“Falling” Into Good Habits

Hey guys!

Well, I’ve already been at it for a couple of days, but now that the long weekend is over, it’s time you guys joined me in getting back to the grind! But don’t dread it…think of it this way…we’re just THAT much closer to another weekend!

And so close to another WIAW that it’s ALREADY HERE!! πŸ˜‰

Just when I thought I couldn’t love Jenn anymore, she has to go and pick another FABULOUS theme for our weekly celebrations!

This month, the theme is “Falling” into Good Habits where we can all share our delicious eats but also get ahead of the whole New Year jazz and set a few healthy goals/resolutions for fall! Perfect timing Jenn, because there just so happens to be a few things I’ve been wanting to aim for, like…

Giving foods a second chance…

While I’ve ALWAYS been a fan of dried figs, I’ve never really had that “wow” moment with a fresh one, but after seeing Ashley’s DELICIOUS-looking figgy smoothie the other day, when I saw some at the store the other day, I felt compelled to give them another shot.

I think it’s all about the combo…on their own, I just don’t find them flavorful enough, but mixed in a bowl of plain Greek yogurt, with a crumbled oatmeal raisin cookie and a little cinnamon?

Folks, we have ourselves a winner!

I’ve still got a few more left, but have a plan for them…I’ve been told to stuff them with goat cheese, wrap them in prosciutto, and barbecue them…now THAT I have to try!

Eating more fish….

The other night,Β I whipped up a fantastic dinner of pan-seared scallops (just coated them with spices and threw them in a skillet), sauteed greens, and roasted veggies and was reminded of how much I’ve missed eating fresh seafood.

Mmmm, scallops!

I don’t usually buy a lot of Β fish because since I prefer to buy only fresh/wild caught, it can get a bit pricey. There are occasions that I can find such things around here, but it’s rare so while I was in Nashville this weekend, I picked up these beautiful scallops and a few other fine fishy specimens, wrapped them up and stuffed them in the freezer!

Now, to just remember that they are in there! πŸ˜‰

Reaching for more veggie snax…Β 

With the eminent close of summer in the air, I’ve been eating my weight in blueberries, cherries, peaches, nectarines…I think you know where I’m going with this.

While fruit is most definitely a heathy snack, I want to keep balance in mind and remember that there are delicious veggies I could be nibbling on too!

Last night, we had a small potluck at work and I whipped up a batch of “throw together” hummus and served it with organic celery, carrots, and cucumbers…

Add some red bell pepper, crackers, and a side of meaty chili (that was totally regarded as another dip) and call it dinner!

Welcoming fall flavors…

Speaking of potluck, there was NO WAY I couldn’t talk about this AMAZING cookie!

Dried apple pieces, chunks of cinnamon sugar, and rich white chocolate chips…and you know enriched flour, preservatives, and probably a couple of UCI (unidentified cookie ingredients).

I’m not much of a baker, so I don’t know if I’ll try to go the cookie route, but I CAN’T wait to get in the kitchen and whip up something with this amazing flavor combo!

Maybe you’ll see them soon in the form of pancakes? πŸ˜‰

And lastly, PR Planking…

After a GREAT workout on my favorite piece of cardio equipment at the gym today, I felt like I still needed a little something more so I figured I’d do a plank or two, but I’ll admit after seeing all of Calee’s plank #proof on Instagram over the last week, the competitive side came out in me…

4:29

Officially, the LONGEST plank I’ve ever held!

My arms were shaking, my abs were screaming, and there may or may not have been a puddle of sweat beneath me…but it felt SO GOOD and now? Now, I want MORE!

Hmm, think I could do 8? πŸ˜‰

Do you have any goals you’ve set for yourself recently?

What’s the longest you’ve ever held a plank?
Don’t be shy, when I first started, a minute seemed like a YEAR!

Now, head on over to Peas & CrayonsΒ to see how everyone else plans to “fall” into some good habits this season…who knows, maybe you’ll get an idea or two! πŸ˜‰

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53 Responses to “Falling” Into Good Habits

  1. Thanks for the link back!!
    UCI – unidentified cookie ingredients! Haha.
    I love scallops! Niiiice choice. I’m so pumped for Fall flavors, I bought my first can of pumpkin for the season. But I’m trying to hold off until the first brisk day :).

    • kissmybroccoli says:

      Haha, me too! I just happened to see it at the end of an aisle at the store and immediately shoved it in my cart. Then I got home with it and thought maybe it was a bit early still…we’ll see how long that moment lasts! πŸ˜‰

      Thank YOU for the motivation to try figs again…I think I’m definitely starting to like them more! And I really want to try your smoothie now too!

  2. I look forward to your WIAW every week. I’ve been eyeing scallops for a while… going to have to try that on my next farmer’s market trip!

    KILLER planking! You are the new plank queen. πŸ™‚

    • kissmybroccoli says:

      Aww, thanks girl! Hmm, the Planking Pancake Queen…kinda has a ring to it! πŸ˜‰

      Ugh, I only WISH my farmer’s market sold scallops! Or any fish for that matter!

  3. I love figs, especially grilled. The carmelize and get super sweet. Oh yum.
    I also can’t wait to see what you do with apples, cinnamon, and white chocolate (white chocolate is the best, probably because it’s all butter).

  4. Apple, Cinnamon AND White Chocolate Chips?! Holy Guacamole that sounds good!

  5. Jessie says:

    I just got done writing on my post today how Im craving some scallops, haha. I hear Greece has some amazing seafood.. so let’s hope this craving can be fulfilled πŸ™‚ lol. .. and seriously let’s talk about THAT cookie, holy friggen amazing!!

  6. Urgh I think I planked for 2 mins the other day but compared to your epic 4.29 – that is just ridiculous πŸ™‚

    Figs with proscuitto and cheese is soo good – do make sure you try it!

    I truly wish I could get more affordable seafood too – it is so expensive. I miss living next to the coast and having access to really good fresh seafood πŸ™

    Happy WIAW πŸ™‚
    xo Emilie @ Hungry Delights

  7. hmm Scallops, I haven’t had them in a while but I adore those! I can hold a plank for 5 minutes – but I do mix up the position from forearms to hands every 30 seconds to a minute or so.. The challenge I’ve set myself from now ’till my b-day (Nov. 16th) is to increase my push-ups! I’m so weak in my arms πŸ™ it’s sad! So every day I will do push-ups I’ve started of on the 1st of Sept. only being able to do 3 (I know, sad) now it’s 5 πŸ˜‰ I’d love to be able to do 20 or so πŸ™‚ Oh well.. happy WIAW!

    • kissmybroccoli says:

      Scallops will ALWAYS be my favorite…when it comes to seafood anyway…I have LOTS of “favorites”! πŸ˜‰ Nice job on the planks! I tried to beat my time the other day and could only hold it for 3 and a half! What the heck?! Haha! And I totally feel you on the pushups…I suck! I can only do about 8 on my toes πŸ™

  8. Jeez well done on the plank! I think my longest is around 3 minutes, but yours was epic!!! Figs are amazing but they’re so expensive, here at least!

    • kissmybroccoli says:

      Thanks Shel! And yeah, I think they are usually more expensive, but since it’s like peak season, most stores have been having them on sale! I got these for like $6 a pound! πŸ˜€

  9. SO freaking proud of that plank! I held one for 5:12 on camera one time and nearly died. Planks rock!

  10. Figs are the Best! Just love them. I’m trying to do more veggie snacks too. I don’t do that often enough.

  11. milkandspoon says:

    Woo great job on your plank time – thats great. Ive never properly tried figs before i might have to give them a go – yours look yummy!

    • kissmybroccoli says:

      Thank you so much!

      And yes, figs are definitely worth at least ONE try! Though I’d suggest pairing them with cinnamon, honey, or like I mentioned, the goat cheese. They’re really mellow tasting on their own, but with the right combination, the sweetness is boosted up JUST ENOUGH! πŸ˜€

  12. Mmm I love figs! Pairing them with goat cheese and prosciutto is an epic combination! Switching out the goat cheese for blue cheese is also really good too. πŸ˜€

    I need to start eating more veggie snacks as well. I have such a sweet tooth so I usually reach for fruit, yogurt or a granola bar first. But as you said, I need to balance it out!

    And wow, nice job on that plank! I’ve never really tried to hold one longer than a minute. Now I’m curious to see how long I could last! I bet it wouldn’t be long though haha.

    • kissmybroccoli says:

      You know, I never really liked blue cheese, but I had some in a coleslaw at Whole Foods and it wasn’t bad! Maybe I’ve come around! I went to the store for prosciutto yesterday and they were OUT! Can you believe it? It’s like they knew I was coming! Hopefully they’ll get some more back in stock soon…because I’m on a mission! Lol

      I’ve tried to hold one for “my longest” before and clocked in at about 2 and half minutes, but never really thought I could do more than that…the trick is to distract yourself…and DON’T look at your timer/watch…you may be surprised! πŸ˜‰

  13. wow that plank time is AMAZING. the longest i’ve gone is 2 minutes and that was such a struggle! I need to start eating more seafood also!

  14. Figs are just so gorgeous…yet I never eat them. I love the look of your breakfast.

  15. Kelsey says:

    I agree – Jenn’s themes are awesome!

    I think I held a 4 minute plank one time – but that was when I rotated around (front – back – right arm – left arm). 4:29 is AWESOME!!

  16. The thing I initially had to get over with figs was how they look….kind of like a fleshy sea anemone. Not pretty. I actually haven’t tried ones with any green color to them, but I love the dark-colored ones! Not very technically described. Great job on the plank! I’m still at, um, a minute? Haha….slowly working on it!

    • kissmybroccoli says:

      Omg, I’ve never thought about that…but they DO! Hahaha! The green ones (yeah don’t remember their name either) weren’t really distinct in flavor…very mellow, but the darker ones were much sweeter! I liked those the best!

  17. Wow that is one long ass plank! The longest I’ve is 2 min. Gah. What do you do when you’re doing yours, I tend to find myself really bored and that’s usually what doesn’t let me take it longer. I just get bored and it’s killin me to actually stare at the timer lol advice?

    • kissmybroccoli says:

      DON’T look at the timer! That kills me every time! This was actually the first time I’ve done anything over about 2 and a half minutes…I had my music on so I just kinda sung along and since I was act the gym, I had plenty of people (er, ok more like their legs) to watch! πŸ˜‰ What kills me though is that I tried to beat my own time yesterday and couldn’t get over 3 and a half! Now I’m pissed! Haha!

  18. Allie says:

    Holy cow plank! Way to go!

    And hmm, maybe that was my issue with fresh figs, I only tried them plain and just wasn’t impressed. Maybe on top of some oatmeal with good fall spices? I’ll see if I’m brave enough/not-too-cheap-enough to pick up some more and try again πŸ˜€

    Looooooking forward to those pancakes.

    • kissmybroccoli says:

      Holy cow…plank? Hmm, well it’s better than a patty! πŸ˜‰

      Yeah, on their own, I think figs are just meh…not really a strong enough flavor to have me craving more, but when mixed with cinnamony goodness? Oh it is ON!!

  19. Oh.wow. Congratulations on the plank! You’re a beast! The longest I’ve ever held a plank for was a little over two minutes, I think. I was definitely shaking like a bowl of Jello in an earthquake, and ended up collapsing into a lifeless heap, unwilling to move for the next 5 minutes πŸ˜† It’s been a while since I’ve done any kind of serious ab work though… oops.

    I had the same kind of experience with fresh figs. After seeing them all over people’s blogs, and them looking so pretty and all, I finally decided to buy one and after first biting into it, I reaaaaally had to wonder what the fuss was about. They tasted like… nothing? Or actually, almost like iceberg lettuce. I haven’t had any since (unless they were dried) but I’ve recently heard that roasting them makes them soooo sweet and flavorful, so I might have to give them a shot that way.

    • kissmybroccoli says:

      Straight up iceberg lettuce!! Or like a strawberry out of season…SUCH a disappointment! That’s why I REALLY want to try them in the oven with the cheese and prosciutto…I think having them warm will make a big difference. Can you believe it though? When I went to the store yesterday to grab some prosciutto, they were ALL OUT and they didn’t have any figs either! It’s a conspiracy by God! Lol

      Jello in an earthquake, huh? Girl, you crack me up! Love it!

  20. Calee says:

    Ha, you know what I’m doing right now? Going to the gym over lunch to beat your plank time. πŸ˜› Love ya lady!!

  21. The longest I have held a plank is a minute! Maybe I will try for a minute and thirty seconds tonight at the gym πŸ™‚

  22. Heather says:

    Yes! That was me that suggested the goat cheese, prosciutto, fig combo to you on Instagram. Please do it and let me know what you think! It’s become a local favorite πŸ™‚

    • kissmybroccoli says:

      Oh yay! I was gonna link to ya but your IG profile didn’t have a URL with it! And I’m sorry, but the easily amused child in me is giggling right now over the fact that your name is Heather too! Lol

      I went to the store the other day and they were completely out…of figs AND PROSCIUTTO! The forces are against me for some reason! I’ll be sure to walk an old lady across the street in the next couple of days to be sure to get myself back in good graces and then I’ll let you know! πŸ˜‰

  23. I’ve never (fresh) figged. I really, really think I need to now!

    • kissmybroccoli says:

      Oh yes…at least once! But you HAVE to pair them with something like cinnamon or honey or like I want to do with the goat cheese. On their own, they’re so mellow that they don’t really HAVE a taste, but I think the right combo helps to boost it just enough! πŸ™‚

  24. awesome job on that plank girl! My arms would have fallen off!! lol I do them on my forearms b/c my wrists hurt too bad! I’m so glad you gave figs a second chance! They are sooo good!

    • kissmybroccoli says:

      Oh yeah, I HAVE to do them on my forearms! I’m not sure why, but my wrists have always been sorta weak. Sometimes in yoga, if there are too many down dogs and chaturangas, I can’t keep up! :-/

  25. Congrats on the plank time!

    Figs are a texture thing for me, and they look kind of gross when they’re ready to be eaten. I’d rather eat something crunchy than mushy.

  26. Hmmm…I JUST got figs in my CSA box today…I think they may be on the menu now for tomorrow. And I’ve never tried to see how long I can plank, my guess…not long! You always motivate me…thank you!

    • kissmybroccoli says:

      Aww, you’re welcome!! πŸ˜€

      And those figs made a DELICIOUS appearance on that menu I might add! πŸ˜‰ I’m sooooo jealous of your CSA! I wish they had a program available around here…instead, I just have to cherish the last month or so I have with my precious farmer’s market before it closes up for the year! So sad!

  27. Emily says:

    Your WIAW posts are always my favorite! I look forward to them every week.
    First of all, you muuust try freezing your figs. I know it sounds weird but they’re amazing- promise! I’m usually turned off by their consistency and freezing them totally solves that problem.
    And second, way to kick some serious planking-ass! I need to start building up my plank time. I usually stop after 2-3 minutes but I’m sure I could hold it longer if I really pushed myself!

    Enjoy the rest of your week (and I hope your car gets fixed ASAP!) <3

    • kissmybroccoli says:

      Aww, thanks doll! I always look forward to your thoughtful comments! πŸ˜€ Definitely putting that on the list…I keep getting wonderful ideas for figs, but FIRST I have to get some more! I went to the store the other day and they were completely OUT! Grrrr!

      This was the first time I REALLY pushed myself on a plank. Before this, I think my longest was probably around 2 and a half….I was so shocked to see that I could go this long! Just find a good distraction and you can TOTALLY do it!

  28. There are few things in life more delicious than a fresh fig. Grill it and top it with goat cheese and that is PERFECTION (and maybe wrap a piece of priscutto around it…).
    AWESOME job on the planks! I did the plankadaychallenge in July, and it’s amazing how much time you can add on by doing one each day! I got up to around 5 minutes and then stopped doing one each day. I’d probably have to go back and build up- but I do them all the time in Bodypump and in my Core Strength class (just for much shorter pds of time).

    • kissmybroccoli says:

      Oh yeah, I really like the ones I’ve done in Bodypump…especially the ones were you rock forward and back! It hurts so good! Lol

      And I’m DEFINITELY doing the goat cheese and prosciutto…as soon as I find a store with prosciutto in stock! Grrr!

  29. Hmmm, please please share those stuffed figs you make…I’ve never tried them and they sound delicious that way! Gonna get sassy with your figs too! And whoa…way to plank it girlfriend!!! My longest was somewhere around there as well…did you stay in one position or switch positions?? xo

    • kissmybroccoli says:

      Will do! Err…as soon as I go out and buy more that is! Lol! I couldn’t resist the combo and totally had a repeat of this for lunch today…sooo good!

      And thanks! I actually (somehow) managed to stay in one position for the whole plank…though toward the end my sweaty elbows had me sliding a bit! haha!

  30. Jess says:

    I have never tried figs before…but I think I need too! They look so good here!

    • kissmybroccoli says:

      Oh yes! I think the addition of the cinnamon is key though, otherwise the flavor is so mellow that it doesn’t really stand out at all…kinda like iceberg lettuce! :-/ I think they’d be GREAT on top of a big bowl fall-spiced oatmeal! Mmmm!

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