Travel Meals, Roasted Wins, + Jillian Michaels

April 22, 2013 By Laura

Traveling to pretty locations is fabulous.

And then you come home…

Last week I was in Arizona at the Camel Back Inn with my mom. You guys saw part of my travel meals Wednesday. I made it – and I ate pretty well! In fact, often I was more happy to be eating my food than the resort food! That, the fact that I didn’t give in to the temptation of a tasty margarita in the desert sun… the overall sense of accomplishment… is carrying over today to make my Monday Marvelous.

Breakfast was easy – oatmeal all doctored up with my delicious Growing Naturals protein and berries and cinnamon from the hotel. I also asked for lots of lemon.

Best eaten with beautiful patio view!

Some of my other meals are below: I took lots of fresh veggies, sweet potatoes, bison burgers, no-salt deli turkey, and baked chicken. And my delicious greek yogurt dessert creations.

I was able to get plain salmon and brown rice from the hotel, which helped a lot. I brought my own nutritional yeast, but remember you can always ask for seasonings – lemon, vinegar, red pepper flakes are my standard requests.

Two favorites: the cucumber-mint “mocktail” on the bottom right above was a fantastic refresher at the spa restaurant (See my mom in the background? She was Instagramming her carrot-apple juice!). My last meal (on the bottom right above) was on the airplane. Sweet potato, turkey, and a fresh salad purchased at Wendy’s (surprisingly fresh and tasty!) in the airport before take off.

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Despite all the fun, it was nice to be home in my kitchen. Saturday I got up and went to posing practice, followed by a killer leg day (seriously – SO SORE today). After all my travels there was NO food at my house so I had a great time reloading at the farmer’s market. Sea Bass must be in season because this was some of the best I’ve ever had. Buttery, moist (sorry), and not at all fishy.

Served with sautéed shiitake mushrooms, spinach, eggplant, and edamame.

I also roasted a kabocha squash with cocoa powder, cinnamon, and cayenne. It sounds strange, but it is GOOD!

No real measurements… I just sprayed my squash with some coconut oil and tossed it together. I roasted it at 350 until tender.

Sunday was softball day. We won the game… I slid into 2nd base at one point. Maybe not the best decision 2 weeks before a competition because my knee got a little scraped up.

BUT I was safe. And then I scored.

That didn’t hurt nearly as bad as the split I did off 1st base to catch a ball. Note to self: splits are not a good idea the day after heavy leg day.

I missed the second game because I had to shower off in order to meet a friend to see Jillian Michaels!!! I still had to run my sprints, so I just ran them on the way to the show (about 2 miles away) instead of driving. Haha.

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Jillian was good… but a lot of what she said I already knew. Don’t eat crap. If you want to lose weight, burn more calories than you eat. It was refreshing to hear someone talk about the basics though. No “special” diets.

The secret to being in shape is that there is NO SECRET! Eat good, clean food. Eat it in moderation. Exercise. Why can’t I get paid millions to tell people this?!

My favorite part was when she talked about exercise. She called people out of their half-assed elliptical-while-reading-a-magazine workouts.

Raise your heart rate. If it’s not high enough, move your ass faster.

I also loved that she wore flip flops.

What really got me was what happened in the audience in front of us. These two (obviously drunk) girls were there… which was funny at first that they were drunk at a fitness event. It became un-funny when one of the girls PUKED. I can’t even make this ~~shit~~ up.

They were clearly old enough to know better. They even looked pretty fit. I was embarrassed for them. Cheers to not being that girl. Not that I ever puked in a nice theatre (or anywhere in public), but I have had my moments. What I am grateful for – what is marvelous – is that I’ve gotten past that in my journey and am in a happy, healthy place. one where I know I’ll wake up tomorrow without a headache and sore only from my workouts.

***

Before you think I didn’t rest at all, I did stay home Saturday night at watch Life of Pi. It was ok… I liked Argo better.

Does anyone have a magic trick for healing a knee scrape quickly?

What is your favorite part about where you are right now in your journey?

Yes, I Got Through Security + WIAW

April 17, 2013 By Laura

Traveling doesn’t have to be hard.

Step 1: Choose your companions wisely.

I’m 3 weeks out from my next competition. And I’m in Arizona this week. Trying to get in 7 lean meals a day is NOT an easy thing to do on the road. As I’ve described (in greater detail) before, I simply bring my own.

My diet changes this week mean no fat, no sodium, and a more limited list of fruits and veggies (to avoid bloating). I packed enough food to eat 6 meals per day, and I carried it ALL on. No checked bags. The unplanned meal is one I can get at the spa restaurant where we’re staying (I called ahead).

And yes, you can make it through security with a lot of unmarked powders. 😉

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We left after Meal 2 today, so 5 of my 7 WIAW meals were all eaten on the road. It was actually fun! This trip I rocked the desserts. Hard core.

Check out my 7 low fast, low-sodium, protein-filled meals below, and then click here to head over to Jenn @ Peas and Crayons to get to see how more normal people are eating!

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Meal 1:

My morning cocktail (apple cider vinegar, water, Glutamine, and Fitmixer Aminos). This is the one thing I haven’t figured out on the road since ACV is a liquid and that won’t fly. I savored my last one for the week.

Then I rocked a workout in one of my favorite race t-shirts in honor of Boston. I was a sweaty mess for breakfast, which was a cherry PB & Jeggs… on top of a corn tortilla. Not gonna lie, it would have been better on an english muffin.

Meal 2:

My last meal at home. This was straight up awesome – the best sea bass I’ve ever made. I don’t think it was my preparation so much as it was the freshness of the fish. I guess they’re in season?!

For my side I had a quick salad of cherry tomatoes, raw zucchini, basil, red pepper flakes, and rice vinegar.

Meal 3:

Lunch on a plane. I packed up my version of a chopped salad – chicken baked in Ethiopian spices, cauliflower, celery, celery leaves, and cubed sweet potato.

Meal 4:

Bison on a plane! With cauliflower and snow peas by the light of my laptop.

My mom was staring at me in disbelief. She even said “I can’t believe you were the kid who wouldn’t eat anything but bologna every day.” My, how times have changed… and she was jealous because all she’d had time for that day was a shake and a bar. Bwhahaha!

Meal 5:

We were both famished when we reached the hotel. Our room wasn’t ready, so we enjoyed dinner on the patio looking out at the mountains.

I ordered a simple salad (that dressing wasn’t used) and then added my own no-salt turkey and a side of sweet potato. I wanted to leave the ‘tater on the foil… I thought it was funny… but Mom got embarrassed and told me to put it on the plate. LOL!

Meal 6:

We went for a long walk and checked out the spa (where I’ll be all day – OMG their gym is NICE). On the way back we swung by one of the restaurants at the property where I obtained a plate and silverware. Eating out of a baggie isn’t the end of the world, but if you can have a real plate… well, that’s just better.

Mexican baked chicken with cauliflower and snow peas. I had cauliflower to use, can you tell? 😉

Meal 7:

This is part of my dessert creation success. I took individual containers of non-fat Greek yogurt and mixed them with oats, a fruit, and various flavors. Then I cover them in foil and place them in the freezer. This way, when I pack them, they also act as an ice pack for my other food.

Tonight’s selection was mashed blackberries, cinnamon, stevia, and cocoa powder.

Just as good as the creations I make at home, my friends!

***

Sitting on that patio at dinner in that dessert spa atmosphere I wanted a margarita so bad. I texted my trainer to beg. He said no and that I would appreciate it on competition day. He’s right… ~~but damn.~~

Did you #workitout for Boston yesterday?

Have you ever whipped out your own food at a restaurant? I’m shameless.

Take the (Strange But Good) Cannoli

March 29, 2013 By Laura

Leave the gun.

Please, oh please, someone get this reference. ~~Otherwise I’m wayyy too old.~~

Take the cannoli. Especially if it has peanut butter.

Cheese and peanut butter may sound strange to you, but it makes for one deliciously creamy dip. Not to mention the protein factor. Add a little vanilla and cinnamon, and you have a dessert-like peanut-y condiment that can be added to anything from chocolate microwave protein cake to PrOATein Pancakes to… well, keep reading. 😉

Peanut flour is just de-fatted peanuts. I order my peanut flour on iHerb.com. Use my discount code – USO924 – for $5-$10 off your order! It is different from PB2 in that there is nothing added. PB2 has added sugar and sodium. Alternately, you can replace the flour with your favorite nut butter (or sunflower butter if you have a nut allergy).

Just in case you didn’t think Peanut Butter Cannoli was weird, I used it to top a sweet potato and poured some warmed blackberries on top. For breakfast.

Peanut Butter Cannoli

1/4 C fat-free ricotta
2 T peanut flour (or 1 T nut butter)
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
5/6 drops liquid stevia

Mix all ingredients together in a bowl.

Enjoy with a spoon or a top a sweet potato, cake, pancakes… anything!

Note: for a vegan option, replace the ricotta with tofu.

Who else has enjoyed making co-workers, friend, or family stare with strange but good creations lately?

The link up rules can be found here or by clicking on “Strange But Good” in the menu bar above.

In short, I want to see what concoctions have earned you weird looks from co-workers, family and friends! Post your Strange But Good creations, grab the logo below for your blog, and link up here.

<div align=”center”><a href=”http://www. sprint2thetable.com” title=”Sprint 2 the Table”><img src=”http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8210/8249128972_954542762c_n.jpg” alt=”Sprint 2 the Table” style=”border:none;” /></a></div>
Remember to use #strangebutgood in any Tweets and Instagrams of your creations. 🙂

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I'm really sad I'm going to have to start with my asparagus diet again leading up to May's competition. I'll miss you, fun dips...

Have you ever seen The Godfather? I have a thing for mob movies.

What's the strangest thing you've eaten lately?

Strange But Good Blues

March 1, 2013 By Laura

Blues aren’t always bad.

Unlike pink… 😉

I’ve been going through a blueberry phase. One that has resulted in some Strange But Good creations throughout the day.

Breakfast:

This was a new take on my Maple TVP Oatmeal. I have been craving more savory foods for breakfast lately, and had just purchased fresh rosemary. Why not with blueberries and a lemon twist?

Rosemary-Lemon TVP Oats

1/3 C TVP
3/4 C water (or milk)
1 T fresh rosemary, chopped
5-6 drops lemon liquid Stevia
Juice from 1/4 lemon
1/4 tsp ginger
1/2 C egg whites (optional)
Blueberries

Add first 6 ingredients (everything before the egg), stir, and bring to a boil.

Reduce heat to a simmer and cover. Cook about 10 mins, until mix thickens.

Pour in egg whites. Allow to cook for 2-3 more mins, stirring frequently so that the egg doesn’t form chunks. The mixture should be silky smooth. Swirl in blueberries.

Scoop into bowl and add additional berries to top.

Note: For a vegan option, add a flax egg, protein powder, or simply leave the egg out.

Lunch:

Again, I was feeling the sweet + savory. I had made a bison burger as part of my Sunday food prep. I crumbled it up, mixed in some BBQ sauce and red pepper flakes, and warmed it in the microwave. Then I stirred in the blueberries.

These 3 “Bs” sound strange. The pic isn’t pretty. But I SWEAR its delicious. My BBQ sauce is a sweet & spicy, and the sweet hint complemented the berries perfectly.

Dessert:

I have a thing for sweet potatoes, even at midnight. This midnight snack had me sleeping like a baby. Until I had to get up to pee at 3am because I drink a TON of water. I digress.

Sweet potatoes are also part of my Sunday prep. I roast them in the oven to have on hand for a quick, healthy carb. I heated this one up and topped it with no-salt cottage cheese, cinnamon, bacon “sprinkles” (thank you, Heather for my new favorite term), and blueberries. Sweet, creamy, and a teensy bit of salty bacon goodness.

Strange doesn’t get any more delicious than this!

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So what’s strange but good in YOUR ‘hood?

The link up rules can be found here or by clicking on “Strange But Good” in the menu bar above.

Remember to use #strangebutgood in any Tweets and Instagrams of your creations. 🙂

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All these berries... I just bought strawberries yesterday (on sale for $3 at Whole Foods!). I must be craving spring...

Do you like fruit with traditionally savory foods? I love it with salmon!

Are you a savory or a sweet breakfast person?

Awareness in the Long Run + Sweet Potato-Pecan Mac N Cheese

February 7, 2013 By Laura

I know I’ve already complained…

But it’s really flippin’ cold.

Honestly, it isn’t TERRIBLE. I have a lot to be happy about. I made it through security with my questionable stash, had a productive day at my client’s office, and had a bangin’ workout.

Hotel workout

Not too shabby for a hotel gym that only had dumbbells, eh? I sure was happy to have a homemade chicken burger, celery, and snow peas waiting for me in the room after that burn.

I was also happy to have my Pop Snax. You can find these in the children’s food aisle at Whole Foods. Don’t judge! Kid food travels well and is typically low in sodium and sugar!

Pop Snax

Even better? When I asked an employee if she’d tried them before, she said she hadn’t but that I could try them for FREE. She game me the whole container. Yet another reason I ♥ that place.

Enough about me and my random foods. Kat is back this week with an amazing San Fran trip recap, and some serious mac ‘n cheese food porn.

Heeeeere’s Kat!

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There are so many ways to be self-aware. I think it’s increasingly natural for many of us to be aware of our food and what we put into our bodies, and we are generally aware of our basic needs and desires. For example… You could be aware of whether or not you are cat person or if you are more like a cat. Laura and I both feel that the following photo describes both of us (Editor’s note: Me? Never… HA!):

Okay, okay, really I was trying to find a way to fit this in!

But I’m talking about a different kind of awareness…the kind where you have to pay attention… to yourself.

Instead of looking at what others are doing or saying and judging them, looking at yourself and wondering why you feel that way about something said or done or the situation you are in. Then, don’t judge it or try to change it. Just accept it. Whether you’re happy, sad, or in pain from a work out (or something in life), it’s okay to accept it.

I started another 30-day yoga challenge on Saturday. It was a spur of the moment decision, but I’m ready to make some changes. What changes, you ask!? Well, I’m not even sure I know. I just know that I feel ready to change even more for the better, keeping with my New Year’s theme of taking crap off my plate to enhance the quality of what I do take on.

Yoga makes me run smoother, love better, and enjoy life.

I want to be more aware of the way I respond to other people and situations and why. I want to be more aware of my stressors and triggers that throw me into a mood, a frenzy, or some other state of discomfort. I want to listen to my body’s needs and desires in a new way. Yoga really helps me to concentrate on feelings that flow naturally and become more aware of them.

My goal in all this is to learn to love myself and my life more. I think my new “awareness” will help me to be more understanding, forgiving, and loving – of myself and others – in a unique new way. In the physical long runs and in the long run of life, awareness leads to growth – physical, mental, emotional. My theory? This is how to live a long and fulfilling life.

Now… onto some PHYSICAL and FOOD! Because I also personally think a good life is also when you get to spend as much time as possible outside being active and enjoying good food! (Editor’s note; AMEN to that!)

Recap 1!

RECAP!

I had some good times with old friends and acquaintances, we went to Napa and I got to visit Sullivan Vineyards (that Laura recommended) and joined the wine club, saw the Golden Gate from the overlook in Sausalito at night, explored the whole city on foot, did a trail race, had a picnic at Cowgirl Creamery (Editor’s note: No you didn’t! Lucky!!!), did more exploring, and rode on an old school cable car. The trail run was the most beautiful, and the steepest I have ever done.

The SteepRavine was the steepest and hardest, but also the most beautiful trail run I have ever done! It was a HUGE race. I chose the 25K distance. But… well…. as I told Laura and some other bloggers last week, I went off course, and ended up running an extra couple of miles. Oops!! But you can’t really be upset about that when it was THAT beautiful! (Editor’s note: You probably did it on purpose ;))

CHECK OUT THE VIEWS!!!!!!

Some of the most inspiring moments in the race showed up when you least expected them. I really paid attention to my body. I had to stop and adjust my food. It was freezing, and then hot, and then freezing. But I got to meet a lot of cool people out there, one of whom told me that you usually can’t see so far because it’s too foggy. Boy did I luck out!

My friends Sara and Jenny were kind enough to drive me out there and wait on me while I finished. And then we had an amazing little picnic afterwards. They really made my trip enjoyable. They were spectacular hosts who made me feel at home. The way they made me feel comfortable, made me feel calm, safe, and happy. Definitely good! They also helped me with my itinerary for my last day, where I got to visit the Ferry Building! CHECK OUT ALL THESE COOL LOCAL SAN FRANCISCO GOODS!

Cowgirl Creamery after the Race!

Ferry Building

I came back feeling extremely food inspired. Jenny and Sara took me to a place called Homeroom Mac and Cheese. Yes, that’s what they make! They specialize in Mac N Cheese!!!! Check out their menu! It’s inventive and awesome. I took a spin on it and created two of my own last Friday. I made a Sweet Potato Pecan Baked Mac n Cheese and a Tomato Basil Pesto Baked Mac n Cheese.

I personally liked the sweet potato better, so I HAVE to share this recipe. ~~Let’s pretend I actually measured most of this!~~

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Sweet Potato-Pecan Baked Mac ‘n Cheese

1 egg (tofu would work)
1 ½ C milk or milk substitute (I used coconut milk!)
¼ C fat-free sour cream (or substitute)
~2 T brown rice flour
~2 T butter
8-10 oz of Gluten Free Elbow Macaroni Noodles
CHEESE – LOTS OF GRATED CHEESE! (please grate your own… it DOES make a difference) – I used 1 C Cheddar, ¼ cup fontina, and ¼ cup smoked gouda
1 sweet potato
Pecans to top
Salt and pepper to taste (and a little cayenne)

Pre-heat oven to 375. Prepare an 8×8 pan for the mac.

Cube your sweet potato into roughly ¾ inch cubes and spread out on a baking sheet. Place in oven. I did not season or oil – plenty of seasoning and oils from the rest of the meal!

Boil noodles according to package instructions. Make them al dente; don’t over-cook. Strain, rinse with cold water. Strain again. Set aside.

Now the yummy part! Take your butter and flour and mix together in a sauce pan over medium heat. USE A WHISK! This makes a delicious roux. Don’t let it get TOO brown, but you want to do this for a good base flavor.

Reduce the heat to medium low, add milk, and mix until combined. Wait a minute for the temperature to drop because you don’t want your egg to cook! Keep whisking.

Start slowly adding your cheese. You could add even more than I recommended. Add all but ¼ cup of the cheddar (reserve that for the topping).

Once all the cheese is good and mixed in, you should begin to feel excited, very excited about the creamy delectableness. Add salt and pepper and a bit of cayenne, if desired. Paprika or cinnamon would also be good here. Taste it. Make sure it tastes good. This is an important step people – do NOT skip it! Whisk again.

Pull the sweet potatoes out of the oven. You want them to still be pretty firm, like the texture of an apple. Add the sweet potatoes AND the noodles to the sauce deliciousness. Mix up. Put in 8×8 baking dish.

Sprinkle the reserved cheddar on top and about ¼ to ½ cup of pecans – however many you like!

Bake at 375 for about 40 minutes.

Note: When you pull it out, it WILL BE JIGGLY! That’s okay – it’s because it’s creamy. Wait 5-10 minutes then serve and devour!

Please be sure to invite friends. (Editor’s note: I didn’t receive an invite. I demand an invite. De-Mand.) This will keep you from eating the whole pan in one sitting by yourself. Your friends will never forgive you for making them the best mac n cheese of their lives. Also serve with veggies.

I didn’t get many good pictures because I had people over and we dove in too fast… SORRY!

-Kat

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Oh Kat… why must she make me drool from my hotel room? Whatever. I have more fro-yo for dessert. 24 degree temps, be damned.

Have you ever been inspired by something you ate at a restaurant, and then liked yours better?

How often do you pay attention to YOURSELF?

Healthy Travel Food + WIAW

February 6, 2013 By Laura

I am traveling for work this week.

In the cold. So very, very cold…

Finding healthy food option is one thing if I’m headed to a bigger city, but when I head to smaller towns I know I have to PLAN. With less than 2 months until my next competition, I’m not “wasting” cheat days on crappy travel food. I mean, did you see this post? Why would I eat fast food when I can save it for dinners like that?

The night before I go, I pack up vitamins and supplements. And then I pray that I don’t get arrested for traveling with white powder (it’s just BCAAs and glutamine!).

I also gather my protein powders, gum, my own salt-free spice blend, “emergency” bars and tuna. Most of these items are “back up” in case I get stuck somewhere.

Last, I portion out proteins and veggies. This trip I am taking chicken burgers, lamb, no salt deli turkey meat, balsamic grilled chicken, sweet potatoes, carrots, celery, zucchini, snow peas, and Greek yogurt (see Meal 7 pic below – mixed with fruit and frozen for safe travel).

Check out this post for a super-detailed explanation and tips for traveling with healthy foods! And yes, I made it through security with ALL of this, no questions asked.

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This WIAW my task was to eat everything left in my fridge. I not-so-secretly love these days because they lead to come fun concoctions!

Check out my 7 meals below, and then click here to head over to Jenn @ Peas and Crayons to get to see how others dined this week!

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