Lots of Estrogen Up in Here
Am I talking about my soy intake or my company for the day? Guess you’ll have to read on to see.
I woke up this morning and spent time with this lovely lady and her six-pack.

The Body for Life weight workout can be found here. While it’s a great workout for use at the gym, I’m currently shying away from doing it at home because it is based on increasing/decreasing your weight with each set. I only have your basic dumbbells with plates and with six sets for five exercises, I’d be unscrewing those little sprocket doohickeys thirty times per workout on each dumbbell. I’d get carpal tunnel and miss the girls’ high school graduation. So until I get a set of Bowflex Select Tech weights,

I’m afraid I’m going to have to improvise at home. Go ahead, call me a cheater.

I feel like I need some antibiotics just looking at those two.
I really pushed myself with Jackie’s Total Body Workout, which I find to be more challenging than anything Jillian’s ever thrown at me, but rather than using the 5 lb. dumbbells that I usually use, I upped my weight to 7.5s. I killed it, and needed some serious muscle repair afterwards.
Meal #1

- 1 c. almond milk
- 1/4 c. orange juice
- 1/2 c. frozen strawberries
- ice
- 2 c. spinach
- 1.5 scoops vanilla Spirutein protein powder (pea/rice/soy blend)
(254 calories, 25 g. protein, 34 g. carbs, 3 g. fat) –I’m providing this today, per a reader’s request, the numbers may not be entirely exact because I did better on the writing portion of the SATs than the math
Meanwhile, Gigi took on a new adventure, spurred by our viewing of Jamie Oliver’s genius, yet heartbreaking Food Revolution, last night.

Perhaps she could use that fork to pick out her ‘fro as well.
She’s never been more excited to eat a Kashi waffle in her life.

This is a lesson he was born to teach. She was a quick learner.


That bite may have been a little large. She also may have asked to use a knife and fork while consuming a smoothie, banana and sandwich later today. At least it wasn’t a Snickers.
After our manes had been tamed, our tutus had been donned and our little sisters had been stabbed multiple times, we were all ready for lunch. I had plans to meet some bloggers at 1:30 in Portland at the Lucky Labrador Brewing Company, and I knew I’d be hungry before then (and would want to avoid beer and pizza consumption midday), so I had lunch before I left and stuck to iced tea at the Brewery.
Meal #2

I had an open faced sandwich of sorts.

- 1/2 of a sprouted grain Food for Life English muffin
- 1 T. Tofutti Better Than Cream Cheese
- cucumber slices
- cracked black
- pickles
- red pepper
- spinach
I also had a stirfry that was neither stirred, nor fried.

- broccoli
- carrots
- Trader Joe’s organic teriyaki tofu
- almonds
- sauce made from 1 T. nutritional yeast, Bragg’s amino acids, lime juice and stevia
(370 calories, 25 g. protein, 38 g. carbs, 13 g. fat)
The meetup was a lot of fun, and while I have known Kalin for awhile, and Susan for forever, I really enjoyed meeting Tiff too.

Meanwhile, Pea Daddy was keeping the girls entertained in the greater Portland area.

What?! I’m gone for an hour and this?
I calmed myself with 2/3 of a Clif Mojo bar that was in my purse.
Meal #3

(120 calories, 8 g. protein, 14 g. carbs, 4 g. fat)
When I got the text that Gigi was asking, “Can we leave the boring old man store now?” I knew just where to find them.


Didn’t see that one coming.
Since Pea Daddy had an important meeting (ahem, Fantasy Baseball Draft), I took Balloon Boy and the Biker Babe home for a quick dinner.

Gardein sent me a coupon for some free products, and seeing that the girls love the Morningstar nuggets, I thought we’d give these a try. I definitely preferred Gardein’s ingredient list.

The nutritional statistics were impressive as well.

I’m actually quite amazed I was able to stomach anything in nugget form after Jamie Oliver’s experiment last night.

But oh my peas, these were so delicious! The girls and I loved them and no nugget went uneaten. They are about $2 more per package than Morningstar, but I think they are definitely worth it both from a nutrition and a taste standpoint.
I also had a nice salad.
Meal #4

- spinach
- broccoli
- carrots
- red pepper
- almonds
- Nooch dressing (see lunch)
(350 calories, 26 g. protein, 47 g. carbs, 7 g. fat)
After a pillow fight and some pajama time, I finally got the girls to bed.

If only it were their beds.
Meal #5

- 1/2 block silken tofu
- 1/2 scoop Jay Robb chocolate rice protein powder
- 2 T. cocoa powder
- stevia
- ice
- 1/2 c. almond milk
- 1/2 t. xanthan gum
- 12 almonds
- ~3 T. TruWhip
(320 calories, 21 g. protein, 23 g. carbs, 12 g. fat)
I’m now saying hello to some man I live with. Thank goodness he’s wearing a Tommy Bahama shirt or I might not even recognize him.






Hehe, you make me chuckle! Your salads and stir-fries look so yummy. x
I see numbers, I have to add them. I’m slightly OCD, I think! :S I’m also terrible at maths (it’s “maths” in New Zealand, not “math”, lest people think I’m also terrible at English), so I counted that as being slightly under 1500 calories. Is that a typical amount for you, do you think, on a day when you’re exercising? I’m not judging at all or trying to make any implications – I know first-hand that different people have different needs in every way. I can’t exercise at all right now due to health, so I tend to figure I need about 1700 calories a day maintenance and would probably lose weight on 1500. I think the point of this was to ask, in a very general way, if you follow a “macro” way of eating – a bit more some days, a bit less others, or if you always try to aim for under a certain amount of calories?
Also: from one wild curly-haired girl to another, have you experienced any hair-thinning from the straightening? I straightened a lot the past couple of years and I’ve noticed that my hair seems to be quite a lot thinner than it used to. I think I need to invest in better conditioner, but finding good curly hair products, especially ones with as few questionable chemicals as possible, seems to be nigh on impossible.
Hey Laura, I’m really not going by calories as much as I am reasonable portions, satiety and trying to get over 100 g. of protein per day. Obviously if I start losing weight or muscle, I will have to up things. I’m only counting for the sake of tabulating protein grams, but Kelly said since I had the calorie info, could I provide that too. I haven’t been at this for more than a few days, so I guess we’ll see what happens!
As for your hair questions, I wish I experienced hair thinning from straightening!!! I have a feeling I’d be a lot more manageable with less hair in general! When I straighten, I use the Aveda Hang Straight Lotion. A little goes a long way!
Jeez you must have taken posting lessons from me…long! I mean that in a good way, of course
But I havent had them in a good 5+yrs but would love to dabble. I tried tofu this week for the first time in 5 yrs, and the 3 bites I had sat well with me. I am a little nervous to try more of it, and/or any nuggets but gosh those are tempting me!
Ok the product review. Back in the day I ate morningstar chic nuggs like they were raw vegan balls are now
Jaime O. I didnt see it. Apparently the only blogger who didnt but I have heard his spiel before and wish I would have caught it!
The meetup, what fun!
The added protein, wow, you’re all over it!
The gum? I take it some choice words slipped out? Happens to me all the time IRL. Not on the blog but IRL I am related to truck drivers and sailors
Wow – that dessert looks ahhmazing!!! I was reading Concious Cook last night and the Gardein products were mentioned in there – I can’t wait to try them!
Fun day! I just got some coupons for Gardein as well, so I’ll have to look for those (although I also am reluctant to eat anything “nugget” after FR).
How do you eat your Snickers? With your hands? Like an animal?!?
Meal 5 looks so good – I want that for breakfast!
I’ve been so pleased with Gardein’s stuff, but I’ve not tried the nuggets yet! Plus, that amount of protein is just too good to be true. The Tuscan chicken kind is tasty!
Last night, my husband sprinkled nooch on his steamed broccoli! My eyes popped out of my head a little bit.
I love me some English muffin sandwiches! YUM! Jackie is totally ripped, I need to give her workout a try. Let me know if you get those weights and what you think about them. Oddly, I have stuck with my 5 pounders for years and have had great results. I know a lot of it is the upped portion of protein and the consistency with weight training. Hope you enjoyed your Pea Daddy time!
thanks for the numbers. You are all over that protein! I agree that Food Revolution was heartbreaking, I caught it online yesterday but it’s adorable watching Gigi with her fork and knife.
Yesterday I finally got around to making one of these pizzas after reading about that hummus cheese everywhere, it was delicious and a good chance to grab some protein. I am thinking about trying to top one with some pineapple and browned tofu, kind of a bbq chicken pizza idea.
ahhh susan and kalin and tiff…love the meet-up! and the tommy bahama fun (ummm…daddy everythingtarian may or may not also be in love with that store), and those gardein nuggets rule. fo sho.
Thanks for sharing your day of eats with us. I’m really feeling the need to eat some more salads and yours always look so beautiful and tasty
You’re so funny! I love The Pledge Drive! It’s one of my favorite Seinfeld episodes
I love your post’s
Where do you find the Spirutein protein powder (pea/rice/soy blend)? I have been looking for some
I’ve just bought it at my local health food store, but you can also get a great deal at VitaminShoppe.com. I love the taste but am looking for something with a little less sugar (8 g. per serving!)
I wish so much that I could eat soy! I feel like without soy and eggs it is so difficult to get protein. Love all your meals though, they look delicious!
Am I the only one who didn’t catch Food Revolution?
I couldn’t believe that those kids on Food Revolution ate those nuggets haha. How crazy!
Looks like the BFL is going well. Hope its making you feel fantastic!
I LOVE those Gardenia Chicken Tenders. Wow, I can’t believe how close they taste to the real thing. I actually think they taste even better.
After watching Food Revolution I thought of you!!! I think it is so important for parents to teach their kids healthy eating habits. Your family is proof that if you start young enough, without offering chicken nuggets and nuked hotdogs when they are slightly picky, your kids will eat the good stuff!!! You are such an inspiration!!!
Thanks for sharing your day- your dessert looks delicious!
I just wanted to point out that you probably could eat a little more if your wanting to build muscle. I’m not trying to be judgmental or criticizing at all! It’s just that I know from experience- I used to eat around 1400 cals a day and didn’t build any muscle. I’ve since then jumped up to almost 2000 and have been maintaining my weight! I never thought that would be the case for my small frame! Just a suggestion though.. I know I hate when I get criticized for my eating, so I definitely don’t want you to think I’m coming at you the wrong way!
I totally feel the same way about Food Revolution. I can’t wait to watch the season progress. The young boy that Jamie Oliver has taken a liking to makes me cry every time. His story really gets at my heart strings.
Those Gardein chicken tenders are PHENOMENAL. I couldn’t get over how great they tasted!
Love you and the little peas!
I have two words for food revolution: Eye Opening! I was completely embarrassed to see that there are schools in our country feeding children that disgusting mess of ingredients, and perhaps even more frustrated that there are people who simply do not care about what goes in the children’s mouths so much as how fast they are able to filter though the lunch room. And your comforter is AWESOME! Where did you find something like that? (if you don’t mind me asking)
Thanks Deane…it’s this really fancy boutique shop…I think it’s called IKEA?
Really, her video is more intense than Jillian? I’m going to have to check it out on amazon! I’ve been needing a serious muscle boost.
Fun blogger meetup! I love going to those. Though, I don’t know alot of bloggers in Los Angeles.
Hi Sarah,
Thank you so much for posting the macros. I have been trying to get my ratios more in line with 40/40/20 and have found it to be so HARD! I am vegan as well and eat a high fruit and veg whole foods diet. In the beginning I thought I needed cut out a lot of fruit because of the carbs… but I love it and I refuse to let myself think that a grapefruit is bad. SO…I focused on just adding more protein with brown rice protein powder. This may sound strange but I love it… as a snack I cut up a grapefruit and cover it with cinnamon and vanilla protein powder. So good! I am very much looking forward to getting new protein ideas from you. Yay for vegans with muscle! =)
Whoa, meal no. 5 looks fab–I guess I need to get in on this Jay Robb action?
I’ll have to try those “chicken” tenders. Though I have to say I’m pretty sold on the Morningstar brand…anything that can fake Matt out to be actual meat is pretty impressive to me
I love Gigi’s outfit in that photo…the unicorn top, the frilly skirt…that girl’s got style
Excited to follow you on this adventure! Your protein intake is great. I am with you on soy being right for ME. I know it gets a bad rap, but when I think back to when I felt my best, I was eating a lot of soy. Like so much else, I think it’s different for everyone.
As you already know, I am a slightly obsessive fan of yours. After one day of posting your eats, I made sure to take a trip to TJ’s solely for that tofu. And meatless balls, of course (2 bags, what?). I’m still SO STOKED (and confused— am I a surfer?) that you are posting these dailies and the protein grams. Thanks, love!
Hey Kale Chips, I’m just kind of confused as to how to post now! I’ll probably alternate between my regular posts and this kind of post, but if you specifically need/want more info meal ideas, you know you can always get a hold of me! Muah!!!
Tiffany seems so nice, and I’m happy you got to meet up with her in person. Love that Carbzilla.
Oh my gosh, I was shocked that none of those kids on Food Revolution knew how to use a knife. Shocked!
Mama Pea!!! How do you like that workout video?! I saw it at Sam’s the other day and almost bought it…you might have answered this before and sorry if you have–but how do you like it? Worth buying? Killer workout?!?
THANKS FOR THE ANSWER!!!
I REALLY REALLY like it. Unlike Jillian, you only go through a whole circuit once, and then you do a “power burn” wherein you repeat all the moves for about 30 seconds each. I don’t get bored so easily, and seeing how buff Jackie is is SO motivating. I think it’s really challenging, but in a strength training way, it doesn’t add cardio throughout.
Do you think you can make an ice cream like concoction like that one you had for Meal 5 without xanthan gum (I double checked my spelling on that one & still think its wrong!) or is it pretty important for the consistency?
Yes, you can absolutely make it without the xanthan gum if you are using the silken tofu. I just like my shakes extra thick…like Sir Mixx a Lot.
Look at you makin’ this BFL stuff look easy! I have to get my hands on some nutritional yeast for sure!
Hey I used to comb my frizzy red afro as a kid with a fork because Ariel did it in the little mermaid…don’t hate!
Hello!
I am one of the many who thoroughly enjoys your blog! I too am a fan of the at home indoor workout, especially during the winter months. I have a different Jackie workout and I love it so I will definitely try out this one! I always feel like you get a lot of bang for your buck as far as time is concerned. I also love that she doesn’t repeat exercises like my girl Jill.
Speaking of Jillian, I reviewed her “no more trouble zones” on my blog. Link: http://takethedayoff.net/2010/02/no-more-trouble-zones/
This is my favorite of all of the few Jillian DVDs that I have tried. Sure you have to forgive her abrasive ankle tat, but I always get a good workout!
agreed, it is definitely challenging trying to finagle a BFL weight workout at home. sounds like you still got a great workout in! improv is the beauty of BFL. totally legal. HAH gigi reminds me of all my european friends who use a knife and fork for everything. even the pickle that comes on the side of your burger. and said burger. i just read about the meetup over on tiff’s page. so fun, that is cool that kalin and i share a wedding date! your meal 5 made me drool, slightly, okay.. lots more blogs to catch up on~and yes.. i repeat the # over and over
Hey! I’m a friend of Carbzy’s. I saw your amazing cookies featured on her blog and had to come over and check out more of your eats. First of all, thank you for reminding me why I’ve missed tofu so much. The tofu eggs, the blocks of it over veggies – yum! And thanks for reppin’ the spirutein! I LOVE that stuff and nobody ever blogs about it! It’s so good whisked with a little almond milk and stevia… just like vanilla puddins.
Great blog! I will be back!
I’m slurping a bowl of your meal #5 as I type this.
I have never been a tofu-fan (it’s a texture thing) but
have been wanting to use it. I find that I can eat it if its
disguised or blended into my foods.
I’ve bookmarked all your dessert recipes that use tofu.
Today I made Vegan Monkey Pie (YUM)
and now your meal #5 (does it have a fancy name? I just call it tofu ice cream!)
Thank you so very much for your generosity in sharing your recipes.
It has made such a difference to my nutrition (in a good way!)
I am SO glad Sasha. It is amazing how much protein ice cream (what I call it…) tastes like the real thing, and it is so much better for you. I wish I could feed everyone for a week so they could see how easy and delicious it is to eat healthy!