Lets just jump into it..
FITNESS
Leg day is always lovely 
Lifted this morning, then this evening it was all about cardio! I started with a 5 min. warm-up walk, then a 10 min. jog (started at 6.0, then increased steadily up to 8.0). Then it was time for Strike (kickboxing with weighted gloves and a weighted stick)! Love love this class.. and got a killer calorie burn.. best of both worlds
Exercise of the Week: Bosu Smith Squats
Just like the name says. Perform 3 sets of 12-15 Smith Squats while balancing on an upside-down (flat side up) Bosu Ball. Feet width should be as wide as they can be on the ball.
Usually I’m not a huge fan of exercises that involve, what I like to call, props (bosu, kettle bell, rope, etc).. I’m just more of a plain ole dumbbell & barbell type. But this exercise is starting to win me over. You’ll want to start with a lower weight than you usually squat, because balancing on the bosu requires you to recruit other, not so commonly used, muscles. The balance aspect also works your core more than standard squats. I mentioned last week that I prefer free squats to Smith, but for this exercise definitely stick with the Smith for safety reasons.
If you give it a try, let me know what you think!
NUTRITION
Breakfast was unpictured Fiberflake Protein Pancakes.. this is a new mix, so when I get it closer to perfection I’ll post it!
Post-workout lunch was gorgeous! A low-carb wrap with 1 tbsp Garlic Hummus, 2 oz Deli Turkey, Baby Spinach a tbsp of Salsa and ~2 tbsp Artichokamole..
I forget about Artichokamole sometimes.. but yum.. and it was perfect on this! I posted a similar recipe here, but today’s was a little different. Into the food processor went 3/4 of a giant Avocado, ~6 oz Artichoke Hearts, 1/2 package McCormicks Guacamole Seasoning..
Pre-afternoon workout snack was more HEAB style Protein Ice Cream..
I’ve had mixed experiences with Eggplant. Actually strike that, I’ve had great experiences when I ordered it, but bad when I’ve made it myself. However tonight’s dinner experiment was a step in the right direction, actually, strike that again.. it was pretty great!
Eggplant Tofu Casserole
1 medium Eggplant
6 oz Baked Tofu
1 c organic Tomato Sauce (I used 365 Tomato Garlic)
1 c low-fat Cottage Cheese
1 oz fat-free crumbled Feta Cheese
fresh Basil, chopped, to taste
Salt & Pepper to taste
Slice Eggplant lengthwise into 1/2″ pieces. Lay out on a pan, sprinkle with 1 tsp of Salt and let sit for 30 minutes. Transfer slices to a new baking sheet, and bake at 400 F for 25 minutes. While those are baking, mix together cheeses, Basil, Salt & Pepper. When Eggplant is finished, spread a layer of slice out on the bottom of an 8×8″ dish, top with 1/2 c Tomato Sauce, top that with 1/2 of Cheese mixture. Repeat layers. Bake casserole at 375 F for 20 minutes. Enjoy!
Not the prettiest thing straight out of the oven..
But tasted great!
And the stats aren’t too shabby either (the whole dish was 2 servings)
I knew exactly what tonight’s dessert was going to be.. Matcha Green Tea Ice Milk. I used the same recipe as last time but also mixed in 1/2 scoop Nectar Vanilla Creme Protein Powder..
FUN
Movie of the night (I took a Blockbuster trip recently) was ‘In the Air.’ Have you seen it? What were your thoughts?
Fun Links
bosu smith machin squats….nice combo! I gotta try that.
Ok, those bosu squats sound dangerous…especially for a klutz like me. But I'm going to try them anyway! ;0)
Looks much like lasagna – yum! I love using eggplant for lasagna to replace the pasta. That strike class sounds right up my alley! I use weighted gloves when I do my kickboxing DVDs – awesome for shoulder toning if you ask me.
Fiber flake huh? Does that have to do with Nutrafiber??
I'm loving these moves of the week! I'm the same way.. I tend to stick to traditional exercises but that sounds like it would be killer for the core too! Which I'm always trying to work on
Twitter: NourishedFit
says:
Yup, I have Nutrafiber Flakes.. but haven’t decided my opinion of them yet.. still playing :p
I feel like I would end up hurting myself doing those squats! Although I am 6' tall and often clumsy
Did you use fresh or canned artichoke hearts? That recipe looks yummy!
Twitter: NourishedFit
says:
I took the lazy route and used canned.. but this time of year, fresh would be awesome!
mmmm the low carb wrap and the eggplant dish look AWESOME. i love swapping ricotta out for cottage cheese. i love the bosu and the smith, so this just makes sense. xo
My mouth waters for that casserole I think I will have it for dinner tomorrow, May be add some shredded cabbage? MMMMMM
Bosu squats are my favorite thing to do in the gym! I actually learned that from a PT 3 years ago when I sprained my post-tib running. Instead of smith though, I use a regular barbell and do a raise with it as I come down.
I have to try the casserole, looks great! And I bought fresh eggplant at the store today!
i looove the bosu!! its great for stabilization, and its so easy to incorporate in normal movements to make them a bit harder!
that matcha green tea ice cream looks delicious as does your lasagna!
I am all over that exercise of the week! THX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Tomorrow is leg day #2!
girl, that is not a jog to me, that is a SPRINT!!!
and i must say, your concoctions always looks delightful. especially the ICE CREAAAAMMM yiiii
I do hamer curls while standing on the bosu, I'm so lucky my gym has thousands of them! I totally stocked my kitchen with eggplant but mostly for making my eggplant tiramisu, but this is a good savory change for me!
Twitter: NourishedFit
says:
Ok.. whaatt?! Eggplant Tiramisu.. zooming over to your blog now to search for that one!
http://edenseats.wordpress.com/2010/06/11/eggplan…
im gonna help you out
I've been having eggplant french toast with almond butter and greek yogurt like DAILY and I'm not kidding! I'm addicted!
I have never had luck with eggplant either. But, the ingredient list and prep for this looks super simple. I think I may be able to pull it off