Beans: They Don't Just Make You Toot

Last night I met up with some girlfriends I went to high school with. They are really the only people I went to high school with that I really try to stay in touch with. It's so difficult for us to see each other these days because of our busy lives, but we always try. We had dinner and decided to watch a movie after so we could utilize as much of our time together as possible. We decided to see Julie and Julia, which was an excellent choice. Not only did it motivate me to start posting more, but it also motivated me to start experimenting more with my diet.

I've tried for several years to maintain healthy eating habits, but it wasn't until recently that I really started exploring my dietary options. For instance, I've started straying as far away from red meat as possible and substituting beans, mushrooms, and other "meaty" vegetables in it's place. I've also made it a habit to order fish at almost every meal. I reserve chicken for salads, and try to even go vegetarian at least one day a week.

Since I've started eating beans more, I've noticed that I feel fuller longer and I don't feel weighed down, like when I eat breads and pastas. Not only are they good, but they are relatively easy to prepare. Most beans that come in a bag can just be added to water and simmered for an hour or two. Plus, they're cheap! Garbanzo beans or chickpeas are also another great option that don't even have to be cooked if bought in a can. They are also a nice crouton substitute for salads. Now let's not forget the really great part about garbanzo beans...hummus. Throw a few handfuls of these little beauties in a food processor, add your favorite flavors, and voilà! You have a great batch of hummus that is perfect for dipping.

So why make an entire entry about beans? Well according to whfoods.com, black beans are a very good source of cholesterol-lowering fiber and when combined with whole grains, like brown rice, they provide a tasty meal that is high in protein and extremely low in fat. This is ideal for someone like me who is trying to blast fat and build lean, long muscles. Check out the link below for more details.

http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=2

In closing, I'd like to leave you all with this simple concoction I just discovered today when I was trying to spice up my lunch. It left me full, satisfied and didn't blow my diet.

Hispanic Mediterranean Salad

2 handfuls of spinach leaves (about 1 1/2 - 2 cups)
2 1/2 tbs of black and red bean/brown rice mix, cooked
1/4 cup of garbanzo beans or "chickpeas"
2 tbs of red pepper hummus (see additional recipe)
3-5 pieces of boneless, skinless chicken strips, cooked
salt and pepper

Combine the rice, beans, chicken, and hummus on top of the bed of spinach leaves for a tasty mediterranean/hispanic inspired twist on chicken salad.

Red Pepper Hummus Recipe

1 (16 ounce) can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium red bell pepper, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1 fresh lime, juiced
1 1/2 tablespoons water
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

In a food processor or blender, mix the garbanzo beans, olive oil, red bell pepper, lime juice, water, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Blend until smooth.

Taking It Easy

On Tuesday I had my wisdom teeth removed. I assumed that I'd be back to my old workout routine within two or three days. Boy was I wrong!

This got me thinking about letting myself go and how easy it would be to fall off the wagon. Since it has been a week since I've worked out, I've noticed a big difference in my body. I haven't gained any weight, but I have noticed that I've lost definition. It makes me wonder how people can let themselves go and not feel guilty. I feel terrible because I haven't been able to do cardio and it isn't even because of lack of motivation! I just can't imagine anyone stopping simply out of laziness.

So how do we stay on track and not fall off the wagon? Well first I would suggest to anyone to keep track of their workouts. I myself keep a journal with every workout session I've done in a span of two or three months in it and it helps me track my progress. It also helps me see which days of the week I am my most active. I have a better chance of success if I know exactly how much effort I am putting in week to week. Another suggestion is to have a buddy. I used to run with a girlfriend of mine who was in amazing shape and she was such good motivation. When I would feel like walking, she'd push me to run a little further. Now that we both are busy with our own routines, we don't get to workout together as much, so now my boyfriend is sort of my buddy. He is in amazing shape and has been for years, so I push myself extra hard when I run with him, just to show him I can keep up. My final suggestion for staying on track would have to be keeping goals. When I first began working out, I was only running a little over a half of a mile and I told myself at the time that in the next month I would be running over a mile, with no breaks. It's been a year now and I can run over three miles with no stops. Had I not kept pushing myself to run a little further, or to do a few more situps, I wouldn't be in the shape I am today.

So because I've been off my game this week, my goal is to be back up on my feet, 100%, by Wednesday. Today, I'll start with a brisk walk and then hopefully be running my normal pace by the middle of the week.