RUNday: Om nom nom

As I continue my journey into the world of fitness, I’m more conscious of what I put in my mouth. I haven’t turned into a complete culinary snob. But I’m trying to strike a balance between food that is both delicious and healthy. There are some things I’ve always known that keep hitting me in the face.

1. Don’t be a hero.

I tried eating my granola with the yogurt on the left. Note that it’s plain.

Several days ago I braced myself as I stood over my breakfast bowl. Heartily, I scooped the yogurt over my cereal, and told myself I was doing the right thing. I told myself I was pursing the healthier option.

I then dipped my spoon into the bowl and brought it to my lips.

Although technically I may have been correct about my objectives, my taste buds were not impressed.

At first I was disappointed. Why couldn’t I rise to the challenge? (Fun fact: This year marks probably the first time in my life where I’ve eaten boiled eggs without trying to devil them.) In spite of my upset, I quickly came to my senses. if something’s not working, there’s no sense in lying to yourself.

I bought the yogurt on the right the next day.

2. If you prefer “yours” over “theirs”, it’s ok.

Fibre1’s brownies* do not taste bad. But I thought they were expensive, and small.

In the end, I couldn’t help but think that I should have saved my money and made black bean brownies**. In my unprofessional opinion they taste nearly the same and are bound to be healthier.

3. Expect the unexpected.

Recently I was checking out Greatist‘s web site when I came upon Katie Morris’ Apple Quinoa Cake recipe.

I remember being perplexed and excited all at once.

I have apples! And quinoa.

And just think about it! Quinoa…In a cake? How does that work?

Yesterday morning I found out.

I only made one change to their recipe. I used chopped dates instead of raisins.

What did it taste like? Like chewy, crunchy, glorious…Awesomeness.

I was impressed and I definitely intend to make it again.

*The link goes to the product’s American site. I don’t know what–if any–differences you’ll find between theirs and the Canadian one.

**As I said in an earlier post, bean-based desserts tend to taste better the day after they’re made.