pizza time

What day is it again?

I woke up this morning feeling completely mixed up with the date.  At first I thought it was Sunday, as I scrambled to get ready for church.  Then this afternoon, I was certain that it felt like a Thursday.  No, no.  It’s Monday.  Which is actually kind of nice, because I’ve now gone through an entire Monday without even realizing it. 

Despite a mixed-up-morning, breakfast made complete sense:

• 1/2 c. oatmeal
• 2 T. wheat bran
• 2 T. unsweetened cocoa
• splash of soymilk (just enough to moisten)
• 1 banana, mashed (1/4 saved for top)
• 1 T. peanut butter

Served with a glass of milk for a protein boost.

Morning Snack: kashi crackers with spinach and artichoke hummus

It wasn’t easy, but I managed to come up with enough motivation to go out for a bike ride this morning.  I was bitten with the running bug last week—since my knees weren’t hurting at all—and now it’s all I can think of doing.  I’ll just have to keep reminding myself that biking is still incredibly important.  I credit it with strengthening my quad muscles which in turn helps with runner’s knee.  Besides, once I’m actually out on the road, pedaling through fields and taking in the scenery, I am completely content and happy.  The hard part is just walking out the front door and taking that first pedal. 😉

Post-ride, it was time to refuel!

Salad

• mixed greens
• carrot
• cucumber
• tomato
• red onion
• black olives, sliced
• 1/2 c. kidney beans
• bean sprouts
• dressing: splash of olive oil and a dash of sea salt

+ two slices of toasted, homemade wheat bread with a pat of butter

Don’t forget the after-lunch sweetness factor!!

Afternoon Snack: plain yogurt topped with 2 T. Natures Path Pumpkin Flax Granola and a scoop of Justin’s Organic Honey Roasted Peanut Butter (I’m already half-way through this jar already!!!)

Salad #2 came along for dinner—nothing wrong with having two in one day. 😉  I kept this one even simpler then the one I had at lunch, and only included tomatoes, cucumbers and bean sprouts. 

I decided to make homemade pizza (click for recipe) for dinner.  It’s one of my most favorite meals to make (I think I say this a lot), especially when there are fun and interesting toppings to be used.

Tonight, the star of the show was the fresh , Vermont-made mozzarella cheese.    I found this local treasure at the grocery store and could hardly wait to use it.  I simply sliced about 5 oz. worth onto the pizza, and layered them across the pizza.  I love how melty and stretchy it became, and the flavor is so brillianty clean and fresh.  I half-expected it to taste like a marshmallow because of its creamy white color and golden peaks.

*Sigh*  It doesn’t get any better than eating fresh, locally made cheese on top of a homemade pizza.  I went back for seconds and there’s even leftovers for someone’s lunch tomorrow. 😀

Dessert was a peice of 90% dark Lindt chocolate.  I think my supply of chocolate needs to be restocked soon!!!

I.  Am.  So.  Tired. Tonight.  Don’t ask me why.  I sure hope I’m not coming down with something, because this morning I felt dehydrated—I seriously couldn’t drink enough water!! 

Off to relax a bit and fit in some homework too.  G’night!

Question: What’s your favorite cheese to put on top of your pizza?  I’m a huge fan of fresh mozzarella and feta!