Spring & Smiles in Sonoma

Hi! Happy Weekend, ya’ll! I am have a wonderful time in Sonoma County; I’ve sure missed my “second home”. Before leaving my apartment yesterday, I packed a few snacks to bring along:

• Carrots & Cucumber
• ~1/3 Chocolove Bar
• Almond Butter
• 2 AllieBars
• Green Tea
• Oats + Oat Bran + Cinnamon

Travel Tip: Pack your own hot cereal for a cheap, easy & healthy breakfast.

My 3-hour drive was easy and beautiful. When I got into town, I decided to stretch my legs by taking a stroll around my old college campus while getting a little Vitamin D on my cheeks. It’s Spring Break for the university, so it was awkwardly quiet – there wasn’t a sole in sight.

My old stomping pad: Beaujolais Village [we are in wine country, after all].

The newest student housing – Tuscany Village – is  very plush.

Spring is blooming!

For diner, two of my original roommates [from freshman year] and I went out to eat at Monti’s Rotisserie & Bar. I had the Baby Beet Salad with Spice Hazelnuts & Humboldt Fog [yay, home!] Goat Cheese. I’m a fan of beets!

Goal #1: Smile more : )   

Afterwards, Tasha [left] took us to an adorable fro yo shop – Ghirardelli chocolate with almonds for me please.

There was a lot of much-needed laughing last night. I’ve missed my gals!

***

After sleeping in this morning, I went for a short 36 minute run and then made breakfast with my oats [above]. I picked up a banana at the store when I got into town, and T had ground flax & soy milk – perfect!

Oats + Oat Bran + 1/2 Banana [cooked] + Cinnamon & Flax + Almond Butter & Soy Milk

We picked up hot soy lattes at Starbucks [1 star to go before I’m a Gold Member!] before hitting up a few stores: Target, REI & Cost Plus.

Although I should really be studying for my Monday exam, my mind is in “vacation mode”. I am headed to my aunt and uncle’s in a bit for Sunday Saturday family dinner. I’m looking forward to meeting their Swedish exchange student and having a home cooked meal…I wonder what the theme is is tonight : ) While going to school in Sonoma, I would go to Family Dinner every Sunday. It was a blessing to have the comfort of family just a few minutes away. I definitely miss that.

Enjoy your evening!

Hillary

Don’t Miss The Caboose

Hey Guys! I hope you had a really wonderful holiday [for those that celebrated]. I wasn’t one of them today. I actually spent Easter all alone studying chemistry, but don’t fear…I was not without good eats! I slept in today by accident…and I mean really slept in – 10:00am! However, it happened to be the perfect time to make myself an Easter a scrumptious Sunday brunch.

   

Aren’t they purdy?

It’s just a simple pancake recipe, folks. There was nothing tricky about ‘em:

• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 cup 1% milk
• 1 egg
• 2 T canola oil
• 1 T sugar
• 1 T baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. salt

It’s all about the accessories: 0% Greek, organic strawberries, lemon zest and agave-honey syrup – holy yum!

Immediately after eating my stack of flapjacks, I headed back into the kitchen and whipped up another recipe. It’s a twist on my family’s favorite tabouli recipe, but I used quinoa instead of bulgar.

 

 

 

 

 

I didn’t use exact measurements [the plus of cooking vs. baking], but here’s basically what went down:

1. Cook 1 cup organic quinoa in 2 cups water – simmer covered for ~15 minutes.
2. Fluff with a fork and let cool. Add 2 T olive oil, juice of 1 lemon and a few cloves of minced garlic.
3. Pile in 1 can organic, rinsed garbanzo beans, ~1 cup ea. chopped cucumber, tomatoes and fresh parsley. Crumble in ~1/3 cup light feta and sprinkle generously with fresh black pepper.

Quinoa seems to be all the rage in blog world at the moment, so I decided to open up this awesome book of mine and see what I could find out….

 

 

 

 

 

Quinoa

“An ancient grainlike product that has recently been “rediscovered in this country, quinoa is not a true grain, but it looks like one and has similar uses. It is related to leafy vegetables such as Swiss chard and spinach.”

“Quinoa’s key nutritional distinguishing factor is its high level of lysine, an amino acid necessary for the synthesis of protein, making it one of the best sources of plant protein.”

Garbanzo Beans [because I eat a lot of these, too]

“One of nature’s perfect foods, these versatile legumes, with a firm yet creamy texture and a delicate nutlike flavor, are highly nourishing. They are rich in protein, fiber, complex carbohydrates, folate, iron, and zinc.”

They are “…no slouches when it comes to iron content, with 1/2 cup providing 30% of your daily iron requirement. The body’s absorption of the form on iron found in garbanzo beans can be enhanced by consuming them with a dietary source of vitamin C.”

***

With lunch – a bowl of cold quinoa salad – I had a glass of Tejava. This is such a score at Trader Joe’s -  just $1.19 for an entire liter!

Naturally after lunch I “needed” something sweet: enter a P.Nut Buttah Treat.

 

Don’t Miss the Caboose

After another phone chat with technical support, I am almost to the point of revealing Nutrition Nut on the Run Version 2.0! This will be my LAST post at the current site. Don’t worry, you don’t have to change a thing. You will still find me eatin’ it up @ www.nutritionnutontherun.com.

Here’s to a great week ahead. I’ll fill ya in on what I’m up to when I don’t have to cram for chem!

XO,

Hillary

Whatcha say? It’s Wednesday!

Wow, Wednesday’s already come and gone. It’s all downhill to Spring Break from here!

Being the foodie that I am, I decided last night what I wanted to have for breakfast today…which was a waffle sandwich in honor of Waffle Wednesday! My taste buds were woken up on the right side of the bed today – holy yum!

2 Van’s Multigrain Waffles [Toasted] + PB&Co Bee’s Knees, 1/2 banana & Honey

…plus a jam jar of 1% milk

I packed a sampling of snacks for my long day at school – it was the perfect variety.

Apricot & Almond Element Bar

Dried Apricots + Dark Chocolate Almonds [6 each]

Carrot & Cucumber

1/2 Apple + Sharp White Cheddar

It was absolutely gorgeous weather today, so between my two sets of classes I took a stroll in the sunshine to Starbucks to redeem my free beverage coupon.

I nibbled on my Element Bar while sipping on my decaf – extra foam – latte. I know I tell ya every time, but these bars always dominate my hunger! I got through the rest of the day – no problem.

I then wandered around my lovely campus, capturing any slight signs of Spring.

 

Move It In March

Today’s trip to The Resort included…

3.25-mile treadmill run:

• 5 minutes @ 6.2mph
• 5 minutes @ 6.4mph [2.0 incline]
• 10 minutes @ 6.8mph [1.0 incline]
• 5 minutes @ 6.4mph [2.0 incline]
• 5 minutes @ 6.2mph

1.5-mile indoor track run [7:14/6:12 negative split]

5.25-mile ride [15-minute spin]

Almost forgot…I finally did some strength training today too, including: lunges, squats, side dips and bicep curls.

***

I want to give a shoutout to all the RDs today in honor of National Registered Dietitian’s Day! Your hard work is appreciated.

Hope you had a wonderful Wednesday. Talk soon!

Hillary

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!

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

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 =]

A Winning Wednesday

Well, friends…another glorious day has come and gone. Here’s what I was up to on this stellar Wednesday:

chem exam

geography

exercise + lunch

nutrition quiz

shower + dinner

blog!

I checked off everything =]

It’s such a relief to have my 1st O. Chem exam behind me. Besides waking up late and almost missing the bus/missing my exam, it wasn’t a total nightmare. After class #2, I was able to come home for the afternoon since my regular 2:00pm wasn’t meeting. I was thrilled for many reasons: 1) It was absolutely gorgeous outside – 70* status, 2) I was feeling well enough to exercise, and 3) I wasn’t stuck at school from 9:00-5:00! So…I dropped my books, slipped on my shorts and headed out into the blue skies. I hadn’t exercised at all since last Tuesday (when I did an Allie–inspired 60-minute elliptical workout); my body was craving physical activity. I ran for 35 minutes at a comfortable heart rate of 155. My legs were thankful =]

***

For lunch, I refueled with light ‘n’ cheery eats to go along with the bright weather outside:

I enjoyed this sunny photo shoot.

1 Piece of Whole Wheat Toast + Hummus, Sliced Cucumber, Red Onion & Baby Lettuces

2% Greek + Kiwi and Blueberries

***

Before heading back to school for my final class, I made myself an iced latte. As tempting as it was to stop at Starbucks, I’m sticking to the challenge…plus, I’ve got Starbucks at home anyway.

Iced Coffee + Skim Milk + Agave — mmm!

I ate half of a granola bar, too. It was a Tropical Treat alright — so yummy, Mom! This one wins =]

***

I made breakfast for dinner tonight with my leftover roasted taters and a couple of scrambled eggs. Seldom do I eat eggs (as a dish), but top ’em with avocado, salsa and chevre, and I can work with it. Anyway…since dessert is 100x better than dinner, let us fast forward…

Celebratory [chemistry exam #1 is over] baking was in order. Chocolate Chippers, anyone?

I made a mini batch by halving the recipe on the back of the Guittard chocolate chip bag:

1 cup + 2 T whole wheat flour

1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 cup real butter

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 egg

1 tsp. pure vanilla

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

1 cup Guittard chocolate chips

1…2…3 chocolate chippers + a jam jar of skim milk = a perfect way to end this wonderful Wednesday.

Good night!

Snack Attack

Hello hello. Happy Friday!

With no school today [due to California’s non-existent budget], it feels like Saturday…but lucky for me, the weekend has just begun! I slept in this morning and, for once, it felt great! My body certainly need those extra zzz’s. However, I still have a deep cough and don’t know what to do about it besides rest.

I made a very simple bowl of oats, along with my 36th cup of Echinacea Complete Care tea, for brex and then got to cleaning house. Yes, even as a 20-year-old college student, I am still anal about tidying my house before having guests : ) Then my roommate and I hit up Trader’s, I ate snack #14, and here I am…

Speaking of snacks, I feel like Miss Allie lately. Normally, I am a routine eater and minimize my amount of random, mindless snacking; however, the past few days I’ve been attacking the snacks:

New Favorite: Dried Apricots + Dark Chocolate Almonds

I am addicted!

Cherry Almond Dark Chocolate Granola Bar (handmade by my mama!)

Ben & Jerry’s Dark Chocolate Peaces – not impressed.

Cucumber, Carrots, Pita Bite Crackers & Hummus – all courtesy of TJ’s.

***

Anxiously awaiting for Tasha to arrive. We were suitemates my first two years of college, and I’ve really missed living with her this year. I am looking forward our girly weekend. Anyone else seeing Valentine’s Day?

Blogging may be minimal the next couple of days, but I will for sure be announcing the giveaway winner Sunday.

Have a LOVELY weekend,

~ Hillary

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

In Sickness & In Health

…I promise to give you something to read every day (no pinky promises).

I really tried to fight off the on-coming cold, but I’m pretty sure it got me. Now I am trying my best to not let it take complete advantage of me. Why, oh why, do colds and finals like each other so much? Their relationship has really got to end.

After my 8:00am lab practical (which went well, I think!), I headed over to the gym. Poor decision, Hillary…poor decision. Didn’t I just mention I have a cold? Yes, stupid me. It took me 30 minutes on the stationary bike + a few weight exercises to realize what I was doing was ridiculously dumb. I headed home, took a steaming hot shower, and told myself too push through my last long day of classes. And so I did.

I had a light lunch, with lots of crunch:

1/2 sandwich on toasted whole wheat w/ hummus, Havarti, cucumber & lettuce (you’ve seen this before)

+ d’anjou #3

Mr. Cold wasn’t in the mood for foodography (food + photography) today. So, since my posts are more than boring…check out my Inspirations – they have great holiday tips, recipes…and much more exciting lives : )

Can you believe Christmas is only 15 days away? Ahhh…I wish the holiday season was twice as long.

Have any magical cold remedies?

Until tomorrow…

~ Hillary