What I ate in a day last week (and a $300 giveaway)
This post about “what I ate in a day” is sponsored by NOW®. I’m so excited to be partnering with NOW again this year. I’ve been a customer and fan of the brand for many years. And today, I’m not only sharing some food, but I’m also sharing a big giveaway for you from NOW.
Everybody loves a “what I ate in a day” post, and that’s what you’re getting today! Even though many of you enjoy seeing this type of post, I think it’s important to remember a few things about looking at someone else’s food … We all have unique internal systems, metabolisms, activity levels, gene make-ups, wants, needs, time, budgets and preferences. And what I eat works for me, but what I eat may not work for you. In this one, I’m sharing everything I ate on a busy weekday last week. While I often eat somewhat similar things, no two days are exactly the same.
I don’t have any dietary restrictions (thank goodness), I don’t avoid any food groups (life is too short to write off cake, friend), and I’m not following a labeled diet either. I eat food that tastes good, fills me up and is fairly easy to prepare.
And as I’ve shared several times already, this year, I’m trying to eat more protein. Every day, I like to loosely shoot for 120 grams of protein, and this day definitely included that amount. I don’t track my other macronutrients or my calorie counts, just my protein (and I don’t use a food tracker for tracking protein, I keep the numbers in my head). I’m feeling really good with my current amount of daily protein, and I may even up my goal in the coming months to reach my bodyweight in grams (which is 145). I’ve already found that my recovery, strength and muscle growth are all improving little by little with the additional protein, so clearly, I needed it.
Before we get to the food, let’s get to that big giveaway and a little bit more about our sponsor …
GIVEAWAY: Win a $300 e-gift card to shop at nowfoods.com!
Because you’re reading this post, I want to thank you for supporting NOW, which is a huge and well-respected natural foods and supplement company that I’ve been patronizing for many years.
You can find NOW products in major natural health food stores and grocers, you can find some of their products on Amazon, and you can access the full line-up online on the NOW site. You’ll also see some NOW products within my eating recap below, because I truly love and use items from the brand regularly.
Now (no pun intended), are you ready to enter to win this huge giveaway for a $300 e-gift card to NOW?
I’ll choose one lucky winner, over the age of 18, who resides in the United States for the $300 e-gift card, which you can use on anything on the NOW site. And you can even use my personal discount code, WEST, at check-out for 20 percent off, combined with your gift card. And if you don’t win, you can still use my discount code on the site here any time throughout the year.
To enter, do each of the following:
- Leave a comment on my latest Facebook or Instagram post. Then …
- Leave a comment on this blog post below letting me know you’ve done the above. (To leave a comment here, scroll to the bottom of this blog post. And when you leave a comment, your email will not be shown publicly, by the way.)
Requirements:
- You must be at least 18.
- You must reside in the United States.
- You must be following A Lady Goes West on FB and IG, or at least one of them. If you’re not on social media, you can tell me that in your comment though, and I’ll still consider your entry.
This giveaway closes this upcoming weekend on Sunday, March, 26th. Good luck to you! And now for the food …
What I ate in a day last week
6:45 a.m.
Morning beverage: Sea salt water and a probiotic
Every morning, after I get up and before I have anything else, I drop some pink sea salt into my water and chug about half of my Stanley cup. I also take one NOW 8 Billion Acidopholis and Bifudus probiotic capsule too. I’ve been taking a probiotic on an empty stomach for several months to help maintain a healthy gut environment.* (I’m not going to dive into all of the supplements I take, but I did share a list of them in this post last year: “Five supplements I include regularly in my routine” so check that out if you want to see more.)
This morning water consumption jump starts my day of hydration and rehydrates me from the night before. As I shared previously, I have a goal to drink 120 ounces of water by 7 p.m., and this puts me closer to my goal even before I have my breakfast. On this day, I probably drank 140 ounces of water, and that doesn’t include all my other liquids, which is a lot.
7 a.m.
Morning beverage: Hot green tea collagen latte
I look forward to my morning hot green tea collagen latte so much. Even though I like coffee and sometimes I drink coffee in the afternoon, I still always reach for green tea in the morning. I’ve written about how I make my green tea before, but here’s a review:
I use two NOW Organic Green Kick Tea bags, steeped in boiling water for three minutes. Then I add a two tablespoons of NOW Collagen Peptides Powder, a NOW BetterStevia French Vanilla packet (I even bring this with me out and about, because I love the flavor), a squirt of local honey, a dash of cinnamon, and some warmed-up oat milk, all mixed together. It’s excellent. And it’s full of valuable collagen, nutrients and more.
7:30 a.m.
Breakfast: Nut and seed oatmeal, banana and almond butter
Sometimes I try to eat new and different things for breakfast, but I always come back to oatmeal. I just feel comfortable with it. I’ve been eating oatmeal in some form for breakfast for years and years. When I feel busy and less motivated, I’ll eat pre-made protein oatmeal packets. But on this day, I had taken the time to make some oats on my own. And when I make my own, I include a lot more beneficial stuff.
This bowl of oatmeal featured a scoop of NOW Organic Chia Seeds, a few NOW Organic and Unsalted Pumpkin Seeds, a cup of NOW Organic Steel Cut Oats (which are full of fiber and this serving had 10 grams of protein), a sprinkle of sea salt, a dash of cinnamon, a dollop of almond butter and a chopped-up banana on top. Delish!
I can make this breakfast ahead of time as an overnight oats creation in the fridge, or I can heat it up on the stove for about 15 minutes. Either way, it is enjoyable. After breakfast, I took the rest of my supplements, because I like to take the rest with food.
10:45 a.m.
Post-workout snack: Protein shake
On this day, (which was a Wednesday, my only morning officially off from teaching classes during the week), I did a solo full-body weights workout at the gym after dropping Brady at school.
My workout was about 45 minutes, and I focused on heavy weights. I did barbell deadlifts and hip thrusts, as well as push-ups with my feet elevated. When I was done, I prepared my program for my class the next day, and then I enjoyed a protein shake. In my shaker this day was a little bit of oat milk, water and a big scoop of NOW Sports® Plant Protein Complex Mocha flavor protein powder, which contains 22 grams of plant-based protein and tastes delicious mixed with nothing but water. However, for a little extra staying power, lately I’ve been adding about a cup of oat milk.
On other days when I’ve taught a class and played tennis back-to-back, I usually have an additional small snack with my protein shake. But on this day, I only felt like having the shake, and it held me over until lunch.
1 p.m.
Lunch: Turkey and egg sourdough toast and broccoli rice
I love this lunch combination, and I had it three times last week. And this lunch has about 30 grams of protein in it too, which is awesome.
You’re looking at a piece of toasted sourdough bread with grass-fed butter on top, two pasture-raised eggs and two slices of organic smoked turkey all piled on. I also had some sautéed broccoli rice on the side to get in some green veggies, all covered in sea salt, black pepper and everything-but-the-bagel seasoning. Sourdough is definitely my favorite type of bread, because the good kinds have minimal ingredients. This lunch is so easy to make, and it’s super filling.
2 p.m.
Post-lunch dessert: Dates and an oat-milk latte (un-pictured)
Many days, in the afternoon, I’ll have a cup of coffee after lunch, which is more like a latte, because I add heated up oat milk, cinnamon, honey and another packet of French vanilla stevia too. Some people do not do well with coffee after noon, but I’ve found that one cup doesn’t affect me negatively, as long as I have it before 3 p.m., and I look forward to it. With my oat milk latte, I had a juicy pitted medjool date for a post-lunch dessert too. Dates are life.
4:45 p.m.
Snack: Protein bar (un-pictured)
On the way back to the gym to teach my evening barre class, I ate a protein bar in the car. While this isn’t always the healthiest option, it works for me when I need it. It filled me up and held me over until dinner. My protein bar had 18 grams of protein to add to my total for the day.
7:15 p.m.
Dinner: Quinoa pasta, broccoli rice and grass-fed meatballs
This dinner was so satisfying. Most weeks, I have some form of pasta for dinner on one night. And pasta night is a mess in our kitchen, because Dave and I use different types of pastas, so we have a lot of pots and pans going on at the same time.
I like to have an alternative pasta to get in a bit more protein, and lately, I’ve been enjoying the NOW Organic Quinoa Penne Pasta, which is made from rice, quinoa and amaranth. It cooks up like regular pasta, has a very mild and pleasing taste and two servings gets you 10 grams of protein.
On top of that quinoa pasta on this night, I added some more sautéed broccoli rice for additional veggies, some red marinara sauce and six grass-fed beef meatballs, for another 16 grams or protein. And that makes two instances of meat appearing in my day, which is a lot for me, but I’m totally okay with it. I try to choose better meat options, and I’m enjoying the addition of more meat back into my life the last few months, along with a lot of plants too.
7:45 p.m.
Dessert: Two dates and sparkling water (un-pictured)
I love a big dessert, but on most weekdays, I keep it light, and instead, I have a couple of juicy pitted medjool dates for a sweet bite. I had two dates this night, along with a cold sparkling water. Even on cold days, I love a cold sparkling water after dinner. It’s the perfect end to a day, before I help with Brady’s bedtime routine and then retire to the couch.
And that was my food for the day! I felt full, nourished and very pleased with everything I consumed.
Enter the giveaway!
Thanks for supporting A Lady Goes West and a great company like NOW and reading my post on what I ate in a day. Scroll back up for the giveaway instructions and put your name in the hat to win a $300 e-gift card to NOW.
Have an awesome week, my friends!
Disclaimer: Thanks again to NOW for sponsoring this post. While I was compensated, all of these opinions are totally my own, but I think you know that. Thanks, NOW! #NOWWellness
Questions of the day for you
What is your favorite meal of the day?
What’s one thing you want to buy from the NOW site?
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
I love breakfast and would love some new protein powder (follow/commented on IG).
Thank you, Megan! Have a great week! 🙂 xxoxo
Trying to add more nuts/seeds into my routine. There are so many benefits! Posted on your insta- getting outside for a walk is necessary!!
Yes, Jen! Thanks for that! Have a great day! 🙂
So many great options with NOW! I commented on IG 🙂 Thanks!
Thanks, Ashley! 🙂 Have a great Monday!
Left a comment on Instagram. Thanks!
Thanks, Allison! Hope you have a wonderful day! 🙂 xoxo
My favorite meal when I’m at home is lunch. I love air fried veggie burgers ! I am curious to try the NOW better stevia French vanilla. It looks really good and i could put it in my morning coffee!
I’ve been thinking about getting an air fryer — that’s so cool you can do veggie burgers in there. Thanks for the tip, Laura! 🙂
As a morning runner, breakfast is by far my fave! I am trying to increase my daily protein intake…it’s nice to see how other people do it!
I like breakfast food a lot too, Tara! And YES, runners need a lot of protein. 🙂
Would love to try a new protein powder!! I think breakfast is my fav meal of the day. Love reading these posts. Entered giveaway!
Thanks, Anna! I love breakfast too! 🙂
Honestly, I think my favorite meal of the day is dinner. Especially the last couple of years since my husband stopped working weeknights and we have been good about planning our dinners and eating together. Even when it’s a super simple dinner of sauteed tilapia with a steamer bag of broccoli or cauliflower–as simple and seemingly non-spectacular as it is–I love it.
I commented on your insta (@healthyishsteph)! And honestly, while I think I need to be consistent about probiotics to even out some digestive issues I have, I really would use that gift card to alleviate the costs of supplements and minerals that the continued uncovering of my host of imbalances is requiring me to get. Functional medicine is expensive, and good quality supplements are expensive. Now Foods is one of the handful of brands my FM team recommends, and having an account with some extra support to get everything I need would be a godsend!
Thank you for sharing this with me, Stephanie! 🙂 I really hope your discovery process with your FM doctors brings you answers. And also, I love a simple weeknight meal too — how nice you and your hubs are home together for it!
PS I commented on your FB post. 💕
Awesome! Thanks!
Thanks for doing this giveaway! I commented in IG and can’t wait to try NOW!
Hi Alicia! Thank you! 🙂 Have an awesome week!
I just ordered some of the vanilla
Protein powder using your NOW
promo code so I’ve been enjoying adding that to recipes. Next, I’d like to try the chocolate protein powder.
My favorite meal of the day is breakfast because I enjoy it early in the morning when I have some quiet time to myself.
Commenting on IG and FB now.
Hi Lauren! I love breakfast too! And thanks so much for supporting NOW! 🙂
Dinner-because I usually eat after my kids so no one is trying to steal bites!!!
Commented on your IG!!!
Hi Amy! I get that — Dave and I eat dinner without Brady on the weekends, and it’s nice to get a word in heehe 🙂
My favorite meal is breakfast and I love eating oatmeal! I left a comment on your Instagram post as @fiddlindandi.
Thank you, Hannah! I’m a breakfast fan too! Have a great week!
Thank you for giving us an insight into your meals and an honest opinion on the NOW products, I didn’t know NOW had seeds, oats and other items other than supplements. Appreciate you and your blog!
Hi Erika! Yes! NOW has so many great food products — in fact, I think I tried their food before anything else, years ago. Have a great week!
I read and loved this post, hopped on the ‘gram to say hello over there, and now I’m back to tell you about my favorite meal of the day. 🙂
I love my daily, morning ritual of a homemade vanilla latte – so frothy and comforting, along with a piece of dark chocolate most days because I want a nibble, but don’t really wake up ready for a meal. At around 10, my tummy is usually rumbling and ready to eat. Lately, I’ve been loving a cranberry orange muffin. Then, on the side, I’ll have a mini egg white omelette with a piece of pepper Jack cheese, some hot sauce, and hot honey on top. I might even wash it down with a second coffee. This is when I take my supplements for the day, which include my Now brand methyl folate, thanks to your recommendation! Later, my lunch is almost always a protein packed salad with lots of good toppings. Most of the time, in addition to diced up chicken tenders that I make at the beginning of the week, it includes chopped apples, dried cherries, some shaved parm, and pumpkin seeds. I’ll have to try Now brand seeds next time. 🙂
Such a fun post to read – thanks for hosting such a great giveaway! xo
Hi Lindsay! I love all this detail, and I love the care you put into your daily meals. Do you have some sort of fancy latte making machine? We’re in the market for one!
I love their plant-based protein. Thanks for the giveaway – I commented on your IG post. 😊
Me too, Jordan! Thank you! Have a wonderful week!
Your breakfast looks so yummy 🙂 I can’t wait to try their products! I commented on IG!
Thank you, Kimberly! Have a great week! 🙂
Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day and even though they’ve gotten crazy expensive, it’s some variety of eggs for me daily. I’ve used NOW supplements for years and want to try more of their products. Matcha tea, for one! Thanks for the discount code – every little bit helps!
I left a comment on your instagram post and follow you on both FB and Insta.
Hi Sharon! I love breakfast too. Thanks for saying hi and for following! Have a wonderful week. 🙂
Hi! I think my favorite meal of the day is dinner because I am more relaxed, home from work and usually watching a recorded Bravo show while eating. 🙂
I would love to try any of the Now products! That French vanilla stevia really has me intrigued though so I think that would be my first item added to cart.
I commented on Insta and will head to FB to comment too.
Have a great day!
You are my commenting queen, Courtney! Thank you so much for the support, friend! 🙂 xxoxo
I left a comment on your Instagram and leaving a comment here. I love now products, and would love to win this!! 🙂 🙂
Thank you, Rachel! Have a fabulous day! 🙂 xoxo
I need to know how you are cooking steel cut oats in 15 minutes!
Hi Julie! I put the oats in a sauce pan, with a cup of water and sea salt and cinnamon, brought it to a boil, then covered and let it simmer for 15! It worked! 🙂
And now I need to try this breakfast, yum!
I have been wanting to try this brand for a while! Commented on IG!
Thanks, Brandy! I think you’ll love NOW! 🙂
I love NOW and even went to a conference in Philly for them last year!
No way, Alaina! That’s awesome! Hope you enjoyed the conference! What did you learn? 🙂
I left my comment on IG!! I always try to recreate your plates! They all look so simple and tasty.💜
Hi Ashley,
Great post, I always like seeing what other’s daily eats are for inspiration. Because I was the lucky winner of this amazing giveaway in past pretty sure I wouldn’t be chosen ;)…but I am loving the NOW products and just wanted to share that to let others know. I have since ordered a few things.
Have a great day!!! 🙂
You WERE the lucky winner, Wendi! So I know you love NOW. Thanks for saying hi!
I commented on IG – I’d love to try some of their products. My favorite meal is breakfast – nothing beats a veggie omelette with thick cut home fries!
That sounds like an excellent breakfast, and very filling! Have a wonderful day, Sayra! 🙂
I’d love to try the NOW Foods Raw Energy Nut Mix. Perfect with my morning oats or yogurt.
It is quite tasty! Thanks for saying hi, Cheryll! 🙂
My favorite meal if I had to pick would be breakfast! I often make eggs with an English muffin or sourdough and love the routine of making an iced drink to go with it (I’ve been making iced teeccinno, which is a coffee alternative)!
I would love to try the French vanilla stevia you mentioned if I win! I commented on IG. 🙂
Sourdough is my favorite bread, so I’m all for that selection, Traci. Thanks for saying hi! 🙂
My favorite meal is dinner and tonight we had lemony cod over wild rice, roasted Brussels sprouts and a tomato/cucumber/feta salad. Trying to keep it healthy after a few indulgent days! Would love to try some new Now protein powders and check out their supplements. I commented on FB but don’t have Instagram.
Hi Joanna! Your dinner sounds quite delicious! Thanks, friend!
Can you come cook for me ♥️. Everything sounds delicious and nourishing. I’ve used some Now brand supplements through the years but had no idea they have this variety. I would love to purchase the green tea late with the sweetener. I’m not a green tea person but you made it sound really good! Heading over to comment on your other pages.
Hi Katie! Thank you, friend! My cooking is not good — but my assembling of heated up items is excellent hehhe! Have a wonderful day!
Hey Ashley. Hope all is going well. Love that you are partnering with NOW. They are my go to for all my vitamins/supplements. Guess I need to look at them for other products as well. Thanks for the giveaway 🙂
Hi Adena! I hope all is well with you TOO! And I’m so glad you’re a NOW fan! 🙂 Have a great day!
I commented on Facebook. Thank you for sharing your eating post, I find that your day of eating is similar to how I am eating in this current stage of life! I have been looking at the now website and am interested in trying the sprouting kit. I didn’t realize how many products they sell, thank you!
Hi Emily! Thank you for saying hi! I love that we have some similar eating habits. And the sprouting kit does look cool — I’ve never tried it!
I love salmon!!! I’d buy seeds and my supplements!!
I love salmon too, and I definitely don’t eat it enough! Thanks for saying hi, Karen. 🙂
Done ✅ hopefully i win 🏆
Good luck! And thanks, Ryan!
Liked and comments on Facebook and Instagram. Always wanting to try new products to help my fitness goals
Thank you, Charlsie! 🙂 Have a great day!
Breakfast is definitely my favorite meal!
Mine too, Tracy! Thanks for saying hi!
Hi, I commented on both IG and FB. And after I read what you ate for one day, I can see there is definitely room for improvement in my diet! 🙂
Hi Cathleen! I think we all have room for improvement! Thank you for reading! 🙂
As I get older, maintaining my weight is getting more difficult. I think if I eat better, it could help me maintain my goals. Thank you! Entered/commented on both IG and FB.
Hi Jeff! Yes, I hear that all the time about weight getting tough as you age. It’s always good to be on top of your health goals. Thanks for reading!
I feel so much better when I avoid junk food and stick with the good stuff! 🙂 Entered on IG and FB
Hi Annalynn! Thanks for saying hi!
I really like the idea of tracking what you ate for an entire day. It is such a great way to figure out exactly what you are doing, calorie-wise.
I entered on IG ( I do not have a FB, sorry)
Thanks, Brian! Have a fabulous day!
My favorite meal of the day has to be breakfast 🥞 That’s when I get most of my NOW vitamins in first thing in the morning 🙂 left a comment on Instagram too!
Hi Catie! Great! I love to hear you’re already a NOW fan! Thanks for saying hi!
I need to try some of NOW’s alternative pastas! I’m always such a big fan of quinoa pasta – it usually tastes great and once it’s covered in sauce it’s hard to notice the difference from the original! Thanks for sharing 🙂
(Also commented on FB!)
I agree! I love a good alternative pasta too! 🙂 Thanks, Nicole!
Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day and it usually includes oatmeal and eggs-would love to try the NOW steel cut oats!
(Liked/commented on IG!)
Thank you, Alyssa! 🙂
Breakfast is my favorite meal- specifically weekend breakfast! I would love to try some is the cane sugar alternatives like the French vanilla stevia or the Carmel monk fruit – so many good things on their site though I would have no trouble choosing!
Yes, Stephanie! I love a leisure breakfast too. Thanks for saying hi! 🙂