Yesterday was the day I’ve been dreading for over a week. Not because I dislike my job but because going back to a desk job after a week away is so hard. Fortunately, I was pretty busy all day which made the day go by quickly.

I broke for lunch around noon, I was surprised how long my breakfast quesadilla kept me full!

I had a salad with purple asparagus, beets, and white beans and a brown rice cake. For some reason rice cakes are one of those “diet” foods that I actually enjoy. I buy the lightly salted variety and they have a nice crunch.

Work kept me busy all afternoon and before leaving at 5 to head to my doctor’s appointment I snacked on a nectarine.

This week is my fourth week on the special food allergy diet and I was really hoping that last night my doctor was going to tell me I could start challenging foods. Unfortunately, I was wrong. He thinks that with my recovery going so well, I should continue the special diet for another 6 weeks to get the best results. Say what?

After talking for awhile we came to this conclusion, no dairy, eggs, coconut, soy, gluten, or corn for another 6 weeks but I can start challenging coffee (1x/week), shellfish, gluten free/dairy free/ soy free baked goods (basically added raw sugar), 70%+ dark chocolate (1x/week), peanut butter (1x/week), and wine or vodka (1x/week). I’m going to wait until next week to try these things but hopefully they will make eating out a little bit easier for the interim.

By the time I got home, I was starving so with Ian’s help I whipped up a millet salad with asparagus, brussels sprouts, and arugala. I tossed it in hummus and red wine vinegar.

It totally hit the spot!

After dinner, Ian and I met two of our friends for trivia Monday. We ended up coming in third, loosing to the two first place teams by one point. We were sooo close! No worries, we’ll get them next time!

I was back in tri-training mode this morning and I headed out for a 4 mile run (7:23 min/mile) followed by a 1,650 meter swim. The weather was perfect for running, slightly chilly and sunny with a nice breeze. I ran down by the lake and got to see the sun rise. Mornings like this remind me of why I am a runner . I added more sprints into my swim workout and I could really feel the difference. I want to increase my swimming pace and as my next tri has a shorter swim, I figure sprints are the best way to do just that. I didn’t feel super speedy in the morning but I didn’t feel slow either and by the end of the workout my arms were tired!

Last night, I received a small package from Glass Dharma, a glass straw company. I was fortunate to win Katie‘s Glass Dharma giftcard giveaway and wasted no time in ordering my straws.

I selected two plain twelve inch smoothie straws.

This morning, I was eager to use my new gift and whipped up my new favorite smoothie. It’s incredibly simple, just frozen mango, almond milk, and a little honey.

Topped with a sprinkle of walnuts, pepitas, and puffed millet. 

It was perfect!

What is your favorite smoothie recipe?