Spring in My Steps

Today was simply beautiful here in Gainesville! I know we still have a week and a half until it’s officially spring, but as far as I’m concerned, spring has sprung! There’s a sunny brightness in the air, people just seem to have a spring in their steps, birds are frolicking about, flowers are blooming (allergies are in full force!) and I know I sure have spring fever and only want to be outside! I wish I was on spring break this week! (Well, technically I am on spring break from classes, but I still have that whole responsible working adult thing going on, bummer!)

Springtime brings such a renewed freshness to everyone and everything, and somehow it almost seems easier to be more in tune with your body when you feel so in tune to life and your surroundings. Which is why I had tofu. For breakfast.

I know, so weird. But the strange thing is, I was craving tofu before I went to bed last night. When I woke up the only thing I wanted to have for breakfast was tofu. so I had tofu! Kind of weird, but whatever – I guess it could be the vegan equivalent for eggs for breakfast? It sure was tasty, and the higher protein breakfast (well, higher than usual for me) actually gave me more satiety. Perfect fuel for work!

Work was standard today, minus the constant testing of fire alarms all morning. Let’s just say it didn’t help my cabin fever and desire to be outside at all.

Lunch was the perfect spring time sandwich – grilled hummus and vegetables on rosemary bread!

I picked up some local hummus for $1.99 at Ward’s Supermarket here in Gainesville, as well as some of their rosemary bread that I love. Vegetables included spinach, red bell pepper, tomato and avocado. It was quite delicious!

While at Ward’s I also picked up some sweet deals. Eating well and even eating organically does NOT have to be crazy expensive! Heck, at times some things that are organic and on sale are even cheaper than their conventional counterparts! One example is the organic Braeburn apples at Whole Foods that I bought this past weekend for 99 cents a pound. That’s a great deal for any kind of apple, organic or conventional! Today’s goodies at Ward’s were no exception. I found organic baby bok choy for $2.02, organic blueberries for $1.50 and organic pears for 99 cents a pound.

Love it! Find small town, local markets and farmer’s markets in your area, you just may be able to find organic and/ or local produce for decent prices. Every little bit helps.

Today’s workout was another (I think the last) new P90X DVD – Back and Biceps, along with Ab Ripper X. Love Back and Biceps  (or the glamour muscles )! I really have a thing for strength exercise, especially with upper body. Now I just need to keep working on the cardio and love that just as equally.

Dinner was probably one of the most simple, nutritionally well-rounded vegan meals that can be done on a very small budget. Basically, we had amped up beans and rice. The proteins in beans and rice complement each other to make a complete protein. Add some vegetables and fruit to it in the form of spinach, avocado and salsa and you have a delicious meal!

I also just had two squares of Endangered Species Dark Chocolate with Cacao Nibs – it’s the one with the bat on the wrapper. Love this bar, one of my favorite treat bars (and vegan-friendly, naturally)!

I’m off for the night to dream about spring time vacations that won’t happen, but it’s nice to dream anyway. Is the weather spring-like where you are? And what’s your favorite thing about spring?