A Winter's Tale

So, its winter, and I've been working out.  I guess the two go together...new year...resolutions.  And I love Queen.  Whatever.  So yes.  Working out.  And eating better (for the most part) even.  I decided to take this in stages.  The first week of the new year I focused on making my dietary habits better, because, let's face it, we all eat like crap over the holidays.  I don't know one person that isn't sick that doesn't.  Anyhow, week two (last week) I started working out again.  I mentioned that website, sparkpeople.com.  Yeah, so I joined this January fitness challenge which started on January 6.  Basically, it motivates you to work out - 30 minutes of cardio 5 days a week, and at least 10 minutes of strength training 5 days a week (and they provide videos!).  So I am a week in right now.  That is the hardest part.  Until you start week two.  Week three...well, that's when it starts feeling like a habit and something you need to do every day.  So I'm on the right track.  Sore and achy, but on track.  If I can make it through this month I should have no problems sticking to a work out routine from here on out.  Very important.  And the eating thing is nothing.  I have a new philosophy about eating healthy....if I have a glass or two of Coke every week its not going to kill me.  If I totally splurge for a day, its not the end of the world.  I know that the majority of the time I am making the right decisions in those areas, and that is all that matters.

Now here comes the tricky part.  Getting the rest of the family on board.  Its possible I found a recipe the kids will enjoy.  So that's two of them down.

ALSO...the cool thing about this recipe is it can be meatless or not - its all up to you and which protein you choose to add!!

Noodles with Peanut Sauce

Ingredients

6 ounces whole wheat spaghetti 

10 ounces broccoli spears

 1 cup baby carrots

1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce (of you don't care, go full on sodium)

1 tablespoon natural peanut butter

1 teaspoon sriracha sauce ("rooster" hot sauce, available in the Asian food aisle.  Its awesome.  If you have never had it, your assignment today is have some.)

Pre-cooked protein of your choice: 

2 cups shelled edamame

12 ounces cooked chicken breasts, chopped (calculated in the nutrition info)

12 ounces cooked tofu, cubed

Directions

Cook pasta according to package directions. Combine the peanut butter, soy sauce, and sriracha in a small bowl. One minute before you drain the pasta, add the carrots and broccoli to the pot. Drain and add the pasta, vegetables, your choice of protein and sauce to the pot. Heat through and serve.

Not even excessively difficult either!!

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Now breathe deep, because its time for your moment of Zen!

I totally look forward to this being me in the springtime!