March Goals in Review

Good evening, friends! First of all, I want to thank YOU! This past month was the most successful in Une Vie Saine history, and I couldn't be more grateful to all of you for your continued readership. It put a huge smile on my face :) I'm thinking a thank-you giveaway will be in order soon...

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This afternoon ended up being very productive! I gave my apartment a total scrubdown, tended to a whole bunch of emails/phone calls/boring stuff I've been putting off, went to get some spin shoes and basically just organized my life in general. I snacked throughout the afternoon, but was still hungry for dinner pretty early.

On the menu: a Daiya cheese quesadilla in a Trader Joe's Lavash wrap, kale chips and roasted green beans, and a side of salsa for dipping.

For the veggies, I simply brushed them with a little olive oil and sea salt before roasting them at 350*F for about fifteen minutes.

The quesadilla was even easier: I plopped two generous handfuls of "cheese" atop the wrap, folded it over and heated on high in the microwave for 45 seconds.

Afterwards, I ate my weight in frozen grapes- literally half of a 3 lb bag is gone.

And currently, I'm enjoying my second mug of cinnamon-maple almond milk alongside a sandwich thin smeared with peanut butter.

A peanut butter spoon or two was also eaten in the making of this sandwich!

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At the beginning of the month, I set three goals that I wanted to work on over the course of March. I did pretty well on them!

1. Learn to use my camera better. 50/50. I did spend some time with my camera, but nowhere near the 15 minutes a day I wanted. I'm carrying this over to yet another month, but hey, at least I made some progress!

2. Experiment with more forms of exercise, especially strength training. Definitely a check for this one. I've tried a bunch of classes with my gym, including yoga, spinning and weights classes. It's been fun!

3. Try four new savory recipes. Check! Lazy girl mac and cheese, tomato-basil tofu scramble, homemade pizza and today's hummus. Nothing totally crazy, but I'm glad I tried a few new ideas.

I'm still trying to figure out whether I'll set April goals/what they'll be...decisions, decisions! Hope you're having a wonderful evening!

Did you set any goals this month? What were they? Are there any goals you're constantly working towards?

Homemade Horseradish Hummus

Recently, Foodzie contacted me to ask whether I'd be interested in joining their tasting panel for a new product included in their tasting box. I love to try new things and experiment in the kitchen, so obviously, I agreed! I received a free sample of the product in the mail, and was then asked to come up with a recipe using it as an ingredient. I'll admit that I was a bit stumped when I first received the package!

Horseradish-dill mustard from Schoolhouse Kitchen. To be honest, I don't know that I've ever had horseradish on its own before, so I had absolutely no clue where to begin. I tried a spoonful straight-up, and was pleasantly surprised by the creamy texture and tangy taste.

Though I kept trying to think of something mind-blowingly creative, my mind kept coming back to the horseradish hummus that I love so much from Trader Joe's. When in doubt, keep it simple, right?

Horseradish-Dill Hummus


 - 1 cup chickpeas, drained
 - 3 T tahini
 - 2 T fresh lemon juice
 - 1 clove garlic
 - 1/2 cup Schoolhouse Kitchen horseradish-dill mustard

In a food processor, blend chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice and garlic until smooth. Using a spatula, stir in mustard, stirring vigorously until well combined. Serve with crudite or cracker dippers, or use as a spread.

Of course, I had to give my creation a taste. I filled a bowl with a generous portion of it, then used some lavash wrap pieces, Mary's Crackers, carrot sticks and tomato slices to dig in.

It was way better than the Trader Joe's version. The dill and mustard tastes added a lot of complexity and kick to the chickpea flavor, making it a truly intriguing yet delicious dip.

Along with my dippable lunch, I had some cinnamon-sprinkled apple sliced and a few dates covered in what can only be described as a blanket of Trader Joe's creamy peanut butter.

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Lunch came after this morning's Red Carpet Ready workout, the same class I tried and loved last week. I was expecting the instructor to follow roughly the same format, but this week's routine was totally different, which was a great surprise! I think a lot of my strength training boredom stems from predictability, so I loved the change. My arms are going to hurt tomorrow, I can already tell!

Hope you're having a wonderful day!

What's your favorite condiment? Mine are probably ketchup, mustard and hummus. Now that I've mixed mustard and hummus, I wonder what ketchup and hummus would be like?

In Like a Lion, Out Like a Tiger

The last day of March- woo!! It's time to kiss these winter months goodbye. Even if Mother Nature seems to be having an identity crisis lately (rain/SNOW tonight?), the onset of April means that an end to the cold is finally in sight. I'm just hoping that the ten-day forecast miraculously morphs from 50s to 70s...

Chocolate-peanut-banana chia pudding provided a cheery and chocolatey start to my day:

(The recipe was featured on FitSugar the other day- I was so excited!)

Exactly as on Tuesday, I combined:
 - 3 tablespoons chia seeds
 - 1 cup almond milk
 - 1/4 cup peanut flour
 - 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
 - very thinly sliced banana
 - stevia

Mixed it, then left it in the fridge overnight. It's way easier to get out of bed on a cloudy, rainy day when you've got a breakfast treat to look forward to!

For some reason, I'm feeling kinda hungover today, even though the last time I had any alcohol was over the weekend. Unless leprechauns have been messing with my water supply,  I'm gonna go ahead and chalk it up to a little dehydration, probably since yesterday was a rest day and I skipped my 40 ounce gym bottle as a result. Tons of water for this girl today!

Off to a class at the gym soon. Hope you have a wonderful Thursday :)

How was the March weather in your neck of the woods? Are you feeling the warmth of spring yet, or are you still waiting on Mother Nature like me?

Comfort and Cancellations

Wednesday nights are one of my favorite times of the week. When class is over I practically skip home, knowing that I don't have to do homework and I won't feel like a loser for vegging on a weeknight. What's not to love?

For an easy dinner, I reheated the rest of my lazy-girl mac and cheese, adding some baby spinach and an extra handful of Daiya to pump up the cheesiness.

On the side, I had two slices of Ezekiel sprouted toast slathered in creamy peanut butter.

Comforting and cozy! It was like a grown-up version of my childhood favorites.

I also enjoyed a container of juicy pineapple chunks I'd purchased on my way home. I had a craving! Can you believe I've never actually cut a pineapple? I'm kind of attached (ha ha) to my fingers, so it intimidates me :)

Currently, I'm snacking on an apple and sunflower seeds while watching old episodes of The Hills. Is it just me, or do TV shows become infinitely better to watch after they're cancelled? Enjoy your evening!

What's your most relaxing night of the week? And what's your favorite cancelled TV show? I'm still sad that The OC only lasted four seasons!

Just a Hop, Skip and a Jump

It's official- I'm going to London in May with my dad! To the land of tea, Harry Potter, Stonehenge, castles, Harrod's, Georgia Nicholson, the Spice Girls and crazy hats.

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And Prince Harry. I've always preferred him to Wills. 

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My mom being the Francophile that she is, I went to Europe a fair amount growing up, but I've never been to the UK. So excited!! If you've got any suggestions on things to do, eat or see while I'm there, please let me know. I'm also hoping to have a blogger meet up while there, to meet some British blends :) I would have gone in April for the wedding, but clearly my invitation got lost in the mail...

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(If you're as obsessed with Kate Middleton as I am, you need to check out katemiddletonforthewin.tumblr.com. Hilarious, I swear.)

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In less exciting news back in the U.S. of A., today was pita pocket Wednesday!

I actually purchased these last night on the way home from class to beat the lunchtime deli crowd, then packed them up with an apple and banana bread Larabar to take with me today. 

Have I ever mentioned that these things are really messy to eat? Well, they are. Afterwards I have to double check my lap area in the mirror to ensure that there are no tofu bits hanging out attractively near my crotch. Classy lady.

Totally still worth it, though. Hope you're having a wonderful day!

If you could take a trip anywhere in the world, where would you choose? And a very serious question here: Prince William or Prince Harry?

Waffles, Take Two

Though for this morning's breakfast I was planning on having another chocolate chia pudding jar, I realized last night that I'd finished all my almond milk drinking mugs of cinnamon-maple almond milk. Tough life. Instead, I recreated Monday's almost-as-delicious waffles. Sometimes you just gotta roll with the punches!

I topped two Van's organic flax waffles with protein powder "frosting" (vanilla Sun Warrior + maple syrup + cinnamon), a sliced banana and a sprinkle of chia seeds.

The protein frosting is without a doubt the best part!

Recently, I've gotten a few questions about Sun Warrior. It's a vegan, raw, soy-free, sugar-free rice protein powder that comes in chocolate and vanilla flavors. I've tried many vegan powders, but Sun Warrior is hands-down my favorite. It's a bit pricey at roughly $45 for 2.2 pounds, but the bag lasts awhile and I think the taste and nutrition stats are absolutely worth it. You can buy it several places online, including Amazon and the Sun Warrior website

And now, to start your day with a smile...

How priceless is the dude's voice?

Hope you have a wonderful Wednesday!

Do you ever use protein powders? What are your favorite brands and flavors?

Saving the Best for Last

Whenever I eat salads, soups, casseroles or any other dish containing multiple components, I always save the best for last. I can't remember the last time I was an equal-opportunity eater! Case in point: tonight's tropical salad, a repeat of Sunday night's dinner.

Just a mix of spinach, tomatoes, carrots, mango and Caribbean tofu, covered in Bragg's Hawaiian dressing and sprinkled with black pepper. Plus two slices of sprouted bread on the side for carbs.

The spinach and tomatoes were the first to go, in that order. I like spinach and really love tomatoes as well, but they were undoubtedly the most boring ingredients in this particular combination.

Carrots were next to be eaten. They're slightly sweet, and therefore beat the former two as a "fun" salad component.

The tofu went next! It had a slight spicy kick to it that I loved, but didn't want lingering in my mouth post-meal.

Which left only the sweet, succulent mango. The perfect way to end a meal. (In case you're wondering, I ate the bread between the veggies and the tofu/mango. There is a method to my madness, I swear.)

Of course, the mango wasn't really last, because dessert always has to follow dinner!

A plate of dates, sunflower seeds and a gala apple. I think I preferred the mango to all of them, though!

Currently, I'm sipping on my favorite cozy drink: almond milk with maple syrup and cinnamon. Warms my soul.

Time to go do that silly homework thing. Enjoy your evening!

Do you save the best for last? What's your all-time favorite salad ingredient?

A Mile a Minute

I've been going a mile a minute today! Not sure why, but these past two days I've felt completely chipper and full of energy. I'm going with it :)

With all that energy, I was able to cross quite a few things off my to-do list, and still had time left over to create something delicious for lunch. I'm eating well today!

Lazy Girl Vegan Mac and Cheeze (adapted from Mama Pea's recipe for Lulu's Mac and Cheese)
serves 2

- 4 oz / 2 servings uncooked pasta (I used brown rice fusilli)
- 1 T non-dairy margarine (I used Earth Balance, olive oil would also probably work)
- 4 T hummus
- 2 T nutritional yeast
- 2 T water
- 1/2 c Daiya cheddar cheese shreds
- 2 T non-dairy milk, warmed for about 30 seconds in microwave (I used unsweetened almond)
- salt and pepper, to taste
- vegetables of choice (optional)

Cook and drain pasta according to package directions. While pasta boils combine hummus, nutritional yeast and water in a small bowl by whisking with a fork until consistency is smooth. Immediately after draining, return pasta to the pot and add olive oil. Pour in hummus sauce, stirring until all pasta is evenly coated. While pasta is still hot, add cheese shreds and almond milk, stirring consistently until cheese begins to melt. Top with salt and pepper and enjoy!

I added a handful of microwaved spinach and a chopped tomato for some extra nutrients, then dug in. It was gooey and cheesy without being too heavy or rich, and the combination of nutritional yeast with the cheddar cheese shreds gave it an awesome sharp flavor. It's probably not a replacement for Paula Deen mac and cheese, but it's certainly an easy way to fulfill a cheesy craving!

Along with my mac and cheese, I also had an apple with protein dip (Sun Warrior + maple syrup + cinnamon + water to thin).

Hopefully this energy helps the time pass quickly in class this afternoon? Have a great afternoon!

Freaking Delicious

I only need two words to describe this morning's breakfast: freaking delicious.

Dark chocolate-peanut-butter-banana chia pudding. It was every bit as decadent as you'd expect the non-chia version to be!

In the jar:
 - 1 c almond milk
 - 3 T chia seeds
 - 1 T Hershey's special dark cocoa powder
 - 1 serving Trader Joe's peanut flour
 - thinly sliced banana
 - sweetener, to taste

I mixed it all up last night, then left it in the fridge to gel overnight. The result was a rich, mousse-like dessert packed with healthy fats and protein.

So good, I used a spatula to lick the jar clean!

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This breakfast came after a 45 minute spin class this morning. Like last week, the instructor really focused on a lot of sprints, which had me dripping sweat. I really feel like spinning is the most effective workout for me- for some reason it's way easier for me to push my limits on the bike than while running, weight training or ellipticizing. 

The downside to this morning's class was the secret stinker sitting somewhere near by. I was in the corner of the room with a wall on two sides of me, but that didn't stop a very....flatulent odor from wafting near me every few minutes. Peeyoo! Seems like one of my classmates had beans for dinner last night. It's hard to breathe through only you're mouth when you're exercising, that's for sure!

Only 49 days till graduation! Have a wonderful Tuesday, everyone!

Writer's Block

It's not often that I get writer's block.

As anyone who knows me in real life can attest to, I'm a Chatty Cathy who rarely runs out of things to talk about. However, perhaps due in part to French excerpt I just translated, this evening I'm feeling completely uninspired. What to do? Google cures for writer's block, of course!

My personal favorite:
"Give up completely. Do so in the most writerly of ways by smacking your sweaty hand exasperatedly against your un-scholarly forehead, throwing your computer at the wall repeatedly until is explodes into flames, breaking your desk in half with several well-aimed elbow-drops, and finally chiseling onto the wall, in 3-foot-tall letters, the words “THE WORLD SHALL NEVER KNOW MY BRILLIANCE,” using only an old-fashioned #2 pencil and your teeth as a sharpener." (source)


Bad advice. I'm not going to give up if there's still food to talk about!


I bought a single avocado at Whole Foods yesterday, and today it was perfectly ripe. Time for guacamole!

I mashed the entire avocado with a few spoonfuls of salsa, lemon juice, salt and pepper, then spread it on two slices of Ezekiel sprouted bread. I didn't realize that I forgot to add the tomato I'd planned until I uploaded these pictures!

On the side, I had some lightly steamed carrot sticks, dipped into the hummus tub.

I love how dense and creamy avocadoes are. Filling, too! Of course, I still saved room for some non-dessert "dessert:"

Frozen red grapes + roasted unsalted almonds. A few peanut butter stuffed dates have slipped in since then, as well.

It's a good thing I have food to talk about, isn't it? :) Hope you're all having a great evening!


Do you ever get writer's block? How do you cure it?