Exercising Less Exercise and Salted “Banoffee” Brioche

by Eden on January 4, 2012

I rarely discuss exercise much on this blog.

Exercise and I have a shaddy history. I love it and hate it. But I’ve noticed many people asking me about it so I thought I’d just weigh in on how I feel about exercise after many years of exercise addiction.

Its a popular belief that you must exercise daily or you won’t maintain a healthy weight. Many believe that exercise (typically an excessive level) is necessary. Meaning doing it every day. Or else…dun dun dun!

You may feel compelled to exercise for fear that your jeans won’t fit the next day (um hello, thats what pajama jeans are for!).

Or that the scale you so rely on will show the damage and then you’ll restrict your food intake to make up for the missed workout.

All of that is a myth. I’m not a doctor but here’s what I do know that might ease you mind:

Your body burns calories 24/7: Yes, even while you’re farting and sleeping. Sure, you use more calories when you’re active. But even at rest, doing absolutely nothing but breathing, you need fuel! Even if you’re bedridden, you need calories. Maybe even more when you’re sick because your body has to fight a disease. Chill out already!

Over exercise is pointless: Eating significantly fewer calories than you’re expending is no different than if you didn’t exercise at all and severely restricted your food intake. And both are messed up. Your metabolism will slow, meaning that your calorie need per day will drop (requiring fewer and fewer calories). And if you’re trying to build muscle, forget it! Your body (desperate for fuel) will try to use any available calories just to function. And no. A low calorie protein shake won’t remedy that.

I’m not going to snark at exercise without giving some solutions. So for me, following these recommendations from my therapist helped:

Stop over exercising. Look, there is no set “rest day” maximum. Take one, two, a week, however much time you need to rest, REST! I took a whole month of doing NOTHING. No walks, no yoga, nothing! Result: no weight change. Trust me, you won’t turn into the Grimace.

Set a limit on the time spent at the gym. And, on your total workout time, if it is becoming obsessive. Start by reducing the total workout time by 15 or 20 minutes., even every other day to start.
Observe that you have survived without your feared weight change (I promise, it won’t change drastically if at all).
Focus on the enjoyment of exercise. choose activities you truly enjoy.
Remember that you still need to fuel yourself, whether you may feel inactive and undeserving, or you are biking and hear the call for ice cream or brioche (see recipe below)

How many times a week do you exercise? Do you like it? (be honest!) Whats your relationship with exercise? Most importantly, WHY do you do it (weight, “health”, etc).

And here’s a brioche recipe I scaled down so you won’t have like 50 brioche rolls around. I also added a vital wheat gluten for a protein boost (I LOATHE protein powder!). Its not a “traditional” brioche recipe (I wanted it to be kind of like “banoffee pie hybrid).

1/2 package dry yeast (about 1 1/2 teaspoons)
3 tbs cup warm milk (100° to 110°)
1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (if you want a higher protein one, use 1 cup flour and 3/4 cup vital wheat gluten)
2 tbs light brown sugar (sorry, no substitutes. Trust me, you wont go into diabetic shock)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
2 bananas (cut into 6 chunks each)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened and divided
Cooking spray
1 tablespoon water
1 large egg white
salted caramel sauce (I use the trader joes or you can make your own with this great recipe)

1. Dissolve yeast in warm milk in the bowl and let stand 5 minutes. Add flour, cinnamon, sugar, salt, and eggs to milk mixture; beat with a mixer at low speed until smooth. Start to knead the dough for 5-10 minutes or until the dough is soft and elastic

2. Cut butter into large cubes and add half of butter to dough, and knead them into the dough to blend. Add remaining half of butter to dough until incorporated. Knead for a few more minuets until smooth and elastic.

3. Place dough in a large bowl coated with cooking spray, turning to coat top. Cover and let rise in a warm place (85°) for about 45 min until doubled in size. (Gently press two fingers into dough. If indentation remains, dough has risen enough.) Punch dough down; form into a ball.

4. Divide dough into 2 equal portions. Working with one portion at a time (cover remaining dough to prevent drying), cut dough into 3 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 1 1/2-inch ball and insert a chunk of banana inside. Repeat procedure with remaining dough portions to make 12 rolls total. Place rolls in muffin cups coated with cooking spray. Cover and let rise for 45 minutes or until almost doubled in size. ( I know, lots of “rising” but its so worth it)

3. Preheat oven to 350°.

4. Combine 1 tablespoon water and egg; stir with a whisk. Gently brush rolls with egg mixture. Bake at 350° for 14 minutes or until golden. Place pans on wire racks. Spoon over the caramel sauce.

And after all that kneading, you won’t need to workout anyhow. But at least you have these to refuel.

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