Knead to Cook

Food & fitness obsessed girl.

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My thoughts on the Peloton bike. Product review.

November 8, 2019 by Knead to Cook Filed Under: Fitness., Health & wellness, Holiday, Holiday Gift Guides

As of the last year or so my training at the gym has felt quite lackluster. I didn’t want to shell out a ton of cash for a trainer. I know how and what to do there. Running is off the table and I had added yoga back in. I wouldn’t say I hated it but I would say I’ve become quite complacent.

The last few months I mentioned to Bill that I may want the Mirror or something that would allow me to workout from home. Now, with that being said, we do have a full gym in our home. Elliptical, TRX, weights, Bowflex, Bosu etc. I just wasn’t engaged. What was I missing?

So a few weeks ago my iPhone died. I was off on the weekend and we headed to King of Prussia for lunch and decided to stop at Apple and pick up a new phone. While traipsing through the mall, we found ourselves in the Peloton store talking to a lovely woman. We got all the info and left. We would think about it. They are running a 30 day trial. If you love it- you keep it. If you hate it- they come and get it no questions asked.

Bill had mentioned to me earlier in that week that he spoke to a woman wearing a Peloton shirt at work. She raved about it! So after eating, walking, talking… we headed back to the store and bought one. The eariest delivery was on that Thursday, 5 days later. I was excited and fearful… I’m not a cyclist. In fact, I hated it.

The days leading up to the delivery were filled with the logistics. Where are we putting this thing? I didn’t want it in our basement where our gym is…. the guest room? Sure but if we wanted to take a yoga class or strength – there wasn’t enough floor space. Sydney’s room is huge and she isn’t there so that would work. That was our decision. Plus she has a tv in her room we could use to connect the app for bootcamp/yoga classes etc.

The delivery was fast and smooth. The bike is just under 200 lbs. We put a mat underneath that Bill already had from when he did his bike in the trainer. The mat merely protects the floor from the sweat and is very necessary. The only other must haves are cycling shoes to clip in with ($125 from Peloton) or Bill was using his road cycling shoes. The mat. And small hand weights. We bought ours at Target. They recommend 1, 2 or 3lbs. I know this seems too light but trust me, it is more than enough.

When signing up they ask if anyone referred you. Bill used the lady from work. When you do, the referring party and YOU both get $100 credit! Bonus. This can be used on equipment, apparel etc. My user is runner4 if you wish to use me as a referral. I used the $100 towards my shoes.

Q & A’s

I asked followers of my Instagram for questions that they have about the Peloton. Let’d dig in…

If I have a road bike/trainer, is it worth the digital membership? From what I understand its good but not the same without the bike itself. The app has so many workouts from running, cycling, yoga, HIIT, outdoor (audio run), strength, meditation, stretching, bootcamp, walking and cardio.

What types of workouts come with the bike/subscription and cost? The general categories are listed above. The cycling classes run from beginner, intermediate to advanced, metrics-based, cardio and strength… literally so many live and pre-recorded classes. Bike cost $2499 or you can do 0% financing for the life of the loan. The monthly $39.

Do you really feel that riding with heavy resistance doesn’t bulk up your legs? This was one of my fears. But after 2 weeks my legs have gotten stronger but smaller. I think lifting heavy at the gym bulked them up where now they’ve slimmed down in just 2 weeks. I’m sure if you do a lot of climbing it can add bulk but I haven’t had that issue.

What’s involved in getting started? Sign up. The bike arrives. You create a user with the delivery guys/they connect WiFi etc. Then you select your class and ride.

How much guidance do the instructors give? First they make recommendations on cadence and resistance (many classes show the range on the screen. These instructors are beyond motivating! I haven’t finished a class yet that I’m not soaked and completely fatigued.

Can people follow each other? My user is runner4 and you can follow people you know. You can see when they’re in a class you’re considering.

How do you do floor exercise classes? If you have a smart tv you can connect it through the app and use the tv to view the instructor etc. If you don’t, you can use the app on an iPhone, laptop or iPad. Some simple, short classes I use the bike tv and set my mat up right next to the bike so I can see it.

Its really remarkable to see my progress in such a short amount of time. My cadence and resistance has grown. I’ve exceeded 110 miles. The classes vary in time and work great with my crazy work schedule. From 5 min classes to 45 – I’ve loved stacking them. The strength classes alone are great and combined with cycling are exceptionally challenging.

You can pick a class by music genre, ability, cycling/weights, by instructor… so many choices.

I’m far from testing out all of the classes but I also know that holiday gift giving and delivery, if you choose to buy one, is quickly approaching. My honest review is that I’m leaving the gym and embracing this bike/classes and everything digital with Peloton. It has humbled and exhilarated me equally. It has been truly amazing.

And finally, some days you just wish to ride through Italy or France… yep, you can do that too! I am barely scratching the surface on what this bike (and they also have a treadmill) can do. If I missed any questions that you have… please leave me a comment and I’ll try to answer it as best as I can.

*This product review has not been sponsored. We purchased this bike outright.

— Knead to Cook

Fall 2018 gym favorites and essentials.

September 6, 2018 by Knead to Cook Filed Under: Fitness., Vegan 3 Comments

Oh hey there friends!  September is upon us, despite the 90 degree temps but I’m getting ready for some warm and fabulous fall recipes to share.  For now, I wanted to do a blog post updating you on my favorite fitness equipment/apparel and accessories that I can’t live without.  I hope you find some goodies that make your training efforts a bit more tolerable.

[Read more…]

— Knead to Cook

Pumpkin Protein Pancakes. Vegan. Gluten Free.

June 5, 2018 by Knead to Cook Filed Under: Breakfast, Brunch, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Fitness., Gluten Free, Holiday, Holiday Baking Ideas, Lucy Let's Go Post, Vegan, Vegan proteins 7 Comments

IMG_8647

I know, it’s summer Robin (or almost) but the one ingredient I never stop using is pumpkin! Pumpkin is chock full of vitamins and is very low calorie.  Vitamin A, potassium and antioxidant rich.  Plus vitamin C & fiber which help promote a healthy blood pressure & heart.  So many benefits in this vibrant-colored ingredient.  Plus along with everything else that grows, it has protein.  Protein!  Never has one ingredient been so controversial for people.  If you’re vegan like me – the typical question is… “Where do you get your protein?” to “How much is necessary in a diet?”  At the vegfest this weekend…. this was a very popular question on the panel I was speaking on.

So how much protein do I need?

The US Department of Agriculture recommends that all men and women over the age of 19 should get at least 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day (or 0.37 grams per pound). That means a woman who is 130 pounds should get at least 48 grams of protein but some recommend 70-80 grams if you’re athletic.  Depending on your daily activities, you still may not be getting enough to help your muscles recover from your workouts.

If you get too little protein, you can suffer from fatigue, weakness or muscle loss. Your metabolism slows down and you put yourself at risk of gaining weight. It also weakens your immune system. This breakfast can be made ahead on the weekend so that you can refrigerate or freeze them and defrost as needed.  Plus this makes a perfect quick & healthy breakfast for your kids too.  And let’s face it… homemade trumps store-bought daily.  These are vegan & gluten free.

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— Knead to Cook

Green Pea Ricotta Spread on Baguette. V. GF.

May 14, 2018 by Knead to Cook Filed Under: Appetizers, Brunch, Cheese, Easter, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Fitness., Gluten Free, Holiday, Italian-inspired, Party Foods, Side dish, Snacks, Vegan, Vegan proteins, Vitamix, Wheat Free 5 Comments

Green pea ricotta spread.  Vegan.  Gluten free.

Happy Monday friends.  I hope your mother’s day weekend was incredibly fun, food-filled and joyous.  This weekend we hosted Kira’s friends for her 17th birthday party.  Then after a trip to the gym early Sunday, we went to Philly for brunch and shopping.  It was the best.  My heart was filled along with my stomach.

I’ve been recreating a bunch of old Lucy Activewear recipes that were lost since they merged with North Face.  This is a big favorite for summer, outdoor dining with friends.  Easy and prep-ahead!  It’s light and filling.  Great appetizer or side for dinner or soup.  Great for parties too!  All of the ingredients can be found at Whole Foods or local specialty food markets.  Vegan and gluten free!

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— Knead to Cook

Easy Lentil “Meatballs”. Vegan. GF.

April 10, 2018 by Knead to Cook Filed Under: Brunch, Fitness., Gluten Free, Italian-inspired, Lentils, Snacks, Vegan, Vegan proteins, Wheat Free Leave a Comment

Happy Tuesday my friends!  Okay we survived Monday & that folks, we will call a win.  Actually my Monday was very productive.  We came off a spring cleaning, doing all the projects we didn’t want to do, feeling super duper productive so Monday was a bit of a continuation.  I’ve been cleaning out cabinets, drawers and it truly astonishes me that amount of things we accumulate.  I’m now, at 46, in this phase of my life where I want to downsize, get rid of everything and live a very minimalist life.  Truly.  I’m done with all the things.  But we have a few years to go before that happens so I continue to donate, sell, or clean out my possessions.

Last week I made these yummy “meat”balls out of some frozen lentils and they were so good.  I teamed them up with this stew I made a few days prior, added rice… and we had a meal!  They’re great on hoagie or sub rolls and in a lovely marinara sauce with your favorite pasta.  I also was caught eating them cold out of the fridge.  Yes, they’re that good.

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— Knead to Cook

Dark Cherry Zucchini Protein Smoothie. V. GF.

March 5, 2018 by Knead to Cook Filed Under: Beverages, Breakfast, Brunch, Fitness., Fruit, Gluten Free, Raw, Snacks, Vegan, Vegan proteins, Vitamix, Wheat Free 5 Comments

Dark cherry zucchini protein smoothie.

Good morning my friends and happy Monday!  Its the beginning of a whole new week so let’s get it started off on the right foot.  This smoothie is so good and has been my go-to for the past 2 weeks.

One of the most common concerns when going vegan is of course, where do you get your protein.  A great protein powder helps boost post workout along with providing your essential and non essential amino acids, BCAA’s that recovering muscles need.  This smoothie is so good and can fool any kid-detective looking for spinach in his/her smoothie.  Zucchini blends down to a creamy texture.  Plus zucchini has anti-inflammatory properties, high potassium, helps digestion along with being a great source of B vitamins.  Plus I find smoothies are easier to digest after a workout so my stomach is happier.  I hope you give this recipe a try and report back letting me know what you think.  This recipe makes one big smoothie (for me) or two smaller (for kids).  Enjoy!

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— Knead to Cook

February Favorites Vegan Vitamins and Supplements.

February 28, 2018 by Knead to Cook Filed Under: Fitness., Friday Favorites Series, Gluten Free, Going and Living Vegan, Vegan, Vegan proteins 3 Comments

One of the most frequently asked questions on Instagram is what supplements do I take?  Today, I’m sharing my Friday favorite series (albeit on Wednesday but I wanted to get it in for Feb.) of what I take in a day.  I know navigating vitamins, especially vegan, can be a nightmare.  Bill and I have tested a ton, and I sincerely mean that, and finally feel like we’re happy with our choices.  I’m not a big fan of taking tons of vitamins but the essentials are key.  Okay, let’s get this started!

[Read more…]

— Knead to Cook

Chocolate Glazed Baked Donuts. Vegan. Gluten Free.

February 8, 2018 by Knead to Cook Filed Under: Breakfast, Brunch, Cakes, Desserts, Fitness., Holiday Baking Ideas, Party Foods, Running/Races, Valentine's Day, Vegan, Wheat Free 9 Comments

Chocolate Glazed Baked Donuts. Vegan. Gluten Free.

Chocolate Glazed Baked Donuts. Vegan. Gluten Free.

Be my Valentine?

I don’t know anyone that wouldn’t appreciate these little sweet Valentine treats.  These would be perfect for a school Valentine party, take to the office to share, gifts for your GALentine or for your sweet loves.  They are vegan and gluten free. They are totally moist and quite decadent on top of being super cute and fun.  Wouldn’t these be perfect for Valentine’s Day breakfast or brunch?

Updated recipe from my original 3 years ago.

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— Knead to Cook

Flu Fighter Immunity Boosting Lemon Ginger Turmeric Tonic.

January 15, 2018 by Knead to Cook Filed Under: Breakfast, Brunch, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Fitness., Fruit, Gluten Free, Health & wellness, Vegan, Wheat Free, Your Life Edit Foundations 6 Comments

It’s been a year since I’ve posted.  Well, not exactly but it feels like forever!  So where have I gone you may ask?

Well I opted to finish up my cooking for clients the week before Christmas; just in time to celebrate my birthday. We went to DC to see the Cav’s play, shop & eat our way through Georgetown.  ALL OF US!  It was so nice to have our college girl home again.  Then Christmas and the company arrived.  Food.  Faith.  Presents.  All on repeat. Then I have to admit, on Christmas night, our tree and all decorations were put away and life was good.

Why the rush to end the holiday?  Well Santa brought me a new partial knee replacement.  I had my surgery on the 29th.  If worrying about that wasn’t enough, couple that with my oldest & my husband both getting sick.  You see, I wasn’t allowed to get sick for 2 weeks prior to surgery.  Needless to say I lived in a bubble.  Ha.

Surgery went really well.  Stay over in the hospital one evening and fast forward 17 days to today.  I’m back to the gym, lifting upper body.  I can walk sans limping.  I can drive.  And each day it gets better.  Amazing, right?

So I’ll stop on my knee update & move on to this recipe.  The flu is hitting & hitting hard.  I’ve been making this elixir/tonic whatever you wish to call it all fall/winter to keep us all healthy. Knock wood it’s working!  It’s strong.  Be prepared but it’s packed with vital nutrients and vitamins to keep your immunity in tip top shape.  Team that up with washing your hands every second you get & hopefully we all survive this winter.

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— Knead to Cook

Easy pumpkin spice roasted nuts. Vegan. Gluten free.

September 19, 2017 by Knead to Cook Filed Under: Brunch, Fitness., Gluten Free, Holiday Baking Ideas, Nuts, Snacks, Thanksgiving, Vegan, Vegan proteins 3 Comments

Fall is slated to arrive later this week & I’m so excited for cooler temps, all things pumpkin and cozy sweaters.  I’m a simple girl.  I had opened a can of pumpkin for another recipe and had some leftover & wasted to use it.  Roasted nuts are perfect and they ship nicely if you need a care package idea.  Whatever nuts you have on hand work nicely but cooking temperatures need to be monitored as some nuts have a higher fat content and may burn easier.  The trio of nuts I used were walnuts, cashews and almonds.

This recipe is super easy and I’ll give measurements but you can adjust what nut or seeds you use.  You can also add some cayenne if you want a sweet/heat combination too.  These are great for Thanksgiving as a snack or on our cheese board.  And place some of  these in a ziploc baggie and stash in your car for when hunger hits!  Let’s get this started…

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— Knead to Cook

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