Milk and Rice Pudding

Exercise, Recipe No Responses »
Apr 152011
 

As far as exercise, today was a planned day off.  I did play at the playground with Nick and Sally and we were busy all day.  Next up: cardio Sat or Sun.

A couple of weeks ago, Giant Eagle had a killer deal on Frosted Mini Wheats (my husband’s cereal of choice) and milk.  I had plenty of Kellogg’s coupons and wanted to make the best out of the deal.  I had just purchased 2 gallons of milk the night before I figured out the deal.  So, with 2 gallons of milk in the fridge, I bought 6 more in 3 days.  I also received coupons for 6 more gallons of milk (but I had a little bit of time to use those).  (I bought 24 boxes of cereal all together.)

We drink a lot of milk at our house.  My husband has a cup a day.  I try to have 2 cups a day.  Nick has a couple of cups a day and Sally drinks about 1/2 gallon a day.  She probably doesn’t quite drink that much, but it’s close, especially after waste.  It ended up being easy to use all of the milk.

  1. I gave 2 gallons away to a friend.
  2. I froze two 1/2 gallon containers of skim milk.
  3. We used 2 cups in pudding.
  4. We used 2 cups in corn muffins.
  5. We used 8 cups in rice pudding.
  6. We drank the rest and already need to buy more today.

I really only froze the milk to see how it worked.  I had read on-line that you could freeze it and that skim milk was the best to freeze.  It tasted ok.  We used it on cereal.  The biggest challenge is getting it to thaw in a timing fashion.  I would freeze milk again, but I would freeze smaller amounts in each container and probably use it for cooking.

I also learned that one of our Giant Eagles locations goes through more milk than the other.  This means fresher milk at one store (better dates).  This tidbit will come in handy for the next sale.

For the first time, I made rice pudding with brown rice.  I read a bunch of recipes for rice pudding on line and then I ended up doing the following:

Brown Rice Pudding

Put the following in a crock pot (mine is a 6 qt).

  • 8c milk (I used skim)
  • 1c brown rice
  • 3/4c sugar
  • 1/4c brown sugar
  • seasoning such as cinnamon/nutmeg to taste.

Cook on high for 4-6 hours until rice is tender (done), stir occasionally.

Add 2 eggs and 1T double strength vanilla.  I tempered the eggs by taking a cup of the mixture out of the crock pot and mixing the eggs with it before adding it back into the crock pot.  It’s supposed to help you not end up with scrambled eggs in the pudding.  It helped, but didn’t totally solve that issue.  Season to your tastes.  I used a bit of nutmeg and tons of cinnamon.

Cook another hour or so until the mixture thickens.  It will thicken more when cooled.

Enjoy!

 Posted by at 8:53 PM

C25K Training Outside

Exercise No Responses »
Apr 022011
 

Today, I ran (walk/jog combo) around the neighborhood for today’s training.  It was 90 seconds running and then 2 minutes of brisk walking.  I think there were 6 sets of this with a 5 minute warm up and cool down.  Total time was about 30 minutes.  I was able to sneak out early after breakfast and it didn’t interfere with the rest of the day’s plans.

I covered 1.7 miles and included some incline.  It was only 36 degrees outside, but it wasn’t windy and the sun was shining.  I’m anxious to build up to 3 miles.  Next run is probably going to be on Tuesday.  I’m going to start week 3 of the training so I can be on schedule.  I think my body will allow the accelerated pace to get caught up.

Next up: mini workout and birthday manicure at the gym.  I’ll probably do a short cardio workout to burn off some of today’s treats.

 Posted by at 9:34 PM

eSpinner Trial Today

Exercise No Responses »
Mar 092011
 

Originally, I was going to take the Spinning class at 9:30am this morning.  Usually, that means dropping off the kids around 9am so I have time for a shower after class since there is a 2 hour limit at Kid Kare.

Today, I dropped the kids off around 8:40am and decided to try one of the new eSpinner bikes.  There is a great video about the features and how it works here.

Basically, it’s similar to the cardio coach on the new treadmills.  You customize your workout and an instructor guides you through the workout.  It’s a lot like being in a spin class.  The advantage is that you can easily tell if you are in the right RPM (revolutions per minute) zone.  This was great for me.

I don’t think the settings I picked were difficult enough, but it was a great first time ride.

37 min, 11 miles, 425 cal, average cadence of 70

I also took note of my settings:  seat at G, handlebar at 11 and 4.25 was the number for how far back the seat was from the handlebars.  Knowing these next time will save me 5-10 minutes of set up.

One problem with these bikes is that currently, the JCC doesn’t allow you to sign up for them.  It’s first come first served and they are popular.  Today, there were two older gentlemen using them.  One was really using it and the other was talking more than spinning. :-(  It’s tough since I use special shorts and shoes to spin and if the bikes aren’t available, it could be a problem.

Since I had to wait for a bike, I warmed up on the elliptical for 20 min (with eyes in the back of my head watching the spinner bikes).

Next up:  bonus workout tomorrow.  Since hubby is out of town, we are going to the JCC on our normal day off.  It just makes everyone happier.  :-)

 Posted by at 10:10 PM

Hard Work Today

Exercise No Responses »
Mar 082011
 

Today’s workout was hard.  I didn’t feel bad and I wasn’t tired, but every exercise was hard.  I guess some days are just like that.

I had a trainer workout with Chelsea.  I’ve really been enjoying these workouts.  She’s good at pushing me.  I’m usually sore a day or two after, but not crippled.  Tonight I am stiff, but I think it’s from carrying my son too much today.

Today’s workout:

10min warm up on the elliptical

Then:

  • Plank: 31 and 15 sec – at the end.  I’m going to do them first next time to see if I can improve my 30 something time
  • Lat Pull: 80 lbs (wide and narrow grips alternating with row, 2 sets)
  • Cable Row: 70 lbs (2 sets rotating with above)
  • Pec Fly: 80 lbs (2 sets)
  • Rear Delt: 60 lbs (2 sets)
  • Abs: 120-125 lbs (3 sets)
  • Lunge w/ 15 lb DB’s (down the floor and back)
  • Squat,Curl, and Press with 10 lb DB’s (one set of 10)
  • Back Ext: no weight and with 10 lb weight plate (20 of each)
  • Squat press with 10 lb plate (not sure the name – but it kept me busy waiting for my next set of back extensions)
  • Leg Extension: single leg – 20 lbs (10 reps on each leg)

I did an additional 15 min on the elliptical after my 30 min with her.

Next up: Probably spinning with Lori tomorrow.  I’m in a lazy mood and a class will guarantee me a solid cardio workout.

 Posted by at 10:17 PM

Solo Strength Workout

Exercise No Responses »
Mar 062011
 

So, today I headed to the J without the kids due to a semi-rush schedule.  I did a solo strength workout (meaning one that I did without a trainer and compiled the list of to dos on my own).  Many of these items come from regular machines at the J combined with items that I’ve done with my trainers.

Warm up -6 minutes on the elliptical

  • Leg curl- single leg 30lbs 15 each side
  • Leg curl- double leg 70lbs 15 reps
  • Chest press- single arm 10lbs 10 reps
  • Chest press- double arm 30lbs 10 reps
  • Ab machine- 125lbs (wanted 120, but then I noticed the extra five after my sets), 2 sets 30 reps each
  • Biceps curl and triceps extension – 10lb dumbbells.. probably about 4 sets.  I was chatting with Chaya during this time
  • Back extension – holding 10lb disk, 20 reps
  • Wood chops- 20 using 10lb medicine ball
  • Shoulder press-double arm 20lbs 10 reps
  • Shoulder press- single arm 10lbs 10 reps each side

I’m feeling good tonight.  Looking forward to spinning in the morning.  Hubby will be out of town this week, so our time at the J will be extra good for all of us.

 Posted by at 9:12 PM

A Stroll by the Lagoon

Exercise 1 Response »
Mar 032011
 

Today was a planned off day.  The kids and I went to the Weight Watchers meeting.  As normal, we parked far away and walked down along the plaza to the meeting location.  It was much colder than we realized.  I weighed in 1.4 pounds down from last week.  It’s not really a true loss since I was up 6.4 pounds last week (at night with jeans and after dinner LOL).  I’ve been playing with the same 8 pounds forever.

We weren’t running late, but the meeting was already filling up and there was no room at the inn.  The new seating arrangement since the move, full meeting, and crabby mom with kids just wasn’t going to work today.  We can’t just take any 3-4 seats anywhere in the room without being disruptive.   So, we left and went to the Dollar Store to buy the kids a balloon and headed home.  I spent the bulk of the day just trying to relax and get the kitchen clean.  Mission accomplished for the most part.

We had planned a rare Thursday appearance at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History.  Tonight was a member’s only behind the scenes tour.  Basically, it was an open house that included many of the areas that are normally closed to the public.  When we meet up at the museum, we end up with two cars.  The Chevy ended up parked far away (about 1200 people were expected at the event) and I volunteered to drive it home.

So, most of my activity today came in the form of a chilly buy nice stroll from the CMNH to the Lagoon near the Case library.  It was only 4 tenths of a mile.  I mostly enjoyed the quiet (no kids) drive home.

 Posted by at 9:58 PM

Great Workout Today

Exercise No Responses »
Feb 182011
 

Normally on Friday, I work out with my trainer.  Today, Emily had a vacation day.  Due to scheduling, I opted to do a solo workout.

I did 30 min on the elliptical of varying intensity.  Then, I decided to give the new cardio coach a try on the new treadmill.  I ended up doing a 20 min workout on the treadmill.  I covered .78 miles (171 cal) during that time, but definitely varied the incline which I don’t usually do.  The cardio coach (Kim) is a real person that basically guides you along via video.  It’s all prerecorded, but she talks to you through the workout and you feel like someone is telling you what to do the entire time.  It’s well done and  I really liked it.  You can watch a youtube video about it here if you want to know more.  The time went by fast and I did increase speeds and incline more than I would normally.  You can plug in you ipod and have your playlist playing in the background.  I think you can also save your base settings for the future, but I didn’t get that part figured out yet.  I’ll be trying it out again.

After my 50 min of cardio, I did a little strength training.

  • abs 3 sets of 30 @ 90lbs
  • back extension (body weight) 2 sets of 15
  • 30 squats w/8 pound medicine ball (really needed a 10 or 12 pound ball)
  • leg curl 2 sets of 15 @70lbs
  • plank 30 sec (boy was I out of practice)
  • bicep curl w/dumbbell 2 sets of 15 @ 10lbs
  • triceps-cable pull down 2 sets of 15 @ 50lbs

It felt great to get back after 3 days off in a row.  I followed up the workout by taking the kids to play at the park.  Sunshine and 50s in February!

 Posted by at 9:41 PM

Lunges and Lyle

Exercise No Responses »
Feb 112011
 

Today was a regular trainer workout with Emily.  I did ok, but I wasn’t into it.  I’ve had an exhausting week and my workouts are getting more complicated (read as hard to repeat on my own).  We did lunges again.  This is the second or third time that we have done them.  I have no clue what I am doing.  That means that I also have no idea if I am doing them correctly or feeling them in the right place.  I need to practice them more.  I hate them so far.  It’s extra hard to practice them if you hate them.  My goal is to learn them and not hate them.  I hope I live that long.  :-)

We also did lat pull down, row, hack squat, triceps, plank and some squats.  I’m still hopeful that I’ll be able to start posting more specifics soon.

Lyle works in the fitness, wellness and recreation department.  Specifically, he mans the desk where you can schedule training sessions, spa services and get general information.  His desk is located right by the locker room entrance.  I say hi everyday and he’s been extremely helpful with various issues and concerns.  He always takes time to solve a problem and has a great personality.  He’s probably under appreciated, but he’s sure missed when he takes a day off.  He’s one of many reasons that I like the J.

 Posted by at 9:50 PM

No Workout Today

Exercise No Responses »
Feb 092011
 

So, Wednesday I usually spin at the JCC.  Today, I had a daughter with an ear infection, so the gym was not in the cards.  I plan to make up for it tomorrow by skipping the Weight Watcher meeting and heading to the Thursday spin class with Donna.  I’ve never been to her class, so I am looking forward to it.

Better get to bed soon.  :-)

 Posted by at 10:28 PM

Monday SPIN and Biggest Loser Weigh In

Exercise 4 Responses »
Jan 242011
 

So, today was a normal Spin class with Beth.  I love my Monday workout.  Last week, my knees were a bit sore and I thought I might need to readjust my settings on the new bike, but Beth checked me out and my settings are right on.  Now, I contribute my knee pain to working hard (aka standing and pushing too much).   The problem is actually a good one.  In June when I started taking the class on a regular basis, I was happy to stand a bit and make it through the class.  Now, the class goes fast and I want to do everything assigned, but my body doesn’t always cooperate.  So, my plan is to tone it back a bit on the standing and pushing and keep riding. :-)  Today was extra fun because my friend Shayna came to the class.  She loved it and is doing another class tomorrow!

I mentioned the Biggest Loser contest yesterday.  There are 67 people participating.  There are 5 prizes.  Most of the prizes are services that the JCC offers including personal training.  You can check out the details here.  Anyway, we have the option of weighing in on Mondays.  I consider my Thursday Weight Watcher weigh in “official”, but it’s nice to have a mid week check.  The first week, I was down 10.5, last week I gained 1.5 and this week I lost 7.  So, I’m down 16 pounds so far during the contest.  The winners are being based on % weight loss, inches lost and % body fat lost.  So, we’ll see what happens.  The contest runs through February 28th.

 Posted by at 8:08 PM
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