Stress Challenges & Good Company for the List

There’s a dog in there somewhere.

This is how Miko has been spending most of the chilly weekend and Leela has been happy to let us tuck her into layers of blankets.

The last few weeks have been tough for me with running. For the first time this year, I’ve been hit hard by allergies and actually had to start using Flonase to combat the symptoms in the spring which really bummed me out. Things started flaring up badly again in late September to the point where I was having asthmatic/panic attacks frequently on runs and even at the gym. About 5-10 minutes into a run, I start gasping for air feeling like my airways were closing off and heart palpitations followed shortly after and me feeling light headed with energy levels crashing.

I finally went to the doctor about it last week and this may be an adventure of multiple appointments to figure out what’s going on, but the initial diagnosis is exercise induced asthma which has been very common in this area this year he said. Air quality has been terrible after months of extreme dry heat and fires and I’ve been feeling a lot of stress about the symptoms and/or making them worse stressing about them which has not helped. So I’m back on Flonase and an inhaler to use 30 minutes before exercise which the doctor thinks will be a temporary thing. I hope so!

So far it seems to be helping, though I think it made my heart race the first time I used it. Yesterday’s run went much better at the gym and I’m trying to get back to a normal running routine. And the rainy season is starting here finally which I hope means better air quality soon.

After my appointment, I treated myself to a new GT’s Kombucha flavor, Lavender Love.

It was an excellent, fizzy treat with a mild lavender flavor and scent while not being too sweet. Recommended.

Other eats this week include tempeh oil free stir fries, sauteed lentils with brussels sprouts, lots of green smoothies and coffee, and homemade lentil soup seasoned with a bay leaf, garlic, oregano, apple cider vinegar, and a drizzle of liquid smoke.

We had a potluck at work this week for a co-worker leaving the company and I decided on this spiced quinoa recipe since it’s fall themed and could be served cold.

Hubby sweet had most of the recipe ready when I got home from the gym the night before roasting the veggies and getting the grains cooking. There was not many vegan options at the potluck, a co-worker sweetly brought me a vegan taco cup and she was happy my dish was gluten free. Beyond that, it was fresh veggies, fruit, and tortilla chips. But not a bad looking plate and much healthier than co-workers plates loaded with fried chicken, wings, meat-heavy chili, etc.

We also had a lunch date at Pho Vegan Asian Cuisine for delicious broccoli and mock “beef” and orange mock “chicken”.

And dinner date for spicy Thai tofu dishes, this potato tofu curry hit the spot after a crazy week.

Yesterday I met my sisters and mom at The Porch in Midtown Sacramento for a girl’s chat lunch where the vegan options were plentiful. We started with the vegan fried green tomatoes topped with tofu “feta” and vegan bacon. My mom got the tasty broccoli melt with chickpeas and vegan cheddar and I got the tofu BBQ salad which was nice and light after the heavy fried tomatoes.

They also had vegan french toast on the menu with rice krispy coating and vegan whipped cream and butter that look freaking amazing, but I decided to behave and go with the salad!

We’re trying a new tradition on Sunday mornings to have a more fun breakfast to break the weekly smoothie rut, hubby made savory grits with collard greens last weekend and I experimented with homemade apple cinnamon oatmeal this morning.

I sauteed chopped apples with coconut milk, ginger, cinnamon, and a drizzle of maple syrup to soften them up and make the kitchen smell amazing. Then added in cooked oatmeal for a tasty and hearty pre-run breakfast that was perfect on a cold morning.

Boo on another weekend flying by too fast, I’m fighting the Sunday blues a bit facing a busy week at work while being on call this week. Should be an interesting week and I hope everyone has a great week!

The list:

10 annoying things vegans might hear over the holiday.

Christmas gifts for vegan kids.

This doctor went through an inspiring transformation after watching Forks Over Knives.

Paul McCartney, Woody Harrelson, and Emma Stone want to make us aware of the devastating effect damage animal agriculture is having on our climate and encourage more to avoid animal products.

Jessica Chastain talks being vegan with gorgeous recipe inspiration.

Miyoko’s amazing UnTurkey to impress this Thanksgiving.

Running through tough times and for effective lifestyle medicine.

The right way to train for a marathon and the science of completing a marathon.

Reflections of a vegan and how veganism has helped.

Reasons for going vegan.

Publix is offering PlantPure entrees.

Week 1 of vegan body building.

Finding vegan wine, very important for the holidays!

Vibrantly healthy vegan recipes for the holidays from Dr. McDougall.