The weekly recap post: an extroverted week is just what the doctor ordered.
I had one of the best weeks. I know it may not look like it, but that’s because I chose to have a week where I spent most of my time with my pups, out on walks, cleaning the house, watching Netflix, editing blogs and videos, and zero plans with anyone. Sometimes, it’s important to clear your schedule and just hang out with yourself for a bit, and that’s exactly what I felt like doing. It can do a wonder for stress levels. I’m feeling caught up, motivated, and ready to take on this week.
What’s the deal on your running?
I only ran once this week, and that’s because that’s all I felt like doing. The weather was reaching 100-degrees, I had a slight shin splint pain going on, and I decided to take time off. It’s essential to listen to your body and not force it to do anything it shouldn’t be doing. Instead of running, I spent my time walking, swimming laps and hitting the gym with Kyle.
I’m so glad I took the seven days off from running because now I’m feeling 100% and ready to get back out there. Plus, we’re about to have morning weather in the 60s on Wednesday!
My last run was on Monday. I did thee miles around the neighborhood before crawling to my porch for a bucket of water!
After running, I had a delicious parfait! I used coconut milk yogurt mixed with vanilla protein powder topped with granola, pineapple, raspberries, and strawberries. This breakfast is like a dessert!
For dinner, I had chopped kale with Brad’s chips, and my homemade tuna salad! That tuna salad is the best staple to keep in the fridge for the week! I want to note again that everything in these recaps posts is not everything that I eat in a day. I’ll snack on things, or go without taking a photo of my lunch. I’m just sharing the highlights, so please do not use these as guides or meal plans. If you want to see a full day of eating or something similar, you can check out my YouTube channel.
A few things I ate on Tuesday…
Another yogurt parfait and a smoothie on the side! This smoothie had ice, protein powder, amazing grass greens powder, spinach, banana, water, and chia seeds.
Lately, I’ve loved apple slices and peanut butter in the afternoon!
For dinner on Tuesday night, I decided to make a delicious creamy chickpea salad because I was out of tuna and did not feel like running to the store. If you are vegetarian or vegan, you’re going to want to try this recipe out. It was UNREAL!! My mom cannot stand chickpeas, and I had her try it (before I told her it was chickpeas) and she begged me for the recipe! She was shocked when I told her it was made from chickpeas.
I used up this recipe by adding the creamy chickpea salad to my crackers, rice cakes, and tossed salads.
I added the creamy chickpea salad to a dinner salad with lettuce, quinoa, radishes, carrots, and a lemon balsamic vinaigrette dressing. And of course, I had homemade ice cream for dessert.
Another delicious green smoothie on Wednesday morning! I add like ten cups of spinach to these smoothies and you cannot even taste it.
On Wednesday, I spent the entire day finishing up my first California Coast blog post for day one of the trip! If you haven’t read that yet, make sure to head over there and see all the photos from Napa Valley & enter the giveaway!
For dinner, baked bell peppers with pizza sauce and Daiya mozzarella cheese shreds. I forgot how good this combo was! I was craving turkey meatloaf on Thursday night. It had been a while since I’ve had it, and it’s one of my favorite dinners. It’s so easy to make, and the leftovers are the best part.
In a large bowl, mix 1 lbs of ground turkey (93-95% fat free – do not do the 99%), 1 egg, 1 tbsp gluten-free soy sauce, 1/4 cup gluten-free Italian bread crumbs, 1 tsp brown sugar, 1/2 small sweet onion chopped, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and a pinch of sea salt.
Preheat the oven to 380 degrees and grease a loaf pan with oil.
Add mixture to the pan and form a loaf.
In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup ketchup, 1 tbsp yellow mustard, and 2 tbsp brown sugar. Spread the sauce over the top of the loaf.
Bake 35-40 minutes, or until the center reads 165-175 degrees! I had my meatloaf with sweet potatoes and broccolini! This was one of the best meals ever!
In the summer, my mom has her afternoons off work. She headed over to my place so we could go for a walk to get a little workout in. She had some of the meatloaf leftovers in the fridge from the night before, and she fell in love! We ended up going to the store and getting more ingredients because she wanted me to teach her how to do it. We ended up making two more loaves, and she brought one home for my dad.
According to the texts, it looks like she loved it!
I made delicious raspberry lemon muffins with white chocolate chips on Saturday morning 😊 They’re vegan & gluten-free without added sugars! I’ll be posting that recipe this week.
On Saturday afternoon, I decided to clean out my fridge because it was looking like a scary Tupperware cabinet! I don’t know what it is, but there’s nothing better than having a clean and organized refrigerator! And if you’re wondering why there’s an abundance of chicken breast, that’s Kyle’s meal prep ingredients.
For dinner on Saturday night, we made fajitas! I added my fajita chicken on top of a salad with salsa and Tesemae’s habanero ranch dressing. I’m so weird about dairy-free ranch dressings, but this one is legit! I can’t get over how good it was.
We met up with my parent’s to play doubles on Sunday morning. We played for a good three hours, and it was a blast! I’m looking forward to the cooler weather so I can play more frequently.
For lunch, I made a fajita chicken salad and had fresh berries on the side.
This is what the rest of my Sunday looked like. I spent my afternoon relaxing in bed editing videos and working on the blog!
For dinner, I had ground turkey with zoodles, pasta sauce, and sweet potatoes!
I know my week wasn’t as exciting as the others, but it’s important to share these types of days as well! 😊 Everyone deserves a good introverted break now and then.
I hope you all have a great Monday, and I can’t wait to share the next California Coast blog post this week 😊
Questions for you!
- Are you more of an introvert or extrovert?
- Are you looking forward to anything this week?
- I just bought an air fryer! What recipes should I try?
Ayn says
That meatloaf looks amazing! I can’t wait to try the recipe.
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks, Ayn! I hope you enjoy it 😊
Ayn says
I made it last night, it was delicious! Thank you for sharing. Now I want to try the chicken fajita over salad!
Taralynn McNitt says
Yay!!!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
I’m glad you’re enjoying your alone time, Taralynn! 😀 Me, I’m definitely an introvert… I’m shy and have always been shy! And you’re SO lucky to have an air fryer. I wish my tiny apartment had enough space for one! 🙂
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks, Charmaine! 😊
Kelli says
Well, I used to be an extrovert but something happened as I got older, and sure enough, color me introverted! It has its perks. but sometimes I sort of miss those extroverted days…oh well!
This week I am looking forward to our bathroom getting finished. We are remodeling and right now its a hot mess which I cannot stand. I’m super excited for the end product!
I actually just got rid of my air fryer because I didnt get much use out of it. I found my instantpot to be way more practical for me.
Taralynn McNitt says
It’s good to have a mix, and there’s nothing wrong with wanting that time to yourself!
There’s nothing better than finishing up projects!!
The instant pot is my next purchase elol
Nina says
I really need to try the chickpea salad recipe! It looks so good and easy to do!
Are you more of an introvert or extrovert?
I say that if introversion was a person, it would be me. I like people, but sometimes a day at work really drains my energy, just because I have interact with people. I’m pretty anxious too so I love nothing more than being at home with a book and absolutely nobody around!
Are you looking forward to anything this week?
I have plenty of stuff to do before moving to a new place next month (I’m starting a new job), so the only exciting thing I’m waiting for is the local fair we’re going to with some colleagues this weekend (we’re gonna camp!)
I just bought an air fryer! What recipes should I try?
Fried chicken maybe?
Taralynn McNitt says
It’s so good and VERY easy to do! 😊 I think you’ll love it!
That type of night sounds like my type of night 😆 I spent a lot of time just forcing myself to get out there and be extraverted! Now, I found a pretty good balance.
Congrats on your new job and the move! That sounds like an exciting new chapter of life!
ohhhh that could be fun! I know Kyle will be making tons of fried chicken wings!
Brittany says
Sometimes you just have to take it easy, ya know? I think I had a similar week last week. I went to work, made smoothies (was too lazy to cook, whoops!), took my dog to the dog park near me, actualllllly read everynight before bed (something I have been trying to get better at), and ran in the mornings (Portland is a lot cooler in the mornings). I didn’t make plans with anyone and it was awesome. It was a week just focused on me and it was just what I needed! So I feel ya! Looks like you had an awesome week to me!
Taralynn McNitt says
Exactly, girl! 😊 It sounds like you had a really good downtime type of week too!
xo
Mary says
That habanero ranch dressing is amazing! I recently tried it and loved it! It sure does have a kick to it though! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Taralynn McNitt says
Yes! I love the kick to it! 😊 Really opens those sinuses lol
Melissa says
The meatloaf is AMAZING! Made it tonight. SO delicious! Thanks
Taralynn McNitt says
Yay!! So glad you enjoyed it 😊 Thanks for sharing!
Cori says
I am definitely the definition of an introvert. I don’t enjoy big gatherings, and if I do I usually need a drink unfortunately. I think social things have made me anxious since I was a kid, but I’m more than happy to stay at home the way you did every.single.week (I work part time for health reasons so I get 4 days off a week). I don’t HATE being extroverted sometimes, but it’s more of a special occasion mood for me. My pups are my best friends and my husband is my second best friend 🙂 I’m okay the way I am, a lot of other people aren’t, but I do my best! Anyways, I’ jsut jotted down your meatloaf as a dinner idea for next week so thanks! We have had an air fryer for a while – Cauliflower gnocchi is AWESOME in it, and anything “pre fried” is great (tots, chicken fingers etc if you can find any without crappy oils in them). Basically anything that would be great in a glorified, amazing toaster oven is the best.
Taralynn McNitt says
I feel ya! I think so many can relate with that as well.
You should definitely make the cauliflower gnocchi on the side with that meatloaf recipe!!
I’m so excited to try out the air fryer!
Jenn says
Introvert for sure. I thought I would enjoy working from home full time but I found myself missing people to talk to. My new job gets me out of the house again. But I can still look forward to evenings to decompress.
This week I’m looking forward to vacation.
Try vegan fried ravioli! I love regular fried ravioli but I’ve heard you can also make a vegan version.
Taralynn McNitt says
Yes! I definitely think that can be a struggling part of working from home.
Ohhhh fried ravioli? YUM!
Kristen says
Looking forward to trying out that meatloaf recipe ASAP!
I feel I’m both extrovert and introvert! I love to be around people/social but also love alone time!
I’m off today (Monday) through Wednesday! Looking forward to getting stuff done around the house and time with friends!
Air fryer: I LOVE mine. TBH I use it more so for frozen things such as sweet potato waffle fries, nuggets etc. however I do love to make homemade chicken strips or nuggets in it and zucchini chips! Y U M
<3
Taralynn McNitt says
I hope you enjoy!
We’ve made it three times now 😂
Woo! Enjoy that time off! ❤️
Ohhhh zucchini chips! What a great idea!!
Kristin says
That broccolini looks so good! I never see it in my usual stores, I’ll have to hunt some down!
I’m an introvert and definitely need me time!!
I was looking forward to today, I ordered a headboard and it came today yay!
I’ve heard that the cauliflower gnocchi is amazing in the air fryer!
Taralynn McNitt says
I usually have to buy it in a bag in the produce section!
Omg yay! How exciting 😊 I bet it looks great!
Yes, I’ll be trying that out for sure!
Susie says
I’m more of an introvert, but once I warm up to people I am NOT shy – hello, dirty sense of humor. HA!
Thanks for the chickpea recipe, will definitely be trying it! So sweet how your parents love your meatloaf. ..those texts from your mom made my heart feel warm and fuzzy.
Taralynn McNitt says
Hahahaha
Lol my mom’s texts are always my favorite! 😊
& I hope you enjoy the chickpea recipe!!
Annie says
Hey Tara! What gluten-free Italian bread crumbs do you use? I used a chickpea one recently that tasted really grainy and have been looking for another option!
Taralynn McNitt says
Ian’s! It’s the best smile❤️
Rebecca says
I love getting a look at what’s in your fridge! Have you ever done a fridge/pantry tour?? If not, I’d love to see what you usually have on hand! Love your blog 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Just pictures here and there, but you just gave me a really good idea for a youtube video! 😊
Ashley says
1. Introvert, for sure!
2. The weekend. 😉
3. Some sort of fries would be yummy!
Taralynn McNitt says
You can’t go wrong with fries!
Vy Tran says
What style ASICS are you wearing? I love them!
Taralynn McNitt says
They are the Gel-Quantum 90! 😀
https://shopstyle.it/l/6mm4 They come in a ton of fun colors!
Rachel says
Introvert for sure!
You inspired me to get an ice cream maker and I used it today for the first time and made raspberry sorbet! It was amazing! I’m looking forward to making more recipies this week and eating the leftovers!
Air fryer empanadas or sweet potato fries!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Rachel!
I’m so happy you love the ice cream maker! & I thin a sorbet sounds so good! You’ll have to let me know how you made it!
ohhhhhh I LOVE that idea!!
alyssa says
Where are your kitchen towels from in the meatloaf picture? they’re so cute!
Taralynn McNitt says
Home Goods 😀
Harriet says
Great recap, we all need weeks like this every now and then, to help recharge. Air fry’s are incredible, mine is a permanent fixture in the kitchen. This week I am looking forward to being on the road for work, looking at lake houses. Have a great weekend.
Taralynn McNitt says
You’re so right, Harriet! Have an amazing week!