Or should I say Love Muffins? These Strawberry-Rhubarb Muffins are based off the Love Muffin recipe in My Sweet Vegan. All I did was replace 1/2 the amount of strawberries with chopped rhubarb and replace the oil with applesauce. Mmm, they were really good. I never knew strawberries and rhubarb were so good together but I'm loving this fresh, summertime pairing.
Yesterday's breakfast was somewhat non-traditional (for me anyway). Sweet Potato Toast sounded really good and since I had leftover fries from the night before, I just couldn't pass it up. I toasted 2 slices of Ezekiel Bread, spread it with Naturally Nutty's Vanilla Almond Butter, and topped the slices with hot sweet potato fries. Oh. My. Gosh. This was heaven! The sweet AB just blended beautifully with the sweet p's and the whole meal left my tummy full and happy.I tried to snap a picture of my lunch but my camera died...rest assured a Hugh Jass salad was made and devoured.
I was a little bored during the afternoon so why not bake?! I took the same pie recipe I used a couple days ago and made a Strawberry-Rhubarb Pie. I was so tasty but what is that on top?
A GENIUS invention that comes from Miss Curlytop, Pbu! I had accidentally bought my mom the wrong PB (unsalted) at the store about a week ago and its was just staring at me from inside the cabinet. I remembered this recipe and got to work right away (read: stirring, stirring, and more stirring). It turned out wonderfully! It made about double the amount in the PB jar which is awesome because it will last longer (maybe). Perfectly smooth and great for drizzling on anything you can imagine. Or, you could do what I did...and lick it right off the spoon! 
Seeing as I didn't have my normal bowl of oats in the morning, I made some Muffin-Topped Oats for yesterday's dinner. -1/2 cup oats + 1 cup water
-2 tsp chia seeds
-cinnamon
-2 large scoops Pbu
I'm totally loving this combination right now. The muffin gets very soggy and full of flavor while sitting in the oats. And the Pbu is just the most amazing topping, drenching everything in PB goodness. Yum.
Okay Shelby...where is today's breakfast? This is it! I decided to go the savory route (somewhat) this morning and made Avocado Toast. All I did was spread 1/2 an avocado on 2 slices of Ezekiel bread and munch away. This dish will be on rotation with my main breakfasts from now on.
Okay Shelby...where is today's breakfast? This is it! I decided to go the savory route (somewhat) this morning and made Avocado Toast. All I did was spread 1/2 an avocado on 2 slices of Ezekiel bread and munch away. This dish will be on rotation with my main breakfasts from now on.
With my toast, I had a Gree...or rather Brown Smoothie. -1 1/2 cups water
-3/4 cup frozen cherries
-3 huge handfuls baby spinach
I drank it slowly this time and I didn't end up too full like I usually do. I guess I was just drinking them too fast before.
Another Hugh Jass Salad for lunch today. This stud contained...
Another Hugh Jass Salad for lunch today. This stud contained...-baby spinach
-carrots
-sun-dried tomatoes
-lightly steamed broccoli (I was trying to keep it raw but I despise raw broccoli)
-cucumbers
The dressing was very good! It tasted fresh, simple, and I liked that instead of being full of oils, it was full of healthy probiotics.
After a long, sweaty workout, I was craving a cool bowl of Granola.-almond milk
-scoop Pbu
I also began reading a hilarious new book I found at the library called The Center of the Universe (Yep, that would be ME!) by Anita Liberty. Even if you are an adult you will appreciate this young adult book because its all about how much your teenage years sucked! I have laughed out loud at many parts of this book because I can relate so much to many things she says. A great summer read while lounging by the pool, tanning, or munching on granola.
I couldn't resist...I had to have oats for dinner again. Its just too good to pass up! I used the same basic recipe for my Muffin-Topped Oats featured earlier in this post but I'd like to call this bowl Peanut Butter Coma. You'll see why...-1/2 cup oat bran + 1 1/4 cups water
-1 pkt Chunky FitNutz PB
-cinnamon
-2 huge scoops Pbu
Both sources of PB added so much rich, delicious flavor to my oats. I kind of want to go make another bowl haha...
Okay everyone, I need some help. I've been getting bored with the same old yoga routine and I'm looking to mix it up. I actually want to try to incorporate a bit more strength training into my routine but I have no idea how to go about it. I'm not sure how often to do it, what groups to work, or even what exercises to do. I mean, I know some but I'm just confused. My main thing is that I'm not looking to bulk up. I want to build lean muscle and look toned, not muscular. Sometimes when I do squats for a while, I notice my legs getting too bulky. How can I get a lean, toned look without getting too muscular? Any tips?
Oh and I watched The Dutchess last night, LOVED it! Although, I love anything with Keira Knightley in it and I love films set in that time period. Summertime is my favorite time to catch up on movies because I can stay up as late as I want and not have to worry about missing any sleep. What have been some of your favorite movies this year?
50 comments:
lovin the Pbu! how creative and mighty fine lookin :) the avocado spread toast looks amazing too
I had oats for dinner tonight too! I tried out carrot cake oatmeal that I've seen on your blog..it was delicious!
LOVE the pbu idea! I find straight up nut butter way too heavy, but mixed with some almond milk, hmm... who knows.
I'm a total Keira fan, too. She was great in Atonement. My fav movie of the year is probably Slumdog Millionnaire. It definitely appealed to the world history nerd in me (v. historically accurate movie ;))
So much deliciousness Shelby! I'm getting ready to roast some chickpeas for my nightly Hugh Jass. You can take that however you want ;)
I haven't seen hardly any movies this year, so I'm no help!
there is some serious food porn going on in this post! I may be licking the screen right now...
I have got to say - I am impressed at how adventurous your meals are getting! PBU is pure genius, SP toast = yum, and the avocado toast!
I'm not much of a help on the movies either!
I haven't seen it yet - but I have a feeling that the Hangover is going to be a new favorite movie of mine, haha! I saw Grand Tureno lastnight (not sure if I spelled that right) and it was great!
I love your strawberry rhubarb muffins, looks so delicious. I love big chunks of fruit in my baked goods. Also, Emily's Pbu idea is awesome - I might try it with chocolate almond milk. Looks like a great topper for SO much stuff.
Have a wonderful night Shelby!
Love,
Meg
Wow, you're making me drool with all your yummy food!
I always recommend "Total Yoga" from the White Lotus Foundation. It's an excellent Vinyasa yoga DVD that works on strength, agility, and balance. If you want to talk more about strength training through yoga that won't build bulk, email me!
I've been feeling the same way. I'm looking to add more strength and different yoga "style" and classes if that makes sense. I know both Heather (Health, Hap., and Hope) and Heather (HEAB) have 50% off coupons for yogadownload. I'm going to download all sorts of classes and I can't wait!
Your eats are looking amazing! Muffin love :)
<3 jess
xoxo
Shelby, your food looks delicious as always!!
I know what you mean about workout burnout. I have been burnt out at the gym lately so I stocked up on some DVDs to change things up a bit and have a few that I recommend. One of my favorites is SHAPE Magazine's Butt, Hips, and Thighs DVD. I found it at Target, but initially tried out one of the routines on my cable's On Demand. It has a 35 minute dance workout, a 12 min. ballet leg workout (my FAVE. lean and toned dancer legs without being bulky), a 12 min. pilates leg workout, and then a 12 min. total body toning workout. You might also enjoy the Skinny Bitch Booty Bounce or Skinny Bitch Boot Camp DVDs. In my opinion, dance-inspired workouts are a great way to create lean muscle and they're fun too. :)
Shelby,
I LOOOVE you. And I love Pbu. And I love all of the ways you ate it! Thanks for the shout out sweetie!
Yum-yum-yum.
With Love,
Emily
Strawberry-rhubarb is one of my favorite combinations. :)
Don't know if this will help, but you can go to this website and it will demonstrate different strength-training moves for different parts of the body depending on what you're interested in. (http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/fitness_plan_generator.asp)
Those muffins look so delicious! And I love how you used them as an oat topping. I love doing that. The Pbu idea is awesome--I really need to make it!
Oh that Pbu looks so cool! What an awesome idea. I will definitely have to try it. Next time I open up an almond milk I'm doing it.
Low weights, lots of reps builds lean muscle. I'm into the same thing. I do the recumbent bicycle at the gym for 30 minutes, do muscle toning and cardio water aerobics (like an old lady, but sooo fun), and Jillian Michaels' toning videos on Hulu. Her videos are short 2 minute tutorials and are AWESOME!
My fav movies of the year include: Slumdog Millionaire, Frost/Nixon, Star Trek, Up, ... i can't remember what came out earlier than that!
I LOVE Keira Knightly, too. Don't get me started about Pride and Prejudice! Mr. Darcy... I love you...
Movies, hmmm? I actually really enjoyed Star Trek. Others... Greenfingers, Slumdog Millionaire, and a few more that are just slipping my mind. :)
As far as strength training goes... I suggest getting some light weights (3-5 lbs), and doing basic exercises (alternating bicep curls, shoulder presses, etc.).
And Jenny is right - serious food pornage. Pornage isn't really a word, but whatever.
Hi Shelby! I wouldn't worry too much about "bulking up". It's almost impossible for a woman to become bulky without taking steroids! We just don't have enough testosterone! You should try starting with a couple of different resistance bands. Places like Target sell them and many times you can get sets with an instructional manual or DVD with them. They are a great, compact way to start strength training. Good Luck!
Hey Shelby! I've been adopting a lot of your food ideas lately! I just made the nutty SP kale soup (and linked to your blog!) and i've been making sweet potato fries with Annie's maple BBQ sauce. Oh, and I ordered some Naturally Nutty vanilla AB!
Is that Pbu stuff kinda just like a PB cream for toppings?
Strawberry-Rhubarb Pie is the best thing in the entire world. I would eat it off the floor or even dipped in sand!
PBU! so neat! go CurlyTop!!!!!!
your meals look soo gorgeous ALWAYS Shelby. I feel like I have the same boring commment each day on La Belle Vegan. "your food is so beautiful" ,"your food looks so delicious", "your food looks so yummmy".........BUT IT'S TRUE!!!
shelbs! your simple, clean eating look great! i love avocado on toast...and i love curly's pbu...i must make it this week. thanks for the rave review :)
as for mixing up your yoga routine - you could try out different yoga dvds at library first. then opt for ebay, target, etc for more options. i also like to switch up my routine and take classes a few times a week at my yoga studio (core power 1 and 2 for a good work out) then do whatever im in the mood for at home in my own peace - like meditation and breathing. its a nice mix of activity.
love you,
brooke <3
Holy sh!t toast with vanilla almond butter and sweet potato slices! Sounds so good!
The PBU sounds great, too, I'll have to try it.
americangourmande.wordpress.com
mmm your eats look so good~!
go to yogadownload.com and do some workouts by dave farmar...my entire body hurts the day after his workouts lol
Strawberry and Rhubarb muffins sound wonderful. They'd go well with my Rhubarb yogurts.
I love avocado toast! Mmm!
I'm going to check out that Pbu link you gave haha
about not wanting to bulk up but still get leaner and stronger? Just make sure that any exercise you are doing you are performing at least 12 reps. Think of it as 'distance training' for your muscles instead of 'sprint training' which would be any exercise done with less than 12 reps. Think of how each type of runner is built: Distance runners are lean and strong and Sprinters are noticeably 'bulky' and strong.
It all looks so good!! The Pbu sounds amazing, I'm glad to hear you are a fan...I must make some now (once a get a big enough jar, I think.
i've never seen the dutchess but my aunt said it was really good
all of your food always looks so healthy and BEAUTIFUL!
enjoy your day!
haha, I love your creative use of leftover fries! I've always wanted to try a nice fry sandwich, really! and so much yummy oatness and muffinness you're making me want breakfast again. ;)
everything looks lovely as usual. i can't wake to make some pbu!
sweet potato toast is such an interesting idea. once again you're so creative, girl! :)
I love the pbu idea! I also get tummy issues when I ingest too much fat. I'll totally try this...peanut butter and a workout? Holla :)
It sounds like you like all my favorite veggies - sweet potato, avocado and broccoli!
I love Keira Knightly too! Uh...Pride and Prejudice! You are really stepping outside of the box with all that toast for breakfast! The oats and granola look good, as always!
I made pbu, too and love it! So great for stirring into oats and drizzling on top of fruit.
Yogadownload.com has podcasts for yoga + weights. I also think self magazine (self.com) has some yoga workouts with added weights.
Okay, so I clicked over to Miss Curlytop's blog to see what Pbu was about. And it sounds wonderful...a great way to turn thick peanut butter into a creamy sauce. I probably won't try this with a whole jar of pb because I'd be afraid I wouldn't use it all before the soymilk went bad. But I could see myself making smaller batches of this to top oats or cakes or muffins!
The pbu is genius! What is the consistency like? I am TOTS gonna make it!!!
oats for dinner sound great! I sooo agree that the dutchess is amazing! One of the best movies ever!
Avocado on Toast is one of my favourite snacks - soo soo good. The Strawberry and Rhubarb Pie and Muffins look FAB. I bake when I'm bored too - haha.
My favourite film so far this year is Grind House Death Proof but I'm a HUGE Taratino fan. I will keep my eyes peeled for The Duchess.
:)
Thank you for another wonderful post, everything looks delicious! Have you considered swimming? Definitely good for the body but doesn't leave you with that super muscle-y look.
Looks great!
Hey girl! The baking looks great.
I know what you mean about wanting to build muscle and not bulk up. My biggest fear is having big manly arms with veins and everything!! haha. I have a MTV yoga tape that I LOVE, it doesnt get boring, and I feel like it really stretches out my muscles so that they are more lean and not bulky. Also, you could try pilates. I am not much into it, but one of my friends is and she is in great shape and says it is similiar to yoga but a little more muscle building. Hope that helps a little!
mhmm mhmhm mhmmmM!! everything looks soo delicious girl! how do you do it??
some good movies? I just watched Baby Mama and House Bunny the other day and found them to be absolutely hilarious so try those out and tell me what ya think!
PS. where did you get the sun warrior??
Yum! All of these eats look so great -- especially those two "toast" breakfasts. I love avo toast!
Whoa! Whoa! Whoa!
I love the eats! My fave is the SP toast with almond butter! I bet the texture was to die!
If you have questions about lifting, hit me up! I've been doing it for about seven years and I'm still pretty small (meaning I've not bulked up into a testosterony mess)!
Wow, that Pbu sounds amazing! Some of the best movies I've seen lately? Hmmm, tough choice. Just saw The Reader which was pretty interesting. Rachel Getting Married was okay. Twilight of course is drool-worthy and a fun watch if you haven't seen it. Anything with Johnny Depp is of course amazing, I can't wait to see his new movie Public Enemy this summer. Willy Wonka is always fun to watch. Also, if you haven't seen The Notebook that one is a must, but I'm sure you've seen it because it's like every girls favorite movie :)
Squats also make my legs look a bit bulky but I do yoga as well which stretches the muscles out. I've trained for only 3 months on this routine now, so I haven't really noticed anything surprising yet. But probably do more stretching with a bit of strength exercise I would say...
And the movies, I quite liked Wolverine. Unless you like the X-men, this might not be a movie to everyone's taste! Star Trek was quite
nice too.
Avocado toast looks good! I also like mashed banana sandwiched toast! So good!
Everyone seems to be eating Pbu! You've convinced me to make it. It looks fab on that muffin/oats breakfast!
-A
Your Pbu looks so yummy! I can't wait to try. What was the additional sweetener that you added to it or did you just add two cups of almond milk??
nora- I use Pbu anywhere I would use regular PB.
hummusamongus- I got the Sun Warrior from their website =)
Anonymous- I added a packet of stevia, but I don't think it was really neccessary. I just used it because the PB was unsalted and very plain.
hey pretty shelbs!
1st of all i adore the bloggie makeover.. curlytop is a blog whiz :)
secondly - about your workouts.. i would recommend trying some pilates for getting toned without building up too much muscle mass.. exercistv.com has some great videos if you're interested. You also know how i love my yogadownload.com if your interested in switching up your yoga sessions! good luck my lovely fitnessista :)
xo, Jenny
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