WIAW #19 Adding Spice With Fun Fitness and Drew's Salsa

Last week I mentioned how I've been working to change up my exercise routine to be more focused on strength.  I've been challenging myself with heavy compound lifts like bench, squat, row, and dead lift, but Kelley has been doing the Supreme 90 videos my mom got me for my birthday, and I decided to try them too.

Wow! I thought I could use heavy dumbbells like I do in the garage, but the fast pace of the videos requires a lower the weight.  Besides the annoying people (I swear, this one girl looks like a zombie with floppy arms), the videos are pretty effective.  I'm soaked after it's over (only 20 - 30 minutes), and the muscle groups worked are screaming at me for the pain they just endured.  So that's good, right? "Muscle confusion" at its finest!

Have you tried the Supreme 90 or similar work out videos?  Basically P90X for the budget-minded and you use more weights. Kelley and I do them together sometimes, and there's just enough room in our living room for the both us. Nothing like bonding with your spouse through pain-induced, sweaty workouts!

Speaking of pain-induced, I had the chance to try all 6 varieties of Drew's Organic Salsas, and whew, the hot one lives up to its name. No worries, though, I love the fiery pain engulfing my mouth and slowly warming my insides.  Me? Crazy? Nah? Plus, spicy food boosts your metabolism. Isn't that what we all want? Mine must be revving like a Ferrari engine by now!

Everything you'd want in a salsa and nothing you wouldn't...

Chips and salsa used to be my only use for salsa, but now I use it as salad dressing.  I used several Drew's varieties as dressing, but loved the Thick and Chunky Medium salsa the most.  It had enough heat without numbing my mouth with spice where I couldn't taste the rest of my food. Probably doesn't help when I add extra cayenne, though....oops!

Really, all 6 flavors are wonderful eaten with a spoon and nothing else. The organic medley of produce and spice creates delicious salsa that's fairly low in sodium and uses all natural ingredients. Fighting the urge to use all of the flavors to top my salad, I chose to "turn up the heat" by baking something with a spicy salsa bite.

Cap added for "dramatic" effect...not for consumption

We had a lot of chevre (goat cheese) left that wouldn't last long, so whatever I made would by very goat cheesy and spicy with Drew' Salsa. I opted to make a whole grain protein cornbread with Drew's Black Bean and Corn salsa and goat cheese. I love using protein powder to replace some flour; post workout baked goods are functional and delicious!

There was still a good chunk of chevre left, and being the good husband that I am, I chose to make one of Kelley's favorite goat cheese treats.....goat "cheez-its"! I used Drew's Thick and Chunky salsa and goat cheese to mix with whole spelt flour, protein powder, and a few other spices to create a hearty and spicy cracker dough.

The crackers magically disappeared within a few hours! I'd say Kelley loved them! They have just the right amount of tangy goat cheese and spice in a crunchy toasted square had us addicted. Guess I need more Drew's and goat cheese! Recipes, you ask? Of course, they'll be on a post soon; I promise!

But now, lets move on to my exercise and eats.  A bigger than big thanks to Jenn at Peas and Crayons for hosting this fun foodie event every Wednesday!

Happy WIAW, Everyone!!

[B] Spicy Carrot and Cauliflower Dip; iced black tea with vanilla rooibos; [S] Drew's Salsa and goat cheese crackers with green tea; [L] Medley of steamed veggies and Wild Planet Tuna topped with Drew's Salsa; Zevia to wash it all down; [Workout] Supreme 90 video and mowing the lawn with a reel mower [D] Huge salad with radishes and grilled chicken topped with, you guessed it, Drew's Salsa; [D2] Chocolate squash and rhubarb smoothie with pistachios, Peanut Butter and Co Crunchy PB, CHO plain Greek yogurt, and pistachios; then a cup of chocolate protein overnight oats

If you haven't tried them, look for Drew's Salsa or Salad Dressing next time you're at the store. I mentioned their delicious Smoked Tomato Dressing in this post and how after Kelley is done, I'll use the bottle to fill with liquid and good something on the stove.  It's the best way to squeeze every bit of flavor out of the tasty, all natural dressing.

I want to thank Angela at Drew's for her kindness and support in helping to provide these flavorful salsas...Thanks, Angela!!

Have you ever baked with salsa? - Yes, see above.
Do you have a certain workout routine for each week or keep it varied and play it by ear? - I have to have a plan or I'll go crazy!