Hi, there!

I can’t believe it’s already Sunday; this weekend was a lot of fun, but it was also pretty exhausting.

Friday night we went to the school for an alumni happy hour for my husband’s fraternity, and Saturday morning, plenty early but not so bright, I ran the Run of the Hill 5K on campus.

It was freezing and cloudy, but thankfully the rain held off. I ended up walking a couple of times (up small hills) for about 30 seconds at a time, but I finished 34:53 (11:15 pace), which was roughly the same as my last 5K. I was really tired, so I’m 100% happy with my time and have accepted that my new “pregnant woman mile” is about 11 minutes. At least I’m still able to run and enjoy it!

I may have had a minor breakdown late Saturday night (I was so tired!) and Sunday morning, but luckily I never hit full melt-down mode. Being pregnant is tough sometimes, even when I don’t feel very pregnant!

It’s still rainy and cloudy today, which is perfect weather for some weekend reading.

.Recipes.

Avocado Citrus Crunch Salad with Oat Croutons and Buttermilk Drizzle via How Sweet It Is

I haven’t eaten nearly enough grapefruit this winter (crying shame!), and I feel I should rectify that by making this salad. Oat clusters as croutons? Give them to me.

Banoffee Pie via Brown Eyed Baker

I’ve only made Banoffee pie twice—both single serve “mini” pies, one “normal” and one “healthy”—but it’s something I absolutely adore. Why hasn’t America embraced this British wonder more whole-heartedly?

Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookie Smoothie via Edible Perspective

Is this real life? I haven’t been making smoothies lately, but this one is next one my list, for sure. I don’t have any cacao nibs, but I may have to make a special purchase or find a suitable substitute (cocoa powder?).

Nutty Speculoos Butter Truffles via JJBegonia

We don’t have Trader Joe’s nearby, but we do have Biscoff spread—aka, cookie butter. Who knew that cookie butter could be used in other ways than straight from the jar via a spoon? These sound so decadent and delicious, and I think it’s time I buy another jar for this purpose.

Wheat Berries with Caramelized Onions and Pecans via The Endless Meal

This salad screams autumn to me, but it also screams delicious! I’ve never cooked wheat berries before, but since I’m such a big fan of farro—and this looks similar in consistency—I think I’d enjoy them. I love the rustic quality of this salad.

.Reads.

“Clean Eating” – I’m Tired of Feeling Guilty via Clean Eating Veggie Girl

I think every self-labeled “healthy living blogger” has felt this way at one time or another. If you can eat “clean” (which, honestly, has a different meaning to everybody) 100% of the time without feeling deprived, power to you! Like Hannah, I try my best to eat lots of fruits, vegetables, legumes, etc. (because I know they’re good for me and because they taste delicious and make me feel better), but I would lose my sanity without processed foods, holiday candy, sugary drinks, or high-calorie baked goods from time to time. And we shouldn’t feel guilty for this! Yes, by calling ourselves “clean eaters” or “healthy living bloggers” we’re taking on extra responsibility by portraying ourselves in certain light to readers, but in the end, we only answer to our own well-being and integrity.

6 Popular Theories About Food That Have Not Yet Been Proven via Huffington Post

This is precisely why I eat a variety of things and don’t label myself as one type of eater over another. Some things are obvious (eating fruits and vegetables more often than refined carbs and unhealthy fats, for instance), but others just haven’t been proven.

10 Surprising Benefits Of: A 10 Minute Walk via WiseBread

There’s no doubt in my mind that walking—be it 10, 20, or 30 minutes—is beneficial; I do it everyday.

Rise & Shine! Morning Light Could Help You Lose Weight via Mind Body Green

This is interesting, but I’m not sure if I buy it. People who get more early morning sun exposure are probably out running or exercising—which would lead to weight loss/lower BMI. Who knows, though?

Should Women Run Marathons While Pregnant? via Runners World

Well, I’m nowhere near being able to run a marathon, but I think this article gives some valid points. I’m still running right now because my body can handle it (and I’ve read that babies born to physically active women often have stronger cardiovascular systems), but once it becomes too burdensome, I’ll stop and resort to walking or lower-impact cardio. Every woman is different, but no matter your fitness level, it’s a good idea to set new, more intensive, goals after the baby is born.

75 Thoughts Every Runner Has While Out for a Run via Buzzfeed

This is hysterical—and pretty accurate!

Let’s Nip This Bikini Body Bullsh*t in he Bud, Shall We? via Fat Girl, PhD

I cringe when people, especially incredibly physically fit people, talk about cutting back to work on their “beach body.” Wear whatever you feel like, as long as you put on a layer of confidence along with it!

I’m Done Making My Kid’s Childhood Magical via Huffington Post

So, I’ve been clicking on a lot more parenting-related links lately, but this one is a must-read and echoes exactly how I feel about my childhood. I hope I can teach my child the joy of simplicity and that his/her imagination is as vivid as mine was.

Have a great week, everyone!