Registration for the Disneyland half Marathon began yesterday. The popular Labor Day weekend event sells out fast so do not procrastinate on this one, sign up today if you are interested! This was actually the 1st ½ marathon I completed and I loved it. The route is mostly flat; there are cheer squads, marching bands, girl scouts, and even Disney characters along the route to cheer you on every step of the way.
Picture from espnwwos.disney.go.com/events/rundisney/disneyland-half-marathon
There are a couple of statements that should preface this review.
The latter of these statements is occasionally frowned upon by my dining companions and usually followed up by the unsolicited suggestion that I try oatmeal instead. I have never been a fan of oatmeal but I have started an unofficial quest to find an oatmeal combination that I can stomach. With that out of the way, here is my review of the Fruit & Maple Oatmeal at McDonalds.
Here’s a great deal from the Hollywood ½ Marathon team for those that may think 13.1 miles is doing way too much. They are offering a major discount on the 5K & 10K races. Click here* save up to 50% off . Hurry! You have 4 more days to get in on this deal!
Picture from hollywoodhalfmarathon.com
* You will have to give an email address to sign up for schwaggle.
Skinny People know that there is no excuse that can stand in the way of a good workout.
In the spirit of my New Years Revolution, I woke the whole family up to attend a Saturday morning group run with Black Girls Run-LA. Even though I gave the family two days notice that we would be attending this early morning run, there was no shortage of wailing and teeth gnashing when I went to wrangle up the posse at 6 am.
There was also no shortage of excuses! Here are some of my favorites:
Through everything, I managed to overcome the excuses and get the family out the house. Even though they had frowns on their faces, they had smoothies in hand and ended having a great work out.
Group picture of BGR-LA
Click here for more information on Black Girls Run.
Do you struggle with getting friends and family to work out with you? What excuses do you K.O. before you workout? Let us know in the comments below!
Now that all the pigging out celebrating is over, it’s time to tally up all the unwanted poundage and create your list of resolutions for 2012. That’s right, it’s time to once again promise yourself that you’re going to eat right and exercise more; slimming down to a “you” that even Aphrodite would envy.
Did you ever consider that everyone wasn’t meant to be a gym rat or that running long distances may not appeal to your inner couch potato? Resolutions should be small obtainable improvements to your way of life. You shouldn’t try to do an extreme make over on yourself.
Need suggestions for simple fitness resolutions?
Here are some alternative resolutions for you to try in 2012,
You might find that combining just a few of these activities is at lot easier than hitting the gym for an hour every day. But the results could be just as effective.
What are some of your alternative New Year’s resolutions? Let us know in the comments below!
Here’s a great deal from the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon team! Starting today, January 1st through January 5th save $15 on registration for any of their full or half marathon events. Discount code: RESOLVE
Bonus! Click here and tell them how you resolve to rock this year and they will throw in a free t-shirt.
Looking for a way to increase your daily intake of fruit and vegetables? Smoothies are an excellent way to get your whole family’s day off to a nutritious start. Adding green veggies such as kale, spinach, or even broccoli give you the vitamins and minerals needed to have an energized and productive day!
This smoothie is very yummy! It is green in color, but my daughter says it taste like ice cream.
The Multi-colored Ingredients for a Delicious Green Smoothie
1/2 large banana, ripe and peeled
8-10 oz spinach, fresh
2 dates, pitted and diced
1/2 cup blueberries, frozen
1 cup strawberries, frozen
7 ice cubes
2 cups Bolthouse Farms Vanilla Chai Soy protein drinks
Pour the protein drink in first. Then blend the banana, spinach, and dates with the protein drink. Add the remaining ingredients and blend until smooth.
Serves 2-3
Recently I started making protein shakes for my whole family for breakfast. After conquering the spinach smoothie I began seeking recipes and advice from other smoothie connoisseurs. One of my colleagues told me that she used prepackaged frozen smoothie mix from the freezer section. Optimistically I decided to give a pre-package smooth a try.
I purchased Mango-a-go-go frozen smoothie mix from the Jamba Juice product line. The directions were simple enough, just add apple juice. To cut down on the sugar I used Mott’s for tots 40% less sugar apple juice. I also added in whey vanilla protein powder since the mix only contained 1 gram of protein.
The kids loved the taste! The adults were not impressed by the after taste left by the sweetener, steviol glycosides, used in the mix or by the lack of nutrients the smoothie provided.
I would recommend this smoothie as a treat for kids as long as you use a low sugar apple juice!
I am sure that your favorite mixologist would scoff at this idea, but a skinny person wouldn’t.
Recently, Michael and I were at our favorite Thai spot; splitting a plate of chicken pad Thai noodles (future post alert) when I observed the skinny lady at the next table watering down her Thai ice tea!
Summer dining is all about minimizing time in the kitchen while enjoying fresh and light dishes.
This quinoa salad recipe is surprisingly tasty and healthy! Whole grain quinoa cooks quicker than most grains and is an excellent source of protein with about 11 grams of protein per cup of cooked quinoa. Feel free to add additional veggies since this recipe only includes ones that have been kid approved.
I like this dish served cold as a light lunch but it also makes a good side dish with a grilled protein.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:
Preparation:
Cook quinoa in chicken broth until it fluffs up, about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Saute peppers, onions, tomato and 1 garlic clove, let cool.
While quinoa is cooking, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, remaining garlic cloves and salt and pepper.
When quinoa is finished cooking, allow to cool slightly (I like to make my quinoa a day ahead of time) then, toss with vegetables and lemon juice mix, stirring to combine well. Add more salt and pepper to taste, and chill before serving.
