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Are you eating this sweet and satisfying fruit?

January 28, 2015 By Ashley 55 Comments

Okay, I’ve got a new one for you today. Prunes, my friends, prunes. You probably haven’t thought much of these purple power fruits, have you? Prunes are actually dried plums, which was news to me until just a few weeks ago. I’m glad I know more about these little gems now, because not only are they tasty, but they are also full of nutrients. Thanks to the kind folks at Sunsweet, who sent me a few things to try, I’ve added a couple new healthy snacks to my rotation using two types of prunes. I’m going to share those with you today, as well as give you a look at all of my eats from yesterday.

Creating healthy snacks using prunes

Let’s just say this tasting project was quite fun for me. I mean, do you know how good prunes smell? When I opened the first bag of deliciousness, I seriously wanted to stick my whole face in there. 

SunSweet prunes via A Lady Goes WestSo much sweetness and so much purple. Now this is a fun spread.

Of course, any time I know something is healthy, I like it even more. Apparently the nutrients in prunes, like vitamin K, potassium, copper and boron promote healthy bones. And the potassium in prunes can also help prevent hypertension. Not to mention, prunes are full of beneficial fiber, which keeps you regular (yes, I said it!) and improves your digestive health. All of that is wonderful, but truthfully, prunes just taste good and they’re pretty versatile.

As a big snacker, I’m trying to find a few new healthy things that I can munch on between meals this year in an effort to eat more variety in 2015. Therefore, I was very excited to create a couple of healthy snack recipes using my prunes. Here’s what I made …

Sweet prune and nut trail mix

Because why buy trail mix when you can create your own healthier version at home and control the ingredients? Raw nuts and something sweet always sounds good to me.

SunSweet trail mix via A Lady Goes WestA lovely spread of Sunsweet Plum Amaz!ns Diced Prunes, raw cashews and raw almonds.

Three ingredients:

  • Raw cashews
  • Raw almonds
  • Sunsweet Plum Amaz!ns Diced Prunes

Take a handful of each and mix them up. For extra points, fill up little containers with one-portion servings to take with you on the go. 

Prune trail mix via A Lady Goes WestAnother lovely spread of Sunsweet Plum Amaz!ns Diced Prunes, raw cashews and raw almonds.

Take it from me, this mixture is just awesome. And the delicious diced dried plum bites used in this recipe are very sweet and flavorful, and one serving is only 100 calories. I’d also recommend putting these on top of yogurt or a salad for a little extra fiber and sweetness.

Almond butter and prune flatbread

Flatbread? Well, a version of it. You could also call this an open-face AB&P sandwich (almond butter and prune, standing in for peanut butter and jelly, of course.) Whatever it is, it’s just divine.

Almond butter prune flatbread via A Lady Goes WestA shot of some crackers, almond butter and juicy Sunsweet Amaz!n Pitted Prunes.

Three ingredients:

  • Almond butter
  • Thin crispy whole grain crackers
  • Sunsweet Amaz!n Pitted Prunes

Lay out the crackers, slather on a thin coating of almond butter and top with some juicy prunes. 

I will officially be eating this every single day for eternity. And I mean it. The moist and chewy pitted prunes used in this one are to-die-for, and one serving of these prunes is only 100 calories and full of fiber. These prunes also have a low glycemic index, which is important for making you feel full for longer. While I chose to make a healthy snack with these prunes, I’d also like to eat them along side some strong cheeses, as well as wrap them up with sliced thin meat. Honestly, the possibilities are endless.

Oh and the best part, these prunes are from the valley of Central California. It’s almost like I’m eating local.

My adventure in prune eating and snacking is just beginning, and I’m certainly enjoying it so far. If you’re looking to jazz up your snacking routine, may I suggest checking out what Sunsweet has to offer? If you make something cool, be sure to let me know.

Now let’s keep talking about healthy food. Shall we?

What I Ate Wednesday

Every single Wednesday, I like take a moment and show you a recap of what I typically eat in a day. Today, I’m reporting on my meals from yesterday, a healthy weekday. Here’s how it went down, and yes, some prunes made it into my daily eats.

Breakfast at 8 a.m.

Breakfast 1.27Hot green tea, sweetened with almond milk and stevia. And a big bowl of vanilla overnight oats topped with a banana.

Mid-morning snack at 11 a.m.

Snack 1.27Greek yogurt is always a good mix of carbs and protein. I ate this serving before teaching a group fitness class.

Lunch at 1:30 p.m.

Lunch 1.27Recognize this blue masterpiece I introduced you to earlier in the week? This is a high-protein chocolate and blueberry milk-shake smoothie. This puppy was huge and filled me up for several hours. It was so thick, I had to use a spoon to slurp it up.

Mid-afternoon snack at 5 p.m.

Afternoon snack 1.27Well this one should be self-explanatory. Two delicious and healthy snacks featuring Sunsweet prunes. Oh-my-goodness tasty.

Dinner at 8 p.m.

Dinner 1.27Two fried eggs, roasted cauliflower and two veggie patties. Unintentionally, I had no meat at dinner, but this was still a super-delicious and satisfying plate of food.

And that’s all I ate yesterday. A pretty colorful day of eats.

Alright guys, I’ll be digging into some more prunes and plums to power me through what’s to come for the rest of my week. I’m still in the midst of packing my apartment, getting everything set up in the new place like cable, internet, power, water and trash, while coordinating with the movers and cleaners. You know all of the fun stuff that has to take place when you move? It adds up. Needless to say, I’m in need of some healthy snacks to keep me going, especially before I teach a double-header of BODYPUMP and BODYATTACK tonight. Happy Wednesday! Hope you have a sweet and fiber-filled day!

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:

  1. A full day of eating in pictures
  2. Another full day of my eats and drinks
  3. Real food isn’t always pretty
  4. Do you have a balanced dining out strategy?
  5. What I ate and drank all day
  6. Three meals, two snacks and a shake
  7. Food trucks and rest-day eating
  8. Plenty of protein at every meal
  9. Colorful fuel for a day of training
  10. Long days of training require a lot of food
  11. Making do on “What I Ate Wednesday” 
  12. Healthy foods for a rest day
  13. Who doesn’t like pictures of food?
  14. A look at a full day of eating in pictures
  15. Snapshots from a day of delicious meals
  16. Pictures of food, because you like them
  17. Food pictures and the juice cleanse that wasn’t
  18. A look at what I really eat in a day
  19. What I ate in the Sunshine State
  20. My weekend eats and a little narrative
  21. Stories about food and yesterday’s meals
  22. A day of eating and some commentary
  23. Do you want to know what I ate yesterday?
  24. Healthy challenges and foods from my day
  25. Eating, napping and eating again
  26. Filling up on healthy food before the holiday
  27. A perfect birthday at home and my eats
  28. Top blog posts, reader stats and my food
  29. A different kind of training and my food
  30. Joining a healthy green movement and my eats
  31. Must-try veggie pasta tip and my eats

*Please note: I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls, and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Questions of the day

Have you ever eaten prunes or plums? What kind of healthy snack would you create with them? What’s your favorite healthy snack?

Ashley signature

Filed Under: Food, Healthy living, Recipes, What I Ate Wednesday Tagged With: food, healthy snacks, Plum Amazing, Prunes, Sunsweet, What I Ate Wednesday

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About Ashley

I'm a mom and fitness instructor in Charlotte, North Carolina. And A Lady Goes West is where I share fitness, wellness and clean beauty tips, as well as stories from my life.
 
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Comments

  1. Amy says

    January 28, 2015 at 2:49 am

    I’ve eaten plums but not prunes! You have me curious about the AB and prune flatbread snack…what kind of crackers did you use? I just may have to try that!

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      January 28, 2015 at 8:22 am

      Hi Amy! Ohhh it’s sooo good. I bought ak-mak whole wheat crackers from Trader Joe’s. They are thin and crispy. Let me know if you try this! 🙂
      Ashley recently posted…Are you eating this sweet and satisfying fruit?My Profile

      Reply
  2. Stacie @ SimplySouthernStacie says

    January 28, 2015 at 4:23 am

    I am that weird person who actually really loves prunes! I normally buy the single serving pack and just grab about three as an easy snack.
    Stacie @ SimplySouthernStacie recently posted…January 2015 Stitch Fix: You Decide!My Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      January 28, 2015 at 8:23 am

      Hi Stacie!! Oh how awesome. Well I can now join you in your love for prunes. I’m going to become addicted. Happy Wednesday! 🙂
      Ashley recently posted…Are you eating this sweet and satisfying fruit?My Profile

      Reply
  3. Courtney says

    January 28, 2015 at 5:02 am

    I used to eat 3 of those little dried prune guys a day in college (prior to living with you) and I loved them! Not sure when or why that habit fell off, but thanks for the reminder. Definitely going to be picking some up at Publix (sorry to rub that in 🙂 ) this weekend!

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      January 28, 2015 at 8:34 am

      Hi Courtney! Oh Publix… how I miss it. And those bo-go deals. I’m glad I reminded you about the yummy-ness of prunes. Please enjoy! 🙂
      Ashley recently posted…Are you eating this sweet and satisfying fruit?My Profile

      Reply
  4. Cassie @ Almost Getting it Together says

    January 28, 2015 at 6:07 am

    I was drinking prune juice every day for a while for extra fiber… I actually didn’t mind it at all! I love snacking on dried fruit though… I just gotta be careful because it adds up fast calorically/with sugar!
    Cassie @ Almost Getting it Together recently posted…The Best Vegan Restaurants in San FranciscoMy Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      January 28, 2015 at 8:38 am

      Hi Cassie! Glad you’re a fan of the prune! And yes, these ones are pretty healthy. Hope you have a great Wednesday! 🙂
      Ashley recently posted…Are you eating this sweet and satisfying fruit?My Profile

      Reply
  5. Jill @ Champagne for Everyday says

    January 28, 2015 at 7:10 am

    Mmm roasted Cauliflower (+ a Beano haha) is so good!! There is like 20 grams of protein in one whole head (though I am not sure if it’s complete protein, probably not!) and it tastes so sweet when it’s roasted. I always eat eggs for dinner – so quick and easy when nothing is prepped! PS. The cup of berries in the smoothie is genius, I am never that generous and they suck. Happy Hump Day!
    Jill @ Champagne for Everyday recently posted…Go From Zero to Chic in 10 Seconds or Less: 3 Key PiecesMy Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      January 28, 2015 at 8:40 am

      Hi Jill, I’ve made many bad smoothies in my life, so now I know what to “go big” with … fruit! 🙂 Hope you have a great day!
      Ashley recently posted…Are you eating this sweet and satisfying fruit?My Profile

      Reply
  6. Lizzie @ The Magic Tree says

    January 28, 2015 at 7:51 am

    I love using chopped prunes in muffins/baked goods for some extra sweetness and moisture!
    Lizzie @ The Magic Tree recently posted…New Job AnxietyMy Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      January 28, 2015 at 8:37 am

      Hi Lizzie! Oh that sounds yummy too! Cool! 🙂
      Ashley recently posted…Are you eating this sweet and satisfying fruit?My Profile

      Reply
  7. Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious says

    January 28, 2015 at 7:58 am

    I’ve never had a prune or a plum. Can you believe that? I didn’t start eating dates until 3 yrs ago. Now I’m obsessed. That trail mix sounds delicious!
    Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious recently posted…WIAW…I’m A NuttZo Ambassador!My Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      January 28, 2015 at 8:36 am

      Hi Megan, They are similar, so I think you will love prunes if you like dates. Go get some!! 🙂 Hope you have a great day!
      Ashley recently posted…Are you eating this sweet and satisfying fruit?My Profile

      Reply
  8. Kristine says

    January 28, 2015 at 9:27 am

    Looove plums (esp at the farmer’s market!) but cannot do prunes. Just cannot. Dates and almond butter and coconut is as close as I get! Those oats look great!

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      January 28, 2015 at 9:59 am

      Hi Kristine! Hahaha, well, I certainly like them. Dates are pretty close though. And the combo with almond butter is the best. Hope you’re doing well. Have a happy Wednesday! 🙂
      Ashley recently posted…Are you eating this sweet and satisfying fruit?My Profile

      Reply
  9. Hilary says

    January 28, 2015 at 10:34 am

    I love love love huge smoothies!
    Hilary recently posted…Treat Your Body RightMy Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      January 28, 2015 at 11:53 am

      Me too, Hilary!! 🙂 Especially when they require a spoon!
      Ashley recently posted…Are you eating this sweet and satisfying fruit?My Profile

      Reply
  10. Sarah @ Making Thyme for Health says

    January 28, 2015 at 10:35 am

    This is so weird. Reading this made me start to crave prunes, haha! I never thought I’d be saying that. I think it was the almond butter flat bread. That sounds really good!
    Sarah @ Making Thyme for Health recently posted…Crispy Blackened Tofu Tacos with Avocado-Lime CremaMy Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      January 28, 2015 at 11:54 am

      I’m craving them right now too. They are quite good. Pick some up soon! 🙂
      Ashley recently posted…Are you eating this sweet and satisfying fruit?My Profile

      Reply
  11. Jess @hellotofit says

    January 28, 2015 at 10:49 am

    I’ve loved plums from when I was little, but prunes..not so much. My dad used to make me eat a handful of prunes a day for my digestive system…and I haven’t had one since! Not because I don’t like them, but I think I had prune-overload. Thanks for this post, though – I may have to pick some up during my next grocery run.
    Jess @hellotofit recently posted…Impress your friends with these simple desk exercises: Part 1My Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      January 28, 2015 at 11:54 am

      Hi Jess! I can understand the bad memories, but go back and give them another shot hehehe! 🙂
      Ashley recently posted…Are you eating this sweet and satisfying fruit?My Profile

      Reply
  12. Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries says

    January 28, 2015 at 12:28 pm

    I’ve never tried actual prunes before – just prune juice, which I actually kinda hate… Long story short, I drank some in my first trimester during my pregnancy with Hunter, and it gives me bad flashbacks to those nauseous days! But, I’m intrigued by eating the actual dried fruit. I love plums and I love dried fruit, so I’m sure I’d find them tasty!
    Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries recently posted…Day in the Life {Tuesday, January ‘15}My Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      January 28, 2015 at 1:33 pm

      Hahha Ashley, Well yes, it would seem you have bad memories of the juice. But the dried fruits — oh-so-good. Hope you’re having a great day! 🙂
      Ashley recently posted…Are you eating this sweet and satisfying fruit?My Profile

      Reply
  13. Nikki says

    January 28, 2015 at 12:57 pm

    Oh, your eats always look so enjoyable but healthy too! Especially your dinner this week, it looks yummy! I have just prepared a batch of overnight oats following your recipe for the first time and I’m so excited to try them tomorrow morning!

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      January 28, 2015 at 1:32 pm

      Hi Nikki! Oh that’s great!! I really hope you enjoy the oats. Let me know how it goes. And a very happy “What I Ate Wednesday” to you!
      Ashley recently posted…Are you eating this sweet and satisfying fruit?My Profile

      Reply
  14. Katie @ Fit Life by Katie says

    January 28, 2015 at 1:32 pm

    I have to say I have never ever had prunes! Lol. I can be very weird about texture like that so I’m not sure I would like it. Your foods made me hungry they were so pretty! 🙂
    Katie @ Fit Life by Katie recently posted…Workout WednesdayMy Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      January 28, 2015 at 3:58 pm

      Hi Katie! I love the chewiness of the prunes hehehe! Maybe it’s an acquired taste? Nonetheless, thanks for stopping by. I’m hungry! 🙂
      Ashley recently posted…Are you eating this sweet and satisfying fruit?My Profile

      Reply
  15. Lauren @ Fun, Fit, and Fabulous! says

    January 28, 2015 at 3:09 pm

    I actually love prunes which everyone always gives me a hard time about. They are freaking delicious! It’s like eating a mini dessert! 🙂 I bet almond butter and prunes are amazing! I can’t wait to try that.
    Lauren @ Fun, Fit, and Fabulous! recently posted…Workout Wednesday – No Time? No Problem!My Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      January 28, 2015 at 3:58 pm

      Hi Lauren, Who cares what people think? hehee You should try the little flatbread creation, sooo yummy! Hope you have a great day:)
      Ashley recently posted…Are you eating this sweet and satisfying fruit?My Profile

      Reply
  16. Morganne @ Nut Butter Runner says

    January 28, 2015 at 4:09 pm

    Your food looks so colorful and delicious! I love the prune + almond butter idea! I bet prunes would make a tasty binder to some energy bites, too! Thanks for sharing your eats with us!
    Morganne @ Nut Butter Runner recently posted…Food, Fitness, & Fun SurveyMy Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      January 28, 2015 at 4:34 pm

      Hi Morganne! Yes, I bet they would. I’ll have to try that next. Glad you enjoyed me eats. I sure enjoy yours! 🙂 Have a great night!
      Ashley recently posted…Are you eating this sweet and satisfying fruit?My Profile

      Reply
  17. Jessica @ kiwiyogirunner.com says

    January 28, 2015 at 4:16 pm

    I love prunes! They are like candy! My fave snack is probably a banana or cereal or both 🙂
    Jessica @ kiwiyogirunner.com recently posted…The one with the “gongshow”My Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      January 28, 2015 at 4:33 pm

      Hi Jessica! Yay for prunes!! I plan to eat them a lot more often now. And yes, bananas are excellent snacks. Hope you have a wonderful evening! 🙂
      Ashley recently posted…Are you eating this sweet and satisfying fruit?My Profile

      Reply
  18. Jessica @ kiwiyogirunner.com says

    January 28, 2015 at 5:01 pm

    I love prunes! They are like candy! 🙂
    Jessica @ kiwiyogirunner.com recently posted…The one with the “gongshow”My Profile

    Reply
  19. Krissy @ Pretty Wee Things says

    January 28, 2015 at 5:56 pm

    Yes I love prunes! They are amazing in bliss balls too! Yum
    Krissy @ Pretty Wee Things recently posted…Superfood green breakfast smoothie and a GREENTEA X50 GIVEAWAY!My Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      January 28, 2015 at 8:57 pm

      Bliss balls??? Hmmmm. Now that sounds good! Thanks, Krissy! Happy “What I Ate Wednesday” to you!! 🙂
      Ashley recently posted…Are you eating this sweet and satisfying fruit?My Profile

      Reply
  20. Mattie @ Comfy & Confident says

    January 28, 2015 at 6:35 pm

    My grandparents always have prunes in their house and I always snack on them when I am over. I don’t buy them myself but I do enjoy them when I eat them.
    Mattie @ Comfy & Confident recently posted…Jumping Jack Interval Workout + Snowpocalypse 2015My Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      January 28, 2015 at 8:58 pm

      Hi Mattie! Well good for your parents for stocking up so you have something sweet to nibble!! Hope all is well with you. Happy “What I Ate Wednesday” to you! 🙂
      Ashley recently posted…Are you eating this sweet and satisfying fruit?My Profile

      Reply
  21. Annmarie says

    January 28, 2015 at 7:17 pm

    I haven’t had prunes in a long time but now you’ve inspired me to want to snack on some! 🙂
    Annmarie recently posted…Wild Workout Wednesday: Sprint to the Top Treadmill Workout + PlaylistMy Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      January 28, 2015 at 8:58 pm

      Hi Annmarie. I know, you wouldn’t normally think of them. But they are so good! Great fuel for your workouts, of course:)
      Ashley recently posted…Are you eating this sweet and satisfying fruit?My Profile

      Reply
  22. Lauren @ The Bikini Experiment says

    January 28, 2015 at 7:19 pm

    I don’t each too much dried fruit, and I haven’t had prunes in forever. I always did enjoy them though. It would be good to add them into my rotation as a snack. Happy WIAW!
    Lauren @ The Bikini Experiment recently posted…WIAW #26: On the GoMy Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      January 28, 2015 at 9:00 pm

      For sure, Lauren! They sure are tasty. Happy WIAW to you too! 🙂
      Ashley recently posted…Are you eating this sweet and satisfying fruit?My Profile

      Reply
  23. Jessie says

    January 28, 2015 at 7:37 pm

    I personally think every smoothie should be consumed with a spoon!

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      January 28, 2015 at 8:57 pm

      Hahhha Jessie! I agree. Makes it much more like a meal with a spoon, right? 🙂 Have a great night!
      Ashley recently posted…Are you eating this sweet and satisfying fruit?My Profile

      Reply
  24. GiGi Eats says

    January 28, 2015 at 8:11 pm

    Sadly I cannot eat fruit but my dad LOVESSSSSSSS PRUNES!!!
    GiGi Eats recently posted…Lil Wayne’s Sundae Breakfast, Wink, Wink!My Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      January 28, 2015 at 8:56 pm

      Hi GiGi! That is sad that you can’t have fruit. Make this for your Pa? 🙂 Hope you’re doing well, lady!
      Ashley recently posted…Are you eating this sweet and satisfying fruit?My Profile

      Reply
      • GiGi Eats says

        January 28, 2015 at 9:02 pm

        Ha Ha! PA PA would love me!! 😉 Father’s Day – best daughter of the year award coming my way! LOL!
        GiGi Eats recently posted…Lil Wayne’s Sundae Breakfast, Wink, Wink!My Profile

        Reply
        • Ashley says

          January 28, 2015 at 9:31 pm

          For sure!! hehehe
          Ashley recently posted…Are you eating this sweet and satisfying fruit?My Profile

          Reply
  25. Arman @ thebigmansworld says

    January 29, 2015 at 12:53 am

    Can’t say I’m the biggest fan of prunes but then again, it’s been a fair while since I’ve had any! I love your dinner plate and hope this doesn’t come out creepy but it’s like your previous lunches haha!
    Arman @ thebigmansworld recently posted…Blogging Politics- Embracing the growth of your blogMy Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      January 29, 2015 at 8:51 am

      Arman. Not creepy. Have you noticed I haven’t been eating as much cottage cheese? Well, I haven’t been. And yes, this dinner was a lot like my lunches last week. Does that count as variety when I switch the meal I ate it at? 🙂
      Ashley recently posted…This Thursday needs some Thinking Out LoudMy Profile

      Reply

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Hi, I'm Ashley. I'm a mom and fitness instructor living in Charlotte, North Carolina. I love to help you live a balanced life with no extremes, making sure you never skip a rest day. A Lady Goes West is where I share my workouts, simple meals, clean beauty tips and wellness insight with you. Find out more about me and stay awhile!

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You can leave as many comments as you want, and each one serves as an entry. You can earn an additional entry by sharing this post to your stories and tagging me. This giveaway closes on Saturday, February 27. The winner must live in the U.S. And this giveaway is not associated with Instagram. Good luck, and thanks for being here! 🙂 xoxo
HOME! We closed on and moved into our home in Char HOME! We closed on and moved into our home in Charlotte over the weekend, and we're so excited to get settled in our new neighborhood, city and state after many weeks of transition. In honor of this momentous occasion, I thought it would be fun to look back at the places Dave and I have lived together over the last 12 years. Here's what it has looked like -- and each place has been special for different reasons:
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-2009-2012 in a high-rise condo in downtown Orlando, where we lived when we got married.
-2012-2013 in a one-bedroom apartment in South of Market in San Francisco, which was always freezing no matter the time of day or year.
-2013-2014 in a tiny studio apartment in Nob Hill in San Francisco, which was only 550-square-feet, but we could hear the cable cars out of our always-open windows, so that was cool.
-2014-2017 in a two-bedroom townhouse in Walnut Creek, where we brought home both Rudy and Brady and had many sleepless nights.
-2017-2021 in a house that we owned in Pleasant Hill outside of San Francisco, which was across the street from a Starbucks so we went there way too often.
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And now we're here in Charlotte. It's good to be home! I'd love to know: Where do you call home?
Soulmates. ❤️ Whether you’re loving on other Soulmates. ❤️ Whether you’re loving on others or just yourself today, my little crew is wishing you a wonderful Valentine’s Day!
Good additions! Even though I'm all about simplify Good additions! Even though I'm all about simplifying life, I also like adding more good, if there's room for it. And the last year has given me ample opportunity to make some changes and add a lot of good. Here's my super-random list of things I've added to my life in the last year that I now love:
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-Using oat milk as my milk of choice (it's literally the creamiest, and I can’t go back to others now)
-Choosing to be outside as much as possible (can't believe I stayed indoors so much before, never exploring the beautiful Bay Area and now Charlotte until the last year)
-Teaching and taking virtual fitness classes (I was a gym rat for years, and now I actually love to work out at home with my virtual fitness friends)
-Wearing my Apple watch for notifications so I don't always need to be on my phone and tracking some beneficial metrics (I've only had my watch for about 9 months, and I love to check my heart-rate and close my rings)
-Appreciating the ability to work for myself and giving myself friendlier deadlines (I've been my own boss for several years and used to be so strict with my deadlines, until I realized it was stressing me more than it needed to, so now I say no to a lot of things and only do what works well in my life, without adding too much unnecessary stress)
-Shorter workouts (full-hour workouts are a thing of the past for me)
-Wearing more colors (no more black uniforms every day)
-And more!
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I wrote a whole post about this topic on A Lady Goes West this week if this is of interest to you, and you can head on over and check it out. I'd love to know: What's something (random or not) that you've added to your life in the last year that you now love?
Over the weekend, I stepped foot into a big-box gy Over the weekend, I stepped foot into a big-box gym for the first time in more than 11 months. How did I feel about it? Mixed ... When we left California, gyms were still closed, and once we got to North Carolina, I was so used to not going to the gym, I didn't even think about going. After being here a month, I finally decided to get a guest pass at a gym near me, and I went twice. Here are my thoughts on the experience: 
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At first, I felt so excited to drive up and go in and work out in a big space with a lot of equipment and not be at home. But then reality sank in: Even though masks were required and there were signs everywhere reminding people, about half the folks in the gym had their masks off or had them down around their chin. Ummm, not cool. I get it, working out with a mask on sucks, but rules are rules, folks. I also didn't like that it was busier than I expected, and quite a bit of the equipment I wanted to use was occupied. That never happens at home.
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Overall, I'm glad that those who need to get to the gym are getting the opportunity, but right now, I think I'll go back to sweating safely at home for a little while longer. But at least I got my first locker-room selfie in almost a year. I'd love to know. Have you been back to the gym yet?
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A Lady Goes West is a personal blog meant for entertainment purposes only and does not serve as a substitute for professional advice from your own doctor, trainer or nutritionist. While I'm a certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor, the workouts, food and plans I post are what works for me and may not work for you. Please enjoy these stories and tips from my life, but proceed with caution. Also, know that affiliate links and sponsored posts appear from time-to-time, and I appreciate your support. For more information about how your data is stored, visit my Privacy Policy. Thanks for reading!

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