The Core Challenge

   Today I did a core workout as part of my exercise calendar.  The calendar is working great so far! I like how I can write down any changes I make our things I want to improve the next time I do that particular routine. 
   Below is the routine for The Core Challenge I found on Pinterest.  It was quick and straight to the point.  It is always I great way to track progress with simple moves.  I'll do this same workout in a couple of weeks and hopefully I'll do better!
   I ended up halfing all of the timed exercises.  I also dod different styles of crunches since regular crunches are boring :-)  The first set I did regular, the second I did legs up crunches, and the third I did leg raises.  The last set I only did 25 reps. 
   I'm really excited about making progress!  Hope I can keep it up :-)

(Healthier) Spinach and Artichoke Dip

     One of my all time favorite food items is spinach and artichoke dip.  If it's on the menu, it's on the table.  I used to buy jarred Tostitos dip from the grocery store but it would only last a day.  Here's two reasons to find/come up with a recipe for my favorite dip; the store bought jar is super high in calories (nobody just has 1 tablespoon) and I don't want to have to take a trip to the store whenever I want spinach dip (yes, my obsession is that serious).
    I did some research on common ingredients for the dip and then tried to make some better choices.  It came out great!  Everybody raves about it!

Ingredients:
1/4 cup light mayo
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
2 light Laughing Cow Swiss wedges
1 cup baby spinach (chopped)
1 cup quartered artichokes (chopped)
1/2 medium onion (diced)
reduced fat shredded cheddar (optional)
tablespoon oil
tablespoon minced garlic
salt

Directions:
1. In a medium skillet/frying pan, cook garlic in oil and a dash of salt on medium heat.  When the onion becomes transparent, stir in garlic.  You don't want the garlic to burn so don't leave in unattended for more than a minute.
2. Turn heat down to low and add spinach and artichokes.
3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
4. In a small bowl, combine mayo, Parmesan, and Swiss wedges.  Move mixture to a baking dish.
5. Add vegetable mixture and stir until everything is combined.  Top with shredded cheddar, if desired.
6. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes.  Enjoy!

Spinach and Artichoke Dip with Homemade Pizza Rolls

Nike +

   I have recently downloaded and started using the Nike Training Club App. to supplement my workout routine.  I absolutely love it!  It allows me to choose the intensity level, targeted area, length of time, etc.  It also has a reward system (which is essential motivation for anything I do!).  Rewards are based on time completed in the application.  The most recent one I unlocked was a set of smoothie recipes.  The rewards aren't crazy but for me they're a really great motivator.
  Along with the NTC App., my boyfriend and I have started running.  He ran in the Gate River Run last March and since then we've really tried to stick with it.  We use the Nike Plus Running App. to track our progress.  It's really cook because you can see total distance, monthly distance, time, and friends' progress.  For us it's perfect!  We can see each others progress and motivate accordingly!
     As you can see, I am becoming a huge Nike fan :)  I wear the Nike Free 4.0 shoes and the running shorts.  Right now, I'm at 62 miles total and plan to run another 5k in September!  I've decided that when I hit 100 miles, I get to go running shoes shopping!  I'll keep posting my progress.

Nike + Running App information:
http://nikeplus.nike.com/plus/products/gps_app/

Nike Women's Training Club:
http://www.nike.com/us/en_us/c/womens-training