Week Two - Carolyn's Workout and Meals

For some reason, I really did not want to work out this week. I did it, but I really didn't want to. Brad has been working out with me, not the same exercise (although, I'd love to watch him do Boot Camp with me) but while I do my Boot Camp he has been going out for a run. It is helpful to have someone physically near you to look you in the face and say, "we're working out after work." I am going to start turning the sound off and putting on some fun music - I think I'll yell at the TV less :)

Another challenge this week was not eating out. We've been doing really well with cooking at home - I say we because I cook and Brad does the dishes; I think cooking at home should be some form of a team effort. It is hard though, when we're tired and I had to work late a few nights this week. The convenience factor of paying for food to be made was hard to resist this week. Since we are saving for the wedding, our budget is not allowing for as much eating out. This week though, I did find some pretty healthy quick meals. Anything made at home is step in the right direction!

Monday:
I made a skillet lasagna from Cooking for Two. They do not post a lot of recipes online and because of this I'm leery about copy write issues. If you would like the recipe, message me your email and I will email it to you. This was definitely our calorie splurge of the week!

Tuesday:
http://www.yourcupofcake.com/2013/10/creamy-tomato-basil-pasta-with-spinach.html
I worked late Tuesday and I needed something quick. This easy pasta dish gave us left overs for lunch, which I love! Tip - I used a whole bag of spinach, it will wilt down a lot.

Wednesday:
http://smittenkitchen.com/blog/2010/04/shakshuka/
I made Shakshusa! I was skeptical about this one - I've never poached eggs, how spicy will this be happened to be my main concerns but this was easy to make and it was delicious.I used jalapenos because I couldn't find Anaheim chilies and I left out the cheese. We also used whole wheat tortillas instead of pitas for dipping.

Thursday:
http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/chicken-bean-burritos-50400000121375/
I made these easy chicken burritos. This was another night I needed to work late and again needed to keep it simple. These exceeded my expectation and definitely filled my Mexican food craving. At around 300 calories a burrito, you will feel like you cheated on your healthy eating when really you got a protein packed burrito of awesomeness.

Friday:
http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/spicy-chipotle-turkey-chili-50400000104653/
Talk about the easiest chili recipe ever! I really struggled through my workout, I laid on the floor for ten minutes afterwards telling Brad I wanted a whole pizza and a bag of cookies. Instead, I made this chili which was super fast and super yummy. In the version I have, it suggests serving with corn bread muffins but I decided on sour cream for the side instead. I felt full, happy, and not like I cheated on my healthy eating.


Disclaimer: We are not health professionals, we are just two friends sharing our experience. Please contact your health care provider before starting a weightloss/diet program.