ST, Cardio Rest Day, Tree Talk, New Recipe

Happy Friday! Before I get started, I want to say that i'm SO behind on blog reading - i've caught up a bit but have more to do tonight - can't wait! Also, Wordpress blogs aren't loading! I'm going to try again tonight but last night nothing was happening - SAD!

So like I mentioned yesterday, I definitely needed a break from the cardio. My ankles sincerely appreciate it – I can tell! Instead of doing nothing, I decided to do some ST! I did the following in 46 minutes burning 83 calories per HRM with a set of 5-pound dumbbells and a set of 8-pound dumbbells:

Overhead extension 3x15 (triceps)
Shoulder press 3x15 (shoulders)
Hammer curls 3x15 (biceps)
Rows 3x15 (back)
Nosebreakers 3x15 (triceps)
Forward flies 3x15 (shoulders)
Outward curls 3x15 (biceps)
Reverse flies 3x15 (back)
Dumbbell press 3x15 (chest)
Alternating toe touch 2x25 (abs)
Dumbbell fly 3x15 (chest)
Double Crunch 2x15 (abs)
Double Straight Leg Lowers 2x10 (abs)
Bicycle 2x20 (abs)

After ST I made some calls – 7 calls to be precise to tree service contractors and to landscapers. I now have some people coming out on Thursday to quote taking down those two trees and planting something more slimming!

I want the two trees by the door removed....

close up of my nemesis....

I want them replaced with something slimmer....

I think these are beautiful and MUCH prefer them! And someone to maintain them on the regular.

I CAN’T WAIT!Then I ran downstairs to make a new recipe for dinner - Spinach-Mushroom Pizza from Fitness Magazine. I tweaked it a good bit (for portions) and we were really happy with it. Here’s the recipe for four servings:

16 oz. dough
1 cup pizza sauce
1/3 of 10-oz. frozen spinach pack, thawed and drained well
¼ cup red onion, diced
2 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese (60 grams)
½ cup mushrooms, sliced
6 tbsp fat-free ricotta
2 tbsp parmesan
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

close up!

Preheat the oven to 450. Spread dough. Top with sauce, spinach and onion. Sprinkle with mozzarella and mushrooms. Dollop ricotta over pizza and sprinkle with parmesan. Drizzle olive oil all over. Bake until pizza is puffed and cheese melts, 10 minutes. Take the pizza out and preheat the broiler. Broil the pizza until cheese is browned, 5 minutes. Sprinkle with balsamic vinegar, then broil for 2 more minutes. slice into wedges and serve. Nutritional Information: 397 calories, 10 fat grams, 58 carbs and 14 protein grams.

My Serving...

We REALLY liked it – I personally think that dropping dollops of ricotta on ANY pizza is absolutely genius and makes it look fancy. I’m such a dork. Since we have spinach left over from that pack I’m probably going to make this pizza again Sunday for next week – woo!

I ended the night watching TV with Austin and Reuben and reading some more of my Book Club book, Beach Club – great book so far! I ended up at 1,671 calories, 242 carbs, 39 fat grams and 73 protein grams. Here’s what I ate.

Is there anything at your house you’re DYING to have someone come out and change?

Random side note: Are you watching Grey's Anatomy? Loved the flashback episode last night!