Call Me Even Steven

As we bid adieu to 2008, I look back on the year as one filled with new beginnings for me: I decided to pursue a career as a nutritionist; I became a runner; and, of course, I began writing this blog. 2008 will for sure be a year to remember. What will you remember about 2008?

Milestones aside, I can't help but be a little annoyed that we are moving into an odd-numbered year. Maybe I am just weird, but I simply prefer even numbers. Perhaps 2009 will cure me of my distaste for odd numbers...

Alright enough about my numerical hang-ups. Let's get down to business so the partying can begin!

Monday
Immediately following Monday's post, I settled down to make dinner. The centerpiece of the meal was Lindsay's African Kale and Yam Mash (although I used sweet potatoes). I served the mash alongside some pan-fried tofu, which I had seasoned with garlic powder and cumin. A salad with Woodstock dressing completed the meal.
The shake of the evening featured strawberries, banana, chocolate hemp protein, soymilk, and chocolate syrup. Yummy, as always.
Tuesday
I woke up yesterday craving some scrambled tofu. This version included spinach and green onions...I think I was a little heavy-handed with the turmeric, because this dish was practically glowing yellow. On the side, I had a whole grain English muffin and a few clementines. PS I stocked up on chopsticks at World Market over the weekend:)
I was hungry by the time lunch rolled around, so I kept it simple with a hummus veggie wrap. That's shiitake-sun dried tomato hummus along with steamed kale and baby bellas inside the wrap. I also had a salad with Goddess dressing and an apple.
Speaking of 'shrooms, have you heard about these new vitamin D-infused mushrooms? Somehow the folks at Monterey Mushrooms have managed to grow mushrooms with significant amounts of the sunshine vitamin. Personally, I am excited about this innovation, since most natural food sources of vitamin D are not ones that I include in my diet (egg yolks, cod liver oil, salmon). Supplements and sun exposure are alternative sources, but I prefer to not use supplements, and sun exposure poses the hazard of skin cancer. With the benefits of vitamin D becoming increasingly apparent, these fancy shrooms seem like a perfect solution. Read more about it here.

Whew, I apologize for the tangential nature of this post. Anyway, here's dinner: whole wheat waffles (made with my new waffle maker!) with strawberries, plus a new kind of Greek yogurt mixed with pumpkin.
The shake last night consisted of peach Spirutein, soymilk, peaches, and non-dairy vanilla ice cream. Peaches 'n cream, to the max.
Wednesday
After a very chilly run this morning, I knew I needed a hot bowl of oats to warm me up. I combined vanilla almond milk, oats, cinnamon, pumpkin, and banana, then topped the combination with cashews and chocolate chips. This was my first time combining chocolate with pumpkin...I haven't decided whether I like it or not. I am so accustomed to my usual pumpkin-raisin combination.
I got the chance to visit The Fresh Market this afternoon, where I picked up a few out-of-the-ordinary groceries:
Today's lunch was a simple tofu salad: silken tofu with vegan mayo, paprika, celery, and a tad of whole grain mustard. I stuffed it into a pita and served it alongside a big salad and an apple with my new Mighty Maple PB.
Before I let you go for your evening of celebration, check out what I got in the mail yesterday:
Thanks to Robyn from Gnu Foods for sending me these samples! I am stoked to finally get a chance to try all the flavors!

Happy New Year!