Sleepy Days

Ever have one of those days where you just feel off? I had a doctor's appointment this morning at 8:30 in Natick which meant I could a) sleep in or b) go to Natick gym before heading over the doctor. I set the alarm for b. But didn't wake up until 7:15! Oops. I decided to wear my running clothes and run after the doctors and technically take an early lunch. I got to the gym by 9:45 and ran 2 miles. I just wasn't feeling it. From the moment I woke up, I just felt out of it. My stomach hurt the whole time and I just wasn't in the mood. Instead of beating myself up about it too much, I just got off the treadmill and got ready for work. I stopped at Cosi and picked up a Signature Light Salad with Feta instead of Blue Cheese (gross!) I got into work, and immediately got a new project and have been working on it all afternoon and haven't had much time for breaks. I just finished the rest of my salad since I ate the first half at 11:15AM!

I had a busy night last night in preparation for David to come home! I made Chicken Piccata and Steamed Peas as well as Granola Bars for Dessert and morning snacks. I also took out the trash, organized the recyling, did the laundry and still got into bed by 9:30. Talked to Dave briefly at 935pm and then he told me he would call back by 10. I was half asleep when he did. Its amazing how quickly the tired feeling "just hits." Maybe its my bed and the fact that the Bob-A-Pedic (I hate Bob's but this bed is the best bed in the world!!!) I swear its the reason I have absolutely no problem sleeping EVER! Here is my recipe for Chicken Piccata:

I used three Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast and cut them in half to make them thinner. I then drenched them in flour in put them in the pan with some "I Can't Believe its not butter" and Lemon Juice and some Chicken Broth. I cooked the chicken in batches until it was all cooked through. Oh and obviously I seasoned it with lots of Salt & Pepper. I also steamed some peas. Here's what the dish looks like:




Then, I decided to make Energy/Granola Mix/Bars. Here's the recipe from All Whites:

Chewy Fruit & Flax Granola Bars Loaded with nutrition from whole grains, flax, and dried fruit, the good-for-you granola bars in this recipe bake up to a chewy perfection in your oven.
Preparation: 10 minutes Baking: 16 minutes Time-To-Table: 26 minutes Serves: 36 Ingredients: 4 cups old fashioned oatmeal 1 cup whole wheat flour 1 cup dried cranberries 1 cup chopped dates 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar 1/2 cup sliced almonds 1/4 cup whole flax seeds* 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup honey 1/3 cup canola or vegetable oil 1/4 cup AllWhites®, 100% liquid egg whites**
Instructions: 1. Heat oven to 325°F. Grease or spray 15x10x1-inch or 16x12x1-inch baking pan. In large bowl, stir together oatmeal, whole wheat flour, cranberries, dates, brown sugar, almonds, flax seeds, baking soda and salt. Stir in honey, canola oil and AllWhites® until dry mixture is completely moist and coated. 2. Firmly press mixture into prepared baking pan using a rubber spatula or palm of your hand. (Mixture will be sticky; use a light dusting of flour on your hand if needed). Bake 14 to 16 minutes or until bars are a light golden brown. Cool completely. 3. Cut into 36 (6 crosswise x 6 lengthwise). For on-the-go bars, wrap individual bar tightly with plastic wrap. Store bars in an airtight container. *Tip: Whole flax seeds can be purchased in the baking aisle or organic/health section of your grocery store. For added health benefits, the flax seeds can be ground. **Tip: If desired substitute 1/4 cup Better'n Eggs Nutrition Facts: Serving Size: 1 bar (1/36th) of recipe Calories: 125 % Daily Value* Total Fat 4 (g) 6% Sat Fat 1 (g) 2% Trans Fat 0 (g) Cholesterol 0 (mg) Sodium 73 (mg) 3% Total Carbohydrate 22 (g) 7% Dietary Fiber 2 (g) 9% Sugar 12 (g) Protein 2 (g) 5% Calcium 17 (mg) 2% *Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. Dietary Exchanges: 1/2 starch, 1 carbohydrate, 1 fat