You know, when it comes down it, I am just a weight wimp. I have no excuse for not training my muscles as well as I train my cardiovascular system! Cardio has always come easy to me (even sprinting!) and weight lifting is just HARD! I wonder how the women at my gym get such nice muscles: Sculpt class! Victoria made go (ok, not really 😉 I wanted to) to Sculpt today, which I always have avoided because it’s ALL weights. No cardio to break up the pain! I think my new group exercise phase is entirely inspired by having someone to go WITH. I’ve tried a handful of different classes by myself this year (CardioFunk, Step, Athletic Conditioning, Cycle) but they just weren’t that fun alone so I didn’t go back. But even though Victoria and I don’t talk that much during class, it’s been a blast! I can feel my body being challenged in new ways, and I’m please. So my recommendation if you want to go to more group exercise classes: BEG your friends to go with you!
I warmed up on the elliptical before class started. As I type this, my triceps and shoulders are shaking!! The class was really hard, but I surprisingly really enjoyed it. I think because I was mentally prepared for all weights. We worked every major muscle group and I felt the burn!
My overnight oats breakfast held me over really, really well all morning. No hunger in sight, even as I showered before lunch.
I was super excited for what I had planned, as I have been craving eggs all day! I actually really like eggs, but never in the mornings. But for lunch + dinner I think they are one of the world’s greatest comfort foods!
I used my microwave poaching method:
- Spray ramekin with cooking spray
- Put in egg
- 60 seconds at power level 5 in the mic
= Perfect slightly runny yolk (it will continue to cook a tiny bit after being taken out of the microwave)
+ Salt + Pepper
On top of Great Harvest Flax Oat Bran, the best bread ever. Sweet, doughy, nutty.
With a carrot, that I tried to eat without peanut butter.
I wimped out.
And went back for a dollop. Carrots taste a MILLION times better with salty PB!!
And my produce place – grapes + peppers, which were good dipped in the yolk!
***
Many of you asked if/why I am trying to quit coffee
. As I said in the post: I AM NOT GIVING UP COFFEE! It’s a wonderful, pleasurable beverage and I love it’s froth, aroma and robust flavor along with the ritual of preparing and drinking it. My only point this morning was that I DO want to cut back on caffeine – not for any particular health reason – but because it makes me feel drunk. So I’m just cutting back to half a mug to see if that helps. Sorry if I didn’t make that clear.
***
Off to work more on this Professional Development Portfolio for Nutrition Ed. !
Barbara says
Oh Kath~
I heart weight lifting. It’s so hard for women to put muscle on, takes allot of dedication, pain and time! Still…being able to do a pull-up or curl weights with the big boys makes me feel empowered.
Its certainly not for everyone but I love it and MAN does it burn those calories!
B
Madeline @ Greens and Jeans says
You’ve inspired me to eat eggs for lunch today!
I was NEVER a weights girl until recently. It was always about the cardio, but when I was home in March my mom had just bought the 30 Day Shred, I did it with her, and I haven’t looked back! Besides actually having muscle definition in my arms and shoulders, I love having the strength to carry in all of my groceries in one trip, lift up the 5 gallon water jug at work, and being able to do real, honest to god push ups!
Anne Marie@Her New Weigh says
I am not a fan of weight lifting, but I’ve been getting into the weights more and more that I ever used to be. I’ve never tried peanut butter with carrots but the husband swears by them!
Jenn (www. j3nn.net ) says
Yummy, eggs. The last pic looks like an egg and carrot smiley face. 🙂
Caffeine makes me tired. Weird, huh? Has the same effect on Dustin. We drink a cup of coffee and want a nap! 😕
Jenn
Julie says
I’ve always wanted to try poached eggs but never really knew how to make them, and even after researching it I was scared! I need to try the microwave method!
Mara @ What's For Dinner? says
oooh poached eggs! i’ve gotta try them soon because i’m far too lazy to break out a frying pan every morning!
Megan (The Runner's Kitchen) says
Strength training is hard for me too – that’s why I like yoga and classes at the gym. It forces me to do it 🙂 Your lunch looks so yummy! I need to have some eggs soon, I’ve been craving scrambled egg whites and hot sauce.
Kat (Kat's Daily Plate) says
Kath,
I’ve recently started weight training for the first time in my life. I’ve always wanted to, but was scared to try! I started by seeing a trainer twice and now I do it all on my own. I love it, I feel so much stronger and can already see the difference after one month. I think its great that you are starting a routine as well!
brandi says
mmm…i love runny eggs.
Question: do you keep that TJs pb in the fridge? I have mine in there, but it’s so hard I can barely scrape it out! it says to keep it in there, but it’s just hard to use right out of the fridge.
Seth @ Boy Meets Food says
That was always my goto way to fix eggs back in college. I lived in a fraternity house and didn’t want the mess of getting out a skillet, etc.
One tip though: be sure to wash the bowl immediately! If you wait until after you eat, it tends to stick and is difficult to clean. The cooking spray may help with that though…
Jess says
Same–love eggs, just not for breakfast. I poach in the microwave too.
Lindsay says
Just this morning I realized that I felt like crap lately because I have stepped back on my weights. I used to be a beast in the gym, but as my marathon training has stepped up, I’ve lost my gym time and am starting to feel the effects–cardio might keep me slim, but there is nothing like that weight lifting tone. Tonight’s the night to start again!
Ariel says
Regarding coffee- why don’t you get some super cute espresso cups- like they use in Europe, that are half the size? They had some at World Market I’m dying for. I can only drink about half a cup of (weak) coffee without getting the jitters, so it would be perfect for me! Then you’d have the best of both worlds! Full cup, but half the serving!
http://www.worldmarket.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3596339
Christie @ Quit Your Diet says
I love lifting weights. It makes me feel so strong and it relieves so much stress. Of course, if I never did cardio again in my life, that would make me happy!
Elsa says
I love strength training. I feel so strong after a workout. Plus complements on my buff arms doesn’t hurt either 😉
Oh and I think coffee in moderation is ok. It is just like everything in your life!
Krit says
I used to only do cardio, as I’m an avid runner like yourself. But once I started doing heavy lifting I’m amazed at how sculpted my body now is! I hope you learn to love it too. It feels so great to jump up and do 10 pullups, squat my bodweight, and do pushups with a 25lb plate on my back. And NO it won’t make you bulky unless you overeat at the same time! I’m very petite yet sculpted.
Becci says
I’ve made eggs in the microwave before, but I always mix ’em up like scrambled eggs….I’ll have to try this way!
Stephanie @ My Life In Motion says
I LOVE lifting weights! I didn’t used to feel that way, but I can really see my body shape changing. I feel super strong when I can do flyes like the boys! Cardio….I tend to get bored. It’s a fight to keep going for me. I guess we all have our loves, huh?
Bree says
Running (cardio) has always been my first love, but I find lifting enjoyable and I love it for different reasons. It truly is empowering to stack big plates on a bar and lift it off the floor. And, being one of the few girls in the free weights area is pretty cool, too. Next time you are at the library or bookstore, check out the book The New Rules of Lifting for Women. It changed my life and outlook on fitness in a good way 🙂
Ariel says
http://www.espressoplanet.com/coffee-and-espresso/bodum-pavina-doublewall-espresso-shot-glass.html
Or
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000VZHY5I/ref=asc_df_B000VZHY5I902936?smid=A2FIFVINL1BJ4L&tag=dealtmp289474-20&linkCode=asn&creative=380341&creativeASIN=B000VZHY5I
OR
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001RB6C4Y/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me=&seller=
I don’t like the color on these but I love the shape!
I’m having fun looking now.
Leianna says
Thats a cool way to make eggs!
Carrot and pb combo is a must, hard to resist!
angieinatlanta says
I’m a weight wimp too! Kudos to you for attending a class where you HAVE to life; I should check one out at my gym!
And great egg tip – I love runny yolks but hate busting out the frying pan!
kirsten says
Funny I look forward to lifting so much more than cardio on gym days! Everyone’s different 🙂
Niki says
I feel the same way too! Weights are just not as fun as running/cardio!! I really need to be better about strength training!
Lizzy says
cutting back is a good idea, and something i need to learn to do myself.
as for exercise classes i agree, much easier with friends. i love doing cardio more then lifting too, so i know how difficult it is!
Mellissa says
Yeah for doing more weights!! If you really want to change your body life weights, and HEAVY weights. I am talking 20+lbs.
A great program for beginners is New Rules of Lifting for Women. I highly recommend it.
Julia says
I like eggs!
And I’m still a bit confufes with the veggies and PB combo, ha ha. Maybe it’s too much of an American thing for me;) If I dare, I will give it a try! I will let you know…
xxx Julia (Taste of Living)
Faye says
I cannot agree with you more about weight lifting! Although I love the idea about a strong, muscular body, I just can’t seem to add it into my routine! Maybe one day… In the meantime, my hand weights await the day they will be lifted off the ground!
lynn (The Actors Diet) says
i love microwaved eggs – they come out so cute and perky.
Morgan (lifeafterbagels) says
That sounds like the easiest way EVER to make eggs, and exactly how I like them for a sandwich. Thanks Kath.
I’ve only been doing weights since the beginning of the year. I used to say – I’m going to look like Kelly Rippa, but she’s starting to look like a body builder these days, which is too muscly for my frame.
Phyllis Malone says
You could try half caff and then you could have a whole cup!
JessicaR says
I used to be a cardio junkie until I started lifting heavy weights (usually 3 sets of 6-8 reps) and really pushed myself, and oh boy! What a difference! Cardio is great, but nothing sculpts your body like some good ‘ol hardcore weight training 🙂
(I second the recommendations for New Rules of Lifting for Women… I did the program last year and LOVED it! I had been lifting heavy for several years, but not with a set program.)
Dee says
PB on carrots?!? REALLY? I would never, in a million years, think to put those two things together. LOL
The eggs look so perfect though, except I like my yolks cooked through. Can’t bring myself to eat them runny for some reason.
Dottie says
I am going to have to try the eggs in the ramikens in the microwave, they turned out quite pretty:)
Strength training can be tedious at times, I think it gets a little easier once you get into a routine about it.
Heidi says
Mmmmm, that;’s just about a PERFECT meal! Though I’ve never even thought of trying carrots with peanut butter. Hmmm, will have to sit and think on that.
Cynthia (It All Changes) says
Weights are super hard! But I know I have to do them. Weights are the only reason I don’t have to have a second back surgery now. I have to push myself to do them though. I go to the trainer 2 times a month and don’t want to let her down or waste my money. So I push myself to go to the gym in between the sessions.
I like that ramekin trick. I never make regular eggs because I hate cooking them and I always break them. Must try this trick.
Whitney @ Lettuce Love says
I hate weights too! I would much rather do cardio. The Sculpt classes at the Y are great. My mom is a big fan and always makes me tag along.
Diane, Fit to the Finish says
I don’t do as many weights as I should. I have to make myself go pick them up!
Dawn says
I’ve put egg whites in the microwave before but never thought to do it with the whole egg! lol I need to do this!!!
Katie says
What an awesome way to cook eggs! I am so excited to try that. Oh, and I hate weights, too. I make the husband do it with me and it helps. 🙂
Shannon, The Healthy Beach Bum says
Wow I am in awe of your egg cooking techniques! That looks too perfect to be done in the microwave. 🙂 I’m a total weight wimp too. You’re amazing!
Aubrey says
I do my eggs in the microwave like that, except scrambled. It’s so perfect when you have a bowl the same size as your bread 🙂
Gave up caffeine by having my boyfriend slowly mix in decaf with the regular each day more and more until one day I was drinking decaf and didn’t even know it! Have felt amazing since giving it up. My family has some kind of problem with it apparently, it causes odd pains.
And I love The Firm DVDs, it’s the perfect combo of aerobics and weights. I keep all of my home gym stuff in the coat closet next to the tv, so it’s super easy to grab the yoga mat, some weights and whichever DVD I’d like.
melissa says
I too LOVE The New Rules of Lifting for Women, and did it last year. After seeing friends I hadn’t seen for awhile, I was surprised that they noticed a change in my body shape. I wasn’t over weight and I hadn’t lost any weight — maybe I had even gained a pound or two– but they thought I looked more toned and had broader shoulders. I attribute that to the strength training I did with NRLFW. I’m doing it again for another round. There are places online where you can get spreadsheets for the workouts, which is really helpful. It’s nice to see the numbers and a record of how you improve in terms of strength — very empowering! I highly recommend it!
Emily says
Try mixing your regular coffee with some decaf before you brew….that way the caffeine won’t get to you as much!!!!
Nicole (dishin') says
Eggs in the microwave….so easy!
Meredith (Pursuing Balance) says
I need to get better about lifting weights too! good for you going to the Sculpt class 🙂
Joanne says
The eggs look perfect.
Carrots without anything on them give me instant hiccups…kind of like eating a whole hot cherry pepper.
Julie @savvyeats says
I’m such a weights wimp too! Once I build readership on my blog, I’d like to start some sort of weights-challenge… for consistency in doing weight training, not the amount you can lift, of course 🙂
Evan Thomas says
I never knew you could poach eggs in the microwave–perfect for a dorm room!
Do you ever drink decaf? It’s all I drink, There was a great article on Slashfood about how decaf drinkers are the salt of the earth since they drink coffee purely for the pleasure of the flavor and how we’re underappreciated with cold pots at Starbucks lol
Sarah says
Hey Kath,
What was the layout of your sculpt class? What did you like? What didn’t you like? I am currently teaching a strength training class and am always looking for new ideas. Thanks!
Courtney says
YAY strength training!!!! I love that you are getting committed to it. We do tend to do what comes easy to us…and that is why it is good to do something that is hard and branch out. Which is why I need to do some more running! I adore strength training though…it has changed my body and inspired me to become a personal trainer!
Courtney
Adventures in Tri-ing
Sarah @ The Foodie Diaries says
I SO relate to (1) being a weight wimp. They just seem so daunting, and I get bored… and (2) LOVING eggs, but not for bfast… I actually love omelets for dinner but I reserve a special AM favoritism for oats and yogurt 🙂
-Sarah
Stephanie says
Weights have always been super hard for me too. I used to be a cardio junkie and didn’t consider weights a workout. I can’t run anymore and was forced into doing more weights. I struggled at first but I now feel so much stronger and I crave working out with weights. I like that you’ll do weights even though you don’t like it as much….all about the balance 🙂
Lara says
I also highly recommend New Rules of Lifting for Women. Weight lifting really changed my body.
Jenna says
love eggs for lunch and dinner!
Adriane says
It’s so funny that you are bringing up the weight lifting topic today. I was just exercising with my boyfriend and we challenged each other to a pull-up challenge. I couldn’t even do 1! I have been going to the gym for years but don’t spend nearly enough time lifting weights or doing strengthening exercises and it shows! I need to get my butt into gear. Congrats on finding a way to enjoy weights.
eggie says
professional dev. portfolio sounds interesting/fun!
Susan says
I’m the opposite! I LOVE weight lifting and am more “meh” towards cardio. I just love the challenge of pushing my muscles to the limit (and even the weak shaking after :P). Have you ever tried the rowing machine? I like it because it’s a great arm workout but gets the heart pumping too 🙂
Kat says
Kath, you are such an inspiration to me. I have been doing daily exercise for the past few months. I hit my 100th day of daily exercise on Tuesday! I mostly do cardio and some yoga, and know I need to start doing more strength training. I am going to work on some strength training goals too.
Sheri says
I LOVE weight lifting because it makes me feel stronger and the way it has shaped my body! Keep it up Kath and you will love the results! Trust me! You already have such a great figure doing a weight routine will just make it that much better! Keep at it girl.
Eileen says
I wanted to let you know that I made my first-ever trip to a Great Harvest today! It was a quasi-GH — a stall in the Ardmore Farmer’s Market, outside Philadelphia — but still a lovely experience. The woman gave my kids free samples and was really sweet. I wanted to buy a lot more than I did, but I’ll definitely go back soon.
Beth @ CrossBorderCravings says
Poaching an egg in the micro is such a good idea! I only ever eat poached eggs at my parent’s house because they have a poacher. I should try this trick soon – then I don’t have to wait months to have one :O)
Leah Z says
I have the same problem with weights! I can run miles till I turn blue, but the idea of doing weights for more than 10 minutes seems so daunting. I’m one of those people you see in the gym that sits down at a machine, does 10 reps, and walks over to another one, does the same thing, and then walks out…but you have inspired me, and I shall attempt a sculpt class, to see if I really am hopeless…
Lainie says
I love eggs and definitely consider them one of my comfort foods, too!!! They’re just so darn good. I’m a weight wimp myself…trying to get better, but it’s hard!
skinnyrunner says
i hear ya with the strength training. i find it super boring and would rather “get a sweat on” with cardio any day of the week. im always nervous to try a class at my gym even though they offer anything under the sun. super lame.
Liz @ in the skinny says
Mmm, thanks for the poaching idea! I really only know how to make fried, scrambled and hard boiled eggs, so I need something new to add to the list.
I love taking group fitness classes! I always manage to workout longer and sometimes harder when I’m in a class.
faith in food says
others have mentioned 1/2 caf and we mix it for people a lot. if you find a coffee you really enjoy, get it in both caf an decaf. grind them together, then mix it up with a big spoon. put it in an air tight jar that doesnt let light in! THERE you gO! enjoy your big mug!!!
Errign says
I am also not a weight lifting fan!
& I agree…carrots and pb – great combo! (especially tj’s pb!)
Jill Maysmith says
I always just have half a cup of coffee, it works out well and you use less creamo (I like half&half)
Gina says
I agree and also need a lot more motivation to do weights as compared to cardio but thanks for the reminder and inspiration!
sue says
i love dipping carrots in the runny egg yolk!
Daria (Summer of the CSAs) says
I pretty much only like pull-ups and dips. I have to force myself to do all the other weight stuff. Cardio all the way! 😉
Nicci@NiftyEats says
I love eating carrots and almond butter! tastes so good together. I am a weight wimp too! I used to love lifting in high school, but have gotten lazy since then.
Lena says
i’v tried poaching eggs in microwave before but they come out rather hard. and i do them for only 30 secs…?
btw, do you have to burst the yolk a little before you mic it? i understand the eggs can explode…
Kath says
brandi,
yes, we keep it in the fridge. Sounds like you didn’t stir well enough upon first open and are left with the dry stuff.
Ariel,
Nice ideas!
RE. TNROLFW: will check out “The New Rules of Lifting for Women”!
RE. Decaf – I don’t mind it, but all the really good coffees are regular! I have a Decaf by Marley, so I’m excited to try that one out.
Sarah,
It was a ton of people with a step, stability ball, and 3 sets of weights. I liked that we moved from one thing to the next quickly and that she did some intervals to get our HRs up. Didn’t like the ball lunges!!
Kat,
Thanks and congrats!!
Eileen ,
Yipee!!
Lena,
I used power level 5 = half power.
Kath
Jamie says
Thanks Kath! I love poached eggs, and never knew I could make them in the microwave. I’m going to have to do that now. Your sculpt class sounds like fun even if it was a little challenging.
d says
I HAVE BEEN READING YOUR BLOG FOR A LONG TIME NOW I HAVE TO SAY IT GETS MORE BORING AS TIME GOES BY. HOW MANY GREEN MONSTERS AND OATMEAL AND !!!! OH MY GOD TINY SIPS OF WINE CAN WE STICK?!! KATH EAT REAL FOOD BUT FOR CHRISTS SAKE GET A LIFE LOVE!!!! ITS FINE TO EAT HEALTHY BUT YOU REALLY NEED TO LIVE A LITTLE. IM IRISH I MAY BE BIASED TOWARDS AMERICANS BUT COME ON YOU REALLY ARE SO BORING WITH YOUR TINY SIPS OF WINE AND BEER . YOUR HUBBY MATT SEEMS SO MUCH MORE FUN THAN YOU. DO YOU HAVE A HEALTHY EATING DISORDER. ???????
lena says
Kath! ignore that, whoever, that cruel person is!!! i totally enjoy reading your blog… just keep doing what you are doing afterall if she / he is bored, she can NOT read your blog!
I enjoy reading your blog, for the great recipe ideas… your experiences, a life that’s different from mine, a kind of life lessons – culture and all, as i am in a different part of the world from you.. i really would like to know what life is like elsewhere!
So keep going! Am behind you all the way!!! 🙂
ps thanks for the great tip on the eggs.! 🙂
megan says
Goodness gracious, that was a nasty comment above. Kath, you are AWESOME and I think your blog just keeps getting better!
Thanks for the egg tips. I am so intimidated by poaching eggs the traditional way, so I’ll have to try this! Do you split your egg after you cook it or is that two eggs you used?
whitney says
I had always felt the same way with weights and I still do to a certain extent. I would rather run for hours than have to go lift weights. Until I was introduced to an awesome facility with great muscle toning and circuit training classes. With the motivation of the poeple around me and seeing all these old ladies (60-70) lifting weights and coming to class inspired me. I now go to my school gym and don’t get the classes anymore so I am back to struggling with lifting but CLASSES are key to toning if you really dislike lifting. I didn’t even realize how much I was actually working my muscle until you see the results!!! 🙂 I hope you keep enjoying your classes and kudos with the coffee your stronger than I am.
Adventures of Alice says
Hey! Glad you enjoyed the weights class. I’m completely the opposite. I love lifting weights, but am not a huge fan of cardio because I think lifting is easier = )
brandi says
thanks for the reply, Kath! It’s still an almost full jar, which is why I was wondering.
Kath says
d,
Rolling my eyes….
lena + megan,
Thanks 🙂
megan,
That was 2 eggs.
Kath
Deanna - the unnatural mother says
You make healthy eating fun!! I am getting there…
melissa says
Wow, I applaud you for leaving that lame (you know which one I’m talkin’ about!) post up. Your blog is the best — it is NOT boring at all. I’m glad you have the confidence and self esteem to not let the irritating negative people drag you down with ’em! Don’t stop what you are doing, and no need to second guess yourself at all!