Biking and GF

So, I have put biking into my workouts. First, because I signed up to do a Duathlon in July and need some major work. Second, because it gives me another form of cardio. Biking is freaking hard! As a kid I rode my bike every where! I would ride across Sacramento, CA without even thinking about it. I want to get back to being able to ride without wanting to die.
Today's ride consisted of mostly wind trying to blow me backwards. I was hating life for a good 3 miles of the 3.2 I rode. Nothing like throwing yourself in the fire to become stronger.
My family is still going strong with eating Gluten Free. I have found that GF bread at the store is nothing short of disgusting and I have been making my own bread. I have to boast that mine is fabulous! My next endeavor is to make hamburger and hot dogs buns. I don't really feel like I am missing out on anything food wise and my eating is far more controlled.

Gluten Free

So, this last weekend my husband and I decided we are changing our family's eating to Gluten Free. We have a couple family members with Autism and other with different cognitive disability. I know the research on this is still debatable; however, we are willing to try it. I also have a son who is Type 1 Diabetic and we are hoping this will improve his health in that area too.
Today, breakfast went great. I helped the boys measure their cereal and they like the one they tried. I bought a bunch of different kinds for us to try to see what we liked and didn't like. GF bread is so expensive and tiny to boot. I had to make my son 2 sandwiches for his lunch to equal 1. Other than that so far so good. Now, I just need a plan!

2012 Races

I made a goal for myself to do a 5K race every month until Nov. I have registered and am excited! These are the Races I will be doing this year. My goal is to improve my time with each race. Happy Running!

2012 5k Schedule
March 24 - Community Health & Fitness Run *48:27
April 14 - Go Me *47:13
May 19 - Personal Best
June 9 - Teton Dam
July 14 - Rigby Lake Duathlon
July 28 - MAD Run
August 10 -  Nite Lights
September 15 - Rolling Hills Classic
October 20 - Wish Walk Run
November 22 - Run to Feed the Hungry

Hungry

I found this to be very powerful. Tell me what you think.
http://www.hungryforchange.tv/online-premiere

BBQ

I love, love, love to BBQ. In Summer I BBQ at least once a week, usually. So tonight we BBQ'd burgers and hot dogs. After I am done cooking I always through some frozen chicken breast on and grill them up. Yes, it takes a bit longer for me to sit outside and grill the chicken. However, it saves time  later when I need pre-cooked chicken and I don't want canned. Plus, it is way cheaper than buying cooked grilled chicken from the store.
 Let the chicken cool after removing from the grill. Place it in an air tight container (I use ziploc bags) and either refrigerate it or freeze it for later use.
 So my hint for all your BBQ's this Spring and Summer....Grilled Chicken! Try it, I promise you will be happy you did.

My First 5K

This morning I did my first 5K. It is funny to say that since I did a Triathlon in 2009. However, I have had some ups and downs since then.
I had a great time and can't wait for the next one. I beat my goal time by almost 2 mins and hope that I can inspire other in my life to improve their health.

Waiting to Start

With my husband before starting

With my Dad (Race Director) after my finish

Apple Cupcakes and Portabello Pizza

I am going to combine 2 "recipes" in this post because, well, they aren't what I would call a real recipe. However, they are so yummy that I have to post them.

First off is the Apple Cupcake. I found this idea on Oh She Glows website and have wanted to try it. I used 1 fresh apple, chocolate peanut butter, and granola. Core the apple, slice in half horizontally. Spread peanut butter on top and then dip in granola. Voila! Apple Cupcake, yummy, satisfying, and no where near the calories or fat of a real cupcake.

Second is Portabello Pizza. I got this idea from Pam's site. I was very hesitant to try this. I had a bad experience with portabello's a couple years ago and have not looked their way since. I hated mushrooms of any kind through my whole life until about 2 years ago. Not sure how I came to like them, but now I put them on everything! (Same story with Zucchini) I am so glad that I went ahead and tried this. I made them for my husband and I for lunch yesterday and am in love!

Portabello Pizza

Large Portabello top (as many as you need for servings)
Tomato Sauce
Cheese
Toppings *anything you like on your pizza

Pre-heat oven to 400 and spray a baking pan (or line with parchment). Gut portabello tops and rinse out, pat dry. Spread the tomato/pizza sauce into the middle well of the mushroom. Top with cheese and any toppings you like. (I used turkey sausage, green onions, zucchini, bacon..basically what was in my fridge)
Place pizza in the oven for 12-15 mins or until cheese is melted. For a nice texture turn your oven to broil and brown the cheese, watching so not to burn it.
Take out, let cool a bit and dig in! This was amazing and I love having a pizza option the does no have dough! You could do this without the cheese as well and do a straight veggie. However, in my house, pizza must have cheese on it.

Try both of these dishes, you will love them!