8:00 am: Smoothie Bowl
I eat this almost every morning, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. For this chocolate banana smoothie bowl, I blend half a frozen banana with 1/2 cup frozen cauliflower rice (this makes it super smooth and lends no taste), 2 tablespoons of chocolate protein powder (I like Tone It Up brand), 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder, 1/8 teaspoon sea salt and 1/2 cup almond milk until thick and creamy.
I top the chocolate banana smoothie bowl with almond butter, granola, and cinnamon, then enjoy my ridiculously chocolatey breakfast while writing a blog post or scrolling through Pinterest.
12:30 am: Niçoise(ish) Salad
The protein-rich smoothie bowl and two cups of coffee (medium roast with almond milk) keeps me charged until midday, where I usually have a salad or leftovers. Today I had a version of niçoise salad- my favorite. It’s usually made with anchovies, olives, hard-boiled eggs, tuna, and tomatoes- a combination of flavors that either makes you want to vomit or start to drool. I’m in the latter category; I could probably write a love letter to all of those ingredients individually (starting with you, anchovy). This version has no tuna or anchovies unfortunately, but last night’s salmon was an excellent substitute. I usually catch up on the latest from Pete Wells while I enjoy my lunch, wondering what he might have to say about it.
5 or 6:00pm: Chips and Hummus
I always need a snack either just before I leave the office or immediately upon returning home (also not opposed to a baggie of Snapea Crisps for the drive). If I can wait until I get home, I’ll get into something comfy, turn up my Spotify, grab a bag of chips and hummus and snack while I make dinner. Four nights out of five a glass of wine (my favorite snack) is also involved. I recently had the funkiest Oregon Pinot Gris from Maysara that I plan to revisit as soon as possible.
7:30pm: BBQ Chicken Lettuce Cups with Creamy Slaw
Tonight’s dinner was fun. It was one of those meals that makes you question why the heck you don’t eat like this more often. I really don’t remember where the craving came from, but I felt like shredding some chicken breast, mixing it with homemade barbecue sauce, topping it with coleslaw, and serving it in lettuce cups. That’s my idea of a good time. If you want to make this at home, go for a vinegar-y barbecue sauce rather than a sweet one, it pairs better with the creamy coleslaw.
Meals like today’s (chocolate ice cream for breakfast, satisfying salad for lunch, and downright party for dinner) remind me that food doesn’t have to be expensive or elaborate to be enjoyable. The joy of eating comes from following where our cravings lead us, while remaining open to unfamiliar turns along the way. Our fickle appetites get multiple chances for satisfaction each day, we might as well have a little fun.
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