Hey guys! Before I get into anything else, I first have to comment on a couple of things…
- First, I’m so glad you guys are liking the new circuit workout. If you think about it, that bad boy can give you quite a few different workouts!
- Second, I think it’s absolutely hilarious that so many of you noticed/commented on the guys’ shirts from last night. Contrary to popular belief, no they did not call each other in advance…plaid is just a rather popular item amongst our men. And to go along with that, our team name for trivia last night was “Toasted Flannel” – (if you see the beer they’re drinking, you’ll get it) courtesy of Yours Truly.
Okay, now that I’ve got those things out of the way…let’s get to the rest of today!
This afternoon, I had plans to meet my friend Linda for lunch, who generously treated me to some delicious Panera.
It was a toss up, but I made the decision to go with the Mediterranean Veggie sandwich. It had been a while since I last had this sandwich, and I’m pretty sure it’s even better than I remember.
Even if the cilantro jalapeño hummus had a little bite to it. Whew!
During lunch, Linda and I had some business to work on; I actually met Linda shortly after I started my training job, and she is just an absolutely incredible woman. While she isn’t one of my clients, I still get the pleasure of talking with her almost every day, and she really had got to be one of the most inspiring women I’ve ever met.
Linda has been on quite an amazing weight-loss journey, and she decided that she is ready to share it with the rest of the world…so she’s decided to start a blog (WOO!). I told her about my blog a few weeks ago, and she’s been reading ever since (Hey, Linda!) so when she asked me if I could help her get started with a few things, I was more than happy to help.
We got through a few things, but there’s definitely still more to be worked on. Once she’s up and ready, I’m definitely going to share it with you guys!
*****
Dinner
Believe it or not, the only grocery shopping I did this week consisted of apples, bananas, and milk. I knew we were going to have a few nights out, and I was also starting to feel like we were getting stocked up on quite a bit of stuff. So tonight, we put together a fun little dish that was not only tasty, but wicked easy to prepare…
Ham & Pineapple Rice Bowls
I actually debated on recreating our Hawaiian pizza tonight, but since we didn’t have the cheese on hand, I had to go another route. Luckily, this route was a good one to take AND quite a bit healthier, too!
[print_this]
Ham & Pineapple Brown Rice Bowls
Serves 2
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked brown rice
- 1 ham steak
- Juice from half of an orange
- ~1/2 tablespoon brown sugar
- ~1/2 cup diced pineapple
- 1/2 bag baby spinach, steamed (in the microwave)
- Pineapple salsa (optional)
Sauté the ham steak in a small skillet with juice from the orange, brown sugar, diced pineapple chunks, and salt and pepper, to taste. One ham and pineapple is heated through, about 5-6 minutes, cube into chunks and mix with cooked rice, spinach, and salsa.
[/print_this]
Like I said, simple yet super tasty!
While we were prepping the rice bowls, I even managed to whip up a batch of my healthified corn bread…which we totally forgot all about until after we were done eating our rice bowls. Woops.
The corn bread didn’t turn out as great as usual – I didn’t have any applesauce and substituted some plain Greek yogurt instead. It was okay, but I definitely prefer to use the applesauce.
Ahh well…it’s nothing a little peanut butter won’t be able to help with tomorrow.
Or later.
I’m off to go catch up on our DVR’d shows from last night!
Janae Wise says
Love pineapple rice bowls. I do a vegan version where I throw in cashews, but I’ve never thought of throwing in spinach! What a great idea.
Lauren says
What type of bread is that? Whole wheat? I always forget you can sub a different type of bread!
Courtney says
It’s their sun-dried tomato. My favorite!
Julie H. of Spinach and Sprinkles says
That supper looks delicious! I seriously want it now!!!! Those flavors just look like they went together perfectly! Good sub for the pizza…… I also like that it would be pretty quick too! :)
Tayla @ She'll Be Free says
This looks wonderful…what type of ham steak are you using? because the other day I was looking for some ham and every brand had caramel coloring and added sugar!
Courtney says
It was hatfield brand…I didn’t pay too much attention to ingredients so I’m not sure what it had.
chelsey @ clean eating chelsey says
I love their jalapeno hummus! It is so delicious – I always get sides of it for my salads!
Courtney says
That is such a good idea!!
Lauren says
You should try canned pumpkin in your corn bread next time. It;s out of this world!
Courtney says
I totally agree…hubs isn’t a fan though.
Amanda says
Thank you for this recipe! I have a ton of ham leftover from Easter and have no idea what to do with it! You are so creative!
Leah @ DeLeahLicious says
Thanks for being so wonderful and answering questions about my blog too! :)
Kalyn says
I love ham + pineapple anything– this looks great! Also, I had a craving for cornbread earlier today, so I think I’m so glad you posted about your health-ified recipe!
Katie @ Talk Less, Say More says
Mmmm I love that sandwich from Panera, but I always forget it has a bit of a bite to it…haha!
Yellow Haired Girl says
This looks great! Pineapple doesn’t get the spotlight nearly enough :)
Isa says
your cornbread looks fantastic! I would love to have a piece of that!
Jen says
I had Panera today too! Crazy!! You’re so creative when it comes to making meals. I love recreating them and adding my own little twist into them sometimes. :)
Khushboo says
Love that dinner- I’m on a grain kick recently…enjoying them even more so than bread!
Natasha says
that recipe looks wonderful! I’ll need to pick up some ham and pineapple :)
Michelle@PeachyPalate says
Cornbread is so good, I now have to make some this weekend!
Alyssa says
Just found your blog and I love it! I was particularly drawn to the men in plaid because it reminds me of my friend Tom – his entire closet is made up of blue-plaid shirts. It’s hilarious. :)
Looking forward to reading more! xx
Sarah says
Totally checking out your corn bread recipe right after I post this comment! You know the first time I had corn bread was 2 weeks ago?? Crazy.. I know! I fell in love with it and have not gotten it out of my head ever since :)
Katy says
I absolutely love Panera! I always get the Mediterranean Veggie sandwich.
Linda says
Courtney – you are simply the most gracious, intelligent and funny girl! Thanks for all your help and I am flattered by your comments.
I am so excited for this phase of my life and thrilled that it has brought me amazing people like YOU!
Courtney says
You are so very welcome, Linda!
P.S. – Love that you linked up your Facebook page to your comment this time ;)
Linda says
I have all your notes with me! YAY!
Kristen @ notsodomesticated says
Love the dinner idea! Simple dinners really are the best sometimes! ;)