Typical Sunday night =Sushi + the Amazing Race

I ordered Sweet Potato Tempura rolls and Kappa Maki rolls.  Jared’s fishy fish rolls were squeezed in between my nice veggie rolls.

Mmm, plus edamame on the side.

I had some Kashi cereal for breakfast on Monday morning.  Then I snacked on some almonds when I got to work.

Completely unbalanced lunch!  I ate a mini-loaf of banana bread and sucked down an ice coffee.  Of course I spent the rest of the day craving fresh vegetables!

My Half Marathon training has been throw a tiny bit out of whack.  I expected this so I’m not concerned.  I didn’t find time to go on a longer run this past weekend.  Ohh well.  Still plenty of time before the race!

I ran 2 miles on the treadmill during my lunch break at 6.5 mph then stretched and went back to work.  I was supposed to run 3 miles with Jared after work, but that fell through.  He really needs new sneakers before he runs again so I think he’s going to get fitted on Thursday night.

To fulfill my fresh vegetable craving, I made a plate of peppers and cucumbers with hummus as soon as I got home from work.

I bought ingredients for dinner from Don Otto’s Natural and Organic Market.  See…organic pasta and responsibly made pork sausage.  Making those positive changes in the way I shop for food.  (While dinner was cooking, I cleaned out the fridge and tossed anything that was old, unhealthy, or just not going to be eaten.)

I ate a bowl of penne with 1/2 of a pork sausage.  I topped the penne with a swirl of flavored olive oil, a tiny bit of sauce, and some Parmesan cheese.

I made a smoothie for Tuesday’s breakfast using:

• 4 ice cubes
• 1 cup of almond milk
• 1 1/2 cups of frozen berries
• 1 cup of spinach

I spent almost 20 minutes fighting with my smoothie maker in order to get everything to blend.  Grrr.  But when my Not-So-Green Monster was finally ready to go, it tasted fresh and healthy.  If preparing and cleaning up weren’t such a pain, I’d make smoothies more often.

My family and Jared’s made plans to share a morning meal!

My parents and Jared’s parents were introduced for the first time.  After meeting and greeting, we shared a basket of sweet corn bread.  OMG, so very tasty!

My mom ordered a Mimosa and I ordered the Latin Bellini: Champagne, mango puree, and guava puree.

The Caramelized Plantain Empanada with Mexican Cinnamon Cream Cheese.  I only had one bite, but I noticed the cream cheese flavor more than the plantains in the empanada, and it was awesome.

I ordered the Nut Crusted Texas Toast Stuffed with Caramelized Bananas and served with Dulce de Leche Syrup.  I was really disappointed when I saw that the toast was fried.  It was so crispy and crunchy, and I felt like I was eating fried dough at the fair.  I also didn’t like the Dulce de Leche syrup.  I probably should’ve asked for maple syrup.  I only ate 1 piece of the Texas Toast and wasn’t excited to bring my leftovers home.

I’d go back to brunch at Masa just for the corn bread.  And then I would order anything else besides the Texas Toast!

Oh, and of course both families got along great! 

I purchased this dress from Anthropologie to wear to Jenna’s wedding in July.

Even got the approval of the mother and father of the groom.  Thanks for the compliments Kris and Bob!

As you can see in the photo, it’s a white dress with orange, yellow, and white flowers.

I know the wedding is still 4 months away.  But it’s never too early to make some decisions about shoes and accessories.  That’s where I need help!  I was thinking of going with the 1950s vibe and wearing a big bead necklace and pumps.

Pumps…definitely wanna wear patent leather.  But should I wear: closed toe or peep toe?  Color: red, white, or nude?  I’ve been browsing the Sofft website and there are 3 different designs that come in the colors I’d prefer.  And all shoes appear to be comfortable enough to make it through the entire reception without needing to change into flip flops!

Heels #1:  In red, white, or nude?!?!

Heels #2:  In red or nude?!?!

Heels #3:  In red or off-white?!?!

I already own a red patent leather clutch so I’ll probably carry that.

*Anyone willing to offer comments or suggestions on shoes and accessories?  What would look best with that dress, Heels #1, #2, or #3?*

Since I all I’ve eaten today has been cereal and a mini-loaf of banana bread, clothes seem better to discuss. 

We arrived 30 minutes before our scheduled reservation, thinking we’d grab a drink at the bar.  Sportello doesn’t have a bar area so we were directed downstairs to Drink.  Drink has a line so after a brief wait, we made it inside.

Drink’s concept is that you tell the bar tender what type of alcohol and flavors you like, and then he or she will create a drink for you.  A risky situation, but a lot of fun.  I said I enjoy vodka martinis that are sweet, but not overly sugary.

The Red Blinker!  A martini-esque drink made with vodka, raspberry, and fresh grapefruit juice.  It was exactly what I was looking for!

I also ordered a date and ended up with a pretty nice one.

It was past our reservation time when we were finally called upstairs to dine at Sportello.  But everyone was really accommodating and we were allowed to bring our cocktails with us.

Appetizer:  Roasted cauliflower with olives, grapefruit, boquerones

Though I’m a constant wine drinker, I didn’t recognize anything on the menu.  Our waitress gave a great description of the wines by the glass and helped us understand the menu.  I ordered a glass of 2008 Saladini-Pilastri Rosso Piceno and was pleased with my selection.

Jared’s entree:  Oricchette with braised lamb, ricotta salata

I only had one bite and I noticed a nice cinnamon flavor.  Jared raved about this the entire time he was eating!

My entree:  Tagliatelle with sauce bolognese, fried basil

Simple, delicious, and exactly what I was looking for.  Sportello’s homemade pasta is tasty!

Dessert #1:  Salty caramel chocolate cake

Sweet and salty never tasted so good.  I loved flavor of the sea salt combined with the chocolate.  It reminded me of eating a chocolate covered pretzel, though obviously 100 times better.  By far the best item of the night!

Dessert #2:  Almond macaroon

Split into 4 tiny pieces so Jared, his parents, and I could each try a bite.  Jared said this was his favorite part of the meal.

After dinner we went back downstairs to Drink for 1 more round.  I was so happy with the Red Blinker that I ordered it again.

Dinner at Sportello was amazing.  Barbara Lynch’s Italian inspired dishes and the diner atmosphere made for an all-around good time.  I loved the casual setting and the sleek white minimalist design.

Thank to Sportello’s GM Peter Juusola for talking with us and making sure we had a wonderful Sportello experience.

I used my leftover Chicken Picatta in a veggie-filled salad.

I snacked an a healthy bar.

I was feeling pretty sore from Body Pump so my gym time consisted of 15 sweaty minutes in the sauna.  I’m not making any excuses.  It was a much needed day off!

I always want to be comfortable at work on Fridays.

I had a few small snacks throughout the afternoon/evening because I knew I wouldn’t be eating dinner until 8:30 pm.

Jared’s parents met us at the apartment and we shared a cab to dinner.  We started  our meal at Jacob Wirth with some Fried Pickles.  Freshly fried and unhealthy, but oh so delicious.

Goat cheese pizza as appetizer number 2.

Vegetable Ravioli due.  I wish I could’ve finished the plate because these were SO good.  I especially love the ones filled with asparagus.  I hope the leftovers taste just as good.

2 nights in a row of eating heavy food and I feel it.  No guilt or worries.  I can just tell that my body is reacting to all of the processed food.  Mehhhh.

We did burn off a few calories by joining in the piano sing-along.  Jacob Wirth has a huge sound book so we were flipping back and forth to find the lyrics of each new request.  Lots of fun!  The crowded restaurant was really into it so we had a great time.  Keep Jacob Wirth in mind if you are ever in Boston and want to have some good clean fun!

Ok, Saturday morning…

We had a quick bagel breakfast before getting out in the fresh air to take the dog for a walk.

Since Miles is turning 4 at the end of the month, I gave him an early birthday present:  a green CUPCAKE collar.  I think he looks so cute.  I think he could care less.

We ate lunch at Volle Nolle in the North End.  They have delicious sandwiches.

I ordered the grilled chicken sandwich with chicken, fresh mozzarella, roasted red peppers, spinach, and herb mayo. 

We wandered in and out of the fun shops in the North End.

I love Polcari’s Coffee.  Such a cute shop.

We stopped in Boston Common Coffee because having reviewed their coffee, I have become a huge fan.  Plus Jared’s dad loves their beans and needed a fresh bag.

We wandered through Haymarket.

Fish stand at Haymarket.  Eww.

Starting to make small changes in the way I think about food, I bought dog treats for Miles that were made from cage free chickens.

I’m exhausted from being out and about all day.  Time to rest up before dinner at Sportello and then cocktails at Drink.  Plus figuring out a time to go on a long run tomorrow.  Glad the nice weather is supposed to continue!

You rock, Julie!

Jared’s parents are visiting this weekend so my schedule is filled with restaurants and sight seeing.  We had a great dinner at Jacob Wirths last night that I’m hoping to recap later this evening.

After working out, my mom and I had time to grab lunch together.  I had a bowl of chicken soup.

Plus a grilled cheese.

I snacked on a Z Bar…every flavor is so yummy.  I don’t care if it’s a kiddie snack; I love it.

Being a Friend of Harpoon, I attended a tasting of Harpoon Brewery’s new Belgian Pale Ale.

I’m not a true beer aficionado, but I really enjoyed Harpoon’s new release.  The Belgian Pale Ale was pleasant to drink, with a slight bitter after taste.  It had a nice nose; I could smell cloves, bananas, and even bubble gum.

Along with beer tickets, Harpoon gave everyone a ticket for “pomme frites.”  Yum!

After the tasting, my group of friends headed to dinner at St. Alphonzo’s Kitchen in Southie.

We ordered calamari for the table.  RI style, fried nice and crispy.

Plus an appetizer known as “The Big Cheese.”  A block of mozzarella with house-made marina.  We also shared several bottles of Le Croix de Queynac Bordeaux.

I ordered the Chicken Piccata.  It came with a side of penne and asparagus.  I devoured the pasta and asparagus but saved 1 piece of chicken for later.

By the time I got home, I was still showing my support for Harpoon, but instead of alcohol, I just wanted some “H two Ohhh.”

It was a great Thursday night, drinking at Harpoon and having dinner with friends.  Plus after MUCH debate, a summer vacation with friends has been finalized. 

For the most part, I felt like I was eating normally.  I think dining at Longhorn Steakhouse was the only time it felt like a struggle.  I didn’t crave meat.  I didn’t feel like anything was missing from my diet.  Just felt like a typical week.

So what did I take away from this challenge?

Successes?

• Didn’t eat meat (no red meat, poultry, fish, or eggs)
• Learned a lot of new information!!!
• Posted about being a vegetarian, how it affects animals, and how it affects health
• Cooked black bean burgers
• Shared a vegetarian lunch with family

Failures?

• Didn’t post about how being a vegetarian affects the environment
• Didn’t finish reading any of Michael Pollan’s books
• Took a while to finish Food Inc.
• Didn’t create as many amazing lunches or dinners as I had planned
• No clue if I was getting the proper nutrients

I did ok… in my opinion the good outweighs the bad.  And even though it was later than planned, I did finally watch Food Inc.

My thoughts?

I really enjoyed Food Inc.  It opened my eyes to a side of the food industry that I don’t normally think about.

What info from the movie stood out in my mind?

• The top 4 beef companies control 80% of the market.
• There’s an illusion of diversity in the food industry.  In reality, there are very few companies and very few crops.
• Most foods are rearrangements of corn.  90% contain corn or soy ingredients.
• While cheap corn drives down the price of meat, many bad things have evolved out of feed lots/feed lot life where the meat comes from.
• It is easy for big processing plants to become contaminated.
• A typical farmer used to grown enough food to feed 6 people.  Now a farmer can grow enough to feed 126!
• Farmers are not allowed to save seeds that have been patented.

For the time being, I will continue to eat meat.  But I will do my best to buy from respectful and responsible companies.  I’d prefer to eat local, clean, and sustainable foods.  I don’t want to fill my body with highly processed foods containing crazy chemicals.  I also refuse to eat foods that were obtained in harsh ways.  I want to preserve my body for my future.  I also want to work to preserve the environment for everyone’s future.

It seems silly to fuel myself with artificial colors, flavors, and sweeteners.  I can eat a crisp red apple or any other freshly grown plant.  I can add to my meal by choosing meats that do not contain extra hormones.  I want to eat only the real deal!  I found a great online resource, Sustainable Table.

I have a lot more reading and researching to do.  I need to learn how to read labels.  If something contains too many ingredients and too many words I can’t pronounce, it’s out.  As the Boston weather improves, I’m going to try to shop at Farmers Markets and even plant my own garden.

Food Inc. gave me a lot to think about.  But it didn’t give any instructions for what to do next.  As a follow up to the film, I’ve just started reading Michael Pollan’s Food Rules.  I’m also continuing my way through In Defense of Food.  I’ve love to read The Omnivore’s Dilemma, but I may have to move away from Pollan so I can get another author’s opinion.

This was a really difficult post to write because I didn’t know how to summarize my thoughts.  Though it was a 5 day personal challenge, I feel like I’m beginning another leg of my healthy journey.  I’m enthusiastic and excited.  I’m looking forward to discovering new and better ways to eat and exercise.  Change is hard, but I’m willing to work on making personal improvements a little bit at a time.

I was really excited to make a Green Monster smoothie for breakfast.  I blended:

• 2 cups of spinach
• 1 cup of almond milk
• 1 frozen banana
• 1/2 cup of frozen berries
• 1 tablespoon of Dark Chocolate Dreams peanut butter

(Can you see almond milk leaking from my blender?  Oops, forgot to tighten the plug.  I’m sort of a disaster in the kitchen!)

Sorry for the blurry picture.  But as you can see, my smoothie was less on the green side.  It looked more like a shaker of mud.  Looks can be deceiving because it tasted awesome.  Come on, it had dark chocolate PB in it.  How could it not taste great?!?!

Cole asked to see a picture of my cupcake soap.  Super cute, but I’m still tempted to use it cuz it smells amazing.  It’s made from the “Rosemary’s Baby” soap from the Stella Marie Soap Company.

I had thought about getting up to take the 6 am Body Pump class or the 7 am Fusion Strength class this morning since I had a meeting scheduled during my normal Thursday BP session.  Instead I chose sleep!  I decided I’d try to recreate Body Pump on my own.

But when I got to work, I found out the meeting was postponed so  I’ll be going to Body Pump after all.  I even found out early enough that I called my mom and convinced her to come.  She’s starting a 12 class pass today so I’ll be working out with my mom many times over the next month.

Sugar coated almonds for my morning snack.  Hopefully I ate enough to help me power through Body Pump.

I made a Chobani blend for breakfast.  I blended cranberry apple butter into plain Greek yogurt.  I added a bit of brown sugar, fresh strawberries, and peanut butter.  This was okkk.  The plain yogurt was a bit too tart so I can’t consider it a real success.  If I had used vanilla yogurt, it would’ve been amazing.

When you find something you like, eat it over and over and over…  I only have 1 wedge of Laughing Cow cheese left.  Wahhh.

I ordered vegetable soup and grilled cheese.  I ended up with broccoli cheddar soup.  I wasn’t too disappointed because I wanted to try the broc cheddar.  Until a few bites in…  I realized I really didn’t like the soup.  Oh well, you win some and you lose some.  Cuz the grilled cheese was delicious!

I normally take a spin class on Wednesday nights, but I knew I couldn’t because I had plans after work.  So I did a really laid back “spin” workout and pedaled the recumbent bike for 20 minutes while reading In Defense of Food.  Really interesting!  I stretched and did a short ab workout.  And I left plenty of time to sit in the sauna for 10 minutes.

Unpictured afternoon snacks:  strawberries, almonds, and a Special K bar!

I met Julie at Whole Foods for a very important business meeting.  We’re roommates at FitBloggin so there was a lot to discuss.     Plus I peer pressured Julie into grinding some fresh peanut butter (OMG, the smell was amazing) and we grabbed dinner from the salad bar.

I loved being at a big grocery store.  Shopping in the city isn’t as spread out (traffic jams in the aisles) and doesn’t offer as much variety (really small shelves).  I bought peanut butter and almond butter and spinach for tomorrow’s Green Monster.  Oh and that blue bowl, well that was a gift from my lovely date. Thanks Julie!  Shes trying to win me over so I don’t make her sleep in the bathtub.

Julie and I shared a few thoughts on Food Inc. and I asked her questions about being a vegetarian.  I’m halfway done with writing my Vegetarian Challenge reflections.  Don’t lose any sleep…it will be up tomorrow!