Dessert/ Dinner/ Exercise/ Fitness/ Product Reviews

Match Made In Heaven

Today I was totally in my jammies at 2:30. Check out my sweet, soft and organic new robe (thank you Abi!!)

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(Dexter liked the box it came in, too)

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Okay. I’d be lying if I told you that I wasn’t usually in my jammies at this hour in the afternoon. I totally am. I usually exercise right after lunch, take a super long and hot shower and then get in my pjs. Usually by 3:00. It feels wonderful!

Today I did my usual 40 minute bike ride down the bay. I kept my heart rate the whole time pretty much at 175...that’s normal, right?! I was working it pretty hard and it was 80 degrees outside! I like to keep the resistance cranked up all the way on the bike and then do 20 second sprints when the music on my ipod really gets me goin. SO much better than the elliptical but I fear soon it might just be too hot outside!  This biking routine I’ve been doing is just as good or maybe even BETTER than a traditional spin class…for real! I swear, biking and running are the only two cardio cross-training exercises that get my heart rate up! During my sprints I would reach 180 but usually it was a stable 170-175. I thought about everything that was said on the last post and I really do have a very high resting heart rate. It goes along with my super fast metabolism. Just a natural thing I’ve always had. So I guess the good ol’ Polar is right!

It was perfect timing….when I was pulling up my driveway on my bike the UPS man was walking up with a huge package with my name on it! Abi, from Quaker, had sent me some of their new Simple Harvest Trail Mix granola bars to sample (along with the super soft and cosy robe…Carrie, yours is on the way!) and I tore into that thing like a (pausing to try to think of something funny……..) cat on a cat-toy. Okay, that was not that funny but I’m tired yall!

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This was the perfect thing after my bike ride! It was sweet and yummy with plump dried cranberries and chunks of dark chocolate. And, I’m very happy to announce that it did not contain ANY ingredients that I could not pronounce! Woohoo!

Ingredients include:

Whole grain rolled oats, brown rice syrup, crisp rice, sugar, dried sweetened cranberry pieces, semisweet chocolate chunks, almonds, peanuts, honey, sunflower oil, inulin, whole grain rolled wheat, molasses, soybean oil, water, glycerin, salt, vanilla, soy lecithin.

Each bar contains 150 calories, 5 grams of fat and 3 grams of protein. While there’s not enough protein in these to provide long lasting fuel, they are perfect after a workout for a little pick-me-up! And, of course, I love that there is no hfcs to be found in the ingredient list.

I worked on some emails and such and then started dinner. I finally got all the ingredients to make my delicious meatless sloppy joes! This has always been my vegetarian-go-meal of course because it is so EASY and versatile. I made this all the time my senior year of college and even tricked my very southern roommate’s momma that it was real meat! It freezes wonderfully and makes great leftovers…I’m already seeing a wrap in the works for lunch tomorrow! Tonight, I served it atop a baked garnet yam (I am going to turn into a sweet potato soon, I know it) and had some yummy roasted brussels on the side.

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My tummy and mouth were so happy! I have never had this on a sweet potato before but it was like a match made in heaven and was super filling as well.

But could it get any better?

I assure you it can. For dessert I had a warm VitaBrownie topped with Dark Chocolate Dreams pb

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I have no words besides bliss.

In the blogworld:

ZestyCook’s long awaited E-Cookbook is now available….and is FREE!!! Seriously, guys, this has been a work in progress for a loooong time and I’m so excited that it finally is all done and set. You will find all your favorite food bloggers in there ( including myself wink wink) and it is chock-full of superb recipes. Check it out!

I am dying to finish my book and start on the new Jodi. Its like seriously burning a hole in my nightstand. I can’t wait to dive into it!! Tomorrow is Tuesday, which means work (I am doing my first ever wedding cake tasting at 11 am!!!! A woman wants to try both vegan chocolate & vanilla cake!!), 5K training and hopefully a little yoga afterwards to stretch out those tight hamstrings.

Night!

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  • Carrie H
    March 9, 2009 at 3:32 pm

    Woo hoo! I was hoping to see my robe soon, and maybe I will this week!
    You know, I’ve noticed that my heart rate seems really high when I run too. I usually average about 170 to 180 and have seen highs as high as 215, I think. It sort of freaked me out too, but since it seems that a lot of people have a similar heart rate, I’m not too worried about it. On the elliptical or other low-impact machines, I’m usually about at a 160-165, which may be high, too, but that’s just me, I guess!
    Enjoy your robe, Jenna! I will soon!

  • Bec
    March 9, 2009 at 3:41 pm

    I usually get in my pjs as soon as I get home from school, they are just some comfy!

  • VeggieGirl
    March 9, 2009 at 3:45 pm

    SWEET POTATO!!!!!!!!!!

  • Erin
    March 9, 2009 at 3:46 pm

    I love jammies all the time!
    I’m glad to hear about the heart rate info. I think I have a naturally high resting heart rate, but it freaks me out! I always wondered if something was wrong. I do have a naturally fast metabolism so it must all go together!

  • Kailey (SnackFace)
    March 9, 2009 at 3:50 pm

    Being in jammies in the afternoon is a true delight! So glad you’re able to be in them by 3pm! Alright, that last pic of the vitabrownie with DCD is just downright mean! Haha, I want it now! Have a great night, Jenna!

  • Red Head, Yellow Dog
    March 9, 2009 at 3:51 pm

    I love sloppy joes! tempeh works great in it too (instead of soy crumbles)! I make it allll the time!

  • Leah
    March 9, 2009 at 3:53 pm

    I can’t wait to read the newest jodi book! Cute robe!

  • Sharon
    March 9, 2009 at 4:01 pm

    Oh wow, lovely. Mmmm delicious eats~!

  • megan
    March 9, 2009 at 4:02 pm

    I love that robe!!! You look so comfy 🙂
    Your dinner looks amazing…I am thinking about having a sweet potato for dinner tonight, too!
    And, every time I see you eat a Vita Brownie I want one…I only have the muffins in my freezer, though.
    Have a good night, lovey!

  • Shelby
    March 9, 2009 at 4:02 pm

    That robe looks so comfy!!

  • Michelle
    March 9, 2009 at 4:07 pm

    The robe looks amazing. That’s so cool that there’s a free e-cookbook, I am going to have to check it out and see if I can find something that I can modify. Good work on the cardio.

    Do you swim? I know that you lounge around the pool 🙂

  • Sarah (lovINmytummy)
    March 9, 2009 at 4:07 pm

    No apologies for the robe and PJs. You work hard, girl, and are up and dressed while most people are still sleeping!

    I want to come do a wedding cake tasting. Does it matter that I’m already married and not planning a wedding? 😉

  • Run Saraaah
    March 9, 2009 at 4:12 pm

    That robe looks so nice and cozy 😀 I will have to try out meatless sloppy joes, I am always looking for easy freezable meals.

  • sirenjess
    March 9, 2009 at 4:15 pm

    where do you get your vitabrownies?

    • jenna
      March 9, 2009 at 4:18 pm

      Sirenjess,

      Greenwise (my store) has them but also some whole foods and regular grocery stores carry them as well…or at least the mix to make them yourself. If all else fails, you can hit up the website at http://www.vitalicious.com to shop online. These things are a MUST-HAVE. They are expensive but oh, so worth it. They taste so sinful but they actually are healthy! Amazing.

  • Courtney (The Hungry Yogini)
    March 9, 2009 at 4:23 pm

    Ooooh what a comfy robe! I love it! And delicious dinner too =) Sounds like a good day!

  • Haleigh
    March 9, 2009 at 4:25 pm

    Mmm.. VitaBrownie and Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter! Enough said 🙂

  • emily
    March 9, 2009 at 4:30 pm

    those meatless joes look so good! I actually copied the recipe when you made it last time and was finally planning on making it next week!

  • Runeatrepeat
    March 9, 2009 at 4:36 pm

    I’m still at work, but I wish I was home in my jammers too.

  • K
    March 9, 2009 at 4:49 pm

    I’m in my PJs all the time! Honestly, I hate being in my house with jeans or other pants on – it feels weird!

  • Nicole
    March 9, 2009 at 5:09 pm

    Those brussel sprouts look fabulous! I wish I had some!

  • Kath
    March 9, 2009 at 5:26 pm

    175! You are lucky. My biking heart rate is 110-120 – with hills! But I have a very low resting heart rate…and probably a very slllooow metabolism to go with it.

  • Natalie
    March 9, 2009 at 5:30 pm

    Sure a cute robe!
    Love the dinner and dessert. 🙂

  • Mara @ What's For Dinner?
    March 9, 2009 at 5:30 pm

    I want a robe like that! It looks seriously amazingly comfy!
    Good luck with the wedding cake tasting! I can’t wait for mine…

  • Meg
    March 9, 2009 at 5:37 pm

    Oh that muffin top looks soooo good. Warm muffins are the tastiest things ever!!!!
    You look so adorable in your new robe!

  • Jewels
    March 9, 2009 at 5:51 pm

    that dessert looks amazing. You can always “Check” your HRM by taking a six second pulse manually and multiply by 10 🙂

  • Sammie
    March 9, 2009 at 6:24 pm

    I love Vitalicious yummies – I had a Vita-Top this evening. What do you consider a high resting heart rate? You are so lucky to be having such gorgeous weather – we had snow today, yuck!!! Have a restful evening you hard working lady.

  • Emily
    March 9, 2009 at 6:42 pm

    Totally awesome eats!

  • brandi
    March 9, 2009 at 6:59 pm

    the robe looks so soft!

    I always get into my pjs after I work out/shower, too – no matter what time it is! 🙂

    have fun tomorrow – that’s exciting that she wants to taste your cakes!

  • laci
    March 9, 2009 at 6:59 pm

    Haha what’s better than lounging around in jammies until almost 3pm!? Love the idea of the cool, brezzy bikeride by the bay… 🙂

  • seelivelee (for the love of peanut butter)
    March 9, 2009 at 7:03 pm

    i really want to make this meatless concoction! thanks Jenna!

  • RunToFinish
    March 9, 2009 at 7:58 pm

    ohhh have fun with cake tasting! I love the meatless sloppy joe, I could totally do that!

  • Anna
    March 9, 2009 at 9:20 pm

    I love those bars and their completely normal sounding ingredients.

    There is NOTHING better than wearing pajamas in the afternoon, although your dessert is a close second.

  • Caroline
    March 9, 2009 at 11:18 pm

    Yum! I have always loved the Simple Harvest products–I’ll keep my eye out for those bars!

  • bibixs
    March 9, 2009 at 11:23 pm

    aaaa i can’t wait to get in my pj’s im so tired !!
    guess what i ended my 5km in 17 minutes yohoo! i was so proud of myself..and look at me i’m here bragging about it in your blog…sorry :S
    i just have to tell you you are my absolute inspiration 🙂

  • HangryPants
    March 9, 2009 at 11:39 pm

    I love my robe and slippers too!

  • lila
    March 10, 2009 at 5:35 am

    i love your way of describing your day and your food..im too far away to get any of these delicious products you show every day, especially those bars with 16grprotein…mmmm…do you know if i can order somehow to greece?
    an one more question..
    do you use a specific amount of protein daily?does it help your metabolism?
    my mail is georgioyl@hotmail.com, please contactme, when you find some time..
    kisses from greece
    lila-25

  • Elina (Healthy and Sane)
    March 10, 2009 at 6:36 am

    Haha, sweet rope 😉

  • Elina (Healthy and Sane)
    March 10, 2009 at 6:37 am

    *robe*

  • DaisyMay
    March 10, 2009 at 7:14 am

    Jenna,

    I know you read a lot and noticed you got the wally lamb book a while ago. What did you think of it?

  • angelcubbie
    March 10, 2009 at 7:17 am

    Hey Jenna, I was wondering if you still do the hot lemon water in the morning that you were doing and if you’ve found that it’s been helping with your IBS?

    • jenna
      March 10, 2009 at 10:53 am

      angelcubbie,

      I rarelyyyyy have IBS attacks anymore…it was a big thing for me in middle school and as I grew older I really grew out of it because I learned how to eat right. The only times now that I will get an IBS attack is if I eat fried food or if I am extremely tired or stressed. And never like I used to. I used to have such bad IBS attacks that I couldn’t go to school and could only lay down for hours. It was really really really bad. But then as I grew up, it disappeared! So there is hope! I don’t do lemon water anymore because I’m back on the coffee train (i just have to!) but I’m not sure if that has any effects on ibs or not. I can tell you that peppermint oil helps when you have an attack (either sniffing it or putting a drop on your tongue).

      DaisyMay,

      Ehhhhhhh…..the first half was awesome but I thought the second half dragged on and on! I was disappointed!

      Lila,

      I have no idea how you could order those to Greece! Maybe if you contact the company? I’m not sure! About the protein, I generally do aim for .8 x my body weight. That has always worked for me and I am generally a very active person and need protein to keep me going.

  • Mariposa
    March 10, 2009 at 8:38 am

    oh that robe looks so soft and warm!!!! im soooo sick right now.. i would love to be snuggled up in that thing on the couch.. *sigh* wishful thinking!!

  • Jess
    March 10, 2009 at 8:51 am

    I like both the Simple Harvest and Odwalla bars. I’m really surprised you just tried the Odwallas. I usually see such exotic bars on your blog and Odwallas seem quite commonplace to me, but maybe it depends where you live.
    I totally change into comfy clothes as soon as I get home from work.

  • Danielle
    March 10, 2009 at 8:53 am

    That robe looks so comfy! As soon as I get home from the gym my pjs are on, and generally on the weekends I stay in them most of the day.

  • Meghan Cee
    March 10, 2009 at 9:45 am

    This is not meant to stir up any drama bbbuuutttt….a lower heart rate is a sign of being physically fit, having a higher heart rate during activity means burning more calories because that person is less physically fit, but Jenna, I definitely don’t think of you as being out of shape, so whats up with that? I just think it’s kinda weird!

  • katecooks
    March 10, 2009 at 10:10 am

    i love all the jodi books!! i am waiting to get that one out of the library. i think vanishing acts might be my all time favorite, i even got my mom to read it and she loved it 🙂 cant wait to hear how it is!!!

  • gina (fitnessista)
    March 10, 2009 at 11:11 am

    the robe looks so comfy! i’m way excited to get mine now 😀
    vita brownie with dark chocolate dreams sounds EVIL! i totally want one!
    hope you’re having a great day!
    xoxo

  • lila
    March 10, 2009 at 2:56 pm

    jenna,
    tell me some sources of pure protein, or i have to try the powder protein?any other ways of boosting my metabolism?
    keep on the great work..

    • jenna
      March 10, 2009 at 3:21 pm

      Lila,

      Great sources of lean protein include chicken, fish, eggs, low fat or nonfat dairy, whey, nut butter, soy, whole grains…I hate having to rely on protein powder but it makes it so easy to get all your protein and whey is so easily digestible. Protein really doesn’t “boost your metabolism” though….I’m not sure what you mean by that. Are you looking to lose weight? Exercise is a great way to boost your metabolism!

  • Justine
    March 11, 2009 at 9:52 am

    I love my chili on top of sweet potatoes. I do it all the time! http://peanutbutteroats.blogspot.com/2009/03/rip-little-dudes.html
    Good to see another person doing it! I wish they had vitabrownies around these parts :(!

    ~Justine

  • In the Raw | Eat, Live, Run
    March 12, 2009 at 4:29 pm

    […] for Gina’s Quaker giveaway is fast approaching….umm tonight! We all know how comfy that robe is, so you better hustle for another chance to win new Simple Harvest Trail Mix bars plus the soft […]