I try to change up my daily 43s and use different equipment (or maybe no equipment) and work different muscles in a variety of ways.  Sometimes, when I pick the move of the day I think it may or may not really be a good one.  Today was one of those days that I thought – “This will just be a wimpy little thing and might not really count as a 43.”

Well, I was wrong!!!  It turned out to be a great 43.  I used my Turbo Fire band:

This time I stepped on it with both feet and then crossed it in front of my legs before holding the handles at my waist.  Then, I did step-outs.  On my right side, I did  43 to the side, then 43 on a diagonal to the front and another 43 on a diagonal to the back.  (129 on each side!)

[youtuber youtube=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3hWsg9b4A0′]

Of course, I had to repeat the whole series on the left side!  All I can say is – OUCH!!!  This was a great way to really burn out my hips and outer thighs!! Plus, I kept my stationary leg slightly bent so I really loaded my quads!! Overall, a great 43!!!

Today is my rest day – some weeks I hate taking any rest days but this week I’m ready for one!  I know it will make my work-outs next week that much better (and more enjoyable!).

I  think that  working out is definitely a  habit for me and I’m afraid that if I let myself get too comfortable taking days off, then the days off will increase and  will turn into a habit!!!  Maybe a bizarre way of thinking but…..a lot of my rationale for things is a little wonky!!

Menu planning – do you do it???  I love looking at recipes, online and in cookbooks, but sometimes I feel like this:I try to come up with a semi-plan for the week (actually a couple of weeks at a time since I usually only do a huge grocery run every 2-3 weeks).  I usually pick out 1 or 2 cookbooks and go through and make a list of the things  I want to make during the next couple of weeks.  I make my grocery list as I go.  Then each morning I decide what  to make for dinner knowing  that we already have all of the necessary ingredients.  This method works for me and because of it I always try new recipes.

Which is good since I have a few cookbooks!!!  (I might have an addiction!!!)

I have a few stand-by recipes but for the most part I make new stuff all the time.  The only downside is when Chris asks me to make something that I made  months ago – I usually have no idea where I found the recipe or what dish he is even talking about!!

So, what is your menu planning/cooking like??  Do you have a rotation of dishes you rely on or do you like to experiment with new recipes?

Happy Sunday!!!

Kim