Simple Pleasures

Hi Blog World!

Life gets so busy sometimes, that you forget to stop and appreciate the simple things.  My roommate Caitlin and I decided that each day, we are going to stop and notice a simple pleasure during our daily routine.

We were at the pool laying out today, brainstorming all of the simple pleasures we take for granted!  Here is part of our list (with help from Chad too):

1. Washing your hair after a good workout/the beach/the pool/a looonnggg time (ew but true)
2. Brushing your teeth the next morning after a long night out 
3. New Socks!  Especially new running socks
4. A cool breeze on a warm day
5. An unexpected text!  You know when you just don't have time to look at your phone and don't hear it ring and then you finally look...and you have a text from someone unexpected? Yeah I love that feeling.
6. Saturday Morning rainstorms.  ARE. THE. BEST.

These are just a few of our ideas!  Take some time out of your day to notice the small thing that bring you pleasure!  

SIMPLE PLEASURE OF THE DAY:

A beautiful, cool breeze while laying out!  Brought a smile to my face.

QUESTION:  WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR SIMPLE PLEASURES??

I'M BACCCCKKK

HELLO WORLD!

So, I took a brief hiatus from blogging and boy did I miss it :)  I hope you all missed me as well.

Since my hiatus, I have really refocused on eating what I want to eat...not what I think I should eat.  For example, I don't need a million snacks a day.  I just simply don't.  Not now anyway.  I am not running nearly as much as I was before and I was still continuing to snack away...but it wasn't necessary.  

I am trying to incorporate more raw food into my diet.  I have NO plans on becoming a raw foodie, although I really applaud those of you who follow this lifestyle, I think it's great.  However, I am trying to have a few raw meals a week.  I think it is an interesting concept with many health benefits.

I have been sporadically running due to my knee and I really miss it.  

Lastly, I have been eating out WAY TOO MUCH.  I can't decide if this is a good or bad thing though.  On one hand, I have not been eating dessert. In fact, I have not had dessert since....last thursday? (except for some on Sunday during Founder's Day :)  Which is a good thing since I can't seem to control myself with dessert.  I have also been ordering somewhat healthy items in appropriate portions so...we shall see how this works out.  

So...that is the latest update.  Overall, I feel LESS controlled by food!  Which in my opinion is great.  Being controlled by food is scary and I am happy to report that I have felt much much better in the past week or two.

My race for Cancer is SATURDAY!  It came upon me so quickly.  I am currently signed up for the 10k, however, I might switch to the 5k.  I am going for a run in a few minutes to see how my IT Band is feeling.  I don't want to really injure it.  I am so excited for this race though because some of my friends are doing it as well.  They might all be doing the 5k and in that case...it would be fun to all run together!  

I will be back to picture taking!  For now, here are some highlights:

1. Cioppino again. I AM obsessed with this stuff.
2. RAW-ISH LUNCH!: Veggie Juice (carrots, apples, kale, celery) I could DEF taste the Kale which was EXTREMELY salty...but the apples and carrots helped keep it sweet WITH a huge salad of lettuce, avocado, tomato, olive oil, some (not raw) feta
3. SUSHI!- I had this one roll that was wrapped in soybeans....so different and so tasty.
4. MICROWAVED EGG WHITES! BEST.THING.EVER.  I AM OBSESSED WITH THESE.  I put 3 in a mug and nuked them for 1min 30sec. SOOO much better than a fried egg. THey are so fluffy and moist!  I saw them on Eat, Live, Run! :) Thanks!  Super easy and delicious.

Also, I think it is strange that Miss California from the USA pageant is going around saying her answer cost her the title.  I think that is rather presumptuous of her to say and is a dig at the winner, Miss North Carolina.  The whole pageant itself in my opinion was rather strange. Girls were wearing barely there evening gowns, everyone looked INCREDIBLY FAKE, yet beautiful, and the hosts?  Really?  They did a terrible job.  They were unprofessional and it made the entire pageant seem like a sham.  Skinny Runner brought up some good points as well.  I believe this pageant focuses more on beauty than brains, which is too bad.

Tues-Thurs Recap

Hi friends!  Sorry I have been MIA-- I have been really busy lately :)

Tuesday, Demetri Martin (the comedian) came to UF to perform. HE was SO FUNNY!  He did a funny skit on purposing to your girlfriend lol.

So, I realized that I have been crazy about food lately.  I mean crazy.  It has been controlling my every thought..psycho I know.  So..I decided to just highlight my food from now on.  I was really lacking when it came to intuitive eating.  I was eating snacks just because it was snack time.  So...I needed to chill with the whole food thing.  Needless to say, I feel 100 times better :) 

Highlights:

• sushi!!  I got wakame salad, miso soup and a tasty roll
• salmon salad wrap: canned salmon, light mayo, flatout wrap, lettuce, tomato, avocado
• juicy pear that I dropped on the ground so I ate around that part...whoops...
• odwalla c-booster juice

Thurs Highlights:

I've been keeping my oatmeal nice and simple lately so I had

• 1/2c rolled oats
• 1 cup water
• a little less than brown sugar

I had earlier posted pics of my pomegranted water. It sorta tasted like Body Odor.  I know that's a weird explanation but that was the after taste. Not pleasant.

So on my search for tasty sparkling water, I found Poland Springs Raspberry Lime.  Delicious!  Had a nice, clean taste with no scary after taste.  Thanks Poland!

I also had Ethnic Gourmet Pad Thai with Tofu.  It was tasty.  Could have used more spice.  I recommend getting real pad thai though.  It just didn't have enough heat for me and the tofu was a little chewy although the noodles help up really really nicely.

I like the SmartOnes Rice Noodles taste better although they don't heat up as well so...choices.choices.

So in an effort to not be so crazy about eating, I got a portion controlled chocolate chip cookie :)  My sweet tooth was completely satisfied and I felt in control.

Workout:

My knee feels a lot better.  I am pretty sure it is my IT Band that is irritating me.  I decided to run today so I did

Distance: 2.5miles

Time: 23:10 min

I might do the 10k instead of the 15k on April 25th.  I don't want to be hobbling to the finish line, I'd rather finish strong and not have any knee problems.

I have some new eats planned for tomorrow!  Can't wait!

GOSSIP!!

Did anyone watch Real Housewives of NY on Tues??  Really Kelly Bensimonne?  She was running, in the street, in a studded t-shirt, with her hair down.  LOL.  OK.

Have a great night everyone :)

Weekend Recap/Happy Monday!

Hi everyone!  Hope you all had a wonderful Passover and Easter!

I had a fabulous weekend!

Friday I went out with my friends and ran into this monstrocity...

yes.  it is what you think it is. a.giant.crunch.bar.  and i.didn't.touch.it. lol YAY me. Shout out t0 Shanty :)

Saturday I helped with French Compeition prep at the local highschool where I did my internship during undergrad.  I love french :)  They got subway for everyone so I had a smoothie with:

• 1/2 banana
• 5 strawberries
• handful of spinach
• vanilla protein powder
• silk milk

for breakfast and then a turkey sub for lunch.

I went to an AMAZING sushi place, Fuji,  for dinner!  A-May-Zing. I also tried Sake for the first time...interesting. lol.  Not my fave but def interesting.

I saw I Love You, Man.  HA. HA HA.  Funny.  Not the best..but funny. I could kind of relate to the main character because sometimes I say things, and then I'm like..uh...why did I just say that. why.

Other eating highlights from the weekend:

• Too Jay's Veggie stuffed pita (holy yum)
• Banana Foster Oatmeal (oatmeal, banana, brown sugar)
  

Get Ready to Run!

So..I went for my 9mile run.  My knee was KILLING me around mile 6.  I stopped and stretched it..and I guess it sorta/kinda/not really helped.  So..I only did a slow slow slow 8miles...

Distance: 8miles

Time: 1hour 24min

I did take some shots during the run (Cliff shot blocks hehe) which really helped!  And I also ate my oatmeal about 1hour before I left for my run and I felt well fueled and nourished.  Eating a meal is a must for me before I run.

SO..that brings me to today!

Went to Yoga/Pilates and felt really energized, balanced and strong!  I love those days!

I particiapted in Meghann's amazing blog bake sale and got my Chunky Monkey Brownies!  So.Goood.  These babies are topped with dried bananas, walnuts, chocolate chips..they taste so homemade!  I ate..one..two...three...lol...with a side of salad lol

• lettuce
• avocado
• turkey breast
• cucumber
• tomato
• hummus
• slice of wheat bread

I also tried this Pom Sparkling Water...pretty good.  Sometimes I want something other than water but I never ever drink diet drinks and I don't like spending calories on sodas soo..this is a nice substitute!

Tex Mex for dinner :)

• chips and salsa
• one tortilla
• 1/2 order of chicken fajitas :)
• refried beans
• some guac/lettuce/tomato salsa
• brownies. why chunky monkey. im going to be a chunky monkey.

TIP:

When you go out for mexican and they give you fajitas or multiple tacos/burritos, take the fillings and stuff them into one shell/tortilla.  This will save you cals but you can still enjoy the food and get enough to be satisfied!

So, I'm going to call the DR tomorrow and see what's up with my knee.  I REALLY REALLY REALLY need to run the 15k.  I refuse not to and maybe this seems irresponsible but this is probably the most important race I will run this year.  So. Yeah. :)

Have a great night...enjoy The Hills...College Life...other trash...hehe.

Fridizzle

Hi blog world!

So today was my first day not being a vegan..however..I ate more plant based meals today thanks to my vegan experience!

Breakfast:

1. 1 cup shredded wheat
2. 1 cup silk light
3. 1 cup strawberries

Lunch:

• lettuce
• 1/4 avocado
• vegan burger, quite good!  Boca Vegan Burgers :) 
• cucumber, tomato
• hummus

Refreshing and light!

Snack:

• 1 cup of grapes
• 1/2c edamame

Dinner:

I made my favorite quinoa cold salad with:

• quinoa
• cucumber
• tomato
• soy sauce
• lemon juice
• some chickpeas
• you can add edamame, corn, different beans, something sweet

plus some baked chicken breast with mustard and steamed broccoli.

And then a delicious banana with some honey for dessert!!

So, you may have noticed that my eating has changed a bit!  My meals are usually more carb heavy and I always have dessert dessert.  

As I said earlier, I have not been feeling myself lately.  I have been feeling heavy and out of shape.  So I made some simple changes to my diet and I will see how I feel after the week 

Change 1: I love carbs and I think they are so important.  HOwever, I need to moderate my consumption.  I think I do best with a carb at each meal but not necessarily at each snack.  Additionally, I need to stick to quality carbs such as sweet potatos, ezekial bread, cereals and watch portion sizes!

Change 2:  Sometime I eat to eat.  I'll feel like something and eat it, regardless of the nutritional benefits or how hungry I am.  Sometimes one slice of toast is enough and I don't need two.  I am working on changing my attitude about eating and no focusing SO MUCH on it.

Change 3:  Sometimes I eat in anticipation for a big run and I feel like I NEED CARBS AND PEANUT BUTTER!  That's great for a long long run..but for a 2 miler?  I don't think so.  Just because I run a lot does not mean I need to fuel like an iron man.  I still need to keep it in check.

Hopefully with these changes I will feel back to normal!  I will keep you all updated :)

Workout:

My friends Moira and Jenn came with my on a nice 2mile run.  It was BEAUTIFUL out!!  My lower back has been bothering my a bit so I went for a light run.  I am still planning on my 9mile run on sunday  so we shall see how that goes.

Distance: 2miles

Time: 18min 42sec

I did another .5 miles at an easy easy pace.

I just watched Southland, the  new cop show on TV.  It has the guy from The OC in it..he plays the same character..kinda weird..kinda cool.  It is on on Thursdays..pretty good..watch it!

Going out with my friends tonight..re-cap tomorrow :)

I leave you with this little joke from my friend Steph:

Steph: "I need a date"

Steph:"....the food and a real one"

HAHA Love Dates...both kinds ;)..

Vegan Days Review

So, I decided to cut my vegan experiment short.  However, I learned some really interesting things since Monday.

Vegan Review:

Benefits:

1. I tried Kale for the first time, in a green smoothie and really liked it.  Veganism made me branch out and try different breakfasts.  I'll be incorporating more kale into my diet.
2. I don't necessarily need meat to feel full.  I had udon noodle soup, tofu wraps, salads with beans and felt satisfied without the added animal bi products.
3. I already enjoy fruits and vegetables, however, vegan cooking allowed me to experiment more with them.  It also made me consider incorporating more "raw"foods into my diet.
4. It helped me feel more in control of my eating.  When I wanted chocolate, I knew it wasn't part of my eating philosophy and I was able to better resist.

Critics:

1. I found that I did not miss meat but rather eggs.  I think eggs have a lot to offer health wise and I enjoy them for breakfast and for snacks.  I really did miss them. And milk.  Soy milk works very well in smoothies...however I perfer a glass of cow's milk to drink or in cereal.  This is probably a habit and could be easily broken, however, for now, real milk for me.
2. Just because it is vegan, doesn't mean it is healthy.  I made a cake and trust me, this bad boy was pretty heavy calorie wise...no eggs doesn't mean low fat.
3. I found that I did experiement with many diffrerent foods, however, I also ate more carbs than I normally do.  I did not necessarily feel lighter after the 4 days.

Overall, vegan eating has many perks and I am happy I tried it for a few days.  I really missed:

1. eggs
2. milk
3. fish

But that was about it.  I encourage people to try and eat vegan or to try and eat a more plan based diet.  The biggest thing I took away was recipes that are plant-based.  I will be making a conscience effort to eat more plant based meals :)

Here are a few highlights from my days as vegan eating:

kale smoothie, roasted red pepper and two pea soup, roasted garlic and tomato soup with kidney beans, lemon-coconut bundt cake...all of these recipes were incredible.  I highly recommend Veganomicon as a great way to start experiment with different foods. Easy to follow directions and tasty recipes :)

Also,  a peanut butter cookie larabar.  LOVED IT.  This is my new favorite one :)

Workout:

While I was home, I did a little 5k for fun around my neighborhood.  Before the 5k, my mom and I walked/ran 1 mile.  She did a great job!  Hopefully we can do a race together soon!

Distance: 5k

Time: 28min 08sec

I also did a easy 2miles in 20:03

I am getting ready for my 9mile run on Saturday in prep for my Climbing for Cancer Race, Saturday April 25th.  Click Here for more details!  I'd love to see some of you on race day!  It is for the best cause in my opinion. I am so excited!  I have run 5ks and a half marathon, but never an in between distance so it should be interesting.

Lately, I have been feeling a little off balance with my eating.  Over the next few days you may notice some changes in my eating including smaller portion sizes, more plant based meals, less sweets.  Hopefully I will be feeling back to normal soon!

I leave you all with a cute pic of my doggy, Star.  She's so cute and 12 years old, which makes her even cuter.  Look at her rockin' that headband. 

Vegan Week

Hi Friends! So Yesterday started Vegan Week for me! So far so good..granted it has only been 24hours.


I came home to visit my parents since this week is Spring Break for the Public School District, therefore, I will be uploading all my cool pics on THURS. I've been cooking away so make sure you stop by and look at my creations :)


So yes, Vegan Girl here as part of Ryan's challange.


Mon's Bfizzle:
Ezekial Toast, Nat Pean But, Nat Jelly


Snacky:
1/2lemon larabar
an orange..that tased rotten..yet I still ate it..great.




Lunch:
WHOLE FOODS HOT BAR lol I like ran through the store grabbing things I needed for dinner and then ate this:

• quinoa salad with corn and black beans


• brocolli


• indian tofu deliciousness (made with oat milk)


• brown rice


• all vegan friendly :)

Snacky:
other 1/2 of larabar



Din:
SO GOOD. I made some recipes for the fam from the vegan cook book:

• Two pea and roasted red pepper soup ( They had grilled shrimp too..not I though)
• arnold thin with hummus
• lemon coconut bundt cake
• all vegan of course

YAY! So my new obession is Iced Tea..not sweet tea...not tea with added sugar/sugar substitute/fake scary stuff....just cold tea. I can feel myself getting healthier by the minute. Seriously.



Tues BFizzle:

• kale leaf
• 1 tbsp all nat pean but
• almond breeze vanilla (1cup)
• 1 large banana

...GREEN MONSTER!

LOVED this combo..minus the fact that the monster was stuck in my teeth until I brushed them.



So today , I took my car to get an oil change and my mom and I hit up the mall. First off...the new color of the season is bright yellow. Which is great. Because I love it. I got this soo cute bright yellow cardigan and cute stripped shorts from Bana Repub. And new sunglasses from Coach that I look fab in if I do say so.



Lunch:
Hit up the Granery with ma mere (mom in French..I love French..consider this a little lesson).

For lunch I made a wrap with:

• grilled tofu
• quinoa cranberry walnut salad
• a little bit of brown rice salad made with veganaise
• avocado
• baby greens
• 1/2 vegan dumpling

more please. it was that good. even ma mere thought it looked delicieux!



GOSSIP:

Here's a little fun. Watched The Hills last night. WHY HEIDI? First off..I hate Heidi's fake look (but that's old news)..and I HATED Lauren's Bday look. She's gorg..but this outfit didn't do her justice. Also...Heidi needs a life. Stop spending 24/7 with your Chuckie Doll BF. Get some friends. Hate when girls ditch ALL their friends for a boy and then come crawling back when things don't work out. Bad move. Never works out.


Sweet Little Heidi in the Beginning of her relationship with Chuckie (aka Spencer)...



UH...WHERE DID THAT CUTE GIRL GO?!?!!? Chuckie Ate Her.

Watched the CMA's...those ladies are so beautiful! Carrie Underwood is smokin as is Julianne Hough...I literally love Julianne and her BF..so.cute.! I heard Carrie Underwood is a vegetarian...hopefully by the end of my Vegan Week i'll be even hotter than her...

Julianne and Chuck.


Just imagine my head on that bod...how perfect...