Exercise is my nemesis.  Nemesis is defined as a formidable and usually victorious rival or opponent.  Its root is in Greek mythology, meaning “to give what is due”.  The Greeks personified vengeful fate as a remorseless goddess in Nemesis, the goddess of revenge and retribution.  True to form, she has beaten me down more often than not, each time leaving me to wonder if I’ll ever win the fitness battle. 

Physical activity has never been my friend.  In fact, I’d choose to do just about anything instead of it.  Even in elementary school, the President’s Physical Fitness Challenge had me begging for mercy.  Along with millions of other children, I will forever be scarred by the feelings of humiliation brought on by the Rope Climb in gym class.  Whoever thought it was a good idea to make chubby kids climb a rope while their peers circled up on mats below to watch and laugh should be severely reprimanded for causing emotional distress to generations of children in this country.

At 38 years old, my physical health is becoming more and more important to me.  I’m seeing the effects of increased weight gain and being out of shape everyday.  Shopping has turned into a nightmare as I’ve been banned to the smallest section of space in every department store with unattractive and poorly fitting clothes.  Even the maternity section has cuter options than the plus department, leaving me feeling disrespected and wanting retribution against those who mock me.  Forcing overweight women to wear ugly clothes just isn’t fair…or is it?

Working in a multilevel building, I’m repetedly enticed on a daily basis by the elevator.  Whether it’s the fear that someone is watching me, thinking I’m lazy or the internal guilt for wanting to take the easy way up, I usually opt for the stairs.  But the inner battle is noticeable and increasingly bothersome.

Last weekend something clicked.  Like a swift swat on the back of the head, I was finally ready to do something about it.  Of course, the realization of my beach wedding approaching quickly may have had a little something to do with the lightbulb switching on.  Being an overweight bride just isn’t part of my deams.  So, I recruited my groom to join me in my effort to look and feel my best when I cross over into the happily ever after phase of my life.  It’s been one week since we joined a gym and committed to making the healthiest choices when it comes to how we eat and take care of our bodies.

Feta and Spinach Stuffed Grilled Chicken & Herbed Garlic Quinoa Photograph by Andrea Karapas

Knowing how I’ve failed in the past in setting reasonable and attainable weight loss goals for myself or in conquering the temptation of comfort foods and a fluffy couch, I am trying a different strategy this time.  My focus is on making one good choice at a time and taking baby steps instead of trying to take one giant leap.  Expecting to see results without putting in the time and effort is stupidity.  This meal was my first good choice this time around.  Still honoring my love for great tasting food, I took my favorite flavors and rolled them into a lean chicken breast, creating my Feta and Spinach Stuffed Grilled Chicken.  The bed of Herbed Garlic Quinoa represents my willingness to incorporate new and healthy things into my lifestyle.  A lighter, faster-cooking alternative to rice, Quinoa is a grain traced back to Andean civilizations and appreciated for its nutritional value.  Quinoa is a source of high protein, a balanced set of essential amino acids, and dietary fiber.  Both red and white varieties can be dressed with any of your favorites and served as a side or main entree lunch salad.

I’ve won 7 small battles with a week of exercise and eating healthy.  With one week behind me and only 42 more to go, I’m on my way to winning the war against fat and complacency.  One never conquers a war against their nemesis by sitting back and eating cheeseburgers.  You’ve gotta take the bull by the horns and keep marching forward.  In short, keep your friends close, but keep your enemies closer.

Feta and Spinach Stuffed Grilled Chicken & Herbed Garlic Quinoa Photograpy by Andrea Karapas

Feta and Spinach Stuffed Grilled Chicken
Ingredients:
4 thinly-sliced chicken breast cutlets
2 cups chopped fresh baby spinach
4 ounces crumbled feta cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
2 tablespoons Extra Virgin olive oil
Instructions:
Combine spinach, feta, olive oil and parsley. Spoon 1/4 of the filling into the middle of each chicken breast and roll.  Secure each rolled chicken breast with two toothpicks.  Place over medium heat on grill.  Grill chicken until cooked thoroughly.

Herbed Garlic Quinoa
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon butter
1 cup uncooked quinoa
2 cups chicken broth
2 teaspoons chopped garlic
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1/2 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 dash fresh lemon juice
Instructions:
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.  Add the quinoa, and toast, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, about 5 minutes.  Stir in broth, and bring to a boil.  Reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes or until quinoa is tender.  In a bowl, toss quinoa together with garlic, parsley, thyme, salt, and onion.  Sprinkle with lemon juice, and serve