Ghoulishly Good

 

It’s almost that time…Halloween!  Mike and I just came up with our costumes last night, which are creative, but I think pretty funny.  After searching for pregnant couples costumes endlessly, and discovering that there weren’t any really, really good ones (there are a couple that were ok) Mike came up with our final decision and I’m pretty excited about it.

As for our party plans?  I think we are headed to a house party at our friend Lynn’s house and I can’t wait to take some of these ghoulishly good snacks.  Don’t be afraid to be festive and have fun!

You can access all of these recipes by clicking on the picture or the caption…and good news, if you just Google Halloween Party Food, there are tons more online!

 

Mummy Dogs

 

Cheesy Fingers

 

Nutter Butter Ghosts

 

Glow in the Dark Concoction

 

Apple Teeth

 

Eyeball Snacks

 

Used Band-Aid Cookies

 

Brain Cupcakes

 

Veggie Pumpkin

 

Bloody Punch

Snack Attack

 

Good morning!  Today was the first of our “long runs” that happen on Saturdays during our marathon training.  Luckily our first one was only 5 miles (it only goes up from there).  Ever since we decided on our training program, I have been researching nutritional tips and guidelines to go by when running, or exercising for that matter, to the extent that we are for the next 4 months. 

I wanted to share some of the tips I found and some great snacking ideas not only for before or after a run, but anytime hunger calls.

 

A couple of Fig Newtons for quick energy boost before our run this morning.  We decided to eat breakfast afterwards.

It was a chilly one!  46 degrees when we set out!  Thank goodness for ear warmers!

 

NUTRITIONAL TIPS FOR RUNNERS =

Before a run: 

• You need carbs, plain and simple.
• Eat a carbohydrate rich meal two to four house prior to exercise or choose a carbohydrate snack 30-60 minutes before exercise. 
• If you are within 30 minutes of running, stick to liquids (water, fruit juice, sports drink).
• Avoid slow-to-digest fatty and high-fiber foods that will be tough on your digestive tract.

After a run:

• Carbs and protein - think of the ratio of 3 grams of carbs to 1 gram of protein.
• After running, or exercising, you will want to replenish energy as quickly as possible.  Experts suggest that you replenish nutrients within the first 30 minutes after exercise.
• If eating food doesn't sound great after a run, try drinking chocolate milk - cold and refreshing, this drink has plenty of carbs and protein as well as B vitamins making it a great recovery drink.
• Don't forget about the water either - rehydrate, rehydrate, rehydrate!

 

We are making it a point to stretch this time around.  We didn’t so much when we were training for our half marathon a couple of years ago, but it seems to be helping with the soreness. 

We also ice our knees after every run.  Our knees definitely aren’t getting any younger!!!

 

 

Healthy Snack Ideas : 

• Bananas w/ PB and Granola
• Apple Slices and PB
• Yogurt and Granola
• Dried Fruit
• Applesauce
• Whole wheat bagel with PB
• Smoothie
• Chocolate Milk
• Carrots
• Granola Bars/Energy Bars*
• Popcorn
• Cereal with Skim Milk
• Cottage Cheese and Fruit
• Fig Newtons
• Hummus and whole wheat crackers
• Individual Cheeses
• Pretzels with Peanut Butter
• Oatmeal
• Tuna Fish on Whole Grain Crackers
• Fruit
• Almonds
• Trail Mix
• Cheese and Crackers
• ½ PB & J Sandwich
• Boiled Eggs
• Frozen Go-Gurt
• Low Fat Pumpkin Bread w/ PB (click here for recipe)

I have a printed list on my fridge to look at when I am grazing, or don't know what I want to eat - this helps keep me focused!  To print this list click here.

*Be careful when choosing granola/cereal bars or energy bars.  Many times they can contain as much fat, calories and sugar as a candy bar!

 

Accident Prone:

On a side note, I do have to admit that during this morning’s run I “took a digger” as Mike says.  We were half way through our 5 mile route when I tripped over a utility manhole on the sidewalk.  It happened so fast and I slid on the concrete before Mike could even think about helping break my fall.

I was SO EMBARASSED, and was so thankful that only he saw me.  Luckily there were no cars driving by to see my bloody knees and hand (it hurts a lot more than it looks).

I dusted off and ended up finishing the remaining 2.5 miles, probably on pure adrenalin because as soon as I got home, my knees and hands burned like a sonofagun!!!  I write this mainly for my friend Jill, since a couple of weeks ago as she was showing us her scars from falling during running, I was chuckling and not having that much sympathy for her.  Karma will come back to bite you!

This one’s for you Jill! 

Smmmoooooth

 
Too busy to make smoothies?  Listen up!
Mike and I love smoothies. We seem to make more of them when we are training for a race as an after run snack, but they can be satisfying any time of day.

When I first started making smoothies it seemed like quite a process having to pull out every single ingredient. I would cut up a banana, get the frozen fruit out of each separate bag and put it all in the blender. The end result, however yummy, was not worth the effort to assemble. 

I thought about how to make the process quicker and came up with a pretty great time saving tip...SMOOTHIE BAGS!

Talk about a shortcut!  This little idea has saved me mucho time and I am so happy to share it with you!
Here’s how you do it:


I usually make about 6 smoothie bags at a time to keep in the freezer.  Be sure to have 3 bananas and one large bag of frozen strawberries or fruit of your choice.



Set out 6 zip lock bags and fold the top over so they stand upright.  Cut the bananas in chunks and add half of each banana to an individual bag. 

Then add 6-8 frozen strawberries (or fruit of choice assuming they are in smaller chunks - if not, you can chunk them yourself).


Close the bags and place in the freezer. 



Easy peasy!

Now, when you are ready for a smoothie, just grab a smoothie bag, 1 container of vanilla yogurt and OJ.  This healthy, nutritious snack will take about 3 minutes start to finish with this Smoothie Bag shortcut.  Kids love them, too!

These bags are a staple in my freezer and make smoothie making quick and easy.

Fruit Smoothies:
Yields 1 large smoothie or 2 smaller smoothies
Print this recipe!

• 3/4 C berries or fruit of choice (I use strawberries, but you could use any frozen fruit)
• 1/2 of a banana cut into chunks
• 1 container of fat-free vanilla yogurt
• OJ - about 1 C, or enough to just cover ingredients in blender

Put all ingredients into the blender.  Blend, blend, blend. 



I like mine very smooth so I blend the mess out of it.  I guess that's why they are called smoothies, ha!  If you prefer more of a liquid-y smoothie just add more OJ until you reach the desired consistency, or decrease the amount if you prefer a thicker smoothie.

Want a little kick?  Add crunchies on top. 
My recommendations:  granola or walnuts

P - Nutty

Although it sounds like a name on Jersey Shore, P-Nutty, my name for peanut butter, is by far my favorite snacking accessory.  Here is a great mid-day-at-your-desk-snack that sticks with you for a while and is much tastier than anything you can get in a vending machine. 

Speaking of sticking with you,  does anybody else feel like they have paralysis of the mouth when they eat P-Nutty?  It's so sticky and ooey gooey.  One of life's simple pleasures. 

P-Nutty and Banana:

• Banana
• Peanut butter
• Pretzels for crunch