Nothing says I love you like presents.
Or cash. That’s what I always ask Santa for.
I don’t have a present for everyone but I do have a fun giveaway! Remember these Bose SIE2i headphones I fell in love with? They are incredible… pricey, but worth every cent. My top 3 highlights:
- Sizing options: I have little ears and these buds fit like a glove without popping out or sliding about
- Cord length: Short enough, but comes with an extension if you need it
- Sound quality: It’s insane – I have a song on my workout playlist that starts with the singer counting off (“1… 2… 3…”). It was so clear in my ears that I thought the dude next to me was counting. LOL!
I know not everyone can spend their disposable income on headphones. Soooo… I asked the Reebok team if we could partner to do a giveaway!
Check out the Rafflecoptor at the bottom of this post to enter! Giveaway closes Sunday night!
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My WIAW meals will be a little more normal this week. Post-competition, I no longer need to try to turn asparagus into dessert. I even had a solid breakfast, lunch and dinner! The 7 meals will return, but this week is time for a BREAK!
Check out my semi-normal eats below, and then click here to head over to Jenn @ Peas and Crayons to get to see what delicious spring foods everyone else is enjoying!
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Breakfast:
Some things will never change. I legit love starting my day with a cocktail (apple cider vinegar, water, Glutamine, and Fitmixer Aminos).
Then breakfast. You may have seen this comfort meal on Instagram. Toast with peanut butter and honey. It was a childhood staple:
The bread I used was from Food For Life. they sent me 2 loaves of the new Ezekiel bread to try right before my competition… I had to wait THIS LONG to try it! That is one of the great things about Ezekiel – the bread is stored in the freezer so I didn’t have to worry about it going bad. The new Ezekiel 4:9 Sprouts Flax was delicious.
I am one of those people who actually prefers sprouted bread – it’s so much more flavorful, and I love the hearty texture! Here are some of the healthy highlights of this particular loaf:
- The sprouted flax seeds throughout make for a nice crunch
- Thanks to said flax, this is an excellent source of Omega 3 and 6 essential fatty acids (“good” fats)
- There are 6 grains, legumes and seeds that makes this a complete protein containing all 9 essential amino acids (similar to milk and eggs)
- It’s super-clean – 100% flourless and free of conditioners, additives, artificial flavors, colors and preservatives. It is even made with filtered water!
- A single slice contains 90mg of Omega 3, 5g of protein, 4g of dietary fiber, and 18 amino acids from vegetable sources
Lunch:
Sea Bass is another food that will never get old. The buttery fish is rich and not at all fishy. I topped it with lemon juice, olive oil, rosemary, garlic, and pepper, then baked it at 350 convection for 18 mins.
While I still love my protein, I’ve also been on a green kick. I ate my sea bass a top an arugula and spinach salad. It also included parsnip rice and… asparagus! I ate it voluntarily. Since I had a little more variety in my diet the sight of it doesn’t make me want to hurt this time around. And I had half a bundle left over – I hate to waste food. For my dressing, I mixed together chipotle hummus ACV, and cumin.
I saved my squash for dessert! This Sweet Dumpling was roasted with coconut oil, cinnamon, ginger, cayenne, and butterscotch extract. Topped with a peanut sauce made from peanut flour, Greek yogurt, cinnamon, almond extract, and stevia.
Snack:
I had to do some cooking for the girls dinner I attended, so cookie batter became my snack. Raw eggs, be damned. #sorryimnotsorry
Then I had some delicious jerky – Beef Sirloin with Apples and Cherries. I’d totally forgotten about this, as I had to quit eating it dure to sodium. If you eat meat, but don’t like jerky… Simply Snackin’ is the jerky for you. Not at all like the crappy, dry gas station stuff!
Dinner:
Two of my friends from MBA school (the ones I accidentally went to Chile with) and I were overdue for a girls night.
Since Katherine just had her baby, we diced to meet at her house and dine in. I made a crab salad, which we ate with cheese, fresh veggies and bread. And wine. Duh.
I didn’t measure anything, but I had an 6 oz container of crab meat and stirred in the following, tasting and adjusting as I went:
- Greek yogurt
- Sriracha
- Lime juice
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Cumin
- Pepper
- Celery
- Celery leaves
Dessert:
Remember the batter above? It was also tasty cooked! This will be posted on Friday because it was 100% #strangebutgood. 🙂
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Ok, ok… the part you really care about. Who wants kick-ass headphones???
In the event you don’t win, click here to buy your very own pair!
***
I’m really loving kickboxing – I went again yesterday! Too bad I can’t wear my headphones there….
What is your favorite bread? Do you like Ezekiel?
Have you tried roasted winter squash for dessert? I think I’m addicted. Blame Sarena.
Lisa says
Mmm…that sweet dumpling squash looks wonderful!
I love me some squash. Obviously, kabocha is my favorite of all time.
Haha, screw those raw eggs. Cookie dough batter is delicious.
Your meals all look delicious, glad things are looking more normal food wise;) and that you could take a kickboxing class after all that hard work!
Laura says
I have akabocha ready to roast next. I swear it’s a totally acceptable dessert!
Debbie @ Live from La Quinta says
I need headphones to stay on! Can’t stand when they want to fall out when I’m running.
Krystle says
Headphones need to have a controller on them! IT makes things more convenient 🙂
Laura says
That was a benefit I didn’t even know I was missing!
GiGi Eats Celebrities says
I really want a SWEET DUMPLING right now!!! 🙂 It would be crazy for me to go to the store and buy one right now, would it? lol… Yeah………. ahh ha ha!
Laura says
Nah… I’ve gone to the store for reasons far less valid. 😉
Amanda @ .running with spoons. says
Squash for dessert – definitely! I’m a huge fan of roasted kabocha with cinnamon, maple syrup, and almond/coconut butter. If only my stomach wasn’t so finicky when it came to squash! 🙁
And for headphones, sound is probably the biggest thing for me – I love when they have some good bass!
Laura says
Ohhhh… that’s so sad about your tummy. I do that with cabbage. Boo.
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf says
It’s past midnight and now I’m hungry after reading your post! For me, headphones need to stay put! I hate when they fall out when I’m running or working out.
Laura says
Midnight snack!!! 🙂
Khushboo says
Roasted squash & cinnamon is awesome…even better when nut butter is thrown in :)! Of course it counts as dessert- just call it a crustless pie 😉
Laura says
Crustless pie – I love it!!!
Jemma @ Celery and Cupcakes says
Seabass for lunch…wow such a treat! I love seabass but tend to have it when I go out to dinner rather than at home. I think I will have to change that!
Laura says
Sea Bass is my jam! I make a bunch as part of my food prep so I can have it any time of day. 🙂
Yuming says
Mostly, headphones just need to stay in while I’m running haha 🙂 But they often don’t, so it’s a problem.
Jane says
I always have that brief second of “I hope I don’t regret this later,” as I put large amounts of raw cookie dough in my mouth.
Laura says
I have that thought with so many things… LOL!
lucie@swissfitchick says
LOVELY postcompetition food!! Cookie Batter is my favorite snack. I guess one day I will be hit by nasty salmonella, I even eat my pancake batter raw #strangebutgood for sure. And the crab salad sounds heavenly!! I am so happy for you that you can finally eat semi normal again 🙂
Headphones: they definitely have to fit my ears. If they fall out every minute, I get furious 🙂
Laura says
I feel like in the grand scheme… driving is riskier than eating cookie dough.
Angela @ Happy Fit Mama says
If the headphones fall out of my ears, I get rid of them. Nothing is worse than having to readjust all the time!
Tiff @ Love Sweat and Beers says
I hate it when headphones fall out of my ears. So annoying! Bose makes really good stuff though. I have some Bose speakers and absolutely love them.
Can’t wait for your cookie recipe. 🙂
janet @ the taste space says
Happy to see you enjoying your food again, Laura. 🙂
Laura says
What’s funny is that I don’t really feel like cooking! Doh.
janet @ the taste space says
I felt the same way after my exam… so I ate a lot of simple, raw foods… with a good dressing 🙂
Ashley P says
I definitely need headphones that stay on when I’m running. It is so annoying trying to constantly fix them from falling back out every minute.
Caitlin says
Headphones never stay put when I’m out running..I have to resort to ‘over-the-head’ headphones, just so I can listen to some music.
Christy says
I have tiny ears too, and every set of headphones is too big. Then my ears get all sore, and I get cranky-it’s TERRIBLE! I usually have to stick with the mediocre sound quality of iphone headphones because they are actually small enough for my ears..BOO
Lee says
I cannot find ear buds that I don’t hurt my ears. I guess my ear canals are super small or something. It’s not so much that I can’t find ones that don’t fall out, but I can’t find ones that don’t hurt!
Laura says
These are pretty awesome because they don’t actually sit in the ear canal – soooo much more comfortable!
Alex @ Brain, Body, Because says
Maybe I have big ears? The earbuds always fall out when I’m exercising 🙁
I’m excited for that cookie recipe!
Michelle @ Eat Move Balance says
What makes or breaks headphones . . . they have to stay in my ears while working out! Sound quality is nice, too!
I loved that Flaxseed Ezekial bread when I tried it. Hearty and flavorful–Bob and I ate it up in no time.
In my world, squash (especially kabocha) IS like having dessert. When I know it will be included in my lunch or dinner, I’m looking forward to it for hours! 🙂
Laura says
If only squash tasted as good in the microwave… my only complaint is the wait for it to roast!
Maria says
I hate headphones that fall out of my ears!
Katie @ Talk Less, Say More says
I need something comfortable and that can stay in my ears while running or lifting weights. And if they don’t HURT as I accidentally rip them out of my ears with a weight in hand, the better! 😉
RavieNomNoms says
I am doing a giveaway right now too! Yours is way cooler, Bose is amazing! haha
Yummy WIAW post!
Meredith B. says
Headphones have to be comfortable and stay in my ears! I usually wear them when I do cardio, so not having to fiddle with them nonstop is a must!
Kierston @candyfit says
Your eats look so delish!
Ezekiel <– I have yet to try this!
I always have an issue with the headphones staying put! Honestly, it's such a downer when they pop out the moment I plug them in. Sound is also key. I like me some base! 🙂
Laura says
Ok, that one actually does suprise me! It’s body building bread! 🙂
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast says
Mmm, so many good eats- and I need a girls night- that looks fun!! Headphones- everyone is probably saying the same thing, but they have to stay in my ears! So many fall out.
Katie says
I, too, have ridiculously tiny ears so buds that stay in but don’t hurt are a MUST
Jessie says
Ezekiel is by far my favorite type of bread! I was trying to explain to Joshua how filling it is, but he just looked at me like I was nuts.. what do guys know anyways?! lol
Laura says
I didn’t realize it until I got older, but guys are MUCH pickier than women!
Jody - Fit at 55 says
I need a shorter cord so it does not get all tangled! I have to stuff it down my top as it is right now! 😉 Love the cord having volume & change control too. 🙂
PS: Can’t wait for that Friday recipe!! Also, that bread looks delish!
keira says
sound quality. I cant stand it if the bass is bad:(
Keri says
Fit! I have small ears, so earbuds that stay in and fit comfortably are hard to come by.
Courtney says
Fit. I have my tragus pierced (sounds so dirty! LOL) but i need headphones that don’t interfere with that and that will stay put during a run.
Laura says
LOL! I used to have mine done. I miss it!
Shari says
Comfort is what I look for – regular earbuds have NEVER fit me so always go with the kind that go in your ear.
Heather (Where's the Beach) says
I want that squash and the strawberries please (and maybe the wine too while I’m at it). As for headphones…when they slip out of my ears. Done. Hate that feeling!
Alex @ therunwithin says
hm… i hope this doesn’t double post. having trouble on your site. I hate when others can hear your music because your earphones are that janky. I need new ones like no one’s business
Sarah @ The Smart Kitchen says
I love that Ezekiel Bread. I finished off one loaf and am now in rationing phase. Add bananas to that PB + Honey toast…then you’ve REALLY got the best childhood staple ever. 🙂
I actually like my current headphones, but the sound isn’t always as clear as I would like. I feel like when I listen to my talk radio shows it is often hard to hear the callers who call in. However, as long as they don’t fall out of sweaty ears, I’m good.
Laura says
Haha – I am a total rationer. Irrationally not considering the fact that I do know where the store is if I run out.
Lift, Sleep, Eat says
Oh yum all your food looks delicious; bet it feels good that asparagus doesnt have to be “dessertified” anymore hehe. That ezekiel bread looks so good! We don’t get it in the UK. I really need to try PB & honey too, its a combo I’ve never had! Looking forward to your cookie recipe 🙂
Laura says
Please let me know when you try PB and honey! It was a faovrite sandwich growing up. So good warm when it all gets melty. 🙂
Steve says
Comfort is really the most important thing for me. It doesn’t matter how good they sound if I don’t want to wear them.
Carol @ Lucky Zucca says
I’m dying over that crab salad. Do you get your crab at the farmer’s market? It is so expensive! 🙁 wahhh
Laura says
I do! it’s pricey, but is MUCH cheaper than Whole Paycheck!
Alina Borchardt says
I NEED headphones that won’t fall out while moving! Thats basically my only make or break
Amand N Scott says
I think headphones have to be comfortable inside the ear. Like you, I have small ears, and until I got my old pair of Sony earbuds, I couldn’t find something that didn’t press uncomfortably. Unfortunately, my old earphones are destroyed, thanks to my cat!
Melissa H says
The key to good headphones is having them stay in my ears!
Kaitlin says
The deal breaker for headphones is if they fall out while running! Super annoying!!
Melissa @ Treats With a Twist says
This sounds strange but headphones usually get to a point where they shock me! In my ear! I’ll be running, and they sound a little fuzzy, then Pop! Ouch! Into the trash! And I can never find ones that fit my ears! It drives me nuts bc I’m always adjusting them when I’m working out. I’ve never owned a pair that fit right!
Laura says
Whoa girl… don’t electrocute yourself! You need these – they are waterproof!
Jared says
Falling out of my ears! Unacceptable.
Eating 4 Balance says
I love roasted squash as dessert. My favorite way so far was half an acorn squash cooked and filled with sliced bananas. So good!
Can’t wait to see what was all in that cookie dough batter!
Laura says
Acorn is the ONE squash I don’t like… I have no idea… but the banana thing… that is going to have to happen! 🙂
Hannah says
I find it really hard to find earphones that stay in my ears, so that’s a big thing!
Jen says
headphones that don’t stay put! so annoying!
Danielle @ It's A Harleyyy Life says
i love that on the headphones i can change the volume.
Jamie says
I have little baby ears so I NEED some that stay in. These ones’s sound perfect!
sammy Aaronson says
i hate when headphones arent the right shape and fall out of y ear duing a workout!
Lindsay says
If ear buds fall out because of my sweat, that’s a deal-breaker.
Stephanie H says
When they fall out of my ears when I’m working out…
Courtney @ Star Systemz says
The ears always pop out so I need ones that are able to fit inside my tiny little ear hole 🙂 I love Ezekiel bread and also saa-wheat literally obsessed I just tried it out this month since I was at target and needed a
Loaf and for some reason target was out. Raw cookie dough, amazing!!!! I still need to get on the squash kick, never tried it but need to! Lots of love Courtstar
Laura says
saa-wheat? i havent’ heard of that one!
Olivia @ Liv Lives Life says
I need headphones that stay on/in my ears! It’s so annoying when they pop out when I’m out for a run!
Hannah says
I love Ezekiel bread! I originally bought it because I knew how much better it was for me, but turns out I prefer it over the processed stuff!
Laura says
I did the same thing!
Kara says
I hate headphone that fall out of my small ears, esp when running a 1/2 marathon! talk about annoying
Purelylori says
don’t think we have ever had squash for dessert but definitely sounds amazing!!!
Laura says
That actually suprises me! I’m think that with some coconut oil and your marshmallows would be like pie!
Nicole @ FruitnFitness says
Love peanut butter and honey together! One of the best combinations. Now in addition to peach ginger yogurt I really want to try dumpling squash.
Laura says
If you ever do find the yogurt, try the port cherry too. 🙂
lindsay says
i have DUMBO ears! I need earphones that fit. Will these? I want to try!
Laura says
I bet they will! They come with a small, med, and large. 🙂
Wendy M says
Ugh! Earphones that WON’T hurt my ears! I have little ears, too, and its almost not worth it! Would love to try these! :). Thank you!
Kelly G says
I also have really small ears so I hate when they are too big to stay inside my ear.
Krystle says
Also, those headphones that don’t stay in your ear. UGH you can’t run with them!
Heidi Nicole says
I strongly prefer that my headphones do not shock me when I’m on a treadmill…but that may be more of a treadmill thing! Ooh, and not hurting my ears is good too! 🙂
Laura says
Ouch! These are waterproof… so they shouldn’t shock! 🙂
nikki says
I have tiny ears and can’t find a pair that stay in my ears and don’t hurt after ten minutes.
Laura says
That is always my problem! These fixed both issues 100%.
Lauren @ Sweat The Sweet Stuff says
Can’t wait to see what these cookies are made of! Even though they look like lumps of coal! lol 🙂
Laura says
Haha! I promise they don’t taste like coal. 🙂
Heather @ Kiss My Broccoli says
Seriously roasted winter squash was MEANT for dessert…or to be eaten straight out of the fridge with ketchup…whatever! Lol And bring on that egg-filled RAW cookie dough! I swear I don’t know why people get so scared…it’s not like you’re eating the whole batch! I’ve been licking bowls, spoons, and beaters since I was like 5 and I’m not dead yet! And yay for girls night! I need a glass of wine! Put that on the list of things to do at Blend! And we’ll have to get a glass-clinkin’ shot since we got one at Avery last year! 😉
Ok, now let’s talk headphones! Make or break for me is whether or not they will STAY PUT! I hate it when they fall out of your ears in the middle of a run or workout!
Laura says
Ewwwww… no ketchup!!! 😉
You need a girls night? What are you up to this weekend? Come seeeee meeee! 🙂
Grubarazzi says
This is the first time ever on public record. I was so interested in your eats…which sounds amazing…that I forgot you were doing a giveaway by the end of the post. It was, like, totally awesome to get to the end and have a giveaway. Weeeeeeh! The most annoying part about headphones is when they fall out of my ears when I’m running. Lame-o! (I obviously channel a valley girl when I’m on the computer at 5 am)
xo
Laura says
Biggest compliment ever. I will show my thanks with a tequila shot. 😉
Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) says
I’m in serious need of some new headphones. I’m using a pair the boys passed down when they got new ones and I actually feel like I get shocked occasionally in the ear when I’m on the treadmill and touch the metal sensors on it. Good lord I’m cheap. Typing that out made me realize that even more than usual!
Haha, ya gotta love sweet squash desserts! The addiction is strong! Tony told me that I should wear more blue these days since it’s a complementary color for orange…I can’t help it! It’s so good!
Laura says
I owe you SO much for getting me on the kabocha train. It has even passed sweet potatoes for me!
glenneth says
the headphones need to stay in my ears and not fall out. also need good sound quality and the ability to talk on the phone.
Angela says
I am paleo so no more bread here 🙁 It woukd have been Vermont bread!
~Ang
Angela says
Oops, forgot to answer the giveaway question!
Ib think the headphones just needed to be comfortable and sound decent. Without those two things, they are useless!
Jody - Fit at 55 says
I NEED THESE _ love the write up about the cord!!!
Jamie says
I hate when the cord of headphones is too long and swings back and forth when I’m on the treadmill.. I always wrap it around the handle so it stops moving!
Laura says
I do that too! Or when it’s so long it adds weight and makes the buds fall out. These are wayyyyy better.
Julia says
I need headphones that stay in – if they keep falling out, forget it!
Tamara says
Those headphones rock!
My question: can you rig it so I win? LOL!
Laura says
LOL! I would if I could! 🙂
Jenny S says
I have really sensitive ears and I have gone through so many ear buds that turned out painful. Jamming out should not hurt, isn’t that what planks are for??? These look like the Cadillac of headphones! Mama needs a pair.
Laura says
HA! they truly are the Cadillac. 😉
Dana h says
I love roasted squash!
I would just like headphones to stay in my ears!
dena @ 40 Fit in the Mitt says
I go crazy by the ear buds that are so huge I have to stuff them into my entire ear!
Claire @ Live and Love to Eat says
They definitely have to be comfortable and stay put!
Lauren says
I just want the earbuds to stay in my ears! Also not shorting out with sweat dripping in them is always a plus 🙂
Barb S. @FL Mom's Blog says
Headphones that stay on, and don’t irritate the inside of my ears! Must be comfortable and have great sound!
Kam says
How they stand up to sweat is the most important thing to me!
Susie says
Crappy sound and slippery buds-in short-if they don say on and they don’t work they are not doing me much good!
Cait's Plate says
I literally can never pass up some bites of cookie dough. It’s impossible.
Laura says
Seriously. That is a fear I’ve never had to overcome. 🙂
Krystle says
Comfort is a big one too. Shoot. i can’t wait till you post that cookie recipe!
Laura says
It’s up now!!! 🙂
Christa @ Edible Balance says
Comfort is what makes it for me. If I can go over half an hour without the inside of my ears screaming at me, I’m sold! I love noise-cancelling too.
Scott M says
a natural bass response is important for me – not dead, but not boosted either. Also, if they are over-the-ears, then they have to actually fit around my ears comfortably.
Allison @ Life's a Bowl says
I’d loveee to win a pair of headphones because mine got all tangled up in the spin bike last weekend and snapped… Sad day 😛
Laura says
Ohhhh… that sounds like a strangulation risk!
Coco says
I need headphones that are comfortable and stay in while I’m running!
Barb S. @FL Mom's Blog says
Definitely comfort and that others can’t hear what I’m listening to!
Dee says
Definitely comfortable and soundproof!
karen says
stay in my ears!
Jenny$1983 says
I’m glad you’re taking a little timeout from your usual routine; a change really can be as good as a rest, and boy do you deserve one 😀
I’d say headphones need to stay put – however good the sound is, if they don’t stay put they’re useless!
Laura says
Thanks Jenny! I did leg day yesterday and lawd I am SORE today!
Debbie (Accidently Delish) says
my biggest issue is the headphones falling out. i guess i have weird shaped ears, i don’t know. so any kind that will stay in are a HUGE plus to me!
Natalie S says
I need headphones that I can wear while running!
Jody - Fit at 55 says
I like shorter cords & I like that you can adjust sound & all that from the cord as mentioned in your review!
Tanya says
Pretty much I just need for them to STAY PUT. Everything I’ve tried (and I’ve tried A LOT) has disappointed me in the end. But I haven’t tried these! 🙂
Laura says
I swear to you – these WILL work. I put them end and I was sure they would fall but they don’t even move.
Steph Coupns says
they have to be comfortable to wear!
Heather @ Better With Veggies says
Headphones need to stay in my ears! That’s it – easy right?
And isn’t Katherine the one we ate dinner with last year at her house? How has she had a baby since then! Craziness! 🙂
Laura says
That’s Katherine! Time flies, right?!
Maribel says
I love sprouted bread! So good.
Squash needs to join my dessert. Sounds delicious:)
Headphones need to stay in my tiny ears. Sound quality is also a big deal. I have to feel my bass!
Laura says
Squash is the new cake! LOL!
Krystle says
Why are you so cool? I appreciate it!
Scott M says
also, the headband tension needs to be adjustable if they’re cans. They need to sit right and over time, a weak headband and corresponding position interferes with the imaging.
Jody - Fit at 55 says
CORDS!!! And ease of changing music!