Vanity Sizing

Good Morning! Isn’t my oatmeal beautiful?

In the mix:  1/2 scoop vanilla protein powder, cocoa powder, raspberries, tablespoon of melty peanut butter

It’s rainy and drizzly here in Athens, but who cares?! It’s 59 degrees outside! I seriously couldn’t be happier.

Breakfast was delicious after a sweaty 6:30 AM treadmill run at the gym. I took it easy after being sick all weekend. I ran at a 10 min mile pace for 4 miles. I was sweating, so I feel like I’m back into half marathon training!

Vanity Sizing

On my ride to the gym I caught the middle of a discussion on vanity sizing on the Bert Show. Dr. Oz was talking about how this is really an epidemic in America because women will go into a store thinking they are a size 8, but really they are a size 12. This causes an increase in low self-esteem. I also found it interesting that in the 1950’s a size 12 meant that you had a 26 inch waist! Hello Marilyn Monroe!

 

Now, a size 12 in the U.S. measures up to a 32 inch waist! Big difference!

I have experience vanity sizing many times and I always find it frustrating to fit into a “skinny” size at Ann Taylor Loft, but having to go up a couple pant sizes at Express. I truly wish vanity sizing would no longer exist! Oh well, as this article states, “Your clothing size is not a good way to determine your healthy or how fit you are.”

Have you ever experience vanity sizing?? At which stores do you find this problematic?

I’m off to get ready for class! Hope everyone has a great day!

It’s in the Air

My windows are open and the air conditioning is off!

Fall is certainly in the air today. It feels amazing outside!

What I am NOT thankful for is the cold that I have been carrying around since last Thursday which would explain my absence from blog world.

This weekend was wonderful although I felt terrible. Michael was in town, I spent lots of time with my wonderful friend, Lucy. We stayed in to watch the sadness occur at the Dome and enjoyed some good music and food…

Sorry for the lack of enthusiasm here….its tough blogging after being run down by a cold.

In other news, I’ve just had a pretty successful workout and I’m now enjoying a protein shake with a sample I received from Bodybuilding.com

The cookies and cream flavor was good, but lacking in the cookie department. The whey protein blended nicely into a smooth, creamy treat thanks to a frozen banana.

I have a busy week ahead with two papers! Dawgs play at home this weekend. Can’t wait to be back in Sanford Stadium!!

Koby goes to UGA

I cannot believe it’s already a new month. Being back in school has really got the time flying!

Yesterday afternoon, Koby and I took a walk on campus.

It was Koby’s first time on campus so he was really taking in the sights.

Koby loved learning how to yell, GO DAWGS!

He had the woof,woof,woof down pat!

Then we headed up to North campus for a bit…Koby said he wanted to go to the library, but I told him no dogs allowed.

We walked for about an hour and covered 2 miles…Koby was all tuckered out when we got back to the car. Sometimes its just nice to get out of the house and enjoy a lovely evening.

Tonight, I’m not feeling too well, but I’m trying to stay active by packing, finishing up homework and getting ready for the weekend ahead.

Michael is coming in town!!! This will be his first trip back to ATL since moving to Morgantown. I can’t wait to pick him up at the airport tomorrow night.

Have a good night Gotta get some work done.

Why Good Food “Works”

I was absent from blogging yesterday, but I am back! School is finally picking up and my workload gets a little worse everyday. Last night, for instance, I remembered about a Spanish composition that was due at 8AM this morning. I figured this out at 11 pm. Ouch.

Breakfast this morning helped my sleepy disposition.

Protein pancake with raspberries. LOVE this combo. Sugar free syrup on top!

Last night, while I was care-free and homework free I whipped up a recipe from Real Simple magazine that I found while pinning away on Pinterest.

Roasted Tomatoes with Shrimp and Feta

Ingredients

• 3 large tomatoes, cut into eighths (roma)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• kosher salt and black pepper
• 1  pounds medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 cup chopped parsley
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 cup reduced fat Feta, crumbled

Cut the tomatoes into fourths. Place in a baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with garlic, salt and pepper. Place in the oven on the top rack. Bake at 450 for 20 minutes.

When the tomatoes are done, pull them out and stir in the shrimp, parsley and lemon juice. Top the entire dish with the crumbly feta. Place back in the oven for another good 15 minutes until the shrimp and pink and everything is bubbly and delicious.

I served my shrimp up plain last night, but today at lunch I had it with some rice. I forgot how good plain old rice is…

Some of you..mostly college friends…may think why or how does Morgan make all of these complicated recipes. It’s because I care about food. Why throw a pop tart in my mouth when I can make egg whites or a protein pancake in under 10 minutes?

You see, food is energy and in order to feel my best, I need a lot of quality food sources. Yes, it costs more to eat shrimp instead of lean cuisine for dinner, but at least I feel like I am full and happy instead of unsatisfied and miserably tired.

Take the time to try out a new recipe next week. All of my recipes, especially my entrees are affordable and savvy on time. I challenge you to make an entire meal by yourself. You will be proud of yourself!

Good food just works for me. It’s as simple as that.

Sesame Chicken

Tonight’s recipe was provided by Oxygen Magazine. I tried out their sesame chicken and thought it would be easy and filling. I’m trying to up my protein intake, so this recipe fit the bill with a whopping 39 grams.

• 4, 4 oz boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cubed)
• 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tbsp smooth peanut butter
• 2 tsp sesame oil
• Juice from 1/2 lime
• 4 tbsp unbleached flour
• 3 tbsp sesame seeds
• 1/8 tsp four-blend pepper
• Canola oil cooking spray

Combine the peanut butter, soy sauce, sesame oil and lime juice in a food processor. Pour onto a plate. Mix together the flour,seeds and pepper blend onto another plate. Dredge the chicken cubes in the sauce mixture before dredging with the flour.

On a cookie sheet, spray the chicken with cooking spray and bake at 450 for about 20 minutes. Serve with veggies! Rice, of course would be good too!

The chicken was good, but would have been better with a sauce of some kind. Oh, well, I guess that’s what you get from a fitness magazine Still yummy though!

Today…

I received my first purchase from Haute Look. The site is an “exclusive” members-only designer sale boutique that offers specialty clothing at a discounted price. This is much like Rue-la-la or Ideeli.

This little black dress is from TART and is the Paulina dress that sells for $200 in store. I got it for $55. It fits great and is very easy to wear. It also came with the cute, tan belt! I highly recommend seeking out Haute Look for designer brands! You can’t beat a good deal!

In order to join Haute Look, click this link and accept my invitation! You’ll be shopping like Pretty Woman before you know it, just at a much cheaper price!

At school, I stopped to take a look at his labyrinth of beer, wine and liquor bottles that is on display at the lot where I currently park. It is a very interesting concept, but I just wish I understood what it is there for. Maybe drunk driving?? I have no clue, but I liked it!

Meanwhile, I went to the SLC to study and daydream by the pretty windows. Don’t you love them?

I’m exhausted from a weights sesh earlier. Going to do some reading…or maybe watch a movie I can’t believe tomorrow is already Wednesday!

Redemption Run and Weekend Recap

This weekend absolutely flew by!

After my unmotivated run on Saturday, I headed home to hang with the fam for the weekend.

As always food was involved, but sadly I wasn’t in the mood to get out the camera much. Blogger fail. I feel like I am still nervous to be looked at and questioned every time I pull out my camera at the table…sorry people, just tryin to share the experience I have readers to tend to…

Last night, before my roommate and I drove back to Athens, my family and I tried a new restaurant in Lilburn called, Three Blind Mice. The place was adorable although, the menu left a lot to be desired. For such a cute trendy place, the menu was limited to what I would call fancy bar food. Where are the salads, people? I ended up settling for a burger with a side salad. At least half of my meal wasn’t greasy. Can’t win them all.

Via Google

Overall, I loved the look of the place, but their Sunday night menu could use a facelift. It’s worth a try to go when they actually offer their normal selections.

In other news: I RAN 6 MILES!!!!!

Before church, Hannah (my aunt) and I set out to get in a solid 6 miles and we did it in a about an hour or so. Her neighborhood runs will now be known as the “hills of death”. A mile and a half in I was already exhausted and still feeling a little unmotivated from Saturday’s attempt. I paced behind her for most of the part and took several walking breaks to regulate my breathing. Just glad I made it through. Seriously, camelback hills are horrid things….

I am happy that I set a new distance! I am almost half-way through the half!

This morning…

Now that recaps are over, let’s talk breakfast.

Tone it up Protein Pancake….Not as good as Fitnessista’s, but I just realized I forgot the half banana. woops. I topped it with a smear of peanut butter. I also had coffee in my CPC mug.

Pre-Breakfast I went to the gym and did some cardio. I warmed up with 20 minutes on the cross-trainer before sweating it out on the treadmill with 15 minutes of sprints. (1 minute sprint at 8.0, 30 sec rest) repeat 15 times. Sprints are so hard…they are fast and dirty. Whew!

I’m off to shower…gotta get ready for the day! Happy Monday!

Smiling on the Outside. Unmotivated on the Inside.

Hey! So happy that it is Saturday!

This morning I had planned on running 6 miles but I cut the run short. I didn’t feel too well. I felt nauseous within the first two miles and it was just plain HOT. I cannot wait for cooler temps! I will even take the 80’s. I ran around campus for about four miles and called it quits. I just wasn’t feeling it today.

 

Smiling on the outside. Unmotivated on the inside.

Tomorrow I plan on mapping out a solid 5-6 mile route and getting up to beat the sunshine and heat. I hate feeling like a quitter, but tomorrow is a new day.

Oh, and just in case some of my friends are reading… Look at where I parked! Memories….so bittersweet.

Michael and I had friends who lived in that apartment  

Once I got home, I made two egg whites with some wheat toast. I also had coffee of course and a plum!

Kobe wanted in on breakfast.

Today is cleaning/laundry day. I may even go to the grocery store just so I don’t have to do it tomorrow! Hope everyone has a beautiful weekend. To my east coast/mid-atlantic friends, stay safe with the hurricane warnings!

Interesting Finds:

Healthy Late Night Snacks…

Etsy Finds for Runners

Top 30 Hydrating Foods

I posted this on my Facebook page yesterday. Pretty amazing!

Quinoa and Red Bean Burritos

Hi friends.

Tonight I used ingredients I had on hand to make this recipe for vegetarian burritos that were packed with some protein staying power!

Quinoa and Red Bean Burritos

Serves 4

• 4 low carb, high fiber tortillas ( I used Tam-Xi-Cos brand)
• 1/2 cup quinoa
• 1 cup of water
• 1 teaspoon of Goya Adobo seasoning (or any other seasoning you prefer with a Mexican flavor)
• 1/2 can red beans (drain,rise,mash slightly)
• 3/4 cup salsa ( I used Newman’s Own)
• 1/2 cup 2% shredded cheddar cheese

Cook quinoa in water according to directions on the box. Once cooked, remove from heat and stir in Adobo seasoning,the beans, and about 1/2 cup of the salsa. Heat tortillas slightly in microwave for 45 seconds. Fill with 1/2 cup of quinoa mixture. Roll into a little burrito and place seam side down on a sheet pan. Top with remaining salsa and sprinkle with cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 12 minutes.

Stats!

Amount Per Serving

Calories
344.2

Total Fat
10.4 g

Sodium
682.6 mg

Total Carbohydrate
44.0 g

Dietary Fiber
6.5 g

Sugars
4.5 g

Protein
16.2 g

Tonight is busy for me. I have been procrastinating like its nobody’s business on Pinterest. Seriously. It’s a love/hate relationship.

I must get off this thing and start on a paper that is due in the morning. Go me.

The Morning Off.

Good Morning? How is everyone’s Thursday?

Mine has been wonderful so far because my second class was cancelled which means I am already home and done with campus for the day. Lucky me…..sort of. I have tons of school work to do today including a paper for an English class and reading (almost an entire book). The first few weeks of school seem so sluggish and hard. I haven’t felt productive yet. I guess that’s the senior in me.

First Breakfast/Snack

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Lara Bar on the way to school. Really good flavor.

Second Breakfast- 2 scrambled egg whites with Cabot 75% reduced fat cheese. DELISH. I love Cabot because they provide the 1 ounce serving size measurements on the package. I’m always guaranteed to eat one serving without having to guesstimate! Very helpful, Cabot.

I also had a Tam-X-Ico’s  Lo-Carb tortilla…only 5 grams of net carbs. And tasty, too.

This is how I typically eat…a plate among stacks of books.

That’s just how students roll.

Plans for the day:

Nap, Homework, Meeting, Gym (cardio day), More Homework, Dinner….maybe a movie with Rachel??

Exercise Mantra of the day:

True, so true! Especially for turtle runners.

Do something active for yourself today. Positivity is contagious!

What I’ve Been Eating Wednesday

Normally, bloggers link up with other bloggers for “What I ate Wednesday” but sadly I don’t know how to do that yet (someone please tell me)!

Don’t you think it’s oddly fascinating to see what other people eat?

Yeah, me too. Okay. Here we go. Some of my recent eats.

Iced Coffee with Skim  from Jittery Joe’s. (I swore I wouldn’t buy them.) FAIL.

Paired with Zone bars for protein…

Salad with grapefruit and almonds…olive oil and vinegar on the side.

Oatmeal with nut butters and berries….

For sweetness…Attune food’s Uncle Sam original wheatberry cereal with dark chocolate and a sprinkle of coconut.

Leftover Orange Chicken

When I am in school, lunches and breakfasts always seem repetitive, but if it ain’t broke….why fix it!

Dinners are usually my chance to get creative in the kitchen. Many of my friends who are either in college or working full time often ask me how I do it. “”Do what?” I say. They normally respond with, “you know, cook like that!”

To me, cooking and grocery shopping is not a chore or a stressful thing. I actually find it quite relaxing and well, fun. Cooking is my hobby, so why not try and do it everyday? I find that planning out my meals and spending lots of time in the kitchen is an escape for me…in the same way that my workouts are a stress reliever. It’s a lifestyle….

Is cooking an escape for you? Do you enjoy it or find it stressful to plan out meals?