Hey, hey friends 😀
I’m feeling mucho better today. Thank you so much for all your well-wishes and advice regarding my mysterious foot pain. The good news is that, after icing and massaging like a madman woman, it’s feeling a lot better – no more stiffness, cramping, or shooting pain (hoo-ray!). The bad news is that I’m still experiencing some soreness around my ankle and a little bit in my knee. But I can deal with that for now. I’ll keep resting/massaging/icing, and hopefully it’ll be as good as new in no time; especially because it’s seriously cramping my style!
I really wanted to go shopping today to update my wardrobe for spring, but figured that spending hours walking around the mall probably wouldn’t be the best idea given the fragile condition of my foot. How embarrassing would it be to admit that I re-injured myself by shopping. I mean, at least a running injury sounds legit; but saying that my limp is the result of trying to chase down that perfect summer dress or those cute pair of sandals? Ehhhh. I think I can hold off for a few more days…
So, I spent most of the afternoon soaking up sunshine and smoothies…
… and filling out the rest of that alphabet survey. Missed part 1? Check it out! If not, then on we go.
. – . – . – .
M: is for Milk, what kind do you like (flavor, source, etc)?… Here’s a bit of random trivia for you – when I was younger I basically lived off dairy milk; I would probably average around 5 cups a day. Nowadays, my stomach doesn’t tolerate cow’s milk too well, so I stick to unsweetened vanilla almond.
N: is for Nuts, what kind are your favorite?… Almonds, no question. Funny story with me and nuts… I have a really severe allergy to peanuts, and because they were afraid that I’d get confused when I was younger, my parents raised me thinking I was allergic to all nuts so that I wouldn’t make a mistake and accidentally… err… kill myself. It wasn’t until a few years ago that I found out that it was only peanuts I was allergic to. Yes, I had my first taste of almond butter at the ripe age of 24…
… and haven’t gone a day without it since.
O: is for Onions, do you eat them?… Like apples! Ack, gross 😯 When I was younger, I hated onions with a passion and would always pick them out of any meal that my mom cooked. These days, I love the flavor that they add to a dish, but my stomach doesn’t always agree so I tend to go easy on them.
P: is for Protein, what is your favorite source?… It’s funny; protein is probably the macro that I enjoy the least – I’m more of a carbs and fats girl. I used to think that a meal high in protein would keep me fuller longer, but… it doesn’t. Still, gotta get that protein in somehow, and my favorite way to do that is probably with beans, eggs, and Greek yogurt. Although, I’ve gotta say that cottage cheese has really been growing on me lately… especially when mixed with nutritional yeast. Don’t knock it ’till you try it!
… looks like vomit, tastes like heaven.
Q: is for Quiche, what 4 ingredients would you like in yours?… Oh geez. Can I get some multiple choice options for this one? I’ve probably eaten quiche like 4 times in my entire life, so I really… uhm… okay. Spinach. Parmesan cheese. Bell peppers. Mushrooms. Thank you Google magic!
R: is for Restaurant, what’s the name of your favorite and what type of cuisine does it serve?… Well after that quiche question, this is an easy one. My favorite restaurant is called “My Kitchen”, and it serves a variety of cuisines – Mediterranean, Mexican, Italian, Chinese… anything you’re in the mood for, really. But yeah, I’ve never been big on eating out – I prefer to cook at home.
S: is for Spices, name 4 that are in your kitchen right now that you have used in the past 5 days?… Well, the most obvious one would have to be cinnamon. I eat copious amounts of it everyday and have several shakers going at any given time – including one sitting by the computer, where I eat a lot of my meals. Whaaaaat? It beats having to get up and go to the kitchen every time I need a re-application (which is quite often). Other than that, nutmeg, curry powder, and… oh geez, I keep wanting to say thyme, but that’s a herb (there’s a difference!). Oh! And ginger.
T: is for Trick or Treating, what 5 candies does your bag contain?… I’ve always felt kind of cheated for being tall as a child, because it meant fewer years that I was able to go trick-or-treating without getting the “aren’t you a little old for this…” look. So, if you could just hand me some sour jelly beans, Skittles, KitKats, Mars, and Chupa Chups, I’ll be on my way.
U: is for Universal, what is your favorite type of cuisine from around the world?… What cuisine do oatmeal, bananas, almond butter, and chocolate fall under? Because whatever it is, that would be it. But if I had to choose an actual cuisine, then probably Mexican – I die for the combination of salsa, guac, and tortillas. I’ve even been known to eat salsa straight from the jar with a spoon. No shame.
Pumpkin Chili Mexican Scramble
V: is for Vitamins, do you take them, and if so, what kinds?… I do. I take calcium/magnesium, a B vitamin, a vegetarian omega-3, and vitamin D in the winter months when I don’t get much sun. I’m still not convinced as to whether or not vitamins are actually effective, but better be safe than sorry…
W: is for Water, do you drink bottled, spring, tap, sparkling, etc?… I probably drink enough water for 4 people. That being the case, I’d go broke if I tried to support my foodie habits while drinking fancy bottled water, so it’s usually filtered tap water. But I do enjoy the occasional bottle of S. Pellegrino.
X: is for Xtra special, what food holds a special place in your heart?… Warm oatmeal cookies with a glass of cold milk. My mom used to make them for me all the time when I was little, and I have so many memories of being in the kitchen with her while she mixed the ingredients, and then impatiently sitting by the oven just waiting for them to be done. Love.
Y: is for Yogurt, you can only afford 1 cup, what kind do you purchase?… Only one cup?! Say it ain’t so! How am I going to support my yogurt mess habit on rations like that? I’ll have to work the streets! (call me for a good time 😉). But if this is just a clever way to ask what my favorite yogurt is, then the answer would be plain Greek… although I’ve been warming up to strawberry flavored as well.
Z: is for Zero guilt, what food can you enjoy over and over without any guilt?… Honestly, I think I’ve finally reached a place where I can say that I genuinely enjoy all my food guilt-free. Sure, it still feels “safer” to eat carrot sticks over cupcakes, but where’s the fun in that? Life’s too short not to enjoy the occasional indulgence, and you can bet that when I do enjoy it, I’m going to savor every bite and not let guilt ruin it for me.
. – . – . – .
What’s your favorite thing to do on rest days? I got so bored today, that I broke out the wax crayons and coloring books. Yes I’m a child at heart. Don’t judge me.
And, one more time, pick a few letters and share your answers.
I love this! And I ESPECIALLY love the zero guilt, any food without guilt 🙂 That is how it should be!!
I love this! And I ESPECIALLY love the zero guilt, any food without guilt 🙂 That is how it should be!!
I’m glad your foot is feeling better. All your food looks delicious and what a fun little survey thing! That’s awesome that you busted out the crayons and coloring book! I usually just read or blog or cook or bake things on rest days.
I was the complete opposite with milk! I NEVER drank the stuff, hated the taste! I couldn’t (and still can’t) drink it! My family tried to scare me, saying I wouldn’t grow strong healthy bones if I didn’t drink it! So occasionally I would have a little milk with an Oreo, but that was it! Now I’m addicted to unsweetened almond milk 🙂
I am soooo not a Protein person either! It’s the hardest thing for me to come up with proteins to eat! I really do not enjoy eating/preparing meat, sometimes I eat salmon or tuna, but my protein usually comes form greek yogurt, protein powder, lentils or cottage cheese!
I was the complete opposite with milk! I NEVER drank the stuff, hated the taste! I couldn’t (and still can’t) drink it! My family tried to scare me, saying I wouldn’t grow strong healthy bones if I didn’t drink it! So occasionally I would have a little milk with an Oreo, but that was it! Now I’m addicted to unsweetened almond milk 🙂
I am soooo not a Protein person either! It’s the hardest thing for me to come up with proteins to eat! I really do not enjoy eating/preparing meat, sometimes I eat salmon or tuna, but my protein usually comes form greek yogurt, protein powder, lentils or cottage cheese!
Milk: Almond milk! I love unsweetened vanilla or unsweetened chocolate! I’m the same way. I used to drink so much cow milk when I was little, but now when I drink a glass or eat too much yogurt I get a stomach ache!
Nuts: Any nut in nut butter and / or chocolate-covered form.
🙂
Milk: Almond milk! I love unsweetened vanilla or unsweetened chocolate! I’m the same way. I used to drink so much cow milk when I was little, but now when I drink a glass or eat too much yogurt I get a stomach ache!
Nuts: Any nut in nut butter and / or chocolate-covered form.
🙂
LOVE this survey!! And what is up with your awesome food photography skillz?! Your pics look so darn PROFESSIONAL and seriously I try to eat it outta my screen but sadly that’s not working…
Rest days I love to BAKE! That just means basically I get to eat cookie dough all day, and it is AWESOME 😀
P.S. I’m a carbs and fats girl too yeaaaaah! 🙂
LOVE this survey!! And what is up with your awesome food photography skillz?! Your pics look so darn PROFESSIONAL and seriously I try to eat it outta my screen but sadly that’s not working…
Rest days I love to BAKE! That just means basically I get to eat cookie dough all day, and it is AWESOME 😀
P.S. I’m a carbs and fats girl too yeaaaaah! 🙂
uhg today is my rest day and I’m going crazy! I usually try to schedule doctors appointments or something else to do to take my mind off of the fact that I’m having a rest day.
But I’ll honestly spend the day reading, stalking blogs, and possibly playing pokemon on my ds. cause i like to bust out old school games when I’m bored.
I’ve been known to bust out the old school games on occasion. Nothing like some good old Ocarina of Time 😉
Restaurant – I’d pick Seasons 52 or Dante’s. They aren’t near me (boohoo), but they’re awesome. The first has healthy options that taste amazing. The menu changes with the seasons. Oh, and they have an awesome wine list. Dante’s is not so healthy, but it’s yummy. They have the best cheese fondue, and they have the best beef fondue too for that matter.
I used to never take rest days, but now I love them! I try to plan them once a week when…
-I have a big test or I have a lot of studying to do
-There’s a basketball/football game on that I really want to watch
-I have time to drive to trader joes and spend forever looking at everything
P.S.-Its so awesome you found out you could eat almond butter. I hope you have tried Justins Maple Almond Butter.
Protein is my least favorite too,give me carbs and fat and I’m happy :))
Nutritional yeast and cottage cheese you say? hm… I will try it!
Glad your leg is feeling better!
If it makes you feel any better, I injured my knee at the beginning of last winter and didn’t run for months… and I didn’t injure it running, either. Abbreviated version: I was walking down the street and landed on my face. (Um, knee.)
Ohh I love coloring books! Guess I’m a child at heart too. 😉
<3 <3
yay–love the second part of this.
I used unsweetened almond milk too as I’m lactose intolerant and allergic to soy! Love cashews, almonds and pistachios. I think the only way I’ll eat onions is in my mom’s French onion soup. Protein..umm..hehe..no idea how I get that :{ Quiche can’t eat and don’t go out to restaurants but have so many spices at home: cumin, rosemary, oregano, thyme, parsley, sage, ground mustard, ginger, garlic, 5 spice, mexican chili pepper, etc… 😀 Mm…5 treats would be mini 3 musketeers, reeces cups, aero, kitkat and bounty! I love foods from all over except pure North American foods (aka hamburgers, hotdogs). Take vitamin B, C and calcium; love all sorts of water and warm lasagna reminds me of my mom. I can’t eat yogurt, but I’d love to eat the fage Greek one.
Unfortunately food comes with guilt still…but I’m working on it. 😀
Glad your foot is getting a little better!!
xoxo
I loved your answers! I’m glad you decided to start blogging again, I enjoy following you. 😉
O – I like caramelized onions in dishes and such, but I’d never actually tried raw onion with food (like in a sandwich) until this weekend and I totally loved it!
Q – I’ve never tried quiche. I’d like to, though!
X – The Xtra special food? Pancakes. I’ve always been a big fan of crepes, once when I was in the hospital and I couldn’t eat anything for 2 days, my mom made me crepes with nutella when I got home and I ate about 10 of them, lol! I tried ‘American’ pancakes for the first time after I discovered food blogs and now I usually make this kind. Yum!
Omigosh! I have memories of feeling too sick to eat anything but crepes stuffed with cream cheese and jam, too! Definitely something in those crepes/pancakes…
Cute survey! I may just have to try this one.
Spices – just like you said, cinnaomon. Several shakes a day. That stuff makes a lot things so much tastier.
Zero Guilt – Coconut milk ice cream. 🙂
Milk – Almond milk or full fat canned coconut.
I really need to try a tofu scramble version of you mexi scramble. Looks so good!
Aww so glad that your leg is feeling better and good for you for resting it because I know I found this difficult when I was injured until I learnt my lesson…
M – I love almond milk but I’ve recently discovered oat milk and it is my new fav!
P – I actually love protein! I particularly love beans, lentils, greek yogurt and cottage cheese 🙂
X – Kabocha and persimmons both hold a very very special place in my heart. I’m addicted to them!
Glad your leg is feeling better! I’m glad to hear you still played it safe, though. It’s easy to wake up feeling fine and think you’ll just go trotting off into the horizon only to cause more pain 😉
You know, I’ve never been much of a protein girl, either. Yeah, there are times when I just plain crave fried tofu (must be needin’ me some protein!) and baked beans are quite delicious…but taste-wise I’m (more often than not) perfectly happy with a big bunch of veggies and carbs.
I used to pick and eat around onions (and mushrooms!) in all of my mom’s dinners…now I adore them! gosh, I was so finnicky…
On rest days I love going out and playing with my camera. Or grocery shopping because otherwise I’ve just been going in a hurry when I’m on my way home. THough I guess it depends on how well I’m trying to rest – if I was injured I probably wouldn’t do either of those things and might break out the crayons, too 😉
Amanda, don’t go disappearing from the blog-world again, cos I’m hooked on your blog! ‘kay…?!
Honestly, it really makes me looks forward to enjoying the benefits of a healthy mentality- meaning I’m keen to work so much harder to get there!
& I’m the same with salsa, often receiving “WTF…?” looks from anyone else in the room. I even go as far as chucking a couple black olives & jalapenos in the jar. I have no shame.
Awww, thanks so much girl, that’s SO awesome to hear <3 The freedom is definitely worth fighting for. And don't worry, I don't plan on going anywhere anytime soon 🙂
Oh, I love to play around with crayons! I am doing it all the time:)
Your survey is so much fun and really interesting.
S – my favourite 4 spices are cinnamon, nutmeg, smoked paprika and cardamom.
V – I take selenium, iodine and B12 daily and sometimes I add vitamin C and zinc.
W – I like still water and I drink crazy amounts of it!
AHHA I LOVE this survey! so cute and fun! i LOVE Z!
LOVE THIS: “Honestly, I think I’ve finally reached a place where I can say that I genuinely enjoy all my food guilt-free.” I hope to be able to say that very very very soon! 🙂
You will, girl! It just takes some time. Before you know it, you’ll have fallen in love with being able to enjoy food and won’t understand how you allowed yourself to feel guilty in the past!
yay i love this alphabet thing haha
M – homemade almond milk is the best!
N – i love eating roasted pecans, but hazelnuts are my favorite as a topping. almond butter is the best nut butter though!
O – i used to not like onions when i was younger as well, but now i really like their flavor… mainly CARAMELIZED onions, which i’m obsessed with.
P – wow that is totally uncanny that we are the same when it comes to protein not filling us up… for awhile i thought i really needed to get protein in to be full, but really, it never fills me up like a combo of carbs + fats does. so i’ve just accepted that i’m a carbs + fats girl, like you, and i’m glad i’ve realized that because those are the foods i like anyway, and it’s what works for me! that being said, my favorite source of protein is probably tempeh, salmon, or peanut flour.
Q – i like tofu quiches! and i would add spinach, onions, sundried tomatoes, and basil!
R – hahaha i like my kitchen as well. though another one of my faves is Millennium in San Francisco – it serves the most delicious, artful looking vegan food!
S – paprika, cinnamon, nutmeg cumin
I’m glad your ankle/foot/leggy region is feeling better! I love your attitude towards food these days. It’s so pleasing to see how far you’ve come since you stopped blogging 🙂
On days where I don’t have to do anything I tend to sit around and watch funny tv shows or bake. Baking is a luxury for me these days because I never have time so when I get the chance the kitchen becomes MY ZONE. I LOOOVE baking. YESSSSSSSSSSSSS.
M: milk – I choose oat milk. Ever tried it? It’s naturally sweet. I love it!
xxx
Thanks girl! I’m definitely loving the new attitude as well.
And baking is one of my favorite things to do too, but I just haven’t been feeling it lately? That, and I’m waiting for my bananas to start turning brown so I can make banana bread 😀
Glad you’re feeling better! And mm, now I want a smoothie! And whatever that last picture is looks like heaven!
I’m so glad you’re back in the blogging world again! I missed your blog a lot 🙂 I loved your post on calories – so true! And your pictures are gorgeous, as always!
I’m loving the “alphabet” theme!
M – my favorite milk is unsweetened almond
Y – fage Greek yogurt
W – sparkling – I love San Pellegrino
Favoritething to do on a rest day – as long as it’s warm outside – sit and enjoy the suns rays!,
I can’t wait for summer!
Glad your leg is feeling better, you’ll be back to running in no time 😀
My favorite nuts are pecans, I love them but they are so $$ grr 🙁
And cottage cheese is a favorite of mine. Every since I tried Friendship 2% I can eat it plain no problem, I love it. And good to know I’m not the only cinnamon whore around lol I have a loose hand when it comes to my cinnamon 😀
Cottage cheese + nooch…. WHY have I never thought of that before?! I need this combo in my life NOW. And I also definitely eat salsa out of the jar with a spoon. Okay now I’m craving cottage cheese + nooch + SALSA. This is happening.
Pfft one cup of yogurt. How is that even possible?! I’d pick plain greek hands down. Is that a vitamuffin in that last picture? That’s one of my favourite breakfasts – chocolate vitatop + plain greek yogurt + strawberries. Love it.
I can’t believe you had never had any nut butter for that long. I’ll bet you’re glad you finally discovered the truth!
Lol I know; it’s crazy. All that time and I had no idea what I was missing…
One yogurt? Fage 2% without a second thought- so creamy and luscious and perfect!!
As for favourite “universal” or ethnic cuisine: Gonna have to say Middle Eastern/Arabic food- probably because that’s what my mama raised me on 🙂
On rest days, I honestly just spend exorbitant amounts of time on the computer reading The Frisky, TresSugar, fashion blogs, Jezebel…bumming around in my cozy robe and a cup of ginger tea 🙂 (like right now…)
Glad that you feel better 🙂 Do some online shopping 😉
Online shopping can be very dangerous for the health of my wallet 😉