Posts Tagged Avocado
Move It in March
Happy MARCH!
Wow, Spring is just around the corner…20 days away, in fact! I think Spring is actually my least favorite of the four seasons, but if it means I am getting closer to completing another semester of college and never having to open my Organic Chemistry book again, then it couldn’t come sooner.
I always love it when the first day of month falls on a Monday because I use it as a marker to set new goals for myself. I already have a list of 10 goals I am aiming to accomplish in 2010, but I figured adding an extra challenge couldn’t hurt.
For the month of March, I want to challenge myself to MOVE as much as possible! I know I am already pretty good at fitting in my physical activity, but I think there is room for more. I’m young, healthy, and injury-free…why not? I will be recording my workouts – including the distance & duration – on my Running Page. Feel free to join me by moving your muscles more this month too!
My Monday schedule is tight – leaving very little time to exercise – but I did want to publicize that I had a glorious 50-minute run in the sunshine yesterday afternoon. I must get moving; after all, my race is two weeks away!
***
Monday’s Munches
Breakfast was cold cereal.
Raisin Bran, Humboldt Honey Granola, Banana & Organic Almond Milk in every bite!
Today’s school snacks reminded me of a Harry & David Box:
raw veggies + dried apricots & dark chocolate almonds + 1/2 of a d’anjou pear
Annie’s Whole Wheat Shells (a first for me) & White Cheddar…with peas and real buttah.
Organic Romaine, Avocado, Cucumber, Carrot, Red Onion & Low-Fat Parmesan Ranch
It was a perfect medley. I’m a fan of the whole wheat pasta, too : )
[No, I didn't eat in bed in case you were curious. It was just for photography sake.]
***
Alright, well I bet 96% of you can guess where I’m rushing off to next: The Bachelor Finale – hello! Hope your month began on a bright note!
Hasta la proxima,
~ Hillary
If you missed the memo, my recipe is featured on Green Monster Movement!
13 comments March 1, 2010
Real Food Reigns Supreme
Evening Readers!
Hope you had a refreshing Saturday. I sure did. I whizzed through my to-do list, and somehow skimmed over my homework ; ) After our last “chat”, I got to baking — my favorite way to procrastinate. I asked my mom to send me her recipe for Cappuccino Chip Muffins that I’ve grown up on. She started making these in 1992! This is the first time I’ve actually made them; they are super simple and definitely a crowd pleaser.
espresso
semisweet chocolate morsels
a hint of cinnamon
I most certainly ate not one, but two warm muffins & a homemade iced latte for an afternoon snack…you betcha! Not long after, I was back in the kitchen attacking the monster of a butternut squash that I brought home in my backpack Thursday. This is what it turned into:
Not bad, eh? It was scrumptious with a capital S.
I roasted the squash with olive oil, real maple syrup, cinnamon, and salt & pepper at 400* for approximately 30 minutes, until the edges were caramelized and the house was saturated with sweet air. Then baby spinach was washed, creamy avocado was chopped, chevre was crumbled, and pepitas were sprinkled on top…a drizzle of balsamic was the finishing touch. I definitely need to thank my teacher for this one.
Overall, I had a very scrumptious Saturday! I am so thankful to be able to fill my belly with nutritious and delicious eats. I really, really am.
Check It Out: My Green Monster recipe is featured on Green Monster Movement. Thanks, Angela!
Take it easy,
~ Hillary
12 comments February 27, 2010
5 & [Barely] Alive
Ahhhhhh [sigh]. Week 5 is officially over and I made it out alive…just barely! I had one long week with a huge Hump Day. For some reason, I feel smothered with exams this semester. I have 6 exams in a 4-week span, not including an equal amount of quizzes – gahhh. Can Spring Break come any sooner?
I woke up feeling exhausted this morning and dreaded the thought of O. Chem + Geography with my 80-year-old monotone professor. I somehow managed to get through my classes, although I am pretty sure I looked like sleep-walking zombie. The last thing I wanted to do was exercise, but I usually meet my roommate at the gym Friday afternoons – and since she was my ride home – I mustered up my hidden energy for a “workout”. I think it’s really interesting how one day your body can haul a** and the next it can’t move faster than a banana slug. Weird, isn’t it?
Friday:
- 20 minutes: Treadmill [5 minutes each @ 3.6, 3.8, 4.0, 4.2mph]
- 15 minutes: Run [indoor track]
- 10 minutes: Stair Master
After eating my 2nd piece of PB & honey toast, I couldn’t stand it any longer and set out in the stormy weather on a quest for groceries. Three stuffed reusable bags later…mission accomplished! With a restocked kitchen and [homemade] iced coffee + dark chocolate in my system, I felt so much better.
I made up for my lack of produce during the day with a colorful salad for dinner:
Crispy, Crunchy Organic Romaine, Avocado, Carrot, Cucumber, Red Onion, Yellow Bell Pepper & TJ’s Parmesan Ranch
…it reminded me of home : )
Think there might be some fro-yo/ice cream in the near future with the roomies.
Happy Weekend!
~ Hillary
7 comments February 26, 2010
I’m In Love
…with spinning!
I had a kick-butt workout last night!
- 1.5-mile run [indoor track]
- 12-mile ride [spinning for 32 min.]
- 1.5-mile run, including sprint intervals [indoor track]
- + 4 x 15 “knee-to-chest step raises”
The new spinning bikes at the gym are awesome. I finally found something to push me to that next “level”…and it’s such a fun way to cross-train. As much as I would love to just run, and run, and run…I know that is not what’s best for my body. Drenched in sweat and high off endorphines, I hurried across campus to my bi-monthly Nutrition and Food Science Association meeting. I scored a sweet tee:
Only the cool kids wear I <3 Fruits & Veggies shirts =]
At home and out of the rain, I scarfed down a huge piece of leftover pizza while catching up with a friend on the phone. Then it was time to study my fruits & veggies for my Elementary Foods exam.
***
Today has been one of the longest Wednesdays to date. I was at school from 10:00am – 6:30pm! I was really hoping to post this morning before I left home, but clearly that did not happen. I inhaled a yogurt mess of 2% Greek, 1/4 cup Raisin Bran, 1/4 cup Humboldt Honey Granola & 1/2 banana, tossed my lunch into my backpack, and was out the door.
PB&Co Bee’s Knees & Banana Sandwich on Whole Wheat
Carrot, Cucumber & Tomato
2 TJ’s Truffle Hearts [from my valentine]
After my Elementary Foods exam [which went well, or so I feel], I had an hour and half to kill before my last class, so I decided to search for something to satisfy my already empty tummy. What is better than a hot latte in the middle of a long [wet & cold] day? I fought and fought the temptation, but at last…I caved and lost the Coffee Challenge. It was definitely worth it though. After a week and half of being espresso-free, my grande decaf latte with raw sugar was tastier than ever. However, this means no Friday Starbucks treat for me.
Warning: repeat photo…oopsie!
I was famished by the time I finally got home, so I whipped up my favorite 3-minute-meal:
Dr. Praeger’s California Love Veggie Burger + Mashed Avocado & Salsa
…with a side of black beans
I’m glad I made it through the day in one piece. It’s been one heck of a Hump Day! I’m feeling pretty prepared for my Statistics exam after tonight’s review session, and am looking forward to getting on the bike again tomorrow. Spinning = love.
Hope you are having a nice night,
~ Hillary
***
Just a reminder, I TWEET @ HILLontherun =]
18 comments February 24, 2010
Work It Out
Hi Lovely Readers! I was happy to read that so many of you were excited about the little tale this morning. I got the melted jam idea from another blog, but now can’t remember which.
After finishing my morning post, I made myself a latte – or technically a cafe au lait (with 1% milk) – and a sprinkling of raw sugar…mmm. I’m going strong with my Coffee Challenge and have decided to extend my goal until this Friday (rather than Monday). I have a tough school week ahead of me, and thought if I can avoid buying coffee until Friday, then I can reward myself with a treat!
Foam a la Aerolatte
***
Lounging around in my pajamas all morning meant a late lunch…but when I got around to it, this is what it consisted of:
Frijoles Negros, Salsa y Avocado + Agua
Dos Kiwis
***
After studying up for my Elementary Foods exam, I got antsy to exercise. My muscles are still extremely sore from the past 4 days of exercise, but I wanted to work out some of the lactic acid build-up. Nothing hardcore:
Cardio
- 1 mile track [alternate jog/walk every 2 laps]
- 20 minutes: ARC Trainer
- 1 mile track [alternate jog/walk every 2 laps]
Abs
- 2 x 20 stability ball crunches
- 2 x 20 reverse crunches
- 2 x 10 side crunches
- 2 x 10 stability ball “knee-to-chest rollers”
Stretch!
***
Dinner was rustic and E-Z!
- organic polenta (sauteed in olive oil), marinara, chevre & tear of fresh basil -
Alright…time to study my fruits and veggies for Wednesday’s Elementary Foods EXAM.
Enjoy your night,
~ Hillary
11 comments February 21, 2010
I Spy Springtime!
The weather forecast did not disappoint today. It was a beautiful day in the neighborhood! I woke up before my alarm from sunshine pouring through my windows – a pleasant surprise in the middle of February.
My Organic Chemistry lab did not last the full 3 hours today, so I was excited to have the rest of the afternoon to play outside. It was ideal weather for a run, but I thought the smarter thing to do was to give my body one more day of rest. I hope to be back in motion manana!
Since exercise wasn’t an option, I had to come up with another activity to procrastinate studying for my O. Chem exam that involved soaking up some of nature’s best Vitamin D. Easy enough: give Little Blue a bubble bath!
All sparkle ‘n’ shine!
***
I worked up quite the appetite washing my little blue rig. I knew exactly what would curb my hunger…a recipe I came across in my PB&Co Cookbook last night while trying to read myself to sleep. It’s a refreshing & simple snack for a “Spring” day.
…plus, it’s got a protein punch:
1 cup soy milk
1 banana
2 T PB&Co Bee’s Knees
1 T Honey
Ice
***
Dinner
Salad a la: organic baby lettuces, avocado, red onion & balsamic — thrilling.
Roasted Potatoes a la: olive oil, garlic, salt & pepper + a dollop of “Daisy” (2% Greek)
I’d love to stay, but I must not procrastinate any longer. Did I mention I have my 1st O. Chem exam TOMORROW!
Wish me luck (I’ll need it!),
~ Hillary
9 comments February 16, 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!
16 comments February 3, 2010
Eat Your Vegetables
Hi (smile)! Hope you had a nice Sunday. It starts all over again tomorrow. I enjoyed my morning baking and blogging, but it flew by too quickly…before I knew it, it was almost noon. My double breakfast did wonders to my hunger, but I did eat some lunch – most likely out of ‘boredom’ – before leaving the house:
Low-Fat Cottage Cheese with Avocado, Cucumber, Tomato + Fresh Pepper
...along with a handful of these – love ‘em!
I finally left the house after lunch. I hit up Tar-jay — out of all my errands yesterday, I can’t believe I never made it to Target! I scored a few great finds and then was off to the gym for some cardio:
- 30 minutes Elliptical [10 minutes each @ resistance 3.0, 6.0, 9.0]
- 30 minutes Treadmill [10 minutes each @ incline 3.0, 6.0, 9.0 - 3.6 mph]
No strength training today. Since I’ve gotten “serious” about weight training, I have seen some definite changes in my body. I’m not going for the bulky look, so I gave the slow-twitch muscles a rest this afternoon.
***
Dinner was out of this world tonight! I wasn’t expecting much since I planned to just have leftovers, but I think it beat last night’s stir-fry.
organic mixed lettuces, Soyaki tofu, red onion, carrot, raw broccolini, seasoned rice vinegar & a drizzle of toasted sesame oil…the sesame oil put the icing on the cake – yum!
I LOVE MY VEGGIES!
…but the other half of my heart belongs to chocolate (as I devour a truffle brownie). I’m trying to remind myself that I’m no longer on break and can not dedicate half of my day to blogging. I have yet to get back into the school routine. No more time for procrastination.
Later, guys!
~ Hillary
12 comments January 31, 2010
Eating Down Memory Lane
Dang, I’ve been slacking. No good excuses…sorry. Today I worked my last catering event, a Rotary lunch. I was up early and had a bowl of cereal (raisin bran, granola, 1/2 banana & cow milk). My caterer ran out of food – yikes! – so that meant no munchies for the staff today. By the time I got home and fixed myself lunch it was almost 3:00pm.
I had a local sesame wheat bun (toasted) half with chive chevre, cuc & red onion, the other half with almond butter and apricot jam (of which I only ate half). I also had half of a monstrous satsuma.
***
Tonight we ate down memory lane, as I made “Isla Dinner”. In April 2004, my family traveled to Isla Mujeres, Mexico for Spring Break. One of our fondest (food) memories is eating fresh chicken tacos by our hotel pool. We would go to town and buy the ingredients at each specialty shop – first the tortilleria for a kilo of warm corn tortillas, then next it was to the rotisseria for a roasted chicken. We would make a bowl of mango avocado salsa in our condo and then sit outside and dine al fresco, assembling our simple vacation meal by the aqua water.
Downtown Isla Mujeres, April 2004
Avocado Mango Salsa
- avocado, mango, red onion, jalapeño, lime juice, cilantro & salt -
So fresh & healthy!
Off to get in my trash TV fix. I’m a minimal TV watcher (since we don’t have cable at home), but I do have a few favorite reality shows…and of course I am a Food Network fanatic. The Bachelor is on in T-30…
Hope your week is off on the right foot,
~ Hillary
7 comments January 11, 2010
