Happy MONDAY!!! 
I woke up bright and early for a lower body workout at home in my apartment this morning. It’s usually tough for me to motivate myself at home (especially in the morning), so I got all of my equipment ready last night, so all I had to do was wake up, throw on some sneakers, and exercise.
Bosu + resistance band, which I forgot that I owned! The resistance band is going to make a come back in my workouts!
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Last night, I also made a “To Do” list of 5 lower body exercises for this morning. It can be so difficult to get motivated, especially when I am groggy and slow moving. If I have a list of exercises, I always know what to do next, so I am not wasting time or thinking about what exercises to do. It keeps me focused! 
The Workout:
- Grand Plie Evlis Squat, 10 lb dumbbells, 2 sets
- Front Lunge Push-Off, 10 lb dumbbells, 2 sets
- Lunge-Reach Combo, 10 lb dumbbells, 2 sets
- Curtsy Squat and Lift, 10 lb dumbbells, 2 sets (this one is a killer!)
- Walking Side Lunges with band, 10 lb dumbbells, 2 sets
As you guys know, the fastest way to sculpt big, sexy muscles is to work them to fatigue. Personally, I am a rep gal, which means when I plan to do 12 reps, I mentally (and physically) shut down after 12 reps. This way of strength training, however, often prevents me from getting that lifting “intensity” that I want. So, I tried a new approach that I recently read about in one of my fitness magazines.
This morning, I gave myself a ballpark number of reps that I wanted to do for each exercise (12-15 reps) and then kept going until my muscles couldn’t handle another rep. (Although, I did keep the number of reps the same if I did a single-leg exercise for the right and left sides.) My buns and thighs were burning by the end of 2 sets! I definitely recommend giving this strength training approach a try!
Breakfast
Mmmm… peanut butter-banana oats! My favorite!
I splurged at the grocery store yesterday and purchased the all-natural, freshly ground peanut butter. It’s surprisingly not THAT much more expensive than the stuff in the jar.
In the mix:
- 1/2 cup dry oats
- 1 tbsp ground flaxseed meal
- 3/4 cup hemp milk
- 1 banana, sliced
- Peanut butter!
In the News
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Uncover the health benefits of exotic produce
Reader Demographics
I’ve been curious for quite awhile now about my blog readership. I “know” quite a few of you through your blogs and emails, but there’s a lot of you that I don’t know anything about at all. I thought it would be fun to have a little “Reader Survey” to find out what the readership of Carrots ‘N’ Cake (CNC) is all about. (Plus, you guys know so much about me– I want to know about you!) So, lurkers, please make yourself known! 
(Feel free to use an Anonymous name if you’re uncomfortable using your own.) FYI: I’m gathering this info because of my own curiosity, so don’t worry about me using it for anything else. I thought you guys would be interested in knowing who’s out there too!
Age:
Gender:
Location (City, State):
Occupation:
How long have you been reading CNC?
How did you “discover” CNC?
What is your favorite aspect of CNC?
Thanks for your input, guys!
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Age: 22
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Occupation: uni student
How long have you been reading CNC?: almost 4 months
How did you discover CNC?: a link from another blog
What is your favourite aspect of CNC?: I really enjoy reading all about your workouts, recipe ideas, and enjoy your sunny disposition
Age: 24
Gender:F
Location (City, State): Oklahoma City, OK
Occupation: Currently an advertising account coordinator, but I plan to go back this Summer for my Masters in Education
How long have you been reading CNC?
About 2 months
How did you “discover” CNC?
From Kath’s blog
What is your favorite aspect of CNC?
I love that you work full-time. It is great to see how someone else balances it all!
Age: 19
Gender: Male
Location (City, State): Tuscaloosa, AL
Occupation: Student
How long have you been reading CNC? 6 months?
How did you “discover” CNC? I think through Kath Eats!
What is your favorite aspect of CNC? I like this blog because you are so “normal” for a food blogger. I like your philosophy on eating, health, and most aspects of just living life. Some food bloggers seem a bit too obsessive, and yours is a happy medium. Hope this makes sense…
I also get some great meal ideas!
Age: 18
Gender: Female
Location (City, State): West Hills, CA
Occupation: Highschool student
How long have you been reading CNC? hm.. i cant remember but it was when you first were calorie counting on your bloggie!
How did you “discover” CNC? through random blogs
What is your favorite aspect of CNC? your simplistic lifestyle! its so pure and great!
Age: 22
Gender: Female
Location (City, State): Athens, GA
Occupation: MSW student
How long have you been reading CNC? a few months
How did you discover CNC? foodie blog?
What is your favorite aspect of CNC? I’ve learned that you can still eat healthy while eating out/having a beer occasionally. I get so many meal ideas and I’ve actually been eating healthier meals, spending a bit less on food, and losing weight.
Age: 26
Gender: Female
Location: Boulder, CO
How long have you been reading CNC? 6 months
How did you “discover” CNC? Eat like me
What is your favorite aspect of CNC? Your real and refreshing approach to healthy eating and exercise. I love that you rarely have guilty posts about going out and having fun on the weekends.
Age: 27
Gender:female
Location (City, State): Columbia, MD
Occupation:teacher
How long have you been reading CNC? a month or two
How did you “discover” CNC? through another food blog (can’t remember which one at the moment)
What is your favorite aspect of CNC? combination of food and exercise posts
24
F
Columbus (I work in Madison) WI
Underwriting/Admin Asst Commercial Auto
I have no idea how long I’ve been reading, it feels a natural part of my day!
I’m pretty sure Reader suggested you.
Great recipes and ideas for someone new to healthy eating. You make it less intimidating.
Age: 24
I find you and Jenna the most approachable of the food bloggers and all your hard work in documenting your food and life is much appreciated!
Gender: Female
Location (City, State): Otago, New Zealand
Occupation: Art History PhD student and Curatorial Assistant
How long have you been reading CNC? About eight months, I think.
How did you “discover” CNC? I was reading Eat Like Me and asked for recs on similar blogs
What is your favorite aspect of CNC? The daily eats, restaurant reviews and your sunny personality!
Age: 40+
Gender: Female
Location (City, State): Everett (Boston), MA
Occupation: Legal Assistant, Photographer
How long have you been reading CNC? About 6 months +-
How did you “discover” CNC? Not sure – a link from a link from a link ….
What is your favorite aspect of CNC? I love reading about your restaurant reviews in the area and getting ideas for healthy meals at home.
Age: 21
Gender:F
Location (City, State): Central Jersey
Occupation: Student, soon to be music teacher!
How long have you been reading CNC? Since August I think
How did you “discover” CNC? Through a comment on Cristin’s blog on Self.com
What is your favorite aspect of CNC? I love that your approach to health and nutrition is realistic and relate-able (not a real word, apparently!), and that you love sweets as much as I do! It gives me inspiration to be balanced. Your workout-ethic is also inspiring, and as I am transitioning to working in “the real world” it is helpful to see how someone else does it an manages to be healthy at the same time. I also love the cooking and meal ideas.
Thanks so much for CNC!
Age: 21
Gender:F
Location (City, State): Wichita, KS
Occupation: Part Time Hallmark & Park Time Student Teacher, also actively looking for a job in my degree that I finished last May!
How long have you been reading CNC? Since August I think
How did you “discover” CNC? Through a comment on Cristin’s blog on Self.com
What is your favorite aspect of CNC? I like how you eat like a real person. It is okay to sometimes just eat cereal for supper or be snacky all day! Sometimes people get the idea that you have to eat so perfectly to be healthy and you prove this to be false. Food should be fun and enjoyed and you show how you can do that and be healthy too. Plus you seem to have a wonderful personality and are sooo much fun!
Age: 21
Gender: Female
Location (City, State): originally from Maine, in Poughkeepsie, NY for college for now
Occupation: student
How long have you been reading CNC? since the beginning!!! You are SUCH an inspiration Tina and your blog makes me happy every day!
How did you “discover” CNC? I can’t remember–maybe Kath?
What is your favorite aspect of CNC? seeing your everyday life and all the healthy choices you make. I love reading your exercise stats. I especially loved your pre-wedding posts about the wedding details and, now, the dinner posts when you and Mal share the responsibilities!
Age: 21
Gender:female
Location (City, State): college station,Texas
Occupation: student
How long have you been reading CNC? about a year
How did you “discover” CNC? katheats.com
What is your favorite aspect of CNC? how you balance real life thru food, working out, work, social aspects, etc. you include all types of food and i love your balance with that instead of alot of other blogs that the bloggers seem “guilty” for enjoying themselves. you make reading fun so thakns for sharing your life
Age: 40
Gender: F
Location (City, State): Louisville, KY
Occupation: Data Analyst
How long have you been reading CNC? 8 months
How did you “discover” CNC? Through comments on another blog
What is your favorite aspect of CNC? Your healhy eating and exercise ideas. You have been an inspiration to me while trying to lose weight and become healthier.
Age: 30
Gender: F
Location (City, State): Norwalk, CT (if you’re ever in Fairfield County, let me know – TONS of great restaurants!!)
Occupation: Financial Reporting Specialist
How long have you been reading CNC: ~2 months
How did you “discover” CNC: I saw your announcement on the GPhiB site and came to check it out!
What is your favorite aspect of CNC: Recipes!! I run a TON and I’m always looking for healthy, filling meals to fuel my training.
Age:29
Gender: F
Location: Palm Harbor, FL (Tampa Bay)
Occupation: Chemist
How long have you been readind CNC: about 6 months
How did you “discover” CNC: other food blogs (not sure which one exactly)
What is your favorite aspect of CNC: Recipes and meal ideas. I have no creativity when it comes to food!
Age: 22
Gender: F
Location: (City, State): Minneapolis, MN
Occupation: Marketing Specialist
How long have you been reading CNC: ~ 1 yr
How did you “discover” CNC: From a post on ‘Eat Like Me’
What is your favorite aspect of CNC: After going through the highs and lows of an eating disorder since 8th grade, I have found this blog to be the most inspiring source to want to bite the evil thoughts in the butt! You show all of us the balance of healthy eating, nights out on the town, desserts after every meal (which I must say is a must in my diet as well!) and many other aspects of your life that we can all take life lessons from. Thank you for that!
Age: 32
Gender: Female
Location (City, State): Toronto, Ontario Canada
Occupation: Teacher
How long have you been reading CNC? 1 year
How did you “discover” CNC? From reading other food/health blogs.
What is your favorite aspect of CNC? I love that you share your everyday choices. Two months ago I decided that it was time to get healthy and seeing your interesting day to day choices always gives me ideas and other options.
)
Thanks a bunch
Thanks for your input, guys!
Age: 19
Gender: F
Location (City, State): Chestnut Hill, MA
Occupation: Student
How long have you been reading CNC? a couple of months
How did you “discover” CNC? other blogs linked to it
What is your favorite aspect of CNC? pictures! personal anecdotes! recipes!
Age: 25
Gender: female
Location (City, State): Rochester, NY
Occupation: Traffic/Production Coordinator in advertising agency
How long have you been reading CNC? Since June 2008… i read everyday!
How did you “discover” CNC? I found you in someone else’s blogroll, but I can’t quite remember where
What is your favorite aspect of CNC? You seem to have a great balance between work, workout, and play
Age: 18
Gender: F
Location (City, State): Orlando, Florida
Occupation: Student in High School, about to be a freshman in college!
How long have you been reading CNC? ~1 year
How did you “discover” CNC? Katheats, I’m thinking?
What is your favorite aspect of CNC?
It’s nice to see someone who truly enjoys food and doesn’t loathe herself in doing so.
I too ,like others, struggled with an eating disorder and turned to alot of blogs ( Eatlikeme, Eat,Live,Run & yours) for guidance as I was really tired of the rut I had put myself in. It’s a refreshing sight to see someone with such a healthy relationship with food. Alot different than what I see in my own high school.
Age: 28
Gender: Female
Location (City, State): Anchorage, Alaska
Occupation: Chef
How long have you been reading CNC? Since December 2008
How did you “discover” CNC? Through another blog, this was listed on there blog roll and I was curious.
What is your favorite aspect of CNC? Recipes & pictures. Also I have 3 adorable pugs and I enjoy seeing Bruce pop up from time to time. You also post food products that I haven’t tried yet but thanks to you have become familiar with BB and Agave nectar, Thanks!
Age: 24
Gender: Female
Location (City, State): Brooklyn, NY
Occupation: Program Assistant at a Non-profit
How long have you been reading CNC? Probably about a year
How did you “discover” CNC? Through another blog, this was listed on the blog roll- think it was katheats.com.
What is your favorite aspect of CNC? I like seeing the creative mixes you make of everyday food, especially leftovers! I also have learned a lot about portion control from you- just wish I had your willpower!
Hi Tina, awesome idea!!
Age: 27
Gender: lady
Location (City, State): minneapolis, mn
Occupation: full time server
How long have you been reading CNC? year and a half, or so
How did you “discover” CNC? really…i don’t totally remember. i think i found you through SELF magazine’s Eat Like Me blogger.
What is your favorite aspect of CNC? i LOVE how you & Mal go out and try new places, i love your realistic sense of balance, you’re totally motivating, interesting, empowering, funny, and SO REAL.
keep of the good work girlie!!
Age: 30
Gender: female
Location: Bay Area, CA
Occupation: Sr. Associate at a drug company
How long have you been reading CNC: I am not sure! about 9 months maybe?
How did you “discover” CNC?: Through Kath’s blog!
What is your fave aspect of CNC: I like your reviews of the places you visit and the recipies of course!
Age: 25
Gender: F
Location (City, State): currently Huntington WV, but only until graduation in may, then wherever the good job fairies take me!
Occupation: optometry student
How long have you been reading CNC? approx 9 months or so…
really love your personality that shines thru. and love how cute you and mr. mal are! recipes are great, too. honestly, its my fave blog.
How did you “discover” CNC? thru ‘the weighting game’ or ‘kerf’, not sure
What is your favorite aspect of CNC? your realistic approach to healthy lifestyle– enjoying treats and yummy foods in moderation, fitting in exercise when you can, the little fitness tidbits, and you booze, and GOOD booze at that
Age: 26
Gender: Female
Location (City, State): Austin, TX – one of the best places on Earth
Occupation: Speech Language Pathology Student
How long have you been reading CNC? Only a week now!
How did you “discover” CNC? Food and health are my passion and I’ve been entertaining sharing this passion via a blog. So I went searching online to see how other Healthy Food Bloggers do it.
What is your favorite aspect of CNC? Good balance so far. And peanut butter banana oatmeal is my favorite too. I’ve turned it into a breakfast smoothie.
Age: 27
Gender: Femal
Location (City, State): Portland, OR (in the burbs)
Occupation: Software developer
How long have you been reading CNC? 3 months
How did you “discover” CNC? KERF!
What is your favorite aspect of CNC? Your honest and healthy approach to food. You balance your food choices and don’t beat yourself up over it. Plus, you and Mal are too cute!
Age:40 (gasp as well!Had no idea your other readers were so young!I feel ANCIENT now
Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Age: 20
Gender: F
Location (City, State): Newark, Delaware (Delawhere…?)
Occupation: Student
How long have you been reading CNC? Almost a year!
How did you “discover” CNC? Kath
What is your favorite aspect of CNC? Your yummy looking but simple food creations, healthy attitude towards food (it’s so inspiring to see you being so healthy without depriving yourself and still having the occasional treats!)
age: 22
gender: f
chicago
student
a year in reading
i discoverd you VIA kath.
i love how you are so down to earth and you really showcase eating in moderation
xoxo,
lo..honeynutlo.com
Age: 24
Gender: female
Location (City, State): Charlottesville, VA
Occupation: Reporter
How long have you been reading CNC? About three weeks.
How did you “discover” CNC? I was looking for yoga blogs to read and inspire me, and yours came up because you were in the middle of the challenge.
What is your favorite aspect of CNC? I really love when you tell us how to make what you’re eating. Everything looks so tasty in those pictures!
Age: 25
Gender: female
Location (City, State): Los Angeles, CA
Occupation: Engineer
How long have you been reading CNC? for a long time…I don’t remember
How did you “discover” CNC? I don’t remember; probably from another blog?
What is your favorite aspect of CNC? the mix of food, exercise, photos, and personal stories. The personal stories make you ‘real’ and not just another food journal-er.
Age: 26
Gender: Female
Location (City, State): Seattle, WA
Occupation: Legal Assistant/Paralegal/Bookkeeper
How long have you been reading CNC?: 3-4 months
How did you “discover” CNC?: through a fashion website that also has a fitness section
What is your favorite aspect of CNC?: i am a a bit of a voyeur i guess. I like to see what other people are eating and i love pictures of it. it helps me gauge what is and is not normal and it also helps me stay on track with my weight loss plan. I’m not much of a cooker, and my husband and I eat out a lot, and a lot of fast food and seeing what you can whip up quickly and healthily has helped a great deal. You’ve turned me onto oatmeal (which i eat every weekday now), barney butter (thank you!!) and PB puffins as well as just eating more veggies. i love your blog!
Age: 21
Gender: Female
Location (City, State): Madison, Wisconsin
Occupation: Student
How long have you been reading CNC? About a year
How did you “discover” CNC? Either through “Eat Like Me” or “Katheats,” can’t remember exactly!
What is your favorite aspect of CNC? The frequent posts, your friendliness, openness, and responsiveness to readers, wide variety, your philosophy on food and enjoying yourself (you’ve had some of the most delicious-looking cookies I’ve ever seen!)…I think us readers feel like we can relate to you and really appreciate the amount of work you put into the blog!!
Gender: Female
Location: Scottsdale, Arizona
Occupation: Dietetics Student at Arizona State University
How long have you been reading CNC?: About a year
How did you “discover” CNC?: KathEats
What is your favorite aspect of CNC?: I love how friendly you and Mal are and appreciate you letting us into your lives. I also love how honest you are…you aren’t afraid to admit when you have temporarily fallen off the healthy eating wagon, and that makes you incredibly real and easy to relate to.
Keep up all of the great work, Tina! I really enjoy reading CNC!
Age: 21
Gender: Female
Location: B’ham, AL/Durham, NC
Occupation: Student/Freelance writer
Reading for about a year
Found through other foodie blogs!
I love it when you feature foodie hot spots: restaurants, markets, etc.
Age: 23
Gender: F
Location (City, State): Portland, OR
Occupation: Office slave
How long have you been reading CNC?: Hrm…I remember I started about a month before you got married, but I’m blanking as to when that would have been (?).
How did you “discover” CNC?: Blogroll love.
What is your favorite aspect of CNC?: I’ve always loved how open and honest you are. I tend to think of the blogs I read as little ongoing stories, and yours is always interesting! Plus, your continued focus on healthy eating helps keep me focused on doing the same. Thanks Tina!
Age: 21
Gender: Female
Location (City, State): Salt Lake City, Utah
Occupation: Full-time student and PT office slave (a la Lindsay)
How long have you been reading CNC? A yearish or so? I dannot remember exactly.
How did you “discover” CNC? Through a link from Kath Eats
What is your favorite aspect of CNC? Your realistic lifestyle and the way you ask questions to your reader, I love it!
Age: 18
Gender: F
Location (City, State): Currently at school in Tucson, Arizona!
Occupation: Student
How long have you been reading CNC? Since end of last year!
How did you “discover” CNC? Through Caitlin’s/Jenna’s/Kath’s blog probably!
What is your favorite aspect of CNC? Your work-packed meals, they are so easy to copy for dorm living or packed lunches between classes!! And I love your workouts too!
What a Teen-tastic workout you had this morning! Those Bosu balls are great! I only wish they weren’t so expensive. Do you get a lot of use out of yours?
Here’s my info for you. I’m excited to see what you do with your data!
Age: 27
Gender: All female baby
Location (City, State): Trapped in Lubbock, TX
Occupation: Grad student
How long have you been reading CNC? March 2008
How did you “discover” CNC? My sweet friend sent me a link!
What is your favorite aspect of CNC? YOU! You are down to earth, include Mal in your posts (which I love), and just seem to have the most balanced life. You’re such an inspiration to me Teen. You just seem like the sweetest person alive.
Age: 20
Gender: F
Location (City, State): Malmo, SWEDEN! (But I’m American and French)
Occupation: Student
How long have you been reading CNC?
I’m a newbie, and have been reading food blogs for 2 months now?
How did you “discover” CNC?
I don’t really remember…I think I just somehow stumbled on it when I was reading KathEats. But I like it!
What is your favorite aspect of CNC?
The great health tips and advice you offer! Plus, the photos ain’t bad!
Age: 33
Gender: F
Location: Columbus, OH
Occupation: Stay at home mom/writer/teacher
How long reading? A year? Can’t really remember.
How did I discover CNC? Through Kath Eats
Favorite Aspect? Your balanced approach to food and exercise
Age: 28
Gender: F
Location: San Antonio, TX
Occupation: teacher
How long reading? about a year?
Discover: kath eats
Favorite aspect: your approach to eating, living and exercise. You have a great balance.
Name: jessica
Age: 26
Gender: F
Location (City, State): Somerville, MA (we’re practically neighbors!)
Occupation: Human Resources
How long have you been reading CNC?
I can’t quite remember… maybe 8 or 9 months now? I am a SERIOUS lurker. I read every weekday, and sometimes on the weekends
How did you “discover” CNC?
A friend of mine started a blog awhile back about healthy baking, and she linked to your blog and a few others. Her blog has since gone the way of the dinosaurs, but I now have a list of about 25 blogs that I read weekly! In fact, I recently started my own blog (http://thisplaceisnowahome.wordpress.com). Although not really about food (not yet, anyway), the blog is a “his and hers” view of my husband’s and my experiences trying to conceive (we just started, but I want to document the experience). I’m hoping it will grow into a blog about living a healthy, balanced life with the added craziness of kids.
What is your favorite aspect of CNC?
(My husband asked me if I’d go up and say hi to you… I said yes, and then wondered if that happens to you often?).
My favorite part about your blog is how local you are and how I can get great ideas of places to go and things to try! I live near Davis Square, and I love seeing my favorite haunts pop up on your blog. In fact, last weekend my husband and I went to the Watertown Diner and I almost thought I’d see you there
I’ll keep lurking, and maybe one of these days we will actually run into each other!
Age: 21
Gender: F
Location: Ithaca, NY
Occupation: college senior ahhhh!
How long reading? A little over a year I think
How did I discover CNC? Either Kath Eats or Jenna
Favorite Aspect? I really like how you find balance in your life – in your eating, exercising, social life, etc. It’s something I strive to find as I enter the “real world.” Plus, I’m a sucker for wedding pictures!
Keep up the good work
Age: 29
Gender: F
Location (City, State): Ft Lauderdale, FL
Occupation: Meeting Planner
How long have you been reading CNC? 1 year
How did you “discover” CNC? I forgot! hehe
What is your favorite aspect of CNC? I like the restaurants and workouts the best
Age: 37
Gender: F
Location (City, State): Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Occupation: Contracts Administrator
How long have you been reading CNC? A few weeks a new reader.
How did you “discover” CNC? Thru Kath Eats Real Food Blog.
What is your favorite aspect of CNC? You are fun to read and I have tried some of your treadmill workouts. I like getting new ideas for workouts!
Age: 30
Gender: Female
Location (City, State): New York, NY
Occupation: Event Planner @ Non-Profit
How long have you been reading CNC? About 6 months
How did you “discover” CNC? A Friend of mine in Oklahoma City recommended it to me.
What is your favorite aspect of CNC? I love that it’s personal, there are great recipes and recipe suggestions, and I feel that you eat realistically to a person in our age group!
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