Hello, Old Friend

Hi guys! How’s your day going??

This morning, I made a Chocolate Cherry Bomb smoothie to take to the doc’s.

choc cherry bomb

Even if they gave me bad news, at least I had chocolate beforehand. Chocolate makes everything better 😉

The verdict??

I CAN WORKOUT AGAIN!!!!! yahooooooooo!

Of course, I can’t go balls to the wall in full Fitnessista splendor just yet, but the doc gave me the go-ahead to start getting back into my routine. She gave me a referral to an ortho, just to be 100% sure that my knee is good, but the fact that it didn’t hurt while she moved my leg around and pressed on my knee was a good sign.

My sanity is rejoicing—hiatus is ovahhhhhhhhh 😀

To celebrate –and since I was already on base- I went into the gym and was reunited with an old friend.

IMG00141-20100330-0834

This wasn’t the rinky dink slow pedaling on Sunday. I gave myself a moderate solo spin class, pumped up the iPizzle and read Chelsea Handler. No sprints, but I did some climbing, jumps, tempo work and crunches on the bike and it was an AWESOME workout. Sweating feels soooooooo good!! 🙂

After my mini-spin sesh, I met Jeni at the Main Squeeze for a snack.

Carrot Apple Beet Ginger

IMG00142-20100330-1132

Amazing 🙂

After that, I went to Publizzle to get groceries for tonight’s dinner. Today, the pilot had a really important flight and I have no idea if he passed or not. So I’m assuming he passed and decided to make a special dinner to celebrate- he’s been working so hard.

He’s having Engagement Chicken, named after the chicken in Glamour magazine that is supposed to make your boyfriend propose to you if you cook it for them (single ladies, take note!).

chicken

I decided to roll with Ina Garten’s version (because she does no wrong) and made it in the slow cooker, since I have to go to work in a little while.

The chicken’s bed:

chicken (2)

Carrots, onion, fennel, thyme, sea salt, pepper and olive oil.

Ya’ll know I haven’t had chicken in about 2 years, but I will say it smells glorious in here.

Maybe he’ll propose to me again? 😉

I also made some saffron rice:

rice

(Shallor, garlic, veggie broth, short-grain brown rice, saffron, sea salt)

All I have to do when I get home from work is bake the asparagus (20 min), make a salad or soup for my face, and get dessert in the oven 🙂

Well it’s time to walk these puppers, practice some yoga upstairs, then head to work.

See ya tonight <3

xoxo,

Gina

Something to read:

Quite a few bloggies have drawn my attention to these articles:

Agave Worse Than HFCS? (My thoughts: I don’t usually consume much agave anyway, unless it’s in an occasional raw dessert. Everything in moderation, my friends. if you’re not drowning everything in agave, you’re probably ok 😉 Of course, a preferable way to eat is unprocessed, whole, organic foods when possible, without adding sweetener- food tastes pretty amazing without it. For a great post on sweeteners, check out this one by Kristen)

Claim Jumper Releases Nutrition Info (This one didn’t surprise me one bit- their portions are enough to feed a family of four. I will say that their chocolate motherload cake rocks my face off…)

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66 Comments

  1. Allison @ Food For Healing on March 30, 2010 at 2:40 pm

    holy you spoil that boy!
    Maybe i should cook that up, i wouldn’t mind a proposal haha and my family wouldn’t mind either

  2. Mara @ What's For Dinner? on March 30, 2010 at 2:41 pm

    WAHOO for good news!!!
    Let me know how that chicken turns out (or what the pilot says) because I haven’t had good luck with crockpot roast chicken! Ina is a genius though…

  3. Lauren @ BIOCHEMISTA on March 30, 2010 at 2:41 pm

    CONGRATS on the good news!!! 🙂 🙂

    I’ve had my share of running injuries so I know how AMAZING it feels to work out again!! Gotta love spinning too! I have ITBS and the foam roller plus spinning for x-training really helps with my marathon training (rather than running 5 days per week).

    Hope you have a great rest of your day!!

    xx,

    Lauren

  4. Brittany on March 30, 2010 at 2:44 pm

    Woo-hoo lady! I’m so so so glad you were given the go ahead to work out. If you’re anything like me, you probably get cranky when you don’t get a good sweat session in! Solo spin sounds like the perfect cure. 🙂

    • Fitnessista on March 30, 2010 at 2:45 pm

      hahah cranky doesn’t even begin to explain it. i turn into a different person. a person who’s angry at the WORLD haha

  5. Paige (Running Around Normal) on March 30, 2010 at 2:46 pm

    Hooray for you Gina!!! Glad to hear it 😀 What an awesome solo spin session!

  6. Megan @ Healthy Hoggin' on March 30, 2010 at 2:57 pm

    I agree, Ina Garten does NO wrong! 😀

    Glad your knee is better and you can do some cardio! It’s always nice when you can appreciate everything your body can do again.

    Enjoy your dinner tonight! It looks amazing!

  7. Jessica @ How Sweet on March 30, 2010 at 2:58 pm

    That chicken looks awesome! I love fennel and I’d love to make that for my hubby. Yay for working out again! 🙂

    • Fitnessista on March 30, 2010 at 3:09 pm

      i looooooove fennel, too. i should have saved from for me before adding it to the chicken. hmm :/

  8. Lauren @ Eater not a runner on March 30, 2010 at 3:02 pm

    So awesome that you can use the knee again….you must be psyched!!

    • Fitnessista on March 30, 2010 at 3:08 pm

      I AM!!

  9. Emily B on March 30, 2010 at 3:03 pm

    Can’t wait to hear how the chicken turns out. And I love when you post printable cardio workouts – if you ever get the time, could you post another (perhaps a “solo spin” one)?!?!?!?!

    • Fitnessista on March 30, 2010 at 3:08 pm

      sure- next time i go in there, i’ll write it down 🙂

  10. Katie on March 30, 2010 at 3:04 pm

    Woohoo!!! SO happy for you, Gina. Foam rolling does wonders! I’ve been wearing my ITB strap since my race 1.5 weeks ago and still haven’t really worked out… but I can’t wait!

  11. Kilee on March 30, 2010 at 3:08 pm

    YAH! I’m so happy for you! Are you going to ease back into running? Running is the only activity that totally clears my mind and refreshes my energy. Your dinner plans sound delish too! Good luck to the pilot!

    • Fitnessista on March 30, 2010 at 3:09 pm

      YES. 2 miles, tomorrow. i’m stoked

  12. Carolyn @ lovinlosing.com on March 30, 2010 at 3:14 pm

    I made engagement chicken once. It took my husband another 4 years to propose. 😆

  13. Beth @ Beth's Journey to Thin on March 30, 2010 at 3:15 pm

    Great news!!!!! Glad to hear it. And I’m dying to try a Chocolate Cherry Bomb!

  14. caloric catastrophe on March 30, 2010 at 3:23 pm

    i always expected that claim jumper would have insane nutrition information, but checking out those numbers you linked to was really crazy. an entree without side orders with over 4,000 calories! that is 3 days of calories for me, and that is if i ordered the beef ribs with nothing else!

    i have been to claim jumper a few times, and it is pretty good, but that info makes it just plain not worth it. i wonder what disclosing this info is going to do to their business.

  15. Heather (Heather's Dish) on March 30, 2010 at 3:23 pm

    that is such great news! and you’re right, chocolate covers just about anything bad in creamy, chocolate-y goodness. so happy for yoU!

  16. Gigi on March 30, 2010 at 3:26 pm

    Stopped by really quick to say Woohoo! So glad to hear the good news my dear!

  17. Jenny on March 30, 2010 at 3:28 pm

    Yay! Enjoy the workouts:)

  18. Christina on March 30, 2010 at 3:32 pm

    Yay for your knee! I’m glad you got a good workout. I took my first spin class yesterday and now I’m addicted.

  19. Mama Pea on March 30, 2010 at 3:32 pm

    Yay, I’m so happy for you!!! I remember when I first got the “all clear” it was like a beeline to the gym immediately…of course, my hiatus was a bit longer. You are such a great wifey! The Pilot is blessed (in more ways than one, wink wink).

  20. Kelly on March 30, 2010 at 3:33 pm

    Hmmm maybe I should make that for my boyfriend…

  21. Sarah @ THE FOODIE DIARIES on March 30, 2010 at 3:35 pm

    felicidadesssss, guapa. i’ve been on the injured list many times–and the go-ahead to get back into your routine always seems to be accompanied by harps, no? glad you got yo shweat on 🙂

  22. eatdrinkandbemerrynyc on March 30, 2010 at 3:39 pm

    Yay!!!!!!!!! Congrats Gina!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    Sara

  23. Bella (Stilettos on the Streetcar) on March 30, 2010 at 3:41 pm

    Congrats on the getting the work out go-ahead!

  24. Tracey @ I'm Not Superhuman on March 30, 2010 at 3:43 pm

    So glad to hear your knee is well enough to work out! That’s great. Did the doc say what was wrong with it?

    • Fitnessista on March 30, 2010 at 6:15 pm

      no but she said the ortho will be able to

  25. Liz on March 30, 2010 at 3:56 pm

    Must feel so good to get some cardio back into your life. Crunches on a bike? I have never heard of this before… You should post a solo spin routine, I would love to try.

    • Fitnessista on March 30, 2010 at 6:14 pm

      k i’ve been getting a lot of requests- i’ll have to do it 🙂

  26. Ian on March 30, 2010 at 4:04 pm

    LOVE saffron rice, but I don’t know if chicken would make me propose to anyone, even before I decided to live a vegan lifestyle…good luck and I hope it does the trick 😉

  27. Anna@ Newlywed, Newly Veg on March 30, 2010 at 4:05 pm

    Congrats on the good news!!! Yay!!! I saw that agave/hfcs article too…kinda makes you feel like you just can’t win!!!

  28. Kalli@fitandfortysomething.com on March 30, 2010 at 4:14 pm

    very happy for you and the dinner sounds amazing-i am not a chicken fan but i would eat that 🙂

  29. Danielle on March 30, 2010 at 4:15 pm

    Congrats on the knee!!
    I made Ina’s engagement chicken a few weeks ago. After eating it my husband actually called his mom to tell her that this chicken was the best he has ever had in his life. Victory for the chef, and the daughter-in-law in me 🙂

  30. Kristin (Cook, Bake and Nibble) on March 30, 2010 at 4:29 pm

    Yay for being able to run again! And engagement chicken?? My boyf would love that!!

    Interesting articles, thanks for the tip- I’ll be reading them soon!

    xo
    K

  31. Karyn on March 30, 2010 at 4:30 pm

    yay for AWESOME news!! and good luck to the pilot, hopefully you guys will be celebrating all happily tonight 🙂

  32. Sara C. on March 30, 2010 at 4:33 pm

    Awesome news on the knee!!! So the engagement chicken will be made this weekend…I’ll report back! 🙂

    • Fitnessista on March 30, 2010 at 6:12 pm

      YES! let me know if it works 🙂

  33. Heather @ Get Healthy With Heather on March 30, 2010 at 4:52 pm

    Great news!! your solo spin sounds amazing. I haven’t taken a spin class since I belonged to a gym… 2 years ago I think??

  34. Danielle (Coffee Run) on March 30, 2010 at 4:54 pm

    Yay, congrats on being able to exercise 😀

    I completely agree with you on agave. ANYTHING in excess is bad for you. Broccoli, chia seeds, water…

  35. Jo on March 30, 2010 at 4:58 pm

    How long and at what temperature do you make that chicken in the slow cooker? I have never tried roast chicken, but we just got a slow cooker and I know my Fiance would love it!

    Love your blog, and all the healthy recipes. You really inspire me!

    • Fitnessista on March 30, 2010 at 6:12 pm

      i just did it 3 hours on high, 3 hours on low 🙂

  36. Danielle C. on March 30, 2010 at 5:05 pm

    Would you be able to share the recipe for the saffron rice? That sounds heavenly! I need to make that chicken soon, maybe this weekend!

    • Fitnessista on March 30, 2010 at 6:12 pm

      sure:
      sauteed 1 shallot in olive oil over medium heat
      add 2 cloves garlic
      1 cup short grain brown rice
      and 2 cups veggie broth and bring up to a boil
      cover and simmer 30 minutes
      after 30 minutes, add 2 pinches of saffron, a little sea salt and pepper
      cover and simmer 10-15 minutes more
      remove from heat and let stand 10 minutes before transferring to a serving bowl

  37. LisaG on March 30, 2010 at 5:08 pm

    I’m so happy you got a good report from the Dr.

  38. Melissa (MelissaLikesToEat) on March 30, 2010 at 5:47 pm

    Glad you got the ok to workout again!! And I agree with you about Ina….excited to hear/see how the chicken turns out. The rice looks fab too!

  39. LC @ Let Them Eat Lentils on March 30, 2010 at 5:49 pm

    How much saffron do you add to say, one cup of rice? I tried to make saffron rice the other day, and I must have added waaaaay too much because I was literally on the floor in pain with heart burn, which almost NEVER happens to me. I had to throw it all out 🙁

    • Fitnessista on March 30, 2010 at 6:10 pm

      i’m sorry! i usually just add two small pinches

  40. Jessica @ The Process of Healing on March 30, 2010 at 6:23 pm

    CONGRATS!!!!!! I know how happy you must be! I think when I hear my doctor say those words, I just may run to the gym and kiss the elliptical. Well not really because it’s very germy I’m sure but you know what I mean… 🙂

    I made that Engagement Chicken for my ex boyfriend. Yeah, I think the ex part says it all… But it’s very delicious chicken!

    • Fitnessista on March 30, 2010 at 7:27 pm

      haha OH NO.

  41. Becca on March 30, 2010 at 8:04 pm

    Aw, I’m so happy for you, being able to work out and do what you love. That is great!

    And thanks for the link on agave- very interesting. Jeez I never know what to believe anymore about all this health information. Agave hasn’t been that big in my kitchen just because it still has a lot of calories and very expensive, so I almost feel relieved to know I’m not cheating myself out of “the sweetener of champions”. Ha ha

    Have fun sweatin’, girl!

  42. Kathy on March 30, 2010 at 8:43 pm

    That article on agave nectar annoys me so much. The study is sponsored by the corn industry. I don’t use agave because I think it’s better than sugar anyway-I do because I have low blood sugar and my sugar spikes very badly and I feel like crap when I have sugar. Agave nectar keeps me stable and feeling great. Ughhhh I hate biased research!!!!!

  43. jessica on March 30, 2010 at 11:13 pm

    Hey Gina! Question about chia seeds: Do you just throw them into the blender with the other ingredients or do you add them in at the end in your glass?

    • Fitnessista on March 31, 2010 at 9:25 am

      i throw them in the blender but you could add them at the end, too 🙂

  44. nicole on March 30, 2010 at 11:42 pm

    crunches on the bike??? share!!!

  45. Salah@myhealthiestlifestyle on March 31, 2010 at 2:08 am

    Congratulations on being released! I bet that made your day! I’m sure Pilot will enjoy your meal tonight!

  46. stephanie on March 31, 2010 at 3:44 am

    yay for the knee!!! and, did he propose again?;) the dinner looked delicious! also, i think i’ll be sticking to dates from now on. i try to take everything with a grain of salt, but until i do some more research, dates (for sweetener) it is!

    • Fitnessista on March 31, 2010 at 9:21 am

      hahaha NO he didn’t!!! i should have told him that it was engagement chicken 😉

  47. Chantal on March 31, 2010 at 11:55 am

    Susan powers actually rebutted the whole Agave is like HFCS thing in a really great post today. She talked to one of the guys from Xagave who sells raw agave syrup. Check it out if you like at http://www.rawmazing.com/articles/agave-hero-or-villain/#more-5572 🙂 Also to go against what the initial article talks about, it says that agave has ridiculously high levels of fructose, so does fruit, and I think we know we should eat those 😛

    • Fitnessista on March 31, 2010 at 12:15 pm

      ahah i totally agree 🙂 i can’t wait to check out this article

  48. Lindsay on March 31, 2010 at 5:36 pm

    Good news on your knee. I had a question about what type of Dr. you went to? Sports Medicine?

    I’m training for a 1/2 marathon in May and ran a 10-miler last weekend and have been having major knee pain ever since. I’m trying to decide if I should go see a doc, or just ice everyday.

    Any tips? Thanks!

    • Fitnessista on March 31, 2010 at 6:07 pm

      i saw a doc in flight medicine (general) who referred me to an ortho, which i’ll be seeing in a couple of weeks

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