Hungry Monster

Just a speedy post from me tonight!

I have had a hungry monster with a raging sweet tooth residing in me all afternoon. I must have sensed this would happen last night, when I made this quinoa salad last night for a future lunch or dinner.

Maple-Basil Quinoa Salad

• 1/4 c. dry-measure of quinoa – cooked as instructed
• 1/2 c. garbanzo beans
• 1/4 of a small yellow pepper, finely chopped
• 1 Turkish fig, chopped
• 2-3 small fresh basil leaves
• 1/2 T. pure maple syrup
• 2 T. chopped pecans
• salt, to taste
• maple pepper, to taste

Very delish – especially when enjoyed over a balsamic and maple pepper seasoned portabella.

Don't ask me what I was thinking, plating something black on black!

I also had some roasted broccoli seasoned with garlic salt and then drizzle with maple sizzurp.

I loved the salty-sweet mixture of everything! Especially the salad.

The highlight of my hungry monster’s day? Hands-down, this Bounce protein hit. I mean, c’mon. A hit of protein? How cool does that sound?

This ball/bar is probably the one that “spoke” to me right off the bat upon receiving Nikki’s package. I think I’d be lying if I said it had nothing to do with the fun graphic design.

What can I say? I shop with my eyes.

The other thing that immediately jumped out at me? It uses whey protein, not soy!! Joy 🙂

This was definitely a lifesaver this afternoon, because the handfuls of almonds, crackers, and iced coffee certainly wasn’t doing it for me.

Basically, I need to get a boatload of these shipped to the U.S, stat. Sort of funny, because the ingredients don’t even sound that appetizing (not to say it’s a bunch of sketchy stuff in there – just not stuff you have in your cupboard, or the fruits and nuts you’re used to seeing) but this was killer. Just subtly sweet, with a wonderful almond and vanilla flavor. And the texture!! Oh, the texture. So chewy and crunchy. So perfect. Sort of reminds me of a Kardea bar texture-wise!

I’m sort of proud of myself for not hoarding this one and saving it for last, since it was the one I thought I would enjoy most. Now I’m sad I don’t have it waiting patiently for me. Eh, well. Life resumes.

Other partners to ward off the hunger monster was a big “bowl” of vanilla chobani with wheat germ, blueberries, and a peach. I spy blueberry stems. That was probably eaten. I am officially the worst blueberry picker ever – I picked so many stems when I went! :X And I was glad to welcome plums back into my fruit line-up.

Does this look familiar?

Sorry for being so repetitive – but it’s that good, and that carrot-cashew curry spread really made that much. I still have a lot left, actually. And crackers.

And unpictured “trail mix” that I packed earlier in the week – almonds, papaya, and raisins. And fruit leather. And iced coffee with cream and a bit of sugar. I feel like there was something else, too, but I can’t put my finger on it.

I think this hunger may or may not have had to do with a breakfast lacking in peanut butter. Hmmm. I mean – the banana’s there and everything!

"Oatmeal-Raisin Cookie" Oats

I can’t say I hate it, though. I mean, I’ve already had some banana bread and once I hit publish am thinking up a mean bowl of quick oats. And lets not forget my nightly cereal, too.

But, luckily – my sweet tooth wasn’t craving a McDonald’s smoothie. Remember how I was wondering whether they were really as “real” as they claim? Well, not quite. A large has 70 grams of sugar – most of it added sugar! Bummer. I mean, I wasn’t going to go spend my money on one just because I can make myself a smoothie at home – but I was hoping maybe McDonald’s would be comin’ around. I am at least optimistic, I suppose?

In Teddie news, I started my morning off in no better fashion – a lovely quasi-hack down to the outdoor. Our first time! He felt his “get up and go” more than his “whoa,” but no harm done. I can’t wait until the fields are mowed/hayed so we can galavant through them 🙂

Happy Weekend, everybody!! I am a workin’ girl tomorrow – oi!