Peanut Flour Fairy

Today I was blessed with some peanut flour fairy dust from the lovely Lindsay over at Fresh Eats N’ Tasty Treats. What an awesome way to end my day!

 

As soon as Lindsay saw my panic post about the discontinued PF at Trader Joe’s, she offered to pick me up a bunch to hoard.

 

      She even included some awesome granola!!

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you so much Lindsay for taking the time to help a sista out!

 

In other non-obsessive news….

 

Today I taught my first whole class lesson and it went really well

 

 

What is one product you’d be really upset to live without?

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Burgers & Fries

Happy Sunday evening folks.

 

Anyone else have a case of the Sundays?

 

I’ve been so spoiled the last few months being a full time student so gearing up to wake up early and start the work week is hanging over my head like a big fat cloud.

 

I spent most of my day writing lesson plans for next week- and despite sounding easy, they are really time consuming. I won’t bore you with the details.

 

When dinner rolled around I was taking it easy. I recently bought some Boca Burgers for quick meals, and I knew tonight they would come in handy.

 

I microwaved 2 and melted a piece of American cheese in the middle. I wrapped the whole thing in lettuce in lieu of a bun.

On the side were some delicious zucchini fries.

 

I’m not sure if some of you saw this tweet today:

 

Lately I do think about it. I just hesitate because I find it so much easier to cook the same meals for Joe and I do enjoy meat to a certain extent. I also hate the idea of labeling myself so I don’t know if I would ever make anything "official".

 

I might try a meat free week soon. Would anyone interested in joining me?

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Reading Between the Lines

Yesterday when reading one of the two issues of Runner’s World I received in the mail, I felt an overwhelming sense of insecurity.

 

I guess I expected the articles to talk to "me" more, but I felt like they were talking to my cooler, faster, more experienced runner friend.

 

As I read some of your comments and reflected on my reaction to the magazine, I realized that there was more to those feelings then  I recognized at first.

I was actually doubting myself and my abilities as a runner. I compared myself with runners in the magazine and began to question my commitment to the sport. 

 

I had a junior high moment where I began to feel that I couldn’t "fit in" with the Runner’s World reader.

WHY did I do this?

 

I think I’ve been fighting these emotions throughout my entire journey to becoming a runner. I wondered if I would give up on myself, if I would fail at this, and if my new healthy attitude and lifestyle would diminish.

 

After my reflection yesterday I realized that I need to be a bigger cheerleader for myself. I need to give myself more credit and feel proud of the accomplishments I’ve made as a runner.

 

I must tell the voice in my head to stop telling me that I’m not fast enough or dedicated enough.

 

This morning I’m happy to say that as I sit here reading another issue of Runner’s World I’ve let down my walls of insecurity and started to see articles and tips that speak to ME.

Yes ME, the dedicated runner who was out yesterday running 8 miles in 30 degree weather to train for her second half marathon in 4 months.

 

 

Are you your biggest cheerleader?

Do you ever find yourself doubting your abilities?

What do you do to stop that?

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And so it begins…

Training for my half that is.

 

Today I had my first long run on the calendar.  I think I sat around in my running clothes for a little over an hour, just procrastinating going out in the cold weather.

 

I watched the food network, played online and did things like taking pictures of the roses Joe got me all opened up and blooming. So pretty, but not helping me get out the door.

Then it started to snow. Fearing it would get worse, I got on my way.

The best thing about training for a race is that you know you have to get that mileage done, because avoiding or skipping it will just make things harder for you in the long run (no pun intended).

 
The terrain was iffy in some spots, but overall not too bad.

I finished 8 miles in an hour and 23 min.

Avg pace was 10:22/mi. Sure, I’d like to be faster, but I know I will get stronger in the next few weeks.

(hot pic!)

 

Post run fuel was a banana in the car, and then when I got home I ate some salad, baked tofu, a new hummus from TJ’s, and 2 tortillas.

Dinner tonight was eaten at a local BYOB- We shared some fried artichokes for an appetizer and then I had a roasted vegetable and shrimp salad and a bruschetta with gorgonzola and figs. I washed it all down with two glasses of cabernet. YUM!

 

Now we’re watching the end of the Pitt v. Rutgers game and I’m going to crash soon.

Have a good night!

 

How do you beat procrastination when you need to get a workout in?

What’s the last thing you ate a restaurant?

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Catching Up and My Thoughts on Runner’s World

Happy Saturday!

 

I know I was MIA yesterday, the day was jam packed.  Full time teaching plus my responsibilities as a student myself can be hectic at times! But hey, it’s the weekend, so enough about that.

 

Meals Yesterday:

Breakfast was Peanut Flour Spread on a cinnamon raisin bagel thin and a banana (unpictured)

Lunch was ham & bean soup, (made using this) a slice of wheat beer bread made from the tastefully simple mix I got at the party, and an apple. I also snacked on some dry multigrain cheerios mixed with TJ’s fiber cereal, a fiberful fruit leather, and a string cheese.

Dinner was 3 slices of pizza along with a salad with oil and vinegar, and 2 beers. Oh yeah. Sometimes unwinding with food is just what I need.

This morning I started off the day with some chocolate peanut pancakes

a side of coffee and some Runner’s World for reading

So, as much as I consider myself a runner- I kind of find this magazine to be intimidating. Reading it is like talking to a really fast, really awesome runner who has all of the best gear, runs a race every weekend, and does all sorts of special workouts to maximize their running potential.

 

I actually read an article about some guys that went running in an ice storm. Really?

 

While I enjoy some of the articles in the magazine, I just don’t know if I’m ready for this.

 

Runners I’m interested in your thoughts on RW magazine- what do you think?

What are you guys up to today? I’m heading out for a run, doing some work, and that’s about it.

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Meltdown

So I pretty much just had a meltdown at Trader Joe’s.

Normal, right?

 

Well here’s the deal. The past few times I was at TJ’s I didn’t see peanut flour on the shelf. I had enough so I didn’t worry about it too much or bother asking anyone about it.

 

Today, when it wasn’t there AGAIN, I asked.

 

It was almost like a scene from ER as the TJ’s employee told me she’d be right back and disappeared behind the swinging double doors in search of an answer.

source

Deep in my stomach I knew it wouldn’t be good. And I was right.

 

My beloved peanut flour has been discontinued. Apparently due to low sales. WHAT?!?! Do people understand how wonderful this stuff is? How will I go on?!?! I really did ask those questions to the employee. I kid you not.

If you see it at your stores, maybe shoot me an email at FoodIRL@gmail.com and perhaps we can arrange a shipment. (Yes I’m serious).

 

In other news. I am proud to say that I ventured outdoors for a run today. I did a little over 5 miles in about 55 minutes. I walked some, and just took it easy since the terrain was slushy,snowy and a little icy.

 

The day after a blizzard might not be the best for running, but at the same time, it was awesome to be outside when everything is so beautiful and quiet.

 

Here are some tips for running in snowy conditions from someone who is experiencing their first winter running season:

• Dress appropriately. Just because it’s snowy out, doesn’t mean it’s 3 degrees. Don’t dress for skiing, dress for running. You don’t want to overheat. You will warm up.
• Be flexible. Your route and/or distance just might not workout. Be open to running less mileage or even more if you need to go farther to escape bad terrain.
• Run in the road instead of on trails if possible. Seemed to me that the roads were clearer, less patchy, and easier to navigate. Take all of the normal precautions for running in the street. Run facing on coming cars, if you’re wearing headphones make sure you can still hear the traffic, and you know most of this stuff, right?
• Be careful, always tell someone where you are running and walk or stop if conditions are bad. It’s only cool running in crazy weather when you come back alive and uninjured.

I’m off to go cry into my remaining peanut flour and start planning a tribute post.

 

What are your tips for exercising/running outdoors in the winter?

Do you prefer running in the cold or heat?

How are we going to live without peanut flour?

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Guilt Free Fun

The best thing about a snow day is that I feel no guilt for being inside doing nothing.

Usually when I take a day off of work for being sick or a personal day I feel some sense of responsibility for what is going on at work.

 

And often if I’m sick, the second I call off of work, I start to feel better and then feel bad that I didn’t suck it up and go in.

 

In my new career as a teacher (student teacher for now), the feeling is different. If it’s a snow day, there is no other choice I could have made but to stay home. Also, there is no "work" being done at the "office". It is closed. As a result, I can relax guilt-free

 

Another guilt free pleasure I indulged in today was Chocolate Peanut Butter Pancakes. Why didn’t I think of this before?

I followed my trusty Peanut Flour Pancakes recipe, and added a heaping tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder, and an extra splenda packet for sweetness.

 

On top I put a dollop of cool whip which I spread all over the pancakes and it made them taste pretty freakin amazing.

 

On the agenda today is some shoveling, a little tidying around the house, and maybe an outdoor run if I can find somewhere that is shoveled enough to do it.

 

Do you feel guilty when you take the day off of work?

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Empty Calories

Ah..empty calories. Your diet’s worst enemy.

source

 

These are the calories that come from things you eat or drink that give you back little nutrition and satiety.

 

Things like:

• high calorie soft drinks
• alcohol
• junk foods like candy and chips

Lately though, I’ve noticed that a lot of foods that are considered healthy (not empty) are actually empty calories to me. Yes they might have nutritional value, but I can usually get those nutrients from another food source and be more satisfied. 

 

I became more aware of this as I started packing more food on the go.  In order to help myself (and maybe you as well), I’ve decided to make a list of those foods and some substitutions that might be better for me.

 

Empty Food for Jamie- Dried Fruit

Although dried fruits can pack a lot of fiber and antioxidants and other vitamins, they also pack a lot of sugar and I cannot EVER stop at just one serving. Kind of like candy for me.

A possible substitute: Fresh fruit done in a more creative way like frozen grapes and mango, or a mixture of freeze dried fruit (less nutrition but less calories and sugar) mixed in with yogurt. Fiberful fruit leathers from Trader Joe’s with less sugar and more fiber.

 

 

Empty Food for Jamie- Pretzels and Crackers

Whole grain, full of seeds, whatever…they still don’t fill me up. And they just make me want cheese.

A possible substitute: For crunch and portability, maybe raw veggie sticks with laughing cow cheese? Pistachio nuts, edamame?

 

Empty Food for Jamie – BARS

Lara, Luna, Clif, Power, Thin Thin, Pure Protein, granola bar, oat bar, fiber bar, you name it, it’s not satisfying to me in the long run. I do sometimes keep them in my bag though for emergencies.

A possible substitute: Actual oatmeal? Any other ideas?

 

Empty Food for Jamie- Cold Cereal

I could eat multiple bowls of cold cereal and never feel full or satisfied. The lack of staying power just makes the calories not worth it.

Possible substitute: If I want a quick cold breakfast I’ll put cereal on top of yogurt with fresh fruit. Otherwise I prefer something like pancakes or eggs to keep me satisfied all morning.

 

 

What healthy foods are empty calories for you?

Any good subs for snack/protein bars?

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Shovel Pump

I was bummed to find out this morning that we didn’t have a school closing our delay despite the rapidly accumulating snow outside my window.

 

I was even more bummed as I white-knuckled it all the way there. I don’t think I took a breath until I pulled into the unplowed parking lot. I couldn’t believe how bad the roads were. But, I made it.

 

Fortunately, around 10am the school decided they would send the kids home early.

 

My original workout plan for today was to run 5 miles outside, but it doesn’t look like that is happening.

So I’m about to take on a different workout. Can you guess what it is?

I think they should create a new class at the gym. An outdoor one where we shovel the gym parking lot. It could be called Shovel Pump. Seriously, this is such a workout!

 

If the snow continues to be stopped for a while I miiiiight go to the gym for a little workout too.

 

But then again I might just opt for hot cocoa on the couch. Tough choice.

 

Do you have snow where you are?

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LOVE-ly

Good evening peeps! (do people still say "peeps"?)

It was another good day at school. I’m slowly but surely I’m getting the lay of the land.

 

Today the kids had a fun time trying to understand how I could look so young and be married. I swear. LOVE THEM.

(gratuitous wedding photo)

 

After school I went to try a class at my gym’s other location. It was 40 minutes of treadmill trekking (high incline running and then high speed sprints mixed with some other plyo stuff) and then 15 minutes of circuits (planks, squats, etc)

 

The instructor is a maniac, but it was GREAT and one of the hardest workouts I’ve had in a long time.  He told me after class that I was a great runner. LOVE HIM.

When I got home I made a quick but hearty dinner.

I marinated some bone-in pork chops in dijon mustard, honey, a splash of cider vinegar, salt, pepper and a bit of garlic powder. Then I broiled them for about 8-10 min on each side.

 

I served these with some quick mashed potatoes (cut them small and it goes quickly), I smashed them with a little bit of margarine and a few tablespoons of light sour cream.

Roasted broccoli that was leftover completed the plate. LOVED THIS MEAL.

 

And the icing on the cake?

Flowers from the husband. LOVE THEM!! LOVE HIM!

What did you LOVE about today?

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