Polenta Casserole and The Shred

Guess who came in the mail on Saturday!

I have been dying to try this since I’ve read a LOT of great things about this workout. I normally don’t like workout DVD’s (Billy Blanks, anyone?) but I do think Jillian is just the drill sergeant I need to get my a*& out of bed and try this one. So on Sunday (usually a strength training day for me) I gave this a whirl.

A great workout in 20 minutes? I’m sold. I must say, though (and I hope this doesn’t come off as cocky) that it wasn’t quite as hard as I thought. I’ve heard the Level 2 is MUCH harder, but I’m waiting until I have ze Level 1 fully mastered before I attempt that one. Has anyone else tried this workout? What do you think?

I also tried POLENTA for the first time. I must admit, I was a lil‘ scurrrred. I found this recipe for Italian Summer Squash Polenta Bake and thought it sounded yummy – veggies and cheese? Um, yes please. I made this for my parents and my dad was a little scared, too.

Dad: “So….what are you making us for dinner?”

Me: “Um….a casserole….with polenta (tries to say quietly).”

Dad: “HUH?!!”

First the polenta…..

Add some veggies….how pretty! I’m such a sucker for colors. What am I….five?

All baked and ready to go! Sorry for the yellowish pic – it was super sunny that day.

This was very good…I definitely would make it again. It felt good to eat so many veggies, and honestly the polenta wasn’t all that scary. I love all things corn so I’m sold. I can’t wait to experiment with it again!

And don’t forget to check out these awesome contests:

- Chance to win free Granola at Missy Maintains!

- Chance to win a year’s subscription to Fitness Magazine at Every Gym’s Nightmare!