Take Heed

Ahhh, it was yet another glorious day around these parts. Mid 20?s and clear blue skies. Felt like a summer day!

I loved reading through everyone?s goals for May. One of the reasons why I keep doing it! Here is just a snippet for inspiration ;)

So now when I check in every week this month you can keep me updated on how it?s going! I think I?ll make Sunday check-in days again. Seems to be the only day of the week I can remember?

Once again I am putting my ugliest photos at the top of the post. Probably not the best blogging technique ;)

But this has to be shared!

Last night, I microwaved 3/4 cup egg whites in a mug, then added blueberry jam and peanut butter.

 
Are you gagging yet? I assure you it was delicious. I?ve had eggs with fruit before, but the nut butter really brought it up a notch. Scrumptious snack!

I was up at 6am with a growling tummy. It required a special remedy.

 
Hey, it was never specified which type of jar oats in a jar should be eaten out of ;)

The last of my marshmallow fluff now that I?m trying to lay off the refined sugar. Cream of wheat cooked with egg whites, topped with PB and chocolate chips for good measure.

 
The fluff melts on the hot oats and it transforms into the thing dreams are made of.

I can?t believe I?ve never thought of it before, but I added a splash of vanilla extract to my coffee today ? delightful!

 
Thankfully, I don?t drink regular cow?s milk or cream, so reducing my dairy consumption should not affect my coffee consumption. I normally just use a splash of almond milk. Cow?s milk has always made me squeamish :\

Are you singing it now?

Naner and dates with crunchy almond butter. I?m back and forth with crunchy and smooth. I just can?t decide which is best.

Then it was off to Body Step! I went to the big gym again and it was beyond stellar. My heart rate skyrocketed because I was pushing myself to the max. It?s such a motivating class. I credit it entirely to the instructors ? they bring it out of me! 

 
My whole life, my eyes have always been bigger than my stomach.

Except in the case of salads. I?d say they?re on par here ;)

 
Highlights being spinach, kale, rotisserie chicken breast, and pickled beets. Dressing made out of watered down hummus.

I?m trading in my usual romaine lettuce for dark leafy greens to make up for some of the calcium I?m missing out on without the usual dairy. I?ll also add a little more tofu, almonds and sardines which are all notably high in calcium as well. And of course, I take a daily calcium supplement! There?s tons of conflicting research out there about calcium absorption. Unfortunately, it?s an issue that?s been highly politicized.

After lunch, I took the pooch out for his walk in the sunshine. It was hot out!

 
He passed out at the bottom of the stairs again after. This is probably my favourite picture of the bugger yet. Archie + Running shoe = <3

 
I think I?m losing my love for honeycrisp, it?s been replaced by galas. This snack powered me through cleaning out my closet. I am getting rid of exactly half of my wardrobe!

I had full plans of eating up my cupboards this week, but I just couldn?t do it. I caved and bought fresh produce

 
I?ll throw out my 2-year-old box of lasagna noodles and expired box of soup. The fresh veggies were worth it.

Steamed green beans + broccoli, topped with 2 whole eggs that were scrambled with smoked salmon, capers and honey mustard. Scrambled eggs + mustard may be my new favourite thing. Awesome pairing!!

And some butter on hot toast. Nothing like it my friends!

I was supposed to meet a friend to practice for my personal training practical ? but the gym was closed! I dropped her off at home, and intended to drive back to my place. But I drove right past the turn off to my neighbourhood and kept driving.

I drove across the river to the other side of town, and kept driving.

I rolled my window all the way down and turned up Death Cab For Cutie?s Narrow Stairs album.

In the two years that I?ve been driving, I?ve never just driven. I?ve always been on a mission, a deadline, somewhere to be.

I had no clue where I was going tonight, but that didn’t stress me out. Instead I relished in the scent in the air and the feel of it on my face. It was fantastic.

It?s helps that I live in a gorgeous river valley. I may be sick of this city, but that river definitely stole my heart.

I effortlessly found my way back home and hour later. I took the dog out for another evening stroll. Again, soaking up every minute. Day 2 of my May Goals, and I?m already reaping the benefits.

Finished the night off with some Averie inspired protein popcorn. Microwave popcorn tossed with a little water and chocolate protein powder. Another fabulous treat :)

I am off to go cuddle up in bed and read magazines. Busybusy day tomorrow packing up!

Questions of the Day:

1. Nut butter ? smooth or crunchy? Flavoured or natural? I?m back and forth, but I think I like crunchy best. Definitely natural.

2. What moment recently made you stop and take heed? Tonight, I walked up the hill and looked over the river as the sun was setting. And the smell of freshly cut grass coming in through my car window!