May 29, 2013

Filet & Goat Cheese Salad

May 29, 2013/ sherri d'alessandro

I rarely crave red meat, but, when I do... I usually crave this salad. It is so simple to make, has a ton of flavor, and really hits the spot.

Friday, I got out of work early and headed over to K & 8th Market (best little meat market in Southie, under 1000 sq ft, family owned and operated, & has all the staples you need). I like getting beef from K & 8th, they really know their meat and are so helpful. I went ahead and got filet (not necessary but is lean and SO tasty). Now, I know most would prefer their filet straight up, but hey, I like what I like. Don't diss it 'til you try it ;)

The essential ingredients for this salad are as follows: filet, dried cranberries, goat cheese, & romaine lettuce. This time, I also added avocado and edamame. Dressing is simply lemon juice and extra virgin o/o.

Generously season the filet with extra virgin o/o, salt, & pepper on both sides. For medium, cook for 5 mins each side, medium-well 6 minutes per side. (don't cut it or press down!)

When the steak is done, let it rest for at least 5 minutes to seal in the juices. Chop & add all ingredients to the salad. Then, slice the filet with a proper steak knife at an angle to get nice 1/4" pieces. Top the salad and toss with extra virgin o/o and the juice from a couple lemon wedges. Enjoy!

Have an awesome week! xo

May 27, 2013

Weekend Sunshine

May 27, 2013/ sherri d'alessandro

What a weekend! By now, most of you probably know that I ran the Boston Run to Remember half marathon this weekend. What an emotional and amazing experience. The tribute to our fallen law enforcement officers and a special tribute to Officer Collier in addition to the crowd, the overwhelming "Boston strong" presence, and personally the fundraiser for the Alzheimer's Association caused most to get at least a little bit choked up. It was, by far, the best race I've ever run.

I hope you all had a fantastic Memorial Day Weekend. Let us all be so grateful for those that serve our country.

Kicking off Weekend Sunshine with one of my all time favorites. This song came on right as mile 9 started and I immediately got a little kick in my step and picked up my pace. I am not kidding.

Ready to go... ALZ Singlet, bib, kicks, & Boston strong head band.

On the right, Seaport Blvd... American flags & downtown Boston.

On the left, I was waiting to go... it was only 41 degrees at the starting line!

And, on the back of every runner's shirt, we wore a special bib with Officer Sean Collier's badge number. He was going to run the race on Sunday.

The only picture I took during the run (my phone is my music). There were at least 25 or 30 cruisers lined up with at least 30 officers to give us high 5's right near MIT.

Here I am after I finished. Came in at 1:56:29. I ended up getting my personal best and took 4 minutes off my original PR. If you asked me a month ago if I thought I would accomplish that, I would have looked at you like you were crazy. I think there were numerous reasons that I felt so good (adrenaline), but, I must say that cross-training (boxing classes) and knowing that I was running FOR something instead of for myself is what helped me do it. Who's running with me next year?

Last but definitely not least, my niece, Ella turned 7 YEARS OLD today. Where does the time go!? Here she is in the Memorial Day Parade with her Daisy troop. All seven years of her.

Happy Birthday, Ella... you are the sweetest, smartest girl I know. Love you very much.

I hope you all had a great weekend despite the rain. Let me know how you spent it! Have a great week! xo

May 22, 2013

Bikini Beach Prep Part 1

May 22, 2013/ sherri d'alessandro

Summer seems to be taking a while to get here this year, but, before you know it, it'll be beach time! Are you ready?

Now... I feel the need to preface this post by saying... if you live a healthy lifestyle, you should always be ready for bikini season. That being said, there are tips & tricks I follow in the month or so leading up to summer to really ensure I feel as confident as possible before I throw on my bikini. I'll make this a series as we progress into Summer, we'll start with three.

#1 Get Yo Lift On!

Cardio will keep you trim, your endurance in check, and overall pretty dang healthy. Lifting provides better muscle definition and longer lasting fat burn. I like body weight exercises.

My Key Moves:

1. Squats with overhead press

2. Ab criss-cross (aka 'the bicycle) this move works your entire abdominal including your obliques!

3. Push ups

4. Lunges

5. Supermans (Lay on your stomach and lift both arms and legs up) works back and glutes

6. Butt bridge curls

#2. Watch the Sugar Intake

I always say... it's easy to maintain weight, it's just tough to lose it. If you know me, you know that I usually have some sort of dessert after dinner (and sometimes a couple dark chocolate hershey kisses after lunch). When I'm getting ready for beach season, I cut out these "extras" during the week. I usually add it back in once I'm at the weight or "look" I like.

#3 Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

Drink your water. I don't think I need to list of all of the health benefits that you already know. Just remember, it keeps your muscles hydrated, your appetite satiated, and metabolism moving.