My reasons for working out on a regular basis are wide and varied, but when I put pen to paper cursor to word doc, these 5 reasons rise right to the top:
(source)
1. So I can eat all the glorious, olive oil brushed, prosciutto laced, cheese stuffed paninis from adorable, affordable, accessible new French places in town that I want!
Some co-workers and I hit up Tartine…an adorable, affordable, accessible new French place in town…for lunch today, and the Prosciutto Panini I ordered was so crispy, I’m certain they heard my first bite down in Texas. I must know how they do this. These are the things that keep me up at night.
2. See #1.
3. For my physical health. Gotta’ keep the ol’ ticker and other vital organs in tip top shape.
4. See #1. For my mental health. I’m not a running is cheaper than therapy! type person, but you can’t argue with a feel-good flow of endorphins brought on by a good sweat sesh. Self made medicine, for the win!
5. So I don’t have to wash my face before bed. It’s true. Having to wash your face before bed is seriously the pits, but if you workout in the evening then take a shower – voila! – no splish-splashing when you’re half asleep at 10pm later that night. Sometimes it’s all I need to think about to push myself into that workout I’m dreading…
Like tonight, for instance. Oooo, that sandwich at lunch was absolutely mouthwatering, but definitely heavier than what I usually devour around noon on a normal day. When 5pm rolled around I was absolutely dragging – feeling heavy and lethargic.
The thought of hunching over the bathtub scrubbing my face in 5 hours, inevitably getting my hair, t-shirt and bathroom floor soaking wet, proved too much to bear though, and was just the push I needed to get out the door for a 4 mile run on the trail.
It was slow, but it was good. And HOT! I don’t think I’ve told you, but we have been rocking 80 degree weather here all week. The Midwest likes to keep you on your toes like that.
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What is your #1 reason for working out?
I loved the stuffed acorn squash recipe that was in this original post and have not been able to find it in your recipes section. Do you still have it linked somewhere?
Oh my goodness – an oldie but goodie! YES! Here you go:
Stuffed Acorn Squash
Serves 2
Ingredients:
1 acorn squash
Extra virgin olive oil
salt & pepper
2 sausage links (can be chicken, turkey or pork – I used Trader Joe’s Red Wine & Cheese Chicken Sausage)
1 small apple, peeled and chopped into 1/4″ cubes
1 cup chicken broth, divided
1/2-5oz box Stove Top stuffing
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Pierce acorn squash several times with a knife, then place on a microwave-safe plate and cook for 2 minutes. Cut the squash in half lengthwise, scoop out seeds, then microwave for 1 additional minute.
2. Lay squash halves on a baking sheet, skin side down, then brush with extra virgin olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the thickest part of the squash goes in easily.
3. Meanwhile, in a skillet over medium-high heat, remove sausage from casing and sauté with apples until sausage is cooked through, breaking it up as it cooks. Turn the heat down to medium-low, and continue to cook until apples are soft but not mushy, ~3-4 more minutes. Add up to 1/4 cup chicken broth to keep apples from burning.
4. In a separate, small saucepan, bring 3/4 cup chicken broth to a boil. Pour in half the box of stuffing, stir, then place a lid on top and turn the heat off. Allow the pan to sit for 5 minutes, then fluff stuffing with a fork.
5. Combine stuffing with sausage & apple mixture then mound onto cooked acorn squash halves. Place under the broiler until stuffing is golden brown on top.
I also LOVE this squash recipe. Thanks for reposting so I can save it!
You got it!
I have to show this to the wife. She would love this!
[…] Wednesday – tuna steaks, stuffed acorn squash […]
I’m not that much of a internet reader to be honest but your sites really nice, keep
it up! I’ll go ahead and bookmark your website to come back later.
Cheers
Hello Girl from Iowa and congratulations on the birth of your son. I had a baby too, he’s 9 weeks (2 months) tomorrow it’s my second child and of course I’m so in love with him I can’t not even describe it… Anyway, I’m trying to lose the baby weight but it’s really hard!! do you have any advise on that, I had a C section….
Love you site!
Sofia
[…] Wednesday – tuna steaks, stuffed acorn squash […]
[…] Iowa Girl Eats has taken that gorgeous gourd we all love to a whole new level with her Stuffed Acorn Squash. A healthy dish that is hearty enough to stand on it’s own and pretty enough to grace your holiday table. […]
Your blog post was great. It should be a way of life so we can enjoy all the delicious foods on your blog. btw, hate washing my face at night too.
Well put! Think thats why I workout too! and, I plan to do more too now!! THANKS. LOVE UR BLOG!
I just made this and it is delicious! Thanks for the recipe!! It tastes just like thanksgiving! :)
I’ve been reading your blog for past couple weeks and I love it! Also, my number #1 reason for working out is to be fit, because after fitness comes so much more! :)
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Great post! I agree with the reasons you chose to workout and stay healthy. One thing I’ve found to be extremely helpful and useful as a supplement to my current diet/exercise plan is Fullbar (www.fullbar.com). Not only do their products help you lose weight, they also help you maintain your weight loss.
I guess my main reason for working out is that I love to eat treats too, and that I want to lose weight. And I love the feeling of endorphins too! Gotta love those.
Another reason for me working out is I’m getting older, and pounds tend to stick around longer than they used to when I was in my twenties.
Have a great day!
HAHHAAHAH :) your so honest! And keep up the good work!!!
This recipe looks amazing! I wish I had your motivation to work out! I eat what I want which is nice and still have a pretty fast metabolism, so I am okay for now, but I am approaching my mid-20’s and its slowing down. BUT… I HAD to comment on the face washing thing! I HATE washing my face at night! It gets water everywhere and its just annoying. I think I will try the working out thing at night…
Kristin, you’ll have to explain the “washing the face” trauma you endure, honey. I don’t get it. Your bathroom looks the equivalent of Washing a Cat when you’re done? You lean over a Bathtub? I just KNOW we’re wild-and-crazy here in Cleveland, but I just lean over a sink with a wet washcloth, gritty scrub (yum!), and the warm water running.
WHAT’S UP?? :D
I m making this! I have an acorn squash in my fridge now-perfect.
[…] off to tackle the corporate world, and this amazing recipe for lunch in a few hours. Check back tomorrow – it’s a new month; meaning new work-out […]