Mal met his dad downtown tonight, so I went solo for dinner. Mal and his “Pops” meet once a month for dinner to catch up and have some time for “guy talk.” They usually meet at a pub, eat dinner, and drink a couple of beers. It’s a really nice father-son tradition, but it makes me miss my mom! (Good thing I am seeing her this weekend! 
)
Workout
As soon as I got home from NuVal, I hit the gym. Mal came home early today, so I was off the hook with pug duty.
At the gym, I did my favorite 45-Minute Treadmill Workout. I’ve probably done this workout 100 times in my life, but it never gets boring. The treadmill speed and incline changes continuously for the entire 45 minutes. It’s awesome!
This afternoon, however, I was totally doggin’ it on the treadmill. 
Usually, I do the running workout at a much faster pace– I add 1.0 to each interval. Today, I could barely keep up with adding 0.5 to each interval. I guess, in addition to gaining a few pounds, I’m a bit out of shape? Jeez. 
Oh well. I’m back on track now. I can only go up from here, right? 
Snacks
Before the gym, I fueled my workout with a Sandwich Thin with peanut butter and raisins on top.
And, after the gym, I chugged water and munched on some pistachios before dinner.
Why are pistachios so frickin’ delicious!?!?!
Dinner
So, I’m on the fence about tonight’s dinner.
The other day, the folks at Quorn sent me a box of their Turk’y Burgers to sample. I typically like faux meats for the most part, but this one didn’t do it for me. I loved that it had 10 grams of protein, but the flavor was just so-so. The texture was pretty typical of faux meats– sort of mushy, kinda tofu-like.
I chopped the Turk’y Burger into chunks and drizzled balsamic vinegar on top.
The combo of veggies + Turk’y Burger was pretty good, but by itself, the Turk’y Burger wasn’t great. Meh. But, at least, I got some protein in this meal!
Dessert
When it came to dessert, there was no fencing-sitting. I loved it! 
I mixed Greek yogurt with chocolate chips, vanilla extract, and a drizzle of agave nectar. Delicious!!!
Ahhh, my To Do list is INSANE! 
Since Mal is out for most of the night, I’m going to get down to business. But, as soon as he gets home, it’s definitely relaxation time!
Enjoy the evening, guys!
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Greek yogurt + honey is one of my favorite snacks. I wonder if I tastes the same with agave? Never tried agave!
I’ve seen a lot of talk of quorn products! They sound interesting!
Sorry to hear about your exercise setback. I’m surprised that you can use the same program so many times and have it still work for you, but that’s so great! Changing programs gets pretty exhausting, I find.
I’m opposite . . . I’m taking the night off, you know when you just need to decompress, yeah that’s what I need . . . a glass of wine and a good ol movie
I think I’m going to try out your treadmill workout. Now I just need to remember it. Perhaps I should print it….
I just printed that workout out and I’m going to try it on Friday-I hope I like it as much as you.
You’re right, pistachios are ridiculously delicious =D
great dinner! thanks for the honest opinion on the quorn stuff, too!
i’m sorry the workout wasn’t amazing, but i bet you’ll be better after sleeping on it a little bit. you’re so consistent!
I’d gladly skip the meal for that dessert, yum!
Drooling over your dessert!!!
I love having a night to myself…enjoy!
I’ve tasted the quorn turkey burgers too… they were okay….
Quorn totally freaks me out. Not sure why.
I love the Quorn Chick’n Nubbins, but I could take or leave the rest of their products… The nubbins are perfect for salads though!
havent tried the quorn burgers but I did try the meatless meatballs and they were meh, just OK too….your dessert-nwo i would be ALL over that!!
it looks So good esp with the drizzle atop. have a great night!!
Your dessert had me nom nom nom-ing out loud. MMMMMM!
Your dessert looks fabulous. Enjoy your relaxing evening!
I like Boca and Morningstar but most fake meats just don’t it for me. Even tofu I only really like at restaurants — when I cook it, it never turns out as good.
so excited to try that workout tomorrow. thanks!
Salad looks yummy!
I love your creativity with agave. Pistachios are good! Good thing we are ‘allowed’ to eat more of ‘em compared to other nuts.
Dessert looks awesome, enjoy the relaxing
I miss yogurt since I can’t have dairy. Yours make it worse! It looks so good. I have good days and bad days too with workouts. For me, it is totally based on how tired my body is. Hopefully it will be better tomorrow!
Dessert looks great
I can’t agree with you more in regards to the out of shape part. Think positively! You’re back on the right track now! I’m on the same type of plan @ Equinox in NYC right now!
Sometimes going solo is a good thing. Usually that means I eat cereal for dinner
Well at least that yummy dessert made up for the not so good dinner!
how lovely that mal and his dad do that! that’s one reason i wish my hubby and i lived on the same coast as our parents….
I had never heard of agave nectar before reading your post. I tried today and really like it! Thanks for the tip.
Hi Tina!
Do you chop all of your veggies up at the beginning of the week or just do them on a per-salad basis? Do you do meal planning or just kindof wing-it everyday based on what you have in the ‘fridge? If you’ve already answered, please feel free to direct me to the post itself.
Thanks in advance! GREAT work lately with your eating and your fitness. Just think of the great work you’re doing for your heart!
Best,
Michelle
I actually like those quorn burgers. I found them better when I grilled them on the Foreman grill – they were BAD in the microwave.
I’ll have to try that treadmill work out – anything to make the treadmill less horrible!
@Michelle – Fit RN: I do it on a per salad basis, but I’ll make more than one salad at a time. For instance, tonight, I made my dinner salad and my salad for lunch tomorrow in one shot.
I have a box of those Quorn t’key burgers in the freezer. I was pleasantly surprised to find that they have just 200mg sodium each, which is significantly less than most other meatless burgers. I love all the Quorn products I have tried so far, so maybe with topping the burger will be just as yummy.
I agree, pistachios are delicious.
Jenn
I know what you mean! My boyfriend’s dad lives closer to us than my family does and I always wish that I could see them more!
You’ll be back to your old running pace (and faster) in no time!
Mmmm…pistachios!
i CANNOT do imitation meat – the thought of it just horrifies me!
I’m lucky enough to see my mom all the time — she’s my best friend! glad you get to see yours soon
Greek yogurt + honey is the best! Glad you get to see mom soon, and good luck with that to-do list!!
I’ve tried that 45 minute workout of yours and it’s pretty tough! Just making it to the end is an accomplishment
That’s how I feel about the Quorn products–”at least I got some protein…”
Oy! I’m glad to see I’m not the only one who is adding chocolate chips to my food at every opportunity!
Yeah, I’m not a fan of Quorn products either
Your dessert looks delish! Enjoy your night
I usually do greek yogurt with choc chips and honey, but now I’ll definitely have to try this version!
glad you get to see your mom this weekend! I am now off my butt to get some greek yogurt.
Sorry bout the bunk workout! The next one will be better, and at least you got there and did it today
Thanks for the info on the Quorn Turk’y burger.
Good luck on the to-do list!
That dessert looks awesome! My to do list is long too, but luckily reading blogs is one it
Have a great night!
I finally got a chance to skip the threadmill today and run outside. Running outside is so much harder but so much more enjoyable. Btw, I think it is fun to have yourself a nice big salad on your night by yourself.
Your dessert looks delicious. Thanks for the treadmill workout!!
Oooo dessert looks gooood! And that’s weird about the Quorn… I’ve had the “chicken nuggets” before and thought they tasted a lot like regular chicken… maybe not all of their stuff is that tasty.
I love your place matt. I don’t really like place matts or tablecloths because I hate to wash them when I could have just wiped off the table. But for food photography they can add so much contrast and interest. I may just go out and buy myself a couple.
Sorry totally off topic but when i saw these tonight i just had to share
Mr pugsley’s dog treats: http://www.thehealthypet.com/pugsleys-20oz-p-63.html
“MADE WITH ORGANIC QUINOA” but it doesn’t stop there…
FREE OF CORN, WHEAT, SOY AND YEAST!!!!!!
“no animal by-products, no artificial colors, flavors, added sweeteners, salt or sugar..” … wait, it gets better!
“With added essential vitamins & chelated minerals including calcium to maintain strong teeth & bones”
I’m sorry the workout wasn’t great, but I think it’s great that you powered through it instead of throwing in the towel – it’s so easy to get frustrated!
Hey, Tina!
Just wanted to say, I’m thoroughly sorry if the video I’m about to post disrupts your productivity, but I know you would DEFINITELY appreciate this pug-lovin’
Hahahahaha
http://www.raincitystory.com/flash/screenclean.swf
I might’ve laughed so hard I teared up, but hey, no shame!
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