One afternoon at my gym, I decided to take a “Hard Bodies” class… I figured it would involve lifting free weights slowly, just like a similar “Hard Bodies” class I had attended in the past.
In walked a scruffy looking male instructor wearing a wife beater, tattoos all over, and well built. He looked mean and tough. As I glanced around the room, I noticed everyone was strong, toned, and ripped. Instantly I knew, I was screwed.
It was too late to chicken out so I decided I was going to be brave and give the class a chance, it would probably just be lifting weights slowly. No biggie! 
The instructor proceeded with the workout, without a warm-up, and didn’t bother to demonstrate anything. Instead, he gave us instructions on what to do next as he paced around the room. It was like a military style workout without a break. Imagine this…
Arm Lifts w/weights… 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10. NEXT!
Jumping Jacks… 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10. NEXT!
Squats… 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10. NEXT!
Pushups. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10. NEXT!
Next thing I knew we had to climb up a bunch of stairs and then do laps around the gym. O.M.G… I freakin’ thought I was going to D.I.E, a little overdramatic, but yes. I couldn’t take it anymore. I told myself the next time I had to run laps, I was going to exit the line. 
And before I could run up the stairs for Round 2, I glibly grabbed my cell phone and keys, ran up the stairs, ran a lap around the gym, huffing and puffing, and I conveniently exited the gym. In hindsight, the story is quite funny, at least my friend thought so when I told her. LOL!
Thus, when a “military style” Hard Bodies class is too much to handle, you have no choice but to eat healthy which is much, much easier, TRUST ME! Try this amazing Greek Pita Bowl that can be made in just under 10 minutes.
NUTRITION: Whole Wheat Pita Bread is an excellent source of Protein and Fiber. Arugula is an excellent source of Vitamins A, C, & K, Calcium, and Iron. Spinach is loaded with tons of nutrients. It is rich in Vitamins A, C, and K, and is an excellent source of Iron and Folic Acid. Spinach also contains small amounts of Omega 3 fatty acids. Baba Ghanoush is a good source of Protein and Fiber, and contains healthy unsaturated fats. Tabouli is a good source of Vitamins C, Folic Acid, and Iron.
INGREDIENTS:
- Whole Wheat Pita Bread – Baked
- Arugula/Spinach Leaves – a bunch
- Baba Ghanoush – 3 dollops or so (I used Abraham’s Baba Ghanoush – low in fat/sodium)
- Tabouli – 2 to 3 spoonfuls (I used Abraham’s Tabouli – low in fat/sodium)
- Lemon Juice – just a squeeze
- Feta Cheese – to taste
- Oregano – to taste
- Black Pepper – to taste
- Cayenne Pepper – to taste
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil – 1/2 tbsp (optional)
DIRECTIONS:
1. Bake a pita bread in the toaster.
2. Once done, slice into triangles.
3. Take a handful of leaves and put them in a bowl.
4. Top with pita triangles. 
5. Top with Baba Ghanoush, Tabouli, and Feta Cheese. Squeeze of lemon.
6. Season with black pepper, oregano, and cayenne pepper.
7. Drizzle a little EVOO, if need be. Serve immediately.
TELL ME: Have you ever taken a workout class that kicked your ass? How did you handle it?
Wow! That's a bowl of yumminess and so much goodness in it. I could devour it in minutes without any help 😛
Thanks.. it was really yummy!
Pita bowl? Sounds yummy! I can go a for a big bowl of it please! 🙂
Thanks Anne.. really was. 🙂
I love bowls/salads like this one – simple to make but so full of flavor! I would def. sprinkle some olives on top too 🙂
And that story is too funny! As I was reading, I pictured it happening in my head. Haha! I have walked out of a class before but that was because too many people ended up joining and I felt like I was either going to hit someone or get hit myself…maybe both!
Yup, olives would be a great touch… red onions and all.
LOL! Glad you found the story funny P. You look pretty tough, I'm sure you would have survived the military style class.
This looks so good! And healthy, too!!
Thanks Ashley.
hahaha Nisha.. it's the effort that counts! At least you tried 🙂
The Greek bowl looks delicious and so healthy!
Truly is the effort, I lasted like 20 minutes, hell no was I gonna stay for 45 minutes. That's why I need to eat healthy. 🙂
It looks terrific!
Thanks Pam.
Oh my goodness, this looks SO good! I've never thought of putting pita in salad!
Thanks Cathleen… yeah… just sorta winged it, needed some carbs in the salad. 🙂
That looks so good! I'd rather bolt out of that class and eat healthy 😀
Lol.. yeah.. for that particular class, yes, otherwise some of these classes are pretty fun.
I always look around in a gym class to see what everyone else looks like to determine whether it's right for me lol. That sounds miserable though!
Your tabouli pita bowl. Not miserable. In fact, the opposite!
Lol… me too Joanna. Based on how they look (in terms of strength), I sort of determine if I belong there or not. Thanks!
This looks super awesome. I wish I could have this right now. So healthy and refreshing. I have never thought of serving it in such a way but I like it. Let the bread soak in all the goodness underneath the salad 🙂 I have never taken a gym class that way but it does seem tough!!
THanks Miryam, really yummy. The bread is baked/toasted so it soaks in some of the goodness. The salad makes it much healthier. Yeah, I think the instructor was crazy!
So funny, Nisha. I don't think I have been to ANY work out or yoga classes or any kind of gym training sessions in my life. Just cannot get myself to exercise. Just. Cannot. :-/
P.S.: This pita bowl is a pretty good quick fix meal!
Thanks Nisha.. it's only fun going to the classes with a friend, but I usually just go to the gym for my own regular workout. I know it's hard to exercise, but with my love for food, I better do it else I'm in trouble. 🙂
Haha that story is hilarious- there have been many times I've attended a class and wanted to make a run for the exit ASAP! More than being difficult, this has happened in classes which are just too boring/unappealing for my liking like certain yoga classes (e.g. bikram). This dish has my name all over it…and is getting me excited for my trip to Dubai later on this year! I love Lebanese food all over the world but in Dubai? It just CAN'T be beat!
Thanks K.. glad you enjoyed it. I know, I ran out of the gym, couldn't take it anymore. I can't wait to try Labanese food in Dubai and some of the middle-eastern countries… I'm sure it's out of this world.
I would have ducked out of that class the minute I saw the instructor! Terrifying. I do love the sound of this pita bowl, though. So many of my favorite things piled into a bowl!
Haha… I should have done that.. but at least I know better now. I still see him around the gym and I'm convinced he remembers me. Thanks.. hope you give this bowl a try.. so healthy too. 🙂