Taking a minute to sit, be slow and soak in the sights and sounds of Austin from a different perspective can be a refreshing and rewarding way to mix up not only the daily routine but the traditional Valentine’s Day hype!

While hosting friends at your place may be daunting, Superbowl Sunday is a great excuse to have a few friends over and put out some easy savory dips, snacks, chips, desserts and drinks for people to casually munch on. Pick up some great smoked sausages and quality cheeses and breads from your local deli counter and you have sufficient protein to keep people happy through overtime. Plus, we’ve been having pretty fantastic weather lately. So if you do want to fire up your grill, most meat counters have some great pre-marinated meat options.  Serving a full meal can feel like a lot of work and stress on a host, but if you’re willing to make some shortcuts, opt for some pre-marinated meats and already made sides. We’ve found really great pre-marinated BBQ chicken wings from The Meat House and fajita meat from Central Market and HEB. If you pick up some rice, beans or slaw while you’re there, just plop the store-bought sides in your own bowls. For some simple, fresh options chop up some fresh tomatoes, avocados, celery, broccoli, baby carrots and even whip up an easy, light bagged salad or cabbage & broccoli coleslaw mix. Hummus and salsa are always fresh, light fare. Then set out some drinks, stock up on ice and plastic wear, be sure the trash can and recycling are easy for guests to find and kick back with your pals! Your friends will be appreciative of your hospitality, enjoying a good game and good company, and will not care that you didn’t slave for hours over the diverse menu.

Personally, I plan to munch on dips, visit with pals and tune in for the commercials. I may make Chex Mix because the real stuff is just so much better…

Here are some great ideas for quality munchies and sips:
Homemade Chex Mix
Rosemary Shrimp Skewers
Grilled Portobello Burgers
Dr. Pepper + Brie Brisket Tacos
Banana Split Bites
Margaritas
Sangria

Let the countdown to the weekend begin!

1 bunch Kale

crystalized ginger, chopped

dried cranberries

pepitas

red onion

Optional: wasabi peas

Orange Sesame Vinaigrette

1 Tbs. toasted sesame oil

1/3 cup Orange Juice

1/2 Tbs. olive oil

1/2 Tbs. Bragg’s liquid amino acids

2 or more pieces crystalized ginger

Rinse kale, trim the leaves from the stem and tear into bite sized pieces.  Top with dried cranberries, pepitas, red onion, ginger and vinaigrette.

So the question is, when is it safe to continue to exercise when you are sick? I remember a trainer once telling me that if the cold/sickness is above the neck, you have a green light; if it is below the neck, you should stay home and rest. A little over-simplified, yes? 

So, in case you are wondering whether or not to make it to tomorrow’s workout, here is a better explanation from WebMD. 

Now, get some rest!

Marathon season is heating up in the Austin area as runners gear up for the 3M Half and then the Livestrong Austin Marathon and so there are so many great races this time of year as we head into the spring months. If a marathon is not for you (can’t say it’s for me either!) you should still consider signing up for a smaller race. Races in Austin are, simply put, just fun to be a part of. You’ll get a shirt. That’s legit. There’s also live music, freebies in your race bag, food, drinks, prizes and events after the race. There are the elite runners, who finish the course while the rest of us are only half way completed, all the way to families, strollers, dogs, and corporate groups who leisurely jog and even walk a good portion of the course. There is a good chance you will run into someone you know, and you’ll get to take in some great Austin scenery that you’ve sped past countless times in your car but you may have missed or never appreciated. As the sun rises, the race courses will wind through downtown Austin, funky South Congress, the historic and beautifully tree-lined streets of Tarrytown and North Campus and you’ll gain an entirely new view of and appreciation for the city.

image via The Austin American Statesman

It’s a great tradition to start with your kids, friends and significant others. Personally, the Bun Run, Capitol 10K and Turkey Trot are some of my favorite races, not just because they’re big Austin events but because my first memories of them involve running with them my dad in middle and high school. If you make it fun for your kids, challenging them to see how far they can go, sticking with them at their pace, it can be a great tradition and a great way to share an enthusiasm about fitness with your family. The Capitol 10K is noteworthy for the many creative and obnoxious costumes that can be spotted throughout the race. You don’t have to be a serious runner who plows through six miles in order to enjoy the race buzz with a couple friends in goofy, coordinating costumes. I’ve seen Mr. and Mrs. Packman, grocery bags, the Frost Bank Tower, cows, M&Ms, hot dogs…

You should give it a shot.  It’s fun to feel a part of a big, active Austin event. If you’re doubtful, sign up and challenge yourself to see how far or fast you can go. Sign up with a friend who will chat with you and keep you moving; go get breakfast afterwards with your race number and shirt on, feeling accomplished and like a true Austinite.
Here are some upcoming races:

Lifetime Right Foot Run 5K : January 15
The Gorilla Run 5k : January 21
Pints for PRs 5K : January 21
The Color Run 5K : February 4
Save Muny 5K : February 5
Is 3 miles too long or are you looking to mix things up!? Triple Crown Track Meet : January 22

Let me know if you sign up for one, and I’ll do my best to join you!

Beyond calorie counting or a commitment to exercising, you may not see optimal results unless you are mindful about the foods you are taking into your system. After all, they say that 80 percent of your body composition success is determined by how you eat. It might seem obvious, but your body does NOT like processed foods, vegetable oils and sugars (much to my chagrin). Your body DOES love meats and veggies! It also thrives on good fats, like olive and coconut oil, nuts and avocado.

So next time you are going grocery shopping, just ask yourself how many steps did it take for that loaf of whole wheat bread to make it to your kitchen? Instead, reach for green leaf lettuce to make a turkey wrap, which can aptly take its place on a lunch date. You can skip the whole wheat pasta and opt for spaghetti squash instead – even my toddler loves it. For heavy exercisers, try sweet potatoes, quinoa or wild rice for the most healthful source of carbs. If you aren’t shopping at the farmers markets, try to stay on the outside aisles of the grocery store as a rule of thumb.

Long story short, we are what we eat. So make it a good one!

Outright Fitness will try to fill a team of up to 12 players (8 minimum), both men and women. If you are interested in joining the OF team, please contact Laura Cruzada, lauracruzada@yahoo.com, by January 30. The cost will be roughly $48 per person. Once we have a good list of interested people, we will send more details about billing.

More details Below:

2012 SPRING OUTDOOR SOCCER STARTING DATE:
February 21, 2012 – Tuesday division, SE Metro
February 22, 2012 – Wednesday division, NE Metro
***The divisions do not combine, so you are able to play in both if you wish***

STARTING TIMES:
6:30pm – 9:15pm

SEASON:
Each team will play 6 regular season games. Play-offs will start the week after the end of the regular season. The number of teams in each league to make the play-offs varies per season.

LOCATIONS:
Southeast Metro Park & Northeast Metro

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