I liked the Weekend Food For Thought discussion! You guys made some very interesting and thoughtful points.  After reading through the comments and having a family discussion about it,  I decided that it IS a good thing for the animals to be treated fairly for the time they are alive.  Yes, they will die eventually, but while they are alive, they should have an appropriate farm life.  I would rather eat an animal that was cared for properly than one that was tortured.  I feel it’s better karma, if that makes any sense at all.

I also decided that I will incorporate more vegetarian meals into my diet.  I do enjoy them (just not 24/7) and if I save an animal here and there, that might not be a bad thing, either.

But, today…..  err, was not the day

The Run

I started the day with a run.  I was psyching myself up for it because I wanted to push for a 5 miler today.  I felt I was capable and the weather was perfect, so out I went.  I was not up for doing any hills in the neighborhood, so I went to the local high school’s outdoor track.

I walked for 4 minutes, then started the run.  I wasn’t so strong right off the bat.  I reminded myself that the first mile always sucks royally and I kept repeating “you can do it”! 

Well, I didn’t quite do it.  I was having all kinds of issues.  The track was so cushiony, I felt like it was slowing me down.  There was too much bounce-back and my ankles were really feeling it.  Does that make any sense?  I don’t know.  I guess I’m used to pavement!  My mind was all over the place and not focusing and my ear buds kept falling out   I finally decided I was done at 3.38 miles.  Done and done.  Boo to track runs!

*****

My bad run was quickly forgotten due to my good breakfast – a yogurt bowl…

In the mix…

• 1/2 cup Chobani nonfat plain yogurt
• 2 drops NuNaturals liquid vanilla stevia
• 3/4 cup organic ( ) blueberries
• 1/2 banana
• 1/4 cup Kashi Go Lean Crisp cereal (love)

Then, some much needed java…

Lunch

I was looking forward to another one of the Sweet Basil Pesto Smoked Chicken and Turkey Sausages that I bought at Trader Joe’s.  I made a twist on a typical Italian-American dish – Sausage & Peppers.  Instead of dishing mine up on a big roll, I made it into a salad! 

Basil Pesto Sausage and Pepper Salad

• 1 Trader Joe’s Sweet Basil Pesto Smoked Chicken and Turkey Sausage, sliced
• 1 roasted red pepper, sliced
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced onion
• 1 plum tomato, chopped
• 2 handfuls baby spinach
• 1 light mozzarella string cheese, sliced
• 2 tsp. good balsamic vinegar

1. Heat 1/2 tsp. olive oil in a medium skillet.  Add sausage and onion.  Cook until onion begins to soften, about 2 minutes.
2. Add roasted peppers to pan;  heat through.
3. Meanwhile,  arrange spinach on serving plate.  Add chopped tomato. 
4. Top spinach with the sausage and pepper mixture.  Add cheese slices and drizzle with vinegar.

Delish!

Later, I had my favorite snack…

 

This snack has really been working for me!  I think there is a reason behind it.  I will share my thoughts on this in an upcoming post

Dinner

Dinner on the grill was a must!  It was perfect grilling weather; sunny with a slight breeze.  And we love to eat outside on the deck on these great days!

I’ve been craving grilled salmon like crazy, however,  I didn’t give myself enough time to defrost and marinate it the way I like.  I ended up doing the quick thaw method by putting the salmon package in cold water for about 30 minutes.  Works like a charm!

But, marinating takes longer than I had.  I decided to make a glaze to put on the salmon instead.  This way it has all the flavors of the marinade, but without the sitting time.

Here’s my easy Honey Teriyaki Glaze…

• 1/3 cup teriyaki sauce
• 2 tbsp. honey
• 2 cloves garlic, sliced
• 1/4-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced (about 4 slices)

Place ingredients in a small saucepan…

Bring to boil.  Stir occasionally.  Let reduce until liquid thickens and becomes more like a syrup (about 15 minutes) …

I placed the salmon fillets on the grill and brushed the tops with the glaze.  When the salmon was cooked to perfection, I plated it with some sauteed zucchini and whole wheat orzo…

Now that’s what I call dinner!!!

*note – be sure to pour some glaze in a small bowl before brushing the  raw salmon to prevent contaminating the remainder of the glaze.  This way you can serve additional glaze on the size, if needed.

I topped this dinner off with a homemade iced vanilla chai tea latte…

Aaaah, I love Sundays on the deck

Have a great day, everyone!

Do you dine outdoors when the weather is nice?