recap and a question

I am still awaiting the arrival of my computer, but it should be in the hands of HP by now! Hopefully they can get it back soon, and hopefully I didn't lose anything important if they had to reformat (fingers-crossed). I think I am going into withdrawals from this lack of true blogging!

One of my co-workers (an exercise physiologist) let me borrow one of her heart rate monitors to experiment with! I've been looking to buy one of my own too. It is a polar, but I'm not sure of the style? It also has a software program that can automatically update your progress right to the computer, but I haven't quite figured that out. I thought I would give a recap of my exercise stats this week so far, along with the HRs and calorie expenditure. I've heard good reviews of the polar F4 and it comes in some cute colors.

Monday - off day

Tuesday - Hip Hop (1 hour)
Avg - 147 Max - 190 Kcals - 350

Wednesday - Kickbox

Avg- Max - 194 Kcals - 430

Thursday - Body Pump (weights)

Avg - 147 Max - 177 Kcals - 300

Friday - off day (this is my cook dinner and enjoy some vino with Chris night)

I'm hoping to catch a spin class this weekend, but last weekend I maxed at 193 and burned 530kcals in an hour! That class kicks my butt!

I would highly recommend getting a HR monitor if you do not have one already. It's a great way to monitor your intensity to see how hard your working, and gives a great picture on your calorie expenditure to factor in if you are trying to lose weight or just maintain like me. It makes that after work out bowl of cereal and chocolate milk so much more satisfying! (that's one of my favorite after work out snacks)

In other news . . . I am (well, Chris is) working on a better website for my blog and hopefully will have it up and running by the time my computer gets back. I am also working on starting my own business endeavor (piloting it for now), combining my love for everything culinary and nutrition. It's still in the works and not completely established, so I don't want to give all the details out yet.

I also wanted to pose a question that I am having a hard time finding the answer to and maybe all you experienced bloggers out there can answer for me?

What is the best type of digital point and shoot camera out there for food photography nowadays? I'd like one that isn't too bulky, works really well in close-up dim-light (my condo has the worst lighting), and is blur-proof. I'm looking to spend no more than $400 at the most. Does anyone have any ideas or experience with this?

Hope your week is going well and hopefully I'll make a dang food post with pictures soon!

technical difficulties

Hey all! I just wanted to let everyone know that I had to send my computer in for a new motherboard (need to get a second surge protector) and won't be able to post very well for at least a week or so since I have limited access to a functioning computer. I'm hoping they will send it back soon! I love computers and technology, but when they don't work it's a real bummer! And it's right during midterm cram time . . . perfect! I will do my best, and thanks for bearing with me!

-Kristen :)


What was your worst computer nightmare??

where have you been all my life?

It seems like forever since I’ve had salmon, but it’s probably been a good 3 weeks I would say.  I absolutely love fish, but it is so darn expensive and can go bad so quickly that it’s hard for me to buy.  I usually buy the canned salmon and try to incorporate more fish that way. 

It is recommended to have at least 2-3 servings of fish per week for optimum heart health, but I know I fall short most weeks.  That’s why I was so excited to get a bunch of flash-frozen fish from a family friend the other day.  Yippee! 

So for my first fish recipe in the string of many soon to come, I tried Sweet Orange Salmon from CookingLight.  The simple rub is a coating of different spices that gives it a nice sweet and spicy crust.  I was running low on side ingredients, so I settled on a brown rice pilaf with a frozen veggie mix of black beans, corn, broccoli and bell peppers along with all the spices mixed in from the rub.  Boy do I love salmon! 

 

Sweet and Spicy Salmon

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp graded orange rind plus about 1 tbsp juice (I only had clementines on hand)
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp black pepper
• 4 (6 ounce) salmon fillets

Mix all ingredients in a bowl (I doubled the recipe since I had more salmon) then coat the salmon fillets.  Place on a foil lined baking sheet and bake at 450 for about 10-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets and your desired degree of doneness.  Serve with your favorite side! 

Chris took a picture of his plate presentation, which is a modern approach! 

He also made a vinaigrette out of the crock-pot apple butter I made with rice vinegar, a dash of olive oil and apple cider, salt and pepper.  Yum! 

Now I have to think of leftover salmon ideas because we have so much leftover!   Any ideas?  A nice Asian salmon slaw comes to mind . . .