The other day Cleveland, Ohio was hit with a whammy of a summer thunderstorm.  My kids, led by my eldest, begged to go out and soak up the storm.  How could I resist?  I’d be out there, too, if I didn’t have four people to dry off!

Any time I can encourage fitness through play and closeness with nature, then I don’t hesitate as long as safety is not compromised.  It was so cute hearing the squeels and laughter.  Another added bonus: the garden was watered for me!

See what my oldest two had to say about thunderstorms.

Tuna-Stuffed Summer Tomatoes

Ingredients:

3 cans of drained tuna (the lowest in toxins is the run-of-the-mill chunk light NOT albacore)

1/4c low-fat/no-fat organic yogurt

1t favorite herb (basil, oregano, thyme)

OR

1.5T Bragg’s Liquid Aminos (better version of soy sauce)

OR

1T mustard + 1/2T honey

3 fresh tomatoes

cucumber slices

Preparation:

Mix the first three ingredients together. Get as many clumps out as you can. Next, cut each tomato and core out the seeds (use for something else like a vegetable smoothie, if you dare).  Scoop a couple large spoonfuls of tuna mixture into the tomato shells and garnish with cucumber.  (The garnish police are on strike, so you can use whatever behooves you.)

You’re done.  Let me know how you embellish this.

Do you want a recipe that will keep your metabolism stoked during any time of the day?  If you said “yes”, then look no further than this super easy, mouth-watering delight that will have you singing “Isle of Capri” or “That’s Amore” or perhaps just eating the darn thing because you’re eager to dig in! This is what I’m having for lunch today. In fact, I’m still eating as I’m writing (yes, I’m inspired to share this). Now, if you want the video showing how to make an omelet, then you can watch the one from my January 1, 2009 post (my camera was out of juice, but at least I snapped the picture below before it was too late).  The recipe that I’m posting, however, is for my Italian Omelet. This is excellent for any meal and has the following nutritional profile (take note, if you are watching your nutrition and trying to lose fat or gain muscle).  If you are a man and wanting to gain muscle, then simply double the recipe below.  Did I say that this is an awesome recipe?

If this doesn't have you weeping from sheer gustatory pleasure, then you're going to have to tell me!

Liz’s Italian Omelet

1 tsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1 Whole Open-Pastured, Organic or Omega-3 Egg

5 Egg Whites

1/4 cup Chopped Onion

1.5 oz. Chopped Raw Organic Collards (yes for calcium!)

1.5 Tbsp. Organic Pasta Sauce

1/2 oz. Gorgonzola Cheese (you can substitute goat cheese, feta or Parmasean)

(I’m holding back the sobs and the urge to finish my last bites in order to tell you what to do.)  Brush the olive oil evenly into the pan on low-medium heat.  Add your egg whites and egg and break the yolk with your spatula (this keeps the yolk concentrated in one part, which I really love; however, if that’s not your bag, then whisk your eggs together before adding them into the pan.)

Cover the pan while you get the remaining ingredients.  Then add them to the eggs and cover (so it convects for an even cooking).  The total cooking time is under 10 minutes, depending on your heat level.  After about 7 minutes, it should be ready.

Mangiamo!

Nutritional Profile

Calories:  302

Protein: 28.5 grams

Carbohydrates: 8 grams (36 calories)

Fat:  16 grams

Fiber:  2 grams

Great side dish idea:

Add 3 oz. raw celery and 5 oz. of raw carrots to bump the fiber up to 6 grams and the calories up to 372 total.

My two older kids recently had a day off from school, and I was really missing the Cleveland MetroParks.  I live about a five minute drive away.  They love going to the MetroParks.  (If you’re ever in Cleveland, you’re totally missing out if you’ve never been to it!!)

Yeah, it’s almost spring and, yes, I shot this video a few weeks back, but I simply had to share with you.  Beside the fact that it’s very cute, this is a great example of instilling simple fitness ideals into your kids while they’re young.  Any time you can combine nature and exercise, then only good things will come of it.

Anyway, come see how we reached the summit.

Nativity scene inside SS. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church

Il Est Ne Le Divin Enfant

Moments before Midnight Mass at SS. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church, Lakewood, Ohio