She Says: Adventures in Vegan Baking
Remember my troubles/complaints re: my iPhone? Justice has been served. I have a new iPhone in my possession. Hip hip hooray. Three cheers for Apple.
Running & Eating
I have a question about running. I was reading in Self that it is better to keep your arms by your side and pump them than it is to keep them in front of you. It said that often treadmill runners, like me, stand too close to the front of the treadmill, which forces them to keep there arms up in front and makes it more difficult to run. I paid attention yesterday when I was running, and it’s true for me. I am so close to the front of the treadmill and my arms are all up in front. I tried to adjust and it was quite awkward, but I can see how it is better to pump your arms than ignore them. So my questions are (1) where do you stand on they treadmill; and (2) where do you keep your arms when running?
Going back to last yesterday, I had a great run (5.1 miles/45 minutes) and even did some of the machines at the gym. I am getting v. brave. When I got home I enjoyed a grilled sandwich on my new Spinach Flat Out Wrap.
Hummus, TJ BBQ Sauce, Peppers, Onions & Tofu
Toasty
Then Mark and I went to his studio so he could film a show and I tried his Cookies ‘N Cream Clif Builder Bar. Now, I am not a fan of “protein bars” – they always taste like vitamins/protein, but I was craving chocolate and this was in the car. In my opinion, these are infinitely better than Pure Protein Bars. They taste less like vitamins/protein and more like a cookie. The bottom actually is like a cookie, the top is some sort of protein caramel thing and then it’s all wrapped in chocolate. Basically, it was like eating candy. Bad news is that it kind of made me ill. I think my stomach can only handle half of such a protein rich bar.
Vegan Oatmeal Olive Oil Muffins
Someone Mark is working with last night at his studio is a vegan and I wanted to make her a treat to earn Mark some good will points. I spoke with VeggieGirl who recommended this recipe. When I looked it over, I realized I had no bananas, vanilla or baking soda. I googled a bunch of ingredients I did have and typed “vegan recipe” and got Vegan Blueberry Oat Muffins.
I used water + flax for the egg substitute, omitted the blueberries and used 1.5 t of baking powder, no baking soda. I think everyone at the studio liked them, which is good news for my first vegan baking adventure. I liked how they were super moist on the inside, but a little crispy on the edges. I also loved the oats in them.
So, that’s it for me. I am going home tomorrow morning to visit my family and visit the kids I student taught on Monday. I am about to go grocery shopping (please don’t be jealous of my Saturday night) and will post the total for Budget Month purposes, tomorrow. Have a great Saturday night kids. 
Tags: BBQ sauce, clif bars, clif builder, Flat Out, hummus, Oatmeal Olive Oil Muffins, olive oil muffins, running, tofu, vegan muffins
January 24th, 2009 at 5:51 pm
LOL I don’t think I’ve ever noticed what I do with my arms, but I’m definitely going to be aware of it now
)
January 24th, 2009 at 5:51 pm
LOVE THE MUFFINS!! Glad they were well-received
Have a safe trip home tomorrow!!
January 24th, 2009 at 5:59 pm
Yayyy glad the muffins were a success. I am not sure about my arms and treadmill positioning- I will have to check it out next time I run at the gym!
January 24th, 2009 at 5:59 pm
I stand on the sides of the treadmill, holding onto the arm rests, drinking my water and chillin as the belt rolls by =)
Seriously I’ll have to pay attention b/c I don’t have a clue what I do. Sometimes I’m way to close to the front of the machine though, and my feet will run into the front end. I guess I’m just too fast =)
How do you make blueberry muffins without the blueberries?! You so crazy. Glad they were still tasty, though.
I’m with you on the protein bars. 1/2 does it for me too.
Have fun grocery shopping (I love it!).
January 24th, 2009 at 6:01 pm
I don’t run on a treadmill, but I do know that it’s important to keep your arms relaxed. I can definitely feel myself tensing them when I get tired and it feels so much better when I relax them.
January 24th, 2009 at 6:16 pm
i have only walked on the treadmill so I can’t help you with that one. I have to say the oat muffins look delicious and super healthy
January 24th, 2009 at 6:16 pm
First, YUM to the muffins!!!Second, you managed to get a new iPhone out of Apple? Skills!
January 24th, 2009 at 6:21 pm
these muffins looks so cute!!!
just the perfect kind for me.
about the running question, I think I stand in the middle of the treadmill because I’m aware of the issue you mentioned of standing in front of it and it’s really affect my arms position.
January 24th, 2009 at 6:26 pm
Interesting info about the arms … I do the same thing on the treadmill. I like to close my eyes during treadmill runs (probably a bad idea), so I stay up front against the bar so that I don’t fall off! When I run outside, though, I think my arms just naturally go more by my sides — I’ll have to pay attention next time.
Excellent improv with the muffins, and have fun at home! Say hi to Prov. for me
January 24th, 2009 at 6:30 pm
Holla for the new phone
Niiiiiice muffins and hey – going to the grocery store sounds pretty fun!
January 24th, 2009 at 6:55 pm
Haha I just got back from grocery shopping, apparently my Saturday nights are as eventful as yours!
Thanks for posting the link to that vegan muffin recipe, it looks great! I was actually thinking today how I wanted to start experimenting with vegan baking and I think I will do just that tomorrow with this recipe!!
January 24th, 2009 at 6:56 pm
I also have to stop myself getting too close to the treadmill console! I learned early on that I had to keep my arms relaxed, or my entire upper back would freeze up and hurt while I was running. I try to keep my upper arms loose and alongside my body, and I also try to never bend my elbows more than 90 degrees (it’s tempting to really clench them up as you get fatigued!). Good luck!
January 24th, 2009 at 7:00 pm
Don’t you love TJ’s BBQ sauce? Man when I first discovered that stuff I put it on pretty much everything. Pizza? Get the BBQ sauce! sandwich? sauce it up!
James and I are going to TJ’s tonight when he gets off work.
And I’m currently eating the veggie & flaxseed TJ tortilla chips…with TJ salsa….
obsessed? perhaps.
January 24th, 2009 at 7:48 pm
I’m not sure about the treadmill question (I avoid those as much as possible), but when I started running with my dad to train for my first cross country season, he would always tell me to keep my arms down low by my hips because keeping them clenched up high wastes energy. I’ve also heard this from a few coaches, and I think it helps!
Also, those are some good looking muffins!
January 24th, 2009 at 8:07 pm
you know, i rarely use the treadmill because i’m a wimp. it’s so much harder that the elliptical. if i do use it, i just keep my hands to the side and run very close to the front. i always fear being one of those people who wipes out on it.
i decided on RAW because i don’t want to put any chemicals on myself anymore. the shampoo thing is definitely getting tough though!!! i’m using Tom’s all natural toothpaste because i don’t know of toothpaste alternatives. do you?? i’d be open to any. i just have terrible teeth enamel and i’d be afraid of ruining my teeth.
January 24th, 2009 at 8:18 pm
When I used to run on the treadmill at the gym my main problem with my arms was I would cheat and put them on the treadmill…then when I’d try to take them off would feel too tired and put them back. I must have run close then and I do remember constantly hitting the bar when I did run with them off the top of it.
January 24th, 2009 at 8:27 pm
ooo this post is full of soo many goodies! including my love of running
yayy for you girl– glad you had a great run today! i’ve been running for 3 years and i run very close to the front of the treadmill too, i’m not too sure where i keep my arms– i’ve never really noticed but i think i keep them pumping at my side… but i think the main thing is that as long as your not holding on you should be good!! i loooove clif builders bars! i really like the chocolate and peanut butter flavors! 
those muffins look really yummy! & thank you as always for your kind words!
January 24th, 2009 at 8:32 pm
On the rare occasion I go on the dreadmill , I try to focus on maintaining the form that I learned in cross country camp. That is, arms move straight (or nearly straight) front to back and never go above the level of your bra band, and foot strike is a midfoot strike centered under the hips. That helps to keep you centered on the treadmill because if you’re not far enough back, you bump your hipbones against the bar and then develop really annoying bruises on the bones so you can’t lay on your stomach on a hard floor for about a week – but that might just be me. *rolls eyes at self*
There’s always the outside for running, too!
January 24th, 2009 at 8:35 pm
Whenever I run, either on the treadmill or outside, I can still hear my middle school track couch yelling at us to keep our arms “low”. If you watch people, or yourself in a mirror, running, you’ll notice that most hold their arms high – about chest level. It makes a big difference to swing your arms by your sides – at waist level. Hope that helps a bit!
January 24th, 2009 at 8:39 pm
Hmmm…I’m gonna have to check my arms on my next run! I’ve never thought about where they end up!
Great looking muffins!
January 24th, 2009 at 8:49 pm
Yum, those muffins look so cute!!!
January 24th, 2009 at 9:13 pm
Mmmmmmmmuffins!
Yes, I’m a total dork. But they do look really good
January 24th, 2009 at 9:15 pm
I dont run right now, but back in the day when I did, I heard it was best to keep your arms bent at a 90* angle and only slightly pump them (palms facing inward and vertical) – hope that makes sense… great job with the vegan baking!
January 24th, 2009 at 9:16 pm
those muffins look tasty!
January 24th, 2009 at 9:42 pm
i don’t run on the treadmill but i try to keep my arms rested/relaxed while i run and down and close to my sides as much as possible…i find i have more energy that way (because when i have them higher or over my chest i find i get tired easier).
January 24th, 2009 at 9:54 pm
Moist on the inside, crispy on the edges – sounds like the perfect muffin!
As far as the running question goes, I don’t like running anywhere near the back of the treadmill as I feel I’ll fly right off. My husband has studied arm movement during running (he’s a bit obsessed), and found that if you keep your arms lowered while running instead of above your waist, your foot turnover will be faster. Never tried it myself, but he said it works.
That wrap looks great – love the hummus/BBQ combo!
January 24th, 2009 at 10:14 pm
Mmm! Muffins look great. Very brave to experiment like that!
January 24th, 2009 at 10:15 pm
Those muffins look so delicious!Great job!
January 24th, 2009 at 10:15 pm
i have that problem too when i run. i have to make a conscious effort to relax my shoulders and have my arms beside me. if i run farther back i feel like i’m going to fall off!
the muffins look great!
January 24th, 2009 at 10:25 pm
Yummy muffins! I’m scared of olive oil in baked goods, but I will have to face my fears at some point!
When I used to run I used to always pump my arms. The treadmill was never my favorite because I held on to the bars instead of doing the arm pumping and that was awkward. Now my ankles and knees don’t want anything to do with running!
Enjoy your trip home… and your new iPhone!!
January 24th, 2009 at 10:35 pm
hey yo
When will my pink stripe pants arrive? I should color coordinate for that week so that I make sure I look Hot hot Hot at the gym.
Hooray for Flat Outs – you finally found em. there is apparently a new tortilla-top-dog in town now. The la tortilla factory Smart and Delicious ?
I think that is there brand/name- they are apparently delicious but I haven’t gone into a grocery store in what seems like forever- so I wouldn’t know if they are in stores yet.
January 24th, 2009 at 10:38 pm
and… ( i hit submit too soon)…
I used to eat those protein builders ALL THE TIME!
I loved the mint chocolate, um I might buy some tomorrow.
You are right though, they are pretty rich AND FAR BETTER THAN PURE PROTEIN!
I only like the chocolate pure protein and even then, I would rather eat lots of other bars.
sigh… have a safe trip to homeroom, i mean home.
don’t forget to color cooridinate, after all, like, you , like have to be super totally awesome in all areas of your life or else you risk looking like a geek.
January 24th, 2009 at 10:54 pm
That man on the protein bar wrapper is scary!!
January 25th, 2009 at 12:03 am
love the muffins! i try to run back on the treadmill, if you’re too close it can also shorten your gait. it probably isn’t natural anyways, but i feel better back further. arms are about waist high…
January 25th, 2009 at 12:06 am
I catch myself sometimes running too close to the front of the treadmill, but I do try to stay back. As for the arms- I’ve always heard that you should keep them to the side rather than the front for breathing purposes.
In response to the comment/question – yes, Isaac and I buy separate groceries- he eats meat, i don’t, we drink different milks, he loves juice, I’d rather have fresh fruit, and overall we just eat differently- so we each buy our own stuff. Once the food is in the house we both share if someone wants something and often cook for one another, but we basically both do our own grocery shopping.
January 25th, 2009 at 12:56 am
I’ve actually never really noticed. I guess mine are more towards the side? I never really swung them in front of me.
January 25th, 2009 at 8:32 am
i am really bad about running too close to the front of the treadmill. mine has a low enough bar that I don’t really need to hold my arms any weird way. i would say try to shake out your arms and just see where they comfortably fall…you’ll be fine
January 25th, 2009 at 8:50 am
1) where do you stand on they treadmill; and (2) where do you keep your arms when running?
Well if I have to run on the tredmill, which has been the case lately I make sure I am in the middle of it and I always pup my arms by my sides. I have two tips for you, first when my legs get tired I use my ARMS. I focus on them more to pay less attention to my legs. I also alway lower my arms when going up hills and keep the close by my side. I think all too often people who run take their arms for granted, when really there one of you best weapons!
January 25th, 2009 at 9:44 am
Yummy Muffins!!
January 25th, 2009 at 9:52 am
I remember my junior high PE teacher (oh how those memories never fade away) that if you “pump” your arms while running, your legs will follow suit and speed up. I’ve found some truth to that so I always try to keep my arms moving to give me more power.
Those muffins look great and not overly sweet. I’d like to venture more into vegan baking, too. It seems like a healthier way to enjoy sweet treats.
January 25th, 2009 at 3:21 pm
Thanks for the information on the Clif Builder bars. It’d be nice to try something a little less fake tasting than Pure Proteins. I’ll have to buy one next time I run out.
Those muffins look really good!
January 25th, 2009 at 3:34 pm
those muffins look delish! thanks for posting!!!
January 25th, 2009 at 7:41 pm
You know, I had a horrible incident involving falling on the treadmill because I got too close to the bar in front.
Since then, I’ve been standing back from the bar a bit and I will say, I think it “feels better.” I can tell my stride is lengthened and it makes me want to go faster (or maybe it’s just fear of falling again, hahaha).
Those muffins look AMAZING.
January 26th, 2009 at 11:20 am
I actually try to run close to the front of the treadmill because of my irrational fear of sliding off if I get too far back. As for arms, I pump pump away – and my boyfriend says I look like a goof and laughs at me! But I don’t care, I get awesome workouts!
January 26th, 2009 at 2:54 pm
It’s funny, I pay a lot of attention to where I keep my hands while running outside – trying to keep them low – but none to what I do with them on the treadmill. I run on the treadmill often, but I probably should. I spend most of the time being paranoid I’ll trip and knock my face into the front bar.
The muffins look great. I use olive oil in a lot of bread baking, but never thought of using in sweet items.
Hope your weekend with the family was a lot of fun!
January 26th, 2009 at 2:58 pm
I’m a ninny about typing today – I DON’T run on the treadmill often, but I probably should….
January 26th, 2009 at 9:52 pm
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February 9th, 2009 at 2:27 am
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May 20th, 2009 at 12:06 pm
[...] the winter I baked with olive oil quite a bit and remember how delicious and unique the results were. Today I wanted to make some muffins, [...]