Rambling Babushka: Broccoli and pineapple

Hello my lovelies. Today has been such a busy day. I woke up, stared at the thick frozen blanket outside (in disgust) and did a little sun dance in my pajamas. It worked, I swear. The sun came out about 30 minutes later. HA-HA!

I warmed up with a nice espresso. I used macadamia coffee this morning and flavored it with sugar free Torani chocolate syrup, a splash of unsweetened vanilla Almond Breeze and sugar free creamer. Of course I sprinkled cinnamon on top. I think cinnamon is slowly but surely turning into one of my favorite spices.

While sipping my coffee I perused blog land. Ahh, I do love my Sunday mornings. So relaxing! A bit later my tummy started grumbling so I decided to make a nice bowl of oats for breakfast.

BREAKFAST (meal #1) at 9:30am.

Custard Coconut Oats. I thought of this all morning and I couldn't wait to try it.

1/2 cup old fashioned oats
1/4 cup wheat bran
1 cup unsweetened vanilla Almond Breeze
1/2 cup water
Splenda to taste
Tons of cinnamon
2 egg whites, whipped
5 drops orange creamsickle flavored Capella Flavor Drops
1 tbs sugar free coconut flavored sugar free Torani syrup
Sprinkle of coconut flakes

Creamy, fluffy and delicious. Warmed me through to the core.

The plan was to hit the gym at noon and then head straight to Mama & Papa Babushka's house for the usual Sunday luncheon. To prep for this little adventure I made a smoothie to take with me to have after my workout as well as a lunch and snack to enjoy later. It's freezing outside so I knew I could leave the smoothie in the car. No chance of it melting, that's for sure. The high today is 22. UGH!

I started to whine as soon as noon neared. I was not looking forward to having to go outside. However, I put my gym clothes on, sucked it up and ventured bravely into winter wonderland to get a good workout in. You know my motto, NO EXCUSES!

WORKOUT!

Seated Leg Curl (cable)
90lb x 15
90lb x 15
80lb x 15

Leg Press (plate loaded)
200lb x 15 (3 sets)

Hack Squat (plate loaded)
50lb x 15 (3 sets)

Leg Extensions (cable)
90lb x 15
90lb x 15
80lb x 15

Squats
x15 (3 sets)

Plie Squats (heels touching)
x15 (3 sets)

Stiff Legged Deadlifts (barbell)
45lb x 15 (3 sets)

Elliptical (30 minutes total, 2.58 miles, 370 calories burned)
1-2 (level 6)
3-4 (level 7)
5-6 (level 8)
7-8 (level 9)
9-10 (level 10)
11-12 (level 11)
13-16 (level 12)
17-18 (level 11)
19-20 (level 10)
21-22 (level 9)
23-24 (level 8)
25-30 (level 7)

My legs were close to giving out by the time I was done. WHEW! I think I pulled something in my left inner thigh. Fun. Pretty sure I did it on the Stair Glider a few days ago and it was flaring up again today. I think I'm just too short for that particular machine and my form SUCKS when I'm on it. BAH!

SNACK (meal #2) at 1:30pm.

I enjoyed my shake right after leaving the gym. As expected, it remained nice and cold in the car. Almost too cold because it was a bit frozen. :-o Here is what went into the mix.

1 cup unsweetened vanilla Almond Breeze
1 scoop vanilla whey protein powder
1/2 cup frozen fresh pineapple chunks
1/2 small banana
5 drops orange creamsickle Capella Flavor Drops
Splenda to taste

The orange creamsickle flavor drops were divine. It blended so well with the frozen pineapple. I'm seriously a huge fan of Capella products and plan to order a few to try after I run out of the current collection. This flavor also gets a 10 out of 10!

LUNCH (meal #3) at 2:15pm.

Lunch with the Babushka gang was a blast. I decided to take the leftover veggies and pineapple mix from last nights dinner and tossed it on top of a bed of spinach. I knew I wouldn't be able to have a large meal since I just enjoyed my delicious and filling smoothie. It was just the right amount.

SNACK (meal #4) at 3:30pm.

I also brought an Ezekiel wheat bun, a sweet pear and a wedge of light Laughing Cow Cheese for a sweet sandwich dessert. I toasted the bun, smeared on the cheese, sprinkled on some Splenda and cinnamon and added the sliced pear. Delicious!

I got home at about 5:00 and hustled around getting ready for later. We've been invited to a friends house for the annual Puppy Bowl gathering. They all have tiny little dogs and celebrate the bowl with ridiculous enthusiasm, food and spirits. HA! We don't have a dog (just my crazy cat) and I doubt I'll drink or nibble. However, partaking in the insanity is fun none the less.

I had planned to eat before we left so I wouldn't be tempted to snack while there. However, I was not hungry at all. What to do, what to do?

DINNER (meal #5) at 7:15pm.

I took the easy way out and grabbed a pack of raw almonds and a chocolate flavored Amazing Grass green superfood bar. Maybe they'll have some veggies or fruit for me to snack on later too. One can only hope.... ;)