4 mile high and QSC Casserole

Hey guys!

Taking a break from studying and getting out a bit this afternoon was just what the doctor ordered. I feel like a new woman!

Around 4 I went to the gym with low expectations for what I would be able to accomplish with my tailbone pain. I hopped on the treadmill to test things out, and although I felt tightness, I felt no pain.

I ran at about a 10 min/mile pace for the first mile (my first mile in 2011) and the rush of running felt so good, I thought I might cry (i might be a tad hormonal). But honestly, it was an incredible feeling.

Even though I was inside, I pictured myself running the streets of Philly during my half marathon. I know, I’m a weirdo, but whatever gets you through, right?

Four miles went by really fast, and I was even able to pick up the pace quite a bit after the first mile and a half.

Now on to fuel…

Tonight for dinner I was feeling adventurous.  Earlier this week I saw this casserole on Meghann’s blog, and thought I would try something similar and incorporate some other leftovers I had in the house.

Quinoa Squash Cauliflower (QSC) Casserole – serves 3-4

I first started by cooking 1/2 cup of quinoa in 1 cup of chicken stock

Once it was done, I mixed it with the rest of the spaghetti squash I had in the fridge, and 2 Garlic and Herb laughing cow wedges.

I pressed this all into the baking dish and put it in the oven for about 6-7 minutes on 400.

After that, I topped the quinoa “crust” with some roasted cauliflower, and covered the whole thing in 2% milk shredded cheese and a sprinkle of parmesan.

Bake in the oven for 15 min on 350 until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

And there you have it! A delicious casserole that was super easy (and cheesy)

I served mine with 1/2 a whole grain roll, and some cucumber for a little crunch.

Did you get in a workout today? If so, whaddya do?

Any favorite casserole recipes to share? Go ahead, link away!

Read Full Post »

Yoga feels good

I’m pretty sore from bootcamp yesterday, so I ruled out a workout for today.

 

But since I’ve been sitting at the computer doing work all day, I knew I wanted to do something to at least move around a little. I decided to check out the Yoga on Exercise TV.

 

There was one called Yoga on the Edge that I really liked, but it was only 15 minutes. So afterwards, I put on a meditation video which was just images and music. I stretched and did my own thing for another 15 minutes.

Just breathing out the stress, and breathing in new, fresh, positive air.

Ohmmmmmmmmm…….

 

I’m no yogi, but I was pleased with my made up yoga practice.

 

Lunch was a leftover turkey burger and some sprouts. A chobani strawberry on the side for sweetness.

In other news, I need to pick a new winner for my giveaway since I can’t ship overseas. Sorry Jessy!

 

The new winner is:

Congrats!

 

Are you a fan of yoga?

How about meditation?

Read Full Post »

Random

Whew! I finally got some stuff done and checked off the list.

Including a shower. I feel much better now.

I headed to the gym around 5 to do a light cardio workout. I’m not doing anything major leading up the race, but I want to stay loose.

 

I did 25 min on the elliptical, and then ran an easy 10:30/min mile on the treadmill.

 

OH MY GOD. I haaaate the treadmill! It is the worst! I don’t know how you guys run on that thing. I only planned to run a mile, and when it was over, I was so happy to get off.

 

Afterwards I hit up Walmart for shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. I’m running low on all 3 and have guests coming this weekend.

 

Here’s what I left the store with:

Woops.

 

It is so random, but there is some method to my madness.

 

Hmm..actually I have no explanation for this. I’m known for buying random gum. (and then eating it all within 2 days)

 

Finally saw one of the polka dotted flavors of Larabar. And it was only 98 cents. I think I might eat this on race day.

I’m making a recipe with this. Probably tomorrow. Stay tuned.

A layered candle. Hazelnut Creme, Fresh Baked Muffins, and Chocolate Pound Cake. Yum. Sounds like something Jessica would make. I’ll settle for the wax version.

Dinner was not that random. Leftover tacos repurposed into a salad.

Time to go finish up a few more to-do’s. See ya tomorrow!

 

Is it hard for you to shop at Target/Walmart type stores and NOT end up buying things you don’t need?

What random things have you purchased lately?

How do you feel about the treadmill?

Read Full Post »

Ask me Anything – Part #1

WooHoo! I got out of class early and I couldn’t be happier!

 

Dinner was simple. I defrosted some of my good chicken soup and paired it with a grilled cheese on a sandwich thin and some pickles. Freezing batches of chili and soup are such a great way to always have a warm healthy dinner in a pinch.

So I haven’t received all that many questions on my Ask Me Anything Page but I figured I would answer the few that I got.

 

Remember that these are anonymous so i don’t know who is asking them. If there is ever anything you want to know- please feel free to ask me. I’ll make sure to answer them on the blog in a future post.

And as always, you can always email me at FoodIRL@gmail.com.

 

Q1.What are you in school for?

Right now I am pursuing my Masters degree in elementary education. When I graduate in the spring I will be certified to teach K-6 in Pennsylvania. My undergrad degree is in Marketing and International business and I worked in marketing for 6 years. Although I enjoyed my time in the field, I felt that my call to teaching was greater. I think that teaching kids how to read, write, and love learning is an amazing thing. I know that it is what I’m meant to do.

Q2: What are some goals you have for yourself in 5 years? Or 10 years?

Let’s see. In 5 years I hope to be a mom. I’d actually love to have two kids by that time but I’ll leave that up to the universe to decide. Since I am in school to become a teacher, I also hope that in 5-10 years I have secured a great teaching position in an elementary school.  Another long term goal I have is to run a marathon.

Q3: What hair products do you use? You’ve got some shiny hair

Why thank you! I am currently using some crappy Garnier shampoo and conditioner, but I do alternate between brands a lot. I usually go to Ulta and see what salon brand is on clearance and buy that.

As far as styling, I use Phyto’s Phytodefrisant Botanical Hair Relaxing Balm before I blow dry.

 

After I blow dry I spray Tresseme Heat Tamer Protective Spray on my hair:

Then I use a CHI 1 inch straightener. Best deal is at Folica.com

Finally, I use Alterna Caviar Serum after I straighten to smooth flyaways and add shine. My cousin is a hairdresser and she got this for me. It’s a little expensive but lasts a really long time.

 

Well I guess that’s a wrap for round 1.

 

Get your questions in and I’ll answer ‘em!

 

Have a great night!

 

Your turn!

What are some of your long term life goals?

What hair products do YOU use?

Read Full Post »

Sink In

Usually when I’m running I try and tell myself to "Sink In" to my pace. What that means is that I just need to relax, and settle into a comfortable pace. This helps me to focus less on how fast I’m going and to be more aware of how I’m feeling.

 

HOWEVER, I’ve been having a little trouble with that lately. I am starting to run a little faster and I like the way the pace feels, but I can’t completely sink in.

I used to look down at my Garmin and always see 10:19 or 10:08 no matter how fast or slow I thought I was running. Now I’m a little all over the place. Today I ended up walking .5 of my 5 mile run because I got a little winded and needed to walk.

Mile 1- 9:06/mi

Mile 2- 9:23/mi

Mile 3- 9:51/mi

Mile 4- 9:33/mi

Mile 4.5-9:17m

I think being in-between paces is like losing weight and being in between sizes. It’s a good thing..but it’s a little annoying.

I also might just be overthinking it. I think having a Garmin can contribute to that.

 

Speaking of sinking in..I sunk my teeth into a delicious lunch today.

I reheated some kabocha squash and doctored it up with balsamic glaze and goat cheese.

I also had an apple that I smeared with a new creation.

Cinnamon Maple Peanut Spread

15 grams or 1/8 cup of peanut flour

1-2 tbsp of almond milk

squirt of maple syrup

dash of cinnamon

The spread is only 2 grams of fat and has 8 grams of protein. And it tastes great!

 

For a snack in class tonight I’m going to grab a handful of these

Roasted Kabocha squash seeds with kosher salt. Good stuff!

 

Do you have any running mantras?

Do you use a Garmin, and if so, has the overthinking ever gotten to you?

Do you like roasted squash/pumpkin seeds?

Read Full Post »

Dirty Chili and a Jar of Juice

When I wrote my first post on this blog I told you that there were some things that I just wouldn’t do. Here’s #6 on that list.

 

6.) Create pretty meals even if it meant running late, eating too much, going insane

 

Tonight I will certainly be following through.

And now, without further ado, I present you:

Dirty chili

And a jar of juice

The chili was from the freezer, leftovers of my turkey chili recipe. You can find the recipe here.

 

When I reheated my chili, it splattered all over the bowl as it often does. As much as I wanted to clean it for you, I was just too tired. I plopped some greek yogurt on top, a splash of hot sauce, a few raw onions, and that was that.

The jar of juice was created earlier today when I needed a small bottle for water to bring on my run. I dumped out a little bottle of lite cranberry in the closest container I could grab (this mason jar). It was ice cold and ready for drinking with dinner.

 

Juice in a jar- has a ring to it, doesn’t it?

 

Was your dinner ugly or pretty?

Read Full Post »

Like the wind

I know I talk a lot about how running helped me to overcome my binge eating. I’ve mentioned that it has helped me to understand what my body needs for fuel and to become more in tune with my body.

 

Yesterday I noted how I was extra hungry, and I was! I ate a lot of food during meals and when snacking. At first I felt a little nervous about it, but I knew that the eating wasn’t emotional and that I really did need extra food. My body was telling me that it needed to refuel.

 

And since yesterday my appetite has stabilized. Just because I ate a lot yesterday doesn’t mean I’ve all of a sudden turned into an insatiable food monster. 

source

But maybe if I wasn’t listening and instead tried to stifle my body’s messages, I would have reached a point where I couldn’t stop.

 

Today when I went running I felt strong, well fueled, light, and powerful. I had my fastest 5 miler since I started training and for the first time ever, all of my miles were under 10 minutes.

Distance: 5 miles Time: 47:25

Mile 1- 9:24/mi

Mile 2- 9:43/mi

Mile 3- 9:50/mi

Mile 4- 9:23/mi

Mile 5- 9:03/mi (WOAH!)

 

Just a while ago I lunched on some leftovers. Stirfry from last night with some tofu added into the mix and an orange.

(yes i really did use the chopsticks)

 

In what ways do you listen to your body’s signals?

Do you have days where you are more hungry than others? How does it make you feel? How do you handle it?

Read Full Post »

Squash-o-rama

Ok so no one really guessed what the alien vegetable was, but since she at least got the right category (squash) I’ll give the promotion to my girl Katie over at Faith, Food & Fitness!

I’m more than happy to promote her blog anyway because she is a wonderful source of positive energy, good eats, fun, and spiritual reflection.

 

So the mystery veggie was actually a Buttercup Squash! My father in law bought it thinking he had gotten ButterNUT squash, only to be surprised when these things popped up in the garden.

I cut the thing open, topped with some olive oil and salt, and roasted at 425 for about 30-40 min.

Thank you SO MUCH to all the smart bloggers that said it is okay to roast with the skin on, and eat the skin of winter squash. This made the cutting process so much easier and it tastes really good, I swear!

 

This squash isn’t as sweet as butternut, but creamier and sweeter than an acorn.

(Is she stillllllllllll talking about squash???!!)

I ate it along side of quinoa, green beans, and some boiled potatoes from the chicken soup I made.

Now I’m off to relax. I was trying to watch Real Housewives of DC, but seriously, this season sucks!

I’d rather watch a show about squash.

Read Full Post »

That’s a wrap

Yep. it is.

Two wraps actually.

With goat cheese on top. (chicken, quinoa and squash inside)

 

I’m sure you’re starting to notice how I repurpose ingredients a lot. I think it’s a great strategy and an easy way to make healthy meals with little planning.

 

Speaking of ingredients, here’s a mystery ingredient that came from my father in laws garden.

The first person to name it will get a shameless blog promotion!!!  And…if you don’t have a blog, I will promote a link to one of your other favorite blogs or websites (keep it clean, folks).

 

Ready, Set, Guess!

Read Full Post »

Blinded with Science

I’m currently waist deep in papers studying for a science test this evening.

So lunch was quick and easy.

I made another layered bowl of stuff.

Roasted broccoli, quinoa, chicken (extra from the chicken soup I made and didn’t need), roasted green beans, zucchini and squash, and black bean and roasted corn salsa from Trader Joe’s.

After this was a Tootsie Pop or two. They are a studying girl’s best friend.

See ya later, wish me luck!

Read Full Post »