Robyn and Rachel Run: What I Ate Wednesday: June Edition

Because I work at a boarding school, I usually eat most of my meals in the dining hall. We're lucky in that manner; they do a really good job feeding us. There are always many options in the salad bar, and they offer good vegetarian options as well. But just as teachers need summer vacation, so do our hardworking dining hall staff. Once school ended in early June, I was left to feed myself. I really enjoy cooking but don't get to do it often. Summers for me become a time to experiment in the kitchen and take advantage of lots of fresh produce. I have been running a lot--for fun--since my marathon but here hasn't been anything that noteworthy for the blog's sake. So I set about documenting what I made and what I ate.

As both Robyn and I have written on here, eating when you're a runner is more than just enjoying good food. Depending on the type of workout and the time of day, there is a lot to consider: a balance of proteins, carbohydrates and fats, vitamins and minerals, hydration, and caloric intake. Food, and proper fueling, can positively or negatively affect a run and a day in general, and it takes practice to balance enjoyment of food with proper and beneficial nutrition.

First: the healthy and helpful. I enjoyed experimenting with rice bowls this month, mixing different flavors and textures. It was a great way to use up the different things in my kitchen, and I ended up with some surprisingly good combinations.

Brown rice with sautéed spinach and mushrooms and smoked salmon.

Brown Rice with sautéed spinach, cumin seasoned black beans, goat cheese and lime.

Brown rice with saag paneer, a fried egg and goat cheese.

The perfect bite.

I was so excited to get my first batch of fresh strawberries. They were perfectly ripe and such a treat! I was also inspired by the mango and avocado that I found in my parents' kitchen to make a super summery guacamole. I followed this recipe from my favorite food blog, Joy the Baker, omitting the jalapeños but including the tequila. It turned out really well, and even went well with eggs the next morning.

Finally: the indulgences. When I decided to write this post and started keeping track of my food for this month, I knew that I had to include ice cream. Unfortunately (jk!) I had to try as many kinds as I could. You know, for the blog. I'll eat any ice cream you put in front of me, but I love a good cup or cone from local shops. While ice cream might not always be the healthiest choice I make in a day, it never fails to make my life a little bit better.