Goooood evening everyone – one more work and/or school day left – are you so excited?!?! Any great plans for the weekend? There is a ton of stuff going on around here that I’m jazzed about…I’ll keep you up-to-date over the next couple of days!
Ok – one thing about working out when you wake up is that is makes you friggin’ HUNGRY! I practically leapt out of the Dentist’s chair when my exam was over (no cavities!) to race down to my car and eat my breakfast. I gobbled everything down before I even made it to work! When 12:00 came I dove into my salad too – which was super flavorful, btw!
By mid-afternoon I had a craving for a soda, so Ben and I went to a nearby gas station to pick up a few. While we were there, I got some Strawberry Mambas. Remember those? Oh my gosh, I used to get these ALL THE TIME when I was growing up! They are so tasty! What was your favorite candy when you were little?
When I got home from work – I was STILL hungry, so I snacked on a Blueberry PURE bar! I know – two in one day = kind of nutso, but when you look at the nutritionals and the fact that it’s all natural – well, I don’t feel that bad!
This flavor was awesome – with chunks of real, dried blueberries and nuts! One thing I’ve found with PURE bars is that they have an almost buttery, luxurious taste that is really unique – and REALLY delicious!
For dinner I made one of my go-to’s – Lemon Pepper Chicken with Artichoke Salsa.
I made the artichoke salsa last night (which took about 1.5 minutes), then just sautéed some chicken breasts sprayed with non-stick spray and sprinkled with lemon pepper seasoning on my flat top skillet. While the chicken was cooking, I tossed some fresh asparagus with garlic powder and olive oil, and put them under the broiler for ~8 minutes – stirring half way through.
When everything was cooked, I put some baby spinach on a plate, topped with the asparagus, chicken, artichoke salsa and some freshly chopped tomatoes – and dinner was ready!
I absolutely love the tangy artichokes and capers in this salsa – it goes perfectly with the lemon pepper seasoning.
Plus – look at all the delicious veggies you’re getting with this dish: spinach, asparagus & tomatoes!
I’m trying to make Ben take me out for ice cream this evening – but alas, he is glued to the NBA draft, dang! I may have to take a solo trip…!
p.s. my abs are so sore from my hilly run this morning…I like that!
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Don’t forget to enter the Real Simple + PURE Bar Giveaway up to three different ways for 1 of 6 prize packages!! Grand Prize Package includes the infamous Dutch Letter!! The giveaway will be closed at 1pm Central tomorrow afternoon!
Question: Do you prefer to use recipes, or make up meals off the top of your head? If you like recipes, what are your go-to cookbooks and websites to get recipes from?
I could never follow a recipe and just make my meals with whatever I feel like eating!
Just like you, I’d overload my meals with veggies. For today’s lunch, I have beef curry with sweet potatoes, carrots, and kabocha. Plus, a side of mizuna and sprouts! 
You’re right. I run every morning and I notice that my hunger is so much more profound on the weekdays (when I run) as oppose to on the weekends. I eat a refueling breakfast and then I am hungry again by 10am.
Good to keep the metabolsim going!
You’re dinner sounds wonderful. LOVE artichokes. I don’t think I use them enough. They are super delcious in so many recipes.
Yay for no cavities!!!
artichokes + capers = love!
I only really use recipes if I’m baking, and even then I usually riff a little. Depends on my mood!
OK. I officially want to hire you to cook for me now. Man! That looks great! I wish I had more creativity in the kitchen, but I’m usually about the easiest think I can crank out. (not because I need the time, but because I’m that lazy)
I do make some recipes on my own, but I’m pretty sure I’m the only one who would think they are good.
Girl, I love your plating skills.
I am awful about making recipes up on my own. I need a recipe. I find great ones off of food network and in the blog world! I tried my first PURE bar today, cranberry cashew I believe it was. So good!! I ate about 3/4 and have 1/4 left! Definitely filling! Loved it!!
i look at recipes to get a general idea.. I never follow them. I usually use allrecipes.com
http://strivingforbalance.wordpress.com/
I hear you on the HUNGRY after AM workouts!
I use recipes as an idea base but always change them a ton coming up with my unique creating. I find this easier the more I do it and the more I know what I enjoy.
B
I love to follow recipes. Many I have gotten off the ww boards and others at meetings.
I am dying to try that Blueberry Pure Bar flavor. I keep hoping that Whole Foods with stock up on them
haha
I tend to follow recipes but sometimes I just like to think up my own creations depending on what needs to be consumed out of the fridge
haha
ooh, mamba’s are my favorite!!! I haven’t had them in so long.
I like just making up whatever I want, but I do follow new recipes pretty closely unless I just don’t have something -especially if it’s something I’ve never made before.
I have loved Mambas as long as I can remember. Raspberry being my favorite.
Your din-din is so gorgeous. You are simply fabulous with your presentations!
I love reading recipes and getting ideas for new things. I use my Betty Crocker “wedding” edition cookbook, and find recipes in magazines, etc. I almost always just use them as a guide, though. I like to add my own things, or sub in different ingredients.
Yay for no cavities!
I wish I got more chances to cook… I live at home with my parents since I’m a full time student and my step dad is an amazing cook, so it’s easy to just let him do it.
But my fave candy as a kid is still on my list to this day: Pez! Along with Reeses PB cups, KitKats, and Twix. Can’t remember ever trying Mambas though, so I may have to try some on my plane flight next week to keep me awake
Have a good one!
i love mamba’s!! woohoo!
Great, this is such a great website!!!!!