Sprint 2 the Table

Appetites and Adventures

Protein Kitten

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Quick update because I’m excited about two things…

1. I rallied and went running!

Distance: 5.5 miles

Time: 46:02

Pace: 8:37

If anyone is struggling with motivation… just do it.  I feel SO much better.

 

2. The kitten really is my child.

Stevie likes green protein shakes

Stevie’s Recovery Shake

  • 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
  • 1/2 large banana
  • 1 C spinach
  • 1 C unsweetened almond milk
  • 1 T chia seeds
  • 1/2 tsp allspice
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • Shake of salt

(No, I didn’t actually let her have a shake!)

***

Do your pets eat strange things?

I once had a cat that liked salt and vinegar chips.


It’s a Girl!

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Yesterday was an awesome day.  It started with the link love and an awesome recipe round up on Angela’s blog (Welcome, new visitors!) and ended with…

…a kitten!

Yesterday I met the perfect baby girl.  She is a loving, 10 month old rescue kitty who purrs constantly.

I think I'm in love

This is the sweetest, most loving kitten in the world.  She walked in and made herself at home.  Note to self – trim her claws!


Her name is Stevie.  As in Nicks.

Stevie was very curious about my breakfast.  We both need to work on NOT begging for food. 🙂

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One of the recipes from yesterday’s round up was from Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga.

I just happened to have everything on hand to make her Microwave Blueberry-Banana Oat Cakes for breakfast.

I made a few modifications, but followed her recipe pretty closely.  I will for-sure be trying this again and experimenting with different fruits/toppings!

Microwave Blueberry-Banana Oat Cakes

  • 1/2 ripe large banana, mashed
  • 1/2 C dry oats
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
  • Shake of salt
  • 1/4 C unsweetened almond milk
  • 2 tsp blackstrap molasses
  • 1/4 C fresh blueberries

Mash the banana in a microwavable bowl.  Add remaining ingredients except blueberries, stirring to combine.  Fold in blueberries.

Allow to stand ~5 mins, until oats soften a bit. Microwave for 3.5 – 4 mins.

Per Averie: You will know when it’s done because it will not be “juicy” looking anymore and it may have some “holes” on the surface.

After mircowaving, allow to rest for a couple minutes (mine didn’t make it longer than a minute…).  Eat in that bowl or easily invert/remove from bowl and re-plate it, or take as a to-go snack.

I didn’t top mine, but next time I’d love a glob of melty almond butter on top.  PBJ oat cake.  Greek yogurt would also be tasty (icing on the cake!).

***

I’m trying hard to motivate myself to go run after last night’s downpour.

Do you like running in post-rain conditions?  Is it so fresh and so clean or just chilly and wet?

Come on, sunshine!


A thru Z

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It’s a rainy, lazy Saturday.  At least I WISH I could be lazy.  

 

Alas, there are errands to run.

I woke up to 2 awesome surprises this morning:

  1. Angela @ Oh She Glows included my Wild Mushroom Soup in her Recipe Link Love post this morning.  Thank you, Angela!
  2. Leanne @ Healthful Pursuit gave me a shout out for my version of her Overnight Banana Pudding.  If you haven’t tried this yet, you are missing out.  So.  Good.

In conclusion, the theme of the day is “It’s all about meeeeee!”  I kid, I kid.

However, I did complete the A-Z thing that everyone else is posting. Because I’d probably jump off the bridge too… LOL!

A-Z Survey

A. Age: 27  (Though at the beginning of each new year, I go ahead and tack a year on myself.  I’m 28 in my head.)

B. Bed size: Double.  I’m cozy with myself. 🙂

C. Chore you dislike: Cleaning the shower.  It overwhelms me for some reason.

D. Dogs: I’m a cat person all the way.

E. Essential start to your day: COFFEE.  Black.  Like my favorite…

F. Favorite color: If you look in my closet, you’d say it is black.  If it’s not black, it’s blue (that would make a great derby t-shirt!).

G. Gold or silver: Platinum!  Oddly, I’m sensitive to metals and can only wear sterling silver or platinum.

H. Height: 5 ft, 2 and 3/8ths inches!

I. Instruments you play(ed): At one point I could play Green Day’s “Good Riddance” on the guitar.  That’s as far as I could get… but I do LOVE music.

J. Job title: Consultant

K. Kids: Ahem.  I figured out what causes that.

L. Live: In the fabulous city of Atlanta.  The safe part.


M. Mom’s name: Lynda (a.k.a. “Tree“)

Tree + Apple

 

N. Nicknames: Apple (to Mom’s “Tree“), La, Wa Wa (my baby sis couldn’t say my name growing up), Layla (derby name)

O. Overnight hospital stays: When I was a baby I got a flu and had to stay in the hospital with an IV in my head… that’s it, knock on wood!

P. Pet peeves: People eating my expensive frozen meals out of the office fridge, slow drivers, pet owners who don’t pick up their dog’s poo, rude servers, bad coffee

Q. Quote from a movie: ‘Cheer up Riz, hickey’s from Kenickie’s are like a Hallmark card…’ – Grease… is the word.

R. Righty or lefty: Lefty power!  Odd fact: I play tennis with both hands (i.e. I have no backhand; I just switch hands)

S. Siblings: 2 little sisters – Allison and Madison

T. Time you wake up: Anytime between 7-830a (thank you, Sleep Cycle app).  I try to sleep in on the weekend, but never make it past 9a.

U. Underwear:  Yes.  But not with my PJs.  I prefer Victoria’s Secret. Despite the fact that every time I love a style, they discontinue it.

#winning

 

V. Vegetables you don’t like:  Potatoes (except sweet potatoes), cooked broccoli and carrots (love them raw!)

W. What makes you run late:  LOL!  I just posted about this.  Common culprits: taking pics of my food, blogging, good guests on GMA, bad hair days

X. X-rays you’ve had:  Teeth, knee 3x (only broken once), jaw (broken in 2 places)

 

Y. Yummy food you make:  Black bean brownies, ganache-filled cupcakes, white bean dip, soups (thank you, broken jaw), crazy salads.  Check out my recipe page for more!

Sinfully good

 

Z. Zoo animal favorites:  Anything in the cat family!  However, I don’t really like the zoo… cages make me sad.

***

Who else gave in to the A-Z?  Do share!


Chickpeas + Spiced Tomato Sauce

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The Tough Mudder is just over a week away and I’m only up to 5 miles!

 

 

Stats

Distance: 5 miles

Total time: 42:32

Pace: 8.46

It was a hard 5 miles.  I blame this windy weather.  Is this Chicago or Atlanta?

Did I mention the obstacle course is 11 miles??? I’m getting nervous.

 

In much less-stressful news, Atlanta is finally getting a vegan restaurant.  Welcome, Dulce Vegan Bakery and Café!!! (1994 Hosea L Williams Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30317)

According to What Now Atlanta’s article, the restaurant will open in Kirkwood late this month.  They will serve the typical 3 S menu (soup-salad-sandwich), but they aim to have gluten-free and RAW options.

The raw aspect is most exciting to me.  I love the creativity that goes into raw food and the “high” you feel after eating such a clean meal (can we get a San Fran-like Cafe Gratitude???).

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I put off St. Patrick’s Day food in favor of continuing with my Indian week.  Chickpeas, tomato sauce, and a spaghetti squash were the inspiration.

What had happened was… I wanted spaghetti squash.  I love to eat it with marinara, but after a 5 mile run I needed more bulk.  And garlic spices!

I’ve done spaghetti squash a lot this winter.  You can either cook it in the oven or microwave until soft (8-10 mins).  This time I chose the oven… but I honestly don’t think it matters.

Spaghetti Squash

1. Preheat the oven to 400 F.

2. Cut the squash in half (soften in microwave first if it’s too hard to cut) and remove the seeds.

3. Place in a glass baking dish, cut side down, in about 1 in of water.  Cook for ~40 mins, or until shell is tender when pierced with a fork.

4. Remove the flesh with a fork.  Place the “spaghetti” in serving bowl and toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste.

 


Chickpeas + Spiced Tomato Sauce

 

  • 1T EVOO
  • 1T coconut oil
  • 1 large shallot, chopped
  • 8 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tsp (~1-inch piece) fresh ginger, chopped
  • 26.5 oz canned chopped tomatoes (1 box Pomi)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 C chopped fresh parsley
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon
  • 1 15 oz can chickpeas, drained
  • S + P, to taste

In a large skillet, heat the oils.  Add the shallot and cook over medium-high heat until translucent, ~3-4 mins.  Reduce to medium heat and add the garlic and ginger.  Cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, ~2 mins.  Add the tomatoes, stirring to combine.  Followed by the bay leaf, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cayenne, again stirring to combine.

Simmer over low-medium heat until thickened, ~10 minutes.  Add the lemon juice and chickpeas, continuing to simmer until the chickpeas are softened and flavors are combined (~7-8 mins).  Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve alone in a bowl, or over spaghetti squash (or actual pasta).

Nutritional Approximations (sans squash): 214 cals, 8g fat, 29g carbs, 9g fiber, 6.6g sugar, 6.6g protein (and a good source of vitamin B-6 and Manganese!)

***

Have you done a race you weren’t quite ready for?

Last minute training tips are appreciated. 🙂


Repeat Thursday

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For those of you in the South (or who are lucky enough to have a Chick-fil-a nearby), I have 2 important news items:

1. Tomorrow is FREE FryDay.  All you have to do is go to Chick-fil-a between 2 and 4p and ask for Heinz Dip & Squeeze-free FryDay promotion.  You will be rewarded with a free medium order of yummy waffle fries.  Apparently all this is thanks to the new Heinz Dip & Squeeze Ketchup package, which holds 3x more ketchup than the packets.

2. While you’re there… Chick-fil-a has a new Banana Pudding Milkshake.  This could be heaven.  Never mind the 780 calories and 104g sugar.  That’s in the small size.

Who wants to split one???

If the shake isn’t on your diet, try out this guilt-free Overnight Banana-Cashew Pudding.  I’ve made it two days in a row.  This morning I heated my bowl and OMG was it good.

I also re-made my Mexican Black Bean Brownies.

I reduced the egg and sugar (they are even healthier!), took a new pic (why is dark-colored food SO hard to photograph?!), and improved the instructions.

The latest estimation is that they have around 150 calories per serving (makes 20 healthy-size brownies) 3g of protein!

In the spirit of repeats, I’m about to enjoy the last of my Garam Masala Daal for lunch.

Lentils are still really good leftover.  They are not photogenic. Be sure to add some water when you re-heat to avoid drying.

Tomorrow I promise something more original.  And St. Patrick’s Day worthy.

Get excited.

***

I’m taking a lunchtime run!  Being able to break up the computer-screen daze is a rare – yet welcome – treat.

Do you need a break midday?  How do you escape?


Garam Masala Daal + Banana Cashew Chia Pudding

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Today marks the THIRD day in a row I’ve woken up early and worked out.  

This is nothing short of a miracle.

This morning I did my favorite bike-elliptical-treadmill intervals while watching GMA recap Charlie Sheen’s craziness.

Yes, I do have the app to help wake me in the right sleep cycle… this morning I also had a little added motivation.

Breakfast.

I made an overnight cashew-vanilla banana pudding.  I swear to you, it tastes like banana pudding.

Overnight Banana Cashew Pudding

  • 1 banana, mashed
  • 1 T cashew butter
  • 1/4 C coconut milk (So Delicious unsweetened)
  • 1 T chia seeds
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Mash and mix together and refrigerate overnight. Remove from the fridge in the morning and enter breakfast heaven.

Last night I scored a huge win in the kitchen.  With lentils, no less.  After the cleanse, I swore them off.  These are an exception – I’d eat this every day. Black Beluga Lentils.  Yep – like the caviar.  While they do resemble beluga caviar, but don’t be scared.  Their flavor is more bean-nutty than fish-salty.

Unlike “regular” lentils, Black Belugas hold their shape and a bit more structure when cooked.  They’re smaller, and therefore cook more quickly.  Watch out – easy to over-cook/dry out!

I wasn’t kidding about this being Indian Week.

I haven’t found a good explanation of what exactly allows one to call Indian-spiced lentils “Daal.”  So I’m taking liberties with it.  Bwhahaha! Pictures, notsogood.  Daal, incredible.

If I were you, I would make this. TONIGHT. Full of flavor, fun to experiment with, and plenty filling. Due to my love of spice, I added red pepper flakes.  It really wasn’t too spicy, but you always leave it out.  Definitely don’t leave out the bay leaf.  It adds a great depth of flavor.

Garam Masala Daal

(Inspired by this from Angela @ Oh She Glows)

  • 1 cup uncooked black beluga lentils
  • 2-3 cups water
  • 2 T extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 chopped medium red onion (~3/4 C)
  • 1/2 garam masala
  • 1/4 tsp turmeric
  • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 1/4 tsp fresh ginger, minced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 T fresh lemon juice
  • 1 cup tomatoes, diced
  • S + P, to taste
  • 2 T fresh parsley, chopped

Rinse the lentils and place them in a medium pot with 2 cups of water.  Bring them to a boil, add a few pinches of salt, and reduce to a simmer.  Cook until tender, about 30 minutes.  Add more water as need to avoid burning – I added 1/2 C with ~10 mins to go.

Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large skillet.  Add the onion and saute until just translucent, ~5 mins.  Now add in the spices (garam masala, turmeric, cinnamon, red pepper flakes, and bay leaf), stirring and cooking ~2-3 mins to combine flavors.

Add in the minced ginger, garlic, and lemon juice and stir.  Cook over low heat for another 2-3 mins.  Add in the tomatoes, salt, and pepper.  Stir and cook until slightly reduced, 8-10 mins. Stir in the cooked lentils.  Allow to cook for another min or two.

Place in bowls, drizzling with a squeeze of lemon juice, olive oil and flaky salt (I use basil-infused olive oil and lemon salt – v. good).

***

Did you watch Charlie Sheen’s interview last night?  What was your favorite Charlie quote?

In case you need help understanding Sheen, check out the Charlie Sheen Dictionary.

Indian Week

By

PSA: Sleep Cycle is the best app ever.

 

Wild ass claim…

From their website, Sleep Cycle is a “bio-alarm clock that analyzes your sleep patterns and wakes you when you are in the lightest sleep phase.” Since using it, I have woken up on time (or early!) and not pressed snooze the first time.

By far, the most useful app I’ve downloaded to-date.  I’d give it an Oscar. For the second morning in a row… I had time to go to the gym!!!

And make a tasty breakfast:

Roasted grapefruit with fresh nutmeg, cinnamon, and coriander.  Side of Greek yogurt + chia seeds.  Coffee.

If you’ve never tried a roasted grapefruit, I highly recommend it.  It is an easy and grapefruit is in season right now.

For a “how-to,” check out this post.

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This week has inadvertently become Indian cuisine week… (more after the jump)   … 

Read More »

Sunday Winners

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Last night I stayed up way to late watching the Oscars.  I wasn’t amused until the very end.

Favorite dress was definitely Reese Witherspoon’s classic strapless:

 

Source: Fox News

Least favorite?  Cate Blanchett.  *shudder*

 

Source: Mark Ralston/AFP/Getty Images

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I did have 2 wins of my own yesterday:

Win #1:

 

America Gra-frutti: mayo-chream cheese-gluten- free pimento cheese

Peachtree Pimento - Spicy

Pimento Cheese by American Gra-frutti.  No cream cheese.  No mayo.  Gluten-free.  Only 60 calories for 2 T.

I typically do not like pimento cheese, but this was delicious.

Thank you, Whole Paycheck Foods sampler lady.

I had never heard of this gluten-free bakery before, but I look forward to trying more from them.  No, I’m not gluten-free… but I do like good food.  This was good.

And how cute is the company’s name!?  Totally Oscar-appropriate.

Win #2:

My favorite maker of Greek-style yogurt, Atlanta Farm Fresh, now has a chocolate flavor!

Chocolate Rocket.  In an amazing act of self-control, I have not tried it yet.  But I guarantee it won’t make it through the night.

***

Did you watch the Oscars?  Who is on your best/worst dressed list?

 

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