Food and Fitness: Honey-glazed Chicken Kabobs

At the request of others I am sharing more of my recent workouts.  I am not currently training for anything specific.  My workouts fluctuate according to how I feel, y'all know exactly what I'm talking about...there are days you would spend hours in the gym and days you're utterly exhausted after 5 minutes.  If you're anything like me, you arrive home from the gym completely famished...below I share a delicious summertime meal.

Workout 1:

30 sit ups

30 rows

30 crunches in bridge 

30 bicycle

30 v-ups

30 leg lowers

30 flutter kicks

Lunge clock 1-8 & 10: 10 reps each

100 bosu squats

3 x 20 single leg bosu squats

3 x 20 single leg bosu straight leg deadlifts

3 x 20 split squat

5 x 20 bosu push ups

5 x 10 second handstands 

Workout 2:

10 min stair climb

4 sets 20 leg press 205, 225, 255, 295

4 sets 20 calf raises on leg press 205

3 sets on 24" box: 10 box jumps, 10 single leg explosion from box, 10 double leg jump land single leg on box 

3 x 10 box jumps on to 36” box

5 x 1 minute (20 seconds jump alternating lunges, 20 seconds side to side lunges, 20 seconds jump squats) 30 seconds rest between each set

Smith machine 3 x 10 each leg split squats (first set #25 each side and second/third set #45 each side)

Workout 3:

4 x 400, 4 x 200

Workout 4:

15 minutes on treadmill 3 rounds: (incline @ 15, lunge x 3 minutes at 2.5 mph, walk x 2 minutes at 4 mph)

50 narrow squats 95#

50 plié squats 95#

10 sets x 5 reps jump squats at 95# with 30 seconds rest

Box lunge with 95# 1 x 10, 1 x 25

Good mornings x 10 with 95# (stopped secondary to sunburn location and bar placement)

Squats 3 x 10 at 135#

Straight leg deadlifts 3 x 25 with 25# dumbbells each hand 

Wide leg press 3 x 20 @ 295#

Calf press 3 x 20 @ 205#

100 walking lunges

100 v-sits

Workout 5:

Warm-up

12 x 200s @ 30-32 seconds, walk 200 in between (2-3 minute walking rest)

Workout 6:

Row at level 10 x 10 minutes

5 sets: 20 x 45-90-180 bicep curls, 20 reps triceps cable pull downs at 50#

50 rotator cuff internal/external rotation with 2.5#

4 x 10 rotator cuff internal/external rotation with 5#

Bench press: bar x 20, 5 x 10 at 65#, x 5 at 75#

3 rounds: Hyperextension x 20 reps, reverse fly x 20 with 7.5# dumbbells

Lat pull down 3 x 12 @ 75# 

Seated machine row 3 x 12, 60#, 75#, 90#

100 hanging leg lifts

Alternating unassisted pull-ups and body weighted dips 5 sets x 5 reps

Workout 7:

10 minute warm up on stair climber at level 100

10 x 20 hanging leg raises

4 x 20 single leg bosu squats

4 x 20 single leg straight leg deadlift on bosu

3 x 12 split squats with 20#, 25#, 30# dumbbells

Standing leg press 3 x 20 alternating 3 x 20 standing calf raises on leg press

1-minute front plank

1-minute side plank with hip abduction

2-minute front plank

Workout 8:

1.5 mile run

5 hill repeats

1.5 mile run

Walking lunges

5 rounds: (5 unassisted pull ups, 10 tricep push-ups, 20 air squats)

3 mile run (22 minutes)

Summertime Deliciousness

Consider this my new favorite way to make chicken, honey-glazed!!

Honey-glazed Chicken Kabobs

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 8 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves – cut into 1” cubes
• 2 garlic cloves
• 5 small onions, cut into 2”pieces
• 2 red bell pepper, cut into 2” pieces (I used red, orange, and yellow)

It's a happy meal :) 

1. In a large bowl, whisk together oil, honey, soy sauce, and black pepper.  Reserve a small portion fo the marinade aside to brush over kabobs. 
2. Place chicken, garlic, oinions, and bell peppers into the bowl and marinate for a minimum of 2 hours.
3. Alternate chicken and vegetables when treading onto wood or metal skewers
4. Lightly oil grill grate.  Place skewers onto preheated grill, cook for 12-15 minutes, until chicken juices run clear.
5. Drizzle honey over top the cooked kabobs.

Grilled Pineapple 

Cut a fresh pineapple into thin slices.  Place on grill.  I do not have a specific amount of time to reference for grilling; I cooked each according to its grill marks.

Roasted Green Beans 

Roasted green beans are easily one of my favorite side dishes.  Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Trim and wash fresh green beans.  Lightly drizzle beans with olive oil, sprinkle with sea salt and ground black pepper, then squeeze half a lemon over the beans.  Toss by hand to make sure each piece is evenly covered.  Place in the oven for 15 minutes.  At 15 minutes use a spatula to move beans around the baking sheet before baking another 5 minutes. Time may vary, keep watch on the beans!

Singleness; it's a stage of life I choose to dance thru

An expert is someone who has a comprehensive and authoritative knowledge in a particular area.  I’m 28, have been a bridesmaid 10 times, invited to well over 50 weddings, my longest relationship is 7 months, and I’ve yet to fall in love.  With my amount of experience I consider myself an expert on being a single lady.

• Singleness is a gift.  Accept it and give thanks.
• Singleness is an opportunity.  Embrace it.
• Singleness offers challenges.  Conquer them.
• Singleness provides hope.  Believe it.
• Singleness opens doors to adventures.  Run thru it.
• Singleness forces you to trust.  Remain hopeful.
• Singleness isn’t about you; it is about the growth of your heart.
• Singleness isn’t about being selfish, but about service in areas you won’t always have access.
• Singleness is not a burden; only an instrument to strengthen you.
• A time will come when I will be married longer than I was ever single, why would I ever wish this time away? 

I’d like to echo the words of one my favorite bloggers, Sara B of Glitter & Grace, wrote “Praising and enjoying singleness is tricky because you're always bordering on the edge of sounding like what you really mean is you love being selfish and only caring about your own needs. But if married people can write status updates like, "MARRIAGE IS SO AWESOME!!" then I should be allowed to claim that "BEING SINGLE IS PRETTY FRICKIN' AWESOME TOO!" Do I always feel that way? Of course not. Am I super excited to be married someday? Absolutely. I am in no way claiming that one stage of life is better than another. I just want to be intentional to love where I'm at, be grateful for every chapter, and not spend my days wishing for ones that lay ahead.”  CAN I GET AN AMEN?!

There appears to be a negative connotation with the term “single,” making singles feel undesired, unworthy, or even as thou something must be wrong with them because they are single.  Listen up single sister; you are worthy and so incredibly loved, regardless of your relationship status.  Please be blessed by the words of Sara B on Glitter and Grace, her post titled “Enough” provides for beautiful insight into the topic. http://www.glitterandgrace.com/2013/02/enough.html

I understand longing and yearning to be in a relationship (oh trust me, I do!), but sweetheart remember it only takes ONE!  There are many “wrong” out there, or perhaps more appropriately phrased, many “wrong for you, right for someone else,” but do not be discouraged for you are someone’s dream girl! 

Encourage your heart with these beautiful reminders:

• God is all-powerful; He has infinite resources and His creativity never lacks. He has access to the best!
• God is all knowing; He knows what is best for you!
• God is crazy in love with you, HE WANTS TO GIVE YOU THE BEST!
• God does NOT withhold greatness and blessings from you!
• God is in complete control!  When I reflect upon where I currently am I see His provision, His blessings, His creativity used in getting me exactly where I need to be, and His faithfulness.  HE HAS NEVER FAILED ME!
• I serve a God who loves to WOW!!!!

Please stop planning and stop wishing for the things you think you ought to have/want and allow yourself to be WOW’d.  I promise you this – His plan is so much greater than yours.  TRUST that God is authoring your love story; allow Him to lead, for your path is mediocre compared to waiting on Him. 

Isaiah 30:18 (MSG)

Shine brightly,
Quinn

My Week in Workouts

A question I receive regularly is “what do you do for your workouts?” I don’t have a specific routine; I love running, lifting weights, and playing sports – basically I LOVE BEING ACTIVE!  I thrive when challenged; I push myself and occasionally select a crazy goal to prove to myself that I am capable (ie. 1,000 lunges, squatting greater than double my body weight, etc).  With the busy schedule I lead I must be efficient in my workouts, I create high intensity workouts with little rest. 

My week in workouts:

Sunday: Run 2 miles, full Wallace Wade (Duke’s football stadium) stadium runs (run up the stairs, run across the top and down the adjacent staircase), followed by 1,000 lunges (totaled a little over half a mile of lunges

Monday: Abs = Seated Knee-Ins 3 x 30, Hanging Leg Raises 4 x 30, Lying Leg Lifts 3 x 30, Decline crunches 4 x 30, 10# Medicine Ball Crunch 4 x 30, Bicycle Crunch 4 x 30, 10# Russian Twist 4 x 30, Plank 2 x 1 minute, Side-plank 2 x 30 seconds. Topped off with 5 x 5 unassisted dips and 5 x 5 unassisted pull-ups

Tuesday: ½ mile warm-up, 3 x 400 meter runs @ 70-75 second pace (walk 200m rest), 4 x 200 meters @ 28-31 seconds (walk 200m rest), and 5 x 100 @ 13-14 seconds (walk 100m rest). 3 x 1 minute (20 seconds jump lunges, 20 seconds side to side lunges, 20 seconds jump lunges) w/ 1-minute rest

Wednesday: (Light workout) 3 sets of the following: 20 x 45-90-180 bicep curls w/ 15# dumbbells (20 reps each arm at each angle), 20 x bench dips w/ 15# dumbbell, 50 x external/internal rotation w/ shoulders at 90 degrees abduction w/ 2.5#, 10 x forward flexion shoulder raises w/ 10#, 10 x lateral shoulder raises w/ 7.5#, 20 x seated overhead shoulder press w/ 10-15# dumbbells

Thursday: 10 minute warm-up on stair climber; 4 sets of 20 reps Dumbbell Deep Pile Squat w/ 35# dumbbell; 4 sets x 20 reps (each leg) of walking lunges w/ 25# dumbbell in each hand; Squat: 45# x 15 reps, 105# x 15 reps, 115# x 15 reps, 125# x 12, 135# x 10; Straight leg deadlift: 5 sets of 45# x 15; Standing Leg Press 105# 4 sets of 20 reps; Hyperextension (body weight) 4 sets of 15 repetitions; Cable Leg Curls 1 set x 15 reps (had to stop due to hamstring irritation)

Friday: Rest Day (active rest - go out dancing!)

Saturday: 3 mile run, 5 short hill repeats, hike 1 mile to Quarry, swim across the Quarry, hike 1 mile out.

Sunday: Hit two buckets of balls at the driving range (active rest)

Two of my favorite things include working out/being active and cooking delicious and healthy meals!  Below you'll find a delicious and nutritious meal!

Blackened salmon with honey

 Preheat skillet on stove top at medium heat.  Sprinkle blackened seasoning on both sides of the salmon filets.  Place 2 tablespoons of butter in the pan before adding filets. I do not have a specific baking time, I monitor closely and flip the filet once a golden crust appears.  To make sure the filets do not become too dry I will add a little more butter.  Remove filets from heat when desired crust has formed.  Drizzle honey over filets.

Roasted broccoli and cauliflower:

Roasted vegetables are both simple and delicious, not to mention a staple in my weekly meals.  Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Combine one bag of Trader Joe’s organic pre-washed broccoli and a bag of Trader Joe’s organic pre-washed cauliflower on a baking sheet.  Trim broccoli stems.  Drizzle vegetables with oil, sprinkle with garlic salt to your preference, and then toss by hand to make sure each piece is evenly covered.  Crush 3 garlic cloves and place among the vegetables.  Place in the oven for 15 minutes.  At 15 minutes use a spatula to move broc/cauli around the baking sheet before baking another 5 minutes.

Salad: Place Trader Joe’s Super Greens in a bowl. Top with chopped red pepper, chopped Vidalia onion, sprinkle with goat chest and slivered almonds. Dress salad with this delicious dressing: ½ cup vegetable oil, 3 tablespoons water, ¼ cup red wine vinegar, 1 packet Good Seasons Garlic & Herb – combine all ingredients into a mason jar and shake vigorously!

A simple yet delicious summer dessert:
Scoop vanilla frozen yogurt into an ice cream bowl.  Top with chopped strawberries and blueberries.  Drizzle with hard shell magic chocolate. OMG delicious!

Love, Quinn

Heartbreak Perspective and Purpose

Listening to the pain of a close friend (actually three within the last week) vent about the hurt of an ex boyfriend and the frustration with being single inspired me to write this post for I have found that through encouraging others, my heart is also encouraged.

Heartbreak results in one of two things: bitterness and resentment “Why did I waste those months/years of my life?” OR transformations of pains into trust and hope, “I do not understand, but I chose to truth in your goodness and grace.”  Pain is all about purpose and perspective.  Heartbreak is an opportunity for growth, seeking comfort and peace in God’s promises.  His word, Romans 8:28 “And we know that in ALL things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”  This verse promises ALL things will be used for good, the pain suffered and tears shed are not in vain.  Cling to his word, for he is faithful.

With firm belief and unwavering trust in your Heavenly Father’s power, wisdom, and control, the question of why becomes irrelevant.  We don’t need an answer to trust, and too often an answer is not provided.  It is natural for our minds with seek after reason in order to rationalize our hurt, but instead I encourage you to seek after God’s promises.  Philippians 4:29 “He will meet ALL your needs!”  Ephesians 3:20 “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than we could ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.”  His word says it, I claim it as truth.

Instead of trying to rationalize the heartache or speaking ugly of the one who hurt you, I challenge you to grow by identifying what this relationship taught you about yourself, about your wants/needs, about your likes/dislikes, and about what you value most.  Only one man you date will ever be “the one” the others are just valuable lessons along the way.  I can confidently say that every man that has blessed my life has taught me something, some lessons more important than other, some lessons more painful than others, but I count it worth it for I am wiser than I was before.  I promise you this – one-day you’ll be able to thank your ex’s for letting you go, thank them for the lesson learned, and praise God for rescuing you.  There is no room for bitterness when you are stronger, wiser, and rescued.

The lesson learned will reflect your heart and God’s work within you.  Pray for trust, not for clarity.  We humans, are flawed, hurt is inevitable, but be assured that God is your refuge, strength, and protection (Psalm 46:1).  I encourage you to fix your eyes on the one who is always faithful.  Be mindful, occasionally, the lesson isn’t even about you; God trusted you to play a role in that person’s life because He knew you were strong enough.  You weren’t called to be the answer, only the instrument.

Allow your pain to be transformed, keep faith, He holds you in his mighty, perfect hands.

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