September 22, 2013

Weekend reWind_9.22.13

September 22, 2013/ sherri d'alessandro

I came down with a really bad cold on Friday afternoon. Typically, I completely ignore a cold and go on with my day with the mantra "I don't do sick". Well, once I started having trouble breathing and then ending words that typically end in vowels, with "B" and "D" instead (ex: I'm finnee'd) - I gave in. Relaxation was the only option. So, I pulled together a simple, healthy, & comforting meal of broiled salmon with homemade fettuccine and put on the Sox game. They clinched first place so it provided for a nice little Friday!

Saturday, a bunch of us met up for a little Blue Hills hike (really, just an excuse for another Amber Road brunch). Unfortunately, I scoffed down my cinnamon raisin french toast with pumpkin custard and maple butter so quickly that I forgot to take a picture. Whoops!

This morning, I ran that Brian Honan 5K I was telling you about earlier in the week. It was a sweet little race, lots of college kids and families that were clearly coming together for the cause - I really enjoyed it. The only problem that I ran into was trying to pick up my number. I walk over to the (unmarked) tent with a long line in front of it and finally get up to the front of the line and say "D'Alessandro... D-A-L" per usual. Mr. Harvard couldn't find my name and says "Do you go to Harvard Business School?" Me: Um, no. Mr. Harvard "Oh, then you are on the other list (points) over there". Oh, sorry, buddy. (maybe you should mark your tent with "Harvard ONLY"). Just sayin'. (he was actually perfectly nice, but whatever)

Then, it was time for the Pats & a little dinner on the beach with the fam. How stinking cute are my nieces and nephew? Kite flying pros right there. (click through to see entire image)

Chrome has now crashed on me twice now so I'm going to wrap it up and leave you with the motivation for the week. It's one of my favorites and doesn't need much explanation. I hope you all make it a great one! xo

September 18, 2013

Coconut Quinoa & Chicken

September 18, 2013/ sherri d'alessandro

All I hear about and read about in health blogs (you paleo crossfitters) is coconut, coconut oil, coconut butter, coconut flavored everything. I lovveee coconut, but, when it comes to savory, I'm a Mediterranean-diet/"from the earth" kind of girl. I stick to my Italian roots and create most meals with extra virgin olive oil, garlic, lemon, garden veggies, herbs, etc... you know the drill.

Tonight as I was driving home, I wanted to switch it up (mainly because I'm on my summer kick of avocado/tomato/basil and probably boring the bageezus out of you). Plus, I wanted to make quinoa, which I always see as a fun little challenge to make it taste like something other than sand.

Now, go ahead and google health benefits for coconut oil/milk/etc. I'm on the fence with promoting it because although the research is rather interesting (good for digestive track, anti-inflammatory, etc), it is still a saturated fat and I can't get behind it like my #1, extra virgin o/o. (rule of thumb: fats in liquid form at room temperature are better for you (unsaturated - olive oil, veg oil) than fats that harden at room temp (saturated - butter/coconut oil) .

All things in moderation though, right!? Biggest benefit of this meal? It made my condo smell like a coconut factory. You crossfitters must wreak of coconut. Not a bad thing, not a bad thing at all.

Oh, and it's LOADED with protein from both the Chicken and the Quinoa. And, it is simple to make.

1. Cook your quinoa. 1 part quinoa, two parts coconut milk (I used coconut almond milk). I also put in a tsp of coconut oil on the bottom of the pan in fear that it might stick.

2. Add a small handful of raisins, coconut chips (or flakes), and pecans or slivered almonds.

Cook chicken in a saute pan over medium heat in, yep, coconut oil.

Once the quinoa is fully cooked, add the chicken and top with more coconut chips (or coconut flakes - doesn't really matter). This meal is fast, easy, and pretty dang tasty. The flavor of the coconut really came out (of course) and I really enjoyed it. This is a GREAT recovery meal. Quinoa isn't just a protein superstar, it also has twice the fiber as most grains, and tons of iron (important for us ladies). I always feel like I've won when I make quinoa taste good!

Have a great THURSDAY! xo

September 17, 2013

Fall Races & Places

September 17, 2013/ sherri d'alessandro

To me, there's nothing like the atmosphere at a road race. Friendly faces, runners of all shapes and sizes, and a genuine, sincere feeling of camaraderie amongst both participants and volunteers. I love a good old-fashioned 5K. Mainly because my stress levels are wayyyy lower than a longer distance race. It's just something fun to do on the weekend with a couple friends. Grab lunch and a beer afterwards and you've got the perfect fall day.

I like to look for races with really great causes - it makes the whole experience, even more meaningful. There are a few 5Ks coming up in the Boston area over the next month and a half. Check them out below, grab some friends, and get to it!

(Also, let me know if you want to join me!)

New Balance presents the Brian Honan 5K
Sunday, September 22nd, Noon

Click here for registration information!

What: In 2002, 39 year old Brian Honan, MA City Counselor lost his life unexpectedly. As a way to memorialize him, the West End House Boys & Girls Club in Allston, along with his friends and family, developed a program for young people from across Boston to become more engaged in their community, develop leadership skills, and stimulate an interest in public service. The Honan Fellowship even provides a paid summer internship in a community agency or government office and ends with a community action project to create change in Boston.

Photo courtesy of http://www.brianhonan.org/. — Photo courtesy of http://www.brianhonan.org/.

Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure
Sunday, September 29th, 8am

Click here for Registration Information!

What: Right here in Southie! I think we are all familiar with the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and the impact it has made in the treatment, education, and research of breast cancer. The Boston race proceeds will benefit more community-based organizations in their help for providing local residents with breast health education, screening, access to treatment, & follow-up care. In the last five years, Komen has received more requests for grant support than they are able to fill. 75% of the net revenue raised through the Boston event will stay right here in Massachusetts and is directed towards the local mission - community health, focused on 100% screening, 100% access to care, and 100% follow-up. Along with my aunts and cousins, I ran this race in 2010 to support my aunt, Kathy D. I'm happy to report that her treatment was successful and she is in remission, looking more beautiful than ever!

Walk to End Lupus Now
Saturday, October 26th, 11am

Click here for registration information!

What: For my walker friends! Lupus is a chronic, autoimmune disease has the ability to damage different parts of the body (skin, joints, and/or organs inside the body). Signs and symptoms can last 6 weeks up to years at a time. There is still so much research that still needs to be done for this terrible disease. Funds from this race will benefit research, education, advocacy, and support programs and services for lupus patients and their health care providers.