Okay, let’s start with a few confessions.
This post isn’t about cream.
However, it is about ridiculously creamy coffee.
This post isn’t about crunches either.
Although I think I’ve figured out the secret to a flat stomach. 
This post may be about calories…
But we’ll save the juicy stuff for the end.
And the title of the post…well, yeah, I really really like alliteration.
“Eggnog Latte, Running and How Much I Eat” doesn’t have quite the same ring, does it?
Didn’t think so. 
I’ve received several emails from readers over the past month, asking me if I can go into more detail about what I eat on a daily basis.
My favorite quick lunch: chicken lettuce wraps
I usually prefer to highlight a recipe or product in my posts, because frankly, I think reading about my meals would be boooooring.
However, since I haven’t written a “daily eats” post is quite some time, and because I promised those who emailed me that I’d answer their questions, aaaand because it’s Wednesday…..
I’ll be sharing a full day’s worth of food with you. (Minus the many undocumented bites of this and that that occur regularly throughout the day)
Ready?
Here we gooo!
BREAKFAST
Actually, let’s back up 20 minutes. After I roll out of bed, I get my ticker ticking by doing a minute of jumping jacks and a minute of jump squats.
I know what you’re thinking: Caraaazy girl!
Well yes, I would agree with you. Especially before I start jumping. But once I’m finished, I feel fresh and semi-ready to begin my day. My jumping jacks are like my first cup of coffee.
But let’s not kid ourselves.
Now we’re talking business. Real coffee is a morning MUST.
Lately I’ve been enjoying my Godiva Chocolate Truffle with a generous dosage of So Delicious Coconut Nog. This morning I made an “eggnog”latte by steaming 1/4 cup eggnog and 1/4 almond milk, then adding about 1/2 cup strong coffee.
Silky. Smooth. Sweet. Delightful.
After caffeinating, I began cooking.
1/2 cup egg whites cooked in 1 t. Earth Balance + a Laughing Cow Garlic and Herb cheese wedge melted inside; Sauteed spinach and onions
I eat a variation of this breakfast almost every morning. Eggs are one of my favorite sources of protein because they’re versatile and satisfying. Plus they fill me up without weighing me down. For some reason, oats an other fibrous grains, sit in my stomach like a rock!
And because every meal should end with something sweet, I finished up with a pumpkin protein bar.
After fueling, I scurried on over to the gym, where I banged out 8 miles of interval running on the treadmill.
Just a month ago, running 8 miles would have been impossible! However building my muscle mass through heavy weight lifting has increased my stamina.
blurry iPhone pic
Today, the latest issue of Oxygen Magazine was one heck of a motivator too.
I’ve also noticed that despite gaining a few L-bees (see below), my tummy has flattened out. In the past, Id do 100 crunches/day and saw no change in my stomach! Running has done wonders to that area of my body!
POST-WORKOUT/LUNCH
Serious refueling was definitely in order..
Part 1: Cheesy Zucchini Rice Casserole (recipe coming soon!)
Part 2: Roasted Brussels Sprouts straight from the pan (leftover from last night)
Part 3: Arctic Zero Vanilla Maple (protein ice cream)
Part 4: 1/2 Clif Mojo Bar
Before class, I ran a couple of errands, and came across these lovely sparklers. Can you guess where they’re from?
Payless.
You just can’t beat a $24.99 sticker tag.
Unfortunately my size wasn’t available, but they are available online, so if you want to flaunt some serious foot bling on New Years Eve like me, you can order them here.
After lusting over shoes that twinkle, I headed to my last class of the semester!
SNACK
I nibbled on another pumpkin protein bar during class, but was embarrassed when I realized that half of it had turned into crumbs in my lap. Ooops. The other bar was eaten during break.
DINNER
Kidding!
However, I did enjoy the last of my very favorite cookies (baked for party last weekend) while my real meal cooked.
salmon burger + spinach sauteed in Earth Balance
NIGHTTIME SNACK
The battle of the “eggnogs!” (Clearly I’m obsessed).
Any guesses which won?
And, of course, my typical nighttime snack, whipped cottage cheese topped with peanut butter, TruWhip and Udi’s granola, served with a side of Lucky Magazine fashion advice.
*Sidenote* I’m so happy Jessica Simpson has made a return! She may not be known for being the brightest cookie in the world, but after the media maliciously scrutinized for her weight, she’s owning her body, and showing the world that you don’t have to be rail thin to be successful. Go girl!
Oh, and on that note…
Since we’re talking about weight…
A few months ago, I set out to become a muscle mama. Since then, I’ve gained 5 pounds.
And I feel the best I ever have.
How did I do it? Weight lifting, interval training, clean eating (except for occasional fro yo and cookie splurges, of course!) and increased calories.
As I mentioned earlier, I’ve received a number of emails lately requesting more information about how many calories I eat on a daily basis. In the past, I’ve avoided the subject on Nourish and Flourish because it’s seemed like a taboo topic.
And it’s certainly a touchy subject in the “healthy living blog” community, where “calories” are like an elephant in the room, especially in posts like this one, that chronicle a days worth of eats.
We live in a society in which the calorie is a measurement of willpower and integrity. A society where less is more. A society that tells us implicitly and explicitly that calories equal poison and we should limit them at every opportunity. A quick stroll through the grocery store turns up low-cal versions of nearly everything, from mashed potatoes to oatmeal to dressing to cookies.
What happened to eating food in its natural form, and savoring the energy it was intended to offer? Why don’t we celebrate the blessing that we have food to eat, rather than shun it?
Today I’m celebrating the fact that I have a strong body that requires about 2200 calories each day. I’m also celebrating the fact that that number is not a measure of my self worth.
****
Okay, it’s time for me to tackle the last paper of my semester! Next Tuesday I’ll be a free woman, and I’ll be celebrating with Katie in New York City!
Catch ya from the Big Apple!
Who is your favorite “healthy” celebrity?
Do you ever nibble on dessert while your dinner is cooking?
Do you feel comfortable discussing calories on your blog/in conversations?
