Ever since I started my quest to eliminate sugar from my life for The Cleaner Life Month I’ve been checking all my labels to see where it lingers and let me tell you, it’s everywhere! I’ve done a pretty good job in this first week of avoiding any kind of sweetness other than agave. Today, however, I needed something quick before the Girls on the Run 5K so I grabbed two pieces of Trader Joe’s Whole Wheat Bread with Almond Butter. I chose this instead of sprouted grain bread because I’ve noticed that it sits a little heavier in my stomach that plain wheat bread. Anyway, I like this as an alternative this month because it doesn’t have refined sugar, only honey. I’m sorry for the haphazard photo, I was in a real rush!

The Girls on the Run 5K was really fun! Well actually, I think it turned into a 4K because the original route through the woods was too wet to run. Regardless, the girls were so proud of themselves and that was wonderful to see! I can’t wait to coach again in the fall.

When I got home I fell asleep while trying to watch 90210 on the CW website. I couldn’t get any episodes, but I do want to rant for one moment. It annoys me that there are ads for Jillian Michaels book and diet plan on the site. Most people, other than me, watching 90210 on the CW website are probably young and impressionable. They see skinny very girls on 90210, they see Jillian offering to help them lose weight and bam, even if they don’t need to be, they become self conscious and go on a diet. Well, maybe not “bam,” but still it bothers me.

When I awoke from my slumber, I feasted on another processed food – pizza! I love pizza, especially homemade pizza, but I didn’t quite have the motivation or time for that.  I went with a Trader Joe’s Roasted Vegetable Pizza, which contains agave and evaporated cane juice, which serves the same purpose as sugar in a less processed way.

I was really hungry and it was really good, so I ate probably 2/3 of it and gave Mark the rest. It was similar to the Amy’s Roasted Vegetable Pizza, which I only buy in single servings and now I remember why.

Then we made our way to Cupcake Fest. Look what I found on a banana peel! I saved it and stuck it on my water bottle.

It confirms that bananas are the cutest fruit.

Cupcake Fest was definitely a victim of the rainy day weather today. Although the bands could play because the stage was covered, it was cold and rainy so the crows was small. I was happy to finally get to see Sweet Avenue although this actually made it easier for me who could not have cupcakes this month, the rest of my crew was not pleased to find this sign on the door of Sweet Avenue Bakeshop:

There were still mini-free samples that everyone really liked though!

This is not me eating a cupcake.

It was also nice to see Sweet Avenue Bakeshop because it was just so cute!

Look at that empty case!

Did you notice they sell frosting shots! Not my thang, but I’m sure some of you will appreciate that.

Best of all, I was able to meet Nicole from Another One Bites the Crust and her family! She was so sweet and had the fanciest camera. She bought 4 cupcakes before the drought and they were so pretty!

Now I am just kicking it on the couch contemplating watching some House Hunters on Hulu or reading. Exciting times here!!! Night guys and girls!

Oh well hello!

There were several points today where I thought I was going to chew off my arm and I have no idea why!!!! Before work I had half of this Trader Joe’s Green Juice.

At work I cannot tell you how much I wanted something sugary or carby. Had it been any other day I definitely would have stolen some snacks, but because of you and The Cleaner Life Month I resisted! I knew dinner was right around the corner, I didn’t need those things and I would definitely feel worse (physically and emotionally) if I ate some crap at work. Instead I thought about dinner.

Per usual, a gigantic salad with the Dijon + Apple Cider combo.

And a spur of the moment dish inspired by Caitlin’s Black Bean Balls.

Deconstructed Bean Balls & Spinach 

I’ve made them before and loved the warm salsa idea, so I pureed 1/2 C of Black Beans, added a few tablespoons of salsa and cooked it on the stove, sort of like a sloppy joe! Then I steamed some spinach and tossed everything in one bowl. I added a handful of black beans and a little more salsa at the very end. It was super delicious and easy.

And just so you know there was no sugar in my salsa, so even though I know this is probably a processed food, I was okay devouring it. And I do devour good salsa that is chunky like this. I eat it with a fork right from the jar!!!!!

After dinner I had to get to work on some Summit business. I am sure you read Tina and Caitlin’s blogs, so you now know the potential destination will be Boston!!!! Anyway, I used some of my lawyer skillz tonight for a good cause. While working I had a pretty big dessert/snack of Greek Yogurt and 1 piece of Ezekiel Sprouted Grain Bread with Raw Crunchy Almond butter, which I warmed up in the microwave for 30 seconds. MMMMMMMM. MMMMMMMM. That Ezekial bread is so much better when all warmed up and soft!

No shame in snacking when hanger is calling!!!!