Vegeducken

Thanksgiving may be over, but I'll tell you what I'm thankful for.... discovering Vegeducken. Thank you Dan Pashman for this new Vegan classic.

Next year, when all of your friends, family and even your worst acquaintances are sitting around a table eating a big fat turkey, you can be eating this gem.

Step 1 - Start with a Banana Squash (mine was 10 lbs, mother chunker!)

Step 2 - Cut the Banana Squash in half lengthwise and scoop out all of the guts and seeds.

Step 3 - Make Stuffing (of your choice, anything will do. I used stale bread, mushrooms, vegan sausage, herbs, celery, garlic and onion in mine)

Step 4 - Roast 2 Sweet Potatos until they are almost completely cooked through

Step 5 - Stuff the inside of one side of the squash with these layers -

• Stuffing
• Leeks
• Stuffing
• Roasted Sweet Potatoes
• Stuffing
• Leeks
• Stuffing

Step 6 - Put on the top (heads up I do recommend putting a skewer through to ensure it doesn't tip over and the top doesn't come off)

Step 7 - Roast the Vegeducken for 2 hours at 350 degrees

Step 8 - Boom - the centerpiece to your next mega-meal!

I have to say it was a hit, and I'm definitely making it again in the future. You can pretty much stuff it with anything too, get creative, have fun and Happy belated Thanksgiving!

Rock and Roll Half Marathon Halloween

This past Halloween weekend, me and my best friend decided to forgo all of the Halloween parties that we would normally attend (and dominate), and signed up for a half marathon. OK - so we didn't realize it would mean we couldn't go out on Halloween weekend, or I doubt I would have been able to get her drunk and sign up with me.... but somehow it ended up being a really great finish to a great weekend.

Lucky #7202 wasn't so lucky for me as I unfortunately missed my PR by 1 minute and 30 seconds - I now realize I need to pay a lot more attention to my pacing times.... my watch is extremely inaccurate in that light.

My next half is right after New Years - which means I have to learn how to train in the warmth and in the freezing cold when I head to New England for the holidays.

October "Run" Mix

I started noticing 1/2 the songs on my workout mixes have the word "run" in them. New trend? Easy word to rhyme? Who knows, but get some inspiration and go download these little nuggets for your October workouts.


"We Come Running" - Youngblood


"Every Chance We Get We Run" - David Guetta Ft Tegan and Sara


"We Run the Night" - Havana Brown


"Mountain Sound" - Of Monsters and Men


"Hurricane" - MS MR


Any more questions?

Breakfast for Champions

I'm at my one month countdown to my next 13.1 mile race, which means I've started getting more and more creative with my post training meal options. Living in LA by the ocean there are a few things to consider when attempting your long runs on weekends.

1. There are group runs happening EVERYWHERE along the boardwalk. If you can avoid it, do. Those people will mess with your pace and knock you off the trail more than once, I promise. Unfortunately I'm not really into running in groups or training with too many people, so this happens to be one of my worst nightmares....

2. Even though we are into fall already, it sure doesn't feel like it outside. With temperatures between 85 - 100 degrees I highly recommend starting your run between 6:30 - 7am. Just after the sun rises and before it gets too hot and sunny. Besides, this is about the time your races will start anyway, right?

3. It's the morning, be sure to wake up early enough to get in a light snack before your run and hydrate - I typically do half a protein bar about 30 - 45 minutes before my run so the other half is ready for me right when I get back.

4. Finally after draining all of your nutrients running make sure you drink plenty of water or electrolytes post workout and get in a good protein shake or full protein meal within 90 minutes (better the less time you take) of completion. Liquid will absorb faster, so having a protein shake ready in your fridge for you when you get back is best, and of course I eat the rest of my protein bar when I get back. However once you've stretched and cooled down, hell maybe even throw a shower in there, and boom your body will be calling your name for some serious food. Try this quick and easy breakfast - packed with tons of protein and honestly something you could order up at your local Vegan friendly breakfast joint for much less money.

Breakfast for Champions -

Veggie Tofu Scramble w/ Vegan Sausage:




Tofu Scramble -

1 tsp Cumin
1 tsp Tumeric
1 Tbs Nutritional Yeast
1/2 tsp Salt
2 Cloves Garlic
1 Tbs Olive Oil
Black Pepper to taste



In a small bowl mix the Cumin, Tumeric, Nutritional Yeast, 1 Clove of Garlic and Salt. Set aside for later use.

Heat the oil on Medium and add the tofu to the pan and start breaking up the pieces. When the tofu starts cooking it will release liquid, just turn up the heat to cook most off. Leave a bit of liquid to create a good base for the spice mixture. Once most of the liquid has cooked out and the tofu looks like a scramble, add in the spice mixture and stir until evenly distributed through the scramble.




Meanwhile, in a separate pan heat 1 Tbs of olive oil and add 1 clove of garlic. Add whatever veggies you wish (I used portobello mushrooms and half an onion) and sauté until soft. Add the veggie mixture to the scramble and stir until mixed. Add black pepper to taste and any other ingredients you wish, such as fresh Arugula. I also happen to keep some nut "cheese" sauce in my fridge most weeks to add to meals, so I did add a little drizzle of it for added flavor...mmmmm.




Heat up some Vegan Sausage on the side (my favorite is from Trader Joe's), maybe a piece of toast, and Boom - Breakfast is served.

Arian Foster

It's that time of year again, football is in the air. You find yourself staying up late with your buddies, arguing over fantasy drafts and planning your weekends around which games you HAVE to watch....Football season is here, and man am I amped!

I drafted my fantasy team this week, and somehow God smiled upon me and as an 8th pick, I got my man Tom Brady as my numero uno QB. Life is good, and speaking of healthy lifestyle football players, Arian Foster (Running back for the Houston Texans)has recently changed his diet to Vegan causing a lot of stir in the football community during the off season. Why did he do it?

"I saw a documentary in high school that really turned me on to getting aware of it. It didn't change my diet then, but it made me think about the myths about protein. I said a while ago that when I quit playing football, I would probably become a vegetarian and I thought I needed the protein. Then I did some research with doctors who in their world are considered kind of radical. To me, it's radical we have heart disease and 12-year-old kids with diabetes."

Good point Arian - I look forward to seeing how you do this year! Read More about Arian's new life choice.

In honor of Mr. Foster - I've drafted the Texans as my fantasy defense (yes I know he's not on defense, but give me a break I can't have it all!). Let's see how this goes....

Vegan Triathlete

I've had this recent desire to try out a sprint Triathalon this year - I figure it's next in the line of challenges I want to set for myself. I think the biggest hump I have to get over is swimming in the ocean and the transitions. I've only watched one tri in my life, and for those who are there compete and not just complete it, it can be wicked intense.

My roommate sent me this awesome video today of the Vegan Triathlete, Rich Roll (damn good name). He decided to go Vegan for health purposes and realized what a difference it made in his energy levels, and then continued to research the benefits of being Vegan and found out about all of the cons of animal proteins for our bodies. Then he decided to start training for the Ultraman....



It's such an inspiring story, to decide to train for something that on 35 people are even accepted to race in, having NO experience whatsoever in triathalons.

And then I found this gem (*cough youtube hole cough*) -



Some good recovery tips in there, even though that smoothy mix sounds pretty gross to me, and he talks about proteins and amino acids all good information. I want to try that Rice Protein he talks about as well, get off my pea protein kick and mix up amino acids a bit. I'm flippin' inspired now to start training for a sprint tri! Next step - find a bike.... oh and swim in the ocean.

Eat Fresh

So I have this mini crush on Subway. Everyone I know thinks I'm strange for loving their sandwiches, but it's just so good and consistant. My favorite sandwich use to be the veggie patty - however now I can't eat it because it contains eggs.

Even though I haven't given up on my dear subway, since I can still load a sando with delicious veggies on a vegan roll and be set, I'm starting to see more and more hope and promise of Vegan options at this amazing chain.

First it was just a rumor of a vegan patty rolling out, but then I was shown this article - Vegan Subs from Subway.

Now, I'm a little worried it will flop on the East coast and they wont bring them out to the West coast - but the sheer idea of it is getting me excited! Yes, I'm a Subway nerd, I have a problem. I'm fairly certain watching the lame product placements on Biggest Loser have gotten to me finally....

Look Ma - I'm a Runner!

I DID IT!!!! I ran a half marathon and beat the time I was shooting for by 3 minutes - boom.

I have to say training was great, however I totally slacked the last 2 weeks (not slowed down, legit slacked off) and felt it pretty bad the last 2 miles. The course was a lot more hills than I'm use to, which was great for sprinting downhill, but it definitely did a toll on my knees and my right ankle, thus is life. I'm already signed up for my next one in October - so get ready for more of my running journey!

These are the times/places I have to beat -

Place Overall = 2906
Final Time = 01:57:06
Division = 237
Gender = 1019



Reach for the sky - nothing but blue.

Damn it's good to be Vegan

Yesterday I had the privilege of going to the LA Vegan Beer and Food Festival. Obviously any festival involving booze is going to be a good time, but this was so inventive and exciting!! Let me sum up the highlights for you all -

Cutest little tasting glass

Buffalo Ranch Fires - buffalo sauce and vegan ranch over curly fries!

Not going to lie - this was pretty gross - chicken sandwich, mac and cheese and jumbalaya

Fireman's brew - nothing cooler than dressing up as Firefighters!

These things seriously taste like coffee

Jailhouse Tacos. Oh my amazing!

It's just frittos with vegan chili, vegan cheese, guac and jalapenos!

As you may or may not know these are 2 of my favorite things

The Mowgli's

Great Beer, Great Food and best of all I fell in love with The Mowgli's. They are such a fun and exciting band to see live. I really think they will go far in the music scene. GO SEE THEM! Yes, I did eat my face off (I didn't even picture the dessert we had - Vegan Boston Cream Donut, yum!), and drank even more, but my excuse is that this morning was my 11 mile run, and hell I needed the energy.

Signing off from Vegan heaven.

Post Workout Recovery

A few months ago I decided to take on a new challenge and do something I NEVER thought I would do. Now here I am months later, training for a half marathon.

Last weekend I hit my 9 mile marker and it was a doozy. To be fair, I've never been properly trained in running, and unfortunately I've never done my research on how to prepare for long distance running. I know the usual easy stuff -

- One long run, 2-3 short runs per week
- Carbo load the night before a big run
- Run on the balls of your feet

Stupid little details I've picked up over the years. NO ONE, and I repeat NO ONE has told me if I'm not doing any of those things, plus a good 10 additional rules, I could potentially be knocked out cold for a day recovering.

Since last weekend I started doing my research. Of course the planner that I am, I'm only a month out from my race and somehow have to find a routine that works for me.... go figure (*cough open to suggestions and tips cough*).

One of my good friends just ran in the LA marathon and this was what she sent me last night as a follow up to our conversation about recovery -

"For straight electrolyte replacement with minimal calories (5-8), I like Nuun. It comes in tablets, and you can just drop it in a water bottle. This is also great for hangovers.

For a low-sugar alternative to Gatorade, I like Heed or Gu20.

For serious long runs, anything more than an hour and a half, I like Accelerade which is a powder that you can mix with water. It has protein, which helps with the recovery process while you're running. AccelGel is similar, and comes in a gel form.

I know other people who like shot rocks and other candy-like solids. These all have to be consumed with a fair amount of water to get the full benefit.

If you want to experiment with different products, your best bet is to go to REI. If you buy 12 or more of the individually packaged items, you get 20% off all of them. You can also return what you don't use. After you figure out what you like, then you can buy in bulk and it's considerably cheaper."

God I have amazing friends with such great advice...and a lot of free time to share apparently. I like how she mentioned how Nuun could help you with hangovers, she knows me so well! So, apparently now I have to go try out a few electrolyte replacements and do my research to make sure they are vegan this week. She also let me know that the number one rule is you aren't suppose to do anything different during the race than you would do on your normal long runs - ok so.... I think that means I have to stop drinking?

Stay tuned as I try new electrolyte replacements and see which routine works best for me (and who knows, maybe you too!)

Mimicking a Favorite

Have you ever tried to mimic that one dish that you think about on a regular basis from your favorite restaurant? I recently put together my favorite elements from a tofu dish I always order at a restaurant down the street. It has all of my favorite elements, and it's a great hearty dish to cook for just yourself, or for loved ones.

Ingredients -

Firm Tofu
Brown Rice
Black Beans (canned are great since you don't have to soak and cook them first)
Tomato Sauce
Broccoli
Swiss Chard
Zucchini

The easiest way to do this is to just make a large batch of brown rice, that you can use with basically any dish (and is a great source of carbs for a workout) to use that as your base. I typically sauté the zucchini and steam the broccoli and swiss chard, and then once they are close to done I put them all in the same pan and I add in the cubed firm tofu. Cook the tofu until the edges are slightly brown and then add in the rinsed can of black beans. I personally make my own pasta sauce, but jarred sauce works just as well. Then comes the fun layering part! Rice first, beans and veggies second with the tofu and top it all off with the pasta sauce. Weird combination you may think, but boy is it a delight! I've tried many different veggie combo's too, broccolini, carrots (if that's what you're into), etc. and everything has been great so far - and you can layer it or cook it all together as seen below. Whatever floats your boat man.

If you finish the veggies off in the sauce it really flavors the tofu - so vibrant!

Layered Version with Broccolini and Zucchini

I could eat this any day of the week - and typically when I make a batch I do eat it 3-4 times during the week. So enjoy vegan friends - I'll cheers to that.

LA Vegan Beer & Food Fest!

Who would have thought someone could package such amazing things together in LA - The LA Vegan Beer and Food festival is coming to town and I'm making my friends get down and dirty with me! I'm really excited to see what beers will be involved and what local restaurants will be selling food there. Who knows maybe I'll find new favorites. It's festivals like these that get me excited about being Vegan in a big city. There are so many amazing places and things to try - I hope to be inspired to come up with some seriously amazing new dishes after this for all ya'll!

The Color Run

This is becoming a tradition to point out my favorite rules from these "fun runs":

1. How strict is the “white clothing dress code” for the start of the event?
We will have white clothing police inspectors located throughout the event. You will be arrested and put in Color Run jail if more than 11.8% of your person is a hue other than white.

2. I’m blonde and I’m getting married literally 5 hours after I finish running The Color Run SoCal. Will there be any evidence of The Color Run in my hair tonight?
First of all, congratulations. Second, some of the colors, purple and pink in particular, can take a few days to fully wash out of
your hair, particularly if you have bleached blonde hair. If it’s critical you have no color in your hair tonight, we’d suggest
you wear a hat, scarf, or wig. But we also think you would look cool with pink hair in your wedding video.)

Needless to say, my hair is still pink, and frankly, I'm a little bit worried about my wedding tonight.... but at least I'm not in Color Run Jail! We ran The Color Run this morning in Orange County. If it is coming to your area, sign up now! I have never had so much fun in my life. Seriously, people say their wedding day was the best day of their lives, but I'm going to look back and remember The Color Run forever as the day that made me smile until my face hurt, even through the color powder stations. I can tell you right now that stuff does not taste like a pixie stick.

Team Hardcore Awesome

After Conquering the 5k

Coloring the town one wave at a time....

If You're Running from Zombies follow these simple rules....

So I know I talked about the Zombie run before and how it puts together the ultimate combination of fun and terror on a 5k. I signed up finally yesterday - I can't tell you how much I laughed reading the rules....

2. Direct and intentional physical contact with any runner or zombie is strictly prohibited. You are NOT to: touch, push, elbow, hit, punch, roundhouse kick, slap, scratch, pinch, charge at, clothesline, shove, spit on, bite, or do anything harmful to the physical health of our zombies or other runners…. no matter how frightened you may be. We want runners and zombies to have fun, not get hurt. Those in violation of this rule will automatically be disqualified and possibly escorted off of the grounds, without refund.

7. Visibly intoxicated guests will not be allowed to participate in the race. Please arrive to your wave time SOBER.

They are just so perfect! I cannot wait to be running away from Zombies...now, where else will you hear that statement (and don't give me the 'in the movies?' crap).

Some inspiration for training to survive the Zombie Apocalypse -

April Running Playlist -

1. Warrior - Mark Foster + A-Trak + Kimbra
2. Let It Go - Dargonette
3. Raise Your Weapon - Deadmau5
4. Only The Horses - Scissor Sisters
5. The Night Out (A Trak Remix) - Martin Solveig
6. Idea of Happiness - Van She

RUN, FORREST RUN!

Cravings

It seems like ever since I became Vegan I have had SO MANY cravings for Vegan sweets. Being active, and not normally one to crave dessert, this really perturbs me. However it has become the bane of my existence, so I figured I'd share a few exclusive tips for the best Vegan treats ever that I am NOT CONDONING because they are SO not good for you!

Best Vegan cookies on the planet - Isabellas Cookies. I've tried the V-Nutter and V-Chip so far, and I am determined to try them all.

Best Vegan Ice Cream Ever

Hard to stay away from Vegan ice cream. My favorite so far is Tempt - try the Mint Chip or the Chocolate Fudge. I swear my roommates couldn't tell there was no dairy in this. It is seriously convincing, and such a perfect finish to your day.

Finally - I've found heaven in two places for Vegan Desserts in LA....

Sprinkles Cupcakes - Now I have to say I kind of see myself as a conducer of cupcakes in Los Angeles. A few years back my roommate and I went to a cupcake competition, where we tasted and judged almost every major cupcake in the area. Worst. Idea. Ever. I've been scarred from eating cupcakes ever since, UNTIL I tried this dream boat of a Vegan dessert. I'll never look back....Vegan Red Velvet cupcake - will you marry me?

The other place I love is Tender Greens. Not only do they have some amazing vegan soups, salads and vegetable sides, but they also boast some amazing desserts. If you ever see this place, try it! I have a feeling it'll be moving around soon enough across the US.

I'm open to any and every new suggestion - since apparently dessert has become a part of my everyday life.

Everyday I'm Hustlin'

Now that I finally am done traveling I have a moment to sit down and re-cap what I've seen and where I've been!

Vegas - You may have seen my post about Vegas. Vegas is one of those places where you over indulge for maybe 48 hours and then curse the place on your travels home. I can't even tell you how many times the phrase "I hate Vegas I'm never coming back" has come out of my mouth, and how many times I have gone back....But honestly, we did Vegas right, and I had an absolute blast even at a sales conference.

Austin - Austin, TX is like a home away from home...(and home) to me. I grew up on the east coast, I currently reside in Los Angeles, and I spend about a month every year in Austin, TX for SXSW. I've already shared my delicious Vegan findings with you and suggestions for restaurants - but here are some more suggestions in case you are ever traveling through.

Silhouette - Located on 7th and Congress, this place is a quiet get away from the hustle and bustle of 6th street and has surprisingly good prices for food and cocktails. Try the Miami Roll and the Avocado Roll - and if you're feeling a little crazy try the "Shiso Cray Cray" cocktail.

Hoboken Pie - For an extra $3 you can make a Vegan pizza with Daiya cheese! Any toppings you want - I rocked the pineapple and mushroom, but they have TONS of veggies to choose from.

Fogo De Chao - Yes, I know, it's an Authentic Brazilian Steakhouse, but if you are traveling with meat eaters (as I was) don't count this place out as a Vegan Heaven! Their salad bar is TO DIE FOR.... something I still dream about at night. The best part is that you can ask what anything and everything is cooked in, and they will provide any sides for you without butter or cheese. Yay Fogo!

There are so many other resources to finding new and exciting places to try as well. I like this site: VegAustin

Family / Friends visiting - In between all my travels I had the privilege of having my amazing Mother and my best friend from home come to visit. I made both of them eat mostly Vegan with me all weekend, and I have to say both were pleasantly surprised at how delicious it was.

Susan G Komen Run - This was an awesome race and an overall amazing experience. I finished 17th out of all the ladies in the group, 56th overall - yay Vegan athletes!

If/when this race comes to your town, get involved! It was so inspiring watching a parade of breast cancer survivors walking around with HUGE smiles on their faces because they fought and won. The only thing we can do is raise money for the cause so more of us can fight and win, or learn how it's possible to not have to fight at all (*whole foods plant based diet cough*).

And there you have my last few months!

Vegan in Texas

Hey ya'll! Writing my blog from Austin, TX this week as SXSW kicks off. Every year I'm in austin 1-2 times for music festivals and this year I have to say it'll be hard not hitting up Moonshine for baked brie, or Jimmy Johns for a late night veggie sandwich with cheese!

However today I did have a chance to stop by one of my favorite 24 hour spots - Magnolia Cafe.

I ordered the Portobello Mushroom Fajitas. Besides the fact that they neglected to take the cheese off of part of my beans... they were delicious! I did notice this place has a lot better selection for Vegetarians than Vegans, however I do highly recommend their food. Especially during SXSW when you are up until the wee hours drinking for free and watching live music.

And yes... I ate the whole thing after my 4 mile jog down the river this morning. If you've never been to Austin I really suggest you make a trip. Drinks and Food are cheap, there is amazing grub everywhere you go (Like a Vegan Sausage at 2am from a food truck?!), there is music everywhere, and the people are so friendly. Not to mention, it's damn beautiful here!

More updates on SXSW to come when I start exploring tons of new music. In the meantime go check out RAC - awesome DJs who are wicked cute to boot!

Vegan in Vegas

View from the Palazzo where we stayed

I spent 3 days in Las Vegas last week for work. I thought it would be most challenging to find something to eat on a limited menu, but it turns out chefs are VERY accommodating when it comes to diet restrictions. I can still hear them in the back of my head bitching about the Vegan in the restaurant who doesn't know what real food is, while potentially throwing a stick of butter in my pasta.... HOWEVER I can honestly say Charlie Palmer's in the Four Seasons makes a damn good veggie pasta. It was simple just julianne veggies with a garlic, chive, and olive oil sauce. I also learned burritos are a traveling Vegan's best friend, and even hotels can make up on the spot Vegan options - don't be surprised if it looks like crap, but who can really cook veggies wrong with the right sauce, am I right, or am I right?

I also learned that Vegas hotels have THE COOLEST gyms in them. I never expected to see climbing walls, and they are rarely packed with people. Take advantage! Yes you may be still sleeping at noon, after a long night out gambling and drinking until 6AM with your co-workers or friends, but if you dare desire to sweat out that hangover bring your gym clothes to Vegas. Do it. Seriously. Especially since now you know you can eat in abundance all over Las Vegas just like everyone else.

Stayed tuned - it seems this month is full of fun filled adventures as I take off to Austin this week for SXSW. I call it....Vegan in Texas (now there's an oxymoron).

Susan G Komen 5k

Susan G Komen received a lot of bad press a few weeks ago when they decided they were pulling the portion of their budget that they used to donate to Planned Parenthood. After all of the backlash from the media and from "The People" they realized this was a bad idea. I fully support Planned Parenthood, however I have to say that those people who were talking shit about Susan G Komen and the race coming up in March in Los Angeles are insane. Let's be honest, at the end of the day what Susan G Komen does for breast cancer research is amazing. I'm behind the organization 100% and that's why this year I will be running in the Susan G Komen for the Cure 5k in L.A.

I'm running in honor of my Nana. 82 years old and fighting breast cancer for the second time, bless her heart. And yet, she's such a firecracker I can tell when she's feeling better based on her activity on Facebook!



I could really use your support in this adventure, so with that said even if you can only donate $1, every little bit helps. It's safe to say at this point I doubt you dont know SOMEONE who has been effected by this disease - please consider participating in this fundraiser in some way to honor those people. Whether it be donating, or running/walking yourself, it's really a great cause to stand behind (and yes all you boys out there I'm equally supportive of Movember and your little prostates, so stay tuned for November this year....).

Go Donate! (thankyouall)

Farm Fresh to You

About a month ago my co-worker suggested I try a fruit/vegetable delivery serviceShe had been using it for awhile and even though she didn't cook she loved the fresh fruits. After a few weeks of her bringing me vegetables she wasn't going to use so I could cook with them, I finally just gave in and bought the service for myself. Farm Fresh To You is amazing. I purchased the small box of mixed fruit and vegetables ($25), which I receive once every other week. I seriously have become a little kid on Christmas opening my box when it arrives. Last week this was the list of vegetables I received -

1 Head of Romaine Lettuce
3 Apples
3 Oranges
3 Pears
1 Bundle Baby Bok Choy
1 Small bag of potatoes
2 HUGE Leeks (I mean you should have seen these things)
1 Head of Orange Cauliflower (which contains 25x the level of vitamin A than white varieties)
+ a bunch of other stuff I can't even think of right now....(it's been a long day)

You bet your bottom dollar I made the best potato leek cauliflower soup this side of the Mississippi! Don't worry, you will get your little hands on my recipe eventually, but for now just believe me, my soup was BOMB. And next week, I get to come up with MORE recipes based on what's in my box!

The best news is that today there just so happens to be a Living Social for the service. Go get it! What's the harm of trying it out? You may fall in love just as I have, and then....and only then will your life be complete. (wow - I should be paid for that kind of promotion).

Until next time....

PETA Ads

I can't even tell you how many people have been talking to me about the new PETA ads that are out.

I feel the need to comment. There are many studies available today that show the benefits of vegetarian or vegan lifestyles on your sex life.
No shit we have better sex than you...and this is hilarious:


Okay he didn't beat her, he just sexed her up. So all you haters CALM DOWN! :)

And this one, let me tell you, that's exactly how I spend my Friday nights. At home alone with an oiled up broccoli....it's like they are spying on me!



but seriously, I've been a vegetarian for 3 years now, and what Veg doesn't have a love affair with their vegetables? I mean really.... Controversial? I say amazing. Frankly I'm impressed PETA...well done... you've won this battle.

Vegan Party Dip

A few days ago I started experimenting with a layer dip that I could start bringing with me to parties. I realize this isn't the most cost effective solution (Tofutti products can be super expensive), but for entertaining, or to be sure there is a Vegan snack at a party, I definitely recommend this -

Brittany's 7 Layer Dip for Athletes (who party)-

Layer 1 - Large can of Refried Beans (fat free is best, no meat added obviously)
Layer 2 - Tofutti Sour Cream Mixed with Taco Seasoning (ingredients below)
Layer 3 - Guacamole (Check Superbowl Post for recipe)
Layer 4 - Nutritional Yeast
Layer 5 - Diced tomatoes
Layer 6 - Sliced Olives (can is fine)
Layer 7 - Chopped Japapenos (Jar works)



My first version didn't have olives or jalapeños, but both would be GREAT additions.

Taco Seasoning Mix - 1 TBS Cumin, 2 tsp Chili Powder, 1/4 tsp Cayenne, 1/2 TBS Onion Powder, 2 tsp Garlic powder, 2 tsp Paprika, salt and pepper to taste.


On another note, for a great power track (best for climbing in spin, or holding a pose in yoga) try "Sail" by AWOLNATION.
And for your next run mix make sure to check out "Shuffle" by Bombay Bicycle Club.

Dig it.

Manifestation Yoga - Courage

I could never have asked for a better yoga teacher than Jennifer Pastiloff. Week after week I walk away from class with a new mantra on life and an amazing, confident perception of my self.  Our class this morning was about Courage - we reflected on the courage that we have, and the places in our life that we could use more. One of my favorite quotes that Jenn recites in class is from Eleanor Roosevelt:

“You wouldn't worry so much about what others think of you if you realized how seldom they do.” 


Isn't that true? How often do you think about the people who spend the most time around you? Constantly  we are worried about what everyone around us thinks of our every decision in life. The truth is, they aren't thinking about it at all, so why do we care? 


The theme of the class today was courage.


My new concept of courage is doing whatever I feel is best for myself, because no matter how much I protest, no one really cares what I'm doing or even thinks about it. So be yourself, be confident, and please, please #1 stay healthy and happy.


After a 9:30am yoga class we headed to a new lunch spot with AMAZING vegan options. We ordered a gluten free pizza with kale and caramelized onions and a Shiitake and tofu lettuce wrap appetizer. Vegan never tasted so good. Heaven on earth - 



Talk about a great start to a hungover Vegan Saturday. Love. Life.

What if there was a Zombie attack?

Would you be prepared if Zombies took over the world? Thanks to my friend Andrew I will be starting an intense training program from now until October to make sure that I'm prepared to slaughter and run away from any zombies I may come across. Oh yes I'm talking about the annual Run for Your Lives 5k Zombie run.

Nothing looks cooler than This. Nothing.

Excuse me while I go prepare, Pea Protein shake and shopping for the appropriate water guns here I come....

Old school Super Soaker anyone?

Biggest Loser Night

My roommates and I have a tradition of watching every season of The Biggest Loser together. I love this show, mostly for the awesome tips and facts, like pinto beans have more antioxidants than blackberries! Three years ago I would cook a fatty dinner, sit down with a bottle of wine and watch the show with my old roommate. Now, our traditions have changed. Tonight we waited until everyone has showered after their night workouts to watch the show together. I cook a healthy, vegan meal and drink my protein shake in place of a glass of wine. This show can be such an inspiration, and nothing feels better than going into it feeling accomplished and exhausted, instead of fat and lazy.

That's my mantra for the week - find something that inspires you. Take that inspiration and make a change in your life for the better. Focusing on your health is one of the best decisions you can make. Git it.

My First Vegan "Cheese" Sauce!

I'm seeing my personal trainer early tomorrow morning so I decided to try a new recipe for Vegan Alfredo sauce to make a pasta. I found this recipe from the blog Oh She Glows and it is amazing! I added a bit more soy sauce, lemon and garlic (I'm a huge garlic lover), but otherwise it was just what I was looking for.


You can add anything you want to the sauce. I tried it with a spinach pasta, steamed broccoli, fresh spinach and sauteed mushrooms for lots of added protein. Now I can expect a big workout tomorrow, full of energy!! I love that there are great substitutes and recipes out there for my favorite food in the world....cheese! Things just got a little more interesting folks.

Superbowl Sunday

As a hard core Patriots fan, born and raised in Massachusetts, I am one crushed pup today. However, I did make a bomb guacamole for Superbowl that I'm still willing to share.


Guacamole Recipe -

2 Avocados
Half a Lemon
1 Clove of Garlic
1 Large Tomato diced

Mash the avocados together then add in the tomatoes. To the mix add the juice of half a lemon and shred in a clove of garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Boom, easy, perfect and delicious.

This has also become a lifeline for me when it comes to events like Superbowl - http://www.barnivore.com/

Vegan Protein

I've started reading the book "The China Study" to read up on the advantages of a whole foods vegan diet and although I've come to find you can get the amount of protein you need from eating full well rounded whole foods vegetable meals. However, as an active person I know that added protein will still help me gain muscle mass and enhance performance.

My newest discovery is Pea Protein - the benefits you ask? Vegan Plant based protein, gluten free, 0 grams of fat and 1 carbohydrate. It comes in at only 105 calories per scoop, and it tastes great! I mix a scoop of pea protein with half water and half vanilla hemp milk. It actually tastes like a vanilla milkshake, perfect for a sweet craving. Another good trick is to slip it into a smoothy. It seriously has a better after taste than most proteins and it doesn't hurt your stomach like some do. I cannot get enough!

Supplement Facts

Serving Size: 1 Scoop (35 g)

Servings per Container: 23

	Amount Per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	105	*
Calories from Fat	0	*
Total Fat	0 g	0%
Saturated Fat	0 g	0%
Trans Fat	0 g	*
Cholesterol	0 mg	0%
Sodium	290 mg	12%
Potassium	0 mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate (1,000 mg)	1 g	0%
Dietary Fiber	0 mg	0%
Sugar	0 mg	*
Sugar Alcohol (4,000 mg)	4 g	*
Protein (25,000 mg)	25 g	*

*Daily value not established.

Other Ingredients: Pea protein isolate, xylitol, natural vanilla flavor and stevia.

Free Of

Corn, yeast, barley, wheat, soy, lactose, gluten, citrus, fish, dairy, egg products, as well as added flavorings, salt, preservatives, salicylates, artifical colors and coatings.

The Ultimate Running Playlist

Nothing is better than a great dinner - followed by a nice long run in the AM to start your morning out right. Last night I made a fantastic quinoa pasta with sauteed mushrooms, arugula and a simple lemon sauce. This morning I had a nice, long 6 mile run at the gym, and my playlist.... perfect. Some of the gems...

1. Rocket - Radio Ink

2. How You Are I Never - Shuteye

3. Comeback Kid - Sleigh Bells

4. Derezzed - Daft Punk

5. Collect Call - Metric

6. Raise Your Weapon - Deadmau5

7. Ass Back Home - Gym Class Heroes

8. Lights Out - Natalia Kills

9. Crave You - Flight Facilities

10. Sail - AWOLNATION

In short....you're welcome. And let me tell you, I feel fantastic without dairy in my life. Day 2 was amazing! Ready to continue this journey.

The start of an experiment

We'll call this day 1. The start of my first month Vegan. I'm setting out to explore a few misconceptions people have about being Vegan and achieving optimal health and fitness levels. Now, already you may be asking yourself, "how do YOU qualify to tell me that someone can be Vegan and also be a healthy well rounded athlete?". I don't. In fact I don't even qualify a little bit. I'm just a girl who LOVES working out and trying new activities, I've been a vegetarian only three years, and I've never tried a Vegan diet before. This just so happens to make me the perfect experiment - together we can learn tips and tricks for Vegan athletes, learn from the professionals and discover the benefits of a full on Vegan lifestyle. Let the games begin.