Good Morning!
I’m feeling really good this morning because I got home last night at around 10:15 and, therefore, got to go to bed early so I would be nice and energized for my workout this morning! Ryan and I both had a plan to wake up at 6:30 and go to the gym (for extra motivation) and we both did.
I got to the gym around 6:45 after having a little snack (a small piece of freshly baked baguette with peanut butter):
Today was leg/cardio/ab day. I’m glad I got there early because I had a lot to do! Here’s the routine:
Run 2 minutes on treadmill to warm up
3 sets of stiff-legged deadlift—12 reps—20 lbs
3 sets of plie squat—12 reps—15 lbs
3 sets of reverse lunge and lift (walking lunges, lunge down, lift back leg)—4 sets of 12 walking lunges
3 sets of dipping bridge pose
3 sets of calve raises—20 reps—15 lbs
25 minutes on treadmill alternating between running and speed walking on a steep incline (12.0)
3 sets of reverse crunches—15 reps
3 sets of bicycle crunches—20 reps
Whew!!!! Now I’m back, I still haven’t had coffee (I usually just drink 1 cup when I get to work), and I feel TOTALLY energized! For breakfast I tried a new Amy’s product I’ve been dying to eat that’s been sitting in my freezer:
I don’t know how practical these are just because they are expensive ($4.50) and you can easily buy an entire container of steel cut oats and make your own for less than that, but for convenience purposes, it was really great. It didn’t have a “frozen” taste at all…just tasted liked freshly made steel cut oats, lightly sweetened with agave nectar. I boosted it up with half a sliced banana, a couple walnuts and had a greek yogurt on the side for more protein. Now that’s a power breakfast!
For lunch today I’m resorting to Amy’s as well. I just love her Split Pea Soup because it doesn’t have that “canned” taste at all. I packed the entire can of this (200 calories, 14 grams of protein) with a string cheese and grapes for lunch and a piece of flax and fiber bread with peanut butter for a snack later on.
Bread baking when alright last night (hence my pre-workout treat!). I’m just shocked at how hard they grade products…it really is according to industry standards. The chair of the department grades everything at the end of every two night block and I got my grades from my biscuit/cookie/pie production earlier this week. He wrote that my pie was incredibly well done but I STILL only got an 8 out of 10. What does it take??!
What’s your favorite pre-workout snack?
caitlinbo (see bride run)
July 31, 2008 at 12:22 pmmy favorite pre-workout snack is a cup of coffee!! i don’t know how people work out without it.
i love to see you eating more protein in an attempt to bulk up a little! you’re going to be kick ass soon 😛
Heather
July 31, 2008 at 12:22 pmThose oats look great! Target carries a line of frozen cooked oatmeal with berries (Archer Farms, I think) that’s really tasty and around $2… but not steel cut, sadly.
Favorite pre-workout snack: grapes, or half a bagel with honey
hk
July 31, 2008 at 12:27 pmegg whites on wasa rye crisp! Total power boost, yum!
Kristin
July 31, 2008 at 12:29 pmNow i’m craving fresh baguette…
definately a banana (or 1/2) with peanut butter, 1/2 a clif bar, or 1/2 a mini bagel with pb&j
Nicole
July 31, 2008 at 12:37 pmAmy’s is such a great brand. The food is always so amazing compared to other frozen/canned/packaged foods.
For pre-workout I usually have a Clif z-bar and a banana. Nothing fancy…
VeggieGirl
July 31, 2008 at 12:59 pmFavorite pre-workout snack: 1/2 banana with hazelnut-butter!!!! :0)
lulu
July 31, 2008 at 1:28 pmEnjoy your blog.Fun to read-like a daily novel!
I love Annie’s products,but just became aware recently how most are extremely high in sodium(like soup,chili,frozen entrees etc-not oatmeal I am sure!)
What are your thoughts/concerns on this?
I have been reading about how too much sodium can be dangerous to health and to avoid prepared foods as such-but it’s hard when they are so tasty and CONVENIENT(yet super $$$$)
lulu
July 31, 2008 at 1:29 pmPS Oops-I meant AMY’S brand(don’t know why I wrote Annie’s!!!(morning brain!!!)
Kimberly
July 31, 2008 at 1:40 pmPre-workout snack? I like 1 or 2 Ryvita with a little peanut butter and honey, a couple of prunes + a couple of almonds, or if it’s first thing in the morning, just a good ol’ cup of OJ.
~C~
July 31, 2008 at 1:49 pmI like chocolate milk, banana or a bar, those always work for me. But to be honest, I don’t have one at all most of the time.
Rose
July 31, 2008 at 1:54 pmFavorite pre-workout snack: One of Kath’s Oatmeal bars! It always fills me at just the perfect amount. I think the oats really give me power.
PS: You are the guru of knowing all of the Amy’s products!. I didn’t notice Amy’s in the store until I started reading your blog. I haven’t bought anything yet, but I will (probably using your past recommendations!)
Michelle
July 31, 2008 at 2:01 pmI don’t usually eat anything pre-workout because I work out at 5:45 am and I’m usually not hungry!! But I’m sure starving afterward (hellooo big bowl of oats!!)
If I do feel hungry and want a snack, I usually stick with something quick and easy…a granola bar or a couple handfuls of dry cereal. 🙂
Megan
July 31, 2008 at 2:37 pmI love Amy’s frozen cereals…especially the Cream of Rice. I think I will have to splurge and get some more. They aren’t as expensive at my Whole Foods…only $2.99.
http://megansmunchies.blogspot.com/
jenna
July 31, 2008 at 2:49 pmI have never tried the Cream of Rice but I will have to look at that next time at the store! Not fair that yours are cheaper than mine!! haha 🙂
LadyLara
July 31, 2008 at 2:50 pmI’ve always been best running/working out on an empty stomach. My dad is the same way! I also barely drink any water. I think I’m a camel.
Kristie M.
July 31, 2008 at 2:51 pmIdeally I would eat a peanut butter Z-bar before every workout…. they are SOOOO GOOD and the perfect size/amount for an hour of running! 🙂
Lauren
July 31, 2008 at 3:04 pmMy favorite pre-workout snack is either a graham cracker spread with a tsp. or 2 of natural pb, or a Wasa cracker with the same. (Depends on what I have in my cabinet!)
Lauren
July 31, 2008 at 3:07 pmLadyLara, I am the same way with water pre-exercise or during exercise. I CANNOT drink water when I’m about to run, or am in the process of running. It just really doesn’t work for me! Even after I’ve finished my run, I can’t stomach more than about 6 oz. of water for a good 10 minutes.
SDF
July 31, 2008 at 3:08 pmMy favourite pre-workout snack is either 1/2 Cliff bar (completely addicted to those things) or an Applesauce, Bran, Oatmeal muffin (from http://www.goodthingscatered.blogspot.com). Both of them fill me up and fuel me for an afternoon workout (which are usually in between an hour to two hours long-only 2 hours if I’m doing both cardio and strength).
If I’m working out in the morning then I usually eat right before I work out, so I’ll have 1/2 banana with 1/2 tbsp of either peanut butter or almond butter. My workouts are only about 45 minutes then and it keeps me fueled until I arrive at work to munch down on my breakfast!
Foodie (Fab and Delicious Food)
July 31, 2008 at 3:14 pmI also love Amy’s brand food. My favorites are their enchiladas.
Your baguette looks great!
Jo
July 31, 2008 at 4:42 pmCaitlinbo, I am just like you! I have to have coffee before I work out! So I always make fresh coffee and put in a flask and drink it walking to the gym. But I always exercise first thing in the morning (i.e 6.30am) so need something to kickstart me! I always have a tub of fruit salad in my fridge so I will have a few bits of fruit before I leave the house. But I prefer eating after working out because I’m always starving and also it makes me feel sick bouncing around with a full stomach.
Ashley
July 31, 2008 at 5:04 pmRunning on a 12.0 incline!! GEEZ!!! I struggle with running on a 0 % incline. Awesone job. Especially after all that strength training. Someday I will get there 🙂
arielle
July 31, 2008 at 5:16 pmI don’t usually eat before I work out, but if I’m hungry, I like to grab a Z Bar or a handful of raisins or pretzels.
tfh
July 31, 2008 at 5:18 pmIf they grade according to industry standards, I’d say 8 out of 10 is pretty incredible– especially for pie, especially for someone who hasn’t already had the professional experience that it sounds like some of the people in your class have. It makes me wish I could taste your pie at least!
I have trouble eating in the morning before my runs but will have to learn sooner or later to fuel my long runs. I like coffee or coconut water for now.
jenna
July 31, 2008 at 6:06 pmAshley,
no! SPEED walking on 12.0 incline! 🙂
Amanda K
July 31, 2008 at 6:29 pma couple of wheat saltines with strawberry jam usually works for a little boost before a run!
hey Jenna im just wondering ….what are your ultimate fitness goals with the increase of strength training and protein?
Erin
July 31, 2008 at 6:51 pmAh…my fave soup! Love it!
Also, *awesome* news concerning one of our fave restaurants, Grass Root!! Check my blog for all the details!! 😀
~Erin @ “Vegan & the City”
caitlinbo (see bride run)
July 31, 2008 at 7:07 pmohmigod i somehow need to figure out how to infuse an oatmeal bar with coffee, and i’d be set.
jenna
July 31, 2008 at 8:39 pmAmanda,
I don’t have an ultimate goal. I just want to tone my arms a little more! I’m not planning on becoming some fitness/bodybuilder model or anything. I love the whole process of working out and eating right and like the way my body looks when I do.
BethT
July 31, 2008 at 8:39 pmI had a fantastic lentil soup today from the Pacific brand — Curried Red Lentil. Realllly good.
alwaysroom4dessert
July 31, 2008 at 8:47 pmCaitlinbo: You probably could infuse coffee into your oatmeal bar, try adding some instant espresso powder (or instant coffee) into your dry mix before adding your binder (honey or whatever you use).
My fave pre-workout snack is 1/2 a Lunabar or a homemade granola bar!
alwaysroom4dessert
July 31, 2008 at 8:53 pmJust thought of something else…you could make a mocha granola bar by adding some cocoa powder in with the instant espresso powder!
jenna
July 31, 2008 at 9:37 pmLuLu,
Honestly, I have never noticed Amy’s products to have an incredibly high sodium content. Of course, all food is best prepared in your own kitchen but for food on the go, I think Amy’s is the best choice out there because the ingredient list is so simple and full of products we can pronounce. I wouldn’t advocate eating a frozen meal every day for lunch and dinner, but a couple times a week I think this is a great option. Sodium is everywhere so the best thing to do, I think, is just make the best choice possible when you can!
lulu
August 1, 2008 at 4:34 amThanks for your reply Jenna! 🙂
Be curious to see if you do notice the sodium content in future-honestly most are very high.I guess perhaps that might be why it appeals to our taste?
I agree with you that the other ingredients seem great-I was disappointed once I started reading sodium amounts because I love so many of the products and was trying to make healthy choices.
Thanks again for your thoughts!!
Betsy
August 1, 2008 at 3:05 pma little late to the conversation but: before long runs, i have a full clif bar or half a clif bar, depending on the distance (half up to 11 miles, full over 11 miles) 1.5 hours before and then a banana .5 hours before. i honestly think bananas are the best pre-run fuel, and it’s the only thing I can run with in my stomach.