Blogger Vegan for a Day and New Moon

Well today is Blogger Vegan for a Day and I must say that it has really made me question a lot of the foods I have been eating. It makes me want to learn so much more about what products I use that contain animal products. Some of them are quite gross. Check this website out: What vegans don't eat
My eats for the day included: fresh fruit.. of course! :) .. for lunch I made a pita with couscous and hummus and had fresh veggies and a banana. YUM
I haven't really had any snacks today..not because of the vegan day but just haven't been hungry. We had a catered lunch at work and it was pizza.. It smelled sooo good and I just about caved in but I was strong! I remembered a quote from Caitlin's website: "We defined not just by what we do; we are defined by what we are willing to do without. Vegetarianism requires the renunciation of real and irreplaceable pleasures." 
And that really gave me strength. 
My husband is coming down with a cold.. YUCK and it is so close to Thanksgiving!! I hope I don't catch it but I need to take care of him. I am off to make him some yummy veggie pasta.


Also.. New Moon comes out tonight.. I know that I am excited. Team Edward!

Tampa and Vegan for a Day

Good Wednesday evening to everyone! I hope you all had a great day.

Today started with a wonderful cup of coffee and some fresh fruit! My usual of course:

• apples
• bananas
• grapes
• some pears :)

I just love that combination. Work was pretty busy today.. as usual. Last week I mentioned that I had received some bad news at work. Things are starting to play out and it may end up not being too bad at all. I may end up making more $$ in the end.. which is a good thing. Here is a picture of my office

It isn't anything special but I do have a door! It's the small things in life that are so great.

I am currently in the process of making dinner. On tonights menu:

• White wine marinated Chicken for the hubby
• Baked Tofu for me
• Butternut squash
• Quinoa with diced veggies and pomegranate arils

It smells so delicious in there!

That's my squash cooking!

Tomorrow is Blogger Vegan for a Day and I am so excited to try something new. Check out Katy and Michelle's blog for more info.

Also, today, we decided we will be going to TAMPA for the ACC Championship game!

OK.. it is time to go check on my food. Be back later!

Looong Weekend

Well on Friday, the husband and I drove up to Raleigh..about a 4 hour drive.. just barely going over the speed limit ;) ... and stayed with our friends for the weekend. We had a great time and got back Sunday afternoon. I had a lot of chores to get done and try to rest a little. Unfortunately, we had to sleep on an air mattress... it was not the most restful of weekends.. I think that is why it has taken me so long to get back on here. I was just so exhausted and wanted to crash on the couch since we got back on Sunday.

On a great note though.. the Clemson Tigers beat NC State! We just need to beat Virginia this weekend.. at home too!!.. and we will be going to the ACC championship in Tampa on December 5th! We will be playing Georgia Tech.. my 2nd team! After all, I did grow up in Atlanta! GT beat us earlier in the season so we are looking for revenge!

There are some talks of us going to Tampa to watch the game.. wouldn't that be fun??

Anyways, today was our 1.5 year anniversary so the husband took me to 17 North.. a roadside kitchen here in Charleston. It has the same owner as our favorite restaurant.. Oak Steakhouse. YUM!

I had a grilled ratatouille and the husband had pulled pork. It was quite yummy and I look forward to going back.

The 10K training is going well. I ran 3 miles yesterday in 28 min. and 50 seconds. That's a whole minute faster than last time. I just think I can be doing better. Running is such a mind game and I feel I haven't quite won yet. The race is on Thanksgiving Day.. so not much training time left! Any tips??

I am feeling much more rested today and so happy to be back on the blog!

TGIF!

Today is going to be a great day! It should be pretty dead at work.. hopefully that won't make the day go by too slowly. Then I get to leave work early (around 3:15 or 3:30) and drive to Raleigh! I am excited to see good friends and have a weekend with them. There is a good chance I won't be able to post later today.. but I am not sure. If I can.. I will!

I got up this morning and did 30 minutes of yoga with Exercise TV. It was Yoga Sculpt with Maura Barclay. It was tough but I feel good for doing it. I highly recommend it for someone looking for a challenge.

Have a great day and know that You Are Beautiful.

A Time For Baking

Happy Friday Eve! I am so thankful that tomorrow is the last day of the work week. It is time for a couple of days off work. The husband and I are going up to Raleigh this weekend to spend time with some good friends and watch the Clemson Tigers play! It should be a good weekend.

Thursday started with a couple of bites of Stonyfield Farms yogurt and some coffee, sweetened with Agave nectar.

At work, I had an apple, 1/2 banana, and some grapes. Lunch was this delicious veggie sandwich from a local cafe. It had sprouts, cucumber, avocado, Russian dressing, smoked gouda, and tomatoes all on focaccia bread. YUM YUM

When I got home from work, I was unable to run (due to bad weather again!)so what else would I do but bake! I rarely get time at home to just try something. Sooo.. I tried to make a granola bar! My ingredients included:

• rolled oats
• vanilla
• cinnamon
• flax seeds
• pine honey
• almond butter
• pomegranate arils

I didn't measure it all out, just eye-balled it since I had never made this before. I baked it at 350 for 20 minutes.

The result was pretty good. The husband even had half and thought it was good. It just needs a little tweaking. After I did some packing and rummaging all through my closet, I decided to make french toast for dinner. I haven't had french toast in quite some time and after seeing Caitlin's, I decided I would have it.

I made it just like hers.. mostly..

I used:

• 3 eggs
• a couple of splashes of almond breeze
• flax seeds
• cinnamon
• vanilla
• 3 pieces of bread

I toasted the bread first and then mixed all the other ingredients and soaked the bread and threw it on the pan to cook. It was yummy!

Overall, it has been a good evening. I would have really liked to run though!! *sigh*

I feel as though my eating habits have gotten much healthier. I no longer crave as many of the bad foods that I used to. Eating healthy is definitely something that takes time and requires dedication and a lifestyle change. I certainly think this blog helps because I feel I need to photograph my food and "fess up" about what I eat. It keeps me honest. For anyone out there that is struggling to maintain healthy habits, keep it up. You will feel so good about yourself if you keep going! YOU ARE AMAZING

Rain Rain Go Away

Well happy Wednesday to everyone! It's always nice to get over the "hump". In Charleston, it has been raining all day long! We had a 3 mile run planned and I was really excited about it but we had to cancel it due to the rain. I always could have jumped on the treadmill but I really hate do that, I just love to run outside! The weather should be a little better tomorrow so we will probably run 4 miles instead. That is only 1 mile short for the week.

The day started well. I had a nice bowl (tupperware) of fruit!

It consisted of:

• 1/2 Banana
• Grapes
• 1 Small apple
• A few pear slices

I also had about 1/2 C plain Stonyfield Yogurt.. just no picture.

Work was somewhat slow today, even though I was quite busy. It was probably because I got some sorta bad news and I was just dwelling on it all day. I don't really know what to say about the bad news, other than there will definitely be changes at work, it will just take time to see how drastic they are. *SIGH*

Lunch was delicious though! Of course..

I had raw veggies and a yummy wrap. It included a flat out wrap, traditional hummus, lettuce, tomatoes, Israeli couscous and pomegranate arils. The pomegranate added such a sweet, juicy kick to the wrap. It was wonderful.

When I got home from work I had a nice talk with the hubby about the job and then got some much needed reorganizing completed. Even though it doesn't get REALLY cold in Charleston, I put up all my winter clothes and I was ready to pull some of them out.

For dinner I warmed up some stuffed grape leaves that I got at Costco, roasted some corn in the oven, and made macaroni and cheese!

After dinner, I have been busy with laundry, laundry, laundry!! And playing with my kitty :)

I also did some strength training and stretching. I did:

• 75 bicycle crunches
• 2 30 second planks, arms extended
• 20 squats
• 40 heel raises
• 20 dead lifts
• Various stretches for the whole body

It was quite a productive day. Now I am off to continue with the laundry. I also feel some cookies'n'cream fro-yo coming for me later ;)

Family Time

I am just returning from my evening activities. My doctor's appointment went well and I then headed to Target where I browsed and picked up some much needed items (lotion, toilet paper.. etc.). When I got home I realized my eyes were still so dilated that I did not feel like cooking (a rare thing) so my husband took me to get Mexican food. I had a bean chalupa and chile poblano. They were delicious. I haven't had Mexican food (from a Mexican restaurant) in a long time.

Now, because my eyes are actually still dilated.. I am ready to just go crash on the couch with the hubby and kitty.

Have a great night and I will be back tomorrow!

Good Morning!

Tuesday! I have mixed emotions about Tuesdays.. at least it is not Monday but it's not the middle of the week either, it's just kind of.. there..

Anyways..

For breakfast (the first part) I had half of a piece of toast with almond butter and a little yogurt with some flax seeds sprinkled on top. And COFFEE of course!

My plan for today:

• Work!
• Eye doc appt
• Target
• Make dinner
• Relax with the hubby and kitty!

Have a great day!

Everything But The Kitchen Sink

This morning started off quite well! I had a piece of toast for breakfast (made with Arnold bread). At work, I had a mid-morning snack of a tiny apple, some grapes and half of a banana. I wasn't that hungry this morning, probably leftover from all the food I ate on Saturday still! The morning really flew by. For lunch I had a salad with lots of toppings. That is my favorite thing for lunch right now. I love to just throw everything but the kitchen sink on top of a bed of lettuce:

Today, it included:

• Carrots
• Celery
• Cucumber
• Israeli Couscous
• Pomegranate arils :)
• Unsalted peanuts
• Sprinkle of cheese
• Cauliflower
• 2 veggie meatballs
• Oh... and lettuce

It was one of my best yet. The sweet juiciness of the pomegranate really added to the salad. I am so happy they are in season right now. I was able to get off work early and came home and got pumped for my 5 mile run today!

Snapped a few photos with my cuddly kitty:

When the husband got home we ran our 5 miles.. the longest distance I have ever run! I got 2 really bad side-stitches after about 20 minutes of running. They did go away but I was worried they were there for the long-haul. For dinner we had leftover veggie pizza and I had some steamed spinach. On our pizza we had:

• whole wheat pizza crust
• regular spaghetti sauce
• feta
• artichoke hearts
• mushrooms
• jalapenos

It was really one of my best yet. I like to make homemade pizzas. That way I can control what goes onto it.

I certainly feel a snack coming on for later! Maybe some frozen yogurt.. yum yum.

Have a good night!

Back to Reality

Well it was certainly a busy weekend! After work on Friday I had a million things to do to get ready for our trip to Clemson on Saturday. We got up early on Saturday and drove to Clemson to watch the Tigers play and beat FSU! It is so beautiful in the Upstate of South Carolina.. it has lots of hills and beautiful trees, all changing colors! I really had such a great time. Unfortunately, on Saturday I definitely ate a little much tailgate food, a few extra drinks that I didn't need. I was feeling pretty guilty on Sunday so I really tried to make sure I ate healthy foods. Below are some highlights from our weekend. I will be back later with food and thoughts from today!! Have a great one.

And a few more:

Hump Day!

I am always so thankful to get through Wednesday! Yesterday I got my new bag for work. I was wanting something that was able to store all of my necessity, such as wallet, etc. and still have room for my lunch.. and then I stumbled upon this great Keen computer bag. It was perfect!

Anyways, for todays food.. I only was able to snap photos of breakfast. Lunch is always gobbled down at my desk at work, which is bad I know, and I forget to photograph it! SORRY! Dinner.. the same thing happened.. well, I wasn't at work but I just simply forgot. I have to get used to this blogging what I eat thing! I love to do it though and then feel bad when I forget. Back to breakfast though, I was craving some yogurt, banana, cereal, and almond butter. It was so good, of course.

My legs were a little bit sore today from my fastest 3 miles yesterday. But I have 2 miles tomorrow and then 5 miles on Friday. We are going to Clemson early Saturday morning for the game vs. FSU and will be staying the night there. I can't wait to say I am able to run 5 miles! I have never done that before and it is certainly an accomplishment in itself.

I have been having one of those, I just feel fat days. I really try to not allow fat talk into my head and just be happy with who I am but some days it can be really tough. I know that I eat healthy and am exercising more and more and should be proud of myself. Tomorrow I am going to focus more on my appetite and not eat because of boredom. This occurs sometimes at work and I think that is when I start having these negative thoughts about my body. I AM BEAUTIFUL.

Have a great night!

Speedy Gonzales!

Happy Tuesday!

My day started off well with a nice bowl of oatmeal! It contained:

About 1/4 C Oats

A splash of milk

1/2 C of water

For toppings I used some almond butter (of course), pear chunks, 1/2 banana, some flax seeds and coconut.

It was so delicious but I think the time change is throwing me off because I was STARVING by about 10:30. So I ate a Kashi Pumpkin Pie bar.. they are so yummy! Lunch was a salad I made from home with Israeli couscous, mushrooms, veggie "meat"balls, beans (kidney and garbanzo). Sorry, no pictures.. I ate in a rush!

When I got home from work I immediately changed into my running gear and was ready to hit the pavement. I ran my 3 mile run is 28:50!! My fastest yet! My legs felt so good. I think I have been going through a period of muscle regrowth? My legs were feeling so sore all the time and just not good overall. But today.. they felt strong and ready to go!

Dinner was leftover veggie chili but this time I added in some diced tofu. So yummy.

I got some great news today at work as well. I AM GETTING A RAISE! I have been there for a year and they are giving me a 5% raise. I am so excited and it makes me realize my hard work does not go unnoticed.

I am off to have a nice glass of Murphy-Goode Liars Dice wine :)

Have a great night

November Already

Well I can't believe that November is already here. I have been at my current job for a year now and the time has really flown by. I am really looking forward to this holiday season though. I am going home for Thanksgiving and New Years this year! I am so excited.

Today was filled with.. work! For breakfast I had some Stonyfield Plain Yogurts, 1/2 of a pear, 1/2 of a banana, some almond butter and flax seeds. It was quite yummy and kept me full until lunch. It always seems that the morning goes by so much faster than the afternoon. Why is that?? For lunch, I had a delicious hummus sandwich on Arnold Bread (my favorite) with sprouts, tomatoes, cucumbers, and sandwich relish. Some carrots, broccoli and mushrooms (yum) on the side. For a mid-afternoon snack.. I munched on an apple. When I came home I spent some time around the house and then reheated leftover veggie chili! It was perfect for the cold, cloudy day.

I hope to be getting some photos up soon of the food I eat and really devoting myself to my blog!

Have a good night!

Welcome!

Welcome to my blog! This is going to focus on my personal journey to find a healthy balance in such a crazy world! I have recently become wonderfully addicted to running and eating healthy food. Before now, I never realized how truly delicious healthy food is. Now, I will admit, I still sneak a few french fries here and there ;)

I look forward to keeping this journal of my food and exercise habits. Honestly, I was inspired to "change my ways" by reading blogs and I hope to do the same for others.

I had always been somewhat aware of the food I was eating and trying to make sure I wasn't eating too much of anything but I didn't know much about the healthfulness of the foods I was eating. I managed to stay thin by restricting calories, but never really exercising (I dabbled with it here and there). Over the past couple of years, I did however begin to gain weight. I am 24 now and I guess my body just isn't working the way it used to :)

I became very obsessed with my weight and striving to lose those 10-15 lbs I had gained. I looked the mirror and saw nothing but those 10-15 lbs that HAD to come off. I began running and reading healthy living blogs. I began to realize that as long as I was being healthy and treating my body well, I was beautiful! Some of my favorite blogs to read are Caitlin's, Jenna's, and Angela's.

I hope that this blog will help keep me on track (accountability!) and maybe even inspire others!

Have a great night..