Chili Con Crab in Kabocha

Feeling pretty good this week.  The 8 1/2 mile run on Wednesday didn’t cause any aches or pains. Thursday’s workout was 45 minutes of Elliptical + 45 minutes of weights (back, triceps, shoulders, abs) + 3.32 mile run with fur face. 

I’m doing an experiment regarding workout fuel.  I’m trying to figure out what to eat before a workout that will work for my pre-race meal. I get up so early that there is not time for that 3  – 4 hour window of eating before I workout and I want to experiment to see what works well with my finicky stomach.  One big NO-NO is to go into a race when you’ve eaten something that you’ve never tried to run on before. 

What I need is fuel that isn’t going to let me crash 2 hours later and some of the high fructose corn syrup gels might do that, or so I’ve read.  I’m really counting on the fuel gained by a good balance and carbo-load in the days leading up to the long run or race. But I’d like to “top-off” in the morning anyway. 

I tried the GU again this week.  The chocolate flavor, followed by as much water as I could fit in my mouth wasn’t bad.  The water washed it down without the “gag” reflex I almost suffered before.

I didn’t feel any sudden burst of energy but did have sufficient energy to make it through my workout. 

I tried half of a protein energy bar.

This worked for me as well. I liked this one. It wasn’t chewy, even though I crave chewy later in the day, I don’t want it at 4 AM.  Eating half of it gave me enough calories, carbs. and protein. 

There are a few more products that I want to try.  More on those later.  In the meantime, I was reading about Infinitnutrition where you can customize your own formula.  I just don’t want to spend over $40.00 only to find out if makes me sick.  I’m hoping they have a sample.

 It’s important to eat enough of the right balance of  foods. 

1. You need to have the energy for training.
2. You don’t want to put on extra pounds.
3. You don’t want to lose too much weight and suffer energy depletion.

Enough said….time for a dinner recipe.

Chili Con Crab in Kabocha – serves about 4

Using a large Kabocha squash,

this is a fast, healthy, easy and  flavorful meal.  If you don’t like crab, 2 small pre-cooked chicken breasts would be a good substitute or simply skip the meat protein and just add the beans.  There are so many ways to customize this dish. Use your imagination.

• 1 large kabocha squash
• 1 can (16 oz) Chili Beans in Mild Sauce – do not drain
• 1 tsp dried cilantro (or 1 TBS fresh)
• 16 oz crab meat *I used claw meat because it’s less expensive. Chicken would be even less expensive.
• 1/4 cup Reduced Fat Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Preheat oven to 375 F.

Place the squash in the microwave on high for 6 minutes. Remove and cut off the top and cut a hole so you can take some of the seeds out. Put back into the microwave for 6 more minutes.

Remove the squash carefully and, still with great care because it’s hot, cut a large opening and remove the seeds.  Remove some of the meat and set aside.

You need to make a big “bowl” out of the squash so you can fill with the beans and crab.

Place the squash “bowl” in an oven proof baking dish.  Pour half of the beans into the hollowed squash.

Add the cilantro and stir. 

Add half of the reserved squash meat on top of the beans and cilantro.

Add all of the crab meat.

Add the rest of the beans.

Top with the last half of the squash meat you removed earlier.

Put into the oven for 35 minutes.  Remove and top with cheese.

Put back into the oven for 5 – 10 more minutes.

Ted went nuts over this dish.  The sweetness of the squash, the saltiness of the crab, and the hint of chili spice from the beans is an amazing combination.

It works so well as it comes together and teases all taste receptors on your tongue.  Enjoy!

MOVIE REVIEW:

Tim Allen is always good.  He plays a guy who has just got out of prison and wants to start over.  People from his past are making it difficult.  His sister (Sigourney Weaver) seems to believe that conjuring a lot of lies has helped Tim and other people involved in his life. 

It has it’s funny scenes.  Not for young children.  We really enjoyed this comedy. Love a good ending.

Joanne