Sprint 2 the Table

Appetites and Adventures

Pre-Race Strategy

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This morning I had a grand plan to run 2 5Ks.  Wellll… I pulled my hamstring last weekend, there was a crazy storm last night, and this week has been exhausting.

These are my excuses to keeping the 5Ks to a minimum today.

I was going to do the Georgia Tech Pi Mile and the Sweetwater 420 5K.  One doesn’t start until 11a and has free beer at the end.  Choosing between the two was the easiest thing I’ve done all week.

Without further ado, here is my pre-race strategy for a late, beer-promising 5K:

1. Eat a tasty dinner.

Yakatori leftovers.  Mmmmm… carbs.

2. Have a chocolate protein shake.

Get your protein in the night before – too much the day-of can cause cramping.

In my shake:

  • 1/2 dark chocolate EAS
  • 1/2 scoop cookies ‘n cream protein powder
  • 1/2 large banana
  • 1/2 C kale (frozen)
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ice + water

3. Spend the evening writing a proposal for work and ordering free Bragg samples.

I love their Apple Cider Vinegar drinks too – Apple-Cinnamon is the best!

4. Wake up too early (stupid work programming me to be an early riser).

Post-storm sunrise

5. Drink coffee.

I know, I know… I drank 2 glasses of water too!

6. Devour Carrot Cake Overnight Oats (a la Oh She Glows).

You should make this.  Double the recipe… you will want seconds.

My additions: nutmeg and ginger, topped with greek yogurt and pecans (icing!) rather than Angela’s muffins (mine must be lost in the mail…).

7. Blog about pre-race activities and catch up on some reading.

8. Race!!!

***

Good luck to everyone running this weekend!  How did you all do?!

Is anyone else going to a festival?

Atlanta has at least 3 this weekend – Dogwood, Sweetwater 420, and Alpharetta Arts Fest!

Favorite Friday

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Friday tends to be a round-up day for me.  Why fight it?

 

This week there was a lot of good.  I may complain at times about being overwhelmingly busy, but being busy also makes me feel accomplished.  This was for-sure one of those weeks.

Next week is shaping up to be the same.  (Any DC restaurant recommendations are appreciated!)

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Here’s my Top 5 on Friday:

1. Fried Twinkies

That’s right.  Thursday night I gave in and enjoyed fried twinkies.  Because they aren’t unhealthy enough without the fryer involved.

They have NO redeeming qualities… but they are DAMN good.

PSA: Twinkies don’t go to your boobs

 

 

2. Socca Success

I may have woken up still smiling about yesterday’s Socca win.  It has opened up a whole new world of possibility!

You can put anything in socca, top it with anything, eat it with anything… I love a blank canvas.

3. Kitty Potty-Training

That’s right.  I am potty-training my cat.  On the potty.  Thank you, Citi Kitty.

She’s doing really well!  And I’m ecstatic about not having to clean a litter box anymore.

4. Repeats

Ok, it was only one repeat.  The Qu-egg-sadilla.

I need to start repeating more – no shame in reruns!

5. Avocado Smoothie

Speaking of reruns… I’ve made this smoothie a LOT recently.

Avocado in a smoothie makes it super creamy and adds a punch of good fat to your workout recovery drink.

It’s Stevie’s favorite too

Creamy Avocado Smoothie

  • 1/4 large avocado*
  • 1/2 banana*
  • 1/2 C unsweetened almond milk
  • 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 C frozen kale
  • Ice + water to taste

Put it in a blender and enjoy!

*Ever wonder what to do with the other half of an avocado or banana?  Freeze it!  Both fruits don’t keep well after opening, but they DO keep well if you freeze them.  Freezing makes it perfect for a cool smoothie.

***

I’m looking forward to Farmer’s Markets opening back up this weekend.  And the Braves opening at home.

Do you shop at a local market during the warmer months?  

What’s your favorite local-food find?

 

Chocolate Sweet Potato Shake

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Happy last day of the month!

This was a month of spectacular eats, so choosing a recipe to submit to Spicie Foodie’s Your Best Recipe was difficult!  She rounded up a ton of great, international recipes – check out her site for the line up!

Ultimately I went with the Tempeh Crab-Free Cakes.  They were so cool to make.

I’m crab-free!

Vegan-izing food is fun… even if you’re not vegan…

Other items I wanted to choose (click the pics for the recipes):

Chickpeas + Spiced Tomato Sauce

Egg-fin

Zucchini-Banana Muffins

Olive Basil Cookies

Mango-Cucumber Lentil Salad

Then there was the following tasty creation….

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I’ve made sweet potato shakes before.  They were good.  Delicious, in fact.

Like every other red-blooded female out there, chocolate is one of my favorite things to nosh on.

How is it that I never thought to combine the two tasty treats?!

Check out my new black border in the background!

Until now. *Insert evil cackle*

For this shake I used half of a Rich Dark Chocolate EAS drink.

I love these for a few reasons:

  • Taste = good
  • 17g protein
  • 0g sugar
  • 110 calories

That makes a perfect post-workout snack for me.  I also like the Strawberry flavor, but only in shakes.

I threw out the coffee flavor after trying it.  Not my cup of coffee tea.

Chocolate Sweet Potato Shake

  • 1/4 large sweet potato (pre-baked)
  • 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
  • 1/2 dark chocolate EAS drink
  • 1/2 C kale*
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • shake of salt
  • ice + water, to taste

Throw it all in a blender and blend until well-mixed.  Add straw and try to go drink it so fast you get an ice cream headache.

*Only 1/2 a cup because it was the Whole Food frozen variety.  Fresh is less condensed, so you’ll want to add more.  If green creeps you out, leave it out altogether!

***

My boss just called.  We’re meeting at a bar to watch the Brave’s opener.  Have I mentioned I love my job?!

Anyone else excited for baseball season?!

Strawberry Asparagus Tempeh Salad

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Monday was eventful!  I…

1. …found out I received a number in the famed Peachtree Road Race on July 4th.  Who else is running???

 

2. …picked out paint colors for an accent wall and trim.  Although I’m pretty sure I picked too light for the accent wall…


3. …bought a new (much-needed) washer and dryer – being installed today!  Thank you, Craig’s List.


4. …saved $10.50 at Whole Paycheck Foods.  That’s one helluva PR!

 

5. …tried a new ice cream: Almond Dream Praline Crunch.  It was AWESOME – creamy, nutty, and didn’t have the “I’m unsuccessfully trying really hard to act like ice cream” taste.  Totally worth the $$$.  Nevermind that I had a coupon.


Not too shabby for a Monday!

AND I continued my streak of morning workouts with my favorite bike-elliptical-treadmill interval routine.  Despite the insane thunderstorms/rain that went on all night long.

AND I am participating in “Your Best Recipe” for the month of March.  Check back on Thursday, March 31st for an update/link to the list!

 

Hosted by Spicy Foodie (click image for link)

 

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Every smoothie I drink is green.  I think tofu is delicious.  The only acceptable way to drink coffee is black.  Olives have been known to find their way into my cookies.  Salsa and eggs were made for each other, IMHO.

“Weird” eating habits are not new to me.

HOWEVER, I will concede that if someone tried to tell me the dinner I ate last night was delicious… I may have rolled my eyes.

Balsamic roasted strawberries.  Roasted lemon-y asparagus.  Grilled tempeh.  Served over a bed of spinach and parsley.

Pure deliciousness.

Sorry for the iPhone blurry pic... I was hungry!

Tempeh can be a bit bitter if you don’t boil it.  One of the cool things about this recipe is that the sweetness of the strawberries cuts the bitter.  This way you can pan-fry your tempeh freely without having to worry about adding a sugary sweetener.

Strawberry Asparagus Tempeh Salad

For the tempeh*:

  • 2T EVOO (I used habanero-infused)
  • 1 T soy sauce
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 block tempeh

Mix together first 4 ingredients in a small bowl.  Thinly slice the tempeh.  POur marinade over tempeh slices, gently tossing to coat.  Let sit 5-10 mins to absorb flavor.

Heat a large skillet over med-high heat.  Coat with a bit of oil and place tempeh slices in pan.  Cook until golden brown and crispy (~ 5-6 mins), flipping half way through.

Remove from heat and set aside.

*You could do this with chicken or tofu if you prefer!

For the asparagus:

  • 7-8 asparagus spears
  • Juice from 1/2 a small lemon
  • 2-3 tsp EVOO
  • Freshly ground pepper, to taste

Preheat oven to broil.

Toss asparagus in lemon juice, oil, and pepper.  Place on foil in oven for 6-7 mins, watching closely.  Remove when just beginning to brown and wrinkle.

For the strawberries:

  • 1/2 C strawberries, quartered
  • 2 tsp balsamic vinegar

Preheat oven to broil.

Toss strawberries in balsamic.  Place on piece of foil in oven, letting roast for 2-3 mins.  (I just added mine to the asparagus during the last couple of minutes.)


Place a generous handful of spinach in salad bowl.  Toss with parsley.  Top with asparagus, strawberries, and tempeh.  Drizzle with a little EVOO and lemon juice.  Sprinkle with nutritional yeast (or cheese), and S+P to taste.

Note: You may notice in the pic that I added an heirloom tomato.  I’d leave it out next time… not terrible, but it didn’t add anything.

***

What’s the weirdest thing you like to eat?  Do people comment on your food choices?

My name is Laura and I <3 weird food.

 

Reunited with Green

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This week has been NUTS!

 

I was really glad I had Zucchini-Banana Muffins in the freezer for breakfast this morning.

This is how I feel right now

 

D.C. was a great trip though.  My meetings went really well and I had a chance to go running through the Mall Wednesday night with bossman.

If you’re ever in D.C., I highly recommend it.  There’s nothing like seeing a city by way of a good run.  It also makes the run go by more quickly… which I needed.

The Tough Mudder threw my body for a loop.  I’m not so much sore as I am worn out.  My legs feel like bricks.  Spaghetti bricks.

At least I have something to show for it:

Muddy cuts

Random bruising

But damn it feels good to be a gangsta’. 😉

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I really missed green smoothies (and St. Patrick’s Day!) while I was traveling.  File under: things I never thought I’d say.

So here’s my oops-I-missed-St. Patrick’s Day Smoothie of the Day.

I was too excited and almost forgot to take a pic before it was too late!

Pineapple Upside Down Cake Smoothie

  • 1 C unsweetened almond milk
  • 1 scoop cookies’n’cream protein powder
  • 1 tsp maca powder
  • 1/3 C pineapple
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla
  • 1/4 tsp ginger
  • 6-8ish almonds
  • huge handful spinach
  • ice/water (to taste)

 

Just what the doctor ordered to feel human again just in time to throw a wedding shower this weekend.

Shower recipes coming Monday soon! (I may need a buffer in order to sleep at some point.)

Worth the wait: mini quiches, fruit + cannoli cream, and my favorite savory cookie recipe.

***

I love entertaining, but I hate the fact that you have to clean house.  It seems ridiculous since you have to clean again post-party.  Let’s start a movement to change expectations!

What’s your best time-saving party-prep secret? 

Do you have a favorite/go-to dish to make for entertaining?


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.


The Tardy Smoothie

By

I have a problem.

 

I cannot get out the door in the morning. 

I’ll be basically ready to leave for work on time, and then manage to blow another 20 minutes.  How does this happen?!?!  This morning I needed to make a quick smoothie and leave.  Twenty minutes later, I had a delicious smoothie and a cool pic.  Maybe it’s the photo-taking?

 

I recently purchased Guar Gum.  Guar is a thickening agent commonly used items such as: ice cream/sorbet, pies, pudding, smoothies, yogurt, and more.

It is also acts as a stabilizer.  I really appreciated this, as my spinach-laced smoothies often separate if I don’t drink them immediately.

I used Bob’s Red Mill:

A few facts about Guar (from WebMD):

  • Can help treat diarrhea/IBS (lovely)
  • May lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels
  • Keeps you feeling full longer, as it is a slow digestible

 

Either way, it made my morning smoothie more milkshake-like and I’ll be using it again!

I also tried out So Delicious Coconut Milk for the first time.

It was surprisingly light!  I was expecting, you know, coconut milk.  This coconut milk was somewhere between almond milk and rice milk on the thick-scale.

I tried the unsweetened version, and liked it.  Coconut milk definitely won’t replace almond, but I’d buy it again.  I’d really like to try the vanilla flavor.

Since the base of this smoothie is pumpkin, I think it is worthy of being named the “Tardy Smoothie.”  You guys know what I’m talking about… right?  In Cinderella where she risks turning into a pumpkin if she’s late?

The Tardy Smoothie

  • 1/2 C So Delicious unsweetened coconut milk
  • 1/2 tsp Guar Gum
  • 1/4 C pumpkin
  • 1/4 C blueberries
  • 1/4 C oatmeal
  • 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ginger
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • handful of spinach
  • ice + water, to taste

 

Toss everything in the blender, blend away, and enjoy the thickness!

Note: A little bit of Guar Gum goes a loooong way.

***

Do you have the same problem getting out the door in the morning? 

What is the culprit?!

 

Sweet Photo Evidence

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Big news on Hump Day!

 

  1. I am now a Foodbuzz Featured Publisher! (Check out the banners to the left… there will be one more to come.)
  2. There is a picture of the jaw breaking fall!!!

 

Here’s the before – this is the “roll out” where we get introduced before the bout begins.

© Basil Gravanis, 2011

 

It’s more of a pre-break picture, but it’s an awesome action shot:

© Basil Gravanis, 2011

Thank you to the talented Basil Gravanis for making this magical photo happen. 🙂

(Derby 101: The helmet panties with the stars indicate the jammer.  Jammers earn a point per opposing blocker passed after the initial pass through the pack.)

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Annnnnd that’s why I’m drinking a Sweet Potato Smoothie right now.

Yes, I know… I’ve done this before (soooo last season…).  This time I discovered the more sweet potato, the better.

Sweet Potato Smoothie

  • 1/2 baked sweet potato
  • 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
  • 1 giant handful of spinach
  • 1/4 c unsweetened almond milk
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp ginger
  • 1/8 tsp nutmeg
  • Shake of salt
  • Water + ice to taste

Put it in a blender, smooth it out, and slurp it up!

***

What’s the worst damage you’ve ever done to your body?  

Any cool scars/pics/proof? I have a pic and lots of soup ideas. 🙂


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