it 🙂 Love that flower-shaped dish!

  18. mc on September 9, 2012 at 12:54 pm

    yay for trying crossfit!!!! I am only a month in and absolutely love it. cant wait to hear what you think about it!

  19. Heather on September 9, 2012 at 1:02 pm

    That one crossfit class is going to make you become an addict. I haven’t written since April… but my last blogpost was “Crossfit can have my babies…” haha seriously though, it is an amazing workout and I am stronger and fitter than I’ve ever been! Good luck and enjoy it! <3

    • Fitnessista on September 9, 2012 at 1:47 pm

      that’s awesome, i’m excited to try it

  20. Em on September 9, 2012 at 1:08 pm

    Can you post or link the recipes to your menu plan this week?

    • Fitnessista on September 9, 2012 at 1:46 pm

      i’ll post recipes as i go along this week 🙂

  21. Stacey on September 9, 2012 at 1:17 pm

    Did I miss the recipe for homemade Chipolte?

  22. Joyce Fu on September 9, 2012 at 1:19 pm

    I like how you update us on how “clean” you’ve been eating because it explains my own habits better 🙂
    You are correct in that moderation is key. Completely eliminating treats is horrible because my body will constantly think about them (even when i sleep!!), especially around “that time of the month”. However, once you have that cheat moment or day, you promise yourself to get right back on track with healthy eating habits.

    I’ve lost almost 12lbs so far doing this and your blog is an amazing wealth of information for my eyes, especially the pictures of your delish desserts 😉 Thanks Gina! <3

    • Fitnessista on September 9, 2012 at 1:44 pm

      thank you so much for reading, joyce!

  23. Caitlin on September 9, 2012 at 1:26 pm

    Gina, I know you’re quite the talented cook (I LOVE all your recipes!), but where do you get the inspiration/do you find recipes online you want to make?

    • Fitnessista on September 9, 2012 at 1:44 pm

      i’ll usually think of meals that i’ve had at restaurants, or components of favorite meals i’ll make at home (like i’ve been craving pulled chicken, which is a staple, but want to make a warm fall salad like the ones at eclectic cafe)

  24. Lauren on September 9, 2012 at 1:28 pm

    Totally joining you for clean eats and less sugar! Definitely needed after a Vegas weekend 🙂 At least I balanced the alcohol indulgence with a delicious seared ahi salad. Self control ftw 😉

  25. Kandi on September 9, 2012 at 1:50 pm

    My eating habits have been SO out of whack for about the last week and a half to two weeks and it has made me feel awful! Definitely grilling some chicken for lunches this week and I’m all stocked up on fruit/veggies/yogurt. Here’s to hoping I stick to healthy eats this week! Now with that said, I bought some pumpkin cheesecake cookies and there are also 4 brownies left over from our tailgate yesterday…it’s all about moderation, right? 😉

  26. @pluvk on September 9, 2012 at 2:00 pm

    That miso salmon sounds amazing… combines two of my favorite foods/flavors. Do you have a special recipe for that? 🙂

    • Fitnessista on September 9, 2012 at 2:06 pm

      i’ll probably just use miso paste, orange zest, salt, pepper and a little honey

  27. Christie on September 9, 2012 at 2:02 pm

    On my first week of cross fit.
    Without a doubt you are going to l o v e it.
    I ready your blog weekly and I get the feeling that this is right up your alley!

    Good luck and can’t wait to get your reviews!!!! 🙂 Happy Sunday

  28. Thais @ Eats n Miles on September 9, 2012 at 2:05 pm

    On board with the clean eats! Prep today includes grocery shopping, chopping veggies and baking a batch of your banana almond muffins! Yum!

  29. ash on September 9, 2012 at 2:07 pm

    Cant wait to see your recipes!

  30. Erin @ Girl Gone Veggie on September 9, 2012 at 2:09 pm

    Oh I hope you feel better! I hate when things get stressful, but clean eats and good workouts definitely make it easier to relax!

  31. Courtney B on September 9, 2012 at 2:30 pm

    Crossfit! I started last week and thought that you should try it 🙂 good luck!

  32. AmyW on September 9, 2012 at 2:45 pm

    I love crossfit!!! I can’t imagine someone not liking it:) I have my own home gym and the hubs and I make up most of our workouts. I have such a love/hate for them…lol!

  33. Amanda on September 9, 2012 at 2:59 pm

    Yes! I’m on board for clean eating week! Too many treats lately also. I meal planned last night and penciled in my workouts, let’s DO IT! Bless you Gina x

  34. Michelle @ Eat Move Balance on September 9, 2012 at 2:59 pm

    I hear ya on the sugar overload as of late. There have been way too many treats available at work . . . . and I’ve helped myself way too much! Time to scale it back. And like you, my body “tells me” to scale it back. It’s like it says, “enough already. you indulged, it tasted good, but you’re over it. feed me some delicious veggies!”

    So, I just finished prepping my lunches for the week! All set to be back on track!

  35. Joelle (on a pink typewriter) on September 9, 2012 at 3:00 pm

    Eeeek, stress. I’ve been the same way, Gina… lately too much chocolate and sugar. Time to bring on the greens, even though I generally follow the same principles you were talking about, w moderation. It all evens out.. I hope everything is going okay for you guys!

  36. Kristi @ lifesprinkles.com on September 9, 2012 at 3:15 pm

    I’m with you on the clean eats this week! a little too much stress/sugar eating over here lately too 🙂

  37. Laura on September 9, 2012 at 3:52 pm

    I had a very sugary and carb-loaded weekend too! I’m jumping on the healthy eats train for this week. Grocery shopping is done, so prep is next!

  38. Mallory on September 9, 2012 at 3:54 pm

    I’m glad you’re trying CrossFit!! I’m an addict. I’m a personal trainer and it has stepped up my fitness a ton! I LOVVVVE it.

    And I made your Amazeballs for the first time and took them into my coworkers… They were an instant hit!!

  39. Danielle@cleanfoodcreativefitness on September 9, 2012 at 4:05 pm

    Love the recipes as always! I definitely go through phases with my sugar consumption and some weeks are definitely higher in sugar than others and I totally agree I definitely get that sugar high and then major crash when I have too much of it! I’m excited you’re trying CrossFit! Don’t be nervous or intimidated it’s just like any other workout! I’ve been doing it for about a year and a half now and absolutely love it!

  40. Lindsay on September 9, 2012 at 4:07 pm

    Last week was a crazy one for me, so I too, will join you for eating more clean and less sugar. I feel so blah! :/

    I finally watched Forks Over Knives, and now have that in the back of my mind for extra clean eats motivation!

    Looking forward to your recipes, as always.

  41. LisaG on September 9, 2012 at 4:53 pm

    Thank you for all the motivation & recipes. Been sticking with daily kettlebell workouts with yesterday off. I have white chicken chili in the crockpot, making giant kale salad from iowagirleats (kale,dried cherries,red onion,apples,peanuts, goat cheese), Ina’s asian salmon & shredded roasted brussells w/ parm.

  42. leah o on September 9, 2012 at 6:21 pm

    I’ll definitely be joining you. Lately I’m finding That I say yes to more and more to sugary treats and I’ve just been feeling so “blah” because of it. Your recipe ideas inspired me! Off to the grocery store: )

  43. Jessica on September 9, 2012 at 6:45 pm

    Don’t feel bad of you don’t like crossfit. There’s principles about the sport I love but some things that aren’t or me. You may feel the same way. Good luck!

  44. Dede on September 9, 2012 at 6:56 pm

    I definitely need to join you on the clean eating. Too much Chocolove. (!)

    I’m looking forward to hearing about Crossfit. I like to work hard but I don’t think I’d enjoy CF very much.

    I’m also looking forward to the sweet potato and black bean bake recipe. I’m enjoying the weekly food and fitness postings and I’m glad you started it.

    I was telling DH about your blog today and was commenting that I’m so impressed that you can eat clean and GF considering that your family seems to be blessed with good cooking genes and the food they prepare for your get togethers always looks so tempting. You’re an inspiration to me.

  45. Catherine Crain on September 9, 2012 at 7:47 pm

    I’ll join you on eating clean this week! The past (few) weeks I’ve been doing terribly, starting nursing school has reeked havoc on my diet & exercise. I can tell I’ve gotten a slightly bit pudgier & I DON’T LIKE IT!

  46. Lindsey @ Goldilocks and the 3 Bodies on September 9, 2012 at 8:20 pm

    I need to eat clean for the next 5 weeks until a family reunion/wedding, but even typing that is intimidating (just like CrossFit–you are brave for trying it! good luck!)

    I’m terrible at meal planning and wonderful at eating too much sugar and/or (starchy) carbs. Both are things I need to address. I just today went overboard at lunch and felt like a slug the whole afternoon. Ick.

    Your baby is growing up so fast! 😀

  47. Marissa@ohhhsolovely on September 9, 2012 at 9:29 pm

    i’m with ya on having too many sweets recenlty. i find sweets to be so comforting after a long day of work. usually, i stick to dark chocolate, which isn’t too bad. but some evenings, i know i could destroy a pint of ice cream. so, it’s always nice to feel like your in a club & not alone with this stuff!

  48. Melodie on September 9, 2012 at 9:55 pm

    clean eats are on my menu this week! including your honey lavendar salmon that you posted not too long ago. 🙂 excited to give it a try.

    • Fitnessista on September 10, 2012 at 6:28 pm

      let me know what you think!

  49. Hannah on September 9, 2012 at 9:56 pm

    You will love crossfit! Just go in and say you are new and they will help you with everything. Starting was the best decision I’ve made in a longgg time, I am stronger and in better shape than I have ever been (and I have been very lazy during the past month) There is a great sense of community which makes it really fun, and everything can be scaled for anyone. So excited to hear what you think!

  50. Marie on September 9, 2012 at 10:09 pm

    I have definitely been eating too many sweets lately and will be joining you on the clean eats this week. While it tastes awesome, it sure makes me feel gross and sluggish. I have been having way too much fun trying out my donut pans. 😉 My husband and I just finished Phase 2 of P90X and I’m pretty sure I didn’t get as greats a results as I did with the first phase because of my eats. Olivia looks so cuddly!!!

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