Reason....

My Race Weekend!

I know I haven't written about running in a while....Don't worry I haven't stopped running but wanted to write some posts that added value so the focus of my writing shifted to more healthy living/health coaching topics.  But guess what?  A running post is due! Yeah! Runners! Love!  I ran two races this weekend.  It was a little silly of me to sign up for two but I didn't realize the dates when I signed up.

My first race was the University City 5K on Drexel's campus.  I am an alumni of Drexel and thought it would be great to be back on campus.  And it absolutely was!  It was a beautiful morning for a race and all of my college memories came flooding back.  I loved my college days!  The campus has changed (for the better) so much since I was there.

Since this was my first race of the weekend, I wanted to hold back on my pace but my body felt so good running that my pace was around an 8:45/mile.  Awesome! I always shoot for around a 9:00 mile but would have been happy with 10 for this race as I was saving legs for Broad Street.

Broad Street is the country's largest (I think) 10 miler with over 40,000 runners.  Last year, this was my very first race ever and the obsession began.  It is such a great atmosphere!  Sweet Caroline was played before each wave started to honor Boston.

 What a great feeling to be united with 40,000 runners.  I didn't want to start out to fast and bonk out towards the end.  I started around 8:00 miles and then slowed down to a nice steady pace and ended up finishing in 1 hr 27 minutes for an avg pace of 8:42. It was a new PR for me!  I had such a great time and absolutely adore this race.  Thank you to the race organizers and volunteers.  You did such an amazing job!

Strawberries

I adore strawberries!  They are the perfect little fruit.  I typically slice them up as soon as I get them home and store them in Tupperware.  This way they are easy to use and won't go bad as quickly.  I eat them plain or add them to smoothies, yogurt, or cereal. 1 cup of strawberries fulfills the amount of vitamin C you need on a daily basis.  Strawberries are also a good source of fiber and anti-oxidants with only 50 calories per cup.  Enjoy strawberries every day!  When strawberries are out of season, buy the frozen ones.  They are just as good as fresh but make sure to get no sugar added!

Believe in Yourself

Source: www.livelifehappy.com

Veggie of the Week: Eggplant

Eggplant is so versatile.  You can roast it whole, cut it in slices, cube it, bake it, grill it, blend it to make a dip, use it in salads, replace the noodles in lasagna with and of course make a roasted veggie sandwich or wrap with it.  Do not be afraid of eggplant!  Not only is it delicious but it is also good for you!  

The versatile eggplant is part of the nightshade family, related to potatoes and tomatoes. In addition to being a good source of fiber and low in calories, the eggplant contains many vitamins and nutrients.  It is a good source of potassium, calcium, phosphorus and manganese.  

When selecting eggplants, look for firm and shiny, with smooth and vibrant skin.  Eggplants should be kept in the crisper section of your fridge and will keep for several days. I buy eggplant and to ensure it doesn't spoil, I cook it the same day of purchase.   I simply slice it in 1/4 -1/2 inch rounds, sprinkle it with salt & pepper, a little olive oil, and fast in a 400 degree oven flipping it once for 15-20 minutes.  This way I can use the eggplant in salads, sandwiches, wraps or alone as a snack.

My Favorite Eggplant Salad

Roasted Eggplant

Roasted Red Peppers

Chopped Tomato

Goat Cheese

Chickpeas

Arugala

Balsamic Vinegar/Olive Oil

The combination is simply amazing!  Try it and let me know if you like it.....

Do You Eat the Rainbow?

It is so important to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables.  By doing this you enable your body to function at its highest level by consuming various vitamins, nutrients and antioxidants that fresh fruit and veggies provide.  

How do I eat the rainbow?  Here is my day today:

Breakfast:

Breakfast quinoa with almond milk, cinnamon, banana, and sunflower seeds

Lunch

Home-made edamame hummus sandwich on sprouted grain bread with spinach and yellow peppers.  I also had an apple

Pre-Run Fuel: A few dates

Dinner

Baked sweet potato over arugula topped with chickpeas, broccoli, salsa and avocado

The more fruits and veggies I eat the better I feel and the more energy I have.  Do you eat the rainbow?

It's Official!!!

It's official!  I am a certified health coach.  I am so excited to be able to help others live their most healthful lives.  I truly have a passion for healthy living and helping others.  I will be able to combine two things that I love.  My practice will focus on my client and what works for them.  Everyone is unique and as such each client will have a unique plan crafted for them.  I am so excited!  If you would like a free consultation or have general health coaching questions just let me know.  I would love to discuss my passion for healthy living with you!

Healthy Time Savers for the Week

One question that I often receive is how to eat healthy during the week with the limited amount of time that we all have during the week.  I like to take an hour or so on Sunday to do some prep so that I have healthy, simple things to prepare.  Today for example I did the following:

• Stock up on fruits and veggies
• Wash fruit and produce 
• Cut cucumbers, peppers, and broccoli-Easy access during the week
• Cook a cup of quinoa to use during the week
• Boil eggs for hard-boiled eggs during the week

These are just a few things I did today to make having healthy snacks and meals during the week.  The key to eating is to be prepared.  An hour on Sunday can create all the difference during the week!