Dessert/ Dinner

Groceries Make Me Happy

Hi bloggies! I hope everyone’s Monday has been goin’ well. I got everything done that I needed to and now am sort of dreading the 5:30 alarm clock tomorrow morning, which signals that vaca time has ended for good! :\

Today I did a KILLER grocery shop. And by killer, I mean I’m just excited about what I got!

Here’s the produce:Β 

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protein/dairy:

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And carbs, bars and fun:

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I was so excited to see agave nectar at Publix! I have never seen it there before! I made a vow against Splenda because I really think it contributes to my migraines and since I ran out of Stevia, I have been drinking my coffee black. Good….but agave nectar in it would be so so so much better. Yay!

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I also found Vitamuffins and I KNOW they are new there because every week I search for them and they have never had them before.

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This tiny box was almost $5 but it was worth it because the chocolate vitamuffins are diiiivine! Now I just need to find the vitabrownies and muffin tops and I’ll be in business! I’m seriously addicted to these things….I also picked up some larabars and a big 32 oz yogurt that I can “greekify” this week in the walk-in fridge at work. Muhahaha little do they know I am turning the walk-in into a yogurt making factory. πŸ˜‰

I have never had either the Amy’s Country Cheddar bowl OR the Kashi Coconut Chicken dinners before, so if I eat them this week I will do a review for sure.

I think the most exciting thing though about my grocery shop was that I finally caved and bought Ezekiel Cinnamon Raisin bread!!!!!!!!! WHY HAVEN’T I TRIED THIS BEFORE??!!

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I think because it’s almost $5 and I wasn’t 100% sure if it would live up to expectations. Well, it far exceeded my expectations! This stuff is aaaaamazing. I toasted up a slice when I got home and topped it with a tbsp of pb&j for a snackie:

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There’s not much sugar in the bread (as contained to the many grams of sugar & HFCS in other cinnamon raisin breads) and one slice equals 80 calories. It is definitely worth the $4.87 and it will now be a surefire staple in my kitchen. I have visions of breakfast already…….

For dinner tonight I was seriously contemplating more cinnamon raisin toast, but decided to make a more well rounded meal of baked tofu, a dry baked sweet potato and another multigrain Arnold’s Sandwich Thin with laughing cow and hot sauce.

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I ate half the package of tofu that I bought today and used 1 tsp evoo, a dash of rice wine vinegar, a squirt of agave and a healthy dash cayenne. Baked it at 400 for about 45 minutes until golden and chewy.

Later on, I had a vanilla oikos with 1/4 cup pumpkin granola and MORE pom. seeds. I haven’t had enough of them today! haha!

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And, by much request, here is Anne’s (slash Martha’s) chocolate chip pumpkin bar recipe!

Pumpkin Chocolate-Chip Squares

From Martha Stewart Everyday Food

2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled (I used half all-purpose, half whole-wheat flour)
1 T. pumpkin-pie spice
1 tsp. baking soda
ΒΎ tsp. salt
1 cup unsalted butter, room temp
1 ΒΌ cups sugar (I used 1 cup)
1 large egg
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 cup canned pumpkin puree
12 oz. semisweet chocolate chips (I used Ghirardelli)

Preheat oven to 350. Line bottom and sides of 9 x 13 inch baking pan with foil (I actually form the foil to make it slightly smaller than 9 x 13, to make thicker bars).

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, pie spice, baking soda, and salt; set aside.

With an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar on medium-high speed until smooth; beat in egg and vanilla until combined. Beat in pumpkin puree (mixture may appear curdled). Reduce speed to low, and mix in dry ingredients until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips.

Spread batter evenly in prepared pan. Bake until edges begin to pull away from sides of pan and a toothpick inserted in center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached, 35 to 40 minutes. Cool completely in pan.

Thanks, Anne! I know I will be baking these at some point as I’m sure many of you readers will be too! They are SO amazingly moist and delicious!

So, tomorrow I work and the pictures should be great this week as Adam and I work on building a gingerbread house, which will be featured at the Festival of Trees here on Saturday!!!!!! The only problem is on Friday Adam is leaving to go to Vermont for the weekend so it will just be ME doing the last finishing touches on the house as well as transporting it to the event. Eek!

Also, tomorrow I need your help!

You guys know I work out probably 6x a week……what I would really LOVE to start doing for my last month here is going to more fun classes at the gym. All the “cool classes” are around 6 or 6:30 pm and it just seems that by that time in my day, if I haven’t already worked out, I lose all motivation because I’m just so dang tired! There’s a spin class I really want to go to tomorrow night at 6 and I know the only way I will go is if I continually motivate myself….which means you need to tell me how great I will feel after and how I will be SO glad that I went! Haha! Does anyone else have this problem? I mean, I want to exercise of course, but 6:00 is usually around the time I’m eating dinner. It always happens that I will say I’m going to a later class and then when the time comes, I’ll be like, “hmm I’m so hungry!” and then I’ll just skip it. Bah!

Now that I’ve said I’m going tomorrow night you guys need to hold me accountable!! haha!

Have a great night everyone πŸ™‚

ps—my college roommate, Peggy, got engaged over the weekend!!!!!!!! congrats peggy!!!!!!Β 

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  • VeggieGirl
    November 10, 2008 at 6:26 pm

    HELL YES FOR GROCERIES!!!!! Lovin’ everything – especially the agave nectar, Larabars….. etcetera πŸ˜‰

    Great dinner and dessert recipe!!!

    Good luck with making the gym classes!!

    Congratulations to your college roommate!! So exciting!!

  • Shelby
    November 10, 2008 at 6:29 pm

    I love grocery shopping!! I get so excited for my purchases too (nerd!) haha

    I LOVE cinnamon raisin ezekiel bread, I eat it as dessert plain and it makes killer french toast.

    Agave Nectar? I could drink the stuff….gross but true =)

  • Lindsey
    November 10, 2008 at 6:30 pm

    Congrats to Peggy! And getting/ being engaged is one of the most exciting times of your life! πŸ™‚ πŸ™‚ So excited for her! While I love being married, sometimes I miss the excitement of wedding planning, registry fun, bridal showers, and all that you’re looking forward to!

    And go to a spin class! You’ll feel fantastic afterward! Especially because you’re iffy about going and it’s at a different time for you – WHEN you go, you’ll feel on top of the world for getting a great workout, and for breaking out of your workout comfort zone. πŸ™‚ I look forward to hearing how your spin class goes! πŸ™‚

  • Anita
    November 10, 2008 at 6:31 pm

    Yum… I love sweet potatoes. I could eat them every day and never get tired of them.

    I have a box of vitamuffins in my freezer. The sugar-free Banana Nut- a flavor I haven’t tried before- I tend to gravitate toward the chocolate flavors too, but I thought the banana would be a nice change- like a healthy banana muffin… yum…. I can’t wait to try one! Maybe that will be my dessert tonight! πŸ™‚

    P.S. I tagged you in my blog!

  • Runeatrepeat
    November 10, 2008 at 6:34 pm

    Those VitaTops and Muffins are my all time fave. I buy them by the case, but I need to stop. It’s an expensive habit!

  • Em
    November 10, 2008 at 6:35 pm

    Hey Jenna!

    I’m a big runner and gym person and absolutely love the feeling afterwards of giving it your all and having worked up a good sweat. Doing it with other people in a new routine is all the better!! Just think of how good your dinner will taste when you get back. πŸ™‚

    You’ve given me so much inspiration that I hope this post returns a little of it. πŸ™‚

  • Oh She Glows
    November 10, 2008 at 6:36 pm

    Ahhhh that Ezikel cinnamon raisin bread is my FAVOURITE!!!! I have it for dessert with light margarine spread and cinnamon sprinkled on πŸ˜€

    I hear you on being too tired after work to workout- i have to workout in the AM every morning because I dread having to workout once I’m home at 630pm after a long day. I think the hardest part is GETTING there though- esp. if you know you are going for a fun gym class, once you are there, there is no turning back! I will hold you personally accountable tomorrow missy! πŸ˜›

  • BridgetP
    November 10, 2008 at 6:38 pm

    I love discovering new things at my grocery store! To keep myself motivated for a later class, I try to keep myself busy beforehand- packing my lunch, cleaning something, prepping dinner, etc. You’ll love the class and you will be able to relax when you get home! Good luck πŸ™‚

  • Eliza
    November 10, 2008 at 6:40 pm

    i absolutely LOVE spinning. its a great workout. the classes are pretty intense, but it feels so good afterwards. you can really feel it in your legs and glutes. i highly recommend spinning! Good Luck!
    ps. the groceries look great!

  • Matt
    November 10, 2008 at 6:41 pm

    spinning is awesome and its a great workout. i find when i am tired for my run later in the day, once i get out there and get into my workout it turns out well. good luck!

  • Mara
    November 10, 2008 at 7:02 pm

    Tag! You’re it!
    I bought a pomagranate today… i’m nervous to cut it up!

  • Mindy
    November 10, 2008 at 7:04 pm

    i have the same problem–after work, i’m too tired to workout and i’m not much of a morning person so morning workouts are out!

    i LOVE spin class. it’s intense and i’m sure you’ll love it too.. it won’t give you those awful shin splints. during the class you’ll wonder WHY you decided to take it.. but afterwards you’ll feel AMAZING knowing that you just worked your ass off for an hour straight. and of course you’ll be pouring sweat the whole time! i try to remind myself throughout the day that i’m going to go to spin after work, just constantly reminding myself, and trying to snack more and drink more water (otherwise i get post workout headaches). good luck! i know you’ll make it! and if spin classes are as popular in your town as they are in mine (san diego), get there early cuz the class fills up fast!

  • Megan
    November 10, 2008 at 7:06 pm

    Love all the groceries. Vitamuffins are delicious! I use that brand of agave nectar!

  • Victoria
    November 10, 2008 at 7:09 pm

    I totally understand the not wanting to work out after work feeling, but I always imagine the state of sweaty, zen-like calm that comes over me after I’m done. You’ll be really glad you did it.

  • Jenny
    November 10, 2008 at 7:11 pm

    That is one awesome grocery trip! That Sabra hummus is crazy spicy, I just tried it for the first time, and it blew me away! I can’t wait for the frozen dinner reviews.

    Yay for chocolate vitamuffins!! YUM

    Have a great night Jenna! πŸ™‚

  • V
    November 10, 2008 at 7:12 pm

    Your groceries look great!

    I LOVE spin class and have the exact same problem making it to a 6 PM class. My advice would be to have a hearty mini-meal / snack that you’re REALLY excited about around 4 when you get home from work (maybe something involving this exciting new Ezekiel bread?) so you’ll be energized and ready to expend some serious energy in class. I usually eat a (whole) clif bar around 4 PM at work and by 5:30 I’m full of energy and ready to go spin. Good luck!

  • Megan
    November 10, 2008 at 7:12 pm

    Hey Jenna! Thanks for the dessert recipe. And looks like you enjoyed the grocery…I have been wanting to try the Ezekiel cinnamon raisin bread, too. So thanks for the review- you have convinced me!
    Oh, and I wanted to tell you I tried the Ling Ling chicken and veggie dumplings for dinner tonight- LOVE!
    Have a good night πŸ™‚

  • seelivelee (for the love of peanut butter)
    November 10, 2008 at 7:12 pm

    Yay for groceries–congratulations Peggy!

  • emily
    November 10, 2008 at 7:14 pm

    Jenna (and Anne!) thank you so much for posting the recipe, I can’t wait to make it!

  • Caitlin
    November 10, 2008 at 7:20 pm

    not sure if you have tried it before, but that lemongrass coconut chicken is my favorite! It is so yummy!

  • MizFit
    November 10, 2008 at 7:21 pm

    ooooh Id be in to motivate you to go to classes if you move here and cook for me.

    yes?

  • Caitlin
    November 10, 2008 at 7:23 pm

    ETA: I just saw you posted you have not tried it before! πŸ™‚

  • Jennifer
    November 10, 2008 at 7:31 pm

    Looks like a GREAT grocery trip to me! I love it too!

  • Karen
    November 10, 2008 at 7:47 pm

    I’d definitely say try the spinning class. It’s absolutely amazing. (But beware, you’ll become addicted!) And you’re right, it does feel great afterward. So give it a shot!

  • Mariposa
    November 10, 2008 at 7:58 pm

    Good luck with going to class tomorrow! I have been trying to force myself to come home and work out- some days it works- some days my grandmother’s cooking over takes me.. and i eat and then feel too full for a workout! So then I resolve to work out in the morning and….. then I can’t get up in the morning!!!!!

  • Angie
    November 10, 2008 at 8:10 pm

    WOW you got a lot of yummy goodies at the store today. The agave nectar is something I keep passing up at the store because I never know what to use it for. I just recently started buying Ezekiel bread and I love it. Gotta try me some of those Vita Muffins too.

    Have a great week at work and most definitely get to that spin class. You’ll burn a ton of calories and have a great time too. Looking forward to hearing how the class goes.

  • Andrea
    November 10, 2008 at 8:13 pm

    Great grocery trip! Have you tried the Ezekiel cinnamon raisin english muffins? They are one of my favorite breakfast foods… πŸ™‚

  • Alyssa
    November 10, 2008 at 8:26 pm

    I had that creamy butternut squash soup for lunch today!! I added brown rice and onions and it was soooooooooooo good.
    Check it out:
    http://newtritionista.blogspot.com/2008/11/bagel-breakfast-and-butternut-squash.html

  • Kath
    November 10, 2008 at 8:44 pm

    LOVE that bread too!! I’m not allowed by buy breads any more – we have 4 loaves right now!

    When I workout in the afternoons I just have to have a bigger snack to get me through.

  • Lynna
    November 10, 2008 at 8:48 pm

    Mmm. I love vita-muffins too, they are so good it’s hard to believe they are actually healthy. I’ll have to try that cinnamon raisin bread, it sounds yummy.

    p.s.- great blog!

  • Katie
    November 10, 2008 at 8:52 pm

    Hey Jenna! I LOVE your blog-you just seem like one of my girlfriends at school. I’m curious though-Whole Foods is def an obsession with mine but I struggle w/ the high cost of certain organic/health foods-do you not put a price on say greek yogurts and your almond butter (SO expensive!) or do you give yourself a set price range/budget. Does that make sense? It’s just hard when you’re a po college student haha

  • Cara
    November 10, 2008 at 9:16 pm

    Grocery shopping is probably one of my favorite things to do.

    And just think about the spin class, maybe you can meet someone awesome there and have a new gym buddy for the month you have left. Then you have automatic motivation πŸ˜‰

  • caitlin
    November 10, 2008 at 9:34 pm

    spin is so great and so exciting! definitely go!

  • Annie
    November 10, 2008 at 9:45 pm

    Hey Jenna! I’m sure you already know this but there’s a Vitalicious website where you can buy all their products from!

    Good luck with the workout tomorrow!

  • Samantha
    November 10, 2008 at 10:09 pm

    Jenna-

    Try using your Cinnamon Raisin Ezekiel bread to make french toast. It’s sooo yummy!

  • Amanda
    November 10, 2008 at 10:09 pm

    Your dinner looks delicious! I have some tofu in the fridge that is begging to be baked!!

    I have a feeling that once you go to spinning tomorrow, you will see how doable a workout at that time of day is. I usually head to the gym around 6 and it’s fun to think about what you want for dinner when you’re working out! Once you get home, that meal is so much more scrumptious!! And spinning is awesome because everyone just feeds off of each other’s energy! Enjoy it πŸ™‚

  • Fancy
    November 10, 2008 at 10:10 pm

    I went back to Whole Foods today without you and Kath. It was lonely.

  • jess
    November 10, 2008 at 10:21 pm

    Every time you get groceries I get Sooo envious; however, this week I’m Not envious of your Arnold’s double protein- I won a carrots’n’cake contest and got sent some of my own (AWESOME since they don’t even carry it here in california)

    But I’m def. still jealous of everything else πŸ˜‰ I haven’t tried those Kashi frozen meals; what are your thoughts on them? Do they keep you satisfied? Any particular favorites?

    Best of luck getting up early again. The first couple transition days are always a bit of a challenge, but I’m sure you’ll get right back into the swing of things.

    I might save the cool classes for days off when you Don’t have to get up at 530 and are moving around all day in the kitchen anyway. But that’s just my opinion- wouldn’t want to burn yourself out and then Not go on your days off… can’t wait to see what you decide πŸ˜‰

  • Coley
    November 10, 2008 at 10:21 pm

    Cycling classes are the best! I went to one 2 years ago for the first time, sat in the very back row and have been addicted to them since. Especially if you can’t run, its the best workout you can give yourself, in my opinion! You have to go and at least give it a try!!

  • Julia (Santa Barbara Dreaming)
    November 10, 2008 at 10:55 pm

    I have the same problem as you sometimes. When I get off work, sometimes I don’t feel like working out. So for those types of days, I keep telling myself HOW AWESOME I’m gonna feel after working out FROM THE MOMENT I WAKE UP. Sometimes, exercise comes naturally, but other times, it can get tough! I also have a big treat for lunch, so that I NEED to work out later, haha! I have my reward BEFORE I work out. I find this increases motivation too.
    Congrats to Peggy!
    I have a question about baked Tofu. I’m from Japan, and I’ve never seen tofu baked before. Can I ask why you bake it? I don’t see you eating it *as is*, and I was just wondering why, just out of curiosity. Thanks and good night πŸ™‚

  • Tracey
    November 10, 2008 at 11:01 pm

    Hi Jenna,
    You can order the Vitamuffin and Vitabrownie mix online and it’s much, much cheaper – $5.99 for a mix that makes a dozen! All you add is water and egg whites and bake. They taste exactly same, maybe even fresher because you just baked them! They come in a bunch of flavors, too. I order all of flavors all the time at http://www.vitamuffin.com. Hope that helps!

  • Tracy
    November 10, 2008 at 11:47 pm

    Jenna,
    Here is what I do when I am working out in the afternoon/evening!
    Set a time you will go to the gym earlier than your class starts, maybe around 5:15 or 5:30. Then you have time to set up your bike, etc. and then with your extra time, go get some abs in or another exercise! Then by 6, you will be already at the gym and good to go for spin! I do this all the time and it really works for me! I love classes!!
    Tracy

  • monica
    November 11, 2008 at 12:53 am

    Nice haul! Love the ezekial bread!

    Re the gym… I have this same problem. I like to work out in the morning. Trouble is, I’m an EARLY riser… I’m up by 6am but the gyms don’t open til 7 or later! And in the evening, I like an early dinner and a quiet night at home with a good book or boy. πŸ™‚

    How do I work with this? I started working out in the afternoon. Sounds like you do the same.

    Maybe you can do one of those classes a week? That way you’ll get to go to the class, but you won’t totally mess up your schedule.

  • HangryPants
    November 11, 2008 at 6:03 am

    Nothing like a good grocery trip. I always get very excited, too about good finds!

    Congrats, Peggy. πŸ˜€

  • Brian
    November 11, 2008 at 7:32 am

    I have to try some of that Agave, I have heard awesome things about it. I totally get where your comin from about working out after 6pm. I go at 4 at the latest but feel more productive if done earlier.

  • Tara
    November 11, 2008 at 7:54 am

    I’m new to your blog. I SOO enjoyed reading about your Quaker Oats experience and reading all about you. You sound very interesting. I would love to chat about the program you did to be able to work like a nutritionist. I’ve very interested in that. Could you give me the website of the school? You did it all online, right? Thanks so much!! I’ve added you to my blog roll too, I hope you don’t mind. πŸ™‚

  • Beadie
    November 11, 2008 at 8:16 am

    Jenna, I buy the vitamuffin mix on vitalicious dot com and for the price of a box of 4, you get 12. Of course, you have to bake them yourself but I can’t imagine that you would mind that πŸ™‚

  • Camtim
    November 11, 2008 at 8:44 am

    I’m usually winding down for the evening by 6pm, and my energy level begins to fall- BUT if I can convince myself to just pop over to the gym (especially for spinning or yoga) it completely changes my day. It gives me a new outlook on the day even though I only have a few hours left. I’m heading over to the gym for yoga or spinning today too, probably around 5:30-6:00pm and if I can do it you can do it! Hey, look at it this way…if you don’t we’ll all know about it tomorrow πŸ˜‰

  • michelle
    November 11, 2008 at 9:40 am

    Great stuff you bought today!!! I love the ezekiel breads. Ever try the cinnamon raisin english muffins!! They are yummy too!!!

    I love agave!! So good i put it in my oatmeal sometimes. I think i am off to Whole foods and TJ tomorrow for a grocery run!!

    Have a great day!!!

  • runjess
    November 11, 2008 at 10:11 am

    Oooh you found Vitamuffins! I’ve only had the brownies and they were delicious. Nice bread find too.

  • Catherine
    November 11, 2008 at 10:12 am

    Yum… Vitamuffins!! Thanks for the recipe (thank you too Anne!), I will definitely be trying these soon with some wheat-free flour… perhaps for Thanksgiving… πŸ™‚

  • A+M
    November 11, 2008 at 10:45 am

    Hi! This is my first time commenting on your site πŸ™‚ I’m a new blogger, just trying to learn how to cook healthier for my new husband and I! Anyway, your grocery contents looks just as mine does! I LOVE baked tofu and laughing cow cheese πŸ™‚ Thanks for the fun blog!

  • LadyLara
    November 11, 2008 at 11:23 am

    Oh I have the opposite problem, I can’t work out in the morning because I’m so dang tired! I can’t usually start working out until 7 or 8, sometimes 9… ugh!

  • Biz
    November 11, 2008 at 11:50 am

    I have no motivation to work out after work. If I don’t do it before or at lunch, I never get to it!

    You WILL feel great after your spin class!

  • Meredith
    November 11, 2008 at 12:04 pm

    What aisle did you find the vitamuffins on? I went to Publix today and just could not find them! Maybe they haven’t made it to Miami yet πŸ™

  • Sharon
    November 11, 2008 at 12:52 pm

    I love the Festival of Trees!
    And awesome finds at the grocery store.

  • Erin
    November 11, 2008 at 1:18 pm

    That bread is SOOOO good!! My fave way to eat it: a cup of apple sauce w/cinnamon on a toasted piece! πŸ™‚

  • AlliJag
    November 11, 2008 at 2:22 pm

    Looks like you totally made out on your shopping trip! Everythign looks great! πŸ™‚

  • jenna
    November 11, 2008 at 3:20 pm

    Katie,

    There are certain food items I sacrifice for (ie greek yogurt and almond butter). I usually spend about the same amount every week at the grocery store but I will spend more on quality products because we only have one body and food is so important to me! I would rather spend a few dollars more for quality!! By making my own greek yogurt (straining regular yogurt) I estimate I will save a good $10 every week at the store! yay!

    Julia,

    How funny! I guess its just way more appealing to me baked. I HATE the texture of tofu when its all soft and mushy so I bake it to achieve a chewy, crusty texture and it adds flavor. It must be a culture thing!

    Meredith,

    These are brand new in my publix…never seen them before there or in any other publix. Maybe they are headed your way?! I found them in the healthy frozen food section..

    Tara,

    It was not an online school—it was actually a home study program! Check out the above “FAQ” section for more details about what I did! πŸ™‚