Recipe: Oven Roasted Corn

Summertime is prime corn season here in Jersey. Corn on the cob is great, but sometimes its nice to switch it all up.

I eyeball this recipe, so just use your judgement.

Ingredients:

• Fresh Corn on the cob
• 1 TBS Olive oil
• Salt Substitute
• Lime
• Cayenne Pepper

To Make:

1. Cut kernels off the cob.
2. Coat sliced-off kernels with olive oil and roast at 450 degrees -- until they start to brown, between 10-15 minutes
3. Add salt, lime, and some cayenne pepper

Other variation: Try Chili Power, Italian Seasoning, Cumin, or anything in between. Corn is a great canvas for flavors, so go crazy!

Finding More Races

Well, my 5K ended up being cancelled because of thunder and lightening on Saturday night. The silver lining is I was probably pushing my body a bit too hard in my haste to reach my personal fitness goals, but it still is disappointing, because I had been looking forward to the race.

That being said, I am already signing up for more 5Ks this year. I found a great website for tracking down upcoming races in New Jersey and around the country:

http://www.runningintheusa.com/Race/Default.aspx

I'll keep you updated on my progress. Happy Running!

Making Smarter Snack Choices

Just some food for thought today:

As kids, we always want they bigger piece of cookie or pizza, perhaps because we're greedy as hell, but perhaps because we think the larger amount of food will keep us full longer.

Shouldn't this same concept be true when we're picking healthy snack options? 

5K Running Tips -- AKA: How a naked Ryan Gosling will help me finish this damn thing

I'm running my second 5K on July 20, so I've spent quite a bit of time over the last few weeks building up my endurance and stamina. I started (just like I did for my last race) with the Couch to 5K running program, which I do recommend for beginners. The problem I have found is that I get bored of the podcast's music choices, and prefer listening to my own tunes while pounding pavement.

In the spirit of things, I thought it might be fun to include some 5K running tips in case any of you were also training for an upcoming race.

1. Register: It sounds simple, but by paying the entry fee, you are more likely to mentally to commit to your training regiment.
2. Practice: Waking up on the race day intending to run will only result in injury. You should be running three times a week for 3 months beforehand, gradually building up distance, to prepare.
3. Train with Intervals: Running 3.1 miles in one go can be intimidating for new runners. I really do recommend training with the Couch to 5K running program, which will gradually train your body to run using walk/running intervals. For instance, your first week, the program coaches you through a warm up walk, then 60 seconds of running, followed by 90 seconds walking, for a total of 90 minutes. By week 4, your body is fit enough and has the stamina to run for 5 and 3 minute intervals with intermittent walking. 
4. Eat Smart: This one is two fold. First of all, make sure you eat a light meal a few hours before the race. Secondly, training for a 5K is not an appropriate time to go on Atkins. Carbohydrates are a natural energy source and your body needs them while training. Stick to whole grains, though.
5. Stretch: Your muscles will get tight if you do not stretch after runs -- focus on gluts, quads, calves, 
6. Breathe: When your muscles start hurting, focus on your breathing. Concentrate on breathing in through your nose, holding that breath for a few steps, and then slowly letting in out through your mouth. 
7. Switch your focus: As different muscle groups start to ache, I find that concentrating on my breathing, or the natural swing of my arms as I run, gives a bit of a mental reprieve from my tired leg muscles. 
8. Stay Positive: First and foremost, remind yourself that you have done the training, and you have what it takes to run the 3.1 miles. If the going gets tough, don't be afraid to talk to yourself. Thinking a mantra along with each footfall -- "I've got this" or "Just keep swimming" will bring you closer to the finish line. 
9. Wear the Right Gear: You should outfit yourself in things you've worn while training, that you KNOW you're comfortable running in. Also, race days are NOT the time to break in new shoes.
10. Give Yourself some Mental Motivation: My friends have been super supportive all throughout my training. One said to pretend that I am an antelope running in this 5K, and a hungry lion is chasing me. Another friend told me to pretend that Ryan Gosling was waiting naked at the finish with a cold beer and nachos. I'm not saying which I'll be thinking of.... but damn, do I love me some nachos. 

McCormick Spice Guide

Hi Foodies!

I don't know about you, but when I'm cooking, I don't always know what spices will mesh well with the direction I'd like to take with my entree. For instance, I'd love to not be so reliant on packet spice mixes (which are INSANELY high in sodium) when I make chili -- but what loose spices are inherently Tex-Mex? When and to what would I add sage? And if I want to make an Asian inspired dish, can I get away with using red-pepper flakes, or are they mainly for Italian-inspired cuisine.

Luckily for us, McCormick has created this delightful little infographic that you and I can now consult for all of our spice pallet dilemmas.

Happy Cooking!

9 Utterly Ridiculous "Convenient Foods", and 9 Ideas that Actually Make Sense

I was scanning my Pinterest (sgoldman328 if people want to follow me), and I noticed a pin entitled, "Too Busy To Eat Healthy? 9 Foods To Keep In Your Kitchen" with a lovely picture of an avocado.

I'm certainly a busy person, and avocados are certainly healthy. I was intrigued.

The pin takes me to a slide show at MindBodyGreen, compiled by Rebecca Leffler. Rebecca, an American journalist based in Paris, recommends the following 9 foods:

1. Avocados
2. Quinoa
3. Hemp Seeds
4. Chia Seeds
5. Spirulina 
6. Nori
7. Red Lentils
8. Pâté
9. "Liquid Love" 

Now, no offense to dear Rebecca.... but in what world are pâté, nori and spirulina (a blue-green powdered algae) considered foods convenient for a busy lifestyle?!? Perhaps they are the Parisian version of convenient.  

I do agree with some of Rebecca's picks -- So, I have compiled a list which makes much more sense.

I present:

9 Foods and tips that are ACTUALLY convenient for busy lifestyles:

1. Avocados

Avocados are super healthy, versatile  and contain healthy fats.  Eat half on a salad, and save the rest for the next day. Avocados are also really yummy when mixed with cucumbers, feta OR goat cheese, and a bit of lemon juice. They also keep for a few days. I toss one whole avocado in my lunch box for work with some foil to wrap the remaining half in, and I'm set for the next two days if I pack fresh salad greens.

2. Big size tubs of Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt is a MUST, and if you're like me, you have one a day, so those little dinky cups aren't worth it. Buy the big size to save money and measure out a portion the night before.

3. Family Size Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts

These packs usually come with 5-7 breasts. Cook on Sunday and you're set for lunches and easy dinners for the week. Chicken Breasts are incredibly lean and packed with protein.

4. Quinoa

 Rebecca was right, Quinoa is SUPER healthy. It's gluten-free, packed with protein, and cooks fairly quickly. Make a big batch on Sundays to keep for the week as a quick go-to for meals in a hurry.

5. Eggs (Hard Boiled)

For a few cents extra, I buy my eggs already hard boiled to throw on salads during the week. I've actually gotten into the habit of putting one hard boiled egg, and two extra hard boiled whites on a salad for a weekday lunch. Just be careful of your consumption of yolks if you have high cholesterol.

6. Raw Almonds

Like Avocados, raw almonds are a good source of healthy fats, and they're high in protein, too. Store a bag in your desk drawer for a quick afternoon boost. An ounce of raw almonds (That's 28 nuts) has 160 calories, 6 g carbs, 14 g fat, and 6 g protein.

7. String Cheese

What can I say, they're portable, a quick snack, and each packs a protein punch of 6 g! Just make sure you go for the low moisture part skim variety.

8. Instant Oatmeal 

I typically keep a box of instant oatmeal in my office desk for a quick pick me up, or if I was running too late to pack a breakfast. Stick with the original flavor to avoid added sugar and you'll get 100 calories, 22g carbs, fiber and protein.

9. Apples/Pears

Frankly, I was surprised that these didn't make it on Rebecca's list. Apples and Pears are insanely portable -- they're completely healthy and a perfect grab and go.