You know what? I think moving back into a regular schedule after a holiday weekend is harder for me than after a week-long vacation! With vacation, you miss the comforts of home and feel ready to return to “normal”. With a weekend full of fun with friends, unplugging, good food, and relaxation – I just didn’t want it to end! Catching up on my fun?

• July’s Goals & FFF Features 
• An Interesting Run
• Lake Fun to Celebrate the Holiday
• How To Top Off the Holiday Weekend
• Self-Love Reflection: Forgiving Others

Luckily some of the holiday fun will carry over. I like to call it the holiday bonus effect.

For example, this morning I woke up more refreshed than I have in a long time. I think unplugging the last couple of days and then napping yesterday were just what I needed. Plus, the knowledge I only have four more days until another weekend makes the whole busy routine thing a little easier to swallow.

Just like all the holiday summer cookout deals I scored on fresh fruit at the grocery stores this weekend. Berries and watermelon will appear in many meals this week no doubt. 

Delicious fresh fruit to satisfy my taste buds all the week long? Holiday bonus, indeed!

Yet another bonus? Recipe inspiration. Twice baked potato casserole over the weekend? Why not turn that idea into a twice baked potato with a protein punch for dinner? Oh. So. Good!

Twice Baked Protein Potato

• 3 baking potatoes
• 1 can white beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup skim milk
• 1 bunch green onions, chopped
• 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 350. Wrap potatoes in foil and bake at 350 for 1 hour.

While potatoes bake, drain and rinse the white beans. Mash beans with a fork until relatively smooth. Add to a bowl with 1/2 cup of the shredded cheese and the chopped green onions. After potatoes finish baking, slice the potatoes in half and scoop out the insides into the mixing bowl leaving about 1/4” on each side to remain sturdy. Add milk and mix the ingredients together.

Spoon mixture back into potato skins. Top with a sprinkle of cheese and more chopped green onion. Return to oven for 15 minutes.

Serve up with some delicious veggies. My choice? Sauteed mushrooms and roasted green beans. Two of my favorites!

And one last holiday bonus? Great food like this just gives great fuel for a great workout. Which I will share with you later, don’t you fret.

• Best part of your weekend? Clue me in!
• Best thing you ate this weekend?

1. Unplugging.

2. Napping.

3. Eating ice cream.

That’s how you top off a holiday weekend. You agree, no?