A Healthy Workout In The Garden #TENways #PMedia

This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group™ and Dr. Pepper Snapple Group but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #TENways http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

With Summer is just around the corner, I know a lot of the younger gals are thinking about getting ready for swimsuit season. I, however, am not. As you all know, I am a woman of a certain age and some things just ain't gonna happen, like seeing me in a 2-piece! This is not to say I don't want to look good and that I am not concerned about my health. I just know that words like "Zumba" and "Step Class" are no longer in my vocabulary.

So, how do we older, but still active, ladies get rid of that winter weight?

You could do what I do, I go for a healthy work out, in the garden!

See those 10 bags of garden soil? They didn't get there by themselves. I had to bring them from the front driveway, down the side of the house, to the backyard. 10 bags! I did 2 bags at a time so it was back and forth 5 times carrying a heavy weight. No expensive gym membership required! No equipment purchased to later become a bulky clothes hanger. Added bonus? Fresh air baby!!

And, before I could even lay down the new garden soil, I had to prep the existing soil in the vegetable garden. What I found was, not one but, two layers of gardening weed control fabric. I needed to remove both layers so that my plants roots had somewhere to go! That meant I had to move the soil TWICE! More heavy dirty work that also included bending over and pulling at the fabric as I moved the dirt out of the way, from one end of the garden to the other and back again. Up and down, pulling and tugging. Bend those knees, use those dormant muscles Kath! Feel the burn!

The weed barrier duo did not beat me! Oh yeah, it took some time and I was a sweaty, muddy mess, but I won!! And it felt so good!

I then put the new soil down and tilled it all together. (I saved a couple of bags for an herb garden I have planned in another area, so um, they'll be moved again)

Oh yeah! One garden ready for planting in about 6 weeks time!

Even better with the addition of some fencing to keep Mr. Max out!

After that workout I was hungry and thirsty! Luckily I had picked up some tasty, low calorie sodas from Walmart. 

There are actually four TEN products that can be found at Walmart from the DPSG (Dr Pepper Snapple Group) in 7UP, Sunkist, A&W, or Canada Dry Ginger Ale. The Four TEN sodas are Low Calorie, only ten calories actually, but each has that great full flavor taste I love!

Not only is it refreshing to drink after a hard workout in the garden, I used some of the TEN A&W Root Beer to make a healthier sauce for some 'qued ribs!

Root Beer BBQ Sauce
(adapted from www.mrfood.com)

1 cup A&W TEN Calorie Root Beer

1 cup ketchup

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)

1/4 cup molasses

3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

3 tablespoons light brown sugar (to keep it healthier I substituted 3 tablespoons of organic honey)

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

In a medium saucepan, combine ingredients; mix well and bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer 20 minutes, or until sauce is reduced by half. 

Some freshly made cole slaw on the side kept my meal light.

There were plenty leftover for Mr. B too.  He loved the sweet sticky sauce and could not believe it was healthier for him! And he does love root beer! Now he can really enjoy it, TEN calories at a time!

I'll be keeping cold cans of the TEN products on hand for a refreshing light, full flavored drink, to look forward to as I work out in tend to my garden this season! 

You can join me in keeping  up with the Dr Pepper Snapple Group on Facebook and Twitter. And here's a treat, when you go to Walmart to pick up your TEN soda , make sure you print out this great coupon for $0.50 off the purchase of TWO 2 Liter bottles or TWO 4-pack cans of 7UP TEN, A&W TEN, Canada Dry TEN, RC TEN or Sunkist TEN soda. AND...if you share this offer you can get a $1.50 off coupon!! Woot! This offer is available from March 27 – April 17, while supplies last.

Now I ask you, how do you plan to get back in shape after the long winter months?