Monday, February 10, 2014

Meal Prep Monday - Berry Baked Oatmeal and Lentils

How was your weekend? Mine was super low key and didn't involve anything special, but it was nice to have a cozy and relaxing time. We even made a fire!


Since I've really enjoyed my mostly plant-based diet, I'm going vegetarian with my meal prep again this week.

Breakfast

It's been a little chilly and actually rained a bit last week (super rare for Santa Barbara) so I got the urge to make some warm, comforting food. Baked oatmeal fits the bill perfectly.




Berry Baked Oatmeal

Calories: 251 | Fat: 8 g | Cholest: 31 mg | Sodium: 85 mg | Carbs: 34 g | Fiber: 8 g | Sugars: 11 g | Protein: 12 g

1 and 1/2 cup oats

1 small zucchini, grated
1/4 cup chia seeds
1/2 cup almonds, divided

1 ripe banana
2 cups frozen mixed berries
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
1/4 cup non fat Greek yogurt
1 tbsp agave nectar
1 egg
2/3 cup egg whites
1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Mix all ingredients (including only half of the almonds) in a large rectangular microwave and oven safe baking dish.
Microwave on high for 10 minutes, stirring halfway.
Sprinkle the rest of the almonds over the oatmeal mixture.
Bake for 15 minutes or until mixture is firm. Broil for the last minute or until the almonds are golden brown.
Makes 6 servings.



Protein

I made frozen edamame again and also made some lentils. I cooked them in the crockpot so it was super easy. I just put a cup of lentils, 3 chopped garlic cloves, 2 chopped carrots, black pepper, and some Bragg's seasoning into the slow cooker with about 5 cups of water and cooked it on high for about 4 hours. They came out tender but not mushy and will be great when I add salt and other seasonings!


Sides

My wonderful housemate Jess figured out how to clean most of the miscellaneous burned junk off the bottom of the oven, so I was able to cook a ton of veggies this week without setting off the smoke alarm once! I roasted zucchini, eggplant, green beans, carrots, and parsnips. I've never made parsnips before but they came out really well! I just cut them into about one inch sticks, tossed with some olive oil, salt and pepper and baked them in the oven at 375 for about 35 minutes. Delicious!



Workouts

I missed a run last week and really want to get back to three runs a week to make progress on my Run This Year goal. It's also going to be my first Valentine's Day by myself for a long time since the bf is back in DC, so I want to make sure to find a way to treat myself and banish any lonely feelings on Friday :)    

Monday: FitnessBlender Beginner Kettlebell Workout, Rec league volleyball
Tuesday: 6 x 400 interval run
Wednesday: Zumba
Thursday: Easy 4 mile run
Friday: Rest/treat myself to something nice for Valentine's Day :)
Saturday: Slow 6 mile run
Sunday: Bikram Yoga

Q: What's your favorite way to treat yourself? Any ideas to celebrate Valentine's Day alone but not lonely? 

4 comments:

  1. That oatmeal bake looks yummy! Find a romantic comedy or an up beat chick flick movie for Valentine's day!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks! I may try to go for up beat chick flick--romantic comedy might make me sad!

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  2. Agreed on the oatmeal bake, yum! Your workout plan sounds great. I think just relaxing overall is one of the best ways I treat myself.

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