Still Not Really Eating, Like a Sick Person

by Emily

I’m having a hard time being cheery, but I’ll try not to complain too much. Plus, I haven’t really eaten all day so there’s not much to talk about! I was hoping to feel better by now and I don’t, and I’m sort of devastated about it.

I skipped BioChem this morning, but did attempt to go to my afternoon Nutrition courses. I made it 30minutes through the first one before the professor realized I was about to die and told me to go home. She did say I can take the test on Thursday instead of Wednesday at least. That’s extra good because they refused to move my interview tomorrow.

From there I went to the student health center. I learned that I don’t have strep or the flu, just flu-like symptoms, so there’s nothing they can give me. I also learned that if you test me for strep by sticking a q-tip down my throat I’ll puke all over you, myself, and the floor. <– yuck!

I told the nurse I wouldn’t walk home in the cold after I threw up, but really, what else could I do? I have to tell you though, that walk home might have been one of the hardest things I’ve ever done! I tried to finally get something food-like into my stomach, sipping on a Coke as soon as I made it home.

And the husband brought me Moe’s for dinner.

We did buy real food finally but none that I could handle eating. Instead I had a burrito with chicken, rice, black beans, sour cream, guacamole, cheese, and onions.

Sadly the onion taste permeated the entire thing and I could only stomach a few bites. I ate my chips though. Something is better than nothing.

When was the last time you were sick?

27Feb2011

Flurry

by Emily

It feels like I’ve lost my blogging mojo lately; I’ve just been so wiped out with tiredness that I’ve got a case of writer’s block. I get my worst sleep when I’m tired (thus compounding the problem) and so the last week has been a little blurry. Last night was supposed to be my salvation but the downstairs neighbor’s dog barked long into the night. <– I hate them.

Part of my blogger’s block is related to the fact that we are over Vegan Month. O-V-E-R. It’s not a “I want nachos and pizza” kind of thing, more a “I would feel healthier eating a turkey sandwich and scrambled eggs right now.” It feels like lately we’ve been eating junk, or nothing. I’m going to do a full recap at the month’s end but we consider the challenge both a success and a fail.

Today’s vegan eats, even though I didn’t actually have the energy to eat until after 3pm, were a success.

From the Co-op hot bar I had sweet tofu and grape leaves,

sesame rice with raisins and corn and kidney bean salad,

and red curry tofu and seitan hash.

I also had a Lemon Steaz,

and some potato chips.

Dinner came amid a flurry of cooking.

Tempeh Hashbrown Casserole from Eat, Drink, and Be, Vegan; subbed red onions for green onions and added tons of extra paprika –

Vegetarian Country Captain from “Cooking Light;” subbed raisins for currants, skipped the almonds, skip the rice, hold the cream –

The two dishes came together nicely, yin and yang of sorts.

I loved the sweet and savory mix, and pairing the veggies with potatoes instead of rice was great, because I hate rice.

Final note – I love the word flurry, don’t you? Similarly, whenever my BioChem teacher uses the word slurry – a thick suspension solids in a liquid – it makes me hungry.

What are some random words that you like just because? Mine are whimsical, twitter (before it was Twitter), bubble, and temperance.

23Feb2011

Mexican Melee

by Emily

I didn’t post yesterday in a last-ditch attempt at today’s three tests. This was not a successful plan. Too little, too late. Let’s just say that I’ve studied more for quizzes than I studied in total for these three exams. At least my extreme disappointment in myself will serve as motivation the rest of the semester. In fact, I’m not even going to talk about my tests in today’s recap; let’s keep things positive.

I had Adam drop me off at school early today to study (God, I miss the gym!) and I packed this Ricera vegan yogurt for breakfast.

Bletch! One bite (and a lot of gagging) later and this was in the trash. I don’t think I’ve ever tasted something so chemically in my life! And the texture was indescribably bad, slimy at best.

Thankfully I picked up a tea on my way into the library.

This Republic of Tea English Breakfast Black Tea actually wasn’t half bad. I need to make tea part of my routine more often.

Lunch was random and quick. A leftover serving of Asian cole-slaw,

and a baggie of dried kiwi and hibiscus.

Yum, the kiwi was a fresh bag from OhNuts! and it tasted extra fresh.

Halfway through my second nutrition class I realized I made a mistake not packing more food, especially carbs – I was starting to shake! Some really messy notes and a major headache later we were finally out of class and I tried to remedy the situation in the campus bookstore. Peanut Butter Cookie Lara Bar,

and a pack of (new!) Rainbow Mentos.

The dose of protein and sugar was just what I needed to get my through my night class/test.

When I finally got home it took mere minutes to whip up a tasty themed(ish) dinner –

Yum, yum, yum.

First, Mexican-style pizza topped with black beans and corn.

This combo was too awesome, the leftovers are going to be great tomorrow.

On side, steamed kale with Stubbs BBQ Sauce and raisins.

Try raisins in your next savory dish, I dare you.

Finally, Mexican hot chocolate.

Serves 2 –

1 cup plain almond milk (we used Unsweetened Silk)
2 unsweetened baker’s chocolate squares
1/4 tsp cinnamon extract
4 Tbsp sugar
(optional) cinnamon and vegan marshmallows

In a small, thick-bottomed put, heat milk to a low boil.
Chop chocolate and add to milk. Cover pot and continue to boil 1-2minutes.
Whisk in sugar and cinnamon extract.
Pour into two mugs and top with cinnamon and marshmallows if desired.

The cocoa was so thick and creamy it was more like pudding; I ate mine with a spoon!

We watched House while we ate (glorious!) and now I’ve got to get some beauty rest so I’m ready to conquer tomorrow!

Do you ever put raisins in savory dishes?

17Feb2011

Slipping into Grumpsville

by Emily

The good news? Several $100 later, I’ve got my computer back! The bad news? I’ve got a major case of the grumps. I’ll try to keep this quick.

I haven’t been to the gym in a week. I’ve also been cranky for a week. I think that is solid scientific evidence that I’m happier when I workout 🙂 In the interest of considering all the data, I should also mention that I haven’t been going because my knee hurts and it’s possible I’m also cranky because I’m pissed about my knee. <– that is extra-strength ironic, you’ll see why in a minute.

First, a breakfast that didn’t make me cranky.

I didn’t want to use banana so instead I beefed up my normal stove-top oats (1/3 cup oats, 1/2 cup each water and So Delicious Unsweetened Coconut Milk) with 1.5 Tbsp of chia seeds and 2 tsp dark brown sugar.

I topped my chewy-in-the-best-way-ever creation with Trader Joe’s Sun Butter.

Sooo good.

Then I walked to school for lab. And I slipped on the ice. And fell. Into a puddle.

Yeah, I don’t even really know what else to say about that. I was angry and soaking wet and I wrenched my already hurt knee and bashed my ‘good’ knee into the sidewalk. And as the day went on I realized my back also is killing me. Hence the trip to Grumpsville.

After lab I walked home, gingerly, and took advantage of the Subway $5 Footlong promotion along the way.

I ate half today, and have the other half leftover for tomorrow.

I got the veggie sub with lettuce, tomato, spinach, red onion, green peppers, cucumber, black olives, and pickles. I added a little Stubbs BBQ Sauce when I got home.

Delish. Also another sandwich that did not miss the cheese.

I also got a large diet coke with ice and dipped pretzels into it.

Heaven.

And then I ate this thing of cashews.

Unfortunately the sandwich and massive snack attack didn’t take care of my other complaint – I was hungry, all day long. Pretty much all day when I wasn’t complaining about my back I was frantic with hunger; Adam thinks I’m a joy to be with. I took unphotographed nibbles of pretty much every item in the fridge (chickpeas leftovers, potatoes, peanut butter…).

Happy Sidenote – I was recently sent some Arnold’s 100% Whole Wheat Flax and Fiber Sandwich Thins to sample. [I like them a lot] The husband is obsessed with them! Look at his lunch –

When we got the last-minute call about my computer (yay) we headed out, scrapping our dinner plans and opting for Moe’s instead.

I housed this veggie burrito with rice, pinto beans, sautéed mushrooms and onions, guacamole, and black olives.

I actually still have an assignment to do tonight (and of course I still have to complain about it) so I’ve got to go. You’ll miss my cheery disposition 🙂

Have you ever slipped on the ice?

16Feb2011

Dinner for Breakfast Through Dinner

by Emily

Thanks for all the well wishes for my sick laptop, guys! Adam’s been a sport about letting me use his and for now I’m viewing it as a glass half full situation because it keeps me from wasting so much time on the internet 😉

There was a situation this morning with the applesauce (you so don’t want to know) so my breakfast ended up being a little less breakfasty.

Apparently I like my morning meals spicy and veggie filled.

This vegan Enchilada from Amy’s was pretty great though.

I also had a cup of Eggnog’n tea with a splash of Silk Hazelnut Soy Creamer.

Lunch was random if nothing else.

A plain So Delicious Coconut Milk Yogurt with some Crofter’s Strawberry Jam,

and a Thai Peanut Primal Strip.

If you’re going to write in and ask “but, Emily, weren’t you hungry after that lunch?” don’t bother. Yes! I was satisfied for an hour or so and then I was starving. I sat through a club meeting after school where everyone was eating pizza and it was pretty torturous.

I was pretty ecstatic that I had time to buy a sandwich before my night class.

I got a 6inch sub with green pepper, red onion, lettuce, tomato, cucumber, pickles, black olives, and bbq sauce.

One of the things I’m loving about the vegan challenge is that I’m learning that it’s ok to skip the cheese sometimes. Before I would have automatically ordered a slice of cheddar on this sandwich and it was totally fine without it.

It was a great night because we got out an hour early from my music class, and then it got even better when I walked in the door to dinner.

I set the husband up with the ingredients and recipe for Cooking Light’s Spicy Moroccan Chickpeas, and then he did the rest before I got home.

Go, husband!

The rest of the evening involved the pre-lab due tomorrow and the chocolate-covered strawberries the husband bought for Valentine’s.

Hasta!

Do you automatically put or skip cheese on your sandwiches? What’s your favorite kind for sandwiches?

14Feb2011

<3 <3 <3 <3

by Emily

Every moment spent on the computer I’m not cuddling with my valentine, so I’ll keep this quick. Especially since I wasn’t the only one with a surprise to give today –

Lunch today was 7-Layer Casserole leftovers.

This recipe just got better and better as it sat.

My quiz went ok, but it was a busy busy day. We had “fancy” dinner plans originally, but when I saw how much work I had to do in the evening we decided to do take-out instead.

In addition to a ton of chips, I also had a vegetarian burrito.

A little bit of rice, plus black beans, sautéed onions and mushrooms, corn salsa, guacamole, and cilantro.

Yum, yum.

And for dessert, we tried out Mama’s Peas Vegan Blizzards.

We layered in a vegan Snickers-style bar, and added some pink food coloring for the holiday.

Festive, festive. P.S. Two hints – 1) make this recipe but 2) cut the measurements in half, we didn’t even come close to eating our portions.

Now we’re off to do couple things, and that totally doesn’t mean what you think it does! You’ll see tomorrow….

Happy Valentine’s Day!

8Feb2011

My Indian Name is Runner of Many Errands

by Emily

Would you believe me if I told you we just got home?! Well, sort of. But it has been a busy day.

Adam came home this afternoon and we headed out on errands – H&R Block to file our taxes and SuperCuts so I could get a trim. Neither errand was all that exciting; taxes are sort of a joke when no one in the household has any income, and in the same vein all I can afford is a $13 hair cut. I did find out that when I donate my hair to Locks of Love this spring I can get my hair cut for free, so that’s good news.

We were so cranky with hunger by the time we headed home that french fries with vinegar from ETS were a necessity.

Obviously.

I’m glad we got in some veggies of the non-fry variety for dinner.

We made a big batch of Emily’s Kale and Roasted Vegetable Soup.

The soup is full of sweet potato, rutabega, kale, and black beans, then topped with avocado. It was very tasty, so head on over to The Daily Garnish to check out the recipe.

The minute we were done eating (and I use the word “done” loosely here) we head to rush out the door to UPS. Sidenote – Mom, Tiffanys sent me back my fixed bracelet. Sidenote 2 – Don’t ever buy the Tiffany Sea Starfish Bracelet, it’s gorgeous, but the stone falls out of the charm like 8 times a month.

We had to stop at Rite Aid for some things on the way home (um, hair dye, get excited!), and now we’re about to settle in with some Sour Patch Kids and X-Files.

What’s your favorite kind of soup? I actually not much of a soup girl, but this recipe may be a new favorite.

7Feb2011

A Loaded Lunch Post

by Emily

Hi guys; I hope everyone is having a good Monday! I prewrote this lunch post and set it to publish in advance because I’ve got a lot to talk about today. While I’m actually eating lunch, you guys will be getting a lunch-time recipe!

First up, the recipe! Homemade Veggie Burgers –

1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
half a large sweet onion, chopped
1 large purple eggplant, chopped
2 T worchestire sauce
3 cloves garlic, minced
15 oz can chick peas, drained
1/2 cup raw oats
1 tsp sweet curry powder
1 tsp garam masala
salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 400*. Spread two baking sheets with aluminum foil and grease thoroughly with cooking spray.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion to pan and saute until starting to become translucent, 2-3minutes. Season with pepper and salt to draw out the moisture.
Add eggplant and worchestire sauce* to the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 5-7minutes.
Remove pan from heat and set aside.
Place chick peas in the bowl of a medium food processor and pulse twice. Do not pulse until smooth, remember, you are not making hummus!
Working in 1/2 cup batches, pulse eggplant mixture into the chick peas.
Pulse in oats and seasoning until well-combined, scraping down the sides as need be.
Remove the food processor’s bowl from its base, being careful to mind the blades.
Shape mixture into 8 palm-sized patties and place on the prepared baking trays. The patties will be very soft, but will firm up as they cook.
Bake for 30-35minutes, until the outsides of the burgers have started to brown.

*please note – worchestire sauce is actually not vegan. But, we’ve got three bottles of it in our pantry (from a review for the blog) and I can’t afford to buy another bottle of something else.