Thoughts on Running & Coconut-Avocado Mousse

April 18, 2013 By Laura

Life could be worse.

My view as I draft this post:

I am not going to insert a ton of commentary before handing it over to Kat for her bi-weekly guest spot. I’m enjoying my time in AZ, and the food I brought along is actually quite good. Not feeling deprived at all!

If you want to check out what/how I’m eating, follow me on Instagram!

And now, here’s Kat… who somehow is always on my wave-length even when we haven’t hung out in a while.

As a Runner…

I really got my groove back in terms of mileage… must be that time of year where I can run any time of day and it’s gorgeous. I have to admit, I love the heat. I keep having this thought in my head, “just run.” And then I do. I run when I’m lonely, bored, inspired, because I think it’s pretty out, because it’s raining out, because I don’t feel like driving, because people at Boston didn’t get to finish their race. Just run.

I’m back up to my 60-70 miles per week range. I know. It’s crazy, but it’s hours each week where I feel free, explore my city, explore myself, and can just be (Editor’s note: that’s exactly why I like to run… just take your mileage and divide by 3). I don’t think about how my body looks, how my hair looks, and I don’t feel judged or lonely. I just run…in the sun, in the rain, if it’s cloudy, if it’s windy.

I wish that every moment of every day could feel like running.

Rain Run – all the pollen looks like sidewalk chalk being washed away!

For those who run like that, and were denied the opportunity to finish the Boston Marathon, I feel incredibly sad, and more inspired to run. If someone thought that runners were a good target, they got it wrong. Everyone I know ran the day after the Boston Marathon.

We runners are not to be messed with.

The Federal Courthouse Flag on Wednesday, 4/17

Anyway, moving past that, as I increase my mileage for the season, I have been tweaking a few things. First, I’m considering changing up my shoes. I found ones that worked all year last year, and I loved them, but I’m in search of something new to fit my new needs: mega trail running. Moving on past my addiction to the Brooks I’ve been wearing will be hard! But I know my body needs something different to boost my performance, and to help get me more ready for my first 100 miler!

Oh wow! I think I just officially broke the news! I’ll be running my first 100 miler in October! The Oil Creek 100. This means my health is of the utmost importance, and staying injury free is more important than ever. Time to make some changes!

Brooks – Obsessed much?

See, between July and now I have had three pairs of the same road shoes. What am I so afraid of?!?!

I’m also trying out my first compression gear. So far, I like it better for recovery than to actually run in.

My New Hot Pink Compression Sleeves!

Lastly, I’m trying something new with my nutrition. Why? Because I want to try different things to see what works (Editor’s note: I tell people ALL the time not to be afraid to do this! Changing it up for a week or so won’t kill you or make you obese). Lately, I’ve been adding more good fats.

7 reasons this is good for you:

Increased heart health
Increased bone strength
Stronger immune system
Liver health
Healthy bones
Healthy nerves
Improved brain function

How could you go wrong??? (Note: this is all in connection with a balanced diet. I do not eat saturated fats at every meal!)

One of my new favorite good-fat recipes is so easy, you will be shocked, and it is good as a side dish, dessert, or breakfast. Let’s just call it Coconut-Avocado Mousse!

It’s sweet, creamy, easy, and delicious. I topped it with berries for breakfast, or for a before-bed snack (Editor’s note: this is a midnight snack WAITING to happen)! I tell you what! You should definitely try this.

It would also go well with ice cream (Editor’s note: or what about frozen and made into ice cream?!), topped with granola, or even topped with dark chocolate shavings (I know this first hand). It also makes a great spread on toast!

Coconut-Avocado Mousse

½ avocado
2 T coconut milk (not the light stuff – the real stuff)

Mix it all up!

Also, in honor of the near future when Laura will be eating only asparagus, I will also be consuming copious amounts, in sympathy (Editor’s note: you are such a kind and thoughtful friend 😉 ).

You should know that this would also be delicious with asparagus! 😉

***

I have an insane amount of running shoes, but they’re all different. I’m really interested to hear everyone else’s shoe habits!

What steps have you taken to change when upping mileage?

How many pairs of the same running shoes do you have?

How do you know when your routine is ready for changing? Intuition or something else?

Gettin’ Grounded & TVP Bacon Bits

April 4, 2013 By Laura

I can admit when I’m wrong.

Sometimes. If I’m in the right mood.

Wednesday I ranted about declining service in restaurants. I still stand by my theory, but I have to call out the fact that I had absolutely amazing service at dinner last night.

I met a friend at Metro Fresh, one of my favorite local spots. They serve fresh, clean food. The menu changes daily and the prices are reasonable. It’s my go-to.

After enjoying a fantastic piece of salmon and a leafy green salad, I was craving dark chocolate. I asked if they had squares, but they didn’t. Much to my surprise, one of the employees brought over the most delicious (housemade!) cinnamon roll. For. Free.

When I got home, I wrote an email to the owner bragging on his staff and thanking him for another great experience. Have you ever done this? I try to be as quick to compliment as I am to complain.

This morning when he emailed out the daily menu, he included my note saying it was especially nice to get after a long, busy day. How cool is this?!

Awesome. There is hope. There are still restaurant owners and staff that care about the experience customers have in their establishments.

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It feels so good to be APRIL! I’ve been waiting for this month all year!

It’s my last month of law school, and I am so so so so excited to be almost done! I could not have done this without my friends and family and their constant support. (Editor’s note: SO PROUD of you!!!)

I went to my cousin’s amazing wedding, and got to spend time with my mom and brother and dad. Being with my family reminded me of how important they are because they make me feel so grounded. This is probably because your family are your roots, and even though they might sometimes drive you batty, they are where you come from.

See, I get it from my momma (and I know the quality of this picture SUCKS – but you can see where I get my quirky qualities)

Me and my handsome brother

It was also a blessing to go to my cousin’s wedding and spend time with my extended family. WOW.

It was so cool to see how in love they are and to know how much they’ve been through before they ever got married. Their love is the kind of love I aspire to, and they truly have a fairy tale. (Editor’s note: I flippin’ loved seeing all their wedding pics – cowboy fairy tale!)

SEE?!?!? So stinkin’ cute!

When I came home, I also had a beautiful necklace in the mail – a tree that represents the earth and feeling grounded… this is symbolic for me because I think I realized that this is my theme of the year/month/right now/whatever.

My groundedness is coming from my family, my ability to connect with nature, to be with the earth. I love what I get from the earth and feel incredibly lucky every day.

I also got to connect with Laura over a wonderful dinner at Bacchanalia! I can’t believe she treated me to such an awesome birthday dinner! (Editors’ note: Thank god the company was good! 😉 )

At the dinner, she asked me to share what I have been doing with TVP, so I had to oblige. TVP Bacon Bits!!!

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In my opinion, what gives these a better flavor (and meatier than most) is the combo of the BBQ sauce, cumin, and nutritional yeast. I have never seen a recipe that used this combination, and I don’t know why! It’s amazing.

I put these bits on EVERYTHING! Make your friends jealous. Try it on a salad, on your guacamole (or on half of an avocado), on your baked potato, eat them plain, top your chili. Endless possibilities!

Also, another great reason to try this recipe, besides that it’s super easier and way healthier than bacon, (Editor’s note: mmm… bacon), is that you can taste as you go! You can tell by the flavor of the un-crisped mixture what the final product will taste like, so you can adjust. Need a pinch of salt? Want a little more barbecue flavor? No problem!

Now, what else can we do with these bits? I’m glad you asked. Bacon PANCAKES. That’s right. Add a handful of these bad boys to your pancake mixture. You will NOT regret it.

Pancake batter

I really like Karina’s recipe, but mine do not come out nearly as beautiful. I used her recipe and added a bit of cinnamon and a tablespoon of nutritional yeast. Once I made the mixture, I ladled some into the pan, and added the TVP Bacon Bits.

I suck at flipping pancakes. They’re never consistent in color but they’re delicious. (Editor’s note: that’s all that matters!)

I like these so much, I eat them plain – no butter, no syrup, etc.

Also, I now get why it’s impossible to take pretty pictures of brown food. Editor’s note: told you so!!!) So, you will have to take my word for it.

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Vegan TVP Bacon Bits

3/4 C TVP
3 T nutritional yeast
3/4 C boiling water
1-1.5 T smokey barbecue sauce (or Laura’s sodium and sugar free recipe)
2.5 T tamari (of soy if you’re not gluten-free)
1/2 T maple agave (maple syrup would also work, or you can eliminate for a sugar-free version – I just like maple bacon flavors)
2 T sunflower oil
1 T cumin
Pinch of cayenne

Preheat the oven to 265 degrees (yes, 265 – that is not a typo. I just couldn’t decide between 250 and 275).

Mix all of the ingredients in a bowl together, whisk with a fork. Spread mixture across a baking sheet. Place in oven.

I set my timer for 24 minutes. But they really needed like 31.3 minutes…. until I got really impatient. When they still weren’t crispy, because it takes forever and you have to keep moving them around, you start to get really annoyed. The next step was to heat that bad-boy of and oven up to 425. After that, they were done in 10 more minutes. Crispy and delicious. This was a trial and error… but came out AWESOME!

Editor’s Note: I think the moral of the story might be to make them at a higher temp. 😉

***

I have to admit… I’m a little sad that Kat beat me to this idea. Haha. Really… I’m gong to be making these STAT.

Does your family keep you grounded, even when you feel insane? No comment.

What’s exciting about your April?

Work It Out: From Running to Lifting

March 26, 2013 By Laura

Competing is not for the faint of heart.

Or for those who dislike asparagus.

Body building requires a lot of hard work and discipline. I love the weights – that part doesn’t seem like work to me (most days).

The diet… well, those few weeks leading up to a competition get a little rough. You probably didn’t want to be near me the last week because I was ~~a total bitch~~ tired of chicken and asparagus.

This post isn’t about asparagus. Today’s Work It Out is a guest post from a friend and fellow comptitior. Jennifer trains at my gym, House of Payne.

We competed together in the NPC Jen Hendershott Big Shott Bodybuilding Classic last year (Jenn in Physique and myself in Figure). She was such a great friend – calming my beginner nerves and raising a margarita toast to out successes post-competion.

Jennifer, Christina, Steve (our trainer), Devy, and Me

Jenn is a big inspiration. Like me, she’s a former runner. The muscle she’s gained in the ~7 months I’ve known her is absolutely incredible.

Below is the story of her transformation. I hope it inspires you – even if you aren’t interested in competing, it’s a great reminder that we can do anything we want to, if we want to badly enough.

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Close to 2 Decades of Fitness

The year is 1994 and I sign up for my first jogging class at Gainesville State College. Little did I know at the time what my fitness future would hold. I had an amazing coach who shared his passion of fitness with me. He gradually took us, beginners, and taught us how to build up stamina and endurance in running. Through the class, I developed a liking to running. I’ll never forget how I felt when I completed running 2 miles without stopping. My coach told me if you can run 2 miles, then you can run 6 miles. Well, I kept on running. I even thought I was “Forrest.” Forrest Gump, that is.

I ran all the way through college, 3 pregnancies, and into mid 30’s. Then all of a sudden, I realized my body had massively changed. I was fat. I was flabby in a lot of areas. I couldn’t eat the junk that I ate in my 20’s and look good. I felt as if my muscle tissue was a lot less than it was in the previous years.

I took a huge leap and decided to change my eating and my training. I always loved the way girls looked in Muscle & Fitness Magazine. I wanted that look. I wanted biceps and a 6-pack. So I started weight training at home. I started out with a beginner set of barbells and a pull-up bar.

I trained 1 year at home and starting transforming my body gradually. I mainly did strength training 4 days a week and 2 days of cardio. But I wanted to do more and continue to transform my body. So I hired a personal trainer. Also at that 1 year mark, my pursuits became a little different. At first, I just wanted to get fit and lose some weight. Gradually as I transformed my body and learned more about weight training and its results, I decided to enter a figure contest.

So I entered my first figure competition. I will be real honest, my first time out I was not even close to the top 5. However, that first competition set me on fire to compete. This was the best thing to happen. I went into that competition thinking that I was going to win. Oh Yes! However, I left that competition and decided I was going to put in the time and build some serious muscle. I was going to be a competitive figure athlete.

For the next 3 years, I studied and researched training methods. I also hired a nutritionist/coach who monitors all of my food and helps develop my training splits. He has developed a plan to help me build lean muscle mass in the off-season and he knows how to turn me into a lean competitor for the stage.

I have competed in 4 figure competitions since 2010. However, in November of 2012, I stepped on stage as a physique competitor and placed 3^rd in the competition, which qualified me for the national stage.

Physique is a new division in the body building world. This division is for women that have a little more muscle than figure. The Physique division also requires a routine that enables you to present your physique and display your muscles in a way that figure girls don’t get to do. I absolutely adore it. I love being on stage and the center of attention. I especially love showing off my hard work that I have done in the gym and through my nutrition.

As I write this, I am in prep for Team Universe in July 2013. This is my first national show. I am giving my 110% to this competition. I still have the same fire in my soul as I did with my first competition. I love the structure, workouts, and the discipline required for competing. Every time I do a show I feel as if I learn something new about myself. I have also learned in order for you to succeed, you must step out of your comfort zone and push a little bit harder.

Train Hard and You will be Amazed at Your Results!

XOXO

***

Follow Jennifer’s journey on Facebook and Instagram, and be sure to check out her blog!

Did anyone try last week’s Super Slow technique?

Would/have you ever considered competing?

A Death Race and a Birthday

March 21, 2013 By Laura

Oops, I did it again…

You can thank me later for getting that classic song stuck in your head.

Tuesday was leg day. Two days later, walking is a difficult task. 25 barbell squats, 4 sets, increasing weight. Weighted lunges. 25 hack squats, 4 reps, increasing weight (I HATE hacks!). And that was just the first 3 exercises. Oy.

The good news is that my trainer told me he sees huge gains in the last month and my legs are getting bigger!

And my BUTT!!! Woot!

But my pain today doesn’t come close to how Kat must have felt after her Ultramarathon “Death” Race. Only a crazy person celebrates a birthday like this. 😉

Read on for Kat’s fabulous story…

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On March 16, 2013, I ran my second Ultramarathon. It was definitely the biggest physical challenge I have ever undertaken, and I savored almost every minute of it.

Note the caption – SO TRUE!!!!

I woke up at 2:15am and began my journey. I hadn’t slept much the few nights before it, and only about 2-4 hours the night before the race.

I was so nervous I couldn’t sleep!! (Editor’s note: I would have barfed from the nerves.)

Geared up and Ready to Go!!

I stayed at Hiker Hostel on Friday night with my friend Ann. She braved 5:00pm Atlanta traffic headed north to get me up there (you Atlanta folk know that THAT is a sign of true love).

We left the hostel at 2:45 in the morning to head to the start where I checked in, got my map, met some runners, and began my journey.

Saying Goodbye to Ann

At 3:55 the race director, Sean, gave a funny speech that began, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…” and you know the rest.

It made all of the runners giggle nervously as we began our journey on the Georgia section of the Appalachian Trail. We started at Vogel State Park.

I ran with several of these people many steps of the way.

Before the 3^rd Mile, I was feeling absolutely fantastic. I was skipping along on the rails, “dancing forward” with a smile on my face. Sometime right around then, I fell HARD, heard my ankle pop, screamed a little. Then, with a little encouragement from a few friendly trail folk, I was up and on my way, hiking with the best of them. Oh yeah, HIKING.

People, this was NOT a running race for the most part. This was a hiking race. It was elevation, elevation, elevation. We climbed about 17 peaks on the Appalachian Trail. I was at Duncan Ridge for Sunrise, after already climbing over 2,300 feet.

Sunrise on Duncan Ridge

I had so much fun in the early parts of the race, making friends, laughing about slipping in mud, and hiking up, up, up. We were all frustrated with the hills, in awe of the views, and even more in awe of our strength as we climbed. (Editor’s note: I am in awe fo YOU!)

I continued to have fun, and I met a guy named Kip, a fire fighter who loves to help people. He was strong, loyal, and kind. He offered to wrap my ankle at the next rest stop. That was before I tripped on a down-hill around mile 16 or so, heading face-forward into the leaves, busting my knee. I finally got up, cursing the leaf-covered ground, then tripped hard and sprained my ankle even worse around mile 19.

The face says it all…carnage and getting wrapped.

I eventually made it to mile 21, convinced I wouldn’t be able to go on. When I got there, I saw the race director, and I became determined to finish. He made this course ridiculously hard for a reason, and I wanted to finish. Another runner wrapped my ankle, and I pressed on. Things got slower after that.

My stick friend

At mile 25, I decided it couldn’t get much worse, so I kept going. At mile 28, I got my ankle re-wrapped and pressed on for the most frustrating part of the run. I found a stick that became my friend as I hiked and hiked and hiked uphill.

I cried, I was frustrated, and I pressed on. I wailed, and I cried when I when saw the clearing that meant the climbing was over. (Editor’s note: I really don’t have anything to say… you are fierce.)

Swinging Bridge

The clearing that made me cry

Eventually I got to mile 44-ish… Winding Stair Gap aid station. I got a big hug from my friend Wilson, and I finally knew it was in my ankle’s best interest to stop. I had hiked and run over 44 miles, climbed over 13,000 feet, for 14.5 hours on a sprained ankle.

I called the friend who was picking me up, and she brought me home, in pink fuzzy slippers, as my ankle swelled. (It’s much better today – good thing I stopped when I did). I feel like it was the most noble DNF (Did Not Finish) ever, and I really gave it my all.

About 2 hours after my race

The 14.5 hours really made me think – WHY am I out here? WHY am I doing this? What is this for? And I think I know.

I think I know why I run, why I stay out in the woods for hours and hours trying to find myself.

Not only does it teach me to keep moving forward, even when things are difficult or painful, but it lets you embrace the moments that suck because they help you to know just how strong you are, and just how strong you can be. I think we all can feel down or defeated from time to time, some more than others. When you find the thing that helps you move on, that works as your therapy and that helps you to believe you’re more than you thought you could be, that just might be your thing.

I think I realized through this race, that whether it’s running, creating art, raising kids, lifting weights, or whatever your thing might be, that you need to do what makes you feel strong and what makes you feel alive. (Editor’s note: So well said – we are so much more than we first imagine.)

No better way to celebrate my 26^th Birthday. (Editor’s note: Such a tender young age. 😉 )

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Laura posted about my nighttime potluck gathering yesterday, which I believe brought about 25-30 people together, an eclectic group from all walks of life. 🙂 It was the best birthday I have had in a very long time, and I LOVE my birthday.

Just a few of my amazing friends

I also got to go to a birthday lunch with one of my dearest friends in Atlanta.

We went to the One Eared Stag. I had one of the weirdest and most delicious meals ever. (Editor’s note: Whaaaat?! I want to try this place so bad!)

In the picture:

White Anchovies
Olives
Fried Dates
Mint
Pine Nuts

Such a weird and delicious combo (Editor’s note: Strange but good?). I think the marriage of the nutty white anchovies with the sweetness of the dates made this dish really work. Everything else sort of worked in for a flavor-explosion in my mouth. I also had the carrot soup with fermented garlic and ginger.

All-in-all a great lunch, and I’m really looking forward to going back to try it again!

***

Funny side note: Kat texted me yesterday to ask if I was ok with her sending bloody pics to post. I said bring it. 😉

What challenges make you feel more alive? Stronger? Better?

What strange but good combos have you had recently? Don’t forget to link up tomorrow!

In a Rut & Bacon Truffle Parmesan Popcorn

March 7, 2013 By Laura

All day yesterday I thought it was Tuesday.

I am especially happy it’s Thursday today. If it was only Wednesday this week would be reallllly long.

I don’t know what it is, but this week has seemed tedious. Work, workouts, even cooking. I think I need a vacation.

When I was younger, I couldn’t wait to be an adult. No authority, no homework… I do what I want! Wellll… the thing I didn’t realize is that you actually DO have to answer to people (bosses, bills, ~~cops~~…) and there really IS homework (work you were handed at the end of the day, house work, working on my fitness, other obligations).

I’m not necessarily complaining. I normally love working out and I’m happiest when my job is busy. It’s just this week. This cold. Bad dates. ~~Girl Scout Cookie cravings (I swear those little people are stalking me at the grocery store!).~~ I need a vacation. Some place warm.

Thankfully, I have friends like Kat to cheer my up. Not only will she meet me for a glass of wine and a second dinner after a bad date, but she also write a guest post (see below), that perfectly describes my feelings right now.

So now you should quit reading my whining and listen to Kat, who reads my mind and makes me feel more connected.

It’s part of human nature to sometimes feel like “no one gets you.” We have to make an effort to realize that it’s not true! You’re never alone – someone will always be able to “get you” if you just reach outside yourself. (Editor’s note: get outta my head, Kat!)

So, I have to share – I was in a RUT! Every kind of rut – a running rut, a yoga rut, a dating rut, a food rut, and opening up about my feelings rut. UGH!

How to kick yourself out of a rut? First steps first – admit it to yourself… then tell people! When people relate to you, they often offer suggestions that help you pull out of your rut and kick you into high gear with a new, better attitude.

And having an amazing Friday night girls night opening up to some of your closest friends and sharing ~~a lot of wine~~ your feelings doesn’t hurt either.

K Trifecta: Kelly, Kat, & Kim

To get out of my running rut, I decided to run some new places, with new friends, and make better, solid plans! This helped my running rut because it made me want to run even more than I already usually want to!

I made a plan with a new friend, and a woman from yoga. BOY did that help! 🙂 It made me get back to my smile-when-I-run mental amazing state, and enjoy my solo runs even more. (I know, crazy, running with people made me enjoy solo runs more???)

Have you ever noticed that smiling literally makes you happy? It’s true. Whatever muscles you use when you smile trigger something in your body, that triggers something in your brain… let the experts tell you about it. It can also make you younger, prettier, friendlier, and on and on. The point is – SMILE. (Editor’s note: this actually works. I was skeptic, but after Kat told me this I grinned my way through my 8 hour race!)

I ran 15 miles on Monday (Yo-Run-Ga! – 7 before yoga & 8 after). On my way home, I was almost GIGGLING. I was smiling so big and bright. I love love love to run. It makes me high. BUT, not everyone can relate to that. So, apply it to your favorite thing/activity! Smile while you do it!

Now, to get out of the yoga rut. I was taking the same classes over and over and over. I was hitting a plateau – not trying as hard, not getting much stronger, not learning new poses. Perfect solution – try a new teacher!

Turns out I didn’t even really like the new teacher I tried, but I learned something and it helped me to enjoy my regular classes even more.

I want to learn to do this!

I really want to start learning new poses and breaking out of my shell. Maybe I will try a new studio or ask some of my favorite instructors for tips. I know I’m strong enough and flexible enough to do more!

The dating rut? I have no idea how to get myself out of this one. Ask someone else for advice on this. (Editor’s note: Good Lord, don’t ask me. #fail)

The food rut! Okay, seriously, who else ends up buying the same groceries over and over and over?! It’s like I have been reusing the same list… forever! And you know what I make? The same meals. I know, shocking!

To get out of the food rut, I have had a few strategies:

Eat out more! If you do this, you will draw inspiration from menus, and eat different things.
Shop in the frozen section. No, don’t actually spend a ton of money buying the frozen meals, but use the ideas to go buy stuff to make similar, more fun items.
Buy something, anything, that you wouldn’t normally buy, then go online and search the ingredient for recipe ideas. The advent of the internet is glorious! (Editor’s note: So true! I just bought curry leaves = awesome.)

One other thing I like to do, is find something I like, and do it better! For example, I had Bacon Cracker Jack Popcorn (below) at Harper Station. UGH – It could be done SO much better. (Editor’s note: I had the same thing at Holeman & Finch 2 weeks ago… and thought the same thing!) So I later made Bacon Truffle Parmesan Popcorn – WIN.

Yes, it’s real!

I couldn’t help but recreate it after coming home to a 12.5 pound bag of popcorn on my door step, thanks to my friend Jimmy!

Popcorn is one of my favorite foods. In fact, I eat it almost every day! Not always as decadent, usually just some EVOO and Salt.

H. Harper Station popcorn

Mine was SO much better. First of all, the “Cracker Jack” from H. Harper Station was way too sweet. Second of all, their bacon was NOT crispy – and it was COLD. Turn-off! Third, who doesn’t love truffle-parmesan anything… and then you add bacon!? AMAZING WIN!

And I got the idea for the cute little serving cups online – bonus if you’re going for portion control. I refilled my “personal size” like 3 times. (Editor’s note: Bring me some!!! Inviting a friend helps with portion control!)

MY Bacon Popcorn = Amazing

Bacon Truffle Parmesan Popcorn

1/4 C popcorn kernels
1 T coconut oil
1 T truffle salt
4 strips of bacon, cooked crispy and chop finely
1 C shredded Parmesan

Cook the popcorn in the coconut oil; this gives it a better texture.

Then coat the popcorn with truffle salt. Add bacon (finely chopped and crispy) and Parmesan.

Use a large spoon to stir it all together. Devour.

Notes: This is not a healthy meal option. You could also sub the truffle parm and do bacon chocolate popcorn! YUM! Next time.

Editor’s note: Make it vegan with bacon bits (yes, they’re vegan) and nutritional yeast!

***

Tomorrow is Friday. Kat’s post made me smile. *deep breaths*

What kinds of ruts have you been in, and how do you get out of them? TIPS!?

What is your favorite unhealthy snack?

Doing New Things and Freaking Out Co-Workers

February 21, 2013 By Laura

Blogging can change your life.

Ok, maybe that’s dramatic… but it can change your state of mind!

I was feeling pretty down about having to postpone my next competition. All of your comments lifted me up yesterday. Thank you, thank you, thank you. It’s funny how “strangers” can make you feel ~~warm and fuzzy~~ supported and put you in a more positive place.

Not that I really think of you as strangers… we Tweet, email, Instagram, Facebook… some of my best friends are people I’ve never met in person!

Speaking of strange… it’s Kat’s day to post! We haven’t gotten to hang as much lately, yet she’s still managed to write a post that hit home for me. And included a green smoothie, which you know I love. ♥

Here’s Kat…

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LIFE is hitting me right now. I think I just realized that I’m going to be an attorney later this year! (Editor’s note: YAYYYYYY Kat!)

I’ll be studying for the bar this summer. I can’t imagine the focus that will take! I’m used to doing 100 things (I currently hold 3 jobs and go to school) and keeping up with yoga and running and all the other fun workouts and friend time I fit in! OH BOY!

Wanna know a secret? I’m scared. I’m afraid of whatever job I end up with, I’m afraid of failing, and I’m afraid I won’t come up on top. I’m afraid of fitting in, and I’m afraid of standing out. Let’s face it – I’m weird… if you hadn’t noticed. (Editor’s note: I think that’s why we get along so well. 🙂 )

My strategy? Continue to be myself and just keep breathing! I just need to keep being myself, embracing my life, and things will fall into place. (Read: I will conquer the world.)

I’m working on my business plan actively and figuring out how I will be a successful attorney even if I don’t land a job at a firm – I am capable of business generation. However, I’m also considering the big firm world, something I never thought I would do! Cheers to trying new things! *Raises Glass!*

However, I’m also considering the Big Firm world, something I never thought I would do!

Cheers to trying new things! *Raises Glass!* And I will pretend like I fit in. 🙂 Who knows – I might?????

It’s okay to be WEIRD (like I always say), so I’m going to share a couple of other WEIRD secrets today. Something many of you will be surprised to hear… you may not even believe me. (Editor’s note: I’m ashamed to admit that this made me think of Honey Boo Boo… “Nothing wrong with being gay. Everybody’s a little gay!”)

Whoever has been reading my blog posts knows by now that my metaphor for life is what will make you happy in the long run… and a lot of little things add up to a lot of happiness! Why not do a couple of little things that will just ease stress and help you live a happier, longer, healthier life?

Here goes nothing… the secret…. You should know: I hate the grocery store. (I know, shocking –but it’s true). It is my least favorite chore on the face of the planet, and for a while there, I refused to go! That’s right, refused. Rule number 1. Stop doing things you don’t want to do.

How did I get food in my house, you ask? Great question. I paid a grocery shopper!! That’s right, she went grocery shopping for me, paid, and brought them back to my house, and I would write her a check, which included her fee.

Now, before you judge me, this is an excellent strategy. Think about it – you are prohibited from randomly getting something NOT on your list that seems tempting while at the store (thus, saving money). It saves you time because you don’t have to mull over decisions like… “Which salsa – the Publix Organic or Newman’s? One is on sale, but I think I like the other one better…” You save precious time and gas (which makes the money worth it!).

Dove told me to share this tip with you!

I think this is the greatest tip of all time. And then you get to tell foodie friends like Laura about your secret and they give you a seriously hard time – which is just funny! (Editor’s note: True… I LOVE grocery shopping… but I will pay to have someone clean my condo!)

_______________________________________________________________________________________

The trying new things part of this is that I started doing my own grocery shopping at the beginning of the New Year!! Look at some of the fun things you remember to get when you shop!

Green Amazing Smoothie

2 Tbsp Chia
Some Banana-Based Green Juice (Some might be ¼ cup)
Some water (maybe 4 tbsp or so)
One scoop of Protein Powder
One scoop of Green Vibrance
¼ – ½ Cup pumpkin (canned OR fresh if you’re not lazy like me!)
Cinnamon, Salt, and Maple to taste

Mix it up and refrigerate for a few hours.

BOOM! ENJOY THAT SHIT!

The best part – you can’t go wrong on any measurement. The other best part – you are FULL forever. Yes, forever. (I’m lying) One more best part – people will look at you weird when you get a green mustache, or when they see the concoction.

The other new but not-so-new part of this – it’s fun to eat weird, dark, dark green pudding-ish food at the office to freak out your co-workers! 😉

Know what else freaks your co-workers out? Telling them how crazy you are. I think they all have mini heart attacks when they hear I’m about to run the Georgia Death Race – 60 miles is definitely nuts, but totally me. Check out the award we get at the end:

Old railroad bed nails!!!

One more secret. I never learned how to cook for one person. NEVER. That’s right. But I recently have been attempting this. See my beautiful salmon with brussels, onions, and mushrooms? BAM dinner for one. And it was delicious and perfectly cooked. GO ME!

This trying new things thing is going pretty well for me this year!

***

Don’t you guys see why I love this girl? I wish I could bottler her energy sand sell it.

What new things have you tried this year to get outside your safety box?

What weird things do you eat at work that turn your co-workers heads, and make them say, “uhhhhh – what IS that??” Everything. It’s allll Strange But Good.

Be Weird

January 24, 2013 By Laura

I’m no stranger to weird.

Or strange… but good!

When I saw the title of Kat’s guest post today I grinned. This girl rocks my weird world. You know it’s a sign of a good friend with a 3 hour trail run/hike flies by.

What doesn’t fly by is the soreness after a long day of exercise. After that run and then this past weekend’s race I am no stranger to delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). But I do have a solution! Or… a relief strategy. Some of you will think it’s weird but…

Seriously. If you can keep moving, that soreness will move on out. The day after my 8 hour race I walked 3 miles and jogged 1. By Monday I was back in the gym with my trainer. It’s not a miracle cure, but it DOES help.

Note: Be smart – if it’s beyond normal soreness, you have a strain or an injury, or you are sick REST is what you need. If you are just tight, walk it out!

Enough about me… read on for my weird friend Kat and her killer Strange But Good recipe.

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BE WEIRD, TAKE CHANCES, BE YOURSELF!

Let your spirit move you!!!! Do things that inspire you! That is my theme this week, this year, this lifetime.

I’m going to San Francisco today. It’s my first time as an actual tourist there. I used to go to California for wrestling tournaments in college. Read: All I saw were the insides of hotels and gyms. This time I will be going wine tasting, cheese tasting, and running a trail race on Sunday!! The Steep Ravine trail run (only the 25K distance I think) will be my favorite part! *sounds steep* (Editor’s note: Only 25k?! Kat is a trail running beast.)

I have learned to travel the world and make time for friends you haven’t seen in ages and some great, beautiful races. I will see my friend Jaime, from college (see her blog – Event Crashing at its finest ), who is amazing, and a few other friends. Jaime is the kind of friend you can take your hairless cats to a laser show with. No, that’s not a joke. We did that.

Jaime and I a couple years ago at Dave & Busters

Jaime and I a couple of years ago at Dave & Busters

When I was little, the last thing I wanted to be was weird. Now I embrace it! I think it is one of the reasons I take to Laura. She embraces her unique weirdness just like I do. (Editor’s note: Awwww! I heart you.)

A huge part of enjoying life, for me, is taking chances, doing things I’ve never done before, and being totally okay doing everything and anything that moves me. It creates more smiles, and more smiles means less stress! So let’s get out of the box today and share things that make us weird, happy, and stress-free, and brings a smile to your face. All photos were taken within the last two years.

Ride your bike 100 miles wearing a lei

Do Yoga Poses Anywhere and everywhere – let people stare!

Volunteer to model for a friend.. then become the cover of their look book

Run as far as you can through the woods… surprise yourself

The point of all this is… is that you must have random, fun, sporadic and unique moments in order to make the most out of life. Life is not meant to be suffered through, it’s meant to be enjoyed. That is why I spent a lot of time doing things that are outside of my comfort zone (or used to be).

Other things that make me smile include uncommongoods.com. I could browse that site ALL day! Amazing stuff like this:

Yes, that’s right

And just as good as weird, fun, and sporadic moments are – weird, fun and sporadic foods help you smile! I know, I know, another recipe.. but I have been cooking a LOT. (Editor’s note: That is encouraged here 🙂 )

After my amazing training day with Laura, I made dinner for my friend Martha. A cocoa rubbed pork tenderloin with … dun dun dun… Cocoa Cinnamon Cayenne (CCC) Sweet Potatoes (feel free to ask for the pork tenderloin recipe.. but honestly, they’re all the same).

Cocoa Cinnamon Cayenne (CCC) Sweet Potatoes

Cocoa Powder – 1/4 cup
Cinnamon – 1.5 tbsp or so
Cayenne – 3 tsp-ish
White pepper – a sprinkle
Salt – a couple sprinkles
Sweet potatoes

I used two types of sweet potatoes – regular and Japanese. I coated them in melted coconut oil (~2 tbsp), and tossed them in the CCC mixture. Disclaimer: I never actually measure

Place in a 375* oven for ~20 mins, stir, leave again (~20 mins).

They are absolutely delish! Ask Martha.

Serve with a homemade apple chutney (this was amazing… you can also ask for that recipe if you want… lots of mustard seeds… more savory than sweet).

Sweet potatoes finished in dish

The way I cook is….

…whatever I feel & the way my spirit moves me.

The best part of all of this… the recipe, cooking for friends, and randomness… is that a random and happy life is just that… a happy life!

When you live inspired, you will inspire others.

***

I love this post by Kat… I’m inspired daily by her determination and “can do” attitude. Time to get inspired in the kitchen for tomorrow’s Strange But Good link up! I hope you will all join! 🙂

What recently inspired you? Have you done something inspired/out-side the box?

Tell me something really positive!

Quinoa-Stuffed Acorn Squash + Holiday Amazingness

December 27, 2012 By Laura

Mind-readers scare me.

No, I didn’t go to a psychic to find out of the world would really end.

My friend a bi-weekly guest blogger (Kat), sent me her post last night and it appears we have been miles apart but on the same wavelength.

In the past, Kat has blogged about yoga, running + nutrition, and even homemade peppermint mochas! I really excited that today she’s sharing her first entree recipe. This girls loves food just as much as I do.

I’m at the gym working off my cookies, complete with a new top thanks to ~~my mom~~ Santa…

Top by Lucy

…and with a new toy! A fitbit one to replace my old ultra:

I hope you enjoy Kat’s first recipe today – while I haven’t had the pleasure of eating this dish (yet), I can tell from the pics and ingredient list that it’s a great, clean way to bring us into the New Year!

Who relaxes during the holidays?!?!

Yeah, I didn’t either. I think I raced through the holidays!

Recap. I flew into Orlando for a party on Friday (my mom had an end of the world party – she is such a hippie), worked all day Saturday, traveled over an hour to Dad’s on Sunday, Dad’s parents Monday night (for the first time in almost a decade), Tuesday with Mom and then later to her mom’s, and later to my sister’s boyfriend’s family. Talk about a holiday marathon (many of you know the drill)… but I have so much to be grateful for and it really felt like Christmas for me this year. Nevertheless, glad to be home!

This had my whole family laughing…even my dad.

It can be hard to keep up, but it’s also nice to catch up with family, have some sister love, and enjoy the holiday spirit with old and new friends. I managed to keep up my runs, and get plenty of quality time.

Honestly, none of the time would have been quality because I would have been completely mentally unbalanced without my runs. It just gets my head in the right place. Man, Laura and I have a similar philosophy… she recently wrote about having no excuses NOT to work out recently! (Editor’s note: You can click here to check that out). I even got to run through my old neighborhood – yeah, the one I grew up in. It’s crazy that what felt like a long run when I was 15 (about 3 miles) felt like such a short run to me today!

Holiday Run Time – Getting your head in order! No excuses!

Keeping with Laura’s theme from her past few blogs about cleaning up your kitchen and the winter weigh in about letting yourself indulge in your favorites (without going overboard), I managed to keep a pretty healthy diet too!

It’s totally okay to let your family and friends know what you do and do not eat. (Editor’s note: Yes! And you’d be surprised how often they feel the same way!) My mom, sister, and I told my Grammy we wanted to eat light and healthy, and that’s exactly what she did for Christmas lunch/brunch! She put up a wonderful spread of super healthy food. I also made it through without any dreaded gluten mistakes!

Christmas Brunch at Grammy’s

Needless to say, I have also been having meals at home that feel like winter indulgences but are also SUPER healthy! My first – real – recipe to share. Firstly, I LOVE squash, all squash, so it was hard to decide which “recipe” to share. But, I have been into stuffing my squashes lately, and acorn squash is a great size for stuffing – with almost anything, I would argue!

I always think of quinoa as a summer-y light and healthy meal, but made the right way, it can be comforting and winter-y too! I made this for a friend last week, and it was satisfying and comforting, but keeping with the kitchen workout. (Editor’s note: Where’s MY quinoa?!)

Quinoa-Stuffed Acorn Squash

1 medium acorn squash
½ cup of quinoa
1 cup of water or vegetable stock
½ cup of mushrooms
¼ red onion
¼ cup frozen peas
Some chopped kale and/or arugula
Touch of cayenne
Maybes: thyme, basil, rosemary
Salt & Pepper to taste
Parmesan to top, and your pasta sauce of choice (I like Whole Foods’ 365 brand)

Disclaimer: I don’t actually measure anything when I cook so please take all of these as amazingly close guestimates as to what actually happens in the kitchen

There are two ways to roast the squash, depending on how you want to present. You can either chop the top off, scoop out the seeds, put the top back on and throw it in the oven… or just cut it in half, scoop out the seeds, and throw it in the oven at about 375 (prettier presentation for two people).

Roast the squash first, and roast the squash about 20-30 minutes. While this is happening, cook your quinoa (boil water, add quinoa, 10 minutes pass, turn of the stove, leave the lid on until totally absorbed – basically follow the instructions on the box), and then sauté your onions, then add your mushrooms and frozen peas (and any other fresh veggies you have in your fridge), as well as your kale/arugula.

Combine all of your quinoa with the veggies, and add your spices and potentially herbs (I like thyme and rosemary for this one). Mix.

Remove the squash form the oven, stuff the mixture into the squash, top with a ton of Parmesan cheese and put it back in the oven at 375 for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese browns.

Remove and top with warm pasta sauce.

This is delicious, packed with protein from the quinoa, but low calorie and super filling!

I need to work on taking pictures of my food, and writing recipes (so feedback please!!!). But, I guarantee this will be a great way to switch up what you’re eating while bringing in some healthy New Year’s habits!

***

Don’t forget tomorrow’s 3rd #strangebutgood link up! Click here for the details, and grab the image below to share in your post:

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Did you make a point tell anyone what you needed to eat/not eat for the holidays?

What is your favorite squash?

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Be Weird

Quinoa-Stuffed Acorn Squash + Holiday Amazingness

Quinoa-Stuffed Acorn Squash

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