Happy Friday, folks!
My typing is a little off this morning because I just cut my finger while slicing up a kiwi :(. One of those cuts under the nail that didn’t bleed at first but then I had to butterfly it closed. Not fun. Hopefully not a sign of a bad day to come!!
I feel very relieved that I got everything done in school last night that I needed to with no real disaster. Tonight is just plating, presentation and then final deep clean and we’re done! I’ll give all more full details about my next class this weekend but its the culmination of the entire program, the “capstone” class—-what I have been anxious about for nearly a year! I can’t believe it’s actually here! But, more details this weekend!
This morning I woke up, ate half a banana with almond butter, and hit the gym for a 30 minute lower body circuit workout. Here’s what I did:
2 minutes running on treadmill (to warm up)
4 sets of 15 walking lunges with 10 pound weights in each hand
3 sets of “jumping squats”—squat down, leap up, point toes, land back in a squat. 15 reps
2 sets of Hamstring curls on machine. 15 reps
2 sets of calf raises, 20 reps
2 sets of squats on that machine where you lay down and push the weight with your legs (Don’t know the name?)
2 forearm plank poses. Hold for 45 seconds each time
2 sets of reverse crunches, lifting legs and butt while holding onto post behind head on mat. 18 reps each set
2 sets of crunches holding 10 pound weight (legs at 90 degrees, crunch up while holding weight behind head)
It was a pretty good workout. Legs have always been my “freebie” day because they are already strong and I thoroughly enjoy working them. When I got home I made breakfast: 1/2 cup egg whites (made in cast iron skillet—that’s why they look dark. They are “seasoned”) with a piece of flax & fiber toast with about 1.5 tbsp almond butter on it, as well as half of the ripest, most amazing mango I have ever eaten and the other half of my banana.
This mango was AMAZING!!!!!!
For lunch I packed salmon salad made from a can of boneless, skinless salmon, a spoonful of nayonaisse and some curry powder (Dexter was going crazy so I gave him some salmon too for a Friday treat!). I also packed about 20 kashi crackers, a light string cheese and the other half of the mango. MMMmmmmm.
A kiwi and almonds for snack later!
Tonight I am going out to dinner at the Indian restaurant with my friends from school before class. It’s my friend, Jack’s, last night ever of culinary school and he is starting his externship next week in Washington DC. We are celebrating tonight and I’m so excited because I’ve been having this intense Channa Masala craving lately! That being said, my dinner post will come later—probably in the morning, seeing as I don’t have internet in my apartment right now and don’t know how safe it is to sit outside by myself at midnight after class and blog.
While I’m gone, I’m going to pose a discussion question: What is your “go-to” meal when you are in a super rush and don’t have even 30 minutes to spare?
rhodeygirl
July 25, 2008 at 12:46 pmsuper rush meal:
1 egg + 2 egg white omelette with some mozzarella cheese and either a toasted english muffin or wheat toast.
pol
July 25, 2008 at 12:52 pmEzekiel english muffin (toasted) with almond butter and a banana on the side
OR
Ezekiel bread (toasted) with fresh spinach, avocado, black pepper, a dash of salt and a boiled egg on the side
Jenna, when you do your push-ups, do you do them chaturanga style (elbows facing to the back and in) or with elbows more to the sides?
Thanks again for your blog! Happy day, friend!
Kimberly
July 25, 2008 at 12:53 pmSuper-fast meals? If I’m on the run, I’ll slice up a tomato and stuff it into a pita with hummus, and have a piece of fruit on the side. If I have a few minutes to spare, I’ll make a quick-but-filling soup — toss some veggies, diced tomatoes, a few canned beans into the blender. Puree, season, top with diced avocado, and you’re good to go!
Heather
July 25, 2008 at 1:00 pmHa! My cat becomes my best friend whenever I open a can of salmon or tuna.
Favorite fast meals? Hummus and veggies wrapped a tortilla; can of tuna with balsamic, chopped hearts of palm and tomatoes or cucumbers; boca chicken patty on an english muffin…
Kelly L.
July 25, 2008 at 1:04 pmSUPER Fast would be a giant bowl of cereal
Plain fast would be egg whites scrambled with peppers and onions and wrapped in wheat tortillas with cheese and salsa, chips on the side!
Kelly L.
July 25, 2008 at 1:05 pmJenna- I meant to tell you, I’m reading Souvenir. I’m a little over 1/2 way through. She just told her husband about her ALS and hasn’t told her daughter or sisters yet. It’s very good but SLOW. Have you read any of Elin Hildebrand’s books by chance?
Lindsey Lu
July 25, 2008 at 1:07 pmMy go-to would have to be cold baked tofu in a pita with some spinach and hummus, with some veggies and fruit on the side.
BTW, first time commenting, but I’ve been a reader for months. Love love love the site!
Rose
July 25, 2008 at 1:28 pmIf I have about five minutes, I can throw Morningstart Chik’n patty on my George foreman with some spinach and mozeralla cheese, and it’s done in about 3-5 minutes, depending. It always satisfied too!
Rose
July 25, 2008 at 1:29 pmForgive my typos in that last post! I meant “throw a Morningstar Chick’n patty”. And… “It always satisfies too!”…. Clearly I am not awake yet…
jessica
July 25, 2008 at 1:33 pmi love sandwiches toasted in the foreman grill when i need a quick satisfying meal… i throw whatever i have- cheese, veggie, lunchmeat, leftovers ect between 2 pcs whole grain bread and put it in there for a couple of minutes and it’s delicious! and i love that flax and fiber bread- i get that and the same brand/style in health nut and it is so delicious and pretty good for you- and largely available around here. happy friday!
Amy
July 25, 2008 at 1:41 pmA big bowl of cereal with fruit or some yogurt with fruit.
claire
July 25, 2008 at 1:47 pmQuick meal–wholewheat bread with hummus and spinach. Love it! I sometimes pair it with plain youghurt.
arielle
July 25, 2008 at 1:49 pmMy super rush meal is a smoothie, because then it blends while I get my stuff together and I can take it with me.
Christie
July 25, 2008 at 2:11 pmIf i am in a rush and it is lunch time I usually make a wrap with eaiher whipped cottage cheese or part skim ricotta with hummus or avacado and some lettuce or spinach… and grab some fruit for the side usually and apple.
Its quick and easy to throw together and the combo tastes great and the mixture of carbs and fat def keeps me fueled!
sportsnutritionliving.wordpress.com
C
July 25, 2008 at 2:58 pmI usually make large protions of foods to have ready in the freezer that can just be popped in the micorwave. Chilis, stews and other dishes where everything is combined work the best for this. A bowl of cereal is also a great go to meal when time is short but I like to save cereal for dessert 🙂
AshleyH
July 25, 2008 at 3:00 pmpeanut butter and banana sandwich and a glass of milk. Down the milk and its an entire meal in your hands!!
tfh
July 25, 2008 at 3:04 pmLove all these great ideas! My go-to meal used to be whole wheat pasta–I’d toss in some broccoli during the last couple minutes of the boil, drain, and toss with canned tomato sauce and canned beans. However my mother in law managed to convince me that dal can be a very quick meal in a pinch which doesn’t require a can opener– just a pressure cooker, so that’s become my new tired-lazy meal.
Victoria
July 25, 2008 at 3:04 pmI love a PB&J on home-made toasted bread, usually with some fruit. It’s comforting and super quick.
Enjoy dinner tonight! I love Indian food!
Nicole
July 25, 2008 at 4:19 pmI usually keep boiled eggs in the fridge, so when I’m in a rush and want to grab something to eat quickly I usually slice up a boiled egg, put it on whole wheat crackers, and make myself a quick salad or cut up some fruit. It’s simple but quick and delicious.
Or I just make PBJ sandwiches :p
Trina
July 25, 2008 at 4:22 pmIf I’m in a hurry sometimes I just throw together random meals-like a can of veggies mixed with a can of beans with some type of sauce thrown in. Or I’ll make a salad and a boca burger. Another quick fave is quesadillas.
ModelBehavior
July 25, 2008 at 4:23 pmOOOHHH cuts under the nails suck! Especially when you get the kind that hurt when they get wet, bummer!
I always keep a few frozen meals around for just such an occasion, either Amy’s, or southbeach because they contain a decent amount of veggies.
girlatastartup
July 25, 2008 at 4:29 pmDefinitely Greek yogurt with some raw almonds and blueberries.
Gliding Calm
July 25, 2008 at 4:37 pmSorry about your finger!!! My fastest go-to meal is probably Greek Yogurt!! I love the stuff…so creamy and it really fills me up!!
So jealous your getting indian food tonight!!
Have a great Friday!!!
ellie
July 25, 2008 at 4:57 pmgranola mixed with cottage cheese and banana, or a a sandwich with turkey, hoummus, alfalfa sprouts and sliced tomato 🙂
angelcubbie
July 25, 2008 at 4:59 pmMy go to meals would either be a pb&j with yogurt & fruit or a frittata. If I have ten minutes or less, I can throw some tofu or chicken, or whatever is on hand and veggies in a skillet, saute it for a few minutes, pour a couple egg whites over it and throw it in the oven for a few minutes. Pair it with an english muffin and you have a great protein/fat/carb meal for under ten minutes. Or I love wrap with fat free refried beans and laughing cow cheese with some fresh carrots or cottage cheese.
Lindsey
July 25, 2008 at 4:59 pmWhen I’m too tired to cook, I’ll mix some light vanilla yogurt with Kashi Cocoa beach granola (it tastes like dessert!!) and if I’m really hungry I’ll have half a bagel with a little smart balance on the side…..
angelcubbie
July 25, 2008 at 5:00 pmOh and Amy’s frozen meals are of course, fabulous with a side salad. I just tried the vegetable enchiladas this week and I think I have a new favorite!
angelcubbie
July 25, 2008 at 5:01 pmOr polenta (pre-cooked) with tofu and green beans mixed in. Sorry for the multiple posts lol
Chandra (Eating to Live)
July 25, 2008 at 5:51 pmDefinitely nonfat yogurt mixed in with cereal/fresh or dried fruit. So satisfying! I make this even when I am not in a rush 🙂
Hope your finger heals quickly!!
Justy2003
July 25, 2008 at 7:03 pmCereal with some fruit in it is a quick, lazy, go-to meal. Also PB&J with banana is quick, easy, and filling!
LT
July 25, 2008 at 7:54 pmHey Jenna – love your blog –
I rarely comment but I know you love Mexican food and I had the BEST dinner last night & it seemed right up your alley.
It was a chili relleno stuffed with tons of wilted spinach and just a bit of goat cheese and pine nuts, surrounded by a light roasted red pepper sauce. This was an authentic interior Mexican restaurant …certainly not Tex Mex that I’m used to here in Austin, TX.
The pepper was simply roasted in the oven (naked) not dipped in batter, fried then smothered in cheese (which is delish at times too). I know you’re a great cook so I thought this dish may inspire you to try making something like it!
Trina
July 25, 2008 at 8:10 pmLT-That is funny that you mentioned that type of chili relleno b/c I just was watching Bobby Flay’s “Throwdown” on the food network the other day where he made that exact same recipe!! Sounds delicious…
hk
July 25, 2008 at 8:12 pmI’m all about the yogurt and mix-ins; quorn cutlet sandwiches/pitas, quick hard-boiled eggs with rye-crisp crackers, tuna packets mixed with some mustard, yogurt, spices, and shoved in/on a wrap, tupperware, or mini-bagel.
I was just cruising the isles of the grocery store and thought of you when I saw a new Kashi product- pre-made/boiled rice mixes… 7 grain pilafs…etc. They look perfect for on-the-go dinners like yours!! This is the first time I’ve seen them on the shelves, and I was shopping at a pretty small health food store, but hopefully you can spot them down in Florida, too 🙂
ENjoy Indian food tonight, sounds yummmy !!!
Foodie (Fab and Delicious Food)
July 25, 2008 at 8:31 pmCheerios with banana = Super quick and healthy!
Tammy
July 25, 2008 at 9:15 pmThis is delicious, super-healthy, and fast!
Microwave some microwave-in-the-bag green beans. Mix the beans with chopped almonds, canned navy beans, diced tomato, and a little olive oil and crazy jane mixed up salt.
The flavors go so well together. A great lunch or dinner!
alwaysroom4dessert
July 25, 2008 at 10:41 pmAt the beginning of the week I pre cut veggies (my fave right now is baby raw zucchini and sugar snap peas), grate carrots and cook off a bunch of chicken breasts to have on hand, crumble feta/goat cheese and nuts on top with my fave dressing and I can have a hearty salad thrown together in minutes!
Jenna, your lunch looks delish!
Alyssa
July 25, 2008 at 11:06 pmJenna I love the “questions” you have been adding in each post! It ideas and discussion going and it is fun hearing what people have to say and suggest. Thanks 😛
molls
July 25, 2008 at 11:44 pmLT- did you say you got that at a restaurant in Austin? It sounds incredible. I’m headed down there pretty soon for an interview (Dallas girl here) and may have to check it out. Austin has some good eats that’s for sure.
Jenny
July 26, 2008 at 12:23 amI love your blog! I just have to know. I keep seeing you slice kiwi to eat, but you leave the skin on. Do you eat it with the skin? Is that how it is supposed to be eaten. Thank you!
Every Gym's Nightmare
July 26, 2008 at 1:49 amOOOO! Im all about go-to meals.
Mine is brown rice with garbonzo beans and salsa. You’ve got your whole grain carbs, protein, fat and fiber. Oh, and a little bit of DELICIOUS.
http://www.groundedfitness.com
Amy S.
July 26, 2008 at 4:27 amI think you are referring to the leg press as the machine you lie down on and push with your legs. I’m going to get going with the weight training this week (starting sunday or mon), I need the toning.
to go: hummus and taboule wrap or veggie burger with soy or rice cheese. I’ve been doing a lot of smoothies–banana, frozen mango or pineapple, frozen bluberries (though I should now use fresh) and almond milk with two tbsp flax seed) though I don’t quite trust my to-go cup and with class this fall at 8:30 a.m., I’d like to bring it there with me.
I eat my kiwi that way too; with a spoon right? It’s easier than peeling and Martha Stewart does it that way. though this a.m. I had Hemp waffles with almond butter and sliced kiwi on top. i’m crazy for the kiwi.
KatieF
July 26, 2008 at 11:46 amCareful with the hamstring curls…
http://runningdoctor.runnersworld.com/2008/05/what-type-of-ha.html
Favorite quick meal? Grilled cheese made with Cabot 75% Reduced Fat Cheddar and Amy’s Light in Sodium Low Fat Cream of Tomato Soup. 😀
jenna
July 26, 2008 at 12:31 pmI actually eat the kiwi whole, peel and all. I like it! It gives it some chew. I’ve been doing it for a long long time and I’m still here so it can’t be that bad…haha
Michelle
July 27, 2008 at 9:04 pmQuick meal:
Amy’s veggie burger on potato roll with sprouts and avocodo!!!