WIAW #46: Green Things + Carbs

Good afternoon everyone! It’s Hump Day, which means you know exactly what to expect around here.

Today marks the forty-sixth week of What I Ate Wednesday. Crazy to think!

Per usual, I have a full day of eats from our household ready to share, always with the same goal in mind: to inspire you to add more veggies and green things into your diet! And don’t worry… I have also included carbs in the spotlight this week for the skeptics out there. Because apparently I am slowly but surely becoming a healthy carb monster. No shame.

What I Ate Wednesday Tuesday

Breakfast yesterday was more effortless than usual when I turned to a bowl of cereal and berries to do the trick.

Cascadian Farms Fruitful O’s in unsweetened almond milk topped with fresh blackberries.

For any of you who grew up loving Fruit Loops (or who are currently still enjoying them), you would appreciate this box of goodness. It’s definitely a step-up in the health department, packed with whole grains and fiber and tastes great with the natural fruit flavors.

I also took a big ‘ol handful of strawberries on my way out the door.

I made a trip to the dentist office and upon my return got the craving for hummus. While I could have easily grabbed some carrots and celery to dip into it, my body wanted whole grain crackers.

It wants what it wants, what can I say?

Reduced-Fat Triscuits with Roasted Red Pepper Sabra hummus.

About another hour later, I wanted a fresh juice. I didn’t have the patience to get out our juicer and clean it afterwards (<- at least a twenty minute process, am I right?) so I decided to make Scott and I a simple fruit smoothie instead.

Frozen spinach, fresh blackberries, strawberries, and enough almond milk to make it move.

It wasn’t the best combination I have come up with, but did the job of keeping me satisfied until lunch.

That happened late around 2:30 p.m. with a monster salad featuring the Gardenburger black bean vegan burger I have been wanting to try!

Instead of doing my research at the point of purchase, I waited until I got home and realized this brand is not 100% Non-GMO. Dang.

For what it’s worth, it was delicious atop my plate of greens anyways.

Baby spinach, spring mix greens, tomatoes, carrots, black and green olives, feta cheese, and a black bean Gardenburger drizzled in balsamic.

I plan to use up the rest of my box of them and hopefully find a different Non-GMO brand to fill my need for veggieburgers next time!

I talked Scott into taking me to the gym that night, but enjoyed a late-afternoon snack beforehand.

Garden of Eatin’ Sweet Potato corn tortilla chips with Tostitos pineapple peach salsa.

Yes, yet another picture of these Sweet Potato corn chips. They’re pretty much the jam and taste unbelievable paired with any sweet salsa! NOM.

Around 6 p.m. Scott and I hurried out the door to make it to Fitness Pilates class. Those of you who have been reading for a while know this is usually the Tuesday night standard. I just can’t get enough of the hour long challenge of cardio, strength and core toning through Pilates movements!

My friend Katlyn joined me in the studio, and we also ended up walking a few inclined miles on the treadmill and chatting away while Scott played basketball.

I finally talked him into leaving around 8:45 p.m. and told him he owed me a smoothie from the Life Cafe in the lobby for making me wait so long.

Mocha Madness: organic milk, Mocha Java Boost, and whey protein (left) + Emerald Energy: avocado, kale, organic pineapple, almond milk, VeganMax protein powder and Energy Boost (right).

I’ll give you one guess as to whose is whose. 😉

We finished them up on our way home and went right upstairs to get cleaned up before starting a late dinner. I also put Scott in charge of that while I finished up putting away a few loads of laundry, and was quite happy to see one of my favorite meals appear shortly after.

Grilled cheese on whole wheat bread and Cajun turkey with a small bowl of vegetable minestrone soup.

It was the perfect full day of veggies and carbs if you ask me! And now I am currently dreaming of repeating that dinner tonight since it’s rainy out. Whoops.

Have a great rest of your Wednesday!

• If you liked this WIAW post, head on over to Peas & Crayons to check out plenty others, or even link your own!

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Question of the Day

• What is something you have been craving lately?

Clearly carbs is on the top of that list for me. I all about listening to the body and giving it what it wants, so I have been allowing myself to enjoy them as often as my body asks for them. Of course, I could take advantage of it and go for regular flour pizzas and pastas, but instead I try my best to stick to whole wheat and whole grain products. Occasionally, I will choose the gluten-free option, but if my body wants true carbs I go for them!