Pack Rat

Hi guys! Taking a quick break from the packing party to post…stuffing all your clothes into boxes is surprisingly tiring!

Mid-afternoon, I made myself a green monster.

• Vega shake and go chocolate protein powder
• Almond milk
• Two peaches
• Walnut butter
• Three large stalks of kale
• Xanthan gum
• Lots of ice

I don’t mind a slightly “green” taste to my smoothies, but this tasted like grass. Even two packets of Truvia and a splash of vanilla extract didn’t dull the earthiness! I finished it anyways, but made a mental note not to overdo the kale next time.

A bit later, I headed to the gym with my dad to lift. I did three reps of twelve on each of the twelve strength training circuit machines…hopefully I won’t be too sore to carry boxes tomorrow!

For dinner, I spread two Cedar’s whole-wheat tortillas with Tribe hummus, then topped them with six mashed Trader Joe’s meatless meatballs and basil leaves.

Kailey has raved about these, and now I see why- tres delicieux! Perfectly chewy and filling but lacking the rubbery faux-meat texture I hate.

Dessert: a pink lady and a Maverick honeycomb dark chocolate bar from Freya.

The chocolate was amazing. Freya definitely knows her English treats ;)

After packing for awhile, I broke out the Quaker blackberry pomegranate True Delights I received in my HLS swag bag.

Don’t judge me for eating the entire bag in one sitting…well, my parents may have snagged a few!

It's crazy to think that summer is already over. I've been done school for nearly four months, but it's passed in the blink of an eye! Though I'm ready to go back, I'm also sad to see the beautiful weather and carefree days go. Summer is my favorite season, and while I do enjoy fall, it's tough to leave the heat behind!

Back to packing! Have a great night loves J

Do you like green monsters? If so, how “green” do you like them?

What’s your favorite faux-meat product?

Take a Hike!

This morning, I went for a hike with my dad in Ridley Creek State Park.

The weather today is spectacular and my dad loves long walks, so it was the perfect way to spend some QT with my daddy before heading back to New York tomorrow.

Isn’t the park visitor’s center gorgeous? It’s an old mansion that can still be rented out for special events. They were setting up for a wedding today!

We started off on the 4.3-mile road that loops around the park…

Until we got adventurous and decided to hike through the woods.

We followed the “white” trail. This tree cracked me up- confusing much?

Don’t close your eyes, Dr. Dad!

Dr. Dad actually climbed Mount Kilimanjaro a few years ago. During our hike, we talked about climbing to the base camp of Mount Everest someday. It’s a three-week hike, so it would be challenging, but I feel like it would be an incredible experience.

The trail got steep towards the end, which made for a good workout!

Our walk lasted two hours on the nose. I loved catching up with my dad- I’m a total daddy’s girl J

* * *

Breakfast before our hike was a bowl of TJ’s High Fiber cereal, Cascadian Farms multigrain squares, raspberries and almond milk.

Hits the spot every time!

When we returned, I made a guacamole salad for lunch.

• Large avocado mashed with lime juice, salsa and S&P
• Large tomato
• ½ cucumber
• handful of baby carrots
• romaine
• more salsa!

“All shook up” (my hands are shaky and my knees are weak):

I also had two Cedar’s whole wheat tortillas with more salsa for dipping.

And a big bowl of strawberries!

I’m off to pack, pack, pack. My parents are driving me back up to NYC tomorrow and all that’s packed is my food. Typical, right? Enjoy your Saturday!

If you could climb any of the seven peaks, which would you choose? I’d do Everest or Mount Kilimanjaro- probably Kilimanjaro, since the odds of survival are way higher!

What activities do you like to do with your parents?

Fantastic and Fatty

No, I’m not referring to myself!! It's just the best way to describe my dinner- I think I’ve fulfilled my healthy fats quota for the rest of the month!

Tonight’s dinner group included me and my parents; my brother and his wife; and my mom’s friend, her two daughters and the French girl we took to New York City last weekend.

As hors d’oeuvres, I set out mixed nuts, olives, and hummus with crackers and baby carrots.

Let’s just say I have a mixed nut problem.

By the time I’d picked out all the cashews, it was time for dinner!

Spring mix with blueberries, slivered almonds and blueberries.

Farfalle pasta with my aunt’s homemade pesto.

Wheat bread from Giant. (This tasted like it came straight from a real bakery!)

Tuna steaks.

Tropical salsa with mango, avocado, tomatoes, red onion and lime juice.

My plate numero uno:

I went back for more fish, salsa and salad, then finished with a thick slice of bread to mop everything up. Between the nuts, almonds, pesto, tuna and avocado, it was one healthy-fat filled meal!

Dessert continued the lipid trend: raw chocolate cake with coconut oil chocolate frosting.

With raspberry sorbet, vanilla bean ice cream and sliced strawberries.

I had two slices of chocolate cake. It’s impossible to stop at just one- everyone was amazed that it’s made with just walnuts, dates, cocoa powder, coconut oil and agave.

Our guests also brought a cheese plate with raclette, brie, bleu cheese and baguette. Tres Francais!

 I passed on le fromage…those two slices were way better J

All in all, it was a lovely evening. Though having guests can be a lot of prep work, it always pays off in the end. I love entertaining.

Oof! Need bed. My body needs some rest to digest!

What’s your favorite fatty food besides nut butter? It’s my favorite too, but there are so many other good sources! I really love avocadoes.

Cheese or cake?