Changes

I must admit, this morning I was NOT feeling exercise. I woke up with a sore throat, and even my warm breakfast and cup of ginger tea didn't cure my sick feeling. I tried to go for a run, but alas, after 12 minutes my lungs were SCREAMING... so I headed back and finished with about 10 minutes of leg exercises; some weighted lunges, squats and a couple floor moves. Today was not my day to workout... so tomorrow instead of being a rest day I'll pump up my exercise instead. Today is when I'm really in need of the rest.

After I ran I snacked on a quick Clif Z-bar, and headed out to do my errands.

Bank, check. Gas, check. Groceries...
I stuck pretty close to my list today, but I found a few sales I couldn't pass up so I ended up spending a bit more than I intended... but this week was sort of a stock-up week (I've been in the house 3 weekends already!) so I knew I would spent a little extra.

Here's the cold/frozen stuff:

And the produce:

Bars for pre-workout fuel:

Did you all notice something out of the usual in my groceries?
I'm sure you did.

I mentioned I was considering some changes in my life...
Well, as soon as I got home from the supermarket, I made myself a turkey sandwich for lunch.
Yes, a legitimate organic turkey sandwich. I used 1 garlic/herb light laughing cow, 2 slices turkey, 2 pickle slices and some tomato.
It was delicious.

Please don't hate me.
I haven't really mentioned it too much, but I've considered adding meat back into my diet a couple times a week since Italy. I am NOT in any way trying to put down the vegan/vegetarian diet. I loved the two and a half years I was vegetarian, they made me feel GREAT, and I learned that eating a plant-based diet is what works for me, and I think the most important part of a healthy, balanced diet is doing what works for you. I am not going to eat red meat, but I am considering a bit of poultry, and continuing to eat the fish I eat a couple times a week.
I've learned in the past month or so I've been back from Italy that I need protein to help me feel energized, and keep me going as best as I can. I realized that I was not previously eating enough protein in my diet, and I think by adding more complete sources it will ultimately make me feel the best. This is also because I am trying to gain some more muscle; and I know lean proteins such as chicken and turkey are incredibly helpful in this.

I eat what I want to eat, and I want to try something new. Plus, I do plan on going to culinary school in a couple years, and I know I'll have to try everything I make there, so I might as well start adding a bit of meat now, so it won't be such a shock to my body.
I hope this does not drive anyone away from my blog, because I promise the majority of my meals will still be completely vegetarian or even vegan, I'll still be baking vegan, and I still consider myself a flexitarian!!! fully believe that eating a mostly vegetarian diet is the healthiest way to live. Mostly plants and whole grains, legumes and lean proteins is what the body needs and deserves.

So I ate my experimental sandwich with ANOTHER nectarine that I grabbed and bit into, because I was craving it, and didn't even realize until after I had already taken a bite out of it that I ate one this morning! Can you tell I LOVE nectarines?hehe...

Ok, so off my soapbox for today. I'm feeling much better, after taking some coldcalm and exercising; even it was only about 25 minutes. I'm about to do some studying before I head off to work. Have a great Saturday all!