Looking at the week ahead, I can already tell cooking is NOT on the agenda. This month, my friend and I agreed to start a 28-day 6:40 am bootcamp. Despite seeing amazing results, and being able to finally do 20 pushups in a row – it’s been a long and tiresome week. While burpees, jump squats and plyo lunges provide ample energy to make it through the day, I rarely make it home before 8pm! By packing a homemade dinner to-go, I remain nourished and energized throughout the later hours of the evening.
Power foods are one way I speed up my metabolism through the evening. Spinach, tomatoes and extra-virgin olive oil are a few of my go-to ingredients for their exceptional nutritional value and added benefits. High-fiber, high nutrient spinach is a wonder food on it’s own, yet when paired with antioxidant rich tomatoes and the healthy monosaturated fats in olive oil – you have a delicious, healthy food combination! According to TheDailyBeast.com, Greeks consume more tomatoes and olive oil than anyone else and they have higher life expectancies than Americans!
Using these ingredients, I’ve created a recipe that you can pack away and enjoy later in the workday.
You’ll need:
- 1/2 cup grape tomatoes, sliced in half
- About 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 1/2 lbs of chicken breasts
- 1/2 a bag of Spinach
- 1/2 cup Feta (if you prefer)
- About 1 tbs of Italian seasoning (or a combination of oregano, rosemary, parsley, sage, thyme)
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- a pinch of pepper
Add about 2 tbs of olive oil to the bottom of your pan or skillet. There should be enough to cover the bottom of the pan. Sprinkle chicken with italian seasoning, pepper and salt then add to the pan. Simmer for about 5 minutes on each side until it is golden brown. If you’re impatient like me, cut the chicken into chunks to save on time!
When the chicken is prepared to your desire, remove and reserve it on a plate.
Add extra olive oil to the pan and add about 1-2 cloves of garlic. Spread garlic around the pan and add tomatoes and spinach. It should start smelling delicious by now if not already! Although it may look like A LOT of spinach, it will reduce in minutes (I promise). Allow the spinach to cook until wilted and place the tomato/spinach mixture on top of the chicken. If you have feta, now is the time to add it. Yours truly forgot the ingredient while shopping at Publix during Super Bowl Sunday.
Here’s the finished product:
Please comment and let me know what you think. Have a great weekend!
-Jordana
Work 2 Workouts 