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Spin Class & Comfort Meal Veganized

Spin Class
Today I had packed my gym bag for either running, spinning, or lifting. I really wasn't sure what I wanted to do actually. My piriformis is bothering me, not quite the sciatic nerve pain at least, but definitely not how I want it to feel for running.

So, I decided running might not be the smartest workout for the day. I decided to go with spin. Yes, spin probably doesn't sound like an ideal workout a few days after a half marathon, but it actually was a great choice.

At first, my quads revolted against me. I swear they laughed when the instructor said to turn up the tension. But after about 10 minutes, they really did loosen up and it ended up being a great sweatfest workout, especially staring out the windows enjoying the nice views on a gorgeous day.

I'll admit that it was really hard to justify working out indoors on another perfect fall day. Too bad we can't just drag the spin bikes outside for a class when it's nice...But, I need to get back to better cross-training now that my half is over.

Comfort Meal 
Tonight I almost went with some leftover chili I had in the freezer, but I had picked up some cauliflower yesterday on the manager's special clearance price and it needed to be used pretty quickly. Originally I had thought I might try to use it in a stir fry or maybe with other veggies, roasted. Instead I went with a veganized meat and potatoes comfort meal: smashed cauliflower, roasted broccoli, and seitan cutlets with a mustard balsamic sauce.
 

While the cauliflower was steaming and broccoli roasting, I sauteed minced red onion and garlic in a small saucepan then added in some no-salt vegetable stock, stone ground mustard, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, and parsley. I just let that simmer and reduce.

Once the cauliflower was cooked through (about 20 minutes) I just pureed with almond milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, nutritional yeast flakes, parsley, dill, and a small dab of vegan butter. So it was actually a really quick meal to put together - about 30 minutes total.

Daily To-Enjoy List:
  • Spin class
  • Sunshine
  • Catching up on tv shows

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