I was SO grateful to be back in the kitchen tonight — even if I was dead tired and running on 3 hours of sleep! 

Red Lentil Casserole

This is actually my first experiment with red lentils.  Did you know that lentils are composed of 26% protein — the third highest level of protein from any plant-based food after soybeans and hemp?

This Red Lentil Casserole is packed with lentils and dark red kidney beans.  Curry and fresh parsley add a little something-something, too!

Ingredients (makes about 4 servings):

• 1 and 1/2 cup dry red lentils
• 1 can kidney beans
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/4 cup sweet onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup red pepper, chopped
• 1 tablespoon garlic, chopped
• 1 tablespoon EVOO
• 1 and 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon ginger
• 2 tablespoons curry
• 1 tablespoon pepper
• 1/2 tablespoon kosher salt

Preparation:

• Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.
• Boil red lentils with about 3 cups of water for 25 minutes and pour off excess.
• Meanwhile, in a hot wok, cook onions, garlic, and red peppers until browned.
• Mix together red lentils and onions, garlic, and red peppers with remaining ingredients in a large bowl.
• Pour into a greased casserole dish and cook for 35 minutes.
• Enjoy!

I enjoyed mine with a small Cesar salad.  I bought this dressing today and LOVE it.  All of Anne’s dressings are delish, don’t you think?

And for dessert…. three little chocolates we received as a wedding gift!

Fun Running Facts!

So, I am SOOOO excited to get back to my running routine!  2009 is shaping up like a fun running season!  I’m doing the following races:

• Seasons 52 Park 5.2K – January 24, 2009
• Run Around the Universe 5k – January 31, 2009
• Orlando X-treme 10k – February 7, 2009
• Gasparilla 1/2 Marathon – March 1, 2009
• WildMan Sprint Dualthon – March 14, 2009

In the spirit of a fun running season, here are some interesting Q&A’s from this month’s issue of Runner’s World.

• Question:  I’ve been told that running while carrying a water bottle in one hand could cause injury. Is this true?
• Answer:  Yes.  The extra weight will reduce movement and lead to muscular stiffness on the bottle-carrying side, while carrying movement on the opposition side to balance rotation.  The force required to control the extra twisting can put strait on you myofascial slings (the connective tissue system).  This could lead to muscle imbalances in the shoulder, lumbar spine, hips, pelvis, and legs.  To prevent this, wear a CamelBak or a hydration belt.  Or try carrying two smaller bottles.

• 60% of runners have cried before, during, or after a race!

• Caffeine  helps you set a new personal record:  Scientists in Minnesota gave runners a drink with or without caffeine (the equivalent of two cups of coffee) one hour before a VO2 max test.  Participants who took caffeine had a four percent increase in VO2 max and a three percent improvement in lactate threshold.  This performance can translate into a 10K time improvement of 30 seconds.

• Question:  Do I need to do a cool-down when it’s cold outside?
• Answer:  Yes. A 5 – 10 minute cool-down gradually brings down your body back to a resting state, no matter what the temperature outside is.  For a cool-down, slow your running pace for five minutes, add walk breaks, and then walk for five minutes at the end.

GOODNIGHT!