Although I spend way too much of my discretionary income on my gym membership, I can never seem to motivate myself to go to group classes. In fact, I had to bribe myself with Starbucks before going to pilates on Sunday. However, pilates, yoga, or spinning with a friend is much more exciting! Despite the $32 price tag, I jumped at the chance to go to a 7:30am spinning class with Katie this morning. $32? 7:30am? Yes, I realize this sounds a little crazy….
The alarm clock beeped at 6:30am and I actually felt somewhat lucid (the mosquitos must have been feasting on someone else last night!). After some coffee, it was time to head downtown.
I arrived at Soul Cycle a few minutes before class started, rented my clip-in shoes, and hopped on a bike. As we started to warm-up, a blog reader named Ellen recognized me and introduced herself. I get so excited when that happens!
And then, class began…45 minutes later, I was a sweaty mess. I think this is the hardest I’ve ever worked in a cycling class. The instructor was very energetic (in a good way) and even incorporated some upper body strength training. We did a few minutes of spinning + arm weights that made me want to cry.
Soul Cycle
Pros: Great instructor, awesome music playlist, challenging workout.
Cons: Pricy, tiny studio, clip-in shoe rentals are an extra $3.
Bottom line: If I ever win the lottery, I will sign up for a package of classes. My legs felt like jell-o after 45 minutes – definitely got my money’s worth 
Katie was a good sport and participated in a sweaty post-workout photo. Obviously, our appearance attests to how “for-real” the class was
After a much-needed shower at the gym, I found a sunny bench in Columbus Circle and devoured my breakfast – overnight pumpkin oatmeal!
- 1/3 cup rolled oats
- 1/3 cup canned pumpkin
- 1/3 plain yogurt
- 1/2 cup 1% milk
- chopped apple
- handfull of raisins and walnuts
- tsp each of maple syrup and brown sugar
- lots of cinnamon
The night before, I mixed everything together and let it sit overnight in the fridge. Delish.
Another cup o’ coffee was needed:
However, 2.5 hours later I was STARVING again. Luckily, I had just enough Nature’s Path flax plus pumpkin granola left to hold me over until lunch.
At 1pm, I dashed down to the cafeteria and loaded up a very colorful salad. I enjoyed it in Central Park while reading my newest issue of Health Magazine.
- mixed greens, shredded carrots, red onion, mushrooms
- scoop of lentil & feta salad
- bit of white bean and artichoke salad
- bit of sun dried tomato pasta salad
- whole grain croutons, craisins, and balsamic vinaigrette
On my walk back to the office, I snapped a photo of my leopard print flats. Wearing these shoes always make me so happy
Afternoon snack was a baggie of Stacy’s sea salt pita chips. I have to portion these out or else I will eat the entire 8-serving bag at once. Seriously, so good.
Snack #2 was a Dr. Weil Goji Moji bar. Loved the orange zest in this fruit and nut bar. I was hungry today!
On my long walk home (I think today might be the end of the warm weather…) I was treated to some beautiful views of the city:
Once I got back to my place, it was time to start thinking about dinner. I toasted a slice of Ezekiel sprouted grain bread and topped it with jalapeno hummus, laughing cow cheese, and a black bean veggie burger. On the side: carrots with peanut butter!
Dessert was the last of the pumpkin chocolate chip bread with a dollop of greek yogurt and more peanut butter. Mmm.
Time for some netflix and an early bedtime! I have plans to run 6 miles in the morning
30-day Vegetarian Challenge Update: Today was day 15 and besides being a bottomless pit (which is probably from the early a.m. spin class) it’s been easy-peasy. However, last night I had a dream that I forgot about the whole vegetarian thing and ate a burger. I woke up feeling pretty confused, but then I realized it was just a dream!
Want the health benefits of wine, in your dessert? Check out this new all-natural, dairy, gluten, and fat-free wine sorbet. Mmm, pairing it with a little dark chocolate sounds perfect!
Question: What made you happy today? For me it was all my pumpkin-themed foods!