Wednesday, June 23, 2010

So fresh and so clean.... so fresh and so green!



Hi my name is Krystal and I am a rotator.... yes, a rotator. What is that u ask? I work 3 12hour shifts a week; Sometimes 7A-7P and other times 7P-7A. This week I am on nights, which does not make life easy. Night work means more money, however it also means crappy sleep and an unhappy stomach. It is especially hard to train during night work since I can barely keep my eyes open on the drive home, let alone get the energy to go running. Instead, I run when I wake up. Today is suppose to get up into the high 90's so my afternoon run should be awesome (sarcasm). This is my first week of my 17 week Hal Higdon's marathon training schedule. So far so good, however, I can't imagaine running 20 miles in one day.... so stay tuned to see how that one goes =)


Any who.... I thought I'd share one of my favorite recipe's with you. It's from Alicia Silverstone's book The Kind Diet and its for Sicilian Collard greens.

ingredients:


one bunch of dampened collard greens, middle stems removed and chopped
2 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp raw slivered almonds (the original recipe calls for pine nuts, however I use almonds since they have less calories)
3 tbsp rasins
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar


These greens are super easy, delicious, and have incredible health benefits! They are loaded with amazing detoxifying factors, and have been linked to preventing cancer. As soon as you bite these smokey dark greens, the liver is stimulated to release cleansing enzymes. Talk about a party in your belly!
Step One
Heat your skillet, pour in your olive oil, and sautee your garlic until it becomes fragrant. At this time, add your dampened collard greens, stir, and place a lid. It is very important that your greens are damp, so that they stay nice and tender.


Step Two
After 2 minutes, remove the lid and add your raisins and almonds (or pine nuts if you prefer), stir, place lid back on for 2 more minutes


Step Three
After two minutes, remove lid, drizzle with vinegar, stir and place lid on for one to two more minutes







Remove from heat and your greens are done! Super easy right? Poor yourself a nice glass of red wine, for health reasons of course, and enjoy! I served mine with some homemade gauc and "Hannah's Awesome Quinoa" (recipe to come).


Well its time for this rotator to go back to napping, after I eat my Mojo Mountain Mix Cliff Bar and a Trader Joe's orange of course! Thank you so much for reading and stay tuned.... granted I make it alive after the afternoon's run. Much love

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

HELLO, WORLD!


Since this is my first blog entry, it will probably be my longest one! As stated above my name is Krystal and, yes, I am "one of those hippy veg-ans." After reading the book Skinny Bitch, I decided to experiment with the idea of veganism. I cut out all meat, dairy, honey, and animal by products over night. The end result? I never felt better. I felt much more lighter and energetic. Most importantly, no more stomach aches =)


What's that? You want to hear more about me? OKAY! I started running last summer with a group called Back on My Feet and boy did it change my life. Back on My Feet is a nonprofit organization that helps the homeless fight against addiction by teaching/coaching them into running. It truly is amazing to hear these guys stories of struggle and see them morph into strong positive individuals. I highly suggest that you check out the organization for yourself: Since joining Back on My Feet, I have completed 3 half marathons, 2 10-milers, numerous 5k's, and am now training for my first marathon this fall!




I grew up at the beach and now live in B-more son!.... well B-more county that is. I enjoy hiking, food, photography, food, snowboarding, food, green living, and food! That will be the main focus of this blog. Vegan food, cooking, and living. Along with misc posts about my life and pup! I hope that you enjoy. Here are a few of my favorite things:



My pup Billa



Bugs... I found this guy on my door one day



Gotta love cloths (I'm obsessed with ModCloth... I check their website religiously)



THE FARMER'S MARKET (this guys name is Abu and he makes instruments out of trash)



I've never had a green thumb before, so these plants are KINDA a big deal. Cherry tomatoes, big boy tomatoes, basil, green pepper, chili peppers, lavender, strawberries, dill, cilantro, parsley, and chives



sunrises....



Banksy... and just art in general



VEGGIES <3



Yoga






and last but not least... my home






I look foward to blogging with you soon =) Much love