Day 29 of Insanity

This week is recovery week and I just did my first round of Core Cardio & Balance. The workouts for your shoulders at the end are KILLER! They don't look that difficult but wow, they are! I do like the workout. I can really feel the burn in my legs, my arms, my abs..it's great!

Day 27 & 28 of Insanity

I had a hard time with the Plyometric Cardio Circuit video because I popped my left hip out of place Friday or Saturday. It's better than it was Saturday night; I could barely sleep b/c the pain was so constant. The stretching workouts are what hurt the most, especially the hip one..of course. I'm hoping that this week's workouts which are all the same (Core Cardio & Balance) don't aggravate it further.

Slow-Cooked Curry Chicken

I made this for dinner last night and it's got great flavor. Instead of using green onions I used regular onions and it tasted awesome. I also replaced the rice with quinoa. The only thing I think was missing was a bit of salt which I added to mine because some people don't want or need it. I would say to leave it out and let people add it as they like it to their own plates.

• 6 Servings
• Prep: 25 min. Cook: 4 hours

Ingredients

• 6 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (6 ounces each)
• 1-1/4 teaspoons salt
• 1 can (14 ounces) light coconut milk
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 3 green onions, sliced, divided
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons cold water
• 1 to 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 3 cups hot cooked rice

Directions

• Sprinkle chicken with salt. In a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray, brown chicken on both sides. Place in a 5-qt. slow cooker.
• Combine the coconut milk, curry, turmeric and cayenne; pour over chicken. Sprinkle with half of the onions. Cover and cook on low for 3-1/2 to 4-1/2 hours or until chicken is tender.
• Combine cornstarch and water until smooth; stir into slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for 30 minutes or until sauce is thickened. Stir in lime juice. Serve chicken and sauce with rice; sprinkle with remaining onions. Yield: 6 servings.
• Nutrition: 1 chicken breast with 1/4 cup sauce and 1/2 cup rice equals 351 calories, 9 g fat, 94 mg cholesterol, 589 mg sodium, 27 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 37 g protein.

Cranberry Flax Muffins

These muffins are so moist and tasty! Instead of using buttermilk, I used 1 tbsp of lemon juice and then added coconut milk to make 1 cup. I was worried it wouldn't work but it did and they came out great!

• 18 Servings
• Prep/Total Time: 25 min.

Ingredients

• 1-1/2 cups bran flakes cereal
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup ground flaxseed
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg
• 2 egg whites
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup canola oil
• 1-1/2 cups dried cranberries
• 2 tablespoons whole flaxseed

Directions

• In a large bowl, combine the first nine ingredients. Whisk the egg, egg whites, buttermilk, honey and oil; stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Stir in cranberries.
• Coat muffin cups with cooking spray or use paperliners; fill two-thirds full. Sprinkle with whole flaxseed. Bake at 375° for 10-15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing to wire racks. Yield: 1-1/2 dozen.

Nutritional Analysis: 1 muffin equals 183 calories, 5 g fat (1 g saturated fat), 13 mg cholesterol, 174 mg sodium, 32 g carbohydrate, 3 g fiber, 4 g protein. 

Day 26 of Insanity

I went out dancing last night and could tell a huge difference in my stamina. I was shaking my groove thing for nearly 3 hours straight and I didn't feel tired or out of breath at all. I was sweating up a storm but I was able to keep it up without a problem..SWEET! Tell you what though, I am so sore from all that dancing. I did my workout today of Pure Cardio and it wasn't easy b/c my legs were screaming.

Day 25 of Insanity

I just finished Cardio Recovery and the funny thing is I kinda wanted it to be crazy like the rest of them...hahaha Some of the floor work moves I have to modify b/c of my ankle injury. I can't believe it's been over a year and it still bothers me. I shouldn't complain given the fact that I can walk and jump without a problem. I feel really good and have a lot more energy. I find myself doing the kick backs to your butt move or the knee ups at night just for the hell of it. These workouts are addicting! While I'm at work I'm thinking about the workout I'm going to do later once I get home. I love that I feel like that..too awesome!

Day 24 of Insanity

Plyo Cardio Circuit is one of my favorite workouts but I'm still not even close to being able to complete those ski abs or the ins & outs. I'm so tired by the time ShaunT gets to them that I'm a sloppy gasping mess..hahaha I am seeing very subtle changes in my body..nothing major but it's a start and I'll take it! I enjoy working out at home much better than the gym. My husband prefers the gym and I've been going with him for years but I always end up back to my beachbody workouts at home. I get better results too so why mess with a good thing?

Day 23 of Insanity

I don't think I will ever like Cardio Power & Resistance..lol Today I felt more tired than usual so it was a bit of a struggle to get through the workouts. Every time I come up from the v-pushups I get a bit lightheaded. I probably wouldn't have that happen if the workouts weren't so fast from one to the next. 

Day 22 of Insanity

I am able to do Pure Cardio right up until the 6 minute mark and then I'm gasping for air...so frustrating! I feel really good despite that. I have more energy, I'm happier and my clothes are fitting better/looser. 


I've cleaned up my diet even more than before and my skin feels much better as well. I don't crave sweets AT ALL!! I've been following the Eat Clean Diet and Tosca says in her book that you will lose your cravings eating this way and she's right. Some of the ingredients are hard to find but they are worth it and last a while. They can be a bit pricey but to me I'd rather be healthy and not need to see a doctor which in itself saves me money which can be spent on my food.

Day 20 & 21 of Insanity

Plyometrics Cardio Circuit isn't too bad until I get to the ski abs and the ins & outs and then I'm toast. I am seeing an improvement though. I'm able to do at least of few of them before I collapse into a pile of sweat. My husband says he can see a difference in my legs. There isn't anything different that I can notice and I'm not expecting it. I give it a few months before significant changes are apparent..at least to me. It doesn't discourage me b/c it would be unrealistic to expect major changes so soon. I'm still enjoying the workouts even though I hate them at the same time. =)

Turkey Salisbury Steaks

I just made these for dinner and they are soooo good! You would never know that it is turkey instead of beef. I will make these again for sure. There is a ton of flavor and very delicious.

Ingredients:

1 lb. ground turkey, uncooked

1 envelope beefy onion soup mix, divided

2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, divided

2 tsp olive oil

1 clove garlic, minced

1 tbsp butter

2 cups fresh mushrooms, sliced (8 oz. pkg)

¾ cup beef broth

¼ cup dry red wine

¼ cup tomato paste

Directions:

Combine turkey, 2 tbsp of the soup mix, and 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce and mix well. Shape into 4 oval patties about ½” thick.

In skillet cook patties in hot oil over medium-high heat 3 minutes or until browned; turning once. Remove; set aside. In hot skillet cook garlic in butter 30 seconds. Add mushrooms. Cook and stir 5 minutes or until tender. Add broth, wine, tomato paste, and remaining Worcestershire sauce and soup mix. Stir, scraping up browned bits. Return patties to skillet; spoon sauce over. Cover; cook over medium-low heat for 8 minutes or until patties are 160°. 

Makes 4 servings.

Nutrition Facts*:

Calories  285

Fat  15g

Sat. Fat  5g

Cholesterol  97mg

Sodium  1008mg

Carbohydrate  12g

Fiber  1g

Protein  23g

Vitamin C 10%

Calcium 3%

Iron 15%

Day 19 of Insanity

I hate the Cardio Power & Resistance workout..lol Every time I do it I'm cursing at the television. If I can ever get through the entire video without gasping for air and trying not to pass out I'll be shocked. The good thing I can say is that I'm VERY happy when it's over..hahaha

Crispy Chicken Bites

This is a healthy and yummy alternative to fried chicken strips you get from a lot of fast food places. My husband and I just ate them and we both liked the recipe a lot. They didn't come out crispy like I would have liked but they tasted good just the same. I think it was b/c the recipe calls for way too much water and the breading didn't stick to it well and got kind of soggy. I used entire strips of chicken tenderloin instead of cutting them up into bite sized pieces.

Ingredients

• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts weighing about 6 oz / 170 g each
• 1/4 cup / 60 ml oat bran (I used ground oatmeal)
• 1/4 cup / 60 ml wheat germ
• 1 Tbsp / 15 ml coarsely ground flaxseed
• 1/4 cup / 60 ml coarsely ground almonds
• 1/2 tsp / 2 1/2 ml sea salt
• 1/2 tsp / 2 1/2 ml white pepper
• Pinch garlic powder
• 1/2 cup / 120 ml water or low-sodium chicken broth (you don't need this much water, maybe 1/4 cup)
• 1 large egg white, lightly beaten (I used the entire egg)

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 400°F / 232°C. Prepare baking sheet by lining with parchment paper or coating lightly with best-quality olive oil.
2. Cut chicken breasts into nugget-sized pieces, about 1.5 inches square. Set aside.
3. Next, combine all dry ingredients in a large container with a tightly fitting lid. Shake well. This is your coating mixture.
4. Combine water and egg in a medium bowl. Dip each piece in the water/egg-white mixture. Then dip each piece in the coating mixture. Make sure each piece is well coated.
5. Place on the baking sheet. When all of your chicken has been coated and your baking sheet is full, place in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes or until golden.

Clean-Eating Honey Mustard Sauce

Ingredients

• 1.5 tsp / 7 ml honey
• 1 Tbsp / 15 ml Dijon mustard

Preparation

1. Mix well

Nutritional Value for 4 Nuggets

Calories: 100
Calories from Fat: 32
Fat: 3.5 g
Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Protein: 12 g
Carbohydrates: 7 g
Dietary Fiber: 2 g
Sodium: 320 mg
Cholesterol: 0 mg

Nutritional Value for 3/4 tsp of Sauce

Calories: 13
Calories from Fat: 0
Fat: 0 g
Saturated Fat: 0 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Protein: 0 g
Carbs: 3 g
Dietary Fiber: 0 g
Sodium: 60 mg
Cholesterol: 0 mg

Day 18 of Insanity

I love the Cardio Recovery video. It's so relaxing and I've noticed that my balance and flexibility has improved. Not that it was bad before but it's definitely better. My  cold is almost gone. Just have this stupid cough that doesn't want to go away but other than that I feel much better. I'm so glad I worked through being sick and didn't miss a workout. So far I like Insanity a lot more than all the other beachbody workouts I've done.

Day 17 of Insanity

I just finished Pure Cardio and Cardio Abs. There is one part in the Pure Cardio video that I modify and that is the lunges. My ankle still isn't quite right so I do squats instead. The jumping into the lunge is too harsh of a movement and I have a feeling I'm going to hurt myself and it's just not worth it. I'm having a tough time with the push up jacks but I'm doing my best. The Cardio Abs workout I don't like at all. My back hurts me when I do the "C" position ab work as well as the planks. I had my husband come in and check my form to see if that is the problem and it isn't. He says those positions hurt his back too. I think on the days that I have to do that dvd I'm going to put in P90's ab workout instead. I feel those workouts in my abs where I'm supposed to and not my back. 

Day 16 of Insanity

Just finished Plyometric Cardio. Those ski abs and the in & outs are killer! I was sweating so much that the floor was slippery and I was sliding all over the place..hahaha I think I sweated the sickness out of me, literallly. I had to keep stopping b/c my nose was running so bad. I know it's gross but it's the truth. I feel much better than I did yesterday and even this morning. I guess when you aren't feeling so hot just make yourself do the workout anyway. I'm really glad that I sucked it up and just did it.

Day 15 & 2nd Fit Test

I did the fit test today and will do my next workout later today b/c I will NOT miss a workout!  My results aren't too shabby but those Globe Jumps are a pain for me b/c we have a really low ceiling and a ceiling fan and I keep hitting them both and it hurts..lol The suicide jumps are rightly named! 


Switch Kicks - 40 - 60 +20
Power Jacks - 34 - 53 +14
Power Knees - 84 - 99 +15
Power Jumps - 36 - 40 +4
Globe Jumps - 5 - 6 +1
Suicide Jumps - 9 - 10 +1
Push Up Jacks - 8 - 17 +9
Low Plank Oblique - 26 - 42 +16


I saw a big improvement on most of them but I definitely know where my weak spots are. 

Caught a cold

After years of not getting sick, I caught a bug and I don't feel up to par. I was supposed to do the fit test today but I just don't feel right. I am going to do it tomorrow morning and then do my workout later in the day. PROMISE!! I need one more day of rest so I have the energy to get it all done. The test won't be accurate if I do it feeling like this. Luckily it's nothing serious, just runny nose, some coughing and major headaches. I've been drinking my fluids, taking extra vitamins, resting and I am beginning to feel better. I will beat this stupid thing and get back to my workouts tomorrow. I refuse to miss one!!

Day 13 & 14 of Insanity

I did Pure Cardio and Cardio Abs today. I had a hard time with the workouts b/c I'm feeling crappy but I did them. I really don't like the Cardio Abs much. Probably has a lot to do with the plank positions that were making my arms and back hurt more than my abs. I honestly didn't feel anything in my abs doing most of the workout. Or it could be just that I don't feel very good or a combo of both. I noticed on the calendar that I have another fit test tomorrow. I've been relaxing for most of the day, taking it easy so that hopefully I will feel better. I'd hate to do the fit test and do poorly b/c I'm not up to par. I refuse to miss a day and so far I haven't.

Vegetable-Stuffed Portobellos

OMG, this has got to be one of the best recipes I have ever made! I can't believe how yummy it is!!

• 4 Servings
• Prep: 20 min. Broil: 15 min.

Ingredients

• 1 can (15 ounces) white kidney or cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
• 1 garlic clove, peeled and halved (I used 3 b/c I LOVE garlic!)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 4 large portobello mushrooms (4 to 4-1/2 inches), stems removed
• 1 medium sweet red pepper, finely chopped
• 1 medium red onion, finely chopped
• 1 medium zucchini, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup shredded pepper Jack cheese

Directions

• In a food processor, combine the beans, 1 tablespoon oil, water, rosemary, garlic, salt and pepper. Cover and process until pureed; set aside.
• Place mushrooms on a broiler pan coated with cooking spray. Broil 4 in. from the heat for 6-8 minutes on each side or until mushrooms are tender.
• Meanwhile, in a small nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray, saute the red pepper, red onion and zucchini in remaining oil until tender.
• Spread about 1/3 cup reserved bean mixture over each mushroom; top with 1/2 cup vegetable mixture. Sprinkle with cheese. Broil 2-3 minutes longer or until cheese is melted. Yield: 4 servings.
• Nutrition Facts: 1 stuffed mushroom equals 252 calories, 12 g fat (4 g saturated fat), 15 mg cholesterol, 378 mg sodium, 26 g carbohydrate, 7 g fiber, 11 g protein.

Day 12 of Insanity

Cardio Power & Resistance is killer! I wish I could get through it all without stopping but it moves so damn fast from one move to the next that I still can't keep up. I post on the message forums on beachbody.com and one lady who has been doing the workouts for months says it doesn't get any easier..at least not for her..lol I drink so much water while doing the workouts it's unbelievable but at least that's a good thing. I actually am breathing so hard I can barely get the water down..hahaha


I'm going to make a new recipe tonight and the main ingredient is portobello mushrooms. If it comes out good I will post it. I won't put any recipes on my blog that I wouldn't eat again with enjoyment. =)

Day 11 of Insanity

Cardio Recovery is a nice change from all the jumping around but it still makes me sweat. You have to have good balance to do a lot of the poses which luckily aren't a problem for me. The only workout I don't like is this one where he has you down on all fours and then lift your knees slightly while all your weight is supported by your feet and ankles. My left ankle can't hold it for that long without hurting so I have to modify it. Other than that I can do all the exercises.

Day 10 of Insanity

Just finished Plyo Cardio Circuit and like usual I'm sweating to death. I'm able to get through the workouts a bit easier but around the 13 minute mark my mojo goes down the drain..lol

I tried another recipe for homemade granola and it's yummy and filling. I eat it like I would cereal. Your choice of milk and enjoy!

Mango-Agave Granola

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup canola oil
• 1/4 cup agave syrup
• 1/4 cup clover honey
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (not instant)
• 3/4 cup slivered almonds
• 1/2 cup raw sunflower seeds
• 1/2 cup raw pumpkin seeds
• 2 tablespoons flax seeds
• 2 tablespoons wheat germ
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 cup diced dried sweetened mango

Directions

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Mix the canola oil, agave syrup, honey, cinnamon, brown sugar and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Combine the oats, almonds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, wheat germ and salt in a large bowl. Add the wet mixture to the dry mixture and stir, making sure everything is evenly coated. Spread the mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet; bake, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and crisp, 25 to 30 minutes.

Remove the granola from the oven and let cool slightly, then break into clumps while still warm. Let cool completely, then toss with the dried mango in a bowl. Store leftover granola in an airtight container in a cool place.

Day 9 of Insanity

Pure Cardio just kicked my ass! I was sweating bullets just doing the warm up exercises. I have trouble in the last 6 minutes doing the workout b/c he's going so fast and I'm so wore out that by the time I get to it he's onto the next one. I'm not sore anymore like I was the first few days so I can't complain.


I had a doctor appt today and I haven't lost any weight but I'm not discouraged since it's only been a little over a week. I had some blood work done so he can check my thyroid levels. I have a thyroid disorder and have a really hard time losing weight. We will see what he says when I see him next month. In the meantime I'm going to keep doing what I'm doing and hopefully my hard work will pay off. 

Day 7 & 8 of Insanity

I had day 7 off and today I just did Cardio Power & Resistance. I think this workout is the hardest of them all so far. I am WORE OUT! But I feel great and that is one of the best feelings. I'm having a hard time with the pushups b/c of my ankles and for some reason my wrists are hurting. Probably has a lot to do with the fact that the floors are tile and not very comfortable. The jumps are killer, especially the power jumps. I feel like I'm running out of air sometimes. It will get easier in time..I'm not giving up. I'm addicted to those blueberry smoothies. Every morning I have one before going to work. It's like having dessert for breakfast. I've been putting other ingredients in it b/c I need more calories and good for you stuff. I'm adding almond butter, bee pollen, flaxseed and coconut oil and it's still fantastic. Dorian (my husband) and I are headed to the health food store in a bit to get some goodies. =)

Day 6 of Insanity

Just finished Plyometric Cardio Circuit and it's just as hard as the first time. I'm having a difficult time with a few of the moves, particularly the ski abs. I sprained my ankle a year ago and was on crutches for 2 months. It literally took me a year to be able to wear high heels again. I even know when it's going to rain b/c it acts up. Anyways, some of the exercises put strain on my ankles and I can feel it kinda bothering me so I stop so I don't hurt it again. I never knew such a small thing as a sprain could have such a big impact on my ability to do so much. I'm working through it though and doing the best that I can. I feel great and I love all the food I've been eating. There are times when I want to indulge but then I remind myself that I've been doing all this hard work and it's not worth it. Besides, I have tons of clean eating recipes that satisfy my sweet tooth that are guilt free. I guess when you are used to eating certain things you just want them regardless of what you have to replace them. I must admit my biggest weakness is bread...the fresh baked kind that the stores sell. Those big french loaves that are warm and soft and you spread butter on them. OMG, I could eat an entire loaf! OK, I gotta stop or I'm going to drool all over the keyboard. =) Tomorrow is my day off from the workouts so I'm not sure what I will be doing...probably laundry..yay

Chocolate-Coated Frozen Bananas

I love all the recipes in the Eat Clean Diet Books! Just tried this one last night and it's to DIE for! I used the crystalized ginger and not the walnuts.

CHOCOLATE-COATED FROZEN BANANAS

4 medium bananas, no brown spots
8 bamboo skewers
4 oz good-quality chocolate, 70% cocoa or darker
1½ Tbsp / 22.5 ml coconut butter (if unavailable, use olive oil)
2 Tbsp / 30 ml walnuts, chopped (the pieces should be small enough to stick to the chocolate)
1 Tbsp / 15 ml crystallized ginger, finely chopped (Optional)

Method
1 Prepare small baking sheet by lining with parchment paper.
2 Peel each banana. Discard peels and cut tips off each banana. Cut each banana in half.
3 Insert a bamboo skewer into each piece of banana.
4 Lay pieces on baking sheet. Lay a piece of parchment paper gently over the bananas and place in freezer. Freeze for a few hours until banana is well frozen.
5 Before serving, melt chocolate and coconut butter gently in a double boiler. Add nuts and ginger (if using it). Mix well.
6 Dip each frozen banana piece into the chocolate mixture and return to baking sheet (or decorative platter lined with parchment paper) when done.
Serve immediately.

Nutritional Value Per Serving:
Calories: 172 | Calories from Fat: 89 | Protein: 2g | Carbs: 20g |
Total Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0g | Fiber: 3g |
Sodium: 3mg | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sugar: 10g

Garlic & Red Wine Vinegar Salad Dressing

I just made a salad for me and Dorian along with the following dressing and it was super yummy!


2/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
1 clove garlic smashed
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

Day 5 of Insanity

I just finished Pure Cardio and my calves were burning! I really enjoyed it but the push-ups are difficult b/c by the time I get to them I'm too wore out to do them with correct form..ugh I know it's the first week and it's bound to get easier so I can do them..hahaha I am really enjoying these workouts even though they are making me sweat profusely. 
I just tried the Strawberry Kiwi Nectar protein drink and YUMMY! There isn't one that I've tried that I haven't liked and there are a lot more flavors. =)

Day 4 of Insanity

I finally got all the dvd's. Had to go on craigslist to find someone who had them cheap. I went to beachbody.com but the total with s&h was almost $250 which I can't afford right now. I made sure before I paid for them that they all worked. The guy selling them has a lot of problems with his feet and is having foot surgery tomorrow. Says they are good workouts but he can't do them b/c of his issues which is why he  sold them. Yay for me!
Onto the workout. I did Cardio Recovery just a little bit ago and it was slow paced and kinda like yoga. I enjoyed it but I definitely was still sweating. The soreness isn't too bad and I'm able to sit on the toilet a lot easier..hahaha  I'm actually enjoying myself which is fantastic.
I also got my order from The Vitamin Shoppe today so it's like Christmas all over again. I'm very picky when it comes to protein shakes and I found one that I LOVE! It's a Syntax brand called Nectar and they have all kinds of flavors. I like the fruit ones b/c they aren't creamy and are more like kool aide. They taste awesome and have no sugar and no carbs which makes them even better. I've tried Twisted Cherry, Fuzzy Navel and the new one I am drinking as I type this is Pink Grapefruit. So far the pink grapefruit is my favorite..tastes exactly like one and is yummy! The other one that I got today is Strawberry Kiwi which I will try tomorrow.

Adobo-Rubbed Pork Tenderloin

This recipe is so good you'd never believe it's healthy. I just made it for dinner and it's mouth watering!

24 oz. pork tenderloin, trimmed, cut into 3 or 4 oz. pieces

6 Tbsp paprika

2 Tbps freshly ground black pepper

2 Tbsp coarse salt

1 Tbsp chili powder

3 pinches cayenne pepper

1/2 cup arugula, loosely packed.

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Mix paprika, black pepper, salt, chili powder and cayenne together in a bowl. Thoroughly rub both sides of each piece of pork with spice mixture. Heat an oven safe skillet over medium-high heat and pan-sear each piece of pork on both sides until golden brown. Pan-searing seals in the meat's juices. Transfer pan to oven until pork is completely done (6-8 min. for each inch of thickness)

The rub is enough for two separate dishes so I saved the rest in a small sealed container since I will definitely make this again and again.