Archive for March, 2010

Good morning, friends! Confession: on the workout front, I’ve been slacking. Before you get all judgmental on me, let me explain. I’m taking the GRE this weekend. Yes, yes, I took it for my Master’s program, but those scores expire this year and I need to take it again so I’m ready when I apply for my PhD. But with words like Quiescent, Trenchant, Nascent and Meretricious (to name a FEW!) I’ve been spending almost ALL my spare time studying. And don’t even get me started on all the math skills I’m re-teaching myself! Anyway, something’s gotta give, and unfortunately it’s been my time at the gym.

This makes me both sad

and ANGRY!

I’m know I’m not alone in this predicament. I know several of you have other things going on — i.e. work, kids, school — that infringe on your workout time. I’m here to help!

What should you do if you can’t make it to the gym?

1.) EAT CLEAN — Diet is 80% of the way you you look. If you can’t get your body moving, make sure you decrease your calories a bit and keep things clean with fruits, nuts, veggies and lean protein.

2.) Take the stairs! I’m on the third floor in my office. While others take the elevator for lunch breaks and to get to other meetings, I take the stairs. Every little bit helps!

3.) Save some time with Exercise TV or a workout DVD (like 30 day shred or Physique 57)

4.) Two birds. One stone. Need to study? Incorporate it into your workout! For example: If you are trying to learn definitions (like me!), create a workout challenge. For every word you don’t get correct, you have to do 10 sit-ups while reciting the definition. If you get it wrong AGAIN you have to do 10 push-ups — I guarantee you’ll start remembering!

Need more help? Read:

How to fit in fitness on any schedule

Fitting in Fitness (even at work!)

Get NEAT!

How do you change things up when you can’t make it to the gym? What adjustments do you make? Please share your words of wisdom!

Try it – How to cook a turnip

Mar 30

Categories:

Try It

Have you ever tried a turnip? Me neither! Doesn’t it just sound funny? TUR-NIP? HA! Anyway, I’ve never met a vegetable I didn’t like, so I figured it was about time I gave ‘ol turnip a try (if you follow me on twitter, you may already know some of this). In truth, I was really craving potatoes. But after hearing that turnips (also a “starch” vegetable) contain only one third the amount of calories as potatoes, I figured it was worth testing. It turns out these root vegetables pack quite a nutritious punch, as well! Turnips provide an excellent source of vitamin C, fiber, folic acid, manganese, pantothenic acid, and copper. They also offer a very good source of thiamine, potassium, niacin, and magnesium. In addition, they are a good source of vitamin B6 and E, folic acid, and riboflavin.

Not having cooked a turnip before, I did a bit of research and learned that you can cook them very similar to a potato. Knowing this, I came up with the following recipe.

Easy Turnip Saute

You’ll need:

3 turnips, chopped
1 sweet onion, chopped
2 tablespoons butter (I used Smart Balance)
1 teaspoon rosemary

Add chopped onions and 1 tablespoon butter to a medium-heat saute pan. Cook until browned. Add turnips and another tablespoon of butter. Cook about 5 minutes. Add rosemary and stir. Cover and cook about 10-15 minutes. Remove lid and cook until turnips are browned and soft.

Season with salt and pepper, plate and enjoy!

This was great! I thought they tasted A LOT like potatoes. Definitely had the same consistency. But the turnip had more of a distinct flavor, though. I can’t really describe it other than… turnipy — how’s that for descriptive?! Anyway, I really enjoyed this dish and love how easy it would be to customize with your favorite spices and flavors. Get creative!

Have you tried turnips? What did you think? How have you had them prepared? I have a feeling I’ll be on quite the turnip kick, so I could use some ideas!