The View from the Classroom

Last night, hubby and I had an awesome bi/tri workout.  We started taking the NO XPlode and I think it is making a difference in strength and with my cardio.  This morning I did 45 minutes on the stairmaster with an average level of 7.7 (alternating 3 minutes high intensity with 3 minutes lower intensity).  Anyway, last night, had a really good pump going…here’s what you gotta try…I’ve been experimenting with recipes and this is good!!

Put 1/2 cup blueberries (or other berry or even banana would be good I think) in a bowl with 2/3 cup cottage cheese on top.  Cook 1/2 cup Ezekial 4:9 Almond Cereal in 1/2 cup water plus 1 tablespoon of sugar free vanilla syrup until most of the water is absorbed/evaporated and cereal is a little mushy.  Pour cereal on top of cottage cheese and blueberries.  377 calories, 29g protein, 53g carbs, 6g fat…Enjoy!

Even if you don’t like cottage cheese, you should try it.  It’s REALLY good!!!!  

Last night I hit the pool for the second time…new training program in hand and I was a little surprised with myself.  Swam the 525 yards which was 25 yards more than the first go round AND did it in half the time, well almost half…22 minutes as opposed to 40 minutes the first time around.  I wasn’t able to follow the training program exactly…had to take a few more breaths than it said, but I felt like I did pretty well.  For me, right now, I think the breathing is the key.  I finished, showered and went to see how much longer hubby was gonna be.  He was finishing up his bi’s…I couldn’t resist…had to do some curls…3 sets and I felt really strong. 

And…today I HAD to go to the gym…I like the swimming, but it doesn’t feel like a REAL workout.  I know I’m not supposed to be lifting, so I didn’t…just did 45 minutes on the elliptical…5 minute warm-up, 35 minutes HIIT at progressively higher levels and a 5 minute cool down…it felt good to really sweat and my mood is much better.  In case you didn’t read my last blog, I’ve been feeling a little down. 

After that, came home and fixed what is becoming one of my favorite meals…french toast and a spinach egg white omelet. 

Here’s the recipe for the french toast in case you’re wanting something other than egg whites and oatmeal for breakfast:

2 slices Cinnamon-Raisin Ezekial Bread

2 egg whites

Cinnamon to taste

Sugar Free Davinci Vanilla Syrup to taste

1 packet of Splenda

Mix everything except the bread together in a shallow bowl with a fork until bubbly.  Soak the bread, turning to coat both sides.  Two pieces should soak up all of the mixture.  Heat a skillet, spray with cooking spray and cook the bread on both sides.  It’s good plain or with fruit or natty pb on top, but you could use sugar free syrup too.

For those of you wondering what Ezekial Bread is…it’s made from sprouted 100% whole grains which together form a high quality complete protein.  It can be found in the frozen food section and our local grocery store carries it.  If yours doesn’t, whole foods or other health food stores usually carry it.  

You know, us teachers, we do actually have to work some in the summer.  As a matter of fact, I have staff developement this whole week, all day, everyday.  I know…poor me…

That means I have to pack 4 meals with me everyday…meals that can be eaten cold cause as far as I can tell, there is no microwave.  So, I was in a creative kind of mood last night, got out an old issue of "Oxygen", tweaked a recipe a little and wound up with some tasty little things called "Egg White Bites".  Thought I would share.

Spray a muffin tin with cooking spray.

Put one egg white in each muffin cup.

Add a little chopped tomato and fresh chopped basil (I have this in my herb garden, but if you don’t, the dry basil will work.)

Bake at 350 until done.  I think about 8-10 minutes.  Quicker than boiling eggs!!!!!!

They were wonderful and much better than plain ole egg whites.  You could even modify the recipe to include your favorite veggies and seasonings.

Enjoy

PS:  Thanks to everyone that read and commented on my last couple of blogs.  The encouraging words and words of experience and wisdom are truly appreciated!!!!!

Refeed day today and I just finished my second meal consisting of protein pancakes…1 cup cooked oatmeal with 3 egg whites, a little bit of extra water and 1/2 a scoop of chocolate whey.  Fry them up in a pan coated with cooking spray and top them off with a tablespoon of natty pb…OMG…they are sooooo good…I am loving my carbs today

And…that recipe can be adjusted as needed to fit any carb/protein counts you need in your diet…just try it…it’s WONDERFUL!!