Last week was a week of indulgence for most of us, and I imagine that this week many of you – like me – were craving lighter, healthier meals. I think it’s beautiful when we do the squiggle naturally! What goes up must come down!
Breakfasts
Thanksgiving Tuesday I went to athletic conditioning at the new ACAC Edge studio and brought Duck Donuts home to my family, who were visiting. Example of how the vibe was pre-holiday : )
I had a sampling along with a protein-packed egg to balance out the sugar! (And don’t worry – I went back for a few second nibbles!)
But after Thanksgiving I was craving lighter breakfasts – like these two eggs with a grapefruit on the side.
And this second stab at chia pudding – my latest obsession! This one was made with 1/4 cup chias with 1 cup of milk, plus cinnamon, maple syrup and banana. Yum!
Next up: smoothie day. These are rare in the colder months, but I snuck one in when the heat was cranked up. Topped with some granola from Flour bakery that Jenna brought me! Thanks Jenna!
Lunches
Lunches were a bit on the lighter side as well.
Kale, leftover green beans, smoked salmon and crunchy dried peas!
Whole Foods kale caesar with BBQ and avocado from home on top
Another smoked salmon and manchego salad with a bunch of nuts on the side I had previously as a snack!
Apple quinoa (recipe coming!) with leftover tofu and manchego
And lastly – more leftover quinoa salad, more manchego and a green juice.
Dinners
Pre-holiday we hosted both Karen and my parents for dinner (my parents were passing through). We had a lovely cheese board, this delicious wine and chicken and green beans with mom’s mac and cheese and pies for dessert from The Pie Chest!
#smorgasbord!
Post holiday we lightened things up a bit since it was just the three of us.
Noodles with sesame tofu (Matt’s creation!) with shiitake mushrooms, peppers and carrots.
Spaghetti squash lasagna (inspired by Cook Smarts!) with ricotta, grass-fed beef and cheese. Plus a pesto side salad.
Sweet potato and turkey chili with toppings and cornbread.
And finally….Peppa Pig night!!! We took Mazen along with about 8 of his friends and their parents to see the Peppa Pig Live show. It was great! So cute. Beforehand we met everyone for pizza slices. The kids loved it!
Hope you all have an awesome weekend!!
Hannah at Home says
Love that sesame tofu – it looks so yummy! We have been trying to lighten things up post-holidays also. I’m trying so hard to minimize the sweets at home and save them for other people’s houses 😉 Happy holidays!
Sagan says
Yum!
It is SO cool how our cravings respond in that way to balance things out. So important to listen to what our bodies are telling us to eat.
Christine says
Those sprinkled donuts look so good! I also LOVE chia seed pudding! My fave is coconut milk, banana, cinnamon and chia seeds, I’ll have to throw in some maple syrup next time!
paige says
Hi Kath, everything looks delicious! I love avocados, and I’d love to know what’s in your bowl with avocados and cheese! Also, you mentioned a turkey chili, which sounds great, but I didn’t see a photo of that! Thanks!
KathEats says
That’s the turkey sweet potato chili from cook smarts! It’s super thick
Jenna says
Hi Kath! So glad that you are enjoying the granola from Flour!
I’m going to make chia seed pudding soon — inspired by you!
Randy says
I loved that last family picture, thanks for sharing. 🙂
Kelly says
Peppa Pig Live is a thing? Oh my oh my! My 2 1/2 year old is obsessed with Peppa. Thanks for the tip! I was able to see that they’re coming to Milwaukee in the spring, just in time for her birthday.
Shel@PeachyPalate says
He’ll remember that show forever! Love doing special things like that around this time of year! I’m hooked on hot smoked salmon now, cold smoked just doesn’t have the same appeal!
Jane @janerunswild says
Thanks for your post! Where did you pick up the spaghetti squash lasagna- or did you make it from scratch? It looks delicious!
KathEats says
We made it from a Cook Smarts recipe!
Mom says
Those were the BEST doughnuts! And I love Maze’s posture when he’s dining with his friends. He looks like a gentleman at a dinner party.
Hannah @ eat, drink, and save money says
Mmmm. Everything looks so good. I think of your squiggly line post a ton! I think it translates well to all of live. We can’t do everything hard core, all the time. I love that you live a balanced life.
BTW- I’m also obsessed with tofu and sesame. Have you gotten sesame oil from a legit Asian market yet? It’s way better than regular American stores!
Kim says
Your photos are great – your meals inspire me ! Would your Mom be willing to share her Mac and cheese recipe ?? It looks so delicious !
Mom says
Here it is! Secret ingredients are a lot of cheese (making it kind of expensive to make) and two cups of sour cream:
https://friendfortheride.wordpress.com/2012/11/01/tarlishas-mac-and-cheese/
Katie @ Peace Love & Oats says
I love your “squiggle line” analogy, and it’s so true! When I don’t eat as well I start CRAVING all things green!
Lindsay says
For some reason when I saw squiggly line I immediately thought second pink line… Oops baby brain over here!! Haha!
Lil says
Why not just eat a whole doughnut?? If I’m buying doughnuts, you better be sure I’m eating one : )
KathEats says
Don’t need a whole one!
Heidi Kokborg says
All of your eats look so good and yummy. It’s always so inspiring to see some of your eats. Also I love that your eat ‘normal’ – you make room for things like pizza, wine, and donuts. I just love seeing that you can still be healthy even though you enjoy a slice of pizza and a glass of wine 🙂
Amy says
How in the world did you cut your grapefruit like that? I love grapefruit but always feel like it’s a giant mess!
KathEats says
I just peeled it!
Jen says
Loved this post- it really is amazing how your body ends up craving what it really needs! Any time I have an over indulged weekend, I just want veggies all week. Balance is key- life would be boring if you couldn’t have a little of both 😉
xx, jen
@jensav11
Ella says
That cheese board is beautiful – I’ve admired it on your blog before. Do you recall where it’s from?
KathEats says
Yup Crate and Barrel!