Tag Archives: Monday

How to Have a Good Monday

I got through Monday! AND it was a good Monday! Am I finally figuring out how to start off my week on an awesome note?

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Maybe I’m on to something here…so let me share.

Give Yourself Time – Don’t Rush

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I woke up before 6AM to drive from Andy’s to my apartment. There is always traffic, so I make sure to give myself some extra time. When I got home I had time to shower, get ready, and get my lunch together… and had plenty of time to do it! Not having to rush can alleviate so much stress. I got into work a half hour early, ready to take on the day.

Eat Well – Prep Your Meals 

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For lunch I came back home (I’m lucky enough to live close), made myself lunch, and meal prepped for the rest of the week. I made Simple Chorizo and Butternut Squash Hash from Juli at PaleOMG. It was nice to try something new and it was delicious!

Focus on One Thing at a Time

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During the second half of my day at work I tried to stay focused and didn’t let the infinite amounts of information on the Internet/Social media distract me.

End Your Day with Yoga

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After work I went to a brand new yoga studio that I’m scoping out.  It’s definitely different from any “city” studio that I’ve been to but I loved it.  It’s in a beautiful space and it was really nice to end my day with some backbending and savasana.  (The picture was from Sunday night when I was practicing my hand stands.)

Make Small Changes to Your Routine – Keep Things Fresh

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I think the key to my great Monday today was having enough time and keeping things new, fresh, and exciting.  Changing your routine, eating a different go-to snack, drinking your coffee black, or going on a different running route are just a few examples of ways to switch it up.  Sometimes the smallest changes can be really refreshing.

How do you get through your Monday?

Sweet Potato and Pumpkin Beef Chili

Happy Monday!  I’ve always loved chili.  It’s such a good fall or winter comfort food.  I’ve also always craved a sweeter version of chili so thought I’d play around with everyone’s favorite ingredient right now…pumpkin!  You can’t go wrong with the whole sweet and savory thing so I decided to make a beef chili with sweet potato and pumpkin in the mix!

It came out great.  My only issue is that I just chowed down a bowl and it made me even more tired than I already was, which I didn’t think was possible today.  Anyways, here is the recipe!  If you’re wondering why there are no beans in it, it’s because I don’t really eat beans anymore.  That makes this recipe primal / paleo friendly.

Sweet Potato and Pumpkin Beef Chili

  • 1.5 lbs Grass-fed Beef Sirloin
  • 1/2 Yellow Onion (chopped)
  • 1 Large Sweet Potato (cubed)
  • 1 Large Can Organic Crushed Tomatoes
  • 1 Small Can Organic Tomato Paste
  • 1 Small Can Beef Broth (low sodium)
  • 1.5 cups Organic Pumpkin Puree
  • Coconut Oil
  • Chili Powder, Cumin, Cayenne Pepper, Salt, Garlic, Cinnamon

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Drop a dollop of coconut oil in a sauce pan.  Add chopped onions and saute.  Once onions are browned add the beef and cook through until there is no pink left.  Add crushed tomatoes, paste, broth, and pumpkin.  Start adding spices to taste.  Stir and cook for about 5 minutes and then add the cubed sweet potato (I microwaved my whole potato for 3 minutes before cutting it).  Let chili cook over medium heat for 30-40 minutes.

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Easy Primal Salsa Burgers

I can’t take full credit for these primal salsa burgers.  My sister gave me the idea this summer when she told me about her salsa turkey or chicken burgers.  I decided to try them out with some real meat and on the grill.  Now they have become a go-to dinner / lunch.  I’ve really been enjoying bringing burgers to work for my lunch.  They’re easy to re-heat and filling!

Easy Primal Salsa Burgers

  • 1.5 llbs organic grass-fed beef sirloin
  • 1 cup of fresh salsa (mine was from Whole Foods)

Mix the beef and salsa together and form 5 patties.  Throw on the grill on medium heat and cook for 8-10 minutes on one side and then flip.  Cook for an additional 5-10 minutes depending on your desired temperature.  Wah lah! Told you that was easy!

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For my sides I cooked up some quinoa and roasted some brussels sprouts with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.

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This meal was a perfect one to follow the workout I did tonight.  I feel like my week doesn’t start until my Monday workout and dinner…it really helps kick me in to gear for the rest of the week.  

Tonight’s Workout

  • Ran 1 mile
  • Walked for 5 minutes
  • Biked for 5 minutes at a high resistance

Three Rounds for Time: Completed in 8:15

  • 10 clean squats with 40 pound bar
  • 20 box jumps

This WOD was a quick hitter but definitely kicked my butt.  My legs are going to be feeling pretty sore tomorrow!

 

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