Turkey, Pumpkin & Black Bean Chili

Another chili recipe! This time I decided to whip out my slow cooker to let this cook over night. This recipe is a favorite among TLS followers and if you are thinking, "What? Pumpkin in chili??" just know that this is amazing and the flavor of pumpkin does not over power this dish in the slightest.

Sweat Pink Ambassador!

I am so excited to announce that.....

The Sweat Pink movement is about inspiring people to feel strong, confident and tough no matter who you are or what you look like. You can find much more info about it on the FitApproach website.

This mean I am now connected to a wonderful group of inspirational individuals living and preaching a healthy lifestyle. I am so excited to have this opportunity to help others get inspired to do the same :)

Quoted from FitApproach :

"We believe that kicking ass is best done in pretty shoes. We’ve learned that real women sweat, and sweat hard. We know that assertiveness, strength, and ambition are the ultimate feminine qualities. We concede that sometimes it takes hours to get ready, but we’re also no stranger to just rolling out of bed and going. We’re convinced that we run faster in pink shoelaces. We believe in pushing ourselves, and we believe in giving ourselves a break, too. We’re all about the rush of endorphins and the thrill of the challenge. We’re all for looking great and feeling even better. We’re committed to finding our best fit, and making it stick."

I can't wait to get my pink laces and SWEAT PINK. I will totally be rocking them at my next race!

First 5k and an Announcement!

Matt and I are officially racers! We finally ran our first 5k. It was so much fun. I can't wait for the next one! Then a 10k and hopefully a half marathon not too far behind.

My PR for a 5k is 28:14 so I was really hoping to get right around the same time if not better. When the race started I had so much adrenaline and excitement that I just took off! Unfortunately, keeping up with the crowd was not in my best interest because I completely did not pace myself. Insert huge side cramp at 1 mile mark. Damn. I pushed through it, but it definitely slowed me down. I came in at 31:38.

Pineapple & Red Pepper Quinoa

I have eaten Quinoa many times, in many different varieties. However, I HAVE NEVER COOKED IT!

Disgraceful, I know. This fiber packed whole grain is absolutely delicious. I can't get enough. I picked up some flounder filets and shrimp and needed a good side dish to go with them. Enter: pineapple & red pepper quinoa. YUM YUM YUM.

Matt and I are running in our first 5k this weekend (late much? I know) I have been so focused on gaining endurance and staying consistent with my running workout that I never thought to sign up for a race! Now is the time and we are running in our hometown (America's hometown in fact!). The race also offers a 10k and half marathon, but I didn't think it would be right to just skip over the 5k. Can't wait! My PR for a 5k is just over 28 mins, so I'm hoping to at least not go over that :)