by Monica on July 12, 2009
The Anderson's Garden
A salad a day….my training mantra for these past weeks. This has required effort on my part. As much as I love to order a good salad in a restaurant, it’s not what I crave at home. My husband planted this fabulous mesclun lettuce mix in our garden (photo) and it is making my daily quest for a salad actually tolerable. It is truly amazing how lettuce fresh from a garden can taste so much better! My 13 year son and I sometimes have what we call “power salads”- – just eat it raw and get it over with! But I have also found some really fabulous dressings that have helped me make it through these salad days:
- Trader Joe’s Cranberry, Gorgonzola and Walnut Dressing (I like to add a handful of their Omega Trek Mix)
- Organic extra virgin Olive Oil and Seasoned Rice Vinegar (my daughter Isadora’s favorite — a combination her Grandma Luanne taught her).
Cross-training has taken on new meaning as I nurse yet another foot injury. This time on the top (same foot), the result of a shoe tied to tight? Frustrating to say the least, but it’s been getting better every day. One day running, then two or more days off. Cross-training on off days and one full day of rest. This has been working so far to keep me fit with less running.
I received my Resistance Stretching with Dara Torres DVD (Dara’s’ secret weapon for training over 40) and I am into a few days of trying it out. [click to continue…]
courtesy of Diets in Review.com
Marathon training’s most underrated accessory is the blender. I use mine often while training. It can provide a good solid nutritional meal in minutes. In the summer my daughter and I love going to the farmer’s market in town and find fresh fruits and berries to include in our smoothies. It’s also easy to keep frozen berries in the freezer and whey powder in the pantry for a balanced meal. If I don’t have any on hand, I use a Slimfast or my favorite Odwalla shake and just add ice. As I begin my pre-training quest at trimming down, I stock up on ingredients and dust off my blender…
My favorite smoothie and one I do often for a post-long run or replacement meal:
Berries– (I like blackberries, raspberrries, blueberries and strawberries. Peaches, mango, and kiwi are also good) added to a vanilla fat-free yogurt, a cup of ice, a handful of walnuts, a cup of fat-free milk (or sometimes I use soy milk) and a scoop of whey protein powder, flax seed or wheat germ (all available at Trader Joes).
If I don’t have time…these are great added to ice or just on their own:
Smoothies from Odwalla–I like the protein ones to take on the road before a race (available at WholeFoods markets).
Slim Fast Optima (Rich Chocolate Royal flavor…mmm)–I just noticed the new higher protein version on the shelf (available at Wegmans or Target) add a banana for some an organic kick.
Carnation Instant Breakfast–Vanilla is my favorite. (Sometimes I will give one of these mixed with milk to my son when he has two sports practices in one day). Again add a banana or frozen berries.
Fresh blackberry smoothie today for breakfast – yum.
by Monica on February 22, 2009
Trader Joe’s has always been a favorite for runners (and all athletes). It seems that everytime I talk to someone about what they buy there, I discover something new.
[ I actually once saw Brian Westbrook of the Philadelphia Eagles shopping there...I was amazed to see him read every ingredient label and equally amazed watching grown men in the store grovel over him.]
So here are my 10 favorites: What are yours?
Joe’s Ultra Roast Bay Blend Coffee – this is great, strong coffee that may put hair on your chest.
Soynut Butter -near the peanut butter…tastes great on wheat bread for lunch and SO much less fat.
Frozen Organic Brown Rice Packages…they take 3 minutes, taste great with cooked veggies.
California Walnut Halves and Pieces – great for putting in smoothies and salads
Champagne Pear Vinaigrette – this makes the best salad…especially with arugula, gorgonzola, pears and those California walnuts.
Trader Joe’s Jasmine Green Tea – the answer to the 3pm blues.
Trader Darwin’s Women’s High Potency Vitamin -covering all the supplemental bases daily.
Trader Darwin’s Omega-3 Fatty Acids supplement ODORLESS -for those of you who like your omegas without the fishy burps.
Pizza Margherita with Mozzarella & Grana Cheese - this is a great treat after a long run. My kids love these.
Dark Chocolate Wedges – just one wedge with a small glass of red wine at weeks end- heaven!
