Ok, this is kinda-sorta-paleo. Kind of but not really, blame the feta. But it’s still really good and pretty clean!
What you’ll need:
– 1 2lbs pork tenderloin
– 1-2 cups fresh baby spinach, chopped
– 1/4 cup feta cheese
– 2-4 slices pork bacon, broken up
– 1/8 cup medium onion, chopped finely
– Chicken broth
– Spice rub (I get mine pre-made from Whole Foods)
– Skewers
What you Do:
– Preheat the oven to 400* while preparing everything else
– In a skillet, cook your bacon so that it’s cooked thoroughly to your liking. I say this because I know not everyone likes their bacon the same way. Once it’s cooked, set it aside.
– Rinse the pork tenderloin and trim the fat if you want to. Then butterfly the tenderloin lengthwise so that you end up with a large flat slab of tenderloin. You want to be able to unfold and refold the meat. Set aside until the stuffing has been prepared. I take a meat tenderizer and flatten it out a little more.
– Spread the spinach across the meat then top with the feta and bacon.
– Close the meat up the best you can. I use bamboo skewers to help do this.
– Add the chicken broth to the bottom of the pan to keep the meat from drying out.
– Cook, uncovered at 400*F for 20 minutes. Once the first 20 minutes have passed, reduce the heat to 350* and cook for another 45-50 minutes. When the time is up, turn off the oven but allow the meat to remain in the oven for an additional 15 minutes.
I know everyone has probably been on their best behavior lately (or at least trying to be). Making your lists, trying to gauge your naughty / nice percentage from the past year, preparing for your life to be bombarded by family members you haven’t seen in a while. The list goes on and on and on.
Speaking of lists, what is on yours for this holiday season? Mine is kind of short and sweet.
All I want for Christmas is a Triggerpoint Cold Roller, workout clothes and someone to help me clean out my closets and actually get rid of some stuff. And to watch Elf over and over and over and over again with hot chocolate, candy, candy canes, candy corns and syrup.
Now, I know it’s a STRUGGLE to stay on target and keep eating clean during the holidays.
But you can do it! I have faith and so should you! Stay motivated and on target and I promise it will be worth it in the long haul. I have a few new recipes to share with y’all soon, and I hope they’ll be as amazing as they sound.
In the meantime, please do not get discouraged. Remember that the glass is always half-full, regardless of how you see it.
And focus on the trapezoid, not always the paper hat (you can, however, wear a party hat to a party and still eat like a trapezoid).
If you and your family have an Elf that hides in your home during the holidays, please look here. It’s awesome and hilarious the things you can do to spark your child’s imagination.
Feet are weird. A lot of people don’t like feet. But if you’re active like I am, you might have encountered a little thing called Plantar Fasciitis. And it hurts. Sometimes it can hurt a LOT. You roll your foot out on a lacrosse ball, maybe a cold roller and the pain subsides for the time being. But does it ever really go away?
Personally, I didn’t realize I was suffering from Plantar Fasciitis until 3 weeks after I started experiencing pain. Yep, 3 weeks! I thought I was just enduring the break-in period of a new pair of running shoes and my new Nanos. Nope. I was wrong. I finally went to my sports medicine doctor and he informed me of the source of my pain, and he told me I had to stop working out for a week. It was a miserable week, but I did it.
For those of you who don’t know about Plantar Fasciitis, it is a painful inflammatory process of the plantar fascia, the connective tissue on the sole of the foot. It manifests in people who practice high impact sports—runners, gymnasts, parachutists, and athletes who train on artificial surfaces. Under load from any of the above factors, the foot’s fascia, which forms a tent between the heel and the base of the five toes to support the medial arch, can get micro-tears. When the body starts to heal those tears, small adhesions, almost like scabs, can form between the fascia and adjacent tendons, muscles or other tissue. The adhesions cause pain, usually felt in the heel, when the foot is under pressure walking or running. Over time, the fascia becomes shortened, ropy and fibrotic. And the condition can become chronic and debilitating if not treated.
Back in August, Outside Magazine published an article about how you can help cure your pain and suffering with just a few simple exercises. It just popped back up on their Facebook page and has been incredibly informative for me.
1. “Toe Yoga.” Standing on a flat surface, lift just your big toe. Drive your other toes into floor and hold for five seconds. Then, drop your big toe, and lift the other four toes. Do three sets of ten on each foot.
2. Marble pickup. Use your big toe and second toe to pick up marbles from the floor by curling your toes over the marbles—small stones will also work. With yor toes, deposit the marbles/stones into a different location. Repeat 10-15 times.
3. Towel scrunch. Place a dishtowel on the floor. With your heel on the ground, scrunch the towel up with your toes. Repeat 10 times per foot.
4. Toe breaker posture. On the floor on all fours, tuck your toes under, then sit back onto your heels. Breathe deeply, sitting back further as you become more comfortable in the posture. Release for 30 seconds. Repeat three times.
5. Self foot massage. Using your thumbs, with one leg crossed over the other so that you can easily access the sole of your sore foot, press into bottom of your foot while wiggling your big toe up and down. Move your thumbs up the center of your foot looking for sore spots. Pay particular attention pain adhesions between your fourth and fifth toe.
6. Shin massage. With your sore foot crossed over your good leg, work your thumbs along the top of your shinbone with your leg crossed. Press on tender areas with your thumbs, while flexing your foot back and forth. Then, rub your shin muscles like you’d rub oil into a baseball mitt—work them to make them more pliable.
7. Stair stretch. Standing on one foot with your heel hanging off a stair, raise up onto your toes, then drop down with your heel below the stair. Count to four with each raise and each drop. Repeat 15 times.
All of these can be incredibly helpful in curing Plantar Fasciitis. I know from personal experience that this inflammation sucks and is incredibly inconvenient. Don’t be in denial like I was and go 3 weeks before seeing a doctor.
So I’m sitting here at work, bored, and doing the only thing I can think of to ease these Wednesday woes; Facebook stalk. Yep, that’s right. I’m looking through my friends to see who is doing what with their lives and what they’re doing. I know for a fact that I’m not the only one who does this. We’ve all done it. I’m not one to pass judgment, by any means, and I want to get that straight right now. But I do want to say that there are people who change, and there are people who don’t.
There’s the girls who were always partying in high school, partied through college, and are still continuing to party (shocker). There’s the grad school students, the law school students and the pre-meds; all of whom have a tendency to post about caffeine and paper writing (been there, done that, no thanks). The six year undergrads (you know who you are, I still love you). There’s the people who took 2 years after college to grow up and find their footing in the real world. There’s the shy nerds who didn’t really socialize in high school and college who are now working for corporations I could only dream of. There’s your ex-boyfriends who you can’t help but notice they’ve gotten a tad out of shape and secretly enjoy every second of it (mostly because since leaving that relationship, you started to date Crossfit). The people who you call some of your closest friends and see how they’ve excelled in their careers. The fellow crossfitters who post motivational pictures, quotes and PRs (I love seeing these because it’s something to be proud of). There’s the people you don’t really ever talk to but for some reason you’re still Facebook friends (probably for this whole stalking thing).
And then there’s me.
Looking back, I’ve made some stupid decisions. Like really stupid. I can’t help but sort through my own Facebook and see and the obstacles I’ve overcome, the friends I’ve made and the road I’ve chosen to live my life. Crossfit helped change me. It’s amazing how this one tiny aspect of my lifestyle can change who I am as a person.
I used to be really negative about a lot of things. Judged for not being a party-animal growing up in New Orleans and not really drinking. Judged because I’d rather spend a late night cooking and doing food prep than going out and partying. But you know what? I don’t care. I’m going to live my life and everyone else is going to live theirs. Things happen, you screw up here and there but you know what? The sun is going to rise again tomorrow and it’s going to be a new day. Pick that bar back up and keep going.
I know everyone is ready to get back on the wagon and eat clean after Thanksgiving. Bacon and spinach stuffed chicken breasts is a great paleo friendly way to do that!
What you Need:
– 4 chicken breasts
– 10-12 sundried tomatoes, diced
– 6 strips of bacon
– 1-1 1/2 cups fresh spinach
– 1 tsp minced garlic
– 1/8 cup diced yellow onion
– 4-5 artichoke hearts, sliced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– Salt and pepper to tast
– Cooking string or toothpicks
What you do:
– Preheat the oven to 350*.
– Clean and butterfly your chicken (cut lengthwise through the middle, not going all the way through).
– Cook the bacon to taste. Once it’s finished, remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel to soak up excess fat, leaving the remaining oil in the skillet.
– Over medium heat, add the sundried tomatoes, spinach, garlic, onion and artichoke hearts. Cook 4-5 minutes or until the onions become transparent then allow it to cool for 5-10 minutes.
– Once cooled, spread the mixture into the middle of the butterflied chicken, folding the chicken over to enclose the stuffing. Add broken up pieces of bacon. You can enclose the chicken by using either toothpicks or tying with string.
– Place the chicken in a pan or glassware and add the chicken broth (you don’t want to drown the chicken, just not let it dry out) and bake for 18-22 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
Once cooked, remove the string from the chicken and enjoy!
So I realize it’s Monday (yay Mondays) and I’m sitting here eating a bowl of miso soup and watching Dancing with the Stars while thinking about everyone’s favorite cheat day (or one of them) coming up this Thursday. I wanted to share a few things I’m thankful for, both legit and maybe not-so legit.
Ok so legit things I’m thankful for.
First of all, my parents, because no matter how badly you screw up, they will be there to either pick you up and brush the dirt off, or push you down and let you roll around in the mud a lil bit before picking you up and brushing you off.
Secondly, my dog. Annie Oakley came into my life in August of 2012 against the advice of my parents. I’m so glad I didn’t listen to them when they said a dog would ruin my life, because honestly, she’s the best thing that ever happened to me (I mean, Crossfit is a close second). No matter how horrible of a day you’ve had, how gross you feel or whatever the reason, seeing her face when I walk in the door just seems to make everything better.
Thirdly, my box and everyone that came with it. Red Stick Crossfit has given me the opportunity to make so many new friends that let me have a pretty decent social life. People like my friend Ace (you know, that Eat.Pray.Wod. girl) who surprised me with a blog journal/calendar (which is AMAZING by the way). The RSCF ladies who love pushing each other to their limits and beyond in the box, and know how to get out and have a good time.
Fourthly, my strength and support group. Y’all know who you are and every single day you keep me going. Honest. You’re the kind of people who I love having in my life for the good days, the bad days, and the days you tear your hands and feel like you’ve joined an elite club. They’re the kind of people who send you this on an off-day and immediately make you feel better.
Ok, so now for the no-so legit things.
First off, my dishwasher. Holy crap the motor in mine died a week ago and it can’t be fixed till after Thanksgiving. I never realized how much I took it for granted. Life is SO much easier with a working dishwasher and it lets me be super lazy with my blender bottles and water bottles, and normal people stuff like dishes.
Secondly, yoga pants. I used to judge people for wearing yoga pants in public (yeah, that was me) and now? Now I basically live in them. I wear them everywhere and just don’t care because they are just so darn comfortable. And I’m pretty sure every single guy out there appreciates women and their yoga pants.
Thirdly, Snapple (well, Diet Half ‘n Half Snapple). It’s my crutch. I almost always have a bottle of it in my hand (either it or Iced Tea from CC’s) and I’m legit addicted.
I think that covers the little things, you know, just a little tidbit, into what I’m thankful for.
Oh, geez, how’d I forget this one. I’m thankful for CROSSFIT. I’m so incredibly happy that I joined my box. The second best decision I have ever made. It kicked my butt and showed me how truly out of shape I was when I started. It also showed me how strong I’ve become. Just last week I hit a PR on my clean jerk of #95. Now that might not seem like a lot, but I was barely lifting #45 when I first started back in May. I can carry all my groceries up the stairs to my apartment at once. My friends are telling me they can see a difference and that it’s a good thing. Mom may think she knows best, but what’s best for her might not be best for you. I’m thankful for TABATA: body weight edition. Did this today and it kicked my butt.
1. Crossfit girls are seriously fit. This is true. Whether you’re new the sport or a seasoned veteran, you can see your body is changing. Being single I’ve been able to devote a lot of time to health and fitness and just focus on myself. That might sound weird to some, but to me I enjoy it. When I do decide I want to date again, I want to be surrounded by positivity and date someone who understands and respects my fitness decisions.
2. Dedication. We spend time in the gym, cut out blocks of time, plan ahead, etc so we KNOW we will be able to get our workout in. I schedule all of my classes on Sundays (usually) so I know my week ahead of time, I secure a spot, and I don’t chance seeing the WOD ahead of time. I just love the surprise of walking in and finding out that way.
3. CrossFit girls are (for the most part) “guy’s girls”.My mom hates this one. Crossfit girls can throw serious weight around. Just the other day I hit a new PR of a clean jerk and I was ecstatic. While I might take a little longer than 20 minutes to shower and clean up, I would much rather relax with friends and grab a drink to watch the game.
4. Independence. This is HUGE. Going back to #1, being single isn’t a lifelong decision, but it’s who I am now. It’s a lot easier to focus on fitness, make time for the gym, and eat clean this way. Like the article says, I don’t NEED someone in my life to be happy, it’s if I WANT you there.
5. Competitive nature. I love that my coach pushes me to lift heavier. She will yell at me, change my weight when I’m not looking and overall encourage me and it has made me really competitive, not only in Crossfit but in my personal life as well. I sometimes secretly compete with other boxmates during WODs and love it (don’t lie, you do it too).
6. Crossfit girls are more brazen. While I’m still a little hesitant to try new things, I’ve realized how much more open I am when trying certain things. I have learned to love trying new things (it’s a process) and am always up for a new adventure.
7. Paleo. Just started this a month or so ago and haven’t looked back. While I might not have the smoking hot bod that the article infers you get from automatically eating paleo, it’s a process. I eat an 80/20 paleo lifestyle and LOVE cooking and discovering new recipes, so I guess that part is true. And everyone loves a girl who can cook, right?
8. Personality. Crossfit has definitely changed my personality. I find myself more open to others and love the group that I workout with since we all usually go around the same times. I’ve thought of myself as a tad witty, and honestly working with guys for the past 5 years has given me a certain, uh, resilience (I guess? Maybe?) to those crude comments they have a tendency to spew.
9. Crossfit girls wear tiny outfits to the gym and will show up to hangout scantily clad in gym clothes and think nothing of it. Now this one, when I read it I kind of scrunched my face and cocked my head to the side. I don’t really know what to think of it. A lot of the girls at my box wear tights and some form of either a loose shirt or a skin tight top. Me? I just rock the tights and a sleeveless running shirt. I like to be able to move around and not really have to deal with something riding up or sticking to me. I have, however, realized that I find myself going to the store or running a quick errand in my gym clothes. Sometimes I’ve even gone not realizing there’s chalk all over my legs. Do I care? No. Should I? Eh.
10. Going there. Well, I’ll have to get back to you on that one. (All I will say is that my mother continues to tell me that “no man will want to be with you if you keep working out like this.” I’ll take my chances.)
So I recently went home to visit my parents in New Orleans and hangout with some people I haven’t seen in a while. Well, I was running through some photos that I needed to edit and was bouncing between edits and Facebook when my mom walked behind me. At the time, I was looking through photos from a recent CrossFit competition that some athletes I workout with participated in. Her first response?
“Oh my god, look at her legs!” and with that, a look of disgust on her face.
Do you know how that makes me feel? As young, aspiring CrossFitter (yes I drank the Kool-Aid) who can’t live without CrossFit? It felt like a punch in the stomach or a slap across the face. Here I am, trying to better myself, eating clean and training dirty, and my mom is criticizing the bodies of fellow CrossFitters and friends (if you can’t tell by now, she’s the kind of person who doesn’t think young women should lift, let alone lift heavy). These are people who I want to and aim to become.
This one girl in particular (the one with the “massive legs”) is one amazing athlete. She’s always working to better herself and push her body to its limits. And to hear my mom criticize her body just hurt. If there was a way to convey to her that not everyone should be as skinny as she is, I would.
I would KILL to look like this girl. She’s so in shape it’s ridiculous. I work hard, play hard. Eat clean, train dirty. Live my life and respect myself.
Is it too much to ask for a little motivation from family every once and a while?!
How do you convince someone that their opinion is just that, their opinion, and not fact?
Hey everyone! I just wanted to share a little recipe with y’all before the weekend.
What you’ll need:
– 1 2lbs pork tenderloin
– 1 egg
– 4 slices pork bacon (haven’t tried this recipe with turkey bacon)
– 1/2 medium onion, chopped
– 1/2 small apple (I use Fujis), chopped
– 6 sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (I use more depending on the size)
– Chicken broth
– 1/2 tsp fresh sage, finely chopped
– 1/8 tsp fresh thyme, finely chopped
– 1/8 tsp nutmeg
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– Olive oil
– Skewers
What you Do:
– Preheat the oven to 450* while preparing everything else
– In a skillet, cook your bacon so that it’s cooked thoroughly to your liking. I say this because I know not everyone likes their bacon the same way. Once it’s cooked, set it aside.(I know you know what bacon looks like, but here it is, because bacon.)
– In a medium skillet, sauté the onion, sundried tomatoes, apple, bacon, sage, thyme, nutmeg, garlic and olive oil. Sauté everything for 3-4 minutes. Remove the skillet from heat and set it aside to cool.
– Rinse the pork tenderloin and trim the fat if you want to. Then filet the tenderloin in a spiral lengthwise so that you end up with a large flat slab of tenderloin. You want to be able to unfold and refold the meat. Set aside until the stuffing has been prepared.
– Once the ingredients from the skillet have completely cooled, whisk in an egg.
– Spread the stuffing across the seam of the meat.
– Close the meat up the best you can. I use bamboo skewers to help do this.
– Add the chicken broth to the bottom of the pan to keep the meat from drying out.
– Cook, uncovered at 450*F for 30 minutes. Once the first 30 minutes have passed, reduce the heat to 300* and cook for another 20 minutes. When the time is up, turn off the oven but allow the meat to remain in the oven for an additional 15 minutes.
Pork tenderloin is one of my favorite things to cook with, and I’m sure I’ll be sharing some more fun and tasty stuffed pork tenderloin recipes with y’all soon!
So while I’m still new to this blogging scene, I wanted to share a video with y’all that I saw on Facebook. One of my good friends (she’s basically my sister) posted this and I watched it over and over and over. I love it. I want it.
The future is always on my mind. What will happen tomorrow? Next week? Six months from now? Next year? All you can do is live for now. Live in the moment. That’s one of the things I’m trying to do better; live for now.
Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.
Eat Clean, Train Dirty 