There is something very challenging about predicting the weather here apparently. In the last few years we’ve lived in the Sacramento area, I’ve learned not to trust the winter weather forecasts because they’re never accurate. Today was supposed to be mostly sunny with afternoon clouds rolling in, but no rain. And this morning was beautiful for my run, but it’s raining now and as soon as the rain started, my weather widget updated to show rain for today … gee, thanks. Anyway, with my half marathon next weekend, I got in a shorter 7 mile run today to taper down before the big race and I was actually feeling pretty tired by mile 7 and happy to end the run. Last weekend’s 11 mile run and a pretty intensive training schedule has taken a lot out of me. The bummer is my sister was going to run the half with me, but now she might not due to a foot injury. And the race is the morning after spring forward, even though the race does not start until 8 AM, they’re asking racers to be there by 6:15 AM which will actually be 5:15 – yikes! I’m not thrilled about driving 45 minutes to the race that early by myself in possibly horrible weather. Sigh, oh well.
After my run this morning and taking a couple of work calls, I met my sister at our local Whole Foods for a raw foods fest which I was looking forward to since last year’s was so amazing. But this one was lacking, there were hardly any raw chocolate samples and only about half the samples and product demonstrations as last year. It wasn’t bad, but nothing too new. I did try these Chocolate Super Cookies from Go Raw and they were tasty, slightly sweet with a nice crunchy texture.
I sampled all the UliMana raw chocolate truffles and think my fave was the Peppermint Truffles.
There was a few smoothie demonstrations, but I had to laugh at this one using a cheap blender to create smoothies with cacao nibs. And guess what? The smoothies were that smooth! :-P
I also got to sample Garden Of Life’s Raw Protein which is unsweetened and unflavored rice protein, we tried it in a couple of smoothies and savory soups. The texture is very similar to Sun Warrior protein, but not as sweet or flavorful. It could work in savory smoothies, sauces and raw soups, and I liked that it has 18 grams of protein per serving. But I wasn’t overly impressed with the flavor. However this tub was on sale for $20 making it cheaper than Sun Warrior, so I might buy a tub in the future to try.
I was happy to see Lydia’s Organics back for sampling this year with a new package design, I’m a fan ot their crackers and snack bars – just wish they were cheaper. They’re now selling pre-made raw desserts and I got to sample a couple of different cheesecake flavors – yum, but I restrained from taking one home. :-)
I pretty much like all Lydia’s snack bars, but had to sample them all again – the cacao crunch bar is wonderful, like a lighter, crunchier chocolate crunch bar and pretty big for only 160 calories and something I prefer over Larabars.
But since the samples were pretty week this year, I was still hungry for lunch. So we hit the salad bar for a light addition to all the snacking.
And made some new friends while eating outside.
I had fun at the fest trying everything and there was a Cafe Gratitude booth there sampling ice cream and cookies. I actually managed my way through the crowds to get samples, but it was too crowded for pictures. I did score some swag and picked up some tasty treats that will be surfacing in a giveaway here soon, so stay tuned. :-)
For dinner, hubby and I stepped out to a new small plates bar and lounge to try where you can order a bunch of cheap small plates to sample instead of big dishes. They did not have much for vegans, I got a bread and hummus plate that was tasty, the texture to the hummus seemed much richer and creamier because it was made fresh as ordered.
And this cute olive plate that was tasty and rich.
I also got a small plate of truffle oil fries that was divine, but my fingers were too greasy to break out the camera. :-)
After a long day week, it was nice to come back home and chill in front of the TV while listening to the rain outside. Our cats agreed, they were happy to park themselves on hubby’s legs.
How was your Saturday?
Aubrey says
Sounds super yum! Hummus and olives my oh my yum! I think I was born mediterrinean:)
Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga) says
The brand Go Raw…they make awesome stuff. There is an orange-wrappered raw bar they make, it has apricots in it and flax seeds, etc. I used to give them to skylar around age 1. Made a great teething/gnawing/sucking thing. And it was all plant based. And soooo good. I should buy them for myself :)
Raw cocao nibs and a cheap blender. Oh, the irony.
Lydia’s. Pricey. Never buy it b/c of that.
Thanks for the Raw Protein review. have seen, never tried, quite loyal to Sun Warr for all p.p. needs. Either them or Jay Robb but prefer S.W. :)
christine says
Lydia’s are great, but totally pricey. They have a restaurant in the bay area now that I want to try soon, should be a fun mini road trip.
I do have the new camera strap and will be reviewing it soon after using it more, it mounts under the camera using the tri-pod hole and is much easier to wear cross body and remove the strap when not needed.
JL goes Vegan says
The fest sounds fun! I’ll have to see if my local WF holds one. I didn’t realize your half-marathon was next weekend! Excited for you. How are you feeling? Do you have a race goal?
Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
christine says
I feeling pretty good about the half. One ankle is a little sore from training, so I’m slightly nervous about that. My for for this one is to improve my time from the half I ran in October. Initially I wanted to come in under 2 hours, but I doubt that will happen.
Serena says
Love those raw cookies! Delish.
Lisa @ Thrive Style says
Great re-cap of the raw foods. So funny they used a cheap-o blender!
I like the goraw snacks and love UliMana—I just have to remind myself how much they cost when I buy them, so I pace myself!
christine says
So true the cost, they’re occasional treats for me.
Errign says
I never really eat package raw foods because they are pricey and I’m not sure I’ll like them but those chocolate cookies look really good!
Jenn @ Peas & Crayons says
truffle oil fries?! ohmygosh that sounds so awesome!!!! Very cool that you got to check out and sample products all in one place! =) I didn’t know raw foods fests existed! very cool!