What I’ve been doing instead of blogging…

Hello friends!

Long time no blog.

I wanted to give a little update about what’s been going on with me and why I have been neglecting what’s been on my plate!

At the end of last month I had the wonderful opportunity to finally cross something off my bucket list.

I ran my very first 1/2 marathon! Woohoo!

It was a beautiful course… We ran along Lake Washington for miles 5 through 10. Then we ran into downtown and had a gorgeous view of the Seattle skyline.

Justin Kraemer/Justin Kraemer Photography

And the weather was perfect! Overcast with no rain. I couldn’t have asked for more.

By mile 8, I was feeling great! I felt like I could run forever.

Then mile 11 came… then mile 12… and I was ready to see that finish line.

And crossing that finish line was A-mazing!

My post-race meal was at Table 219 on Capitol Hill in Seattle. What’s better than having brunch food and a mimosa after a race?!? Final rating: 8/10

But I have a confession to make…

I…

…ate…

…BACON!

Yes, that’s right. After 10 months of going meatless, I ate bacon.

Don’t worry it was a one time deal and a delicious one at that.

For those of you training for a race, here are some appropriate snacks (and not bacon) to have before and after a run: (Source)

8 ounces of milk
Trail mix with dried fruit, soybeans, cereal or pretzels
A peanut butter and jelly sandwich or wrap
An energy bar with a mix of carbohydrate and protein
A handful of salted nuts with pretzels
Pita bread with hummus

(Want to more about Sports Nutrition? Check out the American Dietetic Association (ADA) website on Sports Nutrition for more details!)

My next goal: The Portland Marathon.

I’m a little scared. Not sure how I’m going to have to run 2x what I ran. I could use all the training advice I can get!

Have you ever ran a half marathon or full marathon? What advice do you have for me??

2 Comments

by whatsonjensplate on July 13, 2011 • Permalink

Posted in Fitness, Not Eating In, Nutrition Prescription, Restaurants, Reviews

Tagged bacon, blog, brunch, bucket list, dining out, food, half marathon, marathon, meat, portland, Portland Marathon, restaurants, reviews, Rock n Roll Marathon, running, Seattle, snacks, Table 219

Posted by whatsonjensplate on July 13, 2011

http://whatsonjensplate.com/?p=1064

Caveman Cupcakes??

I’m back!

Sorry I’ve been MIA. It’s been quite hectic since starting a new job, which I am loving!

Anyway, I thought I would share with you a lovely recipe that I found from Joy the Baker.

Every other Wednesday night I have the pleasure of having a delicious dinner and great company with some lovely ladies.

One of the ladies has a completely different food preference than mine – the Paleo diet. I know that I haven’t been shy about going meatless this past year. So you can see why this diet would not be a favorite of mine.

For those you that have never heard of this diet, it is based on a diet similar to what a caveman ate back in the Paleolithic age.

It consists of basic foods such as plain meat, fish, shellfish, eggs, nuts, vegetables, fruits, berries and mushrooms. Products such as dairy, legumes and dry beans, grains, coffee, alcohol, sugar and processed foods are not part of the diet, as these foods came about after the onset of agricultural revolution. Use minimally processed oils, such as avocado, olive or coconut oil, for cooking. The diet does not advocate specific proportions of these foods, it just advocates that you choose foods that were available to those living in the Paleolithic Era. (Source)

I can’t say that I completely agree to this diet (especially since I don’t eat meat). And I’m not alone. To find out more, read this article that talks about why other nutrition professionals agree with me.

Anyway, since I’m the only one that doesn’t eat meat, all the ladies have been gracious enough to go out of their way to make sure there is always a vegetarian option for me. So I thought I would return the favor and make a Paleo diet approved dessert.

Read the full post »

4 Comments

by whatsonjensplate on June 6, 2011 • Permalink

Posted in Recipes, Vegetarian

Tagged agave, baking, blogging, coconut, coconut flour, cooking, cream cheese, cupcakes, gluten-free, joy the baker, paleo diet, recipe, strawberry

Posted by whatsonjensplate on June 6, 2011

http://whatsonjensplate.com/?p=1046

Breaking Up is Hard to Do

I’ve quit you so many times.

And I’ve picked you up again and again.

I dabble in you from time to time.

It’s hard to avoid you because you’re everywhere.

You keep me up at night.

I get all frazzled because of you.

There are times where I feel like I might throw up when I’ve had too much of you.

Oh, caffeine.

Yes, it has been a friend and an enemy. (More of the latter.)

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3 Comments

by whatsonjensplate on May 2, 2011 • Permalink

Posted in Healthy Eating, Nutrition Prescription, Plate Rants

Tagged blog, caffeine, chocolate, coffee, cola, cup of joe, decaffeinated coffee, energy drinks, Excedrin, food, health, healthy eating, jitters, musings, stress, symptoms, tea, Vitamin Water, withdrawals

Posted by whatsonjensplate on May 2, 2011

http://whatsonjensplate.com/?p=975

RE: To eat fish.

Yes, I’m craving sushi.

Ever since I stopped eating meat 8 months ago I haven’t really craved sushi very much.

I know that a few months ago I had a bad first post-completely-vegetarian sushi experience. But I gave it another try and it wasn’t so bad.

I mean, I missed eating it but whenever I went to a sushi restaurant I somehow wanted to only order the veggie rolls (which are pretty good by the way depending on where you go).

I still feel like I should just go completely vegetarian and give up fish but at the same time it kind of makes life a bit easier by saying yes to fish from time to time.

I know it sounds like I’m caving in by conforming and pleasing other people but it just is easier.

So it’s been sort of an internal dilemma for me.

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4 Comments

by whatsonjensplate on April 29, 2011 • Permalink

Posted in Giveaways, Healthy Eating, Not Eating In, Pescatarian, Plate Rants, Vegetarian

Posted by whatsonjensplate on April 29, 2011

http://whatsonjensplate.com/?p=981

Feeding 5000…

Okay, maybe not 5000, but more like 20?

I try to strive and continually struggle to live a compassionate life like Jesus did, but last night I wasn’t by any means trying to feed 5000 like he did (or even 20!).

It’s my turn to bring soup for our bi-weekly Life Group meet up with some wonderful ladies. (There are about 9 of us.)

Last time I accidentally burned the bottom of the soup when I was reheating it. So this time I have to redeem myself. We’ll see how much the ladies like it (or not like it) tonight!

My lovely friend and coworker (but not for too long ), Lindsey always has some great recipes up her sleeve. So I knew I had to go to her for something spectacular!