For the Love of Kale

Birthday Week & Pre Surgery

Hi everybunny!

You may have noticed my lack of a new blog post on Monday. I actually got anxiety over it throughout the day. At every appointment, I couldn’t help but think that all I wanted to do was post a new recipe for you guys! True Life: I’m addicted to blogging. No worries, I am back in action! Over the weekend I have become a packing and shipping professional, and shipped a bajillion (omg do you remember saying that word when you were little? who am I kidding, I still use it) Eat More Rabbit Food shirts. I cannot believe how many shirts were purchased within the first couple of days, my little bunnies are so amazing! I am loving all of your Instagram and Twitter photos of you guys wearing your shirts, SO CUTE! I have had a problem viewing and commenting on some of your Instagram photos because some accounts are private, but I do get to see a little thumbnail and that makes me so happy!

Drumroll pleaseeeee: Wednesday, August 15th is my 23rd Birthday! This birthday doesn’t seem too magical. I’m usually so into birthdays. I’m like the birthday queen ova hurrrr, but not so much this year. Blink 182 totally called it in their song “What’s My Age Again“… Nobody likes you when your 23. You’ll hear it right at the 27 second mark of their video. So nostalgic, I love Blink 182! I’ll be blasting this song at midnight on my birthday, feel free to sing along with me haha

Louder drumroll pleaseeee: Thursday I will be having a minor surgery (no anesthesia or anything like that) on my foot to remove a possibly but hopefully not cancerous mole. Happy Birthday Catherine, enjoy your surgery! BOOOO! Skin Cancer runs in my family and I have had a cancerous mole before, so cross your fingers that this one is not! Skin cancer does not discriminate, you guys. It doesn’t matter how tan or dark you are. Since I will have stitches and crutches I probably won’t be able to do too much standing or cooking, so I am thinking of some other fun things to write about towards the end of the week. I’m thinking about being super obnoxious and quizzing my Dermatologist about skin and skin cancer during my surgery. That would be some fun times, right? Orrr maybe RFFMBT Q&A Part 2? Then I can get nice ‘n’ comfy on the couch, prop my foot up, and type away!
If you have any questions for the Q&A you can leave them in a comment on this post, or via Facebook or Twitter with the hashtag #RFFMBTQA2
It can be anything from health & fitness, to beauty!

 The incredible Heather from For the Love of Kale wore my EAT MORE RABBIT FOOD SHIRT in her latest vlog! Umm how amaze does she look?! Total celeb status! Heather, I want a hair tutorial next! haha


I don’t know if it’s just me, but recently I have not been motivated to run. Great timing since I am having surgery on my foot, right? I’m in such a running rut that I cannot even lace my shoes up. Maybe it’s the heat? Maybe not actually, because I cannot even get myself to run indoors on a treadmill. There are times where I get obsessed with an exercise and do it almost every day for months straight and then get super sick of it, but running and The Bar Method have been my two favorites for quite some time now. The combination of Bar Method classes and running seem to be a perfect match for me and my schedule but lately I’m so over running. I don’t even know how I am saying this because I usually look forward to going on a run since it is usually a way for me to get things off of my mind and relax. Recently it just seems like more of a chore than something I look forward to. That’s definitely not how working out should be. If you feel this way, Join me as I try to get out of my exercise rut! Don’t forget, there are so many options, there is something out there for everyone to enjoy.

When I have been in previous workout ruts, I usually have a go to list to get myself motivated again, so here I am again with my list!
1. Make a new running playlist
2. Pick a new route to explore
3. Put together some cute/stylish running outfits
4. Get a new pair of running shoes

Sometimes my workout routines just get well… too routine, which leads to boredom. I always try to change up my playlist and route to keep from getting bored, and it is definitely time to shake things up. When I am really stuck in a workout rut, I will sometimes treat myself to some new workout swag to get myself pumped up again. This usually does the trick for me, because I’m a total girly girl and I love a new outfit! This time I think I need a little gifty for myself and a goal to work towards to keep me motivated. I really want to try a pair of Vibram FiveFingers! I took to my Facebook and Twitter to ask if anyone had a pair, and if so what they thought about them. I got some great responses that got me totally excited to try them out! Did you hear that, I got excited to run again, woo! Baby steps here! I’ve heard that it takes some time to get used to them since they are so different than normal running shoes (they have individual toes), and you have to gradually work up towards running 100% in them. This seems like a fun and interesting challenge for me. Viola, have I solved my running rut with a new running shoe challenge? I hope so! It’s time to set a new FitFluential goal! #FitFluential

Question: Have you ever been in a workout rut? How did you get through it?

On a higher note: One of my best friends, Behnaz brought me back a little treat from her trip to Israel this summer! She brought me a Milk Chocolate Bar with Popping Candy. It’s literally a chocolate bar with pop rocks in it! This is probably the most genius chocolate bar ever invented. Willy Wonka, you’re my man, but you’re seriously lagging in this department. Every time you take a bite, you get the flavor of creamy milky chocolate, and the popping sensation of pop rocks. It really makes you slow down and be aware of how much chocolate you are consuming because those things are pop pop popping the entire time! Touché to this chocolate company for making me stop and think before inhaling the entire bar haha and thank you Behnaz for the awesome treat!


On a completely different note: I use way too many exclamation marks!!!!! I can’t help it, I’m always so excited when I talk about these things! If you know me, you totally understand! EXCLAMATION MARK!

Don’t forget to submit your questions about health, fitness, and beauty for the RFFMBT Q&A at the end of the week and check back on Wednesday for my Birthday post! xo

Thai Chickpeas Over Steamed Kale

This recipe is my new obsession! I have been really into chickpeas lately, throwing them in my salads and stir-frys for an easy protein portion, but this dish takes chickpeas to a whole new level. I got the idea of Thai chickpeas from one of my favorite blogs For the Love of Kale. The author Heather is always cooking up delicious vegan meals and shares her passion for health and fitness. Thanks for the Thai chickpea inspiration, Heather! xo


Thai Chickpeas Over Steamed Kale
Serves 1

2 cups kale + 1 cup water
1/2 cup chickpeas
1/2 cup cooked brown rice
1 Tbsp unsalted peanut butter
1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 Tbsp low sodium soy sauce or tamari

Cook brown rice to package instructions (frozen brown rice is a great shortcut to dry rice). Heat 1 cup of water in a pan over medium high heat. Place kale in the pan and cover for 5 minutes. Stir kale and cover for 5 more minutes. Strain water once kale has been steamed. In a small bowl combine peanut butter, apple cider vinegar, and soy sauce, and whisk until evenly mixed (if the peanut butter is stubborn, microwave the entire mixture for 20 seconds to help soften). If using canned chickpeas, transfer chickpeas and liquid to a microwave safe bowl and microwave for about 2 minutes. Rinse and strain chickpeas and coat with the peanut sauce. Place steamed kale onto a plate, followed by brown rice and thai chickpeas.


The Rabbit Food Pyramid Breakdown
Produce: kale
Whole Grain: brown rice
Protein: chickpeas
Plant Based Fat: peanut butter