slow and steady wins the race

On Saturday, we ordered some Lebanese food from Mezza Express in Camden. As always, everything was very delicious. The whole chickpeas on top adds a really nice different but still creamy texture to the hummous- yum!

side veggies

I was super happy to be eating falafel again after my gluten free stint. Chickpeas, the main ingredient in falafel don't contain any gluten, but most recipes for falafel calls for some flour. These were very tasty!

the grilled meats platter

my plate had a little bit of everything-- yum!

This morning, I decided to make some scrambled eggs as usual, but this time, I declared in my kitchen (yes, I often speak outloud to myself- don't judge ;) ) that I was going to use some butter, and I was going to use some butter specifically because of Jennie.

Jennie is a blogger I accidentally stumbled upon when surfing the blogosphere a while back. Her story is a tragic one as she recently lost her husband due to an instant deadly heart attack. He was only in his 30's and left behind Jennie and their two young children.

Strangely, even though I don’t know her, I find myself drawn to her website almost daily. Since her husband passed, she doesn’t post as often as I check, but she does keep writing. I love that. Her posts usually make me cry, but this one made me determined to make the fluffiest scrambled eggs to date!

A tiny backstory- the way I usually cook my eggs is on high heat and with multiple sprays of PAM or some other non stick spray. I think this is because I'm diluted and think this saves tons of calories. It probably isn't the case because I didn't use tons of butter this morning and the eggs turned out fantastic.

As I was stirring my eggs on low heat this morning, I kept repeating to myself “slow and steady wins the race.” I also sent some healing vibes to Jennie and her family, even though I’ve never let her know who I am.

http://www.injennieskitchen.com/2011/09/into-the-light.html

the eggs were fluffy as the post predicted and super buttery and delicious

In the gym:

• Treadmill run for 30 minutes
• ab work
• stretch

For lunch, I picked up another Pret A Manger's sweet chili chicken and coriander sandwich, and paired it with a side of balsamic and vinegar chips.

Agenda: learn some more zumba choreography, read, relax

The Big Book of Exercises

Day 2 and so far so good on sticking to the list of rules I made for myself :-P In all seriousness, the list isn't exactly written in stone but its definitely helping me make smarter eating choices.

after rehearsing some zumba routines, I had some sliced strawberries with cottage cheese and agave nectar. The agave syrup gave this the sweetness I was craving!

while making this concoction, I accidentally dropped the tub of cottage cheese on the floor. Sad face :(
Guess its no more cottage cheese for me until our next Ocado order!!

lunch was a huge plate of leftovers. Maybe I should have included something on my list regarding portion size, EEP!

I had my breakfast cookie prior to teaching zumba. It was good but I forgot to add in some sweetener the recipe calls for like stevia or maybe even honey. Whatever bite I had with raisins was perfectly sweet though!

After teaching and going to my salsa class, it was already 9:30 and I purposefully "accidently" stopped by Subway and got a turkey sub sandwich. I must've had a change of "no complex or refined carbs for dinner" heart because I made eggs (1 whole egg, 2 egg white) scramble with broccoli and hummus. The combination was really satisfying and delicious!

so glad I decided to go for this lighter meal except I forgot broccoli=fiber=tummy bloat. Today I have this little pudge in my tummy that won't go away.

Breakfast of champions this morning!

more of the usual w. a side of mangoes and blueberries

I made a morning trip out to Waterstones, a UK bookstore to pick up some more reading material.

I know I'm not a man but seriously, there was a lack of good female strength training books. The BIG BOOK of exercises has different moves to target each muscle in the body. It's quite comprehensive! In case you didn't know, I'm a fan of anything Men's (or Women's Health) and it doesn't hurt that there are colored pictures in there ;) ha ha ha.. I also picked up Patrick Holford's ONB-- The book is huge!! I'm going for an open house this Saturday to ION, the institute Holford founded in 1984. According to the book, it's the largest training school in the UK to offer degree-accredited training in nutritional therapy. I'm super excited to check it out!

Snack prior to PUNCH class:

I'm extra hungry these days that even breakfast won't keep me full til lunch!

I gobbled down my turkey sub from last night after class. As expected, the bread was soggy and the entire sandwich not very tasty but it did the job :)

 

 Agenda: read the ONB, substitute teach a Zumba class in Kentish town, RELAX!

Charlie Bigham

Recent eats!

I added some additional spinach for more veggies!

gee.. I can't even be bothered to cook my own rice. This is great for quick and easy microwavable brown rice.

 

Breton chix w. a glass of red :)

Keepin it hot!

There was a time I thought I didn't know how to make fluffy eggs. Seriously! It was hard.. but all it takes is a bit of practice and viola! Fluffy egg heaven :)

bananers and peanut butta

Bigham's mac and cheese w. some bok choy sauteed in soy sauce and siracha

http://www.bighams.com/

I'm loving on Charlie Bigham right now..It's perfect for the lazy chef in me.:-)