Nothing wrong with toast

Posted: August 31, 2009 | Author: | Filed under: Breakfast, Delish Dinners | Tags: , , , , , | 11 Comments »

After an invigorating bike ride this morning, I was craving yogurt. But I know my metabolism, and yogurt doesn’t usually cut it until lunch time, so I added some fun things.

  • About a cup of plain yogurt
  • 1 handful (about 5) grapes – cut in half
  • 1 scoop chocolate protein powder
  • 2 tbs. Nature’s Path pumpkin flax plus granola

Oh it was soooo good. The perfect combination of textures – creamy, crunchy, juicy…yes! It kept me full all morning, too!

Lunch was un-photographed because there was no time. It was a boring sandwich and some more yummy/ juicy grapes.

I also licked the frosting off of a chocolate birthday cupcake. I threw away the cake.

I missed my husband so I came home while my kids were at PE (I live 3 minutes from my school) and had another yummy treat!

Iced coffee cubes and milk!

I like to freeze my leftover coffee into ice cube trays, and then combine them with some good ole’ milk, a little sugar and a sprinkle of cinnamon. It is so delicious.

This held me over until 7pm! (Or it could have been the sandwich and the frosting ;-) )

At the end of the day, a certain kiddo asked me to edit a story he had written. We are working on having very set characters in our story, rather than just rambling on about random things. Before I read it, I asked him “Who are your characters” and he said Salt and Pepper and Ginger.
 I though…Okay, probably pets. But when I read it – I realized he had actually written a story about salt, pepper, and ginger – the spices! Hhaha! Who would have thought an eight your old boy would know what ginger is?! Much less write a story about it as a character. Kids = the best.

I came home, took Punky for another long and tiring bike ride and then dug into something so lovely and simple and satisfying:

The carrots and cucumbers are self explanatory, but the blobs are (1) roasted red pepper yummy hummus and (2) a sour cream dip Meeker made.

This is just what I wanted! I enjoyed every bite. Next I HAD to have some more of this granola that EVERY blogger I follow has been raving about. I had about 3/4 cup.

It lives up to all the hype. It is hands down the best granola you can buy. Homemade is obviously the best – but this is fantastic for a store bought thing.

And I rounded out my dinner with some old school heel-of-bread-broiler-toast with butter.

Ain’t nothing wrong with toast.

Whew!

Posted: August 30, 2009 | Author: | Filed under: Uncategorized | 3 Comments »

All. Grading. Finished. I can’t believe it. Definitely an all day affair.


I took a few breaks to (1) eat, obviously. (2) take Punky to the park. Even amidst the clouds – it was a good outing.

A mere 45 minutes after my extraordinary oatmeal, I was hungry again.

I went for the leftover sandwich from Sprouts yesterday.


I added some spicy mustard and a bit of mayo before digging in, and it TOTALLY did the trick. It rocked my socks off today. Maybe it was the sitting/mushing together in the fridge all night, or maybe it was the addition of the condiments. Maybe it was both.

Later, when a rumbling tummy told me it was dinner time, I opened to the fridge to find:

  • 1/2 leftover chicken breast
  • 1 carrot
  • 1 green bell pepper
  • 1/2 onion
  • leftover pasta
  • lots of condiments/sauces

After chopping all this (seemingly mismatched) bunch of food, I added some kidney beans and sautéed the heck out of it all.

This is what turned out…


So good! I love when fridge-clean-out meals like this work!


I am off to finish watching the Bronco’s game. Whoo! Football season means Fall!!

On another note, I keep getting texts from my best friend who is at the Daytime Emmy awards in LA, and she is schmoozing with Rachael Ray. THE Rachael Ray. Her boyfriend actually got to escort RR off the red carpet. WHO DOES THAT!?! So jealous.

Nourishment

Posted: August 30, 2009 | Author: | Filed under: Breakfast, Mid-Day Yummies | Tags: , , | Leave a comment »

Woke up this morning to clouds and fog. At first I was kind of excited, since there is no running on Sundays, I could just curl up on the couch with some coffee and enjoy it.

But, then the coffee went berserk, and I was cold, and the house was a mess and I felt like screaming. When I looked up and realized that it was 10:15 and church starts at 10:45, I almost started crying. It just seemed easier to crawl back in bed. But I know myself, and church was just the thing I needed on a morning like this. In my experience, food and exercise can only go so far in the nourishment of a soul. This morning, I needed – and received the inspiration and the community of love that I relied on to pop me right out of my funk.

Additionally, I was particularly grateful for this easy breakfast this morning. This is the little nugget that the man at Sprouts so kindly allowed me to have for free yesterday.

When I first took it out the wrapper, I though…ick. It looked like it would taste awful, but the first bite in, I was very pleasantly surprised! It was very tasty – almost like a little candy bar with a bit more of an “earthy” taste. But, I also thought – no way will this hold me all through the morning. Wrong again. I actually had no choice but to put it to the test since I was running late. I threw my hair in a pony tail, put on my favorite pair of jeans, a comfy sweater and dashed out the door. Only 5 minutes late!

And even though the Nut Butter Ball only packed 170 calories, all the fiber and fat in there held me all the way until 12:30, without any tummy rumbling. It may actually have been worth the $1.19 (that it was priced for).

When I started getting a little hungry – I opted for a very cozy and nourishing meal. Oats – with all the fixin’s

In this bowl:

  • ½ cup oats
  • 1 cup milk
  • ¼ cup plain yogurt
  • Handful of chocolate chips
  • Coconut
  • Justin’s Maple Almond Butter – from yesterday
  • Sprinkle of cinnamon

Talk about LOVE –

Oh my goodness, this was fantastic. It tasted like dessert, and I actually found myself wishing that we had vanilla ice cream that I could scoop down over the top. That might have been a little outrageous – but I will have to try that sometime. However, this bowl stood alone. It was so incredibly comforting and delicious. All the right flavor combinations.

For the rest of the afternoon, I will be parked on the couch grading my life away…

In this tub: 25 math tests, 25 reading tests, 50 “creative paragraphs” and 25 spelling tests. I’m really in for it. J

Sprouts

Posted: August 29, 2009 | Author: | Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: , , , | 17 Comments »

So, if you follow my blog, you have heard me mention the grocery store Sprouts that I am in L-O-V-E with. Well, tonight Meeker and I went there to get some goodies for dinner – and our experience was so out of this world that I decided to do a whole post on how much I love this grocery store.

We don’t have access to a Whole Foods where we live, but honestly, with the opening of this gem of a place, I can deal with that. The prices are FANTASTIC (cheaper than the Kroger chain) and the food is knock-your-socks off good and they always have tons of variety.

Tonight, we originally went for sandwiches, but when we walked in, this is the first thing we saw…

Justin’s Nut Butter tasting! The nice lady there let us try all flavors off a spoon. Apparently, Justin is only 31 and has this amazing thing going. It is out of Boulder, CO – so it is local. Always a plus.

My favorite was the Maple Almond Butter and the nice tasting lady let me take some samples with me.

I mean, almond butter is already good – but add the maple flavor? Genius. It wasn’t too sweet, either. Just a hint of the maple flavor and all the goodness of almonds.

So, after eating probably 2 tablespoons of nut butter, my hunger was substantially less, however – I still wanted the sandwich. I went with veggie.

Another awesome thing Sprouts does – make your own sammy orders. Ding! (Another point)

While we were waiting for the sandwiches to be made, we browsed…I headed straight for my favorite aisle. Trail Mix.

Um, heaven? I want to jump into these bins and just swim around with my mouth open. Also, they have a different variety on sale each week – so I always get to try something new.

We decided to bring our sandwiches home, and as we were checking out, there was a tub of these interesting little packages called Nut Butter Balls. I picked one up, flipped it over to check out the ingredients (not bad, pretty natural stuff ) and the check-out clerk – who I think was a manager/owner – said “You can just take that, let us know what you think.” ….Okay, twist my arm. It was $1.19 – so I was extremely grateful to this man. Sprouts – you are a winning establishment. I salute you.

However, nuts don’t sit so well with my stomach late at night – so I will try it for breakfast and let you know what I think.

When we got home, I tore into my sandwich

Meek was as excited as I was. (He got some man-ish, meaty sandwich and scoffed at my veggies)

It was good, but it didn’t knock my socks off. At the end of the half that I ate (Yay, leftovers tomorrow!), I added some spicy mustard and that seemed to do the trick. Meeker loved his. Next time I might try turkey or something – maybe oil and vinegar as an addition. But overall, I enjoyed it and I am full. (Probably thanks to the nut butter tasting, too).

Sprouts
is the best thing out. I am so glad we have one in Parker!

From one extreme…

Posted: August 29, 2009 | Author: | Filed under: Uncategorized | 3 Comments »

First, I have to highlight Meeker’s post-run breakfast. Apparently this is what helps him recover:

Pile ‘o bacon, spicy hash browns and eggs. Whatever works, I guess. It made me feel sleepy and heavy just watching him eat.

No problem for this guy.

I was not hungry after my chai high smoothie, so I jumped in the shower and decided to get my Saturday errands done. UPS, post office, bank, etc.

But when I got home I was hungry and tired.

So it was leftover chicken and Spanish rice.

The rice was perfect still, but the chicken was a little bland – so I broke out some hot sauce that my big bro got me in Costa Rica.

Then dipped my meal – chicken nugget style…

Much better. This “salsa” is more of a sauce to me, and has a sweet, vinegary type of taste. It adds a nice little kick of flavor and spice.

But – still hungry. So, more food.

The rest of my pear from this morning and one of Cait’s frozen pumpkin cookie gems.

Okay, full now. But sooo tired.

So I took a nap. And now I feel like a zombie and a half. Blaaah. Hopefully I will be back to my euphoric post-running self in a few minutes. This is why I hate naps. But, I think it was really needed, so no harm done – (as soon as I snap out of it.) Until that happens, I will be blog reading and chugging ice cold water.

Saturdays are for moving

Posted: August 29, 2009 | Author: | Filed under: Breakfast | Tags: , , , | 12 Comments »

This was the best, best, best pre-run snack ever. A piece of multigrain toast with butter, and 2 slices of pear sprinkled with cinnamon. Geez it was good. The pears got all smooshy – almost like jelly on the toast.

One thing I love about living in Colorado is the way that Saturday mornings seemed designed for exercise. During my Saturday morning runs, I truly cannot go ¼ a mile without seeing families, friends, couples and loaners up and about. This morning there were bikers, runners, walkers, families in the stream, and even the bunnies, frogs, snakes, horses, and deer were doing their thang. All of God’s creatures were up and about, moving and shaking.

As for this creature, I had one of the most enjoyable runs to date. The first 3 miles were harder than heck (per usual), but after pushing through that wall, I felt like this guy:

Okay, not really. But I did feel really good. I got into my groove around mile 4 and before I knew it – 10 miles was over!

(And speaking of Usain Bolt – I have a student who stands up and strikes this pose in the middle of the classroom when he is feeling confident)

The trailhead where we run is right by an Inta Juice, and it is really hard to NOT stop by after long runs. So, why fight it? This morning I went for a new flavor. It was called Chai High which is a blend of chai tea, frozen yogurt and strawberries. Somehow, it is only 290 calories per 24oz. I don’t know how they do it. It is fantastically flavorful.

My weekend is off to a kick start and I am thrilled that it isn’t even 10am, yet! I am so excited about this, I actually feel like screaming. Those running endorphins are doing their thing and I can’t wait to see what the rest of my Saturday has in store! Praise the Lord!

Famished Friday

Posted: August 28, 2009 | Author: | Filed under: Delish Dinners, dessert, Mid-Day Yummies | Tags: , , , | 6 Comments »

I was pretty much hungry all day. My breakfast was carb heavy, so I attempted to balance it out with my lunch:

Greens, red pepper, corn cut off the cob, cucumber and a Boca burger.

I LOVE this salad! It is a major repeat, but it never disappoints.

Plus, it takes about 2 minutes to make.

But, like before – I was still hungry, so I had the 2nd half of a chocolate mug cake that I made last night after my post.

It isn’t the best cake in the world – but it’s good and chocolaty and it takes 5 minutes to make. So, when in need of a chocolate fix – it is perfect. Also, I used whole wheat flour on this go-around and it tasted exactly the same as white flour, so why not make the switch?

…plus some delicious cold milk to further try and fill my bottomless pit of a stomach.

Dinner was made out of desperation and in the midst of extreme hunger. It turned out pretty well (if I do say so myself).

I started with a box of Annie’s Shells and White Cheddar, and then added ½ box of whole wheat pasta. Next, I made my own white sauce and added Annie’s powdered mix. Then I sautéed up some zucchini and warmed up some leftover chicken, trimmed some green beanies, combined it all and…

So DANG good.

I am kind of full, now. Not completely, just kind of.

Tomorrow is a 10 mile run, so my plans for the night include lying on the couch and going to bed early – which sounds just perfect after this long week!

What is your idea of a good Friday night?

still hungry!

Posted: August 28, 2009 | Author: | Filed under: Breakfast | 1 Comment »

I think I forgot what training for races does to my appetite. I am hungry constantly. I try to eat foods that will keep me full for a while – but nothing seems to satiate for long. With that being said, I didn’t try very hard for those “fill up” foods this morning – I just wanted carbs. Here it is. (Remember – these pictures were taken on an iphone, so please excuse the dark/blurry images).

Worked out this morning without my usual pre-run snack. So, afterwards was a nightmare of tummy rumbling. Wanted bagles.

IMG_0050

Oh, and cereal, too. But the bagels were “minis” and the cereal I mixed with plain yogurt for just a bit more staying power.

On the cinnamon raisin bagel I put a little butter, on the plain bagle there was a dab of peanut butter.

IMG_0051

I hurridly scarfed this down and was still hungry – so I had more cereal. Just a half a cup or so. With milk this time.

IMG_0052

Boy, it is mornings like this that I am glad I don’t count calories. I was hungry, so I ate. Done. No guilt. However, my lunch will be sure to include a little more protein. Balance.

With that, I am off! Happy Friday to you all, and here is to staying full!

Arroz con pollo sin una camara

Posted: August 27, 2009 | Author: | Filed under: Delish Dinners | Tags: , , | 5 Comments »

I forgot my camera at work. I was photographing an adorable, fuzzy kiwi when I set it down on my desk – and left it there all day (and night L).

But, luckily, Meeker let me use his iphone. Speaking of Meeker, he suggested “Spanish rice” with the chicken that we planned to grill. I thought that was a good idea, even though I had never made it before.

I found a sort-of recipe online, and then adapted it to fit what we had in the fridge. I will post it on my recipe page: Spanish Rice

It was delicious! So was the chicken:

Before the grill, it got a drizzle of evoo, and 2 tsp of taco seasoning.

I had a good ole salad before the arroz con pollo (chicken and rice, for those of you who don’t habla).


Then came the grilled chicken and Spanish rice-a-roni (homemade style).

I had all the rice and about half of the chicken. Then I went back for more rice. J

Minus the camera – this was a pretty good meal, and it came together in about 20 – 30 minutes. Success in my book! No running tonight, and I am going to nestle into the couch and lounge like a cat until bedtime. Hasta Manana!

Already Thursday

Posted: August 27, 2009 | Author: | Filed under: Uncategorized | 9 Comments »

I can’t believe it is already Thursday – this week has flown by! This morning, I have to go into work early because I actually have a conference before school, and then about 12 after school.

So, I will be brief. A repeat breakfast – but a good one. Something to get me “down the road” as my mom used to say.

Hallelujah this was goooood.

Egg sandwich: mozzarella melted on top, and salsa. Bread toasted under the broiler – so the outside is crispy and wonderful, the inside of the bread is still soft. Mmmm.

Have a fabulous Thursday, bloggies!

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