Breakfast/ Exercise/ Fitness/ Lunch

Eat For The Heat

Thanks for all the wonderful book recommendations last night! I’m currently reading Diana Gabaldon’s “A Breath of Snow and Ashes” because I’ve spent the last couple years working my way through the Outlander series and this is the last one. Each book is about 700 pages and I’ve read maybe two a year because they are so physically exhausting! Really good though, if you like the whole historical fiction sort of thing. Its the type of book to bring with you on a long vacation or trip because it is sooo long. I’ve had this last one on my shelf for almost a year and am just getting to it now. Its not her best one, but its pretty good.

Monday is here and, once again, it is HOT. High in the upper 90s again today and to cool myself a little, I’m taking a break from coffee. Hot tea is still technically “hot”, but it does not have the dehydrating power of coffee. This morning I made my favorite tea ever, traditional English Breakfast, with a little cane sugar stirred in.

My workout was cardio this morning and I did 25 minutes on the treadmill. I walked for 5 to warm up, ran for 15, then speed walked on a steep uphill for another 5. This is my typical cardio/treadmill workout and one I don’t really get tired of doing. I did this new ab exercise that I read about in the latest issue of Shape magazine last night at the gym and this morning my abs are remarkably sore! I really don’t get sore abs often, probably because I don’t really ever work them that hard. This exercise must have worked a different part of my abs I don’t often get to. What you do is you lay down on the ground and hold on to something over your head for stability. Bring your legs to 90 degrees and, holding on, lift your butt. Release. It works your lower abs. I did two sets of 18 reps and boy, do I feel it today!

Today’s cereal is Kashi Cinnamon Harvest—basically a healthy version of shredded wheat. As a kid I always loved frosted mini wheats but there’s just SO much sugar in that. I found this Kashi cereal last year and really like it. It keeps me full for hours too, which is really saying something. I’m always on the lookout for healthy cold cereals that keep me full during the summer months. This one is a find! It is a tad sweet too so it appeals to my frosted mini wheats sweet tooth :).

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Lunch is wonderful leftovers from my Edamame and Corn salad last night. I made two servings of bulgur as well last night so I packed that to go with it. Also, I packed a fresh berry cup with strawberries, blueberries and cherries. Berries were on sale last night two for $5 so I couldn’t resist! For a snack, I packed soy crisps and cucumber slices. Right now, as hot as it is outside, its all about rehydrating, light foods. I hate to feel weighed down and heavy in the summer and these kinds of foods that I packed make me feel my best.

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Happy Monday!

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  • Romina
    June 9, 2008 at 12:44 pm

    I did that same ab exercise from Shape and my abs were sore for two days! It must really work.

  • Erin
    June 9, 2008 at 12:58 pm

    That salad looks great–perfect for summer! I have to admit, though, that I’ve never had bulgur before…
    I have some quinoa in my pantry…maybe I’ll sub with that instead. Thanks for the idea!
    As you well know, I don’t need any more blueberries, but I have been taking advantage of Publix’s great deals on cherry tomatoes–10 for $10!! 🙂

  • VeggieGirl
    June 9, 2008 at 1:01 pm

    It’s only 9:00 a.m. here right now, and it’s already 91°F!!! Craziness!!! Stay cool, and enjoy your Monday :0)

  • BethT
    June 9, 2008 at 2:28 pm

    I have a great cold cereal suggestion – Barbara’s Bakery Shredded Oats, Vanilla Cinnamon flavor. SOOO GOOOOD!!! Nice and crunchy and lightly sweet.

  • Amy S.
    June 9, 2008 at 2:33 pm

    I used to buy the corn salad at Whole Foods all the time and finally just figured out how to make it myself. [Putting it over bulgur is a good idea]
    Whole Foods adds feta but I’m non-dairy! But when I ate cheese that was great in it.

    I use frozen ingredients too
    1 bag edamame
    1 bag Trader Joe’s sweet yellow or white corn
    1 bag or 1/2 bag mixed mushrooms
    red onion
    throw everything in saute pan withe some olive oil
    I throw some craisins on top
    it’s a great thing to take for lunch

  • Stacy
    June 9, 2008 at 2:48 pm

    Hi Jenna, May I ask what speed and incline you use on the treadmill. That’s a similar workout to what I do when I’m not training for something and I’m just curious. Thanks!

  • Lauren
    June 9, 2008 at 4:17 pm

    Wow, I read the amazon review. Those books do sound good.

    How do you choose books? Is there a book list that you refer to?

  • Kristie M.
    June 9, 2008 at 4:31 pm

    I LOVE that Kashi Cinnamon Harvest cereal! I’m in Argentina right now and (obviously) haven’t been able to find it, and I’m so excited to go back to the States in July and eat it, haha.

  • RSAgirl
    June 9, 2008 at 7:54 pm

    Off the subject of food and onto books. I just (five minutes ago) finished The Year of Fog after you recommended it. What did you think of the ending? It was so well written, but really left me hanging.

  • Eliza
    June 9, 2008 at 8:06 pm

    does anyone eat kashi?? its tasty but gives me gas!

  • polly
    June 9, 2008 at 9:04 pm

    Yes, Kashi tastes yummy but, sadly doesn’t agree with my tummy. Pretty much anything with evaporated cane juice is not good for my tumm. I eat Barbara’s shredded wheat, the big round biscuits. Ingredients: 100% whole wheat. They are wonderful and great for portion control… just pop 2 or 3 in a bowl with almond milk. mmm.

    Does anyone else eat plain shredded wheat?

    Jenna, love the blog!

  • Brynn
    June 9, 2008 at 9:18 pm

    I’m so jealous of you east coast people! It’s probably 50 degrees here right now with a definite chance of rain at my outdoor college graduation this weekend. 🙁

  • Bev
    June 9, 2008 at 9:27 pm

    We just bought at Cosco Kashi Autumn Wheat, it is like the mini shredded wheat. Not too sweet. Makes a nice snack by itself.

  • Jennifer
    June 9, 2008 at 9:35 pm

    I love, love, love the Diana Gabaldon series! So glad to hear you’re reading such a great book!

  • jenna
    June 10, 2008 at 1:23 pm

    Lauren,

    I don’t use a list—I just go to the bookstore and read the back of books and pick whatever looks appealing to me. I’m a big fan of historical novels and I also have a list of favorite authors so whenever they publish something new I’m always the first to pick it up!

  • jenna
    June 10, 2008 at 1:24 pm

    RSAgirl,

    I actually liked the ending because it left me hanging…a good book always leaves you wanting more and I definitely wanted more after reading this! Hopefully the author will publish a sequel someday!?