Posted: September 1, 2011 at 8:00 pm
Another small group meeting at church meant another dinner of combined forces…aka (mostly) free food.
Our group has started doing a salad bar dinner when we meet for our “Grow Group” study mid-week. It fits perfectly because everyone brings different salad toppings, dressings, etc to contribute to the salad bar, so it ends up being a good spread of items without breaking the bank. Or making anyone cook. Both of which I greatly appreciate. 
I loaded up my plate with some mixed lettuce, carrots, tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, olives, and garbanzo beans. Then, I topped it all off with a light, yet creamy, Sweet Vidalia Onion Vinaigrette. That’s what I’m talking about, baby.
I went back to pile my veggie mountain with a bit more olives, cucumbers, and garbanzo beans mid-way through digging in. So delicious. I can certainly get used to this! And we’re even thinking of starting a different themed salad every week we meet – Santa Fe, Fruit & Nuts, Goat Cheese & Beets! Okay, I threw that last one in there. I don’t know how well that combo would go over. Sadly. Either way, I love that our group has come together to make sharing a meal not only cheap and easy, but healthy too!
In addition to our salad bar, my friend Danielle brought a small glazed chocolate cake she picked up to share.
kind of like this one [source]
Despite my friend’s kindness in bringing a dessert, I had to pass. You all know I only love cake if it includes gobs of frosting, so I knew I wouldn’t feel this cake. Sometimes it’s hard because I want to extend the courtesy of eating what someone contributed at a meal, but I also stand by eating what satisfies me and not eating just because something is there. Luckily Danielle and I are *likethis* so I knew she wouldn’t take offense when I politely declined a slice. And even though she knows I would go grab myself a serving of ice cream when I got home instead.
- Any good salad theme recommendations you have for our group?
- Do you ever feel the pressure to be polite with food? How do you handle it?
Posted by Tina on September 1st, 2011
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Posted: September 1, 2011 at 12:52 pm
Every day I try to think of the things in my life that make me grateful. Today one of those things would be Twitter. I’m serious!
This morning I had little motivation (again!) for a workout so called out for some support via the good ole Twitter.
Someone motivate me to go to the gym...
Then, I got just the swift kick in the rear I needed to get my booty out the door and to Group Power class for some weights action.
@ Go to the Gym, Tina...You Know You Want To!!
@ you never regret the workouts you do, but always regret the workouts you don't! @ go! I'll hit the weights if you go to the gym 🙂 @ GO TO THE GYM 🙂 you'll feel great afterwards and be high on endorphins! Twitter. It never fails for a boost in motivation. And I’m so glad I went. As soon as I got to the gym, I headed to Group Power class so I wouldn’t bail out after ten minutes. I could never walk out of a class, so I knew that would keep me going. Of course I had a smile on my face within the first five minutes and rocked out my workout. I even upped the weight on all the tracks from last week! I have really been feeling the Group Power weights class lately and may need to include it as a regular occurrence in my strength training. It has that no pressure workout vibe I’m currently loving. 
After class, I came home and did my normal routine of putting Braedon down for his morning nap and then getting my oatmeal breakfast cooking. I always have a quick snack before my workout and save the full oats breakfast for after. That way I can savor them outside of the morning madness.
While making my oats this morning, a sudden stroke of inspiration hit. To get my oats to the just-right consistency I cook them fully and then stir in extra liquid post-cooking until I get them how I like them. Usually I go for unsweetened vanilla almond milk, but today…I went a little daring.
That would be black coffee added to my oatmeal with a teaspoon of cocoa powder. Yes, indeedy. I went there. And there is a very good place.
Mocha Oats!!! That big bowl of brown is one big bowl of love. Added bonus to coffee in oats? Two servings of caffeine! You didn’t think I subbed out my iced coffee, did you?!
Apparently Twitter isn’t the only thing that can kick up motivation. Caffeine does a mighty fine job as well. It’s helping me tackle my day, that’s for sure!
- Where do you turn for a quick extra dose of motivation and energy?
- Do you drink caffeine or try to avoid it? I usually limit it to a cup of coffee a day…but some days you just need more.
Posted by Tina on September 1st, 2011
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