Kinesiology and Comfort Food

Kinesiology and comfort food? That is a strange pairing, but alas in my life nothing is too strange, I would say today those two things go together like peas and carrots.

Today was my first Kinesiology class and I was so excited about attending this class and learning more about how physical movements can benefit children I thought little about how I knew nothing about the Community College Campus I would be attending early Saturday morning. 

I wandered around for almost an hour on campus looking for this classroom and since it was Saturday I did not find anyone to ask my questions to, say like where the heck is SOC 12 or where is the North Gym. I looked at the campus Map before I left home or maybe it was last night and found the Gym and the weight room and the trainers center. When I went their this morning I found people going to the Mechanics center, the boys baseball team (cute pants!) and a girls soccer team practicing.  Other than that campus was deserted, I didn't even find security driving around.  Boo Hooo I didn't make it to class :( I really am disappointed because I was so looking forward to class and studying the body in a completely different way than I have in the past, I am a Psychology Major.

So after I got frustrated then ventured into sad and wanting to cry, I called my bestie and made plans to head to REI. I packed up Grandma the dogs, 3 maple date bars and headed to Rancho Cucamongo.  When we reached  REI we were greeted with the greatest sight on Earth.

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The REI used equipment sale! I went for a day pack and  though I was unable to get the one that have been dreaming about all summer, I picked up one that is better. I picked up a 90 dollar  pack for 40 dollars. Best part is it says it was used once and returned because the previous user thought it was uncomfortable. Well their discomfort was my gain! I am so excited to try out my new pack tomorrow. I will finally be able to pack all the hiking necessities and hopefully be a safe hiker. While there I also found a dog back pack, this is something I have wanted for Sophie for awhile now. My plan is for her to carry her own poop (and Poes)  as well as her leash and  eventually get her to carry treats and water as well. Poor thing is going to have to work on the trail tomorrow. It won't just be fun and games.  I will share later how the doggy back pack goes.

After we were done at REI, it was a very short trip because it was so hot  and we were not prepared for it being hot so far away from the desert. The dogs got to spend some time at the Loma Linda dog park then headed home.

So after a long week I have been ready for some comfort food and since I was so exhausted last night, I put off cooking until today.  I made this:

Just Kidding! As a kid I did love the blue box, really up until I was in my mid -20's I still went to this when searching for comfort. Really it has to be Mac and Cheese with applesauce, I love this mixture and find great comfort from the mixture of the salty cheese and the sweet applesauce. There is only one other food that I find comfort in and crave on a regular basis is Ketchup. Heinz Ketchup to be exact, but this week that changed when I finally read the ingredients and found High Fructose Corn Syrup.  I will be donating the remainder in our cupboard (we buy 3 at a time because I don't like running out). I have a few recipes for ketchup as well as enjoy Annie's all natural Ketchup. My fries will never be naked, just a bit healthier.

As I have gotten older and learned more about food, I have searched out how to make the things I desire healthier while making it a whole meal. This is something that I was able to do with macaroni and cheese.

Healthier Macaroni and Cheese

1 Package Gluten Free Pasta

1cup Cheese

1/2 cup Cream Cheese

1/2 Butternut Squash

1 cup Mushrooms chopped into small pieces

1 Small Onion

Splash of Milk (I use whole grain milk)

2Tbsp Butter

1Tbsp GF Flour

1. Roast butternut squash and then puree until a smooth consistency.

2. Cook Pasta according to package,

3.meanwhile begin to saute the onions and mushrooms.

3. melt Butter mix flour into  create a roux add milk. Mix the pureed butternut squash into the Flour mixture and stir until well mixed. Then add in cheese until melted to mixture.

4. When pasta is cooked to desired denseness stir into cheese mixture with sauteed onions and mushrooms.

5. When completely mixed put in backing dish and Back for approx. 20 mins.

What are the comfort foods you search for after a hard week or day?

Do you enjoy strange food mixtures?

Mine would be the Mac and Cheese with applesauce.

Hope everyone enjoys their weekend!