The First Steps

I worked out earlier today.  Until a couple of weeks ago, I hadn't lifted in probably over a year.  When I was at my old job, more of a 9-to-5 with a 10 minute commute, I was doing P90X, pretty regularly.  Now, I don't have the time to work out for an hour-hour and a half every day.  I could do it on weekends, and maybe I still will start trying to do some of the exercises on weekends.  We'll see.

And yes, I know people say "I don't have time" is an excuse.  Well, maybe it is.  But right now, I know I'm not going to be able to be back to working out every day, or even most of the week.  But I will get in workouts when I can.  Made a smoothie afterwards - soy milk, peanut butter, bananas, and ice.  Simple, but delicious.  I bought protein powder earlier, but forgot to include it.  Still delicious, and somewhat sadly it was one of the things that actually motivated me to start working out.  They're that good.

Now, to dinner.  I wanted to make something healthy (ordering take-out would be a bad way to start this...).  I went grocery shopping earlier, and made a point to just pick up healthy ingredients.  I also wanted to make sure I had enough different flavors going on so I didn't get...well, bored.  We'll see if it works. 

Without further ado, here is the first meal - arugula salad with blue cheese, walnuts, blueberries, and roast chicken breast (marinated in a lo-fat raspberry vinagrette and some random spices I had in my cabinet - chili powder, garlic powder, lemon pepper, and salt).  Sounds complex, and fancy, but very simple.  The only cooking involved was roasting the chicken.  I love using marinades whenever I can to add a little bit more flavor.  I used half the chicken breast for the salad, and I figure I'll save the rest for something tomorow...

And yes, I had a beer with the salad.  Seems counterproductive.  But better than having a beer with deep-fried buffalo wings (which I do love, by the way, and I will still eat once in awhile).  It's all about baby steps.

It was good - I really liked how the chicken turned out.  I wasn't a big fan of the raspberry viniagrette - I may try a balsamic or red wine viniagrette next time.  But still, a decently healthy meal.