2012 May

I’m not really sure how people go carb-free. Have I ever told you guys about the time I went carb-free?

I lasted many three days and then I ate a feast of pasta with a side of mashed potatoes with some chips. SERIOUSLY.

I find that I need a little bit of carbs in my life in order for me to function and for me to smile on the regular. I do try to make good choices about them though including multi-grain, complex carbs when I have them and in much smaller quantities than I used to eat them.

I refuse to live in a world where I think carbs are BAD. Everything in moderation is what I need. Eating everything in moderation makes sure that I don’t feel deprived. When I feel deprived, I am more likely to binge. There’ll be no deprivation, folks!

For example, the dish I share with you today is clearly a pasta dish… but it’s also made with multi-grain penne. It also makes several servings, of which I only ate one.

And, can I tell you… it took some SERIOUS control not to eat more. This stuff is insanely flavorful and so worth trying!

Penne Vodka

From Weight Watchers via Pinterest

Serves 6

INGREDIENTS

1 Tbsp. unsalted butter (or cooking spray)

2 medium uncooked shallots, minced (about ½ cup)

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 Tbsp. parsley, fresh, minced

½ tsp. sea salt, or other coarse salt

¼ tsp. black pepper, freshly ground

3 Tbsp. canned tomato paste

2 oz. vodka

1/8 tsp. table salt, or to taste (for cooking pasta)

12 oz. uncooked penne

½ cups heavy whipping cream

20 fresh basil leaf, cut into chiffonade

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Boil salted water and cook pasta per the package instructions.

2. Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add butter, shallots, and garlic. Saute until carmelized (about 3-5 minutes) Note: I used 1 Tbsp. of I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter in place of the butter. I never have butter at the house unless my sister-in-law is visiting.

3. Add parsley, sea salt, and pepper, stirring once or twice.

4. Add tomato paste and mix to form a paste. Cook for about 5 minutes, moving paste around pan occasionally.

5. Add vodka. Scrape bottom of pan with a wooden spoon and cook for about 5 minutes longer.

6. Add cream to tomato sauce. Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 3 minutes.

7. Add pasta to sauce and mix to coat. Top with basil and season to taste with salt and pepper.

Per 1 Cup Serving:

CAL 192; CARBS 30g; FAT 2g; PROT 17g; POINTS PLUS 9

Italian Pinwheel Steaks

I Vote Pro-Beet

Mustard BBQ Sauce

WOW: The 5K Approaches

For the past several months, I have been in training for a 5K. I even declared I would be running a 5K on my resolutions list for the year… and so far, I’ve kept all of my resolutions!

I had these visions of how cool it would be to be a runner. Wow… I think of all these other bloggers that run their little hearts out and how much they love it. I mean, I could love it like that too, right? I mean, Lynne loves it so much that she can’t wait to begin again. And, Monica? She just traveled across the country to run in a relay. I seriously could go on for days about how many Healthy Living Bloggers are running up a storm.

I also have a ton of real-life friends who love it. They claim to find it relaxing and freeing. My friend Natalie loves to kill it on the treadmill; Donna‘s run a half. I even have a friend training for an Ironman right now. I mean, Mel is uh-mazing… and she’s totally going to do it.

I’m surrounded by runners!

So, considering all that contact with fast-moving folks, why am I just not into it?

I’m FOUR days away from Jodi’s Race for Awareness… and I don’t feel ready at all. Mentally or physically. The biggest issue I have is that I haven’t figured out my breathing. The crazy part is that my legs are good. No knee issues, my ankles don’t complain. My breathing, on the other hand, gets strained really quickly and then I get nervous. I push as long as I can, but often find myself walking after a period of about 5 minutes.

Knowing my physical limitations, I’m pretty sure that I am going to be doing some walking on Saturday. In my head, I’m also thinking that I might be HIGHLY motivated by the crowd and inspired by the energy at the park. I’m hoping that’s the case. Sincerely hoping that’s the case.

(source)

I’m not very good at failure. And, I’m HORRIBLE at hearing other people comment on my failure (i.e. “Didn’t you say you were going to run this? Wasn’t this your idea?”) Now, I’m going to try EVERYTHING in my person to make sure that I’m successful with this run… but I’m just putting it out there as a warning: There may be a little walking.

When I think about Jodi’s Race year over year… there’s so much to be excited about.

My friend Bev is cancer-free!!!!!
I’m down about 25 lbs since the last race.
I’m in MUCH better physical shape this year.
I would have NEVER even considered running this 5K a year and a half ago.
Did I mention my friend Bev is cancer-free??

I had a quick chat with my yoga instructor this morning about the race. Her suggestion was to do a meditation the morning of the race and the day before as well. I think I’m going to do one every day leading up to the 5K. A lot of running is mental, and I want to be in the best mental condition for this challenge.

(Source)

No matter how it goes, I look forward to sharing the details with you guys post-race.

Many of you have offered your tips, your motivation, and your encouragement over time. Now, I need to just get out there and do it. If you remember, please send me some happy thoughts on Saturday morning (7am PST)… For every one you send, it’ll be like you’re there with me pushing through this challenge!!

Let’s do this!

Battling Emotional Eating

Scale-o-phobe!

WOW: Motivation to Workout