I thought I’d take a little break from the Chicago posts for a dose of reality. I actually do have a little more Chicago to share with you later this week, especially our multi-course, multi-hour dinner at RPM Italian! 😉 But for today, here is how I transition from a weekend of splurge back to normal life.
I arrived home late on Sunday and swung by the grocery to grab a rotisserie chicken and some fresh veggies. I roasted the kale and broccoli while I got settled in and showered.
I managed to get myself out of bed and to my yoga mat for an early class on Monday morning. My body needed it very badly after two days of walking and running all over Chicago. My legs were all kinds of tight. A green smoothie was calling my name when I got home. I had a slice of paleo banana bread with peanut butter on the side.
I went to Whole Foods for lunch and made a salad. I have been kind of over Whole Foods for the last couple of months and this salad didn’t do a lot to change that. I got done with work a little earlier than usual and found myself with time to get a ton done last night. I took one of our personal trainer’s circuit training classes that kicked my booty and then came home and unpacked, cleaned the house, did laundry and cooked dinner. It was such a nice Monday evening.
Dinner looks random but tasted amazing. Trust me on this one. I used leftovers from Sunday night dinner to make a deconstructed casserole of sorts. I layered couscous, broccoli, mushrooms, peas and chicken and then topped it off with a gravy featuring nutritional yeast that I have loved since eating it at a restaurant in Athens when I was in college. This stuff is addicting and makes anything exponentially more delicious. The recipe is in this post.
I taught and took hot yoga this morning. Before class I had more paleo banana bread with peanut butter and then after class I had a banana and a kombucha for potassium, electrolytes and probiotics!
I went home for lunch today and made a salad using the last of the rotisserie chicken (it was the dinner that kept on giving!). This salad was so much better than what I ate at Whole Foods yesterday. Spinach, cucumbers, grape tomatoes, avocado, walnuts, dried cranberries, goat gouda and chicken with homemade honey mustard made with Greek yogurt, light mayo, Dijon mustard and honey.
Now, if only I could stop eating these… 😯 So good and so addictive!
I love looking at all of the salads that you make. They always look so yummy! I have been bored with salad lately, but I am taking note on all the ingredients you pile on there. I might have try to copy your salad! 🙂 Also, the mint chocolate almonds sound so good. I have never heard of them or tried them. I am headed to the store this week so I know I will pick some up!
blue diamond makes the best flavored almonds. i love the butter toffee too for a sweet treat!
Oh my god those almond sound amazing. I am not a huge fan of snacking on plain nuts (just eat them in things) but I think I would definitely get on board with the mint dark chocolate ones!
you should try the blue diamond flavored almonds. i ALWAYS have them at my desk. so many good flavors – salt and vinegar, honey mustard, butter toffee, chocolate mint…mmm!
I find it always feels so good to get back into a routine after being away! I love trips and adventure, but getting back into the groove it so nice.
Your salads look SO good, both the one you made and the one from Whole Foods! I’m completely obsessed with the salad bar from Whole Foods. I’m a little sad to hear that you’ve become disenchanted with them! Those almonds look pretty snazzy, too. 🙂
i loved it until it just got so repetitive. i also wish they had more protein options like chicken breasts, fish, hardboiled eggs, nuts/beans variety, etc. i’m not swearing it off forever but just trying not to eat it as often right now!
Can you post the recipe that you used for the Honey Mustard Dressing? It looks amazing!
no recipe – i just spoon and mix. i used plain greek yogurt, a little mayo, dijon mustard and honey. taste and add as needed!
I have been on a salad tear lately due to the warmer temperatures and lots of sunshine. It just goes hand in hand. I cannot remember the last time I had a Whole Foods salad…GASP! It’s been ages. I’m taking a yoga class tomorrow morning after all the running I’ve been doing and hoping it loosens it all up a bit.
I’m over Whole Foods as well!
soooooooo repetitive!
yum 🙂 Love the look of everything 🙂 Especially your salad!
I go to UGA and I have yet to eat at The Grit but I have to go now. What were some of your other favorite places to eat in Athens?
hi james! you should definitely 100% check out the grit. so good even if you’re not a vegetarian! they have a great brunch too! don’t miss their grilled cheese and their golden bowl.
it’s been forever since i was in athens but i love the grit, big city bread, your pie, last resort, jittery joes, 5 & 10, agua linda, clocked, siri thai, the globe.
LOVE athens! have so much fun!