I woke up with a bit of a sore throat this morning. Fortunately, it appears to have disappeared just as quickly as it came on thanks to a day of liquid and soft foods. I’m just going to blame the dry air and hope it doesn’t come back!
As a result of the soreness and somewhat slow start to the morning, I brought breakfast with me to work. I had a big travel mug of Coffee Cocoa and THE BEST BAR. No really, I’m not just saying that. It literally was The Best Bar.
This was my second try at the YouBar samples I received.
The ingredient list included organic dates, cashew macadamia butter, chunks of almonds, organic clover honey, big organic dried cherries and cranberries…as well as whey protein. It reminded me a lot of a Larabar in size and texture.
I may get shunned for saying this, but in my opinion, it was better than Larabar in taste. “What?!” Well, hear me out. There was a lot more of a nut buttery taste (which I prefer over the date taste), the dried cherries and cranberries were huge, and the almonds were v. crunchy. The only bad experience I had was that one of the bites of nuts hurt my tooth. I’ll be more careful next time!
The bar and coffee held me over well despite their small size, likely because my throat was still a little sore by the time I got home from work. Sore throats are a foodie’s wort nightmare. But my stomach was growling, so I cut up a red bell pepper and served it with 2 tbsp. Sabra garlic hummus.
Then I decided that in order to get rid of the soreness for good, it was time to whip out the Vita-Mix. Especially after seeing so many delicious recipes in the blogosphere lately. I searched through my freezer for ingredients and came up with a new recipe, which you can find by clicking here and by reading below!
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Bender’s Blenders: CocoNUT Breeze
This smoothie recipe is amazing! You have to be a coconut fan to fully enjoy it, but I’m sure that any fruity sorbet would make a delicious substitute! The added nuttiness of almond milk and almond butter adds a little healthy fat and a lot of great taste!
Ingredients (serves 1):
- 1/2 cup coconut sorbet
- 1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
- 6 large frozen strawberries
- 1/2 cup frozen blueberries
- 1/2 tbsp. almond butter (I used Barney Butter)
- Optional: ice cubes
Directions:
Combine all ingredients into a blender (I used my trusty Vita-Mix). Blend until smooth. The consistency should be like ice cream or frozen yogurt. If not, add a few ice cubes to reach the proper temperature. Garnish with whipped cream or fresh fruit if you’d like!
I served mine in a bowl to get the fro yo effect. It tasted like a sweet dessert, but the ingredients don’t lie: this smoothie is wonderful for you and can double as a meal!
Nutrition Information (per serving):
- Calories: 292
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
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After finishing up my smoothie, my throat was much better. But the chill factor started to get to me, so I downed another liquid, in the form of Coffee Cocoa.
The combination of liquid food really filled me up! I spent the rest of the afternoon lounging around and being very unproductive, if we’re being honest. I always say I’m going to get started on my work on Friday afternoons, but I always manage to find something else to do instead 😉 Eventually, my roomie came back and we went to the gym. Today I made the decision to try Tina’s 45-Minute Treadmill Workout. Going into it, I knew it would be a big challenge for me because 1) I go stir crazy on treadmills and 2) the longest I have ever gone on one is 30 minutes, and it felt like torture. Well…
I did it!!!!
I knew around minute 25 that Tina is a genius (well, technically, I knew that already). This workout had enough variation to keep me from getting bored, and combined with some good music on my iPod, I did it! I’m so glad that I have another form of cardio now. Thank you!
I came back and made myself a cuh-ray-zay good dinner.
Bear with me on this one. It was a new experiment. Here are the ingredients:
- 1 bag tofu shirataki noodles
- 1 Laughing Cow cheese wedge
- 1/4 cup reduced fat Mexican cheese
- 2 liquid egg whites
- 1 cup spinach
- 1 tbsp. Asian vinaigrette
I heated up the tofu noodles for 1 minute after draining them completely. Then I dried them further with a paper towel and added in the Laughing Cow, egg whites and 1/2 of the Mexican cheese. I put it back in the microwave for 2 more minutes and out came an eggy noodle soufflé. I put it on a bed of spinach topped with the vinaigrette and sprinkled on the rest of the Mexican cheese. Voila!
It was really good. The egg pieces meshed well with the noodles and made the usual smell of the tofu less intense. The texture was a lot less slippery and the cheese melded everything together. Plus, it’s a really light meal – a true example of volume eating. I was also able to enjoy a yummy bowl of PB Puffins + Kashi H2H with almond milk.
To end the culinary adventures for the evening, I broke out the Cowgirl Chocolates. I started with a mild milk chocolate, which was very creamy.
And ended the night with some spicy hazelnut milk chocolate. As usual, it tasted normal at first bite and had a mouth-on-fire after burn. I love the combination of hazelnut and chocolate!
The roomie and I have been watching Lipstick Jungle tonight. I love that show and really hope it comes back next season, but it’s not looking good considering the “series finale” tonight showed a sappy montage at the end and gave all of the characters a happy ending. Not really a cliff hanger!
Random Question
What is your favorite article of clothing?
As much as I dislike the cold, my favorite piece of clothing is definitely my winter coat. I love feeling bundled up and warm, and I usually end up leaving it on whenever I go to a restaurant, movie, class, etc. Sometimes I even have it on at home and have to be reminded to take it off! My family likes to make fun of me for it 🙂
Have a good weekend, everyone!
The YouBar flavour looks like it would be good, especially since it has the cashew macadamia nut butter in it. Yum! And as a coconut lover, I would be all for your smoothie lunch.
Interesting use of the shiritaki noodles. I finally picked up a package, but I’m not 100% sure what I’ll do with them.
hope you feel better soon!! i think i might have to try a) that dinner (as i have a package of shiritaki that’s been chillin for awhile b) that treadmill workout on sunday since we’re gettin hit with more snow 🙂
clothing? umm, something comfy…
Great treadmill work out, I’ve been thinking about trying the same one.
My Favorite article of clothing is my underwear. I love wearing pretty underwear and look forward tow earing a new pretty pair every day. 🙂
I want to try the YouBar so bad!! Since I live in Florida-I don’t wear alot of winter clothes………….but I am always cold!! My fav. piece of clothing is my snuggie! HAHA, I don’t know if you know what it is, it looks ridiculous! But it is a blanket with sleeves! I love it!
Another great bender’s blender recipe (ps: I have been studying up on the Vita Mix before I use it – can’t wait!)
Fav clothing? I love my collection of scarves.
Marianne ~ Try the smoothie, you won’t be disappointed!
Shannon ~ Let me know if you try either of them 🙂
Meghann ~ Definitely try the treadmill workout. I know you’re like me when it comes to the dreadmill, so maybe it will work for you, too.
Taylor ~ I’ve seen snuggie before! I used to have something similar when I was younger – I miss it!
Rose ~ Can’t wait to see what you make!
sorry your throat was hurting! i hope it was just the dry air and that you’ll be 100% soon!
i’ve totally gotta get my hands on some of those youbars. i’ve been eyeing them for almost a year but didn’t want to order them online… if you think that flavor is BETTER than a larabar, i’m all over that 😀
the froyo-smoothie hybrid you created looks so good! now the dilemma is finding coconut sorbet in valdosta.. hmm
what an amazing dinner!! this post is so full of fabulous recipes!! so when’s the cookbook coming out? 😉
happy friday jenn!
Don’t be afraid to say something is better than larabar…they can take it! LOL! The bar looks good, I will have to be on the look out for them.
I just tried Tina’s 45 minute workout too! Great workout and good job on breaking the 30 minute tradmill barrier, keep it rockin.
I bet that cool smoothie helped your throat!
Considering I don’t really care for Larabars, I am proud of you for saying something was better. 😀 I am v. curous about these You bars.
Awesome job on the treadmill. I might need to try that workout!
I’m glad your throat feels better!
That smoothie sounds so good, I’ve been looking for coconut sorbet everywhere and almost made my own last weekend. Still looking…
I love using laughing cow to make a sauce for noodles. Your take on it looked tasty!
And every day that ends in PB Puffins is a good day in my book!
My favorite item of clothing are these ratty old black yoga pants that I’ve had for years. Well, they used to be black, they’ve definitely faded. They are so soft and comfy. I’m sure my hubs hates them (though he would never say).
Definitely agree that a coat is the best right now!
And oh wow, that Vita-mix is sure doing wonders!
Hey Bender! AMAZING EATS! I love your experimentation with food and well..admitting that you lounged!!! Your honesty and authenticity is contagious. on another note, does your roomie know that you blog? I think I asked you this once before…and you actually might have already posted about it…I’ll do some hunting after I submit this comment!
fav piece of clothing= SCARF!
I am a scarf person for sure-I sleep with those pashmina’s on!
Hey Jenn, First, thanks for your sweet comment on my blog. Really nice to read 🙂 Second! I think you’re the first blogger I’ve seen to try the tofu shirataki noodles! I always think of Hungry Girl 😉 How were they? I’m interested because I’ve heard mixed things about them. They definitely look good!
Hope you have a great weekend!
I’m glad you’re starting to feel better. Great to hear, esp with classes starting and all!
My favorite clothing piece are my running shorts… i can never go wrong with them feeling uncomfortable…
Glad that you liked it!! It’s one of my favorites! I’m thinking about doing the walking one today!
i’ve done that workout before and it is awesome!
i’m glad youre making good use of that starbucks mug : )
my favorite article(s) of clothing are definitely my sweats—I love being all cozy in my sweatshirt and sweatpants.
have a great weekend!
Girl, I hope you are feeling better today! All your eats look fantastic … I’ve made a note of your dinner – very interesting + looks right up my alley! 😉
Have a good day!
better than larabars! thats sweet. thanks for reviewing the youbars. i have been interested in them for a while and just might have to try them!
fave article of clothing: this navy blue sweatshirt that says the name of my school on it…so comfy!
I’m glad you got such a great workout and I hope you are feeling much better today!!!
Delicious coconut recipe and noodles. I saw those noodles at the store but didn’t buy them, now I will make sure to pick them up.
Ahhhh feel better!! Don’t get sick!!
Loooove the fro-yo-ish smoothie!! Mmmm….
I’ll forgive you for saying that that bar is better than Larabars 😉
PB PUFFINS!!
**favorite article of clothing = my skinny jeans. only style of jeans that I can wear!!
I hope your throat feels better soon… I agree that a sore throat is a food lovers nightmare – and being sick seems to make everything taste the same for me: blah!
The Best Bar looked pretty good! Were the nutritional facts similar to that of a Larabar?
I want to try the tofu noddles – only you mentioned some sort of smell? Do they smell kind of gross?
Lastly, your coconut creation looked delicious. I love that you ate like fro yo rather than through a straw!
My new favorite article of clothing are the super soft PJ pants I bought from target yesterday. i want to wear them all day everyday.
Happy Weekend to you!
YAY! Glad you’re feeling better!!
Note to self: Get some YouBars!
I would love to try the YOU BAR; I haven’t seen them, but I’ll keep a lookout for them!
Hmm…I’ve been eyeing the Shirataki Noodles, but something tells me they may be yucky:) Is this the first time you have tried them? If not, what do you think is the best way to use them?
Hope you’re feeling better!
Oh, and my favorite article of clothing is……..my sports bra! Keeps the girls locked and loaded! 🙂
im glad the best bar is literally the best bar!
my fave article of clothing is a hoodie in winter (bc i hate the cold)… and in summer it’s definitely flip flops!!!!!! i get so excited to wear them!
oh i’m sorry you’re not feeling well! i hope the sore throat goes away soon 🙂
my fave article of clothing is also a thick winter coat… not something that i’d wear outdoors though – it’s just so soft and nice to lounge around in 🙂
LOL – we were totally thinking alike yesterday – we both had the red pepps and Sabra – and I tested out Tina’s 45 minute treadmill workout – I totally agree with you – it’s great! 🙂
Those noodles look great – I’m going to have to take the dive and try them really soon!
That’s super clever marketing for that bar. lol.
My fave piece of clothing…hmm…this time of year it’s a toss-up between my boots and coat. Although, weather aside, I’d go with my cardigans. I adore my cardis!
Ah – hopefully you won’t get what I had!!
That dinner sounds crazy good and plus volume eating is MY favorite form of eating 😉 Hazelnut and chocolate are another match made in foodie heaven!
Fav article of clothing: Any form of pajama pants!
Those You Bars look great. Have you thought about making your own on their site?
I have been wanting to try those YouBars forever. The one you tried sounds amazing!
My favorite article of clothing is my dragonfly pajama pants!
I have GOT to make that egg-y haha souffle! Where did you get your vitamix? Thay’re so pricey!:(
Woo that is way creative Jenn! I’m impressed! You can whip up just about anything in the kitch!
I’m sorry about your sore throat. 🙁
My favorite article of clothing – so hard to choose – at the moment it’s probably my fleecy patagonia jacket. 🙂
You’ve got your coat. I’ve got my scarf. Never take it off. I’ve even been known to wear it on the treadmill while warming up at the gym. They keep it so cold in there and then have fans blowing directly on you from the ceiling. As soon as I get warm, I just throw it off. Love a good scarf!
All your eats look amazing, but especially your Vita-Mix creation as I love anything coconut, and I love what you did with the Shirataki noodles. Filling with a protein punch!
Have a good weekend Jenn. I hope your soar throat is all gone. 🙂
I love comfy clothes, particularly comfy, lazy, lounge pants. 🙂 And this is going to sound weird, but I just got a pair of men’s sweatpants from Target for $5…hello comfort!! 🙂
I’m loving your blog, I just added you to my blogroll, hope you don’t mind! 🙂
Jenn – I am glad your soar throat went away. They are definitely no fun. Your recipes from today sound amazing. That smoothie looks absolutely delicious! You are so creative – thanks for the inspiration and ideas!
Your eats look super yummy today! I hope you have a great weekend Jenn 🙂
Everything looks so yummy – the YouBar, the smoothie, dinner!
WAY TO GO ON THE WORKOUT! I love your smoothies:)
you should try sticking a leaf or two of kale in your next smoothie! If can get past the color, the taste and nutrition are unbeatable!
love, lis
The smooothie looks so good! (Now I just need a Vita Mix!!)
My favorite clothing ever is JEANS!