Most Popular Food and Fitness Posts of 2014

Yesterday, I shared the Most Popular (Non-Food/Fitness) HWG Posts of 2014, so I thought today I would fill in the parenthesis.

To the newer readers out there (thank you for finding and following!): I hope you enjoy an afternoon look into the archives and maybe even stumble upon something new. Here are the most popular food and fitness related posts currently floating around the blog!

 
10. 30 Min. Gluteal Elliptical Workout

I created this workout on a day where I wanted to work my legs and get in cardio in a short amount of time.

This is by no means a replacement for a leg workout, however, it was created with a focus on working the glutes for the majority of the workout. I call that elliptical multitasking.

 
9. Edamame and Cranberry Feta Salad

This salad is very close to what you might find at the food bar at Whole Foods or The Fresh Market. My mother raved about it, found a similar recipe, then shared it with me. I really wanted to make it my own, and my additions are the finely chopped carrots and almonds.

I have made this ten minute salad combo a few different ways now and continue to love it!

 
8. Upper Body Core Superset Workout

Scott actually helped put this one together.

This workout focuses on the upper body, but also supersets all of the strength moves with core exercises to make it extra spicy.

Get ready to feel the burn if you try it!

 
7. 6 Week Half-Marathon Training Plan

This is a six week half-marathon training plan I came up with on my own, specifically catered to what works best for me, and I would only recommend it to those who can already run a 10K or 6 miles without stopping. Check out the Fitness page for my 10-week training plan if you are looking for something closer to a beginner level.

And just to throw this in there…

Before I trained for any race, I could barely run for thirty minutes at a time. Slowly, I built that up to four miles, then five, and now I can run seven or eight if I have my head in the right place without training whatsoever. Running really has become a sport I have learned to love and wouldn’t be so determined to race if I didn’t!

(What I’m trying to say is: you can do it too!)

 
6. Healthy Vegetarian Corn Chowder

Oh man, here’s a great soup recipe for anyone looking. Corn chowder has always been a favorite of mine. Here’s my lightened up version!

I could have added bacon, but decided to keep it vegetarian and made the lack of meat up with throwing in a ton of colorful, hearty vegetables. I was pleasantly full after one serving and need to make this one again soon!

 
5. Pulled Chicken BBQ Sandwich

I have always enjoyed pulled chicken barbeque, and this is an extremely simple recipe you can start and serve in just over a half hour’s time.

Served on a whole wheat bun, half of one, or bun-less, this recipe could be considered part of the “healthier” side of the barbeque category.

 
4. 31 Minute 5K Treadmill Workout

This is one of the very first workouts I ever shared on the blog! It’s from 2012, but I have been doing it for years. Probably at least five years.

I enjoy treadmill workouts. Using a pattern of numbers like you see above forces you to press buttons every minute or few minutes, which is the only way for me to beat the boredom. If you’re ever in need to knock out a 5K, and need to do so on a treadmill, this workout has you covered!

 
3. Chicken Lasagna

Scott helped me with the idea for this recipe.

We lightened up a version of the classic by substituting low-fat and whole wheat products, then adding pulled chicken instead of beef. I’ve made it several times since posting it two years ago, and it still continues to be a crowd favorite.

 
2. Stretching After Running

This one is from my early blogging days, but it’s a good one.

It’s the most frequent HWG pin I see floating about the Pinterest world too. I can’t help but to laugh a little when I look back and watch the video stretch I included. Regardless, it takes you through five minutes of real-time stretching. Give it a try!

And the most popular (food & fitness) HWG post of 2014…

 
1. Sweet & Spicy Cream Cheese Dip

A great combination of sweet in spicy in a dip our friends and family love!

 

***

 

It’s always interesting for me to see which posts and what type of content becomes the most popular around here. Hopefully you enjoyed some of the throwback features as well.

Have a great rest of your Tuesday!