Thursday, May 30, 2013

I Want to Try That Thursday

I thought today I would share of the recipes I have seen on other blogs that have mine and the hubby drooling. If you start seeing a trend, I would like to say that while it was not my intention to pic mostly recipes with sweet potatoes… I’m just obsessed. I need help. 

First off, because I would die without brownies in my life, Sweet Potato Brownies from Lindsay at the Lean Green Bean! Don’t those babies look moist and delicious? Serve with a little low fat ice cream and I’d say instant win! 


Second and third come from Jenn at Peas and Crayons. She cracks me up all the time. 

Homestyle Macaroni Salad – add some boiled eggs in there… Oh yeah. Are you drooling yet? Make this as a side dish to some BBQ’d chicken… America. That’s all. 


Next, Savory Sweet Potato Cassarole. If you haven’t had the awesomeness that is sweet potato, black beans and salsa combined in awesomeness in your face… Well you just aren’t living. This recipe is so easy and versatile! 


Lastly, Sweet Potato “Noodles” with Creamy Miso Dressing and Salmon from Meg at A Dash of Meg. Easy, healthy, and delicious!


As for the life of me, trying to get things set up for my last semester of college and it has been a complete nightmare. They only offer the class on Monday mornings, its mandatory to graduate, and impossible for my schedule because I work your typical M-F schedule. My advisors words were and I quote, “It looks to me like you have 2 options: quit your job so you can take the class or change your major.” Yes I have one class left, let me just switch my major! SO MAD. So I’m trying to find out my other options and so far no response. I need a margarita. Or a few. 

The WOD from this morning, as Thursdays is sort of the easy day and most people skip. Today was not easy. Those squats almost killed me. Good lord, my thighs were not happy after 45 of those at 85lbs. Yesterday and today's WOD have me pretty darn sore after a week of vacation. Walking like a Granny over here! 


You know those cravings we women get? I swear something is wrong with me, as I usually don’t have many cravings. Earlier this week it was dark chocolate, so I bought a bag of those Dove dark chocolate squares. Hit the spot! {Not the whole bag, I still have about half left after I hid them from my husband} Today its Starbucks… So off I went for a tall Iced Skinny Carmel Macchiato. NECTAR FROM HEAVEN. Day is made. 

Sometimes being married to my hubby is like having your own personal chef but better. He is a great cook and loves doing it... Doesn't hurt that he is cute and all mine. So earlier today I sent the hubby a text of a new Skinny Taste recipe and I came home to find the kitchen in full swing! Jalapeno Shrimp Cakes, spinach and cheese stuffed portabellos, and mashed potatoes! Holy wow! This girl is stuffed!


Questions: Have you had any strange cravings lately? 
What new recipe do you want to try?

Eat clean, train mean, and inspire others!
-Jaren

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Heart Attacks in Women – I thought I had the flu…

Over this last year I have seen a few stories of women, in their 30’s, dying from heart attacks. IN THEIR 30’S. I don’t know about you but I didn’t think that was something you would worry about until maybe your 50’s.

Sadly, heart disease is the #1 killer of women. Not child birth, breast or cervical cancer… Heart disease.  Every 34 seconds someone has a heart attack. Heart attacks are caused with the blood flow that carries oxygen to the muscles in the heart is severely reduced, or cut off completely due to a buildup of fat, cholesterol or plaque in the arteries.
{photo: womenshealth.gov}


“But I never had any chest pain,” most women say. That’s because symptoms for heart attacks for women are not the same for men. While you may experience chest pain, most women experience symptoms similar to the flu or exhaustion. Lots of women brush the symptoms off as acid reflux or the pains of aging as well.
Are you freaked out yet?
So the facts. What causes heart disease? What are the symptoms? And how do you reduce your risk and increase your chances of a long and healthy life?
Well bless your heart, I have answers. You’re welcome.
Your chance for heart disease depends on:
  1. Your cholesterol levels
  2. Blood pressure
  3. Salt intake
  4. Blood sugar
  5. Genetics
  6. Substance abuse

The top eight symptoms for women are:
  1. Shortness of breath
  2. Joint pain or weakness
  3. Unusual fatigue or depression
  4. Nausea, vomiting, and/or heartburn
  5. Dizziness upon sudden movement
  6. Dehydration
  7. Fatigue on exertion
  8. Upper back pain, pain in jaw
  9. Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of your chest. It lasts more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back.

How to reduce your risk:
  1. Quit smoking! You can greatly reduce your risk of heart disease just by laying down the smokes for good!
  2. Exercise! (DUH!) Get up and move for at least 30 minutes a day!
  3. A healthy diet! Lean meats, lots of fruits and veggies, and less processed foods
  4. Last but not least – see your doctor! Go in for regular exams to know where you stand and what you can do to live a healthier life!

This is not something  you put off ladies, if you experience these symptoms call for help immediately!
Spread the word and learn your risk.
I like all of you and want you around as long as possible.
Now on to happier things.
Last night the hubby and I ended up going out, again. I managed to convince him to take me to Chipotle, I love it but he is a die hard Freebirds fan. Again he was disappointed but my bowl sure was AMAZINGLY delicious.

Then we went to see Fast and Furious 6, I tried to bring the Camaro into the theatre but they said no. Lame, she would totally fit. Straight up - it was awesome! Where some things totally exaggerated or completely impossible? OH YEAH. But it’s a movie. And it was a great movie. I like anything with fast cars, and dudes kicking butt. All in all it was a great night.

Oh except for one tiny thing. I was in the bathroom, walked out of the stall to wash my hands and there was a man in the womens bathroom with his pants down. I am scarred for life. Seriously, someone give me a loofa so I can scrub my eyes.
Anyways. CROSSFIT HOW I HAVE MISSED YOU!
I loved every minute of my vacation but I am not lying when I say I was having serious Crossfit withdrawals. I love my 5am workouts, and the people in my class make it even better!


Speaking of my box, CrossFit PRx, they competed at the South Central Regionals this past weekend! Sadly our awesome team was eliminated but Chelsea ended up 14thand Cole ended up 9th in the individuals! I am CRAZY proud of everyone at PRx who went out and gave their best and kicked butt! I was so sad I had to miss it, but I have been watching videos like crazy!


{none of these are my photos, I found them on Facebook}

So if you are in the Spring, Texas area check them out!
Eat clean, train mean, and inspire others!
-Jaren
Sources: Jillian Michaels Podcast, Heart.org


Monday, May 27, 2013

Cooking with grease, well not really grease... Thats gross.

Knock, knock...
Whose there?

Me. :)

If any of you follow me on Instagram (KiwiFitBlog) you'll know that life has been sorta nuts for me the last few months. Half my family moved off, my little sister moved back, accounting almost killed, crossfit tries to kill me everyday, and my trusty Mac Book straight up just gave up on life. Well not really; it runs, the hard drive is just bad and so trying to do anything is impossible... Even blogging.  After receiving such diagnosis from the doctors at the Genius Bar the hubby and I bought a new baby...   And here we are. Getting all my music, movies, and pictures off of my old laptop is proving to be a pain... {hence chocolate was needed} About to ship that sucker off and let someone else get the grey hairs.


Anyways. My world. You're probably wondering what is new... Our home gym is finally finished, and this bad boy came in the mail! Rogue Fitness Charlie bar and bumper set, as well as the S-4 squat rack! Absolutely love it, definitely allows me to work on form and technique at home, practice makes perfect! They couldn't get the semi down our road, so the hubby went and brought it to the house on the tractor. Only in the country. :)




Recently, I came back from heaven. You may call it Florida, but seriously it is as close as it gets. I hate dragging myself away every year, if only I could win the lottery... I would never leave. Ate way to much seafood, spent countless hours on the beach {holy crap the water was cold}, and got to see my awesome MeeMaw {HI MEEMAW, LOVE YOU}!







While in Florida, I bought some Saucony's! I love them! I was hoping they would help with some leg pain I have been experiencing while I run.... No go. Going to work on form this week and if it doesn't get better then I'll probably go to the sports doctor to make sure nothing is wrong. I have never liked running, but I am still trying.


As for this wonderful holiday weekend, I spent Friday on the beach laying out with Logann and watching Dino and Mom paddle board. Never wanted it to end. Saturday was spent in the back seat of the Camaro, watching movies {Star Trek and Mirror Mirror} on my iPad. Yesterday, the husband I had a flat out awesome day. Got up early and did our Sunday food prep while watching Ever After. Tilapia, brussel sprouts, green beans, and quinoa for the week!


Then we went to the mall to see the Apple doctors, saw Star Trek Into Darkness {OMG IT WAS SO GOOD-yes I'm a nerd}, walked around Hubbell & Hudson {a way cool market in the Woodlands}, and finished the night at our favorite restaurant America's! We had plantains with pesto and empanadas as appetizers. The hubby had a glass of wine and I, off course, got my mojito. We split steak and buffalo as an entree, and topped it off with tres leches for desert. SO GOOD. 




Today, the hubby is grilling and is forcing me to watch the whole Duck Dynasty series... Oi vey. 



On another note, look what our friends at Lara Bar sent me to try out... Its their new ALT BAR! It has 10g of protein made from PEAS! Its vegan, gluten free, dairy free, and non-GMO. Super filling and delicious! I loved it and I can't wait till they arrive in stores!



Last but not least, tonight when you sit down to enjoy your beer and BBQ with your friends and family please remember the reason for today's holiday. Raise up a prayer or a thank you for those who gave their life so you can enjoy freedom. They gave up all for you. 



Well I'm off to order the Rogue SR1, was finally able to string 10 double unders together! WINNNNING! So this girl is going to practice, practice, practice! Good night!

Eat clean, train mean, and inspire others!
-Jaren
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