Hi all! Oh before I forget.. apologies for the header and formatting being off since I changed to the YNL Blog. I’m not a design expert and the theme I use has all sorts of weird issues so it takes forever to get it formatted correctly, and I haven’t had the time/patience. Soon though!
But it’s been a busy few days and lots to tell you about.. so lets jump in!
FITNESS
Besides the amazing friends I made in Arizona, the other most significant, and life changing thing I take with me from my time in the desert state, is Yoga. Every day I’m thankful for finding it (or specifically a type I can connect with), because it’s truly had such an impact on my perspective and health. But this isn’t a post about that.. but instead, about finding a studio here in Austin. It had been a whole week and I was craving Yoga like crazy.
Finally on Thursday I went to my first Yoga class in my new city. I tried a lunch time Flow class at Breath & Body Yoga. It was just so-so. I found it to be medium-challenging but there wasn’t music, like I’m use to. I’m trying to be opened-minded as I try new places and appreciate the fact that each teacher and style has something to offer as I work to improve my practice.. but of course change is hard. The studio I went to in AZ, and the classes of a couple teachers in particular, is where I really fell in love with Yoga, learned everything I know so far and started to grow and benefit from what it offers. So I miss it.. but I’m hopeful that I’ll find a good fit here too.
And now that I’m settled, I’m also in the process of getting back into my usual pattern with workouts. Yesterday I checked out my complex’s gym… wow! With a handful of each type of cardio machine, free weights, a Smith Machine and a Pulley Machine, I have everything I need. I might try a couple free trials at local gyms, since I love cardio classes, but right now I’m really budget-conscious, so I’ll probably just use this gym for a while.
NUTRITION
Fall Flavors
Yay, it’s officially fall and I’m loving the reappearance of Pumpkin, Winter Squash, Apples everywhere and rich Cinnamon flavors.
Speaking of, look what I picked up at World Market the other day..
Yum! I forgot how delicious it is and what a wonderful compliment it makes to so many of my fall favorite meals. Even though it is pretty sugar-laden, you really only need the smallest amount, even for a crazy sweet tooth person like me.
Which leads me to my current obsession: Goat’s Milk Yogurt + Coconut + dried Cranberries on top of some sort of fall carb favorite.
Of course there’s Yogurt Messes and Pumpkin Oatmeal..
but I’m also diggin it..
With Sweet Potato (1/2 medium Sweet Potato microwaved for 4 min, also topped with 1 tbsp Almond Butter, a dollop of Pumpkin Butter & Wheat Germ)..
And with a Pumpkin Protein Pancake, made with 1 scoop Cake Batter Protein Powder + 2 tbsp Whole Wheat Flour + 1/4 c Pumpkin + 1/4 c Egg Whites + Cream of Tartar + Pumpkin Spice..
Crockpot Tortilla Soup
I’m trying to be more efficient.. & budget friendly.. with my meals. So earlier this week I roasted a Spaghetti Squash, and made Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup and Brown Rice. The combination of the three has left me with all sorts of meal combinations.
I used Leah’s, from Leftovers for Lunch, recipe for the soup but excluded the Corn and used thawed Chicken Breasts so it only had to cook for ~4 hrs. I had never cooked chicken in a Crockpot before and I just love how tender it came out! So instead of eating the soup I’ve been using the Chicken, Black Beans & Salsa to create other meals.
First a Quesadilla made in an Ezekiel Tortilla with ‘We Can’t Say It’s Cheese’..
Then on top of Spaghetti Squash with Avocado & plain Greek Yogurt (as a Sour Cream substitute)..
FUN
I’ve added a new section to the ‘Fun’ tab at the top: Austin Adventures! I’ll be posting my adventures in and reviews of local restaurants and various fitness related things here.
Last night I went to Peche..which is a prohibition themed bar.
I just loved this place. I was a bad blogger and didn’t take indoor photos, but the decor is great and loved the vibe. Even though it was a busy Friday night, the well dressed owner, Rob, was working the room and introducing himself to all the folks in from out of town for the football game. We were sitting at the bar, and the bartenders went out of their way to explain the various unique concoctions that I knew nothing about. Because even though they do have a drink menu, they’re known for creating unique drinks based on what you tell them you like. I had a drink called a French 76, which I believe has Champagne, Lemon and some sort of Gin in it. I’m generally not a big fan of Gin, but I actually didn’t know what was in it when the bartender brought it too me and I ended up really liking it. Not too sweet, but just sweet enough. Peche is also unique in that they, appropriately for the theme, have Absinthe. I tried a very small sip, and just as suspected.. hated it, haha. I can’t stand black licorice though, and that’s its flavor.
There food is FAR from your “standard” bar fare. They have a rollover menu in addition to daily features. I ended up getting a Spinach Salad that had Sweet Potatoes, Walnuts and Ham. I of course asked for dressing on the side, which they missed, but I was too hungry to make a big deal about it.
This salad was good, but it wasn’t particularly large, so I was hungry about an hour later.
They also had a Pumpkin Maple Cheesecake on the daily specials that I was sooo close to ordering. Can’t wait to try more items here!
GameDay
Today I went to my 1st UT Tailgate.. their stadium is in another league from Cal’s or ASU’s 
And even though I passed on the many Kegs (never been a beer fan), I at least took a little part in tailgating tradition with a lovely Bocca Burger (but were out of hamburger buns, so I sliced it up and used a Hot Dog version, hehe).. huh.. perhaps one of the most unattractive food photos I’ve taken in a while!
And yes.. I sported burnt orange too..
With all the fun of the last couple days, I’m in major need of a little work catch-up time.. hence blogging on a Saturday night.. I’m that lame 
Have a beautiful rest of the weekend!
Fun Links
Wow, Austin sounds awesome! Glad you are finding your niches around town:)
You should try Yoga Vida or Balance yoga. Those are my favorite places. Unfortunately, they are not very close to the domain. Maybe you can come with me sometime!
Twitter: NourishedFit
says:
Someone else had recommended Yoga Vida, so it's on my list to try for sure.. and I'll had Balance Yoga too! Oh and the PB Pumpkin Chips turned out SOOOO good.. they're crazy addicting though :p
I'm glad your fitting in! My friend never did email me back about Austin??
Mmm….pumpkin butter
Twitter: NourishedFit
says:
Barbara? I talked to here a bunch and it's thanks to her I found a wonderful place!
Oh good…yep that's her! Love her
Hope you find a yoga studio you like. That's great that your complex has such a great gym. Talk about great convenience huh. You must be having a blast trying out the new city!
Glad you're doing well ! Here is what you are missing in AZ: HEAT/SUN/HEAT/SUN!
Twitter: NourishedFit
says:
hehe.. that's for alleviating any "AZ homesickness" I could have had :p
i am still working to find new friends in my new city, but oh my word how lucky do I feel to have discovered yoga in miami! it is making such a change in how I feel and practicing outside is perfect for me