Wow!
Thank you all SO much for all the creative and sweet comments earlier! This week of “no sandwiches” should be interesting! I’m also doing this in part to force myself to eat more veggies since I feel like lately I have been lacking in that department. Keep the ideas comin’!
This afternoon I made Eat, Drink and Be Vegan’s Smoky Split Pea Soup (without the tofu) and snacked on a peach chobani with a half cup of puffed brown rice as a snack while in the process:
The soup smelled a-m-a-z-i-n-g! I usually just make my split pea soup incredibly basic with only three ingredients: an onion, split peas and water. This recipe, however, includes chunks of sweet potato, carrot, celery and onion as well as different spices and veggie broth to give it all it’s flavor. Even Betty, who hates sweet potatoes with a passion (how could ANYONE hate sweet potatoes?!) said it looked really good.
The peach chobani was good too! I think my favorite flavor so far is vanilla, but I love anything peachy so this was a good treat. It was incredibly smooth and creamy! I liked the addition of puffed brown rice to dress it up a little and add some crunch and texture. Perfect pre-gym food 🙂
And to the gym I went! Today was cardio and legs day and it was glorious because the gym was basically empty! There’s nothing I hate more than when the gym is packed with meatheads and I have to wait to get a cardio machine or get stared at by teenage boys. Yuck.
I started with cardio. I did 15 minutes on the elliptical and then I was feeling frisky………….so I ran! Yep, I ran! I was SO excited because it didn’t hurt at all! I think a couple weeks rest was exactly what the doctor ordered because today I ran 15 minutes straight on the treadmill and it felt nothing short of spectacular. I hooked my headphones into a movie on tv and I was good to go. Even though I was pain free today, I think I will just make running a “once in a while” thing on the treadmill. I love to run outside and run often, but apparently it does not love me. I’m hoping to be able to do maybe one treadmill run a week as part of my cardio and we will see how that goes…..at least I can do it at all!!!!!!
Afterwards I stretched and headed downstairs for some legs. Here’s what I did:
2 sets of alternating standing lunges, 10 lbs, 20 reps each set
3 sets of hamstring curls with stability ball, 15 reps each set
3 sets of squats on smith machine, 20 lbs, 10 reps each set
3 sets of calf raises, 90 lbs, 20 reps
total workout time = about 45 minutes
After the gym, I hit up the bookstore and bought a new book as a present to myself for working so hard this weekend 😉
I’ve read every one of his other books and could not put them down. He is one of my top 5 favorite authors!
When I got home, I was starving but it was way too early for dinner so I had a carrot and hummus for another snack:
And then not even 45 minutes later (I was starving!) was dinner! Soup of course!
And a spinach salad with cucumber and light balsamic dressing:
The split pea soup was just as awesome as it smelled! The sweet potato chunks “melted” into little pillows that gave the soup so much complexity and body. It made me sooo happy and I’m even happier because I have leftovers for lunch tomorrow!
And I am finally capping off my day with pretty much my favorite thing ever: a chocolate vitamuffin with almond butter drizzle:
Yep, that’s a match pretty much made in heaven. And I’m on my second mug of sleigh ride sugar cookie tea with agave. Ready to hit the bath and my book!
Tomorrow is going to be another busy day! When is it NOT a busy day though?! I go to work at 7 like usual and Adam will still be in Vermont. However, he left a super short list for me to do and said I could go home early, so I think I’m going to do the list as well as make Super Charge Me cookies (from Eat, Drink and Be Vegan) and hummus and then leave at 2:00 and go to the gym.
I have to be BACK at work at 5:00 for a “company party” from 5-8 that is mandatory. It doesn’t sound too bad though since we get drink tickets and can have wine. 😉 It’s actually the reason why I’m making hummus tomorrow! I was planning on making it anyways, but then I thought I could just make a ton of it and it could be served at the party as well so there are some healthier options. I don’t think the party actually includes dinner, but there will be “cocktails and heavy appetizers” (including my hummus). I might just eat what is there, or I might have snacks there and then eat dinner at 8 when I get home. We’ll see!
Have a good one, friends!!!
Oh She Glows
November 16, 2008 at 6:10 pmThe company party sounds like fun! Drink tickets are always a bonus 😉
My husband hates sweet potatoes too….I don’t get it!
Brooke
November 16, 2008 at 6:14 pmThat soup looks amazing! Love the idea of adding sweet potatoes to split pea soup.
ED&BV is one of my fav cookbooks…
VeggieGirl
November 16, 2008 at 6:19 pmMmm, that soup looks MARVELOUS!! Nice and green 😀
Good luck with your über-busy day tomorrow – the party should be a fun atmosphere, so hopefully that’ll help!! 🙂
Melissa P.
November 16, 2008 at 6:19 pmThat book is insainly good and eye opening (shocking at points). It was really interesting to get a different take or side of the story during WWII. Enjoy!
ashley (sweet & natural)
November 16, 2008 at 6:20 pmThat soup looks delish! Do you have a hummus recipe you like to use?
Jenny
November 16, 2008 at 6:34 pmWow, I’m totally impressed by your “no sandwich” challenge, I doubt I go one day without them. But if anyone can do it, it’s you!
Have a great night, that split pea soup looks amazing!
nicole
November 16, 2008 at 6:39 pmHi, Jenna! I love your blog but hardly ever comment, but I remember you experiencing some leg pain a little while back…Now (all of a sudden) I’m having pains in my lower legs that I first thought were shin splints (even though that’s a very general term that could mean a number of things). It’s not really the “glass grinding against bone” type of feeling but more like a dull/sometimes shooting pain in the front. ok…I won’t try to explain the pain since I know you’re not a doctor, but I’m afraid to run…I’m actually not sure HOW to get my cardio in. To make things worse, I’m about to head home for the holidays and was depending on running since I don’t have a gym membership back home (assuming the elliptical and bike are even ok?!)…I was just wondering if you had any advice from what you went through. The thing is, I buy new shoes every 6 months or so (I got my last pair late in the summer), I haven’t increased my milage…I actually cut back some to change up my workout since I knew (thought) I’d be running a ton Nov-Dec., I’m not new to running…so, while I don’t know what the cause could be, it’s really bumming me out =/
jenna
November 16, 2008 at 6:39 pmAshley,
Tomorrow I plan to make the sundried tomato and olive hummus from ED&BV but I usually don’t make my own because I don’t own a food processor and I’ve tried in the blender and had horrid results. The day I DO get my own food processor will be the day I start making my own hummus weekly…but until then, I buy Sabra’s and LOVE it!!
Shelby
November 16, 2008 at 6:40 pmI love that soup! Now I want to make it again =P
I think it tastes best for breakfast but I always add more spices because I think it loses some of it’s flavor.
Grounded Fitness
November 16, 2008 at 6:40 pmthat soup looks perfect! Im freezing right now and big bowl of that would be amazing…
Kelly Turner
http://www.groundedfitness.com
Emma
November 16, 2008 at 6:41 pmHaha, I always laugh when you mention the meatheads. That’s part of the reason why I take the spinning classes at my gym instead of working out on my own….no teenage boy would ever enter a room of middle aged women listening to 80’s classics.
K
November 16, 2008 at 6:42 pmEvery single thing in this post looks delicious!! Have a great time at the company party. It sounds like it’ll be fun!
jenna
November 16, 2008 at 6:43 pmNicole,
Yikes! I can’t really give you any medical advice since I’m not a doctor or a trainer, but I would say definitely do not run! Maybe try spinning? For about 5 years I never went to a spinning class because they always intimidated me but I have definitely found my new preferred cardio method! And, you burn like 500 calories per class! You should see a specialized doctor if the pain persists…and try icing and elevating as well. Also–tiger balm makes these little sticky patches you can put on the hurt area and I think they really help. But, seriously, do not run if you have pain! People that say “run through the pain” or “pain is weakness leaving the body” yada yada yada usually end up hurting themselves more! you do not want to be in a boot or a cast for the holidays!!!!
Megan
November 16, 2008 at 6:47 pmWhat a great workout! Split pea soup with sweet potatoes! YUM!
Kimberly
November 16, 2008 at 6:52 pmHey, Jenna — I wanted to throw my two no-sandwich suggestions into the mix. The first is pumpkin-black bean-tomato soup — SO easy, filling, and packed with nutrients (it also freezes very well, so you can make a big pot on Sunday and take single portions all week.) The second, when I’m in the mood for something fresh and cold, is an easy pea salad — just thaw some frozen peas and mix together with any chopped veggies you like (I use mushrooms, tomatoes, and basil, as well as a handful of sunflower kernels.) Mix in a little balsamic vinaigrette and you’re good to go in under 10 minutes! It also works with chickpeas, but I’m an English pea girl.
Teenage Veg head
November 16, 2008 at 6:59 pmwhat does split pea soup taste like? i have been hesitant to try it for some reason, but your soup looks great!
i agree though, Sundays go by too quickly! Im glad your leg didn’t bother you while you ran
michelle
November 16, 2008 at 7:24 pmHey Jenna,
Just wanted to say hello! I decided to try the vitamuffins and the only flavor my grocery had was the chocolate/chocolate chip!!! Oh my goodness, its like eating chocolate cake!!! And only 100 calories!! So good!
Jenna, can you possibly share your recipe for the split pea soup?? Thanks girl!!!
jenna
November 16, 2008 at 7:28 pmMichelle,
The recipe I used is from the cookbook “Eat, Drink and Be Vegan” by Dreena Burton. I can’t share it due to copyright and legal issues! The split pea soup I make a lot that is very simple is just this:
Saute 1 chopped onion in 1/2 tbsp evoo for about 8 minutes until sort of caramelized (but not burned)
Add paprika, sea salt and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Add 6 cups water and 1 bag split peas.
Simmer for about 45 minutes or until tender
It’s good but this recipe of Dreena’s knocked the socks of of it! I highly recommend this cookbooK!
jess
November 16, 2008 at 7:32 pmOMG that soup looks Amazing- and your description of the sweet potatoes “melting into little pillows”… wow. Sometimes you can tell you were a lit major and I love it!!! I just may have to invest in ED&BV- I’ve been debating it for a while… xmas list?! Haha 😉
I’m also Really glad you can run in moderation. Even once in a while is satisfying so hopefully it can be a short part of your weekly routine.
Great luck with a busy busy day- you always pull them off with Such flying colors!
Lindsey
November 16, 2008 at 7:45 pmAw your company party doesn’t sound too bad! Better than this – my husband’s school (he’s a teacher) is having a Thanksgiving party this Thursday and they ALL want me to cook and bake…but I can’t come. Lame!
Evey
November 16, 2008 at 7:45 pmOmg, you so turned me on to those Super Charge Me Cookies.. they are so good!! So healthy, yet so decadent tasting.. I recently made a batch with White Chocolate Chips.. AMAZING!
Hope you have a good day tomorrow!
Eliza
November 16, 2008 at 8:29 pmthat soup looks sooo good. i love split pea! enjoy!
Erica
November 16, 2008 at 8:31 pmThe soup looks delicious! Warm and comforting, for sure. And yay for the occasional pain-free run! You will probably appreciate it much more because you’re only doing it every so often. Have fun at your company party…have a glass of wine for me!
Mara
November 16, 2008 at 8:34 pmYou absolutely have to try that Sugar Cookie Sleigh Ride tea with some soymilk or almond milk or something milk in it… its like heaven in a mug!
emily
November 16, 2008 at 9:33 pmthat tea sounds fabulous! I feel you on not having a food processor, but fyi, we always make hummus using our (super cheap target brand) blender and it works perfectly.
Fancy
November 16, 2008 at 9:35 pmI wish Sugar Cookie Sleigh Ride was a coffee flavor….omg yum!
erica
November 16, 2008 at 11:20 pmoh man, both the soup and the vitamuffin dessert look fantastic!
seelivelee (for the love of peanut butter)
November 16, 2008 at 11:34 pmheheeh-your posts are always so positive and get me in a really pumped mood. sugar cookie tea sounds so good. did you get it at WF? or Publix? Hmmmm!!
Amanda
November 16, 2008 at 11:54 pmThat pea soup looks sooo good. I’m allergic to peas (sad face) but I’m going to mess around with it with other legumes. Could be interesting? Lol.
Do you not LOVE Vitamuffins? I admitted to them being my fave food today… 😉
MizFit
November 17, 2008 at 5:22 amlovelove his writing as well….cant wait to hear what you think/yer review (hinthint :))
Beadie
November 17, 2008 at 8:01 amI agree, Sundays are NOT long enough.
MMMMM…..vitamuffin!
arielle
November 17, 2008 at 8:40 amI love Chris Bohjalian! Before You Know Kindness is one of my favorite books ever.
Teddy
November 17, 2008 at 9:02 amA manditory party? haha It could be fun
Teddy
runjess
November 17, 2008 at 9:52 amYou’re right, Sundays are not long enough.
I love it when the gym is empty! I had to deal with teenage boys and slow-moving elderly people at the gym today.
Tina
November 17, 2008 at 10:02 amI totally agree with your post title! What is it about Sundays!?!?!
Foodie (Fab and Delicious Food)
November 17, 2008 at 10:38 amThat soup looks amazing!
Sarah
November 17, 2008 at 11:40 amThis soup looks great, I love ED&BV, it’s my fave!!!!
Hila
November 17, 2008 at 12:10 pmHi Jenna! Do you recommend the Sugar Cookie tea? have you tried any of the other celestial holiday flavors?
Julia (Santa Barbara Dreaming)
November 17, 2008 at 12:52 pmEven though it may be “mandatory,” anything involving food and booze sounds like a blast! Have fun 🙂
Meryl
November 17, 2008 at 1:03 pmHey! this is my first time commenting.. but i read your blog all the time 🙂 i’ve read for a few days now that you’ve been looking for the seasonal clif bars and wanted to give you a tip!
both target and earth fare have the in the check out isles and not where the rest of the nutritional bars are 🙂 happy hunting!
Juli
November 17, 2008 at 1:45 pmHey Jenna! your blog is making me starving! I think Christina and will have to invite ourselves over for dinner one night 🙂 So were thinking Body Pump on Wed??? When’s the next RPM class I need another one of those…
Biz
November 17, 2008 at 1:56 pmI just recently made green split pea soup deciding I didn’t like it because of how it looks (kinda like something you would find in a diaper!) but I LOVED it!
I’ll have to remember the sweet potato part next time.
jenna
November 17, 2008 at 2:29 pmJuli,
I’m planning on going to ZUMBA tomorrow night at 6:30, bodypump on wednesday night at 5:30 and RPM on thursday night at 6……I have it all written in my planner! My life is so hectic that I have to plan way ahead. You should try zumba with me! I’m nervous but hear that its an amazing cardio workout!!