I’m BACK!

It’s been way too long since I have posted but…here I am!

Since I have been at school (last semester & now graduated YAY), I have had my ups and downs. I mostly was too busy to blog on a daily basis and I also lived in a dorm with the most horrendous lighting. I didn’t even have access to a window so I decided I wasn’t going to half-ass it. And since it was my last semester of college – I went out, had lots of fun but could have definitely been healthier in general. Now it’s time to get back on track.

SO I am back at home now with windows, natural lighting and of course lots of time.

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For breakfast I had a salad.

YEP. A salad.

Spring Mix – Sauteed Tomatoes & Onion – Egg White & Whole Fried Egg – Seedless Raspberry Jam

I have to say, I enjoyed this immensely. The combination of egg + jam is perfection. No salad dressing needed with the jelly and egg yolk.

I also enjoyed a 60 cal pack of prunes. I love prunes.

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I then went for a run. I’m training for a 15k Road Race (The Boilermaker) which takes place in July. My joints are killer but I have been trying to push through it. I am thinking about taking Glucosamine as a supplement. Maybe that’ll help.

After my 3.65 run, I wanted beans.

So I had some delicious vegetarian baked beans.

Why do my friends make fun of me for loving beans? They are good for your heart…

Haha anyways, I also made myself some Iced Powerfruit Green Tea. I used a Lipton packet, brewed a cup and then put it in the freezer to cool it down. Then poured it over ice. SO refreshing.

Oh and look! In a Boilermaker cup…how appropriate.

Then – a banana & PB.

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And now I am waiting for the thunderstorm to start!

It’s good to be back.

🙂

Playing Catch Up

I feel like I haven’t posted in a while. To be honest, it’s not because I’m too busy. I just kept putting of each post until it got to the point where a week+ went by. Ah!

But don’t worry I haven’t gone anywhere 😉

There’s no getting rid of me!

Lately, I have gone out and enjoyed some adult beverages.

Blueberry Stoli w/Selzer and Lemon & Lime

Saranac Beer. When in Utica...

Along with drinking alcohol, I have consumed slightly healthier options.

Such as Kristen’s Green Monster Smoothie.

Holy Spinach!

I love blenders, especially ones that work very efficiently!

I had the idea to pour this smoothie into a bowl thanks to Kath!

Here is one of her delicious SIAB’s (Smoothie in a bowl).

I’ve also had a bunch of salads.

This one consisted of spring mix, wild blueberries, walnuts, feta, radishes, squeeze of lemon, pepper & balsamic dressing.

I enjoyed this the day after drinking a few too many cocktails, hence the huge jug of lemon water in the back.

***

And finally.

Last but not least!

The recipe I put to use tonight that gave me the push to post:

Pumpkin Iced Cookies.

Just make sure you have people to share them with.

Although it’s hard to let them go, it’s for the best…

Eating three trays of cookies in one night is never healthy.

Crap.

The best part – the icing.

I mean, what does icing NOT taste good on?

The house was smelling like Fall.

The weather is pretty Autumn-like so why not!?

Pumpkin cookies taste great any time of year in my eyes mouth.

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups white sugar
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Icing

• 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ground cloves, and salt; set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, cream together the 1/2 cup of butter and white sugar. Add pumpkin, egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla to butter mixture, and beat until creamy. Mix in dry ingredients. Drop on cookie sheet by tablespoonfuls; flatten slightly.
3. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes in the preheated oven. Cool cookies, then drizzle glaze with fork.
4. To Make Glaze: Combine confectioners’ sugar, milk, 1 tablespoon melted butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Add milk as needed, to achieve drizzling consistency.

I followed this recipe exactly and there are zero complaints! Well, besides the fact that I cannot stop :X Next time I make them…chocolate chips & maybe oats/pecans will be involved.

They are very soft and fluffy, sort of like muffin tops!

I am SO making these for Thanksgiving/Halloween next year!

***

Oh my gosh! Guess what??? I signed up for my first road race – The 15K Boilermaker! Over nine miles this summer, I can SO do this. I will make my way home from NYC for the weekend to run my heart out.

Motivation to run at its best.

SO excited.

***

Kay well I will try not to disappear again.

Maybe I should make more deliciousness to encourage my daily attendance.

K sounds good 🙂 TTYS

Just Do It

So I did it. I went to the gym. Thank GAWD! My memory is horrible but it was one of these three girls: Tina , Courtney or Kristen who once said “You never regret a workout.” It stuck with me ever since I read that simple statement. They are all inspirations on a daily basis, no matter who said it. So I give them all credit. Thanks guys 🙂

Seriously, if you are contemplating whether to get up and move or not – JUST DO IT. It will only boost your mood.

What else will boost your mood? A cool shirt to wear at the gym.

Bought this for FIVE DOLLARS in Australia.

Pretty sure it was made for me. Score.

***

Post-workout meal:

Egg white scramble with green peppers, tomatoes, feta & Franks Red Hot Sauce!

I usually have to be in the right mood for green pepps but today they tasted magical. I haven’t had them in the longest time, that’s probably why.

Plus a side of apple w/Natural Chunky PB.

This apple was extra juicy. My favorite.

***

K I should probably shower and get ready for the day. Because I don’t have much going on this break, I’ve become very good at chilliiin. Too good, I’d say.

Eh I’ll take it …next semester is going to be the busiest one yet! Definitely looking forward to it, though (mostly because graduation is right around the corner). NYC is calling my name.

***

Dedicated December is almost over – be sure to finish strong!!!

TTYS.

Blueberry Walnut Oatmeal

Oatmeal + Green Tea + Vitamins [Multi & Iron]

Healthy? I think YES.

Oats + Flax + Cinnamon + Vanilla +Pumpkin + Blueberries + Walnuts

When you cook the blueberries right in with the oats, they become sweet. Therefore, no sweeteners were used. I hate using Splenda (and that’s the only kind we have). Besides honey of course, but I still feel like I need a sugar detox (especially after indulging in some Carmel Corn (and some candy ugh) last night…I’d been craving it – how could I say no!?).

This healthified breakfast was the perfect start today.

So now I just have to get my ass up and my make way to the gym.

I read an article on my Nook last night about weight training. It’s stuff I already knew, but it reminded me that lifting has more long-term benefits including more rapid weight loss, helps strengthen bones, etc. etc. Now I feel the need to incorporate more lifting in my workouts. I love running, though. I am not fond of using machines, weights, blah blah but I guess a girls gotta do what a girls gotta do.

Getting…dressed…so…I…actually…go…

bye

***

PS – Oscar says HI! (Yes I am turning into a crazy cat lady)

Back to Normal

Yesterday (the day after Christmas) was definitely a relaxing day. I’ve been hearing that consensus from lots of people. I definitely wanted to make sure I didn’t succumb to all of the holiday leftovers, especially since I had the time to make my own food. The past few days was a huge sugar binge which resulted in tiredness and headaches. Time to get back to normal.

For breakfast I ate an egg white omelet with tomatoes, spring mix, and feta, along with an orange. I let myself digest for about 1.5-2 hours and then went for a run in the cold. My post-workout snack (lunch) was some fat free greek Oikos yogurt.

Green tea on the side to warm me up.

I topped the yogurt with blueberries, canned pineapple, Go Lean Crunch (Kashi cereal), Vanilla Extract (stirred in) and Cinnamon.

I don’t love nonfat greek yogurt, but I loved eating this.

***

For dinner I wanted to incorporate roasted veggies (my favorite).

Butternut Squash & Orange Cauliflower

Never-ending tray of Asparagus

While these cooked I prepared a salad and snacked on dried papaya.

I love this stuff, the texture is addicting.

Salad preparings:

Spring mix with chopped sharp chedder cheese & homemade dressing.

It would’ve been delicious just like this.

But alas, I needed more protein so I added chopped chicken and some veg.

That’s a large plate, people. So yum.

Later on I had more papaya, piece of dark chocolate, hummus & crackers, and nuts. I was starving after not eating any cookies, candy, etc. all day.

***

I should share a few more photos…

Sedgey was begging for food in the kitchen:

Emmy hopped in a box:

Izzy hopped out when my mom was too close for comfort:

K there are some of my pets (minus the other cat, Oscar).

I have too much fun with my new camera nowadays. Any cute moment, I’m there in a flash! Now I feel like I should update my blog a bit and make it less…bloggy and more websitey. Eventually…

K and as for today, it’s time for brekky.

Happy Tuesday!

Dog Attack

So after waiting a couple hours to digest my breakfast Skype with my sister, I went for a run. It’s extremely humid outside and going to thunderstorm any minute…which I am anxiously waiting for. Gotta love hardcore thunderstorms when you have nothing to do but cuddle up inside.

On my run, I came across a dog. There were two people (brother & sister I assume) walking a dog…sans leash. The dog was running straight toward me and it felt odd to keep running, but I did. It just kind of circled me and then finally went away and followed its walkers. I giggled and nodded nicely.

About 20 minutes pass and who do I run into again? No actually… the DOG runs into me. I literally see it sprinting around the corner towards me and because I already came across him, I figured he’d just circle me and go away. NOPE.

He legit ran into my legs, almost causing me to trip over onto my face. I gathered myself and kept running but he jumped on me again and I accidentally kicked him (oops). I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. It scared me!!! The brother and sister need to control their dog. Thank GOD I’m not afraid of dogs, otherwise I might’ve died from a heart attack from this dog attack. Here’s some evidence:

Dried slobber on my Victoria Secret Yoga Pants. Cute.

[YES that is my upper thigh…that dog went wild on me…]

***

On a lighter note – I realized I had some thawed frozen fruit salad in the fridge waiting for me!

Along with cottage cheeeeeese! It’s been way too long.

Sprinkled with goji’s, soy beans, pepitas, and whatever else happened to be in the trail mix I bought yesterday. And cinnamon (duh). I’m going to turn into cinnamon soon…

The fruit at the bottom looks pretty gross but it’s just the concentrated juice that it’s been sitting in.

Tasty as can be! Pineapple and cottage cheese has always worked, so I figure it would be even better with all sorts of fruit. Perfect post-workout snack! Full of protein and healthy carbs.

I feel bad for those who dislike cottage cheese. Cheese (in general) completes me as a person. Truth.

Tune in later to find out what’s for dinner (and maybe a snack…or two)!

xoxo

Unconventional

Guess where I went tonight? To the gym to take a class, even though I previously decided against it!!! I am very proud of myself for going, rain and all.

Wow the animals and bugs that come out when it’s wet outside. Frogs, slugs, worms… all of which are extremely large. They disturb me.

I arrived to the gym about a half hour early because I honestly had nothing better to do. So, I went across the street to the mall and looked around Coles. Yes with a whole mall at my fingertips, I chose the grocery store. It’s who I am. I stole grabbed a date and I’m so glad I did because I didn’t have a pre-workout snack. Do you like dates? Oh my oh my they are like candy.

There were only 3 of us in class. It was pretty much a personal training sesh cuz the teacher was working with me the entire time (cuz I am the only one who’s never taken it before). The instructor was a very nice Latino man, half the time I couldn’t understand what he was yelling out over the incredibly loud spanish music. We ended on a Madonna song, which really surprised me (and made me laugh heavily on the inside).

The class consisted of a serious amount of all sorts of kicking and punching. Which makes lots of sense seeing as it’s called Fit Combat. Before tonight I was still sore from my workout on Monday, now I am going to be completely donezo… can’t wait for that feeling tomorrow. It was definitely fun and a nice way to switch up my usual routine at the gym.

I’m pretty sure Mr. Instructor man was offended when he saw me on the treadmill afterwards. Little did he know, I was only trying to cool down to tame my bright red face before entering the weight area (you have you cross through in order to get to the locker room/bathroom). Is it a law that hot males must attend the gym only at nighttime? I’m going to say it is because DANG there were more than a handful of good looking young aussies tossing around iron tonight. I’m definitely a morning gym-goer but I might have to rethink that…

***

I wasn’t really hungry when I got home. Post-workout food is very important though so I made a nice little unconventional din. Let the phone camera pix commence:

Yep – that there is veggies and yogurt.

An impressive dinner that I’m sure you’re jealous of…

Not.

Stir up the yogurt and whatdya get?

This really gross looking brown stuff.

It tasted very refreshing though. Cocoa powder + vanilla yogurt = pudding-like yumminess. I was thinking about having just this for dinner, but then I realized I should have broccoli and zucchini for good measure.

Talk about unconventional, but hey it worked.

***

It’s suppose to rain until I depart. What is the point of being in Australia for another week when it’s just going to rain? Seriously, I have nothing to do but lay in the sun and now I don’t even have that. Dag nabbit!

K. Off to Dreamland…

Brekky

I woke up this morning and holy cow my legs & butt are so incredibly sore. I forgot how much lunges really do it to ya. I like being a little sore because it feels like I actually accomplished something at the gym. I’m actually taking the day off from working out. Need it, hopefully the rain holds out so I can at least go for a walk. I love taking walks.

***

And onto a more important discussion: Foooood…

This was my fantastic brekky (I love that this is what the Aussies call breakfast).

• 3 Tbs Rolled Oats
• Cooked in Water & Skim Milk
• Flax Seeds
• Almonds
• Cinnamon
• Dash of Pure Vanilla Extract
• Pinch of Salt
• Gojis & Coconut
• Large Dollop of Tahini mixed with Honey
• GREEN TEA

I never really measure anything (except for the oats). Put in whatever looks right 😉

My favorite part was the dollop of tahini & cinnamon on top. I always have these ingredients on hand.

Yep. Tahini is in fact ground sesame seeds. It tastes very nutty and not as sweet as peanut butter, so the addition of honey is perfection. I love this with carrots or apples (Ate an apple & tahini before bed last night…needed it).

Look at how gorgeous it is atop a creamy hot bed of oats.

***

Off to start the day! Bye bye.

Comfort Soup

After my delicious oatmeal incident this morning, I went to the gym. I warmed up on the treadmill for about ten minutes then did a mini circuit rotating between lunges, free weights and abs. I finished off with more treadmill and a good stretch.

Stretching is my favorite part! I feel my flexibility getting better which feels oh so good! Can you touch your toes? 😉

***

On the way home on the bus I was day dreaming about avocados. So I incorporated the other half from last night into my salad for lunch.

It was like a fiesta salad! Similar to last night’s …the flavor combo gets me every time!

• Chopped Lettuce (Salad Base)
• Sauteed Zucchini and Onion
• Half of a Chicken Burger
• Half of an Avocado
• Tzatziki
• Hot Siracha Sauce
• Sea Salf & Lemon to taste

Seriously, fresh squeezed lemon has been the best salad dressing for me lately. Paired with tzatziki, there’s no reason to add anything else! Besides Siracha of course.

***

Speaking of Siracha, I added some into my delicious dinner as well.

Yep, I made soup. Definitely the perfect day for it! It’s like 60 degrees and it’s summer…odd. Not used to it but I think after the rain passes in a few days it will be back to scorchingly hot.

This delectable comfort soup contains:

• Sauteed Onion and Garlic
• Lentils
• Water
• Chili Powder
• Sea Salt
• Romaine Lettuce
• Basil

I’m running low on food (I leave in 10 days and don’t want to buy too much) but the mixture of these simple ingredients was a definite success. I give it an A! It’s very healthy and very very yummy.

***

To cool down for dessert I put some yogurt in the freezer for about 20 minutes.

I of course topped it with Goji Berries, Almonds, Coconut, and Cinnamon. My favorite.

You can kind of see (thanks to my magnificent phone camera) how its a bit frozen.

***

After enjoying my yogurt, Steph and I ventured out into the chilliness for a walk. It started misting on our way back and I had some serious goosebumps (I wore shorts and a t-shirt, bad decision). I ate an apple and tahini as we watched a few re-run episodes of The Big Bang Theory. If you’ve never seen it, do yourselves a favor! It’s one of my all-time favorite shows.

Well it’s past 9pm, therefore past my bedtime. Haha just kidding…well, not really. I’m very tired and have a slight headache. Time to sleep it off.

Goodnight!…or Good Morning depending on where you live… 😉

Mini Meals

Today was the perfect weather to exercise outside! It’s about 80°F, very cloudy and most importantly low humidity. The humidity has been killing me lately. I didn’t realize how horrible it gets here (Gold Coast, Australia) in the summertime. The weather is predicted to be rainy for the rest of the week, so I’m glad I got a nice run in before the storm(s)!

I covered about 4-5(ish) miles. I walked for the first half hour or so. It felt so good to walk for some reason and I just wanted to enjoy nature for a while. Then I alternated sprinting (about 20-30 sec. at a time) & power walking. I wish I had a Garmin watch like This One so I can track my progress for real instead of guesstimating. Ooh I just noticed Allie has a pink iPod Shuff, too! Very handy for running (clips right onto my shorts).

Before

After

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Before… I drank a nice cup of joe and was more than ready to get running. During, I felt like my head was going to float off because of a big ‘ol coffee buzz. After, I was sweaty and extremely attractive 😉 . Notice my vibrant pink sports bra (from Target).

***

After my invigorating workout, I had some yogurt!

This consists of:

• Non-fat (low sugar!) Berry Yogurt
• A Chopped Small Apple
• The rest of my Failed Granola Bars
• Flax Seeds
• Cinnamon

I settled in bed with it as I watched my favorite movie of all time: Center Stage!

[Fun Fact: I met two of the main actors at my past hostess job in NYC – “Charlie” and “Cooper.” The restaurant where I worked is right across the street from Lincoln Center and  turns out… they still dance there! I wanna go to the ballet when I get back to the city and see them perform.]

***

When the movie finished, I was hungry again. So I made a nice lil salad. It’s sort of a combination of my favorite salads: Caprese and Tomato, Cucumber & Feta.

The simple ingredients:

• Cucumber
• Tomato
• Onion
• Basil
• Dressing: EVOO, Balsamic Vinegar, Squeeze of Lemon, Sea Salt & Cracked Pepper

I love basil, don’t you? Here’s a tip: When storing any fresh herb in the fridge, wrap it in a damp paper towel and keep it in a container or plastic baggie. It’ll last longer! You’re welcome.

If you make this, I suggest you add in either feta or mozzarella. Also use less onions than I did. WEW! A very strong mint couldn’t even cover up my crazy onion breath. It was really good though & I think the lemon squeeze makes a big difference.

Oh and did I mention the two squares of dark chocolate I devoured after this salad? Mmm.

***

Now I’m thinking about what I should make for dinner. Life is hard. BYE!