Unexpected Sunday Night Feast

On our way home today from the wedding festivities, we (Mr. & I) stumbled upon a really unique "raised with love" meat and produce market.  It was just the stop I needed to get that bounce back in my step.  Until then I was feeling pretty dang tired and unmotivated, rightfully so I suppose! It was such a charming little place... we LOVED it - so much that I plan to dedicate tomorrow's post entirely to this great little discovery!

From the goodies we purchased, we prepared quite the feast. I am going to let the photos do most of the talking but first some quick details on what we used to pull together this unexpected fantastic Sunday night feast:

From the Market (These are also the items that Mr. was responsible to prepare)
Whole Chicken - Raised with Love
Sweet Corn

From the Kitchen (And...the items I was responsible to prepare)
Whole Mushrooms
Fresh Green Beans
Raw Sliced Almonds

And that's it!  Just these basic ingredients, add a touch of spices and soy oil, and the creation was a picture perfect Sunday feast! 

Whole mushrooms seasoned with red pepper flakes, ground pepper, sea salt, and drizzled with soy oil - cooked stove top.

Fresh green beans seasoned with a little sea salt, and ground pepper...added some water and cooked stove-top to your liking  - I like them crunchy, Mr. likes them soft so we tend to compromise! 

We ran out of propane so we had to use the charcoal grill; I was a little annoyed at first but was so worth the wait!  I had forgotten what a wonderful twist the charcoal makes! 

Last minute, I decided to do some raw sliced almonds for a topping to the mushrooms and green beans. SO GOOD!  I just took a little soy butter to a pan and let them brown.  It's the perfect crunch and taste to the vegetables. 

All done!  Green Beans, Mushrooms, topped with Sliced Almonds.  Delish!

Mr.'s Famous Chicken (it was so tasty that it should be considered famous!)
Super simple ingredients
1.  Simply Organic Minced Onion
2.  Simply Organic All Purpose Seasoning
3.  1/8 Can of Beer (add this to the bottom of the foil - keeps the chicken moist)
All wrapped in foil and placed on the charcoal grill for hmm an hour an a half or so...

 

Sweet Corn
1.  Left in husk - Soak in water for 20 minutes or so..2.  Place directly on grill grate
3.  Cook until husk is blackened (as shown in picture)

So impressed with Mr.'s skills in helping me pull this together. 

Yep, picture perfect and oh so mouthwatering!

It was too "fancy" to not add a glass of wine! Mmm Mmm Mmm!

Keep it Clean & Enjoy the Ride!

MSF

Tribute to the Bride to Be...continued

In preparation for Wedding Day, I talked Stef into a "Last Chance Workout" yesterday afternoon.  Stef's a true sport so there wasn't any arm twisting was involved; like always she was up for the challenge. We endured a grueling 60 minutes of working each and every major muscle group.  From pushups to abs, to biceps, to triceps, to shoulders, chest, back, and of course legs - we sweated, grunted, cursed...and at the time time enjoyed every minute of it! Following our strength training session, we headed out for our last run together before the Ms. turns Mrs.  About one mile into it, which felt like five considering the state of mind we were both in from the strength training session, Stef looks at me and shouts, "I'm getting married tomorrow."  Tomorrow is now today, and I couldn't feel happier to share this day with my dear friend. 

Stef and I chatted about butterflies, nerve racking stomach flops, you know, all the  uncontrollable body spasms that take over...and I was enlightened by her strategy to take it all in.  During each race that she has participated in, Steve, her future husband, turns to her and says, "Right Foot, Left Foot, Right Foot, Left Foot - you're just running." That's all it takes and she is calmed for the race.

Today, she repeats, "Right Foot, Left Foot, Right Foot, Left Foot..." and inevitably feels all that much better.  My beautiful, strong friend - someone who has set forth and achieved her goals - smiles big, her happiness is contagious.  In just a few hours, she will marry her best friend.

Deep breath...Right Foot, Left Foot, Right Foot, Left Foot....

Working the Triceps...Dips!

Yes, we couldn't resist to flex for the camera..so many gains made on both of our ends!

What's a "Last Chance Workout" without a series of pushups!

Keep it Clean & Enjoy the Ride,
A very emotional... MSF

Tribute to the Bride to Be

One of my best of friends Stefanie is getting married tomorrow. It's so hard to believe that the day is already here...just hours away!  When I think of people who inspire me most when it comes to achieving weight loss / fitness goals, Stef is surely at the forefront. 

Stef and I met in college - we were in the same sorority.  We became fast friends and during our last year in college we had the opportunity to be neighbors.  We dragged each other to the gym and cheered one another on when mini-goals were achieved.  Neither of us ever fully met our weight loss goals back then, actually we never came close, but it was fun working towards it and daydreaming of what the end result would look like - one day.

Those days, Stefanie HATED running. I can still remember so distinctly being on the track in the rec center, and me playing "coach" as I like to do, would force her to run.  Each and every time, she would glare at me with evil, "I want to hurt you" eyes...she promised me running was surely not "her thing". 

Fast forward to today, boy things have changed.  I would consider Stef my ideal workout partner.  While we don't live near one another (sadly), when we do have the opportunity to get together, going for a run with one another is always part of the agenda.  Always.  

This past week, we were blessed with a couple of opportunities to run together.  Our pace is always so in-sync; both deep in our own thoughts, no conversation is necessary as we both seem to find comfort just simply running side-by-side.  During these moments, I am always reminded by how far Stef has come...and always inspired.

Stef & I, after a four mile run in Higgins Lake.

High Five Girlfriend!

With Stef's big day right around the corner, I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to share "her story".
Her Story:  From One Runner to Another

MSF:  You've come a long way on your weight loss fitness journey, tell me a little about what worked for you?  What made you give running a try?

Stef:  A little over two years ago, I realized I was so unhappy with my body and uncomfortable in essentially every setting. I decided to join weight watchers because my mom had such great success on the program. I needed that accountability of weighing in in front of a stranger every week. It took me nine months...slowly but surely I lost about 20 lbs - just from making smarter food choices!  With new confidence, I decided to give running a try.  I was really worried, still am, that I would gain my weight back so I knew that I need to start incorporating physical activity into the mix.  I guess I picked "running" because it was something "free" and easy to do. I had no idea that I would actually end up being a "runner" - it's so fun to say that! 

The before "Stef" ...

Stef & I at my wedding June 21, 2008...time sure does fly!

Another "Before" Pic of Stef...

MSF:  What do you love most about running?

Stef:  I absolutely love the way I feel after a run...each and every time. It is indescribable...if I was forced to summarize in one word I would choose amazing!   Growing up, I always felt  that I wasn't very athletic, it's fun to finally feel like I'm good at something; running! 

MSF:  When did you actually start liking to run?

Stef: I don't think I actually started to like running until I completed my first race last November. My fiance and I ran the Turkey Trot in downtown Detroit together. My goal was just to run the whole thing and not stop to walk. I completed my goal and I have been addicted ever since.

MSF:  Any tips for people who say they "hate running" but want to "be a runner"?  How should they start?

Stef: I hate when people say they can't run!  Yes, yes I know that I was once one of those people!  My views have dramatically changed - everyone can run, you just have to start slow. I couldn't even run a mile when I started. The key is to build up your milage every week. Don't go too far too fast because you are going to end up hating because it'll feel "too hard".  I started with a three mile loop around my house. I would start running to a certain spot and every week I would add a few more blocks before I would start walking. Eventually over time I was able to run the whole loop...that was an awesome day.

MSF: You've now ran a 1/2 marathon, a 10 miler, and several smaller runs - how'd you stay motivated for the training

Stef: I make sure I am signed up or at least have a race in my sights at all times in order to stay motivated for training. I've learned that if  I am not signed up for a race I don't log as many long runs as I should. My soon to be husband also keeps me motivated. I get jealous if he gets a run in and I don't!  We designate a  few evenings a week to run together which is something I really look forward to.

Stef and I in July 2011 after completing the Warrior Dash, intense 5K obstacle course.

MSF: What would you say is the # 1 benefit of running?

Stef: The #1 benefit of running for me is the mood I am in after a run. It instantly lifts my spirits no matter how bad I felt beforehand. I can always count on running to put me in a good mood and to me, that's priceless.

Earlier today, I gave Stef a "Last Chance Workout".  It was intense!  A memory that will be with me forever...

"Tribute to Bride to Be"... to be continued tomorrow.

Keep it Clean & Enjoy the Ride,
Mrs. Skinny Fat

Enjoy Each & Every Bite

While I have so enjoyed the extended weekend, I've been racing against the clock all week attempting to play catch up.  Late nights, early mornings, and that dang clock is still winning! In times like this, I am tempted to cut corners when it comes to eating five to six clean meals throughout the day.  I'm sure you all can relate; hence why "fast food" is the industry that it is.  Just the other day I overheard on the Today Show that people eat fast food 10 times a month - what gives!! 

I am proud to write that I have successfully resisted taking short cuts and/or skipping meals...but it hasn't been easy.  I consistently had to have my mind in tune to my body and remind myself (several times) that the pay off is worth it!  Eating clean has so many benefits not only to your health and your physical appearance, but also, and sometimes most importantly, to your overall mental clarity.  

When crazy times arise in our schedules, it's easy to start thinking of food as a means to end; in other words, as fuel.  You start to feel like you don't really need it until you are starving.  Trust me friends, playing that game is like playing with fire and the results will put your body in all sorts of commotion.  Not worth it, no matter how busy you are.

While this week brought nothing but madness as it relates to schedules, I still made time for meal planning and EATING.  With that being said, I had simplicity in the forefront of my meals. Even when it was the last thing I wanted to do, I made sure to take time to enjoy each and every bite of my creation. No TV, no phone, just me and my food (Mr. was out of town).  I promise it won't set you back; it'll give you just the break you need to forge forward with the never ending to-do list.

Here's my latest concoction - took a whole 15 minutes from beginning to end :)

Layered to perfection.  Added chicken for protein!

Keep it Clean & Enjoy the Ride,
Mrs. Skinny Fat

Over Oatmeal, Today Anyway

For the past few days, I have not been feeling the love for my Gloried Oats.  So, it's time to start mixing up my morning routine a bit.  Today, I made four egg whites loaded with spinach and fresh garlic with a touch of olive oil.  I paired this with half of an Ezekiel 4.9® 

Sprouted Grain English Muffin.  

When it comes to bread, pasta, and cereal, Ezekiel 4.9®, made by Food For Life Baking Co., is by far my favorite brand.  All Food For Life bakery products are made from the finest natural ingredients to provide optimum nutrition and maximum taste.  The idea to develop sprouted grain bread and pasta was inspired by Scripture. The verse, as you may have already guessed, is Ezekiel 4:9:

"Take also unto thee wheat, and barley, and beans, and lentils, and millet, and spelt, and put them in one vessel, and make bread of it."

Yep, the ingredients are really that simple; a crunchy, healthy, protein-balanced slice of organic goodness. Not quite as perfect as my Glorified Oats, but certainly a suitable trade for the day.

Four egg whites, loaded with fresh spinach, garlic and a touch of olive oil.

Balanced with a half of a Ezekiel 4.9® Sprouted Grain English Muffin. Indeed delish!

Keep it Clean & Enjoy the Ride!

Mrs. Skinny Fat

Circle of Healthy, Happy Friends

Every year, our circle of friends venture to Higgins Lake, Michigan to celebrate Labor Day weekend.  More so this year than any other, I was moved by how much we have grown over the years to become the people we are today.  While so much has changed since college, our values remain the foundation, and from that, we have each in our own right built what stands a unique individual. Even with life's changes and our individual molding, it amazes me that we still fit rather perfectly - together. 

There are without a doubt many traits that make our group of friends great.  However, during this most recent gathering, I was awestruck in our shared belief to actively pursue a healthy lifestyle.  While we each have our own definition as to what living a healthy lifestyle looks like, we seem to naturally respect each others' beliefs as it's all towards the same end goal.   Even more so, we support each other - and that support was reflected time and time again during our weekend together.

I was overcome with so many moments of pride - here we are a group of twenty-something year-olds (okay, okay, all closer to thirty) away together for "vacation", yet we all packed food and ate as if we were at a "Get My Body Back" Bootcamp Retreat.  Other than alcohol consumption, we were all pretty much clean eating saints.  Especially us girls.  Not only did we eat clean, the entire time, we moved our butts.  We got in our morning runs and made for an upper body adventure with the kayaks! Us girls made the kitchen a creative cooking studio - and with contribution from the guys - we whipped up some amazingly fresh, mouthwatering meals.   

It was the ultimate weekend away; satisfied bellies, achy muscles, loads of laughs, a little gossip, blue skies, bluer water, sun-kissed faces, and a bottle of memories to remind us just how blessed we are to have so many like-minded souls in our corner. 

Mr & Mrs. soaking in the sun's rays and enjoying the beauties of Pure Michigan.

The girls. Without any prior arrangement, we all packed food that made for the perfect combination. It was pretty impressive!

Below is just a sampling of our many tastings! Fresh was the underlying theme! 

 

Us Girls venturing out on the kayaks while the guys sailed... 

Does it get any better than this? Soaking it all in!

"It was the ultimate weekend away; satisfied bellies, achy muscles, loads of laughs, a little gossip, blue skies, bluer water, sun-kissed faces, and a bottle of memories to remind us just how blessed we are to have so many like-minded souls in our corner." -  MSF 

Keep it Clean & Enjoy the Ride,
Mrs. Skinny Fat

Running in the Rain

There are some days when I only have a short time frame to get my workouts in.  This occurred again over the weekend, and during this same window of opportunity, a moderate to a heavy rainstorm was moving its way in.  Typically, this would be no issue as I have my treadmill to rely on - but being out of town as I was my options were rather limited; go outside and run in the rain or miss a work out.  I chose to run.

No more than five minutes into my five mile route, the rain picked up from a light drizzle to near downpour.  With each step I was treated with a splash in return.  My shoes were soggy, my clothes drenched and I still had four miles left to go.  To my sincere surprise, I was loving every "soaking" minute of it.  It felt unbelievably refreshing!  Not just physically, but something deep within was ignited...I kind of felt like a kid again.  There was smile on my face, a softness in my step, and a quickness in my pace.  I felt good...light...happy. 

I will forever have a different outlook when the clouds darken a bit on run days.  In fact, I might even prefer the rainy days as it's not nearly often enough that the kid in you has a chance to come out and play.  

Soaked from head to toe and loving every minute of it!

Of course the kid in me demands to wear these
rain boots for the rest of the rainy day!

Keep it Clean & ENJOY the Ride,
Mrs. Skinny Fat

Photos courtesy of my gal pal, Dia, who was a true champ in bearing the rain with me to snap some pics!