Vegetarian “Meat” Sauce

on January 2, 2011
in All Posts

Soooo… maybe I shouldn’t have started off running 1.0 mile in my Vibrams.  I was so sore today!  My back even hurt like I had done major weight lifting.  I think I need to ease into this even MORE slowly.  I do NOT want to get injured.

 

I spent my afternoon hobbling around like a little old lady and cleaning the house.  The Husband helped.  The house was a huge mess after being neglected over the holidays.  I feel like we have a clean, fresh start for 2011 now!

 

Some of the random things that were chilling in the office, waiting for me to find them a home:

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Yes.  So odd.

 

Snack time!

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Chobani Greek + a Green Monster!  Yes, the GM has returned.  I blend up 2 cups of raw spinach, 1 cup almond milk, and 1 banana… and yes, I SWEAR it tastes good. 

 

And for dinner:

IMG_7642

A vegetarian-friendly “meat” sauce over whole wheat spaghetti.  With broccoli, too.

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One last day of vacation…  The holidays are officially over tomorrow.

 

I’m going to go enjoy it! :) 

{ 58 comments }

 

  • Jessica @ The Process of Healing January 2, 2011, 9:27 pm

    I can’t believe the holidays are over… so sad!

  • Stacy @ Every Little Thing January 2, 2011, 9:37 pm

    Tomorrow is going to be a ruddddde awakening.

    • Jazz January 2, 2011, 9:39 pm

      Exactly what I was thinking… couldn’t walk down stairs at work for 2 days!

  • Erin (Travel, Eat, Repeat) January 2, 2011, 9:49 pm

    I passed on those Morningstar crumbles today because I couldn’t decide how I would use them. This sauce looks awesome, though, so I’ll have to pick up a bag next time.

    • jenny in new york January 2, 2011, 10:36 pm

      i love using them in vegetarian tacos too! or sloppy joes 🙂

  • Katy (The Singing Runner) January 2, 2011, 9:49 pm

    🙁 Sorry to hear that you are in a lot of pain! Hopefully you won’t be in too much pain tomorrow!

  • Emily January 2, 2011, 9:54 pm

    Dinner looks great, how do you like the Moringstar crumbles? I have been debating trying them for a while now.

  • Madeline January 2, 2011, 9:56 pm

    I’m really interested to read more on the barefoot running developments. I bought a pair of Vibram Sprints this fall and have only used them to walk around campus so far – I was thinking about trying to run in them soon but I am also training for a half marathon. . .may have to rethink that one! ;D

  • Kristina @ Life as Kristina January 2, 2011, 10:00 pm

    I hope your pain feels better-that’s crazy that 1 mile caused all of it! That pasta looks yummy!!!!

  • Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) January 2, 2011, 10:03 pm

    When I workout barefoot, I really feel it so much more. I try to do it once a week and yeah, it takes things to a whole new level. Epsom salt helps! Take it easy Caitlin. Dinner looks delicious. I love Classico!

  • Marie-Journey to Body Zen January 2, 2011, 10:05 pm

    I just started being vegetarian this new year. So, 2 days now, lol, but a great start to the year! 🙂 Up until now, I’ve only eaten meat on the weekends, so I don’t think it will be to big of a change. I have seen that Morning Star product before. In the past I have just made my spaghetti sauce with a ton of veggies, but I might give this product a try if I get the craving for meat! 🙂

  • Ashley January 2, 2011, 10:07 pm

    I love the Morningstar meal starters! They are great for a busy night 🙂

  • Marissa @ HealthyNOLA January 2, 2011, 10:08 pm

    can’t wait for the return of green monsters tomorrow morning. although my husband drinks them with me every day, i don’t think he feels the same way about their return. we had gotten away from them over the holidays, but regular healthy eating resumes tomorrow in our house!

  • Virginia @ YtotheUmmy January 2, 2011, 10:08 pm

    I’ve been meaning to try some of those faux meats, but really the main reason why I don’t eat meat is that it freaks me out…and eating something that looks and kind of tastes like the “real” thing to me is even creepier…it looks like a yummy dinner though! hehe

  • Sean @ Learn Fitness January 2, 2011, 10:15 pm

    I ran into a similar problem with my VFF a few days ago after giving up running in them back in May. I’ve been wearing VFF for all workouts in 2010 except running and absolutely love them, especially for weights so don’t give up on them. After two days my feet are still sore and are bruised under the balls of my feet. That mid foot striking really gives your feet a beating.

    Sorry you’re in so much pain, like you said you may need to ease into them. Personally I’m waiting a while and may try a shoe in between normal and VFF like the New Balance minimal line coming out.

  • Lana January 2, 2011, 10:31 pm

    My roommate got Vibrams and had to start from square one. literally. She started by just walking a mile each day in them. Then started running half a mile in them and has worked her way back up to a 5K. She absolutely loves them now and would never run in anything else. Just keep at it!

    Oh….in regards to the Morning Star Meal Starters, their chick’n strips are excellent! I add them to salads for an excellent source of protein.

  • Molly @fuelherup January 2, 2011, 10:36 pm

    Gosh, I don’t know what’s up with Vibrams, but I run barefoot all the time (actually barefoot, not in faux-shoes) and I’m much more loose afterwards and not tight. I was never sore. My track coach used to make us cool-down and do easy runs barefoot on grass, up to 30 minutes. I’ve never tried Vibrams but that makes me think something’s up with them if you have to “ease in.”

  • Em January 2, 2011, 10:46 pm

    GM’s are everywhere nowadays! I just made one today too 🙂 And your meat sauce looks amazing! I’ve always been too intimidated to try the Morning Star brand.

  • Baby Blue January 2, 2011, 10:55 pm

    When I looked into running in Vibrams (decided not since I have a short leg) the sources said that it was best to start off by walking. Why not find a state park and go hiking? Find some mountainous hills- you’ll really get your calf muscles and glutes working.
    Enjoy! Wish I was running barefoot. 🙂

    • Caitlin January 3, 2011, 10:56 am

      Yes I need to do some trail runs!

  • Elizabeth @ The Sweet Life January 2, 2011, 11:03 pm

    Check out http://sportsdoc.runnersworld.com/2010/05/the-mechanics-of-barefoot-running.html — the RW sports doc has some interesting things to say!

  • Sana January 2, 2011, 11:11 pm

    I love Trader Joe’s meatless meatballs! I don’t even notice the diff when I add the sauce!

  • Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga) January 2, 2011, 11:23 pm

    Sorry you’re hobblin’!

    But the veggie sauce looks delish…you pulled off a winner despite being sore and hobbly!

  • Erin @ Bishella January 2, 2011, 11:24 pm

    I’m so so sad that the holidays are over but I also welcome the return of routine! I have so many things i’m excited for in 2011, I have to get to work!! 😉

    http://www.bishella.blogspot.com

  • 'laina January 2, 2011, 11:25 pm

    Oh man, use a roller if you have one, and take a super hot epson salt bath.. my sympathies, I think tomorrow is going to be a rough one. 🙁

  • Ashley January 2, 2011, 11:41 pm

    Good luck with the vibrams, I hope you don’t feel bad tomorrow.

  • Diane January 2, 2011, 11:43 pm

    I LOVE green monsters!! I started making them after discovering them on your website. Once you go green, you don’t go back 😀

  • Carla @ Will Run for Health January 2, 2011, 11:50 pm

    That Morningstar stuff is the ticket. I make a mean vegetarian chili out of it!

  • Leila @ Spinach and Skittles January 2, 2011, 11:52 pm

    That bunny would be demolished within 30 seconds by my pup. Looks like your pupsters are a tad nicer 🙂

  • Kate (What Kate is Cooking) January 3, 2011, 12:01 am

    I’ve been doing a lot of organizing too. I want to start the year right!

  • Sophia @ Raven Waves January 3, 2011, 12:27 am

    The dinner looks delish! So much love for veggie sauce over whole wheat spaghetti! Good luck with the vibrams and enjoy your time left before the holidays officially end!

  • Mish (Pursuit of Happiness) January 3, 2011, 12:52 am

    I’ve done a massive house clean today which feels so good, now I just need to do the exercise part!

  • Mai January 3, 2011, 12:52 am

    Looks great!
    On an unrelated note, what sort of heart rate monitor do you use? Is anyone aware of an accurate, but not super expensive one?
    Thanks!

    • Caitlin January 3, 2011, 10:56 am

      Garmin 305 is epic. So are Polar watches if you don’t need a GPS.

  • Joanna @ Drizzle of Sunshine January 3, 2011, 1:01 am

    LOVE GM! I think their great for getting back “on track!” I feel so refreshed after drinking it! It’s interesting trying to convince people they’regood!!

    ::le sigh:: Is it REALLY the end of vacation? I don’t wanna go back!!!

  • carlee January 3, 2011, 1:29 am

    I hate how like all vegetarian meats have Gluten in them! urg!
    and yeah, i was kind of skepticle with your barefoot running post! Bc I have a bad back and they are alwayyyyss talking about how important shoes are for walking LET ALONE running.
    Good luck! Please don’t hurt yourslef Caitlin or esle you might not be able to run barefoot or with shoes! lol

  • Beatrix January 3, 2011, 2:18 am

    Hmm…I love spaghetti.. a great go-to meal. I often leave out the meat and substitute a mix of beans.

    I wondered when I read your barefoot running post…the shoes I’ve read about a lot, always wondered what they’d be like…the soreness will subside in a few days. Good luck.

    I added you to my blogroll…I’m new to the blogging world..check out my site and let me know what you think.

    • Caitlin January 3, 2011, 10:57 am

      Welcome to the blogworld!

  • Jess@atasteofconfidence January 3, 2011, 3:31 am

    I had spaghetti tonight, too! It had been a while:)

  • erica January 3, 2011, 4:44 am

    i love those morning star meal starters!

    i’m dreading work tomorrow. back to reality. it’s gonna be rough.

  • Lauren January 3, 2011, 6:54 am

    Good to know about the Vibrams, I’ve heard its best to start slow but I guess really slow is more like it.

  • Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine January 3, 2011, 7:16 am

    Aww I’m sorry about the soreness!! The worst when you actually have stuff to do. And in response to the flip flop reply….my boyfriend is kind of a crazy person when it comes to running. Should have mentioned that before, haha 😉

  • chelsey @ clean eating chelsey January 3, 2011, 7:18 am

    Booo for the holidays being over – and I’m sorry you’re so sore!

  • Haleigh January 3, 2011, 8:13 am

    I hope the soreness subsides! I haven’t had a GM in ages, I guess I just don’t crave them during the winter.

  • salah@myhealthiestlifestyle January 3, 2011, 8:25 am

    I love those crumbles 🙂 so bomb….I use them in my chili! Hope your soreness gets better!

  • Jen January 3, 2011, 9:08 am

    Do you eat regular, plain yogurt? Have you ever had any issues with dairy or allergies?

    • Caitlin January 3, 2011, 11:05 am

      I eat flavored (honey or vanilla) greek yogurt because it’s higher in protein. I try to limit my dairy intake because I know it’s not great for me to eat a ton but I’m not allergic.

  • julie (etsy stalkers) January 3, 2011, 10:52 am

    I make that meal all of the time for my family! My husband, a meat eater, can’t even tell the difference!

  • Melissa @ Be Not Simply Good January 3, 2011, 11:34 am

    I’ve heard from everyone who has Vibrams that their legs were really sore at first, but then they did get used to it.

  • Amber K January 3, 2011, 1:01 pm

    Wow, I wouldn’t have thought that one mile would do that! If I ever get some I will remember to take it verrrry slow.

  • Jennifer (Happiness Here) January 3, 2011, 4:43 pm

    I like doing chopped portabellas in place of beef. Offers a bit more nutritional value than the faux meats, and you don’t have to worry about an excess of soy.

  • Mary @ Bites and Bliss January 3, 2011, 8:51 pm

    Wow, even a mile did that much? Guess people really arent kidding when they said those things take some getting used to.

    And I LOVE Morningstar recipe crumbles. It makes for some fantastic chili.

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin January 3, 2011, 10:06 pm

    I can’t believe the holidays are over! It was so hard to make myself go to classes today. 😛

  • Sara @ OurDogBuffy January 4, 2011, 11:21 am

    The “meat” sauce doesn’t bother you? Some faux meat products do and I think a sauce that is like meat sauce would weird me out. It looks good though. I think my brain would be telling me it was real meat …

  • Ali January 4, 2011, 8:24 pm

    I love the morning star brand. I have some of their veggie burgers in my freezer and it is the perfect quick meal for when I’m running late or in a hurry. Love them 🙂

  • Emily January 5, 2011, 12:24 pm

    Plopping the CHO in the GM would be yummy too 🙂 Thanks for snackin’ with us!

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