The One Week Vegetarian

I'm going vegetarian this week. 

I planned my menus last week and will be posting as I cook and eat them and will be sure to let you know any and all feedback from me and Bill.  It should be interesting.

I'm planning on total vegetarianism for 7 days starting today as well as a low sugar diet.  I have a problem with cookies.  I have a problem with brownies.  I have a problem with cake.  I have a problem. 

I made my last batch of cookies last night.  They were delicious... I savored every bite of them.  And then said goodbye.  It was traumatic but totally worth shoving my mouth full of them as I watched Dirk win his first championship.  Go Mavs!

And then this morning.... we had a meeting with everyone in the office...the breakfast of choice...donut holes.  Luckily I had eaten my Quaker Oats and was pretty full but the donut hole box and I had a discussion; it wasn't pretty but my angel side won out against that devilish box of sugary goodness.  NO donut holes for me.

In preparation for my week of vegetarianism my friend Courtney and I went to the farmer's market in downtown Dallas on Saturday.  If you are not familiar with Dallas - the farmer's market is a staple in south downtown.

The farmer's market was established in the 1800s as farmers came to town to sell from their wagons.  In 1939 the market was officially established and formalized with the first shed being built to house the farmers.  Today there are 4 sheds as well as various street vendors, and an entire street dedicated to floral.  It is an amazing place on Saturday morning.  The sights, sounds, colors and samples of the locally grown produce are overwhelming and delicious.

I went to the farmers market as a little girl with my family but hadn't been back in years.  It is totally worth the 25 minute drive and I plan on making it frequently.

So here was my produce shopping list for the week:

2 avocados - They were a little pricey
6 white onions - They were also a little pricey - I can get a bag at the store for less than a basket
1 red onion - Wasn't able to purchase a single red onion
4 tomatoes - came home with 6
4 sweet potatoes
2 bell peppers
2 bunches of fresh spinach
2 Portabello Mushrooms
10 White mushrooms
2 chipolte peppers - only available at the grocery
2 egg plants
1 bunch cilantro
4 jalapenos - came home with 22!
3 zucchinis - came home with 4
18 garlic cloves
3 shallots - came home with 8
pears - FORGOT!
dried cranberries - Didn't find any dried fruit

*Plus I came home with a pineapple (they were 2 for $5)

It was a great day with a great friend!  Tonight after work it's off to the grocery to pick up the remaining needed items and then it's my first attempt at a vegetarian dinner. 

Happy Monday!

P.S. Don't forget about the 10 giveaways going on at Mrs. Adventure... you can click the links right over there -------->

Baaaaah Baaaah boyfriend....

Can you GET any sweeter?  (in an awesome Chandler voice)

Last night I had had a long day at work (par for the course these days) - Bill had set out rack of lamb to thaw on Monday for Tuesday's dinner.  I came home and he had already marinated the lamb and was about to put it into the oven. 
Fast forward three hours (I'll come back to the details of these three hours in a minute)

He comes home from baseball......I'm on the couch wishing I had stopped and gotten yogurt (YOGURTVILLE!) after the gym.......he busts through the back door, kisses me and heads straight for the kitchen....

2 minutes pass....

He is standing by the couch with Rocky Road ice cream and a spoon........he knows me and MY sweet tooth so well.  How sweet is he? 

So back to dinner...

Bill made the rack of lamb just perfectly and I made the side of asparagus.... but not just ANY asparagus....

Asparagus with Parmesan-lemon vinaigrette.  Sounds delicious doesn't it... (pictures are terrible quality they are from my iphone)
 

Start with Parsley, Parmesan, and onion (or shallot)



Grab some olive oil



and feta



Mix with lemon juice and olive oil



Drizzle olive oil and salt and pepper on the asparagus and roast for 6-10 min under the broiler

Top with vinaigrette

Throw on some feta (b/c I love feta)

And serve......

 I had an awesome run last night at the gym.  I was dreading going after dinner...I was tired, full and really really just wanted to lay on the couch.  But I got up, got dressed and headed for a quick 3 mile.  I've been wanting to break the 10 min. mile hurdle for a while so I try and try and try and push myself every time I run.  My running has backed off lately due to the calf/shin issue and I've had a terrible few weeks of workouts - so I NEEDED a good run.  29:41 - 3 miles - 9:50 mile.  No ipod either.  I'm trying to train myself to run without my ipod since I won't have it at NOLA70.3  they are forbidden in any USAT sanctioned race. 

It's easy on the smaller distance runs....but it's tough on long distances.  I like my music - it motivates me.

But that's beside the point....

I got in a great run, came home showered, caught up on some blogs and waited for Bill to get home to watch Biggest Loser.

I didn't watch the SOTU - I know how un-American - I 'll catch the recaps online today.

For now, I'm off to meet the handyman at my house for a quote for the stuff that needs to  be completed in order to put it up on the market.

Wish me luck!

I could get used to this....

Staying home that is......

Spinach and Feta stuffed Chicken with roasted asparagus and quinoa for dinner..... delicious :)

I LOVE FOOD!!!!

Full update tomorrow - early swim in the a.m. with a dear dear friend!