Friday, October 26, 2012

Dig Inn

Well, I've eaten a lot over the last three days since my last post, so let's get to it.

Tuesday, I had a typical breakfast after my run (some sort of oatmeal concoction).

For lunch, I had this incredible tuna salad that I made and wrapped it all up in brown rice tort. Scrumptious. Fruits on the side.


On Wednesday, I had a few of these whole grain fruit bars that I made pre-CF, then had a chocolate banana protein shake when I got to work.




I ordered from this new place, Dig Inn, since I forgot to pack a lunch. You get to create your own plate and it tells you every ingredient and allergen. It's awesome and I absolutely loved it.

I got a small plate with rosemary turkey, roasted sweet potatoes, kale & apple salad, and curried cauliflower with raisins (left to right). It was delish.
 I went home from work and baked some spinach-stuffed chicken breasts for lunches. They came out looking pretty good, huh? I did all this before the boy and I went out for a night on the town. On a Wednesday night. I felt so chic.


I snacked, had two screwdrivers, and wrapped the night up with a grilled chicken salad with spinach and goat cheese.

Yesterday, I started my day with some ab&j oatmeal, with fresh strawberries.

Lunch was a shredded spinach-stuffed chicken over a leftover spinach, strawberry, goat cheese salad, and a sweet potato. 

Lunch was fab, except for the fact that my fridge at work is too cold. So, anything on the top shelf (close to the freezer), typically ends up frozen. So, I didn't gnaw on my frozen strawberries...


After work, my friend invited me over for girl's night....I discovered my new favorite Pinot Noir, ate some delicious gluten free chicken and dumplins, and....


Rediscovered my passion for all things pumpkin...that was fast...

Gluten free pumpkin bread...disappearing quickly

I was in such a panic this morning as all of the trains on the east side of Manhattan were suspended, so I had to take a very long detour to work. But along the way, I very appreciatively noticed the changing of the leaves in Central Park. It was beautiful and made me so grateful for my life in the best city in the world. It's so worth the pain in the ass trek to work to get to say I live here.


Although, I was feeling grateful this morning, I don't know that the hundreds of New Yorkers elbowing past each other felt the same. In fact, I know they didn't. New Yorkers are very vocal as it turns out.

'Til next time, have fun being bad.

-t

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Pumpkin Overload

Friends, I don't want to say it, but I think I have to.

I am experiencing a pumpkin overload. I have not been feeling the pumpkin trend AT ALL. What's wrong with me? I think I just overdid it with the pumpkin flavored things in anticipation of fall. But, now that it's here, I have no desire for pumpkin treats. The last two times I went to SBux, I ordered a pumpkin latte or americano and it tasted fine...I just think I'm over it! I feel like I'm mourning the loss of something...I'm a little sad.

Maybe it'll come back to me.

Some recent eats:

Chocolate-covered strawberry oatmeal: oats, water, choc protein powder, heaping scoop strawberry jam

As some of you may know, I keep track of my workouts by using both the Nike+ SportWatch and the Nike+ FuelBand.

The SportWatch is for running. It tells me my pace, time elapsed, mileage, estimated caloric burn, and it can show me my run on a map using GPS. The FuelBand measures movement and gives me a number to demonstrate how much I have (or haven't) moved each day.

For the FuelBand, you set a daily goal. They have recommended goals, but you can personalize it to match your personal goals. When you meet or exceed your goals, you get badges and rewards. Just thought I'd share a few of mine.

Fastest mile! When I started running a few months ago, I was averaging an 11 min/mile!

Woo hoo!!!


Methinks I need to set my goal higher. Running helps me reach my goal before I even get to the office.

I made a kickass tuna salad (tuna, mustard, mayo, red grapes, walnuts, salt & pep) for lunch today. I'm gonna go scarf it.

Till next time, have fun being bad.

-t


Sunday, October 21, 2012

Liar Liar Pants on Fire

Friends, I lied.

Okay, I didn't intentionally  lie. But, I forgot one caveat in my last post. Since I'm doing endurance training for my half marathon, I have to consume some packaged foods, namely high carb "food". Things like this mostly come in the form of gels, gummy chews, or jelly beans. Since I'm beginning to do runs that last longer than an hour, I actually have to refuel mid-run. Anyone out there used any of these? What are your favs?



 I did my first double digit training run yesterday -- 10 miles. It was only slightly uncomfortable, but I made it through unscathed. I ate a Peanut Butter Gu. Which, surprisingly, did not taste great since I put it in my bra for the first 5 miles, so it was hot and I was hot and that is not a satisfying combination. I'll just carry it next time. Warm peanut butter is not refreshing when you're sweating balls. Who knew?

Speaking of peanut butter, you should all know right now that there is a recurring theme to my life as it relates to food. That theme is peanut butter & jelly.

I LOVE PB&J. Although I've made the switch to almond butter, I still enjoy some jelly with it. Almond butter and peanut butter are synonymous to me. Both delicious. 

You know those yogurt places where you swirl your own flavors and pay by weight? If there is a peanut butter flavor, I'm undoubtedly pairing it with a fruit flavor to make pb&j yogurt. Usually with fresh fruit, nuts, and/or chocolate chips on top. However, since I live in the best city in the world, there is a vegan ice cream (I love dairy, but it does NOT love me back) place that sells, wait for it...

PEANUT BUTTER AND JELLY ICE CREAM. Be still, my heart. It is my favorite thing in the world. I'm always so sad when I hit the bottom of the cup. I can never have enough of Lula's pb&j ice cream. Never. I'm considering relocating to the East Village just so I can drop by whenever I want. Probably a bad idea.

All of that being said, I had a very pb&j day yesterday. Pre-run meal: pbj (abj) oatmeal.

Yum.  
Then, post-run, all my best friends came over for second breakfast: pb&j pancakes (gluten free):

My BFFs, Bob's GF Pancakes, and SBUX!
These little nuggets were smeared with AB&J and dipped in maple syrup.
It is worth noting that I stole my Sbux order from one of my favorite bloggers, Tina from Carrots 'n' Cake. If you haven't checked her out, you're making a mistake. Leave her some love for me. We bloggers love comments. So, my new Sbux order is a Grande Decaf Americano with one pump pumpkin spice juice and room for milk. That is the LONGEST order I've ever heard. Please tell me if you have a longer one. Then maybe I won't feel so high maintenance. 

I added almond milk when I got home. 'Twas perfection.

Welp, that's all I have for today. 'Till next time, have fun being bad.

-t





Friday, October 19, 2012

The last to come are the first to go

Houston, we have a problem.

All that gobbling of sugar and junk food helped me gain 5 pounds and lose a little confidence.

This is the problem with sugar and processed food. It makes your metabolism erratic which makes you hungry more frequently. It also makes you crave more sugar and processed food. So when you're hungry an hour later? You eat more crap. And this is the vicious cycle we fall into. I fall FELL into.

But, I am immediately digging myself out of this hole that makes me feel lethargic, unmotivated, puffy, hungry, unsatisfied, and insecure.

Here's my plan:
  1. NO PROCESSED FOOD. No multi-ingredient junk that comes out of a bag, box, or wrapper. Aside from the few single- or low-ingredient staples of mine: fruit-sweetened jam/jelly, almond milk (unsweetened vanilla), brown rice tortillas, salsa, you get the point...
  2. No carbs when I'm not at home. I usually only eat out for dinner. So, no taters, bites of desserts, rice, or plantains unless I'm making them at home.
  3. Sleep more. Shut everything down (TV and computer) at 9pm on weekdays and read or go to sleep.
  4. DO NOT SKIP SCHEDULED WORKOUTS. I'm going to start scheduling my week on Sundays and will not miss unless I am feeling sick or rundown. Most weeks will look like this:
Sunday: Off
Monday: CF
Tuesday: Run
Wednesday: CF
Thursday: Run
Friday: Off
Saturday: Long Run

I am not posting this for attention. I don't want people to tell me I'm not fat or that I look cute. I'm not saying I'm fat. I'm just saying I'm uncomfortable. And this will make me feel better. Writing it here will keep me accountable. I will stick to this plan until Thanksgiving. Then all bets are off.

Kidding. Not all bets are off, but I will let myself have sweet potatoes for dinner on Thanksgiving, kids. I'm not crazy.

Ha. Kidding. I'm totally cray. But in the good, fun-loving, quirky, New Girl kind of way, right? Yup.

'Till next time, have fun being bad.

-t


Thursday, October 18, 2012

Utterly defenseless

Welp, the sugar keeps aflowin', folks. I'm helpless to stop it. Until this basket full of goodies disappears, I am utterly defenseless.

Scrumptious peppermint patties of which I consumed about 6 of yesterday. NBD.

 Let's talk about yesterday. I went to CrossFit (CF) and worked on my deadlift. I've cut down to one or two days a week to allow for better recovery from running as I train for my half marathon. So, I haven't gained muscle, but I haven't lost any either--which is a good thing.

 For strength, we worked up to a heavy 3 reps; I got to 133# and tried for 143#, but could only get one. The WOD (Workout Of the Day) was 5 rounds of:

 5 deadlifts
10 ring rows
30 double unders

I haven't been able to grasp double unders just yet, so I attempted every 3-5 jumps. I've gotten them once or twice, but haven't been consistent enough with practicing them. I think once I'm done with my marathon training, I'll focus on getting double unders and pull-ups.

I got to work and enjoyed some chocolate-covered strawberry oatmeal with a teensy bit too much strawberry jam but, it was delicious nonetheless.


I used this tasty 100% fruit jam, chocolate protein powder, and gluten free rolled oats. It was delish.

I proceeded to have quite a few peppermint patties for a "snack." Then for lunch, enjoyed a tasty stew that my work friend brought in for me to enjoy!

That's a kale and white bean stew, kids. Yummm.

 I had a couple scoops of almond butter with jam for an afternoon snack, then headed home for dinner and some treats! I made AB&J (almond butter & jelly) balls for our CF Halloween party on Friday.

Almond butter + jelly + ground flaxseed + melted chocolate = weird looking, but delish.


 This morning, I was going to run, but decided it was too dark and cold for that shit. So, I cleaned my apartment (but somehow managed to NOT put away my clean clothes...) and tried out a new, fun product.




For those of you who don't know, I've been trying to eat "paleo" (meat, veggies, fruit, and nuts only) for about a year. As it turns out, it doesn't feel great on my digestive system.

So, I'm adding more grains. Mainly ones with one ingredient: oats or rice. But, I found these brown rice tortillas that have less than 10 ingredients. So, I tried them out for bfast this morn.



The verdict? They're yummy

The truth is, a normal person would probably not touch these. They're a little tough and not doughy like a glutinous flour tortilla. 

But, for those of us who care more about ingredients and health than texture, they're wonderful. I threw some eggs (1 yolk + 2 whites) and salsa in there and called it a wrap...get it?

Then I enjoyed some fresh mango. Because who doesn't like to eat tropical fruit on a cool NYC day?



I'm learning a lot about this whole blogging thing. It's not as easy as it looks, friends! I didn't know how important pictures were. Having said that, I realize how shitty my pics are. I apologize. I ask that you have a little patience as I'm also still getting used to taking pictures of everything I eat. A tedious task, I tell you.

'Til next time, friends...have fun being bad.

-t


Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Birthday Cupcakes

Greetings, earthlings.

Yesterday was a complete sugar bomb of a day, as I stated yesterday.

I rounded out the day with a lovely dinner at Beauty & Essex, a super swanky downtown restaurant that looks like a jewelry store when you enter. The food was served tapas style and we ordered a little of everything: a few bruschetta-type apps, a grilled cheese and tomato dish, ahi tuna carpaccio, grilled shrimp, roasted veggies, chicken meatballs, onion rings, ravioli, and ice cream and bread pudding for dessert.







This was the birthday cupcake the restaurant gave me. Too bad I'd already consumed an embarrassing number of birthday cupcakes yesterday. I had no desire for another one at that point.









My aunt also sent me a basket full of gluten free (but not sugar or guilt free, unfortunately) goodies, see below:


This morning, I woke very groggily at 6am and readied myself to run. My wonderful CrossFit Endurance coach, Heidi, created a half marathon training schedule just for me and today was a 45 minute easy run. It's much more difficult to bound out of bed after a) weighing myself down with sugar and processed food and b) staying out 'til all hours of the night (or, if you're an old lady like me, 10pm).

Despite my debauchery yesterday, I did get a 3 mile run in, so that's good. I had some fruit salad and a banana with peanut butter for breakfast. The only problem with waiting until I get to work to eat (like today) is that I then have to rely on whatever I either have or can get from work. Banana was easy. The peanut butter was the gross sugary kind. Note to self: buy your own peanut/almond butter.

No other eats as of right now. Will update later. Thanks for reading and have fun being bad.

-t

Monday, October 15, 2012

Switching it up

So I'm moving my blog over to Goggle Blogger because it allows me to be more creative layout-wise. Thanks for following.

-t