Rainy Days and Mondays + Granola

November 29, 2010 By Laura

Going to work after a holiday week is always hard. Combine that with the first really cold day this winter and a grey, rainy sky… and you have a tough Monday.

The icing on the cake is that I have to be on the first flight out to Detroit tomorrow. Rock City.

I’m lucky to have a great job… but rainy days and Mondays always get me down.

Enough with the complaining!

Quick, name 5 things you love!!

My new grey sweater
The fact that my pants are still loose after T-giving
Peanut Butter-Sunflower Seed Granola (recipe below!)
The Avett Brothers: Live Volume 3 album
The Honey dog

This day also calls for a “funny.” Auto-correct-style.

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Now that that’s out of the way. I made some rockstar granola, thank you The Best of Clean Eating cookbook.

Take note: granola was meant for peanut butter. How have I never made it with PB before?!

It was especially tasty on top of Greek yogurt this morning. With a sweet potato-blueberry pancake crumbled on it for good measure.

As if being delicious isn’t enough, this Peanut Butter-Sunflower Seed Granola is lower in fat and sugar and higher in protein than most grocery store varieties.

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Peanut Butter-Sunflower Seed Granola

(from The Best of Clean Eating)

3/4 C Sunflower seeds (raw, unsalted)
1 1/2 C Oatmeal (uncooked)
1/4 C Flaxseed (roughly ground)
1/2 C Dried cranberries
1/2 C slivered almonds
1/2 C Unsweetened coconut
3 T Crunchy peanut butter
2 T Cacao nibs
1/4 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Cinnamon
1/3 C Agave syrup
1 tsp Vanilla

Preheat oven to 300F. Combine ingredients in a large bowl and stir until blended. Make fruitless effort not to eat raw mixture.

Press mixture onto parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 40 minutes. Let cool for 10 mins. Store in air-tight container.

Serves 12.

Nutrition info:

Calories: 124, Total fat: 13g, Sat. Fat: 3g, Carbs: 25.5g, Fiber: 9g, Protein 7.5g, Sugars: 12.5g

Starbucks Deals + Ending the Cleanse

November 24, 2010 By Laura

Who wants 12 days of Starbucks deals??? Saving Money Living Life has delivered yet again.

Click for source

The Starbucks Deal: Text 12DAYS to 29943 to sign up for Starbucks’ 12 days of Sharing. Beginning December 1st you will receive one deal per day.

Merry Christmas, Coffee Addicts! 🙂

The woman at SMLL posts some awesome deals AND always manages to save an impressive amount at Publix (like getting $90 of stuff for ~$45). I wish she’d figure out how to do it at Whole Paycheck Foods!

I also learned about a FREE holiday music sampler iTunes download People Magazine through SMLL. Check out the deal on People’s website.

Speaking of coffee, I have a one-track mind today. The SP Cleanse is OVER!!! Mom and I celebrated with some midnight ab work (I know… we have never been normal).

I also had my second personal training session last night. I am still really loving it.

Some highlights:

20 push-ups in a row, followed by 2 sets of 10 (boy-style = no knees)
65 sit-ups in 2 minutes
20 oblique-ups
Lots of bicep curls, pull-downs, and triceps

Our last supper was a salad with Garlicky Grilled Eggplant (recipe at end). It didn’t get the gorgeous grill marks, but tasted great.

In my salad:

Zucchini
Cucumber
Carrots
Sweet potato
Garlicky Grilled Eggplant

This morning I am supposed to begin adding foods back one at a time in order to identify any food allergies/sensitivities (I may have chosen two things to add…).

In my oats:

McCann’s Irish Oatmeal
Arrowhead 4-Grain + Flax
1/2 tsp Coconut butter
1/4 tsp Vanilla
1/4 tsp Cinnamon
Blueberries

Have I mentioned how much I missed oatmeal???

I am aiming to add low or gluten-free carbs before going all out since that seems to be a common sensitivity.

Garlicky Grilled Eggplant

1 Eggplant
2 T EVOO
2 T Balsamic vinegar
2 Garlic cloves, minced
S & P to taste

Cut eggplant into 1/4-1/2 inch thick slices.

In small bowl, whisk together EVOO, balsamic, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.

Brush liberally onto eggplant. Place eggplant on grill (or grill pan) for 10-14 mins, flipping once halfway through.

Note: You will probably have some of the vinaigrette leftover – don’t toss it! It is good drizzled over the grilled eggplant and makes for a great salad dressing.

She’s gone country… wine country, that is

October 28, 2010 By Laura

First off, Happy Birthday to my awesome mom!!!

(It was yesterday, but who’s counting?)

My baby sis drove in from college to surprise her (Mamma cried) and we took her to dinner at Miller Union. Of course, I forgot to bring my camera to capture one of the best meals I’ve had in a while. BUT, if you are in Atlanta go eat there. Immediately. If not sooner.

My Recommendations: Miller Thyme cocktail, a glass of the Frederic Mabileau St. Nicolas de Bourgeil Loire France 2008, creamy grit fritters, skillet NY Strip, any of the veggies, and the warm plum crisp. And don’t bother sticking to a “diet” – dig into the bread they bring out. It’s worth it.

After dinner, Baby Sis came home with me for a sleepover and to try a 6am boot camp. I was shocked we woke up in time.

Between the humidity and crazy workout involving lots of stairs, we worked up an appetite! I made the Grilled French Banana Sandwich from last week and served it with apple sliced on the side.

Guess where I’m going tomorrow!?

It was just a good the second time around! Next time I’m doing it with Chocolate Almond Butter.

Baby sis was also my guinea pig. I tried out a version of the Pumpkin Spiced Latte from Peas and Thank You.

It was soooo good I started drinking this and ALMOST forgot to take a pic!

Pumpkin Spiced Latte

4 c strongly brewed coffee (I used 4 c water to 6 T coffee)
1 1/2 c skim milk
5 T canned pumpkin
1 tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp ginger
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

Brew coffee. Meanwhile, heat milk, pumpkin, and spices until hot (about 2 mins) on the stove… or in the microwave (I can be lazy in the morning). Pour mixture into blender and blend on high until frothy.

Pour frothy milk mixture into 2 large cups (I had some leftover), and add coffee. Mix lightly and serve.

AND I did my Whittle My Middle moves. The stats:

Front plank: 90 secs
Side plank: 60 secs each side
Torso twists: 50 reps
Plank ups: 16 reps
Boat pose: 25 reps
Bicycle: 2 sets of 30 reps
Side plank w/ twists: 12 reps each side

I’m all out of order though! Rewind to Monday.

I started my week here:

Serenbe Inn

This was my cabin:

Magnolia Cabin

Serenbe (“Be Serene”… get it?!) is this awesome 1000 acre sustainable community just 45 mins outside of Atlanta. My team at work had a short retreat there – it felt days away from the city. We had meetings, ate some awesome farm-to-table food at The Farmhouse (our chicken at dinner came from a farm 30 mins away!), and I went on a 4 mile trail run. Two thumbs up.

I also learned about their Southern Chef Series. They bring in popular chefs (Linton Hopkins of Restaurant Eugene and Holeman & Finch fame is coming in January!) and for a small fee you get to cook dinner with them, stay over night, and make breakfast together in the morning. That’s my kind of retreat!

After all the fattening delicious Southern cooking, I was craving some oats. Do you ever put chocolate chips in your pumpkin bread/muffins/pancakes?

In honor of the gorgeous fall leaves, I decided to add some orange to my chocolate overnight oats.

Chocolate-Pumpkin Oats

Chocolate-Pumpkin Overnight Oats

1/4 c oatmeal
1/2 c milk
1/2 scoop Juice Plus powder
Generous shakes of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg

Toppings:

Pumpkin puree
Pecans

There has been some nasty weather in Atlanta and this was the perfect breakfast on a rainy fall morning!

Fast forward again.

I’m ending my week here:

San Francisco, here I come!

And here:

Watch out, Napa!

My BFF and I are going to San Francisco and Napa to visit an old friend for Halloween.

Back in a few days with lots of stories, pictures, and wine! 🙂

http://www.millerunion.com/site/

Protein Powder #2 + Asian Tofu

October 12, 2010 By Laura

Powder #2

This morning I made hot oatmeal with the chocolate Vega powder. (I know it technically is not just a protein powder, but neither is my current Juice Plus.) It wasn’t my favorite.

In the oats:

90% of my breakfast decision was influenced by the fact that I still have these giant blueberries. I love blueberries in hot oatmeal because they get all melty and juicy from the oatmeal heat. YUM.

In addition to the berries, I used 1/2 the packet of Vega. Half a serving gave me 5.5g protein, 0g sugar, and 55 cals. I took a taste and promptly added a generous pile couple ‘o shakes of cinnamon.

I’ve made chocolate oats before… but these looked a bit… green.

Color, I can get over. But they also tasted a little off. You know when stuff tastes healthy? My oatmeal tasted too healthy. (Not that this prevented me from eating it.)

I’m still going to eat the other half, but this may be better in a fruit-filled smoothie.

New Challenge today – I started my first boot camp! It was definitely a challenge. We started with 5 mins of stairs. One guy puked. I did not. Lots of boot camp-ish stuff (marching bands, planks, push ups, dips, etc.). Then sprints. Lots and lots of sprints (maybe this will help my 5K time?!). The workout was rounded out with ab work. I’m already sore.

Two things I’m really proud of:

I stayed up with the “in shape” guys the whole time
I ran to the boot camp and home after.

After that craziness I was starving.

Thankfully, dinner was less… green… than lunch. I diced some extra-firm tofu and tossed it in an Asian-style marinade before boot camp.

When I got home, I put the mixture in a grill pan on medium heat.

Meanwhile, I sautéed some red onion and asparagus with a little olive oil and lemon juice.

Then I tossed all of that with arugula, carrots, celery, and cucumbers.

I couldn’t get this on the table fast enough!

Asian-Marinated Tofu

2/5 block Extra-firm Tofu, cubed1T Toasted Sesame Oil
1T Soy Sauce
1/4 tsp Red Curry Paste
1/2 tsp Thai Chile Sauce
1/2 tsp Ginger
1/2 tsp Garlic, minced (about 1 small clove)

Whisk marinade in medium bowl and toss with tofu cubes. Marinate ~1 hour.

Grill on stove top over medium heat until browned (about 4-5 mins on each side). Remove from heat and enjoy!

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4089/5077127060_93cc39ddbe.jpg

Mission: Protein Powder

October 10, 2010 By Laura

Yesterday was GA Tech’s homecoming game against Virginia. It was great to see my fellow alum’s at the tailgate. Smoak (on the left) even loaned me his festive bow tie!

Go Jackets!

We won the game and I had a great time catching up with my baby sister. I was a bit worried about the outcome, since we haven’t been looking terribly strong and for some reason they didn’t schedule a high school for us to play. Ye of little faith. Other than a couple of turnovers, we looked great.

Today’s run: my pace was a little slower, but I was still pleased with my time since I was sore from yesterday’s run and all the walking we did (my quad has been pulled since July). I came back and did 15 mins of ab work too (more punishment for Friday night’s beer).

Distance: 3.65 miles
Duration: 31:28
Average Pace: 8:57

After all that, I had to get my protein in… which brings us to…

Mission: Protein Powder

I am in the market for a new protein powder. The one I have now is a Juice Plus powder. The flavor is good, but it only has 13g of protein (most powders have 20-25g) AND it contains 12g of sugar (no wonder it is so tasty!).

Yesterday I went to Whole Paycheck (my term of endearment for Whole Foods) and purchased a 1 serving packet of every brand of protein powder they carry. To do a true test I probably should have gotten all the same flavor… but variety is the spice of life.

Protein galore!

First batter up:

Jay Robb - Strawberry

I used this to make this morning’s breakfast – Berry Overnight Oats.

I mixed all the ingredients and placed in the fridge overnight. This morning, the mix had not absorbed as much of the milk as usual… it looked a bit soupy. Maybe this powder isn’t as absorbent?

Either way, it tasted good! I added some blueberries for a topping. These are the biggest blueberries I have ever seen. Nearly the size of a quarter! The strawberry protein powder made the oats taste like strawberry Nestle Quik. This is a very good thing, in my opinion. 🙂

Berry Overnight Oats

1/4 C Oats

1/2 serving Jay Robb Strawberry Whey Protein powder

1/2 C milk

1/2 tsp vanilla

Goji berries

Blueberries

Mix the oat and powder in a bowl. Add milk and vanilla and stir until combined. Add small handful of goji berries.

Cover and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, remove from fridge and stir. Add blueberries (or topping of your choice).

The Verdict: Pretty good. I loved the strawberry Quik taste (warning: it could be a bit sweet for some people). Half of the packet gave me 12.5g protein, 0g sugar, and 55 cals. My only complaint is how runny my oats were, but that can easily be remedied by not using as much milk. I have the other half of the packet to go and I’m thinking this would make an awesome Green Monster.

Fall is Falling

October 2, 2010 By Laura

The fall skyline

Today I am really feeling like fall has arrived. I just hope it is a long one! I’m a huge fan of spring and fall. Summer is even ok. Winter… notsomuch. In my mind, the only point of cold weather is snow. Since we don’t see much of that in Atlanta, there is absolutely no point enduring temps under 60 degrees. I digress… back to the beautiful day.

Peaceful.

I met a friend this morning to play tennis. To fuel this early morning adventure, I made an apple cupcake. It is really just a cored apple that I cut horizontally and add toppings to, but there is something especially satisfying about needing a knife and fork to eat it.

Almost as good as a real cupcake

I added Atlanta Farm Fresh plain greek-style yogurt and homemade granola.

If you haven’t tried this yogurt, go out and buy some now. It is amazing. The 0% Ginger Peach flavor is my favorite. I never thought I’d be saying this about yogurt… but it is like eating dessert. YUM.

Perfect fall breakfast

Then it was time to play. I jogged to a neighborhood tennis court and played for 2 hours.

Normally these courts are crowded, but I actually got up earlier than the rest of the world and – surprise – they were open!

Awesome setting for tennis

My dilemma: I am trying to cut back; however, every social activity seems to involve food and drinks. My friend originally wanted to get brunch and mimosas this morning. I didn’t want to start my weekend off ruining all the work I did during the week, so I asked if we could go for a run or do something more active. She suggested tennis. I love tennis but rarely have anyone to play with.

The Lesson: You can ask. Ask for alternate activities and most people will be up for it. You may even get to do something you normally don’t have the chance to!

After 2 hours of tennis, I was hungry again. Last night I prepared for this! I made overnight oats. Overnight oats are the coolest thing I’ve learned about recently. The basic idea is to mix equal parts oats and milk (or almond milk, soy milk, mix in some yogurt… whatever) in a bowl, cover, and refrigerate over night. In the morning you top with fruit, yogurt, eggs… the possibilities are endless.

Yesterday, in the midst of my baking frenzy, I made banana butter. I put 2 T almond butter and a banana in a bowl and used the mixer to blend. I ate half on toast, but decided the other half would make awesome overnight oats.

I almost forgot to take a pic before I scarfed this down!

Chocolate Banana Almond Butter Overnight Oats

1/3 C multi-grain oats
Banana butter (blended 1/2 banana and 1T almond butter)
1/4 C milk
1/2 scoop of chocolate Juice Plus protein powder
Fresh raspberries

Mix everything (except berries) in a bowl, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Stir again in the morning and top with fresh berries.

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I am staring at the empty bowl as I write this, wishing I had more. The chocolate protein powder was the perfect addition – chocolate, nut butter, and banana are my favorite combo.

No more for me – it is time to go the the Braves game!

Cross your fingers that today’s performance is better than last night’s.