What a difference a week makes + my eats
My, oh my, how my life has changed since last Wednesday. This time last week, I was sitting among a mess of boxes inside a tiny apartment in the heart of the city, stressed about my move and fed up with the construction sounds outside my window. Today, I’m as snug-as-a-bug-in-a-rug-comfortable in my much bigger place outside the city center, and I even have a new car to get around in. I mean, wow. For most of you, having space, a little bit of quiet and your own transportation is probably not anything you think about all that much. But as an urbanite for the past two-and-a-half years, these are luxuries I didn’t have. It feels good to have them now, and I’m loving all these changes in my life, even though I was a little sad about it all at first. But it’s not so bad outside of my bubble. Maybe I’m making a new bubble?
There’s something else I’m loving right now, and it hasn’t changed much in the past week. Food. No seriously, I love food. Sometimes I probably think about food a little bit too much. Although I eat very similar things most days, my usual foods are ones I like so much that I still get excited about each meal. I typically go for easy, simple and convenient food choices, which fill me up and don’t take a lot of time to prepare. But to make that happen I need some tools, which leads me to this food and moving-related story of the day …
Have you ever gone without a particular appliance?
Dave and I still have a lot of stuff to buy for our new place. One of the things that our kitchen is currently lacking is a microwave. Have you ever lived without one? You’d think it wouldn’t be that big of a deal. But when you’re short on time and need to prepare a meal, it can make it tough to be without. For instance, on Monday night, Dave and I got home late after picking up my car and were standing in the kitchen at 9 p.m. wondering what we could possibly whip up in a flash. If we preheated the oven for anything, we’d be waiting for a while. And at that point, everything I pulled out of the freezer to eat needed to be microwaved. We settled on breakfast for dinner, Dave having cereal, and me having eggs. But in that moment, we realized that although we don’t want to rely on the microwave, it sure does come in handy, and we need it more than we think. I hope to pick one up this week so we can be back in business. But until then, we’ll be doing things the old fashioned way using the stove and the oven.
A look at all of my eats from yesterday
Continuing on with the topic of food, let’s move into “What I Ate Wednesday,” which is a chance for me to pick one day out of the week and show you every single thing I consumed outside of water and vitamins. By no means are my food choices for everybody, but they surely work for me. Here are all of my meals from yesterday …
Breakfast at 8 a.m.
That’s not my usual breakfast of overnight oats, believe it or not. In fact, it’s just a bowl of plain Greek yogurt, topped with a banana and some crunched-up flavored breakfast crackers. Served alongside a steaming mug of warm green tea, sweetened with stevia and almond milk. In fact, I haven’t made overnight oats since we moved, but will probably get back to that fabulous and filling staple soon.
Lunch at 1 p.m.
Not pretty, but tasty. Yes, I’m still on a smoothie kick for lunches every now and again, and this one was well worth fussing with my Nutribullet for. This is a shot of world’s thickest smoothie, consisting of frozen blueberries, protein powder and almond milk. For the full recipe, check out blue chocolate protein milk-shake smoothie.
Snack at 4 p.m.
Just a little bit of fuel before I headed off to teach a class and work out. All I wanted was another mug of steaming green tea and some trail mix, which I made by combining a pre-made pack from Trader Joe’s with some extra raw cashews and almonds to fill it out.
Post-workout protein at 6:30 p.m.
I drank this after teaching BODYPUMP on the way home in the car. It’s one big scoop of Adaptogen TastyWHEY protein powder mixed with cold water, and it was delicious. And you bet I was careful not to spill it in my new ride.
Dinner at 8:15 p.m.
This is a bowl full of broccoli slaw pasta, steamed spinach, marinara sauce and some turkey meatballs. The broccoli slaw pasta is something I’ve been enjoying lately because it’s super easy to prepare. You can read about how I make it here: Must-try veggie pasta.
That was it for my eats yesterday. Pretty standard and colorful.
Tonight, I’m teaching a BODYATTACK class at another new-to-me gym in my new neighborhood, which I’m excited about. Speaking of which, I still owe you guys a review of the latest BODYATTACK release and will get that one up very soon. I’ll see you back here tomorrow for something a little bit different. Now go off and have a good one!
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?
Questions of the day
What did you have for breakfast today? What is your favorite meal of the day? Do you have and/or use a microwave?
I made the broccoli slaw pasta this weekend and made a kale pistachio pesto for on top – yum! Ill be sure to share. So happy you are nice and cozy in your new place!
Hi Sara! Kale pistachio pesto? Sounds fancy! Yes, I want to know more:) Oh and salmon is my favorite fish. So glad you liked it!
I’ve been trying to use my microwave less but it’s really hard! Especially if you want to heat something up or defrost something at the last minute. I’ve actually been eating alot of leftovers cold, but that doesn’t work for stuff that’s in the freezer:) I need to check out that broccoli slaw recipe- looks delicious!
Hi Lisa, Cold leftovers? Now there is something I wouldn’t do! hehehe! And let me know if you try the slaw. 🙂
Maybe it’s time to invest in a blender? I used to struggle with my bullet too, and I finally got a Ninja. My dream was a Vitamix, but the Ninja works great and was totally worth the expense. But I guess that will go below microwave on your list of kitchen utensils!
Hi Courtney … yes, along with that I’d like a food processor one day. I now have room to store these appliances so maybe I will upgrade soon. Thanks for the ideas 🙂 Happy Wednesday to you!
As much as I hate to say this, I am in love with my microwave. Being a single girl, it is the easiest way for me to cook most of the time so I don’t have to worry about a ton of food or dishes.
Hi Stacie! Clearly, I am in love with a microwave too, I can’t wait to have one again. So don’t feel bad! It’s SOO good for cooking for one, which I do a lot too.
We do have a microwave, but rarely use it. However, we do sometimes rely on it in a pinch. Especially when we have a last minute dinner we need to pull together. What’s your favorite brand of green tea? I like it, but don’t love it, so I’m always looking for the best brand possible. So glad you are loving your new place and the car! Big changes for sure.
Hi Lauren, I LOVE green tea, but I also sweeten it a little. I like Pukka Mint Green Tea as well as Yogi Antioxidant Green Tea. You should give it a try with a little stevia and milk! 🙂
I will! Thanks for the recommendations. 🙂
We didn’t have a microwave for a year…and that was totally do able. It’s nice to have one now though for oatmeal 🙂 Best appliance? A food processor. Totally worth it!!
Those zoodles look amazing!!!
Hi Kirtley! The slaw noodles are delish and sooo easy, because I didn’t have to shred them myself. I don’t have a food processor but would love one one day. Any brand suggestions? Oh and thanks for stopping by. Happy Wednesday!
I feel for you in the missing microwave. I had to live without one once for a month and it was a big inconvenience. Thanks for reminding me of that slaw. I forgot I want to try that!
Hi Megan! I wonder how long I will make it without the mic … hahah I’ll probably get one this week. Happy Wednesday to you and let me know if you try the slaw:)
I went without a microwave for about a year and a half, it gets easier with time :). My parents had an extra that I took, but I still don’t use it too often.
Breakfast might be my favorite meal of the day! During the week I usually have a bowl of hot steel-cut oats with egg whites, cinnamon, and 1/2 a banana mixed in 🙂 Yummm.
How does it feel to be driving again?
Hi Jessie! It feels AMAZING to be driving again. You have no idea. I love it hehehe. I want to spend all day in my car, too bad I have other things to do. Anywho, you hot steel-cut oats sound fabulous. I need to start doing a hot breakfast every once in a while. Happy Wednesday to you! 🙂
Looks like a great day of eats!!!
Thanks, Trish! 🙂 Happy WIAW to you!
Glad you are enjoying your new digs already! Having more space is amazing. We did have to deal without a microwave before for about a week…it was hard and I never realized how much I used it!
Hi Marielle! I know! I will be glad to have a microwave again soon! Convenience is important. Happy Wednesday! 🙂
Omg I don’t know what I would do without a microwave! I make big batches of my weeknight dinners on the weekend and then heat them up in the microwave during the week. It saves me so much time!
Hi Erin! I know! Microwaves are major time-savers and I can’t wait to have one again. Happy Wednesday to you! 🙂
I’m happy to hear you’re adjusting well to your new suburban lifestyle. I personally prefer it over city living. It just feels healthier to me, even though we walk much less.
And I don’t think I could live without a microwave! I use it all of the time. That, my toaster and my food processor are must haves.
Hi Sarah! I want to get a food processor just so I can try some of your fancy recipes! 🙂 And yes, this lifestyle is suiting me just fine!! Happy Wednesday!
Congrats on your move! It must be so refreshing to live outside of the city. That smoothie looks amazing! I am always looking for new recipes 🙂
Thanks, Janelle! It’s a nice change of pace for me right now for sure. And I’ve got a ton of great smoothie recipes. Let me know if you want some more!! Have a Happy Wednesday:)
About a year ago we moved to a rental without a built in microwave and have been without since. We thought we would need to buy one but it hasn’t been too big of a deal and we love the extra counter space.
We have had a few woops moments like buying microwave popcorn only to realize we have no way to make it!
Hi Jess! hehehe I can totally see myself buying something that needs to be microwaved without realizing it. That’s good to know you’ve adapted to life without. And extra counter space is always a good thing. Hope you’re having a Happy Wednesday! 🙂
That blueberry smoothie actually looks really good! Did you eat it with a spoon? Best way to do it.
Hi Nancy! I like to eat my smoothies with spoons when they are thick! So yes, I did!! Happy Wednesday to you!
Congrats on your new car and on making your new home/bubble comfy and livable! I’m also one who enjoys a little more space, transportation and parking! Those amenities are underrated!
Hi Bethann, They sure are! I’m loving this comfortable life. Hope you are doing well!! Happy Wednesday:)
Congrats on getting settled! I have to agree, when I think about how often we use our microwave it’s more than you’d think!
Hi Kelly! I know! Convenience is key!! Hope all is well with you:) Happy Wednesday!
I’ve been making broccoli slaw pasta a couple of times a week since you posted the recipe! Easiest dinner ever!
xoxo,
Andrea
http://www.andreaeveryday.com
Yay, Andrea! That’s awesome. Thanks for telling me. Glad you enjoy it:)
I love zoodles, but I have never tried broccoli slaw as a pasta substitute. Great idea!
Hi Leslie! You’ve got to try the slaw!! 🙂 Happy WIAW to you:)
I don’t have a toaster oven which is kind of a pain when I actually want to make toast or reheat something small… so I just use the oven haha. I’m glad my place has a microwave! Could you get one delivered with Google Express haha?
Hi Cassie! I’m on the hunt for a microwave starting tomorrow! And you know, I could totally live without a toaster. Not my husband though, he likes his morning bagel. hehehe Happy Wednesday! 🙂
YAY! So glad you’re enjoying the newfound ‘luxeries’ and something I can relate to now being back in my home city- By the way, love the new header Ashley!
I think I use my oven more than my microwave but damn it is handy in a second.
Hi Arman, Thanks! Yes, loving my new place and glad you are loving your new place too. And you WOULD be someone who doesn’t really need a microwave, you crafty and clever cook, you. Arg! 🙂
I have lived without a toaster AND microwave… college, and that was hard!
Hi Hayley! What? Seems like nearly everything I ate in college needed to be in the microwave, so that would have been a real struggle for me hehehe. So nice job making it through! Hope you have a great day, and thanks for stopping by to say hello:)
Congrats on the move girl! Very exciting!
We just moved two weeks ago, and although it was only about a mile, our new place is so much better! I’m enjoying new luxuries like a dishwasher and floors that don’t splinter into your feet haha 🙂 I feel you on the microwave. I don’t think I could do without one. It’s just so convenient when you’re in a rush.
Hi Whitney! Well congratulations to you on your move too. I guess you wanted to get that move done before your wedding, right? I’ve loved the process of cleaning things out, buying new things and totally reorganizing all of my stuff because of the move. It sure is fun! While at times a little stressful – but most of that is behind me. Hope all is well with you! Missing NZ??? 🙂
I love WIAW posts! It’s so fun to see what other healthy living bloggers are eating. I get lots of great ideas that way! Your day looks delicious! I’m headed now to visit some of your other links. I’m happy I stumbled across your blog. You’re a great writer. 🙂
Hi Kimberly, Ohhhh thanks so much for the kind words. I love to look at other people’s eats too. I also get ideas that way. And by the way, I was a corporate PR girl and copywriter before becoming a personal trainer/group fitness instructor/blogger/writer, so you know, I think I can create a clear sentence when needed. Thank you for coming by to say hello! Really loved your post about monetizing the blog, and I’ll be sure to follow you for more. 🙂 Happy Thursday!
Your eats look so good! And I did live without a microwave for 2 months and it actually wasn’t that bad. I must preferred the taste of cooking on the stove top. Plus I worked overnight and snacked during my shift (yogurts, string cheese, protein bars) so I guess I had the luxury I was home to cook.
Hi Sabrina! I think I would agree that things taste better when cooked on the oven or stove top. But I do want to have a microwave again! Thanks for stopping by, hope you’re having a lovely Thursday!