ashleyd /

Devil In Disguise Surprise No Longer

At least two times per week, I have a morning meeting which features a catered breakfast. Some people would look at this as a blessing as it means that they don’t have to worry about packing or buying breakfast. My co-workers watch the door with bated breath as the Cosi, Pax, or Europa cart wheels in to see what the morning surprise is. This is a new temptation for me as I worked from home during my previous role. While I’d like to say that I normally eat my oatmeal during the meeting it is often akward to eat something different than everyone else especially if it’s an external meeting. Therefore, i’ve been enjoying my favorite breakfast offering each week for the last few months. I figured that it was the lesser of all evils. It isn’t quite as decadent as the scones are donuts, it isn’t all empty carbs like the bagels, and it isn’t laden with fat like the bacon. But, let me tell you, my “lesser of all evils” was a devil in disguise!
Cosi Strawberry Yogurt Parfait
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 11.5 oz
——————————————————————————–
Amount per Serving
——————————————————————————
Calories 426 Calories from Fat 54
——————————————————————————–
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 6g 9%
Saturated Fat 0g 0%
Cholesterol 13mg 4%
Sodium 257mg 11%
Total Carbohydrate 84g 28%
Dietary Fiber 4g 16%
Protein 13g 26%
——————————————————————————–
——————————————————————————-
Est. Percent of Calories from:
Fat 12.7% Carbs 78.9%
Protein 12.2%

When I saw these facts I knew it was time for an intervention! Therefore, yesterday I brought the ingredients for my own healthier version! I even put it in a Cosi cup we had sitting in the office kitchen so I didn’t stand out during the meeting. It was a delicious alternative and kept me full for hours! As Spring and the warmer months arrive I think this will replace my winter morning oats! I hope you enjoy this too!

1 carton yogurt (I used WW Blueberry since it was on sale this week)
3/4 c sliced fruit (I chose strawberries since they’re in season)
1/3 c Grape Nuts
3/4 c Special K Protein Cereal
Layer the yogurt, cereals, and fruit for a parfait replacement. This healthier version boasts lots of healthy protein, fiber, and calcium for HALF the calories!
 
Want to win over $300 in beauty swag compliments of the CEW beauty bag? Click here!


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Rudi’s Winner and Meg’s Easy Vegetable Quiche Cups to Go

Last night, after a longer than normal flight down to Atlanta, Meg delighted my taste buds with an easy warm up dinner. Since it was already 9pm I knew I didn’t want anything too heavy but was in need of protein and something substantial. After brainstorming for a few minutes Meg pulled out a Tupperware filled with adorable muffins. My first reaction was that cupcakes would not be the perfect dinner. But,  I quickly realized that these little yellow cupcakes were in fact a mini, healthy quiche!

39014210.JPG.jpgMeg has been building some South Beach into her life in the months leading up to her May wedding. This recipe is based on the recipe in her Supercharged Eating on the South Beach Diet cookbook. She uses her regular 12 muffin pan to make these on Sunday nights. After they cook she stores them in the fridge or freezer. Combined with a piece of Rudi’s toast and warm cup of tea two to three of these make the perfect breakfast treat at home or at the office. Enjoy!
Meg’s Easy Vegetable Quiche Cups to Go
1 package frozen chopped spinach
3/4 c shreded reduced fat cheedar or pepper jack cheese
3/4 c egg subsitute or egg whites
1/2 medium onion finely diced
1/2 package pre sliced Baby bella mushrooms
6-8 drops Tabasco or to taste
4 Tbsp Benefiber non thickening powder 
Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 12 cup muffin pan with cooking spray. 
Place spinach in a microwaveable container and cook in the microwave on high power for 2 1/2 minutes. Drain excess liquid.
In a large bowl, combine spinach, cheese, egg substitute, onions, Benefiber,  mushrooms, and Tabasco. Mix well. Divide mixture evenly among the muffin cups.
Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes, or until a tester insterted in the center comes out clean. Cook in pan for 5 minutes. Use an offset spatula or knife to loosen the edges before flipping upside down on a cooling rack. After fifteen minutes freeze individually or pop in the fridge. Enjoy!

RUDI’S WINNER:  Thank you for the awesome ideas regarding which products you want to try! I hope that Carolyn from www.lovinlosing.com will thoroughly enjoy the coupons!




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Up and Moving and some morning EYE CANDY!

Good morning and Happy Thursday! Only one more day until the weekend! I am already excited for this weekend as I have a long run planned with Dori and Melissa which will also include the NYRR Run for Haiti 4 miler, a housewarming party for my cousin Meredith, and hopefully more Olympics watching! Did you see the half pipe competition last night? Amazing! Bo is especially fond of him due to his flaming red hair!
This morning I had speed work planned and some ab work Fitnessista style. My legs are still sore from Sunday and Monday’s long runs and 3 days of Core Fusion DVD. Therefore, this morning’s speed work was not my best. I did the following:
5 mins warmup 6.0
5 mins 6.2
2 mins 7.2
5 mins 6.2
2 mins 7.2
5 mins 6.2
2 mins 7.4
5 mins 6.2
1 min 7.8
Due to a late dinner last night I didn’t half my normal piece of toast and jam before the gym. I wonder if my body was missing that extra burst of food and nutrients?

Before moving over to breakfast, I wanted to make sure everyone knows about the awesome website Groupon. This site sends out a daily deal for over 50 different cities which is normally a 50%-75% discount. The discounts range which is what I love. My friend Elizabeth has benefitted from the Bikram discount last week, my girlfriend snagged Pole Dancing lessons/workout, and I’m thinking about taking advantage of today’s discount for Pilates on Fifth! Here is the link to todays!
If you want to join Groupon today for FREE click here!

This mornings breakfast was exactly what I was craving- Green Tea (Thanks Tea and Honey Store), 1/2 my Jolly green juice from One Lucky Duck, and pumpkin oats.

I hope that Power Vinyasa tonight with Lauren at Equinox will work some of this soreness out of my body. Also, either today or tomorrow I need to buy a new gym bag. Do you all have recommendations? Right now a Lululemon bag is my first choice but i’m open to ideas. My old school Vera Bradley bag from college is just not cutting it anymore. It’s a little akward when I walk into meetings with it up here in NYC.
And now, I leave you with some morning eye candy! I had the great opportunity to meet and hang out with Ryan Reynolds last week at a work event. He is funnier in person than you could ever imagine. This is definitely the worst picture of me (why was I on the end?!) in a while but regardless it was still a fun time!

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