New Favorite

Lunch was not at all satisfying today. I just wasn't feelin' my salad and pizza combo. I ate the majority of it, but it wasn't exciting. My lackluster lunch left me desiring something more.

My salad was a mix of veggies from home plus leftover Asian Chicken Salad from yesterday. (I snagged a leftover salad at the end of our meeting!) Inside today's salad: romaine, grape tomatoes, green and red peppers, Mandarin oranges, edamame, snap peas, carrots, jalapenos, and marinated chicken. It sounds like an awesome salad, right? Unfortunately, my taste buds did not agree.


Lunch also included a piece of leftover pizza from last night. (Sorry that some of my photos are flipped the wrong way!)


On my way back from a meeting this afternoon, I grabbed a handful of plain M&M's from the department's reception area. It's funny how quickly that can happen!?!


As previously mentioned, lunch did not satisfy. Physically, I probably had enough, but mentally, I wanted something else to eat. I decided to dig into my afternoon snack a little early: a piece of whole wheat bread with peanut butter and banana slices. It was definitely a good food choice; I felt much better after eating it.


Snack Numero Dos

I have plans to meet a friend after work for a drink at 6B. A drink is fine and dandy, but I'd prefer not to eat out tonight (trying to save dinero), so around 4:00 pm, I munched on a Coconut Cream Pie Larabar to hold me over until I get home.

Note: THE COCONUT CREAM PIE FLAVOR IS HEAVENLY!!!!!! It's easily my new favorite!


Career News

Just today, I registered for the Boston NASM Certified Personal Training Workshop! It's a 2-day live workshop in November that focuses on assessment, exercise technique, and program design. I don't think the workship is specifically designed to help me pass the NASM certification exam, but it will definitely help me put the pieces together and it gives me a chance to experience personal training firsthand! Can't wait! :)

Barney Butter Baby

Dave C. was so excited about winning the Barney Butter contest that he decided to finish his Barney Butter Baby poem! His lyrics crack me up!

To the tune of Vanilla Ice's "Ice Ice Baby"

Barney Butter baby (x2)

All right stop open the top and spread it

Tina is back with some brand new snack food

Something that I spread on my bread nightly

And when I'm done, I put the lid on tightly

Will I ever stop, yo I think I might

Read Carrots N Cake its quite a site

To the extreme I eat snacks like a vandal

Spread on the Butter and light up a candle

Eat, then rush to the nearest whole foods

It's pleasing your stomach and fixing your moods

Creamy when I eat a dope bite

Anything less than the best ain't right

Love it or leave it you better lose weight

You better buy Barney Butter CNC don't play

If there was a problem yo I'll clog it

Check out the Butter while Tina blogs it

CHORUS

Barney Butter baby (x4)

Now that the blog is jumping

With the winners checked in and the peeps are writtin'

Quick to the site to the results no faking

I'm dreamin' of Barney B and cant stop shakin'

Cant wait to spread it, so rich and creamy

I went crazy when I heard it was me

A nice free jar with a yellow label

I'm on cloud nine, it's time to get stable

Waitin', of course you know

With my laptop on so CNC can show

The bread is on table waiting with the bagel

Did you stop no I just read more

Kept on reading through the next post

I busted through the blog and I'm heading to the next one

The blog was dead

Yo so I came back to… Carrots N Cake website!

Readers were happy but wishing they had won

CNC lovers thought the contest was real fun

But jealous 'cause I'm out getting mine

Dave C with a jar and its going to taste mighty fine

If there is another game yo I will join it

Check out the blog while Tina coins it

Barney Butter baby

Barney Butter baby (oh-oh)

Barney Butter baby

Yo bloggers let's get out of here

Word to the website

Barney Butter baby so creamy

Barney Butter baby so creamy so creamy (x2)

Barney Butter baby

Coconut Surprise

This day is flying by! Not that I am complaining. Let's just hope the rest of the week passes this quickly!

I ate breakfast earlier than usual this morning (6:30 instead of after 7:00), and my stomach made sure to let me know! I munched on a pear mid-morning to hold me over until lunch.


Lunch Meeting

I had a lunchtime meeting today. A number of faculty attended the meeting as well, so we got spoiled with the meal. My plate: Grilled lemon salmon with braised cabbage and leeks and coconut brown rice. The shredded coconut mixed with the rice was such a nice surprise. I never thought of combining the two-- they're wonderful together!


My lunch dessert was a leftover Cocoa Brownie. I'm not sure how I feel about these now-- today's brownie was rather bland and blah. Next time I make these: more cocoa powder and chocolate chips!


As a gift from a student, our office received a big box of Ferrero Rocher chocolates. Mmmmmm. Of course, I had to try one, so I selected a dark chocolate truffle, which was divine. I'm thinking about trying a coconut truffle as well! :)


PM Snack

I'm taking a step aerobics class at the gym after work, so I've planned a late afternoon snack to fuel me through my workout and to dinner. Proposed snack: Ginger Snap Larabar (aka the best bar eva!)


I Heart Snacks

You guys all know how I love snacks! I love eating, so frequent snacking keeps me happy, energized, and satisfied between meals (so I don't overeat). I thought I'd share some helpful snacking links with you all, including a previous post of healthy snack ideas that Carrots N Cake readers put together a few months ago.

Reader Snack Ideas

Drop 10 Pounds by Snacking

Pre-Dinner Snacks

Happy snacking! :)

Sad Day in Barney Butter Land

I used up the last bit of my final jar of Barney Butter on my lunch this afternoon. How depressing-- my stash went so quickly! I need to get my hands on a new jar ASAP! 

I just finished eating lunch about 15 minutes ago. I was trucking through my studying all morning, so I didn't stop for a break until my stomach started to growl around 1:45 pm. Today's lunch was 2 toasted Van's waffles with Barney Butter and banana slices as well as a Cocoa Brownie for a little treat.

Breakfast

We invited Josh and Danielle over for breakfast this morning. Mr. Mal cooked us all bagel sandwiches with egg, bacon, and Muenster cheese. They were wonderful-- warm, cheesy, and greasy. After all of the drinking that I did last night, I appreciated the greasiness! :)

I also drank an iced coffee with vanilla hemp milk while getting some work done. 

Back to the books! (I'm so not used to being a student again. My brain doesn't work like it used to!) 

Looooonng Afternoon

THANK YOU for all of your kind and encouraging words this morning about my career change to become a personal trainer! You guys made me feel even more excited and confident about my decision! It's pretty scary doing a total 180 with my career, but your inspiring stories and support make me feel like everything is going to work out just fine! (The NASM is a whole different monster though-- I'm feeling so overwhelmed by it! Breeeeaaaath... one day at a time!)

Mid-morning, I made myself a cup of joe with soy milk and agave nectar. The agave nectar is so sweet-- a little goes a long way!


Lunch was the best of both worlds: pizza + salad. My homemade salad included romaine, grape tomatoes, and jalapeños. (Now we are really out of food!)


I also chowed three pieces of leftover Buffalo Chicken Pizza... soooooooo amazing!


After lunch, I had a small sweet snack: 2 dark Hershey's chocolates with a scoop of peanut butter. Of course, I dipped my chocolate in the PB!


I took a break after lunch to do some studying for the NASM. (Hence, my recent anxiety!) I bought a bunch of index cards to make flashcards, so hopefully, I will have an easier time learning all of the technical exercise science terms. (I can't tell you the last time I used a flashcard!)


My afternoon snack was my Kardea Nutrition Bar from yesterday. (I never had a chance to eat it.) The lemon ginger flavor was by far my favorite of the 4 different kinds that I have sampled. It reminded me a lot of a lemon square-- it had a nice strong, but sweet lemon flavor with a soft texture. It was surprisingly dessert-like.


So, yea, this afternoon is totally dragging! Blah.

**Update: I'm hungry again-- just made myself a packed of Kashi instant oatmeal. Feeling bottomless today!

UFood

Our grocery supply at home is completely tapped. I'm usually quite clever with creating homemade lunches and snacks, but when you have nothing to work with, it's time to give up and eat out! :) My friend and I made plans to have lunch at KnowFat this afternoon, but after our 10 minute walk over, we discovered that KnowFat no longer exists (in this location), and was replaced by a new take-out place, called UFood. The motto on UFood's sign was "feel great. eat smart," so we figured we'd give it a try. It did not disappoint!

At UFood, I ordered the Tomato Fresca sandwich, which was made with fresh tomatoes and feta seasoned with herbs, extra virgin olive oil, and cracked black pepper on a toasted baguette. I was pleasantly surprised by this sandwich. It was equally delicious and filling... and not too expensive ($5.25). The bread was soft and thick, and the tomatoes and feta were fresh and flavorful. All in all, a great take-out lunch! I'm sure I'll be back!


It was a big sandwich! I also drank water from my Sigg for a free and healthy beverage.


Even after eating a good-sized lunch, I feel like "Snacky Snackerson." I stopped by the School's cafe for some fruit to snack on (good: apple) and somehow ended up with a cinnamon chip muffin (hello, sugar craving!) I just started nibbling on the top of my muffin, but I know it won't hold me over until dinner around 9:00 tonight (bad snack planning). Moving forward... Better snack planning: Eating my apple around 4:45 pm and a Kardea bar (lemon-ginger flavor) around 8:00 pm.


Announcement: Part I

So, guys, it's finally time for me to fess up. I feel like I have been sneaking around on you! I've mentioned some studying here and there, and my posts haven't been quite as regular as they usually are...

Well, after much thought, I've decided to make a semi-drastic change in my life, specifically with my career. While I mostly enjoy working for a university, I do not like sitting behind a desk all day long. Most days, I sit on my bee-hind for long stretches of time without moving at all, which gets old day in and day out.

After considering what I do not like about my current job, I began to think about what I like to do with my time. Some of my favorite things are blogging on Carrots N Cake, sharing my knowledge and ideas about healthy living, and helping others strive to be their best. Then, I thought, how can I make what I enjoy into a career? The answer was a lot easier than I expected! Well, the decision was easy, but the road to get there is a different story!

Tonight, I begin my journey to a new career. I'm a little nervous about the big career switch, but I am mostly excited! There's a lot more to say and explain about my new plans, but I will fill you in tomorrow morning! I'm such a tease, aren't I?! :)

Downpour!

I had plans to go out at lunch today and run some errands, including making a trip to Whole Foods. However, Mother Nature had her own plans for the afternoon. Just as I finished eating my lunch, the skies opened up and it started to downpour! Holy moly, it looked like a hurricane! Sadly, I didn't have an afternoon adventure like I had hoped. Maybe tomorrow.

Lunch today was a homemade salad with romaine, grape tomatoes, jalapeños, and black beans. (If you're curious, I'm getting sick of eating this same salad! We've got slim-pickings in our fridge though.)


I also ate half of a grilled buffalo and cheese sandwich (aka grilled cheese with buffalo sauce)...


... and a banana nut Kardea Nutrition Bar.


Like I mentioned in my previous reviews, the flavor and aroma of the Kardea bars are pretty amazing, but the consistency is just not my thing. I don't like sticky/gooey bars.


At my boss's birthday party, I was well-behaved. There were lots of goodies, but I ended up sticking to my Oatmeal Raisin Bars, and ate 2 small ones (1 of 2 pictured) as well as a few pieces of pineapple and cantaloupe (not pictured).


The day is almost over! I have some errands to do right after work, then home to grab a quick dinner, and then off to a much-needed facial later this evening. Can't wait for relaxation!

The Pats Pull It Off

The Pats won this afternoon! Yay! Of course, I am glad that they won, but to be honest, I barely watched any of the game! I was busy cooking, eating, and chatting... all of my favorite leisure activities! :)

To our friend Jacky's house, I brought a raw veggie platter with garlic-flavored hummus, which was a hit with everyone. By the end of the game, there wasn't much left. 

Also, as an appetizer, there was the most wonderful Hot Wing-Blue Cheese Doritos. I usually don't like junky food like Doritos, but I was surprised just how delicious these tasted-- I definitely ate quite a few! :)

While preparing lunch/dinner and chatting, I sipped on soda water with lime. 

The main course was Hawaiian burgers made with teriyaki sauce and pineapple. The pineapple was freshly cut and so delicious! 

Nice pineapple hat, Jon! 

We also cooked red potatoes with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. We wrapped the seasoned potatoes in tinfoil and baked them on the grill. 

Burgers and pineapple ready for grilling...

Grill-tastic! The grilled pineapple was my favorite part of the meal! Loved it! 

Hawaiian burgers right off the grill...

Our friend, Adrienne, also made her amazing Buffalo Chicken Dip for our lunch/dinner. I am pretty much obsessed with this stuff-- I could probably drink it! I ate about 5-6 Wheat Thins with Buffalo Chicken Dip. 

My plate... 

It doesn't seem like a lot of food, but I filled up on the veggies, chips, and Buffalo Chicken Dip. 

I ate my potatoes with the Buffalo Chicken Dip-- such a yummy combo! 

We ended up eating our lunch around 3:30, which is why I referred to it as lunch/dinner. It's after 7:00, and I am still not at all hungry for dinner. My lunch/dinner this afternoon is holding me over very well! If I do end up eating dinner, it will probably be something small like a bowl of cereal or peanut butter and toast. 

Did this weekend fly by or what? 

Leftovers Atop Salad

Last night's Thai Chicken Noodles + homemade salad = wicked yummy and healthy lunch!


This was my type of salad-- not at all boring! In the mix: romaine, tomatoes, jalapeños, black beans, bok choy, lemon-ginger chicken, and whole wheat noodles. I ate every last bite!


I followed-up lunch with a sweet snack made with Annie's Honey Bunnies cereal, raisins, and peanut butter and chocolate chips.

Approximate measurements:

• 1/3 cup Annie's cereal
• 1 tbsp peanut butter and chocolate chips
• 1 tbsp raisins
  

My lunch kept me feeling full all afternoon. Around 3:00, I was only a tad hungry for a snack, so I decided to take advantage of my Starbucks $2 afternoon beverage. I enjoyed an iced soy latte (straight up, no sugar) at Starbucks while doing a little studying (big announcement about this next week).


Let the countdown to the weekend begin!!!!!

Where All the Magic Happens

It's another busy day at the office! Gotta make this post quick! My job gets in the way of my blogging! :)

Lunch today was a homemade salad with romaine, tomatoes, black beans, and jalapeños. Like always, the jalapeños made the salad!


The other half of lunch was leftover Zucchini Fries, which were very soggy by day #3. Zucchini Fries definitely do not make friendly leftovers.


Attack of the office treats! I love the School's freshly baked cookies, so I treated myself to half of a peanut butter chip one. Totally worth the splurge!!


My snack was vanilla Chobani (the best flavor, in my opinion) with fresh strawberries. Divine! I'm meeting a friend after work for a drink, so let's hope those 16g of protein hold me over until I get home for dinner!


Thought you guys might be interested in seeing where all of the magic happens: my desk! Here's the front view... my desk is always a little messy during the day, mainly because so much is going on! By the end of the day, however, I always take the time to neaten it up. It's so much nicer to come into a clean and organized space the next morning. It definitely starts me off on the right foot!


To the left of my computer: Sigg (hydration!), phone, Rolodex, planner, bulletin board, pens and pencils, stapler, scrap paper...


... to the right of my computer: calendar, files, computer mouse, mouse pad, no-name plant, junk...


I'm off to enjoy happy hour with Miss Carole! See ya later!