WIAW…Veggies, Circuits & Blend

Hi Guys!

How’s your morning going? Hope you’re having a lovely day so far. Things are going well here. The ankle injury seems to be on the mends. I’m being cautious with my workouts and still wearing the boot part-time. After today, I can start walking without it unless I have pain then I’ll need to get back into it. I’m nervous leaving it. Crossing my fingers everything works out. Really wish I could say the same about my elbow. It has been quite painful. In fact, my therapist asked me to schedule an additional appointment yesterday to have it worked on more. I’m tired of injury and I’m sure you’re tired of hearing about it as well.

As far as workouts, I’m incorporating some weight bearing cardio this week. 2 x 30 minutes on the killer stairclimber and 2 x 30 minute treadmill walking. I have to admit I’m not really into doing more cardio right now. My favorite way to get my sweat on lately has been circuits. 3 x 10 minute spin bike whirls to get the heart rate up (a combo of sprints in & out of the saddle) with a mix of barre & strength training in between to strength the legs. It’s been an awesome workout. I’m usually a sweaty mess by the time I’m done. 

My gym has spin bikes sprinkled throughout the floor which makes it convenient to jump on and off. One of the regulars likes to warm-up on them. He always seems to arrive during my last set & waits for me to get off “his” bike. I think it’s funny how we all think certain equipment is “ours.” I’m definitely guilty of that. Last week I told him I had 2 minutes left, “I’m just cooling down” I said. He responds “you’re cool down is another person’s workout.” That’s kinda funny coming from someone who just completed an ironman. One of the reasons I love my gym is because so many marathoners, triathletes & ironman go there. We’re always motivating and helping each other.

Before we checkout my eats, I want to mention that BLEND Retreat registration opened last weekend. Blend = blogger + friend. I went last year and had a blast. Not only did I connect with other bloggers, but I made great friends and those friendships have only become even stronger & better this year. I can’t wait to get back in May and see everyone. Only 100 slots are available so be sure to register soon. 

Now I’ll let you see my eats. Happy What I Ate Wednesday friends!

Breakfast. Spinach & mushroom spaghetti squash pie with my usual cinnamon baked plantain chips. The bake was an accidental recipe. Last weekend I had no veggies for my morning eggs, but I had leftover spaghetti squash from making lightened chicken parmesan with spaghetti squash pasta. I reluctantly tossed the spaghetti squash in thinking to myself “this should be interesting.” It turned out delicious and inspired me to work more on the recipe. I still have some perfecting to do. This is recipe creating in the making. 

Weight Loss Tip -> If you’ve been reading SF for awhile, you know I’m a proponent of including a lot of veggies at breakfast. I think it’s harder later in the day to “catch up” I truly believe including more veggies at breakfast helped me lose 80 pounds years ago and maintain my weight loss. I feel fuller from the fiber and my blood sugar has less tendency to spike later in the day. If you’re trying to lose weight, eat breakfast veggies. 2 servings is what I recommend, more if you’re into them. [Tweet “Weight Loss Tip->#veggies for #breakfast #fitfluential #weightloss”]

Snack. Two dates dipped in almond butter. Holly molly goodness I’m obsessed with this snack. It’s my new favorite snack. 

Lunch. Winter kale salad with roasted butternut squash and spiced pecans. Recipe coming at ya soon!

Afternoon Snack. Chocolate Pudding acai bowl topped with blueberries, bananas & pecans. This was another random, unplanned snack. The last few days have been warm in Phoenix (high 70’s) and I was craving something cool. I didn’t have greek yogurt to make my basic acai bowl and frankly dairy & I don’t go together well, but I did have dairy free chocolate pudding. It was one of the best acai bowls I’ve ever had. Sometimes the best foods happen by accident. 

Dinner. Spicy Tomato Butternut Squash Rice & Shrimp from Inspiralized. This lovely lady commented on my Instagram last month and of course I had to check out her recipes. I mean with a name like Inspiralized I knew it had to be good and it sure was. This dish was amazing and will be making regularly appearances!

Do you have a favorite machine at the gym that you think is “yours?” What’s your definition of a cool down? What’s the best thing you’ve ever made on accident? Do you eat your veggies for breakfast? 

Lots of Health, Food & Love,

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[Tweet “WIAW…Veggies, Circuits & Blend #fitfluential #wiaw #fitness #healthymeals”]

About Megan

Megan is a certified nutrition practitioner, author, freelance food photographer and fitness instructor living in Phoenix, Arizona. On her blog, Skinny Fitalicious she shares EASY, gluten free recipes for weight loss. Follow Megan on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram for the latest updates.