Jillian Michaels returned as my Friday morning spin instructor yet again. Woah Nelly, this girl is INTENSE!! I got there a little early so I did some upper body strength to warm up:
- 2 sets of bicep curls (12 lbs—15 reps)
- 2 sets of overhead triceps (12 lbs—15 reps)
- 2 sets of shoulder press on stability ball (12 lbs—15 reps)
- 2 sets of shoulder raises (12 lbs—12 reps)
If I would have KNOWN what class was going to be like I probably would have skipped out on the strength! We spent 40 minutes cycling with tons of jumps and sprints and then headed off the bike, on the mat, to do two sets of 25 push-ups and TONS of abs. I haven’t done that many crunches all year….I think I’m set. Luckily my dad was in the class with me so I had someone to sweatily whine to! After class, however, we both agreed that we felt SO MUCH BETTER. My dad and I are one in the same when it comes to stress—we like to take it out in our workouts and exercise is our drug of choice. For one whole hour I didn’t think about the accident, I didn’t think about my grandfather in ICU…..all I thought about is that I had to make it through the class! And I did. Triumphantly with 530 calories burned.
When I got home all I was craving was juice so I went into gear and produced a delectable combo—
One small beet (last one from the yoga garden!), 2 celery stalks, 2 carrots, BIG handful spinach, granny smith and big chunk of ginger. It tasted fantastic!
I had a serving of raw cheesie for some protein with my juice:
I LOVE this brand. First time trying it but it blew away the previous kind I tried. This cheese is a little on the pricey side (it was $6.00 I believe) but one of those things that is worth it and I know I’ll buy more when I run out. Raw milk cheese is much easier for our bodies to digest and the taste is creamy and delicious. I highly recommend trying this….it makes a very yummy and satisfying snack!
Now, as for my lunch, I was very pleased to try a new product that was dropped at my doorstep a few days ago:
And it came packaged in such a cute little lunchbox with a radio! Sweet! Thanks, Quorn!! π
I’ve tried other Quorn products and have always been impressed by the taste. Really, the only thing that deters me from buying more of their products is that they are on the pricey side. I like Quorn though because it is soy-free (something I watch out for since breast cancer runs in my family) and made from natural sources….ahem….mushrooms! You would never know though—I promise! If you go to the Quorn website you can learn all about the high quality mushroom protein. I think it’s pretty awesome!
Today for lunch I tried one of the many recipes for “creative lunches” on the Quorn website. My eyes and tummy instantly went to the yummy sounding “Mediterranean Wrap” so I whipped it up while I got ready.
It was very quick and easy to make and I sort of modified the original recipe to use summer squash, bell pepper and red onion instead of eggplant. I love anything with roasted veggies! π
It was absolutely delicious and I would without a doubt make it again! I used an Ezekiel sprouted wrap and low fat mozzarella cheese and it was perfectly filling and satisfying—not to mention easy to make! However, things did get a little messy at the end…..
(yes, I am currently wrapped up in a deliciously furry and soft robe while I pick out my most professional outfit for the wine festival!)
I also had a tiny square of organic dark chocolate to cap off my meal. Yum. I had to have something filling because I’m about to taste wine all afternoon! π I never mention that I have chocolate after every meal but I do. Every single meal. I keep a bar of Endangered Species 75% dark in my purse and break off one or two squares after lunch and dinner and maybe one mid-afternoon when I feel the urge. I sort of nibble on it all day. Every day.
I have also been asked lately if I drink coffee in the morning. The answer is NO. I drink water or peppermint herbal tea every morning. I will have coffee though if I’m super tired or mid-day on occasion. Also, I sometimes like to top off a nice dinner out with a decaf espresso. But not every day and not every morning. I’m just too lazy is what it boils down to and I feel great without it…..I’m always energized and now I find that I crave fresh juice instead! It did take a few days to ween myself off the caffeine though—think major headaches and fatigue. But after I passed over the hump, I felt better than ever!
I’m off to go pick my outfit for today and head out. A little nervous but bringing my Moleskine and going to attempt to look super professional while tasting wines. Hoping to run into someone from Murphy-Goode so I can promote my cheesy video! π
My Creative Loafing post on “Beans & Greens” is finally up! Here you can find my exact recipe and learn more about why dried beans rock my socks off!
Jessica
May 15, 2009 at 9:54 amHave so much fun at the wine tasting festival. I am jealous -it sounds awesome!! Enjoy – you deserve it!
Nicole
May 15, 2009 at 9:58 amYum. That wrap looks delicious. And I bet you’re going to have a blast at the wine festival!
Courtney (The Hungry Yogini)
May 15, 2009 at 10:06 amWow! What a morning you had! Glad spin was so great and challenging. I really need to get to a spin class soon!
Lunch looks WONDERFUL! YUM!
Oh and raw milk…so good for us! We just talked about this at the last teacher training session. I’m sure the cheese tasted divine.
Enjoy the Wine Festival. You are gonna have so much FUN!
K
May 15, 2009 at 10:16 amOh my! That wrap looks FANTASTIC!! Thanks for the cheese info – it does look creamy π
Mara @ What's For Dinner?
May 15, 2009 at 10:17 amI’m so glad you had a great workout, and even though everyone raves about it, Quorn freaks me out a bit π
FitFoodie
May 15, 2009 at 10:20 amThe juice looks great! That’s exactly what I need a Vita Mix for π
I have tried Quorn but actually thought the flavor was off-putting. My new fav is Cluckphrey “chicken” patties. It’s from the makers of Ezekiel bread.
SnowKat
May 15, 2009 at 10:30 amYou said: I like Quorn though because it is soy-free (something I watch out for since breast cancer runs in my family) and made from natural sourcesβ¦.ahemβ¦.mushrooms!
I did a quick google search on soy and breast cancer & all the articles I saw said it helps to prevent…
Can you supply a link to your finding ?
jenna
May 15, 2009 at 2:09 pmSnowKat,
There’s never been any definite conclusions on soy. One day someone says it causes breast cancer the next day someone says it heals breast cancer. Who knows. All I know is that soy protein isolate is not a very healthy or natural form of soy and I stay clear away when i can.
Jenna
May 15, 2009 at 11:03 amhave a great time at the tasting festival. Your wrap and juice look so good.
Jenna
May 15, 2009 at 11:05 ambtw: I have been trying for weeks not to talk myself out of buying that brand for raw cheese b/c it is so expensive….:) i might just have to breakdown and buy it now!!!
megan
May 15, 2009 at 11:11 amjenna, i learn so much from reading your blog! And I just viewed your wine video last night – it’s great! π
Kristin @ Iowa Girl Eats
May 15, 2009 at 11:22 amI am so with you on the chocolate after every meal…I HAVE to have something sweet – I still feel hungry if I don’t! Have wonderful time wine tasting!!
brandi
May 15, 2009 at 11:26 amthat’s awesome the you and your dad worked out together.
have fun at the wine festival!
Sara
May 15, 2009 at 11:34 amQuorn products are my favorite…and I hate mushrooms (I’m the worst vegetarian ever)! But their products taste good, and my sister, who loves turkey, really enjoys their (fake, obviously) turkey roast.
Have fun at the festival today! So jealous!
Serena
May 15, 2009 at 11:42 amHi Jenna, I was just wondering if the raw milk cheese is unpasturized?
Ally
May 15, 2009 at 11:45 amhehe, your chocolate thing makes me laugh. “Every day.” π too funny π
Amanda @ Cakes and Ale
May 15, 2009 at 11:48 amEnjoy the food and wine festival – what a treat!
I’m with you on the chocolate too. A little dark chocolate here and there does wonders.
Michelle Hisae
May 15, 2009 at 11:48 amA sweaty cycle session is priceless. Have fun today!
Heather
May 15, 2009 at 11:54 amThanks for answering my question so quickly, Jenna! Have a fantastic day!
brianna
May 15, 2009 at 11:55 amThat wrap looks so gooey and delicious! Good luck today at the festival!
zestycook
May 15, 2009 at 11:58 amYou are looking pretty sharp in the robe Jenna! π
Amy
May 15, 2009 at 12:01 pmHey jenna~
I know this sounds so dumb, but do those juices that you make (with celery, carrots, apple, etc etc) really taste great? I ask this because I am genuinely wanting to want to make them, but I am afraid I won’t like them. I am a major fruit smoothie fanatic and make all kinds of different fruit combo’s regularly. Your juices always look so healthy and I know my body would greatly appreciate the nutrition- but I guess I have a mental block about those combinations with taste. Any input or info on the flavor/texture of the juices you make? Do you add ice when you blend them?
;)Amy
jenna
May 15, 2009 at 4:02 pmAmy,
The juices really do taste good! You would probably surprise yourself and really like them. Adding the apple makes all the difference in the world, I swear! The texture is that of water or any other juice (with no pulp) and everything I’ve made so far tastes great! I don’t add any ice because I don’t blend the juice..I make all juice in my Breville Fountain Elite juicer—it produces actual “juice”, not a smoothie.
Katherine
May 15, 2009 at 12:07 pmI should try spinning sometime!!
That wrap looks so delicious!
Magan
May 15, 2009 at 12:16 pmWhere did you do your spin class with Jillian? That’s really awesome. π
jenna
May 15, 2009 at 2:05 pmMagan,
Oh! I’m sorry I was totally joking…..!!! My teacher was LIKE Jillian but was not the actual Jillian. Hahaha
Hallie
May 15, 2009 at 12:16 pmI agree with Mara…Quorn freaks me out! I need them to send me a coupon so I can try it for free because I don’t think I’d ever buy it π people seem to give it good reviews I know…but I’m just not sold LOL.
Rachel
May 15, 2009 at 12:31 pmHave fun today!! That sounds like SO much fun!!! I need to find out if they have anything like that in Houston!
Melissa
May 15, 2009 at 12:35 pmLove the robe, and love that you eat a square or two of chocolate after every meal. There’s nothing like good (organic or otherwise) dark chocolate. HEAVEN!
Andrea
May 15, 2009 at 12:42 pmYour juices always look so good. I really want to start juicing as well. What kind of a juicer do you have? Would my magic bullet work at all? Also, do you leave all the skins on your fruits/veggies? Just curious!
jenna
May 15, 2009 at 4:00 pmAndrea,
I use a Breville Fountain Elite and LOVE it. You can seriously make, drink and clean up the juice in 5 minutes flat and no juice ever gets on my counter or anything. Its very simple to use and I can’t rave enough about it. I leave all the skins on everything–the juicer does the rest!
Hil
May 15, 2009 at 12:50 pmA square of dark chocolate really is the perfect end to a meal.
Katrina (gluten free gidget)
May 15, 2009 at 12:56 pmI wish I could try the Quorn products. I keep reading wonderful things about them. But, alas, (LE SIGH) they contain the dreaded GLUTEN!!!! (DUN DUn Dun…..) hahaha
Seriously though… have fun at the festival!
LauraECU
May 15, 2009 at 12:58 pmI want to purchase a yoga DVD, but I’m having a hard time deciding on one. Jenna, can you (or any of the readers) give me some recommendations? Thanks!
Erin
May 15, 2009 at 1:41 pmAh, Quorn stuff is good. GL at the wine thing.
Christina
May 15, 2009 at 2:07 pmI had no idea Quorn isn’t made of soy! I always figure that all those fake-meat products are soy. I’ll have to check it out now!
Lisa D
May 15, 2009 at 2:22 pmI love Quorn but sadly have only tried it once, that wrap looks delicious though! Enjoy the wine tasting and I am sure you will look plenty professional! My adviser in college was a raw cheese expert! I’m sure she will be happy you are spreading the good word
Stacey M
May 15, 2009 at 2:43 pmI actually have to tell you, I’ve done a LOT of research on Quorn lately (because I, too, love their products), and there is a lot of controversy surrounding the company because the protein is NOT, in fact, from mushrooms! I had also thought that for a long time. It’s actually from a fungus (which the company simply claims is SIMILAR to mushrooms, to make it less gross, I guess) that is cooked in huge vats in mass quantities. Actually, The American Mushroom Institute apparently had a big tiff with Quorn for the misunderstanding they seemed to be causing consumers with the comparison. Also, some (namely the CSPI, which is apparently in bed with Gardenburger…) claim that the fungus (Fusarium graminearum, AKA “mycoprotein,” on the ingredients label) used by Quorn “sickens” like one in however many hundreds of thousands of consumers (still very questionable, given the shady links); they’ve even set up “quorncomplaints.com” to spread their alarmist fear-mongering. I, personally, enjoy Quorn products and have never had a problem with them, and will continue to purchase them, but I just wanted to inform you! To read more about all this, check out this unbiased 2006 article from Wired magazine: http://www.wired.com/science/discoveries/news/2002/04/51842
bobbi
May 15, 2009 at 2:47 pmjenna. love the robe:) I also love that RACHEL RAY RECIPE you posted I am so all over that! Have a great weekend dear, oh and I love the cooler with the radio, I need that for the beach!
foodiegettingfit
May 15, 2009 at 3:07 pmI love chocolate too. Or something else that’s sweet and signals my brain to cap off the meal. Feels really good in my stomach and leaves me feeling satisfied.
Do you workout when congested? because i’ve been stuffed up this week due to some common cold and I was wondering if I should push myself or let my body ride it out. It’s in my sinus/throat so I’m not sure if running/cardio will aleviate it or worsen it. What’s your policy on that sort of thing?
Lauren
May 15, 2009 at 3:30 pmI try to buy as much organic foods as I can afford, and though cheese hasn’t quite made it to my list yet, I keep hearing wonderful things about raw organic cheese. I’ll have to give this brand a try – thanks for the suggestion, Jenna!
I’ve also been meaning to try Quorn products. Glad to read another positive review π
Samantha
May 15, 2009 at 3:33 pmI’m so excited to finally see that recipe…thanks for sharing!
One thing I remember when I started a nutrition/fitness program a few years ago was make your plate colorful. Your meals are always so vibrant!
Enjoy the wine tasting.
Caitlin
May 15, 2009 at 3:34 pmjust have to say that banana bread from the previous post looks SOOO good!
Jessica
May 15, 2009 at 3:38 pmSome people have bad allergic reactions to Quorn and I was one of them! I was violently ill for days from eating it, and unfortunately it took two times of eating it to realize I was having an allergic reaction. I wish I didn’t get sick from it because I find it more versatile than some soy based products on the market.
Jen
May 15, 2009 at 4:47 pmGreat post on The Daily Loaf! I made sure to comment. π
SnowKat
May 15, 2009 at 4:48 pmJenna,
Thanks for clearing that up ! …for some reason I thought you were talking about soy in general π
I am dying to try Quorn… Your wrap looks SO yummy !
Help Meghan Run
May 15, 2009 at 4:57 pmHave fun at the festival! And the wrap looks *delicious*…I should try Quorn soon.
www. HelpMeghanRun .com
Still Life in South America
May 15, 2009 at 5:34 pmHey Stacey M, Thanks for the Quorn link. I have been very curious about the product. Due to the scare publicity, I had the opinion that it was genetically modified. Perhaps I will try it since I am not allergic to many foods.
That raw cheese looks out of sight, Jenna. Hope you enjoyed the wine day. Btw–your application tape was just perfect!
celticc
May 15, 2009 at 6:40 pmQuorn is not made from mushrooms. Also, it causes severe allergic reactions in some people:
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/05/03/business/03food.html?ex=1272772800&en=e24a69012b5704e6&ei=5090&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss
Abbey
May 15, 2009 at 6:51 pmJust wanted to say CONGRATS b/c you currently have the most-viewed Murphy-Goode audition vid…you gooo girlllllll π
Abbey
May 15, 2009 at 6:52 pmAnd apparently the most “favorited” vid toooo (!!!) (:
amanda
May 15, 2009 at 6:53 pmJenna! I voted for you in the contest, but I think you might want to mention/ remind your readers that in order for the vote to actually be counted they have to open the follow up email from Murphy- Goode and click the provided link to confirm the vote! I almost missed the email myself- it is titled “Please confirm your selection” from the email address: webmaster@areallygoodejob.com, at first I thought it was spam! I really want u to win, so make sure everyone knows they must confirm for it to be counted!!!!!! =)
Anna
May 16, 2009 at 8:33 amI’ve always wanted to try Quorn… glad it was good!
I think “Creative Loafing” is a hilarious name! Then again, I think the world “loaf” is always hilarious. I don’t know why, something about how it rolls off the tongue…
Fitzalan
May 18, 2009 at 2:39 pmLoved the bean post!! I have gotten into only using dried beans lately for health reasons. Canned foods give me migraines. I think it may be the preservatives/salt. Who knows, so I have been using dried beans a lot lately (got a bowl of Fava beans soaking as we speak), and this article was excellent and can’t wait to recreate your recipe!
Happiness Awaits