On the Healthy Side

For a whole variety of reasons I have been trying really hard the past couple of months to improve the healthful-ness of my and  Jake's diet. I haven't pushed all of the stuff I've been trying out on him but some of my choices have been good for him. For one I'm really trying hard to make sure we eat more greens. I've been trying to include more of them into our meals, including asparagus, spinach and kale. I also have been, as you saw, experimenting with quinoa-based dishes that include vegetables. Quinoa is similar to rice but packs more health benefits. Jake has really taken to the quinoa and has eaten all the leftovers for lunch while on telework. I have also been including greens in smoothies that I make. Sounds gross, yes, but when I mix 1 frozen banana, 5 or 6 frozen strawberries, 3/4 cup of milk and a cup or so of kale in the blender, it comes out green but doesn't taste like kale at all! Who knew getting my greens would be so yummy? Jake hasn't really bought into this idea yet and I won't push but I'm thinking he would be surprised. I'm a picky eater and if I like it, it must be okay! I've also been buying whole grain bread, english muffins, pasta, whatever I can get my hands on. I also eat a lot of oatmeal. After reading up on the benefits of chia seeds (image via) as a source of fiber I decided to give them a try. They absorb a ton of liquid and even just a small amount is rich in fiber, protein and omega-3s. Jake keeps reminding me that people used to use these to grow green hair on a terra cotta sheep. It is funny to think about but if it's good for me I don't really care. My plan is to include a tablespoon in my smoothies, cereal and yogurt. If you soak them in water they create a gel. Apparently the gel can be substituted and added to many recipes. I'm looking forward to experimenting with this. Oh and I have also been experimenting with ways to cook tofu. Jake's not on board with that either... wonder why! Ha ha!

So I mistakenly signed up for 2 10ks in one weekend. I'm going to strive to ease through both of them, not worrying about times and then I've decided to take a week off from race training. I've worked my body pretty hard for the past 3 months and I think it needs a break. November 1st is when my marathon training schedule starts and I plan to not sign up for any other races between then and March 26 so I can focus. Let's just hope that we don't get another winter full of snow so I don't have to spend hours on the dreadmill.