Breakfast/ Dessert/ Dinner

The Great Electronic Shutdown

Goooood morning!!

Thank y’all so much for my little “break” last night. I LOVE, love, LOVE what I do but there are some days when I just feel the need to be disconnected from laptop, twitter, facebook, blog and blackberry. Kind of gets you back to your roots, you know? We live in a world where social media is king, which is totally awesome, but I’m just like everyone else and sometimes I just need a break from being super connected all the time. 😉

That being said, I hope you enjoyed my new column over at Health.com!! How this is going to go down is that every two weeks I will make up this awesome grocery list and a few recipes in my head for a week full of family friendly meals that are not only healthy, but also affordable. To remind you, I’ll link it to the blog when new posts are up. Fun!

So, to now back up a little bit, yesterday I did eat. I snacked on popcorn in the afternoon—

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(100 calorie kettle corn! so good)

And then had an early dinner before bible study of baked tofu, quinoa, broccoli and carrots!

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I may or may not have had a teensy glad of red wine before going to bible study. 🙂

When I got home, I snacked on a half cup of vanilla oikos + 2 tbsp PB2 + raw cacao nibs

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And then I turned off all electronics, hung out with my parents for a little while, then went to BED!!!! I totally needed it. And Deeper Still couldn’t come at a better time tomorrow night…..I am SO excited for this weekend. I haven’t taken a spiritual girls retreat since college and they are so necessary once in awhile.

This morning there was oat bran!

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1/2 cup oat bran + 1 cup almond milk + 1/3 cup 2% cottage cheese + cinnamon + naturally more pb!

***

Today I shall:

  • do a Dave Farmar podcast in my living room
  • write a True/Slant article
  • work on top secret projects 😉
  • work at the yoga studio

***

Last week’s sermon is now online if you care to listen! Brian rocks my world.

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  • Amari
    September 17, 2009 at 8:34 am

    I love your idea of creating a grocery list and recipes you plan to cook for the week! I do this myself but have never thought to share it with the blog world; I definetely look forward to reading about what you plan to make and maybe even get some new ideas!

  • Tammy (Defining Wellness)
    September 17, 2009 at 8:36 am

    I know that feeling well, Jenna. Especially after spending hours at work in front of a computer screen, sometimes it’s nice to unpeel your fingers from the keyboard for awhile. Thanks again for taking time out of your very busy schedule to do the interview on my blog — the readers are really enjoying it. What’s not to love about you? 🙂

  • christie, honoring health
    September 17, 2009 at 8:40 am

    That is going to be such an awesome column!! I know you will do such a great job!

  • Christina MINDFUL LIVING
    September 17, 2009 at 8:40 am

    i have actually never had oatbran on its own…only mixed into my oatmeal!

  • Jess (Fit Chick in the City)
    September 17, 2009 at 8:41 am

    The column at Health.com is fantastic! Some times we just need to cut ourselves a break! Thanks for the reminder to take those breaks when needed.

  • Sarah
    September 17, 2009 at 8:43 am

    Oh that oat bran makes me realize how much I miss it! I need to get some more, I’ve been experimenting with other hot cereals but nothing beats the bran.

    Congrats on the new Health column! I can’t wait to see what you do next 🙂

  • Emily
    September 17, 2009 at 8:45 am

    Hi Jenna! I love your new Health column – that’s so exciting. I’m looking forward to it. 🙂

  • Katrina (gluten free gidget)
    September 17, 2009 at 8:45 am

    Great article on health.com. I book marked it for a few of the recipes. How do you bake your tofu? I want to do it for dinner Friday night, but need a little guidance. Thanks!

  • blueberrybabe
    September 17, 2009 at 8:50 am

    Jenna,

    I have an OATBRAN question! I love oatbran but one of the reasons I love oatmeal MORE is because my oatmeal stays super hot while i am eating it even if it takes like 20 minutes, while my oatbran seems to cool to room temperature within minutes 🙁 I make both on the stove. Is this the same case for you? Anyone else? Do you guys have any suggestions how to keep oatbran nice an hot too!?

    Thanks 🙂

  • Jen Trinque
    September 17, 2009 at 8:52 am

    That’s so great that you’re doing the grocery list on a budget thing for Health – and I love that your recipes include things like baked tofu! I know you eat that anyways, but I’m glad the rest of the world is getting to see it!

  • Jenna
    September 17, 2009 at 9:01 am

    I 100% agree we all need to disconnect every now and again. Electronics rule our lives, so we need to regain our ground 🙂

    I usually try to plan ahead and shop for my weeks meals too. I’m very exciting to see your meals and grocery lists.

    Enjoy your day, sounds like you have a great weekend planned that will hopefully make today go by fast.

  • Shannon (The Daily Balance)
    September 17, 2009 at 9:20 am

    Loved the Health article — I look forward to reading all your great ideas – and trying them out!

    Totally agree on the need to disconnect — that’s why I do it EVERY WEEKEND! so so SO important.

  • Erin
    September 17, 2009 at 9:21 am

    Thanks for posting that poem yesterday — I was having a rough day but that really lifted my spirits. I’m printing it out to hang in my bedroom.

  • brandi
    September 17, 2009 at 9:27 am

    glad you had a good night of just relaxing and taking some time off for you!

    hope today is a good one!

  • Stephanie
    September 17, 2009 at 9:27 am

    So glad you had a wonderful “disconnected” evening — I am totally due for one of those as well, such a great idea to really recharge (computer for endless hours everyday w/out rest can’t be healthy!!) Love love love oat bran these days too!! 🙂

  • 24carrot
    September 17, 2009 at 9:28 am

    Congrats on the column at Health.com – so exciting!

  • Courtney
    September 17, 2009 at 9:28 am

    Shutting off all the electronics can help you sleep better as well without all that buzzing! Every summer we go on a camping trip where there is no phone, tv, newspaper, computer, etc and although I go through withdrawal the first day, by the end I don’t want to go back! It is a good detox every once in a while.
    Courtney
    Adventures in Tri-ing

  • Food Makes Fun Fuel
    September 17, 2009 at 9:30 am

    The vanilla yogurt/peanut butter duo is one of the best! I also like plain yogurt with peanut flour and maple syrup, it’s like a whol other experience

  • Jessica @ How Sweet It Is
    September 17, 2009 at 9:31 am

    I know the feeling about wanting to be ‘unplugged.’ In the evenings I try to not touch the computer and relax with my hubby – it is a work in progress! Love your Oikos treat!

  • kay (eating machine)
    September 17, 2009 at 9:32 am

    your health.com article was great!

    i always tell people about the almond butter at costco (I think you pointed it, and that’s how i figured out it was there) and they’re amazed at the price-

  • Allie
    September 17, 2009 at 9:33 am

    great article! loved having a list and recipes.

  • Leianna
    September 17, 2009 at 9:38 am

    I totally love kettle corn!
    Oat bran looks so delish!

  • cara
    September 17, 2009 at 9:45 am

    Wow congrats on the health.com gig. Woo hoo!

  • TEH
    September 17, 2009 at 9:49 am

    Hey Jenna,
    How do you go about getting these freelance gigs like the health.com column? Are you usually selected as a result of your success with the blog? Just curious. Thanks!!!

    • jenna
      September 17, 2009 at 10:21 am

      TEH,

      Because I’ve been blogging for so long I do get contacted for different opportunities…I’m very thankful!

  • Megzz @ Megzz Wins At Life
    September 17, 2009 at 9:56 am

    Great job on the Health.com gig.. Sounds like you have a lot going on!

  • Kate
    September 17, 2009 at 10:00 am

    Congrats on the gig at Health! That sounds like an awesome column. As others have said, I do this for myself, and would love to add some of your recipes to my weekly repertoire!

    Also, I totally agree about “unplugging”. My husband owns a video production company and works from home — sometimes I have to literally turn everything off for him to focus entirely on what’s (who’s?) standing right in front of him.

    Not his fault entirely, though, our whole society does the same thing! So good for you.

  • Holly
    September 17, 2009 at 10:01 am

    congrats – that column is awesome!

  • Shawna
    September 17, 2009 at 10:01 am

    I love the meal plan on health.com! I’ve never bought and prepared tofu on my own, so I’m excited to try your recipe. Also, did you do any sort of calorie count for the dinners? I’m guessing around 500 (stuffed peppers) to 600 (shrimp pasta and turkey burgers).

    • jenna
      September 17, 2009 at 10:20 am

      Shawna,

      No..no calorie count…I’m not big on calorie counting so all my recipes are just focused on whole, healthy ingredients !

  • Whitney @ Lettuce Love
    September 17, 2009 at 10:19 am

    I love ‘disconnected’ time. It is nice to be away from everything for a while.

    The article at health.com is great!

  • Megan (The Runner's Kitchen)
    September 17, 2009 at 10:22 am

    Good for you for taking a break! I planned on watching Gossip Girl and doing stuff on my computer last night, but instead I baked cookies and chatted with my roommate 🙂 It was delightful. P.s. I love, love, love PB2 + greek yogurt!! Sometimes I add strawberry preserves.

  • Catie
    September 17, 2009 at 10:31 am

    I think everybody should take a break from their electronics. It helps you realize what is important and although twitter is fun it’s not necessary all day everyday.

  • sheri
    September 17, 2009 at 10:36 am

    Loved the article and looking forward to reading it each week!
    Ha! Your dinner is exactly what I am having for lunch today! 🙂

  • Jenna
    September 17, 2009 at 10:46 am

    Jenna,
    what brand of quinoa do you use? my is never that fluffy and good looking? Any techniques on how to prepare it?

    • jenna
      September 17, 2009 at 10:53 am

      Jenna,

      This is just from the bulk bins at the store! It’s “no name” brand. Lol! I always just use 1/4 cup quinoa + about 3/4 cup water, simmer for 15 minutes then fluff with a fork.

  • Anne Marie@her new weigh
    September 17, 2009 at 10:52 am

    Love the article!

  • Pam (Highway to Health)
    September 17, 2009 at 10:56 am

    Love the new column!

    I feel the same way about the computer. Sometimes I just need a BREAK!

  • Kat (Kat's Daily Plate)
    September 17, 2009 at 10:58 am

    Congrats, Jenna, on the gig at Health.com! Looks like a fun column!

  • Kristen @ frostingandfroth.com
    September 17, 2009 at 11:22 am

    Congrats on the new column. How awesome! And good for you unplugging last night. You have to do what’s right for you.

  • Madelin @ What is for breakfast?
    September 17, 2009 at 11:22 am

    I also had baked tofu and oat bran this week :). Your Health article was great, well done!

  • Molly
    September 17, 2009 at 11:24 am

    loved your column!
    and yes, retreats always bring you back to life. Hope you have an awesome time:)

  • Deb (Smoothie Girl Eats Too)
    September 17, 2009 at 11:24 am

    Ha- I just left a comment on KATH’s blog about how I’m addicted to cacao nibs- I put them on EVERYTHING!! In smoothies too, for some crunch/chew-yUMMMMM! They must be “making the rounds” in the blogworld!

  • Cynthia (It All Changes)
    September 17, 2009 at 11:25 am

    Sometimes we just need to shut off and relax. Glad it did you good.

    I’ll have to check out those articles. I love new recipes on the cheap. 🙂

  • Susan
    September 17, 2009 at 11:32 am

    Ahh, I love a little “shut off” sometimes – so long as it’s planned and not unexpected! 😛 Awesome news about the Health column, will definitely be keeping up 🙂

  • Beth @ DiningAndDishing
    September 17, 2009 at 11:36 am

    That yog mix looks like such a delicious and healthy looking dessert! I seriously need to try that PB2 out soon!

  • Shawna (Getting Fit and Happy)
    September 17, 2009 at 12:03 pm

    Ha! Your post reminded me of one of my old favorite songs “Super-Connected” by Belly! I listen to it all the time while I’m walking/running.

  • Samantha
    September 17, 2009 at 12:27 pm

    Taking time off is VERY necessary, I think at least once a week for me. It’s the only way I can stay sane with so much stuff in my schedule.

  • Tay
    September 17, 2009 at 1:27 pm

    I’m glad you enjoyed your night off 🙂 We all need it sometimes!

  • Julie @savvyeats
    September 17, 2009 at 1:53 pm

    Top-Secret projects, huh? Now I’m curious…. !

    How do you have such a cool mix of dishes? 🙂

  • Rachael
    September 17, 2009 at 2:50 pm

    I am drooling over that baked tofu and quinoa.

  • Jenna
    September 17, 2009 at 5:04 pm

    i totally know how you feel about taking a break from everything for a night! you so deserve it and it feels so nice to just spend some time with the family!
    oh your vanilla oikos looks strange but that is because it is mixed with pb! got yaa!
    can’t wait to see what your top secret projects are.
    jenna