Good Morning!
Last night went easier than expected except for the minor incident of my cake falling apart when I went to turn it out onto the cooling rack. I decided to deal with that one tonight though and hopefully I can sort of “paste” it back together with a ton of buttercream icing. We’ll see. So all I have to do tonight is make buttercream, decorate my genoise cake and put the final touches on my “chocolate indulgence”. Should be an early night!
This morning I was on my way to the gym to do cardio so I could watch Meredith and Matt in Beijing when I realized just how perfect the weather was outside for an outdoor run instead. The sun was barely up yet and it wasn’t blazing hot—still in the 80s rather than 90s! So, I did my typical 25 minute loop run outside where I run to this big lake, run around the big lake and run home. No suicides this morning….my legs and butt are super sore from my workout yesterday! When I got back, I went to the gym to do abs. I did 3 sets of bicycle crunches—-25 reps each and 3 sets of hanging ab crunches—12 reps each. I also stretched my sore legs out a bunch!
Before I went on my run I ate this piece of whole wheat fougasse that I made two weeks ago and froze. It was perfect defrosted this morning with a smear of almond butter:
And when I got back, I decided to make my version of an egg mcmuffin! I used a toasted ezekiel muffin, 3 egg whites, 1 morningstar farms sausage patty (my obsession!) and about 2 tbsp of reduced fat shredded cheese. It was quite the tasty breakfast treat and chock full of protein! I also had a banana on the side and a HUGE glass of ice water…I ate it while watching Olympic highlight videos on my computer, obviously.
And for lunch today I packed the homemade split pea soup I made while making those enchiladas yesterday afternoon. I use Heidi Swanson’s recipe and it always comes out flawless. I love it because not only does it taste good and keep you full, IT’S CHEAP! Seriously cheap—like, each bowl comes out to something like 25 cents when you do the math. All you really need is a bag of split peas and an onion! I made the full recipe yesterday and got five servings out of it. Froze two and will be eating the other three all week long.
With my soup I packed a string cheese and a peach and for a snack later, a yogurt and 1/2 cup of Go Lean Crunch to mix in.
Off to work! Only about 2 weeks left of my job!!
~C~
August 12, 2008 at 12:53 pmthat breakfast sandwich looks so good!
ClaireDille
August 12, 2008 at 12:54 pmI don’t know how you do all that lower body work in addition to running! As a runner myself…if I do something too strenuous on my lower body (lunges with weights, etc) then I often get so sore and unable to run up to my capability. You are quite impressive!
p.s. I love bicycles…I do them everyday…bad? I am not too sure…
jenny
August 12, 2008 at 12:55 pmwhere do you go to watch the olympics online?
jenna
August 12, 2008 at 1:12 pmJenny,
http://www.nbcolympics.com/
ClaireDille,
Well I’m not really running long distance or anything…just a short 25-30 minute jog. If I was running 5 miles I would definitely not do leg exercises the day before! And be careful, because you can work your abs out TOO much! I have heard that every other day is best.
LisaR
August 12, 2008 at 1:19 pmHey Jenna! I’ve got 2 questions:
1.) I scrolled through your older posts and saw you use the Jay Robb Whey Protien…stawberry was the packet you pictured. Are you still using the same brand for your protien shakes just different flavor? Do you buy a big container or individual packs? I’m interested in getting some since I’m training harder for a 1/2 marathon and my muscles are more sore.
2.) Do you have your posts organized by what days you did your strength work outs? I’m looking for new exercises on my lifting days and…wait…I think if I just type in workouts in the search bar it’ll find them all…right? Awesome!
Thanks so much! Hope you’re having a great day!
Allie
August 12, 2008 at 1:32 pmHi Jenna!
I try to read your blog a lot and love that you post all about your workouts, but I was wondering if you follow a set schedule for workouts every week (like M W lower body weights and cardio, T TH upper, etc..). I’m trying to mix in strength training more with my cardio, but I’m not sure what’s the best order to do them in! Thanks!
erica
August 12, 2008 at 1:35 pmYum, I’m liking the looks of that breakfast sandwich!
arielle
August 12, 2008 at 2:31 pmI’m liking that breakfast sandwich too. Morningstar Farms sausage patties are the best.
Betsy
August 12, 2008 at 2:32 pmman-if only we could solve all the world’s problems with icing. 😉
Foodie (Fab and Delicious Food)
August 12, 2008 at 4:09 pmBetsy – Haha, I loved your response!
jenna
August 12, 2008 at 4:15 pmMaybe if everyone ate MORE icing we would all be happier though! Or maybe just fat…..hmmm
jenna
August 12, 2008 at 4:19 pmAllie,
I write a schedule for myself and tape it on my bathroom mirror. Here’s what I’m *thinking* for this week:
wednesday: OFF
Thursday: back, shoulders, biceps
Friday: legs, abs
Saturday: Cardio
Sunday: Triceps, chest, biceps
Monday: Cardio, legs, abs
Tuesday: Shoulders, triceps, back
That’s very very very tentative since I just came up with it on the top of my head since you asked. I usually sit down at work on Wednesday and write it out so I might change it. I like to do cardio three times a week so I need to fit in one more day somehow…..
jenna
August 12, 2008 at 4:21 pmLisaR,
I bought a big container of the chocolate and LOVE it even more than the strawberry. I’m not a huge strawberry fan anyways but a total chocoholic at heart 🙂 The individual packets are waaaay too expensive so I buy in bulk!
Maybe this weekend when I have some time I will work on that. It makes sense to organize in this way I just need some time to sit down with the computer and figure it all out!
VeggieGirl
August 12, 2008 at 5:02 pmJust 2 weeks left, eh?? My goodness, time flies like CRAZY!!
jenna
August 12, 2008 at 5:14 pmVeggieGirl,
well 2 weeks of work but one more month of school! 🙂 Time DOES fly! Now lets just hope I can find somewhere to live in Vero Beach for my externship….haha
loved your emails! hehe 🙂
Kat
August 12, 2008 at 5:20 pmWow time sure does fly! Good luck with the icing on the cake.
HangryPants
August 12, 2008 at 5:36 pmJenna, Love the title. So true! I made my first Heidi Swanson recipe last week (Maple Tempeh, except with honey) and it was delicious. I can’t wait to try more – like this yummy soup. Have a great day, Jenna.
Heather
angelcubbie
August 12, 2008 at 6:18 pmHey Jenna, do you do the same thing with meals? Write down and plan out your meals for the week, down to bkfast, lunch, dinner each day? I’ve been considering doing this for work days but I think I may miss the spontaneity of just eating what sounds good but it would certainly make packing lunches for the week less time consuming.
jenna
August 12, 2008 at 6:21 pmangelcubbie,
hahaha no I wish I was that organized. it would probably help reduce stress!! I make a grocery list but that’s about it…:)
Foodie (Fab and Delicious Food)
August 12, 2008 at 7:31 pmJenna ~ Haha, your response made me laugh too!
Jtine
August 12, 2008 at 7:50 pmGood luck with the cake!
A few years ago, I tried to bake a cake for my ex’s birthday and one layer came out of the pan in two pieces. I went into hysterics (I think “I hate birthdays” came out of my mouth) and my sister, who was about 12 at the time, was the one who managed to calm me down by saying “It’s okay. Icing is like glue for cakes.”
It looked pretty until it fell apart when we tried to cut it, but it tasted delicious.
VeggieGirl
August 12, 2008 at 8:14 pmGlad you liked the emails, Jenna – I’m STILL cracking up over your comment 😉
sheryl
August 12, 2008 at 8:39 pmHi!
I emailed you awhile ago, but decided to throw out my comments here. I LOVE your blog and read it religiously! I’m twice your age but we have similar interests so I have learned a lot and been inspired. While searching for someone with your attitude but who has been through age-related “dilemmas,” I discovered Tosca Reno and I purchased the Eat Clean Diet and Cookbook books. The six mini-meals a day works for me and I feel better already. It’s all a nice companion to your blog!
Keep up the great work toward your dreams!
P.S. You remind me of Reese Witherspoon.
jenna
August 12, 2008 at 8:46 pmSheryl,
Haha thanks for the compliment! I got your email and will respond I promise! It usually takes me a week though (sad but true) because I like to give all emails time to write. So look for a response in the next few days when I have a moment! 🙂
ali
August 12, 2008 at 9:07 pmHi Jenna!
I love reading about your adventures in culinary school! I love teaching (3rd grade) but I am soo jealous! I would love to do that too! There needs to be more time in a day. Anyways, I have a questions:
Do you use raw or cooked almond butter? Is is just a preference thing or do you think on is better for you than another?
Thanks!
ali 🙂
jenna
August 12, 2008 at 9:23 pmAli,
Aww I wish I had patience to teach little ones! I toyed heavily with the fact of teaching high school english in China though…(long story). Anyways, most of my almond butter is roasted almond butter I believe. I just prefer the taste…kind of a nuttier taste all around I think. Raw is great if you like it though! The main thing to stay away from when choosing nut butter is added oils and sugar. For that reason I love the Whole Foods brand chunky almond butter because the only ingredient is almonds. You know it has to be good!
ali
August 13, 2008 at 3:04 amThanks Jenna! That is what I have been buying but I just wanted to make sure you agreed it was best! Thanks for all of your ideas and guidance!:)
Michelle
August 14, 2008 at 7:39 pmHi Jenna,
I know stupid question here but the morningstar farms sausage patty, its not meat is it?? I ask only because that breakfast sandwich looks amazing and now i am craving it for my sunday breakfast!!!
Your great by the way!!!