Wow! You all sure get riled up about round-about compliments and just straight up are-you-kidding-me???? comments too. I loved reading all your thoughts. And, like many of you mentioned, I strive to remember the premise of such comments usually comes from a kind, albeit misguided, place. Join the discussion if you haven’t yet!

I had a most excellent lunch today. I have had a hankering for Mexican lately, so we had taco night for dinner last night. Taco night for dinner always equates to taco leftover lunch the next day. I certainly don’t mind! I piled up a whole grain wrap with some shredded cheese, a huge pile of black beans, corn, and salsa.

Those four components are my taco essentials. Avocado is always nice too…when it fits in the grocery budget. Because mango on sale clearly takes precedence over the avocado. And carrots because they are simply a must have in this household.

My almost Chipotle sized taco wrap and I had a jolly ole time over lunch. I snuggled him tightly so he could keep all his goodies wrapped inside, yet he thought a party of flying beans and corn sounded more fun.

We made quite the mess. I must admit I actually ate most of the taco by bringing my mouth to the plate to eat because it would not stay together and I would not give in to a fork. You simply mustn’t use utensils with tacos!!

I also must admit that I did something slightly stupid yesterday.

Typically my workout plan has me complete a short, easy run on Monday along with a cycle class. Since I was basically a walking zombie on Monday, I skipped out on spin. Yesterday afternoon I felt great and kind of had a niggling to make up that workout I missed. Plus, I kind of just wanted to get out of the house and a workout makes a great excuse. Despite all those things, in my gut I knew tacking spin on to a day that already included a tough tempo run would not be a wise choice. I went anyway.

And I really did feel great before, during, and immediately following the class. I patted myself on the back for making up my workout and spent the evening with an endorphin high. Then, this morning came and my right quad and IT band felt a little off and tight. That meant calling off my 2 mile easy run for the day and instead doing some light elliptical for cardio, which I probably could have done without as well. I plan to take tomorrow as an extra rest day to stretch and make certain my slightly tight IT band doesn’t become an injury.

I made a mistake and pushed too hard. Yet again – the body is smart and I should have listened. I don’t want my body falling apart on me. Note to self: sometimes it pays to take it easy…and not just in the kitchen.

• What are your essential ingredients in a taco?
• What is the last fitness mistake you made?

Morning to all! Here’s the low down of what you may have missed this weekend:

• Keeping It Cool – some of my favorite eats (including green smoothie combos)
• Electrolyte Superpowers – a 6 miler I didn’t expect, features, NEW recipe page!
• Self-Love Reflection: More Than Numbers    

But, let’s get another week started shall we? I know I have already gotten the ball rolling over here. I was up bright and early to hit up a spin class before Peter had to head into work and before the busyness of the kids’ morning routines started. It always feels so great to start the week off moving and grooving.

Per the usual, my workout left me feeling hungry and ready for a solid breakfast. Yet, unusually, I didn’t hanker for my bowl of oats. I had images of a diner style meal instead. Eggs, toast, and a side. I whipped up my own, less greasy, version -

An omelet with one egg and one egg white, filled with green onion, mushrooms, and laughing cow swiss cheese. Plus a whole wheat english muffin spread with peanut butter and a cup of grapes. And without a doubt, some iced coffee!

In other words, perfection. A happy tummy = a happy Tina. Although…a happy tummy + catching up with good friends = a very, very, very happy Tina. And that’s just what happened this past weekend.

On Friday night we went over to hang out with our friends Ben & Danielle and to let our little girls have a ball together. It had been awhile since the four of us all got together, due to vacations and busy schedules, so we all looked forward to the night. I think I had started going through withdrawals. I hardcore miss my friends when I don’t see them for more than a couple of weeks.

For our dinner date, we prepared a basic pasta meal together, while also watching the children play and catching up on life. I made a pasta combination of whole wheat pasta with sauce, extra diced tomatoes, squash, diced onion, and 8 oz lean ground beef.

She put together a salad consisting of spring mix, onion, carrots, banana peppers, hardboiled egg whites, and a balsamic vinaigrette.

I also enjoyed a glass of cabernet. Wine. Mmmmm….

An understated meal that takes on a 5-star quality because the people around the table. It had been too long. Thankfully, I can rest easy knowing we will get time with many of our crew this upcoming weekend too. I can’t wait!

• What was the best part of your weekend?
• How long does it take you to miss your friends?