"So, are you having a bit of a weight problem?"
No, butthead, I'm pregnant.
This is the story of my day today. Unless you are in my immediate family, or my yoga teacher, you might have noticed that I have been wearing leggings, a lot as of late. You guessed it folks, baby momma strikes again. My husband and I are expecting our second kiddo sometime in September and I couldn't be more happy. It is really nice to take some time off from running races every weekend and suffering through long training runs. Don't get me wrong, my enthusiasm will be totally renewed and I'll be extra crazy this fall post-baby, but for the time being it will be nice to have a break.
If you have not noticed I love running. I can't even explain our relationship with the words in the English language. I eat, breathe, and live running. I love to talk about running, read books and magazines about running, figuring out splits, and the list goes on and on. I also love helping others love what I love, because getting you ass out the door makes you a better person. That might sound vapid, but damnit, it is the truth. You ever need a running partner-- I'm your girl. I have plenty of long, boring stories to fill the time and the uncanny ability to get lost. Enjoy yourselves friends, and remember; only you can make the world a better place one step at a time.
Spread the running love. I'm going to go eat a sandwich.
This is a classic....Eat it and like it.
Black Bean Burgers
1 can of black beans, rinsed and drained
panko bread crumbs
salsa
cilantro
cheese, avocado, and whatever else you wanna top your burger with.
Mash 3/4 of the black beans with a potato masher or large spoon. Add a few tablespoons of salsa--less is more to start, you can always add salsa, but not take it out. Thrown in the unmashed beans. Add bread crumbs by the tablespoon until the mixture is fairly dry and you can make patties. Form the mixture into 4 patties and put them on a plate and cover with plastic wrap. Let these bad-boys rest for at least an hour in the fridge. Pan fry the patties in a little grapeseed oil or just in a pan coated with cooking spray. Enjoy.
Monday, January 28, 2013
Monday, January 21, 2013
There's something to be said for oreos. They make life that much better. I know that it's not exactly a profound statement, but it is true. The oreo is like a little piece of magic icing cloaked in a dark mysterious cookie cape. If you don't get the idea yet, I am an oreo junkie. Tonight my husband decided to "remind" me (a.k.a. tell me for the first time) that he has a work pot luck this week and needs a desert. I jumped at the chance to try out the oreo recipe below. I run for a reason. It is so I can inhale these little pieces of joy.
Since we are on the subject of running, let me tell you something....there is NOTHING worse than being stuck on a treadmill. Wait, I digress, there is NOTHING worse than being stuck on a treadmill next to someone who decided to douse themselves in cologne before coming to the gym. I don't get it. If you put on enough toilet water that you taste it, wouldn't you think to give it a rest? Or are you like, " a little is good, so a gallon must be great?!". It is not great. You are gross. Please use this as a precautionary tale. If you ever think it is a good idea to dab on a little Cool Water for Men or Old Spice before hitting the gym, it is not. Just don't do it. Please, because next time I may have to vomit on your shoes. thanks
Oreo Peanut Butter Brownie Goodness
1 box brownie mix (8x8 inch size)
24 oreo cookies
1/2 c creamy peanut butter
Prepare the brownie mix according to the directions. For each cupcake spread 1 tsp pb on 2 oreos and stack them. Place the oreos into lined muffin cups. Top with 2 tbsp brownie mix. Bake 18-20 mins or until brownies are cooked through.
Makes 12 (I would do at least double)
Since we are on the subject of running, let me tell you something....there is NOTHING worse than being stuck on a treadmill. Wait, I digress, there is NOTHING worse than being stuck on a treadmill next to someone who decided to douse themselves in cologne before coming to the gym. I don't get it. If you put on enough toilet water that you taste it, wouldn't you think to give it a rest? Or are you like, " a little is good, so a gallon must be great?!". It is not great. You are gross. Please use this as a precautionary tale. If you ever think it is a good idea to dab on a little Cool Water for Men or Old Spice before hitting the gym, it is not. Just don't do it. Please, because next time I may have to vomit on your shoes. thanks
Oreo Peanut Butter Brownie Goodness
1 box brownie mix (8x8 inch size)
24 oreo cookies
1/2 c creamy peanut butter
Prepare the brownie mix according to the directions. For each cupcake spread 1 tsp pb on 2 oreos and stack them. Place the oreos into lined muffin cups. Top with 2 tbsp brownie mix. Bake 18-20 mins or until brownies are cooked through.
Makes 12 (I would do at least double)
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Today we will address why I am 99% vegetarian. I come from a pool of DNA that enjoys meat. Our family doesn't just like meat, they dwell on meat and meat preparation to the extent that I think we own enough cooking mechanisms to fill a small fire house. I decided to pretty much cut out meat for a variety of reasons. First, I am the type of person who can't just eat one piece of bacon, it has to be a pound. This was getting a little excessive. I was living the Atkin's diet meat dream. Secondly, I wanted to show my little boy that fruits (and veggies) are not only flavorings, but actual things. Thirdly, I wanted to find new ways to save some bucks at the grocery store. Through my extensive cookbook buying spree on Amazon I have learned a lot about vegetarianism and sustainability. Did you know that pb&j sandwiches could literally save the world? If we focused on feeding our children nutritionally complete plant based meals we could save millions of acres of farmland that is wasted growing feed for animals. I wouldn't say I am necessarily opposed to ever consuming meat again, I would just kind of like to stay away from eating critters. I kind of enjoy animals too. If you just open your mind a little and try something new, sometimes you can find you really enjoy it. This is how I feel about vegetarianism. Below is one of my favorite breakfasts. It sounds weird to have quinoa for b-fast, but check it out. It is super delish.
Inca Quinoa
1c quinoa cooked in 2 c water (see that package for instructions)
1 c non-dairy milk (I use vanilla almond or soy milk)
1/2 c flaked coconut (not the sweetened stuff--use the real deal)
1 tsp vanilla
1 or 2 very ripe bananas
dash of cinnamon
dash of sea salt
a few tablespoons of agave syrup or pure maple syrup
Allow the quinoa to cool for a few minutes, then combine everything in a food processor or blender and blend it to smooth. I have a small blender so I do this in two batches.
Inca Quinoa
1c quinoa cooked in 2 c water (see that package for instructions)
1 c non-dairy milk (I use vanilla almond or soy milk)
1/2 c flaked coconut (not the sweetened stuff--use the real deal)
1 tsp vanilla
1 or 2 very ripe bananas
dash of cinnamon
dash of sea salt
a few tablespoons of agave syrup or pure maple syrup
Allow the quinoa to cool for a few minutes, then combine everything in a food processor or blender and blend it to smooth. I have a small blender so I do this in two batches.
Monday, January 14, 2013
Just a quickie post today. What a weekend. Bartending for weddings is kind of getting old, so I finally got my graduate school application fee paid for and sent. What a huge relief. For today, I want to address something that is pretty near and dear to my heart. It is called "accountability". If you are not aware, it basically translates into "saying you will do something and getting shit done". I am so tired of hearing people talk a big game and in the end they have nothing to show for it. Oh, I am so sorry you are tired. I am so sorry it is hard or uncomfortable. Here's what I say, "GET OVER IT>". You are the only one who can make things happen for yourself. It's Monday, get up off you ass and take over the world.
Thank you. That's all.
Below is a recipe for "power bars" it doesn't suck. Make them and use your gained energy to make something happen.
1 cup whole almonds
1 cup pecans
1 cup rolled oats (not quick oats)
1 cup dried cherries
2 tbsp sesame seeds
1/4 tsp almond extract
1.4+2 tbsp honey
3 tbsp coconut oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp vanilla
Process 1/2c almonds, pecans, and oats in food processor. Process to fine crumbs then pour into a large bowl. Roughly chop remaining pecans and almonds. Add the nuts, cherries, sesame seeds and mix well.
Combine honey, oil, salt, vanilla, and extract in a small sauce pan. You can add some cinnamon if you want. Over medium flame heat combination until the mixture foams and then for 15 seconds more.
Pour honey mixture over the nut/oat mixture and press into an 8x8 pan lined with wax paper. Chill for 4 hours.
Thank you. That's all.
Below is a recipe for "power bars" it doesn't suck. Make them and use your gained energy to make something happen.
1 cup whole almonds
1 cup pecans
1 cup rolled oats (not quick oats)
1 cup dried cherries
2 tbsp sesame seeds
1/4 tsp almond extract
1.4+2 tbsp honey
3 tbsp coconut oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp vanilla
Process 1/2c almonds, pecans, and oats in food processor. Process to fine crumbs then pour into a large bowl. Roughly chop remaining pecans and almonds. Add the nuts, cherries, sesame seeds and mix well.
Combine honey, oil, salt, vanilla, and extract in a small sauce pan. You can add some cinnamon if you want. Over medium flame heat combination until the mixture foams and then for 15 seconds more.
Pour honey mixture over the nut/oat mixture and press into an 8x8 pan lined with wax paper. Chill for 4 hours.
Friday, January 11, 2013
Hot Damn do I love tofu
Aloha Friends!
Today, I am going to call "hot Damn do I love tofu". This is not a joke. Only a few months ago I believed that tofu was a species of hippie slime from another planet, but now I realize that this is not the case. I have had bad tofu before, and bad tofu is REALLY BAD. It is like a gigantic opaque booger on a plate, but in my quest to get my family to eat a little better I have found some totally rad ways to use tofu. I was even able to sneak tofu pudding into my chest-pounding, meat-eating husband last night. Great success! Please see below for the recipe.
For this wonderful Friday, I wanted to indulge myself in something nice, so you know what I did? That's right, I sprang for muslin produce bags! Don't judge. I have three very large dogs and I still have bazillions of plastic bags from the grocery store hanging around that constantly fall out of my cupboards. I assume that any of you animal owners know what I mean by the last statement, but in case you don't have pets, I will explain. Big dogs poop a lot. And they really enjoy it. I firmly believe that they take even more enjoyment out of watching their owners pick up their dumps with left over plastic bags. I honestly think my dogs wait until we are as far away from a trash can as possible before they drop a deuce so they can laugh at me while I walk around with a giant hand full of crap. I digress though, I bought produce bags to take to the store so I don't have to have everything individually bagged and deal with the plastic tumbleweeds afterwards. Younger friends, these are the things you get excited about when you are old.
So everyone, Happy Friday. Eat some tofu. Have a great weekend.
Tofu pudding
1 package firm tofu, pressed and drained
1/2 sugar
1/2 cocoa
1 c soy milk
1 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp salt
1 very ripe banana (you can omit this, I add a banana so I feel better about the 1/2 c of sugar)
Blend everything in a blender of food processor until totally smooth. Give it about an hour or so to set up. Enjoy :)
Today, I am going to call "hot Damn do I love tofu". This is not a joke. Only a few months ago I believed that tofu was a species of hippie slime from another planet, but now I realize that this is not the case. I have had bad tofu before, and bad tofu is REALLY BAD. It is like a gigantic opaque booger on a plate, but in my quest to get my family to eat a little better I have found some totally rad ways to use tofu. I was even able to sneak tofu pudding into my chest-pounding, meat-eating husband last night. Great success! Please see below for the recipe.
For this wonderful Friday, I wanted to indulge myself in something nice, so you know what I did? That's right, I sprang for muslin produce bags! Don't judge. I have three very large dogs and I still have bazillions of plastic bags from the grocery store hanging around that constantly fall out of my cupboards. I assume that any of you animal owners know what I mean by the last statement, but in case you don't have pets, I will explain. Big dogs poop a lot. And they really enjoy it. I firmly believe that they take even more enjoyment out of watching their owners pick up their dumps with left over plastic bags. I honestly think my dogs wait until we are as far away from a trash can as possible before they drop a deuce so they can laugh at me while I walk around with a giant hand full of crap. I digress though, I bought produce bags to take to the store so I don't have to have everything individually bagged and deal with the plastic tumbleweeds afterwards. Younger friends, these are the things you get excited about when you are old.
So everyone, Happy Friday. Eat some tofu. Have a great weekend.
Tofu pudding
1 package firm tofu, pressed and drained
1/2 sugar
1/2 cocoa
1 c soy milk
1 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp salt
1 very ripe banana (you can omit this, I add a banana so I feel better about the 1/2 c of sugar)
Blend everything in a blender of food processor until totally smooth. Give it about an hour or so to set up. Enjoy :)
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Hey All!
Welcome to my new Blog- VegMomRuns. On this site I will be discussing the trials and tribulations of being a working mom, runner, yogi, vegetarian, student, and everything else that goes on in my little spot in the world. I won't try to feed you too much granola-crunchy bullshit, but that is a little part of who I am.
Let's start with a little meet 'n' greet..My name is Brooke and I am a 30 something parent living in PA with a three-year-old, husband, three dogs, and occasional fish. Presently I am a student at Millersville University and I do some volunteering with various running programs and I also do some private coaching. Oh yeah, and I work as a bartender for weddings on the weekends. It's kind of a busy life, but somehow it works out.
Today I started my day by waking up at the butt-crack of dawn so I could haul it to the YMCA to do a treadmill workout and watch some trashy music videos uninterrupted. Don't get me wrong, running on a treadmill sucks, but you gotta do what you gotta do sometimes. After that, I decided that it was a great day to learn how to take kidney beans from the state of "red gravel" to deliciousness. This has taken FOREVER. I am all about cheap cooking, but this is insane. Next time I'll just opt for the canned version. Right now, I have my kid parked in front of some movie that he knows the dialogue to. I actually do feel bad about this fact, but sometimes you have to choose your battles I guess. Tonight we are headed to "power yoga" so dinners going to be a quickie and the recipe is listed below if you are interested. I always thought the association of "power" and "yoga" was ridiculous, but it actually kicks my ass. Strange the things we look forward to in a day......Thanks for checking out my new blog and I'll see ya soon!
Red Beans and Quinoa
1/2 c diced yellow onion
1/2 c diced green pepper (you can use any color pepper-- get crazy)
1tbsp veg oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
2-14oz cans of kidney beans (or 4 cups of cooked beans)
1/2 c BBQ sauce
1 1/2 tsp hot sauce
1 tbsp vegan Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp pepper
2 c cooked Quinoa, hot
Saute the onions and peppers in oil for about 2 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute. Add the beans, BBQ, hot sauce, Worcestershire, and pepper. Cook until warmed through. Divide the quinoa evenly among 4 plates and top with beans.
Welcome to my new Blog- VegMomRuns. On this site I will be discussing the trials and tribulations of being a working mom, runner, yogi, vegetarian, student, and everything else that goes on in my little spot in the world. I won't try to feed you too much granola-crunchy bullshit, but that is a little part of who I am.
Let's start with a little meet 'n' greet..My name is Brooke and I am a 30 something parent living in PA with a three-year-old, husband, three dogs, and occasional fish. Presently I am a student at Millersville University and I do some volunteering with various running programs and I also do some private coaching. Oh yeah, and I work as a bartender for weddings on the weekends. It's kind of a busy life, but somehow it works out.
Today I started my day by waking up at the butt-crack of dawn so I could haul it to the YMCA to do a treadmill workout and watch some trashy music videos uninterrupted. Don't get me wrong, running on a treadmill sucks, but you gotta do what you gotta do sometimes. After that, I decided that it was a great day to learn how to take kidney beans from the state of "red gravel" to deliciousness. This has taken FOREVER. I am all about cheap cooking, but this is insane. Next time I'll just opt for the canned version. Right now, I have my kid parked in front of some movie that he knows the dialogue to. I actually do feel bad about this fact, but sometimes you have to choose your battles I guess. Tonight we are headed to "power yoga" so dinners going to be a quickie and the recipe is listed below if you are interested. I always thought the association of "power" and "yoga" was ridiculous, but it actually kicks my ass. Strange the things we look forward to in a day......Thanks for checking out my new blog and I'll see ya soon!
Red Beans and Quinoa
1/2 c diced yellow onion
1/2 c diced green pepper (you can use any color pepper-- get crazy)
1tbsp veg oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
2-14oz cans of kidney beans (or 4 cups of cooked beans)
1/2 c BBQ sauce
1 1/2 tsp hot sauce
1 tbsp vegan Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp pepper
2 c cooked Quinoa, hot
Saute the onions and peppers in oil for about 2 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute. Add the beans, BBQ, hot sauce, Worcestershire, and pepper. Cook until warmed through. Divide the quinoa evenly among 4 plates and top with beans.
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