Goin’ Green?

I was reading through my journal last night, and fell upon some of my new years resolutions—remember those, way back when? 😀  I usually don’t like making resolutions at that time of year, because I think it takes a lot of time to mentally prepare yourself to make a change.  And really, each day can be made up of new resolutions!!

But I still made one last year, and that was to be a little greener!

Not that I’m usually anti-green or anything, but I’m not as good as I could be either.  Sometimes I’ll find myself using paper towels to throw my carrot peels on when I could use a bowl instead.  Or I’ll use countless plastic bags for my lunch when I’d be better off using plastic containers. 

I decided to remind myself of this new years resolution with having, literally, a very green breakfast…;)

First I went with two slices of whole wheat toast spread with 1/2 an avocado, and sprinkled with fresh black pepper.  I love how smooth and buttery an avocado is, and absolutely love it on toast.  Plain, simple, healthy and delicious. 😀

Then I continued the green theme with a green monster, made my favorite way:

• 3 c. spinach
• 1 c. ice cubes
• 1 c. soymilk
• 1 banana
• 1 chocolate amazing grass packet (these things are addicting!!)

So my breakfast wasn’t necessarily green in the sense of being more conscious of waste and whatnot…but it still helped remind me to be thoughtful of what I’m doing/using. 

 

**Do you try to be “green” and what are some simple–and easy–changes that you’ve done to make yourself  more green? **

 

We’re going on the 5th day of rain where I live, with at least 3-4 more days of rain being expected.  I decided not to let the weather get me down this morning.  Mom and I grabbed our trusty umbrellas and headed out into the rain–which was actually more like a fine mist.  We were joking about how we felt like lettuce heads in the produce isle…;)  The 4-mile walk really helped to perk up my mood, and I found myself wet but very happy by the end. 😀

This salad made me happy too. 😀  On top of the huge bed of lettuce, I piled on:

• 1/2 c. garbanzo beans
• cukes, tomatoes, carrot
• mozzarella cheese stick
• blueberries
• tsp each of olive oil and balsamic vinegar

…and kashis too of course! 😀  These blueberries were the star of the show.  I bought them on sale for $1.25, and they’re super sweet and juicy…and huge!! 

For dessert I had a creamy peach chobani.  This is the first time I’ve ever tried this flavor, and I have to say its one of my new faves.  There are big chunks of peach inside, and the flavor isn’t overpoweringly sweet…and doesn’t leave that fake “peach” taste like some yogurts do.  Loved it! 😀

A couple hours after lunch, I made myself a nice iced coffee (1 c. coffee, 1/2 c. soy) and focused in on homework.  This summer class is definitely testing my procastination side.  I know I need to create an actual timeline for myself, or things will never get done.  I like to feel organized and scheduled, and I need a to-do list to follow along with. 😀 

Anyways, after calculating yeild percentages and going over some food production terminology, I needed a good long run. 😉  It was still drizzly outside, but I threw on my sneakers and running gear, grabbed 1/2 an apple with almond butter smeared on top and headed out for a run…

Sometimes I complain about getting wet, and sometimes I thoroughly enjoy it.  Today I enjoyed it. 😀 

The rain was so light and soft, that it actually created the perfect weather for running.  The first mile was rough, with my legs feeling a bit tight.  But once they loosened up, I sort of just fell into this groove and didn’t think about much, other then how loud birds can be on a rainy day. 😀  It was so nice to be outside rather then cooped up inside doing homework that I wanted to go on forever.  But I kept my run to 4-miles, and came back home just in time before it started pouring. 

On rainy days, the hardest part is sometimes just getting through the front door…but everythings uphill (in a good way 😉 ) from there. 😀

Dinner. Was. Delicious.

Nothing more to be said, really, but I’m such a rambler, so I’ll go on and talk about it anyways…;)

First off, there was some homemade whole wheat bread.  The recipe was followed with the one substition of using 1/2 wheat and 1/2 white flour.  The reason is because using whole wheat flour last time produced a very dense, dry bread.  This version comes out soft and fluffy.  And sweet too!  I used molasses for the sweetener of choice, and absolutely loved it!!! 

Combine that with homemade chicken stew, and you have the perfect meal for a dark, rainy day! 😀  Of course I went back for seconds, as my stomach grumbles finally caught up with me, reminding myself that I was hungray! 

The chicken stew is super easy to make and offers plenty of leftovers too.  I know there are a bunch of recipes out there, but I like to keep things simple.  This is my mom’s recipe, most likely handed down from my memere.

1. Boil whole chicken for 2 hrs in a big pot of water, with added salt, oregano, chives, and onions.
2. After chicken is cooked, let it cool on the side.  Save cooking liquid.
3. To cooking liquid, add carrots, potatoes, 2 celery stalks, and more oregano, salt, chives, and onions as needed to taste. 
4. Once veggies are semi-tender, add cooled, deboned chicken pieces.
5. Add herbs to taste, and cook until vegetables are of desired tenderness.

As you can see, there aren’t a whole lot of exact measurements!!  It’s kind of based on what you like, but the broth comes out very flavorful and comforting, due to simmering the veggies and chicken in the chicken broth.  Very easy and delicious…:D

On to dessert.  Would you believe me if I said this very large, whole watermelon will be consumed by 3 people in about 2 days?  It’s true…:D  My family looks forward to watermelon season every year and we go through it in record speeds. 😉 

I ate a ton of it while chopping, and then had a nice big bowl after dinner…so refreshing!

After-dinner snack: Heart to Heart with the last of the soymilk and more watermelon to appease my stomach grumbles. 😀

Tomorrow I’ll be up bright and early as I get ready to volunteer in food service at the hospital!  I think I’ll be working in the caf’, unless the manager has other plans for me.  I’m kind of excited about this part, because I always love serving food and chatting with people.  The workers there are super friendly as well, so I’m thinking it may turn out to be a fun day…:D

Hope you all are having a good Monday!!

Exercise: 4-mile walk in the morning with mom and a 4-mile afternoon run which was much needed after sitting down to homework for a couple hours. 😀

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