Yesterday the rain finally took a break and it was hot and sunny out. I decided to take advantage of the beautiful weather and did C25K day one of week 2. It was a great run/walk and I am excited to keep going and finally running my first 5k. Yes you read correctly I am (finally) going to run a 5k! The Hubz and I are going to run the Old Port Half Marathon & 5k together and our friends are running the 1/2 marathon. We are both really excited and are working to get up to running a full 5k. If you are running this left me know!
After a hot and sweaty run the Hubz and I decided to take advantage of the beautiful night and head downtown for a beer and half of veggie burgers at The Scuffer. We were hoping to sit on the patio but of course we weren’t the only ones out to enjoy the beautiful weather so we had to sit inside. The beer and half off veggie burgers was (almost) worth sacrificing sitting out in the beautiful weather.
It’s funny The Scuffer has been around for years, it used to be The Rusty Scuffer – I think it changed owners and the name changed (correct me if I’m wrong) and we had never thought to go there until a few months ago. A few months ago we were looking for somewhere new to go and I just happened to check out their menu online and saw that on Wednesday’s they have half off burgers with a drink purchase, so I called and asked if their veggie burger was vegan and it is (oh and it’s homemade too double win). The other thing that I love about The Scuffer is their extensive beer menu that is filled with local beers and a number of great microbrews and their prices are really good too.
Last night the Hubz and I both got veggie burgers with fries and no bun and we each ordered a beer. I wanted the Dogfish Aprihop but they were all out (because it’s just that good) so I decided to go with McNeil’s Extra Special Bitter and the Hubz got the Rock Art Midnight Madness; we really liked both of them. Overall we had a great date night out at The Scuffer and will continue going on for the Wednesday special because you just can’t beat the beer, the burger and the prices.
There’s no denying that everyone, at one time or another, has had a snack attack. Views on snacking differ.
Some feel that snacking is bad and that eating between meals leads to weight gain. Others believe that eating
many small meals and snacks throughout the day is healthy for maintaining energy levels and optimal weight. If there were one way of snacking that was right for everyone, we would all be doing it!
To alleviate snack attack guilt, try to understand why you are snacking and what snacks work best for your body. Perhaps you snack because your daily diet is missing nutrition, or because you are eating too little at meals. You might be snacking to soothe jangled nerves when you are emotional, or to entertain yourself when you are bored. Whatever your reason, acknowledge it and start thinking about how to create a life that is nourishing and truly satisfying.
Although snacks are no substitute for loving your life, they can be great energy boosters. Many convenient snack foods are highly processed and full of chemicals, additives, damaging fats and refined sugars. When a snack attack hits you, try foods that are filling and satisfying, but also nutritious. Here are some tips:
Snack on things that don’t come in a plastic wrapper or a box, like fresh fruit, leftover vegetables or rice
cakes with almond butter and fruit spread.
Make your own signature trail mix, organic hot chocolate made with almond milk sweetened with agave nectar, or blue corn chips with hummus.
You can also try “upgrading”:
If you are craving something crunchy, upgrade from potato chips to raw carrots, apples or whole grain
crackers.
If you are craving a candy bar, upgrade to a handful of nuts and dried fruit.
Instead of a cup of coffee, upgrade to green tea.
Instead of ice cream, upgrade to applesauce with cinnamon.
Upgraded snacks are high in nutrition and give you a greater sense of satiety and satisfaction; you won’t feel
physically or psychologically deprived, and you’ll have plenty of energy to sustain your activities for hours.
Snacking is enjoyable and there is a wide variety of healthful goodies for whatever you’re craving, be it sweet,
crunchy, salty, creamy or spicy. Dive in, be creative and enjoy your snack attack.
1t shoyu (can substitute soy sauce, tamari or Braggs)
Place the ripped kale in a large bowl. Place the dates through shoyu in a blender and process until smooth; pour over the kale.
Massage the sauce into the kale until evenly distributed.
Dehydrate method: Place on dehydrator trays and dehydrate at 118F for 10 to 12 hours (however I doubt that once you start check in them every few hours that there will be any left by the time the days over). Oven method: Preheat oven to 350F. Place the sauced kale on a baking sheet and make for 12-15 minutes until the kale chips are crispy but not burned.
I hope everyone had a great Earth Day. I was super busy yesterday and didn’t get to posting my intended Earth Day post however I think Earth Day should be everyday! What are you doing to better the planet?
Caress Voile featuring Repreve® Recycled Fibers! Saving an average of 7 plastic bottles from a landfill per panel, the new Caress Voile curtains are made with fabric created from recycled plastic bottles to provide an eco-friendly and fashion forward option for window treatments.
Around the Home:
1. Choose linens and curtains made from eco-friendly materials whenever possible. Over the past few years the Hubz and I have been working to make our home a greener place. Part of that process is being mindful of the products that we purchase and use in our home. We have a few sets of sheets made of organic cotton and just changed out our curtains for these Caress Voile which are made from recycled fibers and are super inexpensive (only $10 per pack).
2. Swap out your chemical cleaners for natural cleaners. I am all over the place with natural cleaners right now. I am testing out a number of different brands to find my favorite. Currently we have Simple Green Naturals, Seventh Generation and Ecover products. Currently my overall favorite is Seventh Gen however the other brands are also good.
3. Clean yourself without the chemicals. Choose natural body products including toothpaste, body wash, lotions, shampoo and conditioner. Just like what you put in your body you should be mindful of what you put on your body. I have had my ups and downs with natural products and there are some that I love and think work really well and others that are just awful. Here is a peak at a few of my favorite products.
Kiss My Face Toothpaste- this is my absolute favorite natural toothpaste it is made with aloe and works so well. Also Kiss my Face body wash, shampoo and deodorant- I really love all these but I do purchase other products such as Jason and even the natural Whole Foods and Trader Joes brands are pretty good. Lastly is a new deodorant for the Hubz it's a manly scented Tom's which he actually hasn't tried yet.
4. Choose recycled paper and plastic products. There are a number of options out there for toilet paper, paper towels, garbage bags and food storage products (sandwich bags, aluminum foil, parchment paper,ect). My favorite for toilet paper, paper towels and garbage bags are Seventh Generation. I have tried out a number of other brands and there aren’t any (that I have tried) that really hold up as well as Seventh Generation. My absolute favorite environmentally friendly products that I use in the kitchen are If You Care. They make a number of products including coffee filters, parchment paper, sandwiches bags, and aluminum foil. I use the coffee filters daily and they are wonderful. The parchment paper is my favorite to use when I am baking it helps reduce the amount of oil I use in my cooking and it also means less dishes to wash. If You Care also makes household gloves, fire starters, cheesecloth, baking cups and twine; I have not tried any of these products yet but hope to soon. (p.s. keep reading to win your own box of If You Care goodies).
Travel
1. Drive less. I know that driving is a necessity for some people, myself included, however being mindful of how often you drive is important. When you do drive places pick the most direct route to your destination and make sure to plan well so you only have to make one trip. When possible take advantage of public transportation. The Hubz works downtown and has a bus stop right outside of his work; when he can he takes the bus to work and in the summer he bikes a few days per week.
2. Walk or Bike. Whenever possible walk or bike to your destination. Not only will you be reducing your carbon footprint but you will be improving your health.
Food
1. Dining out. Choose locally owned restaurants and/or restaurants that focus on local and organic products. When you travel do your research and find places that fit these standards. You’ll find that food that is produced locally and/or organically taste better and provides more energy.
2. Shop locally. Whenever possible purchase your food at local co-ops, health food stores and farmers markets before visiting larger stores. Not only will you be purchasing higher quality food, food that you know where it came from but you will be helping local companies and the local economy.
3. Grow your own food. Take the time to grow your own food; this does not mean you have to create a garden or get alocal garden plot (although both great ideas). you could simple have a pot on your steps or balcony with herbs, greens or tomatoes. Knowing where you food comes from and the accomplishment of growing your own food really makes your food taste better.
4. Eat more plants. Studies show that eating a plant based diet is better for the environment and the world around us.A plant based diet can lead to extra years of healthy living than one that is focused on meats and dairy. Additionally, it also reduces environmental damage and farm animal suffering
Giveaway Time!!
If You Care recently sent me a variety of products to try and to giveaway. For the giveaway I am giving one lucky winner a t-shirt, household gloves, 2 sizes of coffee filters, jumbo baking cups and wax paper. In addition two people will win an If You Care t-shirt. This giveaway is open to U.S. Residents only.
The giveaway is open until April 25, 2011 at 8pm EST. You must leave a separate comment for each entry for it to qualify.
Required Entry: 1. Visit the If You Care website and tell me something new that you learned.
When doing your final review of each months cookbook each of us will address the topics in our blog post:
Layout
Is the layout clear?
Are you able to easily tell the ingredients apart for the instructions and the notes?
Are the instructions easy to follow?
Are the recipes numbered or is the section labeled? Aesthetics
Does the cookbook feature photos?
If yes, is there a photo for every recipe?
Do the photos of the recipes look like the actual results?
What kind of paper is the book printed on?
How is the quality of the photos?
Recipes
How many recipes are in the cookbook?
What kinds of recipes will you find in this cookbook?
Is there a theme to the recipes?
Are the recipes complex or simple? would they be good for seasoned cooks and/or beginners?
Ingredients and supplies
Are the recipe ingredients easy to find?
Are there any items that stand out as being expensive or specialty?
Are there particular appliances that will be required such as blenders, juicers, dehydrators, ect?
Information
Does this cookbook provide additional useful information?
What additional information beyond recipes does this cookbook include? Is it easy to follow?
Other important Information
You need to make the recipes! Yes, to get an accurate representation of the cookbook you need to try out at least 3-5 recipes. Additionally when you right your review you should make sure to include your experience while cooking the recipe:
How did the recipe turn out? How did it taste?
Was the recipe easy to follow?
Be honest when discussing the recipes you tried- if you didn’t like it then explain why.
Okay now that you know what this is all about are you interested in participating? If you answered yes then please email me your name, twitter handle (optional) and blog URL to lindsay@cookingforaveganlover.com by March 20, 2011 put “Cookbook Club” in the subject line. Additionally if you have not yet please vote here for future books. Also remember you are not required participate every month pick the books that interest you!
I am happy to say that this week went much better on the workout front than last week. I was able to get in (most) of the types of workouts that I wanted to and I am feeling good today. So lets see the results (April 15-21)
– Friday Elliptical; 40 minutes
– Saturday Off
-Sunday Elliptical; 30 minutes
– Monday Elliptical; 30 minutes
– Tuesday Elliptical and Ab/Butt/Leg workout ; 45 minutes
-Wednesday Approx one mile quick paced walk with Hubz; 15 minutes
-Thursday- Elliptical and Core Workout; 35 minutes
Totals: 17/24 days and 10hrs 10 minutes/15hours
So it looks like things are on track and to accomplish the 80%Goal I need to do 7 more days (out of 9 -includes today) and 4 hours and 50 minutes (about an average of 42 minutes per day). It looks like this month is totally do-able for the 80% Goal versus the 70%.
– Friday Elliptical; 40 minutes
