Putting Down the Hammer (and Chisel)

Today was one of those days I didn't feel like cooking, at all. I did spent almost an hour at Whole(paycheck) Foods. If you are looking for a new recipe, I don't have one. I cut up some rotisserie chicken and tossed it on a bed of spinach and had some beets, with newly discovered Tessemae's zesty ranch. (I was on the hunt for the BBQ sauce but couldn't find it at Whole Foods - I will be ordering it tomorrow!) My dinner was delicious, lame, and easy all at the same time. Then, I needed to work out. I kept dragging my feet, but it had to be done.

Presently, I am running an accountability challenge group for PiYo - we are on day 10. Today is Core - complete with Piyo Pikes, planks, and side planks. I was able to change into my workout gear, remember to grab my Apple TV to stream my new workout after Core. Today is the day I was committed to trying The Master's Hammer & Chisel from Autumn (21 Day Fix) and Sagi (BodyBeast) I was nervous. I didn't know what to expect. I haven't really lifted in awhile. I was doing it AFTER already doing a 30 minutes Core workout.

It was amazing. It was tough. I cannot wait for the release!

I definitely need to up my game on working out in preparation for this program. BodyBeast is next on my list to get ready for it.

The good news - if you already subscribe to BeachBody on Demand you can preview two videos. Don't already subscribe? You can sign up for a free trial!

Let the countdown begin! I cannot wait to try Sagi's workout next.

No Soup for You - To Make In Your Stove or Oven!

Folks, I have some sad news. Summer is definitely history. I had to scrape my car this morning. This made me really sad. I am a warm weather girl - which is a struggle living in the north. Today is the type of day that is just perfect for soup! In anticipation of my husband working (I should really rename my blog all the food and recipes my husband won't eat) - I bought butternut squash to make soup with.

Let me introduce you to tonight's recipe - Butternut Squash Soup - in the VitaMix - for a Meatless Monday!

This was my first adventure with making soup in my VitaMix. It's sat idle for a little bit without any love.

The start of deliciousness!

Butternut Squash Soup
Makes - more than 3 servings!

14oz of butternut squash (I bought it pre-cut)
1.5 russet potatoes
15 baby carrots
4 cups of vegetable broth
1 tsp of Sunflower seeds
2 tbsp of EVOO
Salt and Pepper for taste

Pre-heat your over to 350 degrees!

First, I skinned the potatoes, then chopped it into smaller pieces and placed in my Pyrex baking dish. I didn't have to cut the butternut squash, as I bought it pre-cut (time saver!!) I added in the baby carrots, tossed in a TBSP of EVOO, finally, some salt and pepper, added my lid - shook it up!

Once coated, I popped into the oven for 30 minutes. This gave me a chance to workout. Today started week two of my PiYo challenge group - and I had a workout to tackle! PiYo Define: Lower Body. My favorite is the downward dog series at the end.

Workout: Complete! Now back to our regularly scheduled recipe. Once PiYo was wrapped up - my oven went off a few minutes later.

I then added the 4 cups of vegetable broth to a microwave safe bowl and microwaved for 1:45 (just until warm - it'll all depend on your microwave)

Then, I added the broth into my VitaMix, followed by the vegetables, the remaining EVOO, and salt and pepper for taste.

This is key, make sure your VitaMix is on the setting of 1. I slowly turned my speed up to 10 (keeping the speed at variable) Finally, once at 10, I turned it on high and let it whirl for 4 minutes.

So much fun to watch the VitaMix work the food magic. Finally, my soup was complete! I poured it out into a soup bowl and added on the sunflower seeds.

Enjoy!! Plus - I have some leftovers for lunch tomorrow!