I am still in awe that the first man to cross the finish line today came in just a minute shy of my first half-marathon time – how is that humanly possible!?! I’d love to travel to Boston in April just to be a spectator of Marathon Monday – how fun and inspirational!

In honor of Running Tuesday Monday, I ran my own little ‘race’…against myself…on the treadmill:

6 min. @ 6.2mph

4 min. @ 6.6mph

6 min. @ 6.4mph

4 min. @ 6.8mph

[repeat entire set @ 2.0 incline]

Total: 40 min./4.3 mi.

+ abs, arms and leg conditioning – whoopie!

* * *

My fresh food supply is just about extinct. I feel like I just made a big grocery trip, but alas…I’ll be hitting up TJ’s tomorrow. Almost zero produce and NO dairy – yikes! So, that meant slim pickings for dinner tonight. I almost always have a purple [tie–dye] box for such emergency purposes. I couldn’t resist this adorable box when I saw it at the store last Tuesday: organic, peace pasta. That says Hippy Hill all over it, can’t you see?

Luckily I still had a bag of frozen peas to add color and avocado, cucumber & tomatoes to make a veggie parfait. Simple does it best!

Any guesses at what tonight’s photography backdrop might have been?

…my jeans! I was going for the groovy theme : )

Trying to resist my after-dinner sweet tooth…

Peace + Love,

Hippy Hillary

QUESTION: What would you like to see on Nutrition Nut on the Run?

(a) more nutrition info.

(b) more daily eats & recipes

(C) other: ______

So…is it you?

Congrats, Runner Forever! Your 5 free coupons + blue tote will be shipped to you shortly! Thanks to all who participated. I think giveaways are a lot of fun, and am more than happy to host them on my blog. That is, if there are others who would like to sponsor them ; )

* * *

Anyway, I had a pretty uneventful SUNday. The sun came out as promised, and as a result, the pools were hopping with happy students, teens, and children alike. It’s interesting how the weather can turn from low 80’s to rain in a day or two…but that’s the plan.

I need to do something about my alarm clock pronto because it hasn’t been doing it’s job all week! Luckily I didn’t have a hot date at 8:00am this morning because I would’ve stood them up. When I awoke from my slumber a few minutes shy of the 9 o’clock hour, I made oats. I know…no ‘extravagant’ weekend breakfasts. You can never go wrong with oatmeal though. I’m sure many of you are just as crazy about it as I am. After all, it is the breakfast of blogging champions [a.k.a. Jenna, Kath, and Tina].

1 cup water

1/2 cup rolled oats

1/2 banana – cooked

1/2 T ground flax

cinnamon

topped with…

1/2 T brown sugar

1/2 T unsweetened coconut

1 T pecans

If you pay really close attention, you might have noticed I’ve reduced my oat measure from 2/3 cup to 1/2 cup. I don’t know why, but I’ve been all about the low and slow, creamy oats lately. I wanted to make another bowl of this sweet heaven – no, Hillary, no.

I’m not oblivious to the fact that the number of breakfast photos heavily outweighs the photos of any other eats, including: my lunches, snacks, afternoon coffee and chocolate attacks, and Iron Chef dinners. What can I say, breakfast is my favorite and gets an unfair amount of attention.

What’s your favorite meal and WHY? I like breakfast the best because 1) it marks the beginning of another healthy day full of delicious eats, 2) I love love love baked goods such as scones and muffins and other traditional breakfast items such as pancakes, waffles & French Toast, and 3) it fuels my body with energy to make the most out of my days!

* * *

Sunday Sweat Session:

• 15 minutes arms & legs
• 1 hr. sprinty spin class
• 1 mi. indoor track run
• abs & stretch

Then there was a fiber-FULL dinner & fro yo with my roomie. Yes, that sums it up.

Night!

***

Here I am at 10:00pm finally ready to write a post about today’s eats. I insert the sacred memory card [I only have one!] into my computer only to find dissatisfying images – scratch that! I’m just not one that can post any old photo. If only I could go back in time because I’m pretty sure all my munchies are digested and working their way out by now ; )

Anyway…I decided to jumpstart my Saturday by a going to the gym for a morning workout. It had been a little while since I’d gone to a spin class, so that’s where I was headed. I rocked the spandex shorts today, bee-tee-dub. It was an awesome, hilly [1 hour] ride. I finished my ‘routine’ with 15 minutes toning of the abdominals & arms…feeling strong and pain-free!

Before I left for The Resort, I ate some CHOs [a.k.a. carbohydrates] and protein. My childhood swim coach told me that PB + milk is a complete protein. Unfortunately, I’m still not sure what that means and if in fact it’s a true statement [I better learn this as I’m majoring in Nutrition], but I did find this — take it or leave it:

“Peanut butter is not protein-dense… To boost the protein value of peanut butter, simply accompany it with a tall glass of milk… Milk simultaneously enhances the value of the protein in the peanut butter sandwich. That is, peanuts are low in some of the essential amino acids muscles need for growth and repair. The amino acids in milk (as well as those in the sandwich bread) nicely complement the limiting amino acids in peanuts.” [source].

Here you are… p.nut buttah & banana photo #266.

Ok, so the rest of my day consisted of a trip to Target and whipping out an entire paper that isn’t due for another month. I’m definitely turning this puppy in Monday though and freeing one item from my hands. Writing papers >>> studying for science exams. If you couldn’t guess already, I love writing. I dream of seeing my name on the front cover of a book one day – reach for the stars!

In the midst of my paper writing, I gave my grandma a jingle to ask her a couple more questions [the paper’s about family migration]. We got to talking about stress, and how that seems to be the theme of my life currently. I had to Twitter her hilarious advice:

No more rambling – promise. Look what I’ve got to smile about tomorrow:

It’s going to be a sunny spectacular SUNday!

Peace + Love,

Hillary

After class this afternoon, I attempted to run outside. Key word: afternoon. I should have known…exercise in the middle of day is rarely a success for me. I gave it another shot though, and ran for 20 minutes around campus and our track until I finally listened to the throbbing pain in my upper back and gave in to walking. I added another 10 minutes to my watch as I made my way back to the gym where I did a thorough stretch. My legs are still unusually sore from Tuesday – what the heck! Hello, off week. You’re excused to leave now.

Lunch was an exact repeat of Wednesday’s eats, because 1) today was a lazy day, and 2) why wouldn’t I want a very berry Green Monster & jam-cheddar sandwich again?

Then I turned on Food Network – which I haven’t watched in ages! – while I winded down from the week with cookie baking. I think many of you would agree that the kitchen can often be a place to destress [ahem, Allie & Jenna]. So, I got to making Pioneer Woman’s “Good Ol’ Basic Chocolate Chip Cookies”. [Before you read on, go check out this amazing blog!]

 I made a couple tweaks to the original recipe:

1 cup real butter

1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 eggs

2 tsp. pure vanilla

1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour & 1 cup + 2 T whole wheat flour

1 tsp. instant coffee granules

1/2 T baking powder

1/2 T salt

2 T ground flax

~2/3 bag Guittard semisweet chocolate chips

Note to self: Do not make cookies while home alone, and there isn’t anyone with whom to share 3 dozen cookies. I ended up eating more cookies than I deserved, but then I thought about Allie and Tina who have admitted to eating 4 1/2 granola bars or half a dozen cookies themselves; then I didn’t feel so bad. How do you handle food guilt?

***

I was surprised that I never got hungry for dinner, but when 8 o’clock rolled around I finally decided to eat something. I threw together a salad [basically a repeat from last night plus a bit a creamy chevre]. I made a smart choice in eating dinner [like I would miss a meal!] because it was nothing short of scrumptious!

I have a quiet, yet BUSY weekend planned. I’m hoping to tackle a few lingering items on my to-do list, fit in a couple worthwhile workouts, and pick up the slack with my studies.

“See you” soon!

Hillary

1 cup water

1/2 cup rolled oats

1/2 d’anjou pear

1/2 T ground flax + cinnamon

almonds + agave

I had the house to myself again this a.m., so that meant blasting T.Swift and registering for Fall classes. I know…already? That’s college for you – ya never stop. Finally, after 6 semesters of registering for classes, it’s starting to get easier. I was able to get all the classes I needed; but, unfortunately, my schedule is all over the place. There’s always some bad with the good. Here’s what will be on my academic plate for Semester #7 [16 units in all].

1. Human Physiology + lab
2. Science of Food + lab
3. Human Nutrition
4. Foodservice Administration
5. Consumer Health [online]

Before catching the bus, I threw a bar and an orange in my backpack…which would later become my lunch. I got this Honest Bar while in Sonoma over the weekend. It was a first for me. Honestly, I wasn’t as impressed as I thought I would be. The almond extract was extremely overpowering and left quite the aftertaste. Yet, I’ll give it texture props. I’m hoping the PB + Chocolate flavor will get a better score from the Nutrition Nut.

My food lab was cancelled today, so I went to the gym during the time I would normally be cooking with my classmates. Working out in the middle of the day felt really off; as a result, my exercises weren’t all that energetic:

indoor track run – 1.5 mi.

30 min. Arc Trainer

wimpy abs + arms

***

A little bit of different schedule today meant that I didn’t have to make dinner in a hurry, or eat at a ridiculously late hour.

I made blog-inspired sweet potatoes:

1. Peel & cut sweet potatoes.
2. Toss in a large bowl with a drizzle of olive oil, baby drizzle of maple syrup, cinnamon, ground flax and sea salt. [I measured everything with my naked eye.]
3. Bake @ 325* for 20 minutes.
4. Flip flop.
5. Bake @ 350* for 10 minutes.

TJ’s Sorrento Arugula Mix, 1/2 Avocado, Red Onion, Pumpkin Seeds, Olive Oil + Balsamic 

This was a 10 star dinner : )

***

Alright, alright…to the GIVEAWAY already. If you read my most recent post, you know that Stonyfield sent me a handful of free coupons for their organic, Oikos Greek yogurt. Well, they have generously offered to sponsor a giveway for you all so you can enjoy the greatness of Greek too!

One lucky winner will receive:

1 free 16 oz. coupon

4 free 5.3 oz. coupons

1 blue reusable grocery tote bag

How To Enter!

There are 3 ways to enter to win this great Greek gift. Each way will give you an additional entry, so you can do one, two, or all three!

1. Leave a comment telling me your favorite way to eat Greek.

2. Tweet about this contest on Twitter. [include a link to this post + @HILLontherun]…and then leave another comment telling me you tweeted.

3. If you have a blog, mention the giveaway and link back to it in one of your posts…and then leave another comment telling me you posted about it.

U.S. residents only please. The contest will run until Sunday, April 18 at 12:00 p.m. PST, when I’ll randomly select and announce the winner!

A few months ago, Kristina at Stonyfield e.mailed me an offer to send a handful of coupons for free Oikos, their organic Greek yogurt. My response: “yes please and thank you!”

A few days later, I received a cute card in the mail with five coupons; I was so excited to stock up on my Greek. I was unaware, however, that it would take me the next four months to find Oikos anywhere! I swore the delivery truck’s route to California got cancelled. Well, yesterday while shopping at  Raley’s, I spotted the miracle containers at the bottom of the shelf – hooray!

I was able to use a couple of my coupons for two free 5.3 oz. containers. I put the vanilla and honey flavors in my basket to try.

Vanilla vs. Honey [5.3 oz.]

Calories: 110/120

Fat: 0g

Total Carb: 12g/18g

Sugars: 11g/17g

Protein: 15g/13g

Here’s a little info [courtesy of Stonyfield] about the Greek good stuff:

Why is Greek all the rage?

Greek yogurt has an incredibly rich and creamy texture, about twice the protein of regular yogurt, less lactose, and fewer carbs. So it’s no wonder Greek is flying off the shelves.

Our Oikos Organic Greek Yogurt has 0% fat and just 80 calories per serving.* Because it’s organic, Oikos is also better for the earth. And we think it’s better for you too.

Who’s buying Greek yogurt? Athletes looking to add lean protein to their diets. Dieters looking for a snack to fill them up while they slim down. Chefs who use it to add taste and creaminess to their dishes. Foodies who love the authentic taste of Greece. With its incredible combination of taste, creamy texture, and nutrition, Greek yogurt appeals to just about everyone.

*Oikos 5.3 oz. plain yogurt

Organic Meets Authentic

Oikos is the first certified-organic Greek yogurt on the market. Centuries ago, when Greek shepherds made yogurt, everything was organic; rBST and pesticides didn’t exist.

Today, we make our authentic, strained Greek yogurt just as they did years ago: using pure, wholesome ingredients from nature. Our organic ingredients are produced without the use of antibiotics, artificial growth hormones, genetically modified organisms, chemical fertilizers, or toxic and persistent pesticides.

***

After taste-testing the vanilla flavor with a little homemade granola, I used it to make No Pudge Fudge Brownies; it worked beautifully. Although I enjoyed both the vanilla and honey flavors, I prefer plain yogurt for regular consumption to minimize my carbohydrate/sugar consumption. Which is your favorite flavor?

Greek yogurt is used as a healthy substitute for sour cream and mayonnaise, as well as in a wide variety of recipes. How do you like to use the thick stuff?

THANK YOU to Stonyfield for the generous coupons, and to the Grecian people for inventing the cream of the crop in dairy land. Someday I’ll make it to Santorini, where I will consume mountains of this delicacy while starting out at the Mediterranean…that’s the plan ; )

[source]

Psssttt. Oikos GIVEAWAY @ fANNEtastic food – go enter to win free Greek!

You can probably guess what was on my plate for breakfast today…yep, waffles it was! I went with an “open-faced sandwich” today – the more PB & banana, the better.

I normally don’t get to eat lunch home on Wednesdays, so it was a treat to have a break in my day to do so. I was dreaming of this lunch all morning.

Green Monster a la:

1/2 frozen banana

1/2 cup mixed berries [strawberries, raspberries, blueberries & blackberries]

1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk

1 cup fresh baby spinach 

Sandwich a la:

whole wheat toast

raspberry jam

extra sharp white cheddar

fresh baby spinach

…and because I always have something sweet to polish off a meal:

Remember the box of No Pudge Fudge Brownie Mix my mama gave me?

Mix together:

4 T mix

2 T 0% Vanilla Greek Yogurt

a few bittersweet chocolate chips

+ 1 minute in Mr. Micro = a guiltless decadent dessert.

After my last class, I rushed home to make an early dinner in lightening speed. I guess I should be on Iron Chef because this rushed salad was a victory!

It screamed Spring – fresh color, color, color!

Baby Arugula, Spinach & Lettuce Mix, Carrot, Edamame, Tomatoes, Sunflower Seeds, Feta, Olive Oil & Seasoned Rice Vinegar + Fresh Pepper

I also tested out a new item I picked up at TJ’s yesterday – edamame hummus – with a couple multigrain crackers. As if hummus couldn’t get any healthier, this was colorful too. Edamame makes green hummus – surprise, surprise.

I didn’t have a lot of time to savor my delicious & nutritious dinner because I had to rush out the door to go baby-sit. Edamame –> Idamommy…wow, I’m ridiculous. I wish I had had time to workout today, but making a little extra cash is always helpful. Plus, yesterday’s time at The Resort left my legs sore today:

1 mile indoor track run @ 8:10

strength [arms + legs]:

• seated row: 20 @ 40 lbs.
• bicep curls: 40 @ 10 lbs.
• “weights-to-chin”: 20 @ 10 lbs.
• bicep curl lunges: 20 @ 20 lbs.
• glute press: 40 @ 40 lbs.
• squats: 40 @ 20 lbs.

1/2 mile indoor track run @ 4:15

30-minute spin [11.2 mi.]

1/2 mile indoor track run @ 5:00

stretch

There are my eats for the day [minus a couple post-sittin’ snacks]. It felt good to take photos of my food again. It’s become part of me; the addiction is in my blood : )

How do you like to consume edamame?

Hillary

From my previous post, ya’ll know I got in some giggles and good eats with my friends and family this weekend. Going to beautiful Sonoma County was a great way to escape for a few days.

Of course the main reason for my travels was a concert. Not just any concert…but Taylor Swift’s [a.k.a. Entertainer of the Year] Fearless Tour 2010!

My friend, Tasha, and I purchased the tickets all the way back in November and waiting until April 11th felt like eternity. Though, the 4-hour concert last night was worth every minute of every day we waited. I realize I sound like a 12-year-old girl, but hey…if you got to see the most idolized star in a sold out arena, you might get excited too ; )

Post Script. I couldn’t believe it when I found out via Twitter that another blogger was at the arena. Lara [Thinspired Blog] was just 20 feet away from Taylor – it’s a small world.

I’m not a country music lover [at all], but T.Swizzle’s style isn’t exactly traditional country; she’s silly, gorgeous, talented Taylor Swift…that’s all : )

Taylor rocked a ‘Swift’ San Jose Sharks jersey, seeing as she singing in the ‘”Shark Tank”.

…and ended the show with her signature of soaking herself in a raining waterfall.

I paid the price for all my fun this weekend. I had to wake up by 5:30am – after a mere 4 hours of sleep – and drive 3 hours in the April rain in order to get to school in time for an exam – guff. I had an AllieBar and cup of caffeinated green tea to help keep my eyes open on the drive, but I’m pretty sure I slept walk around campus all day. I wish I could say I’m about to hit the hay now, but would you be surprised if I told you I had another exam to study for tomorrow? …didn’t think so ; )

Most of you are probably wondering if I’m ever going to mention anything about my eats. Sorry, that’s a negative. Although my life does revolve around food, there is a [small] part of it that doesn’t. I think it’s healthy to talk about something else every now and again. There will always be more eats; yet, I can’t say I will ever experience Taylor’s presence again.

I want to share a video I took of the concert [for those that are the slightest bit interested]:

Are you a country music and/or T.Swift fan?

I sure hope you’ll visit soon. I feel as though my blog is sliding down a slippery slope.

Stay tuned!

Hillary

• Carrots & Cucumber
• ~1/3 Chocolove Bar
• Almond Butter
• 2 AllieBars
• Green Tea
• Oats + Oat Bran + Cinnamon

Travel Tip: Pack your own hot cereal for a cheap, easy & healthy breakfast.

My 3-hour drive was easy and beautiful. When I got into town, I decided to stretch my legs by taking a stroll around my old college campus while getting a little Vitamin D on my cheeks. It’s Spring Break for the university, so it was awkwardly quiet – there wasn’t a sole in sight.

My old stomping pad: Beaujolais Village [we are in wine country, after all].

The newest student housing – Tuscany Village – is  very plush.

Spring is blooming!

For diner, two of my original roommates [from freshman year] and I went out to eat at Monti’s Rotisserie & Bar. I had the Baby Beet Salad with Spice Hazelnuts & Humboldt Fog [yay, home!] Goat Cheese. I’m a fan of beets!

Goal #1: Smile more : )   

Afterwards, Tasha [left] took us to an adorable fro yo shop – Ghirardelli chocolate with almonds for me please.

There was a lot of much-needed laughing last night. I’ve missed my gals!

***

After sleeping in this morning, I went for a short 36 minute run and then made breakfast with my oats [above]. I picked up a banana at the store when I got into town, and T had ground flax & soy milk – perfect!

Oats + Oat Bran + 1/2 Banana [cooked] + Cinnamon & Flax + Almond Butter & Soy Milk

We picked up hot soy lattes at Starbucks [1 star to go before I’m a Gold Member!] before hitting up a few stores: Target, REI & Cost Plus.

Although I should really be studying for my Monday exam, my mind is in “vacation mode”. I am headed to my aunt and uncle’s in a bit for Sunday Saturday family dinner. I’m looking forward to meeting their Swedish exchange student and having a home cooked meal…I wonder what the theme is is tonight : ) While going to school in Sonoma, I would go to Family Dinner every Sunday. It was a blessing to have the comfort of family just a few minutes away. I definitely miss that.

Enjoy your evening!

Hillary

Yesterday was a Hump Day from Hell. I was at school from 9:30am – 7:30pm. There was nothing good about it, but the beautiful sunny weather brightened up my life perspective a bit. Hellooo summer dresses! …and winter white skin : )

Oh, that’s right…yesterday was Waffle Wednesday! How could I forget? The week is just one big blur.

  Van’s Multigrain + Crunchy PB + 1/2 Banana

Fast forward.

Today’s a.m. eats:

• 1 cup water
• 1/4 cup rolled oats + 1/2 cup oat bran
• 1/2 banana – cooked
• 1/2 T ground flax
• cinnamon
• spoonful of crunchy PB + splash of cow milk

Check out that fluffy consistency!

Just realizing I had PB & Banana two mornings in a row – bliss.

Unlike my typical lazy Thursday mornings – sleep in, make brex, and blog blog blog – I decided to use my time more wisely today. I tend to get a little bit of pre-travel anxiety before leaving for a trip, so I sprung out of bed at 7:45am and got right to my to-list. You may call me weird because I realize most college girls don’t wake up to wash their car before doing anything else…but that’s what I did, and I immediately felt a sense of relief. Little Blue was dusty.

My second statistics exam this afternoon was simple [wish I could say that about O. Chem], and my classmates raved about the cinnamon raisin rice pudding I made in lab today. When I got home from school, I busted out a speedy treadmill workout:

5.0 miles in 45 min. [including 5 min. of walking] + 15 min. abs, arms & legs

It must be my lucky week because I got a second surprise package in the mail! I feel so loved. After I told Allie [LiveLaughEat] that I had been having dreams about Heart Thrives, she sent me a package of two different flavors – apricot & chocolate – as well as two of her own, homemade granola AllieBars. I think it is so amazing how the blogging world can connect people from near and far. Mind you, Allie and I have yet to meet in person…but I definitely have found a “virtual friend” in this girl. Her blog posts are nothing but honest, creative, and hilarious reads that I look forward to every day.

THANK YOU, Allie! You are so sweet to think of me all the way over here in Cali. I am excited about my travel snacks tomorrow – you had perfect timing.

Nutrition Nut News

I received my score for my ServSafe certification exam and am happy to say that I am officially [re]certified. My entire class passed the exam, in fact. I am a bit ashamed by the fact that I scored a 90%, while in high school I scored a 95%. What does that imply? Earning a 90% or better does qualify you to teach the ServSafe course. Hah…me, teach?

Well…I’ve still got a ton to do before hitting the road in the morning to Sonoma County. Looking forward to a sunny drive with new tunes.

Enjoy your weekend! I’ll be tweeting about mine.

Hillary