A bit of chatter and “What I Ate Wednesday”
Happy Wednesday, folks! How’s the week going for you? Yes, today, I’ll be sharing all of my meals from a recent day for “What I Ate Wednesday,” but first, a little update on life …
Just some chatter about life lately
Last night, I taught my last BODYPUMP class in my regular Tuesday evening time-slot. When I moved to the East Bay from San Francisco three months ago, I immediately took this class over for someone who was on maternity leave, and she is now ready to return. These days, I have nearly 60 participants in this class, and the energy is great, so I’ll be sad to see this particular class go. However, when one door closes, another one opens. I just picked up a new BODYPUMP class on Thursday evenings, which I will begin tomorrow. While the new class is at a smaller gym, it’s actually much closer to my house, so it all works out.
Continuing on with talk about the world of Les Mills group fitness, this upcoming Saturday, I’m attending the Les Mills San Francisco Super Q event, and I’m getting incredibly excited for it. Hundreds of Les Mills instructors will converge for a full day of classes and education sessions. Can’t wait!
On an unrelated note, I’d like to say that people don’t know how to park around here. I’ve been driving a car regularly for three months now, since we left the city, and I’m continually amazed at the poor parking in packed parking lots. For instance, last night after leaving the gym, someone parked so crookedly and close to my car, that I had to get inside my car on the passenger side, because I couldn’t open my door enough to crawl in. I mean, get it together people. I realize I was away from driving for a long time, but what has the world come to? I face this type of thing nearly every day, and yet I try very hard to stay inside the lines when I park. Can’t others do that too when spaces are at a premium?
Finally, because I can’t end these tangents with something so negative, let’s talk about the fact that over the past month or so, I’ve been waking up before my alarm every single day, except for Monday. Apparently my body wants to extend the weekend, because I need that alarm to start the work-week. And even though I start work at different times each day, I still consistently wake up before 6 a.m., even on Saturday. I’ve always been an early riser, so it’s not big deal. And 5:45 a.m. sure beats the 4 a.m. wake-up calls I had back in my days as a personal trainer at Equinox. Right?
Now, I think that’s enough chatter, so let’s get to the food …
What I Ate Wednesday
Each week on A Lady Goes West, I share a “What I Ate Wednesday” post, which features everything I eat and drink in one full day. And yes, these are my exact meals, with photos taken before I dig in. While they’re not always pretty, they’re always real.
Today, we’re going to take a look at what I ate on Sunday, which was a rest day. I didn’t teach any classes nor do any workouts. I did some work at home on the computer, had a conference call, went on a very leisurely bike-ride with Dave and that was about it. Here we go …
Breakfast at 8 a.m.
Break the fast: A big bowl of overnight oats, topped with a banana, some crunched-up chocolate-covered almonds and cinnamon. I had this alongside some hot green tea, sweetened with stevia and vanilla soy milk. Those flavored almonds took the tastiness of this bowl up to a whole new level.
Snack at 11 a.m.
My ideal snack: As you may have noticed, I tend to eat a lot of Greek yogurt with breakfast and as snacks. This flavorful delight had just enough carbs and protein to hold me over until my larger mid-day meal, and I love the peach flavor. What’s not ideal? My dry skin. Man, I need some hand-lotion according to this gritty picture. Many apologies, folks.
Lunch at 2 p.m.
A bowl of deliciousness: I don’t go out for lunch often, but when I do, this is what I like to eat. This is a spring special Banh mi salad from Veggie Grill in downtown Walnut Creek, and it was absolutely amazing. This bowl is full of sweet-glazed tofu, grilled eggplant, carrots, daikon, cabbage and marinated kale. It it supposed to come with jalapeños, but I requested that they be left off, seeing as I’m not much into hot or spicy foods. I could eat this every single day, and I may look at recreating this dish somehow at home.
Snack at 5 p.m.
Nuts and more: Even though I ate lunch late, I was feeling snacky in the afternoon and so I reached for a bag of these natural pecan cherry cinnamon energizing bites, mixed with some plain almonds. The kinds folks at Frontier Bites sent me a few samples of their products, which to my delight, are made right here in Northern California by some passionate foodies. These little bites are not only tasty, but they are also made with only eight ingredients — minus all the stuff you can’t pronounce. Gluten free, soy free, non-GMO, no artificial sugar and dairy free, these puppies are a healthy alternative when it comes to my usual protein bars. You can find them in some local health food stores or buy them online, if you’re interested in trying them for yourself.
Dinner at 8 p.m.
A fabulous and festive meal: Ladies and gentlemen, we finally brought back “taco night” on Sunday, yet this time, we had fish tacos instead of chicken. Dave cooked some tilapia on the grill, which was basically the only preparation needed for this easy and tasty meal. We used small corn tortillas as the base, added the grilled fish, some purple cabbage, sautéed onions, freshly sliced tomatoes, a heaping of guacamole and mango salsa to round it out. We had that alongside a pre-made southwestern salad with a yummy and creamy cilantro dressing. A glass of white wine for me and a glass of red wine for Dave to top it all off. Yes, this will be repeated. Absolutely awesome!
Dessert at 9 p.m.
Sweets: Healthy with the not-so-healthy — that’s a good dessert combination, if you ask me. For a little sweetness, I had two coconut-covered dates and two caramel-almond-covered dates, with some extra Reese’s Spread on top of each. Of course, I washed these down with a glass of vanilla soy milk. I actually like the dates alone, but just felt like adding a little kick with the extra chocolate. A fine creation, which I’ve enjoyed a couple times since.
And that was that. Plenty of nutrients and some extras thrown in for good measure.
Today, as usual I’m teaching BODYATTACK at lunch and two classes at Orangetheory Fitness tonight. Have a great Wednesday, my friends!
Read more daily eating recaps
Each week, “What I Ate Wednesday” is hosted by Peas and Crayons for bloggers to showcase their eats to the world. If you want to see more food recaps, check out some of my posts from the past here:
- A full day of eating in pictures
- Another full day of my eats and drinks
- Real food isn’t always pretty
- Do you have a balanced dining out strategy?
- What I ate and drank all day
- Three meals, two snacks and a shake
- Food trucks and rest-day eating
- Plenty of protein at every meal
- Colorful fuel for a day of training
- Long days of training require a lot of food
- Making do on “What I Ate Wednesday”
- Healthy foods for a rest day
- Who doesn’t like pictures of food?
- A look at a full day of eating in pictures
- Snapshots from a day of delicious meals
- Pictures of food, because you like them
- Food pictures and the juice cleanse that wasn’t
- A look at what I really eat in a day
- What I ate in the Sunshine State
- My weekend eats and a little narrative
- Stories about food and yesterday’s meals
- A day of eating and some commentary
- Do you want to know what I ate yesterday?
- Healthy challenges and foods from my day
- Eating, napping and eating again
- Filling up on healthy food before the holiday
- A perfect birthday at home and my eats
- Top blog posts, reader stats and my food
- A different kind of training and my food
- Joining a healthy green movement and my eats
- Must-try veggie pasta tip and my eats
- Are you eating this sweet and satisfying fruit?
- What a difference a week makes and my eats
- On Wednesdays we look at pictures of food
- Food, drinks and a very hydrating giveaway
- Front-loading all the healthy this week
- MealEnders giveaway and back to healthy food
- Eating, drinking and sharing the pictures
- I don’t like bad people, I do like good food
- Smart training nutrition tips and my meals
- “What I Ate Wednesday” and a Phenoh 7.4 review
- What my daily meals look like in pictures
- Food pictures from a light and healthy day
- Life lately and a look at all of my meals
- What’s normal to you? (And my daily eats)
And don’t miss my post from yesterday about how to stay healthy while you travel.
Questions of the day
What’s your favorite “healthy-ish” dessert?
How is your week going? Any updates to share?
What’s the best thing you’ve eaten recently?
My favorite healthyish dessert is… greek yogurt rather than my ice cream? lol. People in Virginia do not know how to park, either. Which is especially maddening when you live places where the only option is to parallel, and the police WILL ticket you. Good luck in your parking endeavors!
Hi Susie! Yes, Greek yogurt can be pretty dessert-like sometimes! Sorry you have to deal with bad parkers too. Hope you have an awesome Wednesday! 🙂
Just picturing the scene of you trying to crawl into your car through the passenger side is hilarious! I cannot stand when I see people park right in the middle of two perfectly good parking spaces. I just wonder what on earth is going through their mind!
Hi Stacie, Of course, and I did one of those look around with an angry face on, but there was no one to see it. So I crawled in quietly and went on my way hahaha. Here’s to good parking! Happy Wednesday!
As usual, your food pictures are making me super hungry! Those dates looks amazing. I hear ya on the parking frustration. Humans are the worst! Especially those in downtown Austin.
Hi Carissa! Dates are so much tastier than people give them credit for! But the coconut and caramel-covered kinds are not always in the stores, so when they are, I jump on them! Here’s to good parking today. Have a lovely Wednesday! 🙂
Your banana slices are always so perfect and evenly cut up! I notice that every single time. While I consider myself a fellow perfectionist/Type A, I do not have your banana slicing skills! Always impressing me, Ashley. Always impressing me…
Hi Courtney, Being that I’m a Disney gal at heart, I really hate to spoil the Magic for you on this one … but … I have a banana slicer. 🙁 I got it at Macy’s for less than $10 three years ago, and it slices those nanners up with perfection and ease. But don’t tell ANYONE!
Your secret is safe with me! I’ve seen those on Amazon before and always wondered. But that sucker is getting added to my cart immediately!
GET IT! 🙂
Oh and my favorite healthy-ish dessert are my homemade chocolate peanut butter cups. Only 3 ingredients and SO yummy!
I’ve seen your pictures of those bites and they sound DELISH! Post the link to your Facebook post with the recipe in a comment, would ya?? That way others can see them too! 🙂
I’m not sure I know how to do all of that, but I will try!
You did it perfectly!
Yay! Thanks Ashley. 🙂
I know what you mean about crap drivers…there are SO many in Pittsburgh. We’re the city of bridges and tunnels, yet everyone freaks out and slams on their brakes when they’re about to go through one! It doesn’t make any sense. One of my favorite healthy treats is greek yogurt with honey and fresh berries. SO delicious!
Hi Gretchen! Bad drivers are everywhere I guess!! And Greek yogurt can definitely be sweet and dessert-like at times. Hope you have a lovely Wednesday!!
Oh those dates look so good! I have been wanting to try the Reese spread too but I just can’t decide if I actually want to buy it!
Hi Hilary! That Reese’s Spread is dangerous. My jar is almost out. I mean, it tastes … SO GOOD! Beware!! hahah 🙂
Don’t even get me started on drivers! They’re horrible in Phoenix. It’s like driving in Mexico. Anything goes! A lady parked me in like yours did at the trail last weekend. She was still in her car and could see me struggling to get in and throwing my a arms up at her. She didn’t bother to move her car. People are just not considerate anymore.
Hhahaa Oh Megan, poor you! I’m sorry you had to deal with that. I considered leaving a note to the driver of the car next to me, but didn’t waste my effort ehehe. Hope you encounter only good drivers and parkers today! Happy Wednesday! 🙂
I am doing Whole30 right now and when I am craving something sweet but healthy, I mix almond butter, banana, cashews, and coconut flakes in a bowl!
Hi Carrie! Ahhh yes, your Whole30 journey! How’s that going? I bet it’s hard to be void of sugar and processed voids. But awesome! So keep it up. And your “sweet” sounds yummy! Happy Wednesday!
I give it 2 thumbs up! To name a few positives…I have more energy, digestive system is in check, clearer mind, and don’t feel as puffy! I encourage anyone who is thinking about trying it to do so!
I really want to try it, just haven’t made the commitment yet! I’ll come to you for tips if I do!
Here is the link to my Facebook post with the recipe of my clean chocolate peanut butter cups. So easy and so delicious–two of my must have’s when it comes to baking!!
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10106650047553211&set=pb.2046469.-2207520000.1431524193.&type=3&theater
YAY!! EVERYONE!!! Check out Courtney’s healthy treat — link above!! 🙂
I want your whole day of eats! Everything looks so good! I think I will make fish tacos tonight . Favorite healthish dessert…probably a Honeycrisp apple with pecan butter. Tastes like apple pie (but has to be a Honeycrisp.)
Hi Mo! Have you ever tried slicing up your apples and heating them up in the microwave before adding that pecan butter? I’ve seen people do it, but never tried myself. And I hope you enjoy your fish tacos! Happy Wednesday to you! 🙂
I am an early riser too, no matter the day! This past weekend I was up both days by 6 am sans an alarm. Even though I wish I could sleep in a little later on weekends, I don’t mind just laying in bed and catching up on the computer rather than running out the door like I have to on the weekdays.
Hi Sara! Agreed! A relaxing morning is much better than rushing out the door. I definitely need my breakfast and blog time no matter what, so it’s not a big deal I’m always up early. Happy Wednesday!
Your lunch salad looks delicious! Happy Wednesday!
Thanks, Erin! It sure was good. Hope your Wednesday is great!
Ahhh, so jealous you get to go to the Les Mills quarterly event this weekend! Can’t wait to hear all about it! 🙂
I totally forgot you worked at Equinox for awhile. Out of curiosity, did you ever talk about why you left there? Just wondering what your experience was like.
Aaaand your EATS! Wow, amazing looking, my friend. From your lunch to your snacks to your dinner to your dessert. Yum!
Hi Ashley! Yay for Les Mills events, yes, I will share about it all! You know, I never wrote much about the “leaving of Equinox” — because at the same time, we were looking at where we were moving outside the city and I found the job at Orangetheory, but wasn’t allowed to announce it. But I definitely grew tired of the grind of being a personal trainer at a corporate gym. I mean, those early mornings and late nights? It was rough, but I sure learned a lot. Love the company, but I put my time in and was ready to move on. I think you experienced something similar in your PT life too, right?
I did! Very similar experience, so I can totally relate!! Glad you’re loving Orange Theory – sounds like the perfect fit for you. 🙂
Hi Ash! It sure is! Glad I got that PT experience, but I prefer the group scene. Much like you do too!
Yum, your dessert looks pretty healthy to me! 😉 Also, those tacos look delicious. Love the veggie bowl too! Basically, I need all of your eats. Thanks.
Thanks, Heather! It was a good day of eats! And those dates are the perfect healthy dessert. A very big happy mid-week Wednesday going out to you! 🙂
Every time I see your overnight oats on wiaw I always say I need to make them!!!! Must make ASAP!! And those dates look amazing!!! How did I JUST discover dates!?!? Where did you purchase these?? Oh, and the parking out here, ridiculous!!! Haha 🙂 Happy Wednesday!!!
Hi Jacquelyn, These flavored and covered dates are hard to come by. I got these at a Safeway in Walnut Creek, but they aren’t always in stock. They are in the produce aisle, around the apples usually. If you see them, BUY A BUNCH! Happy Wednesday to you!!
Wow, those tacos look amazing but that dessert looks even better!! Yum! And, oh my gosh, I was also super frustrated yesterday when the only parking spot left in the restaurant parking lot was a spot where someone in the stall next to it parked so crooked that no car could fit. Come on people!
Hi Katie! How annoying! Does that mean you got out to eat last night? Fun for a mid-week outing! And fish tacos are the jam, and I know we’ll be cooking them again soon! Happy Wednesday, lady! 🙂
Yes, I met up with some of my old coworkers- it was so fun! I couldn’t believe how many people were out on a Tuesday 😉
Hhaha who knew? I’m always at the gym on weeknights, but I hear Taco Tuesday is a THING heheh!
All of your food has me drooling, especially dessert!!!
Hahha thanks, Brittany! It was as tasty as it looks! 🙂 Happy Wednesday!
Loving the look of ALL of your eats! YUM!!
Well thanks, Courtney! I love to see other people’s WIAW posts too! 🙂 Have a fab Wednesday!
Oh my goodness- that is crazy about the parking job! I would have been so mad!
My favorite healthy-ish dessert is frozen banana chunks with chocolate chips.
Why have I never tried eating frozen banana chunks? So simple. Thanks for the tip, Heather! Happy Wednesday!
Your dessert looks amazing! And I’m also obsessed Greek yogurt and eat one on most days. Do you ever eat Siggis? It’s been my favorite brand lately!
I’ve not tried Siggis but see it a lot. I will give it a try! Happy WIAW to you, fellow foodie!
You’re going to LOVE the LMI quarterly! I went to the big event in Vegas a couple of years ago and it was amazing! They had incredible instructors (a lot from New Zealand) and the atmosphere was obviously great. So many instructors and fans in one giant tent! And, it was in Vegas, so it doesn’t get much better than that. LOL.
I love using Greek yogurt as a base for “ice cream” – I add a scoop of casein protein powder, a splash of water and mix it together. Throw it in the freezer for about 30 mins and it’s the perfect texture and packed with slow digesting protein, perfect before bed. Obviously, it’s best topped with some peanut butter, and I love some vanilla cupcake Goldfish… or fruit if you want to keep it healthier.
I just bought a Yonana and LOVE it – it makes some great ice cream substitutes too!
Okay, Ashleigh! Yay for that frozen Greek yogurt combination. I’m totally trying that! And yay for a big LM event. You must be an instructor? Or just a fan? How cool you went to the big Vegas bash!
Yeah, I’m an instructor up in Canada. I’m certified in Pump, Step, Attack and CX, but I’m only actively teaching Pump & Step right now. I had to scale back when I decided to compete in bodybuilding instead – conflicting goals. Step is my all-time favorite 😉
Hi Ashleigh! Awesome! I can’t wait to take STEP this weekend at the Super Q! And I can see scaling back your programs when other goals present themselves. Hope you have a lovely weekend! I’m heading out to teach BODYATTACK right now!
Wow 60 class participants, crazy! I think my biggest yoga class was around 50 and that felt huge!
Hi Emma! 60 people is especially a lot in a class like BODYPUMP because of all the equipment. And I LOVE a packed yoga class. 50 is awesome!! 🙂 So many people to correct though ehhehe.
Wow, I can’t believe the other instructor is back already! That flew by so fast. At least you won’t have to drive so far now. And Saturday’s event sounds like it will be a blast! I can imagine the energy of all of the instructors together is so much fun.
That salad looks like it was delicious! I guess I do need to give that Veggie Grill a try soon. 😉
Hi Sarah! I know, I still teach at San Ramon on Wednesdays and Fridays though, so I’ll be heading that way no matter what. And yes, return to Veggie Grill and give it another go! 🙂
Hey Ashley! Love seeing your eats! 🙂
Chocolate covered almonds on top of oatmeal?! Genius. You are a genius. Those fish tacos look like perfection, as does your dessert! Dates with nut butter are definitely one of my favorite sweet treats. If you have coconut butter, I definitely recommend them with a bit of that, too!
Hope you have a great one! Good luck with your new class! Being closer to home is definitely a perk! 🙂
Hi Morganne! I have actually put coconut butter on dates before as well. Love that combo! Hope you’re having a great week! Happy eating! 🙂
60 people on your class, that is amazing!! How fun! And that Reese’s spread looks pretty amazing, I’m afraid it would be gone in one day, lol!
Hi Marielle! That Reese’s spread is dangerous, and I’m almost done with it. And yes, I love big group fitness classes! Hope all is well with you! Happy Wednesday! 🙂
I really like bananas, peanut butter, and chocolate chips a healthyish dessert. This may sound funny, but actually the best thing I’ve eaten lately was a big juicy orange. It was delicious. I love when citrus fruits are in season.
Hi Emily! I believe it. Fresh fruit can be totally satisfying hehe. Yay for yummy eats! Have a great night!
People really don’t know how to park there! I remember seeing some of the craziest things — I think it must be super hard to park some cars on the steep inclines or maybe there just isn’t enough space and too many cars? I don’t know, but hope you and your car are always safe!
Hi Bethann! I know! Craziness hahah! Hope the parking is a little better down south. Have a lovely day! 🙂
Wow those dates look amazing! I am a huge date lover and eat them every day but have never ever seen anything like that!
My go to dessert is usually some fruit, either dried or fresh or a small bowl of natural yoghurt if I feel I still need a protein hit!
Hi Jen, That sounds like a refreshing and healthy dessert. And dates? Totally underrated and delicious little treat, especially when topped with decadent chocolate spread hahah! Have a lovely day! 🙂
mmmm I love the Greek yogurt varieties you have here! I need to recreate your lunch, it looks delicious!
Hee! Sean claims that the drivers are worse in our neck of the woods than in SF. Kinda sounds like it’s at least true for parkers- what a jerk that driver was!!
Hahha no kidding, Carla! I guess there are bad drivers everywhere though. Hope you’re doing well! 🙂