Brrh, it's cold out there!

I currently have my thermostat set for 65 degrees but this early morning I awoke to a heater that was constantly on because it was so cold outside. Even living in a 3rd floor apartment where heat rises was still not to my advantage this morning. As I headed to LA Fitness (above pic), I found my Jeep covered in ice. I need to remember to keep some bottled water in the Jeep to help speed the process of de-icing. I ran a easy 10 miles at the gym with some light strength training. Lots to do today as I prepare my house and head for 2 days of work.

Study Hard, Play Hard

After I voted and finished my trip to Whole Foods I decided to head to the bookstore for a study session. I am scheduled to take the Miller Analogy Test, needed for my Graduate School admissions. The change of venue was inspiring and I was able to accomplish a lot. I took a study break for a snack that included the above Fiber One Bar, Red Delicious apple, organic creamy peanut butter. I wanted to push back the test date, scheduled for Dec. 9th, but being done before Christmas sounds so much better. I have plenty of time to retake the test if I need a better score. As I have grown older, I have learned that it is better to work hard until you are done so as to enjoy your break that much better. Nobody likes a rain cloud hanging over their head.

Treat Trip

My home away from home Whole Foods was on the agenda for the day. The atmosphere and staff there are very invigorating and cheerful that just makes the experience that much better. The first picture is my bundle of goodies that I brought home with me. The Feed Granola I bought because of a special I watched on CNBC about entrepreneurs that included the creators of this product. Hearing their story and work they put into the company was very touching and I wanted to see what all the fuss was about. The Israeli Couscous is something that I have been wanting to experiment with after having a side dish at one of my favorite restaurant's J. Alexanders. I will update with pictures when I begin trials in the kitchen lab. The other items are very versatile staples in my food intake that I needed to buy.

Ode to a Sandwich

My lunch was simple yet delicious that made for a winning combo. During my trip to the grocery store yesterday I bought my Nature's Own Organic Whole Grain bread for a buy 1 get 1 free special so many sandwich's are to come.

Lunch

• 2 slices of organic whole grain bread
• Athenos roasted red pepper hummus
• slices of tomato and lettuce
• Pepperidge Farm slices of roast beef and turkey
• side of Chex chedder mix
• steamed corn/peas topped with Mrs. Dash tomato/basil/garlic seasoning
  
  

Good Early Morning Meg

I love the feeling of getting up early in the morning because it allows for more time to enjoy my day and accomplish my goals. First on the agenda is a quick breakfast of a Chocolate Chip Cliff and banana then headed to the gym for a light run and some cross-training on the elliptical. While losing weight I always headed to the gym early in the morning and that habit has just stuck with me. The benefits of working out in the morning are increasing your metabolism early in the day to burn more calories, little time to talk yourself out of it, and it can help put you in the mindset of healthy eating. Well, at least for me, it is hard to eat a big cheeseburger and fries after I just ran 6 miles. To me, the cheeseburger defeats the purpose of the 6 mile run. Just because you ran 6 miles or 10 miles or 2 miles, does not mean you can eat whatever you want. After lunch I plan to head to the polls to vote for the run-off election in Georgia then headed for a treat trip to my home away from home, Whole Foods store.

Long Time No See Everyone

Wow, it has been so long since I have been here. So long that I cannot even remember the last time. I am blessed to be busy working and spending time with family and good friends. Currently contemplating/searching for a new job that maybe in nursing or not while also studying for Miller Analogy Test, in case I decide to attend Graduate School. I love the feeling of have a hard day of work, coming home, collapsing and just relaxing on the couch as I munch on a yummy treats. Last nights treat was 3 Quaker salt-free rice cakes topped with pureed butternut squash/cinnamon/coco.

Late Night Snack

I just love peanut butter! In my opinion it is one of the most versatile foods ever created. Peanut butter can be used at any meal or snack if your heart desires. The picture above is a favorite and filling late night snack made of Quaker rice cakes, sliced banana, syrup and peanut butter.

A favorite activity for a foodie like myself is trying new restaurants especially in my city of Atlanta. The above picture was taken at Roswell Pastis that I mentioned in an earlier post. It was a great lunch with my Mom and Grandmother.