Fast food
Night weeks, I’m not a fan.
I’ve never loved night weeks because I miss having the Pilot around- it just feels lonely over here. Liv and I have had fun hanging out at the house together or meeting up with friends, but we haven’t seen much of the man of the house for the past couple of weeks. Since he needs to sleep late, we’ll either try (key word) to be quiet downstairs in the morning or leave the house for a little while. He hangs out for a couple of hours and then goes to work until odd hours of the night. I’m SO glad we’re done with the night weeks for now 🙂
The only good thing about night weeks is that when he’s home for a little while during the day, we’ll do something fun, like hit up Sabino Canyon.
(Nice to see youuuuuuuu)
The Pilot and I have different workout philosophies. If I have the time to workout and don’t know when my next chance will be, I go for it. He doesn’t like to workout unless he knows he can do it on a regular basis and keep up a schedule. That really hasn’t happened since we’ve been here in Tucson. Moving into the house combined with house projects, the holidays, baby and his intense work schedule, he hasn’t had a single week where he thought “hmm, I might be able to workout everyday this week.” So he hasn’t. He also has an enviable metabolism, Mr. Watch-me-eat-a-dozen-donuts.
Warning: creepy mustache ahead 😉
Things have finally started to settle down a little over here, so he’s been able to get back into running and working out. Yesterday was my active rest day, so I walked with the stroller and the Pilot ran out and back while we were at Sabino- it was perfect.
Since the Pilot hasn’t been here at night for dinner, I’ve been back to my deployment or TDY style of eating: food from a package or something I can make in less than 5 minutes.
Quite a few Super Spinach Salads and kale salads from TJs have been consumed:
Sandwiches
(turkey, Dijon, spinach, brown rice bread with 1/2 avocado smashed in the middle)
Seaweed snacks
and fruit.
(A chopped apple microwaved for 2 minutes, topped with hemp seeds and cinnamon)
Convenience is key over here 🙂 The only thing that I’ve actually spent some time preparing?
Mocha-roons for last week’s giveaway winner 🙂
Last night was an all-nighter, so party animal and I are going to take it easy (hopefully nap!) and meeting up with friends for lunch.
See ya later with a family post!
xoxo
Gina
Something to talk about: What’s your workout philosophy? Do you like to have a schedule or wing it? Fave convenience food? For me, soups, bars, almond milk, and steamed beets are worth buying premade. I like the homemade versions of hummus, beans and grains much better than the premade options.
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I’m with the Pilot on this one, but I’m trying to change. I actually don’t like pre-made salads or sandwiches very much, but beets and soups definitely are worth it. The beets at TJs aren’t really more expensive and shaves an hour of my prep time off- and saves so many clothes.
Sabino Canyon looks like a lovely place to walk! I’d have to say I’m more like the Pilot when it comes to workouts – I like a regular schedule with routine, but still need variety within that routine. I definitely can’t to the same thing each day! As for convenience food, sometimes I’ll go for bars, but often I find cereal a lot more satisfying. I just put it into Ziploc bags and eat it dry, trying to be as quiet with my crunch as possible! Have a great afternoon Gina!
I have a quick question for you, where do you have Livi when you’re working on your computer? Do you wear her, or is she in a bouncy chair or something? I have a 3 week old and am having a really hard time getting a chance to sit down at my laptop for any period of time. Thanks!
hey girl!
i do computer work late at night while she’s sleeping, or during the day while she naps. she’ll be in the sling or the pack n’ play for her naps
I love the active rest day philosophy- today is my active rest day! Have a lovely day!
As far as workout schedules, I try to do it at the same time each day so it becomes a habit. I suppose that means I’m scheduling it in there!
I’m of the “if I can, I will” philosophy. I’m consistent with it by nature, but I don’t freak out when I have a week where I’m crazy busy and miss a few days. I also love the active rest days – some rest days I just veg, but more than likely my rest day is a day of heavy errands or I volunteer to walk the dog and make it a long one.
Do you have a recipe for the mocha-rooms? Look delicious! As for workout routines, I also go for a sweat session whenever I can.
I would love to see this recipe too!!!
I like to have a schedule but try so hard to just workout when I can – if I wait for a schedule 3 weeks go by and no workout so I cannot do that. I also tend to not eat as well, since I didn’t workout, might as well not pay attention to the eating either (yes this should be the other way around – work in progress!).
I agree about buying soup already made! It just tastes better to me – espeically Amys soup brand!
I have been a turkey monster lately!!! Its just tasting so good for some reason!
Do you have a fave hummus recipe? I keep meaning to make my own, but never think to look for a good recipe…
The best hummus I’ve ever had was in Prague, which unfortunately is a little too far a way to just grab and go. 🙂
here ya go http://fitnessista.com/2009/04/a-hummus-among-us/
Looks delish! Thanks!
I’m a scheduler. I like to have a consistent workout schedule. But – given that my work schedule is NEVER consistent, this really SHOULD really change so I can fit it in when I can.
I’m definitely not like the Pilot. I’m all about better than nothing workouts and I will always throw in some push-ups or tricep dips at random points in my day… I’d like to think that it all adds up in the end 🙂
Workout schedules are tough for me. I guess I’m kinda like the pilot where I don’t just “go” unless I know I’ll have time down the road that week. Really doesn’t make any sense though because even a bit here and there is better than waiting until you have the ideal schedule for working out right?
yeah, but i can definitely see how it goes both ways.
What do you think of the research done on the dangers of using microwave ovens? I still use mine every once in a while, but my parents didn’t have one when I was growing up, so nuking food isn’t second nature for me.
Sometimes I look at the various research on microwaved foods and it freaks me out a little! Then I want a baked potato in ten minutes…..bah.
i’m the same way. i know it’s not the best thing for you, it kills the nutrients of the food, and i still use it. i did grow up using a microwave though (kraft mac n cheese!), so it’s a habit that i was brought up with
I just made a baked apple in the microwave…..haha! It tasted fantastic and I only had ten minutes to make and eat it.
Radiation 1, Negar 0
I do wonder if the radiation negates the effects of pesticides in conventional produce. That would be baller.
This is a perfect time of year I would think to be outside in AZ. Not too cold, not yet hot, glad you’re able to enjoy it. And hang in there with the Pilot being gone at night.
I like to workout in the morning. My favorite convenience food is packaged goldfish – I just love them!
I like to stick to some kind of schedule when it comes to workouts. Makes me feel more focused/motivated, but that being said I don’t mind winging it. I guess it all depends. Right now I am on week 6 day 3 of another round of Insanity, and I like the structure the schedule provides.
As for favorite convenience food, I usually go with various bars. A lot of the time, I will grab one and throw it in my bag if I know I a going to be working out directly after work or something.
My husband’s metabolism is out of control fast too. No fair. 😉
and the pilot won’t workout in quite a while, max out his pt tests and be able to run high mileage again like it’s nothin’. he defies nature in so many ways 🙂
I actually just like to wing it, but I make sure to stay active (somehow) everyday. It usually involves a lot of power walking with some sit-ups, stretches, push-ups, and squats thrown in. The only “schedule” I have is lunchtime Zumba on Mondays. 🙂
I am so sorry to hear about the crappy schedule for the pilot. That sucks big time. I am glad it is almost over for you though! I am a work out every day kinda girl. No matter what, I fit it in, even if that means I have to get up a crows piss in the morning. Of course, I do not have a babay, so it is a touch easier for me!! <3 you lady!
as a college student cooking for one on a busy schedule of school, working out and rehearsals, I am all about quick meals from trader joe’s.
as far as workouts go, every little bit counts. Because of my busy and unpredictable schedule at school, I cannot guarantee I will be able to work out as much as I can in the perfect world, so I simply have to go when I can and take it for what it is. When my schedule is more predictable, like during winter break and summer, I love attending the same group fitness classes, and I am trying to bring this consistency to my school schedule by working out early in the morning in the same classes every day
I like having a workout schedule, but I definitely don’t let lack of a routine get in my way of working out. If there’s an hour in my day (or even 15-30 minutes!) to get in a walk/run, some weights, a DVD, whatever, I’m going to fit it in!
I workout whenever I can- though I do do a whole lot better with a plan and a schedule.. For months now I’ve been getting up at 5am to meet my friend at the gym for 6. Prior to her joining me I never had a gym buddy- and I have to admit that its a whole lot of fun and motivation. We meet 6 days a week and take Sunday off- this way I know that I’m always getting a sweat session in- and when I do anything extra or teach I feel super accomplished. It is just as natural and part of my routine as brushing my teeth- and thats how I’d like to keep it!
I don’t really dig much packaged food- if I had to pick though- frozen broccoli, protein powders and bars, but butters (Though I make my own so that probably doesn’t count) and greek yogurt 🙂
My husband used to be very similar with workouts and is coming around. It is interesting to see that you microwave some of your foods. We don’t own a microwave for a few random reasons but have read before that it can affect food nutrition. Do you have any “official” thoughts on or anything you’ve learned about how the food is prepped affecting nutritionla content? Thank you!
Lilly
pancakesandbeetjuice.blogspot.com
i know it zaps the nutrient content, but it’s not one of the things that’s worth stressing over for me right now. i don’t have a lot of time to prep food right now, so the microwave has made things much easier
Sorry about the night flights but glad those are over for a while now and that you get to have the Pilot home! I’m having a super spinach salad today for lunch myself! Can’t wait! I’m all about convenience soups, bars and granola– they just make life so much easier! And I’ve always been kind of up and down when it comes to working out, but hoping to become more consistent! And I think I’m signing up for Zumba classes today!
let me know what you think!
I totally spy a 20-30 min exercise window and snatch it up before something else steals it away. I did the same thing when we were on vacation. If I had a little time, it was now or never. Plus, I know I am a MUCH happier person if I get my sweat on than if it gets neglected.
i’m the same way!
Great question!!!! Ya know, my philosophy has changed since i now have a little one too…i use to be able to work out 5 days week without fail and now i am failing miserably on the workout thing.
Since i work outside the home full-time, i find it nearly impossible to get workouts in during the week. Working out at home is beginning to look like my only option:=
So the weekends tend to be my only time to fit in a yoga class (and that is only 1x week, sigh). I need to figure something out because i feel extremely ‘mushy’.
I applaud you for getting right back into it – you are making it work in a way that doesn’t seem to be stressful or take too much time away from family, how do you do it????? I guess technically i could do ‘short workouts’, but my philosophy has always been if i don’t have a full hour to commit to it, i don’t do it:= And i guess i feel somewhat the same as the Pilot lately.
i take a lot more off days than i used to, and if i workout, it will be late at night when we’ve had dinner and livi is asleep, or i’ll do a short dvd during naptime. that’s usually a gamble though because naptime can be an hour, or 15 minutes 😉
working out late at night is rough (especially when i’m tired from a full day) but i always feel better and more energized for the “night shift” when i go 🙂
You have motivated me to try it at night – Friday night it is after the little one has gone to bed:) At least i can chill on Saturday if i end up totally beat from it:)
Favorite convenience food is definitely is hummus! – with carrots, crackers – or anything! (Hummus tastes good with everything!!)
Quick question – did you stay away from deli meats (sliced turkey) when you were pregnant? I’ve read a lot of conflicting information on avoiding them while preg!
hey! not to answer for gina, but you can pop the deli meats in the microwave and nuke ’em for a bit (until they’re steaming) then you should be good to go. : )
thanks, friend 🙂 pan-searing them works great, too
thanks Gina!
Thanks so much! I was nervous about how to prepare quick in the go sandwiches if I couldn’t have deli meats!
I definitely like to workout when I can. I will try and mentally plan the workouts I can do depending on my schedule, but there are some days where workouts are just a “maybe”. So I kind of go with the flow, but still like having a schedule so I can make sure to get in 3-5 workout days.
I exercise around the same time a couple nights a week, and then both weekend mornings. If I plan it this way, it becomes part of the schedule.. and with a very busy schedule that’s the only way I make sure I stick to it. Now it’s routine, and I can’t imagine NOT exercising. I feel SOOO much better after I exercise… it really makes a difference for my stress level and my mood.
I generally always have at least 20-30 minutes in a day to work out, so I try to do Bodyrock or lift weights on days when I don’t have time for a longer workout. I feel better when I try to do at least some movement each day.
As for convenience food, I find that Amy’s brand (soups, burritos, etc.) is always good for the rare times when I have no time or energy to cook. I also enjoy bars and trail mix for snacks to tide me over to my next meal when I’m not home all day!
Mmmm macaroons! Those things always photograph well 🙂
Microwaved apple sounds good! I’m trying that soon!
I try to fit it in whenever I can. I ‘plan’ on going 3-4 times a week every week but if it looks like it’s not going to happen, I don’t beat myself up about it. Every bit counts!
I like to work out whenever I can, but I can see what the pilot is saying too. Having a healthy habit that fits into your life is always helpful for consistency moving forward, but when you can I say do it!
my pilot decided to participate in Mustache March too – which he failed to mention before we hopped on skype last night. What.A.Creeper. I was okay with the fact that he’s on the other side of the world last night haha.
I have been a huge fan of pistachio nuts lately. Cannot get enough of them!
I’m with you – I never know about the next workout so I grab the chance wherever possible! 🙂
Ps, I tried one of your workouts with tabata intervals today and LOVED IT!
i’m so glad you liked it!
i need a schedule to follow when it comes to working out, i would love to not need one, but for the time being, especially with training i need one. maybe one day i’ll be able to just go with the flow. but for now, i’m fine with it written out
I can definitely sympathize with this! I live in Phoenix, but my (helicopter) pilot husband works out of Vegas. It makes for lots of easy dinners.
For workouts, I like to have a schedule because I feel like I get more done and better workouts when I plan them, but I’ll also just wing it some days and go for a run or do a tabata style workout.
If I’m doing dinner by myself at home I’ll usually make a quick sandwich and salad combo. On the run I love me some Larabars, apples, and Annie’s fruit snacks.
Sabino canyon looks so pretty. If I ever make it to Tuscon, I’ll be sure to check it out. It kind of makes me sad thinking of you home with out the pilot at night. I’m way too paranoid of a person and would probably freak out. I follow Tone It Up so I always try to do my first thing in the morning bootycall workout (30 mins) everyday except Sundays. So depending on how I feel my “bootycall” could be a walk, jog or something more intense like Z-Wow challenge. Then on days that I have time I’ll do a second workout before dinner.
i either workout at the gym or at home depending how i feel. the macaroons look delicious! have a great night!
I definitely like to fit in a workout where I can! Obviously, a routine is better but if it’s a rough week to make it happen, I’ll at least take what I can get.
I usually try to fit in 4-5 days of working out at the gym every week, but I’m not as OCD about it as I used to be. ANY activity is always better than none, obviously, but it DOES feel good to get the sweat on! 😉
right now i have a workout schedule since im training for a race..but usually i like to mix it up. im looking forward to the race being over so i can fit other workouts in. btw, arizona looks beautiful right now!!! i miss it this time of year!
Ohhhh a refueler! I work at a KC-135 refueling wing so my heart gets happy when I see one 🙂 Pre-bun in the oven, I had a schedule and would write it down in my planner. Now, I have what call a tentative schedule…I will still plan out my workouts for the week but just kind of go with how I’m feeling that day. I’ve been pretty good with sticking to it as it’s getting easier for me to “read” what my body can actually handle.