The Celiathlete

April 14, 2014

Taper For A Cause 5K – Louisville, KY (April 12, 2014)

Me with Wesley Korir after the Taper For A Cause 5K - Louisville, Kentucky — Me with Wesley Korir after the Taper For A Cause 5K – Louisville, Kentucky

Race: Taper For A Cause 5K

Place: Iroquois Park, Louisville, Kentucky

Date: April 12, 2014

Time: 23:52

First of all…FINALLY!!

Finally I had a 5K race this year that was the correct length.

Second of all…UGH!! Coming back from injury sucks. It was so disheartening to see my finishing time, compared to where I was last year. I try not to focus on it. I honestly do. But it’s hard…when you know you are capable of doing better…your body just can’t get there. I want to feel strong and fast again. And it isn’t coming back quickly.

Thirdly…

I had no idea that Louisville was even holding this race up until Thursday afternoon. Seriously. It came over an e-mail or on Facebook. Somewhere. And I had my friend, Indy, in town. Before heading this way from California, we were hoping to find a 5K race to run. The only one I could find was a trail run. And I do not do trails. So, we were content to just meet up with my running group on Saturday and do some miles and then head out for the day.

But things changed when I heard about this race.

This was the first annual Taper for a Cause 5K, which is a race that was set up by 2012 Boston Marathon winner, Wesley Korir, to benefit the Kenyan Kinds Foundation. The race also boasted the perfect opportunity for Louisville’s running community the opportunity to “taper” for some of Louisville’s finest spring races with a 5K for a great cause. All of the proceeds, in fact, went to the Kenyan Kids Foundation.

Even more exciting, Wesley Korir was going to lead the race. And yes…he was on hand on race day. But I’m getting ahead of myself. While sitting in Game, a local Louisville restaurant, both Indy and I used our cell phones to get registered for the race on Saturday. We were thrilled that it was a 9 a.m. start time…meaning the morning wouldn’t be too early. Remember, she flew in from California…so her clock was a bit off. We were both stupid excited about the race and I was glad that she was going to get to race while here in Kentucky.

Time got away from us on Friday…so we didn’t make it to packet pick-up on Friday over at Swags. That was okay, though…because it was fine to pick it up on race morning. We had a late evening though…with a delicious food and wine pairing at the chef’s counter at Rye so we didn’t get in until late. After unwinding…we finally went to bed.

And I was supposed to run 8 miles this Saturday. Since the race was offering 3.1 miles, I got up earlier than both Cathy and Indy and knocked out five easy miles before breakfast and heading to the race. The drive out to the park was easy…no traffic issues at all. We parked at Iroquois Park and got out of the car, making our way over to the table that had packet pick-up. We got our numbers and our t-shirts. Cathy pinned me up while Indy went ahead and did up her number herself. I ate my banana and then went to use the bathroom really quick. After I returned, I noticed Wesley Korir walking toward the table. I let him take care of his stuff and pick up his race number (he was Bib #1) before I asked if I could get a picture with him. He was very kind and totally was more than happy to fulfill my request. He thanked me for coming out to the race and I thanked him for arranging it and setting it up for people to run for a great cause. He noticed the donkey sign that Cathy has at all races and asked if I ran Chicago. I told him I did and had such a great race. He congratulated me and then I let him move on to the other stuff he needed to do for the race.

We went to put the t-shirts in the car and get some stretching in. Indy had some stretches I hadn’t seen before. I remembered to do some dynamic stretching, which was good because I hadn’t been doing well with my PT stretches with Indy in town. Just ran out of time and was busy enjoying time with my friend. I had a few twinges on the 5 miles I did that morning, so I wanted to be sure to be good about stretching before the run. I kept it dynamic instead of static. I think that was smart.

We saw crowds were beginning to form up near the finish line chute. The owner of Swags began to speak into a bullhorn. He was hard to hear, but he thanked us for coming out and then turned it over to Wesley. Wesley asked how the bullhorn worked and then very graciously filled us in on his reasons for hosting this race and mentioned that the first two males and females would receive awards in the form of bracelets created by the kids in Kenya. Too cool. But I was aiming more on rebuilding my strength rather than finishing near the front.

We were told to move up toward the start line, just a short distance up the way. I lined up near the front It was a small race…as it wasn’t really advertised much…but it did have a bigger turn out than I anticipated. Dennis found me at the start line and I knew he would bust this race out of the park. He did, by the way, after asking what pace I was running and I had to (regretfully) inform him that I wasn’t focusing on pace as I’m still recovering from my ankle injury.

The owner of Swags announced that we would hear a two announcement start. Runners set…then the horn. No runners set was given. Just the horn. So, we sort of faltered at the front…but we took off.

Dennis was gone. He’s so fast. As for me…I just fought my way up the path heading for the first hill to climb in Iroquois Park. I feel so weak these days when it comes to running. My speed is totally gone. So, I was just trying to push just beyond my comfort zone without doing too much to hurt myself. So, I kept it challenging, but comfortable. I had some runners pass me…but I did my best to block out that feeling of total worthlessness…and just focus on breathing and constant forward motion.

As I was coming into around the mile and a half mark, Wesley Korir jogged (no…seriously…jogged) past me and shouted encouragement at me, saying that I looked good out there. And then…he moved on. Apparently, he started at the pack and would say something to the runners he would pass along the way, offering uplifting encouragement and the like. I think that’s amazing.

He was gone, despite just this easy run he was carrying on with as he passed. Amazing!

I moved into Mile 2 and was hitting up more of the hills on the loop that wraps Iroquois Park. I focused on just doing my best to get up them without feeling like I was dying. It was working. Yes…I wasn’t moving as fast as last year. Yes…I feel out of shape and like I’ve lost fitness…and I have…but I’m a fighter and this was part of me proving to myself that I am fighting to get back to where I want to be. It was the perfect race to do that.

I battled up the final hill I was to face and Mile 3 beeped on my watch as the parking lot at the amphitheater came into view. I could just make out the clock at the finish line. I didn’t care about the numbers…or the fact that I was passed by 4 other females. I surprisingly didn’t care about any of that. All I cared about was the fact that I crossed that finish line feeling like I left it all out on that course and performed to the best of my ability. Even after knocking out 5 miles prior to even showing up at the start line.

Wesley Korir greeted me in the chute and handed me a cup of water. He looked right at me and said, “Nice job, Karen!” That was so awesome to hear coming from this amazing runner and man. I thanked him and moved out of the way, finding Cathy. Dennis came over to ask how I did. I said I felt good about the finishing. And he said he was happy with his run. And then he had to get going due to an appointment he had at 10 a.m.

Indy and I at the finish of the Taper For A Cause 5K - Louisville, Kentucky — Indy and I at the finish of the Taper For A Cause 5K – Louisville, Kentucky

Cathy and I went to go stand at the finish to wait for Indy and cheer people on to the finish line. I love this part. And, not soon after, around the bend came Indy, looking so strong and amazing. She was all smiles as she crossed that finish line, setting a new 5K PR for herself. I went to give her a hug and congratulate her on her run.

We were making some plans to grab some breakfast before heading out for the day for some caving and other adventures. So, she said she’d go ahead and change at the park while I was going to wait until we got to Annie May’s for breakfast to change. It worked out well. While she and Cathy went to the car to get her stuff and Cathy stood sentinel outside the bathroom door that wouldn’t lock, I wandered around the finish line. Wesley Korir had gone out on a shakeout run with some of his friends and returned after making a second loop of the park. He was gracious enough to take pictures with people at the finish line, so I asked if I could get another one. He was so gracious once again. And as he looped his arm around me as a stranger, and very kind runner, took my phone to snap a picture, he said, “You looked strong out there!” What an ego boost. Just what I needed.

I admire and love this man so much. He is such a champion…both in races and in life. Such a kind, generous man.

After that, I wandered back over to the bathrooms just as Indy was coming out. And it was off to breakfast we went, before spending the rest of the day going through Marengo Cave and then hiking around for a little while.

So, my official results of the Taper For A Cause 5K are that I finished in 23:52. I was 20/77 finishers overall. I was 5/42 women finishers. Not bad at all. I’m actually quite okay with this. This is still not the run I know I can bust out…and that will eventually return (I HOPE!), but I am trusting my training and my physical therapists. I’m healing. I keep telling myself that. I…AM…HEALING. It was so awesome to run a local race with my friend visiting from California. We had such a great time. And I am glad the opportunity arose to make this happen while she was in town.

I totally intend to run this one again next year.

April 9, 2014

Product Review: Caveman Bakery Alpine Caveman Cookies

Product: Caveman Bakery Apline Caveman Cookies – $6.29+

Can cookies really be made the caveman way? Can paleo really go that far?

Ah, that new fad that so many people are jumping onto. Eat like a caveman, and reap the wonderful health benefits. While I find nothing wrong with cutting out refined sugars and processed grains…I go back and forth on the whole “eat like a caveman” thing. I mean…not being able to eat beans…or corn…due to sugar content or something. Nope. Not a fan.

However…paleo items are gluten-free. And when something hits the market that I’ve never seen before…my friend Jenn usually supplies me with a box. God love her! Well, I have previously tried and was not thrilled with the Tropical version of these cookies. Jenn assured me via a Twitter account that, surprisingly, the Alpine were better.

Well, it’s moment of truth week because I have no dessert on hand and these are in my pantry. Out came the box of Caveman Bakery Alpine Caveman Cookies.

Much like the Tropical variety of these cookies, these come individually wrapped inside the box. They are little flat cookies, slightly sticky as you remove them from the wrapper…probably the honey…no…definitely the honey. They smelled good. They looked deceivingly chocolatey. Would they be better than the very bland and disappointing Tropical flavor? Was it possible?

Kinda…I guess.

Here’s the thing. These cookies are chewy. Not like…soft…fresh out of the oven chewy. Not even processed cookies that are made to be soft and chewy chewy. Nope. These are just…chewy. Like…not quite gum…but almost…chewy. Which, we all know I prefer a chewy cookie to a crunchy one (although I will eat both and do so happily and without any measure of guilt!), but these…these are just too chewy. Yes…a cookie that is too chewy for me.

As for taste…Jenn was right. These actually do taste better than the Tropical variety. The Alpine Caveman Cookies have a hint of chocolate flavor. But it’s very mild and almost…not there. The honey really sort of stands out the most. I took a bite, tugging the very chewy cookie back and tried to savor it…find that flavor…find that chocolate flavor that I was craving. Only a hint. But…it was enough to cleanse the palate.

I guess.

I still wasn’t impressed. Strike two Caveman Bakery.

Sad, because I love what goes into these cookies. You want to talk about clean eating…these cookies are made from what Caveman Bakery says are ingredients that cavemen could have found while hiking in the alps. These cookies are simply made from honey, hazelnut meal, almond meal, and toasted carob seeds. They are gluten-free, dairy-free, and cholesterol free.

As for the nutritional aspect of these cookies…a serving size of the Caveman Bakery Alpine Caveman Cookies is 2 cookies. Yep. Two. Get those jaws loosened up, folks! This serving will provide you with 150 calories and 9 grams of fat. Most of that fat is from the use of the nuts (hazelnuts and almonds), so that is at least the healthy kind of fat. These two cookies contain 0 mg sodium, but 14 whopping grams of sugar. YIKES!! Okay…so it’s from the honey and carob but…YIKES! Okay…they are cookies. I’ll give them that. But still. And finally, you will have 2 grams of fiber and 3 grams of protein. Let’s hear it for meals made from nuts!

I don’t know…I understand the concept. I get that it’s considered a better way of eating. But I think these cookies are not what the cavemen had in mind when they thought about polishing off their saber tooth tiger consommé and needed to cleanse their palate. Perhaps some wild berries or nuts would have been sufficient.

While these cookies aren’t awful, they definitely didn’t do anything for me. Therefore, once the package is gone…it will be the last of the Caveman Cookies in my home. Kind of pricey for a product that didn’t wow me. Not one bit.

But, I think my jaw got the workout of a lifetime.

April 9, 2014

Product Review: Celiac Specialities Gluten-Free Plain Croissant Style Rolls

Product: Celiac Specialties Gluten-Free Plain Croissant Style Rolls – $3.99+

Dear Celiac Specialties:

You had me at croissant.

For real!!

I mean…here I was…walking through the freezer section of a natural food store in Columbus, Ohio…and there you are…just screaming at me from your shelf in the freezer: CROISSANT.

Seriously…that was all I needed before jamming it into my rapidly filling basket and hoping the giant box wouldn’t take up too much of my allotted room. My roommate was treating me to gluten-free treats…things I couldn’t get anywhere else…but I had one medium-sized basket. My friend Jenn and I were pretty certain that we could “Tetris the shit” out of the basket with the products that were inside if needed. But…I was rapidly filling up and this box was one of the last items I put in. Mostly due to package size.

But…CROISSANT STYLE ROLLS! HELLO!

I wasn’t sure exactly how I wanted to utilize these, but I knew they were coming home with me. Fast forward to another meager living out of the pantry, fridge, and freezer week (I was out of town again, so no CSA bin). I happened to have some avocado on hand (because I always have that on hand) and a can of chickpeas, so I whipped up a delicious chickpea and avocado salad. I needed a vehicle in which to serve this on…and the Celiac Specialties Gluten-Free Plain Croissant Style Rolls were screaming (once again) to me from my own freezer. BINGO!

So, after a long day at work, I was ready for an easy dinner. I had set two of the four rolls in the box out on the counter to thaw in a bag. They did so beautifully. You can just eat them straight like that, but I like to toast my bread. So, I sliced the Gluten-Free Plain Croissant Style Rolls in half, drizzled lightly with olive oil, and popped them in the oven for about 5 minutes to lightly toast. While that occurred, I washed some baby kale and got the chickpea and avocado salad put together. When the Plain Croissant Style Rolls were ready, I popped them out of the oven and plated them. Then on went the kale and then a scoop of the chickpea and avocado spread.

Dinner was simple…and served.

When I first got these rolls out to toast, I noticed how light they were. Well, they were still light. Very light. In fact, toasting them didn’t really add any additional weight to them. I love that. Because so often bread can overshadow the dish. There is just so much of it. Well, this was not the case here. And upon taking my first bite, I found it to taste exactly like fresh bread right out of the oven. It had that crusty, warm, delicious, lightness to it. And it didn’t have any weird aftertaste or horrible flavor. It was just…plain bread. Very good plain bread. In a croissant roll form. And it was really, really good. I mean, really good. I was sad I only had 2 days worth of it, honestly. I liked it that much. Anything that can remind me of homemade, fresh bread is okay by me. Sure, this wasn’t seasoned with special flavors, but it’s honest-to-goodness good. And that’s all that matters.

Let’s look at the ingredients, shall we? Celiac Specialties Gluten-Free Plain Croissant Style Rolls are made from water, whole egg, tapioca starch, corn starch, corn flour, canola oil, potato starch, xanthan gum, sugar, rice flour, active dry yeast, and salt. That’s it. They are gluten-free and dairy-free.

As for nutrition… a serving size is 1 roll. In this roll, you will be consuming 110 calories and 3.5 grams of fat. One of the Celiac Specialties Gluten-Free Plain Croissant Style Rolls contains 50 mg cholesterol, 140 mg sodium, and 1 gram of sugar. That’s not too bad for bread. Trust me. You will also be taking in only 1 gram of fiber and 2 grams of protein. They are light and fluffy, remember…but not very filling. So, be sure you sandwich it up with something good and packed with both fiber and protein (like chickpeas and avocado!).

I wasn’t sure what these were going to taste like…and I admit, after my initial excitement, I was a bit worried that they would taste like cardboard…or worse. But that wasn’t the case. These actually tasted like real, “normal” bread rolls and I was thrilled that I made the decision to go ahead and give them a try. I hope I can find more of the various products that Celiac Specialties sells so I can give those a try as well.

Next time…two boxes.

Chickpea and Avocado Salad Sandwich made with Celiac Specialties Gluten-Free Plain Croissant Style Rolls

April 8, 2014

Product Review: Katz Gluten Free Everything Bagels

Product: Katz Gluten Free Everything Bagels – $5.99

You know…I’ve had a difficult time finding decent and delicious gluten-free bagels. Being that I grew up in New York, bagels are more than just breakfast. They are a thing. No…really. They are religion. And when you are able to eat “normal” bagels, finding a good one isn’t a problem, even outside of the Bagel State of the World.

When you are gluten-free, however…this can be a task. I struggled to find a tasty and authentic bagel after I had to go gluten-free. There were so many failures. In texture, taste, and even size. I am a bagel connoisseur. I know what makes a good bagel…and the gluten-free ones just weren’t making the cut. And I was depressed.

My friend, Sara, who at the time was gluten-free, pointed me in the direction of Udi’s bagels. They were pricey…but…damn…they tasted just like the bagels I grew up eating. I was beyond impressed. And to this day, they are one of (now three) brands that I will all-out purchase because I trust that they will be good. O’Doughs Gluten-Free Bagel Thins are another. And…Katz Gluten Free rounds out the Trifecta of Gluten Free Bagel Awesomesauce™.

Katz Gluten Free introduced the bagels to their already amazing lineup of delicious gluten-free baked goods last year. I was stoked. I couldn’t wait to try them. But then…I just never got around to ordering them. When I had to order the $35 loaf of Gluten Free Braided Challah Bread…I added on some items to take me to $50 for the free shipping. One of these items was the Katz Gluten Free Everything Bagels.

FINALLY!!

And this morning, I pulled them out of my freezer to finally give them a try.

First of all…keep in mind that Everything Bagels are not meant to be clean. As in…they are coated in seeds and seasonings and…well…you are going to make a mess. It just happens. But, you see, Everything Bagels are the iconic bagel. They have all the best toppings in one place. They are legendary. And they are delicious. I hoped the Katz Gluten Free version would be as good as the ones I grew up eating.

After allowing two of the four bagels that come in a pack thaw on the counter while I went to my spin class, I returned home and turned on my oven. I removed the bagels from the ziplock bag I had them in to thaw and eased their pre-sliced halves apart. I set each one on a baking sheet and threw them into the oven to toast while I took a quick shower before having to head to work.

They toasted up beautifully. Sheer bagel toasting perfection. As I emerged, now dressed for work and no longer a hot, sweaty mess I pulled them from the oven and put a schmear of vegan cream cheese on each half. I served up one bagel to my roommate (who has had Everything Muffins, but not an Everything Bagel) and allowed her to dive in while I put the cream cheese on my own halves, poured my coffee, and went to tuck in to my own brekkies.

One bite…and I was transported back to my bagel-eating days of yore. For real. These bagels are packed…and I mean packed with flavor and all the authentic ingredients of a “real” Everything Bagel. Katz Gluten Free knows exactly how to make bagels. This was spot-on perfect in taste, texture, and…yes…even size. Udi’s Gluten Free Bagels can be a bit…large (but, OMG…SO YUMMY!), and the bagel thins are made to be thin without as much bread. This…this is the happy medium. Seasoned to perfection. No lacking in any of the toppings. Gluten Free Bagel of Everything and More!! WOW!

I’m already salivating knowing I still have two more in my freezer.

Let’s talk ingredients, as we always do. The Katz Gluten Free Everything Bagel is made from a gluten-free flour blend (tapioca, white rice, brown rice, potato, soy, corn), egg whites, water, cellulose fiber, oil, corn syrup, sugar, cellulose gum, yeast, salt, corn fiber, soy lecithin, lactic acid, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, minced garlic, and minced onion! Yep…that’s an Everything Bagel to me. These are not just gluten-free but also dairy-free.

Nutritionally speaking, these aren’t bad for bagels. Not at all. A serving size is one bagel. This serving will provide you with 250 calories and 9 grams of fat. You will also be getting 150 mg sodium and 6 grams of sugar. These are cholesterol-free. In addition, you will be consuming 12 grams of fiber and 6 grams of protein, so you will certainly feel full. That’s always nice!

Oh yeah…Katz Gluten Free Everything Bagels are definitely a hit. I intend to stock my freezer with them more often. For sure. If you haven’t tried them yet…get right on it. You will thank me for it later.

Katz Gluten Free Everything Bagel toasted with a schmear of Tofutti Better Than Cream Cheese

April 7, 2014

Making Tracks for Celiacs 5K – Birmingham, AL (April 5, 2014)

My mom and me at the Making Tracks for Celiacs 5K - Birmingham, Alabama — My mom and me at the Making Tracks for Celiacs 5K – Birmingham, Alabama

Race: Making Tracks for Celiacs 5K

Place: Birmingham, Alabama

Date: April 5, 2014

Time: 21:52*

Please note that once again I am putting an asterisk at the end of an official time for a race. Please note why. According to my Garmin, this race was not the 3.1 miles a 5K runs, but actually 2.92 miles. I don’t hold the Making Tracks for Celiacs people completely at fault for this. Let me explain why.

I found out on the morning of the race during the announcements prior to the start that due to the soccer tournament that was going on, the course we were to run had to be changed. So…they very little time to come up with a new course. But they did. Albeit…a little short.

But, you know…whatever. This stuff happens.

I won’t let it completely dull what turned out to be an amazing experience for me.

Why?

Because I did this race with…my mom!

Yep. My mom!! Both my mom and I are Celiacs. So, I try to make it a point to get down to Birmingham, Alabama for this event each year. Last year, I had to miss it as it was on a weekend I had another event already going on. But not this year. And, as a special bonus, I was going to run the race and my mom was going to walk it. We made plans via phone conversations and text messages…both got signed up…and both eagerly anticipated the arrival of the big day.

On Friday, my mom went to the Birmingham Earth Fare store to pick up our packets. The t-shirts for the event were still in transit, so they gave her t-shirts from the previous year and told her that both she and I (she was also picking up my packet) could get this year’s shirt on race morning. Where was I? I was on the road, driving down to Birmingham directly after work. I didn’t arrive until around 10:00 p.m. Then had to have some social time and catching up with my parents, as well as see what has been done to the house (they just got moved back in after a pipe burst while they were on vacation in Mexico in January). This made for a later-than-usual night before a race, but it was worth it. I loved getting to talk to them and catch up some…but we all knew we had an early morning ahead of us, so we decided to turn in for the night.

I woke up very early the next morning because I had to get dressed for the race as well as do my PT stretches. So, after checking the weather…which was supposedly warmer than what the Weather Channel predicted the night before…a balmy 52 degrees with some winds making it feel 50 degrees, I got out my shorts and my t-shirt and got myself put together with the colored hair and the BondiBand and compression sleeves like always. No skirt today. I was rocking the shorts. I went downstairs to do my stretches before anyone else got up. And managed to finish them up just as my mom came out of the bedroom. We hugged and I said I was going to go knock on Cathy’s door to wake her up, but as I got to the top of the stairs, she was already moving about. Sweet. Good start to the day.

The four of us (my mom, dad, Cathy and myself) all had breakfast that day (consisting of some cereal and a gluten-free blueberry muffin from Udi’s Gluten Free). My mom and dad split a banana and I got one to take with me to eat about 30 minutes prior to the race. Then, I went upstairs to brush my teeth, throw on some yoga pants and a hoodie, and grab my running bag with a change of clothes inside and a different pair of shoes. My dad was (im)patiently waiting at the door for all of us (well…just me…everyone else was ready to go as I came down the stairs). So, we headed out through the garage to get in the car and make the 25 minute drive from their house to the Hoover Metropolitan Stadium, the new site of the race and the Gluten-Free Expo that was happening afterwards.

We pulled into a nearly empty parking lot, but saw the banner for the Making Tracks for Celiacs 5K hanging above the door. So, we were in the right place. My mom and I hopped out of the car, and I was glad that I had on my yoga pants for the time being because that wind was COLD! We went over to packet pickup and registration to get our t-shirts for this year’s race then went to meet up with my dad and Cathy. We decided it was too chilly to stand outside in the wind, so all got back into the car. I ate my half of the banana. Cathy got out to get rid of the peel from her half then proceeded to stand around outside, staring at the car as if willing all of us to join her in the chilly morning air. I refused for about 5 minutes. But, I knew I needed to take off the hoodie and yoga pants and get acclimated…so that’s what I did. I stepped outside of the car and immediately broke out into goosebumps. Damn that cold air.

I did a few dynamic stretches to warm up before the race. As I was finishing those up, I heard the race organizer get on the horn and start to talk about the event and the change in the course. I figured I could just follow the people in front of me…which is how I do every race. So, I vaguely paid attention and heard things like…run through the RV park…go behind the dumpster…be careful of the giant puddle…run around a pole…

These are the things race organizers go through when they very suddenly have to change their race course, which has been plotted for months, mind you! Before the soccer tournament was even scheduled to be plaid. Frustrating. They were not happy. We were told to head out to the start line…so we did. I stood near the front. It looked like we had a good turnout, which is always a good thing. And before I could get my Garmin ready to record…the air horn was blown and we were off.

I punched the button on my Garmin, it started, and off I went with the group, following a group of kids, a couple of guys (one of which was the race organizer’s husband), and a few other people. The kids petered out almost immediately, deciding they had run enough…so I passed them after the first turn. Then, I passed one of the ladies in front of me…only to get passed up by a super-speedy woman (Allison Hoover), who I couldn’t catch up to or pass up again to save my life. She was flying. We were sent over a bridge and up an incline…then made a turn to go up another incline…then turned around in a cul-de-sac…and sent back down the hills. It was as I was nearing the bridge to head out into the parking lot that I passed my mom and dad. They both cheered for me…shouting “Go Girl!” and clapping. It made me smile.

So, then we hit the parking lot and were sent through the RV park. This was about the time we hit Mile 1. So, one down…just a couple to go. We ran through the RV park and then made this crazy loop thing and were sent up another part of the parking lot and around to where there was a bit of a trail leading to a path that was behind a dumpster. They weren’t kidding. Upon making the turn onto the path and rounding the corner, you encounter one of the steepest downhills of your life. Seriously. I pulled up so as not to tear up my quads and maneuvered it safely and effectively. There was a little dip at the bottom before you were sent up a climb on the other side. For every downhill there is an uphill. I pushed up that and ran on that path until it dropped me off in a new section of parking lot. I followed the volunteers, keeping cones to my right or left, or whatever I was instructed to do at the time. I found Mile 2 (which was marked)…but my Garmin didn’t beep. I normally don’t check but I was curious…

My Garmin said 1.78 miles. Yikes!

Me crossing the finish line of the Making Tracks for Celiacs 5K - Birmingham, Alabama — Me crossing the finish line of the Making Tracks for Celiacs 5K – Birmingham, Alabama

Into the final part of the race, I just attempted to keep my pace as best I could. I came back into the main parking lot and was sent down to where some walkers and runners were coming around to head toward the dumpster. I remained on my side of the cone, avoided a huge lake (er…puddle…) and pressed on the path volunteers directed me on. The guy in front of me made a turn then headed toward a pole near the end of the lot. He ran around it and I followed, then we hit the straight-away toward the finish line. I passed him up and kept on moving as fast as I could. I crossed the finish line, paused my Garmin and made my way through the chute. The race organizer tore off the bottom of my bib and I moved on to get some water. Super-speedy Allison Hoover made a comment about my shoes (I was in my new Newton’s) as she was wearing Newton’s herself. We bonded a little. Then I went to get water and she went to talk to friends.

I finally checked my Garmin and saw that it read only 2.92 miles. That wouldn’t do. So, I handed Cathy my cup of water and did an easy shakeout for .20 miles to get me up to 3.1 miles. That was what I intended to run that day and that was what I managed to get in. I could see my parents again, heading toward the dumpster line…and they were leading all the walkers. Honestly, my dad wasn’t registered. But my mom encouraged him to walk it with her. He kept telling her to keep moving without him, but she stuck with him. And I think that’s super awesome.

I cheered for them when they emerged and headed back through the lot and made the turn to head toward the turn that would take them to the pole and then, eventually, to the finish line. I stood near the finish to cheer and when they emerged, I was shouting and just clapping and jumping up and down. As he wasn’t registered, my dad dropped off and came to my side and let my mom finish her walk by passing through the finish line. Cathy took a picture. It was awesome. I went over to give her a hug. We then went to go get bottles of water and some clementines that the race organizers put out for everyone.

Clementines are my favorite post-race thing to eat. Seriously! That or watermelon. For real.

The kids 1 mile fun run would be starting soon, and awards were said to be at 10 a.m. with the expo at 10:30 a.m. My mom and I said we would hang out at the race if Cathy and dad wanted to make the mandatory coffee run. Turns out awards weren’t being done before the expo and now the expo was open at 10:00 a.m. My mom and I went over to the doors leading to the banquet hall and stepped inside to get out of the wind. She called my dad to find out if they were close to returning. They were. And about five minutes later, they pulled in, coffees in hand. Now properly armed with caffeine, we hiked up the stairs to the expo (I mean, why take the elevator, right?) and went to see what was offered.

The expo was much smaller this year than it was two years prior. MUCH smaller. But the vendors were all super nice and there was a lot of delicious products and treats to try out. Cathy and I split any large portion of something while my mom and dad would split theirs. It made it so we weren’t too full for lunch shortly after (which we were meeting up with my sister and my youngest nephew). As we were making our way around the floor, the race organizer started to call participants over for the awards.

While I was the second female overall, they weren’t giving that award away. This did mean, however, that I placed first in my division. And when my name was called for the 30-39 age division, Cathy, mom and dad all cheered. They almost ran out of medals at this point…having not ordered enough it seemed. I got the last first place age division award though…so they wouldn’t have to mail mine to me all the way in Indiana.

We finished up at the expo, went shopping at Organic Harvest, and then met up with my sister for lunch. It made for a great day.

So, my official results of the Making Tracks for Celiacs 5K are that I finished in 21:52 (but remember…the course was short). I was 9/79 finishers overall. I was 2/54 women finishers. And I was the 1/18 in my division. Not too shabby, I think. Granted, it’s still not the run I know I am capable of, but I’m still just being cautious on this ankle. I get nervous about pushing too hard…and reinjuring it. I know I am capable of better…but I was proud of my results. And, even more, I was proud of my mom for coming out and doing the race with me. She can’t run, as her ankle is permanently fused, but she loves to walk. And this was for a cause that effects both of us…and we had a blast being a part of it. In fact, we’ve decided to make it an annual event.

I’m already excited about next year!

April 3, 2014April 9, 2014

Product Review: Caveman Bakery Tropical Caveman Cookies

Product: Caveman Bakery Tropical Caveman Cookies – $6.29+

Yep.

This is just what you are thinking. These cookies are called “caveman cookies” for a reason. And that reason is…(insert trumpeting here)…they are a part of the “caveman” diet…or the Paleo Diet as it is often called now.

Now, as a gluten-free vegetarian, a lot of what I make can be done the Paleo way…but a lot of my protein sources (beans, peanut butter, etc.) are frowned upon in the paleo diet. As are some of my favorite vegetables – like potatoes and corn. So, while I know a few people who do follow that “caveman” way of eating…I can’t for my own health. It just isn’t feasible for me. But, that’s not to say that I don’t try these “paleo” recipes and items that are now on the market. As long as they fit into my dietary restrictions, I’m never one to turn down the opportunity to try something new. And…since I do know people who live by this form of “diet”…I have learned how to bake many staples to fit into the “caveman” diet by trying out different flours, often made from almonds or coconut.

So, while I was in Ohio visiting my friend Jenn, she picked up for me some interesting cookies that fit my tastes and…were gluten-free. Jenn loves me like this and often has goodies for me to try waiting at her house. I took a gander at the boxes…seeing the open-mouthed Caveman and the words Tropical on one box. Alpine is the other flavor…and the one I haven’t tried yet. YET!

Well, with the demise of the gluten-free vanilla bean pound cake (it was SO good!), I needed a new sweet treat to cleanse the palate after dinner. I recalled these boxes in my pantry and screamed my thanks to Jenn as I pumped a fist in the air in dessert victory. I mean…dessert is something I grew up eating after dinner. It doesn’t have to be huge. A cookie or a small bowl of ice cream…just something sweet to tie up the meal. That’s how I was raised. I still swear to this today. So, I happily snagged the Caveman Bakery Tropical Caveman Cookies from the pantry.

So, it was cookie time. And you know…I am a complete cookie monster. My favorite thing in life is a good cookie!! And when I opened up this box…I found individually wrapped little cookies (about the size of a silver dollar) just eagerly awaiting their trial. I plucked four from the box (two for me and two for my roomie) and got to unwrapping them. They smelled absolutely delicious. Hard to explain just how they smelled, but I caught the macadamia nut and a hint of sweetness from the coconut and ginger. I opened up two cookies for my roommate and delivered them, giving her the usual disclaimer that, “if they suck we can try something else…” As I was heading back into the kitchen, she took a bite. At first…I couldn’t tell what she thought of them. The face she was making was sort of neutral. Then…there was something. But from where I stood, I couldn’t tell if it was good or bad. So, as I was opening up my cookies, I asked her how they were.

“They are like…chewy cardboard that is sweet.”

Um…that can’t be good.

“Are they edible?” I inquired.

She thought for a moment and took another bite. “Well…I’ll eat them…but they aren’t something I’d buy again.”

Okay…

Guess it was my turn to give them a try. I settled in for dessert and took a bite.

So…here is the nitty-gritty:

The Caveman Bakery Tropical Caveman Cookies are good in that they are chewy and use real ingredients. I mean…it doesn’t get much more real than what goes into these cookies. They are not so good in that they don’t really have that much of a flavor. I know…you probably think it’s that I’m missing the sugar…but I cut down on sugars wherever I can and try to do low sugar even in my snacks and cookies. Often I substitute honey…which is what is used in these cookies to sweeten them. The thing is…they are really bland. They do have a nice nutty flavor to them, which I like. The coconut hits at the end. And the ginger doesn’t overpower…but there is just something about them that didn’t…wow me. I wouldn’t say they taste like cardboard, but they definitely take some getting used to. I love a chewy cookie and I wasn’t certain these would be…but they are very chewy. And that…is my favorite part. With nothing more than the hint of coconut for something “tropical”…I can’t for the life of me figure out why these are called “tropical”. But…they aren’t awful. And we will polish off the box.

Let’s talk ingredients. Honestly, the good thing about the Paleo Diet is how straightforward ingredients are in products. The Caveman Bakery Tropical Caveman Cookies contain almond flour, organic honey, unsulfured coconut, macadamia nuts, and ginger. That’s it. They really are chewy…and contain 100% real ingredients and are gluten-free. They are also cholesterol free and sugar free.

Nutritionally speaking…here’s how the Caveman Bakery Tropical Caveman Cookies stack up. A serving size is 2 cookies. Yep. TWO cookies. This serving will provide you with 140 calories and 10 grams of fat. Yep…10 GRAMS OF FAT!! Don’t freak out though. Much of this fat is derived from the macadamia nuts and almond flour. Fat from nuts is a healthy fat. So…yeah…deep breath. It’s okay. Additionally, these cookies contain 10 grams of sugar, 2 grams of fiber rand 3 grams of protein.

So…while these aren’t awful, they aren’t amazing either. They are just sort of “MEH.” And a “MEH” dessert is not a dessert that will be repeated. We are going to finish up the box. And, yes, we will also try the Alpine Caveman Cookies as well to see if they perhaps satisfy us better or have more flavor. I give kudos to Caveman Bakery for making a paleo-friendly cookie for the market…but it seems they could use a little help with the recipe. But, that’s just my cookie-loving opinion. I don’t think I’d invest in these in the future. At least not this flavor.

April 3, 2014

Product Review: KIND Healthy Grains Dark Chocolate Chunk Bars

Product: KIND Healthy Grains Dark Chocolate Chunk Bars – $3.99+

Granola bars.

While there are gluten-free options out there for granola bars, it is something that I gave up when I had to go gluten-free. Why? I just didn’t find any that tasted…right…or good for that matter. Sure, there are plenty of fruit and nut bars out there, but when you think granola bar, you think of oats and that chewy-sticky goodness that you get with each bite. That was what I wanted. And that was not what I was finding.

Until…

KIND once again rose to the occasion.

I keep becoming so indebted to KIND because their products are superb. Honestly. I wouldn’t keep going back to KIND bars and KIND Healthy Grain Clusters time after time after time. Lord knows, these days there are plenty of delicious and gluten-free options when it comes to protein bars and granola. But there is something so spectacular about the products that KIND puts out. I trust them with my food budget. I really do.

So, imagine my glee the day I stepped into my local grocery store and went to scope out the Manager’s Special shelves and found the KIND Healthy Grains Bars on the shelf. They had the discounted price ticket on there. The only flavor being offered at the discounted price was the KIND Healthy Grains Dark Chocolate Chunk Bars…so that’s what came home with me. Two boxes of them. That meant, without any idea of how they tasted…I invested in 10 bars (they come 5 to a box). But I didn’t even flinch…because it was KIND.

Sadly, these just sort of sat in my drawer of protein bars and race day snackies up until the other day. I was working my way through the pantry that I totally forgot about those in that drawer. And, with my sprained ankle, I hadn’t been racing or running so there was no reason for me to open that drawer. It slipped my mind. Until…I started running again. I noticed the boxes in the drawer and knew it was time to bust them out for one of my work snacks. It would be just like the old days. A morning snack of a “granola” bar. But this…this is even better than a granola bar. It tastes better…has actual real ingredients…and it has more (and better) nutritional value. Trust me.

I couldn’t wait for snack time to roll around the other day. Honestly. I had the bar out on my desk…anticipating it. Wanting to see if it was any good. Needing to know if it lived up to the high standards that KIND set for its products with me in the past. And when it was time, I tore into that wrapper and broke off a corner of the Healthy Grains Bar. The first thing I noticed was this didn’t snap away. The bar itself is very light and soft. You definitely get that hint of sticky-soft goodness from the honey, which helps to also sweeten the oats and other grains that are used in the making of these bars. The dark chocolate chunks provide this amazing sweetness that doesn’t detract from the rest of the bar, but works with it…bringing out all the other flavors. And I love that hint of coconut flavor you get right at the end. Honestly…one of the best bars I have ever consumed. EVER! Even better…I don’t feel guilty about this little indulgence, because it’s not really an indulgence. The name of this product says it all – HEALTHY Grains Bars. Add in that sweet hint of heart-healthy dark chocolate and you have my new favorite snack in life.

So, what all goes into the KIND Healthy Grains Dark Chocolate Chunk Bars? Well, KIND never hides anything when it comes to their products. That’s why their packaging and wrappers have large open windows. They honestly have nothing to hide. At all. The KIND Healthy Grains Dark Chocolate Chunk Bars are a blend of whole grains (which include gluten-free oats, brown rice, millet, gluten-free oat flour, buckwheat, amaranth, and quinoa), tapioca syrup, evaporated cane juice, honey, non-GMO canola oil, coconut, chocolate liquor, sugar, brown rice syrup, molasses, gum acacia, sea salt, vanilla extract, cocoa butter, soy lecithin, and natural vitamin E.

How does it stack up nutritionally? Not too bad at all. A serving of the KIND Healthy Grains Dark Chocolate Chunk Bars is one bar. This bar will provide 150 calories and 4.5 grams of fat. One bar will also provide you with only 65 mg sodium and 9 grams of sugar. You will also be getting 3 grams of fiber and 3 grams of protein…so you actually do feel full after eating one. These are gluten-free and cholesterol-free.

If you’re looking for a healthy snack that you can easily pack and take with you…anywhere…I highly recommend KIND Healthy Grains Dark Chocolate Chunk Bars. They remind me, a lot, of the homemade granola bars I used to make. Flavor is SUPER fantastic. Texture and feel is spot on. And that chocolate…tames even the biggest sweet tooth. My snack time just got a lot sweeter….without the extra sugar and…additives. Thank you, KIND, for products that I’m proud to have right out on my desk.

March 31, 2014May 11, 2015

The Chocolate 5K – Louisville, KY (March 30, 2014)

Sean Astin and me after finishing the Chocolate 5K - Louisville, Kentucky — Sean Astin and me after finishing the Chocolate 5K – Louisville, Kentucky

Race: The Chocolate 5K

Place: Louisville, Kentucky

Date: March 30, 2014

Time: 21:02* (UNTIMED EVENT)

There is nothing better than a race that combines three things that I love: chocolate, puppies, and running! And thanks to No Kill Louisville, there was a fun, untimed event held on Sunday that involved all three of those things. Yep. All three of them. No Kill Louisville helped put on The Chocolate 5K, which involved a 3.1 mile run/walk, Ghrirardelli chocolate (provided on the course and at the finish…not to mention two squares in your packet at packet pick-up), and…lots of animal rescue leagues.

The morning was cold. I knew it was cold because I had to go outside and do my heel drops off the stairs of my apartment complex (and the only stairs available are outside!). So, I dressed accordingly…in a long sleeve top, a pair of capris, and my compression sleeves. I was actually running as part of a team. My friend, and running compatriot, Dawn, was running with a team of co-workers and invited me to join their team (for the team discount price). I was totally about that, so I did sign up. I’m just getting back into racing and my speed is not back yet, so I intended just to see what I could manage. After all, this event was not timed. Sort of like the Glo Run and The Color Run. Go out…get some chocolate…have a good time. Worked for me!

Cathy and I headed out just about the time we wanted to, after each downing a bowl of cereal and having some coffee. I brought along some Lärabars to eat as the race time crept closer (I had no bananas on hand…which is NOT good on race morning). We piled into the car and off we went to Waterfront Park, the new venue for the race. It was originally scheduled to take place at E.P. Tom Sawyer…but due to muddy trails and the like…it was moved to the paved Waterfront Park area. I was more than happy about that. Trust me.

We made good time down to Waterfront and even managed to find a parking spot under the bridge. A short stroll through the little booths set up (for places like Earth Fare and all the animal rescue leagues that came out!), I made my way to the registration line. Recent e-mails said that the turnout for the race was not good and there weren’t that many participants. But there was a line by the time I got there for people picking up their packets. And the line only continued to grow from there. So…either people were trying to decided at the last minute whether to run or walk or not…this was actually a really, really big turn out! I managed to get up to the table and told the volunteer my name. She kept looking under BA, so finally I had to spell out my last name…”B-R-A…” But she found me after I pointed my name out on the list. She handed me a green bag that contained two different varieties of Ghirardelli Chocolate and my race bib and then sent me over to pick up my t-shirt. After that, I was standing around for a second when Dawn and a co-worker of hers arrived. They were going to get in line, so I went to go put my chocolate and t-shirt in the car so Cathy wouldn’t have to try to juggle it on top of the sign and my jacket I was going to shed before the race start.

As we were heading back toward the registration line, I was opening up my Lärabar (Jŏcalat Chocolate Mint…in case you were curious) and taking a big bite when a small group ran past. They were in race numbers (not unusual at a race) and just doing this slow little warm-up run together, talking and smiling. I eyed the guy in the middle in the yellow running jacket and the shorts as he went by. After I swallowed my bite of bar, I turned to Cathy, who was having an epic struggle with the wrapper of her bar (she didn’t want to take off her gloves), and said, “That guy looked like Sean Astin.” She heard me but didn’t respond. I think she was really focused on eating the rest of her breakfast, but first she had to get to it. I eventually helped her out and went to toss the wrappers away. Dawn said her boyfriend, Matthew (I train with him a LOT), was going to run from his house to the race, do the race, and then finish up the remaining miles of his scheduled 20 mile training run. Whew. That made me tired just thinking about it. Her other two co-workers arrived around that time and got in line to get their bibs and packets. And they all consumed their chocolate as a pre-race sugar rush. Or so I joked. But…chocolate consumed…we were just waiting on the start. Matthew arrived with a few minutes to spare and we helped him get his blinkie lights turned off.

A quick picture in front of the start line and some announcements were being made. And then…I hear it…”And now a quick word from Sean Astin…who you might know from the Lord of the Rings Movies and the Goonies…as well as many others…” And then he took the mic. You better believe that I moved up to see if I had heard that right. I had. It was him.

Cathy still wasn’t paying attention, but rather getting artistic photos of the start line when I found her and said, “That guy I said looked like Sean Astin WAS Sean Astin.”

So…I do have this running (see what I did there?) joke about how Sean Astin is stalking me on my races. He has run every Disney race I have ever been a part of and he also ran the Chicago Marathon last year when I did. So…this was just further proof that the man is following me. To come out to an untimed event for charity to run 3.1 miles just speaks so highly of his character. He didn’t have to do it. But he did. And it made me love him even more than I already did. He spoke briefly, and commented that the weather, for him, was perfect for running. We all laughed because we locals were all in compression gear and there he was in shorts just soaking it all in. God love him!

After he wished us all luck on the race, we were told to line up at the starting line. The announcer began to give us the route, then simply said…”There are yellow arrows on the ground. Just follow the yellow arrows.” And with that…we were sent off with a whistle.

I found my stride early and was out with the first five in the pack, with others right behind me. I didn’t want to push too hard. Not on an untimed race. I get frustrated with my lack of speed these days, and that is understandable, but my friend Andrea always reminds me…I’m healing. I need to heal up and the speed will return. So, for now, I can’t set time goals…I just have to run smart and run safe. And that was my ultimate goal. I followed the yellow arrows…and the people in front of me…for the first mile before I passed up the one female that was ahead of me. My strides felt good. No ankle twinges…so I kept on, just doing what I could to maintain. It also didn’t help that I woke up that morning with some chest congestion and an intermittent cough. No good. This is what happened during the Triple Crown of Running last year and I did not want to relive that. So, for the sake of being able to breathe without dying…I made sure I maintained a challenging, but even pace.

I passed up the table where they were offering Ghirardelli chocolate squares because…I was running. I can’t run and eat chocolate. So, I kept on going, rounding the corner up ahead and getting sent up a bit of an incline. I pushed up the hill, not feeling any discomfort in the ankle, rounded the corner again, and then started on the gentle slope back down toward the race course.

Now this is where it got messy. We had runners and walkers making their way up to the incline ahead, but were taking chocolate from the Ghirardelli stop as well, which was located on the side of the path where people running back toward the finish were now running. Oh well…it was a fun event…you just go with it. As I’m trucking along, I see Sean Astin running toward me and he starts applauding those of us in the front of the pack and telling us we were doing great. I held up my hand and he high-fived it. Awesome. A moment later, my co-worker’s husband was running by and we high-fived as well. It was a high-five kind of race and I was loving it. A little ways down my co-workers, Laura and Kayla, were walking past and Laura told me to go catch up to the guy in front of me (it was her son…who was banditing the race). I knew I wasn’t going to be able to do that, but as I was coming into one of the final turns, I did pass the kid in the orange sweatshirt that had outpaced me for much of the first part of the race. I managed to keep ahead of him, and came back into the familiar Great Lawn area of Waterfront Park. One final turn and I booked it to the finish line, pausing my Garmin a moment after. I was the 4th registered finisher across the finish line.

I was all smiles!! Seriously…all smiles. It has been hard for me to not focus so much on time, but what I’m discovering is why I love doing this sport in the first place. Yes…PRs are awesome and should be celebrated and should be fought for…but sometimes you have to work back into that. I have rediscovered the joy that comes with just being able to get outside and get that run in. I have found so much positivity from the people who saw me struggle with my sprained ankle and who have seen my will and determination to come back. It’s a slow process…but I’m making strides in the right direction.

Me crossing the finish line of the Chocolate 5K - Louisville, Kentucky — Me crossing the finish line of the Chocolate 5K – Louisville, Kentucky

After crossing the finish, I went to get some water and a couple pieces of chocolate. Cathy and I each ate a square…and we waited for the rest of my team to come in. But…about four minutes after my finish…here comes Sean Astin. Seriously. I cheered as he crossed the finish line and then went down the ways a little to catch his breath. His companion (and sort of body guard) went to go get him some water and after a moment, I walked over to say “Hi.” And he was very gracious and very welcoming. We took a picture together and I told him the story about how I believe he’s stalking me. I told him the races we had run “together” and when I mentioned Chicago…he said, “You ran in Chicago…with your hair like this and everything!” He pointed to my pigtails. I laughed and nodded. We talked about our finishing times and he said his goal is to eventually, one day, run a sub-4 marathon. I told him I had every belief that he could do it. He told me that I was going to win the Boston Marathon. Seriously…can I keep him?

I knew he was busy and had a schedule to maintain (he was in town for the Wizard World Comic Con Louisville) so I said goodbye. He gave me a hug and told me to have a good day. I thanked him for coming out to run. And that was that. A few moments later…my team came in and I cheered for them all the way to the finish! It was an amazing day.

So…my official time for this untimed event, according to my Garmin was 21:02. I want to note, however, that the course was only 2.78 miles. So…I am not little miss speedy! Trust me. I didn’t even feel all that speedy. And at that pace, I wouldn’t have come close to my 5K PR. I was okay with that, but I wanted at least 3 miles for the day. So I went and did a slow, steady shake-out for the remaining mileage before returning to talk with my friends a bit longer. We were wrapping things up, and I had grocery shopping, laundry, and an apartment to clean…so I said goodbye to everyone and Cathy and I departed, stopping by the Earth Fare booth to say hi. I might have forgotten to mention (and will blog about it maybe next month) that I am, once again, an Earth Fare Athlete Ambassador. And I’m loving it. So, we had a short talk with the person at the booth, who recognized me immediately. And, after snagging some chocolate dipped banana chips, we headed out for the day.

I had so much fun at this little race. I smiled the entire time. I managed to not die from a rattly chest. I pushed a little harder than I normally would. I want my speed back. It will come. I keep telling myself…it will come. But for now…strengthening that ankle and getting myself back on track is way more important. I’m just thankful that I had the opportunity to take part in such a fun event for a great cause. And I can’t wait to do my next one.

March 31, 2014

Product Review: Sophie’s Kitchen Breaded Vegan Calamari

Product: Sophie’s Kitchen Breaded Vegan Calamari – $5.99+

This is it!

The final product from Sophie’s Kitchen for me to review. Well, there are a couple other products out there, just none that I have found in this area yet. All the ones that are available in the various natural food stores around here…have now been eaten, consumed, and reviewed. It all ends here…with Sophie’s Kitchen Breaded Vegan Calamari.

Yes…my freezer has now been cleared of my delicious vegan seafood. And the Vegan Breaded Calamari is another fine example of how Sophie’s Kitchen is doing vegan seafood well! I mean…I was blown away.

Back before I became a vegetarian, I began eating calamari after moving to Indiana. My roommate and her family were huge fans of splitting the appetizer calamari at any restaurant it was offered in…especially Red Lobster. That being said, I grew to have a taste for the little rubbery rings of…squid. But after making a conscious decision to go vegetarian…I gave up seafood and all other meats. And when going gluten-free was necessary, anything breaded went the way of the dodo in my diet.

Until…Sophie’s Kitchen brought breaded “seafood” back into my life.

The other night, the Breaded Vegan Calamari remained in my freezer. And as I had been out of town and had no fresh produce bin delivered…I was living out of my pantry, fridge, and freezer. This seemed like an easy enough thing to prepare for dinner. All I hoped for was that it would live up to the standards and quality of the other Sophie’s Kitchen products I had in the past.

I should have known it wouldn’t disappoint.

Sophie's Kitchen Breaded Vegan Calamari (frozen) — Sophie’s Kitchen Breaded Vegan Calamari (frozen)

Sophie’s Kitchen Breaded Vegan Calamari is so simple to prepare. You can do it in either the oven or a skillet, but I opted for the oven this time. I placed the Breaded Vegan Calamari rings on a pan and put them in the oven for about 15 minutes. When I retrieved them, they smelled amazing and were now a beautiful golden brown. I plated the rings and served it up with some marinara for dipping (because calamari should always be eaten with marinara…always!). My roommate and I tucked into our basic, simple dinner…and we were both once again WOWED! I mean…totally in awe at how accurate the texture and taste of these vegan seafood products are to the real thing. I loved how the Breaded Vegan Calamari rings had that bit of rubbery texture…just like actual calamari. I thought it had amazing flavor, and the breading was more than seasoned correctly and packed with amazing flavor. I might have devoured mine in record time. I told my roommate that this one was ranking up there in popularity as far as my favorites to eat. So delicious. Beyond impressed. And now I want to restock my freezer with all of the products again…and work my way through them once more. This just clinches the fact that Sophie’s Kitchen makes high quality products that gluten-free vegans can enjoy!

So…what exactly is vegan seafood made from? Well, the Sophie’s Kitchen Breaded Vegan Calamari is made from water, konjac powder, beta glucan, potato starch, organic agave nectar, sea salt, canola oil, rice flakes (from brown rice), potato starch, turmeric, white pepper, carrageenan, alginate, and calcium hydroxide. Is it clean eating…nope. Not even close. But…it’s not too bad as processed, frozen products go. Not at all. These are soy-free, vegan (100% plant based), non-GMO, gluten-free, contain no artificial preservatives, no artificial colors, no MSG, they are free of trans fats, and they are cholesterol free. These also contain no added sugar. Nothing about them is artificial. Nothing.

Nutritionally speaking, a serving size of Sophie’s Breaded Vegan Calamari is 4 pieces (or about 3 ounces). This serving size will dish you up 210 calories and 9 grams of fat. You will also be taking in 250 mg sodium and only 2 grams of sugar. Love that! In addition, you will be consuming 4 grams of fiber and 4 grams of protein. Trust me…you will feel full after eating these. But deliciously full!

I have become a huge fan of Sophie’s Kitchen Vegan Seafood items. The Breaded Vegan Calamari ranks right up there as one of the best products in the lineup. Try it. Even if you aren’t a vegan, you might appreciate a healthier, and environmentally-friendly seafood. You won’t be disappointed. Trust me!

Sophie's Kitchen Breaded Vegan Calamari (served with marinara sauce) — Sophie’s Kitchen Breaded Vegan Calamari (baked) (served with marinara sauce)

March 31, 2014

Product Review: Wild Friends Foods Vanilla Espresso Almond Butter

Product: Wild Friends Foods Vanilla Espresso Almond Butter – $1.99+

I am not very good about blogging about various spreads and nut butters that I try. I don’t know why…but mostly because it’s hard to wax rhapsodic about different varieties of nut butters…because…while they don’t all taste the same…it’s the same thing. Besides, I’m a Trader Joe’s Creamy Peanut Butter girl. That doesn’t change.

Except…when something leaps out at me and catches my eye.

That was the case this past visit to Birmingham, Alabama. I went to my mom’s favorite natural food store, Organic Harvest, and was shopping around for some products to try that I had never seen in my area. I was walking the aisles, doing my initial scouting when I spotted little sample packs of almond butters at the bottom of one of the shelves.

The brand: Wild Friends Foods.

The flavor: Vanilla Espresso Almond Butter.

HELLO!! How could I not buy this?! I had to. So, it was one of the items that I chose to bring home with me to try. And…that’s what happened. All I needed was the perfect opportunity to use it and to allow it to shine. I mean…vanilla…espresso…almond butter. That’s three of my favorite things all rolled into one product. I was elated. I was in heaven. I…needed to find something to use it with.

And so…it all came together one morning when I was toasting up some gluten-free cinnamon raising English muffins. I had pulled out some butter and honey to top the English muffins with, but then I recalled this spread. So I decided to do half of the English muffins with the butter and honey, and the other half with this amazing sounding almond butter.

I made a fantastic choice.

The Wild Friends Foods Vanilla Espresso Almond Butter is just as amazing as it sounds. It has all the texture and flavor of almond butter, but elevated with the bits of ground up espresso beans and the amazing aroma and flavor of vanilla. It’s almond butter taken to the nth degree. And there is nothing wrong with that at all. This packet, once kneaded as instructed, provided a creamy, flavorful topper for the cinnamon raising English muffin. The espresso bits don’t get in the way or overpower the natural flavor of the almond butter. In fact, they serve as a bit of a flavor enhancer. And it was AWESOME!! Trust me, even my roommate was raving about it. Seriously…I wish I could find this stuff here.

So, let’s talk about the ingredients. One very important thing about Wild Friends Foods is that the creators wanted to make fun flavors of nut butters without the white sugars, preservatives, additives, or oil. So, instead of using slick oils and processed sweeteners, they use natural ingredients that are awesome…and…yes…healthy! The Vanilla Espresso Almond Butter contains almonds, organic agave, natural vanilla flavor, espresso, and sea salt. That’s it. It is non-GMO, dairy-free, gluten-free, and kosher.

Nutritionally speaking, you can’t beat these statistics when it comes to almond butter. The Wild Friends Foods Vanilla Espresso Almond Butter has a serving size of 2 tablespoons. This serving will provide you with 190 calories and 17 grams of fat (but it’s the healthy fat you get from nuts…so don’t freak out, okay?). You will also be getting 95 mg sodium and 2 grams of sugar. And finally, you will be taking in 3 grams of fiber and 6 grams of protein.

And it really does taste amazing. Possibly my favorite almond butter I have had to date. I wish I had more than just the sample pack. From a quick check on the Wild Friends Foods Web site, it looks like a regular jar of this flavor is a whopping $11.99. One jar. But…I would say it was worth it. For now, I guess I’ll just supplement with the amazing little sample packs whenever I go to Birmingham.

If you can order it online to try it…or if you can find it locally…don’t hesitate…just do it!

Wild Friends Foods Vanilla Espresso Almond Butter (on a gluten-free cinnamon raisin English muffin)