Glo Run 5K

Last weekend, I participated in a local 5k run. The run was in support of a women and children’s safety home and took place at night, hence the name “Glo Run, Light up the Streets.” My friend and I signed up and planned on training a little but with the craziness of this semester, we had no time. I think I ran twice in February before the race.

Anyways, I love running at night and have been wanting to sign up for a race and just see physically where I was at. So we decided to just have fun since we didn’t train (not that you need to for a 5k, unless you are trying for a specific time). Our goal was to come in under 35 minutes, although I secretly wanted under 30 minutes.

Before:

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The course was downtown and everyone was decked out in glow sticks and neon. It was a pretty easy course with not much incline, although the lighting was not so great. I’m used to running at night so I didn’t think it was too bad but I heard a few people saying they couldn’t see. There was a lot of great energy though and I felt good the whole time. (I really wanted to sprint at the end but my friend was having a little trouble breathing, so we took it easy.)

After:

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Our final time was 29.19! It may not seem fast to many, but we were pretty excited! (When I had been running on my own, I usually ran 3.2 miles in about 33-35 minutes so now I know I can push myself harder.) Also, our goal was to keep up with a girl from school who is really athletic (and one of our spring musical directors) and we ended up beating her! I think we were almost more excited about that then about coming in under 30 minutes.

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We still had spring sing practice that night from 9:00-11:00 so after the race we grabbed some fro-yo since we had a little time to kill. And because refueling is very important. And because exercise should make you strong, not thin.

I went with vanilla bean and Reese’s- calcium and protein, for the win.

Overall, I had a blast and definitely want to run another race soon! Right now I’m just going to focus on running for fun because I don’t want to get to obsessed with numbers and what-not. Maybe someday I’ll try to set some personal records, but right now, I’m focusing on enjoying where I am in life right now, and competitions just aren’t on the agenda.

Happy Running!

Favorites

I am almost convinced that all of life’s problems can be solved over a cup of frozen yogurt. Or organic food from Start. I’ll let you choose.

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My latest from Start: Mediterranean Quinoa bowl with sweet potato tots on the side.

It’s probably a good thing I do not live in close driving distance to this restaurant, or else I would want to go every day of break.

My sister recently introduced us to a new yogurt place that *gasp* I hadn’t been to yet.

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I got vanilla and chocolate frozen yogurt with peanut butter cups and homemade whipped cream on top. Yum.

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They must know people like us will eat there just because they have cute monsters on the cup.

Today marks one week left of break. It has definitely gone fast, however, I am not dreading heading back to school. I’m dreading the school-work part, but not the being able to see my friends part and starting my second semester.

Anyone have any fun plans for the weekend?

Last Supper

For my last supper (dramatic much?) before college, I requested Cesar Salad and Eggplant Lasagna. We made it last night (so that I could eat it two days in a row!) and it was the best lasagna I have ever had.

{I didn’t even think to take a picture of the salad because I was so focused on lasagna.}

{And that my friends, is why I never could or never would go vegan…cheese.}

{I lit candles in attempt to recreate the relaxation room and because I’m cheesy like that.}

If you are looking for a great recipe for lasagna, this is most definitely it.

I had two huge slices and would have had more if I hadn’t known what we were having for dessert…

A half off yogurt coupon means we must go. I am sure going to miss being five minutes from eight frozen yogurt shops!

Well, tomorrow is the day so can’t promise that posting will be very consistent at first, so please have patience. Can’t wait to share my college experiences with you!

What would you request as your last supper if you were going to get the freshmen fifteen spend the next four years eating cafeteria food?

Ice Cream Overload

When a new frozen yogurt place opens up in town, obviously, I have to be there pronto.

So I had a good excuse when my cowgirl sister came home from college and had a craving for some fro-yo. I guess we are related?

We got our yogurt (with a buy one get one free coupon) and talked for 2 hours. About halfway through, the worker came to our table and asked if we would like two free mocha frappuccinos that she accidentally made.

Hmmm let me think about that…YES.

So not only did we enjoy a cup full of yogurt and toppings, we also had an extremely delicious mocha frapp.

And all for $3.24.

Needless to say, we were a bit crazy by the end of the two hours.

So anything stupid I did that day, I blame it on the sugar overdose.

Don’t worry, I’m a functioning sugar-aholic when I need to be.

Lately

Eating Lately:

I won a two pound bag of chia seeds from a Facebook giveaway from Chelsey and could not wait for them to come in  the mail.

The first thing I put them on was an oatmeal pancake topped with greek yogurt, strawberries, chia seeds, and maple syrup (put on after photo).  Yum Yum….my body was very thankful for all the nutrients.

Ok so I actually havent had fro-yo for about two weeks but this was the first time I photographed my addiction so I wanted to put the picture on here.

I actually ate this right after I had a doctor appointment about IBS/stomach problems and was told to eliminate dairy for a week and see how I felt. I tried not to think about the fact that dairy is my main protein source and I have at least 3 servings a day (milk, yogurt, cheese, fro-yo). And the fact that I put cheese on pretty much everything. But, if my stomach will act normally with no dairy, I will oblige. Personally I think its more than just dairy (although I would be SO happy if it was just that) because I have problems for years but we will just have to see.

Doing Lately:

School.

Counting down to graduation (29 days!)

Homework.

Stress.

Papers.

Projects.

Stress.

Minimal exercise.

School.

Basically, every week is spent doing homework and work during the week and weekends are spent preparing graduation stuff, (more homework,) finalizing college preparations and trying to catch up on some sleep.

Oh and while I am mindlessly getting through the next month, I’ve got a very great singer who will keep me company:

Oh Pandora,  how I love thee.

Loving Lately:

I just found Chasing Big Dreams blog today and am already in love! Carrie is such an encourager and dream chaser…so inspiring.

I would love, love to work at this bakery. :)

I might just need to get this app. My sleeping has been anything but restful lately!

To say I love peanut butter is a huge understatement. But Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Peanut Butter? Just give me spoon!

What have you been up to lately?

Anyone else struggle with a dairy/lactose intolerance?

Oatmeal Overview

Remember how I told you I was going to learn to like oatmeal? Well, after many experiments I think I will finally be able to incorporate it in my daily diet.

[In no specific order, just the order that I ate them.]

Banana Oatmeal

The verdict? Not my favorite. I discovered I cannot do hot bananas. Something about the texture and intense richness caused me to only get through 3/4 the bowl (and that was with a lot of pep talk).

Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal

I stilled used this recipe (love the protein content!) but  substituted apple chunks for the banana and added cinnamon.

The verdict? Much better than the banana oatmeal. The apples and cinnamon caused it to have a faint taste of apple pie and the taste was so much better without the bananas.

Sugar Cookie Oatmeal

(with an apple on the side)

I made the recipe a little different by not adding sweetener or salt and adding an egg white for some extra protein. I also cooked it over the stove instead of the microwave.

The verdict? Very good. It didn’t have as much of the sugar cookie taste as I wanted but then again, who can eat a whole bowl of sugar cookies at 6:30 AM? Overall, quite yummy and filling.

Peachy Cream Overnight Oats

(Please don’t judge the oats by their look)

This was a little recipe I made up one night when I knew I wasn’t going to have time to make hot oats in the morning.

1/3 cup oats

1/3 cup milk

1/3 cup yogurt

4 peach slices

1/2 TBSP ground flaxseed

1 packet Truvia (or sweetener of choice) or 5 drops liquid Stevia

A sprinkle of Cinnamon

Directions:

The night before, place all ingredients in a bowl and mix together. Place air tight lid on top and place in refrigerator.

In the morning, take out and let sit for 10 minutes (to take the chill away). Stir and eat.

The Verdict? I like hot oats better. :) The combination was good, but I just can’t get over the soggy-ness of cold oats. Next time, I am going to make it hot and I’m sure it will taste much better.

Oatmeal Pancake

I used this recipe, topped it with maple syrup and enjoyed it with a cup of milk and an apple on the side.

The verdict? Delicious. But then again, what isn’t delicious when topped with maple syrup? This is definitely my new favorite “quick” pancake recipe!

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Overall, I am very glad I tried all these recipes and will be eating hot oats probably 2-3 times a week. Yay!

If I discover any more versions that are blog worthy, I’ll let you know.

Until then, happy oatmeal creating and eating!

What is your favorite oatmeal recipe? Link up!

Tropical Smoothie

I was so excited for spring break that the first thing I made was a celebratory smoothie! Nothing like a good dose of Vitamin C to start the break off right.

I’ve been a bit “under the weather” lately, but I’m not really sure what with. I haven’t had any cold or flu symptoms but have had neck/headaches daily. Anywhere from my back, neck, behind my eyes, and temples have been feeling not so great.

So I’m hoping this smoothie is going to work its magic and cure everything! :)

If not, it looks like I’m back to drinking Tension Tamer Tea each night. (Which by the way, is so good!)

Tropical Smoothie

makes one serving

1/3 cup skim milk

1/3 cup  greek yogurt

1/4 cup orange juice

1 small banana

3 pineapple rings (about a half a cup of chunks)

1/2 cup crushed ice

1 tsp shredded coconut + some for garnish

Directions:

Place all ingredients in blender and mix until well combined.

And yes, I did make another batch of energy balls right after I drank this smoothie. Told you there would be plenty of baking over break.

Overnight Oats in a Jar

I know, I know, pretty much every blogger has their different version of overnight oats in a jar [OIAJ].

But, you have yet to see the best. one. ever! (Okay, that’s probably a lie…I have seen some pretty stellar versions.)

Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats

  •  1/3 cup oats
  • 1/3 cup yogurt (plain, or sweetened)
  • 1/3 cup milk
  • half of a small apple, chopped
  • 3 drops NuNaturals Vanilla Stevia Extract (or any vanilla extract)
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • Granola and/or peanut butter for toppings
  • An adorable Mason jar (or just anything with a lid!)

Put in the jar at night: 

oats

yogurt

apples

milk

vanilla, then stir is all up.

Put lid on and place in fridge while you sleep and dream about your breakfast.

In the morning: 

(I recommend taking it out 10 minutes before you eat it to take the chill away.)

cinnamon

granola/peanut butter (Did you know yesterday was National Peanut Butter day? Best. day. ever.)

Stir it all up once again and enjoy your OIAJ. I love how much protein is in this (oats, milk, yogurt, granola, and PB). I think it is a great breakfast to fuel you through any day.

This week has been the epitome of long and I am ready for it to be over. Anyone else feel like January has been dragging on? I mean, I’m all for not rushing through the season, but it’s time for January to take its leave.

Self and Salad Love

I love taking care of my body. Now that I know how to properly fuel and take care of my body, life is so much more fun!

The feeling of getting a cold and planning what tea to drink and how to fuel up on the Vitamin C. It’s almost like a challenge- how fast can I kick this cold in the behind with my nutritional knowledge?

The feeling of around 3:00PM (my afternoon snack time) and thinking through my day and what food group I’m lacking. Do I need some carbs? Protein? Calcium? I love that I’m learning to listen to my body and when I’m in a slump, I can usually figure out what I’m lacking.

The feeling at the end of the day as I’m finishing up my desert with no regrets because I fueled my body for what it needed that day and indulged, not deprived.

The feeling of completing my workouts for the week and enjoying a lazy Sunday afternoon.

The feeling of never letting myself reach the point of “I’m starving!” but rather eating 3 meals+ 3 snacks a day and keeping my metabolism regulated and level all day. This is a huge one for me- I used to get to the starving point a lot and then bingeing occurred. I used to never be able to stop at 3 cookies or one piece of cake but now that I fuel all day long, I’m never so hungry that I eat everything in sight. And boy, can I just say that I love this feeling. Sort of like you thought your were in control when you starved yourself but now you realize you really had none?

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Anyways,

Ever heard of Waldorf Salad? I was completely unaware of what it was until my mom requested in for her birthday. I have been hooked ever since.

Along the way however, I have come up with my own little version.

Waldorf Salad:

1 medium apple

1/3 cup chopped celery*

1/2 a banana

1/4-1/3 cup walnuts, broken into small chunks

1/3 cup plain yogurt- Greek or non, according to your nationality preference :) *

1 tsp lemon juice

4 dashes of cinnamon

A large bowl

*okay, I didn’t actually do measurements when I made this so I am not 100% sure they are correct but, they should be close enough!

Chop your apple and celery into bite size pieces, combine.

Slice and chop your banana and break up the walnut pieces also into bite size portions.

Add your lemon juice; stir. Finally add yogurt and cinnamon and stir in very well.

Enjoy your new obsession. I promise it won’t disappoint.

I often make this for breakfast or as a side at a meal. But really, any time is Waldorf Salad time.

Happy Weekend.

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A Day of Eats

Today I am going to show you my usual “day of eats.” I have been working on this post for a while, so I hope you like it!

I have wanted to jump on the “What I Ate Wednesday” train, but unfortunately, never capture everything I eat on camera. So, I decided I would just collaborate some of my pictures and show you what I typically eat.

6:30- Breakfast

9:30- Morning snack

11:30- Lunch

3:00- Afternoon snack

6:00ish- Dinner

8:00- Dessert

Weekends are a little different since I wake up later. Usually I have a bigger breakfast on weekends and no morning snack.

Breakfast: Breakfast is slowly becoming one of my favorite meals. I can often be found cooking an egg, pouring milk on a cereal concoction, slathering my pancakes in syrup, or crunching on a granola and fruit yogurt mix. I also think breakfast is the most photographic meal. :)

Lunch: Is probably my least favorite meal of the day because Monday-Friday I pack it and bring it to school. Usually a sandwich, cheese stick, fruit, and veggie are found in my brown paper sack. On weekends however, it’s often a veggie quesadilla, egg sandwich, or pasta!

Snacks: My morning snack usually consists of something small; a handful of nuts, a granola bar, or some trail mix. My afternoon snack is much larger (as that seems to be when I am most hungry during the day!) and consists of yogurt and granola, sweet potato fries, cheese and crackers, or a higher calorie granola bar (I usually have a piece of fruit in the afternoon also). Sometimes a caramel latte is a necessity to get over that “afternoon slump.” :)

Dinner: Is almost always cooked by my mom, hence I do not have many photos of it. Most nights will consist of a meat, carb, veggie, and a glass of milk. She makes the best Cesare salad in the world and we often have that at least twice a week. Stir-fry is a family favorite as is pizza, king-ranch chicken, tacos and really anything spicy! I consider my family pretty special that we all appreciate and love spicy food.

Dessert: There is only one thing I have to say on the subject- Is any day complete without dessert?

What does your food schedule look like? What is your favorite meal of the day?

Hope y’all enjoyed the post! I think this has been my most detailed-thought out one yet :) Lets say it’s in celebration of now owning my  blog domain!

Check out my Recipe page to find some of the recipes to the meals I mentioned!