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:
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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?
[…] grandparents and my uncle are in town today. I’m making them Stuffed Acorn Squash for lunch so I’ve got to go for […]
I tried this, but with left over chili in the middle!! YUM!
Thanks for all the squash cooking tips, I’ve failed so many times before! But no longer ;)
We had this for dinner last night.
I usually like to google for an Alton Brown recipe when I’m going to make something new – but your version won out on simplicity! :)
Picked up some ground pork from Fareway & added Galena Street spices & lots of red pepper flake.
Even though my carnivore of a husband said he would have eaten the sausage mix by itself, I really loved the squash.
Keep up this blog – I love it!
[…] Since I wasn’t able to think for myself and come up with my own recipe for dinner today, I made another recipe from Iowa Girl Eats. […]
I am making this for dinner now (during naptime). I used leftover maple breakfast sausage, apples, shallot and celery for the filling and brushed the acorn squash with some maple syrup before roasting. Let’s see if my kids will eat this – I know my husband and I will love it! Great website, I enjoy your local stuff :)
Ooo, I HEART maple sausage. Sounds like a great addition in here!
I just made this and everyone loved it. I think it’s even better the next day. I cut them smaller, in 1/4s, and it was a good size. I also made some vegetarian. It felt like a very special dinner, but was very easy. Thank you!
I feel the same way as you regarding number 5. There’s nothing better than realizing you don’t have to wash your face at night. Unfortunately, I usually workout in the morning, so don’t experience this too often.
I can’t agree more! I’ve been trying to wash my face and brush my teeth at 8pm lately (to make me stop eating too :) so that I don’t have to summon that MOMENTOUS willpower to get up and wash my face at 10/11pm!
BTW Kristen I just discovered your blog today (thank you Pinterest) and absolutely love it, and I have two acorn squashes sitting on my counter right now! Will be trying this recipe soon!
Seriously I love your blog! My husband does as well. More yummy foods on our menu this year than ever!
Thank you Alisha! :)
haha I never thought anyone else could possibly hate washing their face as much as I do! Seems I was wrong :) I went looking through your recipes, and WOW can’t wait to make those potsticker burgers!!
Haha I love your reasons! I love that you don’t try to hide the fact that you are exercising partially to indulge in treats, many people try and disguise that fact and claim that they really just enjoy working out because it “feels good”– yeah right!
That looks like a fantastic dinner! It’s refreshing to not see pumpkin in blog-land for once :) I’ve never tried acorn squash, but I sure am tempted now.
I definitely agree with your reasons… I am very motivated by icing and cake. :) We must be on the same wavelength. I wrote about stuffed acorn squash earlier today. So yummy!
Am I the only one wondering why you wash your face in the tub and not the sink??
Because I always get the vanity soaking wet!
That’s hilarious; I love taking showers at night sometimes for that reason exactly! I splash water everywhere (how does that happen!? I’m so careful!) and can never truly get all the makeup gook out of my eyes. Glad to see I’m not the only one! :)
So there’s someone else in this world who enjoys the benefit of not having to wash your face before bed because you already did it in the shower after your workout! Whew! It’s so nice to have that checked off my bedtime to-do list. Makes after-work workouts ALMOST a little easier with that in mind. :-)
Haha! I totally agree with all of your reasons but #5 is the best! I agree 100% with that.
i got super excited when i don’t have to wash my face before bed because i worked out and showered too! the simple things in life!
To stay healthy!
I have some acorn squash right now, and I have been trying to decide what to do with it. Definitely might try this recipe.
My #1 reason for working out is that I like a good challenge. I try to push myself past the point where I am comfortable. I’m always looking to improve strength & endurance.
My #1 reason for working out is my health. I also love the muscles I get, and the sense of accomplishment.
I workout in the morning, though, so washing my face at night is a definite. I just keep a washcloth on the counter to wipe up any water I splash all over.
Lol at #1 and #5