Stay Healthy
First things first…
Women’s Health
Today I was watching Oprah after work and Christina Applegate was on her show. I know this show has been aired before but I hadn’t seen it. I was in shock over the information that the show provided to women about breast cancer. I am a huge advocate of women being tested, especially if you have breast cancer that runs in your family (and even if you don’t!). I have a friend who was tested to find out if she had the BCRA gene (known as the breast cancer gene) last year and it came back positive. Talk about a scare. Her chances were extremely high that she would develop cancer so she had to take matters into her own hands and do exactly what Christina did: have a bilateral mastectomy My friend brought her chances of developing breast cancer down from above 80% to less than 10%! It is amazing to me that younger women these days are being diagnosed with such horrible diseases. When I was in my teens, I used to think that diseases such as breast or ovarian cancer never affected women who were in their 20s or 30s. I always thought it wasn’t something to worry about until I hit my 40s, 50s or older. Newsflash: women in their 20s are being diagnosed! It’s just amazing to me. I think all women need to take this seriously and make sure to get regular tests done. If you are in doubt, or worried about anything – don’t just pass it off as no big deal– see your doctor!
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Next…
Tina posted a link yesterday to an article she wrote about getting up early in the morning to work out. Here it is!
I really liked this article and it actually was the reason I was able to get up this morning and pump out 3.5 miles of running before I went to work. I kept focusing on how it would feel to get outside on such a beautiful morning and run. I also reminded myself that I would not regret working out, and I didn’t; not even for a second! I’m not paying attention to the fact that my alarm was set at 5:50am and I didn’t actually get out and run until 6:30am lol. The point is.. I went! Yes, it took a lot of convincing.
I knew tonight that i’d be going to the gym with Steve’s Mom and we usually bike together and chat, so I wouldn’t be running tonight. This morning was my chance! We did go to the gym tonight and I biked 19 miles while we were there. Future MIL biked some, then lifted some weights, and then biked some more! It was fun!! I really enjoy the time we spend together at the gym every Thursday. It’s a chance for us to catch up!
Last night I made a fab dinner. It was quick and easy as well, but it tasted so good.
I bought this tofu last weekend and finally had a chance to make it:
Nutritional info:
After pressing it, I sliced it length wise (to use it for wraps) and drizzled a bit of EVOO on top and then sprinkled it with paprika, cumin and red pepper flakes. I also drizzled a tiny bit of maple syrup on top for a bit of extra flavour before cooking at 150 degrees celcius for 35 minutes (flip at 15 minutes).
I made a wrap with a couple slices (and the “rather hot sauce” made another appearance!).
… and here are the leftovers! Steve isn’t a huge fan of tofu. He doesn’t hate it but it’s not one of his favourites. Oh well, more for me!! It turned out really well!
I made some sweet potato wedges on the side. Washed the potato, sliced it, drizzled it with EVOO and paprika and baked for 45 minutes on 150-190 degrees celcius.
They were so good, and I was reminded of why I used to have them so often!
Like I said, dinner was super easy!
Well.. time to get ready for my last work day of the week tomorrow. TGIF!
Big Brother UK starts tonight!
When Carley and I first moved here almost three years ago we were so wrapped up in Big Brother. I think we watched it every oppourtunity we got. There was even live feed on the internet 24/7 and I do remember checking that out from time to time 
I hear this is the last year it’ll be on.. should be interesting!
Adios!
Matt doesn’t like tofu that much either and I feel the same way…more for me! I usually save it for nights when we want to do “individual meals”–when we both want something different.
Your sweet potato fries look perfect! I think I need to lower the temp on mine and cook them for longer…I’ve been cooking them at 200. I’m going to try it your way next time!
Thanks for the link to the morning work out article. I find it rather hard to get out of bed in the morning as well! There are lots of good tips there, so who knows; I may become a morning exerciser as well!
I would love to become a morning exerciser! My motivation to work out AFTER work is the fact that my boyfriend isn’t done until 8:30 and then we stay up later hanging out. When I was training I used to get up and run before work – such a feeling of accomplishment!
I’m going to read that article, because I would LOVE to get my work-out out of the way in the morning! The only times when I’m able to wake up is when I have yoga or spinning to go to…I’ll make an effort
Good job to you for actually doing it!
I had that very same tofu for lunch this morning! I usually just bake it plain, but your recipe sounds great so will have to try it out. The BB contestants look awful this year. Too many trashy girls and weird guys in my option – give me the apprentice any day!
that is a great article…thanks for sharing!!
i’ve never tired tofu…but you sure made it look delicious!! and the potatoes look great too!!
Friday’s coming!!
That tofu looks OH SO GOOD – I’ll take Steve’s portion! This is pretty random but I have seen part of Big Brother UK before and your version is MUCH better than our’s! Nikki was insane but made for good TV
great job getting up and running this morning! My husband and I usually try to do that once summer is here, too. We haven’t started yet, but I’m hoping we will soon! I like getting it out of the way before it gets too hot.
Your dinner may have been easy, but it looks delish!
Thanks for the link!
oooh that tofu looks great
and even better those sweet potate frys!! enjoy big brother!
It is so important to be aware of your body and like you I highly advocate seeing your doctor and getting tested regularly. Even if you feel great and take great care of yourself, you can never be too careful. Anyway, great advice Leah! Health is so incredibly important for all ages.
Your dinner looks really good! Especially the sweet potato wedges! Good idea with the paprika!!
Have a wonderful Friday!!
Wow, that tofu looks delicious! I love all the spices you added on it. I’m definitely going to have to try that out myself!
We had tofu and sweet taters tonight too!
I cannot hear about Oprah without thinking of the story Jillian told about her and Bob and the Oprah cracking open the diet coke. Did you hear it?
nice on the 19 miles on the bike AND the early run. you are on fire! i was wondering where you’d been all week, i should have assumed you were exercising your face off
the wrap looks divine, and i love that hot sauce name, once again!! xo
Those sweet potato fries look yummy. I’ve just got myself some sweet potatoes so will try them tonight. Off to read that article, I’m not a morning person lol.
Yum your tofu sounds great!
I am a big believer in morning exercise. Just starts the day off on the right foot.
I’m glad none of my family are tofu fans because I get the leftovers
AGREE 100% on the breast cancer testing- my GP keeps brushing me off when I voice concerns (it runs in my family) so have booked to see someone else. It’s not something to be delayed/avoided.
Hope you enjoyed Big Brother! I only watched one series when my friend was on it (!) but I heard this season is going to have some twists
Oooh I like the paprika/sweet potato combo – I am going to have to try that! Have a good weekend Leah!
Good article! I have a wake-up light alarm, which slowly lights up to sun-light levels before going off. I don’t think I could exercise in the morning though: I’d have to get up at 5:30!! Which would mean going to sleep around 21:30! But maybe one day, *lol*. Plus, I like to take my time for my workouts. I have done some yoga stretches before, and that made me feel good, as well as some crunches or something like that.
I’ve decided to quit worrying about all these diseases. Worrying about them doesn’t prevent you from getting something. Sure, keep an eye on anything weird, but I don’t believe everyone should be screening for these things – health costs would be through the roof! Plus, certain preventative tests give people a false sense of security, meaning they may not pay attention to certain subtle signs.
Mmm tofu is so good in wraps! Try mixing some curry powder with mayo or yogurt to make a nice curry dressing very yum! Hope you have a great weekend!