When I’ve been out of the house all day, and I missed the opportunity to get in a work out, I found a way to shove one in.

I came up with “Cardio Cooking.”

Cardio Cooking allows me to really maximize my time and multi – task while chopping vegetables or slicing chicken. I know sounds crazy, but it works. Wouldn’t  you want to burn off calories before you eat them?

Some might call me insane…. but for those of you on board with this, I came up with a bunch of recipes and a way to chop till you drop.

Recipe for:  Sophie’s “Candy Chickie” (“Apricot Chicken” if you don’t have a Sophie.)

Ingredients

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 2 turns of the pan
2 pounds chicken tenderloins – cut in small pieces (the smaller the better according to my kids)
Salt and pepper
2 tablespoons cider or white wine vinegar (optional)
2 cups chicken stock
1 cup apricot all fruit spread or apricot preserves

Serve with brown rice (if you can get away with it… otherwise, mix half white rice half brown rice, till your kids dig it!) Also, lemon juice and butter helps!

Directions
Heat a large skillet with a lid over medium high heat. Add oil and chicken. Season with salt and pepper. Lightly brown the chicken a few minutes on each side. Add the stock and vinegar (if you’re using it) and cook five minutes. When stock comes to a bubble, add preserves and stir to combine. Cover pan, reduce heat and simmer 10 to 15 minutes.

Your Workout!

1. Start your “Rag Drag”.
   
   
2. Engage your tummy muscles and create a loose upper body and controlled lower body.
3. Then, with your right leg, bring it in and out 5 -7 times alternating with the left 5-7 times. Do this while you dice your chicken and prep your food. You will elevate your heart rate and burn your butt and work your oblique’s quite a bit.
4. Next, while browning your chicken do several sets of leg lifts to the back and side. Lift your leg straight out to the side or back until your foot is 6 to 12 inches off the floor keeping your tummy tight.
5. While you are cooking at the counter top, take this opportunity to do 15 – 20 presses, like counter top push ups.
6. If you have anything to nuke in the microwave…always seize the opportunity to do something active. Instead of just standing around waiting for the beep, throw in 10-15  pushups at the counter top. What else are ya gonna do?