Procrastination via Organization

Like many of you, I am lucky enough to have today off, in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday. Many of peers are studiously using this extra day off as an opportunity to catch up on work and prepare for the academic rigors of the weeks ahead. But I'm not. Aside from sleeping in and completing a few minor assignments, I decided it would be a much better use of time to organize my pantry! Exhibit A:
I grew tired of having a cupboard full of miscellaneous bags and chip clips to store my nuts and dried fruit, so I invested in a few storage containers. Now my snacks will be fresh, and my cupboard will be tidy. I derive far too much enjoyment from kitchen organization. How do you keep your cupboards neat?

Anyway, here's what I've been munching since Friday's post:

Friday
I was just itching to use some of new frozen blueberries, so I threw them in the blender along with some strawberries, soymilk, and Nutribody protein.
Saturday
I awoke to another frigid morning, so I made sure to warm myself up after my workout with a hot breakfast. I poured heated rice milk over a few crumbled Weetabix biscuits; I had an apple with almond butter as well.
Almost immediately afterward, I headed out to the Duke basketball game, where we were once again victorious:)
I was starving when I returned to the apartment, so I relied on some freezer goodies, namely an Amy's Texas burger. I slapped that on some bread with salsa and served it alongside a salad with pepitas and a few grapes.
Then it was off to the mall...where I was completely unsuccessful at finding a puffer coat. Instead I ordered this one online when I got home. What do you think? Anyway, I made a quick dinner before a viewing of Father of the Bride with my friends: black beans, peppers, and avocado in a whole grain pita, along with zucchini and a couple clementines.
The shake of the evening was creamy and delicious: frozen banana with chocolate rice protein, soy milk, non-dairy ice cream, and a dusting of cocoa powder. YUM.
Sunday
I made my usual Sunday morning oatmeal, this time with applesauce, oats, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cashews.
After chapel and a little studying, I made a simple lunch: black beans and onions (with a few spices) atop a bed of spinach, a baked sweet potato, and a dish of peaches with wheat germ and pecans.
By the time I got to eat dinner, I was famished again. I came up with an impromptu version of one of my mom's old dishes: mashed potatoes with ham & cheese. I didn't have any "veggie" ham on hand, so I substituted TVP. Also in the mix is dill and garlic. Delish. On the side, I had brussels sprouts, salad with Woodstock dressing, and a few grapes.
The shake took a decidedly decadent note last night, as I combined a frozen banana, dark cocoa powder, chocolate rice protein, soymilk, strawberries, coconut, and dairy-free chocolate chips (I think that's everything...). Fabulous combination!
Monday
I must be on a choco-nana kick, because I used the same combination for breakfast in my oatmeal: oats, dark cocoa powder, banana, cinnamon, and PB. I felt like I was eating brownie batter for breakfast!
You all must get really tired of seeing this meal every post, but I made another tofu scramble for lunch. It's just so delicious and easy! I combined silken tofu with tahini, soy sauce, minced garlic, ginger, turmeric, and sliced zucchini and served it with toast and a salad with clementines. Perfection.
Speaking of repetitive meals, I am a little bored with my eats lately. How do you get out of your dietary ruts? Do you have any favorite cooking websites? Recipe suggestions are always welcome!

Enjoy your Monday!

A Leisurely Celebration

Amidst the chaos of the Christmas season, from frenzied mall adventures to last-minute cookie baking, the peacefulness of Christmas Day always takes me by surprise. I always appreciate the slower pace of the holiday; it gives me a chance to truly enjoy the company of my loved ones, without worrying about the next item on my Google Calendar. Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, I hope you all had a chance to enjoy some leisure time yesterday:)

As the family's foodie and health nut, I received several presents related to healthful cooking and fitness. Check 'em out:

Each member of the Yoder clan has a matching stocking, knitted by my Aunt Susan. They're extra large (and stretchy) to make room for plenty of candy, socks, and underpants!
A few books: Simply Organic Cookbook, Mollie Katzen's Vegetable Heaven, and a book about my fashion icon, Audrey Hepburn.
A new pair of Air Pegasus running shoes.
My very own waffle maker!
A Christmas teapot. Also note my lovely apron--the top part reads "Eat Your Veggies"
I also received a heart rate monitor and a Wii Fit. May this year be my healthiest yet!

In this time of festivity, I got the chance to try a few new recipes...Enjoy!

Wednesday
It's a family tradition that we enjoy Stouffer's lasagna for Christmas Eve dinner before attending the evening church service. I had picked out a vegetarian baked penne recipe to prepare for myself, but unfortunately, time slipped away from me, so I relied on my good friend Amy. I heated up the Garden Vegetable Lasagna and served it alongside a salad and my first glass of wine as a 21 year old. The lasagna was perfect--the veggies amazingly retained their fresh taste, and there was just enough cheese. Yum.
When we returned from church, my sisters and I decided to use up some leftover cookie dough by making "Rudolph" cookies:
Before heading to bed, I whipped up another cherry smoothie: frozen cherries, soymilk, cherry Spirutein, and PB granola.
Thursday
My sister prepared quite the indulgent spread for the family on Christmas morning: biscuits 'n gravy (with sausage), bacon, and fruit salad. A crustless tofu quiche was on the menu for me, featuring tofu, tahini, soy sauce, garlic, broccoli, and mushrooms. Essentially, I put all the ingredients I use for scrambled tofu into a blender and baked it in the oven. It turned out delicious!
My brother-in-law Major wanted me to take a picture of him thoroughly enjoying his bacon:
My family takes turns opening presents on Christmas morning to ensure that we all appreciate each gift we're given. With 7 people and 5 dogs, our present-opening session took 4 hours! After that marathon, I needed a little fuel before heading out to see Marley and Me. I opted for "Better Bunny Salad" with a simple salad and whole wheat pitettes.
For the big dinner, I prepared a lentil loaf with lentils, onions, pasta sauce, and oats. I was in charge of the salad again (as I was for Thanksgiving), but this time I used field greens, pomegranate seeds, and Alabama pecans. The salad was served with Annie's raspberry vinaigrette. I also had green beans, cranberry sauce, and a few sips of white wine.
My shake of the evening was particularly festive, as it featured Egg Nog Spirutein (which incidentally includes no eggs). I combined it a frozen banana, soymilk, nutmeg, and a gingerbread man.
Friday
After a fantastic morning run at my high school's track, I refueled with a blueberry-rice milk smoothie and a Rudi's bagel with cashew butter.
My mom and I headed out to do a few returns and check out the sales at Banana Republic. I ended up with 3 shirts for $44! Score! Anyway, when I returned, I was famished and cold...chili it was! I combined diced tomatoes, chili beans, onion, cumin, oregano, and cayenne for a hearty winter stew. I topped it with mashed avocado and served it with greens, whole wheat pitettes, and a plum.
Although today seems strangely like a Saturday, the weekend is just beginning. How are you all spending your time off this weekend?

Enjoy your evening!