While I hate that it’s nearly dark by the time I leave the office this time of year, I do love how bright it is in the morning when I wake up.  And when I checked the weather out this week and saw that the first few days of the week were going to be in the 70s, I got my ass out of bed and got some steps in before work.

PicMonkey Collage - am walk

I love the reflection on the river.  I just had shorts and a t-shirt on (well, I did put on a bra for the neighbors!) and I was actually warm by the time I got back home to get ready for work.  Right before I jumped in the shower I threw three small red potatoes in the microwave on baked potato setting.  By the time I got out of the shower, they were cooked.  I simply heated up a skillet with a bit of oil, sliced the potatoes in half and then sautéed them while I dried my hair and got dressed.  Jacob was already up with the puppy and he looked at the clock and was like “don’t you have to leave for work in like 10 minutes?”  Plenty of time!  I am the queen of multi-tasking in the morning.

11.2.15 015

Before I knew it, it was time to get my lunch time walk in – so gorgeous!  It was so sad to come back into work.

PicMonkey Collage - lunch walk

I have lots of leftover pork, so I ended up making a pork tostada with baby spinach, wholly guacamole, pickled radish and a bit of cojita cheese.  I honestly considered making two tostadas, but with the cucumbers and carrots, lunch was really filling.

11.2.15 028

I actually went to the gym after work for strength!  I know I don’t take advantage of the gym as often when it’s nice out, but I’ll make up for it when its bitter cold and snowy this winter.  I did back and biceps – while it doesn’t look like much, the first rep is supposed to be a weight that you almost complete a set with, and the second set is heavier yet to failure.  I am really feeling some muscles I haven’t felt in a long time!

11.2.15 035

Since Hannah has school on Monday’s, it was another night of Meat Monday!  Sadly, it’s the last of the beef I had shipped to me from my Denver trip.  I used a spice called Northwood Fire from Penzey’s from my friend Lynne from Wisconsin (hi Lynne!) and it was the perfect blend of flavorful spicy with salt, chipotle pepper, Hungarian paprika, garlic, rosemary and thyme.

11.2.15 037

11.2.15 046

This was a six ounce portion (yes, I know a portion of meat is 3 ounces) and since it was on the thick side, I cooked it in my cast iron skillet over medium high heat for 3 minutes per side.  While that cooked I did a quick saute of red potatoes, mushrooms and zucchini.  This whole delicious plate was around 450 calories – so good!

11.2.15 052

Perfect medium rare.  I am pretty sure beef is my true love. Open-mouthed smile

And I got some steps in yesterday!

11.2.15 053

So remember how I told you guys that I was kind of done dieting.  It’s true, but I have come to the realization that it doesn’t mean I can eat whatever I want, when I want.  I’ve loosely gone back to counting calories, but not following any particular “diet” per se.  Just making sure it’s eating real food, not snacking in between meals, or eating stuff after dinner just because I can.  Especially as we enter into these last 8 weeks of the year that so many days are centered around food, I figured I’d kind of hold onto the reigns a little bit instead of them flap in the wind with no direction. 

Now I am off to get some Vitamin D before work.  Make it a great day!