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Pinning Away Post-Competition

November 2, 2012 By Laura

First I have compete.

But I just realized I get to go grocery shopping.

I can’t hide my excitement for being able to go to the store and buy whatever I want.  Thinking in terms of protein + vegetable + carb for each meal goes out the window.  Not measuring everything that goes in my mouth.  Not caring that Sriracha has 100mg of salt.

Post-competition I get 4 days of unrestricted eating.  It’s the stuff of dreams.  And it will NOT involve chicken, tuna, or even swordfish.

It’s not even about the “junk” food.  I really do prefer to eat clean.  What I miss is being able to nothing think about it.  If I want a piece of toast slathered in real peanut butter, I’m going to EAT it.  If I want a runny egg, it’s going to get in mah belly.  Don’t worry – there will also be wine and chocolate cake.

In all my excitement, I’ve been perusing my pinned recipes and plotting my indulgent eats.

Here are my Top 5:

 1. Homemade Pop-Tarts 

Click image for source

Mama Pea has never steered me wrong before, and her Healthier Pop-Tarts have been on my radar for way too long.  Who needs that processed crap?!  I’m thinking a s’more flavor… or pumpkin pie.

2. Sweet and Salty Milkshake

Click image for source

I love and hate Kristina all at once.  This sweet-toothed genius have been posting non-stop fabulousness ever since my diet got super-strict.  While I’ve drooled over everything, her Salted Caramel Baileys Milkshake is #1 on my list to try.

3. Cheesy Winter Souffle

Click for source

This Pumpkin and Feta Souffle caught my eye a few days ago.  The winter squashes are not quite as appealing to me right now (they’ve been one of my 3 carb choices), but I’ll make an exception since this have feta cheese and heavy cream.  Rich and salty… mmmm…

4. Cheesy Fruity Bacon

Click image for source.

Bacon will indeed return!  These Peach, Bacon, and Gouda Sliders on Pretzel bread will make a tasty cold-weather lunch.  Peaches may be hard to find… but I think this would be just as good with apples or pears.

5. Pancakes

Click for source

These will be coming straight from the pancake queen herself, Heather @ Kiss My Broccoli.  She is coming to ATL for a visit next weekend!  I promised a weekend of ATL-syle indulgence… but she has to make pancakes Saturday morning.  I don’t care what flavor she chooses (pictured are her Tiramisu Protein Pancakes).  I just want her ‘cakes.

***

 I’m on my way out of town today to compete.  AHHHHH!

What is your favorite indulgence?

What would you take to snack on immediately following a competition?

Filed Under: Baking, Recipes Tagged With: breakfast, dessert, dinner, figure competition, pancakes, Pinterest, smoothies

Life is a Challenge

March 1, 2012 By Laura

Apparently I am a glutton for punishment challenges.

 

Challenge #1

It’s been 25 days since I’ve had any animal product.  So what do I do?  Sign on for the 30 Day Vegan Challenge being hosted by Amanda @ Run to the Finish.

 

 

Now that I’ve committed to 30 days, I am terrified I can’t do it.  What happens when I go out to eat and all I can have the the wilted side salad?  This may seem like a no-brainer for most, but dining out is like an expensive Olympic sport for me.

 

I mentioned that while on the cleanse I saved about $350 a week – that’s how bad my foodie habits were.  Hence, the new Vitamix.  I earned that present! 🙂

Eating a plant-based diet feels good to my body.  I know this, and I want to fuel myself the right way.  Heather @ Better with Veggies gave me the advice to focus on the things I CAN eat (she also has a great post up today about being a plant-strong athlete).  There are so many delicious veggie dishes in the world, and I am at my happiest when I’m being creative in the kitchen.

 

Eating green and saving green.  FTW.

 

…But would it be wrong to give myself another present at the end of this 30 days?  Maybe I’ll take the plunge and book a French vacation…

 

 

Challenge #2

This is a much-needed challenge – I’m cleaning out my closet!

The great and wonderful Pinterest gave me the idea to do a 6 month closet clean out.  This pin went under my “Brilliant Ideas” board.

 

I swear I own clothes that aren't black and grey...

 

The idea is to flip all your hangers to face the wrong way. As you wear items, you return the hanger to face the “right” way when you replace the clothing.  After 6 months’ time you donate anything that is on a hanger turned back out.  I love the added benefit or a charitable donation!

I’ve been at it for 1 week and so far have noticed that I wear the same things.  A LOT.   People at work must think I only own 3 outfits, all of them black.

***

I love the added motivation of a challenge, as well as the camaraderie when you’re taking it on with friends!

What would you treat yourself with if you saved $1,400 in one month?  Good god, that sounds like a lot when you add it up…

Have you signed on the a challenge recently?  Want to join me in one of these? 🙂

 

Filed Under: Vitamix Tagged With: 30 Day Vegan Challenge, closet challenge, Pinterest, vegan

Underground Eating

January 30, 2012 By Laura

Atlanta is the place to be if you like to eat in secret locations.

It seems like there is an event every weekend!  

This Sunday was the first brunch edition of the Atlanta Underground Market.  The previous markets have been in the evening and didn’t have themes.  Brunch was fun because it forced the vendors to try something new… and who doesn’t love brunch?  I met Lee, Felix, and Heather there for a gut-busting good time. 🙂

Dr. Sweets Cake Emporium was serving up mini, gluten-free pancakes.  They were ok, but the sauce is what got me excited.  Apple-Jalapeno Jelly and Raspberry-Lime Jelly.  I could have eaten the raspberry by the spoonful.

Next up was a Bloody “Maria” Cupcake from S’More Cupcakes.  Whoa.  The mini cupcake included tomato juice, clam juice, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco, fresh horseradish, and Silver Patron tequila, and was topped with cream cheese, celery, and a cherry tomato.  A risky dish, this turned out to be everything I hoped it and more.

Ciao Bocca offered a Zucchini Frittata with tomatoes, arugula, and fresh mozzarella was a tasty bite.  I was impressed that the quality of the mozzarella!

One of my favorite items was a Margarita Cookie from Cookie Underground.  We also tried the Mimosa and Strawberry Margarita cookies.  All fantastic.  I took a couple of Chocolate Sweet Potato cookie thins to go. 🙂  Vegetable in cookies, FTW.

The runaway hit was Arepa Mia.  We waited in line for a solid 45 minutes to get the most incredible arepa I’ve ever had.  Today’s was eggplant, black beans, collards, and butternut squash.  It was supposed to have a fried egg (for brunch), but they ran out.  I was a little sad… however this didn’t stop me from scarfing my arepa down in record-time.

This next item I have to introduce by assuring you that I did NOT try them.  “Dad’s Nads” were cleverly named testicles by The Original Yay Yay.  As much as I talk about balls on this blog, these were no-go-nads for me!

All of that food makes me glad I had a good week of workouts!

__________________________________________________________________________________

My modified to cardio-a-day / Mile-a-Day Challenge has been a success!  Two more days and I will have completed it with only a couple of missed days.  Sometimes you just need to rest though. 🙂

I’m officially addicted to shorter workouts – between Body Rock and Pinterest workouts, there is no excuse not to move for at least 15 mins every day.  This week I did this Pinterest find 2x through:

Workout Recap (1/23 – 1/29)

  • Monday – Body Rock Wk 1 Day 5, Stationary bike (intervals), 100 push-ups
  • Tuesday – Tris/Chest, Stationary bike (intervals), 100 push-ups
  • Wednesday – Body Rock Wk 2 Day 1, Elliptical (intervals)
  • Thursday – This “pinned” workout 2x, Stationary bike (intervals), 100 push-ups 
  • Friday – Bis/Back, 1 mile run, 100 push-ups
  • Saturday – This Body Rock, 100 push-ups
  • Sunday – This Body Rock Wk 2 Day 2, Elliptical (intervals), Ab Ripper X, 100 push-ups

***

Busy weekends are lots of fun… but they sure go by FAST.

Would you have tried Dad’s Nads?

What was the best part about your weekend?

Filed Under: Core, Fitness, Products, Recap, Restaurants, Running, Weights Tagged With: Arepa Mia, Atlanta Underground Market, Body Rock, brunch, Cookie Underground, cookies, Dr. Sweet's, P90X, Pinterest, running, workout

DIY (Chinese) New Year Noodles

January 24, 2012 By Laura

She’s crafty, and she’s just my type…

 

If you follow me on Twitter or Instagram, you know why this song is stuck in my head.  I did something crafty!

Like everyone else, I am addicted to Pinterest.  One of the first items I “pinned” were chalkboard wine glasses.  I’m not crafty.  When I see something cool, I look for a way to buy it.  Chalkboard wine glasses can be bought, but they are wayyyyy overpriced ($60 for 1 glass and a carafe… nothankyou).  I had no choice but to be crafty.

 

 

The whole process was super easy – I followed the instructions from this “pin” to a tee.  All it takes is a spray can of chalkboard paint and 6 wine glasses (which you can find on the cheap at Home Goods or T.J. Maxx).

PSA: You’ll notice there are only 5 glasses pictured.  Do not drive around with a box of 6 wine glasses in the back of your car for 2 weeks.  Consider yourself warned.

 

 

I can’t wait for the next wine gathering at my place!

 

P.S. I swear I wasn’t drinking rose in the middle of the day (or ever – blech).  I poured myself of glass of this deliciousness:

 

My Whole Foods sells growlers of my favorite kombucha – Buchi Fire. 🙂

I love you Whole Foods… it’s my wallet that doesn’t.

____________________________________________________________________________________

In the continued spirit of DIY, I avoided a typical Chinese New Year takeout celebration yesterday by cooking my own Asian-flavored meal.

Weeks ago I purchased a bag of kelp noodles… and for weeks I’ve been staring at them in the fridge, unsure of what to do with them.  Last night, in the spirit of the Chinese New Year I busted them out.

 

 

I realize these noodles aren’t necessarily Chinese, but kelp feels like it should be Asian.  Sushi > seaweed > kelp.  See the connection?

Any how, I felt I needed to get in the spirit with an Asian-themed new noodle dish.

 

 

I love, love the sauté goodness I conjured to go with my kelp noodles – the simple mix was filled with flavor.  As it cooked, the ginger, shallots, and garlic made my kitchen smell better than Chinatown.

 

 

The noodles… I’m still unsure.  They were oddly rubbery and crunchy.  I had to use kitchen shears to cut them apart in order to eat.  The texture did grow on me as I ate them, and the taste really was neutral.

Bonus: You can eat the entire package, as 1 serving only contains 6 calories and 1g carbs.  Really – it’s only water and kelp.  They are also a RAW food – upon further research I learned you can marinate them in lemon juice to “cook” them and help the texture.

___________________________________________________________________________________

 

Chinese New Year Noodles

  • 2 tsp sesame seeds
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1/2 large shallot, minced
  • 1 in piece of fresh ginger, minced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 serrano pepper
  • 1/4 C edamame beans (shelled)
  • 1 tsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp rice wine vinegar
  • 2 C spinach
  • 1 pkg kelp noodles (or any noodle/rice)
  • cilantro, for garnish

 

In a large skillet, toast sesame seeds over medium heat until just browning.  Transfer to plate to cool.

In same skillet, heat sesame oil.  Sauté ginger and shallot for ~5 mins, until shallot becomes translucent and ginger is fragrant.  Add garlic, pepper, and edamame.  Cook until softened and garlic is turning golden (~3-4 mins).

Reduce heat to medium low.  Add soy sauce and vinegar, stirring to combine.  Add spinach and cook until wilted, stirring occasionally (~8-9 mins).

Add kelp noodles (or cooked noodles/rice) to the pan.  Stir well to coat in mixture.  Continue cooking until noodles are warmed through.

Transfer to plates and garnish with toasted sesame seeds and cilantro.

Serves 2.

***

 The real test will be if I do any of the other DIY projects I’ve pinned.  Oddly, most involve vino…

Have you ever crafted something from Pinetrest (or another website)?

Have you ever tried kelp noodles?  Tofu noodles?

 

Filed Under: Products, Recipes, Wine Tagged With: Asian, Chinese New Year, dinner, DIY, kelp noodles, Pinterest, vegan, vegetarian, wine

New Addiction

November 12, 2011 By Laura

I gave in. I now have a Pinterest account.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Today I’m going on a long run to ensure I will be able to run the Atlanta Half Marathon on Thanksgiving.

In honor of this run, here are a few images from my crack “Inspiration” board on Pinterest.

Did this Thursday morning!

“There are some things you should know about me.

My sweat is clear and my blood is red.

My feet are tired and my knees are weak. 

My thighs are burning and my abs are hurting.

Right now my heart feels like it will burst.

But let me be abundantly clear.

When I’m finished my body will be unforgettable.”

***

I will rock this run today.

What inspires you?

Do you Pinterest?  I’d love to see your boards!

Filed Under: Fitness, Running, Weights Tagged With: Pinterest, running, workout

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