Was not sure Id make.

This week? Long for me.

Caint wait for a break.

For others this week

they’d like it to stay.

Go wish this fine blogger

HAPPY BLOG-BIRTHDAY!

(She’s made it three years.

So impressive to me.

Miz. not ONE yet–

I *long* to make three!)

What’s on tap for you?

This weekend I mean.

Im readying for next week.

Im a baking machine.

Ive house guests arriving

Need to red up their room.

Fresh flowers? Fancy soap?

Time to get out the broom!

I think Ill make cupcakes

for dinner. How FUN!

(or would that be cruel?

disappoint everyone?!)

Must work. Job calls.

Then the grocery. You too?

So alas there’s NO FREEBIE.

Just a teaser for you.

A SATURDAY treat.

Is coming your way.

From two B-Band members

So generous I must say!

(please to find below precisely how a dayjobslammed MizFit is going to fit in her workout today. You in the Austin area? keep your eyes peeled. I mightcould be lunging down a grocery aisle near you.)

EDITED to say: no you havent lost your mind, oh Bumbling Band emailers with really good memories, HERE is the second half of that video (didnt post as I didnt view it as such…)

I wear a lot of hats: blogger, writer, web & graphic designer, mom, and most relevant to this post: wife of a marathoner. We eat reasonably well, and as a family we’re pretty active, but our big weakness is Italian food. Happily, my husband runs a marathon at least once a month (81 total at last count), so we always have a good excuse to enjoy some pasta.

Sure, as spectators we technically don’t need to partake, but we’re willing to take one for the team if it means one of us can run a bit farther, or faster, the next day. Lately, Mr. Marathon has been eating Chinese food the night before his races (he swears by the salt content and stomach-settling effects of the rice) but the following recipe has also long been a favorite in the Stuperb household:

Baked Ziti

Ingredients (measurements need not be exact):

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh is best!)

28 oz canned or fresh crushed tomatoes

½ teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

1/8 teaspoon pepper

8 oz ziti (or penne), cooked and drained

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (we use a lot more)

(We usually double the recipe.)

We also include 6-8 links of mild or spicy Italian sausage, peeled, crumbled and cooked in olive oil.

Directions:

Heat oil in a large skillet. Add onion and garlic; sauté for 5 minutes. Add tomatoes, oregano, basil, and pepper; bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Place pasta in a shallow casserole dish; stir in sauce. Sprinkle (generously, if you love mozz as much as we do) with cheese. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Since we usually double the recipe, we end up with two dishes in the oven. Often, we do one with sausage and one without for our vegetarian friends.

Enjoy!

I wanted to let Shelley introduce herself because, after I read her post & checked out her husband’s blog, I decided that MY way of introducing her would be to deem her a Marathon Widow.

That guy must need a ton of carb-loading to keep up his hectic running schedule which all made this newrunner think BETTER YOU THAN ME.

ok, running peeps & those married to the running addicted: is this an affliction? do you see yourself as a running widow(er)/as having morphed your spouse into a running widow(er)?

or are the miles logged & the stress REDUCED the glue which keeps your marriage together?

Oh.

And the ziti? Miz is having a LOT of company for Thanksgiving. Im definitely whipping this one up at some point during the extended visit.

To carb-load for our extended couch sits.

The tone of this email really made me smile and feel honored that you (the royal) look to me for advice. Please to know it is NOT a responsibility which I take lightly. Ever.

I receive a lot of similar emails and, with all fear of beating that poor dead horse again, thought that I’d ramble here instead of sending each emailer some links to old posts (I know. Some day, some week, you shall be spared the rambles).

The answer to your first question? No, no, & no (pats self on back for achieving a little brevity).

The thread which has run through my life and which I believe has made my getting and finally staying fit relatively easy?

The fact when I gained weight it was always via a process of enjoyment.

Sure, I gained the freshman 30+ but it was all done through drinking & pizza and EMBRACING college life.

Yes, I gained what I like to deem the Manuscript Many (20+ lbs) while writing a book, but it was all mindless eating done because I was so utterly engrossed in the process of writing & hanging with my characters.

If I could take a magic wand & remove all the selfloathing/selfcriticizing from everyone’s struggle with weight loss I would.

I firmly believe that, since it was merely a numbers game for me, my loss was easier because I didnt spend time beating myself up along the way.

(make sense? am I being too terse? please to hit me up in the comments.)

As far as an eating plan? For me, after 36 years of trying all different crap approaches, it’s pretty much intuitive. I do plan for success, I do have a fitness mission statement, I make an effort to eat clean—-but the bottom line for me as a busyworkingbabymama is FOOD AS FUEL.

I love oreos. I adore poptarts. Yet I know if that’s what I cram in my piehole tank during the day there’s no way I can do what I need to do.

Okay emailer and Bumbling Band: helpful? too much? still unclear? now is NOT the time to be shy—-please to hit me up in the comments.

I recently moved to Iowa City from the balmy southeast. I work a job that requires that I leave at 7:30 & am not home till 5:30. The gym that I belong to is EMPTY at 4:45/ 5am but PACKED at 5:30. The gym is also a 10 minute walk which is cold & dark at 4:45. Exercise is important to me, but I’m struggling to get up/get moving so early and seem to get more stressed by the evening crowds.

I need motivation. Some ideas. I thought about a workout video this morning as I lay in bed hating myself for laying in bed. But then again, it doesn’t seem like I could get the same workout consistently with a workout video as I could at the gym.

I’ve also thought about getting a trainer so Id have appointments but very few want to meet me at 5. And I’ve also thought about a different gym more directed to working folks who might make me feel a little more normal for getting up at 4:30am and working out, but that would require getting in the car and driving, I think.

I read this email numerous times and, perhaps to the sender’s chagrin, I decided to answer it in the fashion I would had a *friend* had posed the question to me.

Someone I care enough about to be brutally honest with as, quite frankly, that’s how I view all of you.

So here goes:

Much of the email is personal. Unique to you.

For example, I dont enjoy workout videos. Id either blow the entire thing off or complete a halfassed version of the routine whilst gazing around the room pondering other stuff. Id be distracted. That’s me.

If that’s NOT you then a morning DVD workout might be precisely the answer you seek. The workout will energize you to get through your day and you wont have exercise lingering on your TO DO list while at work.

With regards to the gym? Many, many thoughts.

can you drive there in the morning? Im a diehard morning exerciser but would neither brave the cold nor the dark to walk to the gym. Color MizFit wimpy & fearful—what can I say?

the trainers: have you really asked/looked or is it an easy excuse of assuming no one would meet you at 5 am? When I had my studio I met many people at odd hours merely to fill my schedule & make money. I would suggest asking *all* the trainers at the gym and, if you cant find anyone, perhaps the management would let you bring in an outside trainer because they couldnt provide?

the feeling normal? Oh GIRL, you have come to the wrong blog as there is NO NORMAL up in herre (and Im only 50% jesting). In today’s world we are sadly the oddballs for even caring about our health and wellness.

The more I read your email, however, I grew curious if you were simply alluding to the fact the silent, empty gym was not motivating (emailer? you out there? am I correct?). In that case Id suggest loading up an mp3 player & finding tunes which pump you up. I’m with you on lifting better when there’s vibrant energy at the gym—-but sometimes that just isnt possible.

huh.

My fear? Ive not answered your question but merely tossed more back at you.

Bumbling Band? Any tips/thoughts/insights for our emailer? In her shoes Id most likely drive to the gym in the morning and try to meet a trainer (or a friend?) initially to have some external accountability/help make the routine a habit.

You?

I know even in this longass response Ive merely scratched the surface…please to keep scratching below.

If we may pause & reflect upon my OATcation again— I need to share with you something which has filled my mouth with longing ever since.

Not *enough* longing, however, to get my ass in gear and cook but I SWEAR that’s next. Really.

In addition to all the oatschoolin’ we received, Quaker generously brought in Stephanie Izard, the winner of Top Chef, to do a cooking demonstration.

(which was a tremendous relief to me as Id gotten it in my MizFit head that *we* were doing cooking demos for the group. please to keep reading to my recipe below to see why panic ensued.)

Admittedly a REALLY great Tuesday Tip post would have been my pancaking & filming the entire process—–we’re all about being second best up in herre (we’re avis. we try harder).

As a result I chose to merely secure *you* the recipe so you can try at home (& regale us with your experiences in the commentversation).

PANCAKES as create by the fabmazing Stephanie Izard

Ingredients
3 bananas
1/2 c milk
1/2 t vanilla
1/2 c ground oats
3/4 c oats
1/2 c whole wheat flour
1/4 t salt
2 t baking powder
2 egg whites, whipped to soft peaks
sliced banana for garnish

Directions
Blend bananas and milk together in blender.
Transfer to bowl and stir in vanilla, oats, flour, baking powder and salt.
Fold in egg whites.
Spray nonstick griddle with pan spray and heat over medium heat.
Add in a few spoonfuls of batter, leaving room for when they expand.
Cook on each side until lightly browned.
To serve, top with banana slices and drizzle with pomegranate syrup.

SYRUP:
Ingredients
1 c pomegranate juice
2 T honey

Directions
In nonreactive sauce pot (MizFit note: yep. totally had to google that. Im sure you knew what it was already…), reduce until thickened. (want a photo of the finished product as captured by a *really* organized & impressive food blogger? look here!)

Those pancakes tasted completely as good (if not better. let’s go with better.) than they looked which says a lot, huh?

Now, all my ‘I barely cook’ dizclaimers aside, I do actually make pancakes on a daily basis (I hear you giggling Marianne!).

I give you my recipe for MizFit’s Mishmashed Almost ‘Cakes:

1 cup egg substitute.

1/4 cup cottage cheese

1/2 cup Quaker oats (want a coupon? CLICK HERE)

1/3 cup protein powder. ANY BRAND. Read the label. You can use FLAVORED but just remember we want LOW SUGAR.

any fresh fruit to sweeten to taste OR honey OR agave syrup etc.

Blend the above in a blender and VOILA.

Now, if youre me, you shall find that each time you make these the batter turns out a different consistency (what’s THAT about?).

Sometimes it’s a bit thin & I’ll add flax seeds to thicken. if it’s too thick I’ll dump in more egg substitute (pure protein, People!) or syrup (pure heaven, People!).

Play around with it.

After the concoction is complete you simply make pancakes as you would with any other (odd high protein) batter.

Me? I like to use a waffle iron every now & again for some texturizing variety.

(please to print, save for some point when you’re feeling like a MizFit & refer to the post title above)

I leave you with yet another reason Im a poster child for nothing when it comes to my taste in food.

Another item I love and something which more than a few of you asked me to talk about following this post.

EDITED TO SAY: here is the Chipper Jerky link.

Please to mock and enjoy.

and please to know that the Ren Man instituted an Im horrified at yer weak core, Woman lets get back to basics routine this weekend.

The best part of my weekend, however, was meeting this blogger live & in person. She was exactly as funamazing as I’d imagined.

She rolls pretty incognito…any guesses as to her identity?

(yeah. Im not sure why Ren Man the camera guy cut it off there either but you’ll have that…)

(*Cue confetti shaped like teeny tiny Blue Bunnies* )

Email me your mailing address and the treatcoupons shall be on their way!

Please to welcome Marelisa.

I adore your writing style & the topics about upon which you post. Just in case any of the Bumbling Band has yet to visit your blog tell us a little about it.

I blog over at Abundance Blog at Marelisa Online.

Darren Rowse from Problogger recently asked people to describe their blogs in 140 characters and this is what I wrote about my blog: “Simplify your life by identifying authentic desires, and be more productive by doing less while achieving more and by embracing creativity.”

I write about being more productive, increasing your creativity, and simplifying your life.

I published about three blog posts in April but I consider the “birth” of my blog to be the 2nd of May, which coincidentally is also my birthday. I enjoy reading and writing and I decided to start a blog in order to share with others the things I’ve learned which have helped me live a happier and more productive life, as well as the things I’m learning about and working to implement.

I‘m always curious how people end up at MizFit—-especially when their own blog isn’t about fitness. How did you find us?

I visit Lance’s blog, “The Jungle of Life”, on a regular basis and I kept seeing your comments there. Then one day I just thought, “this person sounds really nice, I’m going to go visit her blog”. I liked what I found at MizFit so I became a regular here as well.

Here is a question Im thankful no one has asked me yet…so Im asking you: what’s your favorite post of yours and why?

I’d say my favorite post is an unconventional post I wrote about “How to Be Happy“. It’s written in a poster format, and I plan to turn it into an actual poster. It’s fun and whimsical and lots of people have told me that they feel happier after reading it, which is the best compliment I could hope for about one of my posts.

What’s your fitness back story? Your fitness philosphy?

When I worked for the Panama Canal Authority from 2000 to 2004 I had a very stressful job as a labor attorney- I defended the administration of the canal in labor matters against the unions-and later I was put in charge of the Labor Relations Division for eight months. I worked insane hours and I stopped exercising completely. I would also eat a lot of sugary foods to get quick energy. I gained a lot of weight. Then I left the canal and started a solo practice and I got back in shape. Unfortunately I gained some of the weight back, and now I’m working on losing it again.

In terms of my fitness philosophy, I want a body that can take me to where I want to go, do the things I want to do, and have lots of energy so that I can enjoy life more fully. I plan to achieve this by making healthy but delicious food choices, although allowing myself decadent foods once in awhile without feeling guilty, and getting lots of exercise.

Ok, now you *know* I have to ask. You say lots of exercise. Care to share specifics about your routine?

I love exercising! Right now I go to the gym every day Monday to Friday, at 11:00 a.m., and I do fifty minutes of cardio and about twenty minutes of weights. I’ve been telling myself that I’m going to run a marathon for awhile now but I think 2009 is really going to be the year in which I do it.

Uh oh, Marelisa. I think youve been reading long enough to know that now we are ALL going to nag encourage you to reach that goal in 2009.

Was that sound I just heard you asking for a MizFit Motivational Match?!

Thanks again!

(pats self on back)

On December 20, 2006, the general assembly of the United Nations voted to designate November 14 each year as World Diabetes Day (MizFit note: OK, I wasnt aware of any of this until this year. You guys?).

The day aims to increase an awareness of the effects of diabetes and its complications amongst all members of the Bumbling Band and not just those who suffer from it.

This is all done in hopes that, as more people become aware of diabetes, more money will be channeled toward research & *better* treatment options.

This year’s theme? Diabetes in children and adolescents.

Did you know that type 1 diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases to affect children (MizFit note: I had no idea). It can strike children of any age, even toddlers and babies. If not detected early enough in a child, the disease can be fatal or result in serious brain damage.

When occurring in a child diabetes is often completely overlooked: it is often misdiagnosed as the flu or it is not diagnosed at all.

The fact which most stuck in my mind when I was doing my research was that TWO HUNDRED children develop type 1 diabetes every day.

I’d been aware of the growing type 2 diabetes problem in children (due to obesity rates skyrocketing)—-but I had no idea about type one.

Want to learn more about children/adolescents & diabetes? Look here.

Wanna join me & the Toddler Tornado in some World Diabetes Day coloring fun? Check out the free offerings here!

Speaking of free offerings—–I have some for you. Diabetic or not. FIVE boxes.

Blue Bunny ice cream, a company aware of just how difficult it can be to eat mindfully as a Type 1 and Type 2 diabetic, has developed some ice cream products which have no added sugar, are reduced fat and, in some cases, completely fat free.

Their FrozFruit bars were recently chosen as one of the best frozen bars by Women’s Health and Fitness magazines.

I know. really? do we care? all *I* care about is how they taste and if they get the Bumbling Band seal of approval.

Please to check them out.

Please to enjoy MizFit as Spokesmodel.

Please to leave a comment below to be entered to win free ice cream.

On anything.From diabetes, to coloring, to critiquing Miz’ Price Is Right spokesmodel skills.

(USA only. Should a nonUSresident win s/he may choose another commenter to recieve the sweet treat in her place.)

What’s the DEAL, Tmobile?

You I used to like.

No more. Uh uh.

(Love to say: TAKE A HIKE!)

On my Sidekick™ I rely.

It’s not good. This I know.

But still it’s your JOB

to make my email GO!

People they miffed.

From friends to the Band.

“Why you *no* respond!?!”

PR peeps demand.

MizFit? She sighs.

Where’d the dang emails go?

She’s responded to all.

so this much she know:

If you need to reach me

just send & resend.

Some day my Tmobile

it will work again.*

*if by again you mean I may entirely break up with Tmobile and get a new phone—–which I would were the economy not so challenging right now as Ive signed on with Tmobile until I turn 90.

I fear we (the royal) may need to refer to her as Reluctant Guest Chef since I nagged her until she caved requested she share this recipe mere moments after she mentioned it here in a comment.

Please to welcome the Sportsaholic!

(*cue applause*)

I am a self-professed sportsaholic that is quickly approaching the big 3-0. I have spent most of my life as a competitive athlete ranging from high-jumping to swimming to rowing crew. After graduating from college, I found that I missed having a team and decided to create a training plan to do triathlons. A couple of nasty injuries acquired over the years keep me from doing the Ironman, but Sprint and International distance are perfect (especially in NC where most of the biking courses are thankfully FLAT!) I spend most of my spare time in the pool, on the bike or out running and am an avid lifter as well. I can not imagine my life without being active. I miss the days of being a kid and spending the entire day running around outside where life was one big game and not spent chained to a desk. My #1 rule to live by is that there is ALWAYS time to play, believe me it keeps me sane!One of my favorite things to do outside of playing is to experiment with vegetables. I am not a vegetarian, but I have a serious love affair with vegetables in all shapes and forms. Looking for new ways to use them, trying out recipes and finding ways to make them delectable is a passion of mine (I figure it offsets my love of baking!) I especially like to experiment with seasonal vegetables and a modified version of a recipe for pumpkin burgers that I came across has become my go to quick/satisfying fall meal. It is easy to throw together, the texture is a unique twist on a burger and the flavors are savory.

Without further ado here is the recipe. Enjoy!

Pumpkin Burgers

6 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
approx. 6 green onions, chopped finely
1/2 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
1/2 cup fresh or frozen corn (optional)
2 cloves garlic, pressed (or minced)
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 cup canned unseasoned pumpkin puree
1/2 cup black beans (finely chopped or mashed)
1/2 cup shredded reduced fat soft cheese (cheddar works fine)
1/2 cup toasted wheat germ
1/2 cup fine dry breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
1/2 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground pepper to taste
small wheat tortillas (soft-taco size)
Lettuce
salsa verde (or tomato salsa)
Sour Cream (optional)

1. Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a large nonstick skillet (or a griddle if you have one with high sides!) over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring often, until softened, about 5 to 7 minutes.. Stir in the bell pepper, corn, garlic, chili powder and cumin; cook, stirring, until fragrant, approx. 2 minutes more. Transfer to a large bowl and allow to cool for a few minutes.
2. Add pumpkin, black beans, cheese, wheat germ, breadcrumbs, parsley, salt and pepper to the onion mixture; mix well.
3. With dampened hands (this is important to prevent sticking!), form the vegetable mixture into six 1/2-inch-thick patties, using about 1/2 cup for each.
4. Preheat oven to 325°F.
5. Stack tortillas and wrap in aluminum foil. Place in the oven for about 15 minutes to heat through. (Alternatively, stack tortillas between two damp paper towels; microwave on high for 30 to 60 seconds, or until heated through.)
6. Using approx. 2 teaspoons oil per batch, cook 2 to 4 patties at a time in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until browned and heated through, about 4 minutes per side. Adjust heat as necessary for even browning.
7. Wrap the patties in tortillas and serve while still warm, garnished with lettuce, salsa and sour cream, if desired.

Serves 6.

Thanks Molly! I was so intrigued by the recipe that I figured (assumed? who can say.) the entire Bumbling Band would be as well.
I also want to add that my Weight Watchers Peeps never cease to amaze me with the myriad creative ways they use canned pumpkin in recipes.

Have an idea to share?
Making pumpkin burgers for dinner tonight?
You also approaching the big THREE OH & have tips for Molly in that realm? Dont ask me as Ill yammer for days…
Please to hit us up in the comments.