Viva la Resistance: Let’s be honest

Move that body: Mish mash circuit workout

I had high hopes when I gave myself the November Viva la Resistance challenge. I thought it was just what I needed to get myself going in terms of strength training. Reporting back to you, and my desire not to let anyone down, would motivate me to get up at 5 a.m. and hang out with Jillian Michaels.

And, to an extent, the challenge was what what I needed. I am forcing myself to do even the slightest of weight workouts just to meet the goals of Viva la Resistance (two sessions a week). I take advantage of Miles’ post-run naps to do a bit of Pilates.

However, I have yet to get up early and successfully complete a Jillian workout. I’d like to partially blame Miles, who hasn’t gotten back on a schedule since the time change, but I know part of it’s me. I choose sleep over exercise. At night, I choose couch time over exercise. And on the weekends, I’m often catching up on a missed run.

Plain and simple, it’s hard and I’m not meeting my expectations. BUT, I’m not going to beat myself up. I’m trying and meeting the minimum requirements; I am not giving up; and I’m learning a lot.

My Viva la Resistance lessons (so far):

Be creative. If Miles wants to be held but I’m trying to fit in a session, I find ways to incorporate him into the workout. I’ll put him on the yoga mat and do a pushup so that each time I lower to the ground I give him a big ole kiss. I’ll wedge him, in the Boppy, between my legs and do sit-ups.

Create a mantra … and stick to it. This is a recent thing, like the past two days, but I’m starting to ask myself, “What do you want more?” What do I want more: To lie on the couch or make Dolvett proud during “The Biggest Loser” commercials? What do I want more: Clean laundry or a 15-minute circuit workout?

Identify obstacles and find a way around them. My biggest problem is trying to get things done with Miles around. He’s needy, as I assume most babies are, and wants to be held a lot. I can’t lift weights and hold him. I just can’t. I can take a class outside of the house and devote 45 minutes to myself. My friend and fellow blogger L told me about a December boot camp class. It’s twice a week for three weeks, and it’s only $30. The fee is worth the time for me and the chance to socialize, rare things this day.

How have you been keeping up with the challenge? What are your obstacles?

WIAW: Comfort and convenience

Move that body: 2ish mile run and 25 minutes yogilates

Growing up, it was all about the Hamburger Helper.

Beef Pasta and Cheeseburger Macaroni and Stroganoff. Oh God, I still have nightmares about that Stroganoff.

My  mom wasn't serving up this dinner in a box because she couldn't cook or was a bad cook. She knew her way around the kitchen though I would venture to say she was more of a baker than a cook. Our dinners were based on convenience and cost. Hamburger Helper was cheap and easy, and she was able to make it between jobs or before sports practice (mine not hers).

However, every once in awhile, she'd get in the kitchen and make "dog food," a concoction - a very bland one, I should add - of ground beef and white rice; roulade, a German dish; and my favorite, tuna casserole.

I love tuna casserole. Like, love it. Well, the way my mom made it - with canned tuna, canned soup and milk. It's the way I make it now. You know what? I don't feel bad about it.

Tuna Casserole

8 ounces pasta - I like medium shells
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup chicken broth
2 cans tuna in water
1 can reduced fat cream of mushroom soup
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper, to taste 
Milk or fat-free half and half as needed
1/2 cup to 1 cup cheddar cheese

Make pasta according to package directions. Drain. In the same pan, add onion, garlic and broth; cook until soft. Add tuna, including water, soup, Worcestershire and salt and pepper. Stir ingredients together and warm sauce. Add milk or fat-free half and half to give sauce the desired consistency. In the past, I've also added cream cheese or sour cream at this point. Add pasta back in along with the cheese. Stir and cook until cheese is melted.

I ate this for dinner last night, along with buttered peas. I know people sometimes put peas in the tuna casserole but my mom didn't. So there.

What is your favorite convenience meal?

P.S. Sorry for the lack of meals on WIAW but I was too involved with me yesterday to take photos.

P.P.S. Last week, some of you asked about Pumpkin Fluff. It's an old Weight Watchers recipe that calls for pudding mix, milk, pumpkin, pumpkin spice and Cool Whip. I posted the recipe here.