My title is very deceiving, I will admit it. Although it is quite the dreary day outside, I am feeling anything BUT blue! I am actually in quite a chipper mood today – as I have been for the last couple of weeks. It’s quite nice actually!
Last night the Husband and I went to the swankiest bowling alley I have ever been to. We met up with a bunch of my teaching friends and had such a great time. I’m not one for bowling – and I proved that with my score of 80 (okay, I’m exaggerating.. it was more like 60). However, I had such a great time catching up with old friends who I don’t get to see every day anymore!
I actually slept until 7 today, which is unheard of for me. I went back and forth for a good 15 minutes trying to decide what I wanted to eat. It was between pancakes and oatmeal.. and they were neck in neck. Anyone want to guess what I ended up with?
Oh yes, oatmeal. Can I just say that natural sunlight does WONDERS for photographs? Seriously… I need to get my district to start just one hour later so I can take nice pictures of my food. Do you think they would go for that? Probably not. Oh well, I digress.
This bowl is different than usual – I promise. I decided to have banana-less (GASP!) oats this morning and sub in more pumpkin. It was quite delicious if I do say so myself!
If you’re wondering what that liquidy goodness is around the rim, that would definitely be maple syrup. Delicious.
This morning I made a list of everything I needed to accomplish before lunch, and I set out on my way! It was a long list, including (but not limited to) working out and grocery shopping.
I went to the gym for the first Saturday in I don’t even remember how long! I spent a great sweaty 45 minutes on the elliptical, which was really nice for a change of pace.
When I got home from all of my errands (TJ’s & farmers markets <3) I was beyond famished. I really could have eaten my arm. I found myself cursing the fact I decided banana-less oats would be a good idea.
I made myself an open faced hummus/tomato paste sandwich (with a lot of dill – yum!)…
If you’re starting to think that is a lunch for sally’s, have no fear. I pulled out all the stops with the next one: Vega Packed Pumpkin Smoothie.
I was contacted by Vega a few weeks ago to try out a new product on their line, and I more than happily obliged! It is a spin off on their shake and go products – they are now in serving sized packaging!
If you’re anything like me, you have to plan very carefully when leaving home. It is difficult for me to eat on the go, get any kind of fast food (though we all know how I feel about that anyways), or think clearly when I am out on the town and get attacked by the hunger monster (read above shopping experience). The fact that these come in little pouches ready to grab is fantastic. I am in love!
I had tried a Vega product once before, and I’ll be perfectly honest: I was not impressed. However, I’ve never been one for just mixing with water and calling it a smoothie. It’s just not my style. If I was in a bind, I would possibly make it that way, but for me, I like to stick to smoothies with bulk.
I decided to make my normal pumpkin smoothie, but to add a package of the Vega Shake & Go product to it. I was really impressed by the nutritional stats more than anything!
100 calories, 3 grams of fiber, and 11 grams protein? I’ll take it! As a gluten free vegan, it is so difficult to make sure I get in the amount of protein I need to stay strong and healthy. This product will honestly be making a daily appearance until the packages are gone. Not to mention there are 1 million active probiotic cultures in this tiny little pouch. Awesome.
Into the blender went:
- 2 handfuls of ice
- 1/2 cup almond milk
- 1/2 frozen banana
- 1/2 cup pumpkin
- Vega Shake n Go Vanilla Almond pouch
- pumpkin pie spice
- cinnamon to top
I have to tell you that my original impression of Vega was gone quicker than I could imagine. The shake n go packet brought my smoothie to a whole new level. It was not chalky at all like some powdered products. It just made my smoothie thicker and heartier with a hint of almond. Needless to say, I’m stuffed to the brim right now.
That ain’t no sally lunch.
I am off to go make oodles of recipes – my usual Saturday treat. Unfortunately I’ve only got about 3 hours though because I have plans for a fun game night this evening! Just be prepare to be bombarded with recipes later.
Question: Have you ever tried any Vega products before? What is your favorite way to incorporate them into your recipes? PLEASE SHARE AS I AM NOW OBSESSED!!
Disclaimer: Vega was kind enough to send me these samples for free, and I am in no way shape or form being paid to review these products. My opinion shared on my blog is my own honest opinion about quality products. If you have any questions about a product review, please do not hesitate to contact me.
{ 19 comments… read them below or add one }
Bowling is so much fun! Glad you enjoyed it.
I’ve never tried Vega, but I guess I’ll have to pick some up! I typically just use these types of mixes to beef up my regular smoothies. I can’t wait to see what else you can come up with!
I am interested.. why did you become a vegan?
I have only tried one Vega product, a bar, and I wasn’t really a fan…but I think I would like the protein powder because I love smoothies!
I’ve tried the whole foods optimizer by vega and love it. Dying to try that shake and go though. Pumpkin smoothies are awesome!
I recently tried a Vega Vibrancy bar – loved it! (Don’t often buy their products – only when they’re on sale/clearance – as the prices are a bit steep for this student ;P) I think I’ve tried the protein powder once or twice (not the “Shake’n'Go Smoothie”) and it was just aiight…reminded me of hemp protein powder, which I am *not* a fan of. Loved it in my blended hot cereal I have for breakfast sometimes, though! Filled me up for agggges
izzyy
xoxox
Bowling is always fun! I love al of your pictures, I didn’t know their was instant smoothie mix !
i never really eat a lot of protein pwder, so i’ve never tried that. your smoothie sounds yummy! i have to plan and/or take MANY snacks as well when i go anywhere..i’ve got to have MY food…cause i’m not fun when i’m hungry!!! lol
that smoothie sounds delish!!! i’ve never tried really any protein powder..oh wait….besides plain ol’ whey..and i hated it! your saturday sounds like fun..i wish i had farmer’s markets to got to.
woops i’m sorry i didn’t acctually relize i commented twice. cause i didn’t see it the first time..so i commented again.
The first time I tried Vega I didn’t like it either. Didn’t like it the second time, the third time, the fourth time and so on.. but somewhere along the way I started to not mind it and that’s currently my opinion – it’s okay. Since I’ve gone from dislike to okay, I’m thinking maybe I’ll go from okay to like? Maybe. Haha.
Smoothie sounds delish! I’m loving ya breakfast too so pretty x x
Isn’t it crazy what natural light does? I get so sad that all my dinners look worse now that it’s dark out when we eat!
I don’t really do smoothies. I’m not a fan of the texture. BUT, I do love vega as a mix in for things like oatmeal… or maybe even in my pancakes for some extra flavor. Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it…
Do you think you could email me some recipes you use for oatmeal/pancakes with it? I was trying to decide how to use it yesterday!
I’ve never tried any Vega products. I really want to try out some of those flavoured kinds, but I don’t know if I want to shell out $25 for an entire package!
I LOVE the Vegan shake and go powder. Tip: Mix some with canned pumpkin. It’s like protein pumpkin pudding!
Enjoy your Sunday!
That is totally my snack later – THANKS!!
Your bowling score looks like mine when I play! : ) I’ve never tried Vega products before, but they sound good and the nutritional value is also great!