Wednesday's Workout

Todays' Workout

Five Rounds with as little rest as possible in between.

• 10 - Ground to Overheads with 25 lbs
• 12 - Jumping Toe Touch Squats
• 10 - Thrusters with 25 lbs
• 12 - Jumping lunges
• 10 - Sumo high pulls with 25 lbs
• 12 - Side Ab Crunches (12 on each side)

Dinner tonight-- FIRE CHICKEN!

Pre - workout snack -- Powerballs!  Made with PB, Oatmeal, Honey, Nuts, and love!!

Dinner (post workout) -- FIRE CHICKEN with Cheese and Rice.  

Recipe found here from Maangchi!!

Just for Fun Friday #3

Making Mandu!

This week, hubby and I made homemade Mandu!  This is the recipe we used.... Thank you Maangchi!

This is something new we tried for the very first time -- and we think it'll become one of our family traditions!

What's Mandu?

 Little Pockets of heaven!  They are dumplings made with a seasoned meat and vegetable stuffing that are then steamed, added to soups, or in my case pan fried.  (It's basically a Korean Pierogi with a thinner skin or the Korean version of a Potsticker...SOO GOOD!)

To make them I used two kinds of store bought "skins" -- Big round ones (like below) and plain old Wanton Wrappers.

We mixed up the meat mixture -- I used all Beef instead of some beef, some pork... added seasoning, onion, green onion, garlic, cooked and chopped sweet potato noodles (like the kind you used for JapChae), and crumbled tofu.

You take a thin little wrapper, add some filling and fold up your little balls of deliciousness.  Pictured here you see three Mandu made by hubby (on the left) and two made by me (on the right) -- you can tell because my ends point out and his are crumpled in.

Once we had a nice stockpile build up, I pan fried a few in some vegetable oil -- SOO GOOD and CRISPY!

Random Childhood story

I've always been a fan of any kind of dumpling.  Korean Mandu, Chinese Pork Buns, Polish Pierogis -- if it's a cute little dough packet with a delicious filling, then it qualifies as one of my favorite foods.

Growing up, my grandparents lived very close to a Catholic church that had very Polish roots.  My paternal grandmother was part Polish -- so she loved this!  Every year, the church would coordinate efforts with the heavily Polish local population to put on a full blown "Polish Festival" to raise money for their church and Catholic School.

This this was the Sh**!!  There were Super sketchy Carnival rides, Polish bands to play Polka non-stop for the whole 3-day festival, a grown-ups only Beer Tent and all your typical carnival foods -- including Caramel Apples, Elephant ears, and funnel cakes.

There was a huge tent with nothing but games -- ring toss, balloon dart pop, bingo, etc... even Texas Hold 'em!  All games cost a quarter or $0.50 and would go towards fundraisers for the school or charity.  If you won a game, you'd get a prize -- Once I even won a GORGEOUS doll!

At the very back of the festival's lot, there was a CANDY TENT!  The entire tent was just display after display of candy -- some pieces were 5 for a penny, others were a quarter each, and the full bars or packs were a dollar or more.  I would save up my money (or beg for allowance) and stock up on candy.  The festival was in August and at times I would still be eating my candy horde well into Halloween season...

The Polish festival was something we looked forward to every year.

The best part was the fact that they had any kind of Polish food you'd like -- Kielbasa, cabbage, and of course PIEROGIS!   That's right -- addition to all the other food stands, you could also get the most delicious, fluffy, crunchy, chewy, cheesy, potatoe-y Pierogi ever!  They always had three kinds -- Potato, Cheese, or Potato & cheese.  You could get individuals or combos and they let you have as much sour cream as you needed.  My favorite were the potato & cheese (why choose right?).

I remember ordering some that were so fresh and hot that I couldn't wait to take a bite!  I burned the crap out of my mouth, but it was worth it.

For this Just for Fun Friday -- I challenge you to either:

(1) Try some MANDU!!  Any local Korean restaurant (worth their weight) will serve these either steamed or pan fried -- try them both and let me know which you prefered!

(2) Make some dumplings!  Any kind of dumplings!  I have found that one common thread through most cultures is their embrace of the dumpling...

What will you do Just for Fun today?  

What's your favorite kind of dumpling?  

Do you have any fun things you like to do with family every year?

What to Eat Wednesday #3

What to eat this week -- Energy Foods!

I have been SOOO TIRED this last week!!!  Decided it was because of too much junk (too much junk food, junk activity, and junk entertainment -- not enough quality stuff).  Did some research and found this article from Shape that lists foods that can boost your energy levels.  

Here are the 10 energy boosting foods

1. Salmon
2. Citrus
3. Eggs
4. Beans
5. Walnuts
6. Leafy Greens
7. Bran Cereal
8. Dark Chocolate
9. Coffee
10. Water

Food Facts

1. Salmon -- contains Omega-3 fatty acids  = energy
2. Citrus -- Vitamin C boost immune system and helps balance energy and alertness
3. Eggs -- (See What to Eat Wednesday #2 for more info) -- just pure awesomeness
4. Beans -- B vitamins = energy
5. Walnuts -- good for your brain and also has Omega-3's
6. Leafy Greens -- Vitamin C, K, Calcium, beta-carotene, and folate
7. Bran Cereal  -- B-complex vitamins, fiber -- varies by brand/type
8. really dark chocolate -- stress fighting/energy boosting nutrients
9. Coffee -- Caffeine -- duh...
10. Water -- See Thirsty Thursday Post!

Recipes to Try 

I decided on these three recipes that are a combo of energy boosting foods.  I'm going to try them!  Dare you to do the same!

1. Pan Seared Salmon with Kale and Apple salad
2. Mexican Egg Bake with Spinach, black beans, and cheese  (Side of grapefruit please!)
3. Trail mix made with Walnuts, Bran Flakes, with Dark Chocolate nibs!

What do you include in your diet that boosts your energy?  

What do you do when you have energy slumps?  

How do you stay away at your desk all day?

Just for Fun Friday #2

Here's a "Just for Fun Friday" fact for you--not all Kim (seaweed dried into sheets) is the same.  

I've tried several types, some Korean and some not and I have to say Korean seaweed is the best!  (Not at all bias...)

Korean Kim just seems flakier and crispier and it's seasoned so it has a burst of flavor and texture in your mouth while you chew it. Other seaweed sheets are tough and flavorless. (I'm looking at you Japanese nori...)

This brand, aptly named A+ Kim, is the bees knees -- and makes these cute individual packs. 

  

Random Childhood story

When I was little, my mom would sometimes make us Kimbap -- Rice rolled up in seaweed sheets with eggs and veggies, and then sliced into little disks of heaven.  Sometime she would make a dipping sauce with soy sauce and hot pepper flakes --  It was the BOMB! 

Sometimes, when I was feeling ravenous and impatient -- my mom wouldn't even go through the added trouble of cutting the Kimbap -- so she'd make a roll up for each one of us kids and we'd walk around outside chewing on our snack.

There used to be a Korean Market right near our house, a long time ago -- when I was maybe 4 or 5.  My mom was friends with the owner/operator so we'd get to go in the back -- where there was a break room/living quarters complete with a fridge, cabinets, and a stove/oven.  On the other side of this massive supply/break room there were huge pallets of bagged rice.  

We'd climb all over them and while we were playing, my mom and her friend would fry up some eggs to make us Kimbap.  Once they fixed this snack, they'd bring us over our plates and we could eat them right there on top of Mt Rice Bag...  It was beyond cool.

Sometimes when I see Kimbap at the market registers, I think of climbing those bags of rice and the crazy fun we'd have imaging we were scaling a tower to take over a castle, or that we'd be the first Point-Five-Koreans to reach the peak of a huge mountain.  Such fun!

For this Just for Fun Friday -- I challenge you to either:

(1) Try some Korean Kim!  You can find it on amazon or go for the A+ KIM from a local Asian Market near you

(2) Recall a favorite game you used to play as a kid -- the more you used your imagination, the better!  Share with a comment/reply.  

What will you do Just for Fun today?  

Do you ever get random flashbacks triggered by something you see, eat, or smell?

Just for Fun Friday #1

EatYourKimchi

I was exploring various aspects of Youtube the other day and stumbled across this hilarious Canadian couple -- Simon and Martina -- who moved to Korea and have lived there for nearly a decade.  Their Youtube Channel hosts a collection of videos that capture life and eating in Korea - -amongst other things.

Their dog -- Spudgy -- looks just like my dog Henry!!!  Isn't his little cartoon character cute?

After watching far too many of their food videos, I was seriously craving some great Kimchi Jjigae and dumplings and rice and all of the food!!  Hubby sympathized with me and planned a trip to our local (45 + min away) Korean hot spot.  The plan was to have lunch, go shopping, and get full!  Gotta love the hubby!

For this Just for Fun Friday -- I challenge you to either:

(1) Try some Korean foods if you live near a Korean restaurant -- If you don't do spicy, order Bulgogi (Marinated beef) -- You'll thank me later.  OR

(2) Check out some of the "food porn" on the EatYourKimchi Youtube channel -- then find a Korean restaurant or store near you!

What will you do Just for Fun today?  

Do you follow any Youtube channels?  If so, please share!  I'm late on the Youtube game and am in need of some recommendations!

Weigh in Wednesday #2

Why Weigh in Wednesday?

For the past few years, I've had at least one weigh in day a week.  This day has been Sunday for the longest time.  For Weight Watchers, weigh in day meant a complete resetting of the weekly activity and bonus points.  Weigh in day for me is synonymous with renewal and restart.  A chance to see where I'm at progress wise.  A chance to see what I have to change for the upcoming week and what went well that I should continue doing.

Having my weigh in day on the weekend meant starting the week fresh.  It also meant that I would over do it almost every weekend -- why not, right?  I mean the weekly points "start over" anyway?

This was a problem for me.  Every weekend was the same -- instead of using it as a time to focus and plan for the week, I was carefree and would eat way too much!

So I decided to make the change.  Instead of weighing in on Sunday morning, I now weigh in on Wednesday morning -- first thing.

At this point, the change meant something to look forward to mid-week as well as a way to stay on plan during the weekends.

How'd it go?

This week, my second week back on weight watchers full throttle, was not perfect.  Not that it had to be... but I definitely try.  I was obsessed with bagels and cream cheese this whole week and had one for breakfast nearly every day.  This was both good (consistency) and bad (lots of points!), so I decided to switch things up to a lighter option -- a Frittata with Broccoli and Cheese... Half the points and has more protein and fiber.

I also, due to my half marathon training, ran 18 miles this week... so I earned  LOTS of activity points :D.

By the end of the day yesterday, I was seriously craving Wendy's, so I decided to treat myself!  I over did it a bit, but that meant I was too full for dinner so it evened out a bit.

The proof is in the pudding, as they say, so what did the scale say?  Down 2.2 pounds!!  I was so excited I weighed myself four times!!

Keeping the Momentum

Success breeds success!  I want to use the success of this week and turn it into more success!

What worked:

• Eating at home!
• Planning meals in advance
• Consistent breakfasts
• Running regularly!

What needs to be changed:

• Giving into cravings! -- Just because I really really really really really wanted Wendy's, doesn't mean I should have it!

How did your week go?

Did you lose/gain?  How much?

What are you keeping/changing for this week?

Spicy Cold Noodles -- Thanks Maangchi!

Made these noodles for lunch yesterday. They were delicious!! They were cold and spicy and tangy and sweet and SOOOO GOOD! I'm going to make them again today!!! And INHALE them! Chubby asian kid style ^_^ *slurp slurp, munch munch, pant pant*

I started by making the special sauce -- It's basically kimchi, kimchi juice, sugar, sesame oil, vinegar, and hot pepper paste.  

This was enough for two plates of noodles, so I used some and put some away for later. I was going to make enough for both hubby and I, but hubby has to be in the mood for Korean... (more on this later).... MORE FOR ME!! Once I made the sauce, I boiled the noodles. I got these at the Korean store closest to my location -- which isn't close -- so I know you can also find them online...

Once you boil the noodles, you drain them and run them under COLD water -- then add the sauce on top with a sprinkling of toasted sesame seeds. TA DA! 

Maangchi's video and recipe will show you the way of the warrior... no fail every time! Yum Yum! Just thinking about these noodles is giving me the Kimchi Sweats!! 

Do you have a favorite noodle dish? 

What do you eat when it's hot out and you're looking for something filling?


Leave a comment/Reply and let me know!! ^_^

Kimchi Sweats

I ran this morning… even though it’s so hot out! 

It didn’t feel bad at first, but then about ten minutes into the run it started — the KIMCHI SWEATS! 

What are Kimchi sweats you say?

Well it’s a special kind of perspiration that starts out as a red face, transitions into a glistening layer of moisture on your nose, and finally climaxes in every single pore spilling gallons of the salty stuff in unrelenting currents!! 

They are called Kimchi sweats because my mom likes spicy foods but usually needs a sports towel to mop her face and neck as she eats… (There's also a special way to breathe, apparently, similar to "the food's too hot" or lamaze... but that's another phenomenon entirely) I inherited both the love of spicy foods and the kimchi sweats. 

Seriously, this is a real thing! If you don’t believe me, go to a Korean restaurant… a REAL Korean restaurant… and watch the natives eat! It needs to be a real Korean restaurant to spot the Kimchi Sweats. Not some hipster, L.A.-esque, “Korean barbecue”… I’m talking the kind of place where you’re not sure if English is understood and once you order there’s yelling in Korean in the kitchen. You’ll find the Kimchi Sweats there… just wait, you’ll see! 

As a self proclaimed and unafraid Kimchi Sweater — I often sweat like a hog. This didn’t used to be such a bad thing. I grew up in the midwest where summers weren’t too hot or too long, so the Kimchi Sweat season was super short. Sadly, I’ve spent the better part of the last decade in the south *gulp* where its rarely cold *sniff sniff*. 

It’s a shame really. Living in the south means I had to get used to phrases like, “fixin to”, “ya’ll hush”, “I might could”, and “sweet tea”. I also had to get used to suffering through Kimchi Sweats just for stepping outside the AC — for about ten months out of the year.

Take today for instance, it’s partly sunny, 79 degrees with 80% humidity, at 6 am — and it’ll easy get to 100 today, if not higher. Since it’s clear that I sweat like a running wildebeest even in the coolest coldest weather — hydration is going to be a focus for today.   

Do you suffer from the Kimchi Sweats? No Shame here -- be proud of your hard earned perspiration!!! 

Have you seen native Korean Mom's in their natural habitat? Wiping away their Kimchi Sweat between bites of Kimchi Jigae?

Leave a comment/reply below and let me know!!  ^_^

Japchae love!

Made this yummy bowl of Japchae a few days ago for lunch. 

 It was SOOOO YUMMY!

I am a firm follower of all things Maangchi, so I used this recipe. I made a few alterations -- only veggies (no beef), extra mushrooms (cuz I like 'em), and a bit of extra sesame seeds (again, cuz I like 'em). 

SOOO good and super filling. 

For those of you that aren't Point.Five.Korean, or are but (shamefully) haven't tried this dish -- DO IT! It's a great all in one dish that can be jazzed up or tweaked to accommodate Vegetarians (carrot eaters), meat lovers (sane people), or anyone following a restricted diet. 

It's also great warm, room temperature, or chilled -- making it a great thing on these 100++ degree days where the heat and humidity make your face melt off.

Also please note the size of the bowl... Yeah ... those carrot pieces are about two inches long. I like big bowls and I cannot lie.

 Knowing full well my passion for big bowls, my mother-in-law recently found me two big bowls - both white, one round and one square. I used the round one for my Japchae in the photo. She's great like that :D. Why big bowls? Growing up half korean, there were always a variety of bowl sizes in my house. Super small condiment/side dish/banchan bowls. Super huge mixing bowls. Super Deluxe Extra Big Kimchi making bowls. 

 All kinds of bowls. Some with lids, some without. Some with intricate patterns, some plain white. Some heavy, some light. Some made of metal, some made of wood, some made of "shatter-proof" ceramic.

When it came time to eat a meal that I particularly liked, I made sure to reach for the biggest bowl I could find. This love for big bowls filled with my favorite foods has rolled over into my adulthood. Big bowls of popcorn. Monstrous salads. Humongous batches of bibimbop. Big bowl lovin' comes complete with a preference for one bowl dishes. Anything that can be tossed together and munched on is a huge win in my house.


  Do you love a big bowl when you see one?
What's your favorite "one bowl" dish/recipe?

Leave a comment/reply and let me know!  ^_^

Why PointFiveKorean??

Anyone thinking, "why Point.Five.Korean"?

I know right!
Okay maybe more like "WTF?" or "WTH?"

It's an inside joke that captures a little bit about me in a way that's just my style.  Is it grammatically correct?  NOPE -- and neither am I!  Is it profound, uber-intellectual, and mysterious?  NOPE -- not that either. What it is, is what I am -- straight to the point with a little humor.

I'm half Korean -- my daddy met my super cute mommy in a little town in South Korean.  They met, fell in love, and BOOM!! Since I'm a numbers fan and math nerd, I see "half Korean" and think 1/2 = 50% = 0.5 Korean... and there you have it, Point.Five.Korean it is.

So where's the inside joke?  Well anytime I'm feeling particularly awesome, I will scream "Point.Five.Korean!!" as if it were a sports broadcaster announcing a winning goal of a Stanley Cup finals hockey game.

Yup -- I've done this more often than I'd like to admit.  Yep. Deal with it ^_^ Thanks for dropping by!


Any of you have crazy inside jokes that won't ever die, no matter what??

Any other Point.Five's out there? 

Leave a comment/reply and let me know  ^_^

Salmon Patties

Made these beauties for dinner tonight. 

 
I always ate these simple Salmon Patties at my grandma's house and she always served them with tomato soup. This meal hit the spot!!

Ingredients

• One large can salmon - if you can, get boneless skinless.  If your store is like mine and didn't have that option, just drain and remove skin and either remove bones or crush them with your fingers or a fork. 
• Two eggs
• 1 cup finely Chopped onion
• Half a sleeve of crackers, crushed & pulverized. 
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil - for the pan while cooking
• Tomato soup on the side for dipping. 

Directions:  Heat pan, add oil to lightly coat bottom of pan.  Then mix the salmon, eggs, onion, salt, pepper, and crushed crackers and form patties. Cook until brown and crispy on both sides and cooked through. 
Try it!! It's so good!!! ^_^

What are your favorite recipes for salmon?  

Did your grandma/grandpa/aunt/uncle/etc... have a special signature dish??  

Leave a reply and let me know!