J’adore all the recent commenters! Keep delurking peeps, it’s great hear from ya :)
My love cup is full (yes, I just quoted Vicki, cringe). After the (above) overflowing frothy cuppa java, I was at a serious crossroads. I wanted more caffeine, but I also wanted chocolate. Such a dilemma!
Solution: MOCHA! I combined coffee, Chatfield’s cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and agave nectar. It was heavenly. I mistakenly took a sip before taking a photo (which was only a mistake because it was SO dang good that half the cup was in my tummy before I did manage snap a pic). I also had a bit of dunkin’ action with the biscotti bites. In case you were wondering, biscotti soaks up liquids quite well.
After lunch I debated doing a beginners yoga video, but settled for some stretching. Ha. I’m such a wuss! Seriously, though, I was really sore from yesterday’s Exercise TV arms and abs workouts, so I needed a good stretching sesh.
Lunch was a simple soup/sando combo with TWO vegan Boca burgers (doused in BBQ sauce) on Dave’s Killer Bread and a mug of BN squash soup (doused in paprika). I dipped the honey wheat pretzel twists in the soup :) What’s with all my dipping lately?!?
The apple slices rounded off the meal.
After lunch I went for some carbonation in the form of aspartame-free soda. As you may recall, a few days ago I got a massive shipment of Zevia soda. I was eager to try them because I used to be addicted to soda (oh the college years), but finally managed to wean myself from the crack fake sugar. Hit it and quit it.
Ginger Ale was the first flavor I tried and I really liked it. Admittedly, my association with Ginger Ale isn’t great – it’s one of the only things our patients can tolerate that satisfies the cardiac/diabetic diet. I’m happy to report Zevia’s Ginger Ale flavor was a much milder ginger than I was expecting, and it was nice and calm on my stomach, too. I can’t wait to try the rest of the flavors.
I hit up the gym after some errands, and did a few miles on the tready followed by 20 minutes of spinning. Lady Gaga makes me sweat. Love it.
I was going to go to din with my lovely snackface, but plans fell through so I made things work.
Spiralized zucchini noodles with tomato sauce, cherry toms, shrooms, and meatless balls. Delish.
What’s a marinara pasta without garlic bread hummus-y muffins on the side? That’s what I thought.
I know this is dragging on forever, but you asked, so I don’t wanna bail out on you, so (again) the Q&A sesh continues:
As a vegan, do you find that you have an overly carb heavy diet? And since you eat so healthy, have you ever had a weight problem? Have unwanted pounds snuck up on you? What did you do about it? Highs? Lows? What worked for you?
Initially I didn’t want to answer this question because it’s not really my place to give diet advice – I’m not qualified and it’s not what my blog is intended for. Sharing my own personal day to day eats is far different from telling others what they should do in their own lives. However, I am passionate about health and fitness, so I can see where the overlap occurs. Please take what I’m about to write with a grain bag of salt. Nutrition may be a subject I love, but I have no letters after my name to give me ANY kind of authority on the matter.
To start, I try to avoid breaking down foods by their chemical components – carbs shmarbs. Fruits and veggies should never be counted, controlled, or eaten in moderation, period. I mean, how could anything that grows from the ground be bad for you? (well, I suppose there are a few substances…) Anyways, to answer the question, yes, I have a predominantly carbo-centric diet. But I also think that we (Americans) are lead to believe that carbs are bad (not true). Additionally, for some reason people seem to think that we are supposed to be eating way more protein than we actually need (also, not true). I’m not going to get all preachy on you, or start citing articles/books/etc. because we all know they exist. Instead, I’ll address the weight issue.
For the most part, no matter what type of food you eat (carb, protein, fat), if you overeat, you’ll gain weight. Duh, right? Except, I happen to be of the opinion that apples and hummus are exempt from this. But for the most part, it’s pretty cut and dry, if you eat more calories than you expend, you gain weight. Simple math. So (in theory) if I ate, say, 6 sweet potatoes in a day, as long as I’m burning off those calories, I won’t gain weight. Now, although I’ve never kept track of my caloric intake, I know that my moderately active lifestyle gives me some leeway in the calorie department. I try (key word: TRY) not to think about balancing what I eat with how much I have worked out because that’s a slippery slope that I DON’T want to go down. Sometimes it’s impossible to completely avoid, and yes, unwanted pounds have definitely snuck up on me. At the same time, I know my weight is inevitably going to fluctuate throughout my life, so as long as the highs and lows aren’t too drastic, I’m ok with it. For the record, I don’t own a scale. Hate ‘em. Don’t want to have anything to do with them. That said, I’m sure (based on how my clothes fit) that over the past year alone my weight has wavered solely based on my race schedule. When I’m “training” (running slightly more than normal) I slim down a touch (nothing drastic) and when I return to my average amount of exercising, I gain it back. I’m talking about 1-2 pounds probably, but I can tell there’s a difference. Since I don’t alter how I eat based on how I exercise, it makes sense. Bottom line: I want to live my life, eat how I eat, run how I run, and try to forget about trivial pounds. However, let’s be real. I’m a girl. I’m human. It’s only natural to have insecure moments (and then some), right? Who doesn’t have days when they feel like crap? (Anyone who denies this is lying). I wouldn’t be normal if I said I was 100% happy with my body 100% of the time.
When I first went completely vegan I was chugging soy milk like it was my job, to the point of excess. And I definitely gained a few extra pounds. It wasn’t a big deal (mostly visible in my face), but crept up on me nonetheless. I wasn’t being mindful with the amount of soy I was consuming and once I started educating myself more, I started to balance soy milk with Lactaid and other non-milk alternatives. I don’t mean to hate on the soy (because I’m definitely a fan), I’m just saying there is such a thing as “too much of a good thing,” and if four soy lattes before 10 am isn’t it, then I’m not sure what is. Moderation has never been my strong suit, especially when I discover new foods (hello, sweet potato rut). If awareness was the first step, then continuing my education was the second. The blog world helped with that, opening my eyes to almond milk, rice milk, and how to be vegan without processed soy supplements. Losing weight was never a conscious decision/goal, but it came off naturally and because of that, I know it was meant to be. If anything, for most of my life I have been underweight (according to BMI standards which don’t really account for muscular/athletic builds). God bless my parents for their awesome genetics. Without my fast metabolism, I may be singing a completely different tune.
Now, like I said before, I definitely have days where I feel nast, bloated, and generally crap-tastic. So what works best for me is distraction. Dwelling on how I feel will get me nowhere (said from way too much experience). Usually I whine to Kyle (poor guy), and eventually I get over it. Sometimes I treat myself to cool new running gear or sign up for a race to refocus my energy into a positive outlet, but in the back of my mind I always know that I’m in control of my body. When I get down about skipping a workout and spending an entire day in my PJs, Kyle always tells me that my standards are insanely higher than the normal person’s. And he’s right. It’s a good thing I have him to remind me of such things.
Basically when all is said and done, what you see is what you get. My blog is a reflection of me. Not part of me, not a diluted version of me, and not just a sugar coated side of me. I’ve ranted before about everything from my job woes to going weeks without running, and it’s amazing to have such sweet readers who respond to what I feel with such understanding and compassion. I try to life a healthy balanced life and I hope that comes through.
And on that scrumptious note, I’m out!
I make the exact same hot chocolate with agave and cocoa powder – its wonderful without crashing a healthy day!
dinner looks great!
jenna
Wow, great response to the vegan question on weight, etc. Your response was very honest and relateable! Even if you’re not a nutrition professional, sounds like you’re doing all the right things! I look forward to following!
ha so i’m going to say this in the most unoffensive way ever and i think you’ll understand it because well i think we have the same sense of humor ish but when i read your blog it makes me think of the most random and silly things in the world NOT because of you. because of me. for example (quick before i ruin our blogationship. when i read the “MOCHA” word it immediately made me think of zoolander and “ORANGE MOCHA FRAPPACHINOS!” hahaha. things like that happen all the time when i’m reading your hippie words.
enough of that. are we still friends?
things you shouldnt be…
marrying kyle unless you give me a substantial reason as to why you were not in attendance at the gmoney game on sunday.
this is just my way of being uber jealous.
i love you, you are golden in my eyes. occasionally i do restrain my rando references (ie gasoline station dancing mocha songs), but im glad to know if i did let them slip in, it would be ok by you 😉
he went with work peeps (tix through the j-o-bizzle) and i was at work, BOOOOOOOOOOO.
gahhh your meals make me drooooooool! how is daves killer bread?? i see it all over the bloggie world!
hello. i’m delurking to say i think you are great. 🙂
I love your outlook on the “weighty” issue… though yeah, I’m sure the awesome genetics can’t hurt! ;p
How DO you manage to be vegan and not use much soy?? I have nothing against soy — and I love my carbs — but where am I supposed to find protein?!?!
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you have such a great outlook on weight & your lifestyle. i really hope to be as confident & sure of myself with my eats one day 🙂
xoxo
shelley
http://findinghappinessandhealth.wordpress.com
ps- those noodles look sooo so good!
I just wanted to let you know that I was having a really tough day today…but this post helped me out a LOT. So thank you =]
Great post Elise!
Chatfield’s cocoa powder-I’ve never had it. Maybe I should be into that, huh? My dirty little secret is that I think Albertson’s/Ralph’s/etc store-brand of cocoa powder is actually better than Hershey’s and usually I prefer it to the overpriced Green & Black’s. So Chatfields, mental note has been made.
“Fruits and veggies should never be counted, controlled, or eaten in moderation, period. I mean, how could anything that grows from the ground be bad for you? ” Totally agree!!!! I do not count anything, ever. I try not to gorge on my raw cookie dough ball du jour, but other than that, I just go with the flow. I also have a bite or two, and I’m done. I wanted the taste, not really the whole thing most times.
And the protein issue. Check. Duly noted and always agreed 🙂
And on everything else…I think we’re pulling a 180 degree U-turn sometime in the next few mos. Will keep u posted on email 🙂
hey girl! i loved that answer to ur question! I understand completely. I go on kicks for weeks (hummus on everything, bagels for a week, soy milk lattes for a week) and then I get sick of them and move on. I think its called being a girl and having way too many horomones….I feel like vegans, carnivores, vegetarians, flex-itarians, etc. can all have carb-centric diets or veggie-filled diets and gain or lose weight. I don’t think its just a vegan thang. Now to ur food… Um where on earth can I get dave’s bread and that zevia? It looks stellar!
sorry ur date with snacky fell through! Im excited for next monday though, because me and her have a date on my first night in NYC! Im stoked! U should come!
xoxoxo
Lolo
Great post, as always! Thanks for sharing your story. And now I’m off to root around my condo to find my date stash, thanks to you…
I feel the same way – I try to eat a lot of fruits and veggies and NEVER feel guilty about it! It makes me crazy that so many people are anti-carb, since carbs are in everything!
i love your blog and don’t comment on here enough! loved the housewives reference. trashy tv gets me through the stress-filled days sometimes-oy. longing for the next season of rachel zoe. i tried this coffee combo this morning! just what i needed before my final. thanks for the tip!–and thanks for keeping me laughing! 🙂
I love love love this post. I share your same minor insecurities/hangups about food and weight, but I also want to share your desire NOT to have those thoughts! You made some good points here about moderation and how flippin awesome fruits and veggies are. I eat a carb-heavy diet too but I’m gonna try to not beat myself up over it anymore! Thanks girl!
awesome post. Your attitude about food and weight is so refreshing 🙂
LOVE it! I mean, you’re real in all your posts (especially compared to others I think), but this one in particular. And the part about how sometimes you feel craptastic (awesome word by the way). You’re right, in general we all do it. Particularly come that time of the month. There is a crazy B in all of us women, sometimes she just kind of takes over, and that’s ok.
This is a beautiful and inspirational post! And your healthy attitude about food, weight, and body image truly comes through in your blog! I wish more girls and women (myself included) were able to approach life this way–you seem like you really enjoy it to the fullest, and while you acknowledge that you occasionally feel like crap, you also don’t let this keep you from enjoying life. Love the blog!
Okay, so after reading this post i’m now even MORE obsessed with you. Period!
i think your relationship with food is amazing–and one to be desired! we should cover all food groups in a day, but not stress about eating TOO much fruit or TOO many carbs, etc etc….we eat what we like and if we lead active lives…it will all balance out! If we trust ourselves, we’ll see that we don’t ONLY want one food group in a day, and loads of it. We just gotta TRUST! YA DIG?! 🙂
With that being said, the mocha sounds fabulousss and i MUST re-create that zucchini pasta (with some humm-daddy eng muffins on the side!) !
Oh ps! Vicki appreciates the shout out, hahahaha oh my. gotta love our real housewives of the OC!
I have not had zucchini pasta in waaaaay to long–thanks for the delicious drool-worthy reminder 🙂 I gotta get me some zucchini asap.
I don’t own a scale either–more power to ya! I could see getting obsessive way too easily. I think you have a very healthy attitude about it all…moderation is NOT my strong point either (ummm…hello apple addict!?).
Courtney
Wow, I knew we had similarities, but I just had this weight discussion with a co-worker earlier today and said almost exactly what you said above. I don’t do the scale thing. It’s silly. And I eat what I want, when I want because mostly everything is plant-based! It’s not going to hurt me! The food group thing, too. Totally with you! OK, when are you free next week???
Ok, I’m mildly in amor with everythang you said in this post. Like TODO. I agree with it all–especially the carbs. I eat a VERY carb heavy diet–especially for a non-athlete haha–but they are what my body asks me for. I’m not about to down a salad if mi cuerpo wants pita & hummus. (And it always does…)
long story short, you are brilliant. and we need to eat together. MUCHO.
well.said.
Oh Vicki – sometimes I feel bad for her and sometime I can’t stand the crazy woman.
A-frickin men on your Q&A. It drives me insane when people go carb-free/fat-free/whatever-free. I could never be an Atkins girl – LOVE those damn carbs!
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A little late to mention it but this is a great post. You should be VERY proud of your stance on how you view food…and realize that you help others (ME!) big time. Way to go for your honesty and for having a great, realistic attitude about food/exercise/life! 🙂
THIS POST IS WHY I LOVE YOU.
i completely agree – dwelling on the negative gets you nowhere. you just gotta let it out, suck it up and keep on going. AMEN SISTER.
Mi rubia favorita…Always wonderful to read such positivity in your posts. You are sooo not a normie! You’re AH-mazing E! Always so inspiring and such a perfect blog for me to read after I just ranted about how I’m feeling all bloaty and haven’t hit the gym in a few cuz the weather in L.A. is a bit on the cold side. I know I shouldn’t complain cuz it’ll prob dip back up to the 70s next week, but cold and rain combo leads to bad L.A. drivers ie, traffico galore = Ethel has little motivation to manuever the streets of Hwood to get to el gym. Bleh. But after reading this post, I’m thinking I can sneak a bit of crunches and push-ups after work pre-heading to Sbomb’s for her bday celebration. Oh, we’re hitting up Bodega wine bar. Love love love this place and I think you will too, the next time you’re in lala land.
Love the pics of your pasta, I think that’s what I’ll be having for din din at the Croatians tonight. And Re your Zevia soda, I actually didn’t like it the first time I tried it, but it has grown on me, so I sporadically purchase it when I’m Ralph’s. I’m glad it’s made an appearance on your blog. =D
Chocolate chip stuffed dates!? Oh my – delicious!
I love this. Thank you.
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