We were bound and determined to win this contest. We did the math and figured out that we would have to do ten classes in one week in order to win. Now Jazzercise is lots of fun, but it certainly isn't a walk in the park. It's a physically demanding, high impact, total body workout with lots of jumping. So, comitting to ten classes in one week is a little crazy for two girls pushing their forties. Of course we knew this, but it still didn't stop us.
We started on Monday morning and took a morning class. Then we had to go back Monday night for a second class. We were full of vigor and we giggled like crazy. Tuesday and Wednesday we took it easy and took only one class per day. We were feisty and full of energy and ready to win. Then Thursday came around and it was time to get serious. We took three classes on Thursday and by the end of the third class we were almost drunk on adrenaline. Friday morning we were back at it bright and early and laughing like crazy. Just a couple of crazy stay at home moms with nothing better to do than win a Jazzercise contest. Then we came back for a second class Friday night. By this time we were really sore, but we were so far into our goal we knew we couldn't give up. We leaned on each other and somehow or another we made it through a Saturday and Sunday class. Before you knew it we were just one short class away from our goal and better yet, we were actually going to win! Monday morning I woke up for our tenth and final class and both of my knees and ankles were on fire. Not wanting to give up I went ahead and went to class and it took everything I had to make it through that hour.
I don't think I'll ever forget how good it felt to win that contest with my friend that morning! I think we both rediscovered our inner strength that week. We also discovered our limitations. The next morning I woke up to two swollen and bruised ankles and two swollen and sore knees. To say I overdid it is an understatement, but I have no regrets. It was a fantastic week!
I had to nurse my legs for about two weeks. During this time I had two goals. The first goal was to stay off my feet as much as possible so I could recuperate and get back to class. The second goal was to eat a very healthy diet so I wouldn't gain any weight. I set my sights on quick and healthy dishes like this Seared Salmon on Coconut Spinach. It's very healthy and very quick (you don't have to be on your feet too long) and it's also very delicious. This was an extremely satisfying meal and one that I would make again. We really enjoyed the flavors.
It's been two weeks and I think I'm finally ready to go back to Jazzercise tomorrow morning. I'll have to take it easy on my knees and ankles for awhile, but it will feel so good to move around again and laugh with the girls.
Seared Salmon on Coconut Spinach
Recipe by Donna Hay
found online at Sidewalk Shoes
Serves 4
For the Salmon
4 (6oz) salmon fillets
2 teaspoons grated ginger
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 large garlic clove, sliced
For the Coconut Spinach
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 small red chillies, seeded and chopped
2 tablespoons Asian chilli paste (Sriracha)
2 tablespoons Asian chilli paste (Sriracha)
About 3/4ths can coconut milk
The juice of one lemon
2 bunches spinach, stems removed
Optional: Additional Sriracha for drizzling over salmon before serving
2 bunches spinach, stems removed
Optional: Additional Sriracha for drizzling over salmon before serving
Place the salmon in a shallow dish with the
ginger, sesame oil, garlic, and soy. Allow to marinate for 10 minutes on each
side. Heat a frying pan over high heat and sear the salmon for 3-4 minutes
on each side (cooking times may differ depending on how thick your salmon is and how well done you prefer it to be).
To make the coconut spinach: Place the garlic, chillies, and chilli paste in a saucepan over medium heat and cook for 2 minutes. Add the coconut cream (or milk) and lemon juice and simmer for 4 minutes. Add the spinach and toss until wilted.
To serve, place some spinach on each plate and top with a piece of salmon. This dish is also great served with rice.
To make the coconut spinach: Place the garlic, chillies, and chilli paste in a saucepan over medium heat and cook for 2 minutes. Add the coconut cream (or milk) and lemon juice and simmer for 4 minutes. Add the spinach and toss until wilted.
To serve, place some spinach on each plate and top with a piece of salmon. This dish is also great served with rice.
 |
| Theme: Fast & Fabulous! |
Kim, its so fun to read about your jazzercise contest! Here zomba is very popular, I attend 1 class a week, couldn't really keep up with the pace. 10 classes in 1 week? You two are really good !
ReplyDeleteBack to the dish, it's so delicious! I would like to have it together with rice, for sure! Love salmon in all its forms.
You made me laugh this morning! Good for you winning the bag. I have hear of Jazzercize but I don't go to a gym. I ought to! I could use the exercise.
ReplyDeleteLove this recipe, it's very tropical, to me. Must be the coconut influences. Cooking with Donna Hay is fun, it's going to be a fast 6 months.
Loved reading about your Jazzercise adventures. We faithfully go to the gym three days a week and would go more often if more often didn't result in aches and pains. I'm feeling your situation for sure. Exercise gives such a wonderful high and I feel great for taking the time to do something for my body and my mind. I'm always in the mood for salmon and the ginger and sesame oil over coconut rice must taste wonderful.
ReplyDeleteSam
GO YOU for winning the contest!! Even at the expense of your knees an ankles. :P But at least you know you CAN do it! This dish sounds like the perfect healthy delicious meal to keep you on track!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the win! You would definitely need sustenance after that and your choice of salmon with spinach is perfect. Love the Asian flavours of the dish.
ReplyDeleteYour poor ankles and knees! I have a bum knee and have learned that it's really hard to stay off your feet even when in pain. Good for you for reaching your goal. Every time you use or see your bag you will be reminded of what you can do...and the fun you had.
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful dish. I have a feeling I would like the coconut spinach a lot.
Way to go. Aim and reach there, even if bruised and aching. Love the never give up attitude. Bet the bag must be the hardest won gift ever. The salmon, coconut and spinach sounds yum. Would love it with the rice. My kind of food.
ReplyDeleteHow did I miss this recipe on Pam's blog? Looks delicious. And congratulations on that win! I always enjoyed Jazzercise. But yikes about the knees and ankles.
ReplyDeleteI love everything about this dish, Kim. Salmon is hands down my favourite fish - always makes me feel as though I'm just bursting with good health whenever I eat it. I bought a side of salmon at the supermarket today, so I'm thinking this might be dinner tomorrow night.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you won your prize, and hope your knees and ankles are on the mend now xo
You are a mad woman! I hope you are carrying that bag with lots of pride--that is impressive! ;-) I have been thinking about this dish since Pam made it--it has all of my favorite flavors and ingredients in it. And, I love that you have some rice in there to soak up all of the sauce from the coconut spinach.
ReplyDeleteLove love love this recipe, yours looks absolutely delicious and so pretty!
ReplyDeleteThat coconut spinach....must have that.
ReplyDelete