Afternoon everyone! It did indeed snow last night, but it’s already raining and melting and booooo. But, I guess that is better than the severe and unsafe weather in other parts of the country. Be safe if you are in an icy area!

I woke up super hungry today and extra excited to try a new cereal that Nature’s Path sent Mark and I called SmartBran.

SmartBran Ingredients: Organic wheat bran, organic oat fiber, organic evaporated cane juice, organic psyllium seed husk, organic barley malt extract, organic oat bran, organic whole oat flour, sea salt.

The cereal is the consistency of Fiber One, but less fake/sweet tasting. I am all over cereals like this! I had it this morning w/ plain yogurt and a banana and it was very filling. Must be all the fiber (13 g per 2/3 cup).

Then Mark and I played a fun game. We don’t have cable, but we get quite a few Spanish channels, so the game involves watching and translating a Telenovela. You get a point when you get the other person to say, “Really?” after you’ve explained a scene. I kicked but when I convinced Mark a girl was telling her family she was getting new boobs. 

For lunch, I had some leftover quinoa and lentils in one of Meghann’s Flat-out wraps for lunch. I added some chick peas I made the other night, which was quite enjoyable. It was good, but needed to add some Greek Yogurt or something wet to this becuase it was a little dry.

I wanted to show everyone this link w/ a video where Kate Winslet (love!) states that she is so nervous about the upcoming award season that she has decided to practice what Erin would call a little “self care” by not exercising and eating whatever she wants. Now I know lots of actresses say this all the time “I eat whatever I want” blah blah blah, but I think it’s much more believable coming from Kate Winslet. I am sure she will get back to “healthier ways” after all this craziness is over, but what a good point – sometimes, there are more important things in life, like enjoying a truly unique experience such as the Oscars or your honeymoon, (right, Caitlin) than worrying about a few pounds and ruining the experience. Enjoy life!

P.S. If you want to participate in the blogging Secret Cupid for Valentine’s Day, make sure to check out Lee’s post here. 

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.