Today's Saturday!  We always look forward to the weekend after a long work week. For months now we've been busy with following Christopher to his Cyclocross Races. Now we have time to do things for ourselves. What to do with our time? Today, Keith started out with a 7 mile run and then came home to go on a 4 mile walk with me. Yes, that counts as my exercise for the day. We stopped at Burroughs High School to watch Carissa compete in the All City Track meet. Her last season of track as a high school student is just beginning.
     I tried a new recipe this week. Christopher is always sending links to recipes that he thinks I will like. So I tried Crock Pot Picante Chicken and Black Bean Soup. Thanks to Skinnytaste.com for coming up with a healthy choice that tastes great!
http://www.skinnytaste.com/2013/01/crock-pot-picante-chicken-and-black.html?m=1

The soup was easy to make. It was very tasty with a spicy kick since I added an extra can of black beans with jalapenos.

     Keith and I like to go out to lunch on the weekend. It's nice to get out but today I really wanted to make lunch at home because I know that I can control what I am eating much better. So here is what I made for lunch. We had asparagus stuffed chicken breasts with roasted veggies and cabbage salad. I use very little dressing on the salad, omit the won ton crunchies, and use no salt on the veggies. It was filling and delicious!

   My next challenges:

Baking:   I haven't baked anything since June with the exception of helping Carissa make chocolate chip cookies for a Cross Country event in December. I love baking and have held back for obvious reasons but have been thinking alot about it lately. I really miss it.! I have decided I want to bake again but want to do it in a more healthful way. In the past, I would have never wanted to make a "lighter" version or take away fat or sugar from any recipe. This is what made them good, right? "If I can't have the "Real" thing, then I'd rather not have it at all." Well, I am changing my tune on that. I am not looking to use imitation ingredients or nonfat versions. I want to use real ingredients that are better for me. So... I am up for this challenge. I have been studying healthy versions of recipes that I want to try.  Stay tuned for that to come.

Exercising:  With the cold weather we've had, I've reduced the amount and intensity of my exercise sessions. This week I am challenging myself to work out 6 out of 7 days. I believe that the amount of exercise I have done over this whole journey has been a HUGE part of my success. I love the way I feel while exercising and the effects it has on me afterwards. Sometimes it is hard to fit in my busy schedule but I realize the importance of it and will continue on! Until the next time........

Jan. 12, Madison, Wi