>Stay cooool

>Hey hey,

Hope you have a wonderful weekend! I can’t believe how HOT it was in Washington this weekend. We’re talkin‘ about 101-104F! And HUMID enough to make your hair puff out of control in about 0.25 seconds.

How did I stay cool this weekend?

1) DID NOT RUN OUTSIDE. I attempted Saturday night but it was just too humid. It literally felt like jogging in a steam room. Fortunately enough, this lovely lady has come into my life:

Dear Chalene,

You rock.

The 8 DVDs that make up TurboFire are:

1. Fire 30 min class

2. HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) 15 min

3. Fire 55 min

4. Core 20 min

5. Stretch 40 min (yoga)

6. Stretch 10 min

7. Fire 45 min

8. HIIT 20 min

KISS BOREDOM GOODBYE. These dvds are so FUN! To view short clips of TurboFire click here and here.

2) I STAYED HYDRATED! It’s super important to drink extra H20 during the summer. My latest obsession and new twist on ice water:

Ice water + teeny splash lime juice + dash stevia

And extra ice counts as H20 right????

Pina colada! 2 parts Baha Bob’s Low Calorie mix, 1 part clear rum, ice

In other HEALTHIER NEWS, Kels (sister) and I have been enjoying dinners together the last few nights:

MEAL #1: Grilled Turkey burger topped with low-fat cheddar and sauteed garlic veggies, side spiralized salad

*TIP: Olive oil has many heart-healthy benefits, but we often use way too much when making sauteed veggies. To reduce amount of oil used, first boil veggies in H20 to soften:

Next: drain H20 and add desired amount of EVOO (I add 1 tbsp per serving) and spices. Here I added Garlic Gold

Cook until browned:

For a new twist (literally, bahaha) on a traditional salad, I decided to spiralize up some zucchini instead of lettuce:

MEAL #2: Baked Chicken “Parmesan” over steamed veggies with garden salad:

DIRECTIONS:

1. Layer glass baking pan with marinara sauce and spices (I use fresh garlic, basil, and oregano)

2. Place chicken (cut into strips) on top of sauce

3. Layer more sauce/spices on top of chicken

4. Cook covered for 40 mins at 425F (cut into thickest part of chicken to ensure thoroughly cooked)
5. Top with low-fat cheese (I prefer cheddar) and cook uncovered 2-3 mins

6. Serve over steamed veggies

Served with a garden salad:

MEAL #3: Whole grain “Nachos”:

Grilled whole grain tortilla topped with salsa, black beans, dollop Greek yogurt, red chili powder, cumin

Alright kids, I’m off to bed. Have a fantastic Monday!!!

XOX,

Lauren

Random pic:

St. Patty’s day in Boston during college (4 years ago) with my best friends

>Manfriend and giveaway winner!

>Hey hey hey,

How was your day??? Today was snow day #4 in the District! I was a little less stir crazy for several reasons: 1) Ventured to the gym with Kels (sistah) and saw this little igloo/tunnel on the way. I love seeing little kiddies playing in the snow! So cute!

2) I ran 5.1 miles at a 7:47 (!) pace at 1.0% incline. I haven’t done that since college!!! I snapped this pic because I think it sums me up. The more stress in my life = more I need/crave running:

3) Had a delish lunch at Whole Foods with Kels:

^We split a salmon/avacado roll (multi-grain rice) and salmon sashimi

4) Made a delish dinner with the roomie:

^(R) Mixed greens/spinach, dried cranberries, flax seeds, raw pine nuts, organic balsamic vinagrette. (L) Polenta cooked with EVOO, garlic, spinach, sea salt and pepper (roomie’s creation)

(Don’t know why this picture is so small??????)

^Organic diced chicken breast, organic maranara sauce, eggplant, asparagus, spinach, peas, mushrooms, fresh garlic, oregano, basil, dash sea salt (also melted some part skim organic mozerella; not pictured)

^Trader joe’s brand gluten-free brownies (for the gluten-intolerant roomie), with melted dark chocolate and PB swirl. We topped this with organic vanilla soy fro-yo (roomie creation).

So you ask, why such an extravagant meal????

1) It’s Real Housewives’ night, duh.

2) I’m announcing the winner of my first GIVEAWAY (!)

3) I’m jet-setting tomorrow to run a Half Marathon on Saturday

4) The (unshaved, haha love you seth) MANFRIEND moved in today!!!!!!!!! I am the happiest girl alive!!!!!

I also wanted to thank everyone for entering my Giveaway, I really hope you continue to read my blog. I’ve had a fantastic time in the bloggerzzz world thanks to you all!

Aaaaand the winner is LINDSEY from Life, Love, and Lindsey! Linds, e-mail me your address at Biochemista@gmail.com and I’ll send out your package next week. Congrats!!!

I’ll be back after the half marathon (!) on Monday. Whooooop! Wish me luck!!!

xx

Lauren