U R Loved [GIVEAWAY]
Hi! I want so badly to write a post – I enjoy throwing my day down on “paper” at the end of the night – but school isn’t going to make that happen…I’ve got tons to do! I know I said I would reveal the giveaway Friday, but the goodies have been waiting too patiently to sit alone in my Drafts any longer. Here you go!
***
Hip hip hooray. It’s time for my 2nd GIVEAWAY! In honor of Valentine’s Day, I couldn’t resist showing some love to my fans. Thank you all for your support. Here is a little piece of my heart to you:
Organic Cotton [Grocery] Tote
Gaiam Pink Stainless Steel Water Bottle
Chocolove 55% Cocoa Raspberries in Dark Chocolate Bar
Although I love giveaways, this is most likely the last one until the Nutrition Nut finds a job or receives a generous donation, so don’t miss out!
To Enter: Leave a comment (1 per person) about one thing you LOVE about your body. It’s as simple as that. You have until Sunday, February 14th @ 12:00pm to enter before a random winner is selected.
X.O.X.O.
~ Hillary
8 comments February 9, 2010
Bittersweet
Hey hey! Monday, oh Monday…what’s your opinion about the often dreaded day of the week? I don’t mind it so much, as I always think of it as a fresh start – to eat mindfully, to erase any negative thoughts, and to make the most out of another week of life : )
I got super excited last night thinking about today’s breakfast; yet, it ended up being bittersweet.
Greek + LAST of my Humboldt Honey Granola (tear) + 1/2 Banana + 1 T Raisins
I tell ya, I did not want this yogurt ecstasy to end!
***
School was school…minus 1. My last class of the day was cancelled – hooray! I hurried home for an afternoon snack.
Whole Wheat Toast with PB&Co Bee’s Knees & 1/2 Banana
***
With a couple extra hours on my hands, I had to figure out my plan of attack for the rest of the night. Since the semester began, Mondays haven’t included exercise; however, I didn’t have a good excuse not to fit in something today:
Mini Monday Moves
Treadmill
0-5 min: 3.5mph @ 5.0
5-10 min: 4.0mph @ 5.0
10-20 min: 6.0mph @ 2.5
20-25 min: 4.0mph @ 5.0
25-30 min: 3.5mph @ 5.0
***
Dinner looks familiar, doesn’t it? You’re seeing leftovers…that’s why.
1 Huge Handful of Fresh Spinach, Avocado, Tomato, Spinach Ricotta Ravioli with Marinara…drizzled with Balsamic
I know some like to keep their salad separate from the rest of their meal, but I’m clearly not one of those people. I’ll eat salad any way, any day!
Homework (a.k.a. The Bachelor – hometown dates!)…
Peace out,
~ Hillary
Question: Anyone know of excess flax causing stomach issues? It’s either that, or I’ve been hitting the fiber too hard. Ok…TMI : )
13 comments February 8, 2010
Blue Skies & Running Highs
Howdy! Hope you had a relaxing Sunday – it is supposed to be a day of rest, ya know. All I can say is that I am much chipper today than yesterday and I know exactly why that is…RUNNING.
Although I accidently slept in again today, a repeat of yesterday’s breakfast and a little Food Network cheered me right up. By the time the gym opened (at the inconvenient hour of noon), sunshine was seeping through my windows and I knew today was not a day to be inside a gym. Nonetheless, I drove to campus, threw my belongings into a locker, and walked right back out the gym doors into sunshine and blue skies. I was a happy girl : )
I didn’t remember to bring my running watch, but that wasn’t stopping me. I turned on my tunes and just ran…for about 30-35 minutes. It was entirely random, and extremely refreshing. You just can’t get the same running high from running around the inside of a gym. I polished off my workout with the following:
- 5 minutes erg (rowing machine)
- 2 x 15 lat pulldown @ 40lbs.
- 2 x 15 seated row @ 40lbs.
- 15 tricep dips
- 15 side dips each side @ 10lbs.
- 15 lunges each leg @ 10lbs.
- 3 x 15 squats @ 10lbs.
Lunch
Low-Fat Cottage Cheese, Avocado, Cucumber, Tomato, 1/2 T Ground Flax, and remaining Multigrain Chips
It was definitely a day for an iced (low-fat) latte. I stopped at the Starbucks down the street before hitting up Target for TP — always a necessity. By the way, Target during the Super Bowl = bliss!
Look at that sky : )
I then finished putting together my giveaway for Friday. Aren’t you excited?
Dinner
TJ’s Spinach & Ricotta Ravioli with TJ’s Traditional Marinara
Spinach Salad with Avocado, Chevre, Tomato, Fresh Pepper & Balsamic Vinegar
Dessert
TJ’s 71% Cocoa Swiss Dark Chocolate
***
What I’m looking forward to this week:
- Watching The Bachelor with my roomies
- Seeing Valentine’s Day (the movie)
- Having a 4-day weekend
- …including Tasha’s visit!
***
Happy 21st Birthday, Court!
16 comments February 7, 2010
I Fail
What I did and didn’t do today:
- Sleep In – ugh!
- Make Banana Pancakes
- Exercise
- Vacuum
- Fold Clean Laundry
- Homework
- Redeem V.day Gift Card @ See’s
- Write Valentines
- Make Cucumber Salad & take hideous photos
Are you one to procrastinate your most important tasks? I fail today.
***
Your Questions Answered
Teri asked:
1) What’s your go-to lunch that transports well? I have the hardest time packing a lunch for work!
I don’t usually pack complete lunches, just a thing or two to hold me over between classes. I also don’t bring anything that should be kept really cold, or that needs to be reheated. Simple, simple, simple:
- PB&Banana Sandwich
- Wrap w/ Fresh Vegetable & Hummus
- Apple, Cheese & Crackers
- Apple & PB
- Carrots & Hummus
- Dried Apricots & Raw Almonds
2) Do you like flavored lattes? If so, what’s your favorite flavor?
I’m actually not a huge fan of flavored lattes. I have slowly weened myself off of sugary espresso drinks. Back in my early espresso-drinking days, I ordered mochas, then it turned into vanilla or raw sugar lattes, and now my drink of choice is a soy, or sometimes skim, latte. I often top my hot lattes with cinnamon for warmth and flavor. I eat a fair amount of sugar as it is, so I try not to make my frequent latte habit contribute extra sugar to my diet.
3) What’s your favorite sushi roll? Have you ever made sushi at home?
One of my favorite sushi rolls is called the Dragonfly Roll: inside-out tempura prawn, avocado, cucumber, topped with shredded carrot, macadamia nuts, and a sweet chili sauce – yum! I have made sushi at home before, more than once. Of course it hasn’t been as spiffy as the roll I just mentioned, but I’ve made everything from sunomono salad to inari, and a variety of rolls.
18 comments February 6, 2010
Pancakes > Pills
Morning!
To much of my dismay, I’m still in my pajamas, my bed is unmade, and I have done nothing notably productive. I’m not one to sleep in. I like to wake up early and get my day going, especially on the weekends. However, my body felt otherwise this morning. Last night, my roommate and I went to see Dear John. Coincidently, there’s a Ben & Jerry’s right by the theater, so we treated ourselves to a Friday ice cream before the movie. I chose Coffee Coffee Buzz Buzz Buzz for two reasons: 1) I wanted to stay awake during the 10:00pm showing, and 2) coffee + chocolate is one of my favorite combos! Let’s just say the highly caffeinated scoop gave me an extra 3 hour buzz…resulting in a 3:00am bedtime. I let my body get its rest, but when I woke up I felt horrible – sore & stuffy. I remained in bed for the next 30 minutes until my body told me it was time for breakfast. I knew the perfect medicine for a slow Saturday….banana pancakes (recipe)!
…plus a cup of Echinacea Complete Care Tea
***
Back to Ben & Jerry’s. There was no way I was leaving the scoop shop without these:
Ya’ll know I love dark chocolate, and for those of you that really know me, you know I have a thing for all things PEACE. I wrote and gave a speech all about Ben & Jerry’s recently – their friendship, business history, products, etc. – and loved what I found in my research. It is an uh-mazing company. See for yourself.
***
Did any of you love this movie as much as I did?
Humongous Saturday to-do list. That’s all for now.
Enjoy your day,
~ Hillary : )
6 comments February 6, 2010
Dear Friday
Thank [Goodness] It’s Friday! Hope your week wasn’t half bad, and if it was, well…it’s the weekend! I slept in an hour longer than I had intended today, but still managed to make it out the door on time.
Brex
3/4 cup Raisin Bran, 1/4 cup Humboldt Honey Granola, 1/2 banana, 3/4 cup almond milk
After class, my roommate and I met at the gym:
- 15 minutes: RUN [indoor track]
- 30 minutes: BUTTS ‘n’ GUTTS class
- 15 minutes: RUN [indoor track]
Lunch
Annie’s + Carotene & Chlorophyll
I almost made it an entire week with my grocery supply, but my shelves were looking particularly bare today. Alas, I made the trip to TJ’s to restock. I also stopped at another store to purchase a couple final items for my V.DAY GIVEAWAY! It’s a good one.
Mid-Day Munchies
2% Plain Greek Yogurt, 2 T Humboldt Honey Granola, Fresh Blueberries
Trader Joe’s was out of 0% yogurt, hence the 2%. Wow…what a difference 2% of fat makes – yum! I’m not sure what dinner will be at this point. Currently doing my Friday laundry and such. Dear John is in the plans tonight. Hello, Channing! Anyone else with me? ; )
Toodles,
~ Hillary
***
Your Questions Answered
Angela asked: What is a product you love and can’t live without? Do you have a skin regimen?
I am assuming you meant food product…I currently cannot live without Greek yogurt in my kitchen. I’m all about the new craze! I’m also going to assume you meant skin regimen for my face… unfortunately, one thing I was not granted was pretty skin. I try to make the most out of what I’ve got, but I will never be the girl with the gorgeous skin. I wash my face 1-2x a day with a facial scrub, and follow with a light moisturizer (Clinique). I have been using Bare Escentuals makeup for a little over 2 years now and have received compliments since about my glowing, natural look. I am a huge fan : )
4 comments February 5, 2010
Plain Jane
I felt like Plain Jane in the rain today. Darn rain…I’m ready for Spring already. At least I have my bright bowls to help cheer things up a bit.
Yellow Bowl Take 1
1 cup water, 2/3 cup rolled oats, 1/2 banana (cooked Kath style), 1 T ground flax, 1 T walnuts, 1/3 cup almond milk & cinnamon
Clean
Can you see my reflection?
Yellow Bowl Take 2
Low-Fat Cottage Cheese, 1/4 Avocado, Cucumber, Tomato & Fresh Pepper…for the 100th time.
Simple School Snack
Apple & Almond Butter…as if you couldn’t tell.
Dinner
Toasted English Muffin, Veggie Burger, 1/4 Mashed Avocado & Greens served on a plain white paper towel.
***
Between Simple School Snack and Dinner, I played around at The Resort:
- RUN – 1.5 miles
- WALK – 0.5 miles
- ZUMBA – 1 hour
- 3 x 20 stability ball crunches
***
Your Questions Answered
Shelley asked:
1) What is your favorite part of college? What do you want to do after college?
I love college for a lot of reasons. I have attended two different universities and they have each given me two totally different, yet wonderful experiences. I loved living on campus my first two years of college and the lasting friendships that I made with my roommates. I also enjoy the independence that I’ve gained while living away from home. I do not know exactly what I want to do after college (in terms of a specific job), but I am 98% positive I want it to incorporate food & writing. I’d also love to travel around Europe after graduation.
2) How do you feel about going out on weekends & drinking?
I enjoy going out on occasion, but I’m not a social butterfly. I do drink occasionally, but excessive drinking/partying and a healthy lifestyle do not exactly go hand-in-hand…so it is not something I do frequently. I have had my share of crazy, college nights though : )3) When did you become interested in health?
Long story short, about 7th or 8th grade. My interest continues to grow each and every day.Thank you all for your questions. I will be answering more of your questions soon, but I need to take care of this tired body and achy head…
Night,
~ Hillary
7 comments February 4, 2010
No More Booboo
Hello. What are ya’ll up to? I just ate a bowl of beans for dinner, and am relaxing from another long Wednesday while listening to some T.Swift. Did I mention I am going to see her in concert April 11 – so excited for my spring concerts! I am also enjoying the fact that I don’t have any assignments or quizzes to study for tomorrow; that means I have the rest of the night to be a lazy bum blogging or get ahead with my academia. Tough decision ; )
Din Din
Black Beans, Sharp White Cheddar, 1/2 Avocado + my new favorite chips!
I used the flash…so kill me : )
***
I want to open up my blog to QUESTIONS, so if you have any for me about food, cooking, my life, running, exercising, or anything else…don’t hesitate to ask : )
G’night!
~ Hillary
P.S. I was able to fix Miss Bloggie today – go me!
15 comments February 3, 2010
Blogging Booboo
If you haven’t noticed already, my blog looks a little different today. Last night as I was playing around with the format of my blog I accidentally deleted some things. Ugh, mind you this was after midnight so I was that much more frustrated; I needed to get my zzz’s. I’ll be working on fixing my booboos today in between my 3 quizzes and errands around town.
Currently eating a bomb bowl of bran before hopping on the bus to schooool:
- 1 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup oatbran
- 1 T ground flax
- blueberries
- walnuts
- cinnamon
- splash of soy (added afterwards)
Enjoy your day!
~ Hillary
7 comments February 3, 2010
All About Organic
Hey. It’s about time I get around to posting, don’t ya think? School is keeping me busy. Although I wish I could say blogging was my top priority at the moment, school beats it. Now, if they offered a class about blogging, I would be an A+ student : ) Tuesdays are chem lab days – right smack in the middle of the day (11:00am-2:00pm). No foodie scheduled that class. After playing with organic molecules, I hit up the g.y.m.
- 20 minutes stationary bike [10 minutes each @ resistance 3.0 & 6.0]
- 40 minutes treadmill [time/speed/incline]
0-5 min: 3.6mph @ 3.0
5-10 min: 4.0mph @ 3.0
10-15 min: 4.0mph @ 6.0
15-20 min: 3.6mph @ 6.0
20-30 min: 6.0mph @ 2.0
30-40 min: 6.0mph @ 0.0
+ 3 x 20 stability ball crunches & stretching
***
The rest of the afternoon passed quickly and before I knew it, it was appetizer time. I munched on (healthy) chips ‘n’ dip while working on more O. Chem.
Dinner
Organic Mixed Lettuces, Avocado, Red Onion & Tomato (with unphotographed Low-Fat Parmesan Ranch)
Organic Baked Beans + 1/2 carrot for scooping
2 Tofu Dogs + Organic Ketchup & Mustard
Dessert
Melted Ghirardelli Bittersweet Chocolate Chips & 1/2 Banana
As Ina would say, “How bad can that be?”
***
Question: How do you feel about organic food? Do you buy it, eat it, support it?
I have 3 quizzes tomorrow. No big deal : ) Hopefully the chocolate will give me a study buzz…
Until we meet again,
~ Hillary
9 comments February 2, 2010
