Random Questions & A Vegan Creamy Power Greens Salad

Howdy Folks,

One of my blogging and running friends, Vieve, nominated me for the Liebstar Award, check it out on her blog. I felt very honored to be chosen and wanted to share the answers to the questions I was asked. They are some random questions you might be interesting in. You might learn something new about me. 😉

1. If you had to give up running, what would be your next choice for exercise?  OH boy!! Why I am giving up running again……??!!
2. Why did you decide to start a blog?  I wanted to share my experiences with running and a wholesome, healthy diet. So many friends and family were always asking me for my recipes and advice on nutrition, and encouraged me to start a blog. Now they have access to all the recipes they love. More importantly, I love sharing advice on nutrition and fitness. Also, the blogging community is amazing!! It’s connected me with some great bloggers, who are now dear friends.
3. Do you have any lucky charms? {ie – rabbits foot, race day underwear, etc} As odd as this sounds, I wear the same ponytail all through training for one single race, and wear it on race day. After the race it’s time to retire the pony and start a new one. I also only eat oatmeal and toast with PB on race day. I won’t do anything else.
4. Do run with or without music? Without!! I like the sound of my feet, breathing, and nature.
5. Do you have a favorite brand of workout clothing? I am following in love with Oiselle, and I also love Brooks, especially their shoes.
6. What bucket list race do you still have yet to do? The Marine Core Marathon, Boston to Big Sur series, New York Marathon, and a race overseas. I also really want to do a 50 mile trail run anywhere!!
7. What is your favorite healthy snack? I love rice cakes topped with peanut butter or almond butter, popcorn with olive oil and little salt, and healthy bites or any type of fruit.
8. Who is your biggest inspiration to living a healthier lifestyle? There are so  many great bloggers and athletes out there that inspire me everyday. Lisa at runwiki is an inspiration, Ryan and Sara Hall are inspirations, and the older generation of runners I see at races or in the mornings running inspire me. If they are doing it at 70, 80, 90 years old I should be able to do it too!!
9. What challenge/goal are you trying to overcome right now? Right now it’s running through pregnancy. It’s a lot different. A goal that was on my radar before I got pregnant was a sub 3 hour marathon. After the baby that’s what I am shooting for.
10. Do you incorporate strength training into your regime? (How often?) Oh yes!! I try to do it at least twice a week, sometimes 3. My core routine is 3-4 times a week.

Well there you have it!! I thought I would leave you with a great recipe for a Vegan Creamy Power Greens Salad that I have been enjoying. It’s a great source of antioxidants, iron and superfoods, with spinach, baby kale and chard. I also topped with sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds, as these are a great source of healthy fats. If you want some additional protein just add some chicken.

I wasn’t so sure about trying my own version of caesar dressing that is vegan, but yet creamy. Adding nutritional yeast and cashews definitely helped make it a creamy texture. It’s definitely a healthier version of caesar dressing too!!

I was inspired by a salad I had at a local vegan bistro in town. I told my husband I was going to try to mirror it, and I think I made an exact replica (at least I think they were going for a vegan caesar dressing)

Make this your new Spring and Summer fave salad!!

Total Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients: 

Dressing

• 1/4 c Cashews
• 2 Tbs Lemon Juice
• 1 Tbs Apple Cider Vinegar
• 2 Tbs Olive Oil
• 1 tsp Dijon Mustard
• 1 Tbs Nutritional Yeast (plus a little more if you want a cheesier taste)
• 1 Garlic clove
• Pepper, to taste

Salad Mix

• 8 cups packed Power Greens mix (spinach, baby kale and red and green chard), washed
• 1/3 c Pumpkin Seeds
• 1/4 c Sunflower Seeds
• 1-2 Tbs sesame Seeds

Directions: In blender combine all dressing ingredients and blend until smooth and well combined (I add the pepper last to the salad itself). In large bowl add the power green mix. Top with the sesame, sunflower and pumpkin seeds and pour the dressing over greens. Sprinkle with some pepper, and mix well, until all the greens are well coated. Serve and Enjoy!! 

Servings: 2-4 (depending on if it’s served with another dish or as the main dish)

Marc and I are in route to Portland. We are running the Rock’n’Roll Portland 1/2 marathon this weekend. My goal is 1:40 and no pee breaks. I will leave you with my latest bump update at 17 weeks exactly (from this morning).

Not much for a bump yet…soon!!

Hope you all have a great weekend!!

Until Next Time Be Whole and Be Fit

What are your plans for the weekend?