A Quorny Lunch

Jillian Michaels returned as my Friday morning spin instructor yet again. Woah Nelly, this girl is INTENSE!! I got there a little early so I did some upper body strength to warm up:

If I would have KNOWN what class was going to be like I probably would have skipped out on the strength! We spent 40 minutes cycling with tons of jumps and sprints and then headed off the bike, on the mat, to do two sets of 25 push-ups and TONS of abs. I haven’t done that many crunches all year….I think I’m set. Luckily my dad was in the class with me so I had someone to sweatily whine to! After class, however, we both agreed that we felt SO MUCH BETTER. My dad and I are one in the same when it comes to stress—we like to take it out in our workouts and exercise is our drug of choice. For one whole hour I didn’t think about the accident, I didn’t think about my grandfather in ICU…..all I thought about is that I had to make it through the class! And I did. Triumphantly with 530 calories burned.

When I got home all I was craving was juice so I went into gear and produced a delectable combo—

One small beet (last one from the yoga garden!), 2 celery stalks, 2 carrots, BIG handful spinach, granny smith and big chunk of ginger. It tasted fantastic!

I had a serving of raw cheesie for some protein with my juice:

I LOVE this brand. First time trying it but it blew away the previous kind I tried. This cheese is a little on the pricey side (it was $6.00 I believe) but one of those things that is worth it and I know I’ll buy more when I run out. Raw milk cheese is much easier for our bodies to digest and the taste is creamy and delicious. I highly recommend trying this….it makes a very yummy and satisfying snack!

Now, as for my lunch, I was very pleased to try a new product that was dropped at my doorstep a few days ago:

And it came packaged in such a cute little lunchbox with a radio! Sweet! Thanks, Quorn!!

I’ve tried other Quorn products and have always been impressed by the taste. Really, the only thing that deters me from buying more of their products is that they are on the pricey side. I like Quorn though because it is soy-free (something I watch out for since breast cancer runs in my family) and made from natural sources….ahem….mushrooms! You would never know though—I promise! If you go to the Quorn website you can learn all about the high quality mushroom protein. I think it’s pretty awesome!

Today for lunch I tried one of the many recipes for “creative lunches” on the Quorn website. My eyes and tummy instantly went to the yummy sounding “Mediterranean Wrap” so I whipped it up while I got ready.

It was very quick and easy to make and I sort of modified the original recipe to use summer squash, bell pepper and red onion instead of eggplant. I love anything with roasted veggies!

It was absolutely delicious and I would without a doubt make it again! I used an Ezekiel sprouted wrap and low fat mozzarella cheese and it was perfectly filling and satisfying—not to mention easy to make! However, things did get a little messy at the end…..

(yes, I am currently wrapped up in a deliciously furry and soft robe while I pick out my most professional outfit for the wine festival!)

I also had a tiny square of organic dark chocolate to cap off my meal. Yum. I had to have something filling because I’m about to taste wine all afternoon! I never mention that I have chocolate after every meal but I do. Every single meal. I keep a bar of Endangered Species 75% dark in my purse and break off one or two squares after lunch and dinner and maybe one mid-afternoon when I feel the urge. I sort of nibble on it all day. Every day.

I have also been asked lately if I drink coffee in the morning. The answer is NO. I drink water or peppermint herbal tea every morning. I will have coffee though if I’m super tired or mid-day on occasion. Also, I sometimes like to top off a nice dinner out with a decaf espresso. But not every day and not every morning. I’m just too lazy is what it boils down to and I feel great without it…..I’m always energized and now I find that I crave fresh juice instead! It did take a few days to ween myself off the caffeine though—think major headaches and fatigue. But after I passed over the hump, I felt better than ever!

I’m off to go pick my outfit for today and head out. A little nervous but bringing my Moleskine and going to attempt to look super professional while tasting wines. Hoping to run into someone from Murphy-Goode so I can promote my cheesy video!

My Creative Loafing post on “Beans & Greens” is finally up! Here you can find my exact recipe and learn more about why dried beans rock my socks off!