Vegetarianism

Happy Monday all. Let’s kick off this week by welcoming Sarah back into the blogosphere. It feels good. I hated to be off track in my life and blogging, but I think I finally feel comfortable and have a firm grasp on the lifestyle balance I have been lacking in the past month or so.

Instead of a typical day-to-day eats post, I will give you a little recap on where I have been and what I’ve been up to—and of course, eating.

In the past month…

1. I finally saw Avatar, Julie and Julia and the Hurt Locker. These were all movies on my radar for quite some time, and I finally got around to watching these. Eric and I saw Avatar on a dreary Saturday afternoon a few weeks back, and after being extremely skeptical, it turned out that I LOVED it!! Honestly, quite a phenomenal movie.  On the other hand, Julie and Julia was NOT what I hoped for. I actually found it a teeny bit boring. I loved Meryl Streep and the Julia Child character, but I found Amy Adams (Julie) to be really whiny and annoying. I apologize if anyone adores this movie, but it just didn’t meet my high expectations.
2. Eric and I celebrated our four year anniversary. Unfortunately he was in Texas at a job interview, BUT he is the best ever and had these flowers delivered to my work.

1. I am getting more adjusted to my job. It was a bit rough at first because I had such a strict routine in my old job that I completely fell into. When I say strict routine I mean I came into and left the office at the same exact time each day. I was able to plan my meals, workouts and everything. Which is comfortable. This new job has not allowed for this. Now that I have become more comfortable and know what to expect I have been able to fit in workouts and pack lunches accordingly.
2. My knee is CURED! *knocks on wood* this officially happened about 2 weeks ago. I was at the gym twice a week running on the treadmill and my knee did not hurt ONCE! Hurrah! This past weekend I completed 6.2 miles on Saturday and 5 miles on Sunday. I know that I may be pushing it a bit, but honestly, it felt good and I physically felt fine. Next up, sign up for a half marathon in March.
3. I AM GOING TO EUROPE IN MARCH!!!!! Details to follow…
4. I found a new favorite breakfast/snack. I cannot give myself credit for this, but I recently saw Tina from CarrotsN’Cake make these “faux” oatmeal raisin breakfast cookies. I’ve tried to make breakfast cookies in the past, and I have failed miserably. This on the other hand…is…fan-freaking-tastic. I honestly have one every day.

Fan-Freaking-Tastic Breakfast Cookie (adapted from Tina’s recipe):

• 1/4 c of oats
• 1/8 c of liquid eggwhites
• 2 tsp/ brown sugar
• 2 tsp. WW flour
• 1/2 tsp. baking powder
• handful of raisins
• sprinkle of flaxseed
• chocolate chips
• cinnamon
• dash of vanilla

Mix all the ingredients in a bowl and flatten with a spoon.

Heat in the microwave for 45 seconds and let cool. Once cooled it will have kind of a spongey texture and slide right out of the bowl. I usually top mine with almond butter/pumpkin butter/bananas or just eat plain!

This has roughly 150-200 calories depending on the goodies that you put inside!

1. I also found this hidden love of sushi that I didn’t know that I had

Some kind of scary octopus tentacle….

Fabulous spread of ahi, tuna, halibut, etc.

Sushi boats!

“Halloween roll”.” I can’t even tell you what is in/on this, but it was SOOOO good.

1. Just recently had  FABULOUS weekend with one of my besties, my bf and his friend.

This picture may be hard to see, but it was a first time for Eric and I to actually “host” people at our apartment. So we bought a bunch of appetizers including:

• random veggies: grape tomatoes, carrots, snap peas, green beans
• pita chips and hummus
• guitless gourmet tortilla chips, salsa and guacamole
• chedder cheese, blue cheese and sesame crackers
• beer, champagne and wine (random I know)

Killer pomegranate mojitos…..

1. Also, lots of greek yogurt messes have taken place, along with cookie baking, banana and almond butter mashes and many other foods I have yet to document.

1. Lastly, I am back on track folks. This includes:
   1. Blogging on a more regular basis. Hopefully once a day, working back into a regular routine. Reading blogs, COMMENTING on blogs. You all are so wonderful. Even throughout my hiatus, I notice people STILL read my blog.
   2. Running 4 times a week, lifting weights 2-3 times a week. Hopefully incorporating 1 day of cross training (we will see if this actually happens)
   3. Drink plenty of water in excess.
   4. Incorporate protein into EVERY meal.
   5. Training for a half marathon (and eventually a marathon)!
   6. Making dinner at least 3 nights a week. Any simple, easy, healthy, CHEAP recipes you can suggest?!?
   7. Starting today, February 1, I will practice vegetarianism (perhaps a pescatarian) for the entire month!  A new challenge for me!! (hence the title of this post)

It’s good to be back ya’ll!!!

xoxo, Sarah