Get Real or Go Home.

Verse of the Day

“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

- Ephesians 2:10

Sometimes on the blog, I fear getting too personal will skew someone’s perception of me.  Other times, I just feel like getting REAL with the readers just makes me human.  They can relate to that.  Not everything is always perfect in my life, as I’m sure it isn’t in yours either.  Even if it is, bear with me while I vent, please.  I’ll be here for you to vent to too, if you need it.

You wouldn’t think starting out the day with a breakfast like this would be setting you up for anything less than perfection, right?

Overnight oats: 1/3 C. old-fashioned oats, 1/2 tbsp. chia seeds, 1/3 C. unsweet almond milk, splash vanilla extract, Organic Zero, & sliced banana

Topped off with a dollop of Chobani mixed with 1 tbsp. sugar-free Log Cabin & cinnamon.

This was deeelicious.  Like a chilled version of bananas foster or banana bread pudding?  I was sure after eating this that it would be a good day.

Then lunch came along around 12PM and gave me some REAL reassurance!

Spinach salad with cherry tomatoes, sliced baby bell peppers, baby carrots and Better N’ Peanut Butter for dippage,

HealthValley Organic Vegetarian Chili Black Bean Mole for protein, and apple fruit crisps for dessert!

The chili is absolutely fabulous.  Don’t be freaked out by the coffee-and-cocoa thing…I read about it in Hungry Girl and had complete confidence in Lisa’s taste Great stats, too!

Sorry for the shotty lighting! In the tin foil, I wrapped up

1 La Tortilla Factory Low Carb High Fiber WW wrap with 1 tbsp. apricot Polaner + fiber & a Sonoma Jack’s cheese wedge.

Work was busy, but not unbearable, as I got to study a bit for my final, which I was totally thankful for.  First final in 4 years!   Surprisingly, I felt prepared and ready.

I saved my fruit crisps for snackage with a packed string cheese, and then I marched into the gym on campus around 4:10PM with my head held high feeling confident and equipped to tackle a nice cardio workout before my final.  All I got in was about 40 minutes of cardio on the Cross Ramp before showering & leaving to study a bit before the exam.  Just enough to get the blood pumpin’!

 The exam went REALLY well….I’ll post my final grades.  Afterward, my family had plans to go to a Senator’s Baseball game, but since the rain ruined those plans, we went out to dinner together in celebration of the end of class and my sister’s birthday (which is actually Saturday!)  To Arooga’s, we went!

Our “surrogate” mom, Hainey, me, and Momma FF

Seester FF & “surrogate dad”, Todd

My uncle (who got CARDED when he ordered a Captain & Coke!) and cousin.

Appetizers were ordered including

MARYLAND STYLE CRAB DIP: Our special blend of cream cheese, Old Bay and crab topped with Monterey Jack cheese then baked in a homemade bread bowl.

and the BUFFALO CHICKEN QUESADILLA: Our mild wing sauce with melted bleu cheese crumbles and chicken grilled in a flour tortilla. Served with a side of bleu cheese.

   I wasn’t very hungry though, so these didn’t even look appetizing.   Instead, I ordered something light for my entree:

Enter: Veggie Platter with salsa instead of ranch and shrimpie cocktail.

I ended up taking 1/2 the shrimp home and all the celery, but ate everything else.

As happy as I should’ve been after successfully completing my class, going out with family and friends, and having some great food, I wasn’t.  It’s a constant battle for me to feel significance…I guess its because I’m always made to feel like an inconvenience…to my Dad at least… Why is it that we CONSTANTLY seek the approval of the ONE person who refuses to give it to us?  I thought just MAYBE he would be proud of something…anything…that I’ve been doing…but even good grades, good health, good jobs, and a fake smile can’t earn it.  Pretty sure that’s why my appetite was “off” at dinner.  I can’t eat when I feel so trivial.  I’m not writing for a pity party, I just need it to get offf my chest…or have someone who can relate give advice? 

Love you all.  Somedays your sweet comments are the only things keeping my chin up, so thank you! 

Let’s end on a positive note, shall we?  Not only is Katie having an organic chocolate giveaway, butttt we have a WINNER of the CRAYOLA giveaway!

Congrats Julie!  Please email me your mailing address at freckledfoodielove@gmail.com

 

Happy Friday.

XO.

 

It Wasn’t Sunday, But I Had One For Breakfast :)

“I was sure by now
God You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away, stepped in and saved the day
But once again, I say “Amen”, and it’s still raining
As the thunder rolls,
I barely hear Your whisper through the rain
“I’m with you”
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives and takes away
And I’ll praise You in this storm, And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are, No matter where I am
And every tear I’ve cried, You hold in Your hand
You never left my side, And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm”

Do you find it difficult to praise God and thank Him for what He’s given us even when things aren’t so pleasant?  I know I do!  I was listening to this Casting Crowns song on my way to work this morning and couldn’t help but share it. 

Breakfast, however, I will NOT be sharing.  I think I scarfed it up in about 2 minutes flat.  Who says sundaes are only for dessert!?

Chocolate Peanut Butter Arctic Zero “frozen dessert” with heated mashed banana ontop

The warm, sweet banana gently melted away at the fudge-like peanut buttery ice cream and it tasted just as decadent as it looks.

 I love that I can down a pint of this Arctic Zero for just 150 calories, 0g fat, and 16g of whey protein!  Combine it with the mushy naner and you’ve got a nice combo of protein & carbs to start your day off right.

Lunch & Dinner (part 1) were of the packed nature.  Since I had class (and my exam!) from 6-8, with a workout in between, I knew I’d want something to tide me over until I got home. 

Spinach salads with sliced red, orange, & yellow pepper, cherry tomatoes, carrots, and cukes.  Topped with chickpeas & drizzled with Balsamic Vinegar.

Twin hugh jasses.

You know what they say!  Pair it with a carb, right, Holly? 

1 La Tortilla Factory Whole Wheat High Fiber Low Carb wrap spread with Sonoma Jack’s Pepperjack Cheese & Apricot SF Jam + Fiber

Anddd to eat with dinner’s salad I this beaut was packed up:

1 Lite Whole Grain High Fiber Thomas English Muffin sprayed twice with ICBINB spray + sprinkled with cinnamon & organic zero.

The ladies at work get a kick out of the fact that I bring my HUGE salads to work in old cookie dough containers…I can’t help it they’re the biggest ones I have!

After work, I hit the gym, like most other Monday’s.

• 35 minutes Cross Ramp (various intervals)
• Planks
• Pushups
• 5 minutes vigorous biking
• 5 minutes quick sprint on the dreadmill
• 10 minutes extra on the Cross Ramp

I made it a quickie since I wanted to get some extra study time in before the big exam.  This week is going to be NUTS.  An exam & a final in a matter of 3 days.

When I got home, I packed up lunch & dinner for the next day, uploaded pictures, and made myself a delicious Vanilla CHAI SmoothieInABowl.

1 scant scoop Vanilla Chai AM, 1/2 c. unsweet almond milk, palm full of frozen spinach, 1 frozen banana, + water

to enjoy while watching the Bachelor Pad.

[source]

Unpictured eats!

• Sun-Flax Love Force Vegan Bread Slice
• Baby Carrots
• Tomato-Basil La Tortilla Factory wrap dunked in Tribe Hummus

Soooo you wanna know who won the AMAZING GRASS GIVEAWAY?!?

Let’s have a looksie

Natalie of A Hint Of Cinnamon!  Congratulations, girl!  Make sure to send me an email with your full mailing address so I can forward the info to Teri to get you your FANTASTIC prize!

Two Question Tuesday:

1. Do you ever struggle with giving God the glory even when you’re going through rough times?  How do you snap yourself back into realizing all the positive instead of focusing on the negative??
   
2. Did you watch the Bachelor Pad last night?! What did you think?!

3. SPEAKING of Bachelor PAD, my girl Danica (who I always chat with about the shows) is having an AWESOME Sam’s Club Membership giveaway along with $25 from MyBlogSpark!  Make sure you enter!

XOXO.

Friday Muscle Movement!

Verse of the Day:

“All your words are true; all your righteous laws are eternal.”

- Psalm 119:160

Breakfast may look a touch on the bland side, but I can assure you, it was anything but.

1/3 C. oats, banana soft serve, 1 tbsp. Naturally More, and a dollop of Calorie Free Walden Farms Chocolate Dip.

I ended up being on-the-run, yet again and ate in my car on the way to work.  I actually had to scoop it out of the tupperware with my fingers. HA. It was SO good, though.

It may not look appetizing, but when you think about it, it’s got gold mine written all over it!  I mean seriously…banana, chocolate & peanut butter??  How can you go wrong??  Cool, creamy, and refreshing.

My boss brought in some cherry tomatoes from the mini garden that she got while we were shopping together at the Farmer’s Market.  Hers is thriving, mine is dead…

I munched on them at my desk around 10:30AM. 

They were perfectly ripe and sweet!  I love how cherry tomatoes “explode” in your mouth like little bursts of flavor.  Almost like nature’s gushers.

Then I had a photoshoot after reading about the Muscle Movement!  These girls inspired me by their five pound muscle gain to show you all what I’m workin’ on at the gym alllll the time!  Haha. 

Everyone was on break so I had no fear of being embarassed by a co-worker walking over and enjoying the GUNSHOW

And STRONG legs.

Around 12PM, I dove into my lunchbox for some real grub.

Spinach salad with sliced mini bell peppers, snap peas, tomatoes, & balsamic vinegar

For the sandwich, I made some healthy chicken salad and put it over spinach on my whole wheat bread. 

• 1/2 can Swanson 97% fat free canned chicken
• 1 tbsp. salsa
• 2 tsp. mustard

After work, I ate my pre-workout fuel aka a peanut buttah & apple sandweech.  ‘Twas another day of work, gym, & class.

Naturally More & a 1/2 sliced gala on whole wheat

The workout was pretty epic.  Okay, I lie.  It was the same old.  But it felt great!

• 40 minutes on the Cross Ramp (avg. HR: 149)
• 2 sets of 1:30 planks
• 2 sets of 25 in-and-outs
• 1 set of 20 pushups
• 7 minutes dreadmill
• 2 sets of 10 hip adductors
• 10 more minutes on the Cross Ramp

I showered up and headed to the car where I had this post workout, pre-class group of goods

The rest of the apple which wouldn’t fit into the sandwich, some steamed veggies sprinkled with nooch & dolloped with salsa.

Oh yeah, and for some protein, Chobs saved the day yet again, unfortunately there’s no picture credit.  FYI, it was strawberry flavored.  You’ve got the visual

I had some more steamed cauliflower & broccoli while packing my lunch for the next day, complete with mustard topping.

During class, it was announced that everything had to be moved 1 day ahead of schedule because our professor wants to have a “review day” before the final.  I can’t believe my first “back to school” class is over next Thursday!  We’ve got a big exam Monday, review day Tuesday, and our final on Thursday! AhH!

When I got home, I figured some ice cream was in order.  Arctic Zero Peanut Butter Chocolate to be exact.    Hooray for 16g of whey protein, and 0g fat in this stuff! 

For dessert numero dos, I had a Goodernoob, which I received in the mail yesterday!  Only 30 calories per piece and GREAT ingredients!  Dates being the base, it taste sweet and decadent, just like candy!

Perfect Peanut Butter

Post dessert, some friends of ours game over and we watched “It’s Complicated” OnDemand.  I saw this movie in theatres when it first came out, but it was just as funny the 2nd time around!

Sleep came easy at around 10:30PM! 

HAPPY FRIDAY, BLOGGIES!

Don’t forget about my Crayola & Amazing Grass Giveaways!  Winners will be chosen at the beginning of next week!

1.  What’s your favorite breakfast on the run from home?  I like greek yogurt, breakfast cookies, or protein shakes!

2.  What’s one movie that you could watch over and over again? I used to be able to watch Mrs. Doubtfire on repeat when I was little!  Now adays, I’d say How To Lose a Guy in 10 Days, 7 Pounds, 12 Rounds, and The Last Song.

XOXO.

 

Will You Accept This Rose?

Verse of the Day:

“But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”

- 1 Samuel 16:7

Breakfast was a little less than epic, but it did the trick.  Things were crazy in the morning, and I was lacking any time to prepare a meal more well-rounded than this one.

1 blueberry Chobani & Fiber Select bran cereal

Chobs, you a life saver.

On the way to work, I heard a great song by Barlow Girl that made me think of Caitlin’s Operation Beautiful.  It’s called “Mirror“.  Here are a few lines from the song:

Mirror, Mirror on the wall, Have I got it?
‘Cause Mirror you’ve always told me who I am
I’m finding it’s not easy to be perfect
So sorry you won’t define me
Sorry you don’t own me
 

Who are you to tell me
That I’m less than what I should be?
Who are you? Who are you?
I don’t need to listen
To the list of things I should do
I won’t try, I won’t try

Anyway, it’s got a good beat.

At about 12ish, I dove into the lunchbox.

Fantastic Foods Falafel, cucumber slices, mini peppers (I went to Costco this weekend!), and Bolani Basil Pesto + Cedar’s Cucumber & Garlic Tzatziki dip.

Don’t let this photo fool you.  There were three falafel balls (which I baked instead of fried), but I forgot to take the photo before consuming two. 

 I had an enjoyable time creating these little cucumber falafel sandwiches with the dipping sauces

After work, I was PUMPED to hit the gym after an entire weekend off (with the exception of a little bit of biking on Sunday).

Beforehand, I had a gala apple for some fuel.

[yes, this is a repeat photo, but it looks the same errryytime]

Theeennnn I did this beastly workout:

• 40 minutes Cross Ramp (various intervals)
• 3 sets of 12 hanging obliques
• 10 minutes on the treadmill (sprint intervals)
• 3 sets of 1 minute planks
• 3 sets of 20 in-and-outs
• 5 more minutes Cross Ramp (high speed-high incline)

I looked like a sweaty mess afterward…but that’s the point, right?  Besides, the cardio flew by with this absurd movie playing on my ipod.

[source]

Seriously, ridiculous.

Post workout, I showered up and had a nice little dinner in my car, comprised of the exact same thing I had for lunch.  Boring? Yes. True? Also, yes.

When you’re limited on time, you do whatcha gotta do.  At 6PM I had class, and when I got home around 8:30, it was apparent that I had not refueled properly.  I nearly attacked the refrigerator for summa this:

Fiber Select bran cereal over a Strawberry Chobani

Always hits the spot.

Then I munched on some turkey slices while I packed my lunch/dinner for the next day.

Next on the agenda, GIRLS’ NIGHT

& BACHELORETTE SEASON FINALE.

young and old took part in the festivities

Fat free pineapple angelfood cake with fat free cool whip & sugar free jello covered fruit (strawberries & pineapples)

I was truly not hungry in the slightest due to the Chobani & turkey feast before leaving for my Aunt’s, but I made room for a little but of fruit! 

We were all gunning for Chris, but I think we were all “okay” with either option.  This was the first time in a long time that we actually liked both of the remaining contestants.  I think our hearts were with Chris because of his situation, but we loved Roberto too.

[source]

Congrats to the happy couple

And then, there was bedtime…I think I made it there by about 11:30PM?  Not too shabby.  I LOVE full days like this after a seemingly unproductive weekend!

What about you? Do you enjoy an action-packed schedule, or would you rather have it more lax?

Don’t forget to enter to win yourself or your kids some Crayola goodies for back to school! Check out Elina’s giveaway of Siggi’s Yogurt, too!

 

XO.

 

Sweet Vs. Savory

Verse of the Day:

“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”

- Matthew 5:14,16

Sometimes I know exactly what I’m craving for breakfast.

Spinach Bolani with Cedar’s Cucumber Garlic Tzatziki (introduced to me by Julie!) with a greek yogurt bowl on the side topped with 1 tbsp. SF cherry preserves and 1 scant handful Fiber Bran cereal

Other days I walk to the fridge, open up the door, and stare into the abyss considering all my options:  sweet vs. savory being my main dilema. 

I can never decide…soooo I had a little bit of both.

Since lunch on weekdays is always eaten at my desk, I have a hard time packing for what I’m hungry for.  After all, I can’t anticipate what will sound good to me a whole 24 hours later!

1 Butterleaf salad (yes it’s under there!), diced veggies: yellow pepper, red pepper, orange pepper, cukes, snap peas, carrots, and tomatoes topped off with a 1/2 Helen’s Kitchen tofu steak

It’s like a rainbow in a dish!   I wasn’t totally impressed with the tofu steak (not too much flavor), but I was sent coupons to try some Helen’s products and this was one of three items that our store carried-the stats are pretty good too!…I’m gonna keep an eye out for the Chik’n Gardensteaks!  Anyone else have suggestions on what to try from Helen’s Kitchen?

Along with my salad, I had half of this container of Pumpkin Bolani, saving the rest for dinner between my workout & class.  The green stuff on the bottom was a scoop of Basil Pesto sauce from the company too!  Thanks so much to Saleem for hooking me up

After work I hit the gym.  On the car ride there, I munched on this incredibly sweet gala apple.

The workout had to be somewhat quick, since I wanted to get in a little extra study time for my exam. 

• Cross Ramp 35 min.-avg. HR 148
• 3 sets of 1 min. planks
• 3 sets of 25 in-and-outs
• 3 sets of twisting obliques
• 5 min. quick sprints on the dreadmill
• 5 min. quick uphill sprints on the Cross Ramp

Shower & studying were done after eating parts of dinner in my car, which was a plethora of roasted provisions

Okra, carrot & green bean fries with reduced sugar ketchup.  I roasted these babes in the oven, a la Kath.

Roasted stuffed peppers filled with Fantastic Foods refried beans, salsa, and fat free sour cream, along with a sliced mozarella cheese stick

Not sure how my exam went…I went into it fairly confident, but I’m nervous about the results!  There were a lot of things I was unsure of…I think I second guess myself tooo much.  Math does that to me!  I hate it..

When I got home, I began the unpacking/repacking process, yet again!  By this time, it was about 8PM, but my beau wanted to see me, so he came over and we watched Underdog together  

Before he got there, I made some Banana SS and had a snack of some Manna Bread (unpictured because my camera battery was exhausted).  Review to come!  I cannot wait.  It is DELICIOUS!  I tried 4 different flavors last night!

FREE FOR ALL FRIDAY!

Ask me anything

I’ve got a few for you all, first!

Sweet or savory?  Sweets for me!

What class made you nervous in school?  Definitely MATH for me.

XOXO.

Today I learned…

Verse of the Day:

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”

- Hebrews 12:1

…that it’s okay to have muffins for breakfast.  Especially when they’re the kind made with Nutrition First Blueberry muffin mix.

1 scoop Vanilla Chai Amazing Grass (NEW! review to come), 1 C. unsweetened Almond Breeze, frozen banana slices, and spinach.

…that Vanilla Chai Amazing Grass will forever hold a special place in my heart.

…that at 60 calories per muffin with 3.5g each of protein and fiber, you can afford to eat TWO for brekkie.

…that it’s probably smart to pack ample amounts of snacks when you’re going to be on the go most of the day…

6 Blueberry Nutrition First muffins with sugar free black raspberry jam

…that taking advantage of your ENTIRE lunch break to savor each packed piece of yumminess from your lunch is always a good thing.

1 Morningstar Farms California Turk’y Burger atope cukes, tomato, avocado, with some cauliflower, carrots, and corn on the side (blueberry muffin for lunch dessert)

…that fueling up between work and class is a good thing, especially when you’ve got a tough workout planned.

…it’s also okay for that fuel to be made with chocolate.

…it’s fun to show up all the guys in the gym with your fabulous workout.

• 30 minutes Cross Ramp various resistance/slopes
• 3 sets of 1 minute planks
• 10 minute intervals on the dreadmill
• 3 sets of 12 hanging obliques
• 10 more minutes on the dreadmill
• 3 sets of 25 “inandouts”
• 5 minute dreadmill cool down

…that the showers at the gym are not nearly as sanitary as I once thought.

…that it’s not as much fun eating edamame, green beans, and light string cheese when you’re forced to do it quickly in your car between showering and class.

…that after class all I want is my bed and I really should invest in a Tempur Pedic.

…that two green monsters in one day makes for a pretty great day.

1 scoop Vanilla Chai Amazing Grass, some frozen banana, spinach, and unsweet almond breeze

…that the folks at Starbucks and Barney Butter are Godsends.

…that the best way to end one’s night is slurping up almond butter straight from the packet while watching a bunch of toolbags on the “Men Tell All” episode of the Bachelorette.

…that I couldn’t possibly be any more blessed than I already am.

What did YOU learn today?

XOXO.

Pack, pack, & pack some more.

Verse of the Day:

“I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on your laws.”

- Psalm 119:30

Dessert Breakfast was, again, eaten before hitting the road for work around 7:30AM.  Behold, I give you Black Raspberry Vanilla Custard Overnight Oats.

1/3 C. old-fashioned oats soaked overnight in 1/3 C. soy milk, 1 tsp. chia seeds, a handful of frozen (and obviously thawed in the fridge) blackberries, and a tbsp. of SF vanilla Torani syrup.

This overnight oats mixture tasted JUST like raspberry custard.  It was creamy, doughy, and sweet. All the things breakfast SHOULD be.

Work was lame and I was itching for lunchtime to roll around so I could dig into my lunchbox.

1 crumbled Fantastic Foods Nature’s Burger over 1 bag of Shirtaki fetucchini noodles mixed with 1 melted Sonoma Jack’s cheese wedge and steamed carrots, mushrooms, and snap peas + salt, pepper, & minced garlic.

The textures all together were glorious!  I’m really loving the products that Fantastic Foods sent me for the review!  I can’t wait to try all the other goodies!  They’re SO easy to make, too!

After work, it was time to hit the gym on campus, just like Monday.  Gues my schedule has become fairly predictable?

Before getting my workout on, I ate this packed snack to fuel me up.

Another Fantastic Foods wonderful product, Tabouli Salad mix!  All I had to do was add boiling water and a tbsp. of olive oil!  I did dress it up a bit with some canned peas & sliced button mushrooms.  Also eaten before my workout was a white peach (which are my favorite!) that I picked up at the Farmer’s Market on the way there!  It was perfectly ripe and juicy!

WORKOUT:

• Cross Ramp – 45 minutes – various resistance & incline levels: 500 cals. burned
• Stationary Bike – 10 minutes – low resistance: 50 cals. burned
• Hanging obliques – 2 sets of 12
• Planks – 2 @ 1:30 each
• In-and-outs – 2 sets of 30
• Pushups – 1 quick set of 12
• Cross Ramp – 10 minutes – various resistance/incline – 100 cals. burned

Not too shabby for an hour & 15 min. worth, eh?

Shower & dinnertime in the car before class.

Steamed sugar snap peas, green beans, and carrots with strawberry Chobani on the side.

This held me pretty well until after class, but when I got home, I had one thing on the brain.

1 scoop Optimum Nutrition Mint Chocolate whey, 1/4 tsp. xanthan gum, 1/4 tsp. cocoa powder, 2 capfuls of SF vanilla Torani+ lots of ice

A big old bowl of chocolate protein ice cream.

I also made Poppa FF a strawberry banana smoothie!  I was surprised, he’s not usually one for trying my stuff!    I just used strawberry yogurt, milk, ice, 1 banana, and ice.  

My body was craving carbs or something from my workout because I had a bowl of Honey Nut Cheerios with Soy Milk (unpictured), a handful of black beans, and some fresh cut cantaloupe that I picked up at the Farmer’s Market too!

I spent the rest of the night (from about 9 PM-11PM) packing up goods for the next day, blogging, and facebooking.  My Dad and I spend a little time together, and he fell asleep in the chair in our living room!  He said he wouldn’t be able to sleep in the bed since my Mom wasn’t home!  How sweet is that?!

Thank you for all of your recommendations on new music for my workout playlist!    

Riddlemethis:

How about your favorite pre-workout snack?  What keeps you fueled?!  Share the goods!!   I’m not too picky, I usually try to pair a protein with a carb, since I read JB’s post about Body For Life tips.  Some of my faves are Larabars, Bonk Breakers, PB&J, or Banana & PB!

XOXO. 

Happy Hump Day!

 

 

Repeat Offender.

Verse of the Day:

“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.”

- 1 John 1:7

Breakfast was eaten before the commute to work at about 7:30AM.

1/3 C. old-fashioned oats cooked in 1/3 C. low-fat milk, 2/3 C. water, 1 tbsp. SF strawberry Torani syrup, and cinnamon.  Topped with 3 crushed Cinnamon Toast pretzel crisps, 1/2 tbsp. SF raspberry Polaner jelly and 1 tsp.  calorie free Walden Farms chocolate dip.  Oats were eaten alongside 1 maple flavored Morningstar Farm soy sausage patty.

 I’ve been downing iced coffees at work like it’s nobody’s business.

Campfire S’mores Caftea with SF vanilla Torani is like having breakfast dessert at my desk.  Nothing says summer like a good campfire s’more

Lately, I’ve been packing my lunches & parts of my dinner because Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday I’ve got class from 6-8PM.  I go straight from work to the gym on campus to get a nice workout in before class, shower using the facilities, recompose myself, and eat the lunchbox goods in the car before class.  I’m all about time efficiency.

Lunch was a TACO SALAD at about 12:15PM.

1/2 C. Fantastic Foods Vegetarian Taco Filling atop broccoli slaw with a dollop of each salsa & fat-free sour cream. A La Tortilla Factory whole wheat wrap on the side for whole grains.

This taco salad was delicious.  I actually scooped up some of the salad and made a burrito with my wrap!  Best idea I had all day

Between work & the gym, I had a Nature’s Path Pumpkin N’ Spice granola bar. 

(yes, this is a repeat photo from the weekend-I didn’t take another photo)

At the gym, I hogged the Cross Ramp for a good 40 minutes - the limit for cardio equipment is supposed to be 30 minutes, because there are only 2 treadmills, 3 Cross Ramps, 2 bikes, and 1 stair master, but no one was waiting, so I figured an extra 10 minutes wasn’t a biggie, right?  Average HR 155; calories burned: 480.  I declare “Never Back Down” the most motivational movie to watch while doing cardio.  Seriously, just check out the soundtrack.

[source]

Then again, it could’ve just been Sean Faris causing my heart rate to rise

[source]

After cardio, I hit the mat for two sets of 1 min.+ planks and 2 sets of 30 “in-and-outs”.  Then I used the hanging oblique machine for2 sets of 10 to each side.  I hate feeling so rushed during my workouts, but the time constraint is important if I want to make it to class ontime, UNsmelly

I ate this spread in my car before class for dinner (I KNOW, I know…protein repeat!):

Cucumbers and carrots sprinkled with Garlic Gold Sea Salt nuggets, 1 bag of steamfresh veggies (broccoli, edamame, water chesnuts, and carrots) topped with Vegetarian Taco Filling topped with a dollop of each salsa & ff sour cream.  For protein, I packed a 2 egg white puff topped with melted Finlandia swiss cheese.

Class has got me feeling on top of the world.  It’s so amazing how much more you appreciate learning when you haven’t been in a classroom for awhile.  Who would’ve ever thought they would miss SCHOOL so much? As I posted yesterday, I did pretty well on my first exam & hw!  My average in the class right now is a 95.

I quickly drove home, changed clothes, and went to my cousin’s house where girls’ night was being hosted, to watch the Bachelorette.  Frank is gone, incase you missed it.  He’s still in love with his ex.  He did things in a very respectable way, however, and I can’t bash him at all.

I had a plate of fruit while watching the show with banana slices, apple slices, watermelon, and strawberries, but my camera was at home, so here’s a Kath inspired photo. Ha.

When I got home, Momma FF had made a pit stop at the store upon my request and picked up these goodies for me! I was lacking dairy for the day, so I had a cup of Soy Milk & handful of Cinnamon Toast pretzel crisps before bed.  Thanks MOMMA!

Two Question Tuesday:

1.  Are you more of a coffee or tea person?  What’s your favorite brand?

2.  What are some good tunes for a cardio remix on the ipod?  I need to update my iTunes! 

Heads up on great Coconut Water giveaway over at Rosey Rebecca today!

XOXO.

Build Me Up, Buttercup.

Verse of the Day:

“For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority.”

- Colossians 2:9-10

What could possibly go wrong when you start your day off with a cali bowl filled with this

1/3 C. old-fashioned oats cooked in 1 C. water and 1 tsp. chia seeds (soaked in the fridge overnight), topped with 1 peach chobani + 1 tbsp. Better n’ Peanut Butter.

and music like this on the way to work.  I simply cannot think of a better way…other than adding a THANK YOU GOD FOR THE RAIN prayer to the mix.  Things were really getting dry around here!

Lunch at the office seems to come more quickly each day.  I think it could be because I’ve been amping up my breakfasts which have keeping me fuller longer, so I’m not sitting at my desk with my belly grumbling watching the minute hand on the clock for my lunch break to come around. 

1 La Tortilla Factory whole grain wrap stuffed with sliced veggies (spring mix, cucumber, orange pepper, tomato, & onion) spread with 2 tbsp. Forty Spices Tribe hummus & a 2 egg white puff.

I also packed some veggies on the side to munch on, too.

I was kinda unsure about what to pack for fuel between work and the gym to hold me over until after class at 8PM, so I packed a couple of goodies.  At 4PM, I left work to hit the gym for an hour and 1/2 before class.

1 Thomas high fiber, light whole grain english muffin spread with 1 tsbp. Better N’ Peanut Butter & 1 tbsp. apricot sugar free Polaner

I ate 1/2 of this before my workout + a gala apple.

 

 

 

 

The cardio was fantastic, again thanks to the Cross Ramp.  I did 45 minutes at various resistance levels and ramp levels, average heart rate at 149, and burned 480 calories.  Then I took a break to do some core work with “in-and-outs” and planks.  I wanted to finish my July copy of InStyle, so I biked for about 10 minutes and finished off with another 10 min. on the Cross Ramp for a nice heart rate rise before I left to hit the showers.

Afterward, I ate the rest of my pb&j and some of these babies.

I made these kale chips the night before using this method:

Leaves picked off, sprayed with PAM, sprinkled with Garlic Gold, and baked at 350° for about 15-20 minutes.

I also packed a 2-egg white puff for protein topped with 1/2 slice of Finlandia light swiss cheese. 

Boring photo, but it was tasty and it did the job!  After class, my family asked me to meet them at Isaac’s for dinner at about 8PM.  My younger sister had a basketball game, and they were in the area.

I knew JUST what I wanted.  Isaac’s Deli is awesome.  They always throw together whatever I ask for.  There’s never any trouble customizing orders there.  They’ve also got some fabulous sandwiches!

I also love the pickled cauliflower, cucumber, and carrots that are set on the table for you to munch on as opposed to a bread basket.  The cauliflower is the best!

For my meal, I asked for a turkey sandwich on pumpernickel with tomato, sprouts, cucumber, mushrooms, and onion.  It was PERFECTO.  Two thumbs up Isaac’s, two thumbs up.

I ate the entire sandwich sans dressing (it was so flavorful all on its own!) and left the chips for someone else.

With fresh fruit salad for dessert!

YUMM!

TellmeAboutyourself

 1.  Do you ever feel weird about customizing orders when you go out to eat?  I used to, but I’m over it.  If I’m going to pay someone to prepare my food for me, I want it to be something I’m going to enjoy, right?!

2.  What’s your favorite restaurant and what is their specialty in your eyes?  It’s too hard to choose a favorite for me, but I crave different dishes from different restuarants, sometimes.  I love sushi, but I could always go for Charlie Brown’s salad bar.

HAPPY FINALLY FRIDAY!  Don’t forget to enter to win yourself some Lucy’s gluten-free cookies! Like Snikiddy snacks?  Check out Katie’s giveaway here!

 

XO.

Birthday Boy.

Verse of the Day:

“Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

- Philippians 2:9-11

I’m assuming this verse is where Mark Shultz got his inspiration for his song, “Love Has Come“…good one, by the way.

Before I start up on the eats, I’d like to say…

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DENNIS

Dennis and I got to see one another this weekend.  We had a fantastic night Friday after my workout, class, and shower at the drive in movies.  It rained, but we got to spend some more time together afterward at my house.  Dennis has been a lifelong friend of mine since the time we met on the school bus back in junior high.  He’s now kicking butt in the Army, stationed in Texas for basic training, (1st in his class!) and will be deployed for four months to Afghanistan shortly.  Please pray for him!  I’m going to miss him very much. 

Breakfast was another success.

1 La Tortilla Factory High Fiber Low Carb Whole Wheat Tortilla spread with 2/3 tbsp. Barney Butter + 1 tbsp. Sugar Free Black Raspberry Polaner with strawberry Chobani on the side

This little roll up really stole the show.  The combination of chunky Barney Butter (Now at Giant!  FINALLY) warmed and spread with the sugar free jam was as delectable as it gets for breakfast.

Work was work.  Nothing new to report here.  The merge of our sections is still in progress and I’m excited about the new possibilities to advance!   

Lunch was consumed around 12PM.  Breakfast definitely could’ve held me over longer, but my lunch hour is already set.

Veggie blend of cukes, red pepper, carrots, lima beans, and raw sweet corn (cut from the cob) with a 1/2 Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate Chip Bonk Breaker for whole grains and a MorningStar Maple Flavored Soy Sausage patty with Sonoma Jack’s.

After the 8-4 shift, I hit the gym on campus.  The Cross Ramp called out to me for a little attention I happily obliged and rode that baby for a good 40 minutes (calories burned=450; avg. heart rate=157) while watching “Paul Blart: Mall Cop“.  

What can I say?  Without “King of Queens” on the TVs at the other gym I went to, I needed some Kevin James in my life.  Then, I did some planks on the floor and some “in n’ outs” for the abs.  The stationary bike was my next plan of attack.  InStyle in hand, I tackled a quick 12 minute ride.  The only time I look at magazines is while I’m working out!  Just like Tina. Just before leaving the Fitness Center, I did another 12 minutes on the Cross Ramp to get my heart rate up one last time.

I packed another BB&SFJ (Barney Butter & SF Jam) sammie on a WW Light english muffin for after my workout to eat before class.

This is SUCH a treat food for me.  I used to fear the healthy fats in almond butter…NOT anymore!   Since I knew I wouldn’t be getting home til 8-8:30, I had a platter of veggies to munch while waiting for class to start at 6PM.

Cucumbers, broccoli, carrots, & red pepper with spicy mustard mixed with hummus & salsa for dippage.

After class, I had a minor freak out about the fact that it was the last one before my first exam since 2007.  Then I got over it.  I feel confident about everything I’ve learned so far.  I was one of the few people in class who actually answered questions and participated. 

When I got home, I knew I needed some protein.

1 Nature’s Promise Veggie Burger atop a bed of steamed broccoli slaw splashed with reduced sugar ketchup and dijon mustard.

This was so yummy!  Like a hamburger salad!

I needed something sweet to finish me off, so I dolloped some fat free cottage cheese into a bowl and drizzled it with SF Log Cabin syrup for dessert.

Then I left the house to get to Girls’ Night!  It was a non-stop adventure.  It felt so good to sit down when I finally got to my Aunt’s house while relaxing with the ladies to watch some smutty TV.

Aunt Teenie had lots of great snacks, but my belly was FULL. 

Here’s a shot of the spread just for accountability. 

I had a few cucumbers, red peppers,

blueberries, and strawberries.

I loved Chris L.’s hometown date with Ali.  They just seemed to fit together…I also got a kick out of Roberto’s date with her…”she is such a price!” (prize).  To be honest, there isn’t a guy left that I don’t like.  I was sad for Kirk to leave, but could tell they just didn’t have chemistry like the other men had with her. 

Two Question Tuesday:

1.  What is one TV show that you HATE to miss?  I’m excited for One Tree Hill to start new episodes!  Of course there’s The Bachelor/ette, too, but that’s more so because of the company than anything.

2.  What’s a dynamic foodie duo that you’ve recently rediscovered a love for?  For me, it’s Almond Butter & SF Jam!

 

**ANNOUNCEMENT:  As mentioned previously, Lauren & I are planning a meet up in the city of Harrisburg for anyone who would like to join us!  Please email me at freckledfoodielove@gmail.com to get the details!

 

XO.