Today was a crazy day!  But in the end, I got to sleep on the couch with James.  So all was well in the world.  🙂

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I drove two hours to St. Petersburg, gave an Operation Beautiful presentation to 16 year olds at the HOBY conference, and drove back.

 

The presentation went well!  Public speaking gets easier every time.  It’s like jumping into the deep end of a cold pool – if you think too much about it, it gets really scary!  It’s better to just do it.

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On the way there, I had the most amazing smoothie.

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Which contained:

 

 

Have I mentioned that I am obsessed with the Vega powder?  It was sent to me to sample, and I WILL be purchasing more when we run out.  According to the website, ”Vega Shake & Go Smoothie is a delicious, healthy, plant-based beverage ideal for the entire family. Packed full of nutrients including protein, fibre, Omega-3, probiotics, and greens, it combines whole food goodness with fast food convenience.  Each serving of Vega Shake & Go Smoothie includes: 

 

  • Two servings of veggies
  • 2500 mg Omega-3-6-9
  • 11 g complete protein
  • Only 100 calories
  • 1 billion probiotics cultures”

 

Pretty cool, huh?! And it tastes GREAT.

 

Dinner:

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Vegetable Barley soup, crackers, and melon.

 

Plus, “dessert.”

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Chobani Pomegranate with about 1/4 cup of raw oatmeal… Try it!  It’s good, I promise.  A healthier sub for sugary granola!  And cheaper!

 

Off to watch TV and snooze early.  HAVE A WONDERFUL FRIDAY! 🙂

{ 41 comments }

 

  • Michelle @ Give Me the Almond Butter June 11, 2010, 8:47 pm

    I LOVE Vega! I tried that exact sme kind today and it really makes the smoothie.

    Your dinner looks yummy. A perfect meal in my eyes.

  • Julie @ Pickley Pear June 11, 2010, 8:49 pm

    I need to try Chobani with oats. YUM! Glad your presentation went well!

  • Molly @fuelherup June 11, 2010, 8:52 pm

    Must try some of that! I’ve had their previous protein powder in shakes and loved it!

  • Jennifer June 11, 2010, 8:54 pm

    I want more HOBY details. What did you present? I was very involved in my HOBY chapter, and we were such energetic kiddos. Did they chant cheers about PMA?

    • Caitlin June 11, 2010, 9:03 pm

      They gave me an Outstanding cheer! 🙂

      I talked about Operation Beautiful and photoshopping, magazine advertisements, and finding a healthy balance.

  • Run Sarah June 11, 2010, 8:56 pm

    I have that Vega smoothie mix in the mail and I can’t wait to try it – it sounds awesome! Glad the conference went well – I agree, the more practice, the more easy public speaking gets. I am still not great at it, though.

  • Evan Thomas June 11, 2010, 8:58 pm

    I thought that melon was all cheese, and guess what I’m craving now. Lol. Oh well, I’ll make up for it with a cheesey lunch

  • *Andrea* June 11, 2010, 9:01 pm

    glad your presentation went well!!! you’re so right about public speaking… get’s easier with practice 🙂 i used to be awful but took a course sophomore year in it that helped even though it required being uncomfortable A LOT.

    i’ve never had dry oatmeal but i feel like it might be good! i hate how much sugar is added in a lot of granolas

  • Jessica @ Jessica Balances June 11, 2010, 9:04 pm

    I totally thought that melon was cheese! hahaha 🙂

  • giordin June 11, 2010, 9:05 pm

    Have you tried any of the other Vega products? I’m curious which ones are good for what purpose (ie. the shake & go versus the shake infusions). I’ve been looking for a good protein powder and haven’t found one that I love yet. I think Vega has such a great concept and I love that it’s made by a vegan triathlete! I’ll have to try some of their stuff. Is it only by online order? (Sorry…lots of questions!)

    • Caitlin June 11, 2010, 9:22 pm

      i think you can order it online or get it at like whole foods.

      its the only vega product i’ve tried but im going to buy the protein powder too and will review!

    • Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday June 11, 2010, 10:46 pm

      The shake and go is relatively low in protein if you’re looking for a protein shake.
      I like Interactive Nutrition’s Vegetarian Complete Protein because it doesn’t have any added sweeteners or flavours. It’s straight up protein.

  • Jessica @ How Sweet It Is June 11, 2010, 9:25 pm

    I don’t know if I’d like the raw oats, I usually like more or a crunch. Maybe I could toast them!

  • ida June 11, 2010, 9:34 pm

    I started eating raw oatmeal a while ago and thought i was a total weirdo for liking it so much. Glad to see i’m not the only one! I hope Whole Foods carries the vega powder- i really want to try it.

  • Ellen Collis June 11, 2010, 9:36 pm

    Aww I wish I had a napping buddy like James 🙂 And I am so impressed with your shake on-the-go! You’re always prepared with something healthy and yummy!

    http://www.firednfabulous.com/

  • Emily Eats and Exercises June 11, 2010, 9:41 pm

    I have to give you credit for introducing me to raw oatmeal – I’m totally obsessed! Now that the weather is getting hotter I haven’t been in the mood for regular oatmeal at all but I can’t get enough of it in yogurt bowls. In fact, I just had one for dinner. 🙂 So thanks!

  • Cynthia (It All Changes) June 11, 2010, 9:54 pm

    I really need to give this raw oatmeal a try. You’ve got me convinced.

  • Lindsay @ Summit Sandwiches June 11, 2010, 9:55 pm

    Vega is my newest smoothie add-in obsession. It tastes sooooooo much better than Amazing Grass (in my opinion). LOVE it. I can’t wait to try the Vanilla Almond flavor you have. I can vouch for the amazingness of the Vanilla Chai flavor.

  • Sarah June 11, 2010, 10:06 pm

    Oy – clearly I am originally from New England, because when you said “West Coast” I thought you meant California – and I was SO confused. I kept thinking, “Wouldn’t she have mentioned a trip to Cali?”

  • Wei-Wei June 11, 2010, 10:19 pm

    I’m glad the talk went well! I’m sure that OB would have reached out to many of the teenagers. I know that it left a deep impression on me because of my eating disorder, but I guess many other teenagers with body image concerns could learn from OB as well. 🙂

    Your dinner and dessert look reeeealy simple and good. 🙂 Have a great Friday night! 😀

    Wei-Wei

  • Miranda @ MirandasJeans June 11, 2010, 10:24 pm

    So I have definatly drinken smoothies in the car, however I drink them in my Blender Bottle, not out of a kitchen GLASS lol. Too funny. I suppose it fit fine in the cup holder though eh?!

  • Lorin June 11, 2010, 10:26 pm

    How did the teenagers like it?

    • Caitlin June 12, 2010, 8:56 am

      they loved it!! they responded very well and we had a great discussion about censorship and photoshopping.

  • Jessica @ The Process of Healing June 11, 2010, 11:12 pm

    I’m glad the speaking went well! You’re gonna be a pro at it pretty soon!

  • Robyn @ Frugal 'n' Fit! June 11, 2010, 11:30 pm

    Is it possible to have smoothie-envy? Because I do!

  • Amber K @ sparkpeople June 12, 2010, 12:05 am

    I’ll have to see about the Vega, I hope it doesn’t have chemicals/preservativs in it. I’d also be curious to see the price comparison to Amazing Grass. I’d love to be able to afford Amazing Grass!

  • Jackie (Peaces of Earth) June 12, 2010, 12:59 am

    Congrats on your presentation!! I haven’t had any Vega products yet, but I definitely want to try after reading Thrive.

  • kelsey@snackingsquirrel.com June 12, 2010, 1:39 am

    raw oatmeal is awesome!! so chewy and fantastic!!

    seems everyone is hooked on vega lately huh!! love it <3

  • Sarah for Real June 12, 2010, 1:44 am

    I’m not worried about trying the raw oatmeal, I think you’re probably right about it being cheaper and yummier than granols. It’s the o% yogurt that gets me. I’ve tried it before and ick.

    I am not trying to be a smarty-pants (I am totally NOT any sort of example if you check my blog, I’m on a journey). Can I ask why you choose the zero fat kind versus the more whole food variety of yogurt? I just got through the “eat food” chapter of In Defense of Food which you recommended and he seems in favor of whole fat yogurt, no?

    • Caitlin June 12, 2010, 8:57 am

      it’s just the flavors i like 🙂 they don’t have 2% plain greek at my grocery store anymore, and the fun flavor like pom are 0% too. i’d prob get 2% if they had it because i agree that yogurt with fat in it keeps me fuller longer.

    • jessica June 12, 2010, 9:46 am

      Full-fat yogurt also contains saturated fat because it’s an animal source. I would try to get my fats from superior sources that are plant based such as nuts.

  • Marina June 12, 2010, 2:48 am

    Good job on your presentation! You and james look so cute sleeping, really peaceful 🙂

  • Freya @ Brit Chick Runs June 12, 2010, 2:58 am

    Well done for the talk!! You’re so brave!
    I sooo badly want some of that Vega stuff now…I wish it would come to England 🙁

  • maria @ Chasing the Now June 12, 2010, 3:08 am

    I always add raw oatmeal into my yogurt. I rarely ever use granola anymore. I like the oatmeal way better!

  • Helen June 12, 2010, 3:23 am

    No wonder you needed a nap! I’m glad the HOBY presentation went well, it’s such an inspiring subject for teenagers. Also the Vega Shake souns really good, I bet you can’t get it I’m the UK though!

  • Little Bookworm June 12, 2010, 4:46 am

    Glad the talk went well!

  • Courtney June 12, 2010, 5:20 am

    I love Green Monsters and the Vega shake and go mix looks like it would be a great addition! I’m wondering, about how many servings are in one bag??

    • Caitlin June 12, 2010, 8:58 am

      12 2.5 tablespoon servings 🙂

  • Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine June 12, 2010, 7:31 am

    I’m dying to try the new Vega mix! Everyone is raving about it. Way to go on the HOBY presentation, I did that in high school and I wish we had had some exciting speakers like you!

  • Lauren June 12, 2010, 8:27 am

    I noticed that presenting gets so much easier the more you do it! You really start to get a groove going. 🙂

  • Tina June 13, 2010, 2:17 am

    i love the cracker and melon pic. You are so cute! If I’m comfortable with the content I have no problem in front of others but if I’m even a little unsure you have to HAUL ME ONSTAGE and FORCE ME TO SPEAK. LOL You are much more brave then me anyway.

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