A week of struggling to get out of bed.  Burned out. Winter blues.  Call it what you will, it was really tough getting out of bed and into the gym this week.  All workout plans were completed, no let downs there. It was just a struggle during the first part of the week. Hate that!  BUT… this is what happened today (Thursday)…

Got up to do my 30 min. Elliptical + 30 min. weights + 3 mile run with Shane.  I took this as an experiment instead of my usual all natural fruit energizer:  Everlast E-Drenaline.

DSC00558 I was a bit reluctant because of the caffeine, but I wanted to see if it would be a good option for the run on Saturday.

While on the E.T., my left ear got hot. No biggy, but then I felt really good. I went for 35 minutes.  The weights were a breeze and I did 35 minutes of weights.  Running?  Gosh I felt GREAT!  Shane and I ran 4.26 miles and I felt like I could have gone for 10! 

After the workout, I was still in “great rush”mode and got a load of laundry in and out of the wash and vacuumed the dining rooms.   My drive into work was wide awake and the whole morning was crystal clear. What a feeling!

It had to be the E-Drenaline and NOT this strawberry that I’m SURE they injected with growth hormones:
DSC00559

Since I did down the caffeine earlier, I was a bit nervous about how much coffee to consume but couldn’t go without my usual AM cup so I used a mild blend.  It was too milky and weak.  But why push it.

Do you take any Energy Aid to fuel your workouts?

DSC00561

Saturday is the Heart Run.  The plan is the 10 mile run.  The weather looks like it’s going to be mild and clear.  There is no chip timing, it’s just a fun training run to help a good cause.  No nerves, right?  Wrong!  10 miles will be my longest run in a group/race situation.  Even though it isn’t “technically” a race,  you just can’t help getting into that competitive mind set. 

Runner_-_Cartoon_5girl 

NOW THE BEETS:

Good healthy eats for good healthy exercise:  For more nutritional information on beets, see my post at EXAMINER.

Do you sometimes crave that salty, crisp taste of potato chips but know that they will really ruin your healthy eating endeavors?  A great substitute is to roast vegetable chips.  Lower in fat and high in nutrients.

DSC_3823

The Beet is a perfect vegetable to introduce to the family. 

beets

Although the following recipe might not produce a crispy “chip” it does offer something so appealing to the taste senses:   Sweet and Salty (you can regulate just how much salt you want).  It’s sweet, earthy flavor will delight even the youngest mouth. 

DSC_3822

The fresh beet will keep for weeks under refrigeration and about 1 week once cooked. 

Scrub it well.  Leave about 1” of stem on the beet bulb which will minimize staining.  For most recipes, you can peel after cooking but not for the recipe below.  Bake, roast, fry, braise… so versatile, the choice is yours.

DSC_3816

Recipe for Roasted Beet Slices and Carrot Strips:  Serves 4

It is recommended you purchase a pair of plastic food handling gloves available at the local food store unless you don’t mind pink fingers for a day or so.

DSC_3818

  • 1 Bunch Fresh Beets, about 3 bulbs – Peel, wash and slice about 1/8 to 1/4”
  • 1 cup Shredded Carrots
  • 4 TBS Canola Oil
  • Salt and Pepper to taste
  • You can also sprinkle any other seasoning you like such as garlic powder, onion powder, curry….etc.

Preheat oven to 425 F.  Line a large baking tray with foil.  You need to spread out in a single layer so use two baking trays if you have to. 

  • Spread the oil on the tray(s).  Add the prepared beets and carrots.  Add the salt, pepper and any additional flavors and stir around to coat evenly.
  • Put into the oven for about 8 – 10 minutes then turn/toss around and return to oven for about 8 – 10 minutes more.

DSC_3817

Once again, a simple reminder about the Hershey Chocolate Giveaway.  Already entered? Not to worry, you can enter once per day.

For a Restaurant Review of the newest in town, The Asian Bistro & Grill, see my link at EXAMINER!  TERRIFIC!

Joanne

Print Friendly, PDF & Email