my green elixir

Hello, there.

This is me, forcing spoonfuls of green goo into my mouth, after my run from h-e-double hockey sticks today.

Freshly showered, hair in knots, robe still on.  I don't even have the energy to get dressed.

I'm seriously lacking some greens in my diet and I felt it hardcore on my run today.

And that's why this little green number is here to save the day.

The Green Elixir

-1 cup spinach
-1 cup kale
-1 banana
-2 cups vanilla almond milk
-1 pear

-3 ice cubes

[helps to put the liquid and ice cubes in first.]

-blend and enjoy

Here's to hoping this makes tomorrow's run a whoooole lot better.

P.S. new mint nail polish. LOVE it!

Fueling, sustaining and refueling

Looking back to my first half marathon, I'm amazed that I was able to complete it with so little snacks and water.  I remember only eating a small a piece of toast 3 hrs before the race and only drinking a few sips of water at the water stations.  What was I thinking?!

Now, after struggling through my fair share of runs, I've realized that what I eat and drink before, during, and after runs makes a significant difference in my performance.

In terms of snacks, here's what I've tried so far:

• GU (peanut butter, lime, mint chocolate, chocolate)
• PowerBar Energy Blasts
• VEGA Pre-workout Energizer
• VEGA Electrolyte Hydrator
• PowerBar Energy Gu
• Powerbar Energy Bites
• Honey Stinger Organic Chews
• Honey Stinger Waffles
• Honey Stinger Energy Bars
• Whey Protein
• Bananas
• Toast
• Larabars
• Gatorade
• Pretzels
• Cereal

Pre-workout:

Before I go on long runs, I try to eat a protein-filled breakfast.  Usually, toast doesn't do it for me.

Lately, I've started eating a full bowl of Kashi GOLEAN Naturally Sweetened Fiber Twigs, Soy Protein Grahams, and Honey Puff Cereal.  Each serving has 13 grams of protein.  Thirteen!  I stay full for hours without cramping.

Occasionally, I will also eat a banana with my cereal if my appetite is extra large that day.

In terms of hydrating, I make a conscious effort to drink plenty of water the night before.  Honestly, running when I'm dehydrated makes me feel like crap.  I recently tried the VEGA Pre-workout Energizer and I loved it.  My subsequent run was one of the best I've had since I started training.  

During-workout:

Finding the perfect combination of snacks to sustain my energy on long runs has been a challenge.  Some runs, I find myself feeling famished by the end.  Many people recommended GU but I hated it.  Plus, the sugar really upset my stomach.

I thought gummy snacks would make a good alternative; however, the sugar gave me gut-rut.  After trying multiple options, I've finally found a combination that works.

My body responds best to Larabars, Honey Stinger Waffles and Energy Bars and cereal.  I will usually eat these during miles 13-17.  They work great to fill the huge void that sits in my stomach without causing any cramping.

I also carry around my Camelbak Hydration Pack so I can drink whenever I need to.  I've tried adding VEGA Electrolyte Hydrator to my water pack but I prefer plain water.

Post-workout:

Dom convinced me to start drinking Whey Protein shakes after workouts.  I usually mix a scoop of chocolate whey protein, a banana, peanut butter and ice in the blender.  I think it has helped reduce soreness and it actually doesn't taste too bad.

I also try to drink a lot of water to ensure that I don't get dehydrated!  And let's not forget a good, protein-filled meal.  Although I usually end up carb loading.

My Two Cents:

I was frustrated for weeks that I couldn't find any energy boosting snacks that I liked.  It seemed that everyone used GU and raved about it.  I assumed I would learn to deal with it until I started exploring my options.  There are so many choices!  So, if you're not a fan of GU or other similar products, make sure you find a combination that works for you.  I guarantee it's out there!

How do you fuel, sustain and refuel?  Are there any products you particularly enjoy?

The Blood Type Diet

A year ago, I became a vegetarian.  It was a choice I never expected to make because I always thought to myself, "I could never stop eating meat." 

And then I met my roommate.

And did some research.

And read a few books and saw a lot of movies.

And decided to do a monthly trial....that later turned into a permanent lifestyle change.

Since then, I've tried to tweak my diet to find one I am most happy with.  Recently, I was intrigued by The Blood Type Diet.  Dr. D'Adamo wrote a book, Eat Right 4 Your Type, which I'm anxious to get my hands on.  

The idea behind The Blood Type Diet is that you eat a certain diet depending on your blood type.  According to his website,

"[It] appears to be the odds that your health will improve by following the right diet for your blood type.... The facts are clear cut: 

In the 6617 individuals who reported their results from following the Blood Type Diet for a period of one month or more, three out of four (71-78%) had significant improvement in a variety of health conditions. 

Weight loss was the effect most often observed but a number of reports detailed improvements in digestive function, resistance to stress, overall energy and mental clarity."

Type AB 

Although there are resources for every type, (read more about Type A, Type B, Type O) I am going to highlight a few aspects that are specific to my diet (taken from Dr. D'Adamo's website.) 

• Type AB is rare.  Found in less than 5% of the population
• Newest of blood types
• Type AB acts as a chameleon--sometimes A-like, sometimes B-like, sometimes a fusion of both
• Low level of stomach acid in Type AB individuals

Eating for Type AB

• Avoid caffeine and alcohol
• Focus on tofu, dairy, green veggies and seafood if trying to loose weight
• Avoid all cured and smoked meats
• Smaller, more frequent meals to counteract low levels of stomach acid

Stress and Exercise

• Overproduce adrenaline
• Consequences of high emotions
• Recommends a combination of calming and high intensity exercise

Personality

• Passionate about their beliefs, but also want to be liked by others
• Emotional, friendly, trusting, passionate and empathetic
• Avoid situations that are highly competitive
• Avoid fixating on issues you cannot change
• Make clear weekly, monthly and yearly goals to avoid rushing
• Carve out alone time

My Thoughts

For the most part, I have to agree with a lot of the 'characteristics' that are associated with Type AB individuals.  One aspect that I found most interesting is that Type AB individuals tends to have high emotions.  Throughout my life, I've really struggled with being on a constant 'emotional roller coaster.'  I can literally go from slap-happy to angry in seconds.  Mix that with my extremely energetic personality (which I'm assuming is the overproduction of adrenaline!) and there are days when I'm just batty.

I also agree with the 'smaller, more frequent' meals idea.  I've always had stomach issues (hence, one of the reasons I stopped eating meat) so I'm going to try changing my diet to incorporate a few of Dr. D' Adamo's suggestions.

I'm planning on buying the book, Eat Right 4 Your Type, and following the diet for another month-long trial.  Will keep you posted on the results!

And now my question for you is this:  have you heard of the blood type diet?  Have you tried it yourself?  Do you believe in it's accuracy?

Protein shake? No whey!

For a long time, I was against using any sort of protein powder.  I didn't know much about it, but whenever my boyfriend would suggest that I try it, the image of an overly muscular, body builder with veins popping out of his biceps ruined my appetite.

However, when mixed with peanut butter and a banana, some girls can be convinced.  Some girls may have even liked it enough to buy her own container.

I'm movin' up in the ranks, people.

Chocolate and strawberry protein shake

Today's drink is a new combination.  Nothing fancy, but quite appetizing.  I'm planning on running an 8-miler today (as soon as it stops pouring) and I'm hoping this magic shake will give me the push that I need.

Whey Protein from the one and only, Trader Joe's

Recipe:

• 1/2 cup frozen strawberries
• 1 scoop protein powder
• 1 cup of milk
• 2 ice cubes

Blend and enjoy!

XO,

Wild Rice

I quit eating meat, cold turkey

This is a long post, and I used my phone to shoot the pictures, so please bear with me...

I'll be honest, if you asked me two months ago whether I thought I would become a vegetarian, I would have replied: heck no. I'm definitely not a health nut--I love Buffalo Wild Wings and the occasional Taco Bell taco. I never shopped at Whole Foods because of their high prices, and I played into the "I don't even want to know" mantra when addressing meat processing plants.

Things have obviously changed.

Background

For the past two days, I've debated how to approach this post. Originally, I wanted to share some of the information I learned after reading Skinny Bitch; however, I was worried it would sound too preachy.

Last Saturday, I stopped eating meat, cold turkey. There was no "last supper" nor a last hamburger to savor (which was the original plan). I decided enough, was enough.

In the past week, my roommate introduced me to vegetables I didn't even know existed. She also suggested techniques to make sure that I get a variety of nutrients into my diet.

How it started

It began with a trip to Whole Foods. Before, I could never justify spending the extra money on organics. However, after the research I did, I feel that it is worth the extra money to buy healthier produce.

Unlike my usual trips to the grocery store, I picked up a cart of organic veggies and a few new staples. 

Some examples:

• agave nectar (a natural sweetener, used instead of sugar)
• soy yogurt
• vanilla rice milk
• vegan sour cream

Before this began, I was experiencing a lot of stomach problems that I attributed to dairy and anxiety. Therefore, along with cutting meat out of my diet, I've significantly reduced the amount of dairy I'm consuming. It has made a HUGE difference.

The Challenges

Realizing that I don't need meat to feel full. In fact, when I eat lighter meals, I feel better mentally and physically. There is no "food baby" (aka bloating) or guilt.

Becoming vegetarian is like learning a new language. I'm incorporating an entirely new set of ingredients into my diet--many which I've never cooked with before. It is very overwhelming, but I'm trying to take each day at a time.

Limiting carbs--people warned me not to simply replace meat with carbs. I'm trying to limit my carb intake to one meal, whether that's cereal for breakfast, a sandwich for lunch, or pasta for dinner. I replace the rest of my meals with salads, soups, vegetables and fruits.

The Changes

Overall, I've noticed positive changes. Knowing that I'm putting healthy, natural foods into my body makes me feel good. My stomach aches are much less frequent and I no longer have that horrible feeling I used to get after eating fried or unhealthy food.

I feel less tired, but I'm not getting more sleep (trust me.) I'm trying to cut down on the amount of sugar/caffeine that I'm drinking and I believe it's helping.

Empowerment. I finally feel as if I have control over what I am putting into my body.

Now that week 1 is over, here is a recap of 3 Vegetarian recipes to try:


Eggplant sandwich with kale chips (pictured above)

Ingredients:

• eggplant
• goat cheese
• lettuce
• roasted red peppers
• ciabatta bread

Directions:

1. Cut eggplant into slices, drizzle with olive oil, and place in oven
2. Toast ciabatta--spread one half with pesto, the other with goat cheese
3. Layer on the goodies and you're done!

For the kale chips, tear the kale into smaller pieces and place on cooking tray. Drizzle with olive oil and salt, and place in oven. Cook until crispy.

Natural banana "ice cream"

This is by far the best (and most healthy) dessert I've ever made. It's super easy as well.

Directions:

1. Un peel two bananas and cut them in half. Place them in a Tupperware container and freeze overnight.
2. Place them in a food processor (or blender) with a small amount of vanilla rice milk.
3. Blend until you reach the texture of ice cream.

I guarantee that it will taste exactly like banana ice cream. However, it's all natural (and delicious!)

Vegan nachos and home-made guacamole

• Ingredients (guacamole):
• 2 ripe avocados
• 1/2 red onion
• 1 fresh lime
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 ripe tomato
• 1/2 teaspoon chopping fresh cilantro 

Directions:

1. Cut the avocado in half and peel. Be sure to keep the cores.
2. Put avocado in bowl and mash.
3. Add the remaining ingredients (except the tomatoes) and mix together.
4. Place the cores back in the mixture and refrigerate for 1 hour.
5. Add tomatoes before serving.

Nachos:

I used whole grain, organic chips from Whole Foods and topped them with beans, salsa, rice, corn, tomatoes, home-made guacamole and vegan sour cream (Tofutti Better Than Sour Cream).

My Vegetarian (ad)Venture

Before I left England, I wrote about the differences between eating habits in the UK vs. US. I promised myself that when I got back, I would sustain the eating habits I acquired while living with my European roommates.

Some of my nasty habits are gone:  I stay far away from fried foods, fast food and kraft macaroni and cheese (sadly).  I've skipped the boxed mixes and started making a lot from scratch.

However, I've noticed that I'm slipping--and my wakeup was last night when I ate a bowl of cereal for dinner.  Time to make some adjustments.

My first week back in the US, I noticed a difference in the taste of food.

I was also getting sick to my stomach very often.  Anxiety about being back may have caused the stomach aches, but I have a feeling the differences in the quality of the food had something to do with it.

So, starting on Monday, April 11, with the help of my vegetarian roommate, I will start my month-long Vegetarian (ad)Venture. No meat, no exceptions. This is just as much of a test of self-control as it is health related.  Luckily, I'll have my roommate to keep me motivated and show me a variety of recipes.

Why am I doing this? Because I'm curious; I want to see if I can feel and see the difference in my body, appetite, etc.

This trial has more to do with what we treat our animals with and less about how we treat them (although I hate animal cruelty as much as anyone.)

Over the course of the next month, I'll post once a week about the topic.  I'll also try to include some recipes in my posts that I found especially appealing to vegetarians (or those of you looking for meat-less meals.)

Any ideas for my last supper?