As much as I hate to admit this, being at my parent’s house was driving me crazy. For some reason, being there makes me the most sedentary person on the planet.
Example: I watched every episode (5 1/2 season) of How I Met Your Mother in the nearly 3 weeks I was home. Hilarious show! But that’s wayyyy too much TV.
The truth is, I feel better when I’m more active. I like walking places and working out. It just makes me feel better about myself.
So now that I’m in Ithaca, I’m trying to find ways to feel better about myself and my health… despite this:
I won’t lie. The weather here can be terrible. I walked to meet up with some friends and my toes were numb even though I was wearing tights, thick socks and snow boots.
But to keep myself moving, I present to you, my home gym:
Real state of the art, right?
Lately I’ve taken to doing circuits while watching episodes of last season’s The Biggest Loser.
Circuit 1: 25 Step ups
Circuit 2: 20 crunches
Circuit 3: 25 jumping jacks
Circuit 4: 20 bicycle crunches
Circuit 5: 25 bunny hops (back and forth over my computer charger)
Repeat
Not the most exciting work out ever but definitely better than sitting and doing nothing. I’ve also recently discovered ExerciseTV online!
I made another discovery. It’ll revolutionize lunch (or dinner… for me, at least). Okay so I didn’t really discover it. Rather, it’s new to me.
Roasted Broccoli
Who knew it could be so delicious.
What you need:
- Broccoli, Carrots, Onions, etc.
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- salt and pepper
- baking sheet
- oven preheated to 400F
Combine broccoli, other vegetables, olive oil, balsamic vinergar, salt and pepper. Put it all on a baking sheet like such:
Roast at 400F for about 25 minutes.
Makes a wonderful side dish. I’m so pleased! Last night I went and bought more broccoli just so I could have it again.
Definitely recommend it if you haven’t tried it.
Off to try to get some work done, or at least move myself a bit. Have a wonderful day!
Foodologie 
That brocolli looks great! It’s my favorite vegetable but I’ve never tried it roasted, can you believe it?!?!? As to indoor exercise, you must try Zumba!! I just discovered it and now I am completely ADDICTED!!!
I love your home gym! That’s what I do, too – well, not that exact workout obviously, but just exercises that can be done at home. And yes, to exercise TV 😛
Love, LOVE roasted broccoli!! My mom is addicted, too.
Roasted is by far my FAVORITE way to have broccoli!
I just moved from Ithaca in September! I’m so happy I found your blog. Have you been in Ithaca for a while? I miss it now that I’m gone!
I love broccoli. I haven’t tried making it roasted but the photos sure convinced me on doing so.
Thanks for your post! I am encouraged to make the quinoa, lentil, and kale dish tonight! I came to an important conclusion this week. For some time I have known that I can take the best care of myself and be the weight that I like to be when I work 35 hours per week. The last time I was able to do this was about 7 years ago. It is a pipe dream now. I’ve been trying to do the impossible, struggling with frustration, and now I am reconciling myself with the reality. I have to come up with a new strategy.
I will work upwards of 60 hours per week for the next 10 years. This is the reality. I cannot spend the time in the gym that I used to. This is my reality. I eat more when I am stressed at work. This is my reality. I feel like Princess Lea on When Harry Met Sally, “He’s never going to leave her.” blah blah blah.
Lord, give me more self control. Amen. Lauren
GORGEOUS photos! I am digging the roasted veggies these days, too 🙂
LOVE the home gym. Simplicity is all u need, as long as you have motivation. I am so roasting some brocc tonight! 🙂
Blah! Holy snow! I love the basicness of your home gym. SOmetimes I use my dogs as weights and lift them. But they kinda suck and don’t think it’s as fun as me.