Strolling Along

Sometimes you just don’t know what you’re missing out on.

I think there are lots of times in life where you can get caught up in your daily routine. Just going about your business, not really realizing things can be different. Things can be better.

I purchased my first jogging stroller when my son, Kaleb, was about a year old. I was just starting to get into running and I thought it would be a great way to multi-task on the mornings I stayed home with him. At the time I could run about two miles on my own. Not knowing how it would work out for the two of us I decided to purchase the “cheapest” jogging stroller I could find. After reading tons of reviews I decided on a Baby Trend Expedition stroller that I purchased at Target.

For the last two years the Baby Trend stroller has worked out just fine. For my purposes it held up rather well, but I do think it depends on how serious you are about running with the stroller and what surfaces you are going to be using it on. We used the stroller once a week to participate in my Strollers in Motion workout class through Mommy Movement Fitness [www.mommymovementfitness.com] Depending on the weather we also run one to two times per week, about three miles each run. We run on the sidewalk along city streets which means tons of bumps and uneven sidewalks. Then for some reason in Wichita the sidewalk mysteriously ends in the middle of the city block and then starts up again. This I will never understand.

We mostly run the same route. So this has resulted in me developing quite the system for making it through our 3 miles. There are several times when I have to lift up the stroller, walk quickly through the grass and duck to avoid low hanging tree branches. It takes quite the concentration. One wrong move and BAM - we hit the sidewalk wrong and everything (including my iPhone) goes flying out onto the sidewalk. Stop, reload and we are off again. Depending on the day we could experience this technical difficulty more than once a stroller run, or not at all.

But again, when you don’t know any different you go about your daily routine doing the same thing. Never realizing things could be so much easier.

Enter BOB Stroller.

I had heard plenty about BOB Strollers and I know tons of Mom’s who own them. I’ve heard nothing but the best about them. The only thing shying me away was the price. It took a little convincing. I can’t say my husband jumped up and down at the idea of spending a good chunk of change on a stroller. But it was worth. every. penny.

I purchased my BOB Revolution SE Single Stroller from the Jogger Mom website www.joggermom.com

Here’s a picture of my new BOB Stroller after I finished putting it together!
The stroller can purchased here http://www.joggermom.com/BOB-Revolution-SE-Single-Stroller-_p_99.html
I also purchased the handle bar console http://www.joggermom.com/BOB-Handlebar-Console-Single_p_82.html

Kaleb testing out his new ride! He told me, “Mom, you ride and I will stroll!”

I could tell from the first moment we headed out with the new stroller that things were going to be different. I can not believe hard I was working before. I’m going to have to find another way to burn off the extra calories I used to push my first stroller. We took our usual route and I could feel the hesitation mounting as we got ready to hit the first uneven part of the sidewalk. It was amazing!! We flew over the bumps without a single problem. (Kaleb didn’t have to hang on for dear life) At that point I was totally hooked. The difference was unbelievable. My run was so relaxing I actually found my mind drifting for a while....

Kaleb says he really likes his new stroller! I used to joke before that running with the stroller was my “make up” run if I missed my run I was supposed to do on my own. Although I love going out with Kaleb, it was sometimes a total hassle to take the stroller out. Now I can really enjoy our runs together! There are so many things I love about my stroller, but a few of my favorites are that the handle bar hits me right at my waist, the handle bar console has cup holders that are so much deeper, the whole inside of the stroller seat is padded and the sun shade is so much bigger! Things have been massively improved for both of us. 

If you are thinking about purchasing a BOB Stroller, I highly recommend using http://www.joggermom.com. I was very impressed with the personal customer service I was provided from Jogger Mom. After purchasing my stroller I received an e-mail from the founder, Kelly Morse, sharing with me her personal story. When you call for assistance with your order you are also connected to Kelly directly and if she is not available you can leave her a voicemail message. When is that ever the case?!I also received a follow up e-mail a week after I received my stroller asking me if I was happy with my purchase and to review my item online.

Owning a jogging stroller has allowed me more flexibility in my routine. When things get crazy and something gets in the way of my regular workout schedule, then it provides a great back up plan. It allows me to do something for myself without having to find a babysitter and I think the fresh air and sightseeing are good for my son. It’s time that we get to spend together discussing what we see. And it always helps to have him telling me to “go faster Mommy!”

As I mentioned earlier, I think it depends on your needs for a jogging stroller and how much you plan on using it. My personal experience is that this is an instance when you get what you pay for. My only regret is that I didn’t purchase a BOB stroller two years ago! I’m happy to hear “I told you so,” from anyone who wants to throw one my way!

Did you miss the zucchini boat?

I did. It was sailing right past me. I was happily going along believing I didn’t like zucchini.

Turns out, I actually don’t care for yellow summer squash. Who knew? Because they are very commonly served together I had no idea I actually love zucchini. Going along with my typical behavior, an obsession began. All summer long I purchased 2 zucchini a week and looked for recipes to prepare it. After trying many different things I thought I would share three of my favorite recipes!

Because this blog should probably be at least a little bit educational, let’s learn a few things.

Zucchini is a type of summer squash and is actually a fruit, which may come up sometime when you are playing Trivial Pursuit so you can thank me later. In a culinary sense it is usually served as a vegetable, thus the tricky question. It is a very low calorie vegetable that is often used during weight reduction and cholesterol control programs. Each zucchini has only 17 calories! They contain no saturated fats or cholesterol. Its peel is good source of dietary fiber that helps reduce constipation and offers some protection against colon cancers. Zucchini is a very good source of potassium, which is a heart friendly electrolyte. It helps reduce blood pressure and heart rates by countering the effects of sodium. Zucchinis are available all year long, but they are at their best during late spring and summer seasons.

Here are some helpful hints for choosing a zucchini when shopping. In the stores choose small to medium sized zucchini featuring shiny, bright green skin. It should be firm and heavy in your hand. The best size for zucchini is 6 to 8 inches long and 2 inches or less in diameter. They can be stored in your fridge for 2 to 3 days If you are looking for an easy suggestion try eating it raw in a salad or with a dip, mix it with other vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, asparagus and green beans or shredded and added to breads or muffins.

Here are my three favorite zucchini recipes!

Summer Tortellini Salad

I pinned the original recipe to Pinterest from a great blog called Real Mom Kitchen. You can find the original recipe here http://realmomkitchen.com/2766/summer-tortellini-salad/
I’ve prepared this recipe using low fat store bought ranch dressing. I’ve also purchased the Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning packet and made the dressing with skim milk and plain Greek yogurt. Both are great depending on how much time you have and how health conscious you are feeling. 

Ingredients
1 pkg. (9 oz.) uncooked refrigerated or frozen cheese-filled tortellini
1 medium zucchini, thinly sliced
1 large carrot, peeled and chopped
1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup you’re favorite ranch dressing
Parmesan cheese – to taste

1. Cook tortellini according to package directions, drain and rinse under cold running water. Place tortellini in a large colander and set aside.
2. Meanwhile, slice zucchini. chop carrot(s). Cut tomatoes in half.
3. Add vegetables to tortellini.
4. Either make salad dressing or pour store bought dressing over salad. Grate parmesan cheese over salad. cover; refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving. Yield: 6 servings

Zucchini Rice Casserole

You can find the original recipe here: http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/zucchini_rice_casserole.html
I first discovered this recipe when I was meal planning for the week of my half marathon this past spring. I was looking for a way to incorporate healthy carbs into my diet for the week. It’s delicious and the pepper jack cheese gives it just the right kick. I’ve made the entire recipe and then frozen half of it and twice I’ve halved the recipe and that worked out great as well. One time, in an effort to make the recipe more healthy I decided not to add the cream cheese at the end. Huge mistake. So run an extra mile, do a few more jumping jacks, whatever makes you feel better about it. Just don’t skip the cream cheese.

The original recipe calls for 2 hours preparation time and who has time for that?! Below is how I modified the original recipe to make it work for me.

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups long-grain brown rice
¼ cup water
4 cups diced zucchini
1 1/2 cups low-fat milk
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups shredded pepper Jack cheese, divided
1 cup fresh or frozen (thawed) corn kernels
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
8 ounces ground turkey
4 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Pour rice into a microwave safe dish and cook according to microwave preparation instructions
3. Dice zucchini and set aside
4. Meanwhile, whisk milk and flour in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat until bubbling and thickened, 3 to 4 minutes. Reduce heat to low. Add 1 1/2 cups Jack cheese and corn and cook, stirring, until the cheese is melted. Set aside.
5. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add ground turkey. Cook, stirring and breaking the sausage into small pieces with a spoon, until lightly browned and no longer pink, about 4 minutes.
6. When the rice is done, pour into the bottom of an 11 x 13 casserole dish. Add ground turkey, uncooked zucchini and top with cheese sauce. Dollop cream cheese by the teaspoonful over the casserole.
7. I removed the chicken broth from this recipe so I usually pour about ¼ cup water over the casserole to keep it moist while baking.
8. Bake casserole in the oven until the cheese is melted and top is beginning to brown. about 30-40 minutes. Let stand for about 10 minutes before serving.

Zucchini Bread with Chocolate Chips

I made this bread for a friend who just had a baby and she described it as “ah-mazing” so I had to share it. I follow this one according to the directions, but I do prefer to bake with mini chocolate chips instead of the regular size.

Ingredients
3/4 cup low-fat milk
2 large eggs
3/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup canola oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups shredded zucchini (about 2 small zucchini)
2 cups whole-wheat flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chocolate chips

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray.
2. Whisk milk, eggs, sugar, oil and vanilla in a medium bowl. Stir in zucchini. Combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon and salt in a large bowl. Add the wet ingredients and chocolate chips to the dry ingredients; stir until just combined. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan.
3. Bake until golden brown and a wooden skewer inserted in the center comes out clean, 50 minutes to 1 hour. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack. Let cool for at least 1 hour before slicing.

If I’ve given you an obsession with zucchini you might want to check out this website:
http://www.treehugger.com/green-food/100-ways-to-cook-zucchini.html for 100 ways to cook zucchini.

Main dish, side dish and dessert….I highly recommend you hop on board the zucchini boat before the weather gets too chilly!