The Feast. (Instagram style)
So much deliciousness! From top right: Arugula salad with goat cheese, cranberries, walnuts and blood-orange vinaigrette; roasted coconut oil kabocha squash, turkey, roasted Brussels sprouts, mashed potatoes; sweet potato casserole
The Dessert. x’s 3. (Instagram-style).
Pumpkin pie and whipped cream; pumpkin cheesecake tart; pecan pie tart. I nibbled on three more tarts later in the evening. 
The Family.
The Fun.
cooking all day with the brother!
Imbibing. (Eppa Sangria and Cupcake Angel Food Cake Wine)
Carving? Dave used an electric chainsaw to cut the turkey!! NO JOKE.
For those of you who celebrated yesterday (and also for those of you who didn’t—come join us next year?!), I hope your Thanksgiving was filled with delicious food and laughter; that your hearts were filled with joy and gratitude; and that your arms were filled with hugs. I cannot begin to express how grateful I am for all of the blessings in my life. I have a roof over my head. I live free of tyranny. I am encouraged to express my thoughts and opinions. I live in a peaceful place. I’m eternally thankful for these rights and privileges every day, but don’t always take the time to reflect upon them. I’m grateful for the Thanksgiving holiday itself because it reminds me of the LOVE I’m surrounded with every day. And that love comes from you guys, too. <3
Moving on…Bring on CHRISTMAS!! Amen? Today my family and I are checking out the beautiful Christmas trees on display at The Festival of Trees, braving the Black Friday crowds at the mall, and then venturing to the movie theater to see Skyfall. I haven’t been to a movie since last June! I think a little James Bond action is a great way to break the film fast, no? 
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Since I’m still recovering from yesterday’s food coma, I’m going to keep things simple today. I saw this survey on Janetha’s blog a few days ago, and couldn’t resist joining in the fun. Enjoy!
20 Healthy Questions
1. What did you eat for breakfast?
I haven’t gotten that far today, but I have half a cup of leftover pumpkin from pie-making yesterday, so I’m thinking a stack of paleo pumpkin pancakes sounds about right.
2. How much water do you drink a day?
I’m embarrassed to admit this, but I really don’t like the taste of water—especially when it’s at room temperature! The only way I’m able to gulp it in decent quantities is after a workout. The remaining 95% of my day, I turn to beverages like Banana Nut Bread tea, Kevita Strawberry Acai Coconut Water, and SoBe Lifewater. Add a little flavor and I can chug chug chug away. I’d guess that I drink about 10 cups/day.
3. What is your current favorite workout?
I love plyometric circuits when I’m not strength-training. Right now, I’m lifting heavy four days/week and doing light cardio (plyometrics, running or elliptical) 3-4 days/week. My favorite strength-training workout is a superset biceps/triceps circuit, which I’ll be doing in a few hours!
4. How many calories do you eat a day?
I used to be a chronic calorie-counter! I’d write down everything—even 5-calorie pieces of sugar free gum! A few months ago I chose to stop counting, and now keep a loose tab on what I’m putting in my body. Occasionally I’ll run a general count in my head, but try to stick to estimations rather than exact numbers. I’d guess I that I average about 2,000, however there are many days that I exceed that amount!
5. What are your favorite healthy snacks?
My current favorite: cucumber slices and sweet potato hummus! I also love microwavable pumpkin pie puffs, egg whites filled with guacamole, and single-girl brownies. When I need to grab something quick, I usually grab a protein bar.
6. What do you usually eat for lunch?
When it’s warm: a huge salad. When it’s cold: a huge bowl of soup.
7. What is your favorite body part to strength train?
Shoulders and biceps!
8. What is your least favorite body part to strength train?
Chest. I don’t mind the exercises, but DOMS in that part of my body is not my favorite. Ifyaknowwhatimean
9. What are your “bad” food cravings?
Whatcha talkin’ bout? No such thing! Cravings are fun because I give myself permission to honor them. Sometimes they’re indulgent…
and sometimes they’re healthy…
…but never bad.
10. Do you take vitamins or supplements?
Yup! I’m a big fan of these little guys.
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I also take Vitamin D, but that happens about three times/week. If I’m lucky.
11. How often do you eat out?
I treat myself to at least one meal out each week, usually on the weekends. I love trying new restaurants, and DC has PLENTY of ’em! During the week I try to stick to meals at home, meals made at home, or the Whole Foods salad bar. When I know I’ll be eating at Whole Foods, I’ll often bring my own tofu or chicken, two of the heaviest items on the salad bar. A lighter brown box = cheaper meal. Eating on the cheap is an art, my friends. And frankly, I’d rather spend $15 dollars on a jar of nut butter than on one salad.
12. Do you eat fast food?
I’d say 95% of the food I eat is “fast.” I’m a huge fan of things I can grab on the run, however I try to keep my choices as healthy as possible. As for “traditional” fast food? Hardly ever. Unless we’re talking about road trips… aaaand late night pit stops for French fries.
13. Who is your biggest supporter?
My mama!
14. Do you have a gym membership?
Yep!
15. How many hours of sleep do you get a night?
On a good night, 6-7. When I’m living and breathing research papers, 4? I’m relieved that this crazy lifestyle be changing in January!
16. Do you have a “cheat” day?
Nooooo. I “cheat” every day, if that’s what you want to call it. I prefer the word “enjoy.” My sweet tooth is uncontrollable, so I’ve learned to embrace it.
17. Do you drink alcohol?
Yes, but not very much. I’m a lightweight, which means one glass of wine makes me buzz! When I do drink alcohol, it’s almost always something fun, fruity and/or bubbly! (See the sangria and Angel Food wine above)
18. Do you have a workout buddy?
When I’m lucky! However, 99% of the time I hit the gym solo. It’s for the best though, because workout buddies distract me! When I’m by myself, I’m able to focus on what I’m doing in the weight room….or totally zone out by reading a trashy magazine on a cardio machine.
19. What is the best thing that has changed about your life since committing to a healthy lifestyle?
My “healthy lifestyle” journey has been a long one! “Health” has meant many different things to me over the course of my life, but I truly think that I’m my healthiest–mentally, emotionally and physically—right now, than I have been in years. The best thing that has happened? Feeling at peace with my body.
20. What was the last healthy thing you did?
I made a cup of coffee. That counts, right?
Have a beautiful and blessed weekend! <3
What was the best thing on your plate yesterday?
How often do you eat out? Do you ever eat fast food? Cheat days?
What’s the last movie you saw? Recommendations welcome!
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