need a change

Recently, I have felt like I am living in a body that isn't my own. Or, maybe, I have just become out of touch with what my body needs... again.

See, lately, I have been a carb and sugar monster. Somewhat like this guy, only far less jolly.

source

Even when I am sure to get enough of the good stuff (fruit, veggies, proteins, whole grains, healthy fats, enough calories) I find myself craving, and ultimately stuffing my face with refined, processed crap any chance I get. If there's cereal and soy milk, you bet I ate 4 bowls. If there's a loaf of bread, you know I ate 3 pieces strait up. Did it taste that good? No. Could I have just eaten on serving? Sure, I could have. But, would I have been satisfied? Nope.

At my apartment, I don't really keep this stuff around, so it's not as much of a problem. But, when I'm not at my place, like this weekend when I was babysitting in a house full of all that stuff, I seem to have no control.

I get mad and frustrated with myself, I obsess, and I beat myself up. Just like I did before.

However, I am not the weak girl I was before. I have learned what my body needs, and I made a decision:

Here's where it stops. I can't get back into this self-defeating pattern. Time to do some reflecting and listening to my body. It's trying to tell me something, and I need to stop trying to discount that.

I came to a conclusion. I am craving carbs and sugar because my body is missing something. I have been feeling like this a lot recently. Like the meals that used to be so satisfying and would keep me full for hours just aren't cutting it anymore. I have been ending every meal feeling like I need something else, and recently, that something has been overly processed crap. I should be able to be in a room with a bag of pita chips without feeling like I need to eat half of it.

I am a lot more active than I used to be. Working out has become part of my daily routine in a way that it never was before. I love combining cardio with strength workouts. My day doesn't feel complete with out a good sweat sesh. And, maybe, my body needs more.

In the past, I would have just immediately outlawed the stuff I have been snacking on. Just told myself "no more". But this isn't the past, and rather than going with my instinct to cut things out of my diet, I have been thinking about what I should add in. It's a terrifying thought for me, but I know that I need to do something different. 

I miss that clean energized feeling I had when I first transitioned to a vegan diet, and I want it back.

As I reflected on the way I have been feeling lately, my mind kept coming back to one thing. Eggs. They were one of my favorite foods before I adopted a vegan diet. I can't even tell you how many Spanish tortillas I ate during my study abroad. They are filling, high in protein, chock full of healthy fat and for me, have great staying power.

So, I have decided to reintroduce eggs into my diet. However, I can only even imagine eating happy eggs from happy chickens. This means I will only eat the organic, free-range, grass-fed eggs that I spend $6 on. And only at home. I know that restaurants aren't spending the big bucks on happy eggs.

source

To be honest, I do feel like a little bit of a failure with this decision. Like I'm not sticking to my morals by adding the eggs back into my diet. But, I know that the most important thing is to listen to my body and make sure that it is getting everything it needs. I am still extremely passionate about the benefits of a vegan diet, but I am not sure the label and the strict rules are something that I need right now. I am focussing on health and well-being, and the pressure of being the "vegan girl" might just be too much right now. Maybe I'll call myself "vegan*" (with the asterisk notating that there is more to the story- check the foot notes).

My plan is to buy some eggs and test the waters. See how my energy levels compare, how my appetite feels, and see if this is the right move. It's all about figuring out what I need, and what better time than the present, right?

So, here to needed changes, and powering through them even if they might be uncomfortable.

~ Rach

Lesson Plan: Single Girl's Lasagna

One of the things I love about living on my own is having total control over the kitchen. No awkward tango with roommates (who I love and miss dearly) in the tiny apartment kitchen. No changing what I'm making for a hulking (now ex)boyfriend that hates mushrooms.

It's all about me and what I am craving at that moment. Although it makes me feel a little bit selfish saying it, it's awesome. Sorry, I'm not sorry.

Cooking for one can be tricky though. Certain dishes are more appropriately prepared for a crowd. Like, lasagna, for instance. But, in this past year of being super-single, as I like to call myself, I have a couple of tricks that help me taper these recipes down to a perfect single-girl size.

So, without further ado, today's lesson, class, is lasagna. Single girl-style.

*********

Lesson: Single Girl's Lasagna (makes 2 servings)
                (vegan, gluten-free, low fat, low cal, budget friendly; see accommodations section for suggested   
                     modifications)
Necessary Materials:

•  one small eggplant
• 1 zucchini
• 1/3 bolck of extra firm tofu
• ~cup jarred tomato sauce (I used Classico Tomato and Basil. Use your favorite)
• garlic powder, italian seasoning, red pepper flake
• 2 ramekins
• mandoline slicer or sharp knife

Procedures:
1) Wash veggies, peel eggplant and use mandoline to slice them into thin slices.
    If you don't have a madoline, used a sharp knife to slice the veggies into ~1/8 in slices.

 2) Slice tofu into 6 thin slices and press between paper towels.

 3) Layer.
      Starting with a bit of sauce, begin layering the ingredients. I did sauce, zucchini, sauce, egglant, sauce, crumbled tofu, etc. I like sauce.

 On top of the tofu, sprinkle the seasonings.

 Finish the layering with a layer of sauce.

 4) Bake at 350 for about 40 min.
    I baked mine in my little convection/toaster oven , but a conventional oven would work also.

 5) Top with nooch, and enjoy!

Yummmmm!

Accommodations:
- If you are a meat/cheese eater, you could replace the tofu layer with a couple of your favorite stuffed ravioli.
    I used to do this for my ex-boyfriend, and he loved it. It's an easy way to add in the pasta and cheese      
    or meat with out having to cook the noodles. Ravioli layer really well, too!
- Also, add in layers of cheese (vegan mozz or dairy cheese if you want).
     I would have loved to add some daiya mozz, but I didn't have any, and on my budget, it wasn't 
     really an option.
- Add in whatever veg you have on hand.
     Thin sliced mushrooms would have been a great addition.
Assessments:
     I think this recipe was a great success! It was a lightened-up-for-summer version of the Italian comfort food I was craving. I have also recently developed a dislike for eggplant (it's a texture thing), and with this one, I was able to not waste it and disguise it in a tasty tomato-basil sauce costume. The best part, it made 2 perfectly-sized portions for dinner tonight and leftovers for tomorrow. It reheated beautifully.
       Overall, I give this one a solid A!

*********

On another note, I am spending the next 4 days babysitting hanging out with my Rabbi's (who is also a close family friend) 13-year-old son while the parents are out of town. Someone tell me, what am I supposed to do with this kid! Hopefully we can hit up a Red's game and the pool. Eh, at least it's some solid money to get me through the rest of the summer.

Here's to embracing single-girl life, and making the best of doing what's best for me more a change!

~ Rach

Screaming "Summer!": Italian-Style Lentil Loaf

It's sweltering outside. Temperatures in the low 90s.

Perfectly sunny sky. And, I just finished cleaning 30 chairs out in the garage.

It's safe to say I'm *schvitzing*. Sweating my balls off, if you will.

Sounds like the perfect time for some hearty, home-cooked, comfort food, right?

Eh, not exactly. Normally, I would have been wanting something cool and refreshing for dinner, but tonight, I had one thing on the brain. Meat Lentil Loaf. For no explicable reason. I had found a recipe that I wanted to change (always), and it's one of my Dad's favorite meals. Done and Done.

Lesson: Italian-Stlye Lentil Loaf

Materials:

• 2 c. cooked lentils
• 1.5 c. old fashioned oats
• 1 small onion chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic
• .5 c shredded zucchini
• .5 c shredded carrot
• 2 flax eggs
• 3/4 c jarred tomato sauce (I used Classico Tomato and Basil)
• as much as you like- dried basil, oregano, and parsely (feel free to use fresh if you have it)
• salt and pepper

Activities and Procedures:

• Preheat the oven to 375 and grease a loaf pan.
• Sauté the onions and garlic until soft, about 5 min.
• In a food processor, blend 1 c of both the lentils and oats until roughly ground. (This is personal preference- however fine you want it.
• Empty this into a bowl and combine with remaining lentils and oats. Add the cooked onions and garlic, zucc and carrots, and 1/2 c of the tomato sauce and stir to combine well.
• Dump it all in the pan, and cover with the remaining tomato sauce.
• Bake that sucker for about 4 min.
• Let stand for 10 min before cutting in so that it can get solid again.
• Enjoy!

This was a mighty tasty one, and a homerun with the Pops. He likes my vegan cooking but often complains that it isn't substantial enough. This one though was perfect for him. A great combo of protein and carbs. And, warm and comforting.

I enjoyed mine along with some crispy salad, steamed greenbeans, and some more, sriracha-spiked tomato sauce. Hit the spot! And the veg kept it light and cool for summer. A delightful dinner!

Here's to enjoying some awesome- and unseasonal- dishes on the parents' tab!
~ Rach

Catching Up on Lessons Learned

I completely fell off the face of the earth these past few months. There was so much going on and so many things that absolutely had to get done, that nearly all of my favorite leisure-time activities fell by the wayside, including my TV must-sees, reading, and writing this blog.

And, truth be told, I'm completely OK with it.

This quarter was the craziest, most stressful, happiest, hardest, and most fun 3 months of my life. And I loved every second of it. 

The highlights include student teaching, enjoying the final weeks with best friends at the best school in the country, landing my dream job, and GRADUATING!!!

Although I would love to give a play-by-play of all the amazing things that went down this quarter, that would be exhausting, and honestly who wants to read (or write) all that. Not me. So, I'll sum things up nice and orderly for ya. I did a lot of teaching this quarter, and my students did a lot of learning. Ultimately though, I think that I was the one who learned the most. I learned big things. Big, important, grown-up things.

1) I am a teacher.
       I just am. There is nothing else in the whole world I could see myself doing. This quarter's student teaching confirmed that for me. I was busier than a bee and stressed to my limit, but everyday, I left that school feeling fulfilled and energized. I talked non-stop about my students and classes- so much so that my roommates had to give me a school-reference limit. The comments and compliments that I got from both of my cooperating instructors (whom I loved and will miss) and the fact that I was able to get my ideal job for next year, are even more confirmation that this is just what I am supposed to be doing.

Spanish 2 getting down with some flamenco!

Geometry doing some word problem review.

2) I owe my dad big time.
     This dream job I keep referring to? Yea well I can thank pops for that one. I have been hired to teach Spanish at a great school district about an hour from my parents house. It is literally my dream position, and I have Dad to thank for all of it. He pushed me to get the double Spanish/Math license, which I know is what gave me the edge over my competition. He listened to me complain in countless phone calls about all the extra stress I had because of the double major.
       After I got this job, Dad found me an amazing apartment (because I couldn't get there with student teaching) in the perfect area close-but-not-too-close to the school, did the paperwork, and is going to help me move. He is a super hero, and my best friend, and I don't know where I would be with out him.

Proud Moms and Pops at my graduation.

3) There are more important things.
     My focus this quarter was to be a kick a$$ student teacher. Most of the time I was working on or thinking about school, and for the first time in a long time, not obsessing about what I was eating, if I had worked out, and how much I weighed. My students' success in my classes was of upmost importance, and any free time I had was spent hanging out with the friends I only had limited time left with.
      I stayed organized, planned awesome lessons, kept up with grading, took some new group fitness classes for fun, went out and drank too much, indulged more than normal and didn't get enough sleep. And, you know what? I didn't die. My world didn't explode, and I really didn't gain all that much weight, and what I did gain, I didn't really care about. There wasn't time or energy to do so. I have never been happier. It seems small, but this is huge. I am hanging on to this perspective and not letting it slip away from me now that my schedule has cleared for the summer.

Last dinner at my favorite restaurant in the whole world, Casa Nueva. Beyond delicious- both the food that the house margs.

4) I am ready.
    Truth be told, I am terrified about the future. Moving to a new city by myself. Starting a new career where I have to positively impact the lives of my students. Not having the comfort of Athens and my college family that have been with me through all of the hardships over the past couple of years.

It's petrifying.

    I know now, after all the ups and downs of this year, after surprising myself with my resilience and my teaching abilities, and after seeing all of the support I have from both family and friends, that I can do this. Not only, can I do this, I will knock it out of the park. Let's go, world. Bring on those obstacles!


Here's to a great end of college, and an even better time to come!
~ Rach

Home for Passover

Well, my second Spring Break is almost over! So sad! Monday morning it will be back to 5:30 am wake-up calls, hour-long commutes, and my first week doing some real teaching.

But first, I get to head back to Cincinnati for my all-time favorite holiday of the year, Passover!

Even when I was a little kid, I liked this one better than any other (even Chanukah, where we actually got presents). I think it is because it is so full of ritual and tradition and, of course, the seder meal. Probably th best mea my mom cooks and the best party she throws all year.

Last year, the seder fell during the middle of the week, so I had to miss the family affair. I tried to put one together for my friends here at school, but in my puny apartment, it couldn't hold a candle to Mom's.

Yep, the whole thing in the living room, on coffee tables. I sat on the floor. The matzo balls were like rocks. Needless to say, I am beyond excited to head home for the good stuff!

Along with the excitement, though, is a little quite a bit of anxiety. I will be home for almost 4 days, and I know that no workout of any kind will be happening. Also, the traditional food doesn't really fit with the kind of eating that makes me feel my best (or that I feel comfortable putting in my body).  I wish I didn't have these kinds of thoughts lingering in the back of my mind, but it seems to be something that I just can't shake. Worry and guilt always find their way into my thoughts.

But, I am going to make it my goal for this weekend to not listen to them. I am going to be in the moment, happy with my family, and enjoying all of the tradition and love that went into the seder meal. It's about time I started to learn how to quiet those damn voices in there.

So, here's to family, love, and living in the moment.
~ Rach

One Great Weekend

After my amazing first week of student teaching, I couldn't have asked for a better, more relaxing weekend full of all of my favorite things.

Saturday morning, I treated myself to my first cup of coffee all week. I know, right!? I'm the 3-or-4-cups-a-day kind of girl usually. But, I can't do that during the week because I can only go to the bathroom during specific periods. Coffee runs right through me, and I can't be leaving the classroom every 40 min to hit the lou. Sorry for the TMI.

The Nectar of the Gods

 After my coffee and a leisurely oatmeal breakfast, my roommate and a couple other friends and I went grocery shopping. This is an all morning event. First, we hit up the amazing Athens Farmer's Market. It's the biggest one in Southeastern Ohio, and we always spend a good chunk of time there.

Here's a shot from the summer. Always a highlight of the weekend.

I picked up some kale, spinach, Gold Rush apples, and parsnips- a new to me veggie that I can't wait to try!. Then we headed to a couple other grocery stores to get the rest of the goodies we needed for the week. Grocery shopping always turns into an all-morning trip, but I'm not complaining. It's one of my favorite activities!

This is what the fridge looked like after we arranged our loot. Four girls share this fridge, but somehow we always manage to make everything fit. I have the bottom right drawer/ shelf. I know my stuff takes up the most room, but we seem to have figured out a system where everyone has enough space.

 I used up what salad stuff I had left from the week, and opened up some much-needed space in the fridge. The result was a delicious lunch.

Romaine (thy were out of spinach last week), carrots, celery, tomatoes, cukes, avocado, black beans. Topped with balsamic and italian seasoning. Always accompanied by some kosher dills and my Tervis Tumbler (new! and totally obsessed) full of agua.

And because even lunch needs desert, an apple with PB.

 I did some much-needed cleaning and headed to the gym for a great sweat sesh. It was one of those days where I zone out and all of a sudden 45 min are gone and I'm a sweaty mess! It was fantastic.

45 on the eliptical (the clock is counting down, so I actually took this near the beginning of my workout), 20 of core, and a good amount of stretching. Perfect gym day.

 One of my best friends, Val, was celebrating her 21st Saturday night, and I knew it was going to be a crazy one. So, I made sure to get a good dinner in before.

Plate of roasties- onions, cauliflower, sweet potatoes, asparagus, and tofu- this much x2. I followed it up with some PB oats for dessert.

 It was a great night that included these chocolate-covered strawberry jello shots. I didn't partake in the jello, but I may have picked the chocolate off of a few to nibble on.

It was a great, fun night. Sometimes nothing is better than a night on the town with great girlfriends! Today, I am looking forward to doing a little shopping uptown- need some new OU gear now that we made it to the sweet 16!- and going to my friend's Zumba class tonight. A perfect Sunday.

Next week, since I get a second Spring Break, will be spent writing lesson plans and experimenting in the kitchen. This quarter is shaping up to be a great one!

Here's to keeping the positive momentum going!
~ Rach

One Year VEGANiversary

Happy 1st VEGANiversary to me!!!

A year ago today I made good on the decision I had made during my time abroad in Spain and made the transition and commitment to a vegan diet. Slowly, this way of life has invaded other parts of my life as well, and I have never been happier! More on that in a second, but first, take a look at how I celebrated!

A vegan feast, of course!

I made this delightful dinner for myself using two new vegan eats I had been wanting to try for months!

 First of all, look at that mess. The shear number of pots and dishes this meal made for me makes it special. I'm a one pot girl normally, but this meal called for more clean-up dedication, which I was fine with because I was celebrating!

First up, the vegan pumpkin mac 'n cheeze from Oh She Glows. I have had this recipe bookmarked for months, but whenever I thought to make it, I was missing one or more of the ingredients. By a happy accident today, though, I had everything I needed. I made 1/4 of the recipe, and it was the perfect single portion for me. 

The grade? A solid A-. This was mighty tasty. I actually ate it last- I've always been a save-the-best-for-last kind of person. It would have gotten an A, but honestly, it didn't really taste like mac'n cheese at all. Still, it was a delicious creamy pasta dish, and my taste buds were definitely happy. 

See those strip-like things in the back? Those are Gardein Chick'n Strips.

Every time I go grocery shopping, I take a look at the faux meat products with curiosity. However, my college-girl budget and my dislike for the texture of both meat and the fake stuff has always deterred me. This time though, I had a coupon. Oh, magic of advertising and consumerism. I bit the bullet and bought the box to try out tonight.

The verdict? C- 

Blechg! Not so good. Like I expected, I didn't go for the texture. Too meat-like, maybe. Also, they were kind of bland and tasteless. I will probably finish the box just because my wallet can't bear the sight of me throwing away food, but I won't be using my other coupon for these guys. 

Everything was served alongside some sauteed onions, cabbage, and kale. Gotta get those greens in!


Of course, I had to have a celebratory desert:

Chocolate oats? You betcha! Fancied up with some rainbow sprinkles (I think sprinkles will be a must on all future bowls of choco-oats) and "1" candle we had in a random drawer in the kitchen- a left over from all those 21st bashes we had last year.

*******

As I reflect on this year, I can see that my decision to follow a plant-based diet was one of the best I have ever made. It opened my eyes up to a whole new world of food out there. Food that makes me feel good both physically (and digestively) and emotionally. Because of the research I have been doing ever since I started thinking about the switch, I have learned how food really affects my body. What I need, what I don't, and how to balance it all.

Food has gone from being the enemy to being my best friend. Healthy living is not only an interest anymore, it is a passion, and I think I finally understand what "healthy" means. Yes, as my last post shows, I still struggle sometimes to see the light through all the nonsense that goes on in my head. But, the fact that I recognize it as nonsense and not reality is evidence of the growth I have made in the past year. 

People often ask me if I think I will ever give up veganism. And while I know that I am only 22 and cannot foresee my entire future, right now, I can't see and end to it anytime soon.

Here's to many more VEGANiversaries!

~ Rach

Back to Reality

Well, Senior-year Spring Break has come to a close. I have done the 10 hour car ride to Hilton Head, lived it up for 8 amazing days, and just got home after the 10 hours back to Athens. 

By some miracle, this trip went amazingly smoothly. With 10 kids, all with strong personalities, all packed into the same house, we were all able to work together, compromise, and basically keep everyone happy. It was a blast!

As with all group trips, there were some minor bumps in the road, but we moved past them. It ended up being a fantastic time, and I am so happy to say that I have grown closer to some already great friends!

Cue the recap! We'll start with the highlights:

Maj-oh beach time!

I'm not generally a beach lover (too much mess for me), but I really enjoyed hanging out with all my friends. I got some good tan time, and I even braved the water... for a few minutes.

 Great Food!

Among other places, we went to the Salty Dog Cafe where I had the best meal of the trip. I'll do an entirely food-dedicated post later.

Hunger Games!

The four of us who had read the books went to the midnight showing. I'm not going to lie, I didn't love the movie, but it was a great time.

Along with the highlights, there are always low points. 

For me personally, it wasn't even about the little bouts of drama that came up. I can easily let that stuff roll off my shoulders and get over it. My biggest struggle was the lack of control I felt the whole week. I was out of my normal environment and schedule, eating differently than I like to, and not exercising. I tried really hard to not let my disordered thoughts take over too much. I wanted to really enjoy this trip since I knew it would be one of the last times all of my friends would have the opportunity to do this together.

But, the disordered thoughts were there to rear their ugly heads. There were definitely times where I was disappointed in myself for my lack of self-control and all of the over indulgence. Believe me, there was a lot of indulgence. From food to booze. My confidence in my bathing suit was on a steady decline throughout the whole trip, and this morning when I woke up, I hated the way I looked in the mirror. I definitely gained a few lbs this week. I know it's not just in my head this time because my jean shorts don't really fit me after this week, and with the bloating and digestive issues I have been dealing with all day, my body is obviously unhappy with me.

I also know that just one week of being back on my regular work out schedule, staying away from the alcohol, and eating clean, I'll be back to where I was. I am trying to focus on that, and not think about punishing myself for this week of craziness.

It's incredibly hard, though. I really am disappointed in myself for allowing myself to do all of this (I know I shouldn't be, but I just can't really seem to help that.). At the same time, too, I am envious of my girlfriends who seem to be able to eat whatever, run around in their bikinis, drink anything, and not stay up at night panicking about the damage they don't feel that they are doing to their bodies. 

There is always a silver lining, or a rainbow after a storm (a good omen, as my crazy host mom would say). This is an opportunity to learn from myself. Learn how to bounce back after this and get back to feeling my best- without punishing myself with over-restriction. That is the goal this week as I begin my adventure into student teaching: get back to feeling like myself again- the happy me who isn't consumed with regret for my consumption.

Here's to moving on in a healthy way.
~ Rach

Quick Trip Home

Last week, I randomly decided that I needed a night back at home this weekend. That would have all been dandy if I didn't already have plans Saturday night and all day Sunday. But, I was determined and made the quickest trip home ever. In 24 hours, I drove for six, slept for six, and hung out with the fam for 12.

Although it was rushed and I wished I could have stayed longer, it was just what I needed. A little time with loved ones was the perfect thing to refresh me and get me ready for the hell that is exam week this week.

The visit started off meeting Dad at the Carrabba's where Bro works. It's on my way into town, and Dad was out working, so it made sense to just meet there. The Bro always takes care of me, and made sure the kitchen made me a perfect vegan feast.

The remains of my Fiorucci salad without cheese and a side of sauted zucchini and tomato sauce. Soooo tasty along with about an entire loaf of their warm, bread.

 After dinner, Dad and I headed over to Bro's house to spend a little time playing with this monster before Bro got off work. Meet Jolene. The most exciting member of the family. She's a terror, but might be the best dog ever.

 When I finally got to my house around midnight, I was welcomed with this mess in my old room. You know you are grown up when your parents start using your room as storage. At least they cleared of the bed for me.

 Breakfast the next day was courtesy of my parents kitchen. The only thing better than oats for break fast is oats/berries/PB on your parents tab. I wasn't thinking and made less than I normally do, so the bowl was refilled with some old-school cheerios and soy milk.

 After breakfast, my dad took me to a new coffee shop, Bilog, that just opened in my little home town. It's hard to believe, but this is the only coffee spot in the whole town. It was something we definitely needed, and I was pleasantly surprised by it.

 I loved the modern decor. It had a chill vibe, and was nice and open and clean. They offer a great variety of single-source coffees and some little-bite style lunch options as well as baked goods. Dad and I kept is simple with some coffees enjoyed by the window.

 Dad wanted to portray the thoughtful look in this one. And the coffee? Yummo! No creamer necessary. I love times like this with my dad. The discussions we have take every twist and turn you could imagine, and he always leaves me with some amazing little nuggets of insight. (more on that later).

We picked Mom up from the airport, and headed back to Bro's for some take-out lunch. The restaurant they picked didn't leave me with many options, so I had a pretty lack-luster salad topped with mustard and a few of Mom's sweet potato fries.

Luckily, the Parents kitchen was stocked for me to pick through when I got home. And that was it. I headed back to Athens 24 hours after I left. But, the travel time and gas money were absolutely worth it.
Ready to take on these exams now!

Here's to appreciating the simple, unconditional love of family.
~ Rach

WIAW #5

Happy Hump-Day, folks! 

You know what that means,

It's What I Ate Wednesday! from Jenn over at Peas and Crayons. My favorite mid-week distraction that happens to fall on my weekly day of no classes. Let's hope I can control myself this week, though. Girl's got shit to do!

Here's what Tuesday looked like through shots of my food.

8:00a Gym
Even though I have been working out later in the day lately, I went before breakfast this morning. I was awake. I had 3 hours to kill before class. Thought I might as well.

9:30a Breakfast

The coffee shop in front of my apartment building was giving away free coffees this morning for some event sponsored by CoffeeMate, so I made sure to grab one on my way back from the gym.

I know, another bowl of oats eaten at my desk. But this one was extra special because of the addition of half a banana (the experiment is going well!) and a topping of the first scoop of a brand new jar of PB. There is nothing like the goopy first spoon full. Runny delights for my taste buds.

1:00p Lunch
Made it through my first 2 classes and a meeting with one of my favorite Profs. Came home to make this beauty- another meal eaten at my desk: we'll call it my version of a working lunch.

Monstuo de ensalada: Spinach, carrots, celery, cukes, avocado, broc slaw, chick peas. Balsamic and nooch on top. Eaten at turbo speed.

And, because even lunch needs dessert:

A microwave-baked apple: slice it thin, top with cinnamon, and zap for 2 min.

4:00p Snack

Eaten as stealthily as possible during class. Ahhh, who am I kidding, there was no courtesy-effort made. 

 6:30p Dinner
Before running off to my evening of meetings. Why must all of my clubs/student organizations insist on having their meetings on the same night?

Sauted onions, mushrooms, kale, and tofu with yesterday's kabocha and some whole wheat pasta mixed in.

This was utterly scrumptious, and I was proud of myself for this one. Pasta has been a fear food of mine for years. I would binge on it, and those empty carbs? Obviously let to immediate 10-pound gains. Well, not tonight, ladies and gents, a enjoyed every bite of those noodles without letting those thoughts in once! Pat on the back for me.

Dessert was an unpictured square of dark chocolate topped in more of that gooey PB. Some cereal snackage will definitely be happening after those meetings.

Here's to a day of good GREEN food!
~ Rach