Popeye used to down spinach for fuel.
I chomp down dates:
When 11:00 rolled around Matt came a’tappin’ my shoulder for our run. I didn’t want to go. I did not have the energy and I was cold. Outside was colder! And cloudy. And we couldn’t decide on a route. All of our neighborhood routes have gotten boring.
I decided to pop a date for energy and BAM – we knocked out 6.5 miles on a new countryside route!! I swear it was all in the date that got me going! My miles weren’t easy or fast, but they were solid. That’s the farthest I’ve run since the fall. We finished the 10K in 58 minutes – 7 whole minutes slower than my fall race pace. But cold is cold.
Once home and showered, it was time for more fuel
Spinach salad with bleu cheese, honey, olive oil and toasted buckwheat crunchies
A pumpkin yogurt parfait, with more crunchies and some coconut
And an apple with Spazzy Squirrel [the dessert!]
We went through yet another keg of sparkling water – freshly made today!
This lunch was surprisingly SUPER filling! I almost didn’t finish it all. But then the chocolate peanut butter tempted me 😉
I have 2 hours to focus on work, and then we’re headed out for a fun event and meeting someone famous!!!
Susan (Oliepants) says
I have been into dates too and these days I have been putting peanut butter (or almond butter) inside the date as a snack. Keeps me full and happy!
klm says
do you know what dates look like? I’ll give you a clue. They live in the carolinas and really really like fancy trees.
KathEats says
🙂 Still love ’em!
Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday says
I still don’t know what they look like, even with the clue.
Johanna B says
Clue: They have 6 legs and antennae. They also thrive in New Orleans.
Katie (Sweet Tater) says
i cannot eat dates because of this very reason.
renee says
Hee- I also always think of that when I see them 😉
I used to like them, but now I find them disgustingly sweet.
klm says
That being said I LOVE DATES!
Valerie @ City|Life|Eats says
I love parfaits as a side to lunch. I often bring some with me to work 🙂
Stacy @ Every Little Thing says
I have never had a date!
and oooo someone famous!
Freya (Brit Chick Runs) says
Ooh I had my best run in 3months the other day, after having some dates! A wonderfood, I reckon.
Holly @ The Runny Egg says
I love dates — filled with PB or wrapped in bacon 🙂
Or maybe both!
Lucy @ The Sweet Touch says
I like the way you think!
Do you guys just eat one or two?
Jo @ Jo In the Kitchen says
I’ve never actually had a date, but this makes me want to try them! Have a fun evening.
chloe@ 321delish says
I have to say, I am always very impressed that you stick to 1 or 2 dates. When I get my hands on them, I end up eating an entire handful. I guess that means I have SUPER energy and SUPER strength 🙂
Justeen @ Blissful Baking says
I am SO with you on the dates! I bought a huge container from Costco to have on hand when I need a boost of energy!
Cassie @ Tofu Meets Her Match says
I just started using dates as mid-run fuel for my long runs. They sit so much better in my stomach than the chemical-y gels or chews, and they’re delicious! If only I could figure out how to inject them with some caffeine…
Jazz says
I have the solution for you! When I make my power balls, I grind up dates and coffee beans!
Heather (heathers dish) says
I dont think I’ve ever had a fig before on it’s own, but I know I’ll love them when I DO have them!
Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat says
Great job on the run Kath – I find that sometimes the hardest part is just getting out of the house! The pumpkin parfait looks divine!I can’t wait to hear about this “someone famous” that you’re going to meet! 🙂
Marina says
I love dates, so sweet and chewy! But just one date can’t give me enough energy for anything 😀
your lunch really looks appealing, I love when there are a lot of different things to munch on
Ashley @ Feeding Ashley says
I can’t get past the texture of dates to love them.
Your lunch looks awesome. I’m seriously craving that parfait now.
Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga) says
I love dates! The best way is to stuff them with a schmear of PB and a few choc chips inside. It’s like biting into a piece of heaven for me 🙂
A meeting with someone famous…ooooh how exciting! Have a great time and hope your 2 hours are productive til then!
Michelle B. says
I’ve been meaning to pick up some dates, thanks for the nudge! Also, what do you use to carbonate your water? I love seltzer so much but I don’t want to keep buying bottles of it – it’s wasteful and expensive!
KathEats says
We have a CO2 tank for beer making
Angie @ Musings of a Violet Monkey says
Michelle – just my 2 cents…
I have a SodaStream machine and LOVE it. (It retails for $99, but you can get it at Bed Bath & Beyond using their 20% off coupon).
I *highly* recommend it! 🙂
~
Michelle B. says
Thanks Angie! I definitely need to get one of these soon.
Allison @ Happy Tales says
yay for all of the dates lovin!! And you are meeting somebody famous?!!?!? Squeee that is very exciting! Can’t wait until you share the story with us 🙂
Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) says
That is my kind of lunch! YUM! I’m glad you got the run out and it felt good. That definitely sets a great mood for the rest of the day. Have a great afternoon Kath!
Jessica @ How Sweet It Is says
I love dates!
Holly @ Food, Make-up, Hair says
I love sparkling water too – I need to try to make my own. I would love a tutorial on this…hint, hint, wink, wink 😉
Claire @ Live and Love to Eat says
It makes me sound like such an old lady but prunes are my go-to power snack. Talk about concentrated energy!
Stacey says
I love dates and dessert made with dates too 😉 .. cant wait to read about your fun evening!
Wendy says
I love dates as well! One question… I’m always confused what to do with water/food when I run 5-7 miles… shorter, I just don’t worry abt it… longer, I make sure I run loops to have a fueling spot. What do you usually do? I can just get by feeling thirsty running 6-7 miles usually, but somehow think I’m not good to my body by doing that.
KathEats says
I wear a Camelbak (although not in the winter). Check out my Races page for more info
Camille says
I can’t wait to hear about your famous person!
Flourchild says
Im going to try a date before my next run!
Katie @ Nourishing Flourishing says
I love dates as long as I can fill them with peanut butter! 🙂 So delicious. Congrats on the long run — wow!
Nikki T says
Also LOVE dates!
I want to reach into the screen and steal that PB from you!!
Looking forward to tonight’s post about your fun event- have fun!!
Michelle (The Runner's Plate) says
I need to get on this buckwheat wagon!
Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg says
That’s a pretty powerful date 😉
Kristi @ KristiAteIt says
For some reason, I don’t get that much fuel from dates. Not sure why.. But that pumpkin parfait looks like something I like to make!
Abby says
That pumpkin parfait looks so great!
Ellie@fitforthesoul says
TJs medjool dates seem to be especially chewy and sweet! haha lately I’ve been addicted to PB filled dates. OoOoo I wonder who that someone is~
Baking 'n' Books says
Famous?
Do you eat outside in the cold? Or is that just to make the pictures pretty? 🙂
Nacho Lindsay says
You know what gives you TONS of energy? Nachos! And by energy, I mean just enough to finish your beer and stumble to the couch. 🙂
Angel7 says
Dates must be the new superfood 🙂 Who knew that a small little thing packed such a punch!
That salad looks delicious! My husband and I love bleu cheese.
The whole meal looks great in picture, but I know that the taste of the food probably makes it worthy of five stars.
http://faithfulsolutions.blogspot.com/
Emily @ Savory and Savage says
Spinach salad with blue cheese is one of my favorite lunches.
Courtney @ The Granola Chronicles says
I just bought some dates at TJ’s yesterday – can you believe I’ve never had them before?!
Alex says
Now what exactly are these “buckwheat crunchies” ? And more importantly: Where can I get ’em? They look delicious…
KathEats says
Toasted buckwheat – found in the bulk foods aisle
Trainer Kjirsten- Balanced Healthy Life says
I LOVE dates! I rarely eat them though! Nice job on the run!
Mary @ Bites and Bliss says
Bananas are like your dates for me. Afew bites and I’m ready to go! Glad you two had a great run. It always plays true that the workouts you’re dreading the most end up being the best ones. 🙂
Simply Life says
this reminds me that I haven’t had a date in far too long!
Amanda (The Nutritionist Reviews) says
Wow sounds like some powerful dates! haha
Judy says
Nice run! 2 dates? That is wild, less than 50 calories and it gives you that much energy? I’m jealous!
lynn @ the actor's diet says
dates are so amazing. i don’t understand how some people (ahem, my husband) don’t like them!
Kiran @ KiranTarun.com says
That pumpkin parfait reminds me of my Libby’s stash 😉
Heather @ Health, Happiness, and Hope says
I absolutely love dates stuffed with almond butter! They are perfect pre-exercise food because they give you energy and hold over hunger, yet are not too dense or filling.
Pumpkin and plain yogurt is the best combo!
Natalia - a side of simple says
I’ve never tried a date before. Hm.. I think it will be the perfect vehicle for some chocolate peanut butter 😉
Alexa @ Simple Eats says
Yum, what a good looking lunch, I’m jealous! 6.5 is unfathomable to me…awesome job!
Katie @ peacebeme says
Many times, when I don’t feel like swimming and then I grab a healthy snack, I get such a boost of energy. Food is fuel!
Kate (What Kate is Cooking) says
Pumpkin yogurt and an apple with a dip is always part of my lunch!
Julie @ Lettuce Choose Healthy says
from not wanting to run .. to busting out 6.5 miles .. thats awesome!
Mom says
Your great-grandmother Kiehne was nuts over dates. Stuffed them with peanut butter and rolled them in white sugar–old time Christmas treat especially.
KathEats says
I used to hate them at your Christmas parties!
Emilia says
Whenever I eat a snack right before running, my stomach goes wild during the run due to the food wishing- and washing. That’s why the best time for me to run is in the morning, on a bare stomach, or a couple house after eating. I only wish I could eat a powering snack before running….
Nice, simple meal!
Laughter-Loving Stacy says
Nice lunch! I wonder who you’re meeting!! 🙂
MonsteRawr says
Oh crap, do I feel you! Nothing will destroy my will-power and drive to hit the pavement like being cold. I’m hoping the warm weather that’s (hopefully) coming will help.
Maybe I’ll have to give dates a try!
Joanne says
I JUST read your post from last years 10K race (how did I miss that?!!!!). It’s a very late congrats. but CONGRATULATIONS! You did so good.
As for your run today, great job. It just might be those dates. I love them in bread…hint, hint, hint 🙂
KathEats says
Haha – thanks!!
Maria says
You eats look great today! Sometimes I love meals that aren’t just a sandwich. I will have to get my hands on some dates too, I’ve never had them and I’ve heard lots of good things1
Lesley Lifting Life says
Choc peanut butter always tempts me too! 🙂
St. Pete says
Love all the photos.
Grace says
What Cville route was it?? I love running on country roads….
KathEats says
I’ll email you privately!
Cindy says
Have fun meeting the celebrity!
rebecca lustig says
All this talk about dates… Where’s my prince charming?!
(Bad joke. Sorry!)
KathEats says
🙂
Emma (Namaste Everyday) says
I need to get me some dates! I have been feeling a bit of a slump lately with my running, and I’ve never even tried a date before!
lauren @ spiced plate says
I LOVE dates too. I do something weird (buy ayurvedic) with them. I soak them in milk overnight. The dates and milk turn into delicious bliss. You could even blend the dates (pitted) in the milk for a nourishing smoothie.
KathEats says
Soaked dates sounds pretty darn good!
Stacey (The Home-Cooked Vegan) says
Ooooh I wonder who the famous person is!!
I’m totally with you – I’m so bored with all of my usual routes that I’d sometimes rather just run at the gym (at least there is a TV in front of me!). Guess we need to fix this soon! Running shouldn’t be boring!
Sounds like you had an awesome run though, and you still ARE fast! Have fun tonight 😀
PS. I’ve never eaten a date! My dried fruit of choice right now are figs, but next I’m picking up some dates (<–the fruit, not men) 😉
Paige @Running Around Normal says
I love that you can just whip out a 6.5 mile run! That’d be a production for me right now 😛
staceyhealthylife says
I usually have a Larabar before my workouts and they really do the trick.
Hilary says
YUM! LOVE dates…perhaps I will have to try them as pre-run fuel as well. I put some on a pizza last week with caramelized onions and goat cheese….delish! That lunch looks yummy as well…I see why you went back for the chocolate-pb!
Kat @ Cupcake Kat says
I love munching on dates. Next time I’ll attention and see if they give me lots of energy! Your lunch looks so yummy
kate@ahealthypassion says
I love dates, I stuff them with coconut butter, almond butter or pb soo good!
kaila@ healthy helper blog! says
Dates are totally natures candy! They taste like carmel to me! My favorite way to enjoy them is dipped in sunflower seed butter…….heaven!
katy says
eek! i can’t seem to do dates (or figs)…i think it is the squishy texture thing.
Hannah says
It’s lovely to see the sunshine in your photos!
Angie @ Musings of a Violet Monkey says
I LOVE dates…. mmm. My parents went to Southern CA last week to visit my little brother, and brought back a ton of dates for T and I… Medjool (which we usually buy), Deglet Noor (which I’ve never had) and others rolled in coconut, and some rolled in pecans. I had a pecan rolled date for “dessert” after lunch today… So delicious!
~
Kathleen @ KatsHealthCorner says
Dates are delicious! 😀
Annette says
I’ve just found your website and Medjool dates. Both are fabelous! I’m interested in your toasted buckwheat crunchies. I assume you just take buckwheat and toast in a dry pan? Aren’t they hard as a rock?
KathEats says
nope – I buy them toasted. They’re called kasha
Julia says
I decided to have a date before my workout today and I had the best workout ever…so much energy. Thanks for the suggestion!
KathEats says
Awesome!