Monday- Week 1

So today I actually started the whole work out thing- serious work out thing. I managed to get in a half our walk in the 92+ degree weather with high humidity. After dinner the fiance and I managed to do the Jillian Michaels 30 day shred. It may be only 20 min, but for two people who haven't worked out for a while, it was very gratifying, sweat producing, heart pounding, and over all a good work out routine that I have now convinced the fiance we can do every morning before work. Now I just have to figure out the evening work out as well. If all goes according to plan I may be closer to 205 by the time the cruise happens- then after the cruise one more week of this kind work outs before moving onto our main challenge- P90X.

Speaking of dinner earlier - a very light meal that I do upon occasion, Thai Inspired Poached Chicken with Garlic Kale:

For the Kale:

Saute in a large skillet 1 tbsp of margarine and 1 tbsp of minced garlic.
When the garlic is nice and golden, add in 3 cups chopped Kale- this reduces down to about 2 cups total.
Saute until the Kale is slightly wilted and a nice bright green.
Season with salt and pepper to taste- I like adding Penzey's Fox Point seasoning instead. This dish takes all of 5 minutes once it starts, so watch it so it doesn't burn. Its best to make this after the chicken is done to keep it warm.

For the Chicken:

Marinade:

2 tsp soy sauce
1 tsp thai herb and spice blend from gourmet garden
1/8 tsp honey
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 tsp minced garlic

Poaching liquid:

2 1/2 cups of chicken stock- low sodium
1 tsp minced garlic
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp paprika
1/8 tsp curry powder
1 tsp soy sauce
6 green onions roughly chopped

Mix all the marinade ingredients making sure that they are all well combined. Coat each chicken breast completely and marinade the chicken for at least one half hour- preferably all day.
In a large 2 quart saucepan, combine the ingredients of the poaching liquid together and bring up to a soft simmer. Add in the chicken with all of the marinade. Bring to a boil for at least 15 minutes or til the chicken is fully cooked.

Dicing the chicken will bring down the cook time.