Tonight’s exciting adventure was to meet vegan athlete celebrity Brendan Brazier!
He stopped into Charlotte as part of his THRIVE book tour and I rounded up my friends and we went to hear him speak.
But first, an early dinner!
I wrapped up work and was able to get there only in time for a 15 minute walk with Amanda and Matt. Part of my half marathon taper! [FYI, weather forecast for Saturday looks great!!]
I skipped my snack and still wasn’t that hungry for dinner – but I managed to find some stomach space!
We gathered at the Healthy Home Market deli counter for a bite. They have mostly chilled salads and prepared foods and a tiny salad bar.
Joined my Amanda, Emily + Casey
I took the opportunity to buy a juice!! The juices there are very reasonably priced! Just $2.99 for a 4-piece veggie juice.
Spinach, cucumber, carrot, apple.
Matt’s juice was brewed
For dinner I got a leafy salad topped with some beans, garbanzos, tofu, olives, a grapeleaf and feta. Greek salad, if you will!
Tried two of Matt’s curry turkey pieces – yum!
And Amanda shared an organic gummy worm for dessert! LOL.
Brendan’s talk – which started at 6PM – was great. I really like everything he had to say! I love how he said that he doesn’t really “believe” in the way he eats – he just does it because it makes him feel good and perform optimally! I believe in whole foods. I believe in plants. I just don’t eat them exclusively. Probably 75% of the time 🙂 I don’t see a need to restrict my diet to a certain genre but of course, no one can argue with nutrient-dense Real Food!
After the talk we got to sample a few Vega products. I, of course, had had these before through blog sampling, but I tried them again. Wish they’d had the Vega Vibrancy bars. Those are my fav!
Cheers with Diana, who showed up after dinner concluded!
I tried the Vanilla Chai, which I remembered to be really good back when I first had the sample. Also the chocolate! I think I prefer Amazing Grass Chocolate Meal, but Vega‘s Berry + Vanilla. I compared both brands side by side and I do think Vega has Amazing Grass beat on the nutritionals. Brendan talked about WHY he put certain ingredients into his mix
Hemp, rice + pea protein for a complete amino acid profile. Chollera for B12. Maca for its superpowers. Flax + hemp for essential fatty acids. And more. This stuff IS very nutrient dense and would certainly enhance any diet. However, I don’t think it’s really necessary to have in your diet. If you are a vegan, perhaps this would be a great investment, but for someone who consumes meat, you probably wouldn’t need to rely on it for complete protein and nutrients.
Still I like the nutrition profile, taste, texture and now, the thought behind it enough to purchase some of the Vanilla Chai! I’ll be using it in smoothies and probably at 1/3 of the portion size recommended to make it laaaaast. $$!!
SA-PRIZE!!!
I joined the Dansko club!!
But before I had a chance to go test out some of my own, blog reader Samantha sent me an email that she convinced her husband to hook me up with a pair to try out because he sells them at Clogs Central!!!! They’ve got really good prices to begin with, and she worked it out so you guys all get 15% off through the rest of April too!! If you’ve been meaning to get a new pair, jump on it 😉 Coupon code = kerf.
Can’t wait to test these out on my long day tomorrow! They sure are stiff – hope my feet don’t get worse before they get better from the break-in phase!
I’m feeling a little hungry from my early + lighter dinner. Might go grab a date or something, but I’m ready for bed! I hate it when I get hungry right before bed.
Goodnight!
Food Makes Fun Fuel says
I’ve read thrive but his diet is not for me. But I’m 100% behind any athlete who knows themselves as much as he seems to! He’s definitely a beast.
Organic gummy worms sound like my kind of food 🙂
lynn (The Actors Diet) says
i have one of those clogs! i scored them at a clothing swap i hosted 3 years ago. they are comfy!
jaclyn@todays lady says
Thats so exciting that you got to meet Brenden Brazier!!! I have yet to try his products because they’re a tad pricey but I have read his book!!!
Lauren @ eater not a runner says
That is an AMAZING price for juice! I’m jealous of the fun night, I’m curious about his book….
Hannah says
I bought the original flavour of Vega bar today, entirely because you say you love them 🙂 I don’t know whether to eat it while I’m in New York, because I don’t know if I can afford to fall in love with them 😛
Kath says
Ha! Be prepared – you might not like the flavor! But the texture is amazzzzing!
Estela @ Weekly Bite says
That juice you had sounds so good to me right now! Maybe because I have no AC and it looks so refreshing! 😉
Have a great night!
Heather (runningwithsass.com) says
shoes look comfy!
smoothie looks yummy!
looks like a busy but fun day.
Jessica @ How Sweet It Is says
I have never tried the Vega. I’d love to!
Jenny says
Yummy! Those juices look good:)
Stacey@http://stacey-healthylife.blogspot.com/ says
Wow looks like some good products and he had some good things to say. I wish more people would just eat real food and focus on rounding out their diets with healthy nutrient dense foods.
Courtney says
Danskos are all I wear. I discovered them when i lived in NYC and walked everywhere. I’m a teacher and am on my feet all day long. I have SO MANY pairs of them now. Clogs, sandals, Mary Janes….it’s insane – but my feet NEVER hurt. I later found out they were designed for doctors who stand in surgeries for hours on end. They are meant to get more comfortable as you wear them and trust me, they do. Congrats on your first pair!
Melissa says
I just bought the berry flavored complete whole food today! It was discounted from $42 to $30 at my health food store so I figured why not. I’m taking this post as a good sign that I purchased it 🙂 I’m trying out a more vegan diet right now and thought this would help. This just reinforced it for me! As always, thanks for the info Kath!
Lana says
Yes, Vega is really yummy in smoothies, but certainly pricey. I also find it a bit stevia-strong, but it works with a good combination of other things.
A few questions:
1) Why does it bother you to eat right before bed? Is it something to do with digestion? The reason I ask is that I *often* find myself hungry then…and usually eat in response. Hmmm, perhaps emotional eating? or dehydration? ack.
2) I have been pondering this for a few days and today is a perfect day to ask given your topic! I know you do eat some meat and protein products, as does Matt, but it seems your dinners and lunches are often assembled (beautifully) without them. I grew up in a family where a protein source was a must at all meals (from eggs to fish to poultry to beans to meat to…. etc).
My question is: how do you ensure that you have enough protein in your intake given that most things are grains or protein based? Do you typically aim for a certain “percentage” of protein in your diet?
Thanks, Kath!
Kath says
1) It only bothers me because I dont’ have TIME to eat!! And I”m about to brush my teeth!
2) Protein is very much overrated 🙂 Grains, protein and even vegetables are often 25%+ protein. You’d be surprised at how quickly they add up.
Maria says
Thanks so much, Kath. That’s a great deal on the shoes. I’ve been meaning to try a pair for the longest time. You have now convinced me! 🙂 Is that the Cabrio and how do you find the sizing of the shoe to run? I’m a 7/ 7.5 and am wondering which way to go.
Thanks a bunch again.
ps…Those Kodiak Cakes ROCK!
Kath says
They are Cabrio and I got a 38 and wear an 8. Remember they are designed to slip off your heel too. I would go to a store and try on a pair before ordering to get the right size. That’s what I did 🙂
KatieTX says
That happened to me right before bed last night. I ate like 5 crackers and water and went straight up to bed. Usually just a little something soothes the rumbles.
Rose-Anne says
Great post tonight, Kath! I really like Brendan’s thought about not “believing” in what he eats. It’s like he let the diet prove to him that it works! I think that’s awesome.
Mama Pea says
You all should get Brendan for the summit!
Those clogs are very Mario Batali-esque, in the hottest kind of way 🙂
Heather @ Side of Sneakers says
How cool you got to meet him!!!! Ooo vanilla chai sounds gooooood! 🙂
Ash Bear says
You’ll love these shoes! My mom wears them 4 days a week for 12 hours per day as a neonatal intensive care nurse. Good luck!
Lana says
I just looked at Brenden’s blog – cool! After reading a while, though, I dont really understand what he means by “conservation, not consumption” and “not stimulation.” Did he talk about this?
I think i need to order the book!!!
Kath says
He did mention those, but I can’t remember the details enough to explain them in my own words :/
Cyndi says
You are a solid person ~ !!
Meg @ Be Fit Be Full says
What a great evening! Brendan Brazier Dansko clogs! They definitely take a few days to break in, so don’t judge them too quickly 🙂
Abby says
I’ve never had anything from Vega, but i really, really want to! I’ve heard nothing but good things!
Cole says
I’m so jealous of your dinner!
Midgetkeeper says
Looks like a really fun evening.
Jessica @ The Process of Healing says
Congrats on the new shoes! And yay for a good deal!!!
That bar/cafe looks awesome! I have never had a raw juice before (they don’t sell them around where I live, I don’t think) but next time I’m up near Charlotte, I’m going to have to look for that place!
So cool that you got to meet him!!!
Erin (Travel, Eat, Repeat) says
What a fun event — sounds like great information and it’s always nice to learn new things.
Heather (Heather's Dish) says
cute shoes!!! i’m really hoping that this helps your feet ASAP – pain while working all day is NO fun!
Ali says
I don’t think I have ever commented but I read your blog daily and have for quite awhile. LOVE it! You seem like such a positive person and I love your creative meals and photographs. I have always been interested in health/nutrition and am have always kind of wished I majored in food science/dietetics so I’ve been living vicariously through your studies/experiences ; )
Anyway, just wanted to let you know how much I enjoy the blog. I’ve discovered so many new products thanks to you! Keep up the great work.
Kath says
Thanks Ali, and welcome!
Kim says
Dude! Brendan is HOT!
Candy says
Your feet will rock in those shoes – literally. The fact that they don’t bend (the shoes OR your feet) is what makes them so protective of the bones and joints. I don’t think your feet will have a problem getting used to them, but you’ll find they work your lower leg muscles in a different way. A good way.
Nicole, RD says
I think it’s interesting how others, especially vegans…but it’s not for me. I’m sure it was really interesting none the less!
Gabriela says
Lovely eats and pics, Kath!
I bet you and Matt had tons of fun 😀
Have a terrific Friday!
Brazilian XOXO´s,
Gabriela
Lisa @bakebikeblog says
FUN FUN FUN!!! IWhat a great evening 🙂
Kathy W. says
I have those same shoes! Took a while to break them in, but they are really comfy. A slightly heavier pair of socks might be better so they don’t do the dreaded heel rub.
Diana says
You got the last vanilla chai so I had to back-order one! lol I think that one is the best flavor b/c it’s the most versatile since it’s more basic in flavor – seems easier to vary the other flavors you’d want to mix with it. I kind of want to get the sports drink still though! 🙂
Kath says
Oh no! Sorry! There were a few more when I picked it up – I think you have to blame someone else!
Jenn (www. j3nn.net ) says
I like dairy and seafood way too much to follow a vegan diet, but I’m in the club that believes there isn’t just one right; there’s infinite combinations that yield the same healthful results, but they all revolve around as much real food as possible. It all comes down to personal preference and what works best for YOU. 😀
Jenn
Jenn says
I’ve never commented on your blog before but seeing the pictures of your Danskos I just finally had to! I used to wear Danskos all the time. It was all I would wear and my friends teased me about all my granny shoes. I even had to get rid of a pair b/c I wore the sole completely smooth. Recently, I’ve pretty much decided I’m going to go barefoot as much as possible even when working out but I still love my Danskos. You will love them especially since you are on your feet a lot.
Kath says
🙂
Coco says
I really like what you said about not feeling like it is necessary to restrict your diet to a particular genre of food. As long as we eat mostly whole, real food, we’re on the right track!
Freya @ Brit Chick Runs says
I like what you said about the 75% thing – I’ve read a lot of articles over here that say 80/20 balance – so eat well 80%, eat ‘badly’ 20%! I think it’s the key – too many dieters try and go 100% PERFECT and I think that’s why they don’t work! Balance is keeey 🙂
Kath says
When I said the 75% thing, I meant more plant vs. animal sources.
I do believe we have room for sweets and treats, but I think 80/20% is a bit too liberal on the treats side 😉 I’d like to see more 95/5
Rachel says
Sounds like you had an awesome evening. I think it is best to take people’s personal nutrition/lifestyle choices with a grain of salt and weigh them against what works best for you. I am glad you had a great night and hope the hunger monster didn’t disrupt bedtime too much. I hate getting hungry right before bed too.
MizFit says
I do love love me my Danskos.
entirely.
lisa says
I love Danskos too – good choice! Lots of other work shoes bother my feet, but they’re great.
The book sounds interesting; I was a vegan for a while in college, and always enjoy reading books on the subject, though I don’t see myself getting back into that lifestyle.
Chelsea (Chelsea's Chew and Run Fun) says
I haven’t read Thrive…and didn’t really know who Brenden Braizer was, but his philosophy sounds intriguing. I’m such an Amazing Grass loyalist, it’ll be hard to convince me to try other smoothie blends!
Love your salad! Looks delish.
Simply Life says
Last year while training for a marathon I hurt my ankle – when I went to the doctor she said it probably wasn’t even from a run, possibly just run wearing flip-flops on a nice day. Her recommendation – for everyone ONLY to wear flip-flops on the beach and to always wear shoes with a back, and hopefully very supportive shoes…so it was then I got a pair of danskos and LOVE them!
Sally from Goodlovefairytales.com says
Yes, I found that my Danskos felt stiff at first and that seemed so counterintuitive but after a day of wearing them they felt so natural. Thanks for the discount code – I finally got the pair I’ve been stalking (the Taupe Denim, Yay!)
Jil says
Aww, what a great end to the day!
Dinah Soar says
Love the clogs. If they are comfy I will try that brand.
My go to brand for comfort and good looks is Merrill. They are a performance shoe that look like regular shoes. Think athletic shoe meets dress shoe. If I showed you the bottom of my Merrile Mary Jane’s you’d be fooled. From the bottom they resemble my New Balance Cross Trainers, but from the top they look like dress shoes.
Whitney says
Enjoy running your half tomorrow!! It is such a great experience that you are going to love! Can’t wait to hear how it goes. Happy Friday! 🙂
Emilie @ One Mom in Maine says
Love the Dansko’s… love the look of that juice! Great evening…
kirsten says
LOVE brendan brazier! What a hottie 🙂
Tina says
I’ve been rocking the Siggi’s bag too!
Shannon Fox says
Just wanted to express my thanks for your blog and insights. I’ve been overweight my whole entire life, and I’m bound and determined to jump over to the healthful side of life. I’ve been working toward this goal since January, and with your help I’ve become more enthused and enlightened every day since. I love your positive, healthful attitude, and being introduced to cool new products and people, like Brendan, who are so willing to share their own experiences and inspire me to continue toward my goal. I know I can do it…and on those days when I start to think…”Can I really do it?” I just stop, take a few deep breaths and remind myself that so many of you do it every day. Of course I can do it!!
I’m not sure if this is allowed or not, but if not…feel free to omit this post from your blog. The large size canister of the Vega Whole Food Health Optimizer is right around $55 with free shipping from Amazon. You’ll save $20 from the normal retail price on the Vega site. I intend to try out a few flavor sample packs from my local health food store and then buy the one I like best from Amazon.
Thanks again for the daily dose of inspiration. 🙂
Kath says
If I reorder it, I’ll def. follow your suggestion!
Allison K says
Hooray for Dankso coupons! that is fantastic. I was just thinking to my self this morning that i might use my birthday money for a new brown pair!
Erin says
Congrats on your new Danskos. I discovered them 7 years ago when I began working in the footwear business. I now own a closet full of Dansko clogs, shoes, and sandals. I can honestly say that if I had to wear one style of shoe for the rest of my life it would be the Dansko Professional. So enjoy!
Anne P says
How cool! I’d love to meet him and hear his talk. I really like the book and his philosophy!
Ashley says
I looooooooved the Home Economist!!! I miss that store but actually have something extremely similar. I never knew about the veggie juices there though…what a deal! Awesome that you got to meet Brendan and hear him talk. 🙂
Caroline says
Oh my gosh I’m so jealous! I am now going to stalk his calendar to see if he’s coming to Georgia soon!
Rebecca @ How the Cookies Crumble says
I’m glad you got some new shoes! Danskos are the best! They definitely take a little breaking in and getting use to, but your feet will thank you thank you thank you in the end!
Jenna Z says
I was a dansko-a-holic UNTIL I rolled my ankle really really badly wearing them. No more clogs for me.
Anna says
Those clogs seem unstable. As Jenna Z mentioned how she rolled her ankle, I can almost imagine the same thing happening. They don’t look too hot either, and especially if they are stiff, then why bother?
Lisa @ Early Morning Run says
Sounds like a great event and awesome evening! I haven’t tried vega products yet but want to. thanks for the review!
Elizabeth says
so jealous that you got to see brazier speak! i love vega products-especially their recovery drink and the vanilla chai!