A pastime of mine is running. Past tense because I cannot run well anymore! I think January broke me. Slowly I will work back up, but this morning’s 10K nearly killed me!
Matt and I ran (in shorts and t-shirts!!) a big 6 mile loop. I had to stop and walk up a few hills. I think it’s also Camelbak time – I was thirsty despite drinking a whole bottle of water before we left. Or course, maybe I was just having an off day, but running has been extra hard lately!
Once home, we had all the makings for tuna pita pockets!
When I was little we had a sandwich shop in Hillsborough called Lu-e-g’s. It was awesome. Hippy food with lots of sprouts. And you could get a bagel and cream cheese for only $1! Ahhh the 90s. We used to go every Sunday after church. But my mom would say: “We can go to Lu-e-g’s, but only if you get the bagel and not the tuna pita!”
You see, sometime during middle school, my friend Kirst (who you all met a few weeks ago!) started getting the Tuna Pitas – mustardy tuna with lettuce and sprouts in a warm honkin’ pita pocket. But they were $3.50 and did seem as economical to my mom week after week.
So this is my tribute to the Lu-e-g’s Tuna Pita. Canned tuna and carrots (sadly we had no celery like L’s did) with mayo and mustard stuffed in a microwave-warmed Trader Joe’s WW pita with more dijon mustard, spinach and lots of sprouts. So freakin’ delicious!!!
Served café-style with a handful of chips
And a juicy orange
One of my gifts to Matt was these awesome glasses from Pier 1 painted with chalkboard so you can write what’s in it! I intended for him to write the names of beers, but oddly he seems to want me to drink a smoothie out of it!
We just drank an entire keg of sparklin’ water!! He’s now making more!
Bocker is thirsty.
Vita-Mix Winner
Speaking of smoothies, the lucky email address winner of the OpenSky Vita-Mix giveaway is…
Bosom Buddies
The eating house (a.k.a. sorority) that I joined my freshman year at Davidson holds an annual breast cancer fundraising dinner called Bosom Buddies. I actually went to the event in 2008! Two KERF-reading Davidson Connor girls emailed me to share a video they made of a bunch of Davidson folks dancing around with a pink lei in honor of the upcoming event on March 12.
[The video is almost as cool as this I Love Commons video from 2009!]
I am hoping to spend a little time here this afternoon, because I FINISHED MY WRITING PROJECTS!
megan @ blackberries for jam says
I always forget about tuna as a lunch option. Sometimes it seems so boring, but you make it look exciting! Guess what I’m having for lunch tomorrow?!
J3nn (Jenn's Menu and Lifestyle Blog) says
That glass is FANTASTIC! lol! I’m stopping at Pier 1 today to see if I can get one.
LOVE pitas stuffed to the gills. YUM!
Holly @ Couch Potato Athlete says
Congrats to Katie — what an awesome prize. Wish it had been me!
That tuna pita looks delicious — I used to hate sprouts on sandwiches but now I love them!
Johanna B says
My best friend in the world is a Davidson alum. He graduated WAY before you were even born. I have fond memories of that part of NC just from listening to his stories.
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says
You’ll get it back – I always think the worst when I have an “off” day. 🙂
That glass is stellar. Nicely done!
Nana Phyllis says
Congratulations Katie – hope you give another vita mix away someday and the winner is ME!!
Erin @Shortcut to Bliss says
The pita looks amazing! I bought an entire set of those glasses at Pier 1, but within a month they were all broken. Several broke in my hands while washing dishes. I don’t know if I got a defective batch, but be careful with your little fingers while washing them.. they tend to spontaneously combust!
KathEats says
Yikes – thanks for the warning!
lynn @ the actor's diet says
pita + sprouts is so hippie dippy to me, which i love!
Emily @ Savory and Savage says
Yum! that pita sandwich had my mouth watering.
Congrats on getting all your work done 🙂
It is definitely time to start celebrating the weekend!
Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga) says
An entire keg of water? Looks like you’re happily hydrated now!
Your pics always make me sooo happy. The detail, the lighting, the colors…Kath, I want your lens! Whatever it is, i need it!
And congrats to Katie. One of the sweetest girls ever. Omg she is a doll and am so happy for her! 🙂
KathEats says
🙂
Katie says
omg! Thanks averie! I saw your email and was so confused and then I almost died when I saw this!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for the sweet words too!!! U are the sweetest ever!!!!! < 3 xoxo
KathEats says
Wheee!
Katie says
Kath you ROCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jessie -- The Messie Kitchen says
I have my first 10K race tomorrow… yikes!!!!
KathEats says
Good luck!
Meri says
I ate probably a half a bag of those flax chips this morning, and your photo STILL makes them look good enough to eat more! Well, at least they are relatively healthy chips.
Also, a sparkling water keg? Is there more information on this somewhere or should I get off my lazy butt and google it?
KathEats says
Homemade by matt and his CO2 tank 🙂
cathyb@brightbakes says
I want my own Lu-e-g’s tuna pita! Need to try and recreate this one(definitely with the celery) stat! Thanks for sharing…
cathy b.
Annette says
I had a stuffed pita for lunch too (check it out)! Love those bad boys 🙂 p.s. Check to make sure you’re getting enough sleep? That always helps for me on runs….if I am even a bit too tired, runs seem WAYYY harder than they should be.–just something to think about!
KathEats says
I was up till midnight blogging last night..
Amanda (The Nutritionist Reviews) says
The sprouts really make it look awesome!
Freya (Brit Chick Runs) says
Ooh I miss running…it’s been 6weeks since my last proper run, due to my injury 🙁 you’re so lucky you can do it, even if it was tough 🙂
Courtney @ The Granola Chronicles says
Love that picture of the porch swing! It’s so rustic-chic. 🙂
Kayla @ Fitter Than Choc says
I really enjoyed this post, and how you talked about your childhood! Pasttimes are things that you enjoy doing (even if you can’t do it well)! While I’m still a novice runner, and I can’t run that well, I would still regards it as my pasttime:) in your case, I’m sure it’s just ‘one of those times’, and I’m pretty sure you’ll be kicking asses again! The tuna pita looks really good! You make all your meals look so colorful and delicious. Now I’m craving some tuna pita too!
Natalie @ Will Jog For Food says
I love a good tuna sandwich!
Congrats Katie on getting the vitamix, it’s a GREAT tool 🙂
Stacey (The Home-Cooked Vegan) says
It’s so beautiful out! And I know what you mean about the running – I hit a wall almost every Feb or March! Weird.
Those glasses are pretty neat! I could spend hours in Pier 1, they have such cute stuff 🙂 I especially like their animal-shaped mugs 😉
Sarah @ The Strength of Faith says
How much mayo do you normally put in a can of tuna?
KathEats says
A tablespoon? And Matt and I split the can.
Michelle (The Runner's Plate) says
Bummer about not having a great run–but SO jealous you were able to wear shorts and a t-shirt!!
I forget about using tuna in my lunch! Thanks for the reminder!
Alaina says
Running has been getting tough for me too! My 3 miler today was tough. I have to start getting ready for my half marathon. 🙂
Katie says
I am so blown away!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Kath and OpenSky, thank you SO MUCH!!! I seriously am going to cry!! I just called my fiance and told him and he thought I hit the lottery by the way I was freaking out!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you so much!!! This is the biggest thing I have ever won, well I really have never won too much, but THIS is amazing!! Thank you!
Christin@purplebirdblog says
Congratulations on your HUGE score!! 🙂
Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) says
That is my kind of lunch! I LOVE sprouts on bagels with cream cheese and tomato. Sadly, those days are gone, but the memories live on…tasty, tasty memories!
Jil @ Big City, Lil Kitchen says
I wish I could remember the last time I had a tuna sandwich!! This needs to be remedied.
Ella says
Lu-e-g’s? what a hilarious name! maybe they did that because people were pronouncing “Luigi’s” wrong?
Sarah @ OneLoveSarah says
yum I love pita pockets!
Kiran says
Put that tuna pita pockets on the bakery menu. Looks scrumptious 😀
Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin says
For some reason I always overlook pitas in favour of bread. I don’t know why though because pitas are freaking delicious! I’ve got to make sure to pick some up next time I’m at the grocery store!
Enjoy relaxing this afternoon! 😉
Justeen @ Blissful Baking says
That tuna pita looks DELICIOUS. I’ll take one with extra mustard, please! 🙂
Heather @ Get Healthy With Heather says
Growing up I would totally pick bagel and cream cheese over tuna but now I’d do the opposite. Looks great with all those tasty sprouts.
Marci says
I think you are still a runner! You are still a very good and consistent runner. And I like that you eat tuna, I feel like it’s an under appreciated protein.
Jessica @ How Sweet It Is says
I would love to have a porch swing.
Parita@myinnershakti says
Chalkboard paint!?!? SO cool!!! I think I’ve said this before, but your pictures are beautiful!!!
KathEats says
Thanks!
Amy at TheSceneFromMe says
That glass with the chalkboard square on it is really neat. I have a chalkboard frame that I love too!
Hannah says
Pretty in pink chips!
Katie @ peacebeme says
I want a porch swing! And a busy job… 😉
I love tuna pitas, especailly with sprouts and tomatoes.
Baking 'n' Books says
Congrats to the winner!
Looks good. I don’t think “pasttime” refers to sometime done in the past though – as in past tense. Doesn’t it refer to “how you past the time” ?
Or maybe I’m a noon 😉
Baking 'n' Books says
oops meant “noob” – and clearly I am….oye.
Sarah Leigh says
What kind of chips are those Kath? They are all different colors and look yummy!
KathEats says
Trader Joe’s
Katelyn @ Chef Katelyn says
Oh, the days of pita pockets and sprouts! Makes me think of summertime! 🙂
Beatrix @ Beaglebea says
Hmm…pita’s are so yummy… and the running will get easier..at least that’s what I keep telling myself.
Sarah (Running To Slow Things Down) says
Oh my word. What an awesome video. I don’t even currently have sound, and I was laughing hysterically. What a great way to bring awareness.
And your sandwich looks wonderful. And such a fun story to go along with. 😀
Michelle says
I can totally relate with falling out of running. I get out of shape so quickly! Gotta keep things consistent, I guess!
http://gold-heartedgirl.tumblr.com/
Rachel @ Healthy Teacher says
I love tuna, and I love pitas, so I think this sounds delish.
Jess (Sweet Potato) says
YUM! PItas are the best!
Lynda says
Congrats to Katie on the blender!
Kath, have been making your orange-oatmeal smoothies for breakfast and I’m loving not having to clean my oatmeal pot. Great way to get your oats in. Thanks for the recipe! love your blog!
Lynda
Hoboken, NJ
KathEats says
Yay!
Mary @ Bites and Bliss says
I’ve been loving stuffed pitas lately. They’re so delicious! Hope running gets easier for you again. 🙂
stacey-healthylife says
Mmmm sounds like a great pita. I really need to incorporate sprouts back in to my life.
chelsey @ clean eating chelsey says
Congratulations to Katie!!!
Katie says
Thank you Chelsea! : )
Mary Frances says
Katie… Congratulations–The coveted Vita-mix!
OK Kath, for me I was hoping only three other people subscribed (previous prize winners) so this one would be mine, but from all of the comments when you announced this week’s prize I knew it wasn’t so. I’m happy for you people are interested. So far, the prizes have been fabulous:
OpenSky 14-cup Cuisinart Food Processor
OpenSky Kitchenaid Artisan 5-quart Stand Mixer
OpenSky Breville Juicer
OpenSky Vita-mix
In the meantime, I will remain hopeful for either the Cuisinart Food Processor or Vita-mix (hope they are repeated) or even your camera with lenses 🙂 or even something else great that I’m not even thinking about right now. Winning is just FUN.
Katie says
Thanks girl! xoxo
Mary Frances says
Katie, BTW I clicked on your blog–well done. Congrats on your upcoming wedding.
Katie says
Thank you!!!! : )
Jessamy says
I used to always get the tuna pita!!! My favorite! Those were the days!
Richelle says
Mmmm, I love pitas stuffed with sprouts!
Katherine: Unemployed says
next we need a video of you dancing in a pink lei!
Kat says
Recent contacts from old friends led me on a trip down memory lane – which led me to your blog. I worked at Lu-E-G’s from the time I was 15 until 22. The best place there ever was in Hillsborough, NC. I only wish I had the means to recreate it here in Wilmington, NC. If you ever want the true recipe for that tasty Tuna salad….hit me up and I will gladly share it with you. A legacy that should never die, siiiiggggghhhhhhhhhh
KathEats says
I would LOVE the recipe!!! Gosh I miss Lu-E-G’s so much!!!!!
Kat says
OK, so…I eyeball everything now, since we made all of our salads by the truckload and the measurements are useless to me – just experiment a little to your liking I guess.
Here goes:
canned tuna in water (drained)
grated carrots
finely chopped celery
pimientos
lemon juice
dukes mayonnaise
guldens spicy brown mustard
spike (a mrs. dash-esque seasoning that I can only find locally at a few natural food markets, but sooo important)
dill weed
ground black pepper
serve in a steamed pita with lettuce, tomato & sprouts – or whatever else you like!
Enjoy!
KathEats says
Thanks!!! I think I have everything but the Spike!