Killin' Time

With my final papers complete and just one (non-cumulative) exam separating me from my freedom, I am just killin' time now. Sure, I could be studying hard-core for that stat exam...but what's the fun in that? Today's events included an excellent run in the morning, followed by a trip to pick up my paycheck...and an "accidental" trip to Whole Foods. WF is located just across the street from where the Writing Studio, where I picked up my paycheck; the siren song of organic edibles lured me across the crosswalk. I was good though; I just browsed the aisles and picked up the latest issue of Clean Eating, my most recent magazine addiction. I spent the rest of the day semi-studying...and cooking, of course!

Friday
Strawberry shakes are the epitome of sweet simplicity. Just strawberries, Nutribody protein, and soymilk went into this treat.
Saturday
Continuing my quest to "taste the rainbow" through my oatmeal bowl, I decided to tackle the yellow portion of the spectrum with pineapple. Light coconut milk, shredded coconut, and cashew butter added a complementary tropical element. Yum.
I made some simple chickpea tacos for lunch using chickpeas, zucchini, cumin, oregano, ground red pepper, and salsa. I also had a salad and some applesauce with pecans.
For dinner, my friends and I headed to The Washington Duke Inn to kill off some superfluous food points. The Inn is quite ritzy, so it was brimming with luxe Christmas decorations. We couldn't resist a picture by the Christmas tree:)
Anyway, here's a recap of what I ordered: Bibb lettuce salad with pear, bleu cheese, and toasted hazelnuts. Next came my specially ordered entree. I asked for a surprise vegetarian dish, since the menu's meat-free options were quite limited. As it turned out, the sous chef is a vegetarian himself, so I received quite the stunning meal: layered sauteed vegetables atop a potato-fennel pancake. For dessert, I ordered the pomegranate sorbet with fresh berries. Everything was phenomenal, and it was a great way to spend the evening.
After all that food, I still managed to save room for another strawberry shake.
Sunday
Next up on my oatmeal adventure was GREEN. As you might recall, I attempted to make green oats before (unsuccessfully) with a pistachio Larabar. This time, I definitely achieved a green hue. The magic ingredient was a packet of Amazing Grass, in the berry flavor. Look for a review in the future.
After chapel and a few hours of feverish paper-writing, I took a break for lunch. I made a sweet potato hash with black beans, chickpeas, broccoli, cumin, and ground red pepper. I also had a salad with Goddess dressing and peaches.
I kept dinner simple last night, as my motivation to think was waning after I pumped out page 18 of my paper. I had a salad with soynuts, toast, and an apple with PB.
The shake last night was another Spirutein success. The flavor of choice was cookies 'n cream this time to which I added 1.5 frozen bananas and soymilk. What a great way to reward myself:)
Monday
With so much time on my hands today, I got creative with my meals. I started off with some banana fingers: banana dipped in cinnamon-spiked plain yogurt, then rolled in crushed spelt flakes. I used some cashew butter for dipping.
Upon my return from Whole Foods, I heated up a can of lentil soup and served it alongside salad, toast, and Waldorf salad. My Waldorf consists of diced apple, vegan mayo, currants, chopped almonds, and a dash of nutmeg.
For dinner tonight, I dusted off my copy of ED&BV to create some Orange Sesame Tofu. It was superbly delicious, just as I remember it from the last time I made it. I served it alongside whole grain couscous, ginger-laced zucchini and mushrooms, and a salad with orange slices and peanuts. Whew. Lots of food, lots of satisfaction.
I'll be heading to bed soon, but I'm in need of some good reading material. What are you reading right now? Winter break is one of the rare occasions that I have the time to read for pleasure, so I plan to take full advantage of it! Please send any recommendations my way!

Be back Wednesday.

Edited to add: Check out this awesome giveaway at Eating Bender! You all know how much I love blending things...