New Things

A couple weeks ago I embarked on a 2 week clean eating plan.  The plan's purpose is to give your body a rest for when you've over indulged during the holidays.  The focus is on eating whole/ancient grains, lean proteins, and plenty of vegetables, very little daily and refined flour/sugar, plenty of fiber, and no processed foods.  The plan also stipulates no alcohol, but I opted for just significant limits.  The plan is well laid out with menus and shopping lists, and most meals have leftovers that are used either in another dish or serve as another meal.  I ended up not needing the 2-week of meals as I had plenty leftover to accommodate the next week, and for dinners I opted for smart meals as I didn't want to fix 2 meals, and so Steve and I could eat the same thing.  Also, Andrew was home a few days last week, so I guess I was a little outvoted!  Overall I don't think I actually feeling any better, but I'm glad I did this plan as it allowed me to put more thought into what I'm eating and try some new things and new combinations.  Some of the hits included the banana smoothie muffins.  These were breakfast for about 8 days, 2 muffins + 1 cup of warmed almond milk served as a breakfast, and 1 muffin could serve as a snack.  These were really good, and even Steve liked them, but didn't want to know what went into them.  Aside from the baking ingredients that made them muffins [flour, sugar, baking powder], the had bananas, spinach and strawberries.  All you really tasted was the bananas-so good.

Also, I had for several lunches and dinner the spicy chicken chili made with ground chicken, red kidney beans and lots of spices.  However, this was not a spicy dish and I added hot sauce cause I like things spicy.  I added kale and spinach to get the extra vegetable in there too.  I will be making this receipt again.  2 days the plan called for a tofu scramble, now I've had tofu before, and find it a pretty good protein substitute, the recipe for this plan called for a sweet potato, kale, tofu and a variety of spices.  I found this dish surprisingly good, the turmeric give the tofu the egg-y color, and the kale and potatoes, while not typical for breakfast, worked in this dish.  This has piqued my interest in trying more tofu dishes.

One of the snack options was Matcha Latte-Matcha Green tea is the highest quality powdered green tea and has a long tradition in Japanese culture.  I found this at our Kroger in the health food/organic section.  It's pretty pricey, but it has an interesting taste and when combined with hot almond milk really did make for a nice treat.  There are even special utensils to make the tea in the traditional manner-not sure I'll delve fully into this, but I enjoyed trying this as I don't normally drink green tea.

Other things I tried was a pecan pie smoothie which was blended tofu-sweet potato-and spices.  It was okay, but don't know if I'd go to the trouble to make it again.  Also, there was a cauliflower curry that was good, but not as good as other Indian dishes I've had.  Overall I have to say it was an interesting experience, and I will certainly take what I've learned about ingredients and portion control, and continue to apply it to my eating habits.  I also got clued into the Yoga Studio App which I am loving.  I've done a few sessions, and the time really goes by fast.  I've ordered a new yoga mat that I hope will be here soon.

I'm always up to something new that's good for me, so we'll see how long the good eating habits last.  What's new with you?

Weekending

Saturday sorta started in reverse due in part to the rain when it was time to take Sophie out for her pee break.  Normally I get on the bike to get my exercise time in-instead I opted for coffee-knitting-and blog reading.  Such a nice change.  Once the rain stopped- thank you Dark Sky app it was time for a dry morning walk with Sophie then my bike ride [on a trainer going no where with my ipad].  By 11:30 I was showered and ready to do my short list of errands.  I had hoped that weather would permit a top down morning, but it was just a bit blah.

First stop was to Cast on Cottage.  I had  gift certificate, saved up lunch money, and a plan.  Well a plan for 2 sweaters, but I couldn't resist a fabulous sale on fabulous yarn.  I ended up with 3 lots of yarn with no pattern in mind, but I'm sure after bit of time on Ravelry I'll find plenty of options.  Maybe I'll be a good blogger and actually talk about my plans.  I do have my eye on some hot pink Rowan Finest if it's still there in a couple weeks!  Alas, upon my departure the skies turned blue and the top went down!

My next stop was to the Buford Highway Farmer's Market.  I had planned to take a photo of this wonderful place, but forgot.  Next time I will do better.  I am embarking on a two-week clean eating plan, and the BHFM was the right place to get all the ingredients necessary.  I had to get the final few things at Sprouts and I made it home in time for the start of the 2nd Atlanta United home game.  We thought it would be on Fox South, but noooooo-UniMas was the channel showing the match, and the entire commentary was in Spanish.  It was a bit hilarious, and the AU won-and we're leading the MLS right now.  So much fun to watch, and no TV time outs so the game really does go by quickly.

As tempted as I was to start Sunday as I did Saturday I decided to get back to my normal routine and there was a very pleasant walk after my workout with Sophie.  It was chilly, but still a lovely morning.

Once back I spent a good 3 hours washing, chopping, prepping and cooking for the next week.  I think Steve was a bit worried I'd run out of work space, but it was set to right well before bedtime.

In between KP I managed to get a baby hat and leg warmers washed and blocked.  These are for one of the staff members where my Mom's been doing physical therapy.  She has a baby due in August and the ladies have been so wonderful and kind during the last 12 weeks.  I was tempted to knit hats for everyone, but not knowing their taste I got them Turkish delight and some Polish candy from the BHFM instead.  They were delighted with the candy and the wee things for the baby.

I also managed to get my Shibui Rain re-hanked and washed in between dinner and old episodes of Breaking Bad.  I should have taken a photo of how I used the legs of our dining room chairs to make the hanks all tidy.  I was very tempted to skip this step, but since I want my project to look it's best I took the time necessary to bring the yarn back to life.  Very glad I did too.

By the end of the day I was quite exhausted, but also quite pleased for getting everything I needed/wanted to accomplished.  I also managed to watch an episode of Mrs. Fishers Murder Mysteries on Netflix- soooo delightful.  Imagine a very unconventional and glamorous woman in 1920s Australia.  Another wonderful suggestion from my boss-I HIGHLY recommend.  How was your weekend-was it what you'd hoped for?