February 26, 2014

Fresh Foam Kicks

February 26, 2014/ sherri d'alessandro

So you've probably noticed by now that I've been testing out the new Fresh Foam 980's by New Balance. They launched on February 12th and I've been wearing them for a few weeks so that I could provide you all with a solid review.

I fell in love with these sneakers at first glance... they are just SO ATTRACTIVE. Super fly.

There was a fair amount of jealousy when these arrived... Rob, a couple of the trainers at Peter Welch's Gym, friends etc. So, I started testing them out... first to a couple classes at Peter Welch's and then for a couple outdoor runs. (Weather has been stupid cold and snowy so it's been hard to sneak in a couple runs)

I was a little hesitant to switch from my other running shoes because I am SO loyal to them. Plus, I have this chronic issue where my ultra-high arches collapse and it's been irritating me lately.

BUT....

Holy Smokes - they are SO comfy and SO springy! It took me about 2-3 times to get used to the fit with my weird, narrow, high-arched feet, but, the last week and a half I've been wearing them to boxing and I love them.

So what do I like best about these fly kicks? Brian, one of the trainers at Peter Welch's, is CONVINCED I am a faster sprinter since I started wearing them. He has said it to me about 3-5 times. I have to be honest - I feel like I'm flying in these things. The foam is just so springy so I do feel like a gazelle... not that I can prove I'm any faster, but, I would say that these are GREAT training shoes for sprints. I think they are more meant for long distance running, but, coming from someone who used to be a sprinter - these would be great to train in. I also liked them on my longer runs - so cushiony and comfortable - what's not to like?

Speaking of Peter Welch's Gym... I haven't provided a workout post in a while so let me just tell you what these sneakers go through and how they feel. In Brian's class today we...

...warmed up with jump rope for 4 minutes
...ran around the room doing alternating sprints and calisthenics for 6 mins
...shadow boxing for 6 minutes
...partner up on the bag then hit all jabs then all crosses then free style, repeat, 12 minutes
...switch off with your partner from floor to bag (where I took these photos) squats then squat thrusts, shadow boxing, flutter kicks, etc on the floor and then free style, combinations, etc. on the bag, 12 minutes
...end with side shuffles and suicide sprints, 6 minutes
(I might be a little off with the minutes - just picture a bunch of boxing rounds - long and short ones)

Brian was nice enough to take a photo of my sprints - haha he really is convinced the Fresh Foam makes me fast - I'm laughing and about to take a turn in this photo so it's a little awkward.

I've said it before and I'll say it again... this workout is the absolute best and the sneakers - they hold up just perfectly! I'm going to make it a point to start adding more PWG posts on here - it's been an ongoing request and I just need to get better at taking some photos during class. Feel like checking one out? First class is FREE. Mention you saw it on funfitflavor.

Interested in the sneaks? They are available at New Balance Boston (583 Boylston Street, Boston, MA) for $110.00. They come in a lot of other really cool colors, too.

More info HERE and a FUNNY VIDEO with Pedroia HERE.

Have an awesome week, guys! It's almost Thursday! Yippee! xo

Disclaimer: New Balance did not compensate me to write this or any post. They did, however, provide me with the pair of Fresh Foam 980's seen in this blog. Opinions are honest and all my own - that's why I tested them for almost a month. :)

February 25, 2014

Garlicky Grilled Chicken, Spicy Parsnip Fries, & Tasty Brussel Sprouts

February 25, 2014/ sherri d'alessandro

This meal better be good... it nearly broke my sink. Or... well... I might have. Not sure if I threw a brussel sprout or a half a parsnip down the drain by mistake, but, my sink is no longer draining. Trying every method in the book... oye... Luckily the plumber is coming tomorrow. <insert thumbs up emoji>

Anywhooosiee.... in my current stage of experimenting with brussel sprouts... I've discovered that roasting them with balsamic drizzle, walnut or extra virgin o/o, a little honey drizzle, and salt is my favorite way to enjoy them. That being said, I must admit that the standout in this dinner was the parsnips and the dipping sauce for the sprouts- super tasty.

You all know I'm horrible at measuring when I cook... especially when I'm testing something new (and this was new)... but it went a little something like this:

- Tsp Organic Mayo
- Tbs Organic Shredded Coconut
- Tbs Walnut Oil (can use evoo)
- Tbs Organic Dijon Mustard
- Tbs Organic Honey
- Salt to taste

Mix it all up and taste it... then adjust ingredients, as needed. (Ah, and I'm aware the color is ugly - it tasted delish though!)

For the sink killers.... I mean... parsnips and brussel sprouts. Preheat oven to 375F.

Two separate recipes:

Parsnips:
- Chop up parsnips into french-fry-like pieces
- Toss with evoo, cayenne pepper, salt, crushed red pepper, and turmeric (super spice! I take a turmeric capsule on the daily for brain health - fact.)

Brussels:
- Cut into halves and quarters
- Toss with walnut or evvo, salt, drizzle of honey, generous drizzle of balsamic

Bake both for about 15 minutes or so then toss them around to brown the other sides for another 10-15 give or take

For the grilled chicken... my usual marinade recipe that my mom taught me a million years ago... in case you need a refresher (it goes on EVERYTHING):

- EVOO
- 1-2 cloves of Garlic chopped small
- Crushed red pepper
- Lemon juice
- Salt/Pepper
all to taste....

Throw on a grill or grill pan until cooked through on both sides. Try not to cut into it! Let it rest for another 3-5 minutes before cutting into it. Keeps it juicy.

Plate and serve. This meal packs a MASSIVE amount of health. Here's the breakdown:

Parsnips: Folate, Potassium, Vitamins C & E
Organic Chicken: Protein, B3, B6, Selenium
Brussell Sprouts: (pretty much high in everything good) buttt especially K, C, A, folate, manganese
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Monounsaturated fats, Vitamin E
Turmeric: Manganese, Iron, B6 (antioxidant & anti-inflammatory)
Cayenne: Vitamins A, E, & B6

Seriously when I say that parsnips taste like french fries. For real, they do.
Have an awesome week, friends! xo

February 21, 2014

Friday Favs_2.21.14

February 21, 2014/ sherri d'alessandro

Yayyyy Friday!

This was one of those short weeks that felt long. I cannot wait to have a nice, relaxing weekend. I don't have any major plans (which is awesome) except for heading down to have dinner with Michelle and Brian on Saturday night. I haven't seen Brian in YEARS which is crazy so I am really looking forward to seeing them both. Whoo!

Here's the round up for the week. Hope you all have awesome weekends planned out!

If you've been following me on insta, you've probably noticed these new, super-fly kicks I've been sporting from New Balance. They are the new Fresh Foam 980's and they are awesome! Super light and comfy. This video with Pedroia, Kenny Mayne and Jenny Simpson featuring the 980's is Hilarious... watch it for a good laugh.

Click to view. Courtesy of Runners World.

Last night, we went to the 5th Annual Chili cup in Faneuil benefiting Boston Community Works. These taste events are always so much fun. After we had enough Chili, we headed over to Mija and I took these pics. (Aren't Billy & Kim so cute?). Faneuil never loses its luster for me. :)

There are 10 foods that are sold in the US that aren't sold anywhere else. Such bull. This is why I'm always talking about avoid processed shit.

As previously mentioned, I've been on a smoothie kick lately. My mom sent me this article on the benefits of Spinach vs. Kale. Both are awesome, but, Kale wins in the battle.