Things I'm Loving (October Edition)

Here we are again with odds and ends that I've used over and over again and love in October. I can't believe it's already been a month since my last post. But go check it out if you haven't already! 

OK, let's get started.

Things I'm Loving (September Edition)

So I've decided to introduce a new idea to the blog: monthly loves. 

I plan to add all types of new things I've tried and like for the given month.

No, I didn't invent the idea. I know. But I figured it would be a nice change from marathon training updates, hair updates, and fitness stuff. 

Plus, it helps me stick to my budget. There's always tons of non-necessity things that I want to buy every time I go to the supermarket. Limiting myself to a few new things a month will keep me in check....hopefully.

September's edition starts with FOOD!

When I was in Spain I had been CRAVING this like crazy! I wanted some cashew butter as well but haven't found it yet. I need to locate a Whole Foods near where I live because Trader Joe's (at least the one near me) only has almond butter and peanut butter (yucky!). 

 

These have to be the sweetest and softest raisins I have ever eaten in my life. I think it's because it doesn't have vegetable oil added to it. If you notice, most raisins have it because it makes them shiny and so they don't stick together in the package. These don't!

I love shredded wheat! This stuff is great and I've tried the other two flavors in my grocery store (cinnamon and vanilla). As you all know Kashi is great when it comes to all-natural ingredients. This cereal has only whole wheat and cane sugar in it. This is my power breakfast when I add some fruit and nuts.

These are SO delicious! They are easy, portable, sweet potato patties! It hits the spot when I want something sweet and still want to be healthy. There's only 8g of sugar per patty. I usually eat about two.

This is some dense bread. I only need to eat one piece to get full. Each slice is only 100 calories (not that I count calories) and is nice and thick. When I have lunch I like to have salty and sweet. So I cut a slice in half. The first half I spread with almond butter, sprinkle with some raisins and a drizzle of honey. The second half I eat with some cheese, and non fat turkey slices. Or, like today, with one of my veggie hotdogs (see below).

Here's a close up of this delish bread. I'm a bit nervous about the salt content so I'll probably try something else when it runs out.

This was my try veggie meat experiement. I've tried sausages before (don't remember the brand) and they were delicious. These smell horrible. Like chemicals. However, I got past the scent and tried them and they aren't bad. I'd buy them again. They are really chewy but taste faintly like smoked meat. These are small so if you want to make it a meal you'd have to eat two and a side dish!

I had to get my tea fix! I LOVE tea! I don't discriminate: I love white, black and green tea. I prefer loose tea but these tea bags aren't bad. It tastes fresh and like authentic green tea. I've been drinking it three times a day since I got it!

That's it. I've also been enjoying some old favorites like cottage cheese (non fat of course!), apple cider (I love the fall!) and greek yogurt (also non fat). I also found a wonderful farmer's market not too far from where I live. It sells wonderful, fresh fruit and veggies as well as nuts and plants. The next time I go I give a tour for the blog. But I'm loving it! I wonder what's in store for next month...

Oops! Almost forgot! Pecans we got from the friendly, local, farmer's market! They are nice and freshly picked tasting. Gotta love the farmer's market.
 

Weekly Recipe: Coconut Brown Rice and Curried Vegetables with Lentils

Coconut Brown Rice and Curried Vegetables with Lentils

1 bottle lentils
2 cups mixed frozen veggies
2 cloves garlic
1 small onion
1 can lite coconut milk
3/4 cup water
1 cup brown rice (regular or jasmine)
2 handfuls raisins
1-2 Tbsp. curry powder
1 Tbsp. sesame oil
salt
pepper
oregano

Put water and coconut milk in a pot and bring to a boil. Add rice and then lower to simmer until liquid evaporates. Meanwhile, add oil, garlic, onion and spices to pan and saute until fragrant. Add frozen veggies and cook until almost done. Then add lentils, raisins, and adjust seasonings. Simmer until rice is done, add rice, stir and serve.

This is another highly versatile recipe. Add any veggies you like. I think it would have been delicious with some red pepper and maybe a bit of spice like chili peppers. I used normal brown rice for this dish and it was delicious! So experiment and enjoy!

Daily Fitness Tip: Eat 4 Energy -- Pre-run snacks

What is important to me in a pre-run snack?

1. Quick energy
2. Something light on the stomach

There is so much information out there on the "best" things to eat before a run that you have to find what works for you. I, personally, don't like to eat much before a run. I prefer to replenish my energy stores post-run (that topic will be explained in a post coming soon).

Before running, I usually reach for:

• Almonds 
• Raisins 
• Fruit 
• Non-fat yogurt (no added sugar)
• An energy gel (NutriSport Gel)

If I'm doing a short run (30-45 minutes) I will even run on an empty stomach. (I don't recommend this!) However, I do try to munch something light before a long run. I've only tried taking an energy gel once, but I plan to buy more. I like how my body reacted to it.

Whatever you do here's 2 important factors to keep in mind when eating and exercising:

• Don't exercise more than 2-3 hours after eating-- your body needs to be fuelled so that your exercise is productive. 
• After your snack, wait 1-1.5 hours before exercising

Either way you need energy before running or performing any kind of exercise. If you are like me, and don't like to have a lot on your stomach, try the above snacks. I also think fruit juice is an honorable mention for quick energy.

Just remember you need some carbs, protein and fat. For me, it's not incredibly important if I'm not exercising for an extended period of time.

Some people like:

• Peanut butter (I hate it!) on bagels 
• Oatmeal (add some flaxseeds to it!)
• Chocolate milk (I prefer this post run)
• Bananas
• ....the list goes on! 

You have to experiment and do what works for you and only you.

The next "Eat 4 Energy" will detail post-run snacks.

If this helped you leave a comment and let me know how it goes.

I hope you enjoyed your Daily Fitness Tip and will add it to your Recipe for Health