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What a fantastic day I’ve had! I’ve been getting far too excited about all the wonderful fruit and veggies contained in my food co op box, along with discovering a brilliant local food wholesalers, but more on that in a minute…

Breakfast was heaven in a bowl: a twist on the peanut butter and jam combo. I started by making some porridge using quinoa flakes, scottish oats and jumbo oats mixed with some chia seeds (for healthy fats) and water. I added a little agave to sweeten it up. I then topped the porridge with some defrosted strawberries all mashed up and topped that with a portion of peanut butter mousse. I added a few grape nuts for crunch.

A-maz-ing!

Lunch was a bit of a mish mash of random things that needed using up. I crumbled two of my lentil, feta and spinach muffins and added some tomato and basil passata which I warmed in the microwave and served with some cos lettuce, spinach and carrot salad.

This was surprisingly tasty and satisfying. I also had a peach and an apple.

Mid afternoon I snacked on another of the brand new Nakd Bars. I had forgot to mention that the first one I tried was the cocoa mint and it was absolutely delicious! This one was the cocoa delight.

It tasted very chocolately and had a lovely texture, very nice but the cocoa mint is still my favourite!

Today I’d decided to change up my routine. I usually head to the gym on a Friday morning which I’ve been doing for a few months now and always find myself rushed, which I hate. I like being able to sit down and really enjoy my breakfast. So today I thought I would try going after work. I did 35 minutes of HIITs on the step machine, bike and cross trainer as well as getting my induction on the Vibro Plate. It was really weird! I’m not yet convinced but I will try it again next week and see how I go. I also did some back and chest exercises and some core work with the stability ball.

This morning my work colleague brought in my food co op box. I’d ordered the £7 premium box. There had been a bit of miscommunication as we thought this was a mixed fruit and veg box but it was actually only veg. As a sign of good will they added in some additional fruit. Check this out:

I couldn’t believe how much I got for £7! It contained:

• Aubergine
• Butternut Squash
• 2 garlic bulbs
• 2 limes
• 3 small sweet potatoes
• 1 green pepper
• 2 pointed red peppers
• A stack of runner(?) beans
• Huge bag of mushrooms
• 2 large red onions
• vacuum packed cooked beetroot
• 2 apples
• 2 pears
• 4 plums
• 2 oranges

We also decided to pay a trip to what we thought was a meat wholesalers. When we got there I was amazed at the place. Not only did they sell meat but also fish, fruit and veg, eggs, cheeses, fresh bread and pastries, all at excellent prices. I was in foody heaven! For £20 I got:

   

• Pack of stewing beef steak
• 3 turkey steaks
• Pack of stir fry turkey
• 2 huge chicken breasts
• 3 leeks
• 6 Royal Gala Apples
• Spinach
• New Potatoes
• Baking Potatoes
• Cauliflower
• peppers
• Broccoli

I have plenty of ideas on how I will be using all these amazing ingredients over the next few days. Watch this space for lots of recipes!

When I got home I was also surprised to see that the lovely people at Natural Balance Foods had sent me a package. This was totally unexpected and I was chuffed to bits as I’m loving the new bars:

For dinner I put some of those veggies to good use. I made a stir fry using chicken, sliced runner beans, broccoli, red onion, green pepper and mushrooms. I made a sauce using lime juice, fresh ginger, sesame oil and soy sauce.

For desert I whipped up a giant bowl of double chocolate protein ice cream (scoop of chocolate whey, tablespoon of cocoa powder, soy milk, ice cubes, xanthan gum, dark chocolate chips)

I do have a bit of an addiction to this stuff, it just seems to satisfy my hunger like nothing else!

I’m so happy that the weekend is here. I don’t really have any big plans apart from a lot of cooking. The hubby is working all weekend so I’ll just see how things go. I may make a trip into town and make a start on shopping my wish list! I’m also itching to get out for a run and I’m determined that any bad weather won’t be putting me off. I think a relaxed 6 miles followed by some yoga should do the trick. Have you got any big plans for the weekend?

Have you ever tried getting some of your groceries from a community food project? Do you ever shop at wholesalers?

I also got paid today so I have officially finished my Big Budget Challenge! I’ve learned a lot about how to better manage my finances. I’ll be doing a full post on what I’ve learned very soon so watch this space! I’ll also be posting details of my awesome blog GIVEAWAY in the next few days – I’m really happy to be able to offer some brilliant prizes.

Hope you have all had a great week and have a fabulous weekend ahead of you! Catch you later :-)